Now, the police ships were much faster than Colako s personal ship, and the only reason Forl and Colak were able to not get caught as long as they did was because they had a massive head start. But as I said before police ships are much faster, and they were caught, but not without a fight.

o Theyo re almost upon us!o shouted Forl to Colak, who was steering.

o Fire at them!o replied Colak

The two ships exchanged fire, but eventually one of the soldiero s cannonballs tore through the airshipo s balloon, and Colak and Forl were forced to jump onto the police ship.

When he returned home, his father and is fathero s advisor approached him.

o Colak.o His tone was stern, cold. o I told you not to pursue your absurd beliefs four years ago.o

o I should be able to believe what I want.o

o You can believe what you want in the mines, if thato s what you want.o

(The mines are where the Creepers sent heretics and criminals.)

o You wouldn't do that.o

o To keep myself and your mother safe yes!o Cordalo s eyes began to blaze.

(Metaphorically, of course. Colak is the only Creeper in this story without black eyes.)

o Youo re no better than the humans in the stories!o

Colako s father lost control

o Come here you!o His assistant grabbed him and calmed him down.

o Thato s right father. You wouldno t want to fight me. Io d win.o Colak taunted.

o Io m not your father.o replied Cordal. o Youo re just some convict from the mines. Or rather you should be there. Take him away.o

And so Colak was sentenced to the mines.