The world that now existed following Xerath’s defeat was completely different from the one before his appearance. Now, everyone was aware that not only was there life on other worlds, but they’d been in contact with Earth for centuries.

  Many world governments had long been aware of the Quantum Group and worked with them in secret. It was a mutually beneficial operation for all involved—the Quantum Group could handle its priorities, the governments wouldn’t have to worry about a panicking public, and everyone would be happy.

  The appearance of a massive interdimensional ship above Hawaii and a giant alien that tried to create a supervolcano had changed all that.

  In the following weeks, chaotic negotiations between the Quantum Group and representatives of the world governments flew by. The team was asked to remain on Sanctuary and keep their heads down until some sense could be made of the chaos.

  Until finally, Caleb called the team to a meeting in the Sanctum of all places. The damage caused by Sylva had been repaired in those weeks following, but the room was no longer the darkened chamber they were all familiar with. Now, it was brightly lit, with a conference table in the center of the room. Both Caleb and Orion waited for the group. And when the five Knights entered, they were surprised to see the three floating heads hovering above the table.

  “The Tribunal…” said Tom.

  “Once we got the equipment repaired, we were able to reconnect with them,” said Caleb.

  “Convenient for you three to show up now after all the hard work is done,” said Rachel.

  “We apologize for our absence, but it was unavoidable,” said one of the three.

  “However, you Knights performed admirably in your task. Despite the limitations placed on you, you were able to persevere and emerge triumphant.”

  “And now that the threat has passed and order restored, we may continue our work.”

  “It’s not going to be that simple,” said Tom. “What you did to those people, those worlds? That’s not something you can just sweep under the rug.”

  “What would you have us do, Knight Stone? Turn back time?”

  “You have to make amends, starting with the people onboard the Dreadnought,” said Ethan.

  “Those people are known associates of an interdimensional terrorist,” said one of the Tribunal.

  “They were innocent people who had nowhere else to turn to!” Ethan protested.

  “We’re already working with the UN and refugee organizations to try to figure out what to do about those people. But it’s not going to be easy,” said Caleb. “Fortunately, there seems to be a lot of supplies on the Dreadnought for the time being.”

  “We have to figure out where they came from, try to fix the damage done to their worlds.” Olivia looked at the Tribunal. “It’s the least you can do after you took everything from them.”

  “That’s gonna be hard to do. We don’t know what records, if any they kept,” said Orion. “So we don’t know where they all came from. There are millions of possible worlds out there.”

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  “Then we do as much as we can. Something has to be done about this,” said Rachel.

  “There is another matter for concern,” said one of the three.

  “The world now knows of your existence. You are no longer able to operate with the secrecy the Omega Knights have enjoyed for generations.”

  “This means a greater level of scrutiny from the people of this world.”

  “Maybe that’s a good thing,” said Alexa. “Obviously you big heads weren’t too good about policing yourselves.”

  “She’s right, we welcome the scrutiny,” said Tom. “There are gonna be some changes around here. First off, we need a full investigation and accounting of all the Quantum Group’s activities throughout the years, especially those involving incursions into other worlds.”

  “You cannot be serious!”

  “There’s security to consider.”

  “Should any of our—”

  “Shut up, I’m not done,” said Tom. “The five of us talked this over while you kept us huddled away. And we’re all in agreement that we need to know everything that the Quantum Group has been involved in.”

  “Up to and including what you did to those other worlds,” said Ethan.

  “And from now on, there’s going to be more transparency,” said Rachel. “We can’t have you three acting like untouchable, high priests. We need to know more about how the Quantum Group operates and who’s actually running the show.”

  The three heads exchanged silent glances among them. They all looked back at the Knights. One of them spoke for the others. “And if we refuse your demands?”

  Tom grinned. “Then good luck finding replacements.”

  “All of you replaced other Knights. None of you are indispensable.”

  “That’s true, but it’s the Titans who make that final decision of whether or not they’ll bond with a potential,” said Orion. “And they won’t be too happy that you tried to shuffle these five off for flexing their muscle.”

  “You communed with your Titans?” asked one of the three.

  “Yeah, all five of us went in for a quick chat,” said Rachel. “The Titans are behind us.”

  “So am I,” said Caleb. Then Orion raised his hand.

  “Very well,” said one of the Tribunal. “Though we ask some time to develop a proposal that will prove satisfactory to both sides.”

  “Fine by us,” said Tom. “But there’s one thing that’s non-negotiable.”

  “Which is?” asked another of the three.

  Tom pointed at Rachel. “She’s the new leader.”

  “What?” asked Rachel, her mouth instantly dropping. She started shaking her head. “This isn’t something we talked about!”

  “I know, but it’s what I’ve decided,” said Tom.

  “The decision for leader is not one we approach lightly, Knight Stone.”

  “Bullshit,” said Tom.

  “Tom, hold on.” Rachel walked up to him and tugged on his arm, pulling him into a corner of the room. She lowered her voice. “You don’t have to do this. You were chosen, and that’s fine. I’ve made my peace with it. Plus, you did a damn good job out there.”

  “Maybe, but that’s not the point.” Tom then raised his voice louder so all could hear. “Rachel’s the clear choice, and everyone here knows it. And if you say no, then I walk right now.”

  “So do I,” said Ethan.

  “Me too,” added Olivia.

  “And me,” said Alexa.

  “Very well. Congratulations, Knight Kim. You are now the team’s field commander,” said one of the three.

  “Thank you,” said Rachel. “Then, as my first official act, let me speak for my team and say we’ll be waiting on your proposal. But don’t keep us waiting too long.”

  The innerspace was the place between worlds. Few structures existed that could maintain position within it for more than moments at a time. The Obsidian Dreadnought was one such vehicle capable of withstanding the innerspace’s strange physics. The Harbinger was another. Unknown to Lord Xerath or anyone else aboard the Dreadnought, it had its own crew with their own mission.

  “They’ve just defeated Xerath, and will soon take control of the Quantum Group.”

  “Then the time is ripe for our own action. What we’re about to do will alter the course of history, but we don’t know if it’ll be for better or worse.”

  “We’ve come too far to worry about that now. If we do nothing, then we know what happens next.”

  “She’s right. We have to make contact with the Syndicate, give them the missing piece of the puzzle they’ve needed to forge their own counterpoint to the Omega Force.”

  “You’re sure about this? Creating a rogue Knight…after everything the Omega Knights have done?”

  “It’s a risk, yes. But we all know firsthand the danger of doing nothing. The Omega Knights have to be stopped before they unleash havoc on the universe.”

  “Then we’re agreed. Contact the Syndicate, it’s time for the birth of the Dragon Knight.”

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