Eric Olafson, Neoviking 12

Chapter 12: The Steiners

The next day he did as he promised and took me with is rugged freight bed flier to the southmost tip of Bifrost island a deserted dark pebble beach. Most of the rocks where about fist sized but there many much bigger and a few almost house sized. “These are carried by the glaciers from the mountains and after every Longnight they go a little further till they end in the sea.” He explained, “Eventually carrying our small mountain range away to the sea.”

He took the metal box with him, handed me the Blaster and explained to me how it was used. “This is an old Bofors Saab Directed Energy Bolter Type III, but usually Mercenaries and Freelancers who still use them call it the Bo-Zap III.”

From the box he took an oval stick about three fingers wide and one finger thick and slid it into the handle.” This is a Charge Pack. It carries enough charge for about 50 standard shots at medium setting.”

He pressed a small orange glowing button above the handle and a fine sound that started at a low hum to a high pitched whistle, then a small green light came on replacing the orange.

“The weapon is no charged and ready to go. In combat you want to configure the weapons programming and set it to no light option.” He knew quite a bit about Energy weapons for a simple Inn Keeper I thought, but kept listening quietly.

“The programming right now is set to basic and the weapon recognizes everyone, meaning the biometric sensors are off.” He handed me the gun now. It was an exciting moment.

He knelt behind me so he was almost on the same level as me and his enormous arms around me he adjusted my hand grip. “You hold a this weapon like that, right hand on the grip, index finger on the depressor or trigger like Terrans call all controls that release a shot. Now place your thumb on the thumb rest, and with a flick you deactivate the safety like that.”

Uncle Hogun said.” The weapon is now armed, the safety is off and very dangerous, it is set to Medium and you see the amount of bolts you can fire right in this indicator field. The weapon has no sophisticated targeting options so you line that grove on top of the front barrel up with the sights back here and the target. If everything is in line and you are sure you won’t hurt anyone you can depress the trigger.”

“What do you want me to shot?”

“Aim at one of those big boulders. Just never shot an energy weapon against a target that is too big for the beam to penetrate all the way. Molten super heated matter can spatter back at you if you’re to close and unprotected and it can kill you just as easy.

I pressed the trigger and from my point of view I could not see the beam but I heard the crack and instantly a bright white flash appeared on the front side of the big boulder and a shower of sparks flew in all directions, the flash was immediately gone and there was a bright white glowing crater of in the center of the rock, the size of a Viking shield. Liquid bright glowing molten rock drooled from the bottom of the hole to the ground.

“See what I mean? Had you stood closer you be showered by liquid rock matter. Energy weapons are quite dangerous as you can see!”

I swallowed. It would take a man with chisel and hammer at least a month to create a hole like that.” Yes I can see that!”

He let me loose a few more and the poor boulder finally split in several pieces.

Hogun said. “Now can you imagine what such weapons would do to us? This is why we use swords and axes. We have not learned how to pacify Neo Vikings and curb their easy flaring temper not even today.”

Just then a flier came from the general direction of town. It was a Volvo just like the one we had, but this one was not black like ours but green and yellow and it bore the symbol of a fist holding a sword. Uncle Hogun sighed.”The Steiner clan, another clan who hates the Olafsons thanks in no small part to my dear brother.”

A clan chief climbed out the flier after it had swooped down and landed. Hogun reached for the blaster and switched the safety on.

Two boys of my age stuck their heads out the open door but did not come out. The clan chief had his fur coat died dark green and wore dark green leather. He openly carried a broad sword. His hair was dark but had silver streaks as was his beard, even though he was smaller than Hogun (so far everyone I knew was) but still a muscled and impressive appearance. He had a disapproving smirk on his face and sneered.” I thought I did see Energy weapon flashes as I flew over this spot a few moments ago.”

Hogun shrugged.”So, what is it to me you have seen or not seen?”

The man’s smile was cold but it grew wider. “The use of these is prohibited on Nilfeheim by the Ancient Book. The Elders will be very eager to hear about it!”

Hogun shrugged again.”So what keeps you from reporting it? By the way you are trespassing!”

“This beach is not associated with the Olafsons.”

“I did not say that!”

The other snickered.” You are an Olafson, a second born to a clan of have-nots, trying to gain influence by throwing around Ragnarsson wealth. I had to see who is breaking the traditions and I must say it surprises me not to see you. The gods gave you much size and muscle but neither brain nor skill. Only a coward would train with such an illegal weapon.”

Hogun’s hands became fists. “You are insulting me on my land. If a challenge you want you have it! I shall not stand insults from you or anyone and I accept your challenge!”

“You are a second born. You cannot challenge me and you are far from that Inn and your aprons you call your land. You hide behind an Off-world weapon I do not recognize your challenge, but I be there when the Elders rule your final fate”

It was my cursed Olafson blood that let my anger get the better of me. “I am Eric Olafson, first born of Isegrim Olafson, chosen heir of Erik Gustav Ragnarsson. I have slain Rock Sharks and two Tyranno fins and by the customs I am recognized by the elders as warrior. I shall not stand another word out of your mouth. By calling on the sacred spear of Odin I hereby challenge you or any champion you may choose and it shall be your choice of weapon, but cease thy insults towards my honored godfather at once or I will do it for you! Now stand as man or leave with your fins between your legs!”

Hogun stared at me as if I was insane and so did the other man both were totally unprepared for my rant and I had to admit to myself, so was I. partially I was actually quite proud of myself for using the words of a famous poem and altering them to my need on the fly. Most of me however cursed myself silently as I had no idea what consequences my outburst would bring.

Steiner swallowed but then he said.” You are an insolent brat but I know of your feat and you are correct that you can challenge me, and it will be answered. I shall not soil my sword with the blood of a wimpy child but my son Ardalf will be the Champion of the Steiners and this challenge will be answered in the proper way. Be at the new thing stead so your defeat and death will be witnessed by the Elders.”

He then laughed.” This day turned out to be quite fortunate for us. The Steiners will gain the Ragnarsson riches and the Olafsons must crawl back to their minuscule rock. Oh and on top I shall gain an inn!”

He turned without any further ado and went to his flier.

Hogun looked at me without a word even as the Steiner had lifted off and was gone.

“You are a fool! The greatest fool of all! This beach I have purchased from the money I gained selling the Olafson Burg. It is my land and I indented to build my own Burg here, if by Odin’s will I finally get blessed with children of my own. He was wrong, there is no law or tradition that prohibits a man owning one of these on this world and I am fully licensed owning in under federal law. The law only states that you are not allowed to wear on in public or use it in a fight, that’s all. I could have easily defeated his accusations before the elders. Now it has changed Eric, your challenge you called upon the spear is most sacred and valid. If his son bests you, we lose all. I lose this land and the Inn and since you are the heir of Ragnarsson. He will gain it all after your Grandfather dies.”

I wanted to say something but he then put his heavy hand on my shoulder.”I know you hate your father, and you do not look like him but you are without question his son. Frederick Steiner is perhaps only second to your grandfather when it comes to fighting with the sword and his son Ardalf is already fifteen and renowned to be his father’s best student.”

He sighed deeply and his heavy hand seemed to push me in the ground.”Be as it may the challenge has been spoken and I shall stand behind you. We better get going there is actually little time and we cannot be late or we lose before it even begins.”

We returned to his flier and I said.” I will bring no shame upon you! I might be the greatest fool you know, but I too know about these laws of ours and you could not even begin to defend you before the Elders. He is a clan chief. The Elders would not even listen to your defense Uncle Hogun and judge in his favor. How can I let this happen?”

“Let us get this over with. I am sure the Elders have informed your father and he will be there as well!”

We had flown to the Inn so both he and I could bathe and dress appropriately. Hogun had silently put final hand on my dress when father suddenly stood in the door. Hogun raised his finger to warn him but father simply looked at me his fist clenched then he put a broadsword on the table, turned and left without even saying a word.

Hogun took it and pulled it halfway out. “I know you hate all that is Olafson and would prefer Mjördaren but not all that is Olafson is bad, Eric. This is Hevnen and means vengeance in the old language and it is in our family for at least as long as Mjörden is with the Ragnarssons. It was made on Earth after the first Circle of Elders had come together, it is made of Ultronit the same metal they still make Battle ship armor out of and has an edge that never needs sharpening and only a few molecules wide. You can split human hairs with it, length wise! Your father is a cruel and evil man but he wants you to fight with this.”

“I don’t hate all that is Olafson Uncle Hogun. You are Olafson!”

“Only if you ever make it to become clan Chief and you reinstate me. Not that this will ever happen. Even with Hevnen you most likely will be dead or wounded and nothing will matter after that. I know you are not a bad fighter for your age but your opponent will be beyond you in skill.”

“That is a fine way to stand behind me, Uncle Hogun! Talking of my defeat even before it has started.”

“I like to dream too Eric, but miracles don’t happen. You never really held a real sword before and never used on in anger.”

Even though it had been here since it was moved from Hasvik so long ago, it was still called the new thing stead. The place was sacred and dedicated to the gods. All clan leaders would meet here twice a year under total exclusion of anyone else to discuss clan politics declare wars, make peace, and make trade and other deals that need to be witnessed, take oaths and answer challenges.

It was a large round building of about fifty meters across and perhaps fifteen meters to the peak of the roof. It had a yard like center of packed dirt and raised seats all around. The Elders, all 36 would sit in the first row and the clan chiefs in the second raised row behind them. Twenty Four Elders made up the Outer Circle and 12 the inner Circle. The difference was that the elders of the Inner circle had two votes.

Behind the Thingstead about four or five kilometers to the East was Mount Asgard, like Muspelheim once a Volcano but ceased to be active long before humans ever set foot on this world. Between the large roundhouse made of big rock boulders and roofed with thick layers of dried thick grass stems over a frame work of steel beams ; were the old hill graves of clan chiefs and Elders, honored dead, only the most revered leaders would get a warriors funeral by sending a burning ship sailing to the horizon.

The Thingstead was not just used once a year. Important weddings and funerals were held here, emergency meetings in times of natural disasters. When someone had to be judged that required the Elders presence or when a challenge was issued that needed to be witnessed. I had been here on a school trip when an Elder explained all that to us.

Annar had not returned after the summer break and I learned that Sigvard had won, right here as well. I was told Annar did not die but was declared unfit to be the son of a clan Chief and sent to a distant relative to the other side of the planet to go to another school as well.

The area before the Roundhouse was filled with floaters of all kind and more kept on coming. Lars Igvarhein was here, as I saw the floater with the Nilfeheim Radio Logo right by the door.

Sure enough he lingered right by the entrance as I followed Uncle Hogun inside and he said loud. “And here they are, Nilfeheim’s strongest man Hogun Olafson, proprietor of Hogun’s Inn and the youngest Tyranno Slayer. Any comments on the Challenge?”

Hogun grunted.” This is an ancient and sacred ritual of honor and blood and not the cheap Off-World style entertainment trash that oozes like slime into our society. Be off with your recorders and sensationalism it has no place here!”

His words were obviously transmitted and there was a loud murmur of approval from the assembled and an Elder rose.” Son of the Igvarheins you are first born and may remain, but act accordingly and with the dignity this place deserves or you will be judged next.”

The Media Host bit his lips and left through the door. Steiner and his son were already here and stood beneath the inner yards walls that separated the dirt floor from the raised bleachers, and underneath the seats of the Inner Circle of the Elders. One seat was empty, it was where where Grandfather would sit when he was here.

It became immediately quiet. I saw father seat beneath the Olafson Seal with his arms crossed and a brooding face.

One of the Inner Circle Elders rose and and it became so quiet one could have heard a little Ice digger run over snow. His voice boomed into the silence. “The clan lord of the Steiners has requests this extraordinary meeting of the Elders to make serious accusations against Hogun Olafson. We will now hear these accusations and judge on them. After that we will proceed and hear the challenge that has been made by Eric Olafson. The challenge has been accepted and it will be fought between Eric Olafson the firstborn son of the Olafson clan and the first born son of the Steiner clan.”

The Elder motioned towards Frederick Steiner. “Speak thy charges!”

Steiner bowed slightly, in a theatrical looking gesture drew his sword and pointed it at Hogun. “This second Born Hogun Olafson was observed by me discharge an Off World Energy weapon multiple times into a boulder at Tusen Kippa beach, the beach located on the most southern part of Nilgensen clan land. This coward has not only used a forbidden weapon by our sacred laws, but trained to master this coward weapon and used it in public. This second born then insulted me and dared to utter a challenge. A challenge I of course refused and then this brat and unwanted first born of the pitiable clan of Olafson challenged me I accepted and my son shall champion me. I demand that Hogun’s possessions and all that was willed to Eric will be Steiner after you sentence the first to death and the second received the same from the hands of my son”

What happened then surprised me and I realized how right Hogun was to call me a fool.

The speaker of the Elders nodded.”Your accusations have been noted as have your demands. “He then extended his hand to someone I could not see as it was behind me.”clan chief of the Nilgensen clan you signaled to speak.”

“Indeed Elder Holger. I must correct the clan chief Frederick of the Steiners.Tusen Kippa Beach was rightfully purchased by Hogun Olafson of the Ragnarsson clan. It is his private property.”

Steiner’s face fell.

Another Elder stepped forward and handed Steiner a book. “Here is my copy of the sacred laws of tradition, clan chief of the Steiners. Be so kind, find and read the passage of law that forbids the ownership of such a weapon or its use on private land. You accused a man to have broken this law, so you must know this book well!”

Steiner took the book but did not open it.”Old man, I am not as versed as you, but everyone knows it is forbidden.”

“Then everyone does not include us elders, clan chief Steiner. The laws concerning the use of Off World weapons, energy and projectile weapons is not hidden somewhere in the middle but it is the very first set of rules. The first rule the first Circle of Elders agreed upon, ratified by all clan chiefs then present says that no one shall carry such weapons in public or use it in any way to threaten, wound or kill another person. Energy and Projectile casting weapons are banned from all forms of combat, be it personal or between clans. Was Hogun Olafson on public land?”

Steiner said nothing

“Since you do not speak to answer, the sale of Tusen Kippa Beach was done before four Elders to witness it. It is therefore Hogun Olafson private property.”

The Speaker of the Elders asked.”When you summoned us, we asked you if he discharged the weapon to hurt or kill, or in a fight of any kind? What did you tell us?”

Steiner pressed his lips together, but then he spoke.” There was no one else there but his nephew.”

The Elder spoke to me for the first time:”Eric Olafson, Son of Isegrim, did you get hurt by your uncle? Did you fight?”

“Honored Elder, my Uncle explained to me why we Neo Vikings do not use energy weapons and demonstrated their danger, so I understand that is why we went there and that is what he did.”

“I see Isegrim Olafson raised his firstborn well. He is the first among you that remembers how we are to be addressed.”

He then pointed to Isegrim. “The clan chief of the Olafsons has banished Hogun from the clan of Olafson and was accepted into the clan of the Ragnarssons by Erik Gustav and raised to the table of leaders in that old clan. He therefore is no longer a second born but lord of his own family and was granted the right by our laws and his clan leader to begin to form his own clan, his request for seal, new name and acceptance is still reviewed by the Elders as we speak but nothing speaks against it.”

Steiner said weakly.” He still possesses an illegal military grade weapon by Union laws!”

The Elder now thundered.”This is Nilfeheim we do not speak of Off-world laws, especially not here! Go make your accusation with them, but I advise you against it.”

Steiner fell silent and I could clearly see his rage and anger as well as his disappointment. “I am still clan leader and the challenge spoken by Eric was accepted and my son will triumph.”

The Elder nodded.” This is indeed so. This is why we agreed to follow through and your demands against Eric Olafsons inheritance are still valid, but since you choose a champion may he win or lose will be as if you fought the challenge yourself. That is the nature of a champion.”

Steiner nodded.”I will not accept any other condition of victory than death. The death of Eric Olafson.”

“You will accept what we decide.” Again the Eld e turned to me.” Speak the challenge as you have said it now before all to witness.”

I repeated word for word what I had said, not feeling proud of it anymore. All of it could have ended now without my interference at all.

There was a low murmur going through the ranks of the assembled and the Elder said.” Swords have been chosen, the Challenger and the Champion are present. Only they shall remain in the circle all others will leave.”

Hogun handed me a shield, adjusted the arm straps firmly and said.” I will be proud of you, no matter what! Now show them that courage can best skill even if it would be a miracle!”

Ardalf was at least two head taller than me and thus had longer arms and reach. He too carried a round shield with the Steiner fist and before I could think another thought he attacked fired on by his father’s voice. At first I was afraid but then I heard Richards instructions and compared to the old sword fighter, Ardalf was nothing more than a childish amateur and while I could not claim to be much different using the same measuring standard.

Ardalf’s style was very straight forward and was neither very refined nor did he show real talent. Hack slash thrust with the shield in slight variations, nothing more. According to Sigfrida even the most masterful fighter could succumb to a novice if he was over confident and forgot to concentrate. I heeded her advice as much as I could but I easily parried Ardalf’s attacks and paid little attention to the constant flow of insults either he or his father spat. Hevnen felt like an extension of my arm and its sharp edge gouged deep cuts in Ardalf’s shield, after a while I could not say for how long Ardalf did no longer mock or insult me but said nothing anymore. It was very quiet except for Frederick Steiner.

Then I heard someone yell:” that Olafson boy is just playing with Steiner!”Someone else yelled.” Finish him off Eric.”

That is when I realized just in how much trouble I was. I had many chances already to end it, but that meant I had to wound or kill that boy! My own cockiness and unthinking action brought me in this situation. This time it was not father who had anything to do with it. This time it was all mine, before I could even think what to do, my body reacted honed by Richards and Siegfrieda’s training. Ardalf stepped inside my reach; I brushed his sword arm aside with my shield and plunged Hevnen deep into his chest. This was no wooden training sword that left hurtful bruised or a bleeding scratch. The razor sharp battle ship grade Ultronit slipped with barley more resistance than a hot knife into butter through Ardalf’s chest, rib cage and whatever lay behind and only stopped as the cross guard hit his chest, His eyes widened with an expression of utter surprise and his mouth opened to say something but no sound came from between his lips. He dropped his sword then lowered his eyes to stare at my hand holding Hevnen. Ardalf made a stumbling step. The sharp double edged sword sliding upwards with a sound as if wet fabric tore apart, making his wound even worse. A gush of blood sprayed over my hand and arm. It was so warm and I could clearly smell its sickening sweet odor. I retracted it and stepped back and he sank to his knees and then slammed head first into the hard dirt floor. His arms twitching and then he lay still, blood slowly spreading.

It was utterly silent. I was fully aware what I had just done but unaware to process it yet. The first thing really took notice off other than Ardalf’s silent form was my father rising in the bleachers. “My son bested the champion of the Steiner clan.”

This broke the silence and all around me was a din of voices. Taking excited and while I could not make out any individual voice or word. Whenever someone said my name Eric, I heard that.

The speaker of the Elders rose and once more it became quiet. “The Challenge has been made and accepted and was concluded before the witness of all. Eric Olafson, son of Isegrim Olafson has and is by our laws and customs now the rightful owner of all that was Steiner. A clan now ceases to exist. So let it be recorded and so let it be done.”Uncle Hogun appeared next to me.” By Odin’s blind eye, where did you learn to fight like that? I take it back you were no fool.”

“Yes Uncle Hogun I am. I killed Ardalf, his life is on my consciousness, had I kept my mouth shut at the beach he would still be alive.”

“True that, but I would be dead Eric.”

I stared at him.

“Without your challenge I would had to face Steiner and I could not have hoped to defeat him with swords. I am saying that not lightly Eric but you basically saved my life.”

Now father came and his face was as brooding and dark as ever.” What do you want to do with the Steiner clan?”

Hogun smirked.”We are still before the Elders, Eric and they decreed all the belongings and families to you. The Steiners weren’t exactly the poorest clan.”

“Whatever is between us father is family business. It is not to be discussed in public. You don’t like it and I hate you but the fact remains I am your son and what I gained tonight is Olafson.”

His steel eyes rested on me then he turned to the Elders. “It has been declared what was Steiner is now Olafson. I hereby call the Elders to witness the transfer and merging.”

He stomped away and as my eyes followed him I saw Frederick Steiner kneeling by his dead son, no one paid attention to him or the dead boy and I felt rotten, despite my uncle’s declaration. I had to find a secluded place fast. I was about to throw up.

Interlude 2 - Harkun

Harkun felt like a fish out of water. This planet was insane! He longed to be back on Nilfeheim and luckily that is where he would be headed in a few days. But before he could board the Space Bus for the long journey back he had to complete his Lords instructions.

He stood at the window of his Portel room and stared outside. The height alone made him dizzy. He could barely make out the ground and yet the Holiday Inn at Spaceport 14 of Pluribus Unum was not a very tall building by the standards of this world. The entire population of Nilfeheim would have had no problem booking rooms at this Port Hotel or Portel as it was called, and there would still be room for plenty of other guests. A Hotel that could cater to one and a half million guests at once was something he could not grasp and process in his mind. The staff of beings, and robots was certainly a sizable army by itself. Yet one of the porters laughed and told him that this was by far not the biggest hotel and that they had a quiet week with only 950,000 bookings! He found it amazing that every staff member greeted him by name. He had trouble finding his room even after they explained to him how easy it is to follow a direction bot; one could be summoned simply by speaking into the air.

It all started after Erik Gustav Ragnarsson, curse that name showed up at the Burg and made a fool out of Isegrim. His master pondered for many weeks how to get rid of that meddling tiresome old man. Then as if Loki himself had its hands on the wheel of fate. The representative of a Mega Corporation arrived on Nilfeheim, seeking exclusive contracts to market the seafood products of Nilfeheim. He wined and dined the leading patriarchs and invited them all to a Seafood Exhibition and Conference on their Corporate World. At first Isegrim was of course against leaving Nilfeheim. It was not traditional to fly in space ships, even though the Elders themselves guaranteed him that there was nothing in the Ancient Book of Traditions that specifically prohibited travel and that the restrictions in it had only meaning on the planet not away from it.

It was Gretel his wife who secretly watched GalNet Shows in her chambers with Isegrim’s knowledge who came up with this plan, he was now executing.

Isegrim forced to whip his own wife before witnesses after she was caught spying on men’s business would have loved to do the dirty deed herself. Not that Isegrim even broke her skin with his whip. Harkun had seen him flail men to death with it and almost cut them in half.

The man servant was very proud of his Lord who secretly was his half brother. He served him without question and openly showed the devotion a good servant was to show in return Harkun was the undisputed king over all staff, both Olafson and Ragnarsson, at least while the old Ragnarsson was away on Pluribus.

On Harkun’s word alone Isegrim would dismiss, hire, whip and kill any servant, workman or Low man and Harkun admitted to himself he liked that kind of power, because they had killed their father together, and once Isegrim was the undisputed master of the riches that were Ragnarsson, he would step out of the shadows and receive a clan of his own. Of course he knew of the rotten deal Hogun dealt to his own brother, but Isegrim owed him.

Harkun took any woman of the staff and the Low families and did whatever he wanted with her.

If she would tell who would believe a woman and besides they all knew about his power over life and death. He always got excited when he tied them up, and told them they would die by the hand of the Lord if they did not do as he told. That they often called him the Gray Demon behind his back actually pleased him. Lately he discovered he had a graving for younger girls! He was convinced that Isegrim knew about, but as he was the unquestioning loyal servant who knew all the secrets he had little to fear.

Gretel had seen in one of her GalNet programs that everything was purchasable on Pluribus, including professionals who would for money kill anyone. She even knew how to get in contact with assassins, by securing the services of a so called Connector.

Harkun did not understand how this exactly worked, but Isegrim was suddenly very eager to leave Nilfeheim, attend the Show but only for a day then travel to Pluribus and talk to a Connector, Gretel found on GalNet.

Harkun did not even know exactly how to operate a GalNet terminal and since it was forbidden technology he didn’t want to. Isegrim had to return to Tyson world and then to Nilfeheim, both Gretel and Isegrim risked much going off planet because they both were on thin ice. No one would miss Harkun. So he had to remain on this horrible confusing world. In his pocket detailed written instructions and a loaded Credit strip. Harkun snickered when he thought that they would use the Old Mans own money to kill him. Money he had set aside for Eric’s education and allowance, money that this undesired and unwanted child would never see of course.

Harkun hated Eric almost as much as he hated Erik Gustav mostly because his master hated them.

He glanced at his pocket watch; he drew the line when Gretel offered him a PDD. He would not use such things. The Elders said it would destroy a man’s brain to use Computronics too much and they had to be right!

It was almost time. He carefully checked everything one more time, memorized the instructions again and ate the piece of paper to destroy it, as Gretel had instructed him. Completley oblivious to the fact that the recycler chute would have destroyed the paper note much easier. Not that anyone around here used paper notes in the first place. Then he left the room stepped somewhat awkwardly on the central beige carpet strip in the Corridor and was carried away by the carpeted covered slide belt. Not even using their own feet was convenient for these weak non Vikings. There were slide belts everywhere.

That he had to use the Inter Hotel Transport Lift was another matter. Even he did not want to use the stairs to descent hundreds of floors to the lobby. That the IHT had transparent cars rushing up and down at the outside of the building was however most disturbing.

“Do you want to remain in the Lift and choose another destination?” A voice asked him. He realized he had arrived at the Lobby level and he still held his eyes closed. Transparent walls were bad enough at these heights, transparent floors were truly disturbing!

“No I do not want to remain in this cursed contraption!” He muttered and stepped into the lobby. He did not hear the Lift system’s response as the doors closed.

The lobby was far from the actual ground level he had learned. Past the revolving doors on the far side of these fairy tale surroundings of white marble, golden brass and transparent materials was the Taxi and floater landing platform, where he first arrived. He dreaded the fact he had to get out there again.

For a moment he just stood there, trying once more to adjust to the rushing of beings and humans all around him. Even though Harkun went like everyone else to Union school, it was long time ago and he deliberately tried to forget as much as he could about this off world garbage. Three insect like beings scurried by. Age old cerebral uploads still provided him with the information. Those were Klack, members of the largest member civilization. Four human women giggled, chattering floated by in flimsy veil like things and nothing else; like a school of colorful but useless Regnbyn Fish. Women dressed like this! Harkun was outraged and thought a man was needed to beat some moral and decency back in those whores! A Robot floated behind the women loaded with shopping bags and boxes. He finally made it to the revolving door, outside was seemingly nothing! The scantily clad women however simply walked out there as if walking right through the air and boarded a black limousine.

The Doorman in his impressive livery also seemingly defied gravity. Harkun knew it was actually a floor of an unbreakable refraction free material and an invisible force field fence acted as barrier to prevent anyone from walking to far, at least that what the door man told him as he arrived here.

Harkun never went up the towers of the Burg because he hated their height and those were made of rock and honest solid Duro-Crete. This platform was only 600 meters above ground according to the doorman and he was assured that not even a herd of raging Nul wearing Ultronit stiletto High heeled pumps could even scratch this material.

Not that he could visualize this colorful analogy. He did not know what Nul looked like and he had no idea what high heeled pumps supposed to be.

The doorman was not the same as the one that greeted him here; this one was quite obviously not human, even though the general shape was right. He had chrome metal like skin and was perhaps a robot addressed him after he finally got enough courage together to step outside. He had his head angled up so he would not even get a glimpse of the chasm below his feet.” Do you want me to call you a cab Sir?”

“How do I get to the Matter tunnels to Ripley’s Canyon?”

“You can take a cab of course or you simply go to your right take sky bridge eight to Halifax Tower and board the next shooter to MT Main Station.”

“Call me a cab!”

“Your sphere is ready, Sir” Was the almost instant response.

He had to lower his head somewhat to actually see the bubble like contraption with the open side and immediately felt dizzy as fear constricted his throat. It took willpower to make the four little steps into the Taxi and he felt better sitting down. He didn’t mind flying in a floater that gave him the illusion of a solid floor.

“Thank you for choosing Pluri-Cab as your transportation provider. To what destination would you like to go?”

“Home!” He sighed.

“There are 177 Million destinations with the term home in the Address on this continent and 536 Trillion entries Union Wide would you be so kind and give additional information or do you want me to choose a random one?”

“Of course I do not want you to get me home! You could not possibly get me to Nilfeheim If I could go home now. You Loki cursed contraption!”

The voice remained very friendly and said:” There are 98 locations with the designation Nilfeheim on this planet and 453 locations Union wide. Please add additional address information, or do you want me to make a random selection?”

Harkun got angry. How could they get anything done on this insane world if they had to argue with mindless machines all day long? He took a deep breath and despite all his devotion to Isegrim and the wonderful outcome his mission would cause he wished the Olafson clan leader had chosen someone else for this errand. Of course there was no one else, and sending a woman was out of the question, even though Gretel had offered.” I want to send you and your creator to the deepest pits of Hel.”

The machine chirped happily. “Your invitation to the manufacturing staff of Sky-Floaters Inc to the nightclub Pits of Hel has been forwarded. Destination recognized. Estimated travel time 89 minutes. On board entertainment and refreshments are included in the fare for trans -continental destinations.” The cap was already well on its way before Harkun even had a chance to think and realize what the machine was doing.” I want you to get me to the Trans Matter Tunnel terminal of Pluribus and nowhere else!”

“There are 40 Trans Matter Tunnel Stations on this planet. To what station do you want to go?”

Harkun was screaming now.” I want you to get me to the nearest Trans Matter Tunnel Station.”

“Destination accepted. Do you feel well? Do you want me to contact Emergency Psycho Medical services for you, or do you wish to talk to a counselor?”

“I want nothing from you. Nothing! Do you understand! I want no mindless machines babbling to me everywhere I go. I do not want to argue with a taxi cab to get me to the Cursed Trans Matter Station. I simply want you to get me there!”

Again the machine chirped.” New Destination accepted.”

The cab swooped down from its lofty altitude and dove into these Duro-Crete and metal canyons dove under sky walks and reached an area sunlight could no longer reach. Light now came from an endless barrage of lit signs, three dimensional projections through which the cab simply passed. More than once he thought a collision was imminent and it turned out it was nothing but a projection. At any time it seemed to him half the planets population was going somewhere. Not that he could even comprehend what 40 Billion inhabitants really meant.

He became a little suspicious, according to the doorman it almost sounded like you could reach the next Tunnel on foot. The very reason Gretel had booked him a room at that Portel because it was supposedly close to a Trans Matter Tunnel. But then he had learned that denizens of this world considered dinner on one of the outer planets of this system a short trip. He hated to ask the machine again but he had an appointment to keep. There was still plenty of time but he had to ask.” How much further?”

“At this point the distance to your last selected destination is 7 kilometers and our ETA is 3 minutes.”

That was more like it. He noticed that there were much less fliers in the air now and the floating signs had all but disappeared and the advertisement now was fixed to buildings, illuminated by simple elements. The cab sat down on a dark wet Duro Crete surface and it was dark down here like Halstaad Fjord during Longnight, the light came from artificial sources. There was actually little in terms of advertisement, but one Red Glow sign read:” Cursed Trans Matter Station”

He wondered why they would give such a name to a public transportation facility but since he had no clear idea what a TMS was or how one looked like he shrugged and wanted to leave the Cab, the door would not open. “Please deposit 34 Union Credits. A receipt will be issued to your PDD.”

“The prices here on Pluribus are outrageous as this planet is a stinking cesspool.” He complained and said.” And I refuse to be the slave to one of these PDD things! I don’t have one!” He paid anyway.

“A printed receipt has been issued. Please collect it below the Pay Sensor. With a flimsy paper strip in his hand he left the cab and it hummed away. Only in the back of his mind he wondered why there were almost no floaters and virtually no one on the street. It even smelled differently here, there was a scent like brackish water and the green moss smelled when the harbor washed against the slimy rocks. Maybe there was water close by and a TMS was some sort of harbor. What looked like a woman at first from the distance standing close to the entrance of the TMS was an almost four meter tall male humanoid dressed like a female. He knew it was male because the genitalia was not only exposed but had a pink glowing aura enhancing it with glittering small lights. He greeted him throaty.” Hello Stranger. You look lost or are you looking to get lost?”

Harkun barked.”Silence you abomination! Filth like you should be raked over glowing tips of Iron for even daring to look at me! No be gone!”

“Either you are very brave bearded one or you are very stupid! I might be a little down on my luck but I am still and Andorian and I can take you apart not breaking a sweat!” The being then laughed.” Oh I get it you look for some rough time! I gladly accommodate for fifty credit the hour!”

Harkun decided not to argue anymore and he passed in an even darker place lid by blinking red and blue lights. Beings only identifiable as dark shadows hunkered at a bar and on tables. There was a stage in the middle and a technical contraption with blinking lights and a large black center. Over it a Holo read:” The Cursed Trans Matter Station. Destination Pleasure and dark fantasies guaranteed!”

A bulky being with four arms covered in black leather, much bigger than even Hogun came real close and rumbled with a rock crusher voice.” Cover is 15 Credits; a ride with the Machine will be 25 credits. The first drink is on the house.”

“What manner of place is this?” He was outraged as someone rubbed his behind with something that felt like a broom stick! He was not a famous warrior or very well known for his fighting abilities, but he was still a Neo Viking and had his fair share of fights and brawls. More instinctive than not he drew the Skinner knife he carried like everyone on Nilfeheim and wanted to turn but the four armed being grabbed him. Harkun stabbed the giant with force but the blade simply careened of the tough skin leaving a small scratch. The knife was snatched from him and someone pulled his pants! The big giant being holding him now on both arms grumbled. “We do not like trouble makers or Psych Cases here! We will teach you a little lesson now and let you leave alive. Come back and we won’t be so kind again!”

Harkun stumbled upon the dark wet pavement after they shoved him through the door. His pants ripped around his ankles. He was bleeding from a few small scratched and he had a burning pain in his behind. Some little physical pain was something he could live with, but the anguish he felt for what they did to him, the shame and the realization he would feel violated like this for the rest of his life and suddenly for a moment he wondered if the Girls at the Burg felt that way. His time piece was gone and so was everything else he had on him. The credit strip he wanted to pay the assassin with was gone, and so was his private one. Luckily they could not use them without his biometrics. He kept close to the wall and did not know how to get back to the Portel from where he could contact Gretel. He heard steps following him and whenever he turned he saw nothing. The burning shame of his violation was so strong he wished someone would actually kill him. Then he saw a massive looking deep blue vehicle hovering slowly over the pavement. A bright search light caught him unexpected and a voice said. “Hold it right there Citizen! A human policeman in an armored battle suite and a similar threatening robot approached. “Is it not a little early advertising like this?” The Cop asked.

Harkun didn’t realize he was crying;” I am Harkun of the Olafson clan on Nilfeheim. First Man servant of my master.”

The Cop nodded with an understanding face.” And while you served your master he went a little rough on you is that it? Happens in the best relationships of that kind I guess. Do you want to file charges?”

“No Officer my Master is on Nilfeheim. I am here on clan business to complete an errand. I left the Hotel to use a Matter Transfer Tunnel and this is where the taxi let me off. I was attacked by a group and robbed of all my possessions.”

“Did they rape you do you need medical assistance and psych support?”

“No, no! I fought them off; no one touched me in that way!” He lied more to himself than to the cop who had seen it all and then some.

“I cannot make you to give me all the information, but it would help to get your property back. Give them long enough and they hack your Credit strips and your accounts are cleansed out before you can stop it!”

He became pale knowing how much money was on the lack strip. “There in this place!” He pointed to the Cursed TMS.

The cop took him to the Floater.” Have a seat in the back, Citizen. This is a very dangerous part of town and usually no place for tourists from Prim Civ Worlds.”

“Nilfeheim is not primitive!” He protested loudly, but did what the police man asked.

The cop raised his armored arms.” Whatever you say Citizen, according to your CITI you are from Nilfeheim, Classified as Culture Type 191 P. The P stands for primitive and 191 means that you jokers basically just barely above Stone Age. While I understand your peril and I will assist you but don’t raise your voice again while I sort things out.”

The Robot remained with Harkun while the Policeman stomped into the Establishment. The robot said.” Do you wish for medical assistance? I am able to provide first aid and a Med Team can be here right away!”

His shame and embarrassment, the failure of the mission and him feeling homesick and sorry for himself; but most of all the endless barrage of machines talking to him made him react the Viking way and he kicked the machine and screamed.” I am sick and tired of machines! I do not want you talk to me. I do not want you to offer me anything. I want you to shut up and leave me be! Now I know why we reject all this on our home world oh I know now!”

The robot nevertheless responded.” I am police equipment and will be forced to restrain you if you keep attacking me, to make sure you will not harm yourself. Furthermore you are committing a violation of Law 355 section 12 concerning the attempt to damage autonomous police equipment. I am hereby placing you under arrest. You have the right to medical assistance and to call your societies representative.” A restriction force field issued from the robot and engulfed Harkun and made it impossible for him to move even a finger.

He had utterly failed. If Erik Gustav would hear that he was here on Pluribus, there would be an investigation. The Ragnarsson clan chief would learn that he had carried a credit chip issued to a bank account belonging to Eric Olafson. He was certain they had some sort of gadget that would make him talk or divulge his secret mission. An off world assassination attempt would certainly doom not only him but Isegrim and his wife. Not even if every elder would against all odds show mercy, the Union Police would arrest them and hang everyone involved. His mind raced to find a way out.

The human police man came back carrying his knife and other belongings. His face was all business. “Mr. Harkun of the Olafson clan. I just have seen security footage of you pulling an edged weapon with the clear attempt to harm another Union citizen on the premises of his establishment. Mr. Grrrhankah had your belongings in safe keeping and said he would not press charges. Now you have the right of course to file charges against Mr. Grrrhankah and we let the night court sort this out. Or you take your belongings put your damn pants back on and go back to your hotel and we all are an experience wiser and each goes back to business.”

Harkun nodded hastily.”I will not press any charges and leave this planet as soon as I can.”

“This is a very wise decision.” He wave to the robot.”Let the 355 slide partner. He did not cause any damage to you and we leave him with a citation.”

The robot deactivated the field and a printout appeared from an opening slot.” HQ Computronic calculated the citation fee of 200 credits.”

Harkun paid the robot. The cop even called a cab for him.

He returned to the hotel and his room, bathed as long as he could and consulted the hotels Virtu Doc who checked him out and fixed the physical wounds in no time.

He tried it again, this time he was less self absorbed and this time followed the door mans advice who even called him a way finder drone. A small ball shaped thing that floated before him to show the way.

Clenching his teeth he passed across the seemingly hand hold free sky bridge, and the Way-finder drone directed him to a vertical conveyor like lift system and snarled.” Exit the Verti- Shooter at level zero and you will not be able to miss the entrance to TMS Main station. I have reached the extend of my permitted operation assistance from the Hotel and wish you a nice day.”

The Verti shooter moved fast down the outside of an enormous sky scraper. Everything talked around here and even the Verti Shooter cab. “Reaching Zero level in 10 seconds. Trans Matter Station, Multi Shop and Post Office.”

This time he was certain he was at the right place. Four huge gates in the facade of a building with hundreds of beings coming in and out like a never ending stream. Above the gate he saw openings and taxi Cab bubbles, commercial and private floaters buzzing in and out without end or break.

He stepped on the slide belt moving in, packed with beings. Some of them holding PDD’s before them with activated field screens reading, others chatting with each other or eating food they got from vendors bots that flew back and forth from various restaurants and food stands.

Right before him on the belt was an elderly woman and a matching white haired man wearing big boots and what seemed to be rain coats. He heard her say to the old man:”I am so excited to pass through a Trans Matter Tunnel. Do you think it will hurt?”

A bored looking boy in a black one piece suit with deep purple swirls on the back laughed.” You won’t even notice it lady. There isn’t anything to be excited about! I bet you must be from some Prim Planet on the fringes!”

“We are from Splish-Splash.” She said with disappointment in her voice.”They have these transmitter tunnels only on the most populated worlds.”

The boy laughed again.”Splish-Splash eh? Well they had to name your planet something I guess. If you want an exciting ride you feel something I recommend the Super Express Slide way to Continent 3. Moves at 50 miles an hour through a transparent Ocean tunnel”

Harkun paid no longer attention to them as the Slide way ended and he stood in a cavernous hall. He was certain you could fit the Burg complete with the island at least five times in it with room to spare. Someone snarled at him to step out of the way and he observed the incoming people splitting up selecting from 12 smaller slides. Each slide way moved them towards huge hexagon shaped rings to the left of the buildings entrance The inside of the rings were utterly black and the slide belt carried the passengers right into it where they disappeared. Gliders and taxis flew without slowing down into these black fields. As he turned to the right he saw twelve identical rings and beings and gliders appeared in a steady stream.

Above each hexagon floating light signs designating destinations. None of them however read Ripley’s Canyon.

A blue robot with the Information I on head torso and back caught his eye and despite the fact he had no desire to talk to yet another machine he had to do it. “Where do I find the Trans Matter Tunnel to Ripley’s Canyon?”

“You can take Slide way nine. It will get you to Suburbia Planet and there you take slide way one to Suburbia Moon One. At the TMS station there you can take the canyon tram or a taxi to Ripley’s Canyon. Or you board a taxi here that takes you there without the need of switching slides yourself. Do you want me to issue you a TMT day pass for 25 credits”

He would never ever use a Taxi again if he not absolutely had to. He paid the robot.

“Unable to connect to your PDD, citizen. Please collect the physical pass at the printout slot.”

He took the slip and stepped on Slide way nine that carried him and many others towards the utter black field. After reading the info screen, he understood the machine would somehow send him very fast to another planet in the same system, but how this was accomplished without spaceships he did not know. The slide way carried him closer and he could now hear the low hum of something incredibly powerful. It was a sound that seemed to bring his very bones to resonance he could no longer see the octagon metal frame, only the black field were beings simply disappeared. As if the gates of Hel swallowed them. Six beings before him, now five, he felt all his hair standing on end as the hum increased as he moved closer. Now four, three, two ... he could see nothing but the black field and then he saw the beings in front of him again moving to the end of the slide belt. He turned and saw the black field behind him. The boy was right he felt absolutely nothing.

Slide belt one was much smaller and so was the Octagon field and only two other humans stepped on it before him. This time he looked at his time piece as he approached the field, suddenly the hands of his analog watch jumped ahead five seconds and as he looked up he had again passed the black field. Five seconds had passed without him experiencing anything. He didn’t like this way of traveling at all. It was too unnatural and certainly against the will of the Gods.

A woman approached him. She wore a tight one piece suit of a burgundy color and a wide flowing red mantle sweeping the floor behind her. She wore the mantel open and it revealed large breasts and wide hips. Her face hidden beneath a wide brimmed red hat and a similar colored veil.” You are from Nilfeheim?”

He was surprised she knew that but he nodded. Eager to get to the Canyon, he was now almost two hours late, even though he started out with 4 hours to spare this morning.” Why do you want to know?”

“Because you are one hour and 49 minutes late. We were supposed to meet at the Chinese Lantern restaurant above Ripley’s Canyon.”

He blinked.” I am to meet and talk to a woman? I am to do business with a female?”

“If I am female or not, if I am Human or not is not what you need to know. I assure you what you see is not my true form and appearance, but even if I was female what has that to do with anything?”

He looked down at her.”Women are good for...” He swallowed the rest and said.” Indeed it matters not. I have not made that choice I am only here to deliver certain things.”

She motioned towards an Arthur’s Swine and Dine .” This place is as good as any.”

Moments later they sat at a table in the automated fast food restaurant.

She began. “I understand your contacts want my contacts to do something.”

Hogun folded his thin hands.” That is so. That something is described on this.” He pushed a data coin across the table and she took it and after a few moments holding it without putting it into a reader she said.” I had to download an App to read that ancient thing, I had no idea those are still used.”

He had no reply to that as he was certainly no expert in those things. She also was silent for about three or four minutes still holding the small disc, then without any apparent effort she crumbled the tough little disc into a metal ball between her fingers.”Since the something you want removed is part of an important structure and the untimely removal will cause others to look into the matter. The fee is 2 Million credits all up front. You will never see or hear from me again and as stipulated on that little disc it will be done on any date we choose between now and the 25th of this month.”

“How do we know you don’t just cash in and leave?”

“No guarantees, no refunds no haggling. Take it or leave it.”

He took it and handed her the Credit chip.