Armed Against the Masters

Chak does not savor the feeling of opening his sleeves and drawing energy from the passing landscape. The protest of wet cactus underfoot, the deceleration of bacteria colony growth, the cooling of activity in the paddies— these small thefts add up to an ominous morning. He equipped the sleeves as soon as word of the Quintresier reached him. An unannounced arrival at the border set the tribe into frenzy. Chakratch barely had time to prepare, but the sleeves could be a decisive tool in an unwanted confrontation with the energy masters. Should an attack occur, the sleeves could absorb simple forms, such as thermal radiation, preventing additional damage to his body. If he needed to protect Kanko during battle, knowing too his pools were protected would keep his mind present. Chak sensed Kanko bounding beside him; he hoped the Commander knew what she was doing.