He gripped the table – the alcohol raced through his veins and assaulted his brain. “C'mon!” the barbarian taunted. “I knew you warm bloods couldn't handle a real drink!”

The Captain pulled the hatchet from the stack of arms and whirled on his first mate. “Just give me another option!” His eyes bulged as he gestured towards the approaching ship.

He picked up the book and glanced back to the map – a smile spread across his lips. “That...I can't believe him!”

The Captain looked up from the reports he'd been reading. “What is it General?”

The mountainside glowed an angry orange red. Wind brought ash and smoke to the town; the front flared yellow as flame danced from one tree to the next. Four stood at the wall and watched the approaching storm.

He threw his hands up, “You know this is completely reckless.” The smiles on his friends' faces broadened. “And that's why we're going to do it.”

Laser fire rained down around them. The air popped and sizzled as concrete and brick vaporized. “Why did I ever agree to help you?” Marris shouted.

The mile high cloud of silt and sand bore down upon them. Wind howled and threatened to scatter them like chaff.