"When we first encountered the dragon-warriors (dolah'jata) we thought perhaps they were a separate race from the other inhabitants of Malakath - possibly remnants of an old race. This has proven to be untrue. They are, in fact, rather new in the scheme of things on this world. However it was not until we observed them for some years that we discovered what made them mutate. This is a mutation, caused by certain practises of the dragon-warriors regarding the dragons. It is quite complex, in all actuality. "The common hominids of Malakath are much like the hominids of the planet Terra (which is why we have to work with Terrans - as advisors.) They do have some differences, but they are minimal and only observable on a genetic and chemical survey. The dragon-warriors however seem to have overshot the 'norm' on this world. Of particular interest to us are these last two, who seem to have mutated far more than the others. This seems to be due to the number of these serpentine creatures they've slain and 'drank', as well as the fact that they are both of an hereditary line of jata. "They call it 'Drinking the Dragon'. These dragons have a large gland at the base of their heads, where the head and neck join, directly under the occipital plate. The successful warrior will remove the gland from the head (which is always detached from the body), and boil it along with other herbs and mordants which make it digestable. Without these herbs and mordants, the golden liquid in the gland is poisonous and will instantly kill the unwary or unwise. This is the same poison that is secreted out of the mane-like gill structure surrounding the heads of the serpents. While falling prey to the jaws of the dragons is not something to be desired, most jata have a greater fear of being 'gigged' by one of these gills. This substance is sometimes used as weapon coatings for such purposes on Malakath - particularly political assassinations. "This liquid seems to be the key to the mutation. These last two that we've been studying are fairly well dragons in men's bodies. They have golden slitted eyes, sharp and pointed cannines and incisors, thickened skin, highly acute senses and an amazing strength and agility - very similar to the serpents. Their nails have grown thick and quite hard. They file them with metal files as they have no way to cut them. It was learned that the older one of the two was the offspring of two dragon-warriors and he was born with the eyes and later as a child displayed the pointed teeth. This mutation would seem to pass through the y-DNA and mtDNA as well. We did manage to get several samples from the older one. His DNA is unlike anything we have seen. It is not like that of the dragons, nor is it like that of the other hominids of Malakath. We highly suspect there is some sort of recombinant DNA or RNA at work here. "Still, the greater mystery remains of how the dragons came to be in the vicinity of Malakath and what caused whatever sort of 'vessel' they were in to explode. Why? Is it part of some great plan to effect this precise mutation we are observing, and is this plan of an insidious nature or one that is benign? In respect to this, these last two subjects are extremely fierce and strong warriors, with cunning intellects. They will not think twice about killing anyone or anything that threatens them. However, when not threatened they are very amiable men and seem of a fair and reasonable temprament. Quite intriguing and most paradoxical!" Cvm. Silvanus, Cygnan Federation - Deneb 6 ***** Thank you so much for stopping by dear friends. You and your art are much appreciated! Hope your new week is fantastic, Ray ZOOM if you will to see details. It's very hot there in the Great Desert, so he's in the shade.