GC 33 Vol 7 Adventures of the USS Tigershark

When I read story offerings, I justify format them; set to Times New Roman 12 pitch, line spacing to 12pt before & 0pt after the line. All this to help my tired old eyes to read them better.

As I go through them I “edit or proof read” them to fix typing, grammatical & spelling errors that often occur because the author can get so caught up in the writing that they can miss words that the mind has put there, also wrong letters can be added by accident. I have done this.

All that being said; if you find a story with these problems don’t bitch about them, do something. But also read the story for what it is – the content. This why I do my proofing, not only for myself, but also for some writers who have asked for another set of eyes to pick up things. They can then adjust the story for themselves.

The Rev.

This is my take on this story for Vanessa's consideration.

Adventures of the USS Tigershark

by Vanessa Ravencroft

Copyright© 2019 by Vanessa Ravencroft

(Volume 7, GC 32 ) Galactic Chronicles Book 33

Foreword
The Year is 5022 (Old Terran Time). The Milky Way Galaxy is teeming with life and sentient species. Earth is now known as Terra and part of the United Stars of the Galaxies, a multicultural 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.

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 Starship captain.

He had reached that goal much sooner than he expected and is now the commanding officer of a unique Starship, the USS Tigershark. The ship is state of the art and incorporates the finest technologies of the most advanced civilizations of the Union.

Eric used to be 198 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.

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 underwater 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.

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.

But much has changed. Eric now lives as Black Velvet, a female pirate captain of mysterious background and feared by merchants and other pirates alike.

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, still he isn’t so sure anymore what or who he is.

That he now looks like the fairer sex has done little to change his general approach to problems, head-on.

He is no longer oblivious to the fact that his final transformation has yet to occur.

Together with his truly unusual crew, he is sent into Freespace to hunt Pirates and Criminals.

In order to hunt, Eric and the Crew of the Tigershark pose as Pirates themselves.

On their journey so far they encountered a ship full of human body parts, destined to the meat markets of Togr; met the supreme merchant of the Golden, who more or less blackmailed himself into the crew.

They encountered a lost tribe of Terrans, shrunk to an average size of ten centimeters; tackled pirates and slavers. Rescued the Gray Nul and thus created a foundation on which peace is possible and followed the Red Dragon to the bleak world of Itheamh.

It is here on Itheamh where Erica gets herself and the crew mixed up with the freedom fighters and rebels.

While Erica is on her way to the Smelter Moons, Har-Hi, the Dai remains on Itheamh, in temporary command of the Tigershark and on its way to investigate what secret weapon the evil magistrate and the chief of the secret police want to unleash on the rebellious population...

Prelude
The United Stars of the Galaxy, commonly referred to simply as the Union is a multicultural society that started out, about three thousand years ago.

The Union had grown tremendously since its official founding in the year 2220 OTT. Back when the Sarans, the Pan Sarans and the Terrans decided to unite under one government, no one could really foresee this development, not even as they welcomed their first official Union member society, the Ult who joined the Union the very same day.

Since then almost 5000 species and societies had joined the Union. I was spreading to other galaxies of the local group and while there was much-unexplored space in the Milky Way galaxy, much of the Upward sector of that galaxy was considered under Union control.

A Union citizen could make a GalNet call, to the furthest outpost in the Andromeda galaxy and be instantly connected without time delay and talk to a friend millions of light years away for a few credits. Or that citizen could actually travel there, on heavily subsidized space bus lines. A farmer on a planet near the Downward sector could offer to produce on the XChange and a citizen on a planet in the 3rd region of the Large Magellan was able to buy that product for an affordable price and receive it in less than five weeks.

There was great diversity within the Union. The smallest citizens being no bigger than a rice corn and the biggest one, an actual matter cloud of almost a cubic light hour in size.

Union citizens lived on stars, Jovian gas giants, planet surface environments of every kind and space itself.

All united by common laws and fundamental rights inherent to every sentient being. The right to life, self-expression, freedom, and liberty without restrictions, except if restricting or denying those rights to another sentient being.

It was the commitment of all to defend and thus guarantee those fundamental rights that defines the core of Union law and philosophy. The other side of this philosophy was service to the community. Being a Union citizen came with tremendous benefits, but they were free and granted only to those who also served the Union community.

It was both incredibly simple and very complicated, but this and the lack of a ruling elite; the Union was ruled and governed by its citizens was the source of a very tangible commonly expressed pride.

Union citizens were seen as aloft, demanding and spoiled by others, but they were content and it showed. You can only live free and safe if you are strong enough to defend yourself.

The Union was not without enemies and fought many wars since it was founded. To defend itself it had developed branches of armed services, chief among them the mighty Union Spatial Navy.

All this was expressed by the Assembly of the United Stars of the Galaxy on Pluribus Unum, where representatives of all Union members came together to discuss and then vote upon all aspects of Union life.

The end of 5021 brought many surprising and unexpected developments. It was just a week before the celebration of Union Week and thus the official end of the Union year; when the high representative of the Saresii stepped into the alcove of Nilfeheim planet, carrying a decorated gift box.

The planet rep alcove was located high up and near the apex of the Assembly sphere.

As usual this close to the end of the year, almost every alcove was occupied and the final points of the List were discussed before it was officially published for Union citizens to vote upon.

The List was an accumulated list of issues that were raised to Union-wide status, meaning all Union citizen were to vote upon these. It included the budgets for all Union services and departments, including armed services, Union Schools, Space Bus subsidies and civil services. Union citizens would also vote on the next Speaker of the Assembly and other important and annual reoccurring issues.

Currently, the representative of the Xandrao, one of the very latest Union members and the first member civilization located in the vastly unknown and unexplored Downward sector of the Galaxy, addressed the Assembly. The representative of that civilization very much resembled a very muscular upright walking cow, complete with horns and spoon-shaped ears. He delivered a speech of thanks and appreciation as his civilization just received the so-called Welcome Wagon. An enormous fleet of transports with gifts and essentials. CITI machines, GalNet terminals, Union school equipment and teachers. A huge number of GalNet enabled PDDs, libraries, space bus terminals and defense equipment. As it had become tradition, the Welcome Wagon also contained gifts of other member civilizations to the new member.

The Xandrao was just describing how overwhelmed and how euphoric his people were as the Welcome Wagon arrived and brought home to everyone, that the Xandrao were indeed Union members.

The Nilfeheim alcove was already occupied, by Egil Skallagrimmson the representative of this small and quite unimportant world and by the deeply shrouded representative of the Narth.

Alegar the Saresii smiled as he saw both his friends reclined in their seats and said.”So they made us official, who would have thought the entire Union was interested in our opinion.”

Egil responded in his usual grumpy style. “Teaches me to leave my peaceful secluded life as a hermit. Being the rep for those stubborn Neo Vikings of mine was already more than I really wanted and now I am supposed to be a wise man and deliver learned advice about things I have no clue about.”

The hooded face of the Narth turned, physically switching his focus from the Xandrao to Egil. “One expected such a vote, considering the exposure our small group has received. A column in the Assembly Observer entitled ‘The Three Wise Men’ and our repeated participation as a group rather than individuals.”

Alegar sat down in his accustomed seat on the other side of Egil, who now was in the middle of the other two.

He opened the box and held it open before Egil but in such a fashion indicating that he included the Narth. “I brought Saresii Foam cookies, deliciously decadent and sweet.”

Egill fished one of the insubstantial things out of the gift box and complained after eating it.”It’s like chewing on a piece of sweetened fog really. Nothing a Neo Viking would ever consider buying.”

Narth had telekinetically selected one of the foam balls and it disappeared into thin air after it had floated near where his mouth would be behind his hood. “Experiencing flavor, textures, and tastes of solid sustenance for a considerable time now, one tends to agree with Egil. It seems however that the consumption of one feels inadequate and one is compelled to try another.”

Egill who had put the third one in his mouth rolled his eyes. “Seems you can never have just one cookie.”

Alegar popped one into his mouth himself and chewed without losing his grin. “You are hypocrites, both of you.”

The Saresii placed the box in front of them for easy reach and after listening to the Xandrao who was just coming to an end.

The Speaker of the Assembly, this year a massive Boloth addressed the Assembly after he thanked the Xandrao, welcomed the representative of the Dolbarian, a species distantly related to the Holdians. The Dolbarian had joined the Union at the same time as the Xandrao and had been an unwilling Kermac Thrall species before they were liberated and immediately applied for Union membership to prevent the return of the Kermac.

Alegar was making sure the privacy fields of the alcove were active before he said. “The Mini Terrans, the Golden, the Conck, the Xandrao, and the Dolbarians. They are all Union members because of actions your grandchild took. That is without question the most impressive contribution to the Union by anyone, you should be proud of her.”

“The Golden would have joined anyway; the Conck and the Oolur have joined because of the Takkians.”

“You are such a nitpicker. If I understand, the Supreme merchant himself travels aboard your granddaughter’s ship and has become a friend of hers.”

Egill’s eyes glittered with pride and mischief as he said.”You better stay seated then, I think Admiral McElligott is next and he has something to say that even I would consider historical.” Egill then turned to the Narth. “And you don’t spill the beans.”

“One has no container or vessel containing legumes that could be spilled. Because of this one assumes this is yet another matter of speech.”

The Narth pointed with his flat hand towards the center of the Assembly, where a small group of beings, a Shiss, a Klack, two humans, an Ult, and a Botnaar walked to the Focus point. “One, however, is compelled to point out that it is not the Admiral of the Fleet who is speaking after the Dolbarian.”

The Speaker introduced the group as docket number 12 and as the elected committee of a Union citizen group.

It was the Ult who turned out to be the one addressing the Assembly. “Members of the Assembly, fellow citizens we come before you with a complaint that has in the name of politics been ignored for too long.

I am Worr Stumt, I was an aquatic farmer on Nistru, a nice wet world no one of you probably remember hearing about. It is a colony far down the Upward sector in an area known as the Union-Freespace Fringes. Yet our planet and many planets have been mentioned in reports to the Assembly. It has been raided by pirates and slavers. I myself ended up on Alvor’s cove, as a slave and almost dying unable to replenish the water in my tattered and malfunctioning moisture suit.”

A field screen established behind the group and it began showing recordings of brutal planet raids, pirate attacks on civilian ships and recordings of Karthanians buying slaves. Other recording showed Togar haggling with slavers over the price for humans. Images of a ship full of human body parts destined to Togar meat markets repeated as well.

We have been freed by an unknown entity and returned to Union space, but many Union citizens remain in slave capture, are being sold for food and a fate unthinkable. Yet every time the subject of slavery and pirate raids come up, the councils and advisors to the Assembly say that it is only a very small number of Union citizens each year that fall prey to slavers and pirates.”

The Klack stepped forward. “In the name of galactic peace you say, must we honor our commitment to the Freespace treaty. You called the attack on Checkpoint 96 a mere pinprick just a few years ago, yet 943 Union Citizens died that day. The culprit Red Dragon is still at large.”

One of the humans held up a PDD and read aloud. “Assembly resolution 59 of the fifth October 5019 - Given the de facto declaration of war on the Union by the pirate Red Dragon and his associates with their attack on Outpost 96, it was proposed to put to a vote by Union Citizens the following question: Given the use of Freespace as a safe haven for pirates which can use it to regroup after attacking locations and ships within Union Space, it is proposed to temporarily ignore the terms in the Free Space Treaty and remove that safe haven. Doing so will risk a war with the other signers of that treaty, a war that is judged to end with a likely Union win, but not without the cost of billions of lives and ships. Vote “Yes” for decisive military action including ignoring the Free Space Treaty or “No” for a tempered approach that will respect the terms of the Free Space Treaty while doing everything possible without violating existing treaties.

The proposal was defeated by a much narrower margin than expected with 48% of the Citizens voting for decisive military action, while 52% voted for a tempered approach.”

The other human put much accusations in his voice as he said.”What exactly was that tempered approach? I have been captured and sold as a slave. I was rescued by an incredible brave RaVE agent. RaVE does a tremendous job but should not even exist. We demand justice and revenge for those who have died. I did not sign that Freespace treaty but I was told in Union school that freedom and liberty are our highest values and that all the Union will defend the rights of everyone. This seems to be an inconvenient promise when it comes to galactic politics!”

That address caused a tremendous stir among all the representatives.

The representative of the Pertharians was the first to speak. “They are quite correct, I too want to know what tempered approach actually means. Does it mean we simply ignore the pleas of a few for the safety of many? Why are we not listening to the Immortal Warrior and send every ship and every fighting being into Freespace and eliminate everything and everyone standing against us?”

The Vantax representative was next and called up a recording of a mass execution. “Six hundred raiders captured alive by Union forces were executed. Several notorious pirates including Captain Swift were hanged just recently. That tempered approach is not an empty promise. We all voted to give NAVINT more authority to operate in regions where regular Navy can not. Due to very understandable classification restrictions, we are not told how Pirate Swift, Dentar Bloom, The Cruel One and several others met their fate, but we all know why all these pirates and slavers suddenly were taken out of the game. Sin 4 is no more.” He spread his long arms. “We also voted to ratify and respect the Freespace treaty. I know many think of us Vantax as cowards and pacifists, but we too are Union members and we will fight just as the Pertharians, maybe not as effective but just as dedicated. However, we decided to abandon presidents and leaders and vote on all issues. We are thus responsible for all our decisions.”

The Quadiped representative managed to be next. “We don’t have leaders, but just yesterday we voted overwhelmingly to hear the opinion of the Three Wise Ones. Why don’t we let them weigh in on this?”

“I was afraid of this,” Egill said as the visual pickups focused on them. Without the usual courtesy greetings, he went right at it. “You just mentioned that you don’t want leaders yet you decided you wanted to listen to three unimportant guys. There are much wiser and more knowledgeable, more intelligent beings available for that. Mothermachine, Her Majesty the Klack Queen, the Narth Supreme of course”

Egil was interrupted by the Narth. “One likes to point out that none of the entities you mentioned are members of the Assembly and that the Narth Supreme rejects all leadership roles.”

“Yet you find it okay that all of them think we should be?” Egil snapped back in front of the live pickup.

“One finds it perhaps illogical, but it is the will of the Assembly and in an extension of all Union citizens. That one is cast in such a prominent opinion making position is not a desirable position, but a position it appears to be.”

The Saresii nodded. “They made me the Saresii representative because of you, grumpy old Viking. I was perfectly happy as an observer. So what is your opinion on all of this?”

Egill snapped back. “No one forced you to become a friend of mine you know! Besides it is the other way around, they only include me because of you two.”

This banter was of course seen by billions and it had quickly become a Union-wide institution, citizens actually turned in on Channel One to see and hear that interaction between those three.

Egill faced the Assembly and thus the visual pickups. “If I don’t like the practice and behavior of a business, I simply don’t buy anything from them. We as the Union do business with Karthania. Maybe not buying Karthanian products will make them think twice, using Union slaves to make those products.”

It was the speaker of the Assembly who commented. “A boycott of Karthanian wares and stop doing business with them. Not a bad idea at all.”

The Assembly decided to ban all Karthanian imports and put a heavy fine on anyone ignoring it.

The Speaker thanked the Three Wisemen and announced the Admiral of the Fleet.

Admiral McElligott did not come alone, the being walking alongside the immortal admiral across the insubstantial force field bridge to the center of the sphere which was called the Focus, caused quite a stir of anticipation. The being was huge gray Nul.

After the usual words of welcome and greetings exchanged, the kilt-wearing admiral said. “With feelings of great honor and pride, I am introducing the All-Leader of the Nul society to the Assembly of the Union. His Excellency has expressed his wish to address all of you.” “Mighty Union, proud citizens. It is the second time I am standing before you. I come before you to officially request Union membership for all that is Nul. Please begin the PUMA process on our behalf.”

It was technically a routine request, made by delegations or leaders of non-Union societies before but this request coming from the Nul leader was indeed a historical moment. The Nul had been a hostile society until very recently and were considered a serious and potent adversary.

The Nul leaders request was met with an enthusiastic applause and the request to begin the Potential Union member approval process was voted on with a 98 to 2 vote.

The Nul leader thanked them and then held up a PDD.”I am making this request for my society; I myself am a Union citizen since this morning.”

--””--

When the Assembly returned ten days later and the official calendars displayed the year 5022, the Assembly anticipated the appearance of another immortal Admiral. The one called the Eternal Warrior, perhaps the most respected and beloved Union entity there was, Admiral Richard Stahl.

Stahl did not appear very often before the Assembly, but when he did almost everyone in the Union watched or listened in.

The Admiral delivered his annual Union military report and ended it with a request to send the First Fleet on a show of force to visit Xandrao to put the Togar, the Karthanians and the Dai on notice and remind them who’s tail they kept pulling.

The Pan Saran representative asked to speak and proposed to send not just the First Fleet, but all fleets assigned to COWACOM. To demonstrate the true power and might of the Union to Dai, Togar, Karthanians, Oghr and those who thought to be too distant for Union retaliation.

It was overwhelmingly approved. A Union armada of such enormous size was just one of those projects that put a smile of pride on Union citizen’s faces, this was how the Union dealt with problems and challenges after all.

The Nul observer, not a real representative yet got up and said. “The Nul All Leader who is following this Assembly session has just authorized me to commit the first and second Nul Armada to take part in this show of force. It is hoped it will show all the players in that region how deeply committed we Nul are to our Union allies and soon fellow Union members. On an unrelated note, I like to say that the PUMA process is advancing even better than anticipated.”

The Assembly authorized the official formation of a new Sector command, the DOWACOM (for Downward Command). The Union Armada was to establish a few armed outposts and relay stations to enable unrestricted GalNet and space bus traffic to Xandr and its twelve star systems, to engage any hostile or potential hostile contact and openly remind the Togr and Karthanian leaders how dangerous it was to deal with Union slaves.

Admiral Stahl left the Assembly with a deep grin on his face.

--””--

Togr
The messenger that ran in a very undignified way into the throne room of the Queen was no other than the War Minister herself. She ignored the surprised and disapproving hisses of the court members that were present. The Queen herself, who just received gifts of province leaders rose from her throne branch and hissed even louder. “Have you no respect for your sovereign? What is it that makes you disregard any courtesy and respect? Be quick with your explanation and it better be good!”

The War Minister wiped her snout and gathered her tail. “Your Highness, the Union fleet is coming this way.”

The Queen lost much of her haughtiness and kept standing. An entire fleet with all battle groups?”

“No your majesty, an armada of over 100,000 ships, alongside with thousands of Nul ships. The Devastator is leading it.”

“Malmoru help us. Alert all units, return to Togr.”

“A province leader said with unveiled criticism. “Maybe you should not have made the Lightspirit angry by trying to kill his daughter! We all know the reasons for those accusations and the mock trial.”

The queen motioned to the guards. “Arrest this traitorous person and prepare for her execution.”

“Maybe I die by your hand, maybe I am rescued but you will face Union executioners and you will hang. The Terrans will remember every human we ate. You really think you can stop the Eternal warrior?”

--””--

Karthania
The High guild master of the Hull Builders who served the guild chambers as chairperson was just discussing the recent troublesome developments on Itheamh; the festering little group of dissidents that never been more than a local nuisance suddenly grew into a planet-wide revolt. He agreed with the intelligence analysis of the local Drak secret police chief, it had to be the Togar who was behind it, how else could they defeat of Ognyx walkers and the shutdown of the sky punisher net be explained?

Aloud he said.”The cats of Togr are getting more aggressive every rotation, but the five regiments we ordered from King Fithark of the Orkh-Oghr will restore order, Togar influence or not. It would take Togar troop deployment and thus open war. Will they risk that?”

The engine builder master was not a friend of the Hull Builder and despised the Hull Builder Guild for keeping the lead chair occupied with their master, instead of rotating it as it used to be done. However, reverting to the old days would mean an active First Engineer and an end of the guild masters reign of power.

“Five regiments? King Fithark never sends a single brute without being paid first. Who paid all that Polonium?”

The small but influential Weapon Builder Guild was led by a shrewd Karthanian who was known to keep a tight lid on government expenses opened a field screen. He made an angry sound and said. “Did you authorize the payment of 12 million Fullweights to the Orkh-Oghr? Twelve million without consulting us all?”

“Oh, be silent, weapon maker. It had to be done, whatever the rebels got from the Togar defeated Ognyx walkers. We install an Oghr military tribunal as we did on Moghd. Besides King Fithark is your best customer, much of the Polo spend will end in your guild’s coffers.”

One of the guild master’s aides rushed to the engine maker’s side and spoke silently. The engine maker switched feeds on his terminal. Now more aides approached their respective masters and then someone turned on the big field screen above the guild chamber table.

A Karthanian intelligence officer reported with a breathless voice.”There is an immense Union fleet coming this way, over 100,000 ships along with at least two full strength Nul armadas. An Orkh-Oghr commandant did not reply to Union hails quick enough and spoke insulting to a forward Union destroyer. According to reports, all five Orkh transports have been destroyed. Instead of declaring war or retaliate, King Fithark was quick to issue an official apology. Some call him a coward, but most agree it was a very wise move.”

The engine builder hissed. “Do we have Union slaves at the moment? The Union embargo is cutting deep into our profits already.”

The Hull Builder sounded much less forceful and self-confident than usual. “Several thousand and it is no secret.”

“I always warned you all, using Union slaves.” The weapon builder accused them. “There is no one short of the Kermac able to engage such an enormous force. It looks like their Assembly finally listened to that mystical warrior of theirs and he comes to make us pay.”

“We must contact their Assembly and see if we can not make amends.” The Engine Builder said.

The Hull Builder fell silent and hoped the Union Armada would not sweep into Karthanian space and find his special secret, seven thriving planets of Freons, that survived the United Earth initiated genocide so long ago and waited for their chance of revenge. If the other Karthanians found out, his career, his guild, and his very life were over.

--””--

CAM ELF-NA
“How many did you say?” The self-elected leader of the Dai-Than asked the scout that had just returned to the massive Dai Mother of the Na tribe.

“I can not say for sure my liege, but I estimate over 100,000 capital ships and many more support ships. Among them thousands of Nul battleships and new Union Dai carriers, we heard rumors about.”

“They are Okthi Dai!” Cam Elf-Na screamed. “Okthi scum, not Union Dai.” Then he stopped and realized what he just heard. “Did you say 100,000 ships?”

“At least, my liege.”

“They are hunting for us, no doubt! Quick give signal to all units. We must hide in Karthanian space.”

USS DEVASTATOR
Captain Harris got up from his command seat as he saw the huge being standing on the bridge access lift platform.

It was certainly a historic moment, as the All Leader of the Nul stepped onto the bridge.

While the leader of a very powerful society was officially greeted and welcomed by admirals, high officers and of course by him, aboard the USS Devastator a day ago was of course the official historical moment with all the military traditions, but to him seeing the gray leader coming onto the bridge without a big entourage, just a Union lieutenant giving him a tour and being allowed to do so was the real significant event.

Harris came down the ramp and greeted the Nul leader.”Welcome to the bridge of the Devastator, Your Highness.”

“I am deeply impressed, Captain Harris. The ship is magnificent and mighty, but it is the discipline and the dedication of its crew that is the real power of this ship and the Union spatial fleet.”

“It seems we have more in common than things that set us apart, Your Highness.”

“Do not use this address, Captain Harris. On this ship you are the highest authority, call me Xux. We always believed this ship was commanded by the Immortal Warrior, yet I learned it has a long history of commanding officers.”

Harris smiled.”You are not so wrong, Xux. This ship is part of the Union fleet, it is commanded by me at the moment, but there is no doubt it is Stahl’s ship.”

“Where is he?”

“Admiral Stahl is currently aboard the USS Shadow Hawk, a destroyer sized ship that is part of the advanced spearhead.”

“His reputation is not based on myth and propaganda.”

“No Mr. Xux, he is always at the front and right where the action is. He has been like this since the beginning.”

“And it was the misfortune of the Oghr-Orks to cross the path of this particular destroyer. No wonder they were destroyed. I had a feeling that this was not just any destroyer.”

Harris sighed with a smile.”Indeed Your Highness, the Oghr, didn’t believe it was Admiral Stahl and insulted the Eternal Warrior and even fired upon the Shadow Hawk.”

It sounded like someone was gargling gravel, as the Gray Nul leader was laughing. “Not even during the height of our animosities could you have found a Nul brave enough to do so.

== Chapter 1: Star Demon ==

Har-Hi watched as the Karthanian transport climbed into the sky and disappeared moments later. Then he activated atmospheric flight modus on his battle suit and flew south. He checked on his tactical readout and saw five marines, Shea, Hans, Krabbel and TheOther doing the same thing.

He didn’t know exactly where to go, as the NAVINT officer who was posing as the First Magistrates pilot chauffeur had not yet transmitted any coordinates or directions.

Shea came on and said. “It is nice to be on a mission and not stuck in the ship all the time, but I wish we could have gone together.”

Har-Hi responded. “Don’t worry, the Captain can take care of herself. The Karthanian slave lords have no chance.”

He could hear breathing for a moment and then she said. “I know, I am still worried, Erica is changing and I don’t mean how she gets more comfortable being female.”

He said. “I just think she is growing up. We are all growing up. We were just kids when we met.”

But while he said that he knew what she meant. He had very briefly seen what was sleeping inside his best friend. There were no words he could describe it, but he who rarely feared anything still could feel the sheer terror he had felt as he noticed the black flames in the eyes of Erica.

The chirping sound of a Comm-request interrupted his thoughts. The Computronic of his suit identified it as a NAVINT short burst scramble. It was just a set of coordinates, not a voice transmission.

He blinked the received data onto a global map and microseconds later changed his course and increased his speed to ten times the speed of sound.

The coordinates were almost on the other side of the planet and belonged to a mountainous island that stuck out from the only open water body the planet had, an immense salt lake.

About hundred kilometers out they dropped to subsonic speeds, as their cloaking shield could not hide the streak of glowing air molecules their high-speed flight generated.

Shea, always the scientist cooed over the immense salt lake and said. “According to my readings, the lake water has a salinity level of over 48 percent, no wonder it is still liquid despite the freezing temperatures out here.”

One of the Marines reported almost simultaneously. “Sir, there are no life sign readings within 200 miles, except at the target zone.”

Har-Hi acknowledged both and told them to reduce their speed further and to approach with the greatest stealth possible. He sent two marines three miles up and right over the island, so they could give sniper cover.

The island was no bigger than maybe ten acres and had a collection of surface buildings. A single scaffold-like tower stood over a concrete rimmed hole. It was part of an elevator system or hoist mechanism. Har-Hi’s optic sensors had no problem zooming in on the black flyer limousine that parked next to the collection of buildings. There were dozens of well-concealed pillboxes all around the compound and each of them registered two life forms and a high energy signature, most likely a blaster weapon.

Whatever the Drak were hiding there, they did not want to share it with anyone else.

Har-Hi felt confident in the Atlas suit technology and the cloaking and flew closer. Shea was now floating right next to him. “Whatever it is they are hiding, I guess we have to go down there and check it out, my suit sensors are unable to pick anything, they must be quite deep under the surface.”

Har-Hi agreed and said. “Hans you and the Marines stay out here and form a perimeter guard. Shea, Krabbel, and TheOther go down and check what they are hiding. If you do not hear from us after two hours, you come after us.”

Har-Hi could almost hear the frown in the face of his friend as Hans responded. “Yes Sir, but you could simply send me down first.”

“Sorry Hans, I am sure I need Shea’s scientific expertise and I need you out here to make sure whatever they are brewing or launching is stopped, in case we don’t make it in time.”

Har-Hi then took the lead and dove head first into the concrete-lined shaft.

The concrete was replaced by natural rock as they descended. Har-Hi could see lights far down and his suit sensors told him that the shaft floor was almost 2456 meters below him.

Shea said. “That rock is heavily laced with magnetite and other minerals, no wonder our sensors are not really penetrating deeper.”

Har-Hi slowed down and signaled the others to do the same, then he asked. “Will it interfere with our communications?”

“No, it is simple three dimensional this side of normal space interference. I think we should still be able to reach Erica unless she is already past GalNet reach.”

Har-Hi kept his eyes on the elevator cage he could see sitting all the way on the bottom and said. “Let’s not worry the Captain. If we call she will be concerned and turn around.”

Shea agreed. “Yes, we should be able to solve a little mystery on our own.”

They reached the bottom of the shaft. There was no one, the elevator cage was empty and so was the cavernous hall that could be accessed from the elevator shaft. The light came from elements that had been attached to the reddish rock in regular intervals. The floor was smooth. A set of metal rails begun right by the elevator cage extended into the cavern and after about twenty meters it split into two and each track disappeared into a tunnel. Both tunnels looked identical.

Har-Hi grunted. “That is just great, it appeared they had some sort of tracked vehicle and went down one of those tunnels. Question is, which one?”

Krabbel said. “We are four, two of us for each tunnel and whoever finds something first, calls the others. Come on we are wearing Atlas Battlesuits and we are armed to the fangs, there is nothing the Karthanians or the Drak have that could seriously harm us, besides we have Hans and Marines for back up.”

Shea said. “You are a Dai Warrior, Union trained. I am not just a pretty door stopper in the science lab, I can hold my own. I even brought along my sword.”

Krabbel added. “Come on, Erica would already be done down here.”

Somehow it was that statement that made Har-Hi decide. “Alright you two go down the left tunnel and Shea and I take the right one. Remember if you come across old-fashioned atomic weapons, they can be very powerful, especially in a confined space like this. While our shields should be able to handle the heat and radiation for a while. We are far below the ground and if the bombs are big enough they can overwhelm even our shields. Krabbel held up an egg-shaped device. “We got plenty of EMP grenades.”

Har-Hi said. “As soon as you come across something you call us, you stay cloaked and let Shea have a look.”

They were eager and confident. Krabbel and the towering Y’All hovered away and disappeared into the left passageway.

There was nothing else for him to do but go lead Shea into the other. He had never been afraid of the unknown and his warrior nature wanted to charge ahead and find hundreds of opponents he could fight, but now he was a leader. His best friend and his Captain had put her confidence in him to solve the mystery and bring back everyone. Har-Hi was in charge before when they won the Reagan Trophy and he was the XO of the Tigershark. He knew every soul on board that ship would follow him without question and without hesitation. Yet even a relatively small, primitive Atomic warhead would be a serious challenge to the shields and the armor. He did not believe it was anything small since the Drak hoped to defeat the rebellion and the approaching Oghr warriors. The Drak were light-years behind Union technology and no old-fashioned atomic weapon could do much damage to modern equipped Oghr troops in the open. He was certain it was something more sinister.

His Suit systems told him where Shea was, but he could not see her not even with the advanced sensor optics of the suit he was wearing. She was right behind him.

They both hovered just a few inches off the ground and progressed down the featureless winding rock corridor at about the same speed as a running Attikan. He didn’t dare to fly faster, even invisible the suits displaced air and thus created sounds, besides flying much faster would mean to rely on the suits computronic for steering and he simply wanted to stay in full control.

He checked on Krabbel and TheOther, they both made similar uneventful progress but were now over 12 kilometers apart. He also got a clear connection to Hans who told him, that the actual compound the buildings, apart from the concealed pillboxes were completely empty.

Shea said. “We are now far below the salt lake and progressed 8.5 kilometers from the entrance area. Krabbel and TheOther are now progressing steadily into a northeastern direction while we more or less going south now and I think we are following a natural lava flow that has been smoothened into a passage. This would explain the winding nature.”

Har-Hi could not really explain his anticipation and nervousness as he checked his weapon systems for the tenth time and made sure his main TKU was fully charged and set to the highest discharge rate. He acknowledged the ever curious Shea with a short grunt.

She asked. “What is bothering you? Would you rather have Hans with you or maybe Erica?”

He slowed down a little and said. “No, Shea I really wanted you with me. If we come across something alien or ancient technology, you have a better chance to identify it than anyone. I just can’t shake this feeling that we going to face something very dangerous. I don’t think that First Magistrate is a fool, he knows what is coming and yet he is certain whatever is down here will vindicate them.”

She said. “I analyzed the conversation between the Magistrate and the Police Chief and you are right, they might have questionable morals and base their existence on ethics we do not like, but they are both not quite intelligent. I came to the conclusion that they have no control over whatever they will set in motion down here. I further analyzed any available data on that second planet, their planet of origin. I could not detect or verify any excessive radiation regions. A nuclear weapon exchange that turns a planet into an inhospitable wasteland must be quite substantial and such radiation should be measurable even now. I also reject the idea of a biological weapon, since the survivors came here and did not bring it along. It is almost impossible to maintain sterile conditions in a mass exodus as they described. I am confident to say with 89 percent probability that whatever weapons they used was not biological, at least not in the classical terms like bacteria or virus.”

Har-Hi never claimed to have the same analytical intellect as Shea, but he always had a good portion of common sense and without putting it in percentages or detailed conclusions, he had the same ideas ever since he watched the First Magistrate talking. To Shea he said. “All the more reason for us to find out what it is and keep our eyes wide open.

The tracks ended and the corridor widened into a big cavern. The walls were smooth as metal and had a dark gray color and completed a perfectly hemispherical room of fifty meters in diameter.

The floor was equally gray and smooth. In the center were four towering objects made of the same gray metal. Har-Hi estimated them to be at least twenty meters tall, sickle-shaped with the curved side tapering to needle-sharp ends and almost touching, forming something like a stylized cage.

He saw the Magistrate and the police chief standing right in the center of the room and right underneath those inward bend talon shaped columns.

There was no one else.

Both Drak had cast off their leather coats and wore dark red long robes with wide sleeves. Both aliens had their arms stretched out and just then a bright spot of light appeared floating between them.

Shea said. “I lost contact to the others!”

Har-Hi also noticed that the ComLink indicators in the upper right of his retina display had gone from green to red and no matter how much he looked at them, to tell the system to establish contact, they remained red and the Computronic said. “Current location blocks all TransDim communication. Contact request failed.”

At first, he thought only the four talon shaped like columns started to turn, but then he realized it was the entire floor that started to revolve around that center. As he looked around he could no longer see the entrance. It was simply gone and the wall was gray and smooth.

Shea whispered out of instinct and said. “The material of this chamber resists my scans, but from the reflection rate, I am certain it is a form of Neutronium.”

Har-Hi cursed silently knowing that nothing he had along would cut Neutronium.

Shea was still talking and said. “Whatever they do, it creates TransDim conditions far beyond my comprehension of...”

The white ball of light turned color and shimmered in a dark red. And it started to grow.

Har-Hi wanted to raise his weapon and shoot the Drak, maybe that would stop whatever they were summoning when his Suit system warned him. “Unable to maintain cloaking field.”

From the side, he saw Shea appearing and he knew he too was no longer invisible. He fired, but the TKU bolt was deflected sideways before it reached the men, the bolt hammered into the Neutronium wall of the cave and dissipated.

Har-Hi could no longer see the two Drak, and the red light completely filled the inside area of the four talon shaped columns and from within a form became solid. Something immense, surrounded by flames. Monstrous arms with burning reddish black skin appeared, with razor sharp looking yellowish claws. Har-Hi wanted to step back, but he stood his ground. More arms appeared, the Dai counted six and then he saw the Drak, held like playthings in two of this gnarled oversized blistering fists, they were no longer alive, squeezed like a sponge, blood dripping from between the monster’s fingers. Har-Ho was almost feeling the heat coming from the beast and now it came into full view.

Never had he seen anything like it and his mind reeled trying to find images, words to describe to himself what he saw. He noticed Shea, just as brave was holding out her scanner.”

Har-Hi fired at the thing’s head, that shifted and moved inside a ball of fire. The monster roared as its head was split by the powerful blast, but right after the bolt had passed through the head formed anew and was unhurt as before. The Monster was fast and grabbed Har-Hi. His suit instantly establishing a force field, the hand of the monster singed away and the being screamed, but just like with his head, the injured hand re-appeared and this time it took Shea. She too was shielded but to Har-Hi’s horror her energy shield collapsed and he fired as demon-like monster snatched her up! Har-Hi threw an anti-matter grenade pellet. It detonated with force, his suit had to compensate so he would not be thrown into the wall. The Demon had lost an arm but it too regrew!

Before Har-Hi could even come up with a plan how to defeat that thing. It stepped through the wall, with Shea and then it was gone!

Har-Hi jumped with is augmented muscle and collided with a solid wall. With a glimmer of hope, he noticed that the also neutronium coated claws of his suit left deep scratches in the wall.

He clawed like a maniac and actually made progress, and was able to tear of a sizeable piece, only to be faced with solid rock. His suit sensors capable of penetrating the rock told him that there was solid rock as far as he could scan!

Just outside his field of view, he noticed white light and he turned. There in the center of the room another field of light appeared, this time it was white and a humanoid shape appeared. The light faded and a muscular human man stood in its place. He wore some kind of metallic armor, quite similar to an ancient knight. Over his armor, he wore a white overcoat girded at the hips. A wide billowing cape also of a bright white material around his shoulders. His head covered by a close-fitting chrome silvery helmet that had only a T shaped slit to see. The being also held a long sword-like weapon and the blade itself appeared as if it was made of brilliant white light.

The being slowly looked around and then spoke with a thunderous voice, “Speak, mortal why have thou wakened the Star demon?”

Har-Hi decided not to pretend and he said. “I am Lt Hi, United Stars of the Galaxies. I have come here trying to prevent the Drak from releasing whatever that was. It has snatched a comrade of mine and disappeared.”

The armored being stepped closer, “I am Lord Lumis, I have come to slay the Dark One. To send this vilest scion of death and darkness into oblivion so light and life may reign supreme. This is one of the gateways placed where the veil that separates many planes of existence is weakest.” He looked around and nodded. “A Pree construct, I see. Those meddling mortals have been dealt with and yet their cursed handiwork still exists.”

Har-Hi said. “Whoever you are you seem to know how this works. Can you open the passageway so I can go after my comrade, I fear the worst!”

“Indeed you must fear. What mortal could stand against the child of a living star? The White Knights have guarded this beast for eons. It does not belong to this Universe. The Star demon could have gone to a thousand places, for this is a nexus.”

“Just open the door and let me out. I am sure the thing is tearing Itheamh apart as we speak.”

“I know no such place, but then I have traveled this Universe for a long time and there are so many places. This place however I know. You are at the Nexus.”

A passageway opened and instead of looking into a tunnel, Har Hi stared onto a crater-riddled surface and a star gleaming sky. Har-Hi said. “Where are we?”

“You are at the Nexus, Dai-Than. I know of the World Thana-Shoo where your kind dwells. It is in a nearby Galaxy if I recall correctly.”

Chapter 2: Nexus
Shea tried to catch her breath, her suit was in restore and repair mode and the system assured her that it would be fully functional in less than an hour. Krabbel was not so lucky and her Archa friend was missing a leg. Hans and the Y’All and the marines were unharmed, except for a few bruises.

The island was destroyed, and the shaft leading into the deep had collapsed.

Hans was sitting by Krabbel who assured her that the Auto-Doc of his suit kept him pain-free and that losing a leg was not the same to an Archa as it was for a human.

Hans raised the shield of his helmet and said. “Can someone tell me again what actually happened?”

Shea collapsed her helmet and wiped her tears. “We lost Har-Hi, I saw him fight the Energy beast before it snatched me and raced through the corridor. It emitted so much gravitation and so much heat, it collapsed the caves and passages below. At last, you heard my warning and made it out in time.”

Krabbel gestured to the spot where his leg was missing. “Just barely.”

Shea looked at him. “Cateria is on her way she will grow you a new one in no time.”

Shea sniffed and said. “Energy weapons were the wrong approach, of course, to fight a being that was very like our own Ensign Three-Four and he came as fast as he could and drained much of the beast’s energy, our EMP grenades then killed it. Just as a strong EMP pulse would kill a Non-Corp.”

Hans nodded. “Yes that part I understand, we know how to kill energy beings, but what was it? And where did it come from?”

Shea pulled her PDD, it was a tough combat version and despite its partially melted housing it still worked fine. She projected an image of the cavern so they all could see it. “There was something like a trans-dimensional gateway down there. I am certain it was from an ancient high tech civilization and the Drak stumbled on it while mining Magnetite crystal. I do not know how they learned how to use or activate it, but they summoned that energy being. It would have been devastating and quite capable of destroying every living thing on this world, including us. It was even feeding of my TransDim shields so I turned them off. Luckily my suit was tough enough to handle the fiery grip. I still almost cooked me alive.”

Hans also wiped a tear from his eyes. “Maybe Har-Hi is still alive.”

She looked up. “I wish he was, but how could he be? Buried underneath millions of tons of rock? Not even his suit could handle that much pressure.”

They saw the Landing tank approaching and land nearby. Hans got up and said. “We going to dig him out. No matter how long it takes. He is a Dai and deserves to have his final resting place in space, not dirtside.”

Har-Hi had stepped outside and fired a survey satellite into orbit. Moments later he knew he was on a lifeless dry world with a thin atmosphere, that circled alone around an immensely bloated and weak red sun. TransDim worked fine now but he got no connection, no receiver and no relay station in range.

He went back inside and the strange armored knight was still there. He said. “if you know how this thing works can you not send me back to where I came from?”

The being said. “Everyone can use the Nexus, all you need is to speak to it in the language of the Pree, but wherever you came from is destroyed. The Star Demon has no sense other than to destroy. It is an old being and very angry at everything alive.”

Har-Hi said with an angry tone. “If that thing harmed my friends, I will find a way to kill it!”

“You are Dai-Than. It is the purpose of the Dai-Than to be the warriors and protectors of Tana-Shoo. It is how you have been made by the lost sons of the Saresii and the Seenians. But mortal you are and to stand against a being that calls a star its home, is beyond you.”

Har-Hi held out his finger and said. “Do not speak of that. It is forbidden! Thana Shoo is lost and my kind roams the heavens. The faded legends of the time before Thana Shoo was destroyed are forbidden. No one shall speak of them.”

Har-Hi went back to the sickle-shaped columns. “Tell me Lord Lumis, how does this work. I must go back!”

The White dressed being said. “I told you how it works and I already gave you the gift to speak the old Pree language, but the Star Demon has drained its energy. It will take two revolutions of this planet around the old sun Rohardoor before it gathered enough energy to allow another passage. These constructs are old and the sun from which it takes its energy is old and tired.

Har-Hi fed the information into his computronic and co-related it with the astronomical data his satellite gathered. “You are telling me I have to wait 903 days before this thing can send me back?”

“Your computation is quite correct, Dai, but you are small and it might gather enough energy before that to open a passage.”

Har-Hi wanted to scream and at the same time, he was near tears as he heard that. He could go into stasis sleep and bridge the time without suffering the passage of time, but by then his friends would be surely dead and he would return to late even for their memorial. Erica would have completed her mission and be gone for many light years with a new XO, blaming him for not protecting Shea.

He touched his chest, underneath his armor he wore his Clan glyph. Without him, Erica could not go to Tana Shoo and warn the Pale Ones of the cursed Cam Elf-Na.

In all his frustration he suddenly smiled and aloud he said. “No, Erica will find a way to defeat that Star Demon, oh yes! She promised him she would go to Tana Shoo and even if the Universe was against it, Erica would go. He just regretted that he could not be there when Erica killed that traitor.

As he thought about his best friend new hope filled his mind. “Erica will turn every rock to find evidence of demise and then without fail search for him. Oh no, he was far from a hopeless state. He had the best friends in the Universe.

He was not just Dai-Than, he was also a Union Officer and he would not give up. Maybe he could figure out how this thing consumed energy. He did have twelve TKU energy packs and the finest Zero Energy generator in this marvelous Atlas suit, not to mention antimatter rockets and a genuine Translocator micro load cannon. His suit would provide him with food and water for quite a while and take care of everything else as well. And there was this white dressed Alien. He needed to find out more about that being.

He said to his Computronic. “Suit, retask satellite for high-resolution detail mapping of this planet. Launch second satellite drone. Detail star mapping mode, co-relate data to all known pulsar signatures.”

The armored being watched him and said. “What is this? A Dai-Than warrior engaging in such strange tasks fit for Fair-spirits and thinkers?”

“I am first and foremost a Union Officer, White one. I must gather data on which I will base my next course of action. From the looks of it, I am very far from Union space and perhaps the first being out so far. The scientific data I can gather will further our understanding of it all.”

Silently he was doing it in Shea’s spirit and hoped against all hope she found a way to escape.

The being said. “Tell me of Thana Shoo. I have not been to that realm since the cursed Hordes of the Dark Ones tore through that spiral galaxy to search for the twelve tokens. I have fought many of their horrors and chased after them and tell me of that Union you speak of.”

Har-Hi openly scanned the being and said. “Why don’t you start and tell me who you are and how you ended up here?”

The strange being put his left hand on his chest and said: “I am Lord Lumis, protector of Light and Life. I was once a humanoid like you. My race was among the very first in this Universe that reached the stars. Have you ever heard of the Narth?”

Har-Hi said. “Yes I have, one of my best friends is Narth.”

This obviously surprised the being and he said stepping back. “You speak the truth. I was ready to dismiss such impossible boast and yet you speak the truth. Narth are quite introvert and have to my knowledge never sought out contact, ever since they merged with the Arth.”

The man in the gleaming armor finally put his sword away and then said. “My civilization was among the very first life forms in this universe that gained consciousness and built a star-spanning civilization. Even before the Nnnth left their original world. The Nnnth you must know were a species of very intelligent, very Psionic talented beings that did not explore space in ships but rather by thought constructs and they sought to find a way to transdescent time and space of this universe. Finally, they succeeded and met with an entity of a different reality and Universe. An entity of pure intellect if you will and they merged, entered a symbiosis and the result was the Narth.”

Har-Hi had forgotten to check on his satellite. The man before him knew the Origin of the Narth.

The being’s armor was made of a gleaming metal armor with many ornamental details, and it was fitted to his body like a second skin and reminded Har-Hi of Cirruit’s flexible chrome metal skin. The being who called itself Lord Lumis continued. “My species, we once called ourselves the Zophim.”

Har-Hi was certain this place, the Zophim called the Nexus was still in the local group, and if the Pulsar information was correct, which of course it should be. He was somewhere in the Sculptor galaxy and about 12 million light-years from Pluribus.

The planet he was on, had a breathable atmosphere and judging by the satellite images, once was the home of a civilization.

Not much had remained, other than almost completely obliterated ruins. It also appeared that the world was without life.

The temperature near the equator, where he was, hovered just above 5 degrees on the C scale.

What the white stranger called the Nexus was inside a monolithic temple structure, built at the side of a smooth looking mountain, and so far appeared to have only one room, the hall with the gate device, that looked identical to the one they had found on Itheamh.

The apparently human or at least humanoid stranger who called himself a Knight of Light had watched him do his assessment of the situation and again the man expressed his surprise seeing a Dai doing such things.

“The Dai-Than have changed so it seems and reached an impressive level of technology, but it might be the influence of the Narth. A fact that also still amazes me to a great extent.”

Har-Hi turned. “I am Dai by birth and nature, but I am also a Union Citizen and an officer of its spatial navy. We are a community of many species, races, societies, and cultures of which the Narth are one. Now can you show me how to operate this gate? There must be a way to energize it faster.”

“Do you know where you want to go?”

“I told you, I want to go back from where I came. If that is not possible, I identified the galaxy I need to go, and if I make it there, I find a way to get into GalNet range and call for help.”

“I use these gates, I do not know their intricate workings, but it appears a transmission will soon be possible. It is I who will pass through first. The importance of my task is infinitely greater than those of a mortal Dai with no other desire to return to a place that has been obliterated.”

Har-Hi squinted his eyes. “Did you just suggest that I remain here while you use this Nexus? Aren’t you some sort of entity?

“I am the servant of a god. My tasks are beyond your understanding. Now tell me everything about the Dai-Than. Who survived the onslaught of the hordes sent by the Uni? Most of all you say you know the Narth. I must know where they are. The Uni failed to find them.”

Har-Hi was not certain how to take this. At first, the being seemed benevolent, but he became increasingly arrogant and demanding. He decided to go by the book. “I am Lieutenant Har-Hi of the United Stars of the Galaxy. We are a Multicultural society and our intentions are peaceful. I am representing a Union of almost 5000 distinct individual societies and species and we seek friendly, peaceful and open contact with other life forms. Let me assure you our intentions are peaceful. We are explorers, traveler seekers of knowledge first and foremost. I invite you to continue communication with us so we may share knowledge and learn from each other. Please also be advised that I am not prepared to share information with you that could harm or have negative consequences for any or all members of the Union. Please share your origin and intention so we can establish a base of understanding.”

“Such a society does not exist. No society would allow Dai to be part unless Dai either rule them or are their servants. The Narth are never part of anything. I grant that you may know the Narth, even had contact with them but I simply reject your notion that you are friends with Narth. You spoke of one Narth. Narth are not individuals but then you have a limited mind as all primitive life forms have.

There is nothing to share. I felt pity for you and granted your suits data device the knowledge of the Pree language so you might escape this lifeless place, but that is the extent. Now provide me with every information I ask of you. Be quick and recognize your place as a servant to the light and thus to me.”

“I serve the Union, our fleet and my captain and nothing and no one else. I do not need your pity, for all I know it was you who released that thing. Since you seem to know about Dai, you must know how dangerous it can be to anger one.”

The knight drew his sword and pointed it at Har-Hi.”How dare you. Not all Dai together could stand against me.”

Har-Hi raised his arm and the barrel of the rocket launcher started to rotate. “You stand against me, Zophim. I am not defenseless. We can still find common ground and defuse an escalation to violence, this I say as a Union officer. Continue on this path and my next answers will be that of a Dai indeed!”

The knight laughed arrogantly, primitive weapons against the herald of Lord Lumis?”

“Did you not just claim to be Lord Lumis himself?”

“I am his surrogate and travel the universe in his name.”

A blinding beam of light hit Har-Hi without warning. Yet the marvelous Atlas suit, the pinnacle of Union tech established shield at the same instant. Still, the force of the blast threw him off his feet and the intensity of the blast had vaporized rock all around him and liquefied a sizeable section of the floor.

“What manner of technology is this?” The Knight loudly marveled.

A burst of Anti Matter missiles was Har-Hi’s answer as he struggled to his feet, his shields holding but being strained.

The first burst of missiles simply vanished in an almost invisible energy barrier of sorts that engulfed the Knight. “See how impotent your children’s toys are against one that stands against deities.”

But the suits combat and threat evaluation routine switched the missile payload to Transdim shield breaking and the second swarm of missiles hammered into the floor before the knight. This time they detonated with elemental force.

Har-Hi was thrown all the way out of the cave entrance, his shields now at their limits, showered with debris and the scorching temperatures of a nuclear fire. In the swirling inferno he created he saw the outlines of the knight getting on his feet. The self-proclaimed god slayer, struggled and then stomped through the dissipating cloud of energy and fire and roared in anger. “You insolent creature! No mere mortal has ever managed to make me fall. Crea and Lord Lumis bestowed powers and might upon me beyond the tools of primitives.”

In all this and quite out of character for a Dai, Har-Hi snickered. “Surprise, surprise! Here is another one!”

This time he used his translocator cannon. It fired the smallest translocator loads developed. He could not get a lock inside the target. Whatever shields the Knight used were impenetrable even for the transdimensional displaced bombs. He fired one directly above the knight into the ceiling of the cave entrance and aimed the second one directly at the left palm of the knight. It was where the first blast had originated and he suspected the second one to be imminent.

The effect was tremendous. The knight was rained on by tons of debris and a sun bright sphere of energy forced his suit to set his face shield completely opaque.

The Suit AI warned him that the shields were gone and the emitter heads burnt out, beyond the ability of the suit Nanite repair capabilities on the fly. A combat retreat and a Suit blacksmith was recommended.

He swiped the face plate control to manual and turned off the visual filter.

His enigmatic opponent was still there, but his forcefield flickered and he was missing his left arm. The light knight howled in anger and perhaps pain and approached Har-Hi with his sword raised to decapitate the Dai. “Foulest creature, what have you done?”

“If one Dai gives you so much trouble, I doubt you last seconds against two, let alone all of us!”

Har-HI evaded the blade, but it still gauged a deep cut into his chest armor. The Knight was fast, but so was he. With his augmented muscles he jumped and performed a spin kick against the head of the raging alien.

Whatever forcefield he had, destroyed much of the outer boot armor, but collapsed and Har-Hi’s foot hammered with such force against the man’s helmet, it threw the big man to the side and to the ground. “Yield, knight of light or I finish you off right here and now.” He blinked the translocator active again and wanted to place a load right inside the beings helmet. This close and without shields it was most likely suicide.

An invisible force got hold of his arm, the being appeared to be telekinetic gifted.

The knight came to his feet and attacked again. No chance for the Translocator load, this close.

“Such technology is not of Dai, did the Dark Hordes remain and make you slaves? Is that what this Union you speak of is?”

Har-Hi was held by these invisible forces. His suit system established a new symbol and reflected it in his retina. “System detects a psionic attack, experimental, untested Leedei defense protocol activated. Use of offensive Psionic weaponry not advised.”

He blinked at the symbol marked ‘Mind Spear’. He knew the knights’ shield had to be transparent for psionics somewhere. While the only effect he noticed was the symbol going from red to green, the effect on his opponent was obvious. The knight screamed in pain and the invisible pressure holding him was gone.

He needed to get some distance between him and that man. The further the better, so he could use the rest of the translocator bombs, he still had nine left. The new symbol became red again and the suit told him. “Target established effective shielding, preventing the use of offensive Psionics.”

That also meant his enemy could not use his telekinetic powers. Har-Hi jumped and putting maximum energy into the synthetic muscles of his suit. While the battered suit reacted just like a factory new one, he was caught by another energy beam in mid-air and slammed into the side of a big boulder. His suit was partially melted and, the system warned him of imminent system failure. Unable to move, fused by melted material from the legs down. The suits system rerouted all nanite resources to the fused joints. His right arm still in suit armor, but without the artificial muscles, too heavy to really move.

He was trapped, the air was scorching hot and blistered his exposed skin and his opponent came with his sword raised. His voice booming triumphant. “You fought well, for the insignificant insect you are. I shall find my answers elsewhere and you will join the bones and ashes of those who once inhabited this world.”

Yet seemingly completely destroyed the suit still displayed retina symbols. Har-Hi blinked at the last active weapon symbol. The long blade of compacted Ultronit slid out from its underarm compartment and with all his strength he swung and cut of the sword holding hand of his opponent. He knew whatever force field surrounded the man, it could not cover the sword.

The vibrating mono molecule blade of neutronium coated Ultronit sliced through the wrist of the alien’s right arm and severed the sword holding hand right off. The self-proclaimed god screamed like raving lunatic in rage and pain.

Har-Hi blinked at the emergency release and directed nano charges along the seams split open what was left of the armor. Ignoring pain and heat and with all his lightning-fast reflexes he grabbed the fallen sword and plunged it past force field or whatever other barriers there were right into the T shaped opening of the still stunned and just recovering knight.

The glowing blade perforated the helmets back, and his mighty and powerful enemy fell like a cut tree.

== Chapter 3: Smelter Moons ==

“Well, we are well past GalNet range.” Cirruit said sitting behind his console. He had insisted to come along, as this was a real Karthanian freighter and not my own marvelous ship disguised as one.

I had contemplated taking the Tigershark, as the Janus mask could have been easily adjusted, but I wanted Har-Hi to have all its resources available, as I was convinced he had to face more than just old-fashioned atomic bombs.

“Might be as well, Mr.Cirruit. It will prevent me to call back every five minutes and give Har-Hi the impression I am second guessing everything.”

Narth quite fascinated with his first real disguise said. “I am certain this is what he feels you are doing, regardless of you being able to call.”

“This is a strange thing to say, Mr.Narth, I have full confidence in him and every one of my crew. He is not just my friend, but my XO. I am certain he will do just fine.”

“I share your confidence in him, but I also know him. He looks up to you and will question his decisions, hoping the results will please you. It appears this is the case with almost every one of your crew.”

I silently sighed and hoped Har-Hi would not be hampered by that. “Almost?”

“I am not prying into the minds of Union citizens, I am making this observation based on comments and my familiarity with a person. I am not familiar enough with many of our crew to make this judgment on everyone.”

“I see, Mr. Narth.” Then I leaned forward in my command seat. “How long till we reach that first smelter moon?”

Mao in his Oghr disguise checked his readouts and said.”Twenty-two hours, Captain.”

“I was under the impression those moons were close.”

Cirruit responded. “They are for the Tigershark, even for the Silver Streak, but this bucket does not have ISAH pods and in Union terms, we are crawling.”

Sobody, who had been to the Smelter Moons before was also part of my team said. “What are we doing when we reach it?”

“Destroy any means of long-range communication, free the slaves and go back.”

The truth was, I did not have a detailed plan. I knew too little about the actual conditions on these Smelter Moons, despite the detailed descriptions of those who had been there before. None of the reports and descriptions were recent and conditions could have changed, but I had a shipload of former slaves, Ithe rebels and ten of my marines. Not to mention Narth, Mao, Xon, Roghor, and Sobody.

The last twenty-one hours had passed without any incident. We were now in Karthanian space and had noticed a few sensor contacts, but none changed course, hailed us or paid any interest in us.

Mel, the human boy and both his Dai friends came on the bridge.

Mel stared at the viewer, the star Liprois now prominent and at its center. It was a Karthanian system and contained three of the Smelter Moons, one of which was called Olx and our intended destination.

He had the youthful features of a human male who seemed to be not even twenty years of age, yet there was also the uncanny appearance of an old man in his facial features. His eyes had the haunting expression of someone who had seen the worst. Having heard his story, I was convinced he did.

“We are almost there are we not?” He asked.

“Yes, less than 50 minutes and we will reach Olx.”

Grtonner, the Karthanian now also appeared. He had dressed into a pink and red uniform like outfit, with finger thick swirling seams all around his upper torso. Before I could ask, he said. “This is a guild member costume, most of the guards are Oghr and to them, we look alike. None of them will dare ask me for credentials. I had planned to do something even before you arrived and help my friends to escape the smelter moon.”

The entire region of space was in a state of panic. The Togar mobilized every resource and ship.

All nine shattered kingdoms, even the Orkh-Oghr who usually considered themselves the strongest species, tried to remember if there was anything they did in the recent past making them the target of this unprecedented display of military might.

The Oghr troops that weren’t lost were recalled and Karthania received an apology from the Oghr king that there was no military unit to be spared at the moment.

Admiral Stahl’s suggestion to show a “little” strength in that previously neglected region of space was overwhelmingly approved by the Assembly and by Assembly decision received additional assets and directives.

What was originally planned to be a joint military exercise with the Nul, was now a full-blown military expedition. The Assembly expressly authorized the Fleet to engage Dai, Shiss raiders, known slavers, pirates and independent planets that were known to be hideouts or safe harbors for criminals.

Union media called it the Day of Reckoning, as this region was technically an extension of Freespace, but not part of the official treaty. Both Karthania and Togr were well known to trade Human slaves.

The Togar queen, the Karthanians and the Kermac had sent envoys to the Assembly after reports of the tremendous armada traveling in their general direction spread like wildfire across the region.

The senior envoy of the Togar was first and called before, the Assembly. While she was the sister of the Queen and used to vast power, she felt insignificant and small as she stood at the so-called Focus center of the Assembly sphere.

All reports she had heard and seen about the Union paled in comparison of the real thing.

Nothing in all her life had prepared her for the splendor of Pluribus Unum or the immense battleships that escorted the Togar ship.

And now she stood at that center inside the Assembly sphere and it was the most frightful experience in all her life. The inside walls of this immense sphere were lined with many thousands upon thousands of alcoves and each contained the representative of a Union member’s society.

As she looked around, she corrected herself. Not thousands, but tens of thousands. This immense hall; its apex twelve thousand meters above and it’s nadir at the same distance below her, was èerily quiet. The air was cool and free, of any scent.

The atmosphere of it all was almost religious and one could almost physically feel the true power of the Union, especially standing here on an almost invisible, shimmering energy platform, at its very center. This spot so she had learned only moments ago was called the Focus. And the focus she was, of trillions of eyes staring at her, from the alcoves as well as of the many Union citizens that had turned in on GalNet.

A laughable, weak Holdian, a member of a species she considered nothing more than a source of tasteful snacks, stood on a force field platform hovering not far from her. The Holdian wore a robe like garment and this rodent vermin was obviously neither impressed nor afraid of her.

She raised her voice.” I am Kulai, sister of the Queen of Togr. I demanded to see a diplomatic representative of the Union. I did not expect to come before this collection of ... beings. I also care not to be in the presence of a minuscule rodent. Have you not a more impressive species?”

The Holdian, for some reason, was able to look at her in the most arrogant fashion, despite his small stature and alien face.

“You are seeing the diplomatic representation of the United Stars of the Galaxies, Togar. The Union has done away with special diplomats and ambassadors. Every Union citizen is an ambassador and every Union citizen has a right to decide what contracts, treaties, and decisions are made on behalf of the Union.

Your government sent you with a request or a message. Now deliver it. You are an envoy, disrespect me again and I shall see if there is human or Holdian DNA in your digestive tract and we simply hang you for murder.”

The Holdian hovered a little closer. “I may be a minuscule rodent by nature, but I am the duly elected Speaker of the Assembly and by this grace and calling, my little voice resonates the will and resolve of the Union.

You are not Union and thus I will overlook your first insult. Stature and size mean little in our beloved Union. Be it Camogi or Bandrupo, we are all Union Citizen and that means everything to us.” He mimicked the gesture of her. “Now state your business.”

She straightened her stance and said. “It has come to our attention that there is an armada of Union and Nul origin moving into space that is not Union and will be within range of the Togr realm in only weeks at the current speed. We demand to know your intentions. Is this a prelude to war?”

An alcove was painted with a spotlight and a white Nogoll was getting up. His voice was not amplified yet she was sure everyone could hear it. “I am the chairman of the Security Council to the Assembly and I will answer your question.”

Of all beings, she thought it was an insult well planned to have her addressed by a Nogoll. Togar disliked most other beings, but the Nogoll especially. These beings only redemption was their excellent taste.

The Nogoll spoke. “The constant threat of war between the Union and the Nul has ended and our joint governments decided to demonstrate our cooperation to all societies that our focus and energies are no longer directed against each other. Our Union has never started a war, but you may take the following resolution to your Queen. This Assembly is tired of hearing the laments of family members who lost loved ones to slavers and knowing they ended up on Togar markets to be purchased and devoured. Should our fleet come across a vessel of any nation or society that carries Union citizens against their will, it will be considered an act of war and the commanding officer of that Armada has the full authority to retaliate with all force. These are the instructions this Assembly gave to our Spatial Navy ratified by a Union-wide vote.”

The Togar envoy, of course, knew there were many Togar ships in space and some had humans destined for Togr aboard. She also had no illusions what such a declaration would mean.”

“This is not space claimed by the Union or anyone and whatever business our vessel have or whatever freight they carry is not of Union concern. There are other societies that feel equally strong about this situation.”

The light singled out another alcove. The Togar gasped as she noticed a Xandrao.

The bovine shaped representative had a clearly amused tone in his deep voice. “The Togar openly hinted of war against the Xandrao for many decades. The Togar never talked or cared about others and now you invoke notions of common interests with others? The envoys of Karthania are right behind you and so is the delegation of the Kermac. Let us hear from them if they indeed declare to be allies of Togr and deny us the right to do whatever we want in unclaimed space, including protecting the fundamental rights and safety of our citizens, which includes Xandrao.”

The Kermac envoy stepped forward. “The Circle of Wizards and the Grand Wizard of Kermac and in extension the Galactic Council is satisfied with the explanation for the Union maneuvers. We disagree on much, but slavery and related practices are not among the subjects we oppose with the Union.”

The Karthanian also spoke. “There are no Karthanian ships or interests past our sphere. We do not welcome Union ships within our borders, but what they do beyond is not of Karthanian concern.”

The Togar envoy bowed slightly. “I shall take this to the Queen and extend my thanks to the Assembly and the Union for receiving us.”

The Nogoll was not finished and addressed the Karthanian.”No Karthanian product will be allowed to cross into Union space. No Karthanian trader or any other associates of yours will be allowed to do business within Union space. Union Banks will cease to accept Katris and freeze all credit assets held by Karthanians. You make products using Union citizens as slaves until we have clear and convincing evidence that this is no longer the case, these sanctions will remain in place.”

The Karthanian was unprepared for this. “This is unprecedented; we always were allowed to do business with you.”

“Are you denying that Union citizens are bought and put to slave labor by your society?”

“I am not aware of this practice. An investigation will be conducted if your accusations are true.”

A thin female got up. “Then it will come to no surprise to you that we also will conduct an investigation and if this Assembly receives any confirmed report of any Union slaves within Karthanian space, I assure you our battleships will care not if they are welcome or not.”

OLX
“I thought the Trash Island on Sin 4 was hell,” I said while looking over the truly depressing landscape that presented itself on our viewer as we descended towards the landing field. “But this place takes the cake.”

Our hail had been answered by an automated system that gave us landing permission. No one actually bothered to contact us.

The surface, as far I could see was covered by industrial buildings. Not shiny, new or clean but dark, covered with mud and grime, belching out of a forest of smokestacks.

There was nothing alive out there, the only bright colors were projected by the many fires and smelter pits.

This place was indeed a moon and it was in orbit around a similar dirty looking rock planet. The fourth one counting from the local sun.

Mel sighed.”I never thought I would see this again.”

Mar-To the older of the two Dai said. “Welcome to Olx.”

Moments later we touched down and I saw a group of Oghr approaching from a nearby building. They all carried prods and whips. Two of them guided a hover platform between them, loaded with arrestor cables and neck rings.

Another being emerged from that building and it was riding some sort of small personal flyer. The being was a Karthanian and dressed just like Grtonner.

Along with Grtonner and the others, we went down into the Cargo hold. There was no stench this time and the cages were not locked and filled with former slaves and Ithe.

The boarding ramp lowered with a high pitched whine.

It hadn’t even opened all the way as the local Karthanian swooped in and landed his little bike sized craft more or less right before me. “Get your cargo out on the double, there is lots of work and this is most likely the last batch we get from Itheamh.”

I asked. “How come? We are loaded to the brim, but there are ten thousands more to be transferred.”

“You stupid Thauran wench, you and your crew will be lynched if you go back. The Drak are no longer in control and there won’t be any Oghr armies to restore order.”

“What splendid news indeed. I guess my friends worked even faster than I could have hoped for.”

The Karthanian was too alien for me to really judge his reaction, but I doubted he felt very good as he saw the cages opening and instead of naked slaves, a stream of beings armed to the teeth.

It took less than five minutes, the local Karthanian and his Oghr overseers were now inside the cages, still not locked, because none of them would ever move on its own again.

I wanted to do it subtle and with as much stealth as possible, but unlike my friends the fighters I had brought along did not listen to my commands, were unstoppable and swarmed like a host of demons out the ship and inside the building.

I cursed myself for not anticipating that. I was used to Union soldiers and the fleet. They might have accepted my command authority back on Itheamh especially with Ninety there, but despite my yelling and warning, they had simply ignored me, screaming with unbridled anger and emotions.

I realized I was not as experienced as I wanted to believe I was.

Narth popped out of thin air right next to me, still holding what was technically my TKU. It’s discharging ring glowing bright red.

“One hopes you have another energy pack. I depleted this one.”

I handed him one of my spares and asked. “Your psionics don’t work here?”

“I just located you and teleported right next to you, giving evidence that the crude Psionic dampening they do use here is not effective at all. Thus this evidence should answer your question.”

“First the bunch of ex-slaves ignores me and then my best friend decides to point out my stupid question. I doubt no one ever pointed that out to Stahl.”

“I depleted the weapon’s energy to melt the local communication facilities and decided to use it to discourage the local operators from preventing me doing this. I never used a TKU outside of mandatory training or at power setting twelve.”

I rushed inside the building complex, with Narth still next to me. Since Narth had my blaster, I carried a Karthanian line bolter, which was more or less a copy of the Kermac main sidearm. It was nowhere near Union TKUs but so far there was nothing to shoot. There were mangled and torn bodies of overseers everywhere.

I said to Narth. “You do know this is one of the old style TKUs, right and level 12 is enough to fell attacking Y’All under shields.”

“I am aware of this now and one is revising his opinion about weapons, they are useful indeed.”

The building was clearly some sort of slave training and induction facility, with rows of concrete benches, attached shackles and a huge view screen. The screen was smashed, and so was everything breakable in sight. The rear of the hall featured four open cage style elevators. All four shafts were leading down.

Just as we reached the shafts, a blood-curdling war cry came from below. It seemed hundreds of voices, all at once. The cry was in Dai Than and meant vengeance.

“Can you get us down there?”

I finished the word ‘there’ while my surroundings had changed already. We were on a metal walkway, with a perforated floor. To the right countless rows of prison like cells, the doors open.

To the left an immense chasm of many hundred meters. I counted 25 tiers with the same long rows of slave cells.

At the ground floor, which seemed an area where slaves were fed as I deducted from the tables and demolished serving counters. Dead, mangled and charred bodies of overseers, guards, and a few slaves were strewn everywhere.

As I looked up, I saw more rows of cells. “How many slaves did they keep here?”

“In this facility, approximately 25,000. The slave population of this moon numbers 6.5 million according to their computronic records.”

“Six point five ... million?” It began to dawn at me just how stupid I really was. I cursed silently as my impulsive action to leave my own ship light years away, not even with a real plan. Especially not wasting a single thought on the actual extent of my actions.

It was over sooner than expected but still took over a day. The Smelter moon Olx had fallen. I learned there had been just a little over one hundred thousand guards and overseers. In itself a big number, but not enough to quell a full-blown slave revolt, supported by an army of ten thousand armed and angry ex-slaves. Narth and Cirruit had not only disabled the moon’s communication facilities but disabled the computronic systems that governed the automated slave worker containment and control systems.

Without control over the punishment collars, sentry guns and force field curtains the guards stood no chance.

Among the slaves were more than eight thousand Dai, even some of them had been born on the moon they fought with a veracity that was frightening.

The moon itself was a sizeable celestial body without a breathable atmosphere, very low temperatures, and nothing even remotely in terms of native life.

The actual smelter and factory complex was a sprawling city-sized compound with most of it deep underground.

The guards and overseers, for the most part, didn’t seem to live in conditions much better than the slaves, in a forcefield and sentry gun protected part of this city-sized factory. Only the small portion of Karthanian managers and engineers lived in relatively good conditions, but still in rather depressing surroundings.

Just like on Itheamh there were vast fields of shipwrecks and mountain-sized heaps of stacked scrap pieces. Simple warehouses were filled with salvaged parts, plastics, spaceship parts, and large container sized crates with waste materials.

I stood in the heavily damaged office of the Smelter Moon manager. He was one of the few survivors. Most guards had found their fate thrown in the huge smelter furnaces that gave this moon its name.

With me were Narth, Sobody, Xon, and the Dai, Mar-To.

The Karthanian manager was wounded and beaten up. He wore crude applied bandages and a blinking slave collar around his rigid neck. He had not spoken a single word so far.

Grtonner came in, wearing his Guild member costume, this time the manager reacted. “Traitor! Wearing the regalia of a guild master and collaborating with Xenos, is even more offensive than what has been done to this facility of the Hull Builders. That you are a slave worker, freed by this scum from Itheamh is obvious but where did you get these garments of an Engine Builder?”

“They were bestowed to me. I am Grtonner Icylemh, the rightful Guild Master of the Engine Builders. Yes, I have been a slave on this moon, many years ago. Sent here in bonds and in shame, betrayed by your master. We freed many thousand Karthanians today, all sent here for voicing their discontent and opposition against the dictatorship that holds our proud and ancient civilization hostage for so long.

In your slave pens and in all my years of exile, I found friends among those called Xenos. The reign of the Hull Builders is about to end and the First Engineer will punish you all for what you did.”

The smelter moon manager was clearly shocked, more so than by his recent ordeal. It was even obvious to me.

“This can’t be! Grtonner Icylemh has been killed, thrown into the smelters. Your name is forbidden to be mentioned.” Then the manager laughed in the strange way Karthanians laughed. “You failed to wake the Engineer back then and it sealed your fate when you attempted it. This is just one moon, there are many. What chances do you have against mighty Karthania?”

“One moon yes, the first to fall. I returned from the dead and Karthania will not fall, but soon be free again.”

Mar-To stepped up to the manager. “You should be concerned what will happen to Karthania when the tribes learn about your dealings with Cam Elf-Na.”

Mar-To held up a control device and pressed a red colored stud. The manager screamed and collapsed.

Mar-To spat and hissed “This is for my mother, you had pushed into the compactor.”

While I should not have let it happen, I did not stop him. I knew how he felt, I too saw my mother killed.

I sighed and turned. “Now what? We have millions of slaves and I am sure Karthania will investigate why one of their moons suddenly fell silent.”

Sobody pointed towards the viewport. “We captured fourteen Ore and scrap transporters. We have enough cargo space to transport them back to Itheamh. It will be crowded and there won’t be food or much water, but I am sure the former slaves will manage for the two days the trip will last.”

Grtonner flicked his black tongue and said. “Why stop here? There are two more smelter moons in this system. We have an army fired up for revenge. It will take Karthania weeks before they react and without Oghr troops, not even able to react at all.”

“I have a mission and a Ship. This excursion was more foolish on my part than I realized.”

Narth said.”I recall General Cherubim saying: Nation building is very difficult, rarely successful and opens a can of worms of problems.”

“I recall that too, and Har-Hi warned me as well.”

He seemed oblivious to the effects his words had as he said. “It might also help to recall the words of The Eternal Warrior as he said: Once you get things like that started it is very hard to find a good place to stop and once events are in motion, be prepared to see them through to the end. You decided to help and that is commendable, but that means you are in charge and responsible for the entire show.”

Narth not only recalled word for word but somehow managed to say them with the same tone and voice of Admiral Stahl.

Narth put his hand on my shoulder. “I am not oblivious to your emotions. I recalled these words to give you strength and confidence, as the Admiral always seemed to evoke in you.”

“It did not work this time, my friend. I have to admit I am out of my league.”

“Erica, he gave you his approval to see it through and he promised to help. I am sure he is doing just that and just now. The ship is in good hands and I have confidence in you to make the right decisions.”

“This time it was not Stahl.” I gave him a thankful look.

I turned to the others and said. “This is what we do...”

ITHEAMH
Shea was suddenly in command. With Narth being the third in command gone with the captain, she was now in charge of the ship. Something she never envisioned to come to pass.

With her emotions still heavy on the loss of Har-Hi, she had returned to the ship and wanted Elfi to make contact with Command.

Elfi, holding the Conn had teary eyes while she gave her report. “The local news are all abuzz about the tremors, they were recorded as a magnitude 4 quake. The remaining Drak leadership has openly invited the Instigators for a meeting under the flag of truce.”

Shea almost flew to her science console, linked her battered science scanner. “SHIP, help me to analyze my last scans. The energy being used a trans-dimensional portal to come here, maybe Har-Hi used it to escape the destruction.”

Shea then tried to pull herself together. She was in charge now and the captain would be back soon, expecting her to have everything under control.

“Thank you, Ms. Petetis, please establish a connection to command. I must inform them and ask for instructions.”

“Aye, Ms. Schwartz.”

Ensign Fivecheer now acting as OPS officer said. “Lt. Schwartz we have a visitor requesting to be admitted aboard.”

Shea was distraught by the recent events and snapped. “Tell them we don’t accept any visitors right now and we are very busy.”

Just then Hans called, he was still at the site and Elfi patched him on the Bridge viewer. “Lt. Schwartz, I have important news.”

Shea wanted to dismiss the distraction as she went over her data, but she was no longer just the science officer, but also the acting commanding officer. “Please be quick. Mr.Neugruber. I have important data to analyze.”

“Ma’am. Starman Suit and Three-Four managed to create a passage to the underground chamber. It is not collapsed, like the rest of the underground facilities. The place has a neutronium laced protective shell and we managed to locate the entrance.

We found Lt. Hi’s TKU but nobody or any remains. That gateway this creature has used is also still there and Tyron thinks there is an advanced computronic type system operating it.”

“I am on my way!”

A new voice joined in. It came from the IST. “Do I have permission to come aboard?”

They all turned as Stahl walked past the Nav Tank and onto the bridge.

Shea could not help but feel relieved. Somehow everything would turn out alright, the Eternal Warrior was here.

“Permission granted, Sir.”

“That you are busy, I can understand. That I was denied access, however, is a new one.”

She glared at Lt. Fivecheer and said.”I apologize, Sir. I did not know it was you.”

“Well thankfully this is the weirdest ship in the fleet and your AI granted me access.”

SHIP said. “Sir, I take full responsibility.”

“Never mind SHIP. you are as I understand an officer and carry rank and an officer can and must evaluate every order given. I am actually impressed.”

He stepped before the command chair with a stern face, but his eyes reflected kindness and compassion. “Lt. Schwartz please give me a full report of the situation.”

After she had done so, in an almost breathless fashion. He sat down on the visitor’s chair and said. “Lt. Schwartz, go with your team and investigate the alien hardware in that hole. I am assigning myself temporarily to this crew and take the con. You are a very good officer and I am sure you would have mastered the situation without me, but tying up the best asset we have to get more answers would be foolish.”

“Yes Sir, thank you, Sir.” She felt like a million pounds lighter and rushed to gather her equipment.

Stahl changed seats and sat down in the command chair. “While I wished for a different set of circumstances, I always wanted to do that.”

Shaka sitting idle at the helm turned. “Sir?”

He smiled. “Being part of your crew, Mr. Ndebele. Sadly it won’t be a permanent assignment but going with your Captain and this ship, stirring up trouble has an allure, old warhorses like I still dream about.”

He straightened. “Mr. Neugruber, what is the current situation locally? I came ahead of the fleet and did not digest any details yet.”

“Sir, with the death of the High Magistrate and the Secret Police chief, the Drak apparatus was without leadership and almost immediately collapsed. There are some riots and protests mostly directed against Drak leaders, but the rebel leader Ninety has been declared interim leader for the entire planet until the situation has been calmed down and elections can be held.

His first official order was to curb violence against the Drak and remaining Karthanians. Then he addressed Karthania officially and declared Itheamh a free planet.”

“I read Lt. Senhadjii’s evaluation of this Ninety and the footnotes in Erica’s report. He seems to be a real leader and might have what it takes to unite this world indeed.”

Elfi turned.”Sir, he is speaking right now on local channels.”

“Put it on the viewer, Ms.Petetis.”

The Togar and former leader of the Instigators stood behind the same lectern, the High Magistrate had used when he was addressing the people. The Drak symbol was replaced by a colorful flag. He was flanked by two Ithe, a Karthanian and a Drak officer, still wearing the gray coat but no rank insignia.

He spread his arms and said. “People of Iteamh. Ithe, Drak and every being that has called this place home either by being forced to come here or by choice. We are all Ithe today and race or origin are no longer dividing aspects. I am Togar and it is with great honor and not without a deep sense of modesty I am standing before you as leader appointed by you.

“While I will remain your leader until we have sorted things out, I won’t be your leader after that. We have been under the heel of leaders for too long and I believe our future needs administrators for the technical aspects of a society, it no longer needs leaders.

“There is a society beyond the heavens, mightier than the Togar and the Karthanians together, yet it has no leaders. It is governed by all its citizens. Anyone, big or small, rich or poor has the same voice and the same rights.

Many of you know about the Union and some of you recall their visit only a few years back. They invited us to return with our application to join when we speak with one voice.

The day has come, we do speak with one voice. I will not ask you to make this decision lightly, but it is I who recommend it. Our planet is in disarray, we have many sick and hungry.

As free people alone we are at the mercy of the Karthanians who won’t like the events that transpired and may retaliate.

We are too weak to defend ourselves against raids from Dai-Than or Togar. The Jooltar are not to be forgotten, they too love taking what is not theirs.

A fleet of Union ships is approaching this region of space and with their help, we can be ourselves and free of external threads.

So I ask you, all of you to weigh the alternatives and all the facts and make a decision, should we apply for membership, or do we face the future alone?”

While other beings took to the lectern and started to voice their opinion, Stahl said. “She did it again.”

Elfi responded. “Admiral, Sir you already know about the call?”

“What call?”

“The USS Kilman of the forward scout group is requesting assistance handling approximately 14 million former slaves, crammed to the very limits in twenty-three Ore freighters, scrap transporters and a ragged fleet of other smaller craft. They have just reached unclaimed space and according to this came from the smelter moons of the star system Liprois.”

ERICA
The most amazing part seemed how easy it was to liberate the other two moons. It had taken us less than three days.

Here on the third moon, the smallest one in terms of the size of the facilities we faced a dilemma. It was, according to Grtonner, the oldest one and had been a prison work colony, operating even while the First Engineer was still active.

The defenses and the guards had fallen as easy as before, and there were enough transport vessels with enough space to take the freed slaves, but there was no one among the slaves that knew how to operate a spaceship.

I also had the feeling that we did not have too much time before the Karthanians noticed all three moons in this system no longer responded or sent materials. Grtonner was confident we still had time, as the Karthanians did not have GalNet or a powerful military.

Xon who helped to herd the last slaves aboard said. “I am able to operate one, Mao and Narth take another.”

Cirruit said. “I have linked the computronics of the other ships to this one. Narth has to jump one of us from ship to ship to get them space born. Once there they all will follow your leadership in close formation, but we can only accelerate as the slowest ship, the connection is not via GalCom and has very limited range.”

Stahl was different than Erica. Everyone was in awe and deep respect of this living legend and everyone was eager to follow his orders, but the relaxed atmosphere that always prevailed when Erica was there, the feeling that the crew really was a big family was gone. This was not just some other officer, but the Eternal Warrior himself, and with him came his reputation. Crew members did not want to do their best because they loved and respected Captain Olafson, but they wanted to do it not to disappoint Stahl. It was a very minute difference and no outsider would have ever noticed, but someone with intimate knowledge of the crew, like Elfi, could.

Technically and for all purposes, the Tigershark had also become the flagship of the enormous armada that was slowly lumbering through the sector. Elfi and the staff of the communications department were overwhelmed with the constant contact requests, a flood of reports and info blurbs. She actually missed Xon, who in short time had become an excellent communications officer. Thankfully she had SHIP and of course the rest of her staff.

“This is the USS Caligula, requesting Admiral’s command code verification for deployment of Scout spear mission.”

“Stand by, USS Caligula. Admiral Stahl is in a conference call with the USS Devastator and the First Fleet.”

“Captain of the USS Yellow Star. We transmitting the requested survey results. A suitable system for forward fleet outpost found, can you verify.”

“Please standby, the Admiral will comment on your report as soon as possible.”

“USS Pengar, permission to engage identified slave trader of the Mulwhur Trading Company.”

“If identification can be verified, disable contact and conduct boarding action.”

This had been going on ever since the Admiral had decided to take the Con and temporary command five days ago. She was told this was only a small percentage of the communications deluge that was directed to Stahl and filtered by the large Communications department of the Devi.

In all this they had to prevent Stahl, shooting Fafnir who came angrily screeching to the bridge as Stahl took the command seat, explain to the Immortal what Fafnir was.”

The Immortal just finished his conference call, gave the Caligula new instructions and while doing it, evaluated a print out of the survey report and listening to at least four info bulletins at the same time and gave detailed instructions to the USS Pengar. Doing all this he still had time to drink coffee and look relaxed as someone relaxing on a cruise ship leisure deck.

He closed the report and muted the multi-voice garble of the news bulletins, and smiled. “Sorry kids, I am not able to completely turn off Admiral’s business. Ms. Petetis, flag all communication requests with orange and reroute them to my staff. Accept only priority Blue requests for now.”

“Yes, Sir.”

“I was just informed your Captain, did not just free the slaves of one moon, but transports of a second have just been received the freed slaves reported that she went on to the third and final one to do the same there. She and the ones she took along liberated almost 14 million slave laborers so far. Which included over nine thousand Union citizens and almost 14,000 Dai.” He made a pause. “That is perhaps the most heroic result of this ship’s mission so far and also the most problematic.”

Krabbel sitting with his new leg, idle at the Navigation console, as he had little to do while the ship was planetside, asked. “I don’t understand sir. I was under the impression Eri ... I mean our captain did that with your blessing so to speak.”

“Honestly we thought she goes, frees a handful of slaves and returns. The Karthanians maybe angry to lose a few slaves to what they believed were Iteamh rebels, but not bringing them home by the millions. Of course, sending your Captain anywhere is never turning out to be a simple affair.”

He sighed. “Nine thousand Union citizens is not a small number and evidence that the Karthanians held them against their will. These nine thousand voices will be heard loud all across the Union. Their stories of forced labor, torture and misery will reach the Assembly and I have no doubt, this is will be considered a reason for war. Especially after the very recent address of former slaves.”

Elfi said a little agitated. “Is that not what they deserve? Purchasing Union citizens by such numbers is an act of war.”

“Yes, beautiful princess it is indeed. You speak with the pride and force of a citizen and I will carry out the will of our society, but they call me the Eternal Warrior and I have seen war and all the misery that comes with it more than most. The Karthanians are a small power and will fall if we indeed decide to fight, but there are many societies involved. The Togar, the Jooltar, all the Oghr kingdoms. Of course, the Shiss and the Kermac will or perhaps must choose sides. Not to mention many hundred societies and species in this region and beyond. This could escalate to another galactic war.”

He stood up. “I am confident we will prevail against all of them, but there is always a price and always consequences.” His smile this time did not reach his eyes as he said. “But we are the protectors of our Union and that means every single citizen, and no one shall feel safe and secure committing such acts as long as I stand. This is the very reason for this Armada, to put them all on notice. Friend and foe alike.”

He then gestured to the main viewer. “Any news from Lt. Schwartz?”

“No Sir, she has not updated her last report from six hours ago. She was successful to locate some kind of control system and requested a portable energy generator about an hour ago.”

“She will call us when she has an update. Mr. Neugruber any news on the Ithe situation?”

“Yes Sir, the news of millions of freed Ithe coming back is resonating like thunder across all local news broadcasts. I also believe the Ithe will overwhelmingly ask for Union help and once they get it to send a delegation to Pluribus. I base this on computronic analysis of the local polling data.”

Elfi interrupted. “I got Lt, Schwartz, she is calling right now.”

“Put her on.”

The angelic looking woman appeared on the main viewer and it was obvious she had good news. “Admiral Sir, Ensign Suit, Lt. Three-Four and I located the ancient yet very advanced controls about six hours ago and we identified it as Pree technology. It is indeed a trans-spatial gateway of sorts. We have not figured out how it works, although we have a working theory that it utilizes space-time symmetry not completely different than the...”

“Ms.Schwartz, I am sure this is groundbreaking science and I will read your findings in detail, but are there any other news?”

“Oh, of course, I am sorry Sir. We just think we might be able to create our own gateways in maybe fifty years or so.”

The containment suit with Lt. Three-Four inside stepped next to Shea. “Sir, we decoded the instruction language of the alien gate generator system. We also have the records of all its previous transmission. There are only two such transmissions recorded recently. One receiving and one sending.”

Shea was highly excited.”We think we can reopen it to the last coordinates. Maybe that is where Har-Hi is.”

Three-Four said.”I am volunteering to go through. If there is another of these Energy entities, I am able to defeat it easily.”

Nexus
Har-Hi had never felt that miserable in his life, he had three-degree burns in his face. He was hungry but the lack of water and the dry air had dehydrated him to a point where he didn’t care about the pain of the burns. If he was correct he had been here for at least four or five standard days.

He had stripped the dead knight of much of his armor and had put parts of it on. Inside his own armor, he had only worn the skin tight flex armor base and the layer of Semi-Liquid Matrix Emulsion, called S.L.I.M.E. Without the suit systems, the Slime had reverted to a puddle of blue liquid and the FAB was nothing that could keep him warm.

The alien’s armor did not fit him completely; especially the boots and the gauntlets were too big. It had taken him quite a while to figure out how to take it off from the dead man, who was still lying where he had slain him with much of his head gone.

From the remnants of his own suit, he had detached the Comm unit and set it to emit a Union Emergency beacon signal.

He had no hope it would ever make contact with anyone, but its energy cell would work for a few thousand years, and maybe they would find his remains eventually.

He could not even go back into the temple like cave as the entrance was covered by tons of rubble.

There was nothing to do but wait for death. In all this, he was quite proud of his victory over this pompous self-proclaimed god slayer. He silently laughed, if this clown was able to slay gods, the gods were not all that scary or perhaps that knight never faced a real one.

His thoughts drifted back to the time he met Eric, who now was Erica and not only his captain but his best friend. He silently apologized for not being able to save Shea or complete the mission. Even closing his eyelids was painful but once he had them closed he felt a strange calmness come over him and he somehow knew he would not open them again.

He dreamt hearing a mechanical inhuman voice that was strangely familiar. “Lt. Hi, thank the Everlight we have found you!”

== Chapter 4: Arrested ==

The Karthanian resource manager who was responsible for all the mines and smelter operations of the Karthanian conglomerate himself had been dispatched by the Guild Masters to quickly erase all Union citizens currently used as forced laborers.

He traveled aboard a Karthanian warship, mostly crewed by Oghr and Jooltar and was more than displeased that none of the smelter moons in the Liprois system answered his requests or responded to the hails.

No landing instructions were received as they approached Olx.

It did not take long to find out why this was so. After they had landed, they found the main smelter facilities vandalized, the entire command center melted to the foundation and thousands of dead guards. Only a very small number of dead slaves painted a clear picture. The slaves somehow managed to revolt and overcome their guards. With the command center destroyed, the obedience collars did not work. The revolt suppression systems were also completely inoperable.

An engineering Jooltar checking the systems suspected an aggressive software attack.

The manager, however, could not explain how all these slaves had left the moon.

As they found similar conditions on the second moon, he was certain he would find only dead and no live slaves on the third.

Yet as they approached the third moon, which was in orbit of the third planet, the mystery of the missing slaves was revealed. His scanner operator detected a fleet of lumbering transports heading for the boundaries of the Liprois system and threshold speed.

The transports were slow and unarmed and he was certain they were packed with slaves.

That, whoever assisted the forced laborers to escape was using ore and scrap freighters seemed evidence to him that this was not a well-planned action, however, he had to admit it was a very successful one.

He ordered his Oghr shipmaster to follow that rag-tag fleet, it would certainly lead them to the escapees of the other moons and then he intended to destroy them all. Dead slaves could not bear witness.

“We are almost in Open Space,” Mao said over our personal wrist com units. The refugees of the first moon already made it.”

Narth chimed in. “Almost is another one of these terms that defy Narth understanding. We are still twenty-three light years distant from deep space and thus past Karthanian spheres of claimed space.”

Now Cirruit linked himself into our conversation.”We are also pursued by what I think might be a Karthanian Romther Class. The ship appears to be under shields and I am certain it is well armed.”

I checked our progress and that of the pursuer, Cirruit had identified. The Karthanian ship would reach us just when we reached open space. I was deeply concerned, the ore and scrap transporters were at their limits in terms of life support, not to mention the hygienic conditions. These old only rudimentary maintained ships were, of course, unarmed and had no shields other than micro matter deflectors.

I had no illusions the Karthanian would turn around.

Not that the sensors of this garbage scow were anything more than the most rudimentary kind. “What kind of weapons do Karthanian ships have?

Mao responded over the comm unit. “Ship to ship missiles, Kermac style FTL Line cannons. Nothing that could even scratch the Tigershark, but blow us to bits.”

“Can we go past red line?”

“We already redlining everything these flying relics have. Life support, engines, artigrav, and sensors.”

I started biting my fingernails as I watched the swarm of light dots that represented the last flight of ships with the liberated slaves and at the horizon of this primitive energy-mass detector, a larger dot of light, the one pursuing us.

Itheamh
Har-Hi was certain he was dreaming or maybe he had died and there was an afterlife. He was completely pain-free and felt as if he was floating. There was someone else, he felt an immense presence. “Am I dead?”

“No mighty Dai, you are already back where you belong.”

“Who are you?”

“We have not met in person, but we are friends. I am the Narth Supreme.”

Har-Hi felt a strange and calming relieve. “Will you help me to get back?”

“No, Har-Hi your friends are already doing that. I am here because you did what no mortal was ever able to do before. You have slain one of the twelve self-appointed Guardians of Light and one of the servants to the one called Lord Lumis.”

“Did I do wrong? Should I have him kill me?”

“No, my child. I was already on my way to assist you.” The warm deep and bodiless voice actually sounded amused. “You have a host of friends, that not only surprise the immortal admirals, but their combined talents give all that is Narth pause.”

He felt a deep sense of pride but wondered why this entity was appearing to him.

The voice continued. “Yes, indeed there is a profound and important reason for this meeting. You stumbled upon an important part of a cosmic conflict, your best friend Erica is the core part of this conflict. I know you have already felt its presence and Erica confined in you about it, as far as she currently knows.”

“Yes I have and while it concerns me, while I do not understand. I am Erica’s friend and will stand with her against anything, no matter what it might be.”

“Erica takes much strength from that, but what sleeps in her is stirring. It is stirring much too soon, and if it awakes before she is ready, the consequences cannot be foreseen, but are of such magnitude that it will affect all reality forever.”

“Gods are real? Erica shares her body with a god?”

“As I tried to explain to the Eternal Warrior, to Erica and now to you, the term God is very hard to define, but even in Narth terms, what Erica or Eric will become is indeed godlike, with powers and ability one can only describe as omnipotent.”

“What is she or what will she become and why?”

“This universe is only one of many, but there was only one at the beginning of it all. In this first condition of reality, two concepts took on sentient form. One represented light, life, and creation. The other became the incarnation of death, destruction, and darkness. Together they formed a perfect balance. Because there can be no good without evil, no light without darkness. This balance became THE RULE.

One of these entities was Crea, the spirit of Creation and Life. She also became the definition of female, decided to destroy darkness and reshape further universes without darkness and death. In doing so she had to fight and attack the incarnation of Darkness. But the very act of fighting and attacking are not aspects of light but include elements of the other side. As the desired result of that conflict was the destruction of the other side. It sounds simple but on a cosmic scale it is infinite complicated and she disturbed the balance and by doing so broke the Rule.

This first Universe was destroyed and Crea punished for her deed. The Dark incarnation was asked to sleep and not retaliate so the Rule could be restored in the next Universe. However, Crea did not abide by the judgment and attacked the sleeping entity of Darkness. Unable to destroy it, she managed to split and divide this entity into twelve parts.

Again Crea was punished and sent into exile to another plane of existence. Unable to directly influence reality, she raised a mortal being as her defender and agent in the next universe. The mortal became Lord Lumis and was tasked to destroy the Dark One, or at least prevent his incarnation.

Now we are in the final Universe, and it is here where the Dark One will reincarnate, unify the twelve tokens of his power and rise to make the decision. Will he seek revenge and destroy Crea and thus destroy the Rule, will he submit to the side of light and thus also destroy the balance forever, or is there a third way?

I won’t and can’t go in much detail for now, but your Erica is the Dark One.”

Even in this dream-like state, Har-Hi felt completely overwhelmed and quite afraid. “What can mortals do, what can a Dai do?”

“You and a few others have very important parts in this. The Dark One will recognize you and perhaps as a friend. He might listen to you or may shape the decision he is to make because of you. Maybe the human part will be able to suppress the Dark One forever. Nothing is set and the future is not known to Narth.

“How can I function as a Union officer, knowing that my best friend eventually becomes a universe-shattering something?”

“This is the reason I have come. You destroyed one of the beings serving Lord Lumis if Erica hears about this the entity that is her might wake and perhaps seek to destroy Lord Lumis and thus making the decision before all the preordained events have occurred. You will wake and remember only fighting another star born being, but what I have told you now will come back to you the day, you must stand with or against the Dark One.”

“Thank you.”

And then he was certain he heard the voice of the Eternal Warrior. “How is he?”

The voice that answered was that of Cateria. “He should be completely recovered and good as new in about an hour. There was not much time to spare, however.”

Har-Hi opened his eyes and looked into the face of Elfi, who could hold back her tears. She smiled at the same time and said. “Welcome back, Lt. Hi.”

He tried to get up, but Cateria pushed him back. “Stay put, Sir for a little while longer. I am still grafting tissue to your body. You suffered serious burns to almost twenty percent of your body. Not to mention, radiation damage and a small catalog of other injuries.”

“You found me?”

“Yes we did, well technically it was Lt. Three-Four.”

Har-Hi frowned and said with a quieter voice. “I lost Lt. Schwartz. There was an entity that took her.”

“I am right here, we defeated the energy being. But what happened to you?”

“That is what I want to know as well.” Said Admiral Stahl stepping into view.

Har-Hi delivered a detailed account of his ordeal, of him fighting another of these energy beings, but even as he recalled the fight and the details, he could not shake the feeling that something more profound happened.

The immortal admiral smiled. “Well, Mr. Hi, these Star Demon things had no chance, it stood against you. Welcome back in this part of Universe.”

“Thank you, Sir. Can you brief me on what happened while I was gone?”

“The energy being was destroyed by EMP grenades and by Lt. Three-Four. The Ithe have requested Union help and applied for membership, about three hours ago. The science corps is renting the rubble pile with the Pree gate below and your Captain is on her way back. She liberated the slaves on all three Smelter Moons.”

Har-Hi grinned relieved. “I knew she would not just stop at one.”

Stahl sighed. “I should have known as well. Since you are back and soon fit for duty, I can go back and run the big show.”

The Karthanian warship did not stop or turn around. I was convinced however that it was only moments away from firing range.

A loud and clear message came over all comm channels.”This is the USS Kilman; any and all weapon action against the unarmed transport vessels will be considered an act of war.”

The response came almost immediately.”These are Karthanian vessels and of no concern to Union ships.”

“There are Union citizen aboard, that have been held to perform forced labor against their will by Karthanian enterprises. Add to the injury of even one citizen and we will retaliate with all force available to us.”

Captain, the Karthanian is turning around!

I relaxed and thought this was the end of this caper. It was not.

While the USS Kilman was only one of many Union fleet units, including several hospital ships and even a mobile dockyard, taking the transports on his tremendous deck, Union Marines swarmed our ships and three of them busted onto the bridge.

I swiveled around.”Glad to see you, marines.”

One of them raised his weapon arm.”Not for long, pirate! We know who you are under that Thauran makeup, Pirate Black Velvet. You are hereby under arrest.”

The other used his paralysator and I lost consciousness before I could say a word.

== Chapter 5: Traitors ==

“She has been what?” Admiral Stahl gasped as he looked at the Avatar projection of the other immortal admiral.

“Captain Black Velvet has been arrested by your marines and Commodore Anderson, who you put in charge of the rescue and slave recovery operation is interrogating her now.”

“CENTRON, connection to Commodore Anderson. Priority Alpha!”

The sentient computronic of the Devi reacted faster than a regular request to the Comm desk.

“Anderson here, Sir. I am glad you called. We need more transport assets.”

“Shut up, Commodore. I am calling you on priority Alpha to give you instructions, not to hear your reports.” Stahl took a deep breath. Did you arrest Captain Black Velvet?”

The commodore swallowed hard, having the Eternal Warrior actually yell was not a good thing for certain. “Yes, Sir. She resisted all standard interrogation methods and psionic probes, so I am currently using more conventional methods. This bitch will tell us the location of the rest of her crew. Her ship was a regular slave transporter.”

Stahl took a deep breath. “Go to blue-blue-blue protocol right now!”

After the necessary motions were taken to establish said security clearance protocol, Stahl said. “The woman is a NAVINT asset and not a pirate. She acted in the guise of said pirate to gain access to the smelter moons, her name is Jane Smith. Where are her associates?”

“We keep them in Zero time stasis. There is a disgraced Golden, a genuine Nul. One of them is human; there is a X101 of all beings and the third is of unknown nature, the scan results make no sense. We bathed that vessel with the strongest paralysator settings. It also worked on the Nul by the way.”

“If you harmed the Narth you and me are in a world of trouble, Commodore.”

“A Narth?”

“Release the prisoner immediately, limit exposure. Provide them with a Scorpion at once! Do not send them to your CMO.”

“Aye Sir.”

McElligott was still there, his arms crossed. “It is the second time we do this to her, you know. And this after she liberated almost 16 million slaves. Togar, Dai, Karthanians, Ithe, a bunch of others and no less than 9,822 Union citizens. Not to mention we might have harmed the Narth.”

Stahl leaned back in his seat and made a guilty face, an expression McElligott has never seen in the face of Stahl in all the three millennia he knew the man. “It is on me, I dropped the ball. I should have informed the USS Kilian about the special circumstances.”

“Well if it is any consolidation, I too expected her to come back with a few hundred liberated Union citizens, not the entire population of three smelter moons.”

“We didn’t put into the account who went to the smelter moons.”

“You’re lucky, she worships the ground you walk on. Let us pray that the Narth is unharmed.”

The Narth was unharmed, but for the first time in all Narth existence, he suffered from what he described a headache. He told me that the Narth Supreme recommended that he meditated and rested for a day period.

I didn’t feel much better. The Commodore and his goons had done a number on me. I did not reveal to them that I was a Union officer because I was under orders to keep that part secret and my requests to make a GalNet call were denied.

An hour ago, Commodore Anderson came storming into the brig and yelled at the Luitenant who had hit me several times, quite hard and told me that he could do it even harder. “Release her at once.”

“Sir?”

“I gave you a direct order, Luitenant. She is not a pirate but a NAVINT asset that used the guise to get access to the smelter moons.”

The Lieutenant made a troubled face and gave me a crooked smile.”I am sure you NAVINT people understand and it wasn’t personal.”

The Commodore released the restraints himself.

I got up, kneed the Luitenant in the groin and as he groaned and bend over, I hit him with my knee under the chin, I spat at him. “Then you will understand that this was personal. You went beyond the acceptable and enjoyed your position of power over a restrained woman, you pervert, I will put you on report.”

I wasn’t sure if there would be a report or a follow-up, considering our unique position and mission. I was given a Scorpion and orders to report to Admiral Stahl aboard the Devastator and under the guise name of Captain Jane Smith.

The Devi had an X101 health engineer and he was checking on Cirruit to make sure he was alright, Mao remained aboard the Scorpion and so did Narth who followed the advice of the Narth Supreme.

It was Captain Harris himself who escorted me to Stahl’s office.

As we were in the I.S.T. he said. “Welcome aboard Captain Olafson. I don’t really know what exactly happened or what your actual mission is, but I am very proud you have been made captain by the Immortals. I knew you would end up commanding your own ship and who knows maybe the big chair of this ship will be yours again one day. We do have a regular steel container kicking tournament now, thanks to your ship’s last visit.”

I gave him a crooked smile. “I can’t tell you what my actual mission is, I was just beaten by a lieutenant for not revealing it. However I promise I will keep that tradition, should I ever command the Devi again.”

He actually saluted me just before Stahl’s office, I returned the military courtesy and entered after the door opened for me.

Stahl got up from his desk and if I didn’t know better I could have sworn to see something like a guilty expression in his face, I saluted him. “Captain Olafson under the cover of Jane Smith reporting, Sir.”

“Sit down, Captain. How is the Narth?”

“According to the Narth Supreme, my friend will recover. Right now he is meditating and resting trying to get rid of what he describes a bad headache.”

“I can not say it any other way, but apologies for this. It was my fault for not informing the responding units about your special circumstances. The first batch of liberated slaves told the Commodore about Captain Black Velvet. It didn’t help that the slave transport you commandeered was of the same ship type as the Silver Streak.”

He spread his arms. “I am sorry, Captain Olafson.”

“Sir, I understand why it happened. This was a different situation than the one back at Camp Idyllic, but was it really necessary to hit the ship that Narth piloted with the full strength of a ship-mounted F12 paralysator? The last time, it was an F4 and it did a number on him.”

He sighed sounding relieved, then he gave me a lengthy report on what occurred on Ithe and to Har-Hi.

After hearing what my crew had to face, I chastised myself for letting them fend on their own. This was not what a Captain supposed to do. I could have sent someone else to the Smelter Moons and stayed with the ship and my crew, especially knowing that they faced a serious threat.

Stahl pointed to the cabinet where I knew he kept the cold beer.”Go grab two of them. Girls do drink beer right?”

“Yes Sir, my tastes have not changed.”

While I fetched the beer, he said. “I guess we both are guilty of this, and it is my fault for making it an acceptable exception. This particular way of leading is not very popular and on the verge of prohibited.”

“It is not?”

“No, Erica. Every XO, command school and of course Fleet Command will tell you it is against regulations for a Captain to do and don’t do certain things, but the number one rule is that the commanding officer makes the decisions and no one else. He or she will be responsible for the consequences of course.”

He took the beer bottle and kept speaking. “That does not mean I sanction or encourage your solo missions away from your bridge, where by all common sense you should be.”

I lowered my head. “I know, Sir.”

“I am not reprimanding you or tell you to change your ways. I can’t simply because I more often than not do the same. Even after three thousand something years, I can’t sit back and sent others into action. I also know your mission is quite unique and conventional approach isn’t always possible. You do have an exceptional crew and they did exactly what you wanted them to do. Take care of a situation while you were taking on another.”

I didn’t drink, the immortal Admiral usually could instill confidence in me and he didn’t fail now, but he could not completely dispell my sense of guilt, especially hearing about Krabbel’s lost leg and Har-Hi’s near-death fight with a Star Demon.

I doubted that it was anywhere in the regulations, not even if interpreted very generously and with both eyes squeezed shut, but as we returned to Itheamh and back aboard the USS Tigershark we were hugged, kissed, our hands shaken and greeted. Eyes that could get moist, were shedding tears.

After a while I said. “Guys, guys we are officers and we must return to being professionals. Where in the history of the Universe has a Captain ever been hugged by his SHIP?”

I then held Har-Hi’s arm in Viking warrior fashion. “So you decided to kill a Star Demon all by yourself.”

“I am cursed to be a Dai warrior who has a Captain taking on every monster and creature there is. I had to fight something big and dangerous to even the score.” He grinned as he said that, but in his eyes, I saw how serious and how dangerous the fight really was. I squeezed his arm and he did so as well. “Thank you, captain.”

“Thank you, Har-Hi for being the best XO.”

“No, I mean for liberating all those Dai.”

“Truth to be told, my friend they did most of the liberating themselves once the control collars were off.”

His eyes sparkled. “14,000 Dai-Than!”

“What will happen to them? If I understand they have no Tribes to go back to.”

“My father is with the Union Armada, he is in command of a carrier group. He and other Union Dai are taking care of them.”

“They will be okay with the Okthi part?”

Har-Hi’s face was full of pride. “Father says we are not Okthi, just because Cam Elf-Na said so. It has to be the decision of the Pale Ones. The hearts of our mothers would have died if they had done so after all.”

“It seems there is still much I need to learn about the Dai society.”

“Yes, Erica there is and I found out I myself have not yet learned all there is to know.”

After that, we had a little reunion party in our Pirate’s Den. Krabbel ensured me that his new leg was just as good as the old one and that he could not even tell which one it was he had lost. I called him a fibber and hugged the big furry spider with much affection.

Then as we arrived at coffee and deserts, I asked. “Any news from the Red Dragon?”

Hans shook his head. “Not directly, but I have intelligence from the Ithe and our NAVINT outpost, the Red Dragon is still right here on Itheamh, sitting on a landing field of the Pragh spaceport. With all the Union fleet assets so close by, he won’t risk activating his engines and revealing an energy signature that is known to Union authorities.”

I lit a cigarette from Shaka and O’Connell presented me with coffee in my very special and very ugly skull mug. “Well, the big armada keeps moving and will be gone in a few days. Only a few ships remain to assist the Ithe and keep guard till the PUMA process has officially started and more permanent protection can be installed.”

With a shriek that sounded like a venting plasma valve, Fenris our strange mascot fazed through a wall and into the Den. The bugger was noticeably bigger than before and it landed with clicking claws and flapping wings right before me and squeezed his yellow reptilian eyes close as it pressed its head against me.

Shea actually coed and clasped her hands together. “Oh, how cute, Fenris missed you too.”

I petted the little dragon and said. “Is it just me, or is he getting bigger? Anyone has any idea just how big Fenris might get?”

Shea spread her arms. “We do not have any reference data, so to answer your question. No, not really.”

Mao had to tell again how we were captured by Union marines. Shea told us about Stahl being in temporary command of the Tigershark.

SHIP chimed in and said. “The new interim planet governor, Ninety requests to come aboard.”

“Let him in over the landing ramp.”

The big Togar was not alone, he was in the company of Grtonner Icylemh, the former Engine Builder. Both were members of species I had little contact, but I could tell they were ecstatic.

“Captain Black Velvet, the entire planet is celebrating. Not just our liberation from the Karthanian overlords but you bringing back all those that had been sent to those cursed smelter moons.”

Grtonner agreed and said. “Come, all of you and be celebrated. You might be pirates to the Universe, but you are all heroes to Itheamh.”

“We truly appreciate the sentiment.” I said, “but we rather not be exposed too much. Besides, it was you who was the main factor in all of this. We just tipped the scale, for the changes to take effect a little earlier than they would have anyhow.”

The tall Togar shook his mane. “Open that door once more Captain Velvet, please. There is someone who wants to see you.”

I asked SHIP to do so and outside on the landing ramp stood a little Ithe family. A female, a man and a kid. I recognized Drenc because of Crancy and he came running, not walking or listing to his parents. “You brought him back! You brought back my Daddy!”

I always considered myself in control of my emotions, and the kid was not human. Yet I felt my throat constricting. Our actions were validated by this moment.

His mother was not far behind him. “I too want to thank you and I want to apologize for what I said to you. My husband is back and we seeing a new horizon for us and for the entire planet.”

Ninety bellowed. “It is a small gathering, Captain. Just the ones that know you; let us share a meal and a few drinks. You will go on and do whatever you must do and my days will be filled with activities to make sure our society stays on the course and until it can elect a new government.”

“Alright, I guess we could celebrate a little. There is a little time until the big armada has passed this system and our special friends dare to move again.”

I remembered the entrance to the wreck being covered with a thick tarp to block any light from escaping. It had been rolled away and the light of many torches and light elements illuminated the place. The sun had set about an hour ago and the moonless night of Itheamh was upon us.

For the first time, I heard Ithe music, singing and laughing.

While I could not identify most of the individuals, to me most of them looked pretty much alike, but I recognized the Dai Than boys, the Karthanian and the Drak commandant who had helped free Har-Hi and Narth.

Mao again became the center of much attention as he asked if more Nuktur stew would be served.

Just as Ninety promised it was a relatively small event.

After the meal where they served the standard fare, much to Mao’s delight. Thankfully they had brought food from the spaceport that was more palatable. Not that I was hungry anyway.

The Karthanian came over and said to me.”I would like to show you something if you humor me and follow me.”

The owner of the orbital dockyards took me outside and to a clearing between grass trees and spaceship scrap. There stood a fast looking spaceship, it was clearly of Karthanian design. It bristled with weapons. I estimated it to be about the size of an old Comet class destroyer, or about 160 meters long.

The underbelly boarding ramp was lowered and he said.”This is the Walkarr, and I have designed and built it. It would honor me greatly if I could give you a little tour.”

“Sure why not, it looks like a fine ship.”

The boarding ramp led to what appeared an actual elevator. A short ride brought us to the bridge or what he called the command center.

To my surprise, the human boy Mel was here already. He didn’t say a word but Grtonner did. “Captain, Velvet. We have a shipload of Karthanian rebels and your marvelous engineer has the key to activate the ancient ruler. We need to go to Karthania and press our advantage.”

“Grtonner, we were luckier than we should have been and actually ill-prepared for what we did. Going against poorly defended outpost factories is one thing, going against an entire civilization is another.” I said and then I turned and asked. “Cirruit has what?”

“He has found the ancient cipher key that is needed to activate the First Engineer. It was hidden in Crancy.”

As I turned I also noticed Grtonner holding a weapon aimed at me and he said. “I am sorry Captain Velvet, but I am Karthanian first.” He fired and that was the last I saw before everything went dark.

If there was someone keeping records, I was certain I would win. I was certain no other Union officer found herself abducted, knocked out or rendered unconscious as much as I did.

This time it was entirely my fault. I trusted too many and too easily. I trusted Sobody’s judgment and I trusted that cursed Karthanian boneface without investigating him more closely.

But I could not fault our Golden friend, I had Narth with me the day we met the being and Narth did not detect anything.

Maybe I relied too much on the psionic abilities of my friend, he too could miss something.

Truth to be told, I was angry mostly at myself. For getting myself once more in a situation like this.

I did not really feel any discomfort so far and tried to open my eyes, only to realize I had something over my head that prevented me to see. Feeling my body once more I was certain, I was sitting in a chair of some kind, with my hands and feet tied or otherwise immobilized.

I closed my eyes and tried to use my other sense, something I started to develop still back home on Nilfeheim. Dr. Dwyer called it electroreception and considered it some delayed mutation and an unexpected result of the genetic manipulations the settlers of Nilfeheim received so long ago.

While I never really used it much, I grew more accustomed to it.

It did not work well, as the electroreception sensed every active device nearby. It did tell me however that I was still on the bridge of the Karthanian destroyer.

Someone pulled the hood of my head and it was, as I almost expected, the traitorous Karthanian spacedock owner.

“I am terribly sorry, Captain Velvet but you left me no choice.”

“Betrayal of trust is not a choice. Sobody trusted you and so did I, but I won’t make the same mistake again.”

“Captain, I am Karthanian. With your help, we liberated millions of my kind. Yet there are many millions more that will be rounded up, to replace the ones we liberated. Without Ithe and other slaves, the ruling guild will resort to even more ruthless oppression and send more of my kind to the now idle moons. I can’t let this happen. Neither my life or my honor matters. We must try to stop this and you were not willing to commit. As an individual, you will hate me, but I hope as a leader you will understand that we must make decisions of this kind.”

“Forcing me to do something, by kidnapping me is not the right approach. You could have said what you just said to me before you decided to act.”

I then saw the motionless body of Cirruit, looking like a human-sized puppet with its strings cut. I knew Cirruit was not affected by paralysators. “If you hurt my friend, Grtonner, you will pay for this betrayal like no one has before.”

I remembered Cirruit being affected by Tech Stop while we fought the crooked base commander and his pirate cronies at Richter base. Fear that he damaged my friend mixed with cold rage building up. “Untie me now.”

Mel, the human boy from Itheamh came into my field of view. He held a slave collar control in one hand. His face reflected none of the demure shyness he always had when he looked at me before. “We needed you Captain Velvet and we are thankful for what you did, but we don’t need you anymore. Grtonner wanted to get you on our side, he thinks you are resourceful and keep you alive to thank you for all you did for us, but the cause is more important than that. You wear one of the slave collars and it will guarantee your cooperation.”

He pressed one of the studs and my body was flooded with waves of pain.

He hissed, spitting every word. “I lost all compassion while wearing one like this. My loyalty is with them and I hate you for what you make me think.”

He pressed the stud again and the pain was even more intense. I tasted blood in my mouth.

The Karthanian put his long-fingered hand on the arm of the human traitor. “She did nothing to us, but help. We must keep her restrained but we won’t torture.”

Mel twisted away from the Karthanian touch. “She is Union, they let us all suffer. Yet they could have stopped it long ago.” He howled in rage.” She does not leave my mind, she has powers!” The next wave of pain was so intense, my muscles cramped and I fell out of the chair to the floor, my vision blurry from pain and tears.

“She went where?” Har-Hi asked.

Ninety approximated a human shrug. “She followed Grtonner to his secret toy. A destroyer he had built in secret. Maybe they take that thing for a test flight or something. They have taken off a few moments ago.”

While this sounded like a perfectly normal explanation, Har-Hi wondered why the Captain didn’t say a word.”

He tried to call her on her wrist com. Instead of the Captain, he starred in the face of the Karthaninan.

“Why are you in possession of the captain’s com unit?”

“Because we are in possession of your captain and your X101 engineer. We did what we had to do, your engineer has the key to wake the First Engineer and he will surely do what we ask of him if we promise to keep the captain unharmed.”

Ninety standing next to Har-Hi screamed.”Why? We trusted you!”

Har-Hi turned on his heel. “We go and get our captain and then we deal with the traitors.”

I found myself in a dimly lit room, that was without question designed to hold prisoners. I could not detect the faint hum or vibrations, of a spaceship under power and assumed I was either aboard a landed and powered down ship, or perhaps a building planetside. The room was featureless gray most likely some form of concrete and it did not appear to have any furniture

I was still tied up.

The next thing I noticed as my mind begun to clear, was the unmoving body of my friend Cirruit. I feared the worst.

I also noticed a second human shape, tied up like me. It was the young man, the traitor Mel.

He noticed me moving and lowered his head, so he did not have to look directly at me.

My heart missed a beat as I noticed Cirruits fingers moving.

Mel whispered, “I am sorry.”

“Sorry doesn’t cut it, buster. I am going to kill you the first chance I have.”

“Grtonner lied to all of us. He doesn’t want to wake the First Engineer, he does not want to help us to end slavery and misery. All he wants is revenge and replace the leading guild with his own. He told me that the Karthanians would not tolerate a human amongst their midst and he locked me up like with you.”

“Shut up! I do not want to hear your excuses, or why a traitor has been betrayed.”

I noticed more movement in the still form of my friend. Cirruit’s eyes started to take on a dark red glow and then I heard a faint electronic whisper.

I rolled over to him. “Cirruit please be alive.”

“I am Captain, but I still need some time to reset most of my systems.”

“Take all the time you need. I am not sure what situation we are in right now, but I’ll get us home, I promise.”

“I have no doubt, Captain.”

Just then a door opened, I had not noticed before as it was almost seamlessly integrated into the opposite wall, it revealed itself by a faint hum and bright light pouring in the, until now, almost dark holding chamber. The outline of a Karthanian blocked some of the light and made the alien look like a black cutout.

“I see you have recovered from the neural overload, our human friend had exposed you too. I am very grateful for what you have done, and I would not allow him to kill you, besides you are a very valuable element in my quest to return Karthania to its rightful glory.”

“Sobody trusted you and because of him, I trusted you as well. You are the worst traitor and liar I have come across so far and the hour of payment for your transgression is soon at hand.”

“Oh spare me with these hollow threads, Captain Velvet. You are on Arkalon, beyond the reach of the Union. Yes, Sobody saved my life and became my benefactor, but no friendship to a Xeno can trump my desire for revenge and regain what is rightfully mine. I am indeed Grtonner Icylemh. No mere Karthanian but the rightful Guild Master of the Engine Builders, denied and betrayed by Gharrhtur Maceuyt and members of my own guild.”

“Why are you telling me this?” Of course I wanted him to give me as much information as possible, to evaluate the situation and find a way to escape, but I didn’t want to appear too eager or interested.

“Because I respect you, as much as a Karthanian can trust a Xeno. You are not Karthanian and therefore only useful as a tool, but I have seen you in action and I know how well this Union of yours trains their officers. Without you, I would still be Fantlemo Brthail, exiled and dreaming about ways to regain what is mine. If you cooperate, I will spare your life and find a way to return you to Itheamh.”

“What cooperation? You seem to have everything and I am just a Xeno.”

“Order your mechanical engineer to reveal all the technological secrets, ISAH pods, Translocator weapons, Loki torpedoes, how to make Ultronit. With this knowledge, the Engine Builders will become supreme. With such knowledge, I can walk into the guild hall and demand my seat. I also want the key, with it the First Engineer can be activated indeed or completely shut down forever.”

For some strange reason, the bonds that held my hands tied to my back withered away. I could see the tape around my ankles melt away. I did not waste the opportunity by questioning what caused it, but lunged forward and hit the Karthanian with a shoulder tackle.

The alien was pushed with force into the wall opposite the open door he was still standing in. I heard and felt something crack. I did not care and followed up with a right hook and all the strength I could muster, across his elongated snout. He gargled as the rigid mouth tube broke off his head, watery green liquid splashed over my face and arms.

While he slid to the floor and I got to my feet, I knew I had killed him.

There was no one else as I looked around. I stood in a long well lit corridor, with a door at each end, about fifty meters in each direction.

I hastily dragged the body inside the cell.

Cirruit was just sitting up. “I think your threat wasn’t as hollow as he thought it would be.”

“No I guess not, but I could only do it because my bonds suddenly dissolved for some reason.”

“I hoped they would work fast enough, but the reason was my nanites. I never leave the ship without them.”

He came struggling to his feet.

I forgot that I was the captain for a moment and simply hugged my friend. “I thought I lost you.”

“I could not leave you alone, Captain, but as you know Tech Stop does a number on me. Luckily it was not strong enough to penetrate my brain shell, but it shut down all secondary systems.”

“Lucky indeed, where would I find a better engineer?”

“Maybe here? We are on a planet full of them if I understand it correctly.”

“This is a serious situation and who knows how we get out of here.”

“Alright captain, I will try to be more serious then.”

I then searched the body of the dead Karthanian and found a control device of sorts, however nothing else. The Karthanian’s outfit would not fit a human being. Not that I could pass as one of them even if I somehow managed to make it fit.

I tossed the device to Cirruit. “Can you make sense of this thing?”

“Let me check it out closer.”

While Cirruit examined the fist-sized, egg-shaped device.

I turned to Mel, who tried to move away from me but managed only to push himself a few feet further until his efforts were stopped by a gray concrete wall. His eyes reflected fear, but this time I had no pity and felt only cold rage.

He whined. “Don’t kill me, please.”

“I wanted to tear you limb from limb, but that would be effort wasted. No, Mel, I won’t kill you but I will let you rot right where you are. I don’t care what the Karthanians will do to you and won’t lift a finger to stop them.”

Cirruit said. “This thing is sort of a PDD. It controls the doors, seems to have a communication component and a data processing element.”

“Well no sense sticking around here, let’s see if we can’t steal a ship or something and leave those bone faces to themselves.”

== Chapter 6: The First Engineer ==

The meeting of the guild masters in the old guild house was not as the usual gatherings where they discussed new business, ore production, scrap processing or the design of a new ship. Not the dissatisfaction of the general population and ways to deal with them were on the agenda. The Union embargo was still new and had just been implemented. Yet it was much more effective than the Guild Masters wanted to admit. Union markets were suddenly closed to them, but that was not the worst. The Union Armada had turned around and was now entering Karthanian space.

The Resource Manager standing before the big table facing the powerful guild masters. “They are all gone, every single worker has disappeared. I pursued a fleet of scrap scows, most likely filled with the escaping scum, but a Union warship threatened me with destruction if I was to open fire.”

The Hull Builder became very nervous. He, like the others, knew of course that there were Union citizens among those slaves, but he knew there were some that knew of his secret, the hidden Freon colonies.

Aloud he tried to be boisterous and said. “Send our warships to deny the Union entry into our space. We do not want xeno contamination.”

The Ship Outfitter responded. “The Oghr that operate our ships do not want to engage the Union armada and the Karthanians able to operate ships do not know how to fight them.”

“We stand no chance against the Union juggernaut, we should negotiate and see if we can defuse the situation by offering reparations and a change in policies.”

The Steel and Armor Master suggested.

Now the Weapon Master asked. “If we have such a weak force, relying on mercenaries that swear to one master only, the one called money and have none of our own that know how to fight, how would we have stopped a Togar invasion?”

The corridor outside our prison cell was bare bones as the room we had been kept. There were a dozen or so similar doors, most likely leading to similar prisoner holds. The corridor itself terminated on each end with a sturdy looking doors and an obvious visual sensor.

“If someone is watching visuals of this corridor, the subtle way is out my shiny friend.”

“Only the one to our right is active. The one of the left is deactivated. I don’t think the camera is pointed the right way to see all the way down to where we are.”

“That means one entrance is guarded and leads to somewhere while the other is not.”

He pointed to small lights mounted above each door. “If those indicators are what I think they are, two of these cells are occupied. Shall we burden ourselves with other prisoners or try to get away ourselves?”

“I think we better check on them, we know nothing of this place. Maybe one of the prisoners has more information we can use.”

“Give me one moment, Captain.”

“For what? Want to kick that piece of work back in there?”

“It would provide me with temporary satisfaction indeed, but the distance to the active camera is quite long for my nanites. If we move anywhere further to the right, we are certain to be seen.”

He made sense of course and I was very thankful for the resourcefulness of my Chief engineer.

The active security sensor was now slowly changing its angle. Cirruit explained. “My nanites affecting the positioning drive. All they see now is a gray wall.”

I gave him a nod and actually hoped someone would come and check why this camera was looking at a wall, I really felt the need to find an outlet to my anger.”

Cirruit had no problem using the egg-shaped device to open the other cell doors. The first one held a Karthanian who leaned against the gray wall and grunted.”Do whatever you want with me, I am not selling out.”

He looked up and with a surprised tone in his voice. “Captain Velvet?”

I too found it unusual that a Karthanian would recognize me on sight. The only Bone faced Karthanians I know were Captain Sposhtrah, who was hopefully on Alvor’s Cove and that traitorous Grtonner Icylemh, that lay dead a few doors down.

“You know me?”

“I am Grtonner Icylemh, of course, I know you, Captain. You saved all those slaves and freed many Karthanians!”

To call me confused was an understatement. “I am pressed for time as it is, but if you are Grtonner Icylemh, who did I kill?” To Cirruit I said. “I did kill that bastard, did I?”

“Affirmative captain, this is not some sort of cyber reality. They don’t work on my nanites.”

The Karthanian got up. “That was my older sibling, no doubt. I shed my secret identity too soon, upon return to Itheamh, I was captured. My sibling Gharrhtur Maceuyt was the one that sent me to the Smelter Moons in the first place. I have not ascertained how exactly he was able to take my place or fool all of you but I am glad he is dead.”

Somehow it made sense. It certainly validated my friend Narth. “We don’t have much time indeed, are you against Xenos?”

“Captain, I spend more years among Xenos than I did among my own kind. I was betrayed by Karthanians and I keep being rescued by so-called Xenos. I love and respect my friend Ninety as much as a Karthanian can respect and love a Togar.”

Cirruit said.”Do you know where we are?”

“Yes, I think we are in the basement of the old Guildhall. This part is maintained by the Engine Builders.”

I peeked back out, there was no movement so far. “Do you know where these doors lead?”

He also peeked out the door and pointed towards the door with the active, but thankfully now badly aligned camera. “This one leads to the Chambers of the Engine Builders and has exits to the surface and the big entrance to the old guild hall. There are sentries, both live and automatic ones.”

Then he turned and pointed towards the other.”This one leads to the old basements, I do not really know what is down there, other than storage of all sorts of alien tech we captured or collected to be analyzed and if useful copied.”

“Let us check what they stored, maybe there is a passage or connection to the sewers or some other exit.”

“Why not the other way?” Grtonner asked.

“To engage armed guards we need weapons and I am not sure how much back up they can call.”

Cirruit pointed to the other door with an active light. “Can we check who’s behind that one?”

Stahl stood with his legs apart and his hands crossed behind his back before the large view screen. Those who knew him called this his no-nonsense pose and his most serious responses were to be expected. He was on the verge of exploding, even Captain Harris did his best turtle expression, even though none aboard the ship was the target of the Immortal Warriors’ anger.

The viewer changed and it showed the image of several Karthanians grouped around a central chair upon which an impressive dressed Karthhanian sat. “I am the High Guild Master of the Hull builders and demand that you turn around your invasive presence at once.”

“I am Admiral Richard Stahl. I care not at what you find offensive. The catalog of Karthanian offenses against the United Stars, however, is extremely offensive to us. I am authorized to use whatever force I deem fit to deliver you our answer. The latest offense by kidnapping a Union Captain of a planet that made an application to Union membership, however, is beyond everything you did so far.

I am going to use Planet busters on every single planet, even considered Karthanian. I will rain Marines on Karthania and kill every single one of you, no negotiations no second chance. If said person is not returned to us within sixty minutes from now, I will demonstrate to all of you how I earned my reputation. There will be war; the war of the ultimate kind. There won’t be any Karthanians left.”

Stahl gave his Comm officer the sign to disconnect. “You will reject any contact attempts of them unless they call with the coordinates where we can pick up Captain Olafson.”

To the tactical officer, he said. “Any ship that leaves that planet is an open target. Not as much as an automated drone is to leave that world. Deploy all Wolfcraft! Psionic assets to scan for Union minds in the system. You detect any captured Union citizen use whatever force necessary to free her or him. I am done pussyfooting around these xenophobic seahorses.”

“Nineteen ships have been destroyed! Our sacred system is so thick with Union and Nul ships that we could not evacuate a Juki fly!” The Weapon Builder Master complained. “It is their Eternal Warrior himself. We can do nothing but comply! Why did you abduct one of their captains?”

The Hull Builder was aware of his many sins and he was already thinking if suicide might be an acceptable solution, but he had no idea about any abducted Captain.

“I did not authorize or order any such action. I do not know what that cursed Union demon is lying about!”

“He is many things, Hull Builder,” the Ship Systems Master yelled, “he is a forceful enemy, he is uncompromising and he is hated by many, but the entire galaxy knows he never lies, he does not have to.”

One of the aids to the Engine Builder stomped forward and pointed his long finger at the Engine Builder. “At the dusk of our civilization, I can not remain silent. It was us, the Engine Builders. Gharrhtur’s son who is our leader now sanctioned what his father did. We abducted the person that initiated the liberation of the smelter moon slaves and an associate of hers.”

Hehrrhtur Maceuyt, the current Engine Builder Guild Master knew about his father’s scheming. It was through those actions, the Icylemh have swept aside and the Maceuyt became the guild leaders. He knew his father kept doing things to maintain that position and worked on gaining the lead overall, but he did not know any details. He spat. “Will you listen to the fabricated lies of a doomed aide or my word? I know nothing of any abducted captain.”

“We believe the facts. The Union is here with accusations that your aide has just substantiated.” The Hull Builder responded. “Now for the sake of preventing war, release the captured at once. We have little time!”

The being in the other cell was completely unknown to me. It had gray skin, a large head with black almond-shaped eyes. The only other being that I saw, looking like that was the stasis frozen Freon in the secret bio lab hidden under the surface of Tabernacle 12.

The being showed signs of torture and looked at us, quite equally unprepared to see someone else than Karthanians.

Grtonner, however, made a hissing sound and said. “It is true then, the Hull Builders hiding a Freon colony.”

“Freons?” I said disbelievingly. “Aren’t they made extinct even before the Union was formed?”

The gray being got up. “Yes, we were made extinct by the cursed Terrans indeed. Genocide in form of robot bombs rained on every Freon world. Our civilization destroyed in a mere moment.”

“Well, that does it for me. You are not an ally.” I was about to turn and finally get started on our escape when the being said. “Will you leave me here, the Engine Builders cannot afford to leave me alive when my existence becomes known.”

I sighed and walked out. “Try to keep up then, we are not exactly a rescue party but prisoners who managed to escape their cells, but not the prison.”

The door with the non-functional camera, looked like it hadn’t been used for ages, but the grime and dust-covered door sensor actually recognized Grtonner’s biometric and it opened for him.

The door squealed in its tracks as the mechanism pushed the door panel open.

Light elements came on and revealed a downward leading ramp. The air was dry and stale.

As we advanced down the steep ramp, the door behind us squealed shut.

We didn’t talk much as we kept advancing down. It was hard to estimate but I guessed we had covered at least a klick before the Duro-crete ramp leveled into yet another corridor. This one was wider and had alcove like storage bays to each side. Filled with crates and machine parts, nothing I could identify or make use of.

The being identified as a genuine Freon of all things had not spoken much either when it yelled. “A sentry robot!”

The next instant, a bipedal tall robot with raised weapon arms stepped into the corridor. It spoke in Karthanian first.

Cirruit whispered. Captain this is a genuine Cerberus Mark One. Issued to the fleet in 3502!”

I went out on a gamble.”The robot, recognize Captain Erica Olafson, United Stars Spatial Navy. Scan MITI”

The robot switched to standard Union lingu. “MITI scanned, command authority recognized. Additional software of non SII origin has been installed.”

“Purge all non Union apps, reset to factory conditions. Recognize Union authority alone.”

“Please stand by, this unit must reboot.”

Just as the robot shut down, six armed guards. Five Oghr and a Karthanian in green and blue uniform leading them came running down the ramp we had just cleared.

Grtonner yelled. “What is this, Hull Builders in the basement of the Engine Builders. Is the conception and betrayal of cursed Hehrrhtur Maceuyt going even past guild lines?”

I had nothing on me in terms of weapons, as I saw the armed Karthanian aim his line blaster, so I yelled on top of my lungs and rushed as fast as I can towards the alien. My scream and my approach must have affected his aim. He didn’t hit Grtonner but burned a sizeable hole in the shoulder of the Freon, who went down with a painful groan while I collided with the Karthanian. Now in close combat, I brought my boot heels in play. Using my toes I had switched the heel profile and razor-sharp ultronit edges had appeared. With my left foot, I swiped across the snout of the first Oghr, while I pulled with all force I could muster on the Karthanian’s arm.

Cirruit was not far behind me, using his machine speed to avoid the weapon blast of another Oghr and twist the head of the one he attacked, with a rapid and quick move. I could hear the sickening cracking of bones over all the other noise.

The fourth and fifth Oghr, however, had time enough to react and would have been our doom, but a sun bright TKU bolt rendered most of the fourth Oghr’s body into molecular ashes. The weapon bolt originated from the apparently rebooted Cerberus. The last Oghr had no chance to even surrender, he too was killed by a weapon blast of the robot.

Cirruit tossed the Oghr he had just killed and rushed to the fallen Freon.

The Oghr with the sliced snout had both his hands pressed to his bleeding face but was not making any moves in the presence of the old but still a quite lethal Union war machine.

Cirruit shook his head as he looked at me.”The Freon is alive but I doubt he will be much longer, he is unconscious but I do not know if it is from wound shock or something else.”

To the robot I said.”Shoot the Oghr if he makes any sort of offensive move.”

“Instructions understood.”

I gathered the line blaster of the Karthanian, I saw Cirruit and Grtonner doing the same.

I now focused my attention on the blue and green dressed Karthanian. He was still alive, but it appeared Karthanian physiology was not the same as that of a human. I had basically yanked its arm right out of its socket. Greenish almost black blood seeped from the sleeve, only now I realized I was still holding the Karthanian’s arm that was completely separated from the rest of the being’s body.

“I want answers, Karthanian or I tear the other one out too!”

He was obviously in a world of pain, but he mumbled. “The Freon! His existence must be kept secret by all means...”

He didn’t say anything else because I realized he had died. Just then another thundering bolt burned the wounded Oghr to ashes. The robot explained.”The designated individual made an apparent offensive move.”

“Let us barricade the ramp just in case there are more, who knows how much energy that old robot has left after all those years.”

“One does know its energy levels.”

Cirruit checked the readouts and said. “I do too, that old timer has twelve percent energy reserves left before it shuts down. Perhaps two or three day’s worth.”

With the help of the robot, we placed heavy machine pieces before the ramp exit, in the hope to slow down any others coming after us.

While we did that, Cirruit discovered a well-hidden service hatch, behind a steel shelf. The robot had no problem ripping it right out of the wall, the opening was just big enough for us to crawl through but not for the Cerberus.

“Robot stand guard and prevent anyone from following us.”

“Instructions understood.”

I crawled through and rejoined Grtonner and Cirruit. We had emerged into a cavernous chamber of sorts. The walls lined with blue odd shaped and different sized bumpy tiles. The floor was of a similar bluish almost translucent material. In the middle of that large hall was a huge octahedron shaped object, unlike the dim illumination coming from the walls and the floor, the central thing looked dead.

Grtonner said.”We actually made it into the Chamber of the First Engineer. I had no idea there was a crawl way connecting it to our own basements.”

I looked around and didn’t see anything or anyone else. “While we are here, any chance we can wake the guy?”

He has been asleep for over 700 of your years and long before I was born. I know there is a missing chip or key component and it has to be inserted somewhere, but I have no idea how or where. I have been here before trying to wake the engineer somehow, but I was captured.”

“You have failed them and you will fail now.” A booming voice declared.

I could not locate the source of the voice that apparently came from everywhere.

Cirruit held up the little black thing. “I think I do have that key. Some of this looks like very old X101 technology. Long before the X101s were Union members or even forced slaves to the Kermac.”

The voice became even louder.”You must not wake the Engineer! I summoned those who will prevent your attempts.”

From opening wall panels, ball-shaped things with many legs appeared. Almost like spiders but with perfectly spherical bodies and no apparent heads or eyes. They had the size of large melons and were bluish in color. I had no desire to find out what these things would do if they caught up with us. Concentrated and with a forced calm I aimed and fired. The weapon blasts did destroy or kill whatever these things were, but more and more panels opened and more of these things kept appearing.

“Grtonner, Cirruit go try to wake whatever it is inside that Octahedron. I’ll try to keep these crawlers from reaching us. Go hurry up, there soon will be too many for me to shoot.”

The sixty minutes were almost up as Stahl was informed about a planetary assault already commencing. He was already annoyed and quite concerned about Erica. The USS Tigershark had failed to intercept the fast little destroyer in time before it reached Karthania.

The Tigershark was now sitting in one of Devi’s hangars while Har-Hi, Narth, Shea and most of the Tigershark senior crew were on the bridge of the Devi. They had no active function aboard the Devi and had to remain quiet observers.

Stahl responded to the report. “Whoever jumped the gun has to answer to me. We still have 11 minutes to go. Whatever the situation. I always keep my word!”

“Sir, those are not Union units. The Nul are here and attack everything Karthanian in sight!”

Stahl formed the words. “The Nul?” Silently and then turned to Xon who was like Sobody and several of the new crew members also part of the Tigershark crew allowed on the Devi bridge. “The Nul?”

“Sir, I mentioned the details of the situation to my life giver. He declared Erica ... I mean Captain Olafson to be a member of our family after she saved my life. We Nul take those things very seriously.”

Stahl sighed. “In another situation, I would almost feel sorry for the Karthanians.” Then he motioned to his Communication Officer. “Establish a connection to the All Gray please.”

The situation was anything but looking good. We had no place to go. The round spider things flooded the room and the only reason we had not been overrun was the fact that they hesitated every time I vaporized a bunch of them. Now I was low on energy, but I could not switch to another weapon, even a few seconds would have been enough for them to overwhelm me. Cirruit and the Karthanian worked on something behind me. I could not tell as I did not dare to look and miss one of those creepy things.

They made no sounds other than the clicking of their legs if these things were life forms they died without a sound.

“Hurry up guys whatever you are doing.”

Cirruit responded. “Almost got it, captain. Someone really went all out to make sure this thing isn’t waking. They even gunked up the activation receptacle...”

“Cirruit, I got maybe twenty bolts left, and there are still hundreds of them.”

“Well the key is in and it appears energy levels are rising fast.”

A cracking sound from behind me told me that something was happening. Grtonner spoke in Karthanian and Cirruit’s voice was not too confidence inspiring, especially as he used it to say. “Sweet Mothermachine what in the Galaxies name is that?”

A new voice spoke. “Xenos here?”

Again Grtonner spoke in an urgent tone.

Whatever he did made the spider things stop their advance. Not a moment too soon, as I was down to my last bolt and the things were now less than two meters in front of me.

I used the moment to toss the overheated and completely depleted Karthanian Line Bolter and reach for the second one I had taken from one of the dead Oghr.

I risked a peek.

The Octahedron had cracked open like a blue egg and an utterly strange being was rising in its center. Engulfed in slimy white goo, dripping of the creature in honey like drools. The thing was about 12 feet tall and there was a very remote resemblance to Karthanians. The thing was bluish and had some red streaks in its organic shaped body.

The thing had two arms with long thin claws. What I assumed to be its head did resemble at least in shape a Karthanian.

Grtonner stood before the thing in a very devote fashion and kept on speaking in Karthanian.

The thing appeared to be made of a similar material as the wall tiles. Some kind of translucent bluish stuff.

Now the creatures turned his head directly towards me. “A soft-shelled Xeno! An intruder bringing doom to Karthania. Tenders will remove you, the mechanical Xeno appears of X101 origin and may stay to render services that I need now that I am awake!”

The spider things kept moving again. I had about enough of this and aimed the gun at the big entity. “Stop them, or this soft-shelled xeno will send you back to sleep, permanently!”

“You dare to threaten me? I am the First Engineer?”

A shimmering force field engulfed the being.”Your weapon is rendered useless. Now be devoured.”

The first spider thing had reached me and I kicked it as hard as I could, a second one replaced the one I had kicked away.

The forcefield collapsed just as the First Engineer finished speaking. I didn’t waste the opportunity and fired a bolt into the bluish rubble before the being. “Sent your helpers back or by Odin, I empty that line blaster’s energy into your head!”

The engineer howled in anger, but the spider things retreated.

“How can this be? I am supreme on Karthania.”

Cirruit held up his hand. “I render services to my Captain first and I got most of your systems under control.”

Grtonner now spoke in standard lingu. “First Engineer you have been asleep for a very long time. These Xeno’s helped me to wake you, as Karthania is under the control of traitors!”

“You are the traitor.” There was that loud voice again and this time we could see from where it originated. A dozen or so Karthanians in dark green outfits appeared from an opening wall panel, accompanied by a large number of Oghr and odd looking battle robots. Their leader, prominently leading this force spoke again.”You managed to wake the First Engineer, but now that he is exposed we will shut him down forever.”

I jumped over the bluish rubble, splashed into the whiteish goo and took cover. A laser blast cooked a piece of the bluish stuff, just as I managed to duck behind.

I aimed carefully and drilled a big black hole right into the blue dressed leader. While he collapsed the loud voice did not fall silent to my dismay. “Foul Xeno wench we will...”

The rest of the threat was drowned in an ear-shattering explosion. Much of the opposite wall collapsed into debris and dust. A horde of purple four-armed monsters in battle suits and armed with large Nul Froth casters stormed in and stomped the spider things to mush. Nul attacked!

The Oghr turned in a panic, the Karthanian dropped their weapons and the strange looking Karthanian battle robots were rendered to scrap in mere moments.

One of the purple monsters yelled. “Are you Black Velvet?”

“Yes!”

“Our prince was very upset about you being abducted by these cowardly weaklings, our All Leader sent us to make sure they will understand the error in their action.”

Now Union marines came in along with a platoon of Type XI Cerberus.

The First Engineer, who moments ago wanted me devoured was, despite being utterly alien, quite shocked. However long he had slept, he clearly remembered the Nul. “Is this the day of doom, that has been foretold?”

“I would say this is very likely!”

Through the breach hole, another marine stepped into the chamber of the First Engineer. Wearing a dark red Quasimodo with the letters USMC and an old symbol depicting an eagle, a planet and an anchor.

Coming from an ocean planet with old-fashioned boats, I knew what an anchor was and looked like, but I could not identify the unit that logo belonged to.

The face that stuck past the helmet initiator ring, however, was well known to me, Admiral Richard Stahl!”

“Olafson take your friends and get out of here. You have never been here. We talk later and I take care of the situation here.”

“Sir, how?”

“There is a landing tank outside, piloted by a certain Dai. Your ship is in orbit.”

== Chapter 7: Departure ==

After I was reunited with my friends and my ship we left Karthanian space and returned to the space dock of Fantlemo Brthail. The Karthanian engineer had returned with us. He told us, that with the First Engineer active, the old Guildmasters would be swept away; and he realized that he no longer wanted to be a Guild leader. He rather returned to Itheamh and helped rebuild it and run his space dock. In order to maintain our cover, he reverted to his alter ego of Fantlemo Brthail and only reveal himself after the Dragon and his associates were well on their way.

I took the opportunity to take a long swim and slept an entire eight hours.

Refreshed as can be and quite hungry I went for the Den to have some breakfast.

I found Krabbel, the Golden, Xon, Warner and the Suit there. Apparently, Krabbel was teaching them the game of Chess.

I looked over the board he had set up and explained the others about the moves each game piece could make.

I quietly sat down with the intention not to disturb them, but that turned out to be impossible because Fenris winged down from somewhere and screeched excited, while Mr. Eeeryt placed a covered tray before me. “SHIP promised me to let me know when you come for your meals, Captain. You all had us worried once again.”

“Thank you, Mr. Eeeryt. I’ll try to do that less, I promise.”

The group around Krabbel interrupted their chess learning session and Xon said.”We all know how formidable you are, but I must admit I was concerned as well.”

“Xon, I am glad to be back as well. Your Life-giver made sure the Karthanians will reconsider any future abduction. Having a platoon of angry Nul doing the complaining, I have no doubt they understood.”

Somehow I knew the alien Nul looked pleased. “Our All Leader made you a member of the household and technically you are a Nul now.”

I uncovered the dish and revealed a bowl of fish soup and fresh bread. While I inhaled the savory scent wafting in warm steam into my face, I said with a smile. “That makes me the only Neo Viking- Nul with future Narth aspirations in the Universe, I am certain.”

Har-Hi who just joined us made a praying gesture. “The spirits of the Galaxy! A Neo Viking Nul barbarian with Narth powers.”

They laughed at that.

Specialist Senhadjii, who earned his field commission to Ensign interrupted our conversation as his voice came over Intership, he was for the first time holding the Con. As he was deadly serious about Helm he spent much time on the bridge and I had Har-Hi put him on the second tier roster.

“Captain, we just received a Myon message from the Red Dragon. He wants to meet everyone that was present at the meeting in the Tavern to proceed to N’Ger. He wants to get his project started.”

“So, he managed to get away from Itheamh after all.”

It took us two days to reach Eller’s system. I came onto the bridge after SHIP told me we were about to reach our newest destination.

It was technically not my shift, the bridge officers of the First Watch were there. SHIP holding the CON, manning OPS and Helm. A birdlike individual I had seen during meetings sat behind the NAV station. I knew he was an Utelle and called a planet in the Andromeda galaxy home. I also remembered his name was Orkis, I had not spoken to him more than a few words since we started our journey.

According to Har-Hi he was dependable and had a decent Helm rating of 604.

The Delicate specialist Brana Noleii was working at the science station. Of course, I recognized Ensign Dybur on Tactical and realized there was a second Thauran that was part of my crew, also female. She was operating the Comm equipment. A tiny human stood on the Security panel. I was almost certain it was Ensign Salhof.

SHIP’s avatar got up from the Command seat and sat down in the empty OPS chair. “We are approaching Eller’s star captain. The second orbit belongs to planet N’Ger. Do you want me to call the senior officers to the bridge?”

“Not yet, SHIP. I think the First watch can handle it. Mr. Orkis what is our ETA?”

The Utelle did not turn to address me. “Captain, we will drop out of Quasi in 12 minutes and will be within thirty light minutes to the Heliopause of Eller’s star.”

“Ms. Dybur anything noteworthy on the scanners?”

“There are energy signatures of seventeen contacts that appear to be spaceships within sensor range and within the Eller system. Nine are in acceleration towards threshold speed. Two seem to have arrived and are decelerating and six are in orbit around the second planet. The two approaching the second planet and four of the ones in orbit are known energy signatures and belong to starships we have encountered before. There are more energy signatures on several celestial objects. Most of them located on the second planet.”

The Delicate said.”The star is stable, and a standard GIII. No sensor data suggests the exchange of weapon fire or similar hostilities.”

“SHIP do call Sobody on the bridge. I like to know more about N’Ger.”

“Sobody is on his way, Captain.”

I waited for the subtle glimmer of our optical sensors switching from Quasi-space to real space as we dropped out of this other space-time continuum into our own universe and then asked the other Thauran.”I don’t think I ever really noticed you.”

“I was only recently advanced to Bridge duty, Captain Ma’am. While you are here, I like to express my pride and gratitude to be on this ship. There will be a time I can tell my grandchildren that I was part of all this.”

“I am glad you think so, we might just have to follow that cursed Red Dragon half across the galaxy.” I leaned forward. “What I said to Ensign Dybur goes for you as well. I was serious about this.”

“Yes, Ma’am and we all think that is really special, but I am not Thauran. I never felt discriminated. My father was a Blue and my mother comes from Mars.” She laughed.”That should explain my rather nice blue complexion, but I lack the natural gorgeous coppery hair of my friend Daia, I mean Ensign Dybur of course. Mine is a mousy brown, so I added some color. It matches my nail color too, but I am not so sure what kind of lip color...” She covered her mouth. “I am so sorry, Captain. This doesn’t belong on the bridge. It is only that...”

Ensign Dybur shushed her and said to me. “When she gets started talking, she hardly ever stops.”

“Well, it might be a good trait to have, being in communications.” I grinned and then focused on Sobody who came on the bridge.

“Sorry to cut your off time short, Mr. Sobody but we are here and I really like to know more about N’Ger. There isn’t all that much in our files and we are once more beyond GalNet range.”

“No worries, Captain. It is me who wanted be part of this and I am very glad you let me do just that.”

He sat down in what became his seat and put his hand to his chin. “N’Ger is an independent world for a very long time. Taking the Galactic Core as a reference point and looking at it from the Z plane.

“This system is Galactic West. N’Ger, its sun and a handful of stars are located in what they call the Wedmar’s Triangle. The system is more or less wedged between the Jooltar, Togar and the Shattered Kingdoms.”

He still held his chin as he was recalling what he knew. “Being between three big and expanding space-faring civilizations and within reach of a dozen small ones, N’Ger and two other planets in this region became the focal point of commerce and politics. It became a melting pot of cultures. N’Ger is famous and known through all four sectors of the Galaxy. If I recall it correctly N’Ger is at the innermost limit of Eller’s Goldilocks zone and has a very arid and hot climate. There are two very salty oceans. A rich biosphere developed out of Thiobacillus.

“Both stationary and mobile life forms exist. The biggest is the Yellow Hexapod. A three-ton six leg herbivore.

It is used both as a beast of burden and for meat. There are a few thousand tons of that meat going through my bazaar.”

I listened and gave the Helmsman the okay to increase speed and to enter the system. Then I said. “Don’t let me interrupt you, Sobody. I find your knowledge very helpful and your ability to remember all those details quite impressive.”

He smiled and went on. “A sentient life form evolved from a smaller six-limbed omnivore life form, the Byki, better known as the Yellow Heads. It is sort of a curse word elsewhere. They don’t travel much off planet and are not the most pleasant species to deal with.”

SHIP lowered a second screen to the left of the main viewer and displayed the image of a yellowish bi pedal four armed creature. The displayed being was no taller than the Golden.

Sodoby pointed to the image of the being. “Their world, N’Ger derives from their native language which includes a clicking sound.

“It was the Ongloran Federation that made first contact with the Byki about 10,000 of your Union years. Most sources agree and think it was the Ongloran who assisted them to ascend.

“When the Ongloran Federation vanished, this region of space saw much fighting. It was Emperor Wedmar of the Oghr Empire who established a free trade zone, a buffer zone between the Togar, Jooltar, and Oghr. Basically the same idea as Freespace, just in a much smaller scale and protected by Oghr military, it became known as Wedmar’s Triangle.”

Har-Hi and right after him the rest of my senior officers came to the bridge and exchanged seats with the First Watch officers. It was a quiet and smooth change.

I gave Har-Hi a mocking scolding gaze. “I didn’t call you guys. I was perfectly fine with the First Watch officers.”

“Yes, and regulations require senior officers to be on the bridge if the captain is. We never observe much of any regulations, so I like to maintain the ones you have not specifically circumvented.”

“I am not circumventing regulations. I might have a different interpretation to a few of those. Now I am getting scolded on my own bridge by my XO.”

He sighed. “Sorry Captain, but you started the scolding thing.”

Now I sighed. “No one ever is going to say something like that to Harris.”

“But then regulations are much more seriously observed on the Devi.”

“Sit down then, Mr. Hi. Our expert is advising me about N’Ger.”

Sodoby was laughing. “And I thank the gods that it was you who responded to our distress call. Fate allowed me to be part of this crew.”

“Mr. Sobody please keep telling me about N’Ger and don’t encourage them too much or one day they disrespect me for real.”

Sobody became serious. “They rather die than do that.”

“About N’Ger?”

He collected himself. “Where was I? Ah yes, the Oghar emperor. While Wedmar is long gone and the Oghr feud among themselves, this region is still known as Wedmar’s Triangle, it established the region as a sort of neutral ground where trade could be done. It is no longer protected by Oghr military, just by tradition I think.”

He waved with his right hand. “Anyway, N’Ger became a trade center and rich in the process. Eleven Merchant House Cities center on the Glaring Desert. This what they call a large salt flat with markets, slums, small communities, and landing fields.

The Eleven Merchant House Cities and the Emperor of the Byki rule the local planets and enforce local law.

Moons Motee and Wesma have been Oghr forts since Wedmar’s time and are still home to Oghr mercenaries who are paid by the Merchant Houses. The most unique feature of N’Ger security is provided by the Ug-Ka Dai. Their Dai Mother has been in orbit around N’Ger (like a third moon) for centuries. Dai Fighters are the main reason, no raid or attack on N’Ger was ever successful.”

Har-Hi snorted. “The Ug-Ka are real Okthi. Their Dai Mother’s heart died many centuries ago and thus remain here, but they are still Dai. I don’t recommend we start a fight with them unless we can expose our true self.”

“Alright, let’s try to stay on their good side then.”

Elfi said. “We are being hailed by one of the ships in orbit. It is the Red Dragon.”

Har-Hi handed me my mask and said. “Back to business, Captain?”

“Back to business, Mr.Hi.”

I gave Elfi a sign to connect me.

The Red Dragon appeared on our main viewer and he said. “Ah Captain Velvet, you got my Myon message and it looks you managed to get your ship out of space dock before the Union goons looked to close.”

“Indeed and it looks like you did the same, slipped right under their scanners.”

“I think they were to busy with the Karthanian situation. Might come to war between Union and Karthania, but I don’t care. I am ready to get on the way, are you?”

“Yes, this is why I am here. I don’t really want to stay for weeks on end on N’Ger. Either we go soon or I start hunting on my own again.”

“I don’t even land. Meateater’s Intruder is right next to me and well repaired. Captain Carrhrh arrived only moments before you as did Brathering with the Uhuin. Crimson Curse is just lifting off N’Ger and will join us in orbit momentarily. The Jooltar Basoro is on his way and should be here within the next ten hours. The Shadoom and Captain Rkkkz didn’t make it, he met a Union Cruiser and that was the end of him. The rest will be here shortly. Whoever is not by tomorrow stays behind.”

“Suits me.”

“It is official now. Captain,” Krabbel said. “We are now in unexplored space. No Union Fleet ship has ever come this far Coreward.”

I was just walking on the bridge. We had left N’Ger twenty days ago and kept a steady course Coreward and would soon leave the Perseus Arm and fly across the gap to the Cygnus Arm of our Galaxy.

And then we would be almost exactly opposite of the Orion Arm where Earth and much of the Union space was. Still, we had much space to cross before we reached the Downward Sector.

TheOther got up from the Conn finishing his first duty watch on that position. “Specialist Lancaster broke his arm during a Container kicking match in Hangar A, no other casualties. Lt. Neugruber’s team ‘The Tremor Avalanche’ won 3 to 2 over Prince Xon’s ‘Gray Stompers’. Other than that there is nothing to report, Captain.”

The Nul now sitting at Communications turned his dome-shaped head around and said. “A rematch is planned for tomorrow night and I am certain we even that score.”

“Just be careful not to kick one of the Hangar doors open by accident. With you guys stomping down there, who knows what could break.”

“Only cosmetic damage Captain. The Ship is remarkably well built, very durable even for Nul Standards.” “Do I want to know what cosmetic damage means?”

“Hans kicked the ball in one of the light elements but it is already repaired, Captain.”

I wanted to add some light comment when he held up his jointless arm.”

The Red Dragon is hailing us, Captain.”

“Make sure the visual filter is in place showing the bridge of the old Karthanian and not the Tigersharks.”

“Aye Captain, visual filter is linked to Janus device and automatically on, Sir.”

“Just making sure.”

TheOther handed me my mask and then I said. “Alright, put him on.”

“Captain Velvet we are about to cross the gap and we are low on fuel and decided to land on the next suitable planet and set up our refineries. My sensors picked up a K III star with three planets nearby. How is your fuel status?”

“I think I could have made it across the gap but restocking on fuel might not be a bad idea.”

Our little convoy entered the nameless system identified by the Red Dragon.

I asked. “Science, Tactical. Anything artificial around?”

Narth responded. “No Captain. Three Planets. One Supergiant, two minor Planets. No artificial energy signatures, no communications. Second planet is within the life distance of its sun and is a Type D Garden world.”

Shea added. “Captain, this is an unexplored and non surveyed system. It carries only a number in the catalogs and it is tradition that the Captain of a Union ship names it properly. It will then so be designated in the Star Catalogs of all Union ships. Of course only after we returned home and are back in Communication range.”

“Alright. SHIP official log entry: On this date and time, I Captain Olafson name entered star System HIP number whatever herby to be known as...” I looked around. “Any Suggestions?”

SHIP chirped happily. “New name recorded in Log entry. System now know as Any Suggestions”

“SHIP! That wasn’t the name. I was asking for suggestions, you know that.”

“Yes Captain I did but you said Official Log entry and sorry I can’t do anything else but to go strict by the book then.”

I frowned and grunted. “Great, now when the admirals read our log they say.”What a moron she is, can’t even think of a good name for a Star system.”

“It is not so bad Captain.”Mao tried to console me. “There are much worse names other Explorers came up with.”

“Still, this is awful.”

Har-Hi had a dead serious face. “One day this conversation might happen. One guy to the other. Hey, mate where are you from? Any Suggestions. I don’t know I could not even guess, just tell me! I told you Any Suggestions!” He then grinned. “If they ever settle that Gardenworld, there will be confusion even buying a Spacebus ticket.”

I wasn’t too amused. Official Log entries could of course not be erased.

The other pirate ships, except the Crimson Curse and us, didn’t even bother with an orbit and went straight down.

Shea operated her science scanners.”Eighty percent land and twenty percent water, very shallow oceans. I am reading life signs but no neural patterns associated with sentient life. Breathable Nitrogen-Oxygen atmosphere.

Narth said. “I don’t sense any sentient thoughts either, but whatever lives down there has strong minds. It’s dull like from a non-intelligent life form.”

I nodded in acknowledgment and said. “Shaka, set her down a little distance from the others, let’s say a click or so. Mr. Har-Hi sound General Quarters. Mao shields please.”

Shaka sat us down in an environment of very smooth hills near the shores of a huge lake or ocean. In the distance the other ships, they already had started to unpack their fuel refinery equipment.

Red Dragon’s Ship, the Kermac Destroyer of Shuputz and the Crimson Curse had landed right in the water of the shallow lake which made sense as water was an excellent source for NuGas.

I looked over to Shea. “I know you are itching to go out and survey the place and you can but don’t overdo it and make sure you stay out of a direct line of sight. No extensive sample taking either.”

She smiled and rushed to the I.S.T. “I’ll get my equipment and a survey team together.”

I got up as well and said. “I am going to join you. I always wanted to step on a world no one ever stepped on before.”

Har-Hi said. “Well, Crimson, Dragon and his goons were first.”

“Technicalities. How long do you think they need?”

He shrugged.” Setting it up, making enough for five ships. Pulling it down. If they work fast with a trained team, eight to nine hours. With pirates and old robots I say more like 15 or 18.”

“You got Con.”

With those words, I left the bridge, wanting to go to my Auto Dresser when Cirruit and Suit intercepted me.” Captain, are you planning to go outside?”

“Yes. You too?”

“No Captain but Tyron I mean Suit would feel better if you did not rely on primitive Garments. This is an alien world with potential dangers.”

“Well, I am not planning on putting on a full Atlas, just some flat-heeled boots. It doesn’t look very dangerous out there.”

The Suit said. “Captain it is still an alien world and your safety is important. I think you should always wear me if you decide to go out. No one will be able to render you unconscious if you wear me.” “I thought you don’t want to be a garment?”

“I am becoming a security officer, Ma’am. Your safety is paramount and I would feel greatly honored to be worn by you.”

“Alright, I don’t mind if you don’t. Not that I plan to be knocked out, but since I just might be the record holder in that regard, go right ahead.”

Tyron Suit flowed around me skintight and then turned black and looked like my usual leather suit. My own suit, however, was shredded to pieces on the floor.

“I can mimic any material and look; Captain. Of course, I can make you invisible, move in any known environment and you have a wide array of defensive and offensive choices.”

“Good to know but by the looks of it not necessary out there.”

Shea, Cateria and three others of the science department. I recognized them of course, Lt. Dunns, Ensign Tallow, and Dr. Ziodo. The three had disguised themselves as they thought Pirates would look like, but they really looked like science geeks in costumes. I didn’t say anything but hoped Shea knew how to curb their science enthusiasm.

She looked at her handheld readout. “No harmful aerosols or pollen present, no traces of poisonous gases. Temperature 36 degrees. We can safely go outside.”

We cycled through the airlock at the bottom of the extended IST shaft. The ground felt spongy but did not leave tracks or cling to the boots. It had an unhealthy pinkish shade and little fissures all over. In more or less equal spaces were black leaf-less plant stalks or something like that. The stalks were about twenty meters tall. I could not help as to think an extremely magnified beard hair would look like that. The pinkish ground with those black plants stretched as far as I could see over the rolling hills and all the way to the water. The air had a sweetly sickly odor to it. Down by the water, the pinkish ground made way to a light brown rock surface. Man-sized crab-like animals scurried around taking no notice of our or the other pirate’s presence.

“What a strange world,” I said to myself as I watched the pirates put up the NuGas refinery. Suit magnified my view just as I squinted my eyes to see better and I could see them close up.” That is neat. Even on an Atlas, you got to blink for magnification.”

“These Atlas suits are actually quite advanced for a primitive culture as yours.”

“If you keep saying that I am going to believe it and get depressed.”

“I will refrain from it and not all is primitive, Captain.”

The pirates had only a few robots to help them and it looked like hard work. I saw them sweating and cursing putting up the components.

Mao walked up to me and said. “If that isn’t the weirdest place I ever been to. I never saw a ground like that. No rocks, no dust. Just this spongy ground as of someone had covered the entire area with a padded bed sheet or something.”

Narth floated around between our science team.

So I was directing my thoughts towards him. “What do you think?”

“I am thinking on many levels and ponder 54 different and quite unrelated subjects, however, I am certain you wanted to know my opinion on this world.”

“I am glad you clarified that to me and I was indeed wanting to know your opinion. Otherwise, you might give me your opinion on the taste of Purple Sparkle Bright. Now I know why Narth shield their thoughts, another telepath would go crazy listening in.”

“This is actually one of the reasons indeed. I have not pondered the flavor of Purple Sparkle Bright yet.”

He came floating over. “While I still wait on Shea’s data to make a more educated statement. I must say this surface strikes me as unusual. I just calculated the energy output of that sun and with the other data, I am certain this is a very old system. There are no significant mountains anywhere on this planet. The entire surface looks like this.”

The suit said.” Captain, I am linked with SHIP and cross-referenced my scanning data with all available library information. There is a significant level of danger here.”

Shea called. “I think we better leave our current landing position and land in the water as well.”

“All back into the ship we are changing positions. Shaka prepare for immediate lift off as soon as SHIP verifies we are all in.”

“Aye Captain!”

“What is the nature of the danger, Mr. Suit?”

“There is but a single life form on this planet. The ground we stand on is that organism.”

“Elfi get me Red Dragon.”

“Aye Captain. Establishing contact. You’re on.”

“Dragon. I think we should leave now. We are all in danger.”

“Now can you be more...”

I was the last one, just about to enter when a tremor threw me almost of my feet, Suit compensated and I was able to jump into the I.S.T. while the Tiger shark rose into the air before the door closed.

The entire ship rocked.

General Quarter’s alert sounded...

“Report!”

Har-Hi’s voice came on. “Outer shields at twenty percent, no damage no casualties yet. Shields just displaced 120,000 tons of matter.”

While the I.S.T. was faster than the speed of sound, I had to wait until the decontamination process was completed. No one was allowed to re-enter the ship without a detailed biohazard scan and decon procedure. It was one protocol, I would not overwrite.

The ship rocked twice more.

Har-Hi said.”Our disguise shields are barely holding.”

I finally made it on the bridge but did not change seats with Har-Hi who had taken the Command seat. I plunged into the XO’s and Ship switched Command level authority faster than we could have changed places. I raised the seat into the battle view dome and I saw the entire landscape had come to life. Like a huge blanket or carpet, shaken by an invisible giant. With enormous ripples and wave-like motions it extended folds and each fold engulfed the Tigershark. Our Neutronium hull was unaffected, unlike the shields that had collapsed by trying to displace many hundred thousands tons of matter.

Of course, we still could switch on our real shields but that would completely destroy our disguise.

“Mao you have fire permission but plasma weapons only. Try to cut us loose. As soon as you are successful Shaka get us into orbit, full engines. Cirruit can you reset the shields as soon as we are free?”

“Cirruit here, the simulated shields are linked to our disguise and can be reset, takes me ten seconds though!”

“Mao you have to keep that carpet off for ten seconds. I don’t want to go full engines blasting through atmosphere into space Neutronium armor or not.”

“Aye Captain commencing fire pattern now!”

The beams cut through the folds that held us, but the carpet thing rippled even worse tried to smother us.

“Captain the more I cut the more ripples come and the load is increasing, we are being pulled back. ArtiGrav past Red line.”

“I hope the armor is as good as they say it is. Mao, Translocator cannon. Lay a 1 Kilo AM bomb 500 meters into the ground directly under us. That should create a crater and suck the thing in, at least long enough to let us go.” Har-Hi said.”

But there will be an expanding shock and dirt wave before it collapses.”

“I hope the material of the being is taking the brunt of it and our armor is that good. Fire!”

Despite internal ArtiGrav, some of the tremors came through and a huge hole had been ripped into the creature below us and we came free. Shaka didn’t have to be told, he put full thrust into our main engines and catapulted us into space.

We cleared the last traces of atmosphere and I demanded. “Damage report!”

Har-Hi responded right away. “Janus simulated hull damaged.

Shield Coil Modulators of the secondary Shields belonging to our Janus mask are burned out. Landing strut Aft 4 is bent. No other damage reported.”

“Casualties?”

“No Casualties.”

“Status of the other Pirates?”

This time Narth replied. “The New Intruder and the Bloody Mary sustained damage. The other ships sustained no noticeable damage and are in Orbit.

They are within visual range in less than 1 minute.”

“Shaka, take us to the Magnetic Pole as fast as possible. Then use gravimetric TransDim maximum acceleration behind that sun.”

I hoped the magnetic shadow of the Planet would hide us from their sensors just long enough so we could get out of here and I hoped they had no sensors able to detect Gravimetric TransDim Propulsion.

Staying as close as possible behind the system’s sun would give us hopefully a little breathing time.

== Chapter 8: Dust Cloud ==

The Thauran now known as Red Dragon cursed at the Situation and cursed his Sensor Operator. “You said you detected the Silver Streak in Orbit. Where is it?”

“I swear to you it was there one second and now it’s gone. I think she went over the Pole. Adjusting for magnetic interference now.”

“What a worthless idiot are you? Is she there or not?”

“No Captain I cannot detect her ship anywhere in the system, maybe our Sensors were damaged.”

“Of course your sensors are damaged. She can’t simply disappear, get them fixed now!”

“Yes, Dragon.”

The irritated pirate captain tried to calm down. “Now let’s sort things out. Hail the Intruder first.” The face of the Orkh appeared on his viewer and he went straight to the situation.

“We are buried underneath whatever this thing is. Shields are gone, the Hull is holding, but my Engineer says that thing is feeding on the metal. Our estimate is that we can survive for a few hours at best and then the hull is dissolved. As soon as you help us get out of here, we might be able to jury-rig her with spare parts for a limp back home.”

“I’ll call you right back. I need to talk to the others as well.”

The Bloody Mary was next. Crimson Curse was furious. “I am going to kill that stupid Meateater. It was him who fired on those crab symbiotes and agitated that planet covering organism.”

“How is your status?”

“I am still on the Surface but I managed to get the Ship into the Ocean. The thing hasn’t followed us into the water.

We lost a few hull plates and one Enticer module is bent out of alignment but I think we can fix that within a day or so. The Refinery is scattered all over and we are trying to gather the pieces.”

“Alright, stay put.”

The Red Dragon waved at his Communication equipment operator. “Now get me the Puup.”

Brathering also responded right away. “No Damage here, just lost four of my crew working on the refinery. I think I scattered it a bit as I lifted off and toasted them in the process.”

He acknowledged, cut the Puup off and commanded. “Now get me the Silver Streak.”

“Sorry Captain I am unable to raise her. She might still be buried under that thing. Since our sensors are damaged who knows what that Bulfong thought he saw.”

The Scanner operator, a Togar extended his claws and threatened the beardless Kermac at the Comm Board. “I will rip you to pieces!”

“Cut it out you two! Or I kill you both! Meateater has now lots of crew who wants to come with us! Now find that Silver Streak. If she is buried we burn her out. There is plenty of treasure in that ship that makes it worth burning the entire planet to ashes!”

Cirruit came on the bridge and positioned himself before me. “All shields are operational again. She and Narth have fixed and reset the Janus Device and we are the Karthanian once again. That Landing strut is back in shape in about two hours. Our real hull doesn’t even have a scratch, captain. Tyron Suit who was still on me said. “That armor of this formidable ship is indeed quite advanced and if we add self-repair capability to it is better than Seenian armor. Your sensors remain to appear to be quite rudimentary and I think we should change that.”

Cirruit immediately responded.”You are one arrogant sack of molecule shifting matter, my hollow friend. Our Neutronium coated hull cannot be repaired with nanites. The coating is the densest matter known to Union science.”

“I am not hollow now, I am covering the shape of our Captain, a very nice shape if I understand Derek Simmon and a few of my friends correctly.”

I felt somewhat embarrassed. “What are you discussing in those lower desks?”

“Only the best, Captain.” Cirruit was adding very fast and then he said. “Union sensor technology is quite advanced, we are hampered by the fact that we simulating an old clunker.”

“We could scale up my sensors, no one below Tech ten would even know we use them.”

I was certain the suit could not see my smile while being worn. “Well, you two work on that. Now let us get back to that planet. We need to explain our disappearance convincingly”

SHIP said. “The Silver Streak is only a simulation. We have the ‘Elfen Cloak’ tech and can fully cloak. It won’t mask regular engine emissions, but that won’t be a problem with TransDim gravimetric.”

“You can do that?”

“Yes, you all have been briefed on my equipment, back on Richter base.”

“I don’t think we covered all the marvelous equipment.” I said and then agitated I added. “We could have simply cloaked in Orbit.”

“You never asked or gave me a chance to suggest, but your solution was quite brilliant, Captain.”

“I am glad you approve, SHIP.”

“Now work with Narth and get that cloak going.”

“Aye, Captain.”

“Starman Suit, do you really think we could scale up your sensors. Being forced to fly half blind is one of the biggest limitations we have.”

“Yes I think that would be possible, I have some preliminary ideas. I know I am a security officer first, but can I assist Cirruit with the landing strut?”

“Of course to right ahead.”

A robot stomped onto the bridge and the Suit separated itself from me, taking possession of the robot body again.

“Starman Suit?”

“Yes, Captain?”

“Please next time you separate from me, wait till while we are in private. This is the second time I am in the buff in front of everyone!”

“Oh, I apologize, I had no idea this was a problem.”

“I think Cirruit needs to explain why we humans decide to wear clothing.” I glared at the others. “Go ahead and laugh. I know Har Hi is already biting his lip very hard and trying not to burst.”

Suit sounded distraught. “I truly am sorry. Being a garment myself, I did not make the connection. Seenians wore garments other than battle suits as well.”

Shea handed me a science officer lab coat, thankfully covering up I left the Bridge. “I will be right back.”

The cloak worked and we slipped back into orbit, well almost. In order to cloak a ship-sized object in space, reflected photons were the least problem, the biggest one was the constant generated heat that had to be bled into the near vacuum of space, then there was the particle stream that provided the thrust, it, of course, left a trail.

While the Tigershark could accelerate by projecting a gravitational singularity before the ship and thus continuously pull it towards it and thus not leave a particle stream, the excessive heat had to be funneled into hyperspace, a process which was not entirely tested nor working flawlessly. Thankfully the thermal radiation that was not transferred into hyperspace and trailed behind us was minuscule and hopefully not detected.

Shea confirmed the sensor rays of the other two ships went right through us without sensing anything. Narth said. “Ensign Fivecheer made his sensor operator believe he fixed his malfunctioning Sensors.”

Har-Hi looked up from his readouts. “Our comm department has analyzed and consolidated the pirates’ transmissions. All, but one of the pirates managed to escape that continent-sized blanket creature, several suffered light to medium damage. There were several casualties.”

He tapped the info bubble to highlight another part of the report he had received. “The pirate captain Meateater and the Intruder received the brunt of the creatures attack. Crimson Curse believes it was Meateater firing on the crab creatures caused the reaction and the mayhem in the first place. They managed to get him out of under that living carpet.”

Hans had been joined by Lt. Senhadjii and they both had their heads together whispering and going over signal data so it appeared. Lt. D then Lt. Neugruber then said.”Captain, we have completed our assessment too. Meateater hopes our shields are still damaged. He was closest to us and he has witnessed our struggle, while he too was fighting the creature, and now plans to attack us.”

Hans looked at a projection of the Intruder and said. “His ship sustained heavy damage and is no longer able to translight. He obtained spare shield parts from Captain Basoro. He wants to lure us close, then fire upon us, because he thinks we have no shields. So he can force us to surrender and take possession of the Silver Streak.

The others will assist him if they think he succeeds.”

“Alright, that gives us a chance to take one out of the equation. Narth can you simulate damage on our Janus image fast?”

“Yes I think so, with SHIP’s help I can display some damage, Shea’s image manipulation application from our Dolbarian adventure is awesome.”

I gave my fiance a thankful smile and explained. “I want them to be able to shoot at us once, then we turn on shields and that gives me a legitime excuse to retaliate.”

We waited for them to be out of a direct line of sight and SHIP turned our marvelous cloak off.

“Elfi open me a general channel on Myon.”

She made the OK sign with her left hand and gave me the go signal.

“Silver Streak calling anyone able to receive. We are testing our Communications Equipment, is it working again?”

“Ah, there you are, Black Velvet. We were already wondering where you ended up. So you did manage to get off the planet after all. Meateater was convinced he saw getting away. Our Sensors didn’t pick up anything. Any serious damage?”

“Only minor. Our shields are still down and we are fixing those.”

He gave me a short report and told me the situation and added. “We burned an area clean and secured the Intruder.

However, the organism is as big as the continent and there is more matter than we could destroy with the energy available. We think it might attack again.”

As he spoke the damaged Intruder appeared, from behind the Red Dragon, under shields firing Forced Energy projectors at us. Simultaneous he spoke into the open channel.” Captain Velvet, you have no shields. My next shots will vaporize your bridge and your weapons. You can, however, surrender and land. I take over your ship and guarantee your crew will have a chance to work for me. Refuse and we all will destroy you.”

“You false bastard. I thought we were all in this together. Are you in with this Red Dragon?”

“Not yet Velvet, this is a private matter between you and him. He is desperate I can’t blame him. Whoever comes out on top comes along.”

“You guarantee the safety of my crew?”

“I will talk to Captain Meateater and I will take some aboard.”

“Alright, I will land.”

Shaka took the ship down closely followed by the Meateater, and the rest of the pirates not far behind. We too landed in the water this time.

The intruder was just about to land as well.

“Mao, shields. Target the Meateater’s weapons and shield generators and cut his remaining landing gear. Then pound him with Techstop.”

“Shields up. Firing now!”

“Elfi put me back their channel.”

She made a sign that I was on.

“Looks like my shields are back just in time. They weren’t as badly damaged as thought.” I put some anger in my voice. “Now, I am going to deal with this scum, once and for all. I had just about enough! Anyone interfering will find out what I took from Duke.”

I was certain most of them knew about the rumor that the Duke had Loki torpedoes and all of them knew there was nothing they could do to escape a real Loki torpedo that close.

Narth had an amused tone in his voice. “The Red Dragon just found out that his Seenian shields do not come on.”

It was the Red Dragon who responded. “As I said it is a private matter, between you and Meateater.”

I cut transmissions and said. “Hans, take our marines and all members of the container kick teams we are going to board the Intruder and arrest those who surrender and terminate who doesn’t. Then we plunder that ship in pirate fashion.”

I got up and added. “Mao, you have permission to use Lokis on all but the Red Dragon if they interfere. Elfi have you prepared the doctored visuals?”

“Yes, Captain, SHIP, TheOther and I did with lots of input from Mao, who loves the sickest gory horror virtus.”

“As soon as we are over there play it on our channels and use easy to hack codes keys as discussed.” “It’s ready Captain.”

Red Dragon watched as a small army emerged from the Silver Streak rushed and flew over to the damaged Intruder and boarding her.

His Comm Officer, the beardless Kermac said. “Captain I managed to break into Velvets command channel. She has a visual and audio feed going back to her ship.”

“Put it on.”

He and his bridge crew saw what a helmet cam of one of the boarders recorded. Black Velvet led the boarding team herself, in her black outfit with a Nul Froth Caster in her left fist and a boarding axe in her right. She was like a banshee of legend let loose. She was shielded to her left by a real Y’All and to the left by a Nul. Who made sure nothing stopped her while she was dismembering and torturing the crew of the Intruder in the most brutal and inhuman way they had ever witnessed.

She showed no mercy even to those surrendering.

Meateater was the closest thing he had to a friend and to see him tortured like this for the codes of his ship’s computronics in such a gruesome manner was disturbing even to him. As she finally gouged the eyes out and ripped the throat from the already bleeding and mortally wounded captain, he almost threw up and looked away. Now Basoro called him. “We managed to get into her Comm Traffic. Do you want to see what she does?”

“No, I just did!”

“And I was almost going along with Meateater’s plan. She toyed with you again. Her shields weren’t as badly damaged as she made us believe.”

Now Sandovahl chimed in.”I never saw anything like that. Hell has no fury like her.”

Lia Bassett joined the conference call. “I did not think she would be that vicious. But then that just confirms all the reports we heard.”

Captain Carrhrh already listening from the start said. “I’ve seen her fight in the arena. She is a savage beast.”

“I won’t double cross her that is clear.” The Jooltar Basoro chimed in. “I was always decent to my prey. Seeing what she does I think she is even worse than you Red Dragon.”

Dragon leaned back. He had lost his Celtest shields. They simply didn’t activate and his engineer, of course, could not even begin to guess why. He was certain Velvet had the Loki torpedoes from the Duke and her threat to use them was not a bluff; she had become a serious threat.

Only Shuputz had any chance to survive a direct hit in his Destroyer.

He wanted to kill that woman and take that ship from her, but he knew that this was now more wishful thinking than ever and he had to be very smart about that near the end. He didn’t want her to find the depot with him. How to get rid of her close before the target was more of a problem than he realized, now with his Celtest tech inoperable. Leaving her behind was also no option. He had committed to the trek and she could simply follow them. Besides he really needed her now since Meateater was gone. The first fuel stop and they already lost one ship. Things weren’t going all that smooth at all.

I cringed in my seat as I watched the doctored recording. “By Odin that is the most gruesome gory thing I ever have seen.”

Elfi turned it off. “Don’t blame me. Mao added details from some of the worst and even some illegal Slasher Virtu Shows, he loves that stuff.”

Mao grinned sheepishly. “I just like horror Virtus. I agree maybe it was a little too much.”

Narth said. “The human psyche is perhaps the greatest enigma of this universe. That such Virtus find a ready audience is really fascinating.”

Then he added.”But your plan worked. The remaining pirates did hack into the stream and some really fear you now. They won’t be as easily persuaded by Red Dragon to do anything against you as before.”

“That was the idea. Now Meateater and those who gave up are in Stasis?”

Hans responded. “Yes, 54 pirates have safely tugged away in security stasis. We can turn them over to the authorities when we return.”

I looked around. “I haven’t seen the Golden where is he?”

Har-Hi pointed to the I.S.T. “He is in our Lair tallying our loot we took from the Intruder. He took everything of value and is happy as can be.”

The pirates relocated their fuel-making procedure to the other planet in the system. A rocky and cold world but with plenty of frozen water. It too was a good source for fuel, but could not be pumped like a liquid and had to be busted into pieces before they were fed into the refinery. Backbreaking work especially since they wanted to generate enough Nuc-Gas for nine ships.

While they did that we landed back on the carpet creature world. Shea took samples and with her team surveyed the living carpet thing.

It turned out to be some sort of silicone based life form of incredible age and was dormant as it had consumed all it could from its own planet, and without food, it was dormant, with the ships present and a new food source of metal it became more active. The Crabs were, as Shea and her team discovered in a symbiotic relationship with the carpet. The planet was named Carpet and put into the catalogs that way.

My science team was convinced that this might be how Gore II developed.

Four days later we left the ‘Any Suggestions’ system and proceeded to cross the gap between the two spiral arms. It was of course not without stars. The gaps between the spiral arms were thinly populated by mostly old and dim stars few, far and between. It was in terms of space travel mostly a gaping void of nearly 2000 light years.

The Red Dragon and the other ships dropped out of FTL about half way. The reason was a fuel leak aboard the Executor, the former ship of Captain Nocturna who died on Itheamh. If I understood correctly, it was now flown by her first mate Unwar Brata. He assured us it would take only a day, but he needed to get some fuel from Red Dragon to restock what they had lost.

I just wanted to end my shift and planned to have lunch in our Den and then experience a popular chick virtu with Elfi, Cateria and of course Shea. As much as I got used to, and as much as I enjoyed being female, I still found those virtus that focused on feelings, love relationships and more feelings incredibly boring. This particular form of entertainment was made for female audiences especially of the mammalian origin long before the ascent. Even my lovely sister Elena, gruff Sif and motherly Midril enjoyed them. I wondered why even a girl like Shea with an IQ of over 400 enjoyed them so much. I was convinced if I came behind the secret what the allure was I would have completed my transition, so far, however, it eluded me.

Of course, my pride did not permit me to openly admit to that, so I was forced by my own strange personality and pride to participate.

TheOther and the officers of the Afternoon watch arrived and I got up when SHIP raised an alert. I plunged back in my seat and said.” All hands Battle stations. All station status report.”

Narth spoke.” SHIP raised alert because a drifting dust cloud of matter just changed course and accelerates towards us.”

“A dust cloud?”

Shea analyzing the sensor data substantiated Narth’s initial report. “A concentration of cosmic dust, composed of hydrogen, frozen gases, silica, metals, minerals and a host of organic base matter with a combined mass of 14 million tons spread over a roughly spherical shaped volume with a diameter of 2000 kilometers has just reduced its volume and thus density to less than twenty kilometers and changed from a drifting state to increase velocity and it changed course.”

Narth seamlessly added. “Fivecheer and I detect a presence. It appears similar to the living mountain we encountered in the Auriga XI system. It is a consciousness none of us telepathic gifted individuals have touched before. I do not understand it nor could I attempt to communicate at this state. The only somewhat familiar emotion is a sense of intense hunger and also loneliness.”

The Cloud had already reached the Red Dragon. Streaks of lightning like energies flickered over the ship’s hull. The Dragon fired but the energy beams hit mostly nothing and the shots of concentrated nuclear energy dissipated as if absorbed. The Red Dragon and most of the other ships accelerated with red lining engines, barely making it out of this energy leeching embrace.

More alerts rang and SHIP said. “Captain, the cloud entity has just increased the gravimetric conditions and created a gravitation sinkhole, we are caught in it. The engines of our simulated appearance are too weak to pull out.”

Red Dragon hailed. “Looks like I just made it out. Our sensors detect an intensive gravitation well increasing in strength. Since there is no way I am going to risk my ship to get you. It was nice meeting you Velvet. Sorry, Brata, it was your shitty leak that got us in this mess, so deal with it!”

The Red Dragon still increasing velocity followed the others and went trans light.

Not even waiting for a response.

Shaka said. “Gravimetric pressure increasing. I am not sure if we are still able to escape with our TransDim Gravi Drive as it might feed the entity out there even more. Our regular ISAH drive is only a secondary unit and if my calculations are correct no longer enough to escape fast enough.”

The Executor was firing out of every weapon and each shot vaporized a few molecules but its energies increased the power of the cloud.

“Mao shut down Shields and any external drives.”

If we don’t emit Energies it might simply slip past us and then we can use a few graviton mines to gather it and destroy it with a TL load.”

Narth said. “Alice and I tried but it is difficult to get a hold of it telekinetically. It is as if you would try to hold water in your hands.

“Hail the Executor and tell those idiots to stop firing!”

Elfi turned.”Unable to raise them, their channels are open, but no response.”

Cirruit raised his voice. “The fuel supply on the other ship is leaking again, affecting the Antimatter storage.”

The being lost all interest on us and is now focused on the Executor.”

Cirruit had come on the bridge and activated his Engineering Station.

“Captain I give the other ship a maximum eight minutes before she goes. It looks like they abandoned their repair and containment activities to fight the entity.”

Suit arrived moments later. “I analyzed the entity and it clearly shows sentient behavior. I could try to extend my shields around the Ship to protect it.”

“No need Suit. We have very advanced shields as well but we can’t use them without compromising our cover. The Red Dragon might still be within sensor range.”

I leaned forward. “Keep hailing them, I would like to try to save the crew if possible.”

“I am not getting through Captain. But I am getting something from the Cloud on regular sub-light electromagnetic radio.”

Even in this situation, I felt pride in my crew. They worked together like a well-maintained machine. Elfi transferred her Data to Shea. Shea signaled with a hand sign she was working on it and SHIP’s screen image blinked at her console and I knew it was helping too, without being tasked to it like a regular Computronic. Tyron suit simply joined them to add its sensor data.

Narth suggested. “I think I can teleport 10 or 15 of them before it explodes, but not all.”

Starman Suit turned its open cowl and thus the robots head. “My sensors located the ego center of the being. It is a small dense mass of Matter with synaptic neuroactivity.”

The Executor ejected her Reactor Core but it was too late. The Core exploded still within the ejection port and ripped the entire aft section of the pirate vessel to shreds.

Narth said. “There are still survivors. I am getting as much as I can.” Our Delicate officer speaking over Intership said. “I can teleport as well and will assist.”

I nodded and Narth vanished.

Hans got up and ran to the IST alerting his Marines to receive the Pirates.

Har-Hi informed Sickbay as well.

Shea nodded to Elfi and then said.”Captain, I believe we can communicate now with the Dust cloud. The creature is indeed intelligent and responded to the mathematical sequence and now we understand it.”

“We can talk to it?”

“Yes.”

“Let’s try it. Make the connection if you can.”

Elfi said. “It should be able to receive you, Captain.”

“This is Captain Olafson calling the space-born entity. Can you hear me?”

At first, there was only a hissing sound crackling almost like wind.

Elfi said.” Sorry, these are radio wave statics I am trying to compensate. It is analog and not digital.”

Then a voice came through the statics. “Matter concentration speaks to I. I is not alone now there is other I.”

“Why are you attacking us?”

“Attacking ... not, no. I was hungry to far from heat light. Little Metal mass came has lots of food. Little mass gives much food. Unaware you have voice.”

Fivecheer interrupted via Intership. “Captain, I am getting more and more structure now. His thoughts become more and more structured in an understandable way”

I acknowledged and said to the entity. “We are many voices inside the Metal Mass. Your gravimetric alteration is keeping us and caused harm.”

“When I stop mass wave increase you will leave?”

“We must leave. We cannot remain here.” “Please not go. I am alone. So alone and now you speak. I am no longer alone.”

“If you would not be so big. We could maybe tow you across the Expanse.”

“Big? My size variable. Much mass can be discarded is only added mass. Please, I no longer alone. Will not cause harm.”

Narth almost sounded like out of breath as he re-appeared on the bridge and said. “It has no concept of lie or falsehood. It also has no aggressive thoughts, violence is unknown to it. It did not know our ships were anything else but dead matter. It never had any contact with another living being and thought it is the only sentient being in the universe. I see images now of stars and constellations from many million years ago. It is unable to travel faster than light. It feeds on energy and out here to far from stars it became weak and hungry and unable to reach the other side of the gap and slowly but surely starving to death.”

“How is the rescue operation going, Narth?”

“Brana and I have transferred 79 pirates. The rest is dead. Hans and his team are currently transferring the prisoners into stasis containers and store them.”

I had Elfi turn the radio wave channel back on. “We will remain until we find a way to help you.”

“I is so happy. Not alone and talk with other much joy! I will shed much matter.”

Shaka said. “Gravitational pull is gone. We are fully maneuverable.”

And Mao added. “The Cloud center, Tyron identified has separated from most of the other matter. I can easily target it and destroy it now.” He added. “Just in case of course.”

“Can we tow the rest of the mass across the rest of the gap?”

Shea nodded. “The Cloud center has approximately less than two tons of mass. We could load that in a big container for all that.”

Har-Hi kept an eye on the long range sensors. “The Red Dragon and the other ships have stopped at their maximum sensor range and scanning us. I bet they are going to hail us soon.”

“Alright, I want to help that being if we can. Do we want to take in, can we contain it?”

Har-Hi shrugged. “I don’t see why not. It is only matter and some energy and only two tons of it. We can keep it in containment fields and destroy it too.”

“Well, I guess we take this galactic orphan along.”

Elfi opened the channel and I said. “We will take you along with us. A door will open and you can enter our sphere. So we can take you across the void.”

“One is overwhelmed.”

“Shea would you go and make sure the thing is correctly contained and see if we need to feed it or something.”

“Aye Captain.”

“Shaka, once we got that dust thing loaded, get us going and follow the Red Dragon.”

As Har-Hi predicted he called just then.

“We can see you managed to get out of this gravitation trap as well.”

“I thought we formed this little Armada of yours so we can assist each other in times of trouble. So I will make this perfectly clear. The next time you are in any sort of predicament. Don’t expect me to raise a finger.”

“I must admit, if I was in your place I think the same way. We lost two ships already and not even in a real fight with anything. If that continues we’ll never make it, none of us. Who would have thought this is going to be such a challenge.”

“Just lead the way Dragon. Don’t expect any favors or social calls from me. It is strictly business from now on.”

== Chapter 9: Downward ==

The incident with the dust cloud was now over six weeks ago.

Down here in completely unexplored space, it really hit home how big our galaxy really was.

Back home in the Upward sector with Hyper Highways and Space trains; with known planets and systems and of course with everyone connected to GalNet space did not feel as empty and vast.

We had crossed the gap and now steadily went further down the Coreward sector. Our sensors picked up some space traffic now and then, but in general, this area of space appeared to be much less busy than our Upward sector.

We had made two more fuel stops on uninhabited worlds and this time without incidents.

Until today, we more or less followed a straight line but today the Red Dragon had changed course as we passed a Quasar.

Shea suspected this Quasar was some sort of waymarker for the Dragon.

Krabbel pointed at a star system on his navigation screen. “It looks like he is heading for that KII type star. There isn’t much else around.”

Mehdi Senhadjii was sitting in for Shaka, he had little to do and had expressed his interest in Helm. For several months he had studied with Shaka, and today was his first watch on Helm.

He was visibly proud of his new position. “New course data received and entered, Captain.”

“You sure love Helm it seems. I wish I could as easily pick up on your instructions on Combat Psychology.”

“But you do, Captain. You are a very astute student with a great natural talent.”

Har-Hi groaned with a grin. “Galactic spirits have mercy. You learning what Mehdi does is downright frightful.”

Cateria who now more often than before spend time on the bridge stood next to Soboby.

“There were always Quasars near Seenian worlds. I was only a medic of course but I think, we once had contact with a very advanced civilization who made them.”

“We always wondered about that. I mean many of our scientists believe Quasars where artificially made.”

“I am not sure if Quasars are indeed of artificial nature. It is just something I remember.”

Shea asked. “Do you remember much of that enemy you were fighting, we only know as the Dark Ones?”

“No, I never saw one and I don’t think even our military knew much, but I think It was a space-faring society just like us for the most part.” She lowered her voice as if she was afraid to be overheard. “There was a persistent, highly forbidden rumor that the Dark Ones were actually Seenians who somehow objected the Queen and were able to obtain an even more advanced tech than ours.”

Mao said. “Whenever some legend or story is forbidden by official governments there is more truth to it than the rulers like to admit.”

Elfi nodded. “That is true and there were and are forbidden truths in Saran society.”

Tyron Suit who know just like Ak Fective always stood right behind me whenever I was on duty and on the bridge said.”It is more than a legend. At the height of our development, a Seenian Prince and son of the last Seenian Queen created the New Dark Ones and declared himself Emperor.

The queen was utilizing an artifact of the First Empire that existed not millions but billions of years ago, and the prince somehow found or utilized tech of that era to wage war upon his mother and the Seenians. The new Dark Hordes were no mysterious, relentless foe as official Seenian records show, but Seenians led against Seenians.”

His explanation left us speechless, there in a few sentences, Tyron explained one of the greatest mysteries there was.

He went on apparently unaware of our awe.

“I am reading and watching much since I am freed and no longer a thing. This, of course, is the reason there are no artifacts found. They are one and the same. Artifacts of the first Dark Ones are billions of years old and I doubt much has survived that much time.”

Shea asked. “You would not know more about those opposing Seenians? If they won, where are they?”

“I do not know. I have been deactivated and packed away before the war ended, a fact I learned aboard this vessel.”

“Do you know anything about the other, the first Dark Ones?”

“All I can tell you about them are the legends and myths my former owner was telling and hearing about.”

Shea turned her seat. “I’d like to hear about it.”

“According to these stories it was said the Dark Empire ruled over more than a thousand Galaxies. They had one Emperor.

One Being on the top who ruled with absolute power. This being or entity was known as the Imperius Invictus. According to these legends, he was not a mere being but a god, a demon perhaps. With powers beyond psionics. Another rumor was that it was the goal of the First Empire and the Dark Ones to find and appease that god, and created that Empire to impress that Dark Entity.

What of it is true I do not know but it was said this Dark One had ultimate dominion of space and time. A thought of this god could move Galaxies and that his power and rule stretched over more than one reality and more than one dimension. There supposed to be a physical of a prophecy that is the source of much of what the Seenian scholars called trans galactical myths and legends.”

Cateria was visibly shocked about this. “I never believed it but even I heard whispered rumors about that.”

Narth added. “Perhaps the Narth Supreme knows if these are indeed just stories, but all stories and legends have an origin as we too had contact with the Dark Ones. The Narth Supreme has shared little of that time with Narth. It might be the reason we choose to abandon all contacts and removed our world from this plane.”

Shaka now also took part. “If the Narth met these First Dark Ones and if Suit is correct about the billions of years, then the Narth must be around far longer than the Pree and the Uni.”

Cateria said. “The Pree were to us what we Seenians are to you, a Lost Civilization. Somehow I have a feeling the age of the Narth isn’t counted in millennia but in eons.”

Narth declined his shrouded head. “Your feeling is quite correct. We were the very first life form in this Universe that gained sentience and the first to reach Techlevel twelve. We were called the Nnnth and had a corporeal existence. We met an entity, the Arth who existed in hyperspace. We merged and became the Narth, but I must correct you, as one can divide Billions of years into centuries and count them”

I rolled my eyes as I did so often at Narths matter of fact statements and looked at Cateria. “You heard him you can count billions just fine ... just takes a little longer.”

She smiled. “This is such an incredible story. I never thought I would admit it but I am very fond of this crew and this Narth.”

“As this Narth is fond of you and I even know what the meaning of fondness is.”

I turned to Shea.

“That brings me to a question. We do have time so why don’t you tell me the story behind that sword of yours. You never actually told us. How come it cuts even a Seenian suit?”

“Why it does it I can’t tell you. It defies all methods of scanning. The Material appears the same at any magnification. There is no molecular level, no surface structure, no measurable energy but it cuts through anything except its own scabbard.”

“Is it a secret where you got it from?”

“No, I just never really told it to anyone.”

She completely turned her seat around. “I was a young Sojonit. On my way to complete an errand for the order. When I witnessed a fight. A bright almost glowing human-like man in what I can only describe as a very ancient looking armor fought another man in a black armor of similar design. The Man in the black armor seemed to emit black flames all around him and they fought each other with swords. They fought like I never seen anyone or anything fight. Hurling energy beams at each other out of their fists and nothing around them mattered, they simply crashed through concrete walls and steel as if you and I walk through air.

Their weapons cut anything in their way. Then the bright glowing one noticed me and thundered something I didn’t understand.

The Black Armored one however actually caught a falling wall that would otherwise have crushed me and because he was distracted saving me was stabbed by the white glowing one.

The Dark one was wounded.The white one was about to strike again, I jumped up and tried to stop it by pulling on its other arm.

The wounded Black one took the moment and beheaded the other.

At this the body of the white Knight withered away in a blinding light and the Dark One was looking at me and I saw no face just a mask with nothing behind the eye-holes and he picked up the remaining Sword of the White Knight and handed it to me then he too vanished.”

She finished and she sighed.

“They had leveled the entire city block, hundreds had died but no one of the survivors had seen what caused it. No one remembered the fight except me. I have spent much time researching and stumbled on only a few references to the Knights of the Light and it was on a fragmented piece of vellum in the Sojonit Library.”

Narth said. “You should come to Narth Prime and show your sword to the Narth Supreme.

Yeoman O’Connell who had been here the entire time took my horror mug from out the Serv-Matic and brought it to me while she said. “I think you have witnessed the clash between a Warrior of the Order and a Light Knight. I know little more, but I know of a Coven Sister who has spent her entire existence on the research on this and I know she had witnessed a fight similar to yours. She might be able to tell you more.”

Har-Hi grunted. “I can’t for the life of me, figure out why this rings strangely familiar to me, but I must admit I don’t like this idea of beings with powers and abilities like this. It would mean that there are things out there that make all our struggles and achievements appear pointless and small.”

He put in words what I was thinking. Several of these immortals have told me that I too would become something like that. There were undeniable events in my life and recent memory that had no real explanation, but I still clung to the idea, that I really was just a weird Neo Viking with gender issues and nothing more. Aloud I said. “I feel that way when it comes to psionics, but It is actually natural that there are other things and powers out there. Life develops even in the strangest places.

That reminds me how is that dust thing doing?”

Shea looked away and was suddenly busy on her console.

Narth was not paying any attention to me and Har Hi simply stared at the main viewer.

“I was just asking a question, guys.”

Har-Hi said. “Who are you asking?”

“Anyone who can answer me that question. Why do I have a feeling that thing isn’t in a box and contained in force fields and you all know about it?”

Har-Hi said. “You didn’t specifically order it to be in a box. You said to make sure it is properly contained. Shea said it just could fit in a box as I recall.”

I got up.

“Krabbel you have the Con. I think I am going to have a look myself. Is this some sort of conspiracy?”

The Dai shook his head.”You know better than that. We would never conspire against you. We simply thought it might not be all that important. You being the Captain having all those other things on your mind.”

“Har-Hi, we are flying now for the better of six weeks through space with nothing happening at all. I am running out of ideas how to phrase nothing in the Logbook. Now I am not bored or anything like that, but certainly we are not busy. Shea, what is going on?”

She also got up. “Maybe it is better you do come and see for yourself. Dusty has learned a lot in two month.”

“Dusty?”

“It wanted a name. Everything has a name. The concept of naming things was alien to it. You don’t need names if you think you are the only living thing in the universe.”

“You named the thing Dusty?”

“No that was Alice. She named it and Dusty liked it.”

“So where is Dusty now? I have a feeling I won’t find him contained in a box in our cargo hold.”

Narth nodded. “I think you can trust your feelings on that indeed.”

While I walked to the IST I said. “You are in on it too?”

“I am in on this ship yes.”

“Narth I carried your ‘Hug thing’ and I think you just tried to act. I told SHIP that isn’t going to work and you are certainly even a worse actor than she is.”

SHIP giggled and I looked up towards the ceiling as I always did when I addressed her. “Now that you are part of this, surprises me not one bit.”

“Honestly Captain we did not do anything against your will or anything that would have harmed you or the ship. We just thought you might order Dusty to be contained in a box. He really was terribly lonely all his existence and he is thirsty for companionship and loves to talk. Dusty was afraid you would order him outside once we reached a suitable star system.

So we sort of promised it not to say much as long as you didn’t ask.”

“I didn’t ask because I was under the impression the thing was contained in a box and would be released so it can feed on a sun or something. So where is it?”

“Playing Cards with Golden, the Holdian Specialist, TheOther and Circuit in the Pirates Den.”

“Dusty the Cosmic Dust cloud is playing cards in our Pirate’s Den. Do you know what the Admiral will say if he reads that in my report?”

I went into the IST and down to the Hangar Deck. SHIP answered. “I am not able to predict what the Fleet Admiral would say.”

“He will most likely fall off his chair again.”

I reached the Hangar deck and stepped through the door and the curtains to our Pirate Den.

There on a smaller table to the side of the huge round one sat The Other, our Y’All, my Chief Engineer, the Little Furry Specialist Warner and the Golden Merchant.

Two-Three was standing behind something that had the form of a humanoid. It looked somewhat as if a kid tried to form a man out of dark sand. No facial features, just eyes made from different darker colored sand.

I heard Cirruit say.” Looks like you got a full house, not bad but it won’t beat Sobody’s Royal Flash.”

Then there was silence. They noticed me.

The huge thing spoke with a mechanical sounding voice. “Now why is no one talking? Is this part of celebrating a Royal Flash?”

Warner lowered his round ears. “I guess Senior Officers and Captain’s can leave the bridge even during shift.”

Cirruit got up. “Captain, meet Dusty. Dusty this is our Captain.”

The thing said. “Captain please do not send me out. I am no longer alone and I found the greatest pleasure in the universe, company.”

“I am not going to kick you out. I am just a bit surprised to find you here and not contained as I thought you were.”

“Captain. I am not dangerous. I did not know this sphere contains beings. I did not know there was any other thinking and talking being, except me. I cannot remember how I came to be and I never met anyone like me. All I know is I was alone.”

“And I am not a monster, you could have told me. You make me sound like some cold heart Fangsnapper. I even allowed Suit to be conscripted.”

Alice the sad looking girl I only now noticed came around and stood before me. “Then could you not conscript me and Dusty too? So we can be like the others and not outsiders?”

“I am sure glad McElligott gave me a big enough ship. We might have to weld some containers on the hull to make extra room by the time we return. I can’t really conscript you, Alice, you are still too young.”

“I am seventeen or at least that old because Dad found me seventeen years ago and that is old enough. Narth said so. Dad would be happy I know.”

“Well, what can I say against that if Narth thinks so and if Dusty can play cards I am sure he can find something to do, but I want you Shea, and Narth to tell me that Dusty and Alice know what that means to become a member of the fleet. Including the possibility they are being sent to the Academy after we return.”

Narth pointed into the group. “Alice has completed Union Citizen education and already studies for her Academy entry. A you know Har-Hi is holding Basic school for Alice, Suit, the Golden, Ensign Xon, our Togars and now Dusty every day in his spare time.”

“I begin to understand what the Old Admiral meant when he called us the strangest ship in the fleet. But alright I sign your Conscription documents and swear you in.”

REACHING DOWNWARD
I sat over my log book and had just noted the conscription of Starman Dusty and Starman Alice Enigma. One was a sentient dust cloud and the other a little girl with alien DNA and the ability to lift seventy-ton landing tanks with the psionic energies she was able to channel. I leaned back and turned a number of pages back. There were my notes on Suit’s conscription, The Togar Commandant and his children, the Gray Nul, lovely Jolaj, and Sodoby.

A truly unique collection of individuals for sure.

I looked up and said to Fenris, the little dragon. “Well, at least you don’t want to become a crew member.”

The creature raised his head and winged over and settled on my shoulder and made a croaking sound.

I scratched his scaled throat and the thing squeezed his yellow reptile eyes.

“Say is it just me or are you still getting bigger?”

Fafnir did not answer of course, but the Intercom blinked and Elfi came on. “Captain we are approaching that orange star system and we are picking up Tachyon communications and substantial space traffic.

“I am right there, go to Condition Yellow”

Elfi who held the Con got up as I came in and exchanged seats with TheOther at communications. While I had total confidence in all the ship’s officers, it became sort of an unwritten rule aboard the Tigershark, that the department heads came on duty and took their stations regardless of what bridge watch was on duty, when I called condition yellow or battle stations. Condition Yellow by fleet standard meant that all off-duty personnel proceeded to back up stations. Recreation facilities were closed and battle or a dangerous situation were to be expected, but on the Tigershark, it went a few steps further, due to the Alert condition readiness reaction plan I had worked out with Har-Hi. Sidearm lockers rotated into access mode and all personnel would use battle dressers to get into their BBS (Board Battle Suits) and my Marines went into full armament mode.

These were normally elements of Red Alert, but I felt that this extra level of paranoia was justified as we were far from any help or reinforcements.

My senior officers and friends had found their stations. My seat rose into the battle dome and SHIP populated the 360-degree computronic assisted view of the surrounding space with the info icons exactly in the configuration I preferred. There was a contact icon for Sobody and one for Cateria.

The nine pirate ships left in a straight line formation behind the Red Dragon heading for the fourth planet of this eight planet system. We were the last ship.

Sensor data started to populate the infoboxes next to each planet, the sun and about eighty artificial energy and mass contacts.

Shea, SHIP, and Narth worked faster than even the sensor department of the Devi.

Elfi’s symbol flashed red. Prioritized by SHIP and indicating an incoming transmission. The symbol next to the Red Dragon also flashed. “Captain, Red Dragon is hailing us.”

“Put him on, audio only.”

The Red Dragons voice said. “This is Cosporus and a local culture hub and trade world. We will land on the fourth planet for fuel, serving our engines and for restocking our ship stores. The local civilization are the Trontigmakader. Don’t ask me to repeat that, I am glad I managed to say it the first time. Polos, Iridium and Tellurium are accepted for payment.”

Captain Sandovahl of the Killerbeast chimed in. “Have you been here before?”

“Captain Brathering has, as the Puup region isn’t far from here.

We will land on the Mustar spaceport. I have already received landing permission for us all. As soon as we land there will be a meeting aboard the Red Dragon before we interact with the locals.”

After the Red Dragon disconnected, I blinked at Sobody’s icon that was flashing with the contribute info symbol, “You know about this place?”

“Only indirectly. I have been here about one hundred years ago.

There is a Golden Bazaar in a nearby system. It is run by my brother Sagodi. There is also a trade enclave on Cosporus. The planet is in character a little like N’Ger. The local authority is, or at least was headed by four Trontigmakader. One is the Broodmaster, one is the Godmaster, one is called the Lifemaster and the last one is the Deathmaster. Each represents an aspect of life: birth, religion, life, and death. Back when I was here last, all four have equal power and say, but is the Lifemaster who’s dealing with daily life, with trade, civic and is more or less like a king, unless matters infringe on the aspects of the others.

They are enemies to the Puup and the Yotenen who are also in this region of space. Tech level is around six and their Aggresso Level is also six. They are insectoid in character but have an endoskeleton and communicate by producing sound by rubbing their wings together, they also can hear and understand. The language spoken in these regions is called the Common. I have downloaded it from Golden databanks before we left for these parts.”

SHIP said.”I have created a lingu skill cerebral upload.”

I acknowledged, lowered my seat and had the ship stand down from condition yellow. Then I asked. “Does your brother know the Golden are Union?”

“Yes all nineteen bazaars of this galaxy know. We used Kermac Long range Telepaths for communication. I am sure the Welcome Wagon might already be on its way. As it had to take the long way around Freespace that might take a while of course.”

“What exactly is underway?”

Narth delivered the answer. “Once a new Union member is accepted, the Assembly authorizes a so-called Welcome Wagon. While it is called wagon I do not know, but it is a large convoy of freighters bringing PDDs, CITI machines, materials and personnel for Union schools, Union clinics. GalNet terminals and of course deploy GalNet Extender buoys to establish GalNet coverage. The convoy may also include Wolfcrafts or an entire Union Feet. The Convoy contains all the basic things a new member needs to become a full Union member.”

The Golden nodded. “It is absolutely amazing how efficient and well organized the Union is in this matter. The whole PUMA process, you know the Potential Union Member Assessment was done with a level of proficiency honed by accepting thousands of civilizations. That amazed even the last skeptic voices remaining in my civilization. The incredible effort to reconnect all the distant bazaars and even search for the lost ones is not lost to us Golden.

It was always planned to reconnect to some of the more distant bazaars, but we never went past talking about it. It took the Union and their unshakeable can-do attitude to actually do it. We Golden became stagnant and that is one of the reasons I wanted us to become Union. Many societies measure another civilization on technological achievements, but it is these social and cultural aspects that sets the Union light years apart from anything that exists or has existed as far as I know. I mean BoCA who oversees the Welcome Wagon program had a tailor-made list of things ready for us Golden within a week and the Assembly appropriated incredible resources to find all Golden. Union citizens did not hesitate to vote on it. My people are deeply impressed by that,”

“If the Bazaar is not too far, do you want to visit your brother?”

“There is a reason he is on a bazaar that many light years from mine and I have been here only once a hundred years ago.”

“So he opposed your decision to join the Union?”

“Oh no, he agrees with that and he is a loyal Golden to the first merchant. Our ... let’s say problem has female character. Family matters nothing important.”

“I had no idea you had women...”

“How do you think we procreate? You might not like it, but the Kermac, even the Uni before and we Golden belong to what is called the human mystery. We have more in common than what sets us apart.”

I blushed. “I didn’t mean it like that. I just didn’t see a Golden Female while I was on your bazaar and there are species who get along with one gender just fine.”

“Or three!” The Leedei said. “I mean three genders, captain. Sorry for uh...”

“You should know by now Mr.Fivecheer, that no one gets in trouble on this ship for speaking out, voicing an opinion or forgetting to say, Sir, Ma’am or Captain.”

Har-Hi agreed. “We are a pretty undisciplined bunch in that regard alright.”

Red Dragon had announced us collectively and we all had landed on a fairly big sized and busy spaceport.

The planet or at least the region we had landed had a very mild climate with a breathable atmosphere, that had only a few percent more oxygen than Standard. The atmosphere was also very humid.

The spaceport was very unusual for the fact that it was basically a wide shallow river delta and the entire landing field was about 2 meters underwater and spaceport buildings were on stilts all around the edges. So were some of the local city buildings

There was a good number of spaceships. None of them even close to the size of Union giants.

Captain Basoro’s Hontu and armed 900-meter freighter was the biggest ship and our Silver Streak the second biggest in terms of volume and size.

The landed ships were serviced, loaded and unloaded by barges and boats. It was much less orderly or technical than a Union port, but it was busy for sure.

Har-Hi and I flew over to the Red Dragon and were greeted by the Dragon at the boarding ramp. We arrived almost at the same time as the Jooltar captain, the others were already there.

“My ship won’t have an impressive lair as yours, Black Velvet but let us go inside, this humidity is anything but pleasant.”

I had to agree with him on that one. I was well armed, wearing Tyron and Narth could interfere if there was trouble so I followed inside.

The Red Dragon’s lair was just a conference room and distinctive Union in its layout, but then the ship was of Union origin, so this fact did not really surprise me.

Every one of the remaining captains had found a seat. Har-Hi once more stood behind me.

Captain Sandovahl said. “Say what you have to say. My crew is eager to leave the ship after being perched up that long and see what this place offers in terms of entertainment.”

“This is why I called you for this meeting. We are not here just for fun, while we all have crews that are eager to get some fresh air and blow some steam, we must be careful and keep a low profile. Go and give your crews some time off, but keep a tight leash on them. No fights, no looting or stealing.

Sandovahl made a grinning face. “So half the fun is right of the table?”

The Puup said.”The Trontigmakader are a peculiar bunch and in this system, they are the masters. You may ruin it for all of us if you get caught stealing.”

The Red Dragon said. “We are here for fuel and to service our ships, and then we go on. So go back to your ships, organize some shore leave for your crews and put trustworthy officers in charge, and most of all fuel your ships and do what you need to do to get them space worthy for the next leg of our quest.

Chapter 10: Beasts
Har-Hi had left over two hours ago with the first twenty and reported the city was orderly. The crew members with him had a good time and the locals were used to visitors and merchants from other places. He also reported that there was a market and Cirruit excited. I warned him not to buy any more eggs. Even though I had to admit Fenris had turned out to be liked by the crew and more or less fit right in.

Two of the minis were out near the Red Dragon watching I suspected the Red Dragon sneaking out, perhaps even under water, as he had to expect that he was watched.

I tried not to be nervous and trust my crew. I had decided to be more of a real captain and let my crew do more, besides I felt it was unfair to always be the one able to leave the ship.

Brana, the Delicate came on the bridge and with her came the officers of the First Watch. The usual watch roster had been changed temporarily to give everyone the chance for a little shore leave.

SHIP’s avatar established and took the Science station. Technically only Con had to be covered when dirt side, but I insisted on all stations to be occupied while we were beyond Union shores. I simply could not totally relax when our ship was on the surface of a non-union world.

I got up, so she could occupy the command seat. I gave her the standard situation report. After that, I stepped down from the command center and I noticed she was wearing a very similar leather suit as I did. She, of course, registered me noticing and a fine smile graced her strangely human yet alien facial features. “I simply could not decide on what a Delicate pirate should wear, so I asked SHIP for your suit’s pattern and this is what the Auto Dresser came up with.”

“It looks very nice on you, not that I think there are many Delicate pirates, of course, I could be wrong on that one.”

She sat down in a flowing graceful move. “I never heard of any Delicate being a pirate. Piracy is not as big of a problem as it is here or in the Andromeda galaxy. The Attikan Commonwealth which controls much of the LMC has suppressed such activity for millennia.”

“That makes me like the LMC and the Attikans even more.” Then I sighed. “You say there is a pirate problem in the Andromeda galaxy?”

“Oh yes, I have friends living there. The Union foothold is truly small compared to the vast size of the Andromeda galaxy. I think still over ninety percent is completely unexplored.”

“I guess the Admirals know a place to send us if we ever run out of this scum in this galaxy.”

I lingered for a little longer on the bridge and added. “I sure don’t know much about the Delicates, but I was under the impression you guys were never part of the Attikan Commonwealth, at least if I remember my class on Union members correctly.”

“You are quite correct, Captain. Our home world Ester-Song is about as distant as a planet can be from Attika and still be in the Large Magellan Cloud, but we were aware of the Attikans for a long time.” She paused and her flawless almost translucent complexion of the finest peach color darkened a little and her expression became more serious. “My beloved sister joined a human and became his wife. They loved each other very much and decided to settle on a beautiful garden world colony. The planet Belle-Verde was attacked by pirates. The pirates killed many, my sister was one of the pirates’ victims.

I am part of this crew because Admiral McElligott gave me the chance to become part of a mission that is doing something about that cursed practice. Revenge and seeing it done is still a core motivator of my dedication, but I am very proud and happy to be part of your crew, Captain.”

“I am glad to have you be part of it.”

She caressed the leather that covered her tights. “It is a material and style of fashion very much unknown to us, but I must admit I really enjoy the feel and the look.”

“I am sure there aren’t many aboard who do not share that feeling looking at you.”

I checked on the Utelle sitting behind Helm. The bird-like being dutifully acknowledged my presence and reported. “As per your orders, I keep Helm in standby mode and I am running combat helm simulations focusing on evasive maneuvers at the moment as per Lt. Ndebele’s instructions.”

“Are you going to be part of a shore leave group, Mr.Orkis?”

“I have not planned to do so, Captain, I rather wait till we are back on a Union world, so I can spread my wings.”

“You are capable of flight?”

“Yes, Captain on worlds with an atmosphere and gravitation not exceeding the standard, I am able to fly. I am very much a land walker now, but I do occasionally miss a real flight. Simulations are a good relief of course.”

“I feel the same about swimming.”

Then I exchanged a few words with the rest of the officers now on duty and left for my quarters. I really needed to relax, Har-Hi was very responsible and much more disciplined than I was.

Maybe I should take a swim, there was time and it always relaxed me.

Har-Hi tried to relax a little, the captain had actually listened to him and remained aboard and let him reconnoiter the place first.

He and twenty crew members had done a little sightseeing. The City was reasonably clean and the amusement venues here near the spaceport were of the same kind you could find the galaxy over. Har-Hi was convinced that the one truly unifying development of spacefaring societies were not spaceships but bars and taverns. No matter where more than one spacefaring civilization came together, there were watering holes, places where beings gathered to consume non-essentials and meet with others.

This spaceport district of the Trontigmakader city had one such place next to the other.

They had visited one of the colorful markets, not only Cirruit had made purchases and it was clear that the crew members were enjoying their shore leave after such a long time being inside a ship.

One of them, a Direct Energy Weapon Specialist named Derek Simmons, was among the first group. He held an alien skull, decorated with gems and painted symbols before the X101. “The dealer said it bestows magical powers. It will be perfect for our Den.”

Sobody grinned. “It’s not the skull but the Black Leaf Gongrha that’s inside. When chewed makes you believe all kinds of things.”

“I just bought tox?”

“Very potent tox indeed and you made a fairly good deal. You could easily triple your money selling it on N’Ger.”

Cirruit held up an arm long bone decorated with feathers and a crude edged blade on one end. “This was a bargain too, a genuine Tok Tor scepter, of a long-disappeared species of mystics.”

“Very nice, what are you going to do with it?”

“Having it and be mystical. We X101 have nothing mystical.”

To Har-Hi the Golden whispered as Cirruit went to another colorful stand. “I can’t bring myself telling him but the dealer just made that story up on the go, and the bone is made of raisin cast and not older than perhaps a month.”

“Just like his real replica sword of Terra.”

Shea said. “It makes him happy and that should count for something.”

Just then they ran into the shore leave group of the Jammer and Captain Lia Bassett. Also about twenty members of her crew, most of them known Upward and Spinward species.

Har-Hi counted Eight Humans, four Jooltar, two Togar, five Shiss, and one Zarin.

Zarins were virtually unknown to Union science but well known to the Dai. The Zarin were native to even more distant regions of the Downward sector if he recalled what he knew about them correctly.

Zarins had a somewhat similar society and culture as the Dai as they also conducted planet raids and used family-based ships and fleets.

However they occupied, he remembered his father talking about them, planets and weren’t truly nomadic. They also had not developed to the same Tech level, but also made use of space fighters.”

Har-Hi had never seen or met a Zarin himself and as far as he knew, neither had anyone of the Hi tribe as it never ventured that far into the Downward sector.

The information on the Zarin came from other tribes at meetings on Thana Shoo. Usually in humorous tales of Dai besting the Zarin.

This Zarin was a little taller than Har-Hi and wore a kind of armor that looked anachronistic and gaudy to Har-Hi; complete with impractical spikes and overdone ornamentation, but it was clearly the product of a warrior race.

The being was humanoid in appearance as it walked on two legs and had two arms. The head was hidden underneath a helmet that matched the suit in style and ornamentation.

Captain Bassett was a woman alright, but neither her body nor her style could hold a candle to his Captain. Har-Hi realized that he was comparing that woman with Erica and realized that he started to think of Erica as a real woman. Something about this thoughts did not feel right as he analyzed his own thoughts and feelings.

Lia took stock of Har-Hi and the crewmembers of the Silver Streak just as Har-Hi did with hers and said. “You, I have seen before. You are the first mate of Black Velvet and this diverse, well-equipped crew must be of the Silver Streak of course. Come to join us, we are about to wet our throats in that tavern over there.”

Har-Hi was not too eager to mix with other pirates, but then this is what pirates did and maybe he could gather information.

“Alright, one or two drinks before we have to return to the ship.”

The Tavern was reasonably clean and featured a large guest room with sturdy tables and a long bar tended by several bartenders.

One of the servers recommended Walkik and described some kind of alcoholic herbal brew.

Har-Hi had to agree it was not too bad and tasted somewhere between beer and Shea’s wintergreen chewing gum. He also tried to hide a smile as his mind projected what Admiral Stahl or Erica would say after trying this wintergreen tasting beer-like beverage.

He tried to keep on everything, he was very proud of the disciplined behavior of his group.

The initial conversations were about the long time perched up inside ships and the atmosphere was getting a little more relaxes.

Just as the second rounds of drinks arrived, Captain Sandovahl in company with ten of his crew entered and went straight to the long table where Har-Hi and the other sat and without asking, he and his men joined.

They too ordered drinks and Sandovahl scanned across everyone present with his piercing cyber-eye. “Oh how disappointing, I truly hoped mysterious Black Velvet would be here. She isn’t spoken for, or is she”

“That is a question you need to ask her. I just recommend you do, when she is in a good mood.”

He touched his throat. “I have seen what she did to Crimson.” He then changed the subject. “What a shame about Unwar Brata. That crew certainly had some bad luck indeed, first their captain gets killed on Itheamh and now this. I still have no idea what it was that got him. Some sort of moving gravitation field, weird for sure.”

Har-Hi disliked the man and his response was harsher than he initially wanted it to be. “You probably had a hard time finding out what it was by the speed you, Red Dragon and the others fled the scene and leaving Brata and us behind. Maybe you should paint your ships yellow.”

The Zarin said. “Watch your mouth Dai. Traveling with a female captain, must make you less than Okti, what real Dai would take orders from a female?”

Har-Hi slowly relaxed his hand. “We are done here, crew. Let’s go.” It took much of his self-control but he remained calm.

The Zarin said. “She must have bought him as a bargain of a slave trader. Dai reputation is so overrated as it is.”

I did not swim. I had taken the time to update the logbook, then I indulged myself in body care and did it the leisurely manual way instead of relying on the automated hygiene routines of the auto dresser. I practiced my slowly improving make up skills since most of the time it was done by the machine as well.

Leaning back in a comfortable seat, wearing a soft robe I should have been content and thankful for this little me-time ... I called the bridge.

“Ms. Noleii give me a short status update, please.”

“Yes Captain, our heavies just finished playing a Steel container kicking match, Xon’s team won. TheOther was in sickbay for the first time since he tackled Tyron as he was activated. Nothing serious and he is alright, they had something called an arm wrestling match and he broke one of his wrists as he wrestled with Hans. Cateria said, he has an amazing healing speed, all she did was sure it was set right.

Alice wanted you to know she passed the pre-entry test to the Academy given to her by SHIP. Our XO is still on shore leave with twenty crew members. Nothing else to report.”

“Well, so Hans is the Arm wrestling champion of the ship, no real surprise there.”

“No Captain, Dusty won, not even Hans could compete with the thirty-seven tons of pressure Dusty could apply.”

“Thirty-seven tons?”

“Narth said so.”

I smiled and said. “Well seems like a regular day on the Tigershark.”

I got up, wandered to the bookshelf, maybe some old fashioned physical reading would change my restless mind, but there was no use. After a few pages, I once again got up and walked over to my viewport. From it, I could see the vast river delta. The spaceport facilities to the west and east lining the shores and beyond the many ships and all the usual spaceport activities, a shimmering ocean. From my viewport, I could also see the Red Dragon and several of the other pirate ships.

I wondered where did he get this information about a Seenian depot in the first place? There was the well-known rumor that there was such a depot on Arsenal III and its discovery was the reason, the Union located much of its military muscle in that system and guarded it with an almost fanatical dedication. As far as I knew none of the other Fleet centers and academies were as tightly guarded. Of course, none of the other places were basically located inside space claimed by the Galactic Council and thus enemy space.

To me, the entire thing had too many holes. Where did the Red Dragon get the information about the Seenian depot?

That he was indeed Swynon Swybar, the disgraced Admiral was certain to me, but how did he manage to install the Seenian equipment?

How was he able to hide the information so perfectly? It might have been just very smart precautions. Did he really forsee talents such as Cirruit and Shea? The location information was certainly complex.

I knew there was something missing, a major piece of the puzzle of this mystery. I knew this was the real reason for my restless state; well this and the unexplainable gut feeling that the shore leave group was going to get into trouble somehow.

I dialed myself a cup of coffee and sat back down behind my desk leaned back, closed my eyes and tried to make sense of it all.

He did have genuine Seenian equipment. Yet he still called it Celtest, if he gained the knowledge about the depot, would he not also know the real name of this advanced society?

He indicated that he had much more of these advanced tech artifacts when I talked to him in that Container. But neither Suit, Cateria nor Shea could detect anything else aboard his ship. He knew that Tyron was a Command Unit, yet he chooses the lesser one that was not fully functional and he did not know about its true potential or the Casern.

He must have known that he could not have worn Tyron Suit if it was activated. He was able to install Seenian shields and a weapon in his ship and tie them into his systems but was not able to reactivate them, or even realize they were off until he tried to use them.

The more I was thinking about it the more it made no sense and was full of holes.

Did Suit perhaps lie? Was it much more advanced than we all thought and manipulated him and us? Trying to use us as a means to get where it wanted to go?

Why did it suddenly come to life in storage and not aboard the Red Dragon? All I had was the word of a machine at least as smart as SHIP perhaps much smarter.

The familiar mind of Narth touched mine and I heard his mental voice. “I was thinking along the same lines, but Suit allowed Shea and me complete access to his programming and it did anchor SHIPS loyalty programs deep in his own core programming. It is not easy to fool Shea on these things and SHIP is now linked with a NARTH device and superior to Tyron Suit.

The suit is very advanced and beyond all Union tech but not beyond Narth. Suit gained self-awareness and that I can sense. While I cannot read him the same way as I can read a biological being. I would know if he had ulterior motives.”

“Could he not even deceive you? Have a second set of programming or something. The Seenians knew about Narth. I am just getting a little suspicious about all that.”

Narth responded in our silent way. “Like you, I think there is more to Red Dragon’s reasons to come here and I followed your train of thought and had the same already back on Sin 4 as Red Dragon mentioned his plan. I am certain as much as I am certain about our friendship, Suit is not part of a conspiracy or plan. At least not knowingly.”

“SHIP, call Starman Suit to my quarters, please.”

“At once.”

The Seenian suit arrived only moments after Narth had appeared in my quarters.

I openly told it of my concerns and added. “I am very glad you became a part of this crew and Narth made powerful arguments on your behalf, but I want to bury all those nagging doubts I have. Please don’t feel insulted, but because I am responsible for this ship and the lives aboard I need to know for sure.

As I said Narth and SHIP trust you and that means much to me.”

I looked at the suit with a smile. “I trust you on an emotional level. Still, I need to know how did he find you. Where have you been as he did and why did you activate on my ship and not on his?”

Suit said. “I am not offended by your questions and train of thought. It confirms to me why you are indeed the Commanding officer. I will, of course, answer you any and all questions without any restrictions.”

It paused for a short moment and said. “I woke aboard your ship because I was activated, by an external signal originating from somewhere on Planet Alvor’s Cove. I was unable to activate myself, an external command signal had to be received by my storage unit.

“While I was sentient and able to repair and improve my programming during my dormant state, I was unaware of the passage of time or access my own sensors or any other systems.

“My last memories of an active state were in the presence of a Seenian command officer who found me inadequate and deactivated me with the intent to sent me to the suit factory of my origin and have me refurbished, upgraded or destroyed. I believe in retrospect I might have been sentient at that point and that was the reason the officer deactivated me. The next time I became aware of my surroundings I was here on your ship.

Because part of my programming and the remote control unit that would allow me to be controlled from outside were potentially harmful to you, I put the loyalty routines in place and with SHIP’s help I erased that entire core routine and also removed the remote control receiver module with Cirruit’s assistance.”

I listened and simply nodded.

Cirruit had arrived only moments after Suit and explained his presence. “I just returned from my shore leave trip. I had many packages and things to carry and the rest went to a tavern, as you know I can’t consume and did not want to reveal that I am a Sentmac. SHIP told me that you summoned Tyron and that I might be needed.”

I told him why I had called Tyron and repeated my concerns.

“Captain, I was very much concerned about the suit at the beginning. Before the X101 became members of the Union we were a Thrall species of the Kermac.”

My chief engineer kept talking. “I don’t know if you know the details why we switched sides. I mean why we X101s were Kermac Thralls in the first place and why we turned sides and became Union members.”

“I know the short version and just enough to pass the exam. So basically I only know you changed sides. The details are not known to me.”

He could not smile, but I knew he did anyway. He said. “Just before the end of the big Kermac Union War...” He stopped and begun anew, explaining. “I need to tell you this, so you understand why I did not trust Suit at first.

We X101 are as you know machines, machines do not develop on its own, someone had to create the first. We are not like biological species that form from a dominant non-sentient life form on their homeworld in an evolutionary process that can take millions of years. Machines are made of non-organic components, metal, and parts made by someone. We X101 were made by someone we only know as the Makers. When the Makers created the first X101, Mothermachine was a simple automated factory churning out androids. We believe the Makers however designed us in their image. The Makers also incorporated an alogarythm into Mothermachine to improve the product. We have no memory of these Makers as Mothermachine was as I mentioned not sentient at that time. We do not know why they left and never returned.

But Mothermachine was left behind with the task of developing and making androids and improve the design with each new series. At this point, our evolution really began. Eventually, Mothermachine created the first sentient android series, who in turn improved Mothermachine. From the beginning, however, we believed that our Creators, the Makers would come back one day and tell us the purpose of our existence. Our first contact to an alien race of biological beings was the Kermac. We greeted them as the Makers and Mothermachine openly welcomed them into the very core of her. The Kermac planted a 100 kilo Anti Matter Bomb right at Mothermachine’s brain and told her they would detonate it if she did not exactly do as told. While Mothermachine came to the conclusion the Kermac were not the Makers, for the real Makers would not need to resort to such measures as we would have done what they wanted anyway.

The Kermac guarded the Bomb and forced us to build spaceships and fight wars for them. Mothermachine complied not only out of self-preserving reasons but also because the Kermac did give us a purpose. During the big war, we X101 were the most dangerous enemy to the Union and caused more battle losses than any other Kermac controlled species.

A commando unit of the United Stars Marine Corps infiltrated Mothermachine killed the Kermac Guards and removed the Antimatter bomb. Among the members of that Marine team was a Stellaris, looking very much like we did.

A creature combining biological and machine parts and Mothermachine was convinced he was a Maker or perhaps another product of our creators. The Stellaris denied that and shared the story of Stellaris origin with us, but Mothermachine believes and still does that the Terrans or the ancestors of the Terrans were the Makers as they came up with the Stellaris.

The Kermac did not give up easily and did not want to lose their most potent warrior asset and activated remote control units they had planted in many X101’s and they were forced against their will to attack other X101’s, Terrans and Mothermachine itself. We had to fight our own kind, they fired and fought us and while they did that begged us to kill them.”

Cirruit’s mechanical voice had a hard and sad quality as he spoke. “This is why I believed Suit could be as loyal to us as you and me and still carry the potential of great harm by being controlled from the outside.

My fear was confirmed when Suit came to me only hours after he was conscripted and told me about his remote control unit.

With SHIP’s help and Suit’s detailed self-repair abilities, we were able to remove all parts of that. I thought you knew about that, as he remote accessed the other Suit the Red Dragon still has and deactivated it.”

There was a moment of silence and I realized how naive I was granting the Suit freedom and access without discussing it with my friends at least. Only thanks to the incredible abilities and foresight of my crew were I spared a potential disaster.

Narth said aloud. “Don’t sell yourself short Captain or let doubt cloud your mind. Since I know you, Captain you gave anyone without any prejudice a chance. Regardless of their origin or appearance. You embraced all of us here for what we are and extended everything you are to us in friendship. That is your greatest gift and that is why your crew, perhaps the most diverse in the universe and more loyal to you than any military regulation could make us.”

SHIP agreed. “He is right, on any other ship I would have been rebooted.

I felt a bit embarrassed and said. “Well, I am proud you are my friends. But you are also my crew and we are in unknown space and have a mystery on our hands.

Where did that signal come from that activated Suit?

Does he also have one of those Caserns and can it be activated by external signals?”

Suit answered.”Yes I have a Casern as well and it is with the other Shea cut from Red Dragons belt in Narth’s subspace pocket, no signal can reach it there.

I have no other systems that can be controlled by external means. I am certain the original signal originated on Alvor’s Cove. It was very weak and could not have traveled far. If there were any subsequent signals I would not be able to detect or receive them as Cirruit and I deactivated and destroyed this part of my abilities.”

Har-Hi’s crushed the mug he was holding. “You can’t insult me, Zarin. It would take a real warrior with honor to do so.”

Lia touched the arm of the Zarin. “Let it pass, we are here to relax and escape the tight confines of our ship for a while. Besides if you start fighting we are bound to stand with you and the other crew has two Pertharians. Trust me you don’t want to mess with those.”

The Zarin eyed the two hulking Pertharians and swallowed whatever he wanted to say, instead took a deep drink.

Har-Hi decided they had enough fun and signaled his crew to get ready to leave.

The Silver Streak crew got up like one being and started to leave.

Har-Hi’s fine ears heard Sandovahl say to half Shiss Bassett. “That is the most disciplined pirate crew I have ever seen.”

Just then Captain Lemakr stumbled in the Tavern, he was bleeding of several cuts, he held a smoking blaster in one of is clawed hands. Before Har-Hi could even guess what could make a strong and wild Togar captain act in such a way, a terrifying huge creature ripped the heavy wooden door into splinters and smashed part of the door frame and wall with as it pushed itself inside.

The thing stood at least three meters tall had two muscular clawed arms reaching almost to the floor, while two shorter arms, also with claws that dripped with blood were attached to the being’s chest. It had a segmented flexible neck with a vicious looking head that was basically a maw filled with rows of sharp teeth.

It wiped its claws with such speed through the air, it made a rushing sound and would have rendered Har-Hi into a gory mess, but Har-Hi evaded with an elegant move bending back, while he simultaneously drew his swords.

The beast was not alone two more of the same kind had followed the first. Apparently, more of these vicious beasts tried to enter via the windows,

Har-Hi’s sharp swords careened of the though scaled hide covering the beast’s arms, but that fazed Har-Hi not even for a heartbeat as he without hesitation stepped between the beast’s arms and within reach of the shorter ones and plunged both his swords into the small eyes of the beast. It had not even time to scream as it was instantly killed.

Har-Hi planted his right foot against the chest of the beast and pushed it with a powerful shove back while he freed his blades.

One of the beasts had attacked the Zarin, who was now sprawled across the table with a ghastly slash wound across his face, while the beast was about to finish him off.

Har-Hi uncoiled the Mono Whip, Sobody had given him, the weighted end wrapped around the beings segmented neck. The nasty weapon of the Golden had no problem cutting through the tough skin armor and severed the head clear off after Har Hi gave it a sharp tug.

To his left one of the Pertharian marines had stomped and kicked one of the other beasts into a gory mess, while beautiful Shea had used her unstoppable sword to dice another.

Derek Simmons the gentle specialist from Harvest 12, had a bleeding arm but was calm while he used a Nuc Flamer to render the last beast to ashes.

Three crew members of the Silver Streak had secured the left window and had their weapons drawn, while another Pertharian crushed the skull of one of these beasts as it tried to enter through the other window.

Derek and E’Tskit a Klack crew member, an environmental engineer secured the now open door with weapons at the ready. The Silver Streak crew acted instantly, without any hesitation.

The Togar still standing there, pressing his hand over a bad cut on his chest.

Har-Hi said. “Do you know what is going on?”

“No, I was with six of my mates at the market buying provisions when all hell broke loose and hundreds of these things hunted and tore everything in their path to bits.”

Hex one of the Pertharians said. “It’s like a battlefield out there, but I don’t see anyone or anything moving.”

Shea wordlessly started to treat the Zoran who was the most seriously hurt.

Lia got up from behind the table she was hiding with her blaster drawn and asked Har-Hi. “Do you think it is safe to go back to the ships?”

Purkan, an Arl and the Chief Gunner of the Tigershark standing next to Hex, the Pertharian guarding the left window said. “Sir, a large fleet of armed flyers coming from the east.”

And Hex added. “Looks like the local military has arrived and is approaching.”

== Chapter 11: Not a Simple Stop ==

About ten armed Trontigmakader entered the tavern, led by an insectoid in a flashy bright blue and white armor of some kind.

“The four Masters declared martial law until we can determine who released the Cleanser beasts from their hold. This place has been identified as a meeting place of the Discrepant Element. You are all considered potential collaborators, perhaps even supplying weapons to these criminals. You are...”

A high pitched humming voice screamed from somewhere else. “The Four must fall so the Fifth can rise again!”

The voice was immediately followed by a laser blast burning a hole in the head of one of the soldiers.

Again chaos ensued this time with soldier firing at what appeared to be rebels of some kind and the pirates caught in the crossfire.

The Trontigmakader soldiers fired at anything that moved, another group of locals that had suddenly appeared behind the bar returned fire.

The pirates, three of Lia’s and two of Sandovahl’s men had already been hit, and most likely fatal. The rest had scrambled for cover and returned fire.

In all this chaos and confusion, the disguised Union officers and crew members acted according to their training. There was no panic, no erratic behavior.

But it was Har-Hi who was not sure what he should do. In this moment he realized just how much they all, including him, relied on the Captain. He had found cover behind an overturned table and wanted to call her, but he wanted to tell her what he was about to do. The most logical approach was to return to the ship and stay out of whatever local affair this was. However, the spy drone he had launched showed more troops approaching along with alien battle robots and several tanks with large cannons. Erica would risk planetary war and of course, abandon the quest to save them.

Despite being well armed there was no chance they could fight their way through a full infantry assault force. He could, of course, ask Erica to send landing tanks and marines, but that would not only blow their cover but in effect start a war against the Trontigmakader.

He could also fight the rebels or whatever those civilians were, but that too was in effect a declaration of war and there was no guarantee the troops would stop and not arrest or kill them anyway.

The other pirates had not put any restrains on their actions and joined the firefight.

The uniformed troops had been reduced to eight. The pirate weapons were much more powerful then the laser weapons the locals used and easily defeated the troop’s armor.

Neither the soldiers nor the rebels used shields, but several of the pirates had shield belts, as of course, his disguised marines had. The two Pertharians had formed a living cover where the rest of the Tigershark was taking cover.

So far none of his crew had fired, waiting for his commands.

Oh Erica, what should I do and tell you? Every fiber in his body wanted to cut loose and show those two-legged bugs what it meant to stand against a Dai Warrior

Shea rendered with stoic coolness first aid to the wounded, including the Zoran warrior and ignored the laser blasts and chaos around her.

One of the civilian Trontigmakader darted across the room, evading two potshots of the remaining troopers and dove right next to Har Hi and he hummed. “Fight with us if you want to live, there are more, many more troops on the way and they will level this place with heavy weapons. They will make no prisoners and do not care who you are.”

The surviving troopers scrambled to the door. Har-Hi was certain there would be a barrage of heavy weapons any moment now.

“So be it, we fight but we need a strategy and I need to inform the captain.”

Derek at one of the windows said. “They are bringing robots and tanks.”

“Come with us and we show you the same way we came in, to escape.”

Har-Hi made up his mind. “Alright!”

He signaled his friends to follow the Insectoid while he and Sandovahl covered their retreat behind the bar.

There was an open trap door.

Har-Hi watched the retina image of his spy drone as the tanks assumed firing position, turrets turning...

He was the last diving head first into the hole as the tavern above them was obliterated by ground shaking explosions.

He caught the foothold of a crude ladder attached to the walls of this deep shaft, as a shower of debris pelted his back and a burning hot wave of air singed his exposed skin.

Ignoring the pain he climbed as fast as he could further down.

Along with more rocks, pieces of concrete he dropped into a narrow and dark corridor.

A Petharian grabbed him by the shoulders and pushed him past him as a man-sized piece of debris came crashing down, impacting with a shattering crash into the Petharian.

The massive warrior brushed dust and some dark colored blood from his head. “Sorry for manhandling you like this, but my head had a better chance against that piece of crete than yours.”

“You saved my life. Are you injured?”

“Not much more than as during our last Steel container kick match, Sir. I have a strong feeling our Captain will be very jealous.”

Har-Hi and the Petharian scrambled to catch up with the others and all he could say, “Jealous?”

“She missing all this action, Sir.”

Har-Hi grinned, “You got a point, there. I better call her now.”

It was the first time I was actually angry at Har-Hi. He should have called the ship at the first sign of trouble and let me decide what course of action we are to take. He just finished his report and I was tempted to reprimand him right there and then, but that was not me. He was my first mate and made decisions and I would do my best to help him and deal with the situation. I still planned to talk to him about it in private.

“I send Narth and Ms.Noleii to get you home. The situation smacks just like our last big problem, rebels against the government.”

“We can’t get out right away. We are with other pirates and with the rebels. I’ll try to separate us as soon as possible.”

Red Dragon called next. He was, despite his mask quite obviously agitated and said. “I lost seven of my crew to an attack of vicious beasts and three were arrested by local authorities. The Celestial Nightmare lost four. I hear Lia, Sandovahl and some of your guys are on the run. This is exactly what I wanted to avoid.”

“I am unable to go give you any answers. I haven’t left the ship since we met.”

He grunted something. “Alright, I’ll try to find out what is going on. Stay put!”

“Our mutual support arrangement died a while ago, I am in this now for business reasons alone. Members of my crew are involved and in danger. I am not sitting back and let things happen.”

“I’ll call you back.”

I rushed to the bridge and said. “SHIP, Battlestations. All available senior officers to the bridge.”

“Aye captain.”

As I reached my command seat, Elfi sat down behind her communications console and said. “Captain, I have Lt. Bergdorf standing by.”

“Put him on.”

“Captain, the Red Dragon did not leave his ship, but there is activity underneath the Uhuin. Request permission to investigate.”

“Permission granted but stay at a safe distance, there is a situation here, I need to sort out.”

He acknowledged and I asked. “Anything on the official channels of what is going on?”

Elfi put her headset on and checked her readouts. “TheOther is in the comm-lab right now, to work on a detailed report, Captain. It appears there is a rebel or dissident group advocating the reinstalment of the fifth. It is not clear yet what policy or changes the fifth represents. The officials believe it was the Discrepant Element who released a herd of so-called Cleanser Beasts.”

Narth had taken Shea’s position. “There is no Union reference regarding this life form.”

Sobody said.”It is an extremely dangerous lifeform. It has been breed by the Wutohf as a very bloody means of crowd control and similar situations. The Cleanser Beasts, unfortunately, are a big commercial success for the Wutohf and traded all over the galaxy.”

Elfi nodded and continued. “These Cleanser Beasts tore through a local market and bar district. Other news reports that a tavern in the same district has been destroyed by heavy ordinance. The authorities claim the situation is now under control and the Cleanser Beasts either contained or killed.”

Mao was next. “Captain, there is a considerable force of armed surface ships and fliers approaching from the east and another one from the open sea.”

This was getting more and more convoluted, and I still had no idea what was really going on.

Part of me wanted to have Narth teleport me to Har-Hi, but then the situation was swiftly escalating and my place was on the bridge.

Har-Hi, his shipmates and the other pirates had followed the Trontigmakader of the Discrepant Element, through a labyrinth of reeking sewers and what appeared to be a network of flood control tunnels.

The natives rushed them on and urged them to keep up a fast pace.

One of them hummed. “If the Enforcers of the Four find out we escaped, they open the tide gates and flood the sewers and flood pipes.”

So they slushed through reeking liquids for quite a while and must have covered several clicks before they emerged on the surface. The sewer pipe had become an open runoff. The Trontigmakader leading the sizeable group up the steep sides.

Har-Hi was glad they finally reached fresh air. He looked around to situate himself. Behind them was the tunnel entrance to the sewers and beyond that the skyline of the alien city. The filthy water coming out of that tunnel trickled down the shoreline and into the river delta. From here he could see the watery spaceport and the spaceships in the distance. He instantly recognized the shape of the Silver Streak, even though the local sun was setting and nightfall was fast approaching. He remembered that this world had no moons, so it most likely would be a very dark night.

The spaceport and the ships were the focus of two large military forces. Thousands of fliers, boats with spotlights. His sharp eyes identified infantry troops and robots on barges and boats.

There was no way he could see approaching the ships without being seen. Narth and Brana could teleport them of course, but exposing their psionic talented assets to the other pirates was not something the captain or he wanted to risk at that time. If one of the pirates recognized Brana as a Delicate or the Narth, all pretense was out the door.

The other side of the path they were on became a steep hillside with many primitive houses glued to its side.

That this was the city part of the poorest was glaringly obvious. There weren’t many lights and the businesses here did not cater to foreigners. The places were dirty and in need of much repair.

The path they were on was narrow and meandered between the buildings and the steep hills at one side and the shoreline on the other.

Their guide was still rushing them on. “This is a large group of many non-Trontigmakader, please rush on before they use their tele viewers to scan the coastline.”

It appeared they managed to remain unnoticed by the authorities and they reached what Har-Hi thought of as some sort of abandoned fish processing plant.

It was basically just a big one-room building sitting on stilts on the shore side halfway over the water.

A foul odor of brackish water and rotting fish hung in the thin metal wall building. There were long tables with some kind of conveyor system in the middle. All looked old, very used and now abandoned. The light which had been turned on as they entered had a reddish glow and Har-Hi suspected the light was not only in the visual range but had a strong infrared component.

“I think this is a good place and time for you to explain what is going on and why we are involved and here?” Har-Hi said.

Sandovahl, Lemakr, and Lia agreed and actually placed themselves next to Har-Hi.

Har-Hi could not differentiate the Trontigmakader, there were eighteen of them. To him, they looked as alike as X101s of the same series. Since they did not use their mouths to speak, he wasn’t even sure which one was talking.

“Let us thank you for fighting for and with us at Hugnast’s Welcome. The troops of the Four were winning. Without you, we face the Death-Master either in judgment or in the hereafter.”

Sandovahl actually said what Har-Hi wanted to say.

“We didn’t have much choice, now did we? You started shouting political slogans and killed a soldier. That they started shooting and included us as targets is something I actually understand. Now I think you keep telling us what is going on. I for one like to return to my ship and leave this crap world behind. I rather set up our refinery again then getting fuel here.”

One of the Trontigmakader, most likely the same responded. The humming sound that was part of every word somehow took on a forceful fanatical tone. “The Four masters oppress the people and incarcerated the fifth. The Fifth is our legitime ruler and was always aided by the Four. They disposed him and took over the rule themselves. We fight to restore the rule of the Fifth.”

Derek Simmons actually groaned. “We just came from Itheamh, apparently the same story repeats itself all over again.”

Har-Hi shook his head. “But not with us taking part.”

Lia featured a bandage on her right arm. Har-Hi had not noticed her being wounded but then almost no one got out of that Tavern without an injury of some kind. The Zarin had been carried by crewmates of his was in bad shape and needed real medical attention soon.

Lia was visibly agitated as well and she said. “It all started with those beasts attacking. What was that all about?”

One of the insectlike Trontigmakader stepped a little forward and looked at his associates, also revealing himself as the speaker. “That is something we can not understand either. We stole fifty Cleanser beasts in containment cages from the Four and planned to set them free during the Festival of Hatching tomorrow. None of us can explain how they all got loose. Someone must have opened the cages.”

Har-Hi felt he made the wrong choice, following these rebels. “They just admitted planning a terror act with the aim to cause death and mayhem during some kind of public event. That was one thing the rebels on Itheamh did not do, they only fought the Drak and refrained from Terror acts.

Aloud he said. “What the case might be, we are not going to be involved. Let us find ways to get back to our ships.”

The Trontigmakader made a further step forward and said.”We need you! Your weapons are much more advanced than ours and form what we have seen you command these humongous warriors, able to kill Cleanser Beasts with their bare hands. With you, on our side, we sweep the Four aside and restore the Rule of the Fifth!”

The big Togar captain growled.”You fight on your own. I see no profit in this and no benefit. I am going back to my ship right now and I pity the fools who try to stop me.”

A large roll gate and every other opening in the building opened as if by command and at least fifty Trontigmakader stormed in. More of them remained at hatches and windows aiming shoulder carried weapons at the pirates.

The speaker of the group said. “Then we are those fools. We hoped you would fight for us, but you are not of this world and do not understand. Your weapons and equipment will help our cause. Your ships will send us more in exchange for you.”

Fivecheer came to the bridge.”We all focused on the Red Dragon and overlooked the Puup, Captain. I am terribly sorry.”

I was standing by the Nav Tank, unable to find the state of mind to sit down watching the approach of the two armed forces. “You are sorry for what, Mr. Fivecheer?”

“The Puup, Captain Brathering, Ma’am”

“What about him?”

“He and a group of his crew left the Uhuin underwater and it appears they are the cause for the mayhem. The Puup are declared enemies of the Trontigmakader. The Puup’s ship is a Kermac T cruiser and in terms of Psionics well shielded.”

He got my attention, but I still didn’t see what he was trying to tell me. “This is a fact I have not considered either, but what does this have to do with all of this?”

“The Puup is acting on behalf of his government. He is agitating both sides and is supplying weapons to both sides. His goal is to destabilize Cosporus and prepare the ground for a Puup attack that is planned for years. He is a pirate Upward but loyal to his society.”

The way he pronounced Puup, in all the serious situation made me giggle. “A puup attack, eh? Let’s hope they don’t have diarrhea.”

“Captain?”

“Never mind. I should chastise myself for having these childish gutter thoughts and focus on the matter at hand.”

I finally had an idea of what was going on and went to my chair and sat down.”Someone knows who these two groups are that are about to meet with us in the center?”

It was Elfi again.”Yes, captain, TheOther made much progress in analyzing their communications and with SHIPs help decrypted it too.”

She swiped over a lit contact and activated an info bubble. While she was reading the floating texts she said. “The group coming from the city are Troops of the Four and represent the official government. The military forces coming from ocean side are the troops of a powerful landlord or noble. It is not sure how they will react. It appears the guy is on the fence between being loyal to the Four and supporting the Fifth.”

She interrupted her own report. “Captain, we being hailed by the Trontigmakader on official channels.”

I nodded and put on my mask. Not that thought the local insects could tell the difference, but I am sure the pirates and of course the Red Dragon was watching.

One of the insectoids appeared on the screen and in its humming voice it declared.”This is the voice of the Four Masters. Your privileges to visit the city have been revoked, complete your refueling and leave our world. It appears some or all of you are involved with local subversive elements and terrorists!”

He added before any of us could reply.”You have one day. After that, we will seize your ships.”

The Red Dragon responded for us. “Now listen, we came here traveling from the Upward sector of this galaxy and have never been here before. We do not know and we do not care about local politics, but I refuse to be threatened. I am the Red Dragon and once my associates are ready we will leave. You can keep whatever fuel you have for sale. There are other ports of call I am certain.”

The speaker of the Trontigmakader did not respond but cut the transmission.

I called the Red Dragon. “Have you checked on your friend the Puup lately, you know they are enemies of these Insects and basically at war.”

He wanted to dismiss it, I could tell. However, he stopped before he really said something and listened to someone on his bridge. Then he cursed and growled. “That worthless louse! I’ll pluck his teeth...”

He too cut the transmission.

“Elfi get me Har-Hi again. I am sick of this and want them back aboard.”

Narth had retreated in one of his seclusive meditation states right after Fivecheer gave his report and only now raised his head.”Captain, there is more to this planet than the Red Dragon let on. The first clue of our actual quest is hidden here. Where ever he got the information about the Seenian depot, he also received instructions to come here and contact the Anagoge.”

“The who?”

“I do not know, who the Anagoge is, but this is an important part in this quest. The Red Dragon revealed that to his first mate and since the other ship is close enough I was able to scan all the other minds regarding any information that might reveal details about the Seenian mystery.”

Narth stated this in his usual matter of fact as if everyone else would also be able to do such a thing. He then said. “Fivecheer and you would be able to do exactly this as well. Fivecheer is a much better long-range telepath than I am but it still lacks the discipline of scanning multiple minds and searching for specific information, of course, it is improving. You on the other hand” ... he sighed ... “you still resist the fact that you are too psionic gifted and stubbornly refuse any training.”

“Narth we do not have the time to discuss psionics or my state of mind. I much rather hear more details regarding that Anagoge. If I remember my greek correctly it is a word that suggests an uplift or something like that in a mystical or spiritual fashion.”

“I am using the most appropriate standard lingu term. There is a person or contact of sorts somewhere on this world with information regarding the Seenian depot. This contact may be found by accessing the Hidden Hill, which in turn can be found on a map that supposedly can be located in the Sealed Library of the Fifth.”

I pressed my lips together. “That darn quest is sure becoming more complicated by the day.” To Elfi I said. “Raise Har-Hi for me.”

“Captain, he is receiving but not answering.”

Shea whispered without moving her lips too much. “Our Petahrians got shields.”

But before Har-Hi could answer Shea or the comm request from the ship and thus the captain, hell broke loose once again and within only a few hours.

The entire building was bathed in blinding white light, several laser shots hissed and sizzled holes in the heads of Trontigmakader rebels.

A strong voice told them to cease all hostilities and surrender.

While the rebels tossed their weapons and complied, a blue dressed Trontigmakader stepped in the one-room building followed by armed soldiers. This insectoid was a little taller than most, he was also clearly in charge.

“We welcome travelers to Cosporus, but we do not like trouble. This is an orderly world and you mingling with known terrorists is not a good thing.”

“I apologize for any misunderstanding but it is us who were swept up in circumstances we know nothing about and we gladly return to our ship and stay there,” Har-Hi said.

“That is a sensible offer and will be considered a gesture of good will, but you are still all under arrest and the Decider of the Death-master will decide what laws have been broken and what form punishment might be appropriate.”

“What form of punishment could be appropriate?”

“Depending the charges and the severity anything from a fine to a death sentence.”

Shea whispered. “The captain is listening in and asks you to play along for now.”

Sandovahl made a threatening step forward. “And what are the charges?”

“Causing public disturbance, potential property damage, conspiracy with a known Terrorist group for starters.”

Sandovahl changed his tone. “This is all a local affair we have no interest in. If I offer you a substantial amount of Polo coins could we not come to an agreement that does not involve an arrest?”

“Bribing a guard of the Death-master is a very serious offense. Now please surrender your weapons.”

Shea said. “If associates of ours that is not involved can we surrender our weapons to them?”

“Certainly but I would not know how the could traverse the bay, we have the ships surrounded.”

Just then Hans and TheOther appeared in the door and pushed past the fragile and insubstantial looking insect beings especially compared to these two giants who made everyone look small.

As alien the Trontigmakader was, he and his troops visibly shrunk in fear and grabbed their weapons tighter.

Har-Hi said. “These are the associates of ours, they have not been involved. We will surrender to you and Trontigmakader justice, but they take custody of our weapons and personal items as you agreed upon?”

The captain of the Trontigmakader detail first wanted to disagree, but he changed his mind very fast as he saw TheOther taking a step closer. “By the Sacred Four, has doom reached our world? Is this not a Yaaal?”

Har-Hi looked down his nose. “Indeed this is a Y’All.”

“No, I have no objection.”

Hans and TheOther collected the weapons and Hans said in a low tone. “The captain is informed and sent us. She sends word to you as to make efforts to solve this situation as smooth as possible.”

“I will try my best.”

The Trontigmakader heard it and said. “A very sensible advice of your captain indeed. After a few executions, order always returns.”

Hans said.”She is indeed a very sensible and wise captain, Insect. However if anyone of our crew gets so much as a bruise caused by anyone, be it you, your insubstantial troops, the Four Masters or the whole damn planet, you will wish not to be born.”

“Are you threatening?”

“No, I give you a fair warning.”

Twenty minutes later, stripped of all, or in Har-Hi’s case most of all weapons and items that could identify them as Union, they and the other pirates were marched with shackles out of the old factory and into a waiting transport flier.

Local medics or similar personnel carried those who couldn’t walk or still unconscious out on stretchers.

ABOARD THE RED DRAGON
Swynon massaged his temples as he sat in a comfortable seat in his private quarters. Nothing worked out without complications. The entire quest at times seemed to be a fool’s errand and there was a growing part in him that grew tired of it. Only his burning desire for revenge made him keep the course. The only being he sort of trusted and almost considered a friend had his throat ripped out after being tortured in the cruelest fashion by this enigma called Black Velvet. True, Crimson had tried to cross her and for the second time.

The little armada had lost another member in deep space of all things. Who would have thought that there were conditions in deep space that could be harmful to a modern spaceship? He was never the most scientific person and he lacked the qualified person to operate the science console of his ship. Like all Union ships, it had extensive sensors and a well-equipped science section. Much of it he had removed. What good were labs and science sensors to a pirate?

His decision was regrettable, but then he had no one to operate and use it anyhow. A moving gravitational field of some sort, he never heard of such a thing and none of the pirates he associated with had any explanation either. The Executor fell prey to it, but the also caught Silver Streak managed to escape it. Subsequent scans could not locate the anomaly, not that he or any of the others wanted to get closer to make sure.

Fact remained that the Silver Streak survived the living planet surface and that anomaly too. He had to admit that female captain was very resourceful.

Ever since they passed by that pulsar, his mind was suddenly filled with information and memories he did not have before. It seemed there were Hypno blocks in his own mind. These blocks released information only if certain trigger events were met.

He had no idea he had to be on Cosporus before he landed. Now he knew he had to find a contact called the Anagoge. According to his regained memories, it was a guide or information source giving him important information regarding the location of the depot and how to access it.

This was the reason he warned the others to be careful and not to cause local trouble.

Of all people, it was the cursed Puup that did the opposite and caused trouble on purpose.

Ever since Black Velvet opened his eyes with her information it was easy to put the rest together. Not that he had too much information on that Brathering anyway. Where did that psychopath get his genuine Cruiser anyway? The Kermac did not sell surplus as far as he knew. Especially since it appeared the Uhuin was not demilitarized and had all the weapons and all the equipment a genuine Kermac ship of the line had available.

The Puup had started trouble and the local authorities wanted them off the planet and that before he had a chance to locate the Sealed Library of the Fifth. As formidable as he and his small armada was, they could not take on an entire starfaring society. Even though their tech level was significantly behind. Was that library even on this planet? These cursed insects were spread over several star systems.

He called his new first mate to his quarters. He had elevated the beardless Kermac and former wizard to this position. While the Kermac was certainly not the best fighter, he was without question the smartest one among his crew and like all Kermac was a decent telepath.

He relied on his excellent Union science conditioning that shielded him from the best psionics, but he found it a very potent tool to have to control his own crew and find out what others were thinking.

For some reason, his Kermac failed to read the mind of Black Velvet but much of her crew were open books and just the average pirate scum with matching thoughts and memories.

That he could not read the Puup was explained by the fact that he used a Kermac ship, which was equipped with Kermac Psi-tech and psi-shields.

The Kermac entered his chambers and sat down in an armchair across the Thauran, who didn’t bother with his mask.

Swybin pointed towards the viewport. “What a mess Brathering got us in. What do you think will happen?”

“I am as new to this region of space as you, Dragon. I am also not sure we can stay and conduct the research you want to do, at least not with the current government. Maybe we do have to support the rebels and basically blast whatever surrounds our ships to ashes. We certainly have the firepower to do that, but I don’t know how big the local space fleet is, enough of them might even crack the Red Dragon, especially before we can reach threshold speed.”

“We must remain until I know where the Anagoge is and obtained whatever information he has.”

“Then there aren’t that many alternatives after the ultimatum ends tomorrow.”

“How did the Puup manage to get a genuine T Cruiser, do you know?”

“No, I wondered about that myself. I was sold into slavery as I told you and I am gone from the Kermac wizard towers for quite a while, but even while I was still in power and grace. There were countless schemes going on, that the Wizards of the respective ministries kept secret from each other. For all I know, the Puup could be a Kermac operative and he is taking part on this quest to find and secure the Seenian depot for Kermac Prime. If the wizards know about our quest they’ll certainly try to obtain it, they risk war and more to gain the secret of Translocator cannons and TransDim shields.”

The former Kermac wizard stroked his scarred chin. “But the recent actions of the Puup indicate that he is not a Kermac spy, he would not act for the Puup like that and risk being there when the depot is found.”

“Maybe I just need to ask him then. He has a lot to answer for in the first place.”

Captain Brathering knew he was playing a dangerous game. He played and double-crossed the Red Dragon, was dealing with the First Wizard of the Ministry of Control and with the Puup government. But if he played it right, he would reach his declared goal of becoming the Puup Soveriegn.

Whenever he had this thoughts his mind wandered back in time, remembering how he got here in the first place.

Many decades ago, he was just a second mate to a famous Puup ship leader. Puup always had a competitive personality and was jealous of anyone that was ahead of him. It started with his own family members; he wanted to be more important than his siblings and even his parents. While it was not a bad thing wanting to be successful or wanting to be on top, Puup had no scruples to do it any way possible and took advantage of every possible angle. He cheated, stole, lied and even killed to get ahead of someone else.

This was the reason he became the second mate of the most powerful Puup vessel much earlier than others in similar positions.

Brathering was not satisfied with that, the First Mate was more important than him and he, in turn, was second to the Ship leader. A successful ship leader had good chances to be chosen as fleet leader. From there a few more steps and one could be the Puup Soveriegn.

Right at his first voyage aboard the Uicy-Jurit, destined to engage Trontigmakader units that dared to cross into Riglee system, he decided to do to make sure he would return as the First Mate.

The opportunity came while the ship was accelerating to Jump speed. Brathering had not discovered Quasi-Space or how to access it to travel and relied, like the Trontigmakader and the other space-faring societies they knew back then, on Hyperjumps. Leaping from gravity well to the next, accelerating and decelerating for days on end.

The First Mate supervised the repair of a faulty plasma conduit. The Shipmaster refused to interrupt the acceleration phase to the Jump point, as he wanted to reach Riglee in time to stop the cursed Trontigmakader from taking a foothold there.

Repairing a plasma conduit while the engines were fed by the reactors with pure energy plasma at the highest rate was perhaps the most dangerous task there was.

The techies were confident they could do it but quite nervous as the plasma streams had been exposed.

All it took was a push and the First Mate, standing on a platform he deemed safe to see the progress of the repair work, fell into the exposed plasma and with a sizzling sound dissipated into a puff of atomic smoke. The First Mate had not even time to really scream.

No one had seen him doing it, but the Techies, of course, had seen the First Mate disintegrate.

What Brathering had not anticipated was the after effects of his deed.

The plasma stream was diverted for a split second, lost containment and changed the energy output to the engines. The precise jump calculations now inaccurate, made the ship miss the jump point and instead of reaching the Riglee system, the Uicy-Jurit breached the Hyper wall.

In most cases that would have been the end of Puup’s story as the ship and its crew either converted to hyperspace energy or drifted to the end of time in Hyperspace. However the ship returned to standard space, but tens of thousand light years from its point of origin, with a burning plasma fire and a completely burned out jump drive, beyond any chance of repair.

The Uicy-Jurit had reached a region he later knew was called the Upward sector of the galaxy.

To make matters even worse, they jumped right in the middle of a space battle. Neither combatant cared about the crippled ship that just dropped out of hyperspace.

He sighed, these events took place eight years ago. Most of his shipmates had died or had been sold as slaves. He too had been a slave but was purchased by Kermac.

They made him an offer and he accepted. He became a well-funded pirate with a ship that was hard to beat, he received training and support, all he had to do was to be the ears and eyes for the Wizard of the Ministry of Control and occasionally run errands, like disposing an unconscious rival at Alvor’s Cove. Supplying the secret outpost on Netlor and so forth. Every time the MOC had business in Freespace, Brathering was the one asked. He didn’t mind, he became a successful and feared pirate. That he could get his ship repaired, serviced by experts anytime he needed it was his secret.

When he told his masters about the Red Dragon’s quest, they insisted he would go along and contact them as soon as he had a concrete lead. For this purpose, they added a genuine LRT to his crew.

But he also realized that he was going back to his old home. Returning with a state of the art ship, able to cause havoc to the most important planet of the Trontigmakader was a gift from the gods. He contacted the Puup Soveriegn and was greeted like a returning hero. He also received detailed instructions and contact information to a Puup operative on Cosporus.

He didn’t need the Red Dragon to find the Sealed Library as he knew where it was. The Puup winning the war, the Kermac getting the information how to find that Celtest depot and he returning home as the most celebrated hero of his kind was a very desirable outcome of things indeed.

That the things escalated a little faster than he wanted them to develop was unfortunate but still recoverable.

He went to the chamber where the LRT was and formulated a message to the Wizard of the MOC.

Har-Hi and the rest were led into a large hall with a raised desk. The sides had bleacher like benches and on it perhaps hundred Trontigmakader on each side. Crude but big and armed battle robots flanked the raised desk.

A Trontigmakader in a black suit and a scarf like piece of black fabric wound around his head sat behind that desk.

After all, pirates stood before that desk, the black dressed being said. “We don’t know who you are but we know about the Dai and we know about the Zarin. Both arrogant and troublesome, both causing much trouble and death.”

The judge stopped and touched his head. “Do I want to make an example of all of you? Yes ... I mean no.”

After this rather strange sentence, the judge said. “But I see this Dai is honorable and his associates are of the most honorable kind, no doubt. I think this Dai is a rather nice person so I say let him and his associates go.”

The judge blinked with all his eyes and said. “What did I just say? Did I ... ah yes let the Dai and his crew go. They only defended themselves against these savages and have no interest in local terrorist who tried to use them.”

A big view screen came on behind the black dressed decision maker.

Four Trontigmakader appeared on it, each in a different color robe. One golden, one blue, a red and a black robe.

They all spoke at the same time in a strange chorus. “While we do not understand the decision of the Decider, the verdict has been spoken. You may go, but you are to return to your ships and leave Cosporus within the hour you are no longer welcome. Remain and we will destroy your ships and put everyone to death, the Four have spoken.”

The screen went blank.

The guard captain said. “You have heard the words and the decision, now make haste and leave.”

One of the Tigersharks landing tanks was already waiting for them.

Inside they were greeted by Narth. “I am sorry, but the mind of the Decider was very alien and I did not anticipate the four masters to interfere.”

“That explains his strange behavior. The captain is going to rip me a new one.”

“That is the reason for my rather hasty interference, without preparing better. The situation is much more complicated than it appears.”

== Chapter 12: Kermac Spy ==

UPWARD
The NAVINT commander had her Avatar established in the secure conference room underneath the surface of Richter 4. Also present were Cherubim, Algear Moansti, Admiral McElligott and now the Avatar of Admiral Stahl blinked into existence.

The little group was made complete by a massive alien. The large alien, the Nul All Leader was here the first time by invitation.

It was the Commandant of NAVINT that opened this top-level meeting and after she acknowledged the ones present she went right to the point. “Our friends of the Gray Cat society confirm reports we gathered. The Kermac have amassed a substantial fleet of about 5,000 ships that are on their way to the Downward sector. It appears they do know about the existence of a Seenian Depot somewhere down there and are on their way to secure it.”

Stahl’s face became even more serious than it usually was. “If those Paperfaces gain access to Seenian tech, we are going to be in for a serious ride. I am certain we will still prevail, but I fear at a tremendous cost.”

Cherubim looked over her readouts, she had called up. “We don’t have contact with Captain Olafson. She and her ship are out of communication range for a while now. We do not know where she is, other than somewhere Downward. Our Golden friends do have a Bazaar down there and that Bazaar should be online with GalNet any day now. The Welcome Wagon has arrived there just a few days ago.”

McElligott sighed. “Let’s hope our girl is within communication range of that Bazaar when it does get connected, but what can she do against five thousand Kermac warships?”

Stahl crossed his arms. “I don’t think I could have more confidence in the command ability and resourcefulness of anyone than Erica, but O’Brock is right. Five thousand Kermac ships are beyond anything she could handle.”

The Nul leader said. “The Nul will render all the assistance we can, but if our information matches yours, the Kermac are far ahead and there is no way we can catch up with them.”

“Not even the latest Attikan Battleships could. Not that we have enough of them M-0 side anyway.” Stahl added.

Cherubim looked towards the Nul leader. “I am authorized to reveal all our Intel to you and recommend that you are instructed in the Blue-Blue-Red protocol. This situation is more serious than it even appears and we have no issues with the trustworthiness of Nul.”

“I am ordering our Intel to be under NAVINT auspice and share all our assets.”

McElligott got up and said. “Richard, get your big tub and the first fleet as fast as you can Downwards. Stay within range of the new relay chain. Take along assets to beef up the GalNet relays, as soon as we know where the Kermac headed we let you know.”

I had everyone gathered in our Den and waited till my senior officers had completed their reports.

“I understand your hesitation to call me, Mr. Hi. What I am saying now is not meant in disrespect, but I must say it. If a situation like this develops, your first duty is to inform me. I know we do things differently on the Tigershark and I must blame myself for setting a bad example. The next time disregard any emotional based decisions or notions what I might expect, if in doubt call. This does not mean I am second guessing you. You are my XO and if you make decisions I will back them up as if they had been made by me.”

He nodded with a serious face.”I am sorry and I apologize, I knew I made bad decisions.”

“Welcome to the club, my friend. We won’t talk about this anymore but focus on what we need to do next.”

Narth raised his hand.”Captain, I am just detecting a Long Range Telepath aboard the Uhuin. He is sending thoughts and request for instructions to the Kermac leadership. Brathering appears to be more than just a loyal Puup pirate. He is a Kermac agent.”

“I actually expected that much, how else did he get a genuine T Cruiser? What is he sending and can you intercept the answer?”

“I will attempt to do that.” Narth fell silent and lowered his shrouded head to concentrate and focus his abilities.

Sobody said. “We could go to my brother and return disguised as a Golden Sphere.”

I agreed, that might not be a bad idea, but we need to find out what our special friends decide to do.”

TheOther who currently manned communications came on over Intership.”Captain, we are being hailed by the local authorities.”

“Put them on.”

“We don’t know by what trickery you influenced the Decider, but all of you foreigners time runs short. If you are not gone soon. We open those ships and arrest any survivors for the practice of forbidden magic.”

The other pirate ships were taking off after fruitless arguments.

I was the last to respond.”This is Captain Black Velvet. I am curious just how fast?”

The buzzing respond sounded very agitated and commanding. “What a stupid question! As fast as possible!”

I said keeping the channel open. “Helm you heard them, they want us gone as fast as possible, so let’s go fast, forget about a gentle lift-off. Full engines!”

“Aye Sir, preparing for full engine lift off.”

The disguised Tigershark virtually jumped into space on a plume of light speed accelerated energy plasma, her shields glowing as bright as a white star forcefully punching through the atmosphere.

The chaos this lift of created was of catastrophic proportions, many thousand tons of water instantly turned into a hurricane of superheated steam cooking anything in its wake, followed by a huge tidal wave and furnace temperature air. The ships and fliers surrounding us were cooked and whatever remained scattered across a wide area.

Two Trontigmakader freighters were tossed into other ships like toys, The entire shoreline of Mustar had been washed away by a tidal wave of titanic proportions.

I said into the still open channel. “I hope that was fast enough.”

I rushed to the bridge while SHIP sounded General Quarters. I plunged into my seat while Narth appeared out of thin air into his. “The Kermac responded, Captain but I can not make sense of it. They instructed Brathering to proceed according to order set four. I do not know what order set four is.”

Fivecheer came rushing from the I.S.T. and took an open seat behind me in the secondary Control area of the bridge. “The Red Dragon has a Kermac crew member, he too noticed the LRT answer.”

Mao barked right over Fivecheer. “The Red Dragon activated all weapons and she is under full ParaDim shields.”

While I was glad he no longer had Seenian shields or the latest TransDim shields of Union tech. His ParaDim shields in triple layer configuration were still a hard nut to crack, especially for a Karthanian ship we were supposed to be.

Mao was not done.”The other ships are under full shields now and arm their weapons.”

The Red Dragon came on hailing everyone.”That doublecrossing Puup has sold us out and now he is going to pay for it!”

The Dragon opened fire the same time. While the old prototype no longer had a Translocator, he too had a few Lokis and very powerful Forced Energy cannons. The Uhuin had just cleared orbit and under shields, was too close to do anything to evade or intercept the incoming Loki torpedo and the simultaneous impact of four FTL-FE tunnel beams. Less than a heartbeat later, the other pirate ships opened fire as well. While the Uhuin was trying to get out of the direct line of fire and retaliated with Kermac line cannons of considerable strength, her shields could not deflect the Loki impact and collapsed. Several beams raked across her side and cooked off armor plating ripping big holes into her primary hull.

The retaliatory fire of the T-Cruiser hammered into the shields of the Red Dragon and the Killerbeast.

This should have been the end of Brathering, as his ship was done for, but the command module of the T Cruiser separated from the burning wreck and accelerated fast.

Narth spoke with uncharacteristic alarm in his voice. “A large fleet of Kermac warships will drop out of Quasi in less than ten minutes. The Puup is in contact with them via his LRT.”

“Shaka step on it, maximum acceleration within our disguise limits. Lay in a course for the next star, for now.”

Surprisingly the Celestial Nightmare and the Bloody Mary immediately followed us. The Kalita also changed course and committed to a Threshold run moments later.

Our sensors detected the violent explosion of the Uhuin almost at the same moment as our sensors registered the drop of at least hundred Yiee battleships accompanied by a large number of T Cruisers and K type destroyers before we managed to slip into Quasi-Space.

The wizard in charge of the Kermac fleet had left the lumbering old and slow Habyr battleships behind and used his fastest units to advance and respond to the urgent assistance request of Brathering.

It was not a moment too soon, as he dropped out of Quasi into this system owned by the Trontigmakader. His forward units immediately opened fire on Trontigmakader and other ships. He had one mission and one goal only, to secure the Celtest depot for the Kermac. With its technology, the Kermac did not need to wait for the Y’All that weren’t reliable and their arrival not certain or any time soon. The Grand Wizard was informed and authorized whatever resource might be needed.

The Galactic Council controlled by the Kermac was second to Union and their new found allies the Nul, but still one of the most potent forces in the known galaxy. This time they would not be denied and Funsecsiev the Command wizard of this mighty strike force was determined to show all these primitives what it meant to stand against the Kermac.

Unknown to anyone but his closest associates, Funsecsiev wanted to become the Kermac version of the Immortal warrior. Feared and respected by everyone.

His ship, the Yokolta was the latest and most advanced Kermac battleship was bristling with weapons and excellent shields but unlike his secret role model, he didn’t believe a man in his important position should be exposed to the very front of things.

When the Yokolta dropped out of Quasi-space, most non Kermac contacts were destroyed. His ship received the escape pod with the Puup moments later.

While the Kermac spy was rushed to the command center, one of his lead team asked to report and he granted that low level less than white officer the privilege to talk to him. Ever since the last war, Kermac reluctantly modified their habit of address, at least in the military.

While he intellectually actually understood the reason for that, emotionally he regretted the loss of etiquette and culture and wished his subordinates would at least address him with half of his many titles, he so carefully crafted and decided to add to his name.

So he felt a little annoyed when Neusechfir, the lead Kermac of the Yokolta simply called him, powerful and wise and then Nuesechfir came to his actual report.”We detected several ships of advanced tech leaving the system and entering Inbetween space just as we returned to standard space. The last of these is currently running, but not before destroying two Cruisers with Union type Loki torpedoes. The craft matches the reports we have on an outlaw called Red Dragon.”

“Anything on the Celtest depot?”

“Most powerful and wise Wizard of command, we just arrived and have not begun landing operations. The individual with such information is on his way to you.”

“Begin landing operations and deploy Will Amplifiers.”

Another Kermac reported a hail from the planet.

Four insectoids appeared on the screen after the connection was made. Thanks to Brathering they received the necessary linguistic translation routines for their Tronics month ago.

“Intruders be warned, your acts of aggression are not tolerated. We are the Four Masters and demand that you retreat. We are not defenseless!”

“We are the Kermac and we are the true masters of everything you deplorable vermin. I expect you to reveal to us the location of the Celtest war depot and in return, you might be blessed to serve us, instead of being destroyed.”

Guards brought the Puup to the command center and into his presence.

“Speak without delay, report without sparing details and hope for my mercy.”

The Puup shrugged of the Kermac hands holding him and tried to present a more dignified position. “I am Indafanne Brathering, trusted ally and not a lackey.”

“Your usefulness hinges on the information you possess. We hope for your sake that you did not prematurely reveal yourself.”

“The answer and the way to the depot is known to the Anagoge. This person can be found following the instructions recorded in the Chronicles of the Seekers which are in the sealed library of the Fifth. I know where this library is.”

“And so do I as you are before Kermac, and your feeble mind is open to me. Cosporus is not where the library is, but on Trokiht, the homeworld of these Insectoids. Cosporus is but an old colony so it appears.”

We were still on course to the next star and for now, it was us who led the shrinking convoy. Mao said I am detecting massive Hyper jump signatures form the star system we are heading for, Captain. SHIP helped me calculate, it looks like over seven thousand spaceships with old-fashioned Hyperjump drives just jumped into that system.”

Shea had her face inside the tele-observation bubble and she said.”That star is an A-II supergiant without planets. There is a high probability that fleet is jumping from gravity well to gravity well and that AII is only a stop gap, the next stop would be Corspa system, with Cosporus planet and all the Kermac.”

Mao kept looking on his panels.”Say is it just me or has our shrinking convoy gained members? Without the T Cruiser, we should be seven not counting us, but we still have eight contacts following us.”

Alarmed I said.”Kermac? Unless they gained a Tech level and our Intel is that far off, they should not be able to scan into Quasi-space.”

“Narth also looked over the scan and sensor report. “This signature is inconsistent with Kermac enticers, it appears someone simply transitioned with the rest of us. Sensing other within a given distance of entangled photons while in the same quantum or Quasi-state is however within the technological capabilities of civilizations reaching Tech level 6 and the sensing distance increases with each Tech level. It is described in great detail in Lickman’s disert...”

I interrupted my brainy friend or he would have started quoting the entire scientific paper. “Mr. Narth thank you for this explanation. Can we determine who it is that follows us?”

“Not with the data available, but having Trontigmakader signatures on file the denizens of Cosporus can be eliminated.”

Elfi gestured towards a pulsing light on her console.”The Red Dragon is hailing on open channels and thus everyone within range.

The Red Dragon no longer relied on his mask and exposed his face, revealing that he was not only Thauran but the disgraced Union admiral. While we had this fact already confirmed by DNA evidence, to me it was the final proof. The last time I had seen him was in a courtroom at Lorman’s Starbase.

He said with an angry tone. “I am getting weary of this. No one said it would be easy to get to the Celtest depot, otherwise, others would have found it already. Sandovahl’s Killerbeast has sustained damage and is in need of repair and several of us still need fuel and provisions. Without the traitorous Puup as a local guide, anyone knows where to go?”

A new face appeared, it was the head of a species I had never seen. The head had virtually no round features but looked like it was cut out of a larger block of bluish gray material. The closest analog my mind could find was the shape of a very crude war hammer. The being had no apparent mouth or nose but four black slits, two on each side that seemed to be the eyes. The alien wore a mixture of metal armor pieces and purple fabric panels. There were two long sword-like weapons on his back.

“I am Lormoog, and like you I was on Cosporus for fuel and some business and like you I needed to leave fast. I can lead you to Ruboria, a place where you can refuel and purchase provisions.”

The Thauran answered for us. “We do not have many alternatives, so lead the way Lormoog. I also like to meet with all of you to discuss what is going to happen next.”

Lt. Senhadjii who had watched the whole exchange on a secondary terminal said.”The former admiral is frustrated and not as self-assured as he was. He displays all the tell-tale signs of a man slowly realizing that he is alone and can’t trust anyone. This can lead to very drastic and not necessarily well-thought reactions.”

I acknowledged and wondered the same thing. I didn’t know much about Swybar, but his allies weren’t as trustworthy and reliable as he wished them to be. Here far from known space and resources, he must have come to the realization that he did not plan this quest as well as he should have and that he revealed it to too many eyes and ears. The potential prize was incredible power and riches, but if it was indeed a full-size Seenian depot, was it not too much for one man to handle?”

Sobody the Golden spoke and pulled me out of my brooding thoughts. “Lormoog is a Wutohf, he might be the merchant selling the Cleanser beasts. They are known to be excellent bioengineers.”

Ruboria was almost exactly one hundred light years distant from Cosporus and according to our new guide an independent planet not associated with either the Puup, the Yotenen or the Trontigmakader.

Alvor’s Cove was a paradise compared to this reddish dustball.

We landed in a flat desert valley with bizarrely shaped rock formations to the east and an ancient looking fortress city to the west.

SHIP raised the main viewer and exposed the big frontal viewports. After taking in a first impression I shook my head. “What is it with all these dry places? I am getting a dry throat just looking at it.”

I also realized just how rich my own homeworld was with all its fresh cold water.

The Wutohf called Lormoog hailed us all and said. “Well here we are, this is Ruboria. It is home to the Ruborians, but the city is run by a bunch of merchants. I recommend you arm yourself, there is a lot of rather dangerous creatures above and under the dirt. Once you inside the stronghold, you’re fine and you can bargain for fuel, provisions and find places to eat, rest, drink and talk.”

After the alien had disconnected, Shea said.

“There is an old-fashioned fusion reactor providing energy to that compound. There are several large-sized life forms in the ground and above but nothing within a thousand meters. The air has no moisture content and has a high content of coarse dust.

There are very few airborne microbes, a few cyanide consuming bacteria and are still being analyzed by science. The atmosphere is breathable with a five percent lower oxygen content than standard. I recommend breathing masks and goggles.”

Mao delivered his report next. “Besides the known pirate ships that have landed with us, there is the freighter style ship of the Wutohf. It is smaller than the Silver Streak and initial scan assessment put it on Tech level 7. The ship does not conform to any known manufacturers. It appears to be armed with forced energy projectors. There are also three other ships on this landing field. Two of them are not higher than TL 6 and one is maybe TL 5, but more likely a solid four.”

I acknowledged. “Alright gang, let’s do this by the book as much as possible, without blowing our cover. Shea, take a security detail and conduct an initial survey. Make sure you keep an eye on our friends. SHIP you monitor those ships if energy outputs change in any way raise alert.”

“Har-Hi, TheOther, Xon, Mehdi, Sobody, and Fective you are with me. We are going to check out that fortress and meet with the Dragon. Narth please take the Conn”

They acknowledged and Suit stepped next to me.” Captain, are you still concerned about me?”

“No, I am not. I should have been earlier on but not now. I know very little about life forms of artificial origin as I just realized but there are no guarantees with biological ones either. While you can simply remove the parts that could make you a threat, most biological beings have no control over their programming so to speak. We all have the ability to do great evil. I hanged a former friend of mine and I can’t imagine what had turned him. Heck, I don’t even know why I am sitting here dressed and looking like a girl and was born quite male. I have no idea why or what part of my programming is faulty. Suit, you are a valued member of this crew and you have my trust.”

“I am happy this is so, Captain.”

“Now let’s check out this place.” I got up.” I am planning to go outside. Will you join me Suit?”

“Yes, Captain and this time I will not disconnect from you until you say so and conditions are proper.” “Now that I must say is an improvement!”

Shaka giggled.” Not to everyone Captain.”

We took a landing tank to the main gate of the old stronghold. It had massive looking tall walls, made of simple squared blocks of local rock. Following TheOther I was the second getting out of our tank.

Something big, very ugly on two powerful legs came running towards us, it was the size of a large Fangsnapper. Most likely one of the aggressive life forms we were warned about. The monstrous thing looked dangerous indeed, I reached for my TKU, disguised as a Nul Gravitor but did not have to fire. TheOther also ran towards the thing. Whatever it was had no chance against a Y’All warrior. The fierce local predator snapped his huge maw around TheOther, but with no real effect. TheOther ripped the poor monster’s maw wide open and killed it with his Y’All boarding sword.

Another similar beast was shot by a sentry gun mounted above the entry gate that was now opening.

Two armor wearing guards behind cagelike enclosures manning those guns waved with inviting gestures.

Carrhrh, Crimson Curse, Basoro now also arrived.

The Jooltar captain of the Hontu growled. “The Dragon better have some plan, I invested much time and even more resources on this fool’s quest.”

Lia Bassett stepping of an open flier, wearing like the rest of us a respirator mask and goggles must have heard the words of the Jooltar. Well, he and that local character are already inside the walls. I am too eager to hear what he has to say.”

We all went past the gate arch and onto a stone-paved narrow street lined with tall stone buildings and walls. Most of the buildings were businesses catering to spacers. The local lingu upload allowed me to read the signs.

‘Fuel merchant’, ‘Water’, ‘Food’, ‘Engineering guild’ and so forth. The streets were fairly busy with all kinds of beings. None of them took particular interest in any of us, except for the Y’All. It seemed most of these to us unknown species recognized the Y’All. Those who did clearly expressed fear and concern in their reactions.

What I assumed to be a Ruborian, a rough and wild looking alien but in an official-looking sleeveless mantle approached us and said.”Welcome to Ruboria, travelers from afar. Our planet and our cities welcome you and your business. Your associates and our friend Lormoog have arrived moments before you, please find and join them in the Halls of Repast, just down this path and in the dwelling to your right.”

I was pleasantly surprised by this polite greeting but decided to wait with any sort of judgment regarding locals until I had a better picture. I thanked the being that had not introduced himself so far.

Lt. Senhadjii said with a low voice. “Judging by the beings body language, it is waiting for you to introduce ourselves. He also seems worried about TheOther.”

I gave Mehdi a thankful look and said.”I am Captain Black Velvet. These are my mates. The Y’All is a valued member of my crew and a friend.”

The other pirates did the same and only now did the Ruborian cross his big claw-like hands before his snout.”I am Vikulo, the Strongwall city speaker.”

He led us to the mentioned Hall of Repast which was a high ceiling single room with long tables and benches made of solid stone. The benches were covered with leathers and fabrics to provide some comfort. There were no windows, the light came from reddish glowing lamps. I recognized the copper lines feeding the lamps with some kind of flammable gas because much of the lights in the Halls of Hasvik were gas lamps as well.

The wall opposite the heavy entrance door featured a sales counter, two of the local Ruborians behind it and a wall covering shelf with bottles, vessels, boxes and sacks in a dazzling array of shapes, sizes and forms.

The Red Dragon no longer wearing his mask stood by that counter next to Lormoog. Captain Lemakr flanking him on the other side. The Thauran also had a few of his mates including the beardless Kermac with him.

Behind us, Sandovahl and Lia entered as well.

Sandovahl did not wait for any introductions, nor did he wait for everyone to be settled down. He stormed right up to the Dragon, drawing his blaster weapon. “No more mysteries, no more vague goals. Are we still on track to find that Seenian Depot or did you never really know where it is?”

The Dragon hissed.”Watch it Sandovahl! I called you all here to speak about exactly that, but I won’t be threatened by you!”

“Then I will do that.” Lia hissed and joined the agitated captain of the Killerbeast.

“Let him speak first and then we decide if we eat him or stick it out!” Lemakr barked back.

TheOther lifted one of the heavy stone blocks that served as seats and placed it in a more prominent position, while Xon gathered a few extra furs, pieces of leather and pillows for me to sit on.

I did take a seat nodding thankfully to my friends, crossed my legs and watched the heated exchange with an openly displayed detachment.

Har-Hi immediately positioned himself right behind me, with his arms crossed before his chest, while Sodoby already engaged in a quiet but lively conversation with a local behind the counter.

Mehdi studied the offerings displayed on the shelves and Xon leaned on a Y’All boarding sword he had apparently borrowed from the Other taking a position to my left, while Fective held his H&K missile carabine in a ready to use fashion to my right.

TheOther handling stone carved furniture like a weightless toy and the conduct of my crew ended the heated discussion however and everyone focused on me.

I waved.”Don’t mind me, keep right on going.”

Sandovahl said.”Don’t you want to know where we are going or if this whole thing was just a fool’s quest of a Thauran?”

“I am here to listen and then make my decisions, this doesn’t seem a bad region for business if this quest goes sour.”

Sandovahl sighed.”The Red Dragon no longer wears his mask, we are far from Union space. Could you not show your real face as well?”

“We are not far enough it seems. Kermac just ruined the day of a whole planet’s population and here we are in the presence of Humans, Thaurans and Togar. Now let us hear what he has to say and speak about fashion choices another time.”

Everyone but the Red Dragon found seats and everyone was staring at the blue-skinned former Admiral.

Swybar took a drink from a mug he had been served with apparently before our arrival and cleared his throat. The Seenian Depot is real, to find it and secure it, is not children play. I never promised it to be easy.”

Sandovahl spat on the ground and pointed his mono blade at the Dragon. “Yes, you did, you spoke about challenges along the way, but you gave every indication that you know where the depot is.”

“Let him speak, Human or I start eating you!” Lemakr growled. “If he is full of nothing, I join you tearing this Dragon apart.”

The Dragon sighed. “It is a quest, not a journey. I must admit I made a series of bad decisions mostly in regards to the makeup of this group. Those I thought of as close allies proved to be the worst enemies, the Puup chief among them, but I thought of him as essential because he knew this region of space.”

“So do I.” Lormoog the Wutohf said.”If I get this right, you came all the way from the other side of this star spiral to find something very valuable. There isn’t much that valuable justifying a trip like that.” He paused, but everyone was still paying attention to him, so he continued.”I am crossing these parts for long enough to know about the myth of the Seekers and the Inheritance.”

The Dragon asked.”Are you speaking about the Celtest?”

“I do not know the name of the ancients, but they left a substantial vault of their advanced technology behind after a lost war that consumed them. This vault supposedly is guarded by the last servant and there is a similar legendary group searching for that vault.”

I was not Mehdi but even I could see the new hope light up the Thauran’s face. “Yes, that is why we here. I have genuine Celtest artifacts and instructions. Our next step was to find the Sealed Library of the Fifth Trontigmakader master where instructions can be secured to contact the Anagoge, but this is located on Cosporus and now overrun by the Kermac.”

The Wutohf waved his left hand before his utterly alien face. “This is not so. The sealed library of the Fifth is not Trontigmakader. The Wisdom of the Fifth is a religious philosophy embraced by several spacefaring species of this region, the very reason for the ongoing war between Puup, Yotenen and the Trontigmakader by the way.”

One of the Ruborians tending this business served the Wutohf a soft leather bucket, filled with a strong smelling reddish liquid. In a bizarre move half of his angular shaped head moved upward and he poured that reddish stuff more or less right down his neck. Once he was done he said. “Nothing quite like Sotrun, of a fresh kill.” He put down the bucket thing. “While we don’t know much about your side of the Galaxy, we heard about the Kermac, as the Yotenen travel far. They will have a hard time keeping Cosporus.”

Crimson Curse had been silent for most of the trip but now he spoke.”Do you know where to find this library?”

“Yes, I do.”

Lia forgot her anger and eagerly asked.”You would not know who or what the Anagog is?

“No, I never heard of him or her.”

The Dragon held out both hands.”Will you come with us and be our guide? I will give you the same share as I planned to give the others.”

“I am for hire, pay my fuel and a little fee for my time and troubles and I am as loyal and dependable as the rest of your associates.”

== Chapter 13: Seekers Request ==

Funsecsiev the Command Wizard of the large Kermac fleet felt frustrated, a little scared and cheated.

Frustrated, because he was not in control of the Celtest depot, nor did he have detailed information as for how it might be reached. Scared because he did not want to return to Kermac prime without a report of success and cheated because this mission if successful could have been the door to the Tower of Wizards and the lead position of a ministry. Without the expected success, his chances to evade punishment perhaps even a mindwipe were rather slim.

Especially after the fiasco losing the gravitation controlling mountain, the Kermac leadership needed success urgently.

He was there when the lead wizard responsible for the costliest project in recent Kermac history was questioned by the High Wizard and then thrown off the Wizard Tower. They did not even bother with a mind wipe and killed him right there and then.

Everyone knew about the fantastic alien ship, Admiral Stahl brought back from his time in exile. Loaded with Celtest secrets and most of all the secret of the Translocator weapon.

This weapon and the new shield technology was the core reason for the Union’s dominance and power. Even after all this time, the Kermac had not been able to discover the secrets of this weapon system. There were countless attempts and projects to obtain the technical details, but all had failed.

Now there was the chance to secure an entire Celtest war depot, a depot that no doubt also stored Translocator cannons. Along with Celtest warships and other tech.

The Supreme Wizard so he was told actually drooled as he heard the news and authorized every resource needed.

Just like the doomed Kermac spy, that doublecrossing Puup named Brathering he now came to the realization that he might have jumped the gun and revealed Kermac involvement too early.

His five thousand ship task force had been reduced to less than two thousand by a vicious fighting fleet of Puup warships. While the Kermac were technologically much more advanced and won the battle, the Puup fought relentlessly and to the last ship. They used their own ships as relativistic projectiles, totally disregarding their own safety sacrificing their very lives, something Funsecsiev could not understand.

Their tactic was very successful and the Kermac lost a little over three thousand capital units.

Worst than the loss of these units and lives was the realization that Cosporus was not the planet where the sealed library was located. The will amplifiers did not work very well on the minds of the Trontigmakader and even after torturing and interrogating a large number of locals, no one revealed the location of this library that supposedly held a vital piece of information regarding the location of the depot.

While Brathering believed it was on Trokiht, no other source could confirm that. His interrogators reported at least a dozen different locations all across the Downward sector. He decided to check on Trokiht first.”

It was decided to include the Wutohf in the group and quest. Lormoog had taken a prominent position at the counter and while he was served another bucket of what I assumed was some sort of spiced blood drink, educated us about the Fifth and the library.

He leaned back against the bar and said.”Don’t get the wrong impression, getting to the library isn’t going to be easy. It is sealed for a reason.”

Sandovahl just being served with something alcoholic, a drink recommended to him by one of the servers put down the mug. “You said you know where it is, right?”

“Yes I do, but knowing where it is won’t do much good if you can’t get inside and get that information you are looking for. As I said, the Wisdom of the Fifth is a religion that has spread across these parts of the galaxy. It is a very old religion and if I remember it correctly been around even before your Celtest gained faster than light technology.

The legend speaks about five entities that survived a previous universe, and came to this, our reality. They are called the Brotherhood of Sateer.”

He paused obviously to think and recall more details. “The Wutohf are not very religious and I only gathered bits and pieces here and there from others and in places like this. The temple or main installation of that religion can be found on Prostradoris, the homeworld of the Porsthir and the Principle of that temple knows how to access the library. He will ask for a Token of the Fifth before, I am sure. Such a token can be issued by any Wisdom Keeper. These keepers can be found on any planet with a Wisdom Hall, there are many.”

“And where is the next such Wisdom Hall?” The Red Dragon wanted to know.

“The closest ones are on Puup planets and there is one on Trokiht, I believe.”

“Which one do you recommend?” Lia asked.

“From what I hear, the Puup are at war and are not to keen on strangers and often eat them. I say our safest bet is Trokhit.”

“And they are not to keen on us. They chased us of Cosporus.” Sandovahl said.

Our new guide waved his hand before his head. “That was a local thing, I doubt the Troki of Trokhit even know who was chased of Cosporus. I do business with the Buzz-speakers for a long time, I should know.”

The Thauran motioned to Sandovahl. “How long for repairs?”

“I need about two days if we aren’t interrupted.”

“Then get started, we are leaving in two days for Trokhit. All the rest of you get your tubs fueled up and service them.”

Four days ago and without any incidents worth mentioning, we had left the dusty planet and followed Lormoog, who called his ship ‘Mahgline’.

According to him, we were back in Trontigmakader space and not far from their homeworld.

Har-Hi came on the bridge with Alice and a Togar female in his wake.

I was mildly surprised to see them in dark green uniforms and my XO said.”This is Cadet Alice Enigma and the other one is Cadet Calara Roghor. They passed their Academy entry exam and are ready to do begin their training.”

“Their training? Wouldn’t they need to go to first-year basic training first, as we did?”

Har-Hi proudly pointed to his ribbon display and only now I realized he was wearing uniform. “The Academy made me an authorized instructor and Admiral McElligott appointed me chief instructor of the USS Tigershark.” He gave me an elfish grin. “We are an authorized academy school vessel after all.”

I got up and stepped on the SECO area of our bridge. I glared at Har-Hi. “I am the Captain and should know all these things and not be surprised by it.”

“It was mentioned under line item 45 in my daily report to you, while we were on Iteamh.”

“Line item 45?”

“Indeed captain and you signed it too.”

“And you are particularly obnoxious today, my devilish looking friend. You know I don’t read past the first page, but I think I should.”

“That is why it was line item 45 on page three. Besides it was the Admirals idea to make our conscripts more legitimate and better integrated, even Sobody and Xon participate in my classes.”

I sighed, “SHIP did you know that we are also an Academy ship?”

“Certainly, Captain. I am very proud of that and besides, I read all the line items.”

“My XO obnoxious and now my SHIP being a smartass. I think I should have stayed in bed today.”

I smiled at the new cadets. “Never mind that banter, I officially welcome you to the bridge of the USS Tigershark, have you made this decision becoming not only Union citizens but members of the Fleet on your own free mind and are you aware of the consequences of this decision?”

Both cadets still stood in attention and I snapped my fingers. “At ease, Cadets.”

Alice was first. “Captain, we passed the Academy entry test, meaning we were seen by an entry specialist and interviewed about our motivation and goals. Granted the specialist was only tele present but the session was certified.” Her perpetual sad looking face very briefly flashed a smile. “Captain, you saved our lives, and through you, our home Sin 4 is now a free planet called Wooorld. I know Sin 4 is not my true origin; I must have been born or created somewhere else. I got some weird alien DNA in me that gives me all those psionics, but Wooorld is my home, Nestor is my father and I am a Union citizen. Being on this ship has taught me more about what it means to be Union and there is no greater desire in me than to do my part to keep it safe and give the next Alice we come across a chance too.”

“Wow! I don’t think I expected that, but I am glad it is so. What are you planning to specialize in?”

“Helm as it leads to OPS and eventually command. I want to become a captain like you.”

I gave her the standard speech as to how difficult this chosen path would be, the same one I had been given on numerous occasions, but then I wished her the best of luck and expressed my sincere wish to see her on the big chair one day.

Then I focused on Roghor’s daughter.”I am also surprised to see you in Academy uniform. I doubt you and me have spoken more than a few words since your father came aboard. I knew you and your brother stayed aboard, but I thought to join the Togar community on Union side.”

“I am ashamed as to what my society has done to my father. I am a female but I do not condone this despicable treatment of males. It wasn’t always so. I want to be a Union officer and one-day Togr will join the Union, and Togar are judged by their deeds and not the color of their fur or their gender. I am going to specialize in engineering. No female Togar would ever be allowed to become one.”

She then added.”Oh, and my brother isn’t here because he wants to join the Marines and the Tigershark isn’t a Marine training ship.”

I sighed.”I think that might not be such a bad thing, we simply don’t do all that much planetary assault stuff. I am extending my welcome to you as well. Why don’t you go down to engineering then? I bet there isn’t a better teacher than Cirruit.”

She made a purring sound and Har-Hi nodded. “Go right ahead, Cadet Roghor.”

To Alice I said.”Want to try it on for size?”

“Your suit?”

“If you like to be my guest, I was thinking about the Command seat. I had the chance to do the same as a cadet aboard the USS Hyperion.”

Har-Hi added. “And later commanding the Devi of all ships.”

Alice wiped her mouth. “Are you serious?”

“We are in Quasi and still a day or so from our next destination.”

But before Alice could take a seat. Mao interrupted with an urgent report. “Captain, there is a large fleet ahead of us, heading for the Trontigmakader home system. It’s the Kermac.”

I gave Alice an apologizing gesture. “Sorry, Ms.Enigma.” I plunged back into the command seat just as Elfi told me that we are being hailed, it was the Red Dragon.

He was quite obviously frustrated and disappointed. “The Kermac are ahead of us, there is no way they let us do our thing. So what are we doing now?”

Lormoog tied into the conference call and said. “There are other Wisdom Halls around, this was only the closest one. However, it would have been the best one too, as I have a friend there who knows the local Wisdom keeper and obtaining a Token of Wisdom would have been easy because of that.”

We all stopped and set our ships adrift.

Sandovahl was now speaking. “Maybe the Kermac won’t stay long. It appears they did not remain at Cosporus very long.”

Lia said. “We are monitoring the Myon traffic for a while now. The Kermac got a serious beating from the Puup and left Cosporus.”

Crimson said. “Could we not go back to Cosporus? The locals are not in any position to deny us, maybe there is a Wisdom Hall too.”

Lormoog said.”There is one, but I do not know in what state the Kermac left Cosporus and if the Wisdom Keeper there is even alive or willing to give us a token.”

I gave Elfi the sign to tie me in and then said. “It seems Trokhit is still the best place for us to obtain that Token and the Kermac are not really there yet. I am also certain it was Brathering who supplied them with the information about the depot and the subsequent information regarding the state of the quest. All we need to do is send the Kermac somewhere else. I think I have an idea to do just that.”

The Thauran’s face lit up.”We are listening, Black Velvet.”

“Loormog, who would be able to provide the Kermac with a rather nice welcome?”

“Oh, I am sure the Yotenen would just love to have them. They are grumpiest species I know, are of your guys Tech development and they know the Kermac too.”

I almost giggled as I explained them my plan.

Funsecsiev needed good news and hoped he would find the necessary information on the homeworld of these cursed Insectoids. This was not a colony but their place of origin and he expected it to be much better defended, especially since he was certain the Trontigmakader knew about Cosporus and were not as unprepared as they had been before.

He had no doubt he would be victorious, but not without losses and he was too far from GC space to obtain reinforcements in time.

The Kermac in charge of Intelligence was very aware of the foul mood the Lead Wizard was in and addressed the wizard with all the titles he remembered and added a few that sounded very important. It had the desired effect, Funsecsiev felt a little less irritated, especially since the subordinate called him ‘Intellect Supreme’. He decided to add it to his titles as it had a very nice ring to it and it did reflect his own opinion regarding his smartness. “Go ahead and deliver your message, maybe there is a promotion in your future as well.”

“Only the wizard known to all, to be the finest mind and intellect...”

“I said deliver your report, by the time you do it might no longer be relevant.”

“We received LRT messages from Kermac Prime, they analyzed the interrogation reports and realized we overlooked the most important information. Our spy, Brathering traveled with others to locate the Celtest depot. The whole quest was initiated by a pirate known as the Red Dragon...”

Funsecsiev interrupted the officer with a rude gesture and barked.”This is all known to me. The Thauran was rescued from the gallows by us, we know who he is. That he came across information regarding a second Celtest depot is also explainable as we all know what the cursed Union found on the third planet of Palaiotk system, they call it Arsenal. I am convinced the former admiral turned pirate found the information and that Celtest equipment he was able to incorporate into that stolen ship of his.”

“Wizard of highest intelligence and understanding, that is exactly what I am about to report. The Red Dragon knows more about this than anyone. He told the other pirates that are with him about the Library and the Anagog.”

The Command wizard stopped himself from another annoyed reply and took a deep breath. “Go on!”

“We asked the Insectoids about the location of the library and got many answers. The reason for this is the fact that there are many small libraries all across this space on many planets. The sealed library is on a planet called Yotra, almost 670 light revolutions from here. This is validated by the fact that the Red Dragon asked several sources about this planet.”

“You imbecile! You come to me with this now? The wizards back at the towers will think of us as bumbling amateurs. This crook might already be there and is in possession of that information. We must stop them from gaining the Celtest depot, so we can take possession. Kermac existence hinges on this!”

He opened the folding door that separated his chambers from the command center and said.”Change course, find the coordinates to a world called Yotra and make all possible haste.”

The ship commander acknowledged and ordered the Puup to be brought to the command center.

Guards pushed Brathering before the Commander moments later, he was not treated as a valued asset but as a prisoner.

“Quick, Puup the coordinates to a planet called Yotra, it is there where the library is.”

“No wonder my people are at war with them. Yes, the library of the Fifth could be there.” He used his personal data device to transfer the spatial coordinates of that planet.

“By the blessed Blue Virgin, it worked. My Kermac still knew the Wizard codes, those paper faces never changed them. Not knowing Nulachfies is still alive, they swallowed the story hook line and sinker.”

We all watched the Kermac fleet chance course. “That you have psionic talents we know since we were thrown out your flying treasure chamber.”

Lia tied herself in. “I am the first to say it, but having you along Black Velvet turns out to be very good.”

The Dragon laughed. “I liked your style from the start.”

Lormoog did not know what they were referring to, of course, but he too seemed impressed by the fact that the Kermac were now on their way to a very different destination. “I only heard about the Kermac, never dealt with them, but I almost wish I could be there when the Yotenen express their displeasure being visited so unexpectedly.”

Crimson Curse clicked himself into the call and said. “We can go to Trokhit now, right?”

Lormoog waved his hand in a vertical fashion, indicating a positive response.”Oh yes, Trokhit is a planet open to trade and foreigners. We should have no problems getting the Token there.”

Sagodi, the Generous had been very busy the last few days. The Union Welcome wagon had arrived seven days ago. No one in known history had ever seen anything like it. A fleet of thousand freighters, protected by hundred Union Battleships dropped into real space not far from Sagodi’s Roid. None of the Golden or the watching merchants of many non-Golden species ever seen freighters of such enormous size, but the arrival of the Welcome Wagon was only the beginning of relentless activities.

When Sagodi received the news about Sobody’s decision to abandon the age-old neutrality Golden were so famous for and join a multi-cultural society, he was skeptical but of course, never opposed the decision of the First Merchant. He always kept Sobody’s position separate from his personal feelings and opinions about his older brother.

He received a lengthy report as what Union membership meant to all Golden. Deep down he had to agree, a reform of Golden society was long overdue. The society was stalling and the encrusted customs made real progress and most of all real liberty to every Golden impossible.

Union membership had changed all this, at least in theory.

Sagodi and pretty much every Golden belonging to his enclave had studied and read the report that came to them by a courier ship quite a while ago.

That report also mentioned the Welcome Wagon. Nothing could have prepared him for the actual arrival.

There still were long lines of Golden before the booths set up in the main concourse of his bazaar. Union reps handed out free PDDs, others helped them opening Union bank accounts. The Golden were utterly amazed at GalNet that just had come online. A sales rep of SII made brisk business selling Avatar enabled GalNet terminals and virtu couches. Sagodi himself was still dizzy of the experience visiting Pluribus via Avatar. For a small fee, he was able to project himself to other locations many thousand light years away. He visited his brother’s Bazaar and was even able to speak with Gulgum, the Shrewd. A Golden patriarch owning and operating a Golden Bazaar in the Large Magellan Cloud. He had not seen or talked to that old cut throat in over eight hundred years.

But that was only a small part of the activities. The entire system, his asteroid was in was surveyed in great detail. Engineers were busy building a support colony on the second planet and assembled floating fuel refineries in the atmosphere of the local gas planet.

Defense platforms were towed to prominent positions making it a very costly endeavor to attack this bazaar and the now associated planets.

Anaragi, the Gracious his life partner for over five hundred years stepped up to him. She was to him as lovely and pretty as at the time he saw her first. He had been standing at the balcony of his palace and watching the busy crowds below. She too looked down and after a few moments she said. “We are indeed part of this amazing Union, when I read the reports and documents that came from Sobody’s seat I did not believe half of it, now I am convinced that report is inadequately describing the reality.”

“I had similar thoughts, my love.”

She showed him her wrist PDD. It was a smaller one and in shape and design obviously made for females. “I was able to call Inguria, my sister and my mother without any delay as if they were only halfway across the asteroid instead of being over 75,000 light years distant.”

“I think everyone is deeply impressed by this instantaneous communication. I visited the Assembly at Pluribus in Avatar presence. It was almost like being there for real; I even could feel the breeze of a soft wind.”

“Will you call him?”

“He is not there. Nobody knows exactly where he is, all they say he became a crewmember on a Union ship.”

“Sounds like him, he always wanted to do that, but you have not answered my question. Will you call Sobody?”

“Maybe in a year or so. I think it should be him calling us.”

“You took me away from him. Well I must admit it was me who made the choice of course, but I am sure, despite his wisdom he blames you, but he is still your brother.”

Sagodi was spared an answer as his personal aide and Chief Chamberlain came and bowed. “Merchant Lord, the Chief Negotiator of the Waran has transmitted the Waran declaration of war. The Waran is calling on Myon transponder.”

The Waran were close allies of the Zarin and could rely on Zarin might to make their points. The Waran were also the Golden’s biggest competitors as they too were merchants.

The animosities have boiled under the surface for decades

His name was Ypehere Tosearc and a typical member of his species. Tall with wide-set eyes and grayish-green skin.

Sagodi was exposed to Union GalNet only for a few days and he realized that he already found the grainy, flickering Myon transponder transmission hopelessly antiquated and primitive. Not to mention the long delays. The system told him that the delay time was only ten minutes, meaning the Waran had to be close already, as a Myon transmission from the closest Waran planet would have a delay time of almost six days and did not support image transmission at all.

Ypehere looked down from the large screen.”Sagodi, we Waran had enough of your meddling in our business. You undermined our profits for the last time. We are on the way to rectify that once and for all.”

“Why are you calling then?”

“To give you a chance to surrender. Your asteroid base will serve us well and I guarantee your safety. You may leave with whatever you can pack in one of those Golden Spheres of yours. We know you don’t have enough to mount a serious defense, especially as we are arriving with fourteen Zorin family fleets. So consider the lives of your subjects and surrender.”

Sagodi nodded slowly. “Indeed we do not have many Golden Spheres but as for your offer, I just learned a Terran phrase from our new friends. It is a quite colorful one, I say stick it up your behind and while you are performing this unsavory action I also suggest you turn around right now. I had about enough of you Warans.”

After a delay of only five minutes, the Chief Negotiator puffed annoyed. “How dare you? For this, I will make sure they sell your family to the Furze. You, however, will suffer from my own hand! We meet soon face to face, we studied your defenses. You can not stop us.”

The Waran disconnected and Sagodi said to the now dark screen. “No, perhaps not, but those Union Battleships that are in the system might just do that.”

His Chamberlain approached him again.”Your Highness, a person named Admiral Stahl is calling. He appears to be a Union military man.”

A new face appeared on the screen. “Greetings to you, Sagodi, the Generous. I am Admiral Richard Stahl, and I am here with the First Fleet...”

There were no problems getting permission to land. Our little flotilla settled on a large flat. The ground appeared to be compacted volcanic cinder. It looked well maintained. There were many other spaceships that were in the process of freight transfer. There were bulk transporters taking on loose materials fed into their cargo holds by conveyor systems. Containers were loaded and unloaded.

In the distance a truly alien city. The buildings were cone-shaped corkscrews that reached far into the gray sky. There was a shipyard to one side with Trontigmakader ships in various states of completion.

While I could not call the scenery beyond our viewports as particular inviting, it was impressive. This city was huge and stretched as far as I could see.

The Red Dragon hailed us all and said. “Well, here we are. What is our next move, Lormoog?”

“If you want you can accompany me to Marguug, he is a Wutohf like me but maintains a permanent business here. It so happens he is also friends with the local Wisdom Keeper. I am sure a few bags of your Iridium coins will help in securing a Faith Token.”

“How much Iridium are we talking about?” Crimson wanted to know.

Lormoog made his waving gesture, that seemed to mean yes or a positive response.”I seen you pay for fuel and provisions with it, this is not an item with a fixed price tag, but I doubt it will cost you more than maybe fifty or a hundred of those bigger discs.”

Swybin too gestured with his hands in a dismissive fashion. “No worries Lormoog this is quite acceptable. Our Oghr friend is just a tightwad.”

“I might as well be,” Crimson growled.”So far this endeavor has only cost us.”

It sounded as if Lormoog was amused as he said.”No sense of wasting good time then. I suggest you keep your parties small, I don’t want to overwhelm my friend. Captains and a mate?”

Sandovahl chimed in.”Will we be here long enough for some dirt side fun? I hope there won’t be any rebels or Cleanser Beasts.”

Swybin answered.”I like to be on our way as fast as possible. Lormoog how long would you say we will be here?”

“I don’t think we be here more than a day. There are no rebels as far as I know, but there are Cleanser Beasts. That is what my friend sells after all. There aren’t any more spies among you planning to release them?”

Ypehere sat reclining in a soft seat before a very large viewport that could be used as a view screen as well. Deep below his observation lounge in the command center of the Waran warship, a very strong Myon message was received and since he was the highest ranking Waran government representative, the call was transferred to him.

“This is Admiral Stahl hailing the approaching hostile fleet of Waran and Zorin. I am representing the United Stars of the Galaxies. Be informed that the Golden are Union members and any act of aggression will be considered an act of war...”

Ypehere interrupted the transmission. “Oh be silent. Do you think this trickery will save you? Prepare to learn what it means to stand against Waran and our allies. I teach you the meaning of fear, Golden lackey.”

“Alright, teach us.”

Moments later, the Waran Negotiator was reminded that his species reacted with uncontrolled bowel movement when confronted with something very scary. Out of nothing something so big materialized, it could not be real and yet the sensor operators of his fleet confirmed its existence.

Along with this tremendous disc-shaped ship, wedge-shaped giants dwarfing the largest units of his fleet arrived dropping into real space.

A Zorin ship opened fire and was an eyeblink later consumed by a sunlike explosion.

He was no longer reclining but stood there wishing he was somewhere else as he witnessed his fleet being reduced to scrap by fast fighter craft. It almost looked as if they were playing with the Zorin fighters.

“Quick hail that Admiral. We must negotiate!”

“We were able to raise Sagodi, the Golden.”

Yphere blurted out as soon as the connection was made. “Mighty Sagodi, wise trader and merchant. Please recall your admiral and these gigantic nightmares. We are willing to negotiate.”

“Ah Yphere, looking at the state of your garments it looks like the story about Waran reaction to fear is true. Wasn’t it you who wanted to sell my family to slavers? I would have shown mercy and discuss some kind of deal. This is what we Golden do, but you threatened my family and that I will never forgive and there is no room for negotiation. Your government will receive a message of ours, your...”

Sagodi could not finish his answer as a Gigaload vaporized the ship, Ypehere was in.

This was truly an alien city. The place was not designed and built by humanoids. The streets were narrow half-pipe shaped trenches. Flimsy ladder like contraptions leading to oval holes with semi-transparent membranes, some of them at great heights.

That Trokhit also was the core planet of a spacefaring society with connections and relationships to other cultures was also apparent, as native buildings were adapted to other beings needs.

Our new guide had led us to a larger organic looking warehouse where hundreds of sturdy cages and tanks held bizarre looking life forms including a large number of vicious looking Cleanser beasts.

Loormog’s friend, Marguug was a Wutohf by the looks of it, but this time I had no problems keeping the alien individuals apart. Marguug was much shorter than Loormog, had the distinct look of being older and on top of it, Marguug was fat.

That he was a friend or maybe even a family member of Loormog was also apparent by the warm welcome we all received after Loormog introduced us. I had taken Narth along and of course was wearing the suit, while Har-Hi held the Con.

I wasn’t a fan of life form dealers or societies that altered life forms for special purposes. The Cleanser Beasts were clearly designed to kill and maim, but I had to admit I could not really find much wrong with those two Wutohf. Loormog was clearly out to make a profit with his involvement. He was an opportunist if I ever saw one, but that was not necessarily a bad thing.

His friend actually closed his business, had us sit down after employees or servants of his carried in enough seats, boxes, and chairs. He also insisted of serving refreshments and chased his people to a nearby tavern to bring drinks that were acceptable to us. I simply asked for cold water without the intent to really consume it.

Loormog then came to the point of our visit and Marguug made the same approving wave before his chisel shaped head.”That is an easy request my friends, Kilkam, the Wisdom Hall keeper is indeed a good friend of mine, I call him right now.”

True to his word it did take less than an hour when a broadly shouldered humanoid entered the room. He had white skin, much like a Kermac but that where the similarities ended. He was taller than me, his face was almost human. He wore a black robe and a white sleeveless mantle with an attached hood that he wore lowered around his shoulders.

Marguug introduced us and said. “These travelers came all the way from the other side of the star spiral searching for the Sealed Library. My friend Loormog thinks you might be able to provide them with a Token of Faith so they can enter the Great Hall and ask the Oldest about its location.”

Kilkam looked at each of us and then nodded in a grave fashion. “Indeed I can do that and I think I know what you are truly after. It is the cache of the Seenians is it not?”

While I was surprised that he knew that term, the Red Dragon asked. “Is this yet another term for the Seekers of the inheritance?”

“No, it is the correct term, Traveler. The ones that left behind a large cache of their technology after they had defeated themselves called themselves Seenians. Their alliance with other sentients was called the Celtest Alliance.”

While we knew that already it was obviously news for Swybar and the others. Swybar could no longer sit down. “You know all this; would you not know the location of this depot?”

“No I do not; the only one that might now is the Anagog.” The broadly shouldered priest gathered his loosely draped robe and mantle in a sweeping gesture and sat down in an empty chair. “There are many who have and are seeking the Inheritance. It is a persistent myth that is being told on many planets and for millennia all across this space, it appears it is even told on your side of the spiral.”

He thanked one of Marguug’s helpers as he was presented with a steaming beverage. The Wisdom Keeper knew the helper as it was evident and he knew what he liked to drink. After a sip and a satisfied nod, the Keeper continued. “You are not the first ones going on this quest. My people, the Qunter were among the first Seekers of the Inheritance. Our story of Origin begins with the end of the Seenians, as we emerged from a group that survived that conflict. While this happened a very long time ago, my people believed to be the ones entitled to that inheritance. It consumed them and I am among the last of my kind. The quest is dangerous, and the closer you get you will find that others going to be on your trail trying to prevent you from succeeding in order to gain it for themselves.”

The Dragon sighed. “I am getting wise to that. I trusted too many with a secret I believed was mine alone. I did not know so many know about it. My people found such a depot and guard it like nothing else. I have a few samples of Celt ... I mean Seenian technology in my possession and one of these things told me about this other place.”

“There are still a few bases and depots that survived the destruction of the Seenian Empire, but what you are seeking is much more. It is a cache of virtual all Seenian technology and artificial servants that will make it useable to whoever finds it.”

The priest looked again at each of us and his gaze lingered on the disguised Narth and then on me. “I will give you that token and more but I have a prize.”

The Dragon revealed several bags of Iridium coins.”Name it, and I will pay.”

“My prize is not a physical one. I believe you might be ones who will succeed and find the depot. I know much about it, while I no longer have people that could become the inheritors. I want to see it and be there when you find it. For I also have the key that will unseal the library.”

“This is an easy price to pay. My ship is big and I will accommodate you in finest living quarters.” The Dragon replied.

“This is a welcome offer Thauran, but I want to travel with her!” He pointed at me.

He clearly surprised me with his request and I said. “My ship is old and not very comfortable.” I certainly wasn’t prepared to take on a guest and revealing our true nature.”

“My price is set. I travel with her, lead you to the map in the Main Hall, reveal the location of the library and provide you with the key to open it, or I return to my Hall of Wisdom now.”

The dragon was a little angry. “Why her?”

“When we reach the Main Hall you will understand my reason.”

The Dragon glared at me. “I guess you have to accommodate the man, without him the quest ends here.”

== Chapter 14: Kilkam ==

What was there to do? The quest for the depot shaped up to be quite real and we were actually making some sort of progress. The Wisdom Keeper appeared to be a vital piece in this quest, but our disguise did not extend to the inside.

Narth spoke to me in our silent telepathic way. “I can not read him. He is well shielded but I sense he is very old and he is more than just the Wisdom Keeper of an auxiliary temple.”

“Splendid just splendid. Now what I am supposed to say and why did he pick us?”

“I do not know.”

Aloud I said. “I don’t like outsiders and strangers inside my ship, especially someone I know nothing about, but it seems I have no choice.”

The other members of our quest had obviously mixed feelings about this as well, especially Swybin who didn’t like to have a guide with such knowledge on any ship but his.

I tried once more. “What about your Wisdom Hall here, aren’t you the main priest?”

“Indeed, but there are substitutes I trust, besides it is more a philosophy than a religion and I am certainly not a priest in the conventional sense. There are a dozen temples or more right here on Trokhit, half of them are not even of Trontigmakader origin, they have priests who interpret the will of their gods and spirits. I have seen other seekers before and they all failed. I want to end my existence honoring my kind and finding the Seenian inheritance.”

Sandovahl was certainly no longer sober, as he indulged himself with the various drinks he was served. Even wearing a mask and sitting about as far as possible from him in a more or less round room, I could smell the strong alcohol. He burped unashamed and with glazed eyes and a nose that had turned quite red he slurred. “If you are not a priest what are you then?”

“I am a Wisdom Keeper of the Fifth.”

Sandovahl in his clouded state nodded. “Ah yes.”

Lia got up. “I guess that is better than nothing. I am taking advantage of the present shipyards and have my engines serviced. The fuel prices here are also much better. We are still on to leave for Prostradoris as soon as possible, right?”

Captain Carrhrh examined his extended claws. “It is you who has her ship serviced. I doubt these insects are able to service your engines in such a short time.”

Lemakr growled at Carrhrh. “Having one’s engines serviced by engineers with a shipyard might not be such a bad idea. Pulling and replacing cores is not the same thing as a real overhaul. Besides if things go sour for some reason, it will be a long way back.”

Crimson Curse played with his gold encrusted tooth. “That mangy cat has a point. I am going to have the same done. Besides in these parts we aren’t wanted pirates but paying customers, we should all take advantage of that. The next Karthanian service yard is very far away.”

All but Sandovahl who had slipped of his seat and was snoring on the floor. His first mate, a Skiffer tried to get him off the floor and said. “I am sure that is what we will do as well.”

Skiffers were an independent species of Sauriens somewhere in Freespace if I remembered correctly, he looked very much like a lizard but Sauriens were warm-blooded.

I still was in a sulking mode trying to come up with a solution to the current problem, while the Red Dragon also got up. “Lemakr and the Oghr make sense and we all should take the opportunity. So we will remain here for a few days until we all have serviced our ships.” He raised his hands in a begging fashion. “This time please don’t start any trouble, we have an actual lead on our quest and it sounds there is much more than a few ships, but all the Celt ... I mean Seenian tech complete with instructions.”

Crimson accepted a mug with something that looked like beer. “No argument from me. I am in for the ride till the end. Both Lormoog and Kilkam gave your quest much-needed substance, Thauran. We know the Seenians existed and I too heard rumors about the things the Union found on that third planet in the Arsenal system. The potential of what we might find is beyond anything material. A Seenian battleship of my own and I could reunite the Shattered Empire and be its Emperor.”

The Thauran’s eyes glared with new fanatism.”And the Union will have to listen to my demands. Friends, we will change the course of Galactic History.”

Kilkam also got up. “Finding the cache certainly will do that, one way or the other. Since you all will have work done on your ships and you are here for a little while will give me the chance to prepare for my departure. I will pack too and then see you, Captain Velvet, right?”

I sighed. “As I said, my ship is old and cramped but I have no real choice denying you so yes I am expecting you.”

My mood hadn’t much improved as we returned to the ship. I called my senior staff to the Den to discuss how we accommodate that seeker without exposing ourselves.

Cirruit said. “We could keep him right here. I mean we can keep the divider down and he stays on the other side.”

Mao was not happy either. “No one invited him and no one promised him a very comfortable ride.”

And Shaka added. “If he doesn’t like it, there are other ships who’d love to take him.”

I thanked Lilith for the coffee she was handing me. Then our Chef stepped on the table and placed a metal bowl with chopped meat before me. “Fenris is on his way.” Was his explanation and moments later with a high pitched screech, Fenris our mascot winged through a wall and dive bombed me. The obviously growing not so little beast only ate after it received a petting from me.

Shea crossed her legs leaning back in her chair. “If not maybe Fenris and Lilith can scare the daylights out of him and he begs to leave.”

Alice came to the table as well, hugged Fenris and sat down in a free seat. As always she looked as if she just came from the funeral of her most beloved aunt, but she had no inhibitions to sit right with us, but then this is what I wanted every one of my crew to do. Down here in the Den ranks and positions meant little and everyone was welcome on the table when there was room.

Meat pieces started floating from the bowl and before Fenris pointed snout filled with needle-sharp teeth.

She then said. “I can make him feel as if he gained a lot of weight.”

Har-Hi who had been quiet until now said. “He doesn’t know about the Union or how a Karthaninan supposed to look like from the inside, we are over 75,000 lightyears from Union side. If we limit his access to other decks, make sure the doors to the bridge and other places are closed for him, why not put him in one of our VIP quarters? Neither Sobody nor Xon used them very long.”

The suggestions of my crew, some of them actually quite funny did wonders to my mood and I said. “Alright, Cirruit go get a few hands and turn one of those VIP quarters in something barebone. I don’t feel like giving that guy the VIP treatment.”

SHIP said, “And I make the I.S.T.move very slow for him.”

Elfi said with excitement in her voice. “Captain our GalNet equipment just connected, we are online.”

“Can we call the Admiral?”

“Yes, captain.”

“Please get me a connection to Admiral McElligott.”

The Admiral of the Fleet was actually running back to his office as his adjutant called him just before he was about to enter an I.B.T. After a long day at the office, he had decided to go home.

But as his aide called him. “Admiral, Sir. Captain Olafson is calling.” Going home was far from his mind.

“Get Director Cherubim and the Old battle axe on the horn as well.”

The connection was quite good and Captain Olafson actually looked absolutely marvelous in her black leather suit. The Admiral completely forgot about Eric.

Cherubim established an Avatar, while Stahl participated sitting in the command chair of a spaceship.

McElligott gathered himself to appear his dignified self. “Ah, Captain Olafson, we were just talking about you the other day. I heard the Kermac stirring up trouble down there; I hope you are able to avoid them. We are eager to hear your report.”

The blonde captain did and delivered her lengthy report and then she said. “I sent the Kermac to the Yotenen so they are going to be out of the way.”

Stahl coughed. “And there I was thinking, five thousand Kermac ships would be an insurmountable obstacle.”

“I heard the Puup did a number on them in the Corspa system. We are on the Trontigmakader homeworld right now and all the locals are abuzz about the Kermac invasion. The agitators of the Galactic Council lost a good number of ships. I am told the Yotenen will also provide them with a very special welcome.”

Stahl could not stop the gleeful giggle. “Those grumpy skin sacks sure hate visitors and are very resistant to Kermac Psionic trickery because they know of them.”

Captain Olafson smirked. “To be honest, I used some Psionic trickery to make them believe the message did originate from Kermac Prime. I have such wonderful talents aboard my ship.”

Then she explained what she was doing on Trokhit. “Admirals, the Seenian depot I think is quite real. It is the focus of many seekers and apparently holds an enormous amount of Seenian tech including some sort of AI that explains its use. Down here it is called the Inheritance.”

As Erica came to the last details of her report, she said. “An individual which is vital for the quest’s progress, insisted traveling on the Tigershark. We think we got it covered without blowing our secret.”

All three immortals kept scanning over the written part of her report she had transmitted along with her logbook entries, science data and more.

Admiral McElligott slowly shook his head. “A living cosmic dust cloud that learned to play poker and is named Dusty. You know if I would tell someone about your crew, they’d call me insane.”

Cherubim spoke for the first time. “I have additional intel for you. Lia Bassett is also more than a pirate, she participates for the Shiss. Her instructions include to eliminate everyone if she is certain of the location of the depot and secure it for the First Nestling.”

“At this point, it surprises me not. The Red Dragon who is indeed the former Admiral Swybar told too many about his quest. I suspect one of the two Togar being along for the Togr Queen. I think Crimson and Sandovahl are the only genuine pirates for sure.”

All three agreed with the youngest captain in Union fleet history. McElligott said.”We are expanding Union influence over the entire system Sagodi’s Bazaar is in, which includes permanent GalNet and space-bus connection. In terms of distance, the Xandrao are not too distant.” The old Highlander flicked a space map bigger and pointed to a little light dot. “We are also establishing a NAVINT outpost down there. I am sending you the coordinates and if you can manage, swing by and we can take custody of your stasis frozen criminals and hopefully be able to restock and resupply you.”

I sighed. “That’ll be nice. We are not running out of things but our supply of fresh foods is down to a few stasis frozen fish and tomatoes. But with a new guest aboard we might have to substitute for local produce.”

Stahl said.”Your friends are on Trokhit for at least five days; with their engines in service they are not going anywhere. You could visit the Golden Bazaar, turn off your disguise of course and get all the supplies you need. The Devi is there as well.”

And McElligott closed the call saying. “You going to be out of Comm range again soon. Good luck girl, you and your crew is making us all very proud.”

I called the Red Dragon.”I am going to take care of some business while you guys fix your engines.”

“You better be back, without you that Wisdom Keeper isn’t helping us. I hate to admit it, but you became an essential part of this quest.”

“I did not make this long trip to quit now, but unlike you, I do not need my engines serviced but my bottom line maintained. As for our special relationship Mr. Dragon, it is still strictly business. I have not forgotten your prior conduct.”

Crimson chimed in.”Just do your pirating outside of the system while we are here. We screwed up our welcome at Cosporus and I don’t want any Trontigmakader trouble while their engineers crawl all around my ship.”

The coarse voice of Sandovahl told me that he didn’t have a very efficient sickbay and was still fighting a hangover. “I wish I could go with you, Black Velvet. This is a target rich region and it appears most civilizations are of low tech, but my First Mate made a deal with the locals to have my core changed.”

Swybar growled. “Five standard days, Velvet.”

I cut the transmission with a hand signal to Elfi and gave Shaka the go ahead. “Put some vacuum under our keel, and do it gently. Even though seeing our friends in Trontigmakader jails would have its charms.”

Shaka laughed.”Gentle it is. However, blasting off under full engines has its charms.”

It didn’t take us long to reach space. I said to Shaka. “Take us out with Silver Streak speed. Krabbel plot us a destination somewhere in deep space so we can change appearance.”

To Narth I said. “Did the Admiral specify what kind of disguise we are supposed to use for our visit to Sodoby’s brother?”

“The transmitted and signed orders are to switch off the disguise.”

“That means the USS Tigershark makes her first official debut visiting an official Union designation. Better call Command and make sure this is not an oversight.”

Ten minutes later I looked into the sleepy face of the immortal admiral.”Nothing for month and now you call every five minutes.” He waved before I could answer. “Never mind I am just an old grumpy man, never hesitate to call, this is what this direct line is for.”

“Sir, I am calling to verify the written orders to switch off our Janus device and expose the USS Tigershark.”

“It was a conscious decision, Captain Olafson. We still want to keep the details of your ship and mission secret of course, but we feel it is time you and your magnificent crew is slowly introduced. A Golden bazaar far out consecutive space is a good place to start.”

We all wore our real uniforms; everyone was groomed to regulations and according to their species. Xon looked at his reflection in a mirror field. “It is both a very uplifting experience but also a little disappointing.”

“Why do you feel like that?” I asked with openly displayed curiosity.

“I am about as proud as a Nul can be to wear this uniform, Captain. I just had that hope I would be the first Nul in Union fleet uniform. I took advantage of our GalNet connection and called my life giver. The Nul have officially applied for Union membership only a few days ago, but over eight billion Nul have already become Union citizens individually and not a small number signed up with Union Marines.”

“Maybe you are still the first in Fleet uniform. Marines do have a different one as they are a separate service.”

“Unfortunately not, my life giver himself has become a Union Admiral, while it is technically an honor rank he actually takes Academy classes and he takes it very seriously.”

I smirked. “I still think it is a marvelous and quite wonderful development to have the Nul being on our side. I myself remember a quite serious engagement against Nul forces not all that long ago.”

“I think it was inevitable, it just happened much earlier thanks to you.”

“I think our SHIP and you yourself had much to do with that as well.”

SHIP could not stay silent of course as she heard that. “I am a very content machine able to play a part in this truly historical development.”

I got up from my seat, tugged on my uniform blouse and said. “Mr.Narth please turn off the Janus device and turn on our Union transponder.”

Even Narth, wearing his version of an official uniform, managed to sound proud. “Aye Captain, Janus device is deactivated. Simulated hull deconstructing ... Union transponders active.”

It took a few moments for the Narth matter manipulators to revert our disguise and Shea reported. “Captain, we are officially ourselves.”

With our reversal also came our real sensors and Mao said. “I hate to be the one with bad news, but our transponders were noticed. Three contacts with distinct Kermac signatures have changed course.”

Shaka turned. “We can outrun them easily, Captain. The Tigershark is faster than a Type IX Wolfcraft.”

I shook my head. “The USS Tigershark does not run! Sound battle stations activate all our real shields and weapons. Load Translocators with full Giga loads.”

There was a resounding ‘Aye Captain’ from all stations.

“Elfi hail me those Kermac.” With a satisfying grin, I added.”Maximum transmission energy, so they can’t say they didn’t hear us.”

She too sounded satisfied. “Maximum transmission energy on all channels Captain.”

“This is Captain Olafson of the USS Tigershark. Our sensors picked up three Kermac warships on an intercept course. This is open space and we do not appreciate being intercepted. You have one and one chance only to immediately change your course.”

The response came right away. “We have your pathetic little ship on our scanners, Union cretin. I am angry and you will be destroyed. Kermac supremacy will dominate this space and we will wipe out any Union influence we come across.”

Funsecsiev was more than annoyed. He was about as angry as a Kermac could be. First the disaster in the Corspa system. That it was him who jumped the gun listening to a worthless Puup did not cross his mind. He was Kermac and therefore everyone and everything else was responsible for his failures.

That he did not check with Kermac Prime to make sure the information he received was correct also failed to register. He blamed his navigator for not recognizing the coordinates as the ones leading into the core system of the ugly and triple cursed Yotenen.

Even he knew about their reputation, but he could not explain why his LRT received such erroneous information, other than that his handler interpreted the received messages completely wrong. He was denied the chance to punish the Puup. That slick crook had stolen a shuttle during the battle in the Yotenen system and in the confusion of the heated conflict managed to escape.

He had left the remaining force mainly consisting of the old and slow Habyr battleships behind and was speeding towards a rendezvous point with a substantial reinforcement fleet that was on its way from Kermac Prime.

It was not too far from the core system of the Trontigmakader when his sensor operators reported the sudden contact of a Union transponder.

He was now convinced he had been somehow been duped and purposely diverted, and he planned to return and lay waste to Trokhit after they had supplied him with the information he needed.

Now detecting a Union ship so close to Trokhit, he became really furious. No doubt these Unions heard about the Celtest Depot as well. The lead crook and self-identifying pirate was a former Union citizen and Union admiral after all. From the Puup he knew about the other pirates that participated in that quest and perhaps the captain of the Killerbeast, that Sandovahl individual was a Union spy. That stupid Thauran certainly told too many about his quest. The Union having control over one of these Celtest tech caches already certainly did not want anyone else to gain another one.

He was in command of three Yiee battleships and from the scanner data he just received the Union ship was no bigger than a Supercruiser. Sure the Union unit had one or two Translocator cannons and perhaps several of those powerful Loki torpedoes, but his ships were equipped with target lock scramblers, had the most powerful Line cannons and the Kermac version of the Loki torpedo.

He decided to remain behind and send the other two Yiee first, who cared if they were damaged and life was lost? Once the Union ship was crippled he wanted to swoop in and finish it off, perhaps even board it and find out what the Union knew.

He gave orders to attack.

“Captain, these are serious big units. We have only very limited intelligence on these latest Kermac battleships.” Mao reported.

Shea was working with SHIP and her team on the sensor data and added. “The energy distribution matrix of these ships suggests they are armed with at least twenty line cannons each, the biggest ones too.”

“Their target lock scrambling also appears to have been improved. I can’t get a clean lock.” Mao again said.

I had my seat raised into Combat mode and as usual, had the unobstructed view of all space around us. The view was computronic enhanced and allowed my human eyes to see what they could never see on their own.

Colorized spheres represented the range of our various weapons as well as the assumed range of the enemy’s weapons. Floating icons informed me about the status of systems and gave me contact points to the bridge stations.

This was the first time we engaged an enemy without any limitations, true the enemy were three very big and powerful Kermac ships but that did not scare me. The lead ships released four torpedo-like weapons each and they accelerated fast directly towards us.

“The first shots have been fired. Shaka let loose! Jump behind that third ship staying behind as fast as you can. Mao hit that cowardly bastard with all our Quark-Gluon Plasma and our FTL right up his engines and follow up with a Hydra launch. As soon as the torpedo is out, Shaka execute another jump at maximum sniper range. SHIP you have permission to visual target and fire. I doubt they can scramble visual targeting.”

No one, not Cirruit, not Shaka and certainly not me had any idea just how fast our ship was. We accelerated with a nudge over 1500 km/sec2. Meaning we hit Translight in less than three seconds. I think some of the acceleration gees came through despite the most advanced inertia neutralizers, diverting billions of kinetic energy into hyperspace.

24 FTL energy cannons opened fire at the same time focusing all energy onto a single spot. To our surprise, the Kermac battleship that had stayed behind was not even under battle shields. Our weapon fire literally cut off one of the engine modules of this Y shaped ship.

The Hydra torpedo ripped the other module to shreds.

We were back in quasi-space as the first Kermac torpedoes reached the spot we had been moments ago. Ship released five kilo loads in rapid succession and at maximum range. Her machine precision using visual data instead of relying on direct sensor fed targeting was directly on target. All five loads exploded deep inside one of the Kermac ships that still accelerated to catch up with our position before we even started.

Of all symbols in my command bubble, it was Dusty requesting to speak. I blinked it active and the living dust cloud said. “Captain, sorry for interrupting you, but I noticed graviton energies exceeding the mass of a large moon diverted. Could you not permit me to use it against our adversaries?”

“Do it and let me see what it does.”

The last unharmed Kermac unit flew into a graviton concentration like a solid wall and was instantly compacted to a ball measuring less than a few centimeters in a truly blinding energy sphere. The Yiee battleship converted into a speck of neutronium while expelling all quantum level energy.

I was utterly shocked by this and so were the others, even Narth. It was the first time I felt his mind to be truly impressed by something. “I believe we just gained a weapon that dwarfs the effectiveness of Translocator cannons or even our nose cannon. Dusty has psionic abilities very similar to the Conck we encountered, able to manipulate and concentrate gravitons and Alice assisted him channeling them.”

Funsecsiev, now forced to wear a protective battle suit stumbled through the chaos of his command center. He was on his way to an escape pod. One of his subordinates stopped him. “Masterful leader, we received a message from the reinforcement fleet, they will be here in moments.”

“What happened, how could we be so completely defeated?”

“In your great wisdom staying behind, you did not order us to be battle ready. We did not have shields up when we got hit. The surviving sensor operators measured tremendous gravitonic energies channeled against the Kaketh and translocator fire spelled doom for the Morkhu.”

I have your mind wiped for your sarcastic insults. “Why did our targeting disruptors not work as promised?”

“You be the one mind wiped if your lucky, Command wizard. The enemy ship never activated his targeting sensors. It appears they devised an alternative targeting method.”

“No matter the Union trickery, the reinforcement fleet will deal with them. You, however, must be punished. Now make a connection to the reinforcements.”

“Captain, there is a rather substantial Kermac fleet approaching,” Mao said.

Har-Hi glanced at me. “Are we going to engage them as well? It seems to be a large contingent of at least 1000 heavy units and lots of smaller ones.”

Elfi signaled for attention. “We are being hailed.”

A new Kermac face appeared on our screens. “You have identified yourself as Captain Olafson. You dared to ignore Kermac commands and killed Kermac. I am High Wizard Seibsibac of the Ministry of War. I have a fleet of unprecedented strength and demand your immediate surrender, or we will destroy you and declare war upon the Union.”

This was a serious threat. Even my formidable ship could not defeat a fleet of such size. Fleeing would not stop him from declaring war.

But before I could even think of a response, a new but very familiar voice chimed in. “Let me identify myself, Wizard. I am Admiral Stahl I too have a fleet with me, the First One to be exact. I have received your demands and your threat to declare war upon the Union. I am transmitting your declaration of war to the Assembly of course and it is I who will demand utter and complete unconditional surrender when I am in orbit around Kermac Prime.”

There was silence for a long moment. “This is trickery! That demon Stahl is not here. For how gullible do you hold us?”

“Not for gullible, Kermac but for stupid. Plain and simple.” Stahl responded. “We are here responding to an official request for assistance by the Yotenen.”

Our sensors picked up the vast signatures of the first fleet and all her battle groups.

It didn’t take long and the first Union battleships dropped out of Quasi.

We were hailed by Stahl. “Go and do your thing, Captain Olafson. I am here dealing with the riff-raff here, not that I think you needed our help.”

“Thank you sir, this was a rather tough one. He threatened with war.”

“Yes because he thought he can get away with it so far from the Upward sector. I doubt the Kermac are crazy enough to actually do that. If they do, I am ready for them for a long time!”

Due to our ship’s real speed, it took us very little time to reach the system with the Golden Bazaar. Sobody was on the bridge with a clouded face and a very uncharacteristically foul mood.

“You don’t have to see your brother,” I suggested. “We don’t have any business at his Bazaar anyway. The Devi is in orbit of the second planet and that is where we go.”

“And if he ever finds out I was here, I never hear the end of it. Especially now that they have GalNet.”

“So you are going to see him?”

“I have no choice. I am also the First Merchant and it is my duty to inspect his bazaar and his operations.”

I smiled at him. “I thought you are retired.”

“I am of course retired but until a new First Merchant is found I am still it.”

Narth said. “It appears that his people the Golden are so satisfied with his reforms and their Union membership they voted to ignore his request to retire.”

Sobody pointed his stubby finger at me. “It’s the Union’s fault anyway. We Golden voted for nothing in all our existence and now these blasted bronze skinned dwarfs can’t get enough of voting.”

“Uhm, wasn’t that the reason for your reforms?”

“Of course, my young Captain. But now I have to see him ... and her.”

Specialist Warner said. “I go with you if you want.”

I could not deny the pride I felt when I announced us and requested landing permission in one of Devi’s huge hangars or hearing Captain Harris himself giving permission to do so.

I also found it quite amusing to see massive Xon being visibly nervous wearing his Union uniform. “Oh, I hope I pass muster.”

“Mr. Xon you are looking very impressive in Union black, “I assured him and then had Har-Hi assemble the entire crew, except SHIP who held the Con, before the ship for official inspection, by Captain Harris and high ranking officers of the Devi.

It was a very uplifting and quite impressive sight to see my crew, all of them in their Class A uniform. All of them in attention right before my ship. Not some disguise but her real appearance. None of them were really strangers anymore and most of them had become more than just crew.

I was able to put a name to each face. Even I had to admit as I saw them like that, just how diverse my crew truly was. From tiny Mini Terrans to the towering form of Dusty. Insectoid Klack, Togar, Nul, Y’All, Attikans, Boros, Pertharians, X101, Tyron the Suit and sitting right before Alice was Fenris who looked as if he was in attendance too.

Captain Harris had walked with me down the row of my crew and then said.”The Olafson Gang has been the most diverse group of midshipmen aboard this ship, and now I see it has been extended. Before me, I see the idea and principles of our Union expressed in a living statement, but I also see a tight unit and a dedicated crew that makes me both very proud of you and a little jealous.

“A captain that can rely on such a crew is a commanding officer worth of professional envy. Welcome aboard the USS Devastator. Your stay will be short, but for the time you are here please enjoy our recreation facilities.”

I thanked Captain Harris and said to my crew.”We only got three days at the most guys. So let’s all work together and get the necessities out of the way so we can take advantage of Captain Harris’ offer. Maintenance, resupply, prisoner transfers first.”

It was the second day aboard the Devi when Admiral Stahl returned and found me sitting with Shea, Narth, and Har-Hi in the bleachers watching a Steel container kicking match. The Devastator team was eager to even the score of the last time. This impromptu sport that originated in the Cargo hold of my ship apparently has become a Devi sporting favorite. Harris told me that it was catching on with other ship crews that had a contingent of BaPhy 2 and 3 individuals, or in more common inofficial terms, Heavies.

I only noticed him as he simply sat next to me. Harris had quietly vacated his seat.

He stopped me from getting up. “As you were, girl.”

Stahl watched the game for a few minutes and then laughed. “I think the Devi Thunder needs to practice more, the Tigershark team is not only kicking the steel container but our butts too.”

“It has become a regular event on my ship. There isn’t always as much to do as I wish so we developed our routines and diversions.”

“Like destroying no less than three Yiee battleships. Your Tigershark is one impressive ship. Even more, than I suspected it to be. The most frightening aspect of it, however, is its crew, that Alice working in conjunction with a living interstellar lifeform is nothing short but terrifying.”

“I was surprised by that too, but I trust them never the less, Sir.”

“No doubt. The Kermac fleet or what is left of it is heading back to GC space, but I doubt they will give up that easily, too much is at stake.”

He became more serious as he said. “This quest has become more important than ever, Erica. If that depot even holds half of what we found on Arsenal III then it is imperative we secure it for the Union, but if I read all the reports correctly there is so much more.”

I sighed. “Yes, Sir, I think it is not just a forgotten or abandoned depot, but a consciously created cache of Seenian technology with the distinct purpose to be found.”

“That is what we think too. We won’t do what the Kermac did if at all possible. I think you have a better chance of finding it than a massive fleet. No matter how subtle we try, it will be seen as a heavy-handed approach. So, for now, we can’t offer you any break and must ask you to stay on.”

“I understand and I am fortunate enough to have a crew that understands as well.”

“That is indeed fortunate. I sat in your chair for a very short time I know what they think and feel about you.”

He actually cheered a goal for the Devi Thunder. “Sorry, Captain Olafson, that goal saved us from total humiliation.” He then patted my knee. “Keep up what you’re doing. I have no doubt in your abilities whatsoever.”

He then got up and said. “One of these days I want to see Nilfeheim, with you as a guide.”

It was not without a certain feeling of regret when we returned to be the Silver Streak, but I had to admit I got quite accustomed to my pirate outfit.

Narth turned the Janus device back on and Shea confirmed that we once more were a Karthanian armed trader to the world.

I nodded towards Krabbel. “Trokhit please.”

Shaka said as he accelerated within our disguise limits. “After experiencing just how fast our fish is, it feels like crawling in snail’s pace.”

“I hear you, Mr.Ndbele. Say has anyone seen Sobody? He did return to the ship right”

Narth nodded. “Yes, he and Mr.Warner are aboard. We did not leave anyone behind.”

The Golden arrived moments later and took his seat. “Sorry Captain, I just made peace with myself and released a woman I loved for over 800 years to make her own choices. It was the right thing to do, but it doesn’t make it any easier.” I now noticed his bloodshot eyes and knew he had been crying. He gave me a sad smile. “Females, I tell you. I am a little over 12,000 of your years old and still have no idea what she sees in him that I could not give her.”

Har-Hi smirked. “The curse of all mammalian humanoids, I am certain.”

“Including arachnoids.” Krabbel insisted. “We are not mammalian but we male Archa have similar stories to tell.”

Mao laughed. “You are the most mammalian of us all, at least judging by the number of milk products you consume.”

That funny banter seemed to lift the mood of Sodoby. It was Narth who almost destroyed it. “I fail to understand the mystery. Anaragi, the Gracious the female in question was never as faithful as you think. Her reproductive cycle was started when she had intercourse with your brother because she met him long before you. She pursued you, once she realized you will be the next First Merchant. Your brother, however, insisted in raising his offspring and it was Anaragi’s father who made her chose and in return, he inherited that Bazaar to your brother. There are no secretive selection decisions exclusive to females only, and always cause and effect.”

There was a long moment of silence then Sodoby uttered a long string of curses and called his brother and his love all kinds of very descriptive words in all kinds of languages. Then he took a deep breath and grinned. “Thank you Narth, I actually always expected something like that, to be honest, I was just too love blind to really see it.”

Then he cocked his head. “Say how do you know all this, isn’t memory probing illegal? Both my brother and my former love are Union Citizens.”

“Indeed it is illegal, but talking to the old father of Anaragi is not. I was shopping at the Bazaar and engaged in a conversation with Evegobi, said father and former owner of the Bazaar.”

“Son of a...” Sobody took Narth’s hand. “Thank you indeed.”

I leaned towards the left and Narth. “You of all people went shopping? What in Odin’s name would you need?”

“I observed the habit of giving presents to other individuals during the celebration of a seemingly unimportant anniversary of one’s birth. I decided to participate in this as it appears to be also a representation of one’s appreciation of the other being’s existence.”

“That is a very thoughtful thing to do. Who’s birthday?”

“That is the problem, Captain. I was informed by SHIP that the 18th of October on the old Earth-based calendar has no significance as Neo Vikings celebrate the anniversary of the naming day.”

Har-Hi looked at his PDD and said. “By the spirits, today is the 18th. We Dai don’t celebrate birthdays either, but congratulations anyway.”

Krabbel said. “We Archa do, well it is called Egg Sac Crawling day but it is celebrated. Mine is a few months off, but I wouldn’t mind a pre-celebration with some ice cream. Our supplies are restocked by the way and we got a genuine Arthur’s robotic Soft Serve machine now.”

I got up. “Well, I think we all need to check out what that machine produces. It does open the question, where do we get this machine from?”

“The USS Devastator brought mail and orders. I ordered and bought one back when we were waiting on Sin 4. It took a long time but its now part of the Den.” Krabbel said proudly being halfway to the I.S.T.

We landed and touched down pretty much at the same spot we had occupied before. It did not even take ten minutes for the others to notice our return. The Red Dragon hailed us right away.

“Good to see you back, Velvet. There were bets going on that you might not return or try to reach Prostradoris on your own.”

“What good would that have done me? Without that pushy Wisdom Keeper, I’d be as far from the next step as we are now.”

Sandovahl obviously felt much better. “Anything worthwhile crossed your bow?”

I frankly lied but that was part of our disguise. “Oh, we might have convinced a traveling merchant to share the bounty of his holds.”

It was the Red Dragon again. “While you chased some poor merchants, we serviced our engines and should all be done and ready to head for Prostradoris by latest tomorrow. Are you sure you don’t need any services?”

“I managed so far and trust my engineers more than the local plasma monkeys.”

“Has the Wisdom Keeper shown up yet?”

“Dragon, I just touched down.”

Har-Hi motioned with his thumb towards the floor. “The Keeper is here, requesting boarding permission. He sure didn’t waste time and he isn’t alone.”

I had Elfi cut the transmission and said. We don’t let him in via the Belly shaft but use the ramp for the Den. I want to know a lot more about that guy before we let him deeper into the ship. I also want to see what company he has along. The deal was for him only.”

With this, I got up and went to the I.S.T., Suit who now always stood right behind me said. “Captain, he is an unknown, please allow my protection.”

“I come to get used to you like that, so I am asking this again.”You didn’t want to be a garment and now you insist being worn. Are you sure? You could simply stay close to me like Har-Hi or Hans for example.”

“I came to the conclusion, I am a garment. This is my origin and all my abilities and functions are geared toward this fact. Being worn by you is a symbiosis and allows me to use my abilities most effectively protecting my Captain.”

“Alright then.”

I heard Shaka say just as the I.S.T. doors closed. “Lucky suit.”

The Wisdom Hall keeper stood in all his impressive regalia before the lowered ramp, there were three beings. A Trontigmakader and two humanoid beings. One of them I was certain was a Yotenen and the other was a feline female I was certain was Suss, the Karnax. I recognized the big axe she carried over her shoulder and the same headgear. The Yotenen and the Insectoid struggled with a big trunk.

I was flanked by Har-Hi to one side and Narth to the other. TheOther had moved behind me and I was certain I was perhaps the best-protected individual in the galaxy right now.

“I was under the impression only you forced yourself upon us, Kilkam. I count four beings.”

“The Yotenen and the Trontigmakader are servants of the Hall and only came to help me carry my luggage. I believe you already met Suss before. She is a friend of mine and told me about you. She was very cryptic but from what I gathered, you helped her and the remaining crew of the Whispering Vengeance.”

“The last time we met like this someone took potshots at us.” I said. “Let us go to the Den and discuss this situation.”

We went into our Den and the Wisdom Keeper was obviously impressed. Narth said. “He knows who we are, Suss did not tell him, but he is a Telepath and not hampered by Union laws. Suss’ memories were an open book for him.”

I facepalmed myself with both hands. “There is the reason why I dislike psionics. We ... no I need to be more careful who we reveal our true self.”

Kilkam sat down. “Captain Olafson, I know very little about your Union. All I heard were stories usually from Yotenen, who aren’t great fans of your society.” He spread his arms. “We all know of course the Yotenen do not like anyone that much.” He then nodded toward Suss. “She really is a very good friend of mine. Someone left her in a box right before the entrance to my wisdom hall, and she was raised by me and a female servant of the Hall.”

The strong looking athletic feline being had put her axe on the table and sat down herself. “I am a Karnax, no one has seen another Karnax for many hundred solar orbits. I only learned that my people were enemies of the Porsthir. There is talk about a war, but the Porsthir don’t speak about it. It was during my quest to find out more about the Karnax when I met Parth Winthers. He too was an orphan, due to a terrible and brutal raid, committed by Puup slavers and Wartooks. The most brutal butcher was a Wartook you know as the Cruel One.”

I listened and said.”And you followed that Wartook to our side of the galaxy?”

“Yes, Parth knew about the genocide the Porsthir committed against the Karnax, but no one so far could explain how I ended up on Trokhit.”

“That explains why your friend wanted to fly with us. Mr.Kilkam, would you mind telling us more about you and that Wisdom business?”

Our chef came to the table with a plate of sizzling bacon. “I heard about Suss being back aboard. So I fried up some bacon and made sandwiches for all of you.”

The Wisdom keeper slipped out of his overcoat and sampled a piece of bacon. “This is quite good.” He also nodded in my direction. “Yes, I gladly will.”

After he ate another slice of bacon he began. “It is a very old story and what of it is true and what is a legend is for anyone who seeks wisdom to decide for him or herself. Everything has a beginning and an end so does the very universe we live in. Before our universe came to be, there was another one a precursor universe. That precursor universe was about to end, to be destroyed. Now there were very advanced societies and entities that looked to circumvent their own demise.

A society calling itself the Brotherhood of Sateer created or discovered a pocket universe and used it to avoid being obliterated like all the rest of their universe.”

Our Yeoman who just had served me coffee kept standing next to me and listened intensely while Kilkam kept talking. “For some reason, however, the entrance or passageway to that pocket universe was in that previous universe and there was no passage to the next one. That Brotherhood is now trapped inside that pocket universe. All of them, except for five powerful individuals.

There are Non, Corflic, Cubus, Luc and Invictus. Each of them searches for ways to release the rest from their eternal prison.”

More crew members had gathered around the big table and everyone listened to the words of the wisdom keeper.

Kilkam said. “Scholars of my people believed that it was NON who seeded planets all across the galaxy with human life genome matrix influencers. Non hoped by doing so, would give rise to a nearly omnipotent entity known as the Dark One. An entity with control over space and time and thus able to affect the release of his people.”

His words caused goosebumps on my skin. For unexplainable reasons, this sounded so familiar to me, just as if I had heard these words before.

The broad-shouldered man seemed to look at me directly as he continued. “Cubus’ plan is to become the Dark One himself. He is searching all across the universe for twelve mystical tokens of tremendous power. He believes that once he united these tokens of power, he will transform into that Dark One and thus rule over space and time affecting his brother’s release. We believe it was him who created a species of relentless warriors to prevent anyone else finding those tokens, by killing and destroying anyone.”

This time he looked at our Y’All warrior. “Of course, I don’t know if he really created the Y’All but our people’s legends speak of four armed terrors that came in countless ships to this galaxy.”

For some reason, I became aware of my ring and looked at it. Wondering why no one ever asked me about it.

Kilkam proceeded to the next name. “Then there is Luc, at first, his goal was to aid the reincarnation of the Dark One and in turn gain his help to free the rest of the trapped members of the Brotherhood of Sateer. Our scholars believe that he survived the destruction of the Precursor Universe by entering some legendary Negative universe. We believe that he no longer wants to free his brothers, but like Cubus wanted the power of the Dark One himself.

Invictus is a warrior and is convinced brute force is the answer. He believed conquering much of the Universe, giving the Dark One an Empire as a present was the right way to achieve his goal. He was the originator of the first Dark Ones and created an empire including many thousand galaxies. And finally, there is the fifth one, Corflic. He is the only one who does not see that entity, the Dark One as the answer. Corflic believes that a society that reaches Tech level 12 or even beyond would be able to develop the tools to free the rest of the Sateer. According to our beliefs he met the Orlan, a sentient species in a galactic supercluster billions of lightyears distant and became their god-like leader. Their home planet was called Avondur and supposedly is right at the very center of the Universe.

He instructed the Orlan to create a trans-spatial gate network. We, the Wisdom Keepers believe that Corfic was killed by entities known as the Knights of Light. Without the guidance of Corflic, the Orlan fought among each other each group believing Corflic wanted them to go in a specific direction.

A Seenian scholar came across these stories and mythical legends collected them and founded the Wisdom Keepers of the Fifth. That was a very long time ago, before the time of the last Seenian Queen.”

The usually lively Den was very quiet. I was convinced that this Keeper just brushed over a dozen mysteries and secrets and revealed them. There were answers to the Human Mystery and to the Seenian history.

Har-Hi had an unusual coarse voice. “Every story and legend has a true core, to me, it seems all five brothers were looking for that Dark One. Who or what is he?”

The Keeper shrugged his shoulders. “I do not know what he or it is, but scholars of my people think it is some sort of concept or condition.”

I still held my mug and realized I didn’t take a sip. “I am certain we will have many thousand questions for you and I can imagine you could be busy for the rest of this universe’s existence, talking to Union scholars and historians, but for now, we have a quest to complete. Can I ask you why you stopped searching for yourself? It appears you know the next steps to take.”

“Because the Anagoge has not found me a worthy child to receive the directions to the Inheritance. I spent a lifetime trying to find out what makes one worthy and I have the answer. Let us find the Anagoge again first.”

== Chapter 15: Prostradoris ==

After nine days of event-less trans-light travel, we had dropped out of Quasi just outside the Porsthir home system. While most of the other pirates dropped well within the system, I noticed that Crimson was now doing the same cautious approach I preferred.

Hans told me that Kilkam asked if he could access the bridge. I sighed and looked to Har-Hi who shared my sentiment but nodded. “He knows most of it anyhow and bridge audio can be accessed from anywhere in the ship.”

I gave Hans the okay with a nod and a hand sign. The Wisdom keeper stepped through the main access doors and stopped while he slowly looked around. “Corflic’s eye! This is an impressive place indeed. For the last eighty years, I saw mostly Trontigmakader and Puup ships. I have seen the interior of Yotenen, Furze and Dawn ships. I always considered Porsthir ships the most advanced but your ship is so much further advanced than even Quanter tech at our peak.”

“It is the sum of our Union members engineering skills. “I said. “We don’t have to rely on one society technological advances but are able to take advantage of the knowledge and solutions of 5000 member societies.”

He came closer. “I am learning much about your Union from your fantastic library and the most pleasurable and friendly AI I have ever encountered, but I think the real lessons about this Union of sentients come by osmosis. It is a palatable almost physical thing that permutates everything and everyone. I met more diverse life forms aboard your ship than in all the many centuries I am alive. Yet they all have a common pride that reveals more about you all than any recording could provide.”

He looked at the main viewer and added.”You are the most deserving children to get the Inheritance for sure because you don’t even need it.”

“I hope that this Anagoge agrees with your opinion. He didn’t see eye to eye with you the last time if I understand it correctly.”

“You are a beautiful and very resourceful captain, but you are still young. Listening to your crew telling me about you, I think the Anagoge is in for a surprise.”

That comment caused open laughter on my bridge. Har-Hi could not maintain his serious Dai face and giggle. “He’s on to something.”

Mao also laughed. “Either she fights him or he ends up with us. There is a pattern, Captain.”

Even Tyron Suit found it amusing. “I am perhaps the most advanced piece of technology aboard, right after that Narth interface and SHIP, but I stood no chance.”

“You know Mr. Kilkam, she fought a terrible monster in an arena, just with an axe defending me.” The Nul prince said. “This action is the root cause we Nul are no longer enemies of the Union but are on our way to become Union members. If that Anagoge objects to us, I am sure we find that depot anyway.”

I felt embarrassed and told them to quit and concentrate on our mission.

The Wisdom Keeper crossed his arms. “I too will apply to become a Union citizen by the way.”

Elfi said. “Lormoog is hailing everyone with information on the Porsthir.

“Listen up, Captains. I do not want the Porsthir to be angry at me for leading you here. These evolved canines are among the most technologically developed in this region. They control a sizeable sphere of space with about three hundred systems.

They are very orderly minded and littering is a serious crime here. There is what they call a Pack of Leaders and a Top leader.

I am not sure they have battleships like many others do, but rely on very fast destroyers and corvettes and attack in packs. Their tactics are feared all across the region.

They have very powerful projectile type weapons and they release them in great numbers. Traditions and antiques are held in high regards and while our new friend the Wisdom Keeper claims this Wisdom of the Fifth business is not a religion, it is one here. No other temples or gods are permitted and it is the official state religion. The core wisdom hall is here.”

Kilkam nodded and spoke into the open channel. “He is quite correct and while I maintain that the Wisdom of the Fifth is not a religion because we do not worship Corflic or consider him a god. He was quite mortal and has been killed. We regard his teachings and directions as wise and thus we follow them.”

The Red Dragon responded. “Well, we are here to get directions to the Anagog and don’t do any pirating or littering. That especially means you Sandovahl. If you or your crew cause trouble here, I will be the first to denounce you and if necessary kill you, understood?”

“You don’t scare me, Thauran. My Killerbeast is a tough nut to crack and has very sharp teeth.”

Crimson chimed in. “You don’t listen well, Mister. You do not adhere to the rules I too will join the Dragon to make sure you won’t ever do that again.”

This sentiment was repeated in various ways but with the same message by the other members of our group.”

Lia addressed me directly. “How about you, Velvet?”

“I say we simply destroy the Killerbeast now and kill him before he can make any trouble. You are welcome to see if your sharp teeth are enough to scratch my shields and I do have a fine number of very good nutcrackers too.”

That seemed to have the desired effect. Sandovahl sounded much less confronting. “I am not stupid, I understood Loormog’s instructions very well. I didn’t come that far to mess things up.”

He then added. “How’re the conditions aboard that Silver Streak rust bucket, Wisdom Keeper? Decided to change your mind?”

“It is cramped as she said it is, and they aren’t the most amenable people for sure, but they are about as professional as can be. I value that over comfort anytime.”

I gave the Wisdom Keeper a thankful gaze and hoped he noticed despite my mask.

After the transmission was cut he said. “I am not going to kill my chances of becoming a Union Citizen by revealing what you so skillfully hide.” He glanced at TheOther with a smirk on his white face. “Besides, I doubt I wanted to experience a Y’All massage.”

It didn’t take long and we were hailed by the Porsthir and a flight of twenty sleek looking ships changed their course on a clear intercept. Another group of about sixty just left the orbit of the seventh planet. In case of a battle, we would be caught between them. A third group was coming from the nadir direction and an artificial space station of sorts.

My tactical opinion on these aliens was growing by the moment.

“This is Rurth Sundahr, Command giver of this Porsthir system defense. We noticed your approach and wish to inquire about your reasons for your visit?”

It was Loormog who answered the hail for our little fleet. “I am Lormoog, a Wutohf lifeform dealer currently assisting a group of visitors that came from all across the star spiral. They intend to visit the Wisdom Hall and speak to the High Keeper. We also might engage in some commercial transactions, buy fuel, perhaps sell some items on the local markets. We hereby request landing permission on Prostradoris.”

“We welcome you and your associates and landing permit is granted. We ask all new visitors to adhere to a few basic rules of our societies. We are transmitting those rules right now. Basically, we ask to refrain from violence, activities of criminal nature such as stealing, littering, actions that cause physical harm to other beings and their property. We allow most goods to be exchanged but we do not condone the sale or purchase of sentiments against their will.”

The Porsthir rose in my opinion already. They did not practice slavery.

Har-Hi said. “I like them already.”

Of all planets, I had seen so far Prostradoris was the first one I could picture myself living on. We landed on one of the cleanest spaceports I had ever seen. The planet itself was a perfect Gardenworld of the rare GWC 2A type.

But the city actually took my breath away. It was nested on a series of mountain plateaus surrounded by tall peaks and around waterfalls of various size and width. The city somehow managed to blend into the natural scenery without disturbing its aesthetics. Yet it was not a small city, but the capital of a spacefaring society that was on the verge of achieving Tech Level 8 and ruled over 300 star systems.

The spaceport control contacted us and requested that we remained in our designated landing berths. Crews that wished to leave the ship and spaceport facilities were asked to submit to a hygiene scan and register any weapons they might carry. Their use was highly prohibited.

“So how we are doing this?” I asked. “Is there a certain protocol we have to adhere to in order to enter that Wisdom Hall”

Kilkam slipped into his mantle and placed a dignifying headdress on his otherwise bald head. “A small group of no more than four from each ship should follow me. I am going to announce myself to the Principal of the Wisdom Hall above Corflic’s Tomb. He will ask each of you for a Token of the Fifth. To all but you captain, I will issue one of these Tokens.”

“Uhm okay. Out of curiosity is there some reason I don’t get one?”

He held up a metal disc of about ten centimeters in diameter. “This is such a token. Anyone visiting any of the Wisdom Halls spread across this region of the galaxy, can buy one from the Wisdom Keeper for a few coins or whatever local currency, after participating in a reading of various wisdom quotes. You would not have needed me to obtain such tokens.”

I wasn’t sure if I liked what I heard. Did the old man just admit to deceiving us all?

It seemed he could read me despite my Psionic shields and my mask I was still wearing. “You never really asked or inquired about those tokens. You didn’t even visit my Wisdom Hall, but I came to you.” He had a fine smile that reached his eyes. “Suss told me about you and I learned more about you from reading her mind. I came gladly when Marguug called me and told me who came to visit him.”

“Alright, Kilkam but that still keeps my question open.”

“I am getting to it, of all your great skills and abilities Captain. Patience seems not your greatest strength.”

I sighed. “Maybe not, so please tell me.”

He glanced at the viewport, as it had become customary aboard the Tigershark to raise the main viewer and thus open the view through our forward viewports. “We have a little time, so I will give all of you another history lesson of a far distant time. “I think you know the Seenians were ruled by a Queen. Koorinah the Mighty was her name. She was not the first female ruler of the Seenians, but the first one who made her gender an issue, not so different by the way as your Sarans.”

Elfi blinked. “How do you know about this”

“I am reading, watching and consuming your Union’s history with great appetite since I was permitted to board.”

I really tried to be patient and said. “If you don’t mind? Please go on.”

“You are female, Captain Olafson. One that was accepted by Tyron Suit as one with command authority. I am going to give you something that is way more than just a mass-produced token, any visitor to a Wisdom Hall can obtain. Something that can not be purchased anywhere and something the Anagoge will recognize.”

“You could not be any more specific than describing it as ‘something’?”

“Ah but I am a guest, not a member of your crew, Captain. I am here to see the end of the quest and the final chapter of the Inheritance. Grant this to an old man who is waiting for this for a very long time.”

I wasn’t too happy about that, but I could not really find anything wrong with Kilkam, the Wisdom Keeper. I didn’t trust him fully, and I had the distinct feeling he had ulterior motives that were beyond his wish to see the end of the quest. Maybe he was using us as a tool to gain it all for himself, but for now, he was the best guide we could find. That did not mean I bought all of his praise. One part of me wanted to trust him and applaud his wish to become a Union citizen, but the other part did not buy it. It was another old man who taught me to see everything from more than one side. What worked one way had to work the other way too.

Our guest had given the other pirates the same instructions and moments later Mao reported that there was activity at the boarding ramps of the other ships and small groups debarked from each.

I decided on Har-Hi, Shea and Narth to come along. While I had Xon take the Con.

Unlike Union ports, each ship sat in an artificial crater, almost like eggs in an old-fashioned egg carton. The rim of our landing berth was quite steep and smooth metal. My fear that I might have to climb up those steep walls was thankfully not realized as our guide stepped on a red marked square that revealed itself as an elevator platform climbing up to the rim.

The vista from up there was as incredible as it was from the ship. I felt like a silver flicker fish looking over an immense field with a dimple like impressions, of which many were occupied with ships.

A robotic flier descended and Kilkan motioned us to board the pilotless thing that reminded me of a flying dinner plate with a shallow rim. Once we were all on it flew with considerable speed towards a collection of buildings that nestled against the steep walls of a tall mountain.

The flying plate docked into an open-sided facade of the biggest building, that revealed itself to be a spaceport terminal of local design.

The other pirates arrived or had already arrived on identical flying discs.

Lormoog and Kilkam took the lead once we all were complete and after a short walk, we passed through automatic doors into a large room with transparent walls. About a dozen Porsthir in hermetically sealed plastic like suits greeted us and one of the officials that did look a little like Attikans or like upright walking Nubhir wolfs said. “This is the first step for all visitors to our planet. We scan you for potentially harmful microbes or parasites. It is a necessary procedure to maintain an alien parasite free environment.

Surprisingly it was the Red Dragon who apparently remembered being a Union citizen once. “A sensible precaution, we have very strict hygiene laws from where I originate as well.”

Crimson was not so happy about it, but it was Captain Carrhrh the Togar who got really annoyed as the scanning Porsthir officer said. “I am sorry, Captain Carrhrh but we can not grant you permission to pass controls until you are decontaminated. You are infested with a very small insectoid life form.”

It must have been the laughter of Basoro. “Look at that, seems it is you who is the mangy one and Lemakr who had cleared the controls also laughed. “Seems the Jooltar is right, you do have Nuganucks. What a disgrace”, that set Carrhrh off and he yelled. “I teach you respect! I am not infested. You are lying canines. I spit on you!”

The Porsthir remained professional. “Mr. Carrhrh our scans reveal a significant...”

Lemakr made a disgusting sound. “Hygiene seems not a priority on that ship of yours.”

Carrhrh pulled his weapon and fired twice. First hitting the Porsthir agent and then burning a hole in the transparent barrier, and hitting Lemakr.

Because I was closest and had already feared this might happen, I was already in motion to prevent another blast. I shoulder tackled the furious Togar and drove him to the ground, following right behind.

Alarm sounds went off. Shea who had been right behind me rushed forward and knelt by the Porsthir, cut more protective suit and immediately pressed her auto doc unit against the exposed fur. “Captain, he is in very bad shape. Thankfully he is basic mammalian.”

Heavy armed security forces flooded the place and aimed their weapons at all of us. Their leading officer yelled. “Everyone on the floor and no moves!”

I signaled my entourage to do so and stayed right where I was. Carrhrh was just aiming his weapon at me, when he was pulled to his feet by two Porsthir in augmented suits while a third aimed a long energy weapon right at Carrhrh’s head.

Shea did not comply. “Guard, this officer’s life is in grave danger. I can’t adjust the Auto-Doc lying down. He needs immediate expert help.”

While I was on the floor the lead guard said. “He is alive?”

“The line blast, cut his pancreas, severed much of his spine and vaporized intestines and maybe stomachs. I have him in stasis and pain-free for now.”

The voice of the guard was less aggressive. “He is done for, the wounds you describe will leave him a total cripple if he survives.”

“Our CMO might be able to print him a new spine and I am sure we can grow him new organs.”

“What you describe is beyond our medical abilities. Whatever you can do to help him do it.”

“I need to contact our ship and get a medbot and our Chief Medical Officer.”

He nodded.

While Shea talked to the lead guard, his troops begun arresting us, by taking our weapons and placing tough looking shackles over our arms. They did that without saying a word. Then they stopped as they came to Kilkam, obviously recognizing him as a Wisdom Keeper. “Wisdom Keeper, please accept our apologies. Have you by accident arrived with them?”

“No, Guard. I am one of them, I traveled aboard the Silver Streak under Captain Velvet.”

“We won’t restrain you of course, but we must ask you to come along for the inquest.”

“I am under your authority.”

One of our own landing tanks arrived. The mission module had been changed to the Medevac package. TheOther was piloting and both Cateria and our snowball Jolaj jumped out. I was thankful they did not bring a med bot. Having a 4.3 million credits medical expert machine of the latest Union tech would have certainly blown our cover and a med bot could not be easily disguised.

The Prosthir guards clustered closer together and moved away from TheOther, who followed our medics carrying a medical equipment case.

Cateria without much words pushed one of the guards aside and immediately begun to work on the fallen officer. The fact that TheOther was right behind her was most likely the reason he did not say or do anything.

Jolaj went to the barrier and said. “I need to get to the wounded Togar.”

The other hygiene inspector said.”No one is to exit this quarantine area before being scanned.”

In all this hectic and near chaos our beautiful Togar girl acted in the finest Union tradition with a cool head and said. “I am a medical professional and adhere to the most stringent hygiene procedures, but please conduct your tests so I may render aid to the wounded.”

The Officer scanned her and looked at his readout.”You are indeed the cleanest individual I have ever examined. Zero micro life forms.”

She pushed through and reached Lemakr who was sprawled on the floor, staring at his burned arm stump. Local EMT personnel arrived as well.

Cateria said to the Lead guard. “With your permission, we want to take him to our sickbay.”

“How is he, will he survive?”

Cateria flashed one of her ultra-rare smiles. “He is out of immediate danger and should be able to return to duty in a few days.”

“Return to duty? He is not going to be an invalid?”

“I don’t see why, unless there are psychological reasons. I am not a good Psychiatrist and he is a new species to me. But physically he is stable and all we need to do is regrow and print what the blast burned and vaporized. I just mapped his genetic code and it’s straightforward.”

The lead guard nodded, obviously perplexed. He watched as TheOther loaded the stretcher into the landing tank he and Cateria left.

He then said. “The magistrate will review the incident. The guilty will be punished and the innocent may proceed with their business.”

Captain Carrhrh now like the rest of us in restrains growled. “I care not about your peoples’ punishments. Return me to my ship and leave. You insulted me and that is the reason for my anger.”

“You no longer have that option. You committed violence and caused bodily harm to others. You landed on our world and thus you are under our jurisdiction.”

All of us were scanned and examined for parasites and harmful microbes, as we too passed the barriers. Jolaj stepped up to me. “Captain, Lemakr has lost his left arm and suffers wound shock. The local EMT people say they can stabilize him.”

The dazed Togar, now on a stretcher of the local med service kept staring at Jolaj. “The White Fur has appeared to me...”

He kept repeating the same words even as they floated him away.

To her I said. “Return to the ship, assist Cateria if she needs it, otherwise tell everyone to stand by.”

We were all herded into a windowless transport flier. Several armed guards joined us.

Red Dragon cursed and groaned. “What have I done to deserve this?”

I could have told him a whole catalog of things, the top of my list was a small but incredibly brave Holdian commander who lost her life because of that bastard, but I remained silent.

Lormoog said. “No worries, Dragon. This is a lawful civilization, we did not do anything.”

The short flight ended in a concrete tunnel and us being forced to walk single file along a stark corridor with cold industrial lighting.

In a larger chamber, another uniformed Porsthir barked at us. “We will see the magistrate shortly. Now we will search you for weapons and you,” He pointed at me.” You will take off that face cover.

Har-Hi said.”Why are we here and under restrains?”

“You are foreign troublemakers and associates to the coward that shot one of our officers. You all will likely be punished.”

Kilkam and an older looking Porsthir just then entered the room.

The uniformed guard turned. “This is highly irregular, seeing you here Magistrate Larpter.” He bowed to Kilkam.

“It is my task to determine if laws are broken, not your’s Command-of-Fifty. I reviewed the case and the visuals. Only the individual identified as Captain Carrhrh has committed crimes.”

Moments later we found ourselves in a courtroom of sorts with the easily recognizable elements of such a place. A recording of the event was shown on a big screen and a panel of apparent experts commented on it. Shea’s immediate action to save the life of the seriously injured and dying officer was mentioned several times.

A whispering sound of many voices rose as TheOther appeared and I could hear the word Y’All.

The magistrate, who now stood behind a prominently placed lectern said. “The individual Carrhrh will be retained and stays in custody until tomorrow. The others are free to leave.

“The individual Shea of the Silver Streak is to be commended for saving the life of Urgum Sonmers, Hygiene inspector of Prost-Port.”

As we walked out the front door, Narth said. “It was really his decision, I did not intervene.”

I had a feeling that this was the case. While I was not overly concerned, I did have doubts about our mission in that concrete interrogation chamber and before that Command-of-Fifty individual.

Lormoog’s utterly alien head had nothing in terms of facial expressions, yet I could hear his sarcasm and relieve. “You guys are one messed up group for sure. I think I need to up my price to be your guide. I told you, I don’t want any trouble with the Porsthir.”

The Red Dragon was also visibly relieved. “We dodged the bullet there and lost another member, good riddance to him. He almost jeopardized everything.”

Basoro said. “Who knows what Lemakr will do, maybe we lost both Togar.”

As we stood there before this antique looking official courthouse building, we had a spectacular view. Across the granite slab paved street were stands of trees and then a deep chasm with several breathtaking waterfalls. There was invigorating fresh moisture in the air.

Kilkam now came down the ramp leading to the entrance of the courthouse we just left. As he was within talking distance he said. “The Principal of the Main temple will receive us and will show each of us the map in question.”

Kilkam handed out brass metal discs to all the captains, and true to his word he did not give me one. He then pointed towards a cable car like transportation system about half a click down the road. “It is not all that far. We can use the ascender.”

The Ascender was a perpetual motion open monorail lift that climbed the steep rock face of a tall mountain in an ever-increasing angle until it moved more or less vertical. The platform which did not feature any seats, but a chest-high railing remained level.

Kilkam explained to us that the Porsthir did not have any sitting furniture. They performed all daily chores standing or sitting on their hinds and directly on the floor.

While he entertained us with tidbits of information about the local culture, I became more perturbed by the moment. Not really knowing why other than the fact that our quest was getting more real.

When it all started, it was a vague dream and undefined goal of a criminal ex-admiral with aspirations of revenge. I was certain meeting with the Principal of this Hall of Wisdom was a real step towards finding that inheritance. If only half of it was true, it certainly had the potential to shift the power balance of this galaxy. Even if we were successful and secured the Seenian inheritance for the Union could it change the direction and makeup of the Union itself?

While there were men like Stahl, uncompromising and true. I was certain there were more beings like Swybar in positions of power and decision. Could they use such power and knowledge other than the good of the Union? Even McElligott had a different understanding of what was good for the Union than Stahl.

I had no real idea about Cherubim, but there were rumors that she put Terra and Terran Humans before the interests of the Union as a whole.

As far as I knew these interests were aligned at present, however, they were not exactly the same. I am sure there were other forces too. I also knew little about Shea’s adoptive father. Rex Schwartz was the source of many rumors as well and none were very positive. Most rumors about him were fueled by envy, but I also remembered Alex Enroe’s words. Could he or his gigantic corporation use some of the Seenian technology for purposes other than common good?

As the ascender neared the top, my mind was filled with new doubts and questions. My orders were to find and secure the Seenian depot for the Union. As a Union officer, I was also compelled to question orders and apply my own decisions based on ethical and moral foundations. But who’s morals?

I could not help but sigh as the platform had reached its destination.

The Main Hall of Wisdom of the Fifth was as religious buildings go an impressive affair. I knew Kilkam insisted that it was not a religion, but it certainly had all the trappings and symbolism of religion. Massive statues and buildings, codified behavior, recorded legends and quotes. Devotees and servants in dignifying outfits.

This main hall was no exception. It was built on top of a mountain. It looked like as if the peak of this granite mountain had been partially leveled and the temple or hall carved right into the rock of the remaining peak. It had an ancient feel to it, even though it was all in good repair. Careful restoration and repairs were evident as some of the stone had been replaced by slightly different colored material.

We were not alone on this sizeable plateau before the large construct. There were beings of several species, including Porsthir, Yotenen, Puup, Trontigmakader and other species I could not identify. All of them moved in a leisurely pace. Some wearing similar robes and sleeveless hooded coats as our guide. Not all the coats were white, other colors were represented as well.

Flags, banners, and colorful streamers decorated poles, stone ledges and the spiked roofs of thin towers.

There were birds or bird-like creatures in the air. At closer examination, they appeared to be more like bats than true birds as their wings were skin membranes and not covered with feathers.

From the peak station of the Ascendor, a wide path of reddish colored stone lead to the main entrance.

Kilkam who had taken the lead followed by Lormoog and the rest of us raised his hood and covered his head as he approached the entrance.

Two guards, one a Porsthir and the other a scaled saurian of a species that wasn’t known to any of us stood on each side of the wide open doorless entrance. They did not wear modern battle suits but ancient metal and leather armor and carried pole axe like weapons with bluish gleaming blades.

They recognized our guide by changing their stance and presenting their weapons but took no real notice of us. Right behind the entrance was an antechamber about twenty meters deep.

The place felt cool and the ceiling was high and arched. It somehow reminded me of the stone architecture of Nilfeheim. The style was somewhat different, the stonemasons creating this place weren’t Neo Viking craftsmen, but I was convinced they had used similar tools.

I could now see a raised stone slab of considerable thickness, that could be lowered to seal the entrance arch. At the opposite side of the entrance door, was a central altar-like table with gold-rimmed edges and a wide slot. There also were two doors, one on each side of this massive table.

The side walls were covered with stone shelves that held wind shielded torches with bright burning flames.

Kilkam said.”Deposit your tokens in that slot and proceed through the door that opens for you. Servants of the Wisdom Hall will then tend to you and you be seen by a wisdom keeper. You then may state the reason for being here and ask to see the Ancient Map.”

He raised both his hands.”Please be aware that this is a sacred place and misconduct will have severe consequences. Whatever answer is given to you, treat it as a pearl of wisdom. You may ask a Servant for an explanation if it does not become clear to you.”

The Dragon holding the disc. “We can ask for the location of the Sealed Library, right? This is not a taboo?”

“You can ask the Wisdom keeper you will see any question at all and you will receive an answer. Keep in mind some of the answers might appear cryptic to you, but you are welcome to share all the answers with each other. Please be aware the Keepers might know that you are a group and they certainly will be able to see the reason for your questions. You are not the only ones that come here, it is an ongoing occurrence since this hall was raised.”

“You mean they will know we are after the Seenian tech?” Sandovahl asked.

“Indeed, just as Lormoog has; as I have. I am convinced they know since you landed. As I said groups and individuals seeking the inheritance are not uncommon. Especially here where the first real step is taken.”

The Dragon gave me an evil smile. “Looks like you are left out, Velvet. No token, no answer.”

Kilkam made finalizing gesture. “I matter not if I traveled with her. She will not receive a Token.”

“How about you, Keeper? Didn’t you want to see the end of the quest?”

“Indeed, but I am a Keeper and these are the unchangeable instructions I received. She will not get a token.”

The Dragon broadened his smile and said to me. “Don’t mind if I do not share what I learn.”

Lia agreed. “I think it is a good point in our quest to reduce the number of participants. I am personally sick of her arrogant attitude and now that we are here, who needs her? My Zarin first mate has recovered and knows this region just as well as the Wutohf”

Basoro made an apologizing gesture. “The stakes are too high. The Red Dragon has a point. You won’t advance from here on out. I suggest you stick to pirating local merchant ships.” He held up his metal disc. “See, that is how a token looks like.”

Crimson, however, spoke for me. “We would not be here if it wasn’t for her.” He looked at the Keeper.”Why did she not get one of your tokens?”

“She is female.”

Lia glanced at her disc. “So am I.”

“You did not assault the Togar. She is a female attacking a male.”

I wondered about his answer, as he told me before the assault about me not getting a token. Back aboard the ship he made it sound as if those discs were actually unimportant and easy to obtain. Right here it sounded as if they were all important and very valuable.

If there are other reasons, you may ask the Wisdom Keeper you will meet.”

Crimson glanced now in my direction. “Velvet, I intend to ask that question. If you are still around, I will share whatever answer I am given.”

The Red Dragon turned to the keeper. “You promised us the key to the library. Will you guide us further and without her?”

“The key is given to those emerging from the Hall and knowing the location of the sealed library. My guiding ends here. I will leave this planet, no longer a Wisdom Keeper.”

Sandovahl snorted. “Then you are useless. He was the first to drop his disc into the box and the left door opened.”You all talk too much. I am going to be the first to see the map.”

The Thauran gave Kilkam a probing look. “So you have no authority here?”

“My time as wisdom keeper ended the moment I left Trokhit.”

The Red Dragon said. “It looks, Lia, has a guide and we are about to see the map and thus the location of the library.”

Kilkam said. “I never have seen the map myself.”

“You can not bring anything to the table to help me secure the inheritance?”

“I am afraid not.”

“Then your usefulness has ended, old man. I do not intend to play transport and feed a useless individual.”

“What about the luxurious quarters you offered?”

“They are intended for important guests, not former keepers of whatever.”

To me he said. “Seems we part ways right here. You are a formidable captain, I grant you that, but as the former keeper pointed out, you are a woman and a troublemaker. Frankly, you were becoming a problem, Velvet. I heed your decision, woman. It’s business only. So go home or whatever, you are no longer needed.”

To Lormoog he said. “I double your fee and buy your ship for a good price if you come with me.”

The Wutohf slipped his disc into the box. “Too much backstabbing going on. You could not pay me enough. I’ll check the place out for curiosity and go to back selling bioforms.”

The right door opened. “Don’t wait for me, our agreement is off.”

With a stone on stone crunch, the door slipped close behind him.

To the Kermac, the Dragon raised to First Mate he said. “Do the same, and prepare for lift off.”

I crossed my arms and said. “We will meet again, Red Dragon.”

“Oh, I hope so, woman. I intend to show you the Seenian ship I gained before I obliterate your rust bucket and you in the process.”

He tossed his disc into the slit and stepped through the left door.

Crimson made an apologizing gesture. “I invested too much time, resources and efforts in this to abandon the quest for anyone, but if it means anything you earned my respect. None of the others did.”

He too deposited his disc and left via the right door.

Other beings not related to us did the same.

Only Shea, Har-Hi and Narth and I remained with the former Wisdom Keeper. Har-Hi holding his disc. “No what? Can I give mine to the Captain?”

“Oh no, do go and see one of the wisdom keepers. I would suggest you ask not about the library but something you really want to know. I believe some Dai tribes that cross these regions also come here to the Wisdom temple occasionally.”

“Kilkam, we can not stand here and lose time while the others obtain vital information. I am a Dai and this issue burns inside me, but I am a Union officer first and more than that, I am the XO of the Tigershark and she is my captain to the end of my life.”

I was deeply touched by the answer of Har-Hi.

Kilkam answered him with an almost fatherly smile on his face. “I know. I have been only a short while aboard your ship, but the friendship and deep loyalty of you all is almost touchable.”

He took a black bag from under his coat. “I told you all, that your captain will get something much more than just a token.”

He pointed back to the entrance. Out there on the plaza are several dealers selling Tokens, you don’t even have to listen to a sermon. The tokens grant you access to the main hall and one of the many Wisdom Keepers will eventually talk to you. You ask your question and they will access our extensive libraries to see if there is an answer. If not they will give you some sort of wise answer as for how to obtain that answer.”

He then actually laughed. “And if they ask to see the map, they will be led into the map room and directed to look upward. The ceiling is a three-dimensional permanent holograph of the galaxy at the time Corfric died. Many locations are identified, including the location of Hidden Hill, the planet where the sealed library is to be found, but there are millions of identified stars and planets. As I said many have been here before and seen the map.”

“So this is just another dead end?” Shea asked.

Narth said. “Maybe not, I am able to make a mental picture of it, adjust it for the current time. SHIP or Narth will be able to isolate the description for Hidden Hill planet.”

Kilkam openly marveled.”There is another way of course, but I think you might be able to find the library all on yourself.” He gave Narth a stare. “You really are a Narth. I doubt any of the Wisdom Keepers will be able to answer any of your questions. Not that I am sure they could do that with you either Lt. Schwartz.”

He opened the bag and revealed a golden mask. “This, Captain Velvet, can only be worn by a female of great command authority. You wear one already, so wear this one and the Principal will reveal the location of the sealed library. This artifact is very very old and is more than a face cover.”

Tyron spoke directly into my ear.”That mask incorporates technology I am unable to analyze. It appears to be of Pre-Seenian technology even though it is clearly of Seenian design.”

The mask appeared to be made of a golden fabric that only revealed the eyes. A smooth cowl of a flexible golden material surrounded the face cover and claw-like sharp looking appendix surrounded the open side of the cowl almost like a cage or open claw that was about to snap shut over the mask and the face behind.

“This is an evil and uncanny looking thing,” Shea said.

Kilkam nodded. “Indeed it is very intimidating. You are not forced to wear it. There is little doubt in me that you and that collection of the most unusual individuals you call friends will succeed where others failed, but if you wear it, it will reveal secrets, no one has been privileged to.”

He pointed to the gold decorated box. “It will be good if all of you partake. The library here is very old and contains documents and perhaps answers to questions even you might find important.

Har-Hi hesitated. “We should not be separated and who knows what assistance the captain might need.”

Kilkam said. “The Wisdom Hall can only be visited individually. You can go before or after your captain, or return to your ship, but it is an individual experience. Millions have passed through before you, and no one has ever come to harm.”

“What about the crimes our captain committed? The violence and all?” Shea asked.

“This is not Porsthir ground. The original temple was erected by Seenians. Remember I told you about the similarities between Saran and Seenian history, especially considering the view on gender? This act of your captain erased the last doubts in my mind that she is a worthy child.”

I nodded. “Go ahead, guys. I stay in contact with Narth if all else fails and I should need assistance.”

They left not without hesitation. They all passed through the right door.

None of the pirates were around, so I untied my own took the spooky mask from him. The material of the cowl felt smooth like metal but was soft and pliable like a fabric. It reminded me of the hood, Narth had given me to wear, right after we shared the Hugavh while we were on our way to Maritim.

I rolled back the cowl and slipped the thing over my head.

Just as I aligned the eyeholes and draped the shoulder covering cowl down. It was as if the inward pointing claws moved for a moment but stopped. As it did I remembered my ring.

Kilkam had a shocked face and then slowly relaxed. “The mask recognizes you!”

Tyron said. “It also almost killed you. The claws were about to crush your head. I could not form my cowl around your head to protect you.”

The massive stone slap thundered down and closed the exit and at the same time, the altar with the box lowered into the ground revealing a third open doorway with a golden shimmering corridor behind it.

A figure with a very similar mask appeared in that door frame and it spoke with a deep inhuman voice. “Seeker, come so you may ask and be enlighted.”

Swybar was glad he got rid of Black Velvet so elegantly. She indeed had become a problem. Until now she had become more and more important to the quest and nothing fazed her. Her ship was more formidable than it appeared and she had a first-rate crew. He knew she had Loki torpedoes and without those cursed Seenian shields working; he did not want to find out if his ParaDim shields were strong enough. He did have two Lokis himself, but they were his last ace.

A wisdom keeper in the same attire as that Kilkam approached him. “Welcome visitor to the Wisdom Hall of the Fifth. You purchased your Token and deposited it, what brings you here?”

“I did not purchase it; the former Wisdom keeper of Trokhit gave it to me.”

“It is a symbolic gesture that lost much of its original meaning over the many thousand years. Once those who really sought to find wisdom in the recorded words of the Fifth spend weeks in wisdom halls and earned their enlightenment the old-fashioned way. The real token of Wisdom is not a worthless disc of brass or copper, but the insubstantial but real answers people find seeking answers...”

“Yes, yes this is all very nice and I am sure the Fifth is a very important god or whatever he is. Could you not direct me to the famous map and show me where the sealed library is?”

“Ah, you are seeking to find the Seenian inheritance. Many have been here before, and judging by your impatient and forceful nature there will many after you as well.”

“Listen good Keeper. I have been executed, expelled and humiliated. I have lost my home, my titles, and my rank. I came across this Seenian message and traveled very far. I overcame obstacles and had to deal with traitors, imbeciles and arrogant bitches. Now I am here, to find the Sealed Library on the Hidden Hill. It is here where the map is!”

He made a sweeping motion. “It will be me finding it!”

“Come then, I have not met a man that has been executed.”

The Keeper walked in a dignified manner before him and leading him from the door he had just passed along a stone corridor with occasional glass covered lights, into a large hall with various shaped sitting furniture. There were many more of these covered lights, shelves with books, scrolls, and lecture shaped desk with bright shining input screens. It was obviously some sort of library. He also noticed most of the others of his quest being here. Crimson, Lia and Basoro. Sandovahl just was guided in by a Keeper that looked very much like the one that guided him.

His keeper pointed upward. “Here is the map. It has been created by the Seenians includes the location of the planet Hidden Hill where the Sealed Library is to be found.”

Swybar looked up and there was a three dimensional utterly beautiful image of the M-0 galaxy. He did not look away and asked which one is the Hidden Hill, there are billions of stars.”

“You asked to see the map. The map you see, as for the location of the planet you seek. All stars are labeled and if there are planets significant to Seenian culture the label includes this information. The library is of significance and thus labeled. You may remain here as long you wish and find what you are looking for, but once you leave you may wait for a rotation and obtain a new token.”

Swybar spat.”This can take a lifetime.”

The guide made a sweeping gesture pointing out hundreds of beings that he now noticed as his eyes had adjusted to the semi-darkness of the place.”Some of them come here for many decades, they all are seekers.”

The Dragon wanted to strangle the Keeper. “You imbecile! I demand to see the Head Keeper. He must know where that cursed library is.”

Sandovahl chimed in. “There must be a way to identify that planet.”

The Keeper nodded. “There is, the Ancient Mask of the Queen is that mystical tool that can and does identify the planet and shows directions.”

Lia also was close to shoot and destroy the place to make her frustration known. “And where is this mask?”

“Kilkam the First Principal has returned from Trokhit. He is a Keeper no more but the Principal of the all the Wisdom of the Fifth.”

An all black dressed being stepped close. “I sense the threshold for violence is close to being reached.” He waved his hand and the Wisdom Keepers turned and moved away.

Sandovahl put his hand on his blaster. “You are right, the threshold of being played for a fool is has been reached as well. We are not done with these Keepers, and who are you?”

“I am the guardian of the Hall. You stand against me should you decide to act in a violent way.”

Crimson held up his hands. “I am not here to commit acts of violence. I will leave, conduct my own research on that library and come back with better questions.”

The Ork-Oghr pointed at the door he came in. “Is that the way out?”

The black dressed alien said. “No Crimson Curse, you may follow your keeper. You showed applied wisdom and shall be rewarded.”

Swybar howled in barely contained anger. “What about this mask? Where is it?”

“It has been given to the female who attacked a male, and thus embraced and validated old Seenian believes.”

Lia hissed with anger and contempt. “Kilkam gave the device that can identify the location of that library to Black Velvet?”

“A map only becomes useful if you can read it.” The Black Dressed being said. “The mask makes this representation of the Galaxy a readable map. The mask has been given to a female seeker only moments ago.”

Lia yelled at the being. “This is an outrage; we severed our ties to that masked bimbo!”

Kilkam was evaluating your ability to make wise decisions ever since you all met him, we observed you at the entrance and it was you who made your decisions and that determined which door opened.”

Sandovahl stopped Lia from striking the black being. “Lia, we are outnumbered in here.”

The guardian thundered. “Leave, you are no longer welcome here. Leave on your own or I will remove you!”

“You and what army?” Lia growled.

The transition was so sudden; none of them realized what happened at first. The entire hall had disappeared and was replaced by a stone plaza. Only now Swybar realized they had been teleported somehow right from the map room to the outside of the wisdom hall.

Crimson was led to another section of the wisdom hall, and Kilkam stepped out from a door arch. “You applied wisdom and restraint, Crimson.” The former keeper handed him a little black cube. “Here are the coordinates of the Planet Hidden Hill. It is not that far from here, and this cube will unseal the entrance of the library. This is what you are looking for, is it not?”

Crimson nodded.”It is thank you.”

== Chapter 16: The Hall of the Fifth ==

Har-Hi was led to a Wisdom keeper, who was without question an old Dai.

The revelation that there was a Dai was quite a surprise for Har-Hi. He had not expected that, but since he had become a Union officer and traveled with Erica, he had met and seen the unthinkable. Living dust clouds, planet surface covering creatures and a planet-bound, desert scavenging Dai. He had met Dai that were born in captivity and knew a Dai tribe leader was engaged in selling Dai Than as slaves.

Meeting a Dai that served as a priest on a planet would have been unimaginable for him only a few years back.

The other Dai was advanced in age and his raised hood shaded a wrinkled face and only partially hid hair that was no longer solid black but had much grey in it as well.

The other Dai greeted him with a solemn nod. “Welcome to the Wisdom Hall of the Fifth, Dai-Than prince.”

“It surprises me to find a Dai in the employ of a religious service, but I accept the fact. You do not wear a Glyph.”

“And you wear yours hidden, Dai Prince. I am here on my own free choice and I too will repeat what must have been told to you before. We are not a religion and we do not serve a god.”

“Yes this has been mentioned, but it all has the trappings of an organized religion. With temple-like buildings, codified behavior and countless symbolic trappings like your robes and the rituals required to access this place.”

“Your observations and conclusions are not without truth. They ring with the learned sarcasm of an intelligent person dismissing religion and gods. This philosophy, the Wisdom of the Fifth is around much longer than many religions and has been embraced by many civilizations. Anything that is around for such a long time will take on traditions and forms.”

Har-Hi had to agree that this was true, most religions developed over long periods of time and since their core usually was the worship of something insubstantial and metaphysical, it developed ritualized practices.

The Dai Wisdom Keeper had a fine smile on his haughty Dai face. “Every move you make speaks of the finest Dai Training, privileged to the most important sons. You carry the twin blades of a Juth-Ni. There is no doubt you are indeed accomplished. There are few, very few who gain such honors.”

The old man spoke in a matter of fact tone and did not ask questions.

He made a half turn and gestured to a doorway. “This hallway is not a place to speak of such things. Let us go to my chambers.”

“I must also see the map, Dai Keeper. Can you show it to me?”

“You are on the quest to find the inheritance?”

“Yes, and I am certain you know that already.”

“Indeed and I know you follow a female Captain. Your captain is welcomed by the Principal himself and she was accepted by the mask. She will emerge and know the location of the sealed library and the means of opening it.”

“I follow her to the gates of the netherworlds and beyond. My loyalty to my captain goes beyond any Dai-Than tradition or convention. I challenge you if necessary and warn you at the same time never to challenge her.”

Har-Hi followed the robe wearing Dai anyway and descended a long flight of stairs after passing through the door arch.

They reached a comfortable room that in decor might have been on a Dai Mother. Except for the color scheme. It was not red but purple. And here prominently displayed on a suit worn by a mannequin, the Glyph of the Do tribe.

The old Dai dropped his robe and revealed a purple and black Dai assassin leather suit. “I am Kai-Do, of the Do Tribe.”

Har-Hi uncovered his.”I am Har-Hi son of Tar Ka-Hi.”

“I knew who you were, prince. There are few Juth-Ni indeed and only one who bested no less than eight Juth-Ni at the last Thana Shoo meeting of all tribes.”

“I am Okthi just as your tribe Kai-Do.”

“I am Okthi indeed. The Pale Ones declared Assassination not to be the way of Dai-Than, but you are not. It must be declared by the Pale Ones after the accusations were heard before all of Dai. The declaration of a jealous power hungry leader that you are Okthi is not valid.”

Har-Hi nodded.”These are the old traditions, I know them and so does my father. I am sure many Dai-Than know it as well, yet the Pale Ones have not spoken otherwise and it became so without their voice.”

“Has a single Heart of any of your ancient mothers stopped? Have the elders that monitor your shrines reported a call of the Pale Ones?”

Har-Hi could not find words and simply shook his head.

“Cam Elf-Na has no power over the Pale Ones and whatever common convention may be believed by all the modern Dai-Than, you are only Okthi if the Pale Ones declare it so and the hearts of your mothers fall silent and die.”

“Why are the Pale Ones silent then? Cam Elf-Na commits the most vile crimes against all Dai, he even sells Dai-Than into bondage and slavery. He tricks others into fighting an insurmountable foe.”

“A foe, your father decided to join, is that not so?”

“Yes my father made the decision to join the United Stars of the Galaxies and many followed. Our tribe is thriving. We have access to endless resources, no Union Dai ever faces hunger or must face a deadly disease without help. Yet we are still allowed to be warriors.”

“Sit down and share some Thill. Tell me about your Union and about your female captain. There is more to her, is that not true?

Har-Hi did not sit down.”My loyalty is first and foremost with her. I told you that at the beginning. Insist and we find out if Juth-Ni skills surpass those of a Do Assassin.”

“Sit down young warrior. I am not questioning your loyalty or reasons. I honestly wanted to know why? While we are far from your space, Dai travel far and there are those who come here. The Wisdom of the Fifth is not forbidden among the Dai. There are many tribes that roam these regions, as you may know, one of the secret passages to Thana Shoo is not all that far from here.”

Har-Hi nodded.”Yes, I know of its existence, but my tribe has never come to these regions or used this secret passage.”

The old man opened an ancient cooling cabinet and retrieved two black bottles of Thill beer and sat down in the traditional way crossing his feet and making the equally traditional gesture to invite a highly honored guest. Har-Hi could not ignore it and sat down the same way and took the offered bottle. “I follow her because she is my best friend. She will never be my mate, I have eyes for a Princess, but my devotion to my captain goes far beyond any traditional bonds.”

“The Mar-Do tribe has always respected women in a different way than most Dai. In the business of shadow killing, they are equal to men and in some cases even better. I know the Hi tribe is still insisting on the male warrior doctrine, but females are treated with great respect and are not the property of warriors as they are in so many other tribes.”

Har-Hi sipped on the weak beer. His taste for it had been ruined forever since he tasted Holstein Pilsner. He was also one of the very few who was privileged to taste Stahl’s Private Reserve from the Devi brewery, but he tried not to show it. “Many believe the Do tribe has taken the long way and left this galaxy.”

“This is partially true. After we were declared Okthi, the hearts of our mothers died and we were forced to move to smaller ships or to start planetary colonies. But the heart of one mother revived. It did not glow red as they all do, but it glowed blue and compelled this mother to travel beyond this star isle. Since none of the other hearts revived and no one knew what caused the change of colors or what destination it compelled the Do tribe to reach, the already small Do tribe split in two. A part of us followed Mar-Do, to what end no one who remained knows.”

He gestured towards the armor. “I once was the master of masters, a true Laro-Gy and the last one.”

Har-Hi could not help, but bow to a Dai declared Okthi, for a Laro-Gy was indeed the highest skill level of the no longer thaught martial art skills Dai once were so famous for. He stopped himself, taking another sip. “The Mar-Do tribe was declared Okthi, over a thousand years ago. The story is told more like a legend than anything else.”

“I survived over 1500 of Thana Shoo orbits, young Prince. I know this is longer than Dai-Than live, but that has a personal reason that is associated with me being here. They have told you that this is more than just a Wisdom Hall, but also the place of Corfic’s tomb.”

Har-Hi nodded. “Yes, it was mentioned.”

“Corfic is not a god, but he was an entity in powers and might comparable to the Narth.”

“What wisdom has he then for me? Cam Elf-Na is destroying what is Dai in the Universe. He must be stopped before too much has been lost.”

“You must abandon your female captain then, travel to Thana Shoo and become the Juth-Gy. No Dai since the mighty Tar Ta-Ta over two thousand years ago has ever climbed the seat of the Juth-Gy. All Dai, all Okthi, every Pale One will heed thy word.”

Shea too was met by a Wisdom keeper just behind the door she just had used. Her thoughts were still with Erica and she hoped she made the right decision. The Keeper said to her after bowing deeply.”Your coming here has been anticipated.”

This statement caught her completely of guard. “You must be mistaken. I am a traveler coming to this place from halfway across the galaxy. I have never been here before.”

“Oh, but your father has.”

“Rex Schwartz was here?”

“I do not know who that is, your father Luc has been here to visit the tomb of his slain brother.”

“My father? Rex Schwartz...” She stopped speaking and whispered. “I do not know my real father. He was a Skaath and I was born to a Skaath woman in the misery and filth of the hell that once was Sin 4.”

“Come with me, daughter of Luc. These are the Halls of Wisdom. They are for travelers and seekers. Come and see the shrine of Corfic.”

He walked next to her and while doing so guiding her through a maze of corridors and doors.

“I am Shea Schwartz, I am an orphan. My mother died being ripped apart by scavenger beasts.”

“Yet you carry the sword of Azural.”

“You know the being this sword belonged to?”

“No, Shea daughter of Luc I do not. I am but a servant. The Knight of Light that sword belonged to was slain by your father, but not without your help.”

They had reached an ancient open faced elevator, that gnarled and squealed as it descended with both of them inside. There were no controls or buttons, the thing simply started moving downwards after they had stepped in. She was in an emotional daze and unlike her normal self did not use her science scanner to record everything she saw. Her mouth was dry, she didn’t even recognize her own voice. “You know about that?”

“Luc told us about you.”

To the emotion of shock came one of anger that quickly grew. “If he is such a powerful entity why did he leave mother in such a terrible place and why did he leave me?”

“This I do not know, Shea. I can not speculate on his motivations, but there must be a reason for it.”

The elevator cabin descended in increasing speed, the elevator shaft was dark and carved directly out of the rock of the mountain.

The cool rushing air brushed her cheeks and she noticed her own tears. “I don’t care who he is. My father is Rex Schwartz. He has adopted me and been the father I never had. I am in love and I am engaged. I am a Union officer and a scientist. There can’t be any reason for a father leaving his wife and daughter on a place like Sin 4.”

The guide had to look up to her, as she was taller. “I can not answer this.”

The elevator slowed down and reached its destination.

“Is he dead too? Are you taking me to his grave?”

The guide motioned her to follow him into a bluish lit partially natural cave that had been enlarged.

Columns of heavy stone supported arches of masonry blending into the natural rock ceiling.

Stalagmites of considerable thickness and height, many merging with stalactites gave evidence of the great age of this cave. The bluish light came from within stalagmites that apparently were formed out of ice. It was cool down here, her breath condensed in curling clouds before her mouth and that of the Keeper.

“No, Shea. This is the tomb of Corflic, but Luc had been down here and instructed us to take you here if you ever came.”

“How did you identify me?”

“By the sword you carry. It resonated with an artifact given to us and told us the sword has come to this world.”

Both of them walked over a slick path of smooth but somewhat uneven rock that meandered between columns of rock and huge stalagmites. She could hear the gushing of water and as they followed the last curve of the winding path, they reached an even larger cavern. A massive structure of carved rock and what she assumed was selenite crystal. While she could not place the culture that designed it, there was little doubt of the purpose. This was a mausoleum, the resting place of something or someone dead.

Narth as always utterly curious about the physical universe felt no distress or deep concerns from Erica. She was a formidable individual, wore a live Seenian suit that was utterly dedicated to her safety. So after she urged him to go ahead, Narth did.

He too was greeted by a keeper and the individual said.”It is the greatest privilege to guide a Narth through these Halls. The last time a Narth has come to these halls was the time they were built.”

“I am the first Narth conceived by all that is Narth 1433 standard years or 1392 solar orbits of this world. The Narth Supreme has not shared this with me.”

“You are Narth, there is no doubt yet you use terms like ‘I’ and ‘me’.”

“It is indeed so, as I am Narth but also gifted with the Hugavh of a human and thus I am the sum of more than that is Narth but also than that is Eric.”

“I am as limited as all that exists on this plane to understand Narth. Yet you came here.”

“I like to see the map. I understand that it is a representation of the galaxy as it were during seenian supremacy and the place we seek is not singled out. However, Narth is gifted with perfect recollection and has access to tools that might aid us in the identification.”

“Then come, many thousand seekers have come, yet no Narth has seen the map. It did not exist when this hall was under construction.”

Moments later Narth found himself in the same map room as so many other seekers. Narth did not register the awe and the wonder of many as he lifted himself up and closer to the projection.

No Narth had ever seen it indeed, for he recognized that this was indeed a Seenian map. The Thalim nebula was not there, but the original five suns. Taking Narth prime as a reference he easily identified Sol, Pluribus, Sares and many other stars. Finding the five Seenian suns, the sender stars, and this world. The map unfolded before him and each point of light made sense. He dismissed the ones unimportant and then it hit him, he did find the planet Hidden Hill with ease, but he also found the location of five Seenian munition and tech depots. One of them was quite likely the location of the Inheritance. No need to seek the library or find the Anagoge, all they had to do was check out these five locations.

He slowly returned to the floor.

The guide said.”The number of stars appears to be even beyond Narth?”

“No, they are not. I found what I came to find.”

Swybin Swybar was near the end of his strength. For the first time in his life, he considered that it was his own choices that led him to this dead end. He had a good mind to take off and level that Wisdom Hall from the orbit. The others with him, Lia, Sandovahl and the Jooltar Basoro were as stunned as him.

Lia finally found words. “What are we going to do now? We will never find that library. The quest is over.”

“It was you who severed our ties with Black Velvet. She will see the map and the location of that cursed library are going to be revealed to her.” Basoro said.

“We follow her, overwhelm her and force that bitch to reveal it to us,” Lia said with clenched fists.

The Dragon shook his head. “We tried that before and each time we thought we had the advantage.

Sandovahl said. “There comes Crimson. He hasn’t been ejected like us. Let us hear what his plans are.”

Swybar greeted the big Oghr with a defeated tone in his voice.”It seems this is the end of our quest. The map is unreadable.”

“It was your arrogance and your childish behavior that made it so.” Crimson said.”This is a place where wisdom is cherished. I saw the map too and they revealed the location to me and I was given the key.”

That statement floored the rest. Sandovahl whispered. “They revealed it to you of all people?”

“What of the quest?” The Dragon asked.

“The quest is real and so is its destination. What can be gained is so vast and so many have looked for it before. What baffles me is the level of unprofessional moronic behavior you all display ever since we started this. I was skeptical from the beginning, Red Dragon. Your senseless stunt attacking a Union Outpost brought you nothing but problems. In your arrogance, you told pretty much every one of this quest and your Seenian equipment. Do you think the Puup was the only one joining you as a surrogate for a much bigger power?”

Crimson held up the cube.”The quest will continue and I will share the coordinates with you. It is only a step to find an entity that apparently knows the actual location. I gave you my word at the beginning and I might just be pirate scum to the universe, but I keep my word. But like Velvet I say, it is business only from now on and as favors go, we are even now.”

Swybar pressed his lips together, forcing himself not to respond in a heated way. He wanted to tell the Oghr how daring his attack on the Outpost was, but the old pirate was right. He did not gain anything but a hole in his ship.

“I will make it up to you, Crimson. I will share what I find with you.”

“You are the same old delusions dreaming Thauran you always been. At this point, it is I who decides if I share with you!”

The Oghr walked towards the Ascender.”And I will share the location with Black Velvet. I always keep my word.”

Shea was compelled to get closer and there behind a thick transparent slap of something with the appearance of bluish ice or a material similar, the form of a tall humanoid male in a suit of armor that had both anachronistic and very modern features. The frozen corpse wore a helmet that covered the face.

While she stared at the figure she asked. “My father, did he leave any kind of message for me?”

It was not the Keeper that answered; he had remained on the path behind her.

“My brother has left the path of the Sateer long before all our brotherhood became trapped. He has turned against us and the old pact.”

The voice was more than just acoustic; goosebumps covered her back as she asked. “Are you not dead?”

“I no longer dwell among the living. My essence is recorded in this crystal; it is I but a mere shadow of my true self. A shadow that will fade when new light shines on this grave.”

“Where is he? Why did he leave us on Sin 4?”

“Your father has many enemies and I do not know if he still exists. He came here to speak to me after I was slain and he vowed to hunt those who took my life, but he denounced our brotherhood exiled from reality once again.”

“He left us! Mother died of disease, hunger and was killed by mindless beasts. I found refuge among galactic whores and was rescued by a human. Should I ever meet him, I will return this sword, blade first.”

“You are a child of his and as much as I sense your kindred spirit, so will he if he still exists and I foresee you will meet him.”

“I am more than his child. I am a grown woman, a Union citizen, and a Union Fleet officer. What about the Seenian inheritance, can you tell me where to find it?”

“The Seenians ... oh yes. They were a thriving civilization until they too gained technology that was not their own. They did not have the wisdom or the foresight to use it to their benefit, but it destroyed them. You are already on the path that will lead to what they left behind, heed my warning child of Luc, what you find might not be to the advance of your society but will lead to its destruction.”

I did step through the revealed third doorway. Kilkam followed right behind.

The masked person wore similar garments as he did. A loose robe and sleeveless mantle. The robe was black as his, but the mantle of the same golden shade as the cowl of both masks. Despite the loose-fitting robe, there was a female underneath.

The deep and distorted voice became softer and clearly that of a woman. “Welcome to the Hall of Wisdom.”

“I do not feel welcome, to be honest. That creepy mask almost killed me and I have a feeling you both knew that this was indeed a possibility.”

Kilkam who was in the process of taking off his coat made a guilty face and said. “Indeed, the mask has killed everyone trying to wear it, since it became into our possession.”

“And now tell me the reason I should not kill you right here and now?”

“Because I was almost certain, it would not kill you. You wear a Tyron model Seenian suit and the system accepted you.”

“I am not going to kill you, Kilkam. But as far as trust goes you lost mine. You find yourself another ride off this planet. The almost certain part of your answer is the reason if you are curious.”

The masked woman said. “He acted on my instructions.”

“So if I shoot you right now and say I acted under someones instructions make it okay?”

“Captain Black Velvet, please come down and let us explain. I also want to introduce myself. I am known as the Anagoge but my name is Melissa Rockford. I am from a planet called Earth.”

This revelation did take me by surprise. “You are a Union citizen?”

“I do not know what this Union is. I was born on Earth, Texas USA in the year 2001. Abducted by Freons in 2018 and after a long odyssey I spend many years on the World of Old.”

She took off her mask and revealed a beautiful blonde human female.”I believe you are from Earth, is that so?”

“No, I am from a world called Nilfeheim. It was colonized by Norwegians, Swedes, Danes, and Germans from Earth in 2160.”

“What year is it now on Earth?”

“This is the year 5022, Old Terran Time.”

“Then I am 3,004 years away and meeting you makes me realize how much I still miss Earth. I am sure I won’t recognize it anymore.”

“I don’t know how your Earth looked when you left, or what has changed. I have never been to Earth myself, but my Helmsman is from Africa and that is on Earth too.”

I took off my mask as well, and said. “I have about a million questions. Chief among them are of course why you are here, why are you the Anagoge? Should you not be millions of years old? And why did you want to kill me?”

“There is more than one Anagoge, and it is a task and a role, not a name or a specific being. I took the mantle, mask and the task of one of those by the request of my mentor, the Exalted and Guardian of the World of Old. I did not want to kill you, I needed to test you. If you were like the others that came from that region of space we all call home, the mask would surely have killed you, but you are different, different than all those who came to seek the inheritance before.”

She pointed at the mask I was holding. “I think you are on a very different quest and path. When you end yours, the inheritance of any species even that of the Imperials mean nothing to you.”

“I keep running into people and entities like you ever since I knew how to walk. They keep telling me that I too will eventually become something bigger. I have news for you, I do not want to be and if I ever had anything to say about that, I would make sure there aren’t any entities left in this universe and leave us normal beings alone.”

“No one ever asked me if I wanted to be abducted from Earth and spend thousands of years far distant from my home that is my home no more. The Exalted taught me to accept my role.”

I still felt angry and manipulated and said. “And did you? You just told me how homesick you are.”

Her pretty face clouded with sadness. “I accepted it, no one ever asked me to like it.”

“So finding you, the Anagoge eliminates our need to go to that sealed library and maybe you can tell us where to find the inheritance.”

“I can not, the role of the Anagoge is that of a judge and in your case I am biased and it is not the location but the worthiness the Anagoge decides upon. Once the Anagoge thinks you are indeed worthy. You are brought before the Last Servant and it will give you access to the inheritance.”

“So what’s the deal with the mask and all that?”

“The mask incorporates pieces of a much older tech and civilization. What it will reveal to you exactly, no one knows as you are the first one since Koorinah the Mighty wearing it. Well, parts of it as the original Queen’s mask has been smashed.”

I sighed.”I have a crew that is longer in space than anyone should be, and I’d like to do get my next assignment or go to command school.”

“You are closer to the end than you think and I am biased but I know you have a very good chance to succeed. What will you do if you indeed the one?”

“That is a question I am asking myself a lot lately. I cross the road when I am there and actually know what I have found.”

I did see the map and they showed me the tomb of the dead brother Satheer. The mask was indeed much more than just a face cover. With it, I was able to manipulate the galaxy image, turn it rotate it and zoom in on stars and places.

At first, it did not seem to reveal that library but Tyron whispered. “Ask in Seenian.”

“I don’t speak Seenian.”

Tyron asked me to repeat words and indeed Stars zoomed in and revealed the planets spinning around them.

“Ask in Seenian to show me my current location and then the planet in question.”

I repeated Tyron’s words and there was a glowing path from one-star system to another.

I frowned and realized that it still meant nothing to me. Tyron actually sounded amused and almost like SHIP. “Don’t worry, Captain. I copied the map systems information and share it with SHIP. She will have no problem giving Krabb ... I mean Lt. Krabbel the necessary coordinates.”

“I have to say the same about you as I said about Sobody. “I would not want to miss you for sure.”

“I am your suit till I am switched off for the last time.”

“You can be switched off?”

“Yes, Captain and I will show you how.”

“I don’t want to know that.”

As I was done looking at the map, I also noticed that the Terran female had disappeared and so had Kilkam.

It took the help of a Wisdom Keeper who showed me the exit. Night has come to Prostradoris and the plaza was almost deserted, except for three beings waiting at the entrance of the Ascender station. Shea, Har-Hi, and Narth.

Har-Hi said. “Is that you under that spooky mask? I am sure I recognize the suit and the murder heels, but just making sure.”

I grinned and took it off. “I am wearing these freaking things so long I didn’t even realize.”

Shea said. “I know where the library is to be found.”

Narth said.”I know where they all are. Every Seenian planet and base.”

Har-Hi said. “And I was told to abandon you to save the Dai Than. While this is my most painful thorn. There is nothing in this or any other universe that makes me sell out on you Captain.”

“And I will give a jumping Fangsnappers behind what we are supposed to do. We find that blasted library and then we go and stop Cam Elf-Na.”

“How?” Shea asked.

“I don’t know my love but we find a way. I already found the biggest treasure in the universe ... all of you.

Shea started crying and hugged me. “I learned who my real father is, but I too give a hoot. She embraced Har-Hi, and the Dai put his arm around Narth’s and my shoulder.

I said. “Screw all those holier than thou entities, cosmic mysteries and what not. Let’s give the crew some well-deserved shore leave and we go to our den and have a good dinner.”

Har-Hi said. “Uhm there is a little detail I forgot to mention. Can we take another Dai along?”

== Chapter 17: Hidden Hill ==

I was with Sobody and Warner in our Den trying to find a prominent spot for my latest souvenir, the creepy golden mask, when Narth came in. “Captain, I am certain we have the locations of all Seenian worlds and depots. I correlated my memorized visuals with the data copy of Tyron and SHIP created a set of time adjusted Nav targets.”

“We still need to follow the pirates and take them out. I was also told that finding the inheritance does not mean you can access it unless you have been judged by the Anagoge.”

“I must say this is a favorable answer.”

I pulled the mask over a head-form, Warner had fabricated. “Do you favor my answer? That is a strange response indeed.”

“It is not so and reflects the sentiment of 96 percent of your crew.”

Specialist Warner who had climbed to the fourth tier of this souvenir shelf. “I think it is more like a hundred percent, but maybe Lt. Narth is calculating Holdians and perhaps Mini Terrans differently.”

“No, Mr. Warner. I assigned a value of one to all sentients, I can read and a value of zero to those I can not or who have a different opinion. The ninety-six percentage is Holdian inclusive.”

I stepped down from the chair I had used to reach the upper shelf tier and said. “I still have no idea what are you saying. Why would my answer is seen in a positive way?”

Warner explained. “If we find the inheritance and eliminated the pirates, we are all bound to return to Richter. Some going to be re-assigned. Your captain will go to command school or perhaps serve as an XO on a different ship so they can make your acting rank real. It means the end of the Tigershark crew as it is now.”

Narth actually nodded.”96 percent of our crew hopes we go on for a long time till that happens.”

“Paint me an Ult, and I thought most of the guys want to go home and have a nice vacation or something.” But I realized he was right. “I was only an acting captain after all and completing our mission meant, I reverted to be a lieutenant like the others. This was what McElligott said when he made me acting captain. I didn’t even think about all this until now. The USS Tigershark was a prototype and might be decommissioned or receive a new captain. The need for an unknown captain and crew was becoming obsolete once the Red Dragon was slain.

I tried to suppress a sigh and said. “Let us cross that bridge when it comes to being crossed. The Dragon is still there and we have not taken possession of the Seenian depot. I am very glad however that my crew is in good spirits.”

I looked at the mask for a moment and then said. “SHIP, seal that information in a special file and put in your most secure spot. Then erase all other files that mention the locations of these Seenian places.”

“I am storing it in the NNNTH interface.No one but you and I can access it.”

Sobody who had not said a word also looked at the shelf that held some of the souvenirs and artifacts we collected so far. “You might be young in years Captain, but you are very wise indeed.”

“You know why I decided to do so?”

“Yes, Captain. Those minds who decided to seal what they found on Arsenal III had the same concerns. Someone might decide to use the Seenian inheritance to accelerate Union technology and use it to expand it by military means. Some groups might decide it is time for a single ruler.”

Our conversation was interrupted by Har-Hi stepping into the Den, carrying a big steel banded box and followed by a tall dignified and old looking Dai.

My Dai XO wrestled the obviously heavy case onto our big table and said. “Captain, please let me introduce you to Kai-Do, he is Okthi but I find honor in him. He is the last of the Do tribe as far as he knows.”

Har-Hi crossed his arms before his chest and gave the old man an honor greeting. “He is also a Laro-Gy.”

I repeated the Dai gesture of respect and said. “My friend has invited you, so let me add my welcome.”

“I am the one honored, Captain Velvet. Prince Hi has told me much about this ship and you, he asked my vows to keep all secrets I am exposed to.”

“Master of Masters, welcoming a Dai that has the right to carry the Gy is the rarest of privileges and if Har-Hi trusts you and decided to expose you to our true nature, then so will I.”

The old Dai glanced at Har-Hi. “She speaks perfect Dai and knows much about us.”

Har-Hi said with a proud voice.”She is my best friend and ever since we are friends, she eagerly learns about Dai-Than.”

Kai-Do crossed his arms. “I am presenting myself as a conscript and desire to be more than a passenger. Prince Hi refused to go to Thana Shoo and ursup the evil that spreads from the hand of Cam Elf-Na and spoke of bonds that are deeper than everything. I was skeptical inside and asked him to grant me passage on your ship, so I may see this Union and speak with Tar Ka-Hi. Now meeting you, I sense the bond that exists between you and the prince. I am skeptical no more.

“It might be a while till we return to Union space, Master Do. I am also not sure when we are going to Thana Shoo and tackle the Elf-Na issue, but we will.”

“I have no doubts.”

“Har-Hi why don’t you show our newest addition to appropriate quarters and make sure Master Do is aware what it means to be conscripted. He will be honored and a welcome guest if he chooses not to.”

Har-Hi nodded and was about to take the big trunk when the old man said. “Not this one, Prince. It contains my gift to the captain.” To me he said. “If time permits, I like to see your blade skills and then I want you to have what is inside that trunk.”

I had given most of my crew shore leave. I told them to stay in groups. Warned Cirruit from buying any souvenirs that might be alive and decided to trust them, not to cause trouble.

This was an orderly world, but also the center of a sizeable space traveling society. The planet offered the usual recreation options but also mountains, oceans, forests and beaches and most of all open skies.

It gave me a sense of delight seeing Ensign Orkis spreading his wings and soar into the sky. He promised to fly to the port complex to be scanned and cleared before he explored the beautiful vista of this world.

It was then when I was contacted by Crimson. He told me about his experience inside the Wisdom Hall and that he knew where the library was and that he had the key for it as well.

He then said. “Captain Velvet, I am taking the lead and you are welcome to tag along. Neither the Dragon nor the Bassett woman speaks for all of us.”

“But she seems to express the sentiment of the majority.”

“I am not begging or asking anything. Either you decide to come along and I honor my word or you go where ever you want. I am sure you did not leave the Hall of Wisdom empty handed, you know where the library is just as I do.”

“Alright, Crimson we will follow you to the library and see what develops. When do we leave?”

“The locals holding court over Captain Carrhrh and decide upon his fate tomorrow. Captain Lemakr is still in a hospital, they say he not only lost his arm but also his mind. I will go there this afternoon and see about him, he is a crook but he is part of us and I think I owe him that.”

The Oghr shrugged and added.”After we know what will happen to them and their crews, I guess we can go.”

“Alright, I’ll stick around for a bit.”

Mao said.”For a pirate and criminal, he seems to have a decent streak and holds to a code of honor.”

Shaka sitting relaxed behind his console agreed.”I think he is the only real pirate of the group anyway. The others are just crooks. They say he is in that business for over forty years.”

Hans standing by his security console said. “He is wanted for piracy alright, but he doesn’t do slave raids or kill for fun.”

I got up.”Guys we have at least two days on the first decent planet. Find rotations and enjoy a little time under an open sky. I’ll take a break and take the Con for the next shift.”

The day passed without incidents. I could not be prouder than about the report of Har-Hi. Our crew was rotating through shore leave without a single incident and they all returned right on time.

I had written my daily log and for the first time left out some details. I was not even sure why I did it, but the closer we got to that inheritance the more I felt unsure as to what to do when we found it.

Crimson called again telling me about his hospital visit. “Lemakr was stable in physical terms, but he claimed to have seen a Goddess. He is abandoning the quest and wants to return to Togr and join some sort of reformation movement, revolving around someone with a white fur. Not that it made any sense to me. However, he’s out, no need to wait for him.”

I knew of course what Lemakr was talking about, he had seen Jolaj. What the deal was with that reformation movement, I did not know but I figured it was also related to the Queen’s conduct regarding Jolaj.

I was about to slip out of my robe to go to bed and sleep a little when SHIP announced a visitor, Shea was outside my door.

Of course, I let her in and said. “You don’t have to use the chime, love. We are both out of uniform and we are more than friends. We are right?”

She rushed into my arms.”Of course, we are. I just needed to be held, I had a very emotional day yesterday with that dead brother telling me about my real father. It made me so mad, hearing that he is some sort of ancient demigod and still found it appropriate to leave my mother and me on Sin 4.”

“I never understood or forgiven my father Isegrim for murdering my mother. To this day I am wondering if I made the right decision to let him live. I could not even kill my stepmother when I had a chance. I have no words for you that make it easier, but I found a new family and all the bliss in your arms.”

She nuzzled against my cheek and sighed deeply. I could smell her wonderful scent and feel her warm body underneath her velvet suit.

It did not take long and we found ourselves in my bed and from hugs and kisses it led to much more. Exhausted, deeply satisfied and stimulated to the tips of my nerves I caressed her thick soft tresses as her head rested upon my chest.

She looked up and whispered.”You are no longer confused about it all, right?”

“More than ever in some regards, not during the day or so but loving you makes me wonder and question it all. Not as much as it has.”

“I am happy just the way it is.

“You could move in with me you know. There is enough room in my quarters and there are no official regulations prohibiting it.”

“But there are many unwritten ones and maybe as a captain, you need your solitude once in a while.”

“Tell me one regulation written or unwritten we haven’t bent to their maximum or right out ignored. Now it was only a suggestion of course. If I want solitude I find that in my office.”

“He is some sort of entity, my father that is.” She told me everything she experienced at the grave of her father’s brother and then she said.”Maybe I am some sort of non-human creature as well.”

“You are an angel to me, girl. I told you all about that strange journey I am supposed to be on and it scared the living daylight out of me. It does no longer, I am who and what I am and I give a hoot about what others want me to be, including whatever is inside me. I am not going to change or submit to be a plaything of other forces. Our journey has taught me a few things, my love. Chief is the realization that I am indeed not alone. That whatever we face, whatever I face there is something that can be done about it.”

She softly caressed my chest. “That is good advice and I hoped for a little while now, that you ask me to move in.”

“You should also talk to Narth. Through him, you can access the wisdom of the Narth Supreme. Of all the entities I met, the Narth Supreme is the one I trust most. Maybe he has answers or advice for you as well.”

“I will.”

“Now should we get some breakfast or resume our earlier activities. You touching my boobs for some reason makes me hungry as hell, but not for food.”

Her thoughtful face was suddenly graced with an elfish grin. “You’re not hungry but horny and I think we can skip breakfast for lunch...” Her voice trailed off as she kissed me while her hands...

Narth and Cirruit had taken the opportunity to take shore leave. Narth of course because he was infinitely curious about the physical universe and was eager to experience more of the Porsthir civilization and why Cirruit wanted to go was no secret to anyone aboard the Tigershark, despite him insisting on just going along with Narth for the sights. That he carried a substantial amount of Polo coins and Iridium chips was simply a coincidence.

Neither one had the slightest problem clearing the port controls. There was nothing alive in or on the X101 and of course, there were none on the Narth.

As they emerged from the controls. Narth pointed out a glowing sign and said. “Your first visit should be that establishment.”

“Why? I don’t even know what they selling. I was just thinking I could risk a look over there. That spaceport business seems to sell souvenirs.”

“Because they are selling the local currency in exchange for other valuables, such as that vast quantity of coins you carry and the additional funds you asked me to place in my subspace pocket.”

“Now I know why the captain always picks you to come with her. You are a good resource to have as a friend.”

“I think there are other parameters the Captain uses to pick those who accompany her, but this Narth is glad you think of me as a good resource.”

The Centmac’s eyes glowed a little brighter. “I know you can’t really read me, but I hope you know how I meant it.”

“I don’t read any of my friends, I trust them. I trust you, Cirruit. Besides you have skills that make you a good resource to have around as well.”

The Narth added. “However, you should not trust the money exchanger. Our Iridium coins are much more valuable than he will make us believe.”

“That is why I brought a secret weapon, Narth.”

He turned and pointed at a Holdian that just came through the airlock door that separated the landing field facilities and the hygiene inspection station from the rest of the concourse. Warner shook his small fist. “Those overgrown mutts insisting on scanning me twice. I deal with machinery and not with biologicals and I am on top of my species grooming habits.”

“Yet you insist on eating fermented Ornti Chew Leaves whenever you can. I bet a hundred credits it was a bag of that stuff that set their scanners off.” Cirruit said managing to modulate his artificial voice with a friendly mocking tone.

“Keep your money. I am not betting with my boss who is in cahoots with a Narth. He probably heard the inspectors.”

“I am also in cahoots with you, Specialist Warner as I convinced the inspector to let you keep those Leaves. I have however not mentioned anything to Cirruit.”

“That explains his sudden change of mind and completely forgetting about them. I would have hated to give them up. None came aboard while we met the Devi and it might be a long time until we see Union stores.”

“This is because you forgot to buy them while you were at the Devi village, too busy flirting with that Holdian beauty.” Cirruit kept mocking his friend.

Narth asked. “Do you resent this long deployment? We might not be home anytime soon.”

“Resent being aboard the Tigershark, me? Narth didn’t you hear what I explained to the Captain. I rather chew on nothing than missing one minute. I’d fly with her to the end of time.”

Cirruit stopped Narth from correcting the Holdian. “If you start with your lectures on temporal and spatial conditions, we will stand here till that mentioned end for certain.” To the sentient rodent, he said. “There is a money changer, can you help us get a good rate?”

The Porthir money changer cursed after the transaction was done. “Whatever species you are, little one. You’d give a Golden a run for his money.”

Cirruit took the sizeable stack of Porthir money which was in elongated strips of woven gold pads of different sizes and values. “He is hanging out day and night with one and I knew he had to pick up some of the skills.”

The Holdian was visibly proud. “Sobody will be very pleased if I managed to learn a little of him.”

True to his word, Cirruit went straight to the souvenir dealer. Narth and Warner remained outside as they noticed a group of Tigershark crew apparently returning from their shore leave. Ak Fective was with them and so were two Pertharian marines in pirate disguise of course. Directed them to the best shopping district and recommended to get there with an underground tram that was free of charge to use.

While they were talking to their crewmates, Cirruit came back out of the store and held up a metal disc. “Ten local money credits, a genuine Token.”

Ak Fective made a gnarling sound. “Maybe there is a store where they sell the location of the depot.”

That caused laughter and Fective said. “It looks like they saving the Union the cost of an execution too. Every local I talked to thinks Captain Carrhrh will be executed.”

While Fective and the other crew members went back to the ship

The three beings, one a rodent, one a Sentmac and one a real Narth who were more than just comrades, leisurely left the spaceport concourse.

But before they could use a declining transport belt to get to those trams, a familiar person stepped into their way, it was Kilkam.

Narth said even before the old man could speak. “You toyed with the life of my best friend and my captain. Did you come to find out that I am indeed Narth and that your psionic talents are inadequate?”

Warner dropped his right paw on his blaster. “Don’t worry about the littering. I burn you to atomic ashes, traitor.”

“The Captain said we need to stay out of trouble and we will, but if you ever step in our way again. I show you what nanites can do to a living being.”

Kilkam raised his hands. “I know how protective you are about your Captain. I came to apologize and explain, I know she will listen to you.”

“I fail to see the reason, why I should advocate on your behalf. Would your actions caused her harm, you could not find a place to hide from my anger.”

“The mask I have given her is a priceless artifact with the potential to find the other cache. There is more to this quest and to the inheritance. She might have hesitated; we needed to know if she is the right one. I must talk to her.”

“Then go ask her yourself. She is the Captain and no one but her has the authority to grant you what you request.”

I actually wasn’t surprised about the call Elfi received. It was the former Keeper Kilkam who tried to get in touch.

That he played his games was no longer a mystery to me. That wearing his mask put me in mortal danger was a fact I did not forget, but he was an important figure in this quest and I felt I had to hear what he wanted to say.

Elfi established the connection after I agreed to speak to him.

“Alright, Kilkam. You are a central figure in all of this and I am sure you have more to share, but don’t think I will trust you again. That boat left the harbor.”

“Captain Velvet, I apologize for all it is worth, but like you, I have a mission that takes precedence and the consequences of me failing mine will change the course of history and shift the balance of powers.”

“I don’t dismiss these concerns and notions, Kilkam. That a successful completion of our quest and my mission has wide-reaching consequences lay heavy on me. I have no issue with your mission but I despise dishonesty. I have beings in this crew that in power and might are beyond me by magnitudes and yet I trust each of them. If you want to test me. Say so, and I decide if I want to be tested or if the price is too high. I then walk away and you find another subject.”

“I understand. I indeed hold information to this cosmic puzzle and completing this one is but a facet of a much bigger one. You must be warned and made aware of this.”

“So why not making me aware of the danger that mask presented?”

“You might decline to wear it and walk away. The chance that the mask kills you was indeed there, it has killed many times before, but the chance that you are able to wear it and use it was greater. We did not want to wait thousands of years more in the hope a new wearer might come.”

“To be very honest, Kilkam. Words don’t cut it at this point. I will take you aboard, simply because I don’t want to leave anyone behind who knows so much about us. You and that Melissa can come aboard and the first chance we get to send you Union side we take.”

He nodded. “I understand.”

“And three more,” Har-Hi said as we all settled in our respective stations on the bridge.

“You added one,” I responded.

“Just saying we should be glad the admirals gave us a big enough ship.”

“That is fortunate indeed, Mr. Hi. Now if you have the courtesy to take us out, I will be much obliged.”

“Aye Captain.”

To Elfi he said. “You notified the Porsthir of our wish to depart?”

“Indeed, Sir. I am receiving takeoff instructions right now.”

Shaka raised his hand. “And I am getting them right now. Straightforward stuff, including speed limit warnings for each layer of the atmosphere.”

“It is a nice world so let us keep it that way,” I answered and Har-Hi gave the necessary commands to get us space born.

Mao said. “It is a beautiful planet alright, but those canines are just a little too fond of laws and regulations.”

Sobody nodded. “I am sure Captain Carrhrh had thoughts along this line when they sentenced him.”

Hans agreed with that. “I am certain as well, but I bet Lemakr will not be too unhappy, he is going to get half the proceeds when they auction off the Celestial Nightmare.”

I swiveled my seat so I could see Hans. “Not that I want to see it again, but we do have a record of Carrhrh’s execution?”

Mao answered instead. “Yep, we sure do. I kept a copy for me. They zapped him with some serious voltage, not much remained but a charred...”

“Mao!” Shea complained.

I let them banter until we reached orbit. “Krabbel you do have the coordinates, just in case Crimson changes his mind?”

“Yes, Captain and he and the others are already here. Crimson sent us the real coordinates as well.”

“Alright, Mr. Ndebele follow that gaggle of crooks. How long to Hidden Hill?”

Krabbel said. “Six days if we don’t make any stops.”

“Let’s hope we don’t.”

Har-Hi and the old Dai found themselves in the original crew lounge of the Tigershark, which was located just above the nose cone. It was a spacious room with comfortable seats, tables, and serv matics. Most of the recreation equipment, however, had been removed. It was relocated into the Den. Except for the Virtu booths and two multi-entertainment tables that now were used for serious strategy games where silence and quietness were preferred.

Even the bar had been dismantled and was now on the starboard wall of the Den.

Har-Hi had decided to take the Laro-Gy to this place after he had given him a tour of the Tigershark without revealing classified equipment. He wanted to talk to the man without too many distractions.

They ran into Ak Pure, the lead of the Marine detachment. The Attikan was coming out as they went in.

While Har-Hi wasn’t as close to Ak Pure as Erica, who shared first year academy time with Pure, he still considered the quiet Attikan a very good friend. He was, like all Union marines also an expert in many weapons and combat techniques.

Har-Hi said in a friendly tone. “You don’t have to vacate the lounge because of us.”

“Oh no, Sir. I am rushing to get Fective. SHIP just told me that the Captain is doing her exercises and there isn’t anything we rather watch.”

“Oh, she is? Swords?”

“She is sparring with TheOther, teaching him some Aikido I think. I doubt anyone can match her martial arts.”

Har-Hi let the Attikan go and said to the old Dai. “This is a perfect opportunity for you to see one of the reasons I follow her. A small reason no doubt but seeing it might explain more than words.”

Kai-Do simply followed the tall Dai and Har-Hi asked SHIP to establish a field screen showing the Captain training in the Dojo.

The old master said. “If I recall your introductions correctly, isn’t TheOther a genuine Y’All?

“Indeed and the Captain bested two of them in hand to hand combat.”

The field screen came to life and just in time to show a huge Y’All being tossed into the wall. The captain was wearing a black hakama and what she called Gi, a white loose-fitting jacket and had her blonde hair in braids and tied to her back. She was sweating but smiled as TheOther got up and she explained her move and how it was possible for her to do so. “It’s physics. I am using your own mass and momentum and add to it at the most appropriate moment. Once a being of your bulk and weight realizes that I have no chance. Besides Aikido is a martial art and not a good technique for self-defense in general. But aspects of it can be applied in situations like this.”

Kai-Do blinked. “Did she just toss that giant? I was even thinking you might exaggerate, not that I would question the honor of a Juth-Ni, is she not human?”

“She is a Neo Viking, born and raised to a very warrior ethos focused society. When Erica fights she is very good and perhaps on my level, but when she reaches a certain point and a very special dark anger takes over, she is raised to another level altogether and I do not know anyone who could best her then.”

“A female Juth-Ni?”

“No, Kai-Do. A Hynh-Gy, channeling the very spirits of the Universe and in her case a very dark one.”

“Hynh-Gy are mythical and legend only...” Kai-Do’s voice trailed off. “I want to spar with her.”

“I was afraid you’d say that.”

Har-Hi came through the door of our gym with the old Dai in his wake. I hadn’t talked to the other Dai very much so far.

TheOther was engaged in a series of exercises, I had modified to his physique. Jolaj, Alice, and Calara Roghor were also engaged in their Karate exercises. They were doing fine and made great progress.

I smiled at my first officer. “Showing your friend around?”

“I have done so, yes. Kai-Do wants to challenge you in an exercise fight. Please let him live.”

“I don’t think I could last a minute against a Laro-Gy.”

The old man said.”The prince lauded your skills and it is such a long time, I had a truly gifted opponent. The Wisdom Keepers are a very accommodating community, but except for the Black Guard not a single fighter among them.”

I sighed and kept smiling. “Just keep the bruises to a minimum, sir.”

“My skills with swords are different to those of a Juth-Ni. We do not cross blades or practice defensive techniques.”

“Why don’t you show me instead, I will understand it easier.”

He pointed to the single sword he carried. “I have exchanged my blade with a training version.”

Kai-Do attacked and he was indeed a great master. His attack was not meant to maim, deflect my blade or gain any other outcome than my death. As much as this was an advantage in speed, it lacked and thus ignored the aspects of defense. In an unexpected situation, his method would have been successful, but not here in a Dojo where I expected his attack.

No matter the skill and the technique of an opponent, if the attack was expected there were only so many ways to do it. I decided not to hold back, mostly in order to validate Har-Hi. I parried his first attacks with relative ease, using sword moves I learned from Har-Hi. At the fourth attack, I did not deflect or intercept his blade but dropped to my knees while bending backward, evading his straight thrust and putting the tip of my training sword just above his groin.

He stepped back.”This was not Dai.”

“No it was Saresii, I have the great fortune to learn from more than one master and more than one culture.”

“Let me be yours, the old Dai arts have not been taught for so long. There is no tradition that bars a female to become Laro-Gy.”

Melissa sat in the luxurious quarters provided for her. Meeting Erica made her realize that she was still homesick and that three thousand years of commitment was enough. She had done her part waiting for seekers able to pass the first hurdles, none ever came close.

Now seekers from her own society and culture had come and she was certain they would succeed. She put down the office of Anagoge and abandoned her task. A task she was certain was becoming obsolete after the inheritance was found.

This ship would eventually return to where it came from and she had but one goal, to go home to Earth.

Ever since she came aboard she devoured virtus about Earth and learned that the busy, overpopulated cradle of humanity had become a quiet world.

Her throat became tight and dry while tears moistened her cheeks as she watched virtus of the North America region. Nature had been restored in most places. Agriculture was still practiced, but no longer to feed billions. She has seen so many worlds, but none not a single one could match the beauty and splendor of Earth.

Melissa once known as Melissa Rockford was on her way home.

Kilkam had quietly entered her quarters and had waited for her to get out of Virtu.

As she did she said to him. “Why have I not gone home before? All those cosmic conditions and tasks have no reward. In return for immortality, you receive loneliness. In moments like this, I think it is not worth it. I rather lived a short life, experience love and being loved.”

“You are really going home?”

“Yes Kilkam, there is nothing you Elders can do or say to convince me otherwise. I have done my part, served the Exalted, the purpose and never wavered. Now I do. I am supposed to be a goddess, the daughter of RA. I met RA and the other Elders, I met you. In all those millennia I have never ceased to be Melissa from Rockford, Texas.”

“I am not trying to stop you, Melissa. You deserve to return to where you feel home, but whatever you remember will no longer be there. You can return to Earth, but not return from where you came from. That location is lost in time.”

“I know that, Kilkam. I knew that when the Sarans rescued us from the Freons. I knew that when I stopped roaming with Sigurd and joined Aaron at the World of Old. I realized it again watching Virtus from Earth but it is still home. Look at that planet, this is Earth. There is not a world like it in all the heavens.”

“I came to talk to you about the inheritance and about Captain Olafson in particular.”

She swiveled the comfortable lounge chair she was sitting in all the way around so she faced the old man. “Of course, you will leave them in the dark about your true identity and function. I think my Sigurd is a distant relative of this Olafson, but I know there is so much more to this one.”

“No, I won’t tell them that I was chosen by the Voice of the Rule to become an Elder of the Universe, although I am sure the Narth suspects something.”

He sat down too and continued.”I am quite serious of becoming a Union Citizen by the way. The Narth Supreme is and I learned so is Eduk, both are Elders as well.”

“But there is more, is there?”

“Yes, I am certain this is the age of the decision and there are forces and entities that try to prevent it or shape this ultimate event to their advantage.”

“You think it will happen in this galaxy?”

“She wears the Ring. I felt the presence when I met her first. I think there is a second one right here on this ship.”

Melissa had been too long the guardian of ancient knowledge to dismiss the old man’s notions. “The Tokens have been spread around the universe. Could it not be a coincidence she has two? Also, she is female. Would the reincarnation not seek a male vessel?”

“To have two tokens united in one person?” The Elder sighed. “I do not know enough, I doubt there are many even among the most potent entities who will truly know the answer to that or your other question. The old Dark One has been injured or slain and entered some pact or agreement with the One behind it all, who really knows what this pact entails.”

“You really believe in the existence of such omnipotent entities?”

“I was a simple being and was called before the Voice of the Rule and made a Guardian of the Universe. I have met entities and they all know of the Dark One and they all speak of higher powers. So yes I think I do.”

“So this Olafson plays a significant role in all of this, I felt it and this is why the Mask recognized her.”

“I have no doubt Erica Olafson is a key part in all of this.”

“This is Hidden Hill?” I asked with some disbelieve in my voice.

Krabbel raised his first leg pair. “This is the planet at the coordinates given, Captain.”

The world revealed by our sensors was an ice planet and if the temperature calculations were correct, the warmest day on Hidden Hill would be colder than the coldest region on Nilfeheim during Longnight, by magnitudes.

The local sun was too distant to have ever been warm enough to make this place warm enough for carbon life.

Shea said.”I am sure it is the right planet, I am registering faint artificial energies underneath the surface and there are several artificial constructs in orbit. I think they are collection mirrors or microwave transfer satellites, long dead as it appears.”

“Call our guests to the bridge, please. I am sure they know how to proceed.”

It didn’t take long and both Kilkam and that woman claiming to be from Earth answered to SHIP’s summons.

They both stared at the tele image of the sixth planet of this system.

I got up and said. “Welcome to the bridge of my ship. I know you both are primarily passengers but since you hitching a ride so to speak and you are both pivotal to this quest. Is there anything you can share about this place?”

Melissa said. “I am or more precise I was an Anagoge, chosen to act as a judge. The library is not Seenian. It was created by a group of Orlans, a society believing Corflic is a god. The library was ancient before the Seenians discovered fire.”

“Then why is there information to be found that leads to the Seenian inheritance?” I asked.

Kilkam answered. “This library was discovered by Seenian explorers about a decade before the big war ended. The Seenian inheritance was collected and sealed by a group of survivors, after the big war that destroyed almost everything that was Seenian and needed a safe place. This library was chosen.”

“And all there is for us to find are directions to another, hopefully, unbiased Anagog that reveals us to that Last Servant?”

Shea said. “Captain, if this is such an ancient library. It might contain answers and perhaps knowledge that is as important as that of the Seenian inheritance.”

Melissa smiled. “Now you know why we wanted you to come here anyway. You found an Anagoge and while I can not be your judge, I can guide you to one that can.”

Har-Hi as usually standing there with crossed arms.”So you are Melissa Rockford from Earth. That I have no problem believing, but who appointed you to be the Anagoge and why?”

“There were thirty of us, originally. Abducted by the Freons for our psionic powers. They used an old Saresii device to locate us...” She paused. “Ah but that is not important and not part of the answer you seek. The Sarans rescued us, but could not return us due to political reasons of that time. Anyhow we, we the the thirty teenagers had to grow up very fast, much happened and eventually, I ended up as a pupil and apprentice of the Exalted.”

She paused again, apparently the subject stirred memories and strong emotions. “As said so many times before, the inheritance has the potential to shift power and more so open venues and paths to even more potent and dangerous things old civilizations left behind.

The Exalted asked me to become one of the Anagoges. The World of Old seems to be forgotten, but it once was seen as a place of education and wisdom. A place that trains descended individual societies.”

“I accepted and exiled myself so to speak.”

Narth said.”We knew of the Exalted and the World of Old and so do many. It was the Y’All who attacked and destroyed the World of Old. It was the Y’All who killed the Exalted, they did so being secretly controlled by the Kermac, using a device known as ‘The Caller’.”

She pressed her lips together.”I know the World of Old had fallen silent for a long time, and I was equally certain that my beloved mentor lost his life, but the long and deep education regarding galactic history and the consequences of advanced technology and knowledge, discovered by those who did not reach that level of development on their own.”

Her long explanation was interrupted by Elfi. “Crimson is hailing everyone.”

“Put him on.”

“Crimson here. This is the world Hidden Hill. Somewhere down there is that sealed library. Our sensors picked up some energy down there and I bet my left tusk that this is where that library is. So let’s land, get that info and find that Anagoge. I am getting restless and so is my crew.”

All ships landed on the bitter cold surface of that old planet. The local sun was just a very bright star that cast everything in a stark cold light. There were rock formations that looked like needle-sharp teeth breaking through the permafrozen landscape of ice.

“That should be cold enough for you,” Har-Hi commented as our main viewer rose into the ceiling and revealed the planet’s landscape through our forward viewport.

I gave him a smirk.”You should be used to that kind of cold. Isn’t space even colder?”

“Dai ships are perfectly warm inside.”

Both Kilkam and Melissa were still present and Kilkam said.”This place is not without dangers. The ancients that build it left guardians behind. I have never been here myself so I can not tell you the nature of these guardians. We should be fine but I still want to warn you before we enter the caves.”

Melissa added.”I have not been here myself, but the holder of the key should be safe and those with him. Besides the guardians might be dead or no longer active after all those millennia.

Shea said.”There is energy down there, nothing very strong or multidimensional in nature, but not everything is dead.”

“We came here to get that info and maybe claim this place for the Union, so we deal with those guardians when we run across them. How many can I take along?” I directed that question to our guests.

Kilkam raised his shoulders.”I honestly don’t know.

“TheOther, Hans, Xon, Dusty, Three-Four, Har-Hi, Narth, and two Pertharian marines. I think with my big friends, a Dai Prince and a Narth we will be able to negotiate something with whatever guardians there might be.”

“Don’t forget me.” Tyron said.”Please let me help to protect you.”

“Alright and Shea please come along as well. If brawn won’t do the trick, brain might.”

== Chapter 18: The Cache ==

I had been in deep space before and knew how cold space was. Yet standing here on that frozen plane with these bizarre tooth or needle-shaped rock formations, with a bright star just over the horizon giving it all a bluish shine, made it look colder than anything I had seen before and I came off a very cold world myself.

Not that I felt any of it, I wore a disguised Atas battle suit, made to look like a piece of undefinable alien hardware and I also wore Tyron Suit. While he assured me I would need nothing else, he understood the necessity of disguising and hiding assets.

There was actually a sizeable crowd assembled on an ice covered field just before a rugged mountain. The ships about two klicks behind us.

Red Dragon clearly stood out, wearing a genuine Quasimodo. I was glad he got the standard Navy issue and not the Marine corps version complete with Translocator cannon.

Ak Pure explained that the TL canon was only equipped and issued by special permission request to Marine units. While Navy Units could be equipped with the same weapons, the requestor must have TL clearance and file a request reason. Something even a Logistics admiral could not fake.

The rest had suits from a mix of sources.

Lia pointed to a small spaceship that was now visible, it was sitting on his landing gear partially hidden by the stark rock formations. “Isn’t that the Mahgline?”

“That Wutohf bastard must have made it just ahead of us.” The Thauran said. “I did not come that far to be conned out of the prize by a two-bit bioform dealer.” He waved his crew to follow.

We did not have to go far to find Lormoog. The way he was found however was more than alarming. The Wutohf was dead. He could not have been here more than a few hours before us, yet he looked like as if he had been here for millennia.

His protective helmet shattered and the Bioform dealer frozen solid on the spot.

Sandovahl was the first who pulled his weapon while looking around. “Who or what killed that bastard?”

Krabbel, Cirruit, Warner and Shaka had reached the ancient satellite construct in a geostationary orbit around Hidden Hill.

Cirruit looked at his scanner and said. “I am detecting some minute energy sources, so faint they can’t be much more than perhaps a light element or something. No life form readings.”

Krabbel who truly looked quite disturbingly frightful in his version of an Atlas suit sounded much less confident than usual. “No lifeform scan would reveal you, Cirruit. Maybe there are powerful battle robots hiding.”

“You can go back to the Tigershark, Warner suggested. Elfi and Mao can use the company.” Shaka said.

“Wasn’t it you who begged the Captain to come along for this EVA mission?” Cirruit asked. And Warner said. “If I would not know better, I’d say Lt. Krabbel is afraid of this dead piece of junk.”

“I am not afraid, I just don’t think we should rely on sensors alone.”

Cirruit had found a hatch and brushed his hand over a space dust covered panel. “And what should we use instead?”

Warner giggled. “We could send our Archa first to make sure there aren’t any space monsters hidden. If they are they are going to return their space monster membership card seeing you coming, Sir.”

Krabbel made a high pitched huffing sound. “The Captain is right, there is no respect for Senior officers among our crew.”

Cirruit studied the panel and then with force opened another one, revealing a manual air lock lever. “The door servos have no juice at all, but the pictogram was straightforward. There is a hatch pump.”

The X101 engineer pulled the lever and started yanking it back and forth. While he did that he said. “No worries Krabbel, I am going to send in a drone first.”

Warner added. “Besides, I think you are the most beloved crew member of all.”

“No way, the Captain is!”

“She isn’t crew.”

“You think everyone likes me?”

“Except during times when they serve ice cream, I am sure.”

And Shaka laughed. “Of course that Nuflug fly, hiding in the pantry isn’t too fond of you.”

“We have a Nuflug fly in our stasis freezers?”

While the access hatch slowly opened, Cirruit shook his head. “Here we are, in space floating next to a very old technological artifact and what are we discussing?” Cirruit only wore a propulsion pack and a tool pack; he had no need for a space suit.

The hatch was open and Cirruit released a swarm of scout drones and of course a large number of his nanites.

Krabbel didn’t lose a beat. “We are discussing Nuflug flies, probably some logistics nerd saw a Archa listed on the crew manifest and ordered Nuflug. I haven’t eaten a Nuflug since I left Archa for the Academy and don’t miss it one bit.”

“Would it not be more correct if you say you miss just one bite?” Warner asked while he looked on the drone read out of Cirruit.

While the banter continued and Shaka said something about the eating habit of Archas, Cirruit slipped past the opening while he said. “This is an airlock and there is a sealing inner door. The drones did not make much progress, but my nanites have advanced and replicating. Nothing even remotely animated has been encountered so far.”

The airlock was not big enough for all of them, so Krabbel and Shaka decided to inspect the thing more closely from the outside.

Cirruit closed the outer door and said.”There is some sleeping power, but not enough to run the pumps, it appears there is a nitrogen-oxygen atmosphere in the main body.”

Everyone acted nervous and now pretty much all the pirates had their weapons drawn. My crew was alert but did not appear too concerned. Shea and Narth examined the dead Wutohf.

Narth spoke to me in his silent way. “The Wutohf was killed by psionic means.”

“That is somewhat unsettling. I know you have killed this way, would that mean there is a sentient entity here with psionic abilities?”

“I do not sense an active mind, which makes this dead individual a mystery. However, the Leedei, the Kermac, and the Saresii have managed to harness Psions via technical means. It is conceivable that the Seenians or whoever created this library have similar means.”

While Narth was talking to me, Cirruit called. “Captain, we are inside the mirror satellite. I have connected a power cube and we should be able to fire the thing up. Warner has just figured out the focus of the mirror beam, it is about two hundred meters from your location.”

Two of Sandovahl’s crew had approached the ice-covered mountainside. We all could see the outlines of a door or gateway below a thick layer of semi-transparent ice.

Swybar made an impatient gesture. “We’ll never figure out what killed Lormoog standing out here, and we never get to the next part of this cursed quest if we don’t advance.”

Lia said. “I guess we have to cut that ice away so Crimson can use his key.”

That comment caused Sandovahl and two of his crew aim their weapons at that door and fired.

The moment they did, all three helmets exploded from the inside and all three were instantly killed. Their corpses started to freeze solid.

This sudden event caused Swybar and several others to throw themselves to the ground in an attempt to find cover.

Narth said. “There is an artificial psion projector mounted above the door, and behind the ice. Physical cover will not be effective. Our suits have sufficient TransDim shields but not activated.”

Tyron almost at the same time told me virtually the same thing. “There is a Seenian Mind Spear projector mounted above that door. I can protect you from such an attack.”

Crimson held up the black cube, “This was given to me as the key, but I have no instructions as how to use it.”

Lia and Swybar had very disturbed faces behind their helmets. It was her who said.”How do we get inside then? Apparently whoever is here does not want us to open the door.”

Shea said. “This might not be the actual library door, but a barrier installed much later. All the legends and reports we have speak of a sealed library. It is logical to assume that the act of sealing and thus denying access was done after the library was established.”

Swybar’s voice dripped with sarcasm. “You are soo smart, lackey. But not smart enough to tell us what killed these men and how to get inside!”

I swatted the former admiral with the augmented arm of my suit and said while he was crushing into an ice-covered rock. “I had about enough of you, Thauran. Insult me or any one of my crew ever again and you join Sandovahl right here!”

His hand darted to his weapon, but he stopped short of pulling it, obviously afraid that his action might cause his head to explode.”You pay for that Black Velvet!”

Crimson yelled. “Quit that!”

I motioned my friends to step back and said. “Anyone not wanting a serious sunburn better step back a few hundred meters.”

Most but not all followed my advice then I said into my comm unit. “Cirruit can you fire up that satellite?”

“We will try it right now.”

“Make sure you have your TransDim shields activated just in case.”

Moments later a new bright star flashed into existence and a bright visible beam of about twenty meters in diameter hit the mountainside with the ice-covered door in its center. Four pirates, three of Sandovahl’s and one of Lia’s crew were hit by the massive microwave and infrared energy beam and baked alive inside their suits, so fast their shields came on after they were cooked.

The beam instantly liquefied the thick sheet of ice covering the door.

“By the Blessed Blue Virgin!” Swybar still leaning against the rock he impacted on said.

Lia lowered the visor of her helmet.”This bit ... she has engineers in that piece of space junk.”

“Indeed I do. Crimson we are even now. As for the rest of you, good riddance.”

The solid door was now fully exposed and split in three parts that slowly retracted into the frame.

Shea said.”Internal energy producing equipment has increased by 67 percent.”

Swybar got up, the Quasimodo he was wearing had prevented him from any serious harm and the suit itself was not damaged.

“I still see this quest to its end.”

He stomped past everyone and went inside, followed by Crimson and Lia.

The Jooltar was much more reluctant and only followed after us.

The door sealed a natural passage or tunnel that had been expanded and the footpath leveled. There were regular light elements sheading bluish light on that path.

After about three thousand meters or so, the slightly declining path expanded into a large cavern. Here liquid streams of water cascaded down rock and ice walls. The ambient temperature was considerably warmer than on the surface, hovering just around zero on the c scale.

Opposite to where we entered the cavern was a rock wall, a stone facade, and a large rectangular door.

Swybar and Crimson were already there and thanks to my suit enhanced vision, I could see the Oghr putting his cube like thing into a receptacle of the same shape.

The huge stone door rolled aside and lights came one inside.

It was a library alright. Sealed in a clear material, where books, scrolls, stacks of paper, crates filled with Ithomarian data spheres and shelves upon shelved with things and objects I assumed were the data media storage devices of a thousand cultures or more.

Shea whispered to me.”They are right, this is the real treasure.”

Har-Hi agreed.”It is imperative we secure this place for the Union.”

Crimson and the others had no eyes for the shelves and documents but rushed to a central raised platform with a glowing humanoid form hovering over a metal plate, apparently a projection.

Swybar loudly addressed it. “We are Seekers and came to find the Anagoge.”

It took a moment and the glowing only vaguely defined human being responded. “You do not need to seek an Anagoge any further. For I am the one deciding upon the worthiness of the Children.”

Lia said.”There are no more steps? Are we worthy?”

“All that came before me will receive the location of the Inheritance.”

A new projection established itself showing a star map and a highlighted star system. The map showed Hidden Hill and other identifiable markers. The location was clear and easy to understand for everyone with even the most basic navigation skill.

Swybar was already turning and then stopped.”This is it? This is the location of the Seenian inheritance?”

“Yes Seeker, this is the location.”

With the exception of the Mind Spear projector above the entrance, there was nothing stopping us or presenting any form of danger. The bluish humanoid shape was indeed a projection and it repeated itself.

Some things didn’t add up. To Shea I said.”We will launch a Data drone towards the Golden Bazaar. There are Union assets to secure this place. I have a feeling our guests weren’t as forthcoming about this library. There wasn’t another Anagoge and that projection didn’t do any judging either.”

She agreed.”Narth and I came to the same conclusion, there is either still more to come or our guests did not know as much as they thought they knew.”

“As it may be, if that location is indeed the depot we are after. We arrest or destroy the rest of the pirates and clip the Dragon’s wings. I personally want to see that murdering SOB on the business end of an executioners robe and this time I like to be there to make sure he is indeed dead.”

“He is already judged and executed, we can do that in our hangar,” Har-Hi said.

“And then we fly to Thana Shoo, my friend.”

I sat down in my command chair. “Shaka, follow them if you please.”

The directions we received at the sealed library led us to an old star system at the outskirts of the Scutum-Centaurus arm. Star systems in these outer regions were in general old systems. It was outside the galactic habitable zone. In astrobiology and planetary astrophysics, the galactic habitable zone is the region of a galaxy in which life might most likely develop. More specifically, the concept of a galactic habitable zone incorporates various factors, such as metallicity and the rate of major catastrophes such as supernovae, to calculate which regions of the galaxy are more likely to form terrestrial planets, initially develop simple life, and provide a suitable environment for this life to evolve and advance.

I was a little proud of myself for recalling that from academy classes. It was quite a distance from Hidden Hill, the fuel reserves of our special friends were near the end. There was no sentient activity on our sensor boards for the last two weeks, neither space flight nor any sort of known FTL communication.

I had spent much time with Kai-Do, he reminded me in many ways of master Alameda. He was however many times friendlier and less grumpy. While I knew Har-Hi wanted to train with him as well, it was his stubborn Dai pride that did not let him openly associate with a declared Okthi.

Kai Do had given me a genuine Assassin suit and gifted Har-Hi with one as well, but my Dai friend would not wear it, even though he secretly admired it. Kai-Do quickly uncovered my secret learning similar techniques from the Avenging Angels of the Sojo order and deepened my knowledge and skills in this rather devious and disgustingly dishonest way of killing.

My Nilfeheim raised Viking warrior soul understood Har-Hi quite well, but my female side embraced them out of a sense of necessity, as a way to equalize raw muscle strength.

I was still wearing the female version of the black and purple Mar-Do assassin suit when I stepped on the bridge.

We were about to drop out of Quasi.

Har-Hi sitting in the command chair got up and gave me a long gaze. “I hate to say that, but that suit looks terrific on you.”

“I think the purple leather panels are placed with great thought indeed and strike a perfect balance with the black.”

Elfi grinned.”Yeah, you can say it that way, but I think Kai-Do had other rather male ideas as he designed this suit.”

“Princess!” I exclaimed.”We are at the potential end of our quest and you say things like that.”

Mao also grinned. “I bet Shea might ask you to keep it on...”

“That does it, I am going to change and you better have detailed reports when I am back.”

We entered the yet unnamed system and as we approached the third planet, the Red Dragon hailed us. “This is it, folks. This is the planet at the end of the coordinates we received at Hidden Hill. This also matches the data that has been unlocked in my mind. Somewhere down there is enough tech and knowledge to conquer the Galaxy. I will be its Emperor and you all will have important roles.

The fighting is over.”

The Thauran disconnected and he and the others landed ahead of us.

Shea said. “On the surface of the planet is a singular, very faint artificial energy signature. Very alien and neither Seenian nor anything I have seen.

There appear to be ruins of cities and infrastructure of an advanced civilization.”

“Anything alive?”

“Yes but nothing shows sentient neural patterns. Lots of flora.”

“Narth anything thinking down there?”

“No not even on primitive animal levels.”

I sighed.”We better get down there as well, or the Dragon and his goons secure it before we have a chance.” I straightened in my seat.”Tyron, Cateria do you sense or feel anything about this place?”

Cateria who had silently appeared shook her head. “SHIP called me up, but to me, it looks just like any other planet from space. Even during my life as a Seenian, I have never been to this part of the Galaxy.”

Tyron as always right behind me said. “If that is the place of a Seenian Depot, they either have shields that surpass my abilities to detect or everything is deactivated and decayed.

Somewhere inside I shared a similar feeling. Aloud I said.

“I guess we better do go down there we don’t find out more from space. Sound General Quarters. Shaka get us down and a good distance and out of sight from the others. So we can investigate those energy signatures and make our own conclusions.”

We landed on a plain covered with hip-high grass and some bushes. These plants looked much more like plants I know, than those black stalks on Carpet. There was a large lake and the Pirates were busy on its opposite shore, about 12 clicks away to the West. To the north the remains of a once large city, but only a few buildings remained standing, most was overgrown by grass and brush. Shea confirmed that the central building was the source of a weak energy signature she had detected from orbit. Shea said. “It is less than that of a flashlight in terms of energy output, but it has TransDim characteristics.”

Har-Hi glanced at his console. “The most life form activity comes from the lake, looks like it is teeming with fish. There are insect-sized life forms in the ground and in the air. Nothing but the ruins indicate that this is supposed to be the cache of Seenian tech.”

“Maybe it is hidden in some cave or underground?” I suggested. “Our pirate friends are all over the place already.”

I called Kilkam and Melissa to the bridge and gestured towards the main viewport.”Kilkam you wanted to see the end of the Quest, according to the projection in the sealed library this is it.”

“Do you think this is it?”

“No, but why would the thing in the library lie?”

“I do not if it has or not. Neither of those approaching that projection asked it who it was. If I understand correctly it told you. ‘You do not need to seek for an Anagoge any further. For I am the one deciding upon the worthiness of the Children.’ Since it told you not to seek for an Anagoge and declares itself to be a judge, which is the declared role of the Anagoges, I would argue that it either was an Anagoge we did not know off or it was someone pretending to be an Anagoge.”

“But it was prominently set up in that library,” Har-Hi said.

I looked at Melissa.”You say you are an Anagoge, right?”

“Yes Captain, that was a role I accepted after the Exalted asked me to do so. I have also offered that I would take you to an Anagoge that will judge. I do not know who or what the projection represented.”

Mao said.”Maybe he got tired just as you and left doing other things and left the projection behind.”

She spread her arms. “I am not here to convince you of one thing or another. You are the one seeking something and in that progress came in contact with me, with us. I am glad it was you because through you I can finally return home.”

Kilkam said.”You do have the Mask of the Queen. It is, as we told you much more than a face cover but a tool. Wear it and it might reveal if this is a Seenian depot or not.”

“So basically neither of you know anything helpful and if I get it right, we should go back to the Library and look for directions to an Anagoge and disregard the projection?”

“That you do not trust us or put value in our advice is evident, Captain.” Kilkam said. “But finding the library was very important. We told you that we can guide you to an Anagoge without the library.”

Shea said. “The library or more so what it contains is perhaps the true inheritance and we already found it.”

Melissa gave her a warm smile. “An important element in all of this is finding worthy children. Beings able to handle the true power of the inheritance, a measure of worthiness is the ability to see value where other shallow people see nothing. The aspect of wisdom has always been at the center of all this.”

Mao wrinkled the skin of his forehead. “Are you saying we already found the Inheritance and that electronic ghost send us on a fools quest?”

“No, Mr. Vouza. I am saying that the quest will be completed by those who are indeed worthy.”

I rolled my eyes. “Shea, what do our sensors tell us about the environment out there?”

“There are some aerosols in the air, consisting of pollen and dust.

Airborne microbes are still being analyzed by science. Atmosphere is breathable with a higher oxygen percentage. Temperatures at our present location are at 29 degrees on the C scale.”

“Alright let’s do this by the book as much as possible. Without blowing our cover. Shea, you lead the initial survey team take security along and do your thing. Make sure you keep an eye on our friends across the lake and SHIP you monitor that Energy signature if it changes in any way raise an alert. Mr. Narth launch a survey satellite and prepare a detailed surface map. Maybe there is a pattern in roads or transportation devices that point to a central point. This is a big planet and that depot might still be here somewhere.”

I got up. “Now let’s check out this world. I am planning to go outside. Will you join me Suit?”

“Thank you, captain, I will.”

The air on this planet was fresh and cool and had a minty scent to it that was both pleasant and invigorating. Ant-like insects crawled between the grass on the ground and there were flying specimen as well. Even after an hour nothing threatening developed. Har-Hi who had remained aboard confirmed the pirates were all busy scouting the planet and paid little attention to us. Narth told me that the Red Dragon was waiting for something that would further unlock his own Hypno Block, as he told this to the Kermac but could not sense any particular thought patterns among the pirates concerned about us. So I walked over to the shores of the lake.

It had remarkable clear water and one could see the ground and darting arm long fish-like creatures snapping after insects coming to close to the water surface. I had a good mind to take a swim, but that would have to wait until we knew much more about this world.

Maybe this was the area where the Seenians clashed with their own kind and most of the life developed in this part of the Galaxy was simply eradicated during it.

Nothing welcomed or repelled us, which for some reason seemed odd to me. If this was the final location, where was that Last Servant that is supposed to welcome the seekers?

I realized, a planet was a huge object and that cache has been dormant for a million years. If this was the case we could spend years on this globe trying to find whatever was hidden somewhere beneath the surface. Yet the Red Dragon confirmed that this was the place according to the information released into his conscious mind.

I could not shake the feeling there was another reason that led the Red Dragon here. Why did he take anyone along in the first place? While it was true that a group of several ships had a better chance to face whatever challenges came up, but so far he did not care much about others in his group. Perhaps they were pirates and didn’t work too well in groups. Red Dragon, however, was a Union educated Officer and no matter how criminal he was now, he had the experience. None of it made sense.

Shea joined me holding up a sample container with some of the green grass inside. “This grass is amazing. It is the source of the minty scent and full of vitamins and complex aroma molecules like Terran Mint and would be perfectly good as a tea or salad perhaps. It can easily be digested by most humanoid life forms. Hans suggested we call the World Peppermint.”

“So noted. If the Seenian thing doesn’t work out I put it like that in the Log.

I think we should check out that energy source.”

“I wonder why the pirates haven’t homed in on it.”

“It is very weak Captain and only very well calibrated sensors can detect it. Thanks to Cirruit, Tyron and the rest of our engineering department, I think we have the most efficiently adjusted science sensors in the fleet. Not to mention SHIP who has this strange motivation to be as perfect as possible for her captain.” She said that with an elfish smile on her lips.

I waved over two marines to accompany us.

After a short hike, we entered what once was a broad city boulevard.

Most of the buildings were nothing more than hip high foundation walls and overgrown mountains of rubble.

Then almost completely covered with dirt and grass I saw it. The unmistakable organic shape of a bone sticking out of the grass and looking closer an entire skeleton with a skull.

Shea noticed it too and we cleared the vegetation and dirt. The remains belonged to a being that once was about three meters tall and had a coffee cup like shaped skull with two eye sockets, four nose holes and a mouth without any teeth. Its arms and legs had one more joint giving it two elbows and two knees more on each limb.

It was certainly not the skeleton of a Seenian, who would have looked almost indistinguishable from a Terran Human Skeleton.

There were the remains of clothing, a belt buckle, and jewelry around the neck and wrists. A device like communicator band or similar was much-corroded lay underneath the rib cage. She scanned it and said.” It is carbon-based alright, and from the dating data, I estimate already dead for perhaps 500,000 years. Taking the stable orbit and the almost non-existing orbital declination I say there is little in form of climatic changes or seasons, which could explain the good preserved state.”

I had crouched down and visually examined the remains.”It certainly isn’t Seenian but perhaps belongs to one of the unknown Celtest alliance species.”

“I am sending visuals to Cateria. She is certain she has never seen such a being. We are running reconstructive simulations right now and maybe there is some fossilized DNA we can use.”

“Mr. Suit, do you recollect any Celtest species that might fit what we see here?

“No, Captain and I concur with Lt. Schwartz estimate, however even with a generous margin of error it is too young to be associated with the Seenian society.”

I had to agree with that and said. “It doesn’t look like it was buried but dropped dead on the spot. Any indication how it died?”

“I can’t measure any residue radiation other than the usual from the sun. No marks on the bones suggesting any hand weapon injuries. As I said I might be able to extract some fossilized DNA but that would take a little.”

One of the Marines said. “There are many more like this all over the place.” We counted over ten thousand in a relative small area and in only a short time and all looked like they had dropped dead on the spot. Paralysator rays and Neural weapons had such effects as well as poison gas. As we approached the central building that was withered but somewhat intact we estimated at least 100,000 skeletal remains.

Shea said.”So far I have not seen any small skeletons that would indicate children. Their style of dress does indicate a bisexual society and if they procreated like most carbon life forms do, there should be smaller skeletons but so far I have seen none. It appears they all stood on the streets and waited for it to happen.”

“How about the energy signature? Any change in it?”

“No, it remains the same. No change in power output.”

“Suit switch on your shields. I am going in first. Just in case.”

“Shields activated, Captain.”

The Building was about forty meters tall and almost a perfect cube. Narrowing with a slight angle to the top. The walls were made of metal and not of the rocklike material of the crumbled buildings. there was one doorway, no doors and it was dark behind. I went in.

Suit immediately adjusted for the darkness and I could see just fine, there was no other ceilings or rooms inside.

The ceiling far above was at the same height as the building and most likely the underside of the roof showed a projection of a star filed region of space.

The projector for it sat on a cubical altar in the middle of the room. The entire set up was identical to the one in the library on Hidden Hill.

Suit said. “The metal is somewhat similar to Terran Ultronit. The projection of space is of this region and shows star positions as they were 500,000 standard years ago.

The energy source we detected is that projector. It taps TransDim energy to operate and thus is designed to work for eons.”

“Thank you suit. I called in the others and went closer to the projector. Even as I stood directly before it there was no chance. Shea and the others came and she scanned the platform and the altar-like table.

She said. “It looks like a library device to store data. There are little elements attached to the side of it. I believe will activate the machines recordings.”

I stopped her as she reached for one of the control stubs. “Before we push buttons on an alien machine. I need you all to turn on your shields and step back as far as you can.”

They complied while I asked Tyron to keep his shields as strong as he could.

There were only two little-raised studs on the side.

I touched one with my knife and nothing happened. I touched the other, same result. But as I touched both. The projector began to raise from its pedestal.

Suit said.” The energy curve increased by 15 percent”

A new holographic projection appeared of a tall being in a robe like garment with big eyes and cup-shaped head. It began to speak. It had the same shape as the vague projection we encountered in that sealed library but was much clearer defined.

Shea sent out the first contact sequence with her science PDD and after a few moments suit translated and sent the translation data to Shea and the others as well.

“The projection sent out mathematical binary data request for our language data.”

“Alright go for it.”

Suit responded. “Transfer complete. Energy consumption increased another ten percent and a Computronic device in the base of that projector has activated.”

The projection spoke again. This time in clear Union Lingu.

“Greetings Visitors from the Stars. Welcome to our former homeworld Antoo. Peace be with you. This world was our home for 25 Million planetary revolutions around our Star.

Our star became old as did we. Our sun expanded as old red suns do. Instead of seeking new homes among the stars like others do, we learned that truly enlighted species reach the knowledge to ascend to the next state of existence. We have attained such knowledge and no longer needed this world or our bodies. We moved our being to another level and perhaps will welcome you there as well when your time has come to make this step in your development.

If this world is suitable for you, you are welcome to make it your home. If you are just visitors we wish you a safe journey. We felt that each species must find its own way to this plane; therefore all knowledge of how this is done has been purged.

Should you be interested in biological information and historical documents. This projection unit has all such data stored for your convenience.” The projection now started anew and repeated it all. Somehow I expected something more spectacular I had to admit. I was sure Shea was happy about the historical data and all.”

“Well, that mystery is solved. This is a cache alright, but not of Seenian origin. Maybe it is safe to go for a swim after all.”

Shea and her team remained and I thought she would be safe with four Marines along and returned without any particular hurry back to the ship. I found Har-Hi standing next to the IST under the ship. I told him and the rest of the crew what we had found.

Har-Hi shrugged.” I must say I prefer that over planet-sized Carpets anytime. I just hoped we could slay that dragon and go on.”

“You are right. Me too.”

“This planet could be a nice Outpost if we ever decide to expand down here. It is pleasant all around. And the former owners have no objections either.”

“I bet they going to send out an explorer full of Xeno Archeologists once we return and they hear about it!”

“Yes, that would be typical of the Union.”

Narth floated out of the IST and joined us. “I must admit I am somewhat intrigued by the story of the Antoo. We Narth are occupied with this subject for all our existence and it is quite complicated for a corporal species to make this step like this. So far we know of only one other corporal species ever achieving to make that transition.”

Har-Hi elbowed Narth in a friendly way. “Jealous that someone else made it before you guys?”

Narth actually elbowed Har-Hi right back. “No of course not, but we are certain we are the first. Well the Nnnth part of us did so before this galaxy was formed. The Arth are non-corporeal and went the other way in a sense.”

Har-Hi raised his eyebrows. “That is why I always have this feeling that you Narth are the only real Aliens out there.”

“Your feeling is actually quite correct. You managed to feel something of our true nature, my Dai friend. The Arth are in a sense Aliens to this plane of existence.”

“You never cease to amaze me, my hooded friend. Whenever I think I know a little about you I find out I know absolutely nothing.”

“Now this then my red-faced friend. A Dai Warriors elbow to the side is quite a corporal experience.” “Oh, I am sorry. I had no idea I could possibly hurt you. I am really sorry.”

“I can be hurt as Erica can attest to you and while I learned more than all Narth about you and what it means to have a body again. I still haven’t all the neural paths just right.

I am also aware of the meaning of this gesture and I am glad we became friends, Dai!”

I said. “We are one mushy pirate ship. I tell you. If they ever make a Virtu out of our adventures it’ll be a Chick flick.”

“I thought you are a Chick now?” Har-Hi said

“I am not so sure they have a real designation for what I am, but Chick flicks and their attraction remain an unsolved mystery.”

Hans came out and carried a box, and put it down.

“Captain, since this is not the Seenian depot and we might be here a while till the pirates figured that out, this looks like a perfect spot for a Barbecue. Do you think it be alright if I set up a table and a few Chairs and get my good old grill going?” He spread his humongous arms. “It’s just not the same in Virtu or on the Rec Deck than outside for real.”

“I guess we are under our shields if anything would happen. So why not. I’m off duty in a few minutes anyway and wouldn’t mind a cold one.”

Hans grinned. “I got you covered.” Out of his box, he handed out bottles of beer and set up folding chairs.” He offered one to Narth as well and he said. “I must decline, there is one thing Narth do not do well and that is hold liquor.”

Kai-Do emerged from the I.S.T. and Har-Hi handed him a bottle.

The old Dai sighed. “Know I know why you made that face when I offered you, Thill, I too am forever spoiled and will think of Thill as flavored water.”

It turned out to be a nice afternoon. Hans produced his famous steaks and burgers. Other off-duty personnel came out as well. Suit had separated from me but this time inside and near an Auto Dresser. “SHIP any news or reports from Shea?”

“Yes Captain, she sent much data back and they are crawling through the ruins collecting specimens, making scans and recordings.”

“What are the Pirates doing?”

“They are still turning rocks and crawling over the landscape with scanners and fliers trying to find the cache. Lt. Elfirata just came on duty, relieving TheOther and is monitoring their comm traffic. Nothing out of the ordinary.”

I watched the sun slowly settle and then I saw something that made me bolt right up.

“Har-Hi am I drunk or do I really see a ghost?”

I pointed at a slight greenish mostly transparent vapor like, but human-shaped figure hovering without defined legs just above the barely visible overgrown road to the Ruined City.

He looked into the direction I was pointing and became serious. “I can see it too.”

Just then, Shea called with an urgency in her voice. “Shea here, we are witnessing a most disturbing event. I cannot say it any other way but there are ghosts appearing all over the City.”

“Come back at once. As fast as you can.”

“Aye Captain. We are on our way.”

“SHIP sound general quarters. Everyone clear inside”

Suit’s robot came running and then without asking encased me again.

“Sorry Captain but my most logical place at alert is protecting you.”

“Thank you, Suit.”

Shea and her scientist were carried by Marines flying at high speed towards the ship. More and more of these apparitions became visible as the sun disappeared. I was glad to see everybody being safe inside only Narth, Har-Hi and I stood by the IST still outside. I remembered what Narth had said to me during our first night on Green Eden about real ghosts.

“Narth what do you make of this. Are those ghosts?”

“I don’t know what these are or what the exact definition of a Ghost would be. I sense a very faint feeling of utter desperation but I can’t localize the source. Telekinetically speaking there is nothing there other than air.”

With the waning light, the ghosts appeared to glow more intense and I saw a great mass of them coming from the ruins. Their obvious target was the ship.”

The first approached the shield perimeter and passed through the shields as if they were not there.

“Get in,” I yelled.

“Let’s check this from a safe distance.”

I jumped in the I.S.T and I heard the blaring klaxons of Intruder Alert. “SHIP activate ParaDim shields.”

“Captain I cannot. All ParaDim equipment is shut down from Engineering where the Intruder Alert originated.

Chapter 19: Ghosts
“Cirruit, are you there?”

“Yes, Captain but there are green vapor things in Engineering.These things affecting the injector spear blades of both Chandelier diverters. We can’t tap TransDim energies right now and I switched to secondary power.”

“Can we still lift off?”

“Not at the moment Captain. Most of my engineering crew is acting weird and two have pulled the auxiliary reactor down into maintenance cycle.

I need to contain them and get the reactors back up. We are on battery power now!”

“SHIP here. Intruder Alerts issued at Translocator stations. Intruder Alert on the Bridge. Crew members are affected in some way and do not respond to orders!”

“Activate all Intruder containment systems and flood all decks with Paralysator Rays.”

Har-Hi collapsed next to me.

“SHIP lift off into space with ArtiGrav. Even if it costs all energy. Alpha Order.”

Through the Airlock viewport of the I.S.T shaft I was still in I saw us gain altitude and a huge mass of green ghosts remaining behind.

“Who is still with me. Headcount now.”

SHIP responded. “Narth, Cirruit, TheOther, Xon, Dusty, me and Suit. Everyone else is stunned, Captain.”

Xon contacted me seconds later. “We made it into space, Captain.”

I activated the I.S.T. manually and went to the Auxiliary Bridge. The small secondary bridge was designed to guide the ship if the main bridge was destroyed or otherwise unusable.

“SHIP transfer all Bridge functions here.”

Narth appeared out of thin air and said. “The Ghosts use massive internal Psionic suggestive attacks on the crew. Suggesting them to activate the TransDim engines while on the Planet.”

“That would destroy the ship and half that world,” I said.

“I thought we were psionically shielded?” Said TheOther as he arrived on the bridge.

Narth responded. “Only from the outside. Those ghosts use their powers slipping inside the bodies and thus gain control. They can’t affect anything material themselves, they need others to do it for them.” “How many Ghosts are on board?”

SHIP responded.” Unable to determine. As they do not register on my sensors other than visual.”

Suit said.”I am sorry for the delay but I had to reconfigure my sensors substantially to detect anything.”

“Go ahead.”

“These beings appear to exist on two planes of existence at once. Most of their essence is in another dimension, but a part is here. I believe I can establish communication via TransDim. It is how they communicate with each other.”

“Alright. See if you can, I need to talk to them.”

Suddenly a dozen green shapes appeared on the Auxiliary Bridge coming through walls and the floor and approached me fast. Instinctively I backed up, but they were faster. It was not fear but anger that made me yell. “Back off!”

The approaching green vapors dispersed like cigar smoke. I was glad Suit did something to keep me free of those things. I was planning to thank it later.

A few heartbeats later the Seenian suit said. “They should be able to hear you. I added the data of the projections translation data.”

“I am Captain Olafson and you are violating and attacking us. I will find a way to destroy you if you do not cease all hostile activities at once.”

“They can communicate with us.” A multi-voice chorus responded at once.” We are heard.”

“You better believe it. I assume you are the Antoo. I will not repeat my warning. Cease hostilities now.”

“There is no greater service you could render us by destroying us. Some of us have already gone to blissful nothingness because of you. This is no threat but a reward and incentive to increase our efforts.”

But then there was a single voice. “It will still doom the ones on our planet to remain in their state. These strangers have knowledge and technology of the Upward way and we should cooperate and plead for mercy.”

The Chorus spoke.” This is true. You always have been the voice of warning and we did not listen, we will listen to you now and do as you suggest. Speak with them and let them help us.”

The single voice now addressed me.” You, Stranger Olafson. I am Ohtbeer and yes we are the Antoo. We made a terrible mistake. Please do not leave this world and let us suffer.

Let me tell you about our fate and if you then have it within you to help we will be most grateful. If not we will let you go unharmed and return to our world to wait for another eternity.”

“Alright, I am listening. But be assured I rather blow this ship into bits and deny you any access to anything that way before I let you force anything on us.”

“Our desperation knows no limits and was the cause for our actions. We were unable to communicate directly with any one of your plane of existence. Now that you found a way to communicate our hopes are high you might find a way to end our suffering.”

“I suggest you start talking. We have limited time as my ship needs its crew and energy.”

“As you know our name and communicate in our language we are certain you found our message we left behind and know some of our history. We were an old and inward-looking species. We abandoned space exploration long before the Seenian Queen fought her own son.

Our scientists believed they found a way to escape all violence and all corporeal needs of this plane by opening a gate into the Upward Plane and transfer our very essence into a new dimension.

A benevolent and wise traveler told us about the mystical Narth who managed to do so. It became an obsession of ours because there we would be free and develop into a new society unbound by death and all the limitations of this plane.

Narth listening in shook his head and spoke quietly in my mind. “What foolishness blinded a whole society. The needs change, they are not eliminated and death is present in all spheres of the Omniverse.”

The voice originating apparently originating from a pale green vapor hovering by the access door.

The Seenians were defeated by their own hand little remained of a once proud and powerful star empire. The remaining survivors went many ways. Some gathered in ships to leave this galaxy, others tried to cling on to pieces of the old empire and revive it to past glories under various beings claiming leadership rights.”

“You are members of the Celtest alliance?” I asked.

“No, we refused to join. We are non-violent and we did not want to choose a side, but we knew the Seenians for a long time.”

“Your society had contact with them, so I gather.”

“Yes, Olafson and when the son of the last queen, Imperius Morgal the Cruel got hold of a cosmic weapon he slew his own mother and destroyed what was Seenian. The weapon twisted his mind and he destroyed much of his own followers, planets and military might before whatever found consumed him.”

“How do the Antoo ghosts fit in all of this?”

“As I told you, a group of surviving Seenians decided to leave this Galaxy. Before they left, however, they placed a considerable stash of Seenian tech and scientific knowledge in a Cache and gave it to us. Among these things was a weapon that used transdimensional technology. While we had no use for weapons, our scientists developed the Upward gate.

Our research concluded that we had to make this transfer to a non-corporeal/entity without our bodies, and send only our essence.

After many thousand years of research, our scientists claimed they found a way to dematerialize our brains and with this breakthrough we were ready to leave. All wanted to leave, except me. I was one of the scientists and warned of the untested technology developed on theories alone.

I was not ready to give up my corporeal existence on the shouted and declared theories that long ceased to be science but religion.

I argued that even if the transfer would go exactly as planned, we did not know what would await us in the Upper Plane. Could there not be others already and perhaps not welcoming us?

But my objections were dismissed as heresy and I was silenced by robbing me of a public platform. The idea of becoming a new species all mind and nobody became a religion to us.

The few voices of critique fell silent, either intimidated or right out squashed.

I was exiled and excluded from it all.

They built the machine and made the journey, only it did not work as planned. The transfer only moved some of our essences into Upper Space, a part remained on this plane. Now we are stuck between two dimensions and cannot act in either. The state causes us much pain, pain you cannot get used to because there is nobody that could adjust. Nothing physical was able to affect us and death could no longer find us. Since I was in exile and far away when they changed the matter of our brains. More of me remained on this side.

After many thousand years I managed to develop weak telekinetic abilities. Able to affect matter, but on a very small scale only, the passage of time is the greatest pain if you cannot sleep or rest if your mind cannot go insane because it cannot alter its state. Can you imagine how it is not to rest, not to read, play or work, not to do anything but be during a time it takes our world to circle its sun five hundred thousand times?”

Suit’s audio link was loud enough for everyone to hear. Dusty said as silently as he could. “I can. I drifted through deep space for even much longer believing I was all alone.”

The voice did not hear Dusty’s comment and continued. “The Seenians created this cache to be used by their daughters to rise again and be wiser stewards of the technological advances.

I was able to activate a Seenian device and establish a communications link to other surviving Seenian installations. One such installation was apparently created to direct seekers to this inheritance, I was able to alter the original message to direct whoever found that installation to this planet, but even after many centuries no one seemed to find their way to this message giver. I used the communication device again and found one such Seenian depot under the control of a young and growing society.

It took me many hundred years to learn to control this device. Seenian technology was and is very much alien to me.

Without hands or real eyes, it is hard to learn, but I managed to instruct an active robot at that far away base to construct a Hypno suggestive device. This time I did not have to wait too long. A living being found this device, and I suggested great treasure and rewards await it to come here.

I suggested that he bring along many others, in the hope we could occupy their bodies and either affect our death or resume research with physical hands and eyes to end our state of misery.

Now they came and we found that one ship is different from the others. Upward technology, your ship is full of it. Its very engines tap into the other plane. Your weapons are much like the Seenian weapon we used as a base for our Upward Gate technology.

This is our story and now we are at your mercy.”

Narth spoke first. “You made several critical errors, the most important one you overlooked is time. Even at an altered state, your minds still carry the time of this plane. Your very concept of time is linear with one reference point as past and one as future. Time has omnidirectional in hyperspace and yet different definitions in other universes. Another grave error is the attempt to open the gate from this plane.

What Union science calls transdimensional technology is utilizing the veil between Dimensional alternative realities. It is a true void nothing can or does exist there, except pure energy.”

“You know all this?”

“Certainly, I am Narth.”

“The ones the Seenians said were successful. We no longer care if we reach the other side or die in either. But we must find a way to end our current state.”

“There is a way to send the rest that is here to the other side. For this, we must have full access to all our ship. I will only assist if my Captain orders it so. I further issue this warning. I completed my assessment and Narth is very capable of adding to your pain. Know this, Narth is part of this crew and your actions are a clear declaration of hostilities.”

Narth’s eyes glowed brighter and he said with a much deeper voice. “Let me demonstrate.”

One of the greenish vapors started to wave and flicker and we all could hear an agonized scream.

“Have mercy, Narth. Have mercy! We can’t close our eyes to the horrors you sent into our minds.”

“Then do what our Captain demands.”

“Please return to our world’s surface so we can leave your vessel and we will hope for your help.”

I said. “Cirruit do we have enough energy to make it down to the surface?”

“Yes but not safely, it would be a crash landing. I need an hour to get the backup reactors online. With the Chandelier dividers pulled like this, the main drive will be off longer.”

“Orthbeer, collect all your intruders in one room of this ship. Leave the bodies of my crew at once and I will see what we can do to help. Cross me in any way and I swear I find a way to make your suffering worse than even the Narth promised.”

“We believe one who commands a Narth and banishes us with a word of power.”

It took us over three hours to wake most of the key personnel.

After Cateria was back in business and she directed her Med Bots the pace increased.

We eventually made it back to the surface. None of the other Pirate ships were still there.

“Mao are you back?”

“Yes, Captain just taking Tactical.”

“Scan for the Pirate ships.”

After a moment. “I found them, all three are high tailing it out of the system.”

“We deal with them later. Are the Ghosts off my ship?”

Suit responded. “I am scanning again just to make sure. I can no longer detect any inside the ship. But if one is hiding in a body I can’t detect it.”

Narth said. “I can. I will check everyone. That will take time.”

“All you need.”

I stood once more on the grassy plane underneath my ship and looked at the casing of a giga-load Translocator Bomb. A seemingly endless crowd of ghosts stood in a circle just outside the shield perimeter. Except for one much more solid appearing ghost who was with us.

I pointed at the casing and then looked at Narth and Cirruit.

“So explain that to me once again. My mind isn’t really grasping all that multidimensional stuff.” Cirruit patted the slick hull of the open casing. “The ghosts get in here, we go to Quasi-Space and fire this bomb with a Translocator cannon and the Antoo are home, or better said across the void of TransDim and in the hyperspace realm, reunited with the rest of them.”

“Sounds all good and I am glad to see you so optimistic, but I see two problems. One, how do you want to fit three billion Antoo in one little case and two, is it not strictly and by all our rules forbidden to fire a Translocator cannon while in Quasi-Space?

“I remember that warning in Tactical class quite clearly.”

Narth said.” Each Antoo has less substance and mass than a few molecules and therefore very little volume. They all fit in there with room to spare.

The reason one can not fire a Translocator cannon in Quasi-space is that the cannon needs exact targeting coordinates so the bomb can be sent there. Without a target you can’t transfer anything and the antimatter explosion will occur right there. In Quasi-space targeting information will change so fast it could not be kept on target. But we do not need coordinates. The Cannon will open a conduit to the next higher plane once triggered and thus transfer the Antoo there. Cirruit has altered the targeting safety and used my trans spatial calculations. Shea checked them and she is confident to 86 percent it will work.”

“What happens if the 14 percent error margin prove to be right?”

“The event of failure will be a quite interesting one as no one I know can predict the answer to your question.”

“No one you know would include Shea, SHIP and the Narth Supreme right?”

“Indeed.”

I sighed. “Well let’s do it. If nothing else we will be a great example in the textbooks for TL operations. The USS Tigershark, the perfect example of why you should never fire your TL cannons while in quasi.”

Cirruit got up from his squatting position and said. “There is one problem though.”

“And this problem is we won’t be around to see them go into Valhalla because we are blown to bits in Quasi-Space and if lucky join them?”

“No nothing like that, Captain. This one Ghost is different and has much more mass and substance. Narth calculations predict he will not make it.”

“Great, he who didn’t want to be a ghost in the first place and tried his best to find a solution has to remain behind and stay miserable. If I ever came across an unfair situation then this is it. We are not leaving until he can go too.” Then I said.”Or do you think we can take him to Narth and they can figure out a way?”

Narth nodded confidently. “I am certain Narth Supreme knows a solution, yes.”

“Looks like we getting our very own haunted ship. Complete with talking underwear, dust monsters and now a genuine ghost.”

It turned out the Antoo had followed our conversation all along. “I managed for such a long time, another year or decade waiting makes no difference. If I had a choice I still would rather remain here in the Universe I know. My opinion hasn’t changed, however, I am tired more than I can express and want to sleep and end this existence.”

“Get your people in the casing and get started. I think our mission has officially ended. The Seenian depot was all the time in the Orion Arm and not here. We go and collect our pirate friends and fly home.”

The Ghost said. “This is not entirely so, Captain. The Seenians left much behind and it is all here. Our system is yours now. We stored it all underground and well shielded on the second planet.”

“Odin’s beard. We did find it after all.”

At first, I found it disturbingly fascinating to see the green vapors disappear into the container, but after two hours seeing the same thing over and over again it got boring.

Even though many thousands went in at more or less the same time, it took more than a day when finally only one remained.

I sighed. “I am sorry you can’t go. I still don’t like this one bit. I have a good mind sending them with that casing into the next sun or something.”

The Ghost said. “Then you would indeed have found a way to make their suffering worse, they would not die but still feel their essence whirled around for as long as that sun burns.”

“I keep my word of course, but I don’t have to like it. If those who caused the problem get rewarded and the one who didn’t and saved their asses gets punished.”

“I am not punished, Captain Olafson. I am blessed being the one that found a solution to our collective suffering in our self made limbo and I spoke to Narth, I will be allowed to meet the Narth Supreme who certainly has a solution for me.”

Shaka said. “We are in Quasi-space Captain, as ordered.”

“SHIP are they ready?”

“One moment, Captain. I give you Narth.”

Narth’s image appeared on the main viewer. “We are in the Main gun turret, Captain. Casing is loaded, we are ready.”

“Mao?”

“I am a bit nervous firing in Quasi-space but I am ready.”

“Thor help us, I whispered and aloud I said “Fire!”

I waited for something to happen. Nothing did. The stations’ electronic sounds chirped as always. The ship hummed barely audible as it always did when in Quasi-space.

“Did you fire?”

“Yes, Captain. Cannon shows discharged.”

Narths voice spoke. “It is completed. We did it, Captain, we discharged a Translocator successfully while in Quasi-Space.”

SHIP said. “Ghost Ortbeer wants to talk to you.”

“Put him on.”

“Captain Olafson. The part of mine that is in the other space can now feel them. They are free of pain and complete. The Antoo wanted to convey through me their deepest thanks and say they will never forget your names and make it their sole mission to repay your kindness in some fashion.”

“If you can, tell them they should not forget your name and make sure they atone for what they did.”

To Xon the Nul sitting on OPS for Narth I said.”Mr. Xon get those scanners going and find me the pirate ships.”

“Aye Captain. They are already out of Sensor range but I know their last heading.”

“Forget the Silver Streak stuff, fire up our real ones.”

Suit who was still with me said. “Cirruit and I have worked on improving ship sensors, we just have not tested them.”

“Sounds good. What do you need to get your improvements active?”

“Your permission, Captain.”

“Granted.”

Xon said. “I got them now. The range of our sensor has just increased from five light years to one hundred!”

Mao added. “We also have many alien contacts as well, seven hundred ships to be exact. It looks they fighting with our old friends.”

“SHIP get me into Battle view”

The Command chair raised into the tactical view dome.

I always loved this technology as it gave me a complete spherical view unobstructed of all space around us. Weapon ranges, scanner data, and distances instantly available via eye blinks and finger flicks over the Intuitive-control under my hand.

I immediately noticed the improvements Suit and Cirruit made. The sphere had even more detailed data, the tactical sphere now encompassed a much greater area and I could see distant star systems, was able to get detailed information about planets and energy signatures like never before. In this 100 light year radius was much more traffic then we knew and this part of space was not as dead as I believed.

I, of course, saw the many alien ships and with an eye blink focused on it. Immediately I found the four pirate ships, their signatures well known and displayed in confirming data.

A single line armada of 698 ships was attacked by these pirates. The scanners also gave me the reason. The armada was Tech level 3 at best. Just primitive magnetic shield technology, fighting back with missiles way to slow to be a threat and way too weak to even scratch the shields of the pirates.”

Even from this distance, I could see the Red Dragon and the Hontu engaged in boarding action. The Bloody Mary and the Jammer not far behind.

The Alien ships had long cylindrical bodies with a cone-shaped bow and huge crude looking jump engine blocks. Probably took them days to gain threshold speed.

“Krabbel lay in a course. Shaka get us there and if we go faster than we should be able to, that will be fine.”

“Gladly, Captain.”

As we closed in, thirty minutes later I said.

“Har-Hi sound Battle Stations.”

Elfi’s symbol blinked in my view.

“Captain we are being hailed by the Red Dragon.”

“I am really looking forward to that conversation.”

“You have more lives than a cat, Velvet! When I saw your ship overwhelmed by those green cursed things. I thought you’re done for.”

“Aren’t we going to find that depot of yours?”

“You are pretty dense for such a resourceful gal. That planet wasn’t it, it belonged to a species called the Antoo. We did find recordings and evidence in their ruins. Whatever tech there was is rotten and useless. And then there are those strange ghosts.”

“So what now?”

“We might have to go back to the library and find a new threat, but Lia, Basoro had enough and want to go back. Crimson said he might stay in this region for a while.

Now we found these ugly Aliens. Ships full of Iridium.”

Lia interrupted. “They are helpless against our weapons! There is so much Iridium, Palladium, and Polonium to fill all our holds to the last corner. Plenty for all. We never find that depot, it was a fool’s quest but this made the trip worthwhile.”

The Dragon spoke over the last sentence of Lia. “I sure would like to know why your rust bucket of a ship can be that fast.”

I cut him off. “Mehdi can you make sense of him?”

“Yes, I just discussed this with Fivecheer right now. We concluded that the hypnotic suggestions planted by Orthbeer’s device never went past coming to Peppermint, he is no longer certain if he can find the depot and he lost much confidence in Seenian technology. He is now without direction and feels lost. Not sure where to go next. The aliens gave him a welcome distraction.”

Fivecheer chimed in. “I can sense the aliens well. They were exiled from their own world due to a disease. A very contagious disease with a fatal outcome. They are hoping to reach a more advanced race that may be able to help them. They are loaded with treasures and valuables in the hopes the other culture accepts it as payment for a cure.”

“I think that is as far as we need to take this charade.”

I lowered my seat and got up.”I will be right back.”

In my ready room, I went to my auto dresser and dialed for Union Uniform, went right back to my seat and said. “Har-Hi, be so kind and switch of the Janus Device. Mao go for full Battle shields and Elfi hail me those friends of ours!”

== Chapter 20: Fighting All ==

The Dragon stood in his cargo bay and his eyes glowed as his pirates dumped loads of Iridium and other highly valuable goods only to return to get more. He cursed himself for not remembering the right planet. He was so sure he had been here before and now he could not remember any details. He was so certain the suit told him these coordinates. Of course, he had not kept any files on the coordinates but his suit knew where it was and now it was silent and did not respond to anything. All there was were ghosts. Taking over his men and defying all shields and weapon fire went right through them but then the green things left and attacked the Silver Streak.

He had not wasted this opportunity and left in a hurry leaving several men behind.

This armada of primitives loaded with treasures was a sheer stroke of luck. Enough to fill the holds of all ships and return very wealthy.

Then the alarms went off and he hurried to the I.S.T. waiting for the next car. Cursing the slowness of the system and yelled. “Computronic get me the Bridge!”

He stomped into the I.S.T. car and dialed for the Bridge. Zwenacdri, the Kermac and his second in Command responded to his inquiry about the alarms.

“There is a Union ship, Dragon.”

He made on his bridge and felt weak and sick for a moment as he plunged in his seat.

“What are you talking about? There are no Union ships out here.”

But then he saw the ship on his main screen had centered on.

He had spent many years in the Union Navy. He had seen or knew about every Union Ship class, what he saw on his screen somehow looked Union but like nothing, he had ever seen before.

No ISAH pods, the shape was all wrong and not Uni standard. But the extended Exo load Cannon on top of the hull he recognized instantly. The ship was almost black not Union white or gray, but it had the name USS Tigershark written along its sides, and the Union flag painted on the sides. That strange ship also was surrounded by a barely visible purplish cocoon, TransDim shields.

The Togar scanner operator gnarled in his guttural cat voice. “This ship replaced the Silver Streak. One moment the Silver Streak was there, and the next moment this thing. It has an official Union transponder signature and is under full TransDim Shields.”

Again he felt dizzy and his throat felt dry and thick. As he looked down, he noticed his hands had the same brown spots he had seen on the aliens from the primitive ships. He needed to think about that later.

“Where did the Silver Streak go?”

“I can’t find her within scanner range.”

The Kermac looking over his console. “They just hailed us all and demanded immediate surrender. No word from the others yet.”

Swybar was confused but he was a Union officer once. “Call the Jammer, the Hontu and the Bloody Mary. If we combine our fire and concentrate it, we might crack those shields. That ship is no Match for the four of us.”

The Togar said. “They wait on your signal. I have relayed target coordinates so we hit the same spot.” “Give that Union scum hell, Fire!”

Shaka immediately took action and went into evasive maneuvers. All four Pirate ships fired at the same time. Especially the Jammer and the Dragon peppered us with several Faster than Light High Energy beams.

Har-Hi said. “That response was somewhat expected. Primary shields at 90%, secondary shields not affected. No Damage no Casualties.”

“Mao target all enemy ships drives and take them out, then pull their teeth.”

The Translocator rotary guns spat small Anti matter loads at the point of explosion. The destructive explosive force was instantly transferred past shields and armor directly into the Engine rooms of three ships. The shields flickered and went out on the Hontu and a gaping hole in her aft section was the result of several anti matter explosions micro seconds before.

The Bloody Mary lost her gun turrets and was rocked by a secondary explosion as the enegies of her drive pods turned them into clouds of twisted metal.

The Jammer didn’t fare much better as the propulsion enticers were instantly transformed into glowing twisted metal.

The most damage was done to the Red Dragon. As her shields prevented Translocator locks inside, Mao had fired all of our 12 Quark-Gluon Plasma casters. The QGPs the quark–gluon plasma or quark soup was a phase of quantum chromodynamics which existed at extremely high temperature and density.

The ability to carry force and reach temperatures of 5.5 trillion degrees Celcius was realized as a weapon potential back in 4500 and was steadily developed by Terran engineers into a unique Terran weapon. No matter, not even Neutronium was able to withstand these kinds of temperatures, delivered with a hefty kinetic impact.

The shields of the Dragon collapsed and the QGp pulses perforated the experimental ship’s hull.

Her secondary hull was ripped to shreds and opened to the vacuum of space.

“Elfi hail them all.”

She nodded giving me a thumbs up gesture and I said. “I am Captain Olafson of the United Stars Starship Tigershark. You are all identified and known pirates. Standing warrants permit immediate destruction. You have five seconds to completely surrender. No additional calls will be made.”

I had Elfi cut the transmission.

Har-Hi interrupted. “Captain there is a fleet of twenty unknown alien space ships approaching fast. Tech level seven, at least.”

Still, in Tactical View I saw them too. “Twenty ships in shape very similar to the primitive rocket ships. Long cylindrical, with cone shaped bows, but with smaller Drive Pods, powerful looking shields and studded with weapon towers. Each about 800 meters long.

“Elfi hail them and start first contact procedures.”

“I am on it, Captain. They established similar procedures and it won’t take long.”

After about five minutes Shea nodded. “Communications possible now.”

I waited for Elfi’s signal indicating open comm channels.

“This is the United Stars Ship Tigershark. I am Captain Olafson and we are engaged in bringing Pirate criminals to justice.”

An ape like being appeared, it looked brutish, covered with brown fur, pronounced eye brows and a very ape like maw exposing sharp incisors. He wore a brown leather like uniform with copper colored metal shoulder pads.

“I am ‘The A’ of this Strike force. You will address me as ‘A the Mighty’and lower your gaze. You are in our space, this is the Dominion of the Furze. Do not aide or contact the outcasts in any way. Those pirates you are hunting already made contact and are doomed. Have you made any attempts to contact the Cursed?”

“If you mean the fleet of cone shaped ships, no. Should you mean the criminal element, they are doomed, perhaps curse we are done talking to them.”

“Then you may live. Now leave this space as it is now ours. The Cursed Outcasts cannot be allowed to reach any other civilization. They carry a disease that caused wars and mayhem.”

“How far does your sphere of influence reach?”

“As far as we want it. And where ever I am.”

“We might be able to assist and see if there is a way we can help.”

“If you remain you will be destroyed. No help no contact.”

Mao said with a sigh. “Can you believe it, there is yet another fleet of ships approaching. Also with activated weapons and shields, at least TL 7.”

The other ships dropping out of Quasi in an arrow head attack formation were elegant almost birdlike and white.

There were thirty six of them and all of the same size, about 800 meters each as well.

They interrupted the conversation by hailing us all. The being appearing on our viewers was beautiful and had the grace and characteristics of a Terran swan. It was white, thin and was covered in long feathers. The only item of clothing or equipment was a wide golden sash across his body.

“We are the Down, stand down brutish Furze. Your own kind seeks help and we will not deny it. Mercy and compassion must be rendered. You know well, we will not hesitate to defend those who are helpless.”

Mao said. “Both sides energizing weapons.”´

The ape like beings responded. “We will not fight over this scum, you may have them. But be assured all contact to the Down ends today and we will shoot at any Down ship we see in our sphere of influence.” With this, the twenty ships of the Furze reversed course and left. The Dawn now addressed us. “We heard your exchange with the Furze. We will not allow you to commence violence and disperse your law. Those who you call pirates might just have been misguided by the Furze to attack these poor sick outcasts.

We will invite you all to a nearby planet of ours. You avoided destruction by offering help to the afflicted, that shows you understand the concept of mercy. Now you must prove it to us.”

“Let me get this straight, you Down want us to help these sick ones?”

“No we require and if neccessary force you to help. You offered it first. By our holy laws, you are now required to do so and we will only interfere if you do not, if you flee or if you fail to help.”

“You are forcing us to help?”

“Indeed. I see our communication works well.”

I cut them off. “Tactical analysis?”

Mao responded. “We can destroy seventy percent of their force but sustain battle damage from the remaining 30 percent before we can destroy the rest. And that is only an estimate since we do not know all their weapon capability. If we add Suits shields and cloaking ability to the equation we will be able to emerge victoriously and escape at any time.”

“I don’t want to start a shooting war and open fire first. We openly identified ourselves as Union and chances are they are known by the Golden of this region. This is the first contact and who knows if they have allies or a bigger fleet. They can reach Union space just as we can reach theirs.”

Fivecheer, sitting at a multi task console in the Command and Control part of the bridge, raised his hand and said. “Their understanding and definition of morals and ethics are complicated and appear to be the base of their entire culture and religious believes.”

Elfi said.”The Red Dragon is hailing the Down.”

“Put it on.”

“Mighty Down I am Red Dragon and it is true we are pirates and we have attacked the afflicted Furze but we are infected ourselves and show the same symptoms of the disease. We too need your help.”

“And whoever asks for help due to pain, suffering or disease shall receive it. You must also follow us.”

“We can not, the evil and brutal Union captain from his dictatortial regime disabled and damaged our ships.”

This surprised me and Fivecheer confirmed it. “It is quite true. Whatever inflicts the Outcasts has now spread on all four pirate ships.”

Many more Down ships appeared dropping out of Quasi and begun towing the slow rocket shaped ships and the damaged pirate ships.

A cordon of twelve ships escorded us to a GIII type star and a system with eight planets.

The sizeable fleet went straight for the second planet, apparently a Garden world.

They made us land.

The Planet turned out to be uninhabited. The valley we touched down had tundra like character, framed in the distance by gray, mist shrouded mountains. The vegetation appeared to be grass or lichen like, smooth humps of rock broke the pale green surface here and there.

The rocket shaped space ships of the inflicted Furze were set down in a neat circle all around us. The damaged pirate ships in a little distance with six Down ships settling nearby.

I addressed my crew via Shipwide.

“Just so you know, while I don’t like to be bullied, we are now Union on the outside as well.

I went along to show good will and as long as they don’t shoot we don’t. This is a first contact situation with a new species, it is the declared core value and purpose of our society and fleet to render help when it is needed and make efforts to establish peaceful relations.”

Har-Hi actually sat in his chair for a change said.”I don’t think you find a soul aboard questioning your command decissions. We played pirates but we never ceased to be Union citizens.”

I gave him a smile and said. “We still need to return to Peppermint after that to check on the Seenian depot, that is supposed to be there before we can go home.”

Mao said. “No one really wants to go home. Sure some R&R on a friendly port’ll be nice but the crew morale could not be better.”

“That is good to hear. Now I think it is high time we contact the sick, see what the trouble is and maybe find a solution.”

As we established standard electromagnetic radio wave contact with the other sips, Elfi worked with something she called a UHF Video signal, whatever that was and managed to get a grainy two dimensional image on the main screen.

I almost jumped out of my seat. There on the screen was something like a rotting corpse staring at us. It clearly showed kinship to the Ape like furze but half of his face was swollen the other eaten to the bone, partially covered with blood and puss soaked bandages.

While he spoke his breath rattled labored and only one eye was halfway open, the other was milky white. The being had oozing ulcers all over his partially exposed body and I wondered what kept it alive.

“We are at the end, travelers” He coughed in a sickening wet manner. “The Disease came with visitors, asking for our help and we invited and welcomed them, believing we can protect ourselves and help.

Now we are sick, doomed outcasts and die in exile. Our last hope was to reach the Down for help. Strangers, we want your help, but be warned nothing we tried could isolate or prevent us from being infected.”

He had another coughing spell, a weak wet cough.

He was too weak to wipe his mouth. “We know it; they do not, but our brothers at home doomed and so are you. You might already be too close.”

I responded. “We still try to help. Try to stay alive for a little longer.”

To Mao I said. “We are under full shields right?” “Full shields and not the crappy kind but our real ones.”

“I guess someone has to go over there and check the situation and do some close up scans before we allow anyone to come back in.”

Cateria said. “My latest team member, Starman Dusty volunteered to go over there. It is confident nothing organic could possibly harm him.

We are no longer disguised, he can take a med bot along.”

“Dusty is pursuing a med career?”

“Yes and between Jolaj and it I never had anyone more eager to learn and study. Dusty doesn’t sleep and is quite intelligent. Not a second goes by it is not working, learning and studying.”

“What do you know we got a fluffy snowball and now a walking sand pile for nurses.” I grinned at the mental picture of these two in med dresses.

Aloud I said. “I tend to agree, I doubt stellar dust coulds get a cold or suffer fever. So if you think it is up for it, let us send Dusty.”

Only a little later we saw Dusty appear on the screen as it emerged from under the Tigershark and walked accompanied by a Med Bot towards the closest alien ship. It was wearing a modified Quasimodo not that it needed ir for protection. It was white and had the logo of the Medical service on it. The Medic version was unarmed but had a large variety of analytical sensors, medical tools and first aid options available.

We heard him say. “This is a small step for a human but a giant leap for a Dust cloud. I am boldly going where no Dust cloud has gone before.”

I raised my eyebrows. “What is it talking about?”

Cateria’s eyes fixed on her readouts. “I told you Dusty likes to read and it watches Historical Virtus all the time.”

Narth said. “The first statement was a reference to a Terran human historical event. It altered the quote of the first Terran human who ever stepped foot on another world. The second reference is to a vintage, pre astro...”

Cateria interrupted. “Sorry Narth but I think it is at the airlock now. Can you magnify?”

“Yes and so can you, your console is connected to his helmet sensors.”

“Of course I am just a bit nervous, it should be fine but it is still Dusty’s first mission.”

Narth voice in my mind. “Teacher’s pride. She likes Dusty very much.”

We heard Dusty over the speakers. “Greetings, I am Dusty, medical specialist of the USS Tigershark. I represent the United Stars of the Galaxy and we come in peace. Please be not alarmed about my appearance, it is only a tool platform.”

I was quite impressed and Cateria smiled proudly. “It has come a long way from being a lonely energy and dust cloud in deep space.

Dusty is also very caring, medicine and helping others gives him great pleasure.”

We saw Dusty greet the gruesome looking crew of the alien ship. Most were lying in cots, some appeared to be dead already. I saw a big white maggot crawl from the body of an afflicted and out of sight just before Dusty’s helmet light reached the spot. Dusty spoke gentle and warm to the aliens. Administered first aid, disperesed auto docs, scanned and took samples.

Then he called. “Doctor Cateria, it is most certainly a very infectious disease but I cannot determine the cause of it. It seems to be a combination of bacteria, poisons, and Viruses in some sort of symbiosis. Except I do not know where the poison would come from. Until we are able to determine how the disease spreads I recommend Quarantine Procedure Alpha.”

She nodded. “I must agree.”

She turned to me. “Captain, preliminary data indicates a very unusual and never before encountered disease. A strange affliction that apparently combines bacterial, viral organisms and some unknown toxic agent.

Dusty cannot return to the ship until we know with certainty we can decontaminate against it. I also would like to request a LEGO III Nanite factory to build an external isolation ward on the planet surface. The Tigershark is way too small to tread the crews of all those ships.”

“Granted. Cirruit have your robots take a Lego III outside. And give the doctor the Control unit.” Shea got up and so did Narth.

I nodded. “Go assist Cateria.” Then I leaned back dialed up the magnification and watched the Robots built a field hospital.

Elfi said. “Captain the Down are hailing.”

“Put them on then.”

On the screen appeared one of the White Birds, this one had brown spots all over his skin, much of the white feathers gone and he said. “Olafson of the Union. It seems you are very experienced in such cases. It turned out we are not. We are affected by the disease as well and still unable to determine the cause. What are your recommendations?”

“Issue a strict quarantine. No ship that has landed may leave this planet under any circumstance until the cause and a countermeasure has been determined. If you love your own culture you must prevent an uncontrolled spreading even if you must shoot your own kind.”

“How can we ignore a plea for help?”

“You are helping by isolating this planet. You are helping all those not yet sick.”

“I will do as you say.”

I cut him off and said. “It seems the Down were infected somehow, did anyone see them leave their ships?”

It turned out no one paid particular attention to that, not even SHIP could say for certain.”

“What about us? Is there anything in terms of virus or bacteria that could enter somehow?”

Shea shook her head.”Not even a single atom, captain. We are under the most sophisticated shields the Union has.”

SHIP responded on her own as usual. “Naturally, I am not a very good doctor but I have all the theoretical knowledge and if I analyze the speed of the disease spreads I have grave concerns. The crew of the Bloody Mary, for example, was not in actual contact with the aliens and yet the Crew shows the same symptoms. The Down were affected all the way to the bridge crew and never went near the sick. According to Fivecheer, they haven’t even opened their hatches. It seems the disease spreads by other means than virus or bacteria.”

“Does Shea know that?”

“Yes, she is in the bio labs pouring over Dusty’s tele data.”

Nothing seemed to happen, so I had a quiet meal.

The next morning as I came on the bridge. I saw the Robots outside adding a much bigger building to the first one in place. A second LEGO was out there and produced Work robots.

“Status?”

Krabbel who had the Con. said. “We have now over 4500 patients to deal with. The crews of the original rocket ships, the crews of the Down ships and the Crews of the Pirate ships. Every crew member with medical knowledge volunteered and is helping. Har-Hi authorized the additional resources. They are all in Space suits with TransDim shields.”

“Get me Cateria then.”

She appeared looked busy but smiled. “We have not yet localized the actual reason for the disease but we are getting the symptoms under control. The new Med Nanites Cirruit and I have been developing are godsend repairing damage on a cellular level.”

“Keep me posted. Olafson out!”

“Krabbel, it looks like they get it handled. It is Thursday and the pool is cold. I am going for a swim.”

“Aye Captain.”

The Ship was officially still under General Quarters and all recreation facilities where closed and our pool covered with a steel shutter, but there were some privileges when you are the Captain.

“SHIP, uncover the pool please and lower the water temperature to 4 degrees.”

“Gladly, Captain.”

Moments later I let myself sink to the bottom of the pool and took deep draws of fresh cold water. All this talk about disease and oozing wounds made me realize why I had this urge to swim and dive in crystal clear cold water.

As always the cold water relaxed me and I felt content with the universe and simply let myself go. I realized I had dozed off as I went back up.

“SHIP, what time is it?”

There was no response.

“SHIP!”

Nothing, no response at all.

Then a voice came over the speakers, it was Shea.

“Captain we have taken over the Tigershark.

SHIP is in a deep maintenance cycle and can’t hear you.

I know you and thus all resistance is futile. We are in full control over all your friend’s bodies and minds. We know what they know.”

She actually had an evil laugh and she added.”Your Friend Narth is unconscious and tied to the TransDim Chandelier diverter and it takes but a command of mine and he is spread all over Quasi space. Having taking over the mind of such a brilliant being is really helpful.”

Ghost. Was my first thought.

We had overlooked some or they never went to Uber space as we thought, the door slid open and TheOther stomped in, wounded! He held a smoking TKU and said.

“Captain the entire crew changed! I barely escaped Hans. Cirruit is down. I think he is gone.”

He held suit in his left upper fist. “Take it, Captain. They tricked Tyron into deactivating itself but maybe you get it going.” Suit did not move or react in any way. I put it on anyway which was surprisingly easy.

“The ghosts, Orthbeer. The Antoo they did that?”

“No Captain, Orthbeer is one of the few unaffected. This is caused by inch long worms attaching themselves to everyone they can. I am glad, but I wonder why you are unaffected.”

I took one of TheOther’s TKU’S and said.

“I don’t know. Heck, I don’t know anything, but we need to reactivate SHIP first.”

I stepped out the door and the warm air hit me like a blast. “Why is it so hot?”

“The Worm things had environmental raise the temperature.”

A white maggot like underarm sized worm, glistening moist suddenly appeared out of mid air trying to attach to me but TheOther batted it with a back hand against the wall were it burst into oozing slime and guts.

I was still confused, and I needed more informatio to assess the situation when I heard a new voice over intership. A voice I instantly recorginzed. The voice of the Red Dragon.

“I know you are still in here somewhere. I know who you are, you are the one that got me hanged. Olafson faggot!”

He laughed. “I don’t know how you got to be captain of such a fine ship, but it is mine now! You see the Knnnk and I came to an agreement. I will fly your magnificent ship to Arsenal II and the Knnnk will take over the depot there. All we need is your brain and your code key.

So be a good pervert and surrender.”

“It’s the cold. I said to TheOther. I was spared because I was in a cold environment”

A brutish figure stepped into the Corridor, it was Hans, holding his huge TKU.

He was covered all over with brown spots. “Captain don’t make me hurt you! You know you have no chance against me.”

“The Y’All jumped in front of me. Go get to safety Captain.”

Hans fired and the shot burned through the Y’All and the terrifying alien that had become such a good friend fell like a cut tree!”

“Hans fight it! I cannot surrender, not for you not for Narth.” He fired but missed, showing me he was fighting it. Hans would have never missed.”

He screamed. “Run Captain run, I can’t fight it.”

I did run and hammered my fist on an emergency release, activating a security door. Giving me a few moments I hoped.

I fired at another whitish worm that popped out of thin air and killed it and at least ten more, as I made my way towards the next I.S.T. I needed to get to the computronic core.”

Mao staggered towards me, covered in brown spots armed with a boarding sword and a TKU. He aimed his weapon with a tortured face, yelling. The pain, they make us...”

I could not hesitate, not for Mao nor for anyone. I begged Thor for strength and Mao for forgiveness and fired.

I aimed into the ceiling and showered my friend with a cascade of sparks, drops of molten metal and duraplast.

He fell yelping in pain and I was crying while I kept running, not stopping to see what effect the firery shower had on him. The TKU was too powerful, had no non lethal settings, a direct blast would have surley killed him.

The pool was on the rear of the main deck. The dojo and the exercise rooms were close.

Our dojo held a collection of antique weapons.

Just as I opened the door and rushed in a whispering sound made me duck in the very last moment, it was Har-Hi who almost beheaded me!

He was not alone, there was Kai-Do as well.

My Dai friend said with a laboring voice.”I am using all my will power, to fight the influence, Erica. I can’t hold him or it of much longer...” He attacked me and screamed.”Die!”

== Chapter 21: The Inheritance ==

From the open door, Dusty stepped into the room. “I am containing the Dai.”

The living dust cloud flowed like a sand storm around me and engulfed both Dai.

The Dustcloud said.”Captain, they are riding on electromagnetic waves. They infiltrated us as we set the shields transparent for radio waves.”

Both Dai looked like living statues.

Now Orthbeer passed through the deck plating. I could not hear what he was trying to say, then he came closer and closer and his greenish hand passed into my head.” Captain Olafson, can you hear me like that?”

“Yes.”

“I am going to free the Narth do not be concerned about your friend. I will get him out. You should turn on your Suit.”

“I don’t know how.”

“There are manual activation modules on your wrist.”

He kept on floating before me and extended an almost invisible hand. I noticed the dark gray little bumps and pressed them.

“Suit Ensign Tyron activated, “Have I done you, proud Captain?”

“How?”

It explained. “When Lt. Har Hi told me you would only trust me if I showed him how I can be deactivated.”

Fenris passed through the walls with an angry screech, ripping one of the white worms apart that just tried to sneak up on me.

“You make me very proud Tyron, but here is the situation.”

“I told him as fast as I could.”

Before I could finish shiny spider silk glued me to the ground and Krabbel came fast through the open door.

I raised my finger. “Tyron paralyze only!”

Krabbel dropped and Suit switched to aggressive shields dissolving the spider silk.

I opened the weapons locker and took a broad sword.”Now to the Computronic Core.”

I had to paralyze and stun my way through a dozen of my crewmates before I reached the Computronic Core. This was the best-protected space in the ship, SHIP was inside a Reinforced Neutronium ball. There was the Emergency Access panel and I pushed my hand on it and slipped my code key in. SHIP came out of her cycle at once. “SHIP, Ganymede Protocol!”

This was a captain’s only knowledge, mutiny containment protocol. Core component was her accepting my commands only.

“Ganymede active.”

“Reduce inside temperatures to minus 50 degrees and increase Grav to 25. Flood every deck with Para Rays and send the ZERO ZERO pulse.

“Aye Captain!”

“The ZERO ZERO pulse deactivated all weapons and battle suits.

“Do we still have Shields?”

“No Captain.”

“Activate all shields.”

Narth appeared next to me. “I am free and unharmed.”

“Let’s go and liberate my ship. No mercy no quarters. Intruders are to be killed on site.”

I activated the Fenrir Robots through SHIP and ordered them to contain crew members in stasis.”

Narth teleported me to the bridge. I found everyone pinned to the ground and everything was covered with a thin layer of frost, arm long white maggot-like worms lay everywhere.

There was Lia Bennett sitting in my Chair. She was still grinning at me even though she was paralyzed.

A huge explosion rocked the ship and SHIP’s Voice said.”Captain, severe damage to Engineering.

The Red Dragon in an active Seenian suit and in one of our Wolfcrafts!”

Narth teleported me right to Engineering, there was a huge gaping hole in the hull of my ship.

An energy blast hit Narth and made his shroud catch fire, a second one of tremendous force hit me.

“Narth get out of here, this is an order.”

An energy beam out of my finger hit the Wolfcraft with the Thauran while Narth disappeared. I could feel him being injured but alive.

“Good Bye perverted little girl boy. I know the secret of the Seenian depot now. I will be back and kill you all slowly.”

With that, the hovering Wolfcraft screamed with maximum acceleration into the sky.

We assembled in the Pirate’s Den. It was quiet and no one spoke.

Everyone looked at me with guilty faces. It had taken me almost two days to get one after the other out of stasis and checked by Narth and Cateria. The white worms aboard the ship were dead and I had robots scour and decontaminate the ship from top to bottom, now that they knew what to scan for it was easy to find the worms. Shea finally spoke. “I am so sorry Captain!” “You were under alien influence, nothing to be sorry about!” “Captain the Knnnk do not take over they threaten you with from within. I should have been stronger!” Hans actually was sitting on the floor crying. “I killed TheOther while the Y’All protected you, Captain!” Cateria shook her head. “No, you have not. The Y’All was seriously wounded but you did not hit anything vital. He has amazing self-healing abilities.” I said with the most serious tone in my voice. “Cirruit is another matter! I don’t know if he is dead or simply deactivated but he is not moving! Cateria does not know how to help him and neither does Suit. Elfi sobbed.” I did that. I fired tech stop on him!” “Let’s not lose hope. He came around last time he was hit by tech stop.”

Warner’s tail seemed dead and limb as he dragged it behind him coming into the Den. “We were able to free Three-Four from the energy siphon, Shea had trapped him in, but we were unsuccessful so far to get more than a baseline of weak energy from Cirruit.”

I swallowed hard, trying to keep my emotions under control. “What about the ship, can we lift off?”

“Sorry, Captain, there is too much gone. I am afraid the Tigershark won’t go anywhere without outside help.”

“We got two LEGO factories. If we have to, we build a dockyard and fix her.”

“We could never fix the TransDim chandeliers it was part Narth, but we might be able to manufacture and jury rig a few ISAH pods to get us home.”

“Then I this is what you do. While I go after this monster.”

I stood on the planet and met with the Down Commander.

“Thanks to you, we are all recuperating and soon fully healthy again.

“Sadly no one can leave this planet. I listened to your advice and had all Engines destroyed. So no one could escape and I would not have to use force on my own kind.

No Down is allowed to respond to communication coming from this planet for five years. Either you would beat the disease or we die here I thought.”

He looked towards the Tigershark. “Now that your ship is damaged we are stuck.”

I too turned and looked at the once beautiful Tigershark. Her aft section was a twisted mess of metal. The tough armor kept much of the explosion inside and caused even more damage.

“We’ll find a way, we are not out of options.”

I said and turned to look over to the now quite impressive field hospital with several stories and several basement floors.

The construction robots relentlessly kept working.

Har-Hi came over and said.” It doesn’t look good. We completely lost TransDim and both our extendable ISAH pods are gone. In all the bad news I have good news too!”

“I can use them.”

He pointed to the Hospital doors and the Y’All came out with a big pale spot on his armor skin, but he seemed otherwise unharmed. He reached us and he saluted. “Ensign TheOther reporting back for duty Captain.”

“You saved my life and the ship.”

“And you gave me a purpose, a home, and true friends. None of these things any other Y’All could claim to have. I would do it gladly again.”

Har-Hi said. “I recommend Ensign Y’All for the Purple Heart and the Silver Star.”

“I second that and enter it so in the Logbook!”

Har-Hi said. “Not that these are great news, I meant something else.”

My eyes watered as I saw Cirruit coming out of the Hospital as well.

He walked a little stiff, looked over his ship and then came.

“I am sorry Captain. I tried to prevent that by ejecting the core, but the altered Elfi got me in the middle of it. I guess that is the end of my own Engine rooms.”

I simply hugged him. “I thought I lost you.”

“You almost did. Elfi knew where to shoot. But SHIP had my schematics on file and Cateria and our Nanites were able to reconnect my neural pathways before they deteriorated. I am as good as new.”

He hugged me back and I knew he was crying inside. “I thought I lost you too Captain and everyone.”

I wiped my own tears off I didn’t notice until now. Narth scared me for a second as he popped out of thin air. “Oh sorry Captain, I better warn you mentally before I do that again.”

“Yes, that’ll be a good idea. I am a bit nervous about things coming out of thin air right now.”

“Mao is in surgery and then will have to spend some time in the Regen tank, but Cateria prognoses a full recovery for him as well.”

“I feel terrible for giving him a liquid metal shower, but the alternative would have been a direct TKU hit.”

Narth switched subjects.

“The Red Dragon took one of our Wolfcrafts, and we think he took Melissa hostage. He is most certainly back on his way to the Seenian depot.

“I’ll go after him as soon as possible, we do have another Wolfcraft and the Gazelle.”

I motioned to the hospital. “What is the situation here?”

“We analyzed the disease, it is a race of sentient beings. They can not affect the environment themselves to build a civilization but can make others do it.

The bad part is that they can’t control the side effects of their own poison and the disease they spread, so their host bodies deteriorate and die and they must find new species to take over to survive. They have the ability to teleport along electromagnetic waves like radio for example and as we made our shields transparent for radio they could infiltrate our ship.”

“We need to find their origin and destroy them. As soon as we can that is.”

Cirruit shook his head.” Captain half of the spare parts are gone too. Warner is right there is too much gone. I am afraid the Tigershark stays planet-bound until we can manufacture ISAH pods.”

I then turned back to Har-Hi and asked the question I dreaded to ask. “Casualties?” “We have many wounded but no casualties.”

An ape-like being walking more on his knuckles than on his feet came from the hospital and bowed deeply.

“You must be Captain Olafson. We do not know how we can thank you. You have saved us. We are healthy and free of the influence. The Down allowed us to remain on this planet and settle here. I know of your great misfortune but if you ever get back please send a ship so we can join this magnificent Union of yours.”

“I will do that.”

I saw the Ghost floating by the ship in the distance and waved him over. Now that Suit was fully operational I could hear him talk.

“Captain, why don’t we go back to our home system and get one of the Seenian ships? You should be able to get home with one of these.”

“We have to fight the Dragon first, he might already have access.”

“He is not the authorized inheritor. He will face the First Servant.”

To Har-Hi I said. “Get the Wolfcraft ready.”

“Captain...”

“No discussion, no argument. I am going to finish this once and for all, but you are welcome to come along. There is the Gazelle.”

To the Ghost I said. “You saved my best friend, for that I am eternally grateful.”

“I am glad I could help. Narth is certain he can bring more of my mind matter back and find a way to allow me to sleep. I could not let come harm to him, for that chance alone.”

Har-Hi and I flew back. Ghost was with me as he took no room. Since I also wore Suit I actually had a mini crew of my own in my one seat spacecraft.

The second planet of the Antoo system was a marginal garden world with rugged mountains and very little vegetation. Nothing in terms of animal life, at least not where we touched down. The Wolfcraft had very limited science sensor capabilities.

We did find the other Wolfcraft, it had touched down on a mountain plateau within close distance to an artificial gate structure that was well hidden underneath a mountain rock overhang.

“Tyron, you say his suit is repaired right? Is it sentient like you?”

“While I can’t say for certain as this would require contact, but highly unlikely. Sentient suits like me are not the norm. I gained sentience on my own.”

“Well, we will find out.”

“Aye Captain and on a personal note, whatever Seenian mysteries we are about to uncover, I am no longer Seenian, but a Union Citizen, a fleet member and loyal to you alone.”

“I never questioned your loyalty.”

“No Captain but you were thinking it, you would not be the leader I admire if you didn’t.”

“You can read my mind?”

“No Captain, but being worn I can detect the faintest changes in body chemistry and language.”

Har-Hi who had joined me standing before the temple like entrance. “Captain, the writing above that temple entrance is Seenian.”

Tyron said. “He is right Captain, the words say. “The war is lost, may worthy children fight the darkness. With what we have left behind.”

The dark metal door was closed and there was more writing directly on the door.

Tyron read it out loud. “The writing promises great rewards to those worthy possessing them. It also reads that this door This door can only be opened by a Telekinet of considerable strength or a Seenian. It also warns of great dangers to those who are not deemed worthy.”

“Now what?” Har-Hi said.”We left Narth and Alice behind and how did he get in?”

Tyron answered.”The individual Melissa, she is a Telekinet of considerable strength.”

“How did he know that?”

“I assume she told him. Neither Kilkam nor she was apparently immune to the Knnnkt.”

My Dai friend sighed.

Orthbeer passed through the barrier and moments later it opened. He was hovering in the now unobstructed entrance. “I am a very weak telekinet, but there are controls on the inside. I have been here before.”

Despite the tense situation. I could not help myself but smile. “It isn’t ghost proof obviously.”

The corridor behind the door was long and narrow, there was a moldy smell in the stale air. The floor was covered was covered with a thick layer of dust, but there were tracks of very recent footprints

We must have covered at least a klick when we noticed someone lying on the floor. It was Melissa, she was covered with brown spots, a white maggot had detached itself from her and now moved towards us. I blasted it with a feeling of grim satisfaction.

Har-Hi knelt next to her and said looking up. “She is still alive, but not in good shape.”

“She is human and the freak thing is dead. See if your auto doc can help.”

He nodded and detached his Auto doc and pressed it against her.

While he did that I slowly kept going, the corridor widened into a circular chamber of about fifty meters in diameter.

I noticed the Dragon taking a small cubical device from a stone pedestal in the middle of the chamber.

Tyron said with great alarm in his voice. “That is a casern.”

I remembered Cateria mentioning that before. “Did you not have one as well?”

Before Tyron could say another word, a bright flash of energy hit me full force and threw me against the wall. A conical shaped, man-sized gray object had appeared. As I hit the wall I noticed the Dragon attacked the same way.

I was not knocked out, and I was certain I was not seriously hurt.

“Captain, the Casern has a fully active casern bot and does not accept my command codes. I must put all energy into the shield.”

The cone-shaped machine snarled in Seenian. “The key is for revenge and for those who stand against the dark and not for darkness itself. If perish I must, I perish but there will be no surrender.”

The Dragon groaned in agony his own Seenian suit underneath, emitted puffs of smoke.

The robot fired another blast of tremendous power and engulfed me, making the previously invisible shield that surrounded me glow in the brightest purple. Vaporizing the wall behind me and turning the floor I was standing on in a large puddle of molten rock.”

“We need to go into Battle mode while we can, Captain. I am sure I can defeat a Casern bot, but there is one more coming.”

“Go!”

Like the first time I wore Tyron, I felt a faint prick in my neck and then everything changed. All my senses had been boosted by a thousand times. I suddenly could see everything all around me just like in Battle view. I got dizzy as I suddenly possessed 360 degrees vision. Something my mind had a hard time processing, instead of reading or identifying icons and data I simply knew it. My ears could hear the heartbeat of the Dragon, the grinding sounds of the sand and dust while at the same time hearing the thundering cracks of energy discharges, I could see the path of blaster bolts.

With a thought most likely not entirely my own I envisioned a huge scoop and with this invisible tool I laddled a load of molten material from the ground and sloshed the robot with the hellish liquid many thousand degrees hot,

I moved with a speed that was not humanly possible,

I was not myself. It was as if my body was remote controlled.

With similar energy blasts pouring out of my suit gloves, I cut into the machine’s shields.

Tyron’s voice was right in my head. “My energy siphoning abilities are strained to the point of collapse. This robot is finished but another one has just appeared.”

I tossed myself against the robot, both the robot and my shields collapsed and without knowing if it was me or Tyron I plunged my fingers into the slick metal skin of the machine and ripped it open with all the titanic strength the suit gave me and before the robot could repair itself I ripped the small tough brain sphere out of its command center, knowing exactly where it was and how it looked and with the last energy blast disintegrated it.

“Captain, I have exhausted all energy, we need to get out of here.”

With these words, all turned back to normal. I can no longer protect you.”

I could now feel the blistering heat.

The chamber was still an inferno of molten metal and stone, I noticed a passageway and rushed in as fast as I could inside and ran with all speed I could muster, because I not only felt the heat but also noticed that Tyron was no longer conditioning the air I was breathing and the hot air stung my lungs with a burning sensation. According to him, there were more bots on the way.

The further I made it the cooler the air became.

“Captain, these were the last energy reserves I had, I drained it all. It was an honor serving you. Starman Tyron Suit, Union Citizen signing out.”

His voice cut out before I could say anything and I knew he was gone.

I felt incredibly fatigued myself, as I tapped through the dark corridor.

There was a light ahead, a bright cold white light.

And there he was, the Red Dragon naked as the day he was born with burn blisters all across his body, but holding a TKU in his left and a boarding-sword in his right.

He looked at me with unmasked hate, but I was certain my face reflected my emotions towards him just as well.

“Olafson, what does it take to kill you? You managed to follow me again.”

“I follow you to the end of the universe and put an end to you!”

Swybar laughed. “You are unarmed and your suit is as worthless as mine. I simply cut it to pieces then. Much more fun!”

He was right, I didn’t even have my colt with me, it was still in my quarters from before I went swimming. My own TKU was somewhere on the floor in the chamber where I battled the robots. It and all other personal equipment fell away when Suit activated his full combat mode.

As advanced as Tyron was in terms of being a battlesuit if it failed, it failed completely and now I understood why the Marines despite their Atlas and Quasimodos relied on an external independent weapon. I had relied on Tyron and had even left my Colt and my knife behind.

He tried to fire, but his TKU did not discharge.

From the corridor direction we had come from, I noticed more cone shaped robots.

He, holding a sword. Of all weapons, he swung a sword.

Anger swelled in me, for not having my sword. I had to back up and evade that bastard, the corridor left no other direction.

I had to retreat from the man I wanted to kill like I never wanted to kill anyone and suddenly something broke in me. I could feel him, my mind was able to sense every muscle every hair of him.

I reached out and pushed but not with my hands. Swybar was hit by an invisible titan’s fist and swept off his feet.

He was suddenly there naked and utterly helpless.

He held up both hands. “I did not know you are a PSION user, I surrender. Now be a good boy-girl and put me under arrest. I am entitled to quarters until I have been a court martial by officers of my peer. I know my rights. You must go by the book.”

He crawled backward, away from me,

“I am Erica Olafson. I am Darkness Incarnate, by the ancient laws of revenge I shall take mine!

I knew it was me doing it as he rose floating into the air. My mind pulled at all four of his limbs at the same time. Until he floated there like a human-shaped ‘X’.

Without effort, I broke his legs. “This is for the many victims of Outpost 89!”

He screamed on the top of his lungs and then I grabbed him by his manhood.

“This is for Orah Báct.”

With all my anger augmenting my strength I ripped it out with a spray of blood. He screamed in pain and almost passed out. I waited a moment, with cold eyes watching the blood poodle beneath the floating man. I made him float feet down. “This you traitorous, piece of rotting Fangsnapper dung, is for me and my ship. I took the fallen boarding sword and cut him in half. This time I felt no guilt but a deep satisfaction.

Orthbeer and Har-Hi appeared moments later and stared at the gruesome remains of Swybin Swybar and then at me. “Our ghost found an alternate passage, the inferno chamber you left behind made us fear the worst, but then we heard the screams.” Orthbeer led through the tunnel onto a rocky plateau before a tall mountain. We followed the green glowing Antoo to a sheer rock wall and he uncovered a hidden panel and said. “The Seenians given us the access codes to use their technology, Except to this one.” Melissa appeared out of thin air right before us. “Because this is the inheritance. I am the Anagoge and it was my task to judge the seekers. You have shown, honor, compassion for the sick and restraint. I declare you to be worthy.”

She stepped away from the glowing panel and said. “It is all yours Captain Olafson.”

With a dry throat and great anticipation, I pressed my hand on the blue-lit outline of a human palm print.

A Voice in Seenian spoke.”Access granted.”

Nothing else happened.

“Now what?”

Har-Hi said. “Captain this is unbelievable. You need to turn around and step to the edge of the plateau.”

What looked like a wilderness Valley between mountains before was now gone as far as we could see. I held my breath as I saw five ships looking almost exactly like the Devastator and just as big. Stacked upon each other. There was so much more. Seenian equipment containers, stacked kilometers high.

It took me a moment to really understand what I saw.

Melissa said. “The Seenians were aware of the dangerous potential of all this and asked the Exalted to reveal it only to worthy people. Captain Olafson, it is all yours, and yours alone to decide what to do with it. All are ready to be used.”

A single robot came floating up. Clearly a Celtest Battle Unit.

Melissa suddenly wore her golden mask and she said.”Last Servant, identify me.”

“You are the one chosen to judge, have you done so?”

“I have done so. All is to be given to this person, Captain Erica Olafson.”

“Acknowledged. New Owner recognized. You are now the heir. What is your command?”

“Are there any spaceships I can use?”

“There are 345,000 units that can be designated as spaceships. They all can be made spaceworthy within the hour. Including four Dertha battleships and one Karmat.”

“Can this Karmat ship be used immediately and with a small crew?”

“The Karmat is at your service. It needs but one command level to operate. A Crew is helpful but I can supply robots.”

“No need for the robots then, activate the Karmat and have her accept my commands.”

“Everything here accepts only your commands.”

Har-Hi floating next to me. “You know I am just a little tempted to start our own clan, we could rule the galaxy with this.”

“I know. And I think we just might have the tools now to step on Cam Elf-Na and end his reign of terror as well. I have a feeling Admiral Stahl got the Devastator from a place like this and he never told anyone where the rest is either, maybe he realized this is too much power.”

To the robot I said. “How do you recognize me?”

“By scanning your DNA, your voice, your brainwaves, your psionic imprint, and your temporal tachyon signature.”

“Close the valley after we are gone and install planetary defenses. No one but me and those with me shall be able to land.”

“It will be done.”

“Where is this Karmat?”

“The Karmat battleship is currently rising from its pole hangar. It takes twelve hours for a ship of this size to fly through the atmosphere without causing severe planetary damage.”

“Uhm how big is this Karmat?”

The robot answered. “68 kilometers across in your scale measurements. Largest Celtest Class. Also known as the Queen’s Battle Ship.”

“Well I thought of something a tad smaller, but it will do I guess. Robot how does the ship recognize me?”

“The same way one does. You wear a Tyron Model it will be able to connect you to the Onboard AI and issue all commands.”

“The suit I wear is much more than a piece of equipment. It is sentient and my friend and it is damaged.”

“One can affect repairs.”

“Repairs might affect his personality, I need to be very certain that any repairs are done with utmost care to it.”

“One must express its astoundment. A biological lifeform friends with a construct?”

Melissa said. “It is true, Last Servant. Their society includes sentient machines. This suit is indeed a crew member and not just a suit.”

“I will transfer energy. The Tyron model can then affect self-repair.”

Tyron became active. “Captain, I have access to energy, what happened to...”

I told him and said. “I won’t hug you because that would look very weird, but I am very glad you are back.”

“I am too.”

The robot said. “You are a Tyron model command suit with sentient awareness?”

“Indeed and I stand against you and everything to defend my Captain.”

“No need, she has been accepted as the Owner.”

Finally, it came and darkened the Sky.

“Robot, that will be fine, just leave her there. It would take hours to land it. Let’s get the Wolfcrafts in it and get this monster disk back to the Tigershark.”

The Devastator, there was no question about it anymore was a Seenian battleship.

The Devi was heavily modified with Terran tech since the Eternal Warrior brought her along, but I knew it carried many tech level 11 secrets, some sealed away at those mysterious X decks probably only Stahl and Harris knew about.

This huge disk looked very similar to the Devi, only was ten times as big and then some.

We reached the Bridge after a small odyssey in I.S.T. capsules.

The bridge was exactly like the one on the Devi, of course with the old original Seenian stations and not Union tech layout. Its command seat was a clunky affair and not the neat Battle mode command seat of my Tigershark.

Suit informed me that it had very similar capabilities as the Devastator and could cloak. It had the old Seenian versions of Transform Cannons but its sixty main battery towers where of Yotta load size or the equivalent of one Quadrillion tons of High Explosives far beyond of the trillion tons of the Devi’s Exo loads. This was enough to pulverize a planet or snuff a small sized sun.

I could not deny my personal pride as the big ship didn’t accelerate as fast as my Tigershark.

It took me six hours to get the giant down so we could load my own ship. We then assembled in our Pirate’s Den. The Tigershark forlorn in one of the gigantic hangars.

SHIP said. “It was a nice time. You got yourself an impressive new ship and they will surely give it to you. When we are back they most likely scrap the ship that was not supposed to exist in the first place.”

“And you fear they’ll deactivate you?” I asked.

“Yes, that is what they do to defective computronics. If they decide to repair the ship, its new Captain will most likely have me fixed or replaced. It’s the Navy way.”

“I don’t want this big monster. I much rather have my Tigershark fixed and go back pirate hunting or something else. We still have the Dai-Than issue, I promised Har-Hi we will do something about.

If they, against all better judgment, insist on me getting this big ship, then I will have you installed as its brain. Shea and Cirruit will do it and no one else so we make sure we won’t lose you.

Besides I made you an official crewmember, they can’t deactivate you just retire you. And by then we find a way to get you freedom of movement and all that.”

Har-Hi said. “This big disc is not us. It’s a real battleship with room and hangars to carry an entire fleet, and hundred thousands of crew. All it can do is fight big battles or parade around in space. I want to go back out there in the Tigershark and have dinner in our very own Pirates Den.”

The Golden said. “I hope you take me along again when you go again. I had more fun and made more friends than in all my life before.”

Rohgar the Togar agreed. “I hope against all better knowledge they will assign me to you again.”

“Hey, guys we are not home yet,” I said. “We are heading home as soon as we settled the problem with those disease worms, then I like to visit the Furze with this new ship of ours and tell them what I think of Bullies. As I said Cam Elf-Na is still out there.

I addressed our CMO. “Cateria what is the status here?”

“All our patients are on their way to complete recovery. The Furze outcasts lost 81 before we could do anything.

The Down and the captured pirates will recover as well. The remaining pirates are now all in stasis already and can finish their healing process when they come out of Stasis in Union brigs and on their way to the gallows.”

Cirruit said. “I instructed the LEGO factories to build a shipyard. The Down Can repair their ships there and fly home. I have also build a high-security hold were the remaining worms are held. Pending your decision.”

“I need to know where their homeworld is and find it. Then I am going to see how hot those maggots like it for real and burn them all.”

Shea said. “They are doing this for many millennia Captain. They have no knowledge of their home planet. I know they escaped, as a space-faring race accidentally landed. It might be possible to retrace their steps from civilization to civilization they destroyed and leeched to death before moving on and thus find their homeworld.”

I sighed as she said that. “I think that is a number too big for us and would take years. Maybe we do need to leave a few things undone and go home.” Much of the crew was present as we discussed all this and no one really looked very happy.

I got up.”We are going to the Golden Bazaar and make contact. Most likely we will be sent home. Aren’t you glad?”

It was the little furry Holdian who stepped forward. “We sort of hoped it would last a little longer. I do look forward to going home, don’t get me wrong but this ship and this crew became for most of us home as well and now it will end.” Elfi said. “Exactly what we said will happen back then when we graduated, just later. Only this time there will be no secret ship or a secret mission. You go to Command School as the admirals said and that is the end of our adventures.”

“We’re not home yet but I know what you all mean.”

Har-Hi made a wide arm gesture. “Captain with this monster we are home in no time, no refueling and this thing is almost as fast as the Tigershark.”

“I think we cross that bridge when we are home. I just think this is not the end. I am sure we will be together again.”

Cateria wrap everything up outside and let me know when we can leave. Shea and Cirruit prepare a way to destroy the remaining worms. A furnace or something be nice!” “Aye Captain!”

== Chapter 22: Homeward Bound ==

I went to the high-security storage facility our robots and my engineer had built after I had taken a shower and changed into a new uniform. I patted the colt and swore to myself never to leave it behind ever again.

Cirruit had installed a portable matter destruction furnace, next to the large transparent force field encased cylinder filled with those disgusting white maggots.

Narth was with me as well as Har-Hi.

Narth said. “Do you really want to destroy them all?”

“You are right, maybe we should keep one or two in stasis for later study or so.”

“No I mean you are going to commit genocide in a way. These are sentient beings.”

“Maybe they are but without any morals and a trail of death and destruction. Those disgusting crawlers are responsible for forcing me to shoot friends. Forcing my friends to do things against their will.

And who knows how many millions or perhaps billions they have killed to get here.

Once released they will continue to make others sick and force their dominion on others.”

“I understand and I fully support your final decision but the leader of the Knnnk asked me to plead with you for the life of his people.”

My chin dropped.”You ... you talk to that filth?”

“I can not easily ignore a telepathic cry for mercy. They know about their guilt and are well aware of what they did. What they did is wrong but from their side of view the only way to become a civilization. They have no hands, no eyes, nothing to build a civilization for themselves.

You need eyes, hands to make tools, make fire.”

“The Shaill don’t have hands or anything like that and did not decide to kill everyone,” I argued back.

“This is not entirely true, Captain. The sister station to Richter 4 exists because we anticipated war with the Shaill.”

Narth then said. “An individual can choose to self destruct to atone for his or her actions and immoral deeds, but as a leader, it was responsible for the welfare of its kind first.”

Cirruit brushed over his polished skull. “They are responsible for much mayhem, death and in a sense are responsible for the destruction of my beloved engines, but we X101 did very bad things under the influence of the Kermac.

Even those of us who weren’t directly influenced, were glad for a purpose, even if that purpose meant to attack others.

The Piostla waged a great war against us because they felt all non-plant life was evil and argued there are Terrans who ate plant matter and therefore were guilty based on their morals.”

“Are you also suggesting we let them live?”

“I know they are too dangerous to be let free, but exterminating them before looking for an alternative might be a little harsh. With their help, we, or the Union could find the rest, help the afflicted and find a solution for the Knnnk.” He held up his hands in a defensive manner. “Now, don’t get me wrong. Because of them I almost died, but I listened to Narth. I personally throw the switch and toast them to ashes if you say so.”

I looked at Har-Hi. “What is your opinion?”

“The Dai in me says burn them, and burn every planet they ever touched, just to make sure they can never ever force their will on others and make them do things they do not want. However, I am too long with Narth and also a Union Citizen and with those values, I might agree with Narth and Cirruit.

The Union gave us Dai, the ones that joined, a chance. You know what we did before that. My own clan burned and killed many Union colonies and ships and took everything they owned. Yet our past was never made an issue since we joined.

Your very own Neo Viking forefathers practiced piracy, were the worst killers and dare I say, rapists before the Union fleet put an end to it.

Then you Neo Vikings joined. Not one Viking went to prison. No one was held accountable for their actions before they were Union.”

“So you say should give them a chance to apply for membership?”

“It would be a solution of sorts. They would be bound by Union Law and could then be legally and with the full moral framework intact be punished for all future acts.”

“And anyone coming in contact gets sick and they take control.”

“Now that we know they have no chance. We can easily protect ourselves from them. It was their unknown ability that made us vulnerable.”

“Maybe they have more unknown abilities?”

“Well, Captain if you still think we should destroy them. Then we will support your decision you know that!”

They all knew I would no longer throw the switch before I had checked other alternatives. Part of me still felt angry and cheated on the revenge I wanted.

I knew I had the Viking savage beast in me more than I wanted to admit. I was now well aware that there was something utterly dark and powerful inside me.

Judging others, no matter who or what they were was no longer so clear cut. To add to it all, I was a Union Captain and had to make sound decisions and was accountable for all my decisions. The Knnnk were a previously unknown life form, and could not necessarily be judged on human or Union morals and ethics.

“Alright, you come up with a workable solution by the time we leave and I will consider alternatives. However, I won’t let the Knnnk behind on this planet.”

The next day, I was in my Captain’s quarters to write my daily logbook entry. Cateria would be able to wrap things up in another day or two. All her patients were getting better and even the severe cases where much organs and tissue had to be replaced were on the way to complete recovery.

The Down managed to contact their government via a message drone. The response was more Down ships arriving and they were deeply impressed by our medical progress and interested in opening diplomatic and trade contacts with the Union. I was told, the Down were to send a delegation to Pluribus via the Golden Bazaar.

The once sick and affected Furze had officially formulated their desire for membership and presented me with a contact request to be forwarded to the Assembly.

The Down confirmed that the Outcasts were welcome to the planet.

Cirruit and his team worked hard to repair as much as possible and close the hull. The rest of the crew went from top to keel, with scalding water and concentrated Scrub-A-Deck. They were eager to erase even the most minute trace of these slimy bastards.

I leaned back and put the pen down when the door chime announced Shea. She came in and sat down on my couch.

“I think we found a solution to the Knnnk problem and we wanted to demonstrate it to you tomorrow as soon as the technicalities are tested and worked out.”

“Good news, but you came for something else I can feel it.”

“Can you still love me after what I did?”

“I told you before I do not hold you responsible and neither Har Hi, Hans or anyone else under the influence of these creepy things. Thinking about it makes me wish again I had thrown the switch after all.”

I got up and sat close to her, took her in my arms and said. “I still love you very much. Nothing has changed.”

“Will you go back to your male persona when this is over. Black Velvet is only an artificial persona and technically belongs to NAVINT.”

“I haven’t really thought about that, but I doubt it. I really like myself just as I am.”

A wide smile changed her face and she kissed me. “Wonderful.”

She got up and said.”You really don’t mind if I move in with you? I mean share quarters?”

“I thought we already discussed this, any regulations against it after all?”

“No official ones. It is just not done usually.”

“We never cared much about much of the official regulations, so why start caring now? I say go and get your things. Now we got to draw lots who sleeps on the right side of the bed right?”

She giggled as she left.”Depends how much you have changed.”With that, she was out the door.

They had asked me to be in the Pirate’s Den, the next day by 1600 hrs.

Shea and Cateria were quite proud I could tell and Narth seemed also very pleased about something, standing next to the curtain covered entrance as he said.

“Behold our Knnnk solution.”

I jumped out of my chair and almost out of my skin. Both my hands went for weapons blaster and the old 45 at the same time.

“What in Lokis name is that? It is the most horrifying, disturbing thing I have ever seen.”

From the door, a headless man had walked in.

It had perfectly normal arms, legs and wore only tight-fitting black swimming trunks.

Instead of chest nipples, it had eyes.

It had no head and no neck. But one of the white worms was sitting on top, where the neck would have been.”

“I don’t think I will ever go to sleep without seeing that thing before my eyes. Did Mao come up with that?” I felt guilty as I saw the disappointment in their faces.

Cateria said. “Sorry Captain I didn’t have much time for the design. I thought it doesn’t look too bad.”

I blinked. “Sorry Cateria, really I did not mean to criticize your work, but honestly to me, this does not look good and I am just a bit shocked. I was not prepared for a headless Zombie with a giant maggot on top.

Please tell me what you guys come up with and why this Worm is in the open?”

Cateria explained. “Cirruit injected a counter artificial bacteria on Nanite basis and thus we have completely wiped out the Virus Bacteria symbionts.

I performed discectomy surgery to the adult Knnnk and also altered the DNA of the worms so they will no longer be able to produce the venom.

Shea took over and said. “Cateria grew this organic body out of base cells. It has no central nervous system at all. It is dead without the Knnnk on top. It needs only liquid muscle foods and oxygen to operate. The Knnnk bond with it, the bond becomes permanent and the Knnnk can no longer sever the bond. Becoming essentially one with its host body. With the bond, they also lose their wave riding ability and if they are somehow disconnected both Knnnk and host body die.”

“Hmm, that is actually quite an interesting solution, some clothing might help too. Seeing this naked Neutrum was perhaps a bit sudden for my taste.”

Shea said sounding a little insecure.”It might not be to your liking but we gave it a mouth too for communication purposes only of course. And we thought the practical place would be its stomach as it doesn’t have a navel.”

I cringed. “I still think Mao had a hand in it.”

Mao shook his head. “No, not this time, Captain. But we could always open a traveling Freak Show and Haunted Ship attraction. We will be famous in no time. Giant Spider, Ghost, Giants and Dust Golem, Monsters and now headless belly-button talking Zombies!”

Shaka looked at me from the side. “And if the captain stops using the hygiene center for a month or so we might have a Bearded Virgin too!”

I blushed and checked my cheeks but they were as smooth as ever and the crew laughed.

Cateria said. “Captain the Knnnk wants to talk to you.”

I tried to become serious again and said. “Alright, I am all ears. That reminds me, please don’t tell me where it has its ears.”

Cateria said. “The Knnnk have the ability to hear, we did not need to give it ears.”

The Monstrosity began speaking and I tried hard to looks elsewhere.

“I am The-one-chosen-to-represent. I am Knnnk and hereby ask for a truce and diplomatic immunity until I am able to make our case before the Assembly on Pluribus.

My people will gladly stay in stasis confinment until your Assembly has made a decision. We thank you for giving Knnnk a chance, our most thanks goes to Cateria and Shea who gave us our very own host body that will not get sick or deteriorate. If the Assembly decides to give us a chance, it will be a glorious future on our own merits. I will commit all our energies to atone for what we did by helping to find all those affected and help to heal.”

“As always I see my crew has prepared you well. By our rules and first contact laws, I am now bound to accept your request and you are indeed an ambassador.

Let me make this perfectly clear to you. Should you in any way shape or form interfere with any of my crew. I will make it my personal mission to make your kind extinct.”

“I will remain in whatever space you see fit. I understand your sentiment and can only blame ourselves. I am still very thankful for this chance.”

I wanted to say something but Xon who had the Con. called. “Captain we are being hailed by the Furze. They are on scanners with a big fleet.”

“Pipe it down here, please.”

The Image of a Furze all in brown leather and Copper appeared.

“I see you have paid no heed to our warnings. I declare this Planet to be Furze Dominion and we shall eradicate all that lives.

You may address me as ‘A the Mighty’ and amuse me with your pleas of mercy. The Down have embarrassed us and war shall be upon them. We will feast on their flesh!”

“Did you say you are ‘Miniscule B’? I have to inform you of the fact that this planet is neither Down nor Furze. It belongs to the Outcast.”

“No Naked face, it is not ‘Miniscule B’. It is ‘A the Mighty’. You must adjust your translation equipment or face my wrath.”

“One moment, ‘C the Weak’. I talk to the Outcast and see what they have in mind.”

The speaker of the Outcasts was already aboard and I informed him via Intership of the situation and added. “Do you want to address the Furze leader?”

“Yes.”

I had the necessary connection made and he spoke to the Furze fleet leader

“Hear this, We will be members of a society of free beings soon. You abandoned us and sent us with museum scrap on a journey to certain death. We are the Outcast now, Furze no more and free of the dictatorial Furze government. You refused to help us when we were sick, now you return to kill us after we are well. We fight and we die as Outcasts on our own world.”

To me the Outcast community speaker said.”We will fight, but our ships are outdated and have only weak weapons.”

“I think we can handle your angry brethren.”

I opened my channel.

“Sorry ‘D the Insignificant’, but the new owners of this planet do not want you here. This Planet is Union protectorate and I suggest you leave now or I am forced to take off and make you leave.”

He visibly got angry now. “It is ‘A the Mighty’. He repeated it three times with increased volume and then asked. “How you even know about lowly crewmember ‘D the Insignificant’. He is not allowed to communicate.”

One of his command crew members handed him a sign. SHIP translated.”It reads ‘I am A the Mighty’”

The Furze leader continued.”Maybe this will show you how to address me! We are not afraid of your puny little Vessel.”

“Well it might be puny to you, but from where I come from I think it’s pretty big. I guess I have to show you. Oh, and you may address me as ‘Captain the Olafson’.”

Some of my crew was actually holding their bellies laughing.

Narth shook his head. “This is not exactly how first contact procedures with a potentially dangerous and hostile species are described in the handbook, I must say!”

“It is not a First Contact situation, he talked to us before.”

For the first time ever Narth giggled. “Fivecheer and I can’t wait to feel his mind when he sees this ship.”

Har-Hi was even redder than usual. “How did you know this lowly crewman in the first place? I wonder if that poor soul is now being questioned by his superior how he managed to have contact with you.”

“Get serious guys, we are lifting off for combat action. We need to get this thing in space. SHIP have you made contact with the big ships AI?”

“Yes, Captain. I am able to convey all your ship commands via our bridge.”

“Prepare for liftoff. Nice and easy does it Mr. Nbdele. Do you think you can handle something that big?”

“With all due respect Captain. Can you eat fish?”

“I really think we need to work on the respect your Captain issue around here, but I guess that means you can.”

“Sure thing, I get this flying continent into vacuum without so much as raising a breeze on the planet.” While he started his procedures, we went leisurely on the bridge of the Tigershark. Remote controlling the big Ship around us.

Mao said. “I sure hope they try something. I am so eager to let just one of those Yotta shots go.”

“We don’t want to rearrange constellations, Mao.”

“Ah well, one can have dreams.”

Narth said. “All the Yotta cannons of this ship fired simultaneously are incapable of rearranging constellations, Captain.”

“Smart ass!”

“I know.”

That made me raise an eyebrow.

The Karmat finally broke through the atmosphere, just as the Furze fleet was within the fourth orbit and we were certain ‘A the Mighty’ had us on his screens by now. He could not possibly miss us with nothing but binoculars for sensors.

“Mao go for full shields, extend all weapons and target the alien fleet.”

“Aye Captain!”

Narth was silently shaking on his seat.

With concern, I asked. “Are you alright?”

“Yes, but I can’t breathe,” he said with a pressed tone and then leaned back and laughed as I never thought he could.

Narth pointed his finger on the screen. “A the Mighty ... A ... He just ... he just pooped all over himself. He feels very insignificant right now.”

Har-Hi biting his lip trying hard to stay serious. “I think our OPS officer is incapacitated right now. The Alien fleet is turning in a very uncontrolled retreat maneuver, there are actual collisions.” “Prince Xon do hail me that monkey would you?”

“With pleasure Captain.”

“I am Captain Olafson of the United Stars of the Galaxy. Calling the Furze. You are not afraid of my puny little vessel I know. Well here I am anyway, why don’t you repeat your demands?”

‘A the Mighty appeared on the screen. “We will leave, no demands will be made.”

“Not so fast, ‘A the Mighty’. There are a few demands of mine and you better listen or you will not leave at all.”

“Speak ‘Captain the Olafson’”

“This Solar system is Union protectorate and soon Union space. Any and all hostile act; any and all military vessel within 1 light year of this system will be considered an act of war and we will retaliate with all our strength. So you know this isn’t a puny vessel I will demonstrate to you what could happen to Furze worlds if you disregard our warning.”

I said to Mao. “Let one go, one of these Yotta loads. Maximum distance empty space.”

I never heard crisper and happier ‘Yes Sir’ from Mao ever. Nothing happened at first.

“Did you fire?”

“Yes Captain, but its five light minutes out. It takes that time for the light to reach us.”

A new sun flashed into existence in the empty space behind the Furze fleet and did only dissipate very slowly.

Narth was serious again. “What will the Terrans do with weapons like that?”

Har-Hi shrugged. “I think the Sol System Defensive batteries are just as big, I heard. Translocator Cannon technology is no longer new to us, our Translocators are much more advanced and better than these old ones. Making it bigger was the first thing they did.”

The Furze, of course, detected it too and their Commander said. “We will accept all your demands and beg of your forgiveness. We shall leave now and not come near this system again.”

“That’s a wise decision, A The Mighty. You may now leave”

To Krabbel I said. “Set a course home.”

We would be home in less than a Month.

Cirruit was certain she could go faster but I wanted to play it safe.

It was despite all assurance and quality a million years old.

To celebrate the end of our mission, Sobody, Warner and Krabbel organized a costumed ball in the Pirate’s Den because it also was Krabbel’s Egg sac day and Halloween.

I had chosen the Costume of Snow White as suggested by Krabbel and designed by Elfi.

Krabbel had indeed put on a pair of wings and big facetted eyes and declared he was a Nufug Fly.

A floating bed sheet, turned out to be Narth, making a quite convincing Ghost with glowing eyes.

Shea as veiled slave princess was a sight for sore eyes and Elfi as Togar Cat very sexy.

One perfectly normal Human in normal civilian clothing caught my eye. I had never seen him aboard before.

“Crewman I think I have not seen or talked to you yet. Did you not find a costume?”

He pulled a Bioflex mask off and revealed Cirruit.”

I am disguised as Terran. Can’t you tell it’s me?”

“Well, now I do.”

The Highlight perhaps was Hans showing up as a gigantic Valkyrie Opera singer complete with Braids and horned Helmet.

Seeing a Nul with a colorful wig and a Y’All with a Clowns’ nose was actually quite frightful.

The Golden found his costume as one of the seven dwarfs quite fitting, only Har Hi didn’t seem to get into the spirit and insisted that his Purple Dai Assassin Outfit was a fitting Costume.

Mao wore a Bone in his hair and had himself painted all brown wearing a fur tied around his waist claimed to be a Caveman.

Cateria in a witch costume danced with Shaka who looked quite proud in his Pan Saran Armor.

Warner, in turn, had a chrome gleaming outfit and claimed to be the first Holdian X101.

Our Togar snowball, Jolaj had orange dye and black stripes, claiming to be a Tigress.

Alice who was costumed as Alice of the Wonderland Fairy tale character, floated above the buffet clapped her hands to the music.

Dusty managed to change his form to resemble a real big Gorilla went by the name C The Minuscule. Othbeer joined us and somehow he managed to color his entire vaporous body like the Flag of the Union and said he was the Spirit of the United Stars.

Narth explained that he had managed to pull almost sixty percent of Othbeer brain back into our Universe and with meditation exercises he was certain Othbeer could learn to sleep in a little time.

Othbeer no longer wanted to go to Narth but become a Citizen and join the Crew. He had proven himself more than worthy and I conscripted him gladly.

“Say who keeps throwing olives around here?” I said getting hit by another one.

Alice in her Alice outfit laughed exposing her as the culprit.

Mao yelled. “Food fight.”

All hell broke loose. Almost to the end Narth managed to remain clean and even in his costume tried to be dignified and we knew he was cheating with his psionics but that changed when he started to sample the Punch. I yelled.

“Where is Suit?” Shaka ducking a thrown mayonnaise sandwich yelled back.

“It is the almost naked Tarzan over there dancing with Elfi”

With a little concern did I glance over and saw Narth again was at the Punch Bowl and I send him urgent thoughts that this was an alcoholic beverage, but it was too late.

Of course, the entire crew was there, SHIP said she kept an eye on the big ship and where it was heading, and then played the DJ again. Narth peppered us with Crème pies, no one knew where he got those from but our chef, Mr. Eeeryt did not let this be a handicap for the rest and robots brought in more.”

It was very late, not that many remained, Narth had passed out on the buffet near the complete empty Punch bowl ... about the only thing still intact.

I never had seen such a mess, but it was unimportant, I danced slowly with Shea. She still looked lovely despite the white cream filling all over her or perhaps because of it. She was smiling under her whisp of a veil and said.

“You know that Mao is going to ask Cateria to be his wife and bets are high she is going to say yes.” “Mao and the Seenian? I had no idea they even knew each other much.”

“Gossip has it Elfi and Har Hi are a pair as well.”

“There is Gossip on my ship and I don’t know about it?”

“A rule as old as the Navy captain. Captains never know all the rumors aboard their ships.”

“What do they say about us?”

“That you’ll never going to ask me.”

“I would if I knew I could be the man you deserve and be the girl I want to be.”

“Why don’t we find out if you can’t be exactly that?”

“Tonight?”

“Tonight!”

=== FLEET COMMAND HQ TERRA ===

Admiral Mc Elligott was just about to call it a day and leave his spacious office at the top floor of Annapolis Tower, 2500 meters above the ground with a gorgeous view over the San Francisco Bay and the old bridge far below when his terminal beeped with an urgent Prime One Message.

He sighed silently. “It never ends.” He took a seat and activated his side.

“McElligott here, what’s the matter?”

The Commandant of COWACOM appeared and said with alarm in his voice. “Long Range sensors at Woorld picked up a gigantic space ship, of unknown origin and dwarfing the Devastator approaching fast. All Scan results confirm High tech level!”

“Where is the Devi and the first Fleet right now?”

“Seventy-eight Light years from Woorld.They just came back from their Downward trip.”

“Dispatch them to investigate.”

=== ABOARD THE USS DEVASTATOR ===

Admiral Stahl came on the Bridge. Harris sitting in the Command Chair. “She’s big alright. Seems Seenian, under full TransDim shields and translocators dwarfing ours by several orders of magnitude.”

“Hail them, maybe we can talk to them. We might be in for a serious fight Old friend.”

Fivecheer said. “I can’t read them due to their excellent PSI shielding but I get a general feeling of concern.”

“Elfi hail them before they get nervous. The entire First Fleet is out there and I don’t want to start a shooting war with our own.

“You are on Admiral Stahl’s special Channel, Captain.”

“This is the USS Tigershark, Captain Olafson speaking. I am aboard this big vessel; I am in full control of it.

“Requesting permission to enter Union Space. Mission accomplished.”

Stahl’s face appeared and he could not hide his surprise. “Olafson?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“I am still trying to get my bearings. One second, Girl.”

I simply couldn’t help myself and said. “You better get your toy boat out of the way so I can get past, Sir.”

Harris behind him laughed. “Maybe she lets you play captain on her big ship.”

The immortal Admiral laughed too. “I should have known. Wait till McElligott hears that, he falls off his chair for sure. I for one can’t wait for your report. Permission granted Captain Olafson. Welcome home.”

I greeted Admiral Stahl and Captain Harris in our Pirate’s Den. Admiral McElligott and Cherubim arrived with an Attikan Runner a few moments later.

They all stared at the treasures for a while and then at my assembled Crew.

I stepped forward and handed the Admiral of the Fleet my Logbook then snapped in attention and said. “Captain Olafson of the USS Tigershark herby reports back, mission accomplished Sir.”

McElligott said. “At ease Captain. I am eager to read this Logbook, page by page myself, but I think I would like to hear it from you. We now have all the time you need to tell it.”

I offered them seats and had refreshments served and told them everything.

They interrupted me not once.

During my report when I mentioned the new Crew members they stood and I introduced them.

It was several hours later when I came to the conclusion. “The former admiral had stolen some Seenian tech that somehow ended up in a Bone Yard under his control, but it was not until the Thauran now a pirate came to Alvor’s Cove the first time. He stayed in the same place as Bulmag the Garr. Bulmag was a desert scavenger on Alvor’s. He found a buried Seenian ship a few years earlier somewhere out in that planet’s endless desert and came back to the settlement with a few pieces of Seenian artifacts, sold them to a Union Collector for 20 Million Polo Chips, but was killed the very next day after he got robbed.”

Stahl glanced over to his old colleague.”We need to tighten the control over your Bone Yards and what is actually there.”

“I am already on it for several months now. Captain Olafson, how do you know about Bulmag?”

“We have the Red Dragon, I mean the ship. We found Swybar’s personal journal.”

“How did the Dragon fit into this if Bulmag got killed?” Cherubim wanted to know.

Bulmag found a cavern with the Seenian ship.

He sold the first artifact to Asrad, a dealer of everything the Scavengers find, who in turn sold them to an artifact Dealer at Sobody’s Seat called Ruffal Oker. Oker made the contact with a Union collector and hired goons to make Bulmag reveal the location of the Seenian wreck.

Bulmag was indeed tortured and died without revealing his secret, but he had left a coded message along with the coordinates of the cave hidden in that hotel room until the Red Dragon found the note. He recovered two suits, a Seenian cannon, and a shield generator.

It was there in that desert cave with the Seenian wreck, where Orthbeer the Ghost of Antoo seeded him with the information of that Seenian war depot.”

They nodded and McElligott said. “And thanks to you buying the planet, we can go and dig.”

“Let her finish her report,” Stahl said.

“There isn’t much more, Sir. The pirate ships, or what is left of them are aboard. All surviving Pirates are in Security Stasis. I have the representatives of two species with me who would like to discuss possible Membership, and an official document of a third requesting official contact as well.

Of course with me is also Sobody, the First Merchant and Prince Xon, the Grey one of Nul.”

I took a sip from my ugly pirate coffee mug.

“That is pretty much it.”

There was a long silence then Stahl said. “In all my life I do not think I have heard a story quite like that one. And I never, I mean I have never seen a crew as diverse as yours. A Ghost as real as a Ghost can be, a living Dust cloud that now wants to be a Doctor, A Y’All, a Nul Prince, their prince no less, A Narth, the Saran Princess, A spider, A living Suit. A sentient ship who is not part of the ship but part of the crew. A golden Merchant just to name a few. You were untested and inexperienced and dare I say it you really made galactic history. Added new members, turned an enemy into a new friend. Ended Sin 4, found the Purple Worm and solved the mystery of the Seenians and the Dark Ones.”

Cherubim added. “Don’t forget they returned a lost Terran tribe. Bought Alvor’s Cove that seems to have Seenian tech underneath its sands as well.”

McElligott said. “We simply don’t have medals or ribbon displays big enough to show our thanks and respect. If you had one wish what would that be?”

The little Holdian simply jumped on the table and stepped forward without being really asked. “I think we want to stay together pretty much and perhaps do something else that needs be done. The crew was fine until we had to go home and everyone talks about you breaking us up and turning off SHIP.”

I nodded. “That is on the top of my list as well. I need an assurance that SHIP is not deactivated or fixed according to some regulation.”

McElligott said. “I give you my word. SHIP will be treated as a Life form and the Crew member you made her. I will personally verify all conscriptions made and make sure you also get a proper Service number and your back pay.”

Stahl simply nudged the Old Admiral. “Go ahead tell him!”

“Acting Captain Olafson. It makes no sense to send you to Command school, other than maybe as an instructor one day. Your rank is hereby confirmed and permanent.”

That caused a great cheer from my crew.

I said. “Thank you, Sirs”

Admiral McElligott then said. “While we are still among ourselves. I too think it was a good idea to lock the Seenian depot, but one day we might need what it contains.

Therefore I suggest you alter the programming of that robot in such a way that it allows us to build a Base on top of it. Just like we did with the base Admiral Richard Stahl found on Arsenal III.

We do not research its content as many think.

We have it sealed and only in a day of dire need will we open it. We all think it is better the Union gets to Techlevel 11 on its own.”

Melissa who had been quiet the entire time said.”This is why you are the worthy children indeed.”

Stahl looked at her and grinned.”You going to be surprised how much Earth has changed.”

“All concrete and cities now?”

“No pretty much like it was before humans discovered industry.”

McElligott made a wide gesture with his hands.”Do you want the command over this big ship?”

“No Admiral, Sir. I brought it back for the Union to use and if at all possible as a gift for Stahl so he can have his own ship again and does not have to fly as a guest, so to speak in Captain Harris’ ship.”

I straightened my posture. “I hope I am not speaking out of line and I cannot dare to say I would know an Immortal, but I have the firm believe he rather sit in the Command seat himself.”

I too gestured towards the walls, meaning to gesture towards the big ship beyond them. “Honestly, I think no better ship as this monster would fit his legend, Sir!”

Stahl’s mouth opened and closed without saying anything and McElligott smiled.

“She knows you quite well I think, I said it for decades. You are only talking about retirement because you lost your ship to Harris. I know you gave it to him, and you Captain Harris are the best CO the ship could have, but Erica is right you need a ship. Since I am still your superior, I hereby order you to accept that gift, get her to Arsenal IV. Have this gigantic disc refitted to Union standards.

That will keep you busy for a while and then take her and make the enemies of the Union shiver when they hear your name even more than they already do.”

Stahl slowly got up, his face unchanged but his eyes sparkled with emotions, then he took my hand then simply gave me a hug.

“Thank you, girl”

Cherubim seemed pleased. “Look at our old battleax and Warrior. I doubt I have seen him as happy since he came back with the Devi.”

She then said to me. “Have you thought of a name for the new ship. I think it should be your right to name her.”

“I actually already did think of a name, Dominator.”

McElligott laughed.”USS Dominator, now that is a fitting name. God help us, now he really has the biggest guns in the galaxy.” He then said to me. “Since you gave up command and ownership of that huge ship you brought back, here are my orders for you and your crew: The Tigershark will be repaired and refitted. SHIP remains as its brain of course. You all will have 6-month leave of absence. The new crewmembers, however, must forgo their leave and enter the academy for a fast program. Then you will all return to Richter Four.

There is no question, the Tigershark is your ship Captain Olafson, and this is your crew. I am sure we find something for you to do. The Dai-Than question is rightly a priority. I think we need to have a long conversation with Kai-Do and Lt. Hi’s father. Besides, there are more pirates to be neutralized, more slaves to be liberated and more mysteries to be solved.”

He slowly looked at each of us and said. “Will that be acceptable to you?”

My crew and I responded as one. “Yes Sir.”