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Echo Two was facing Tani.

"Why do you need experience?" "He is Echo Two," said Echo Four.

"Why can't you?" asked Echo Four. A figure split off from the Echoes. Its eye sockets were empty, scratched out. Its sightless, eerie gaze focused on Pearl. It said nothing.

"How so? Do they glow and/or burn? If you touch a certain type of metal to them, or move it around them, do they release electricity or some other sort of magical energy? Can it be utilized by humans, machines, or both?" "'Large' is relative," countered Echo Three. "If you don't know your enemy's strength, it may very well be that what you think is a large disruption is a small nuisance to them. And of course, how can you be certain that they will be fooled by the illusions?"

"What do they do?" "A small disruption would most likely be taken care of by the forces currently stationed there. No need to leave other targets undefended."

"What are they called, then?" "You should ascertain that, then, before proceeding further. It may be that the defenses are too tough for you to handle."

"What sense?" Echo Three frowned. "Do you mean to imply that you do not know the nature of the planet's defenses?"

"Energy crystals?" asked Echo Four inquisitively. "It sounds like a place that would be heavily defended, perhaps more so than almost anywhere else."

"What will breaking their control on this planet accomplish?"

Echo Seven touched Tvora and drew out her sadness. "Solve problems," answered Echo Three. "My cognition proceeds at an exceptionally expeditious rate." "Take away pain," said Echo Seven. "Wait just a moment!" exclaimed Echo One. "We can't get involved in this, it's too dangerous!" "You jump to conclusions," rebutted Echo Three. "According to what this man said, we will not be directly involved in combat at all. Merely assisting in operations is not dangerous."

"It sounds like there are people who need help!" declared Echo Seven, stepping out as well. "So I will also join!"

"It sounds as if you are facing a conundrum," started the calm voice. "I would be happy to offer assistance." A figure stepped forward out of the mass, his features becoming distinct. "I am called Echo Three," he stated.

"That was Two. That... is what happens when we get hurt." "Me also," echoed Echo One. "Exactly how dangerous is this Empire?"

.... [static screams] ....

"Physical harm's not the only kind," replied Echo Four. "If-" "Don't tell them!" interjected Echo One.

"It sounds... dangerous." Echo Four sighed. "You think everything is dangerous, One."

"Even a little bit is not good! I wish that I had chocolate, so that I could give some to you to cheer you up." "But they won't like that, right?"

"And we are... fighting it?" asked a new voice, deeper and worried.

"What Empire?" asked Echo Four curiously. "We don't eat, actually," replied Echo Four. "We're noncorporeal!" "But thank you!" added Echo Seven. "Not unless you wish to kill us," replied the calm voice. "Oh!" exclaimed Echo Seven with a concerned voice. "You are sad!" "Empire?" asked Echo Four curiously.

"Well, we aren't made of out chaos- we're made out of order!" "A sacred artist?" said Echo Four. "Wow! I didn't know you could find those here."

"Echo One! He's in charge because he keeps us all safe." "I have no idea!" replied Echo Four. "What is a chaosling?"

"You can hear us!" exclaimed one of the voices- Echo Four, he had called himself. "And the answer to your question is yes! There are seven of us."

The figure shifted slightly. "I am called Echo Seven!" it said in a bright voice. "Hello, New Friend!" "What's your name?" asked the figure inquisitively, shifting slightly again. "I'm Echo Four, by the way." "They didn't answer your question earlier," added a calm voice. "They might not be able to hear us."

The figure's form twitches and stutters like static on a TV screen. The rattling starts- ... [A cold wind blows] ... -and dies back down again.

The figure's transparency decreased, but its form remained indistinct. It looked around slowly. "Where is this place?" it asked with awe.