I already explained this.

"But I wish to the gods and goddesses of Olympus that at least my sisters could go!" she nearly shouts, frustrated.
 
 

Now it was the Malachis turn to try to ease the "discomforts" of her friends. She'd rather be doing something else at the moment. She feels a bit impatient at taking out the time needed for this explanation, but she owes her friends this (and more) for comforting her after the death of her mentor.
 
 

"Yes, I understand perfectly," Malachi Dronocis says calmly, not budging an inch on this matter. "I know these are your family members we speak ofpossibly ALL of the Astras present, what with the vision of analogs by Tarin. However, Astra 5 will be unconscious for the rest of the day, along with the others we did major magical work upon! This transformation session had been EXTREMELY tough on them. As for your other sisters..
 
 

"This is a mages' battle," the Regent sighs. "I conceded that Probe, Natthias, and a select group of Manimals, though decidedly NOT mages, still perhaps could be useful. Probe (along with Inquirer...with a dash of her new magic) uses methods that are science based, not magical. I feel that Zerm will enjoy discovering just HOW effective science can be, just as I did." 

That draws a grim chuckle from those present in the flesh or by magical mirror transmission (so magically warded and magically enciphered that not even Lord Tesla himself could listen in).
 
 

"As for Natthias...I've seen him in battle," Probe chips in. "He's a Paladin, and as such has a certain Gift from some Power up there. Perhaps God is the one I call the Creator…or perhaps it's entirely different.
 
 

"I've seen something today that makes me wonder just which way is up," Probe finishes. "However, I do know that Natthias would be a boon to our cause!"
 
 

Natthias nods, accepting the cup that has been passed to him. He feels fear, for only a fool feels no fear. However, he silently prays to his Lord that he will be victorious if only one more time.
 
 

"And then there are the Manimals," Alicia 2 smiles slightly. "Armed with a few weapons we've finally been able to liberate from what was left of Gilgil..Good Lord, I am glad that we had the Crystallics to cleanse that mass grave of those horribly malfunctioning cobra and beetle wards. Frederigo the manfox and most of his friends barely got out alive the last time, by my sister's accounts! Some of that party members' clean picked bones have only now have been given a decent burial!"
 
 

"We were extremely fortunate." Fred says solemnly, furry head bowed, remembering those who hadn't escaped with their lives. He will never forget that horrid day, nor forget the lessons he learned upon that fateful trip.
 
 

"And with a few of the magical trinkets magic laced ammo for revolver and repeating rifle," Fred continues, fox ears and tail perking up.
 
 

"We are going to give Zerm an interesting time," Inquirer chuckles grimly. "But I'm afraid that, skilled though you and your sisters are in regular battle....."
 
 

"We would be more liability than asset," Astra 1 says in a dull, neutral voice. Little Malachi (nicknamed "Mali" for everyday use for obvious reasons) whimpers, and then giggles as her mother smiles and begins to bounce her and speak in a silly, happy voice that mothers are prone to use with those of tender age.
 
 

Yes, she's changed all right and it's not bad on her, Probe thinks in silent surmise.
 
 

The amazon warrior princess has been transformed, in a sense. She is still the deadly warrior woman, skilled in battle. Strong and capable.
 
 

But something one of her sisters once said has turned out to be true. Motherhood has its own rewards. Astra 1 looks like she's enjoying them.
 
 

"We agreed that only those warriors with a special gift should try this," Probe sighs. "I have the powers afforded by science and advanced weapons. The mages, down to the last one, will be utilized. The Manimals, well, they're magical in a supernatural kinda way. Armed with magical weapons of various types."
 
 

"And I'll take care of Turoc-Kith and our ghostly doctor," the ghostly necromancer who is Belboz chuckles mirthlessly. "I'd rather be continuing my mission of clearing out the "necropolises," the cities of the dead, by animating a few bodies and having them build big funeral pyres and then burning those bodies of course."
 
 

"Aye, my friend," Malachi Dronocis nods. "You are on a mission to remove the suffering of your fellow ghosts by releasing their bonds to this world, so they can Move On."

 "But through a few friends on the Other side, I'll be able to help with this in that little part," 

1. Belboz sighs. "It's time for those ghosts to Depart. It'll all just be a matter of timing with your attack, when to exactly destroy those bones." 

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