The old one.odt





Title: 9) Captain Olafson GC X

Category: Fiction » Sci-Fi

Author: Vanessa Ravencroft

Language: English, Rating: Rated: T

Genre: Sci-Fi/Adventure

Published: 09-12-11, Updated: 01-15-14

Chapters: 4, Words: 15,165

Chapter 1: Foreword

Galactic Chronicles Book X



GC 10: Eric Olafson, Stars ship Captain



Vanessa Ravencroft, McCullough County, Texas 2011 ©



<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Note:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">This is the ninth book in the Galactic Chronicles Series and the 5th book in the Olafson Saga

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Dedication:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">This Book is dedicated to a99515 and Silvak. A99515 for being my oldest friend on Fiction Press, he has long since then became a true and real friend. Lady Gaga can keep her 1 million Face book friends. All together they aren't as true and real as A99515. Silvak, for being perhaps the first Vulcan I ever met in real life. Pointed Ears? No. Alien? Yes...but a legal one. I call him Vulcan for his razor sharp, logical mind. His methodical love for detail and I like to honor him with this dedication for working so hard on the Wiki.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Foreword:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Year is 5021 (Old Terran Time). The Milky Way Galaxy is teaming with life and sentient species. Earth is now known as Terra and part of the United Stars of the Galaxies, a multi-cultural mega civilization that by now stretches across two quarters of the Milky Way Galaxy and has a foothold in the Andromeda Galaxy. There are over 5030 distinctive member civilizations calling themselves members of the Union. The United Stars Space fleet protects this mega civilization against external threats.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Eric Olafson, born on a cold world called Nilfeheim raised under harsh conditions of a very traditional inward looking society of Neo Vikings left his planet to fulfill his dream to become a Star ship captain.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He had reached that goal much sooner than he expected and is now the commanding officer of a unique Star ship, the USS Tigershark. The ship is state of the art and incorporates the finest technologies of the most advanced civilizations of the Union.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Together with his truly unusual crew he is sent into Freespace to hunt Pirates and Criminals.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">In order to hunt Eric and the Crew of the Tigershark pose as Pirates themselves.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Eric used to be198 cm tall and weigh almost exactly 90 kilos. He still has gray eyes and some say he moves with the same purpose and grace as a Tiger or Nubhir Wolf.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Like everyone from Nilfeheim he has a greater tolerance to freezing temperatures and is able to stay submerged under water for a very long time because of gills and eyes that are adapted to see well under water thanks to a second set of clear eyelids. His muscles are denser than that of a standard human, allowing him to swim longer and deeper. Due to that he has great endurance and is much stronger than he looks.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He loves fish, has a very clear sense of honor and hates unfair situations. Even though he doesn't like to admit it, he carries the same short temper of his father and is more often than not ready to face a challenge with his fists or weapons.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">But all this has changed. Eric now lives as Black Velvet, a female Render captain of mysterious background and feared by merchants and other pirates alike.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Currently he appears to be a gorgeous female with beautiful long blonde hair and a killer body. His greatest wish fulfilled and his secret desire no longer a secret, he isn't so sure anymore what or who he is.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">That he now looks like the fairer sex has done little to change his general approach to problems, head-on.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He is still oblivious to the fact that he is destined to play a central role in an ancient conflict of cosmic proportions, but something is stirring...

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Author

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Vanessa Ravencroft

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Chapter 2: Prelude

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Prelude: Nilfeheim October 5347

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I stood at the south most tip of Tusen Kipa Beach and looked over the churning waves of the Ocean. It was the 7th of October 5347, Eric's birthday. I realized it was my birthday, the birthday of Eric Olafson. Humans had this tradition to celebrate the day they were born. Neo Vikings however celebrated naming day, and I had been named Eric. The name itself had been used many times in both of the Ragnarsson and the Olafson family lines, yet in my case it was an oddly fitting name. The given name Eric is derived from the Old Norse name Eiríkr. The first element, ei- is meaning "one" or "alone" or aiwa meaning "ever" or "eternal".The second element -ríkr derives either from *rík(a)z meaning "ruler" or "prince".The name is thus usually taken to mean "one ruler", "autocrat", "eternal ruler" or "ever powerful".

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">My old mentor Skallagrímsson explained that very meaning to my mother and at least in human terms this name, I had to agree, if a name was needed was quite fitting to what I had become.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">It was here, Uncle Hogun had taken me in the year 5014 to show me how to shoot a blaster.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The big boulder I had split with my first shots was still there.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I reached out with my mind gathered a fraction of my will and released it gently and made the boulder whole again. It was just a boulder yes, but destruction came so easy to me and wisdom so late.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Back then it was an empty beach, but now and just a little to the east, stood a new burg. It was called Hogun's Rock and it had been built mostly by the strong arms of my beloved uncle Hogun. Even now as the last vestiges of what it mean to be human faded, a warm feeling reached the very core of my being as I remembered this titan of a man, who had the strength of four man. Yet I did not remember him because if his strength but of his gentle heart.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">But no matter how strong he was, he was human and he too had met the one stronger than all. Uncle Hogun had died 222 years ago at the age of 112. He had not been buried at sea but under a stone plate in the yard of his own burg. In his dying wish he declared he would arm wrestle Thor and the day he won he would return from Valhalla and lift the plate of his own grave. He died with a bellowed laugh and for the first time anyone could remember a tankard of ale dropped out of his fist.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Elena was gone, and so was Exa. Even Eric Narth Olafson, the god-child of the Narth representative was now and old man. He understood much about the Narth, as much as a human possibly could, but he could not share the Hugavh. He would eventually perish as well.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I did not even know who it was that occupied Hogun's Horst. I did not really know the name of the ones now carrying the name Olafson on our own rock,or who it was that claimed the position of Clan Chief. All I had to do was to expand my mind and names and answers came to me, yet those things faded to be important.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Yes it was good I came here one more time, but I was ready to go now and once I left I would not return to Nilfeheim, yet I was certain a fraction of me would always call this little planet home.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I glanced once more over the vast oceans and caught myself wishing to see once more the white magnificent form of Tyr breaching the waves and silently thanked him for showing me that there was indeed a third way.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I took an instant step and moved from the beach right back into to my old room in the tall tower overlooking our Burg. Circumventing the space between two points in space was easy for me now.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I no longer feared or disliked Psionics and if I wanted I could have adjust Nilfeheim's orbit around its sun and eliminate Longnight altogether but that would destroy a delicate balance and destroy Nilfeheim as surely as the planetary incendiary bomb we stopped so long ago would have done.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Most things in the Universe did not need to be changed and Nilfeheim was just fine as it was.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I smiled underneath my own hood at my memories remembering the days I hated, disliked and always somewhat feared Psionics; and now I found Psionics primitive and inadequate.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">My eyes fell on an old leather bound book lying on my desk. It was a molecule by molecule copy of the original log book of the Tigershark, the original of course was kept in that musky, hallowed archive on Annapolis Planet where all Logbooks were kept. This copy was a gift of McElligott; the former Admiral of the Fleet.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Ah yes I wanted to finish telling my story. My fingers brushed over the paper and I noticed the date of a particular log book entry and next to the book my old PDD where I promised to write down my story. I better sit down and continue.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">There is no real appointment I have to keep. I could sit here and write a thousand years, but the urge to leave this part of my existence behind grew. For all I was and for all I became I was also still Eric, a Neo Viking and we kept our word.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Ah yes, I had stopped just before we reached Brhama Port. Oh that was still early in my life, and there is actually still quite a bit to tell.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">So if you like follow me and read how it all happened.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Dark One

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Chapter 3: Into Freespace

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">-1-

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Chapter 1: Into Free Space

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Free Space was not a natural region, it existed only on maps, in Nav-Tanks and Computronic files.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Its boundaries had been defined by diplomats and delegates during the last Armistice Conference on the planet of Intergalactic peace.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Big Four, the Blue and about seventy independent space faring civilizations discussed, argued and finally agreed on this region.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">It was to act as a buffer zone between the Big Four and give those who did not want to ally themselves with one of the big powers a place to exist after their own fashion.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The very core stipulation of that treaty was the mutually agreed condition, to keep this region of space free of war ships and troops. It was agreed upon that no ships or parties of any of the Big Four were allowed to enter Free Space. That meant Military ships, law enforcement or even science expeditions.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Free Space was also meant to be a Free Trade zone for civilian commerce and traffic enabling commerce and trade. Free trade and civilian contact was seen as the best way to create understanding and a base to ensure lasting peace.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Smaller independent societies in that region lamented the fact that many violent and bloody battles were fought literally on their door steps, with foreign fleets and troops on their planets and within their space.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Big Four, namely the Shiss, the Galactic Council ruled by the Kermac, the Nul and the United Stars of the Galaxies agreed to these Free Space terms and since it was signed watched that none of the others broke that treaty, but they all did, not openly of course.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Free Space did not turn out to be the region of peace where free commerce and civil exchange of culture was to erode the differences and ring in a new age of universal peace as the dreamers, diplomats and Utopians hoped it would; instead it became a breeding ground of pirates and a destination of the lawless from every corner of the Galaxy.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Planets like Sin 4, Alvor's Cove, Kalimant ,Drogs and N'ger were just a few places that gained notoriety as lawless hell holes

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Most of the smaller independent societies that signed the Treaty regretted their decision as their worlds became the target of pirate attacks and Slave raids. And of course now without the danger running into battle ships and fleets of the Big Four, some of the more aggressive independent species saw this as a perfect opportunity to increase their own empires. Thus this region that was meant to be a path to peace was the most violent and constantly war torn region in the known parts of the M-0 Galaxy.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">To all this came the Karthanians who hated the Togar ; and the Togar disliked everyone, except for dinner. The former ancient Oghr Empire, shattered into Nine Kingdoms were constantly fighting among each other, didn't get along with the Togar and considered the Karthanians hostile competition and agitators. When speaking about Free Space one must of course also mention the many Dai Than Clans roaming the region. As well as the Shiss sponsored, openly denied and condemned Shiss Raiders. This explosive and violent mix was agitated by the countless schemes and covered actions of the Kermac. Not to mention the not always legal dealings of private corporations who saw Free Space as a perfect region to conduct the less legal aspects of their businesses. And if truth to be said, the Union was also involved with its secret fleet and agents.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">So far it seemed only the Nul actually kept their part of the treaty and showed little interest in Free Space affairs.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">In other words, Free Space was dangerous, completely lawless and far from peaceful.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">After encountering a living mountain, floating rocks, a Kermac scheme to move an entire moon and finding a ship full of human body parts, the USS Tigershark was now making her way to Brhama port, a well known pirate port.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">-""-

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Tigershark had its Janus masking system active. This unique device conceived by Narth Engineers and Mothermachine. manipulated materials, energies and conditions in such a way that it allowed the USS Tigershark to appear as something else.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">This was no mere projection but a physical change that withstood the probing of any known sensor and scanning method, including of course sight and touch. The most advanced ship of the Union appeared to the outside world as a heavy modified old Karthanian armed trader.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">An old ship with crudely added ISAH pods and Nul weaponry. The simulated hull featured a sloppy paint job, had welded armor plates patching battle damage. Some of that apparent repair patch work was added in a seemingly uncaring and hasty way. Some of the hull damage patches even showed signs of genuine rust. The sides of this simulated ship were decorated with a stylized silver lighting bolt and the name Silver Streak was painted by hand across its bow. The Silver Streak was known to be the pirate ship of the notorious and mysterious render captain Black Velvet.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Behind this disguise was the USS Tigershark. It was the pinnacle of Union Technology and had been in the works under the Codename "Project Fish" for centuries.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Since no Union Ship was allowed to operate in Free Space my ship was masked as Pirate ship and my crew posed as pirates, commanded by me Captain Black Velvet, a mysterious female Pirate of obscure origin.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Our mission was to hunt pirates, gather Intelligence on Union Mil Tech trade, find pirate hide outs and suppress the Slave and Drug trade. Specifically we were to find out more about the Sinister Alliance and eliminate a Pirate Captain called Red Dragon.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Our first foray into Free Space brought us in contact with a living mountain, living rocks and a ship full of human body parts and slaves bound to the meat markets of Togar. Now we headed clear across Free Space to a region called the Devil's Playground. It was where Free Space, Galactic Council space and the fringes of Union Space met.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The region was close to what the Dai called the Thalim Nebula, where five Suns simultaneous went Supernova.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Nebula had recently been claimed by the Union and much of what had been Galactic Council space in that area had become Union space only very recently after the Union Nogoll war and was still in turmoil as the final boundaries subject to heated dispute and new friction between Union and Galactic Council.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Cateria our Chief Medical Officer rarely spend time on the bridge. Today however she stood with her arms crossed next to the Nav Tank and stared with a brooding gaze at the main viewer, currently showing a spectacular image of the Thalim Nebula.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I didn't know much about her and she always appeared cold and not interested in social interaction. Har-Hi sitting in his seat next to me was doing his best Cateria impression. Also with crossed arms and an even more serious expression than usual starting at the image of the Nebula.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I asked. "I know it is exceptionally beautiful with all the purples and yellows but I would think that you two have seen such sites before. What is it that make you stare at it like that?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Har-Hi gestured towards the display and said. "Just a little over four standard years ago, my Clan and many others fought a terrible battle on the other side of that nebula. Dai fighting Dai with great anger and a Union fleet under Stahl taking a terrible toll. It was also my first deployment in a real battle. Not a Pirate raid but a full scale war against my own kind. Looking at that nebula I was reminded of that and I wondered just how many Dai Spirits have been added to these colorful swirls that day."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Shea swiveled her seat. "The probability that five Suns go supernova at more or less the same time and so close together is…"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Cateria interrupted her with a coarse voice. "It was not a natural event. These were five vibrant Seenian Star Systems, with many billions in population. "

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">She pointed at the screen. "That is where Ataci was, a world as beautiful as Para Para, my mother was born there. Palingoi was the third planet of a sun that used to be over there. It was my home world." She sighed." If there are such things as spirits then the Dai spirits of that battle you speak of joined billions of my kind."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"What would it take to snuff five suns just like that?" I wondered

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"The Warworld ships of the Dark Ones." Cateria answered my question.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Mao turned and said. "I don't think we ,as in Union Technology are all too far away from that. I mean we do have Wurgus Solar Bombs, they are huge and need to be towed into place, but a hundred of them or so can turn a Main sequence star into a Supernova."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">As Mao said that I wondered if a Translocator canon could be built large enough to transmit Solar Bombs or if the Bombs could be made smaller.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Narth, shrouded as usual turned and said. "Considering our Captain's train of thought, it is good we Narth decided to be part of the Union. "

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">His response made everyone turn and despite his shrouded appearance I felt he was amused.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Shea asked. "What made you say that?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Our Captain thinking like a real Terran and contemplating quite frightening realistic ways of accomplishing the feat of killing suns. The decision of Narth to join the Union and thus be allies instead of potential opponents is therefore a good decision. "

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Har-Hi had his arms still crossed high before his chest as he usually did, gave me a glance from the corner of his eyes. "From everything I know about you Narth, there should be nothing that could harm or threaten you but then knowing our Captain, I tend to agree with you. There is no race or civilization more warlike than those Terran Humans."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I sighed. "Not you too. I heard that accusation several times before. I don't think it is true. Terrans love peace. Besides I am not a Terran. I am a Norse from Nilfeheim."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Cateria leaned forward so I could see her and for the first time I actually saw her grin. "Yes, that is much more peaceful society. "

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">She then looked to the ceiling and said. "SHIP wasn't it you who told me about Nilfeheim? What is their favorite past time?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Even SHIPS voice had an amused tone as she said. "Skull bashing if I heard the Captain,right." Now it was me crossing my arms and pretending to be offended and said. "What a fine crew have, ganging up on me, not even my own SHIP is on my side."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Shaka's raised his Virtu Helmsman helmet and said looking over his shoulder. "They always pick on us poor, defenseless Terrans, but they are sure glad to see us when they picked a fight with someone they can't beat alone."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Narth spread his arms. "Our Helmsman reinforced my earlier statement."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I wasn't really sure if I should have been proud or ashamed of my heritage and its reputation. This wasn't the first time I heard non Terrans say this in a similar way.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">My musings were interrupted by SHIP. "We are reaching the last way point before we drop out of Quasi Space and reach our destination."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I cleared my throat and said. "Well back to business guys." I sat up straight and the Intui-Controls were sliding under my hands. SHIP our AI was getting more and more in tune with me and she was able to read my body language, before I even consciously thinking what I wanted to do.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Shaka drop us out of Quasi, reduce to drift and keep emissions low. Shea, SHIP and Narth scan the area and get me a tactical on Battle view. Mao please launch two KELPIE drones and park them on apex and nadir position above that brown dwarf."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">My bridge crews voices resonated in my audio relay as I raised the seat into the Battle dome position. Even though there were no indications of any hostile contacts. I liked using the battle view to make myself an overall picture of the situation ahead.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Battle dome gave me an unobstructed view of space. I could turn and see into any direction with a mere move of my eyes. The displayed images were simulated and computronic enhanced my limited natural senses so I could see what otherwise would be to fast, to far or to dim for me to see on my own. Our sensors picked up several energy sources right away and the system associated a cluster of symbols to each, giving me the analytical results from science and tactical. The KELPIE drones were another part of our special NAVINT equipment, football sized drones, cloaked with special diffuser fields scrambling their already minute engine trails and loaded with the most advanced scanner and sensor technology our society could engineer. It was the first time I used them, after getting a Neural Upload briefing on their capabilities just a few weeks ago.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Narth reported first as it was his job as the OPS Officer. "57 artificial energy sources, 38 belong to fixed installations, consistent with Asteroid mining bases of Tech Level 6. Fifteen energy sources are analyzed and belonging to small space craft with very limited FTL capabilities. Three belong to larger signature space ships and the main energy source belongs a central construct consistent with the reported position of Brahma Port."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Now Mao delivered his report. "Hans has one of the signatures on file. It belongs to a known pirate ship, the Bloody Mary of Captain Crimson Curse, a heavily modified Karthanian War Cruiser. The others are not on file."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Shea was next and added her scientific report. "It appears this is simply a failed star system, all science data suggests natural causes for the collapsed star. There is enough asteroid and planetary matter for about 12 planets ."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Even though he was not a senior officer I still blinked at Sobody's symbol and he immediately responded. " The System is locally known as Bennett's Field referring to the large family enterprise running the local operations."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I lowered the seat back onto the main bridge level and said. "I think I like to check things out, low profile before we officially make our entrance."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Har Hi suggested. "We could use the Tullerman Scull that came with the Mighty Nine."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Sobody seamlessly added his knowledge. "Tullerman Dinghies are very common around these parts, often used by Scavengers. Most likely a small crew of unlucky scavengers crossed the path of the Mighty Nine and the scull ended up in the cargo hold of the pirate ship."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">-""-

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Tavern was called the Mother Lode and had been chiseled and burned directly into the rock of the Asteroid. The floor was made of metal grating placed in metal frames over more rough rock, Something small skittered between the pieces of waste and garbage that had fallen through the slots in the floor.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The bar of the tavern occupied much of the left side of the place while a viewport with a good view at one of the Asteroid bases' mooring arms was on the other side.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The shabby looking Tullerman brand 25 meter Dinghy we had used to come here was moored next to two much bigger ships and two ugly banged up looking miner tugs.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The tavern was filled about to half its capacity with the roughest looking bunch of humans and non humans I had ever seen. The air was putrid not just because of the strong and alien drinks served and consumed but also of rancid body odors of unwashed and unkempt individuals of a dozen species or more.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">As per Har-Hi's suggestion we had taken the Tullerman ahead of the disguised Tigershark to get a feel of the situation. This would be the first official appearance of Black Velvet and her crew after all.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Since this was all quite new to me, I wanted to see and feel how other Pirate captains talked and acted. For this Har-Hi and I had disguised ourselves as Free Space Scavengers, a disguise suggested by Sobody.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Scavengers, just as he said were mostly ignored and at the bottom of the feeding order of the galactic space faring community and so it was that no one paid attention to us here on Brhama Port. We had settled down on a quiet table in a corner and nursed our drinks while keeping our eyes and ears open.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Har-Hi was for the first time in a true disguise. Shea and Elfi had done a great job fabricating his disguise. Gone was the tall dashing and dangerous looking Dai. He now appeared to be a dark red furred Jooltar, a canine species believed to be distantly related to the Attikans.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Unlike the Attikans however they did not live in the Large Magellan Cloud, but were a small independent species that made their home somewhere in a small sphere of influence beyond the Karthanian Conglomerate.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Jooltar were only briefly mentioned in Xeno Class but as I understood it was generally accepted knowledge that they had stolen most of their technology instead of inventing it. To complete is fur covered body flex mask, he wore an outfit that was diced together from several sources and didn't look new or in good repair.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">That the costume he chose had to be red was something he insisted upon.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I was made up to look like a black Nogoll. Since Nogoll space was not far from, here and the black Nogoll didn't fare to well in the still very recent Union Nogoll conflict; it was a good choice for a costume.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Har-Hi had dropped a few small Polo coins into a slot next to the table and selected a simple battle strategy game that was now displayed on the table surface. We played it and apparently paid no attention to the surroundings, but we both carried Nano fiber periscope optics and directional microphones integrated into our lifelike masks.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">My Nogoll horns carried the optics and the large Nogoll ears the directional audio sensors. Har-Hi was similar equipped and that allowed us to focus in on any conversation and watch without appearing to watch at all. The barkeeper was a three armed Pertharian. Either his business was not very good or he had other problems saving money for a cybernetic replacement or a re-grow therapy but he tried his best to keep at least the glasses and the bar counter reasonably clean, as he kept polishing glasses whenever he did not serve drinks. Two more Pertharians came in and sat down at the other end of the taverns guest room. I was around those giants long enough to notice the Barkeep was not too pleased to see them and he didn't speak to them. The atmosphere of the taverns was not very cheerful or very lively, everyone kept to their business and while there was a constant din of voices no conversation was held loud enough to carry far. On a table not far from us were three Oghr, I was not sure of what subspecies, playing a game with dice. They appeared to be miners from one of the Asteroid mines in the system. Using my eavesdropping equipment on them confirmed my suspicion. The conversation was about dice, ore prices and similar aspects of the hard and boring life of a roid miner.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">It wasn't long after the arrival of the Pertharians when a man with distinctive Dai features appeared. He even wore Dai armor, however his was not red but black and adorned with purple panels. His harness did not carry a clan glyph. He looked around and went straight to the table of the Pertharians. I zoomed in on that table using a sub dermal sensor track on the side of my index finger and rubbing my thumb over it. The other Horn of my bio flex mask contained the latest in NAVINT communication technology, a picto-burst GalCom transmitter, shredding the signals with a complex code logarithm and sending the data packages in picto second bursts. Now technically no one outside NAVINT should have been able to pick up GalNet or GalCom in the first place,but the fleet and especially me had learned that assuming such things could be a deadly mistake.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">With that communication link I was connected to Har-Hi and the Tigershark. Through our sensors they could see and hear what we did.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Har Hi's voice whispered in my ear piece and said without moving the jaws of his fierce canine mask. "That is an old and traditional assassins armor suit, the long extinct dark tribe of Mar-Do was famous for. No red warrior would wear one of course but he wears it in a way that I am certain he knows how to use it."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Dangerous I presume?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Think of all the nasty weapons Shea used to carry as a Sojonit and then imagine a Dai using them."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"A frightening concept indeed. He doesn't appear to be Dai."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I think he has some Dai blood but no he isn't Dai."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Through the crisp optics I saw him placing a complicated folded small piece of paper on the table and one of the Pertharians produced one that matched it.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Hans voice spoke to me. "This is a Narly Angularity, this is how Nul agents identify themselves. NAVINT has a file on this Nul version of Origami. We haven't really cracked the code of how it is used and what it exactly means."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">While I silently acknowledged the information, the half Dai spoke and I could hear every word. He said to the two giants. "It is quite foolish to dress up like Pertharians. There is hardly a more loyal species to the Union and only a handful ever went astray and there is already one tending the bar and carries the price of his betrayal openly. His family most likely ripped out that arm sent him into exile. He has enough honor left not to replace the arm, seeing you with all four arms is not sitting well with him I can tell."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">So we weren't the only ones pretending to be someone else. I mused and wondered if there were even more like us and them.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">One of the giants spoke to the man."We are aware of this but our size restricts us to few species we can portray. It is however pleasant to meet you once again, Damon Honsu. We would not agree to meet anyone else."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">So the Half Dai had a name. Shea flashed a message over my retina display and it read. "Intel report on Damon Honsu is very sparse. NAVINT has a file on that name and thinks he is some sort of top notch connector, but that is all we have on him. Ship is certain to 99 percent that the voice is created and not natural. Chances high that he is not what he appears either. Visual Data Analysis on the false Pertharians is more revealing and we are certain these are Nul Agents."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I acknowledged her report with a blink and focused on the dialog on that table that turned out to be much more than a chance meeting of Pirates or Freelancers.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The man named Honsu said. "This is Brhama Port, Guys. You could be all yourself, two Nul would have been less suspicious than two Pertharians.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">No one around here is a particular fan of the Union and Pertharians are as synonymous with Union might as Terrans are.."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Let us not dwell on our choice of disguise Mr. Honsu. We are certain you are not always Dimon Honsu to the world either. You do business with us long enough to know that we are no fools."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Half Dai sat down, folded his hands on the table and said. "Indeed I know and I am glad you have agreed to meet with me." "We agreed to meet you as we are in need of your services, but for now tell us why you wanted to meet us."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I am here to see what the chances are for you to meet with my Kermac contacts."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The same disguised Nul answered. "We are not interested in meeting the Kermac. For it disgusts us to deal with these squealing, self important, meddling dwarfs. It is true we don't like the Union but we much prefer them over the Kermac and if the Union ever decides to move against them, we won't stop them."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Now the second disguised Nul spoke for the first time. "Tell your Kermac contacts, we are not interested in associating with them. However there are two recent developments of great concern to us and believe you can help us with the first and we might consider information exchange with the Kermac regarding the other event but nothing more."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I had to remind myself to move my game pieces and keep pretending to play as the conversation went on.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Honsu said. "Can you be more specific?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The second Nul answered. "The First Gray born Nul in decades has disappeared. Grays, you must know are of tremendous importance to us. Decades can pass without one being born, and sometimes even centuries. Whenever a Gray is born, we believe an important event is about to take place. It always has been so.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Sixteen Nul cycles ago a Gray One was born and not just to any family pod but he was the first offspring come to the plane of life from the loins and line of our Wise Leader. This event was hailed as tremendous omen."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Har-Hi across me had also pretty much forgotten our pretend game and was listening like me.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Nul went on. "The Gray One was to be our next leader and has been trained in all matters of combat, war and academics. All that is Nul was united in the agreement that this was to be our next leader."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The other Nul chimed in and explained further. "We are a very violent race and made ourselves almost extinct in seven great wars. Seven wars that reduced our civilization to ashes. Only the rise of great leaders prevented us from doing that again."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The other disguised Nul grunted in agreement. "The path to Nul leadership has many stations and elements. The most important one is the Purification Bath in the Holy Ashes of Narl Gatu, the ashes of our first Civilization. To do so, the Gray entered the purification sleep and was sent aboard the Narl Tompe Barge on his way. The prince never arrived at Narl Gatu."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The half Dai nodded and signaled that he was listening.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"The first Nul spoke with agitation in his voice. "The Nul Realm left no trace unchecked and we came to the conclusion our next ruler had been abducted, captured by Pirates or Freelancers daring to infiltrate deep into Nul space. We know he is still alive and somewhere in Free Space and we will pay whatever price you demand and if you find our Prince your rewards will be tremendous.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Our intelligence capabilities are limited, so we must rely on the likes of you. You have six month to find him. After that we will search for him and no planet and no asteroid will be spared in our search. Of course that would mean the end of the Free Space treaty and war."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I held my breath under the warm fur mask and forgot to play the game. There was the possibility of Intergalactic war discussed on a shabby table inside a low class tavern only 30 meters away from us.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The man in the dark Dai armor said. "I will do my best and he is alive and in Free Space I am sure I can find him. A captive Nul is as rare as a black Shiss. I somehow doubt it though. Could he not been taken by the Shiss or the Union?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"The possibility that it was the Shiss is still considered and if we find evidence it is so, then we will increase our efforts to unprecedented levels to annihilate all that is Shiss."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Again the second participated in the Conversation saying: "While it is not completely impossible

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">that it had been done by the Union, it is very unlikely as they much rather test our resolve with entire fleets and testing our strength provoking large scale skirmishes. The Union respects us, we know. They however do not fear us."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I will keep my eyes and ears open, if there is a Nul warrior kept prisoner or sold in Free Space I should be able to hear about it. Can I ask how you know he is still alive and in Free Space?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"It must be so. The seer of Narl Gatu said we have six month before our Prince, who according to the Seer is in a strange land against his will.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">After the six month he will be transform forever. The seer was brought to the last position we knew the prince had been and the Seer pointed towards Free Space"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Now the first Nul spoke again. "Our leader believes that the Prince is transformed from being alive to being dead."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Half-Dai snorted and made an amused facial expression as he said. "I thought your investigation was done with sensors and tracing engine trails. You place too much trust in a Seer. I know a thing or two about Psionics and no Psionic gift can predict the future. Maybe he simply went off course and burnt up exiting Quasi Space too close to a sun?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The first Nul said raising his voice. "The Seer of Narl Gatu is no Psionic user. We Nul have no talent or use for Psionics. But the Seer is no mere Nul and he has been with us since we Nul rose from the Ashes of Narl Gatu. He is immortal and he has always been correct, always!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Honsu did not respond to that but waved to the Barkeeper and ordered Thil. I knew Thil was a watery, weak beer like drink of Dai Than origin.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I moved a game piece not even knowing if it was my turn and kept listening.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Half Dai said to the disguised Nul agents. "Let us talk about the second event then. The one you mentioned could make you consider a meeting with the Kermac."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"We like to make it clear that we might only agree to some degree of information exchange, nothing more. I personally would rather join the Union than deal with these meddlers, but we have our orders"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Honsu shrugged and said. "I am only the enabler, I make the connection. The Kermac have asked me to make contact with the Eye of Narl. What you then discuss or agree upon concerns me not." The first Nul said. "The Golden are no longer Neutral. As small as this civilization appears to be, they have considerable technology, immense knowledge and contacts to species and civilizations none of us have heard off. Their resources easily equal those of any of the Big Four."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Honsu put down the mug he had just received and waved his hand. "Are you sure this is correct information? The Golden are synonymous with neutrality and have been so for eons. Have they decided to join and side with the Kermac?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"We are surprised you have not heard of it, Damon Honsu. The Golden have applied for Union membership and it has been granted just a few weeks ago, they are certainly full members of the Union by now. We just received message from our Diplomat at Pluribus. Theeeee Message traveled per GalNet to Bokta World a Union Outpost where we maintain a trading post and was then transmitted via Myon Corresponder to Natu Toth our Throne world. Since we do not have the benefit of instantaneous messaging as the cursed Union takes for granted all this it happened about 3 weeks ago."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The voice of the Half-Dai was no longer sounding as certain as he had before. "Could it be a trick, propaganda or false information? Sobody the First Merchant would never agree to something like that."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Would we be here and even consider a meeting with the Kermac if it was a trick? Sobody the First Merchant never made a secret of his admiration for the Terrans. A delegation of Golden Elders is still on Pluribus. We still try to gather more details, but the entire Golden Fleet has been turned over to Union Fleet control and we know from reliable sources that the first Golden Spheres have been seen on their way to Arsenal to be fitted with Translocator Cannons, no doubt."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Honsu cursed. "Violent gravitons, Gantoor's ghost be damned, Golden Spheres are almost equal to their Battle ships and their sensors are second to none."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"This is not just a one planet society joining the Union. This is as historic as the Klack making that decision."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The second Nul spread his upper arm pair. "Not to mention that the Narth are now active Union members and even sharing some of their technology. With all this added might they might listen to their Warrior Admiral and attack and be done with all Kermac and perhaps all Nul once and for all."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Honsu leaned back playing with his glass. "It is true, the Narth are suddenly an active member. They have strengthened that cursed PSI Corps, and no spy, mole or traitor is safe from their powers. And no one really knows the true extend of Narth power."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The first Nul sounded just as concerned as his partner as he added. "With the Union that strong, and getting stronger by the day, all it takes is a spark or an incident and their Assembly will call for war. I have been a diplomatic guest during their last Union Week Celebrations and I have seen their parade. It takes a lot to frighten a Nul, but I won't forget the sight of Union Battle Groups. To top it all, I seen Dai Mothers in that parade in Union Gray."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The first agreed with his colleague and said. "Find the Nul Prince and if he is alive and returned to us we will agree to meet the Kermac and discuss what options we might have to address these developments. If he is not found, Nul will go to war and all diplomacy and subterfuge will end. The Nul will perish we know but until that day, the Galaxy will be a place of death and destruction never seen since the days of the Dark Ones, that is the word of our First Nul."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Half Dai got up and said. "I will search for your prince with all haste and all efforts. Such a war must be prevented." With these words he got up and left.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I wished I could follow him and find out more about this character, but something else happened and prevented me even contemplating how to do accomplish that.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Barkeep stomped from behind his bar to the table of the two disguised Nul and pointed all three of his arms at them and said with a loud voice. "I don't like anyone mocking me or my species. I paid the price of looking to the Arcane Order and I live here in exile but you are not Pertharian; you are something else in disguise. Now why would anyone come to this station pretending to be Pertharians? I think you are spies of some sort!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Now everyone in the Tavern was paying attention and almost everyone was pulling weapons. Both disguised Nul got up, toppling the table doing it and the first raised his hands.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"We are not Union!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Barkeeper growled with anger saying "You are also not Pertharian!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"We are Nul. We had no intention to insult you, but we will not be threatened."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"This is Free Space and since there are no Nul Traitors or Nul Freelancers, you are Government Spies. No real Pertharian would ever sit in a bar where a Three armed Tak like me serves drinks." Before the situation could escalate, three men in Kermac Battle suits stomped in, they looked exactly how I imagined Half Kermac half Shiss would look and their leader said. "We are Bassetts and we welcome everyone on our Rock, except spies of any kind. Be it Nul, Union, Kermac or from wherever else. We also don't allow fights with power weapons, so we want you to leave now and don't you ever come back."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I had the strong feeling that this was a staged show, pre-arranged in case the Nul would be discovered. The Barkeep however was satisfied and so were the patrons. This locomotion however also served the Half Dai to slip away.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I gave Narth the signal to move the Tigershark for the official entry.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">It didn't take long and one of the station's owners ,a male Shiss with Kermac human features, walked over to a big central located table where two beings sat and drank. One of them was Captain Swift. I recognized his face from the recordings I had seen of the Danny Houston incident.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">My audio pick up overheard the Shiss halfbreed say. "It might be of interest to you as we just retrieved the docking request of the Silver Streak, commanded by Black Velvet and she is towing in the Mighty Nine as a prize to sell."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Captain Swift was human no doubt, but I believed he too had some non human genetics in his DNA as he appeared unusually tall, even sitting down and his skin had yellowish waxen hue.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He looked up and said with surprise in his voice. "Are you sure it is the ship of that cut throat Volting?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">An Oghar with elaborate decorated lower jar tusks and rough scaled skin, sharing that big round table with Swift, touched one of his gold and jewel encrusted teeth and said. "I have heard much rumors and stories about Black Velvet, but nothing really substantial. No one I know has seen her. No one knows if she is the same pirate that supposed to be active 500 years ago, or someone using the same name."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Swift shrugged. "I haven't seen her either, but I know she is on the top ten wanted list of the Union and that takes some serious crime and they don't put ghosts on that list."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Shea informed me silently. "The Oghar is Crimson Curse and his ship is the Bloody Mary. He is one of the most successful and experienced pirates of Free Space as he is in business for over 40 years." Now my disguised ship became visible in the bright flood lights of the mooring arm and despite the crudely added oversized ISAH pods and the shoddy welded armor plates around its nose cone, it looked quite threatening.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I loved the modern sleek and foreboding look of its true form as it was my ship, but even in its disguise as Silver Streak it appeared dangerous and like a ship that had been at least twice form one end of the Galaxy to the other.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Right behind her the Mighty Nine slipped onto another Mooring point. Hans and Mao were aboard the captured Pirate ship and maneuvered into the parking position. Everyone in the Tavern was staring out the big viewport and the Oghar said. "It is the Mighty Nine alright, looks like she's missing one drive pod and someone clipped her claws real good, two turrets

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">gone and the third damaged, but leaving everything essential intact, looks like the Silver Streak has an excellent gunner."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Captain of the Swift pointed at my ship and said. "That old Kartanian has some serious fire power. Look at the size of those Nul froth casters. Those aren't easy to come by and even harder to install."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Oghar kept fiddling with his tusks and grunted. " Them ISAH pods look like the old Three-Ninety B series. State of the art 500 years ago and I bet my left tusk they are Type XI and with four of those she is likely to make 350 to 400 klicks to the square."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I'd take genuine ISAH Pods over that Karthanian Scrap I got anytime. "Swift added.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Har-Hi and I used the distraction to silently leave our table and enter the ghastly washroom of the Tavern. Har-Hi covered the false muzzle of his mask and said. "By the lords, this stinks worse than the Enviro Tanks we had to clean."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">We watched a burly Oghr leave one of the open stalls, trailing a gagging cloud of stench/

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I said while trying to keep it down. "Can you imagine the Enviro Tank on an Oghr ship?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Narth popped out of thin air after we were certain we were alone, touched us both and teleported us back to the ship. Shea who was dressed in my usual Black Velvet outfit to pose as me for the initial contact with Brhama Port greeted us on the bridge and said."There were no problems at all, they granted us mooring permit, but requested that we pay a mooring fee of 500 Polo full weights for each ship."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I pulled the Nogoll mask and she waved her hand before her nose. "Say was the costume not enough, did you have to adapt the smell too?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I glared at her. "You should have seen or smelled what they called a Wash room."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Har- Hi was already halfway to the Elevators and I followed him adding. "After Har-Hi and I changed we will make an official visit and introduce ourselves and then stay as long as the Swift Profit. That ship will be our next target."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">-""-

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Chapter 4: Bhrama Port

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Chapter 2: Brhama Port

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Half Kermac sitting behind his desk eyed us suspiciously as I placed a plastic bag with the 1000 Polo Coins before him. He had the same paper white skin and the characteristic small nose and mouth of a Kermac, but unlike them, he did have black hair and eyebrows. His eyes, I noticed, were neither Kermac nor Human and looked more like the reptilian eyes of a Shiss.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He took the coins without counting and placed them in a drawer behind him, and then he said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"You have never been here, Captain Velvet, but you have a reputation that precedes you. The rules here are simple. We like the business your kind brings, but not the trouble. Fighting is allowed but not with any energy weapons or similar destructive devices.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I don't think you are interested in mining, but I tell this to all newcomers to Brhama Port. Don't raid mining camps or ships around here and don't start rouge mining on your own. If you do want to mine, buy a license from us.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">If you need fuel we sell that for 140 Polo Full weights per standard 1023 Nogto Bulb. That is about 500 Nul Roos or 992 Union Kilos."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He spread his arms.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"That is about all there is, welcome to the Shattered Star System of the Bassett family."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Har Hi, Shea and Narth were with me, and all three stood behind me with crossed arms. Narth actually decided to wear a costume. A black leather and steel armor over his shroud and even carried a Nul Gravitor rifle over his back. His face and head hidden, behind a black helmet with mirrored face plate, he had borrowed from Three Four.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Har-Hi wore his red Dai Leather with all the knives, weapons and swords in place. Of course he had covered the Glyph of his Clan with a white skull and crossed bones symbol. Shea assured us, it was something Pre Astro pirates from Earth were famous for.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Shea wore a shoulder free bodice of white leather, matching over knee boots and a fur cape that looked much like my old Fangsnapper coat. She had her hair tied in a ponytail and wore a white half mask up to her nose. Beside the long Attikan Sniper Blaster. she carried her mysterious sword. In my opinion she looked dangerous and very sexy at the same time.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">That there was plenty of human DNA left in the Half Kermac was evident as he had a hard time making eye contact with me and shifted his eyes to my chest; after all what significance would mammalian glands represent to a reptile?

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I said to him:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Indeed I am not interested in mining but I have a spare ship I would like to sell and was told it could be done here."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He nodded.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"To tell the truth Captain Velvet, you will not get the same price you would get at Kaliment or Sin 4, but I am sending my brother Koornt, and he will check the ship. I will contact you later today with the price we are willing to pay."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I agreed that this would be acceptable and left the Asteroid Managers office.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">–""-

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">This time we were all ourselves as we entered the same tavern. The barkeeper eyed us with interest for about five seconds, took our orders and lost interest after we paid him.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">We found ourselves a table and sat down.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I had no clear plan what we should do next and at this point I decided to just stir the pot a little and then wait and see what would happen. One point on my agenda was to put the Bassett Family out of business permanently.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">If I could manage to somehow destroy this Asteroid Base it would take away a Pirate Base and Hideaway. The fewer bases and posts they had to hide at the better and these so called 'miners' aided and enabled these crooks by providing these services.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">However I could not do it openly as Black Velvet. As well armed my Karthanian ship appeared to be; destroying a 300 kilometer asteroid was far beyond its capabilities. The real Tigershark on the other hand carried several P bombs, they most certainly would do the trick, but using one would expose our true identity. P Bombs were a distinctive Union weapon, but perhaps a few well-placed timed charges in their environmental machinery going off a day or two after we left would smoke out this nest of crooks.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Oghar Pirate and the Captain of the Swift Profit were still here and it looked like as if they contemplated talking to us.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Sure enough, Captain Swift got up and came over, made a theatrical bow, tipping his forehead: "I am Curtis Swift, Captain of the Swift Profit and I gather you are the famous Black Velvet. Since I assume we might be in a similar line of business, I thought I'd introduce myself."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I eyed him up and down and said: "And what line of business would that be?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Doing what we please and taking advantage of opportunities that might present themselves. A little of this and a little of that and not particularly caring about anyone else or their rules."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He pointed at the big table:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"This is called the Captain's Table and I am sure Crimson would like to get to know you, just as I. He is the ugly Oghar over there."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Before I could respond, everyone turned to a sudden commotion at the tavern's entrance. A rowdy looking crew entered, led by a flashy dressed humanoid with blue skin. He was without a doubt a Thauran. I sighed deeply and muttered every curse I knew. How far did I have to go to not meet any of those blue skinned bastards?

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He was accompanied by two Oghar males and three most likely real, mangy looking Jooltar warriors. That there were also four more blue skinned Thauran three males and a female in that group explained the noise and the air of self-importance they displayed.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I wondered why the Thauran did not join the Kermac, they could hold competitions of self-importance and arrogance and my money wasn't on the Kermac as to who would win.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Narth responded to my question with his psionic voice in my mind:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I doubt the Kermac would want a thrall species that is equally as good as they in the only field the Kermac really excel."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I expressed my surprise:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Never did I think you would say something like this. Not that I mind, but sarcasm wasn't something I associate with a Narth."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">His thoughts felt clearly amused as he said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"One might point out that we shared the Hugavh and that is a two way process as I said before I slowly adapt some of your characteristics as you adapt to mine. Secondly it is we Narth who observed many of the civilizations for a very long time, and the Kermac have inherited this haughtiness and superciliousness from the UNI.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Arrogance and self-importance is of course not completely alien to you humans, especially those who consider themselves of Noble origin. Now this is a concept I have spent much time analyzing and have yet to come to a satisfactory conclusion."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">While I conversed with Narth on our silent mental level, I watched the new group and so did everyone else, including Captain Swift.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I said to Narth:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I don't completely understand it, yet it is in a way also part of my heritage, being of an Old Clan on Nilfeheim is something similar. I also don't think all nobility is bad. Look at our Princess, she can switch it on and off just like that, and then there is Shaka. He never makes a big deal out of it but I met his father, the Zulu King at the Diamond Ball and he radiates authority in a way I can only describe as noble."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Narth didn't respond because I knew he was contemplating what I just had said and put it through his incomprehensible way of analyzing things.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Now he responded saying:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"My way of analyzing things is not completely incomprehensible, Shea understands it well."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I wanted to tell him, that not everyone had an IQ of 400, when Captain Swift rolled his eyes and said to me:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"That is Captain Dentar Bloom of the Roughnir. Even among our colorful and free society of space-faring professionals he is not what you would call good company."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Dentar Bloom yelled to the barkeeper:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Solik, Tambark and Brohmir Sweat to my table and bring plenty, you three armed cretin!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Bloom and his posse sat down at a table not far from us. Bloom was wearing a gaudy costume in bright red and blue colors, with golden buttons and a wide shimmering dark yellow sash draped from his right shoulder to his left hip. His wide belt held an assortment of blasters. He looked

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">around with a disapproving expression in his face and then waved at Crimson:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Of all the ugly sights in the Galaxy, you my dear Crimson just might be the ugliest. Be so kind and switch chairs so I don't have to look at you!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Oghr Captain spat an incomprehensible curse like response into Blooms direction. Even though I did not understand it, I was sure it wasn't a compliment.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Barkeep came to our table to serve the drinks we had ordered. The loudmouth Thauran complained:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I ordered and expect to be served first. Don't waste time with the riff raff!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Barkeeper turned and said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"First pay the tab you left from the last time, eighty Full weights!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Bloom put his hand on a nasty looking boarding saber.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"The Solar winds and the Blessed Blue Virgin were not with us the past few months as usual. None of the loot we gathered is cash, but I have a hold full of valuable merchandise. We will make good profit at the market on Sin 4, but I needed to stop here for fuel. So bring the drinks, I pay you when we come back. So I think you will extend our credit now!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Barkeep pointed with one of his arms to the ceiling and to a set of remote controlled Neuro Rippers.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"You don't scare me Captain Bloom, I may only have three arms but I assure you it isn't wise to agitate a Pertharian. Now pay up or leave. This establishment is for paying customers."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">This obviously didn't sit too well with the flashy dressed Thauran. He talked to one of his officers and the Oghar left. He then said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I guess I need to liquidate some of my assets now. I will hold a little auction . As it happens to be well-heeled Captain Swift is here and so is the famous Crimson Curse. One likes to rape and the other likes to eat. What I have to offer will satisfy both your appetites. "

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">It did not take long and the Oghar came back dragging a beautiful white Togar female behind him. She wore a metal collar and both her hands were attached to it with short chains, making her choke at every move. The cruel metal band had rubbed her raw and there was crusted blood all around the collar. Her legs were kept apart by a steel rod that had cuffs on each end, allowing her to move only with small circular steps.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I didn't like Togar and only a short time ago I wanted to kill them all, but seeing this poor female treated like that made me wish I could twist the head of that blue skinned bastard with my bare hands.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Her eyes were big and green, and she had a pink nose, that reminded me of the little Holdian Commander. This female could not talk as she was muzzled with several layers of tape around her short snout.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The three armed Pertharian protested saying:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Are you insane, Bloom? The Togar aren't too far from here and they can send war ships just fine if they think we allow Togar females to be sold."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">With a dismissive gesture, Bloom said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"She is an outcast. She is a wanted criminal and I could get good money for her from any Togar male. She might be good in the Arenas but you all know how nice a Togar female can be to human males, if she is properly restrained of course. Now I know you, Captain Swift, and that's why I brought her in. The opening bid is 100 Polos."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">As disgusting as the sale was, the lusting gaze in Swifts face and the dirty jokes and unveiled shouted fantasies of the miners was even worse. It was one of the miners who said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I give you the 100 Polos."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Swift immediately countered with a bid of 150. I had forgotten my own drink and my hand was reaching for the butt of my gun, when Har-Hi put his hand on my arm and shook his head almost unnoticeable. He was right of course and I would not jeopardize our mission by starting a fight underneath looming Neuro Rippers. Not for a Togar, I didn't like in the first place.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The bidding was at 600 Polos now and it looked like a burly looking human miner had the deeper pockets, as Swift was not raising his hand again.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"1000 Polos"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">and almost surprised myself, but I couldn't let her be sold into a fate so cruel. Maybe I could keep her in stasis and later let her go somewhere safe.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">My bid put all eyes on me and the Thauran Captain noticed me, saying:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Who are you? I sell to anyone but you have to have the cash."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I got the Polo's anything else is unimportant."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Swift introduced me with a gesture.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"She's the famous and mysterious Black Velvet."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Thauran made a mocking bow and said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"A Thousand Polos, Full-weight, have been bid for this wild, soft furred promise of pleasure. Do I hear any other bids?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Narth whispered:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Hans and the Golden are on their way with the money. What do you want done with the Togar female?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Have Cateria check her out and then I guess put her in Stasis till we can let her go somewhere safe. Maybe we can find out where she belongs and see if we can get her as close as possible."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"This might prove difficult, as she isn't what the Thauran claimed she is."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"She isn't Togar?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"She is, but I think we might have purchased what you would call big trouble.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I didn't like what I was hearing and silently responded:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Can you be more specific than that?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I shall accompany her to the ship and probe deeper and then let you know."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Hans stomped in, and his massive appearance silenced the crowd.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The huge Saturnian looked absolutely frightening in his version of a pirate costume. He wore a crisscrossing harness similar to the one Har-Hi had, across his enormous chest, but his was made out of flat links of Ultronit plates riveted onto thick leather. A full sized Nul Gravitor Cannon across his back. His knee high boots, also reinforced with armor plates and thick soles, had the appearance that he could kick a battle robot to scrap. The knuckles of his gauntlet style gloves sported metal spikes; on his head he wore a skull tight leather mask that left the chin and mouth open, with a crest of needle sharp looking metal spikes. He looked like a demonic nightmare version of a dungeon torturer right out of the horror Visuals that Mao loved to watch.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Sobody who accompanied my security chief was almost unnoticed. He looked the same as always, but his bald head sported a ghastly cross shaped scar. From my adventure on Alvor's Cove I knew it signified him to be an outcast of the Golden society.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The metal grating of the floor was vibrating and made the glasses on the tables dance as Hans stomped across the room and to my table and placed a heavy steel reinforced chest before me.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Sobody unlocked it with an electronic key he wore around his neck and bowed before me.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Captain, your purse, as requested,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Pay that Thauran a1000 Polos."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Captain Swift whistled through his teeth as Sobody opened the chest filled to the brim with Polo coins packed in clear plastic bags and handed the speechless Thauran two of them.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Two bags of 500 each."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Narth got up and whispered to Hans, who took the struggling and terrified looking Togar cat like a toy doll across his shoulder, and left the place.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Until now it had been quiet. Bloom, looking at the two bags of money he held, said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"By the blessed Blue Virgin, that I call no-nonsense business. You seem to run a tight ship and have gathered a capable crew, respect, respect!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The three armed Pertharian held out two of his hands.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Now that you have money, I think you need to pay your tab."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Since the Barkeeper held the remote control of the Neuro Ripper in his third hand and the projector heads moved with an audible hum, targeting the Thauran, the blue skinned Captain obliged, but he didn't like it one bit as was evident by his facial expression.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">After he had paid the Pertharian he came to our table with his crew right behind him. He eyed the heavy chest still sitting there before me and said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"You would not be in the market for 800 tons of fine Togar merchandise?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I sipped at my Dai Beer and said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"No, I am not."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"You see, I have a hold full of that stuff, and it will sell on Sin 4 or Kaliment for good money. The trouble is, I am a tad short on fuel and these tight Bassett Bastards don't give credit."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I raised my head and looked at him:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"And why are you boring me with your problems? I am sure the miners here always have need for cheap laborers and after a year or two you'll have enough money to buy fuel, I suppose."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He sucked in air and said pointing his finger at me:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I don't think you understand, female. I eat the likes of you for breakfast. I am going to take that chest now, and if you try to stop us, my men will do the same to you what we did to the Togar female."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Har Hi said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Touch that chest and you touch nothing ever again with your own hands."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">His men drew weapons and he said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Do the math, Dai, ten against three."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Barkeep yelled:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I don't care what business you have among each other, but no Energy weapons. If you want to brawl with swords and knifes be my guest, but you pay for any damages."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Now Crimson Curse got up, smashing his fist onto the metal table so hard it left a sizeable dent.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Enough of this! Freespace is shrinking by the day and the places our kind can rest and trade are not as common as they used to be. It is you trouble makers that spoil it for the rest of us. If you have quarrels duke it out Captain versus Captain as it is our custom."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">About twenty beings got up at once. It appeared Crimson was here with a sizeable part of his crew.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Bloom raised his arms.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Well, so be it then. I fight the female and get the Polos, what a splendid suggestion Ugly Crimson!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Har-Hi shook his head.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"That is a bad idea, reconsider. Fight me instead, I let you live/"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Bloom laughed.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"If she wants to play pirate and fly with the big boys then she needs to fight herself. I have no problem spanking her into submission."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I got up so fast my chair flew and crashed into something behind me. I flanked over the table and raked both of my boot heels across his face and throat.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">My reaction was fueled by the old familiar Olafson rage and my growing dislike of Thaurans. Still in motion I hit the floor and spin kicked the Oghar right next to Bloom for good measure. The Ultronit heels of my boots were terrible weapons at close quarter.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Bloom staggered backward his hands trying to stop the flowing blood s from his throat wound. I pulled my Colt 45 and the ancient handgun roared twice and the heavy lead slugs tore into the head of the recovering Oghr I had kicked.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Bloom had dropped to his knees, and there was an expression of pain and the certain knowledge of impending death on his face as he reached out with his other hand towards me. There was no mercy in my heart and no feeling of remorse as pointed the hot muzzle of the antique colt at his forehead and ended his misery with a gory explosion of blood and brain. Deep down in a far corner of my consciousness, I did remember the Steiner boy and wondered what I have become.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Har Hi had been right behind me with both swords drawn. He had torn through several of Blooms crew with lightning speed and beautiful almost dance like moves. His face was relaxed as ever as Bloom's men literally fell to pieces into a gruesome heap of severed body parts right behind him. The female pirate stared at her arm stumps, her hands lying on the floor still clutching the blaster she had drawn only a second ago.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Our constant cross training showed that Shea was no longer just a science geek but a force to be reckoned with as she had her strange sword at the throat of the second Oghar, cutting pieces out of his armor with little flicks of her wrist.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Even our Golden turned out to be much more than just an old man of a dwarflike species. He moved his hand and arm in a strange motion almost as if he threw something, and then pulled at an imaginary string; the effect was deadly and gruesome. One of the Thauran crew members fell to the floor cut in half!

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Sobody glared at the remaining men and said to his dead victim: "No one pulls a dagger on my Captain!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I looked around and said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Anyone else thinking I can't play with the big boys? Step on up!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">All this had happened so fast that Crimson was still standing.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Swift whistled again.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Holy shit!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Har-Hi carefully cleaned his blades with a piece of silk he always carried and said as he put them away.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I did warn him, I might have just clipped an ear of his head."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Crimson spat towards the dead pirates, sat back down and said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Good riddance to Bloom, maybe we can drink in peace now. You Captain Velvet, of course, are welcome to join us here at the Captain's table."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">One of the surviving crewmembers of Bloom's group said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"What of me and the rest of the crew? Are we to report to your ship?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I nodded.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"That's right. Go get everyone and report to the Silver Streak."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Har-Hi said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I'll make sure they are properly accommodated."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I took a seat at the Captain's table as a representative of the Bassett family approached.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I am Koomt Bassett and I can make you an offer for both ships."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I pointed to the Golden and said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"My Quartermaster will take care of that."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Sobody grinned from ear to ear and went to a different table immediately starting to haggle with the Bassett man.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Swift looked at me with an expression of respect and a hint of fear:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"You certainly live up to your legend and then some."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Crimson quaffed another tankard of Oghar brew and ordered a plate of Lum-Lum Chews and then he said with his deep growling voice:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"It is a good thing you dealt with that Thauran. Otherwise I would have. He was just like that cursed Red Dragon and his Sinister Alliance, stirring things up too much."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He looked around and leaned forward.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"He keeps poking the Union like he did and they might simply roll in. and then all our days are counted."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Swift shrugged.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I was considering flying to Itheamh, finding out where their secret meeting place is and then joining the Sinister Alliance. There are rumors they plan for something big."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Crimson took one of the Lum-Lums but did not eat, instead he said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"What need do we have for alliances? Is it not the very reason that we do what we do to be free of other men's rules? What good did his last big raid do him? He limped away with a singed aft and no one that went with him retuned."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I shrugged and played the uninformed.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I took a long tour and haven't been in touch with the news lately. Did they attack a Union outpost or something like that?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Crimson chewed with his massive jaws and gave Swift a side look from his small yellow eyes and said after he swallowed:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Aye he did, Outpost 96. Huge Pirate fleet, and a decoy fleet full of ground troops to boot, filled with every gun wielding scum he could hire on Sin 4 and Itheamh. Barely defended he claimed it would be, and yet he got his arse kicked, by a bunch of Wolfcraft Fighters. He was the only one escaping with nothing in his holds but air. If he has some personal vendetta against the Union, let him do it on his own. I'd rather be dead than fly with his Sinister Alliance."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He grabbed another Lum-Lum and bit into it with resolve.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Swift drank a greenish thick liquid that smelled strongly of fermented fruits.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Maybe you are right, you're in this business longer than most."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Bassett Brother came to me sighed while pointing at Sobody who looked as pleased as a Nubhir wolf that got the big bone.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Smart move, Captain Velvet to have a Golden do business for you. If we had continued haggling I would have been lucky walking out of here with my pants still mine."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Sobody got up and came over as well.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I am going with my new friend Kroon and make sure we get paid."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I smiled at him and said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"We did well, I assume?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Considering the location and the small market, yes Captain."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">After they left Crimson finished a sixth Lum-Lum and said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Well I am off to go back to business and I suggest you both do the same."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He leaned forward once again and lowered his voice as much as he could.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"This region isn't going to be safe much longer."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Swift made a surprised face.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Why are you saying this? This is still Freespace!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Crimson touched his jeweled encrusted gold encased tusk.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I have it on good authority that the Dai Lord Cam Elf-Na united over 2000 Dai tribes under his leadership into one massive mega clan. It is said he is out for revenge. Anyone guilty of dealing with Dai artifacts will feel their wrath. The Bassetts made a killing on Dai scrap, as you know, and he will need lots of raw materials for his Dai Factory Ships if he attacks the Union, which I am certain, is his next move."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Swift waved his hand.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">" I actually heard the same rumor on Itheamh, the Bassetts have a defense alliance with the Togar and those cats aren't far from here. Togar do keep their contracts, their Queen is known for it."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Crimson placed a few Iridium coins on the table and said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I care not what you believe, but it would need more than half of the Togar fleet to defeat 2000 Dai Clans and I doubt the Queen will make such an effort to defend such an unimportant partner as the Bassetts. I think Cam Elf-Na has the power to take on almost anyone in Freespace. No one is really safe. Not Sin 4, not Itheamh, not the Karthanians. It would take the reunification of all Oghar Kingdoms to stop him and that won't happen even if the Galaxy turns its spin; and if he moves across into Union Space he will cut a swath of destruction before the Union can stop him and once the Union war machine starts spinning, who knows where the Eternal Warrior considers to stop. In any case this area of space is soon to be too hot for any individual space ship."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">With those words the Oghar Captain got up and left.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Swift said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I am heading for Sin 4. I got a hold full of loot and the pirate market there, is the best place to sell it. If you're heading that direction, Velvet, we could fly together. Two ships are safer than one."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I nodded in agreement.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"As a matter of fact, I am going that way too. So yes, it might be a good idea."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">That suited me just fine and if everything went according to plan, he would arrive on Sin 4 inside my Cargo bay and inside a Zero Stasis Box, if he was lucky.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Pertharian cleaned the table of empty mugs and plates and pointed at the dead pirates.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Do you want them or can I clean up?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"No I have no need for bodies, what do I owe you for the clean-up."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I sell their gear and whatever change and money they have on them will do for payment."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Swift stretched his arms.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Well I am hungry too, but the stench of death soured my appetite, this asteroid has a few decent restaurants in the upper tier. This is where I am headed."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He gestured towards the Pertharian who loaded the dead onto a sturdy hover cart.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Besides the next batch of Lum-Lums might be ala Thauran. Care to join me for dinner?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Maybe some other time. I have a ship to attend to, and I prefer the fare served in my galley over anyway,"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He laughed.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"You are lucky then. We take turns preparing meals on the Swift Profit and none of us is a gifted chef. This is the main reason I come here, to eat something that isn't raw or burned. What would I give for a decent food printer, an automated galley or a robo chef." He got up. "Well if you change your mind, I will be in the Harpir's Lion top tier. If not we will talk tomorrow when we leave for Sin 4."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">-""—

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Har-Hi intercepted me right at the Air lock after returning to the ship and said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">" We got the crew of Swift squared away, sixty one are now peacefully frozen in Null time. "

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I took my mask off and said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Anything else I should know about?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">We walked to the IST.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"No not really but I heard your audio feed from the Captain's table and what Crimson said about Cam Elf Na, keeps me thinking."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He stopped before the IST, knowing that our IST wold not give him time to say anything.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I don't even know what to think. It's just that I don't like it. Cam Elf Na is an agitator and if he really has 2000 Clans united under one command, that is bad."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I put my hand on his shoulder.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"We are still within GalNet Range. Call your father, tell him about it, and I will tell the Admiral the same."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He smiled and said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I' do that as soon as possible."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"You do that now, the earlier the better."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">-!-

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">About ten minutes later and after a quick sandwich and a shower. I sat in my ready room and had a secure connection to Admiral McElligott and I finished my report saying.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I have the crews of the Mighty Nine and the rest of Bloom's crew all in security stasis. I sold the ships here on Brhama Port."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">McElligott leaned back in his chair and in doing so allowed the visual sensors of his GalNet terminal to pick up more of his office. It was just another office, nothing elaborate or something you would expect the office of the Admiral of the Fleet to be. There were a few shelves with books. There was a strange triangular brass object on his desk and a few PDD's strewn around. He noticed me looking and said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"This is a Sextant; it is a nautical instrument I had to learn to use when I was a Midshipman in his majesties Navy, King George that is. May he rest in Peace."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He then tabbed one of his PDD's.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"The information on Cam Elf-Na confirms a few other reports I have and we are moving assets in the area to respond quickly.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">If he attacks from that direction, we should be able to see that on our long range sensors. The good thing is, such a massive Dai fleet is hard to hide. The bad part is it is a huge fleet by any standard.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I will be talking to Har-Hi's father right after we are done to see what he thinks we can do to prevent that."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I am sure Har-Hi will be glad to hear his father is consulted by you."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">McElligott smiled.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Kar-Hi is more than the leader of a new Union member. He is a direct advisor to me and Fleet Command. I consider him a friend and his advice is sound and tempered with wisdom and experience."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He sighed.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"The advice of our other friend I am sure you can guess."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I would not be able to guess the tactical and strategic decisions, Admiral Stahl might make, Sir."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Tell me what you would do if you were me and faced with a possible Dai Incursion?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I shrugged.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I am barely getting used to be in command of a ship, Sir."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Just humor me."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Well I would issue a sector alert, move ten or fifteen Battle groups in the area and hide them in nearby star systems. Then I triple Gazelle and Specter patrols all along the border. Maybe have the Corps of Engineers beef up our outposts and every floating rock with Exo-Load Cannons and as much Loki Batteries as possible. I make sure the Devi and First Fleet is in the region as well. Certainly a group of Attikan Fast Battle ships to run first response would be a good idea too. Then spread a rumor of a juicy colony with lots of loot. After all this I'd let them come, close the back door and make sure there won't be any left to have similar ideas in the future."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The old man actually giggled and wiped a tear out of his eyes and said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Well other than the fact that he is a few thousand years older than you and that you now look quite delectable there isn't all that much difference in you two when it comes to such things. What you just said is more or less exactly what he wants to do."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I was certain I had grown a few centimeters in my seat with the deep pride that filled my chest.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Sir this is a great compliment indeed. I would not dream or dare to compare myself with Admiral Stahl, but if you see similarities then I am on the right track."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The eternal Soldier walked into the visual pick up.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"You certainly are, Son. This was sound tactical thinking."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He placed himself next to McElligott and waved his right hand.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I am only here to listen. It's your show old Highlander."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Admiral of the Fleet folded his hands and said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Stay with Swift, clip his wings if you can. He is high on our list and a particular nasty pirate."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Sir, I have seen the visuals from the Danny Houston. "

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"If possible bring him in alive,so we can hang the bastard and give some satisfaction and closure to the families of his victims. However if you report his demise, I be just as happy."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"We will do our best, Sir."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Stahl lit one of his smokesticks.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"If you can, we would like to get more intel on Bhrama Port. We suspect them to be way more than a mining community . I assume you remember Cmdr Cardwell and his bearded friend?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Yes Sir, his pet almost killed me."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">" We found evidence in Captain Bristlebeard's ship that he dealt with the Bassetts. Whatever he managed to take from Richter 4 before you stopped him appears to have been delivered to that asteroid base."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Stahl put both of his fists on the surface of Elligott's desk and leaned forward.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"You know how I feel about all this cloak and dagger stuff, Son. However even I have to agree that some of it is necessary. The recent audit you kicked off on Arsenal while commanding my boat not so long ago and the big audit the old Highlander next to me has ordered, shows that we are missing more than we thought. "

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Translocators, Sir?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Instead of Stahl, McElligott answered.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Thankfully not, the Translocator arsenal is complete and accounted for, but there are P Bombs missing, Loki Torpedoes of the latest type complete with launch systems. I don't have to tell you but Kermac ships with Loki batteries would be bad news."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">No he did not, Loki torpedoes were the second best thing right after Translocator Cannons. These incredibly smart weapons had a tremendous range, could linger for years, cloak and accelerate so fast, it made a Wolfcraft look like a snail compared to a rifle bullet. Four or five were enough to bring down the shields of a Union Battle Ship and a volley of ten was its certain doom.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">McElligott poured himself a glass of Whiskey.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"You are not alone out there, girl and we are not in this business just since yesterday. You doing a good job so far and we going to send the Shadowrunner your way so you can rendevouz with her. She will take all the prisoners of your hands, bring phys-mail and supplies. She will contact you when in the region, so don't go too far."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Stahl helped himself to a glass as well.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"The Intel you gathered on the Nul situation is more serious and we are still analyzing it. Cooperation between Nul and Kermac would not be a good thing, but knowing about it is half the battle. We keep you posted if we get any additional information on that and of course do the same if you run across anything as usual."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Yes, Sir of course."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Stahl put the empty glass down.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"This is a full plate you got there, Captain Olafson but if you can, find out what it is that the Red Dragon and the Sinister Alliance are planning and if you can, find out the location of their secret meeting place. After that I think we can give you guys a break and you can come home to Richter Base and take that vacation we promised."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">–!-