The Ultimate Helm by Russ T. Howard Page A

stars decoratively woven into its long black cape. Mind flayers otherwise appeared genderless, almost clonelike, though humans found it useful to label them male or female.
    The leader did not look up with its milky white, pupilless eyes. What is it, Drikka ? the mind flayer thought impatiently.
    Lord Trebek, we have word.
    The Cloakmaster , Trebek guessed.
    Yes, my lord.
    Speak.
    Drikka told Lord Trebek of the nautiloid’s crash upon the Spelljammer , and the destruction of the neogi forces by the Human Collective.
    The leader of the illithids rose from the brain mold garden and brushed off his reptilian hands. So it is true , Trebek thought calmly. So the beholder myth is true.. Have you notified our guest ? he asked coldly.
    Drikka hissed in anger. Like Trebek, Drikka did not think much of their guest, the newcomer. If Drikka could have his way, the newcomer would be killed as a traitor to its race. No, my lord. If you wish, I shall do so now . Drikka turned to leave.
    Trebek held up a purplish, three-fingered hand. No, Drikka, I shall do it. The phlbasta is in my study as my guest. I will handle it .
    Drikka took a step back. Phlbasta was perhaps the worst thing that could be spoken in the mental language of the illithids – especially in reference to another illithid. It called the mind flayer in question a traitor, a dung eater, a lover of humans, and it challenged its racial purity. Very well, lord , Drikka thought, and he turned and went downstairs.
    Trebek thought in silence for a moment, then strode up the stairs to the highest level. Scowling, he knocked twice on the door to his own private study. He opened the door without waiting.
    The mind flayer seated at the desk was poring over thick, leather-bound books stacked high on Trebek’s desk and in the bookcases affixed to the walls. He rapidly made notes in a book of his own and referred back to one huge volume, detailed on the pages with ancient drawings of the Spelljammer , its towers, and some of its mysteries.
    How goes your research ? Trebek thought.
    The researcher looked up absently. The mind flayer’s milky white eyes seemed tired and weak and did not reflect the normal cunning of the illithid mind. Hmm? Oh, Lord Trebek, my apologies. Yes, yes, everything is fine. Much of your information is highly valuable.
    It seems your information was valuable as well.
    What do you mean?
    The Cloakmaster has arrived, as you predicted. It seems the beholder myth was true.
    The Cloak  — The illithid closed the book he was reading. You mean Teldin Moore is finally here? Where is he?
    With the humans , Trebek said scornfully. They are currently secure in the centaur tower. They will probably try to make their way to the human area very soon .
    Good. Good . The illithid rose from the desk. His long purple robes seemed ill-fitting, and he stood inches shorter than Trebek, clasping his unhuman hands together in peaceful thought. Thank you, Lord Trebek, for the use of your study. It has been most illuminating. If you will be kind enough to continue to allow me access ...
    Of course, Estriss , the leader said. His words were filled with a sarcasm that he hoped Estriss would not perceive. For as long as you wish. My only hope is that my few resources will help lead you to your answers. This ship holds many secrets, and I’m afraid that my humble research has gleaned but a few of them .
    Your library is most extensive, Lord Trebek, more than I could have hoped for , Estriss said.
    Trebek nodded and closed the door behind him. Estriss turned and stared out a small window, watching the colors of the flow play like fire along the buildings around him.
    Perhaps now, he thought, the Spelljammer will yield all of its secrets. Perhaps Teldin Moore, and the cloak, will bring me all the answers I will ever need.
    Outside, in the hall, Trebek stood silently at the door, deep in his own thoughts. He took a clump of brain mold from a pocket and chewed it slowly, silently, until the