Drei-12-odt





<--- Drei-11-.odt

Chapter 32: Mutation

Chapter 32 – Mutation

The doctor smiled as he removed the Derma-patcher from my face." The thing was missing you, Eric. You haven't been here for a while!"

"It was sort of quiet; at least in the being hurt part of my life!"

He padded me on the shoulder." I was joking Eric. I am glad you don't show as regularly as you used to. No worries the rest of this crazy world keeps me and my staff quite busy."

"So you haven't gone to that Kentucky place of yours?"

"Not yet, but I am still planning to do so. My contract runs out in two years. Kentucky isn't just any place you know. It is perhaps the most beautiful place on the entire planet, but then I guess it's where I am truly home and that seems to everyone always the nicest place."

"I am beginning to see the beauty of our world, but I still want to leave."

He looked at his read out that was floating before him like a soap bubble and with a flick of his finger made it vanish."Well your are good as new, but I am curious about that mutation you developed."

I blinked confused."What mutation?"

He shrugged."I am no Gene mutation expert but I was under the impression they used Sea turtle DNA to splice into the Settlers of Nilfeheim, but it seems you are growing a new sensory organ much akin to the electro sonar senses, Terran sharks and I think the Tyranno fins of this world have."

"Not that I understood half of what you said, Dr. Dwyer but you are saying I am growing something? Is it dangerous, do you want to treat me for it?"

He shook his head." It doesn't appear to be dangerous and it seems to be a normal development, but you are the first. It could be some left over DNA strand from the days of old and you are the first actually developing it. As I said I am no expert on this, but I have downloaded the scans to Med Center and they weren't concerned just mildly interested."

<p lang="en-US">I touched my head."I don't feel anything different, but to be told I am mutating something isn't very comforting. What did you mean by Sea turtle DNA and what are those?"

<p lang="en-US">"You know you can breathe underwater, as all of you can. Nowadays it is strictly regulated and in most cases simply prohibited to do much DNA splicing and tailoring but back in the days of the Second Exodus when all the Settlers left Earth, it was widely used and with little thought of the consequences."

<p lang="en-US">"I know about the Gene Clone wars. We discussed them in school."

<p lang="en-US">"Well to answer your question, the DNA tailors wanted to make the Settlers heading for a Water world more adapted to their new home and decided to give you gills and better Eyes. Normal fish gills were deemed impractical, so they opted to give you similar abilities as Terran sea turtles. As they can't really breathe under water like a fish but have a gill like system that allows them to be submerged for a very long time in both fresh and salt water. Something most fish can't by the way. The ability you are developing however seems that of a different species. It's more that of a shark or as I said that of a Tyranno. Now it is possible the DNA Techs on earth have experimented with shark DNA on one or maybe two families before they left Earth and it may have surfaced in a few generations every now and then. To all this you need to add the DNA repairs the Union clinic did to Nilfeheim settlers over the past 2000 years. So it is very rare but not totally uncommon that there would be a mutation. Since it seems it is part of your DNA and perhaps it was triggered since you are now in the puberty phase of your development. I would not worry about it much. If you feel any discomfort you can always come back and I have another look."

<p lang="en-US">"What DNA repairs?"

<p lang="en-US">"Your world had a very small Gene pool to begin with and since you don't travel as much or expand it would have deteriorated. Now I know they kill deformed or handicapped children on this cruel world but even that could have not prevented a serious DNA pool problem without the Union clinic intervening once in a while. It isn't done much anymore; you reached a good gene pool level now."

<p lang="en-US">"What do you think will happen to me?"

<p lang="en-US">"The Medical Main ran a simulation and they think you or maybe your children will develop some sort of sonar sense. Probably quite useful in the water."

<p lang="en-US">"Maybe that explains how I could somehow see Steiner attacking even with blood in my eyes."

<p lang="en-US">"Probably does. So I would not worry about it. Are you too old for a stick of sparkle bright?"

<p lang="en-US">"Probably not!"

<p lang="en-US">He handed me one, wished me good luck and I left the clinic. A little confused about the whole mutation thing but the doctor wasn't worried and that was more or less good enough for me. He was one of the few persons I trusted completely.

<p lang="en-US">Father and the other Clan chiefs half a dozen elders, even uncle Hogun actually waited for me outside. Isegrim not being responsible for me being in the Clinic was as novel as the fact that he actually waited, but then I remembered I promised to pay for two boats and I was sure that was his reason.

<p lang="en-US">They greeted me and Father handed me Mördaren." You did well today! The name Olafson is whispered with respect up and down the Wharf!"

<p lang="en-US">Hogun simply hugged me again." When will you learn to stay away from this place? You keep picking fights and always with swords and weapons. "Then he smiled." Adolph Lindbergh has ordered a banquet to celebrate the purchase of boats, your heroic fight and the official friendship to the Elhir clan. I put a young Fangsnapper on the spit just for you!"

<p lang="en-US">In all this strange development, his simple warmness and care made me feel much better. Not that I had the same regrets as I still had about killing the Steiner boy. I still ended a life and I heard the old man's word's echoing in my head." Death is awful final, Eric!" I wondered what he would say if he heard about this and I decided to call the old man tonight, maybe he had purchased himself a PDD by now and was registered on GalNet.

<p lang="en-US">Our group went back to the wharf and father turned and what he said almost floored me." What is your opinion, Eric my Son? I was thinking about the New Sweden Sub model, but the others are good as well. You are more in tune with modern technology as I am. I will listen to your opinion!"

<p lang="en-US">The Peerson Clan chief laughed." It took you a long time to recognize your son for what he is, Old Isegrim, but it is good!"

<p lang="en-US">I didn't buy it, something had to be wrong. This was the father who wanted me dead, beat me daily and tortured me without remorse. He had killed my mother and yet he acted as if nothing ever happened and now he asked me for my opinion. But I played along, even if this sudden change was temporary or just on the surface, it was better than before.

<p lang="en-US">He nodded and sighed." Yes Gunnar, there is much to be said and done, there is even more that never should have been done or said, but even I cannot remain blind to what the Gods trying to show me for a long time, that he is indeed my Son and a true Olafson."

<p lang="en-US">I tried to ignore what he said and instead gave him my opinion on the boats." I think they are all equally good manufacturers and their products are comparable, but since this is a serious investment I agree with your choice and we should buy the best possible and stay with one manufacturer for ease of parts and maintenance.'

<p lang="en-US">We did go to the New Sweden stand and after looking at the Holos of various models and picking the features he wanted, the sales man said." You picked the top of the line and he scribbled a number on a PDD pad and slid it over to father. He whistled and scratched his beard. I glanced over and saw the number 4, 5 million Credits.

<p lang="en-US">The salesman said." We can offer loan packages."

<p lang="en-US">I looked at father, and then said." We take them, do you allow me to pay for it father?"

<p lang="en-US">He simply nodded.

<p lang="en-US">The Salesman blinked and then grinned all over his clean shaven face. "What a pleasure to do business with you. I put in the order right now and you should expect delivery in two month."

<p lang="en-US">Why my personal allowance account held over 16 million was not entirely clear to me, but I had contacted Mr. Silverzweig to help me get father's accounts opened and he did assure me that everything was fine and that it was my money indeed and that I still would get full control over the rest when I was sixteen. He said something about the interest my main inheritance earned would make sure I did not have to worry about money.

<p lang="en-US">The fact we did buy two boats was talked about all over at the banquet an hour later, New Sweden Maritime insisted on paying for the festivities.

<p lang="en-US">The two men of the Greifswald Werft found me and Sid Winslow simply took a seat across me at the table and said with a smile on his face." She is a beauty and well maintained. There is nothing wrong with her. I suggest you let us update the reactor though. It's nearly at the end of its lifetime and if you use the flight modus it will take much energy."

<p lang="en-US">"What flight modus?"

<p lang="en-US">He laughed."You are joking with me of course. You must know your Poseidon is fully flight capable and if you want to replace the missing Isah Pods. It is fully space-worthy with very old but still good shield generators."

<p lang="en-US">His partner Piotr shook his head."I wouldn't recommend that, the FTE's and the torpedoes are not legal. Down here no one cares but that is still serious military hardware, being 500 years old or not, you would need a license."

<p lang="en-US">"It can fly?" I spurted out.

<p lang="en-US">"Of course, and why not? You can add Arti-Gravs as option to any boat and sub. Your old sub however was meant to fly from the start. The Markan Wars are over for 550 years now but still famous in terms of war ship building."

<p lang="en-US">"I never heard of these wars."

<p lang="en-US">"It was a local thing between two Ocean rich twin planets. Most of the conflict was fought in and on the planets oceans, it reached the apex as they nuked the shit out of Markan One and Union forces ended it by arresting the King of Markan II on Genocide charges. Most wars are now fought in space or on planet surfaces with equipment that can operate in any environment. But dedicated naval units, real ships meant to operate in water are rare nowadays."

<p lang="en-US">Adolph Lindbergh came over ignorant of the Off-worlders and was all serious. "Your advice to have the PDD examined confirmed that my son was murdered. The SII technicians say only a directed EM pulse could have disabled the PDD and the only thing capable of doing such is a device called Tech Stop. Then he did turn to the men from Greifswald." I want to order a boat with weapons!"

<p lang="en-US">I heard Piotr say." Maybe not as rare as I thought!"

<p lang="en-US">Adolph left with the two talking business.

<p lang="en-US">I wondered if this was the begin of new clan wars and if Nilfeheim would survive another period of Clan wars, fought with modern weapons again. The words of the Off world engineer about nukes made me worry. I am sure this could escalate and someone might get the idea to nuke a burg or two and that would certainly be the end of Nilfeheim.

<p lang="en-US">I needed the advice of the Old man, badly and wanted to go to downtown to make a GalNet call as my PDD was not GalNet enabled and Uncle Hogun's was locked away and turned off.

<p lang="en-US">But I was called over by father and the others to sit with them and Uncle Hogun placed a tankard before me. "Drink Nephew! The food will be right out."

<p lang="en-US">I wanted to say something about the Ale and he leaned closer."It's Sparke bright soda, but in a man's mug. Just be careful not to get a purple beard again!"

<p lang="en-US">I had to laugh and forgot about my own idea to go and make a call and seek advice. Sif's father was sitting with us and he was merry and toasted me and my father.

<p lang="en-US">I actually started to enjoy myself. The food was delicious and there was so much, and the men talked to me and there was laughter and even my father laughed and somehow looked different when he did.

<p lang="en-US">The tables were put up outside, the weather was nowhere near as nice as it was during Grandfather's funeral and the temperatures slowly dropped planet wide, but it was not raining and Hogun's helpers wheeled braziers out , as the sun was about to disappear behind the horizon.

<p lang="en-US">Leif Elhir was just telling a tall story about a Tyranno Hunt as he mentioned seeing a White Tyranno, why this made me turn my head and listen more closely I could not say, especially since I did not believe in the old tale, that surfaced every so often. But Leif Elhir was not known to be a man of great imagination either." I tell you it is the truth! "He slammed his tankard on the table." Just out by the Naffjord trench. You know where the Ocean really gets deep. I saw him in the distance! Glowing white he was almost as if there was a light inside. First I thought I get him, but my Harpoon man said it was still out of reach. We could only see him so well because he was so big!"

<p lang="en-US">Peerson wiped foam of his lip." My father has seen him too, the Big one! All white he said he was. And he was sure it was a male! My father was no coward and I challenge anyone who says otherwise but he said he was too afraid to even get close enough for a shot."

<p lang="en-US">Leif said." I am no coward either, but I would not spear that White one if I could. I think it is something like an Elder among the Tyranno's. A fish worthy to be slain by Odin alone."

<p lang="en-US">I never heard father tell any stories but he too participated." I saw that White one only recently, and it was up here and not down by the Uhim grounds! I do not think it is meant to be hunted."

<p lang="en-US">"Well I suppose it is possible, there is a white Tyranno. " Said Uncle Hogun setting down more mugs." Albinos are rare but not unheard of in any species. I think they have seen a white Fangsnapper too, down south."

<p lang="en-US">Leif nodded."Yeah I know about albinos, but I am not sure about that one being an albino. I think he's white because he's old. "

<p lang="en-US">I really had no opinion in the matter. I had never been Tyranno Hunting in a boat and I had no desire to do in the future. Litfas Arnske stood and toasted me and said:" I have ordered the womenfolk to prepare the bridal frocks for Sif and make all ready. In only five weeks we celebrate Yuletide and the day that follows will be the great meeting where all Elders and all clan Chiefs meet. Then you will throw your axes to cut my daughter's braids and I will welcome you like a son in our clan. "

<p lang="en-US">A loud female voice yelled."Why is no one ever asking us women what we want? Freedom for the Women of Nilfeheim, death to male Tyranny!"

<p lang="en-US">Two women in blue dresses and cloaks stood on the balcony above the entrance to Nils Supplies aiming harpoon guns at the tables below. One of them seemed to have some sort of Voice amplifier her voice could clearly be heard across the wharf." This was a day of male pigs celebrating their powers and toys! Since you all here, listen to the Voice of Freedom! We are the Daughters of Nilfeheim and we will kill each of you until the day you declare us women as equal and we no longer live under your rule! Female Freedom! "Both fired their spear guns, but they had talked too much already, Peerson had thrown his axe at the same time. One of the spears hit an Elder not far from where I was sitting right into the open mouth and the explosive tip ripped his head apart, the other spear pierced Litfas Arnske standing right across me. I reacted faster than I ever had and pushed the spear all the way through. The Explosive tip went off behind him instead of inside his chest. The explosion was still strong enough to shower father and the Elhir chief with steel shrapnel. I had flung myself across the desk, to see a flyer swooping down. The two women, one of them badly hurt with a throwing axe deep in her shoulder were helped by two others into the flyer to escape!

<p lang="en-US">Uncle Hogun threw a massive spitting steel rod, meant to hold a Fangsnapper or a Blue Finner over the grill like someone else would throw a spear after the flyer and he hit it right into one of the turbines. The flyer suddenly having only one thruster made a violent 180 degree turn and slammed into the roof of Nils supplies, two of the women got flung out, before the thing smoking and burning from one turbine gained altitude, then turning again hard and fast, careening with a screeching sound down the roof and hitting the ground and people!

<p lang="en-US">I ripped my shirt off and pressed it as hard as I could on the gaping hole on Arnske's back, with the other hand I used my PDD and called the Hospital on the local emergency channel." Multiple victims to terrorist attack, medical assistance needed urgently and fast.

<p lang="en-US">The Operator of the Local Hospital came on and said." How many? And where?"

<p lang="en-US">"Unknown at this point but more than 5 for sure. Oslo Plaza before Nils Supplies."

<p lang="en-US">"Help is on its way, but we have only one doctor on duty right now. And I cannot locate a Holo emitter capable GalNet Terminal in your vicinity."

<p lang="en-US">"Where is the closest one?"

<p lang="en-US">"At the Exchange 1400 meters from your present location."

<p lang="en-US">The Arnske Clan chief had barley a pulse, Father was bleeding from a wound to his right eye and he looked dazed. The Peerson chief only had a scratch on his arm. Uncle Hogun was running towards his flyer shed and then I had an idea, I called the Hospital again and the man said." The doctor should be there soon!"

<p lang="en-US">"That's not what I am calling for. Can you connect me to the Space Port Administration fast? My PDD is only local enabled."

<p lang="en-US">"Yes of course! They have a Security team and at least two three med bots! Great thinking!"

<p lang="en-US">The skimmer with the Doctor arrived and he began immediately working on Litfas. His face stern and concentrated."I don't think I came a second to early. "

<p lang="en-US">Then four modern dark blue flyers with flashing lights appeared and seconds later men in security uniforms and four robots appeared. It was a joy to see the Union Men take charge by extinguishing the burning flyer triaging the wounded and loading the seriously injured onto their flyer and take them to the clinic.

<p lang="en-US">Nilfeheim was in shock! Another Elder had been killed, Snøfrid Bredenberg was found dead behind the controls of the crashed flyer. The woman with the axe in her shoulder survived, it was Hedda Alquist. The two other women were not found so far, but Hedda had revealed their names. Sif Arnske and Astrid Mossberg.

<p lang="en-US">Father and the Leif Elhir had been released from the Clinic and so was Gunnar Peerson. I had to get aid as well as a Shrapnel had buried itself in my leg, I wasn't even aware of it until the doctor asked me if that was my blood staining my pants. Litfas Arnske however was still in the Re-gen tank getting a new lung and spinal reconstructive surgery. An emergency session of the Elders was called.

<p lang="en-US">Having nothing else to do and wondering what this meant for the future of the planet, I needed to talk to the Old man badly. They would listen to him before they made any hasty decisions they would regret later. The men of the Greifswald Werft had set up shop and worked on my boat so I headed downtown and in the Union Post Office I found a GalNet terminal. I turned on the privacy screen, inserted my Cred Strip and activated the unit."System, I would like to find Egill Skallagrímsson."

<p lang="en-US">"Good afternoon Mr. Olafson. You are a not registered as Premium Customer. This request will cost 16 percent of a Credit, do you accept? "

<p lang="en-US">"Yes."

<p lang="en-US">There are 750,000 individuals, 342 businesses, 76 Communities, 45 Streets, 17 Associations, and 1 planet so named. Please narrow search parameters."

<p lang="en-US">And that's with a strange name like that. I wondered what the system would find under Eric Olafson but then I did not want to waste time. "Egill Skallagrímsson, of Nilfeheim."

<p lang="en-US">"One such person found. Do you want to be connected?"

<p lang="en-US">"Yes."

<p lang="en-US">The logo of GalNet Com was replaced by a rotating pulsating dot and a voice said: Connecting, please wait."

<p lang="en-US">The Old man's face appeared and I never thought I would be so glad to see him and I started to tell him all that happened. His voice interrupted me." Thank you for calling Egill Skallagrímsson. I am currently on Sares Prime and I am undergoing treatment at the Sares Psi clinic. I am currently unable to take calls but I will get back to you as soon as possible. This Avatar is a representation of myself and so I was told is able to answer simple questions, however your flow of information exceeds its limitations. Do you want to record a message?"

<p lang="en-US">"Yes."

<p lang="en-US">"Please do so now."

<p lang="en-US">"This Avatar of yours Old man is a poor representation. It is way too friendly and not grumpy at all! Please try to call me as soon as you can. I think there is a Clan war starting on Nilfeheim with off world weapons and then the Girls made another Terror attack and killed another Elder. Everyone is shocked and I am afraid they are going to come to decisions that could be very bad for the Planet and our society as whole. You are the only one they would listen to!"

<p lang="en-US">I added." I never thought I would say that, but I sort of miss you Old man. I hope you will be better soon as I really could use your advice. End recording."

<p lang="en-US">"Message recorded. "

<p lang="en-US">"System, end Call."

<p lang="en-US">"Call Ended. One credit and seven percent of one Credit have been deducted from your Account for this call. Do you wish to place another call? Would you like to become a Premium, Professional or Ultimate GalNet user?"

<p lang="en-US">"Not at the moment."

<p lang="en-US">"There are three messages for you in the system. Do you want to accept them?"

<p lang="en-US">"Messages for me?" I asked surprised.

<p lang="en-US">"You are Eric Olafson of Nilfeheim, Pre Citizen. Your Cred Strip and your bionetics match." The System managed to sound a little surprised.

<p lang="en-US">"Yes, Yes I am Eric Olafson. Deliver the messages please."

<p lang="en-US">"Message one is from Elkhart the Keeper, do you accept?"

<p lang="en-US">"Of course!"

<p lang="en-US">I had almost forgotten about the Ancient and now I felt a little guilty as I saw his friendly old face smiling at me. He looked the same and yet very different. He still had his thin shaggy beard but it was combed out and so was his hair. He no longer had this whitish pasty looking skin tone but a darker sun tan and he did not wear his white keeper robe but a colorful shirt and some strange contraption with two dark lenses on his forehead." Hello Eric, I have a PDD you can call me. It is important,"

<p lang="en-US">"System can you connect me to the Sender of this message?"

<p lang="en-US">"One moment, please. Searching connection data. Yes Connection is possible."

<p lang="en-US">"Please connect me then."

<p lang="en-US">The Old keeper appeared but this time he wore the strange thing before his eyes and he seemed to be a cave of some kind. He took the contraption off his eyes and said." Eric, I am so glad you call!"

<p lang="en-US">"I am sorry! I should have tried to contact you earlier, but so much has happened."

<p lang="en-US">"I know much of it. I am trying to keep up a little to what is happening at home. I am a registered Citizen now and I tell you this Union of ours is a grand place! I see new and fantastic things every day! Right now I am on place called Tomb World. An entire species of unknown origin has transferred an entire planet into a huge tomb and grave maze. Millions of miles of underground tunnels, caves with many billion graves and artifacts. And everything millions of years old!"

<p lang="en-US">I smiled." I am glad you are enjoying yourself. Did you have a chance to catch up with Egill Skallagrímsson?"

<p lang="en-US">His face became serious."Yes I we met and that is the reason I wanted you to call me. Our grumpy old friend was sicker than he realized. He is in good care and as I understood out of immediate danger. His plans to become the Representative are still on, but it will take a little longer than anticipated."

<p lang="en-US">"I just heard his recording. I really could use his advice and counsel, as there are serious developments on Nilfeheim."

<p lang="en-US">"Tell me about them!"

<p lang="en-US">I did and he listened and when I was finished he was sitting down on a boulder and rubbed his chin."You are right, these are bad news and if they start shooting with off World tech, knowing Norse tempers, they will do much damage. I will go to Sares as fast as I can, in the mean time it is up to you if you care enough about Nilfeheim to try to do something about it or of you simply stand back and let the events unfold as they may!"

<p lang="en-US">"What can I do? I am just a teenager! Not that I even know where to start or what to do!"

<p lang="en-US">"Those are questions I cannot answer, but you must. I know Egill for a long time and he speaks fondly of you and he has confidence in you as do I, Eric."

<p lang="en-US">"Great now I have two old men with more experience than god on my back, expecting me to save Nilfeheim."

<p lang="en-US">He smiled." No one can expect more from you than that you give your best shot, but you have shown enough sense and insight to see the danger, I am sure you will see the solution as well if there is one. I better go now and make travel arrangements. I will send word to the Halls of Hasvik and Muspelheim as well. You are not alone in this, I promise"

<p lang="en-US">He waved and cut the transmission.

<p lang="en-US">I hoped he would be able to get to Egill in time to make him talk to the Assembly. They of course would listen to him.

<p lang="en-US">"Connection has been terminated by receiver. One Credit and fourteen percent of a credit have been deducted. Do you want to accept the next message?" The System interrupted my thoughts.

<p lang="en-US">"Yes."

<p lang="en-US">The Union Fleet Hymn was playing and the union Fleet Logo appeared. Then a voice said." Pre pool applicant Eric Olafson this is a message of the Union Fleet academy. Our records indicate that you are still on the Pre Entry program and we want to talk to you. If you wish to talk to us, simply respond to this call. The call will be free of charges."

<p lang="en-US">"System, please respond to the message."

<p lang="en-US">"Responding, you are now connected to Arsenal Two, Union Fleet Academy Headquarters, Recruiting specialist Olivia Green."

<p lang="en-US">The screen changed and a dark haired, exotic beauty with dark brown skin and almond shaped eyes looked at me. "Good Afternoon, Mr. Olafson. Thank you for responding. Our records show that you signed up for the Pre Entry program of the Academy one year ago."

<p lang="en-US">I nodded."Yes that is true, what is this call about?"

<p lang="en-US">"You are invited to attend a Fleet Career event on Holstein Planet on the fifteenth May 5013. Space bus tickets and accommodations will be provided. Should you decide to attend please contact us no later than 4 weeks in advance."

<p lang="en-US">I realized she was an Avatar as well and closed the connection. "I sure wish I could go. I said to myself and dialed up the next message. A dark shadowy figure spoke with an altered voice" If you care at all about Sif, Elena and the others come to the place where you have seen them last."

<p lang="en-US">The message terminated and the system chirped. "This was a special delivery message, no sender or contact information provided."

<p lang="en-US">I turned the system off and left the booth. The last place I had seen them was the Bredenberg Burg in the Western Sea. Snøfrid Bredenberg was dead and Hedda was imprisoned at the round house awaiting her trial.

<p lang="en-US">Maybe it was best to start there and sort things out with the girls. I went back to the wharf to see how far the technicians were working on my boat.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Chapter 33: Astrid

<p lang="en-US">Chapter 33 - Astrid

<p lang="en-US">I had slept a few hours at Uncle Hogun's and went to the clinic to check on Litfas Arnske and I found him, in a low gee bed. Two elders, Adolph Lindbergh and a young man perhaps two three years older than me was with him, most likely Sif's brother I had not yet met. As he saw me first smiled and then his face dropped." You have saved my life, and it looks like my very own daughter has tried to end it. The daughter I promised, my honor is in shambles and I am not sure I want to live through such times!'

<p lang="en-US">I offered him my underarm" Your honor is intact, noble Sire of the Arnske clan! Until undisputable proof is brought before the High Assembly that this was the deed of Sif, judgment on her guilt could not have been made! And what are hard times if not to test the truth about allegiance and pledges made in times of merry. It lifts my heart to see you well and the day you die Sire shall be with honor in battle with a worthy enemy called Old Age and not by the scheming hand of a masked vigilante. I pledge to you my arm and sword no matter the outcome of these matters! I am the only person in this who could question your honor and Sire be assured I do not and shall not."

<p lang="en-US">His eyes glittered and he took my arm." Eric of the Olafson Clan, you speak with the authority of a man far beyond your years. It is the immortal spirit of thy great Grandfather that guides you, that is clear!"

<p lang="en-US">I recognized the two Elders, they were the same who sat in when grandfather's will was opened and the taller one spoke." I am Olaf Roslund, Elder of the Inner Circle, we know each other Son of Isegrim and indeed Litfas speaks true. The very fact that the Eldest, the Holy one has made you his successor as the Guardian of the Pillar is proof to us, that you are speaking with the same authority as he did, but the fact remains that one of us has been murdered and it was done by the hand of woman identified by one of her co conspirators as Sif the daughter of this noble lord."

<p lang="en-US">"Identified and accused by a woman in pain and fear of her own hide, trying to better her position by naming others. Indeed those are strong accusations, but accusations and not proof. These events have clearly shown that the elders were right asking for a police force, back when the first murder occurred and it became evident that our world has grown and but still lacks the basic necessities of an emergency response establishment."

<p lang="en-US">Now the other Elder, I think was of the grandfather of Torkel Cederstorm, spoke." So young you are and yet you highlight what we have spoken in council only an hour ago. Speak Son of Isegrim, I like to hear more of what you have to say. One day you will be the Clan chief of perhaps most powerful clan with mighty friends and alliances and while you are not yet of age, your word has weight!"

<p lang="en-US">Maybe that was easier than I thought. Maybe I was able to calm this dark storm just long enough for the Old man to recuperate and speak. I had to be very careful now and hope I had enough sense to say the right things. I was not even sure where I got this confidence but they had conjured my Grandfather's legacy and perhaps there was something like his spirit now present. I could almost hear his voice. I said:" Most honorable Elders. Your age and wisdom is so far beyond my abilities as a silver flicker is to a Tyranno fin. The Events have shown beyond the doubt of the lowest Lowman that your warnings against the poisons of the Worlds beyond Nilfeheim are more than valid!"

<p lang="en-US">Both of them nodded gravely and Roslund put his hand on my shoulder." You are a mighty warrior already and it shows you learned humility during your time in Hasvik as well, yet the Clan Chiefs even in the face of these tragedies do not see what you just pointed out so clear."

<p lang="en-US">"Yuletide is not far. All the clan chiefs and the elders will meet thereafter. These events call for all the Wise men and all the Elders and the Eldest and the Holy One will certainly be able to ad his wisdom. In the meantime it might be prudent to gather all the facts and present them at that meeting so the elders do not stand against the Chiefs, but Nilfeheim stands as one against the forces of evil united, and with all the facts and the true culprits revealed decisions can be made that will shape the very future of our world in decades to come. I cannot even begin to fathom the wisdom and experience of the Circle of Elders so I am certain they too must know that these events could not be the work of a group of young women. Someone or something much more sinister must be behind it all and it must be uncovered and destroyed with heavy hand!"

<p lang="en-US">I was as surprised as the men present seemed impressed by what I just had said. Both elders and the Clan chiefs kept nodding and now Roslund said." Your words I shall repeat tonight at the meeting, you have put in words what I expected all along."

<p lang="en-US">I bid them farewell and left the clinic. I wondered myself where I came up with all that, but then maybe the old man was able to make me think at least a little bit. I also was quite certain that this was far from over. Who could know what the Elders were really thinking and as I thought about my own words, I realized I touched a hidden truth. This was far more than the work of a firebrand teacher, someone was behind all this. Someone with a motive far deeper than the proclaimed cause of women's equality, not that the conditions of the women was not worth fighting about, but this un-proportional escalation of violence and the willingness to kill on such a scale seemed too strong a reaction."

<p lang="en-US">I wished I could talk to the Old Man. He would know or he could use his mental abilities to probe behind all this. The other sobering fact was that without me really wanting to be in that position, I was one of the few that could do something. I did not believe in predestination and at least hoped that the future was something that hasn't happened yet, but whatever Gods or Fate there was they did hand me out a heavy load.

<p lang="en-US">I slowly walked through the cold night back to the wharf. I needed to get to the Bredenberg Island and talk to the girls. I did not have the ability to read minds but the Gods managed to put me in the middle of things. The elder was right as he pointed out that the Olafson clan was very influential, especially now after incorporating the Ragnarsson and the Steiner clan. My Grandfather, now dead over a year still was a very influential factor and because of him I met the Ancient Keeper and the Old man of the Pillar, why I ended up being at this pivotal point I was not sure, but I was. I did not want to be back where I was, being the unwanted son and beaten and tortured every day, but my life seemed less complicated only a year ago,

<p lang="en-US">The events of the day had kept Halstaad Fjord and most of Nilfeheim awake and the wharf bathed in flood lights. It was very cold and the moisture had coated everything with a fine coating of white frost. It was now less than twelve month away from Longnight. The pack ice of the poles was already expanding. I was sure Ragnarsson rock would be already surrounded by ice floes.

<p lang="en-US">This was the time of day the surface fishers loaded their boats with tackle and gear to head out. Uncle Hogun and his helpers were busy already clearing the tables, the rubble and everything else. I stopped by the Inn to see if I could lend a hand, but Hogun said, there wasn't all that much left to do. So I stopped by Thunberg's Café five housed down, got me a cup of coffee, as I loved that stuff and went to my boat.

<p lang="en-US">Just as I reached the tie spot, Piotr came out my boat wiping his hands on a rag. His robotic tool box walked past him collecting the rag as Piotr threw it away and he smiled at me." Well as Sid told you, there wasn't all that much to do, we refurbished your reactor and it's now good for another 500 years. I upgraded your shield generators with new field coils and your Computronic with a bunch of upgrade programs. That was pretty much it."

<p lang="en-US">Winslow now appeared as well, shooing his tool box out of the way as he came down the gangway." Well we did repair the robotic Torpedo loader and your Forced Energy projectors are no longer jammed and come out smoothly. She got some teeth I tell you, but I suggest you do get them registered if you ever plan to take her off planet."

<p lang="en-US">"I am not planning to do that."

<p lang="en-US">"We are all done and you can take her out anytime now."

<p lang="en-US">"Did you guys actually sleep or work all night?"

<p lang="en-US">"With all the craziness around, we decided to get an early start. Besides we got over eighty boats to fix and the earlier we are done, the earlier we can go home." Piotr said.

<p lang="en-US">Winslow grinned."Nothing against your world, but it is getting nippy and I like to be home before your world really turns into a freezer locker."

<p lang="en-US">"How much do I owe you?"

<p lang="en-US">"The labor is on the house, it was a pleasure to work on such a well kept antique. For part we need to charge or our boss gets grumpy." He looked at his PDD." We didn't replace the missing ISAH Pods since we don't have any with us, so all in all 5000 credits and we're even."

<p lang="en-US">"Are you sure I can't pay you for the labor or give you a tip or something?"

<p lang="en-US">"No worries our company made good business here and we will be busy for the next six to eight weeks boats and subs."

<p lang="en-US">I paid the guys, thanked them and went inside.

<p lang="en-US">The Command console before the Operators chair however looked bigger as the previously gray weapons screen and the controls below were lit up.

<p lang="en-US">I raised anchors and retracted the gangway. I decided to take her out of sight before I tried the flying mode. Seeing a Sub fly might get others to have bad ideas. Then I saw the cloaked figures on the small boat waving, I would have almost plowed into the tiny inflatable boat. Who would even consider putting something like this into the water at night and get so close to a turning sub, but then I had an idea who that was. I turned the boat sideways so no one from shore would see what was going on and stopped then opened the side lock on the conning tower. The two cloaked figures climbed aboard and by the way they moved it was clear under those long hooded cloaks were girls. It was Sif's voice under the hood." Eric please take us away from here, I beg of you! It isn't as it looks!"

<p lang="en-US">"Get in the boat and we figure it all out. "

<p lang="en-US">I closed the hatch and put the boat on course, I needed to get Bifrost behind the horizon before I would go into flight mode, then I swiveled around. The girls took off their cloaks and the stocking masks and it was indeed Sif and Astrid. Sif also held a modern small looking blaster gun aimed directly at me. Astrid simply stared at me, but her eyes seemed hollow and she was drooling out of a half open mouth, and then collapsed on the floor!

<p lang="en-US">"You don't have to aim that thing at me! We better check out Astrid! Is she injured?"

<p lang="en-US">"Shut up, Olafson! It was hard enough to keep her under control but don't worry about her. You are only alive until I figured a few things?"

<p lang="en-US">She sure sounded and looked like Sif, but there was something odd about her. The weapon was no joke; I could see the shimmering beam focus field at its muzzle." Was it necessary to shoot your own father?"

<p lang="en-US">She laughed and smirked."You are a bigger idiot than I thought you are! I aimed at you, but that primitive spear gun had more recoil than I thought and I missed. Not a big deal I will kill you soon enough. I won't miss with this thing!"

<p lang="en-US">She kept the gun drained and sat down in the command chair, crossing her legs and resting her gun hand on her knees."Impressive move how you saved that man's life that was quick thinking. Way too quick for a dimwit of such a primitive world, you had training and a good Psi shield."

<p lang="en-US">"You are not Sif, right?"

<p lang="en-US">"And you are some agencies undercover agent? That's why you still live! I want to know who sent you and who you work for."

<p lang="en-US">She reached for her neck and with a sucking wet sound she pulled her face of her head and revealed a silver haired woman with almond eyes." I will not ask again! This is a Kermac Neuro ripper, in case you don't know it is probably the most painful weapon ever invented."

<p lang="en-US">"I am Eric Olafson and I don't work for anyone. I haven't even left this planet yet!"

<p lang="en-US">It was as if my entire body was submerged in boiling oil. The pain was so sudden and so intense, I suddenly found myself on the floor coughing blood and spitting out a broken tooth.

<p lang="en-US">"This was a setting 3; do you like to find out how setting 4 feels like? Why can't I read your mind? Who shielded you?"

<p lang="en-US">It took me a moment to find my own voice and when I spoke I did not recognize the wheezing pressed voice as my own." I don't have any Psionic abilities!"

<p lang="en-US">I thought I could hear the hum of the weapon a fraction of a heartbeat before the pain returned.

<p lang="en-US">"You are one tough cookie, I seen bigger men than you scream on setting two, but it matters not. I give you a few moments to think about it then I hit you again!"

<p lang="en-US">My mind raced, she was clearly Off World and she admitted to have Psionic powers. She was only perhaps 3 meters away from me, but with that weapon she might as well have been ten clicks away.

<p lang="en-US">She looked past me and her face changed from arrogance to fear, then the boat rocked as if hit by an enormous hammer. I wondered what we could have hit, the auto helm should have been able to avoid obstacles, but I did not waste the opportunity and drew the knife I had in my shirt and threw it, I wanted to jump right after but my knees buckled as I tried. The effects of her weapon had taken more out of me than I realized, I had aimed at her chest, but my throw as far from accurate and I missed! She tried to get up, her face full of anger and fear and she aimed the weapon at something behind me. "This is impossible! She screamed." Get out of my head!" Her weapon dropped to the floor!

<p lang="en-US">I managed to gather enough strength flung myself forward, freeing Mördaren and again the reassuring feel of the swords balance in my fist seemed to infuse me with new life

<p lang="en-US">I set the point of the sword at her throat." This is a simple piece of steel, probably one of the most primitive weapons invented. This is setting one!" I increased the pressure, just enough to draw blood from her thin neck."Care for setting two?"

<p lang="en-US">She lost all arrogance." Please let me live! You wouldn't kill a woman!"

<p lang="en-US">"I have no idea what you are and if in doubt we Norse kill and don't ask questions later. Let's see if that is your real face of if I can peel it off, too!"

<p lang="en-US">Fear glittered in her eyes."You are a native! A primitive male of a primitive planet has bested me. Curse you and that fucking white fish of yours!"

<p lang="en-US">I smacked her as hard as I possibly could against her right temple, like Carl had shown me. She groaned and rolled her eyes, then slacked into the seat.

<p lang="en-US">I turned my head to see what she had seen, but outside the main view port was nothing, perhaps the boat hit an ice floe, too big to crush through. I stripped her naked as fast as I could. Underneath her dress she wore some sort of cat-suit made of an incredible fine mesh like metallic material. From the On-board tool box I took a tube of Stick and fix and glued her wrists behind her back together and did the same with her ankles. I turned the Stick and Fix can around and sprayed the activator over the sticky goo, it instantly hardened and bonded to her skin to the molecular level. In all this I remembered when Argyle Swenson glued his teacher Mr. Henderson to the teacher's toilet that way; of course Argyle was severely punished. I shook my head to get that funny picture out of my head; the situation was way too serious. Now I had time to check on Astrid. She seemed catatonic, had a pulse and her eyes were open but she did not move or react, no matter what I tried. I was not sure what role she played so I glued her limbs together as well.

<p lang="en-US">I took the boat underwater and set it on the ocean ground, went into the ships bath room and had a cold shower. The effects of her strange weapon slowly subsided and I could think clearer. When I got back the Alien woman stirred and then opened her eyes and struggled against her bonds."Now you got two girls naked and bound, you pervert, is that what gets you off?"

<p lang="en-US">I picked up the weapon and aimed it at her." It's my turn now. I think you start from the top. Who hired you?"

<p lang="en-US">"You bastard glued my legs together!"

<p lang="en-US">"That's right, now I am not an expert on Off world weapons but I think the last setting is still on and all I have to do is press the trigger."

<p lang="en-US">"I would have never thought I end this way on a primitive planet, bested by a man! The downside of my profession is a strict honor code. Never tell anything!" White foam came out of her mouth and her body arched in spastic convulsions, then her eyes rolled up and she slumped and slid out of the chair. I checked her pulse and could feel nothing. She was dead!

<p lang="en-US">But now Astrid stirred and moved then she said."Where am I?"

<p lang="en-US">"You are aboard my Submarine. Now I think you need to tell me why you wanted to kill me and who your Alien friend is!"

<p lang="en-US">She realized she was bound and naked she pulled up her legs in a protective manner." Eric?"

<p lang="en-US">"Yes I am Eric. I am tired of these games. I really am. You are in a world of trouble and I suggest you tell me all, so we can figure out what to do!"

<p lang="en-US">"Eric, the last thing I remember is meeting with Sif, Snøfrid and Elena in the basement of Hedda's house. The leader warned us not to do anything before she gave the word. So we just were making plans. Then I remember seeing Sif using her right hand to do something and I asked her why she is suddenly right handed." Astrid stared at the dead woman and then cried." Something creped inside my head and I remember now everything! I don't remember wanting to do any of it, but somehow I did. It wasn't a dream wasn't it?"

<p lang="en-US">Somehow I believed her. The Alien woman was dressed like Sif, looked like Sif and talked like her. I remembered how the Old Man's Psionics made me switch bodies or believe I did and maybe that dead woman had similar abilities and made the girls do things they didn't want to do. I told her all I knew.

<p lang="en-US">She sobbed and even more after she heard that Snøfrid was dead. It took her a while to calm down and I felt awkward and wanted to be mad at her, but then I simply knelt down and took her in my arms and comforted her."Let us think now what to do and let me find that dissolver. I hope there is any."

<p lang="en-US">Luckily there was, for exactly that purpose if someone accidently got stuck with Stick and Bond there was a small spray bottle emergency release and it was enough to get her unstuck.

<p lang="en-US">She then said. "We need to talk to the Leader. She will know what to do and she will know where the real Sif is."

<p lang="en-US">"Who is the Leader?"

<p lang="en-US">"I cannot tell you, but she is at the Bredenberg Burg."

<p lang="en-US">"Well maybe it was her who had sent me that message in the first place."

<p lang="en-US">I raised the boat and activated the flight modus. I had flown flyers and before but still taking a seventy meter boat into the air was something else. Astrid had put her dress back on and sat next to me." Your boat can fly?"

<p lang="en-US">"And fast too, we should make it in two hours."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Chapter 34: High Ambitions

<p lang="en-US">Chapter 34 - Interlude: High Ambitions

<p lang="en-US">Gretel watched from her chair as Isegrim entered the halls. Harkun appeared silently from the shadows and she wondered how that gray skinned bastard did that. She would have to kill him. He was a much greater problem then Isegrim and he turned out to be less and less responsive.

<p lang="en-US">Isegrim was in a good mood and sat down at the big table." A mug of our finest and let the kitchen know I am hungry." Harkun responded as usual with a stiff nod and rushing away to do his master's bidding. Gretel no longer envied Isegrim in that regard. She too had wished to have a person she could trust and do things for her without hesitation now she did. Ever since she met Jon while in the Chat Lounge a few months back. He was real, not a Simulation she had created for herself. At first he was just another player and chatter, but he let her gamble on his account and he understood exactly what she was about. He was different, not a primitive bloke like Isegrim but a suave man of a gorgeous world called Azure-Delight. One of the ten most beautiful planets according to the famous Cosmo Magazine List. Only the rich, the famous and the beautiful could afford to vacation there. The richest and most famous however actually lived there. Jon owned an incredible palace with transparent walls overlooking an azure lagoon with sandy beaches. From his living room you could see to the left an in the distance the palace owned by Mystery Child, the most popular performance artist in the Galaxy and to the right, looking like a jewel was the mansion of Rex Schwartz of Schwartz Industries. The richest man in the Universe! She had seen him walk at the beach and wave at her avatar! Jon told her that Rex was a friendly rival of his and that he too was in control of a Giga Corporation.

<p lang="en-US">That was a world she really belonged to! Not this cold primitive world. There on Azure-Delight they had fashion events. Women there would not buy dresses and outfits browsing GalNet Catalogs but the foremost designers either lived or came to Azure-Delight and designed for them! Galpadore himself, a good friend of Jon and without question the most expensive and exclusive fashion designer accidently dropped by to talk to Jon just as she had established her Avatar there. Galpadore, every woman's dream forgot about Jon and asked her at least five times if her Avatar was a real representation of herself. When she adjusted the Avatar to be her exact mirror image, he told her that she would be perfect to wear his latest creation to the Diamond Ball Reception held at Pluribus every four years to celebrate the begin of Union Week, but then he was disappointed as she told him that she was trapped on Nilfeheim married and unable to leave.

<p lang="en-US">A loud burp by her husband took her out of her daydream. He put the mug down and worked on a piece of roast.

<p lang="en-US">"I heard you purchased two new Submarines." She chirped in an inquisitive manner,

<p lang="en-US">"Aye, two New Sweden Boats!" He chewed with a proud smile." Fifty meters each. Three harpoon turrets each. Auto loaders, fish grabbers and eight tow winches. The Olafson fleet will be the envy of all!"

<p lang="en-US">"Expensive are they not?"

<p lang="en-US">"I say! They are the top of the line. Two point two Million each plus delivery."

<p lang="en-US">"So I heard! And six Freemen and even two Low men of our Clan leaving this very planet today to travel to New Sweden!"

<p lang="en-US">"It is only prudent to have them trained to be real Engineers. Smearing paint over rusty spots and not knowing how to fix a broken light is no longer acceptable. Besides we do have a sizeable fleet now and by Yuletide they all are going to be overhauled. It is a big investment and needs to be taken care off!"

<p lang="en-US">"It is Yuletide soon, have you thought about presents for me and your sons?"

<p lang="en-US">"I am thinking of letting you live for a little while longer. Should be the best present there is."

<p lang="en-US">"You let yourself be humiliated by that abomination in front of your peer? Will you challenge him after Yuletide?"

<p lang="en-US">"I was humiliated all those years treating my first born like dirt. I stand with pride at the side of my peers, the Clan chiefs of allies and foes alike. The name Olafson is spoken with the utmost respect!" He pointed his eating knife at her." He dispatched Frederick Steiner being wounded and handicapped, Frederick Steiner was among the best swords men of this world! I challenge him and you be a Widow!"

<p lang="en-US">"You are a coward then! Afraid of a 15 year old boy!"

<p lang="en-US">Isegrim flipped the knife in his hand and threw it and it hammered into the backrest of her chair, only inches from her head. "Curse you and your vile witch potions!" then he looked over to Harkun.

<p lang="en-US">The man servant said." The treatment is working slowly My Liege, but it is working. These massive doses of Kermac Psych Drugs and the resulting hypnotic blocks she has poisoned you with over more than a decade, have taken deep holds and I am no Psych Expert to go any faster."

<p lang="en-US">Isegrim laughed at Gretel." Bide your time, Gretel. Soon I am master of my own mind again and then you shall pay!"

<p lang="en-US">She was clearly unhappy. "You meddling fool! What kind of hold has he over you? Join me Harkun and we make him once more a willing tool! There are many riches to be gained!"

<p lang="en-US">Isegrim jumped up to strangle her but no matter how much he tried he could not get his body to do it. He dropped himself back into the chair.

<p lang="en-US">Harkun glared at her down the nose." Nothing this side of death could make me sells out to my master."

<p lang="en-US">She got up and stretched out her hand." You have money! Give me some! I need more dresses and I desire a better GalNet Terminal!"

<p lang="en-US">"He wanted to refuse but handed her his credit strip."

<p lang="en-US">She smirked at him." You are pathetic, maybe it is time I become a widow! Then I can take care of my stepson's inheritance much better!"

<p lang="en-US">She left the hall and touched the golden pearl earrings she was wearing and activating the PDD inside, and then she fingered along her pearl necklace and pressed seven of her pearls in a distinctive sequence, to activate a preset connection." It is me Adolph. Your first attempt on Eric's live has failed as your fat brother was unable to deliver and instead of Eric it was him rolling down the stairs of Hasvik! Do you still want to take the leadership role in this Clan alliance? Then I think we need to discuss how to get rid of Isegrim first."

<p lang="en-US">She giggled as she heard the response." Wonderful let us meet then at the usual place."

<p lang="en-US">After she had placed that call she went on to make another." I love these new pearl ear rings, Brunar! They are lovely and my dumb husband has not even noticed them. Thank you so much! Anytime you need something let me know!"

<p lang="en-US">Gretel went in her rooms, dropped the ugly traditional dress and indulged herself in a feathery satin robe, handed to her by one of her silent handmaidens and checked herself critically in the floor length mirror. She would look gorgeous in a Galpadore Gown! Jon was nice and rich but why stop there? This Rex Schwartz was just a man after all and she heard liked women. Now that was a goal worthy of her efforts. Not to play second fiddle to anyone.

<p lang="en-US">"System tell me, where does Rex Schwartz live?"

<p lang="en-US">The Computronic behind the Mirror that was adjusting her reflection just enough to hide her added weight and did other minor adjustments, officially marketed to women as the " True Image Mirror" was also connected to GalNet and answered her question with the same smoky voice as Jon had." The Tycoon Rex Schwartz has residences all over the known Galaxy and owns several planets for his personal use. It is reported that he spends much time on Azure-Delight."

<p lang="en-US">"How convenient! I am planning to live there as well."

<p lang="en-US">"Do you wish to speak to a Real Estate agent with properties listed on Azure-Delight? There is only one so listed."

<p lang="en-US">"No not at the moment. How rich is Rex Schwartz?"

<p lang="en-US">"Official or verifiable numbers do not exist. Do you wish to access the estimates of Forbes Magazine?"

<p lang="en-US">"Yes."

<p lang="en-US">"Rex Schwartz personal fortune is estimated to exceed 1/64th of the GDP of the entire Union. Making him the only Centillionair in Galactic History. The only individual owning five personal planets. The largest private space ship, the Black Sirius is registered under his name. Mr. Schwartz controls over 80 percent of the stock in Schwartz Intergalactic Industries (SII) which is the largest of Ultra Corp."

<p lang="en-US">She swooned." Centillionair now that has a nice ring to it. Is he married?"

<p lang="en-US">"All official civil information on Rex Schwartz is classified under the VIP protection Act. Do you wish to access Glamour Magazine Issue 24 5011. With an extensive story on his private life?"

<p lang="en-US">"Yes, display!"

<p lang="en-US">Bredenberg Island was part of a cluster of five Islands close together, known as the Five Clan Cluster. I was just hundred klicks west of the Uhim Grounds and long ago all five Islands belonged to that legendary Uhim Clan. The Uhim's had perished in the Great Clan wars. Four of the rocky islands were occupied now by the Burgs of individual Clans ad the fifth held the third and smallest town on Nilfeheim called Trondheim. If one would draw lines between the five islands you would get an almost perfect pentagon of about one kilometer each side. The Bredenberg Clan was around for a long time but it was not an Old Clan and they established their own Burg on top of the Old Harald Uhim Island.

<p lang="en-US">I surfaced the boat a few kilometers away, I could not really say why but I wanted to keep that a secret for as long as I could. It was bad enough we Norse had flyers but no one really had the idea yet to use them in anger as a weapon. Having Neo Vikings in flying subs would not be a good idea unless there was some sort of control in place. Astrid stood next to me holding the life like mask of Sif." With something like that you could be Freya again. I miss her and the time we had together. All seems so far away now!

<p lang="en-US">"Don't get me started. You girls used me from the start and you did it knowingly. First you took me inside your circle and then I was kicked out without an explanation, only to learn later it was nothing but a trick, but it was stupid of me to begin with."

<p lang="en-US">She put her hand on my shoulder." Yes we did and some of us felt really sorry for you, especially Elena. Eric we all had a crush on you and some still do. I wanted to protect you from what we planned to do. I knew Freya became more real every day and you might have joined us and we could not risk that. Our mission was to use you, yes. Our leader says we must use men as tools for our cause as this is the only real weapon we have." Her face became fierier." You of all men should understand how different our lives are. Women have no say, no rights and are openly declared to be second class to men. Your very own mother died because she was traded like a piece of commodity to gain clan alliances and riches. No one asked your mother if she wanted to be married to that brute that is your father. Do you really know what happened the night you were conceived? Do you think she willingly let him in her bed? He was the lord he was the man and there was nothing she could say or do, not even to her own father!"

<p lang="en-US">I could not help but remember how horrible I felt when Harkun tried to rape me during that body switch dream the Old man had provided. Was I a product of such an act? I suddenly felt dirty and guilty. Knowing only too well that she was most likely right. Astrid wiped her eyes." Do you know why I killed the Bendixen Elder?"

<p lang="en-US">I was about to say something, but she didn't wait and pushed the accelerator control to zero and hissed." I will tell you anyway! I must tell you! Maybe then you are not so hard in your judgment against us."

<p lang="en-US">There it was again. Someone else accused me of coming to a verdict too fast." Tell me please!"

<p lang="en-US">Astrid was a very fair skinned and she had freckles over her nose, her hair was thin and long, she was not one of those girls that looked pretty when she cried, but I suddenly felt very sorry for her and her tears felt hot as they dripped on my hand. "This old bastard raped me Eric! He forced his stinking body on me when I was barley thirteen! He was an Elder and I the daughter of a Freeman in the house of Bendixen. My father beat me up when I told him what happened and told me it was my fault for making him aware of me and that I should never speak about it! My mother was afraid and asked me to forget! I can never forget and he did it many times! I cannot stand to look at a man without getting so sick I throw up! Eric I hated you for the simple reason you have a pecker! But you showed you could be Freya and the Illusion was perfect I didn't want to know you were a boy underneath!"

<p lang="en-US">She spread her hands and her tears flowed freely." What could I have done to prevent it? Father always said I could have!" Her words hit me like knifes, some of what she said where like Echoes of my own thoughts. Her words brought my experience as Loki to the surface and the words of the Old man that there were many personal hells on this world and I was not the only one with a rotten childhood. I could not tell if all the tears were hers as I took her in my arms and held her for quite a while as she sobbed and moaned. I don't know how long we held each other like that but finally she let go and gave me a sad smile. I must look like a bloated Rose fish. We still need to meet the leader I guess. "She kissed me on the cheek and went to the bath room.

<p lang="en-US">It was a more modern constructed burg, no masonry and rock at all and entirely made of Duro-Crete. Instead of open ramparts on towers and walls it had covered corridors with thick armor glass windows. According to Astrid it had no Submarine pen but instead a small harbor had been constructed with massive Duro-crete walls. Two Surface fishing ships tied up painted in the Bredenberg Colors of Yellow on Purple. While Nilfeheim had no time zones and all went by Universal time that almost fit the day cycle around Bifrost during Shortsummer, here it was just getting dark. The burg looked dark and brooding against the rising darkness of night. I dropped anchors .She put the other cloak around my shoulders." It is going to be cold outside."

<p lang="en-US">Out of an impulse I pocketed the little Off-world gun as I left the boat after her and locked it with my code. We went up the short steep ramp to the actual gat. It opened after she keyed in a security code and breathed into a senor hole.

<p lang="en-US">The court yard was dark, there were no lights anywhere. "Why is it so dark and where is everyone?"

<p lang="en-US">She answered with a somber tone and almost whispering. "There aren't many of the Bredenberg family left.

<p lang="en-US">Despite the fact that the burg was only five hundred years old and by design looking more modern than for example our burg, it had an old feeling almost like that of a tomb. I didn't know why I got goose bumps over my back as she opened the heavy door to the High halls and a draft of musky stale smelling air went past us. The High Hall was dark except for a few yellow and weak Lumi-plates; most of the furniture was pushed to the sides and covered with cloth. Her Heels sounded like echoing hammer blows, my Fanger leather boots made little noise. In all this weirdness I admired her heeled boots and had the urge to walk in heels once more.

<p lang="en-US">Over a flight of stairs we reached the Drawing room and there in the fire place was a small fire of pressed Sea weed blocks. A circle of 12 upholstered stone carved high backed chairs was the dominant feature of the room. There was no one else." Wait here!" She said. Then she put on her white stocking mask and pulled up the hood. She stepped inside the circle of stairs pulled at a cord and bell rang somewhere, then she sat down on one of the chairs.

<p lang="en-US">From the deep darkness of the room behind the chairs a person in a dark red cloak appeared stepped in the middle pulled the cord and sat down in a chair across Astrid. Two more appeared the same and one after the other rang the bell and sat down.

<p lang="en-US">The others wore dark blue, like Astrid. All their faces hidden behind those white stockings. The Red Cloak spoke with a deep female voice." The Daughters of Nilfeheim have one more come together to discuss grave matters and to erase the injustice against all Sisters and daughters of this world."

<p lang="en-US">The rest spoke together." To the rights of the daughters we pledge our lives. "

<p lang="en-US">The red cloak waved at me." Step into the circle. We have a very special guest tonight. The first man ever to step foot in our midst."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Chapter 35: Aunt Freydis

<p lang="en-US">Chapter 35 – Aunt Freydis

<p lang="en-US">Interlude:

<p lang="en-US">Kevin Atkien closed the GalNet Connection and switched of the Dream creator. "Finally!" He sighed and got up to step outside the tiny little balcony on the 432't floor of Coulter Tower downtown Cork City. The air tasted sweet with a hint of strawberry and grape as it always did when the wind came from the east and the huge Sparkle Bright delights factory occupying most of this large rock plateau surrounded by scorching deserts., but it was night and both suns were on the other side of the planet, not that the four hours of darkness helped much to cool the planet down, but soon the large weather control satellites would be operational and in a few months it would rain for the first time on a planet that had not seen a drop of rain in a billion years. All this was of little concern or interest to Kevin, he was neither a weather control engineer nor did the weather outside have any meaning to his work. He held to the chest high safety railing. He wasn't afraid of heights at all but being over 800 meters above the ground was still a good reason to hold onto the railing. He watched the light traffic of flyers and wished he could get a little time off to go to town and live a little of the real life.

<p lang="en-US">He signaled a far away vent bot, still the machines visuals picked him up and the machine floated to his balcony." Do you carry Terran cigarettes?"

<p lang="en-US">"No Sir, I am sorry but I signaled your request to Terran Tobacco Timmy, what would you like?"

<p lang="en-US">"A pack of Silver Hawks –Original Unhealthy"

<p lang="en-US">It took about eight minutes and a Courier Bot arrived and handed him the pack after he paid the machine. One of his Avatars smoked and so he learned about this very ancient Terran habit that was so popular again, especially among those humans who weren't Terran but liked to pretend they were or show just how in and up to date they were. He simply liked it.

<p lang="en-US">After he had finished a cigarette he flicked the butt and watched it fall till it disappeared, then he stepped back into his work office, just in time as David Moyes his supervisor came in with a smile and a big bag of Chocolate covered Green Hell Berries, Kevin's favorite snack."How are we doing on Cases six?"

<p lang="en-US">"I have her hook, line and sinker now. I want to proceed to phase two and cement the illusion with a few reality presents. She is a chocolate addict and wanted to send her some real Mozart Balls from Vienna Earth. "

<p lang="en-US">"I take care of it!" David said and made a little note on his PDD. Then he looked over the transcripts and started laughing."Are you serious? Does she really believe she will meet Rex Schwartz?"

<p lang="en-US">"She is very serious. Murphy created a support Avatar after the only public image I could find."

<p lang="en-US">David became serious." Be careful, we don't want to make SII angry or even aware of what we doing here. I am not afraid of the bumblers of the police, but we don't want to tango with SII Security."

<p lang="en-US">"Little chance, Boss. She believes everything and thinks all is real. She goes into Dream-maker as an Avatar and she believes it so firmly, you could tell her it's a SIM and she would not believe you. By the time we are at Stage four and she leaves the planet, we get rid of her anyway!"

<p lang="en-US">David grinned."Would be funny though to see her actually arriving at Azure-Delight and ask for Jon or Rex Schwartz."

<p lang="en-US">Kevin laughed too." As much as she is in the dark about the reality of what we do and where she goes, she is a gifted agent in terms of our agenda."

<p lang="en-US">"So you think she and the three others we have working on that planet will get a Clan war started and eradicate these primitive brutes?"

<p lang="en-US">"Oh most certainly, Adolph Lindbergh is as power hungry as Gretel and he has no clue that we play him exactly like his Psych profile suggests. He ordered a Submarine with artillery. High velocity rail guns!"

<p lang="en-US">"Splendid! How about the Pearl fisher?"

<p lang="en-US">"That is the best part. He isn't even working for us but gets advice from a Jewelry dealer on Para-Para and my girl does the rest. He ordered proximity mines to defend his little stretch of ocean."

<p lang="en-US">"Very well then, carry on!"

<p lang="en-US">David left the chocolate covered berries with Kevin, one of the best Psycho emotion manipulators he had and ordered the confectionary to be delivered via the Sweets shop on Azure-Delight. Of course this was four times more expensive than simply ordering them directly from Earth, but it was the little details that made all the difference, and what were a few hundred credits to the 5 Billion credit contract he had to make sure Planet Nilfeheim was soon depopulated enough for his client to move in and take over. David was the President of Galactic Solutions Inc. A very successful firm, providing very special services to very large clients, below the rare wares procurement service his company provided as a cover for its real activities was a tightly run highly criminal organization, but David found it was simply a business like any other. His client a major competitor to Tyson Galactic wanted that ocean planet. Water planets were rare, water planets teaming with life that was consumable by 70% of the Union population was even rarer, and the fact that most of the stuff the fishers pulled out of those oceans was delicious and fetched high prices was as rare as it gets. The stupid Neo Vikings peddled around with a few fish farms and a few hunting boats. His client planned to hang Sun mirrors into its orbit, no more Longnight winters. Warm sunshine year round and use big robotic trawlers to empty those oceans of all the useless stuff and reseed them exclusively with one or two of the best selling ones. In fifty or sixty years the company would have made five thousand times what they invested to get the place.

<p lang="en-US">He smirked as he entered his big and flashy furnished corner office to make an encrypted call to his client, to deliver his monthly progress report. His client had eyes on the planet for a long time, but it was nearly impossible while Erik Gustav Ragnarsson was the planets representative. That man had his fingers on the pulse of business and knew very well what prize his little water world was. He was however the only obstacle and just one man. The planet deep in Union Territory, close to all the major markets, had no Union Police, no Union law and was on a basically stone age tech level by choice. Kevin could not believe the facts when he heard about them almost 15 years ago. Nilfeheim was a treasure ready to be picked and the only guardian it had was single man. When he had his agents make an initial report o the planet, they made contact with a very ambitious woman. The fact that women had little to say in her society spurned her on so it seemed and she was married to a very influential Clan patriarch. After he had a psych profile of her it was easy to press the right buttons. She ordered Kermac Psych drugs, to control her husband, and managed to convince him to plot to kill Erik Ragnarsson. If the bumbling Union Police ever found out all they would find was a local plot. "

<p lang="en-US">David could not help but smile. He had no respect for Union Police. He was doing this sort of thing for almost sixty years and they had not caught on, but then he was an expert and his projects ran sometimes over decades, nice and slow and just by pulling the right strings. Easy as stealing candy from a baby, just much more rewarding.

<p lang="en-US">The concern over a new Representative was unfounded as some supposedly mystical Old geezer never showed up on Pluribus. David had seen the local News footage of an old man boarding a Space bus, before he could send someone to make sure he did not arrive. Funny enough the Old fart got probably lost at the first space bus hub and had not surfaced yet. Not that anyone on that backwards planet could do anything about it, they had no clue and soon they would kill each other and whatever survived would be willing workers in the processing plants and accept corporate rule.

<p lang="en-US">The masked woman in the red Cloak said." Welcome Eric, or should I say welcome Freya?"

<p lang="en-US">I blushed despite the fact that my secret was no secret here and they probably all laughed as they used me back then, but I tried to concentrate and said." I don't care if you make fun of my secret and I told Astrid I am tired of being played and taken for a fool. It was you or one of you who wanted me here to discuss the very serious problems you have. I can leave right now."

<p lang="en-US">She got up from her Chair."Eric you misunderstood. We are glad you came and I believe you came because you care about your friends. I know you well Eric! This is why we want to offer you a chair in the Circle. Our rules prohibit a man to be present but Freya would be welcome."

<p lang="en-US">"As much as it intrigues me and at another time I would have said yes, I don't trust you to be frank and on top of all that I will not commit murder or terroristic acts. I sympathize with your goals and your cause very much especially in the light of my mother's death but I believe there is another way to gain all your rights and much faster, and without any violence."

<p lang="en-US">"We don't want you to commit crimes for us Eric, but our little theatre here is our own little tradition as an answer to the oppressive laws of man. You always displayed a great sense of personal honor so honor us and let Freya take part so we can discuss the matters at hand we would not discuss with a man."

<p lang="en-US">"You sure know to make an argument, it is against all common sense and I should not indulge myself in this sick and unworthy behavior."

<p lang="en-US">"Come with me Eric!" the Red Cloaked woman said and waved her gloved hand and then, walked with billowing cape before me and out of the lighted circle into the darkness behind, before my eyes could adjust to de darkness I suddenly had a clear picture in my head how the room looked like. I saw doors and furniture, felt the ceiling and the floor. The sensation was gone as my eyes had adjusted and I saw what I just had felt and wondered if that was affected by the sensory organ growing in me.

<p lang="en-US">The woman let me through a door in a smaller room with a dresser, mirrors and warm light from a few brass colored lamps. She pulled the hood back and rolled the mask of her face and I could not have been more shocked to see who she was.

<p lang="en-US">My lips formed her name but I was so surprised I could not speak it, but then whispered." Aunt Freydis?"

<p lang="en-US">Before me stood Uncle Hogun's wife! The merry faced, seemingly simple minded mid wife duty woman married to my Uncle!

<p lang="en-US">She nodded."I told you I k now you well! I am the sixth First Daughter of Nilfeheim and we all have been Midwifes as it gives us the perfect reason to travel and talk to women behind closed doors without men present. "She gestured upwards." Thus is Bredenberg Castle Eric, it is empty as the last male member of this family died almost 20 years ago, my father!"

<p lang="en-US">It all made sort of sense and fit together, then I bit my lip and wondered if she knew. If my Aunt was a Bredenberg, then Snøfrid had to be a younger sister of her." Aunt Freydis I have bad news for you!"

<p lang="en-US">Tears glittered in her eyes." Yes I know, my dear sister Snøfrid. I do not know what came over her. The attack was not planned at all!"

<p lang="en-US">"I know what came over her. Or at least I am pretty sure I know. There is a dead Alien Woman in my boat, she was out to kill me I think and she disguised herself as Sif and used some sort of psionic powers to make Snøfrid and the others do what they did."

<p lang="en-US">Aunt Freydis said." I called you to tell you about a Killer woman Brunar Bendixen had hired, she was the one who installed Tech Stop projectors in his boats and then she disappeared. He hired her to protect his secret pear business and to send a message to the Olafsons and Lindbergh's. My source at the Bendixen Castle did not know about the Psionics however."

<p lang="en-US">"We need to present the killer woman to the Assembly and get Hedda freed, before they execute her."

<p lang="en-US">"Hedda is in no immediate danger right now and she deserves some punishment for revealing the names of the others. While we wait for more of our members to arrive you will have time to become Freya. You should find everything you need in here. Your secret is known only to Sif, Elena, Astrid, Hedda and me and it is safe with us. Your Identity will remain hidden to the rest of the Daughters, but all need to hear what you have to say and then we decide what to do."

<p lang="en-US">It was strangely elating and I was certain now there was something wrong with me. All the time I tried to proof myself that I was a real Norse, a warrior in the eyes of my peer and yet the very idea to be Freya again excited me more than it was natural. I decided to talk to Dr. Dwyer about it after all. I had to find out why I could not get rid of this. I should have refused and told Aunt Freydis that I am a man and if they wanted my help they needed to accept me as a man or forget it. While I put on the dress I shook my head. Aunt Freydis! She was the meek and simple wife, Uncle Hogun was so afraid of to lose and she was the Leader of a secret society and while she still had the same rosy face and the somewhat corpulent body, she seemed a different person.

<p lang="en-US">I put on the cloak and gloves and went outside. Aunt Freydis was waiting for me. She handed me one of those white fabric tubes. "You need that too."

<p lang="en-US">I put it on and she draped my hood around my face." Remember you are a Daughter of Nilfeheim. No one needs to know you are Eric Olafson. No one here, but you knows who I am. It's part of the whole Secret Society thing, you know."

<p lang="en-US">"I guess it's good. So no one can reveal much. I hope Hedda won't tell them about Freya or where she got the harpoon guns from."

<p lang="en-US">"Not to worry. We took steps so she can't reveal that or the location of our meeting place."

<p lang="en-US">"You killed her?"

<p lang="en-US">I could see the outlines of her mouth smiling." No of course not, she just sleeps for a few days."

<p lang="en-US">Then Aunt Freydis explained." Go in the circle, ring the bell and sit down on any free chair. It is a circle and all look alike so there is no seating order and then I want you to tell us how we can achieve our goals as you said, without violence."

<p lang="en-US">"And what about Hedda and Sif and all that?"

<p lang="en-US">"It too will be discussed, but I want you to hear some of the information as well."

<p lang="en-US">I did as she had told me and after perhaps twenty minutes nine of the Chairs were occupied and Aunt Freydis in her red Cloak announced the meeting to be in session and sat down. After that another stood and spoke, I was pretty sure it was Sif." Recent Events have gravely endangered our Sisterhood and our goals. One of our members," she pointed at me," was able to apprehend and eliminate an Off World Agent hired by Brunar Bendixen to find the killer of his father and to eliminate his competition in the fishing and crab business. This Off World woman used Psionic Hypno-suggestive powers to make them act against their will. We must discuss what is to be done to free our Sister and limit the damage to our cause."

<p lang="en-US">The Red Cloak spread her arms." As it is our ritual. We share now the information we have gathered in the world of man."

<p lang="en-US">Another woman stood up and I was sure I would not recognize her even without her mask." From the House of Olafson I bring these tidings: "The wife of Isegrim Olafson schemes with someone Off World and she obtained advances Psycho Drugs. She uses them to control her husband and laced the same drugs now in the drinks of Adolph Lindbergh and plans to do so with other Clan Chiefs as well. The drugs allow her, to plant suggestive blocks."

<p lang="en-US">Again the information I received was quite shocking to me. Someone in the circle asked." How does she know such things?"

<p lang="en-US">"She used GalNet to attend a virtual University I think and learned much about Kermac and Shaill methods. I don't know what her exact plans are, but I think she plans to kill her husband. His servant Harkun has found out about the psycho drugs and is treating Isegrim with antidotes. Gretel is afraid of the day he is again fully in control over his own will."

<p lang="en-US">All this made my head spin and I wondered if anything I knew was actually based on facts or if there always was another layer behind. I wanted to get to the bottom if it all. I needed to find out for my own sake if father killed mother on his own or if he was under the influence of Alien Drugs. I needed to find out before Gretel had a chance to kill him. What was Harkun doing messing with drugs instead of having the local clinic take care of it. I was sure Dr. Dwyer would know more about it than Harkun or at least would know someone that could help.

<p lang="en-US">I was also amazed about the level of information these women had.

<p lang="en-US">Aunt Freydis motioned me to stand." Daughter of Nilfeheim, you mentioned an alternative way to gain our goals. Now speak to the Assembly so we all may hear."

<p lang="en-US">I stood, the tight fabric rubbing at my lips as I spoke. "You all are Union Citizens and women rights are only impaired on Nilfeheim. Long ago Holger Olafson went to the Union Outpost to complain that the decisions made after Nilfeheim's Pirate days were only made by half of the population. The Union Judge agreed and they formed the Circle of Elders with representatives of all Clans. Why would not a woman simply go to a Union court and claim the very same thing? Women are half of the population on this planet and they have the same rights in Union terms as men. Nilfeheim would be forced to come to a decision or loose Union membership and I assure you not even the Elders want that."

<p lang="en-US">There was silence.

<p lang="en-US">Then Aunt Freydis stood." So simple! So very simple! We should have taken a lesson right out of our own history! Yes you are right, that is what we need to do and it promises better and faster results than fighting and terror.

<p lang="en-US">A new voice spoke. It was the voice of a man!" Wise decision girls!"

<p lang="en-US">Two Old Men stepped out of the darkness into the middle of the ring. It was Egill and with him was the Old Keeper!

<p lang="en-US">It was as if a big boulder rolled of my shoulders as I saw him. The women all jumped of their seats and Aunt Freydis actually drew a small blaster." I didn't think you would betray us in this way!" She aimed it at me.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Chapter 36: More Stew

<p lang="en-US">Chapter36 – More Stew

<p lang="en-US">"No need to be afraid First Daughter!" the Old man said and the gun spun out of Freydis hand and floated in the air." I am Egill Skallagrímsson, the Eldest. I am sure some of you have heard of me. My friend here is Elkhart the First Keeper of Hasvik. We are not here to harm you, arrest you, kill you or stop you from what you are doing! We came because this world of ours is in grave danger, because we too believe it is high time all citizens of this world are heard and because together we are the only ones able to do something about it."

<p lang="en-US">Aunt Freydis clenched her fists but nodded." You violated our sanctuary but it seems we have no choice but to listen."

<p lang="en-US">"I am too old to dress up as a girl, but I could make you all believe I was the beauty queen of Para-Para. I choose not to do that and come openly to you. Show me that you have more sense than the Old Men you hate, sitting in a very similar circle than this one. I will keep your secrets and once you know who my old Friend is you can be assured it is safe with him as well."

<p lang="en-US">"You are the Old Wizard and the stories and legends about you are true. You have extraordinary powers and abilities." She sighed." Sit then among us, there are open chairs."

<p lang="en-US">The Old Man smiled and nodded." I have to give you a long sermon now and I rather stand for it. If I sit down and feel comfortable I never find an end. "

<p lang="en-US">Elkhart however sat down and right next to me. He padded my hand so I was sure he knew who I was.

<p lang="en-US">Egill began." Let me introduce my Old friend first. He is indeed Elkhart the first Keeper. Alive since the time our world was settled and almost 3000 years old. He lives with a secretive bunch ,and they are even more secretive than your group. underneath Muspelheim. He and his Keepers do not have the same ideas and convictions as the Circle of the Eldest. Maybe after this is all done and settled they can live more in the open and become citizens as well, and stop guarding rusting old things no one needs. He is here because he is a personal friend of Eric Olafson. Eric made him aware of the acute problems here and Elkhart rushed half across the Galaxy to talk to me while I underwent treatment on Sares Prime. I will tell you all why I was there at some other time. However the Revered First Saresii became a good friend of mine and he ordered their fastest ship to get us here."

<p lang="en-US">He paused and walked over to a seat."Well I think I sit down after all. I am a bit tired."

<p lang="en-US">I was very concerned about him now. Did he complete his treatment or did he simply run off, disregarding his own health. I considered revealing myself, take him out of here, if necessary carry him and get him back to Sares-Prime. As much as I was relieved him to be here, I wanted him to be well and that was more important.

<p lang="en-US">His voice vibrated in my mind." No worry Grandson. I am fine. The Saresii are marvelous and helped me as much as possible. I am still and old man and way past my expiration date and traveling like that did make me tired. So shut up thinking about me so I can concentrate on what I have to say."

<p lang="en-US">"Grandson?"

<p lang="en-US">"Oh right he erased your… never mind I call you Grandson if I want to now shut up thinking and listen!"

<p lang="en-US">I had to smile under my mask. That was more like the Old Man I knew.

<p lang="en-US">He was wearing his old Fur coat but underneath a tailored brown Leather suit, a silver studded belt and looked brand new and expensive. I noticed him carrying a PDD in a pouch on his belt and there was a modern GalNet Com bracelet on his left wrist. He sneered directly at me, then addressed the circle again." Outside forces want this planet. To do so they need to get rid of the population. The easiest way to do that without getting the Union Fleet or Police involved is to simply stir up trouble and let the locals do it themselves. They found willing tools in several members of our society and many more play their part not even knowing they are manipulated. Erik Gustav managed to prevent that for decades as he watched over our world, but no one here really cared about what he did. It was Off World and therefore bad or unimportant.

<p lang="en-US">"Even if we lived exactly as the Book of traditions request and shun all that is Off World it still cannot prevent Outsiders taking an interest in us. This is what a Representative does. He or she makes sure our voice is heard at the Assembly, that our problems and challenges are addressed, that our Civilization and our Culture is preserved in a way we choose and protect us from Outsiders with bad intentions."

<p lang="en-US">He stopped and it took a while but then the woman who spoke about Gretel earlier on said:" I think Gretel Olafson is one of those locals you talked about, Holy One. She is scheming with someone called Jon. I can not hear what they talk about while in GalNet Dream-maker, but she also talks to Adolph Lindbergh and Brunar Bendixen behind her Husband's back."

<p lang="en-US">"No need to call me Holy One. Even though it pleases me that you recognize me who I am. You are right; Gretel seems to be one of those collaborating with the Outsiders. I think it is best for Eric to go before the Elders, present the evidence and the alien woman and declare that all events stemmed from the scheming of this woman and her employer. They will release your friend and she will of course not remember anything. I will take Sif with me to Pluribus and train her not to be the voce that not only complains to the Union Court but takes the seat as Representative for our world."

<p lang="en-US">Sif's mouth formed a big O behind her mask." Isn't that again exactly what we are fighting? I am not asked if I want to do that!"

<p lang="en-US">He smiled." No it is not the same. You talked to your Aunt many times and told her you would give anything to do something about the conditions on Nilfeheim. Have you not countless times told her you want to go and live with her? Well that's exactly what I am offering. You live with he and you learn and go to schools and all that so I can step back, go home and once again live the life of a Hermit."

<p lang="en-US">"You know all this?"

<p lang="en-US">He nodded." Kids I am really five hundred years old. I picked up some life experience in that time and a few tricks like how to read minds."

<p lang="en-US">This time he didn't speak with his mouth but his voice was clear in my and I am sure in everyone's head.

<p lang="en-US">They were clearly impressed and shocked by that. The Old Keeper massaged his head." Do you have to be so loud? I was just about to nod off!"

<p lang="en-US">That comment took the edge of the whole situation and someone started giggling and then Aunt Freydis said." I believe you Most Eldest. I feel I can trust you and we do as you said we should do" Sif said." How about my parents and Eric?"

<p lang="en-US">"You go with Eric now before the Elders. I will declare that you completed the Ancient Challenge and thus earned the right to speak before the Elders."

<p lang="en-US">Sif pointed at herself." The Ancient Challenge, a girl?"

<p lang="en-US">He chuckled." You sound just like Eric! Of course a girl! Nowhere does it say in the book who can or cannot take the Challenge The words say:" Anyone who has taken the sacred rite of passage and so verified by at least one Elder shall be considered a Warrior before the Eyes of this world and have a full voice and all the privileges of a Warrior born."

<p lang="en-US">Where he got the book from I could not say but it floated from his hands to her and he said." Go ahead, check it out."

<p lang="en-US">She took the book but did not read and said." I always wanted to, ever since I touched Eric's sword!"

<p lang="en-US">Someone giggled. "I wanted to touch it too!" And Sif hissed." Shut up, Elena! I really did mean his weapon!"

<p lang="en-US">I had no idea why this was so funny and why everyone but Sif and I were chuckling.

<p lang="en-US">The Old Keeper shook his head." You are a fine secret society. Blurring out names and all. You don't need to be a Mind reader like that Young Fart over there to figure out who you all are. You need to work on the secret part a little more I think!"

<p lang="en-US">"We are not 3000 years old!" Aunt Freydis said." You could always give some pointers!"

<p lang="en-US">"Maybe I should. You could always meet in the caves of Hasvik. We have nice baths, good food. It is warm and totally safe from outsiders and there are plenty of rooms and caves unused! Eric learned fighting from a woman and so could you. Learn it, take the challenge and become full members of our society in a way no one can oppose since it is in their holy book."

<p lang="en-US">Freydis said." We must talk."

<p lang="en-US">After the official meeting was over and most of the women had left. Only Freydis, the two old men Astrid, Sif and Elena were left. Aunt Freydis pointed at her mask." I do not think it is necessary to hide my face before a Mind reader but the others do not know who I am. "

<p lang="en-US">Egill nodded." I know what you were doing for a long time. It is all a bit theatrical if you ask me but it was only a matter of time before someone would do something like this. I expected the Low Men to go first I must admit."

<p lang="en-US">Elkhart leaned forward." I like the whole spooky thing with cloaks and masks and chants and al this! It gives a sense of unity to those participating and a sense of security! We have this great cave at Muspelheim, with a few torches and red lights it be perfect!"

<p lang="en-US">Elena took of her mask and said." Are you really 3000 years old? That is fantastic! The many things you must have seen!"

<p lang="en-US">"Actually I have seen more in the last year than all my life before. It was Eric who got me the idea." He motioned with his hand." Go take of that mask; I thought you learned your lesson back at the baths. Don't be ashamed for it. You look nice!" I did and as always when my disguise was discovered even by those who knew I felt odd and ashamed and awfully aware of the female clothing on my body.

<p lang="en-US">Egill looked at me from his cold clear eyes. "You still doing it after all I told you! You judge way to fast and to hard! That includes most of all you. So quit polluting my mind with your gloomy self doubt thoughts!"

<p lang="en-US">"No one invited you to snoop around my mind!" I snapped back.

<p lang="en-US">He grinned deeply." That's better! And I did adjust my Avatar it is much grumpier now!"

<p lang="en-US">Aunt Freydis got up." Let's go to the kitchen's there is a big table and I can serve us some food. This old Burg did not have guests for a long time."

<p lang="en-US">My Aunt had us sit around a big rectangular Stone-wood table in the large kitchen if the Burg and started to get busy, by tying an apron around her wide hips, but the old Keeper said." Sit down with us Freydis. Eric...or should I call her Erica makes a great Tyranno Fin Stew, let her do it while we discuss the further course of action."

<p lang="en-US">Elena got up."I help you, Eric. I know my way around a kitchen. I learned from the same person after all"

<p lang="en-US">Astrid also got up."We call her Freya. It's a nice name too." Then she began to set the table

<p lang="en-US">The Old Keeper licked his lips." Oh how wonderful! I did eat the strangest things in the past month and tried much but I say I can't wait for a real good Tyranno Stew! And don't forget the Onions, Freya!"

<p lang="en-US">Egill spoke while Elena and I started to prepare the food. The kitchen was well equipped and all the ingredients were there as well. He said." Sif will explain her absence with a pilgrimage to Hasvik. They may ask you to recite one of the poems or to answer a few questions about weapons and hunting. Don't worry I am there as well and you will know all you need and more. The Elders will have no choice to declare you a warrior. Unless they declare the entire book for invalid, but that would end the very grounds the Elders have power. "

<p lang="en-US">Sif had her cloak and mask off and listened intensely to the old man." And if they ask me to go fight?"

<p lang="en-US">Then Eric will step in as your champion. You are still his bride to be, but I doubt any man would have the guts to actually challenge you. They don't know how good you are and the potential to lose to you would be worse than death."

<p lang="en-US">Sif smiled." Yes those male cowards! No man would not want to fight a woman!"

<p lang="en-US">He sighed." I see I have a lot to do before you are ready to be our representative. You will to represent all of us, Men, Women, Freemen and Low Men too! Besides you would not stand a chance if a man would really fight you. At least not yet."

<p lang="en-US">"What do I do when I become a Warrior?"

<p lang="en-US">"You marry Eric of course!"

<p lang="en-US">She actually screamed the word." What?!"

<p lang="en-US">I almost dropped the bowl with chopped onions.

<p lang="en-US">Sif crossed her arms." I will never ever marry a man! I hate them!"

<p lang="en-US">"I know what has been done to you. I know many daughters and girls especially those who blossom early and look as beautiful as you are the victims of the most horrid crimes. It is the same story as with Astrid or Hedda and it was so with Snøfrid and even you Freydis. Is that not the real reason you and Hogun have no kids? "

<p lang="en-US">I gasped and said."Uncle Hogun did something to you?"

<p lang="en-US">She shook her head."No, he is the gentlest person and loving husband any woman could want. He never pressures me and respects me, I never feel second class or abused with your Uncle. It happened before …I never told him."

<p lang="en-US">Egill pointed his gnarled finger at Sif." Young Lady, you are but one of many girls on Nilfeheim that live in fear as have so many before you. He lowered his head and I am the biggest bastard of them all for not seeing this crime much earlier, not wanting to see it and thinking I could hide from all that was going on in my lonely burg." He then turned to me."Know you know why I am a Hermit. I am a coward too."

<p lang="en-US">The Old Keeper nodded with a serious face."Took you long enough to see that Old Friend and it took more courage than anyone could ask for to admit this in front of so many others.

<p lang="en-US">Egill actually wiped a tear out of his eyes." I am sorry for not doing anything sooner but I will do it now. I cannot do it alone."

<p lang="en-US">Sif was less angry as it seemed."But why do I have to marry him?"

<p lang="en-US">"To honor our traditions and your father and your family. We cannot tear down all that is Nilfeheim and replace it over night with off World culture. It must be done with patience and with care. It must be done slow and in all of it we must be careful not to lose our identity. We cannot allow Off World Greed to empty our oceans. Or turn this world into another New Sweden. Your Union does not have to be permanent. Eric leaves for the Stars and wants to become a Union Fleet Officer and you will be on Pluribus and studying and learning. You don't have to register and the marriage is not valid under Union Laws, but the symbolism is important as Eric will declare you equal before everyone. You will be the first for many to follow."

<p lang="en-US">She suddenly nodded."I understand this!"

<p lang="en-US">I had stopped stirring the meat and onions as I had turned to listen. The Old Keeper however, I had no idea how he did it, smacked me over the head and was suddenly standing behind me. "It doesn't matter if you wear a dress and call yourself Freya, your still as slow as Tyranno fin Oil drippings in the winter. Don't burn that meat!"

<p lang="en-US">I filled him a piece of bread with bacon and onions and he grunted pleased and returned to his chair.

<p lang="en-US">Aunt Freya said." Eric is perhaps the most desired young man on Nilfeheim, there aren't many girls that don't dream and swoon of him and Sif is and I hope the other girls forgive me saying this, quite likely the most beautiful girl on our world, both of you are from very rich and powerful clans and each clan has a number of allies. If Eric declares Sif as equal and she has proven to the elders that she is by completing the challenge…"

<p lang="en-US">Egill spread his hands." I see at least someone is using her head around here! It will combine our traditions by honoring them and making new ones."

<p lang="en-US">Freya took her mask off, her eyes excited." I can't eat with that thing and we may not need the Daughters of Nilfeheim anymore."

<p lang="en-US">The Old Keeper said."I would think about that. A secret Organization with a network like yours should not be so easily disbanded. Maybe a little restructured and the Organization can be the secret consciousness and making sure our world stays on track."

<p lang="en-US">Astrid elbowed me as she carried a big plate of warm bread to the table."I told you we had a crush on you."

<p lang="en-US">"I can't understand why me?"

<p lang="en-US">"Fighting Tyrannos, besting Sword fighters on Nilfeheim Radio, every girl in school saw your exploits, to all this add your Grandfathers prominence and his funeral. You throw axes to win for Sif. You look like a girl, talk like one sometimes, but you don't see some things we see."

<p lang="en-US">"I am not sure what I am. I am not a girl, and I am most likely just insane."

<p lang="en-US">Elena kissed me on the cheek."You are a hero to me, no matter what you to mention saving my life."

<p lang="en-US">Sif smirked." Well I can always think of you as Freya then the idea marrying you is not so bad. But it will not be registered!"

<p lang="en-US">I put the noodles in and asked." What about the other problem. Brunar and my father's wife?"

<p lang="en-US">Egill said. "Let us eat first. I am starving and I need a little time to think about it."

<p lang="en-US">A little later I carried a big pot to the table and we all ate.

<p lang="en-US">I stood by the Conning Tower and Sif came up the Gangway. Astrid was already in the boat. Elena was not officially implicated or involved and so she staid and would return with Aunt Freydis and the Old Men. I heard Egill's voice in my head." Don't take her into flight mode. Your decision to keep that a secret as long as possible was a wise one and could come in handy as a surprise."

<p lang="en-US">"I won't."

<p lang="en-US">"Take your time. We need to prepare a few things on our end to make sure the timing is right and do plot your course as I said, get close to the Bendixen Grounds."

<p lang="en-US">"They might try to use tech stop or something more drastic."

<p lang="en-US">"Exactly the evidence we need to take one player out of the equation. Now quit standing around and get my boat safe to Bifrost."

<p lang="en-US">"And you better get your wrinkled behind inside where it is warm. You are not too old to catch a cold, besides you gave me that boat!"

<p lang="en-US">"One does not get a cold from exposure to low temperatures. What are they teaching you?"

<p lang="en-US">Sif had reached me and stared at me then at the old man."You are talking to him in that Psionic way, don't you?"

<p lang="en-US">"Yes I do sometimes. He will teach you, eventually you get used to it."

<p lang="en-US">She went inside and I followed her. She said."He just did. I just realized he could talk to you and me and I am sure it was not the same conversation."

<p lang="en-US">I blinked and said." I wonder what his Heidelberg Psi Index is."

<p lang="en-US">He answered me in my head."None of your business actually, but the Saresii said I would make a good one, Saresii that is."

<p lang="en-US">"You being friends now with the first Saresii makes me think you impressed even them."

<p lang="en-US">"Get going!"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Chapter 37: Lights Out

<p lang="en-US">Chapter 37- Lights out

<p lang="en-US">Interlude: Security Threat Analyst

<p lang="en-US">Pierce Siechert was very proud of his job as most SII employees were. SII was by far the largest of the Ultra Corporations having more subsidiaries and business branches than there were starts in the heavens, well maybe not that many but close! He wore an immaculate black Kim Cut business suit made on the outside of finest shiny satin like Archa Silk, but lined with SII- Molecular structured Ultronit scales, feather light and virtually indestructible. The next best thing to a force field and unlike a force field, it could never fail, deactivate or lose power. Union Force Recon Marines most advanced Arjuna Battle Suits were constructed out of several layers of this material. Of course the Arjuna Battle Suits were developed and produced at SII – Advanced Combat Systems Division.

<p lang="en-US">Pierce could have never afforded such a suit even with his generous salary, but even the lowest janitor working somewhere in a sub-basement was treated like the most valuable employee. Despite the fact trillions of beings worked for this Corporation no one he knew and certainly not he felt like an unimportant speck. The secret of SII's high employee satisfaction rate were not only the great benefits, but the expressed policy of the administration that everyone was important and treated equally. Actually he did not need such an advanced suit, he was just a Security Threat analyst at the GalNet Desk Gamma Seven, one of five thousand STA working on this desk alone, but it made him feel special when he rode the Trans Planet Transport tube. His Supervisor simply signed his request form and he got the suit six days later via Inter Corp Mail. He was officially designated a field tester for this suit and even got 160 credits extra for his testing.

<p lang="en-US">He worked in a large open space desk floor. His work space was part of a twelve part circle; each such circle on this floor represented a team. Each team had a Team Color and a name. SII encouraged friendly rivalry like sports, games and such, but also paid for Social nights and events for all desks.

<p lang="en-US">His supervisor sitting on an elevated desk in the middle of the circle was a small only one meter tall furry Holdian waved at him and squeaked." Good morning Pierce." Despite his small stature, Pierce respected his supervisor and waved back. There was always a subdued busy din in the back ground, people talking laughing, equipment making some sounds and he logged on into his system. His task and those of everyone else in this department was to identify potential security threats to the company. It could be anything from terroristic threats to SII equipment in a Virtual game or bad jokes about Employees. Since SII was number one it was also the target of endless lawsuits, threats, envy and corporate combat attacks ranging from cyber attacks to physical full planetary assaults. Ultra Corporations although technically bound by the same laws as anyone else not always played by the same rules. Schwartz Intergalactic for example had an armed Security space fleet second perhaps only to the Union Fleet. On the surface all Ultra Corps were law abiding but beneath they fought to the teeth for market shares, product rights, monopolies and profits. SII exclusively operated GalNet as it held the technological secret of instantaneous communication even between the most distant places.

<p lang="en-US">Pierce could call his brother, who worked for a space station construction company currently setting up stations in the Andromeda Galaxy over 2.8 million light years away and there would be no noticeable delay and the call would cost about as much as if he called the sandwich shop two floors down. This technology was not only the envy of every competing Corporation but also the target of alien species and cultures outside the Union.

<p lang="en-US">He checked one of his sniffer crawlers, an application that simply crawled up and down GalNet sniffing for keywords such as Schwartz, SII and related terms. It would not report every instance the word was used in an open unsecured conversation or chat but if there was a pattern or a sudden increase. There on a previously very quiet world in terms of communication traffic was someone inquiring about Rex Schwartz, the boss and basically single owner of the company. There was no traffic at all before and over the last six weeks someone researched every aspect and spends a considerable amount of money on all sorts of publications and magazines that featured the big boss. While there were many millions of fans, haters, fan clubs, hate clubs, anti Rex Schwartz Associations, School report assignments and similar reasons for such a spike. It was still worth checking a little closer; this is was his job after all. The activity was localized to one female user, most likely just someone fascinated with the boss, but the Computronic checking logical associations and connections found that the user also attended several Shaill Psycho Drug seminars. According to the data base, Nilfeheim was P191 and the interest in the Unions most advanced Psycho pharmaceuticals was a little odd. He isolated the User and checked her calling habits. He would not pry in her private calls as this was against the law but checking her connection habits was not.

<p lang="en-US">The chatter and din of the background suddenly changed, Pierce however had several field screens around him open and did not notice. However almost everyone else did. A tall man with short cropped silvery blond hair with the athletic body of a slaughter ball player had entered the floor, he wore an almost identical suit to Pierce, cut in the same currently fashionable Kimono style, but his was made of a more subtle not shiny black material with fine pinstripes. The Floor manager almost fell out of his chair and bolted right up. No one here had ever seen him in person. Perhaps a few thousand employees could claim to have ever talked to him, but the Floor manager still recognized him. He was not prepared for this. This was like God suddenly appearing! What was he supposed to say or do? Was this some sort of inspection?

<p lang="en-US">Schwartz was accompanied by two men and a woman, the woman trailed behind him with a PDD in her hand. He came straight over and to him and said." Sorry for the unannounced visit, just keep doing what you always do, is a Pierce Siechert working here?"

<p lang="en-US">The Floor manager, a four meter tall Andorian swallowed and then said." Yes Sir, Mr. Schwartz. Sir! That technician is at Orange Wheel Desk 14. I can summon him!"

<p lang="en-US">"No need just direct me there and you can call me Rex of course. Wasn't there a memo about that?"

<p lang="en-US">The Andorian blushed. "I delete all those Main Corp Messages, I never expected…"

<p lang="en-US">"No worries. I do the same a lot myself. "

<p lang="en-US">"If you would follow me Sir, I mean Rex."

<p lang="en-US">While the CEO followed the tall Andorian he asked." While I am here, you can tell me if there is anything amiss or if you need something?"

<p lang="en-US">"Mr. Schwartz! I mean Rex; this is the best job I could ever ask for. I am with SII Internal Security Assessment for over nine years. "

<p lang="en-US">He turned to the woman behind him." Yvonne did he fill out his favorite profile and wish list?"

<p lang="en-US">"Yes Rex, this is Elon Hoot. Floor Manager SII-ISA and he is listing Vaccu Ball events as his favorite and is a fan of the Terran Terrors. His wish list includes to attend a game with friends."

<p lang="en-US">Rex looked up to the Andorian." Well I think you and your friends, meaning your floor and families are due to watch the champion game live. "

<p lang="en-US">Elon tripped over his own feet." You mean everyone on the floor go to the finals on Blue Moon?"

<p lang="en-US">"It's on me! Enjoy! Yvonne will arrange the details!"

<p lang="en-US">She smiled. "Already done, Sir."

<p lang="en-US">"I don't know what to say Sir! "

<p lang="en-US">Rex pointed at the only working man, everyone else was staring." Is that Pierce?"

<p lang="en-US">"Yes, that is him!"

<p lang="en-US">"I like what I see. He keeps working!"

<p lang="en-US">Everyone immediately started to look busy.

<p lang="en-US">Pierce felt a tab on his shoulder and he said." Not now, I think I have discovered a Level Nine threat that could develop in a Level Eight."

<p lang="en-US">Someone leaned next to him looking at the field screens." What is a level Eight threat?"

<p lang="en-US">"Level Eight is undetermined potential and I most likely need to escalate this one. Some guys are using the Big Boss Image in a Dream maker Scenario and it looks like they use it to scam a lady of a P 191 Culture. The whole thing is weird enough to raise it." He turned to see who was asking and laughed." Good one, Guys! That Holo of the big Boss is not very convincing!"

<p lang="en-US">"How does the Big Boss really look like then?" Asked Rex

<p lang="en-US">"Who is that? Lundum are you messing around?"

<p lang="en-US">Then he noticed the shocked and silent faces of his colleagues, his floor manager making frantic hand signs. He lost all color and got a very strange feeling in his stomach and then he whispered. "Mr. Schwartz?"

<p lang="en-US">"I need to work on my appearance if it isn't convincing, but yes I am Rex Schwartz. I wanted to talk to you about the suit."

<p lang="en-US">Pierce wanted to sink in the floor." Yes Sir?"

<p lang="en-US">The CEO sat down on a free hover chair." Oh no need to be concerned. These two gentlemen here are of Product Development and we had a discussion about the new structured Ultronit Mesh and Yvonne found out that there was actually a product tester on the same planet and we wanted to ask if you are satisfied. The main complaint was that it wasn't comfortable but you wear it even to work."

<p lang="en-US">Pierce's cheeks burned as if someone slapped him but then he slowly relaxed. There was nothing to fear and the Boss was exactly as collegial and normal as the stories about him said he would be." I find it very comfortable and there is no telling that you wear an advanced armor, except when you put it on it feels a little heavier than a normal suit."

<p lang="en-US">Rex looked at the two men." Doesn't sound like a complaint to me? I think we can go to the next phase and start market it to the high end security sector."

<p lang="en-US">The two nodded and Rex paid no longer attention. "Tell me more about that Scam that is using my Image."

<p lang="en-US">David Moyes did not bring chocolate covered Hell Berries this time. He was not happy. Kevin Moyes sat in his Dream maker recliner but the Dream infuser Helmet was floating above him, deactivated. He had his feet up and talked to Lisbon Derek one of his colleagues. "What's the matter David?" He asked. "Our mark is not online. She is doing the things we asked her to do. I think the clan war is about to start!"

<p lang="en-US">David was clearly disturbed and carried a printout floating above his PDD."Why have you not mentioned that guy Harkun in your reports before? I found him under appendix seven of your reports!"

<p lang="en-US">David shrugged."He is the man servant to the husband of our mark. He was useful and went to Pluribus to complete the business with the Erik Gustav Ragnarsson business. What is the big deal? He is just a local idiot!"

<p lang="en-US">"He is an agent of Tyson Seafood, our Contractors major competitor, that is what he is and they are running a similar operation with We-Can-get-it Inc. It might surprise you but that is one of our major competitors."

<p lang="en-US">David sat up." How do you know all this?"

<p lang="en-US">"Because I am in this business for a long time and know the players. Someone at WCGI owed me a favor and told me, all this is bad but that is not why I am upset. I told you to be careful using Schwartz Images."

<p lang="en-US">Lisbon Derek who was acting the Schwartz Avatar in the Dream Maker simulation said defensive." The Psych Computronic suggested it as the Mark was no longer really interested in Jon but wanted to date Rex Schwartz."

<p lang="en-US">"She just talked over GalNet to a Psych Drug Supplier at Shaill and asked if they had Rex Schwartz DNA on file and wanted to order drugs and perfumes. There is a good chance SII Security is on the trace right now! I want you two to destroy all connection evidence, delete the Dream Maker simulation at once!"

<p lang="en-US">He stormed out before they could answer and in his office he called a friend of. "I need a good pirate who can sneak into Union Territory and drop a P Bomb on a planet!" He needed all possible evidence and links destroyed and fast!"

<p lang="en-US">The friend said. "There aren't many who can pull that off and P Bombs are Terran Mil Tech. That is going to be very expensive."

<p lang="en-US">"Get it done! I pay!"

<p lang="en-US">"Alright I contact my guys and your planet should be toast earliest in ten days."

<p lang="en-US">"The faster the better!"

<p lang="en-US">Gretel switched the Dream Maker off and sighed deeply. Her Avatar had just met Rex Schwartz as he visited Jon's house. He was as handsome as could be and educated and he was virtually drooling over Gretel and she had told him of her plans to move to Azure –Delight. He personally invited her to his home and said to her she would have to make sure she would be free to come!"

<p lang="en-US">Gretel knew what that meant. She could no longer be married. Jon told her that she, as widow of the Olafson clan could easily claim full ownership of all in a Union Court and then sell it all to Jon who wanted to operate a modern fish factory on Nilfeheim and could do so right on Olafson Island if he owned it.

<p lang="en-US">The Chocolates were beyond delicious and she did notice it came from a small and exclusive shop on Azure-Delight. Not to mention the Azure-Rose and the handwritten card from Jon. She noticed him becoming jealous of her Rex! She knew he reacted to her signals and she could not wait to meet him in person. A few doses of Shaih-Motivatior and he would be under her complete control and then she would be a Centillionair. She would take Lothar along of course, but two kids would be a drag and Tyr had too much of Isegrim. Lothar not really being Isegrim's son at all was her favorite.

<p lang="en-US">She called Brunar and said." My dimwitted husband is on his way to the Uhim grounds now. Can you receive the tracking signal alright?"

<p lang="en-US">"Loud and clear, Gretel. What remains of him will sink to the bottom of the Naffjord Trench and never be heard of again! I have two of my boats on his trail."

<p lang="en-US">She giggled and wished him well then she contacted Adolph." My thighs throb of desire for a real man! I can't stop but think of you!"

<p lang="en-US">She wondered if Adolph had gotten a deep enough dose of her special pheromone perfume at the last meeting. "Gretel, you dream of every man! " He swooned and she knew the perfume did its job. She could not understand how a species that looked like large naked slugs, unable to move very fast could be so good at making these bio neurological active substances. Genetic tailored pheromone signal perfumes were illegal due to the fact that a sample of the DNA of the intended victim had to be collected, so the pheromone could be exactly tailored to that person. Obtaining a DNA sample of a Nilfeheim male pig was easy and now he was hers." Adolph, dream of my nights. I heard that our Clans enemies, the Bendixens have sent two of their boats to sink my husband's boat. I would be a very grateful widow if his death could be avenged!"

<p lang="en-US">"I am waiting for a chance to revenge my Son! This is perfect! He kills my rival in the new Alliance and I kill Brunar!"

<p lang="en-US">Taking the old man's advice I took the boat on a course to the Bendixen grounds and ran it under water. It was a fast boat but still it would take at least three days. The girls were sleeping in the now clean crew quarters and I was sitting by myself in the command chair. The boat ran by auto Helm and I had nothing to do, but it was an ancient tradition that there had to be one person on the bridge and awake. I had much to think about anyway. I still wore the blue dress but as soon as one of the girls was up I planned to return to my male persona. I had to be Eric when we arrived anyway. Besides I didn't like to wear just a dress. Freya needed to be complete, shoes, stockings, clothing hair and make-up so the Illusion was perfect at least for me. Why did this wish to be a girl not leave me? This was not a phase I hoped I grew out of. It became stronger as if there was a different soul, a second person in me silently screaming against the confines of maleness. My own feelings on this were too confusing to describe. Part of me desired to shed Eric. To Freya forever and for real and part of me said it was wrong and sick and not natural.

<p lang="en-US">A movement beside me caught my attention, I turned and looked. Sif stood there her arms wrapped around her, tall but already very developed womanly body and she stared out the Front view port. There was nothing to see really, we ran at 200 meters below the surface and it was pretty dark out there. Her long blonde hair, the braids undone flowed around her face like a precious veil and she was biting her lower lip.

<p lang="en-US">I said." I can turn the climate control up if you are cold."

<p lang="en-US">"No this is not it, I wanted to talk to you and I don't know if we have much of a chance to do that later on. I talked to your old man and I decided I will go with him and I think I will be a good representative."

<p lang="en-US">"I am sure you will be the best we ever had!"

<p lang="en-US">"I have big shoes to fill!"

<p lang="en-US">"He might be grumpy and sometimes insulting and always very direct, but you will have the best teacher you could have."

<p lang="en-US">"You actually love that old man don't you?"

<p lang="en-US">"I don't know if I love him but I like to think of him as a good friend."

<p lang="en-US">"He loves you, I can tell!"

<p lang="en-US">I glanced at the battle scanners; the boat was equipped with energy, life, metal and mass sensors in addition to the passive and active sonar. The Computronic combined the sensor data in a three dimensional representation of the ocean five kilometers around the boat. The system filtered out Bio contacts such as Tyranno Fins, Blue Finners, Three Finners and the thousand other species of fish we had. Since I was not fishing I didn't need to know and it would only show artificial contacts such as other subs and surface contacts or flyers. There were two surface boats on the extreme scanning horizon.

<p lang="en-US">Then I said." I don't think so. I am sure I a freak in his eyes just as I am in yours."

<p lang="en-US">She came closer." I am sorry Eric!" She put her hand on my shoulder." What I wanted to tell you is that I am sorry for being such a bitch. I was mean to you and I enjoyed and then I regretted it. I made you responsible for what you are. Yet in my heart form the time you looked at me when you first saw me without my veil at the space port, I knew you were different."

<p lang="en-US">She moved directly before me and looked in my eyes then lowered her long lashes." I fell in love with Freya you know. So you are no freak to me, and I was mean because I didn't want to admit to it myself!"

<p lang="en-US">She was now close enough that I could smell her exciting perfume. She reached out and brushed over my hair and I said with a sudden dryness in my mouth." What are you doing?"

<p lang="en-US">"You have beautiful hair." She said without answering my question. Then a smile played around her lips and she touched my chin."Only that fluff is a bit miss leading you know!"

<p lang="en-US">"Fluff?" I touched my own chin and felt the first signs of a beard."Oh!" I could not help but blush." I guess I need to get rid of that!"

<p lang="en-US">"Yes that might be a good idea." The tiny wrinkles above her nose appeared as they did when she talked to me what seemed so long ago in the bathroom stall of the Space bus lounge." How did you know the Alien woman was not me?"

<p lang="en-US">I smirked."She was nice to me."

<p lang="en-US">Her eyes glittered and her mouth changed to a frown and I immediately said." I was just kidding. At first I didn't know it wasn't you but she talked strange and pointed an Off-World blaster at me. I was pretty sure then it wasn't you."

<p lang="en-US">"How did she manage to look like me?"

<p lang="en-US">"She wore a very life like mask."

<p lang="en-US">"Do you still have it?" "Yes I do, kit is with the Alien woman's stuff over there in the map locker. I put her body in the torpedo room. If you want to see her."

<p lang="en-US">She went over to the locker and came back a few moments carrying the mask." It even feels warm and it got my hair and everything." Sif then said." I wonder how it looks, can you put it on?"

<p lang="en-US">I took the fleshy thing and she was right it felt warm."I guess I can try."

<p lang="en-US">It was very tight and it tightened even further as I had it on. After a few heartbeats, barley felt it." How does it look?"

<p lang="en-US">"It is perhaps the most frightening and strange sight I have ever seen. It is as if I look in a living mirror."

<p lang="en-US">Then she arranged the hair."I wear it like that sometimes."

<p lang="en-US">"I don't get you, Sif. One moment you act as if you care much about me and then you say things and act as if there is no one you hate more."

<p lang="en-US">She rested her arms on my shoulder." It is complicated as I told you. Perhaps as complicated as your desire to be a girl, how can I explain things I don't understand myself? I am attracted to Freya and know she isn't real and I hate Eric simply because he is a man. How about you? I mean do you like boys when you like that?"

<p lang="en-US">"Like boys? You mean as in…? No I don't. As you said I can't explain it. I know it is wrong for a guy to even think about dresses and such. It all started when I sneaked in my mother's rooms and tried on her dress. I could somehow feel she was there, but I started to like the feel of the soft things it is sort of a magic moment when I can step out of my own self and become someone else, this is as close as I can describe it, but I don't think of guys like girls do."

<p lang="en-US">She was now very close." I can still recognize your eyes."

<p lang="en-US">Just then the sensor board sounded alarm and the Computronic spoke." Five sub surface contacts in proximity, Incoming projectile!"

<p lang="en-US">I almost threw Sif off my lap, and wanted to say sorry but she moved as fast as I did and jumped behind the helm controls. Something clanged against the outer hull and the hammer blow of an explosion rocked the boat."

<p lang="en-US">I checked the damage board, but the reactor showed green and so did weapons and all the other systems. The hull integrity indicator did not show any leaks or breaches. The Sensor screen showed five subs, one was damaged it seemed and sinking. The others were fighting each other firing explosive tipped harpoons at each other. Sif evaded another harpoon!

<p lang="en-US">"Wow where did you learn that?"

<p lang="en-US">She didn't turn to answer but pushed the speed controls." My clan has subs too, you know and father let me steer them from early on."

<p lang="en-US">I turned on the visual sensors and the computronic enhanced the picture. The sinking boat was a Dark red colored Olafson boat! The others in Bendixen and Lindbergh colors. One of the Lindbergh boats fired from a cannon and whatever weapon it was it was not a harpoon. The shot hit the left Bendixen boat and penetrated its hull! Massive air bubbles escaped lit up by an explosion. Astrid had appeared and was sitting down, putting on the restraints." That Bendixen boat is using a Gauss Accelerator, Eric! Very accurate and dangerous!"

<p lang="en-US">I pressed the contacts to activate shields and to activate the weapons. The Computronic responded. Unable to activate shields or weapons. Then the Computronic started laughing! "Greetings from your Step-mother, Eric! She paid us to sabotage your boat not to fix it. Have a nice sea funeral!"

<p lang="en-US">The lights flickered and went out!

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Chapter 38: Out in the Cold

<p lang="en-US">Chapter 38 – Out in the cold

<p lang="en-US">Gretel tried to reach Jon for the fifth time and every time the system responded." No such user registered."

<p lang="en-US">She wasn't too concerned perhaps there was a technical problem so she decided to call Rex Schwartz over the contact information he had given her and the system responded." Rex Schwartz is not a registered user on the Dream Maker Network."

<p lang="en-US">"Then connect me with Rex Schwartz directly. Tell him that his Gorgeous Eyes wants to talk to him!"

<p lang="en-US">A woman appeared, after the SII logo flashed over the field screen." Good afternoon, I am Lindsey SII General Information desk. How may I help you?"

<p lang="en-US">Gretel got angry." I want to talk to Rex, Rex Schwartz personally. He knows me and said I can call anytime. I have problems with the direct access he gave me!"

<p lang="en-US">"One moment please." The woman looked up then nodded and said." It seems you have been the victim of a scam using images, names and trademarks registered to SII Corporation. A team of Schwartz Security Experts will visit your world shortly and investigate. Have a nice day!"

<p lang="en-US">The woman disappeared.

<p lang="en-US">Gretel suddenly started to sweat and the Terminal reported an incoming contact. She agreed with a tremor in her voice.

<p lang="en-US">This time a man established itself and he wore a dark blue uniform, she knew the man. He had the hint of a cold smile on his face." Good Afternoon, Ms. Olafson. I am Union Police Detective John Cue and you are hereby notified to report to the next Union Law enforcement agency in person. You have the right to bring legal representation with you. You are charged with multiple accounts of illegal drug trafficking, purchasing highly restricted drugs without a valid physician's license."

<p lang="en-US">She crossed her arms. "I do no such thing! I simply stay here!"

<p lang="en-US">His fine smile increased." Suit yourself, Ms. Olafson. I was obliged to inform you to report to a Law Enforcement Agency due to Union Law 778."

<p lang="en-US">He waved at her." Good bye Ms. Olafson and be safe!" He then cut the transmission.

<p lang="en-US">A snickering voice from the door to her boudoir said"Union Law 778 declares anyone dealing, trafficking or using drugs of Level nine and above without proper permissions and licenses as an outlaw. You can now be killed, sold, shot on sight anywhere in the Union. Given the fact that you have a sizeable bounty on your head, I expect bounty hunters by the dozen. This is why he wanted you to turn in, for your own safety!" Hogun now laughed." How smart are you now fat woman?" Then he closed the door.

<p lang="en-US">Gretel stared at the empty box of chocolates from Jon and the now wilting rose and threw it to the ground and stomped on it with rage."

<p lang="en-US">Harkun was very pleased with himself. His master was most likely dead already. His wife no longer a factor and dead sooner or later, maybe he could kill her himself, fifty thousand Credits was nothing to sneeze at.

<p lang="en-US">Eric Olafson the only legitimate heir resting near his father on the ocean floor, left only Tyr in his way. Harkun had the DNA samples to proof Lothar had not a drop Olafson blood in his veins. Unlike him!

<p lang="en-US">Yes he was an Olafson too! A bastard son! Born in shame as his father Volund Olafson, bedded with a Low woman after his marriage! Volund the father of him and Isegrim who was his half-brother; strangled his mother and raised Isegrim like a prince. He, Harkun however was raised like an unwanted orphan in the Tanneries lower than the lowest, belonging to no one, eating the scraps of the floor. Isegrim, who knew Harkun was his half-brother, freed him out of the stinking Tanneries as soon as he was Clan Chief.

<p lang="en-US">He did this after Volund died falling drunk down the stairs to the Submarine Pens and breaking his rotten neck. No one but Isegrim knew that Harkun had pushed the drunken Clan Chief and enabled Isegrim to become clan chief so young. Isegrim thanked him by making him his man servant and he became the best man servant a master could want. Biding his time for his revenge.

<p lang="en-US">When the agents of Tyson Galactic talked to him during the Sea food Conference on Tysons Planet he was eager to help them achieve their goals and in return he would achieve his.

<p lang="en-US">After Isegrim was dead and Eric too, they had no choice but to declare Harkun the rightful Clan chief of the Olafson clan and he would inherit Eric's riches as well. Tyson would make an exclusive contract with the Olafson Clan and he would use the Olafson clan influence to unite or destroy all the clans under his rule!

<p lang="en-US">His long years of patience and humiliation had ended today! Tomorrow he would be on his way to become King of Nilfeheim!

<p lang="en-US">He knew this burg like no other and every secret passage, and now it was all his! He decided to celebrate by having fun with the beautiful little girl he caught himself only yesterday! She was actually the daughter of a Freeman. Never mind the new rules Isegrim put in place, remodeling the Tanneries and sending them to school. He was in charge now and all would be back as it used to be.

<p lang="en-US">Harkun made it to the undercroft and past the vaulted basements in the old dungeons of the Burg, His personal kingdom. Well not much longer as everything was his now!

<p lang="en-US">Down here he set up his personal chamber of horrors. Here he had a collection of ancient torture devices, all well maintained, oiled and modernized and a wardrobe fit for the master of pain he was! He loved to torture them, see their pain and their fear. There was no greater thrill, no drug no feeling that could compare.

<p lang="en-US">He put on the black leather pants and the gauntlet style rubber gloves and donned the frightening leather skull cap mask that left the lower half of his face open and then entered his chambers. The girl, she was maybe 14 had been tied to a vertical rack and she had nodded off after she cried herself to sleep. But she stirred as she heard the heavy door and her big eyes started to swim in tears once more.

<p lang="en-US">He could feel his pants tighten, yes this was it!

<p lang="en-US">Before he could do anything, he was suddenly pushed forward by a strong force! He turned angry at who dared to disturb him down here!

<p lang="en-US">There stood a woman in the door wearing a blue cloak on top of the three step stairs. She lowered the hood and said." Remember me father?"

<p lang="en-US">She was a dark haired beautiful young woman and while her face somehow looked familiar, he could not place her. He grabbed a leather whip from a nearby table. "I don't know who you are but you will not leave this room alive!"

<p lang="en-US">She came down fearless and without hesitation in her steps; some invisible force constricted his very arm. He could not raise the whip! At the same time the bonds that held the little girl fell off as If an invisible ghost was undoing them. The woman in the cloak said." Go to your mother little one! This sick man will no longer torture anyone and you are safe!"

<p lang="en-US">The girl nodded in tears and ran out the door. Harkun was driven back; he slammed into the rack made of stone wood beams and the shackles closed around his wrists and legs. It was him now who felt fear as a hand formed seemingly out of foggy mist right before him and penetrated his chest! He could feel an ice cold grip around his beating heart. He soiled himself in pure panic and fear and the woman said." I am Elena; I am the daughter of Gudrun! One of the many you have raped and tortured. It was you who let the Elhir clan drop the Fangsnapper in the yard that killed her! My mother hated you as she hated me for being your daughter!"

<p lang="en-US">Elena took one of the sharp knives forms his tables, inspected its edge with a satisfied nod and cut away the leather pants and his mask. She wasn't too careful and smiled as he yelped in pain. "Thanks to Eric I am alive today and thanks to a God I met, I have now the means to make you suffer and then I will kill you!"

<p lang="en-US">She stepped back." No pain I could inflict would make you pay enough, but you see the God I am talking about has a long memory and collected the pain of many of your victims and now we give that back to you!"

<p lang="en-US">Harkun screamed like no human being had ever screamed as the memories of his own victims flooded his mind and he had to relieve every moment.

<p lang="en-US">After over an hour his head dropped to his chest, and drool dropped from his open mouth. Elena stabbed the knife without any feeling of remorse or hesitation deep in his chest. Then she said." Thank you Tyr!"

<p lang="en-US">The lights flickered and Astrid said." Looks like his Tech stop has trouble to get through our armor and hardened systems. She then pried open an access panel and said." I am sure I can fix this!"

<p lang="en-US">Her hands pulled chip connectors and reset them and then she turned. Eric flip open your left armrest. Beneath is the Code sequencer. They could not have altered your Command Codes, without your permission! All they did is bypass it and tying in their own!"

<p lang="en-US">I did and pressed my hand on the now exposed DNA reader." The lights came back on strong and Astrid said." Shields engaged. Just then two of the Gauss projectiles slammed into us. The kinetic energy made the boat shudder, but the shields held.

<p lang="en-US">I leaned back in the seat." I had about enough of these bastards! Sif both engines to full throttle, dive planes to 60 percent and take us on 91 degrees north."

<p lang="en-US">She pushed the accelerator levers for both screws and said." Aye!"

<p lang="en-US">Astrid closed the panel and threw a compact device on the floor." You got full control now, weapons too!"

<p lang="en-US">"Open gun ports and charge FTL's!"

<p lang="en-US">"Faster than light Forced Energy Projectors extended and at 98 percent Eric!"

<p lang="en-US">The green cross hairs wandered across the main viewer, turned red as they lined up with the first Brunar Boat." Fire!"

<p lang="en-US">The Poseidon was pushed sideways as two sun bright spears of light hit the Brunar boat and virtually vaporized it and a few thousand gallons of water with it. An enormous gaseous bubble with debris and superheated gases rushed to the surface.

<p lang="en-US">One Bendixen and one Lindbergh boat remained intact and both forgot about their own conflict, turned and tried to flee, side by side.

<p lang="en-US">I turned on Nilfeheim radio." This is Eric Olafson speaking, calling both fleeing boats. Stop your engines and surface. If you do not I blow you both out of the water!

<p lang="en-US">"Astrid, target a spot next to the second boat!"

<p lang="en-US">"FTL's still charging, Eric and at 34 percent."

<p lang="en-US">"Switch to Sub-Roc."

<p lang="en-US">The left torpedo tube of the Poseidon opened and a torpedo accelerated fast driven by bubble streaming rocket motors, covered the distance to the second Brunar boat, in a few heartbeats slipped underneath its bow and exploded only about fifty meters beyond them. The shockwave tumbled both boats like toys and reached us a half a minute later as well, with much less force however. The Radio crackled in the typical way all ELF transmissions did and I heard Brunar Bendixen's voice." We surrender and surface now!"

<p lang="en-US">A second voice came on." This is Isegrim Olafson. Our boat is damaged but I think we can emergency surface."

<p lang="en-US">There was no help we could render to the first Lindbergh boat. Its hull pierced on both sides. Filled with water,sinking like a stone. If anyone in there survived the explosion they were already beyond the depth of even Nilfeheim swimmers.

<p lang="en-US">Astrid rubbed her temples." The voice of your Old man can be pretty loud when he is excited, but I knew what I was doing." She turned and grinned." I always wanted to become an Engineer you know, a real one!"

<p lang="en-US">Sif simply hugged us both and Astrid said." What you did earlier was really hot in a very twisted way. I am sorry but I get confused with two Sif's around!"

<p lang="en-US">I remembered that I still wore the mask and rushed in my cabin to change.

<p lang="en-US">All four sub marines floated on the surface. Their crews standing on the decks Astrid remained behind the control of the FTL turrets and the snub-nosed muzzles moved back and forth in their ball like turret housings aiming at the other boats. I too was on the top of my boat standing by the bow as Sif steered the boat slowly towards the red sub of my father. He was supported by two of his crewmen. The wind was ice cold and the sea was rough but Sif expertly steered the boat with the waves and limited the rocking. She was even better than I thought.

<p lang="en-US">The men with Father were Greifen and Harkur. I knew the other three by sight but not by name. I yelled over "What is wrong with him?"

<p lang="en-US">Father answered himself." I broke my leg as the explosion hit us."

<p lang="en-US">Greifen added." Your Sire also hit the steel frame with his head real bad."

<p lang="en-US">I smirked and yelled back." Better check that steel frame then, knowing the thick skull he has!"

<p lang="en-US">Brunar Bendixen yelled using an amplifier." It is not over! You might have the upper hand now but I challenge you right now Isegrim Olafson! You are the clan leader of the Olafsons and if I win you are as dead as if on the ground of the Ocean and I will be lord over what was yours!"

<p lang="en-US">There it was! This moment was worse than I thought. He was wounded and I am sure Bendixen could win against my father with a broken leg. Brunar would solve my problem of revenge. Kill my father for me; all I had to do was watch! But it was an unfair situation and I hated those! I yelled" I am my father's champion if he gives me the honor. As it would be beneath my father to cross blades with a coward as you!"

<p lang="en-US">Father nodded and Bendixen answered." So be it then, Upstart. But who said anything about blades! We shall fight in the water with slayer harpoons and knives! I know your skill with the sword and I am no fool! But no one has ever beaten a Bendixen in the water!"

<p lang="en-US">"There is always a first! I meet you there!"

<p lang="en-US">I went back in the boat to put on a wet suit and get harpoon and knife. Sif opened the door.

<p lang="en-US">"Sif! I am just putting on a wet suit, I am nak…" I realized what I was saying and pulled the wet suit up as fast as I could.

<p lang="en-US">She threw her arms around me." Just as I start to like you, you go risk your life for that brute that tortured you!"

<p lang="en-US">"It is an unfair situation and until I know for sure if he did all this to me on his own or under the influence of drugs I can't condemn him."

<p lang="en-US">"You are a fool like all men. You have them at the point of cannons and now he dictates what we do!"

<p lang="en-US">"We are a product of this world Sif! You are the one that is going to change it, but the Old man said we need to do it slow!"

<p lang="en-US">She knelt down and attached a diver's knife to my leg." That's mine. Ram it in the bastard real deep!"

<p lang="en-US">"Talking about brute men. Girl you are as brutal and Viking as the rest of us!" She kissed me on the lips and said." I never denied that!"

<p lang="en-US">The boats were drawn to a rough square, Adolph and his crew eyed the FTL cannon drained. Brunar stood in a confident posture holding a Friesenheim triple shot." I thought you might back out!" Then he jumped in and so did I. The coldness of the water was invigorating and out of a strange impulse I closed my eyes and could see the surroundings clearly without actually seeing them. I could sense the boats and every fish around me and I felt Brunar and he was climbing out of the water already!

<p lang="en-US">As I surfaced I saw Sif and Astrid held by two men, a third was standing on the bow of my father's sub holding a Spear gun leveled against the belly of my father. Brunar stood laughing on his boat." Do you think I risk everything observing stupid old rituals? Enemies can become friends fast in the face of humiliation!"

<p lang="en-US">Adolph Lindbergh also laughed." Do you think I let you herd us back to town before the Elders? Accuse us and gain all that is ours? Why do you think I am out here? To make sure you are dead!"

<p lang="en-US">Brunar poured a reddish liquid out of a big jug in the water." This region is known for rock sharks and Tyranno's let us have a little fun and see how you survive now. I will take your boat, kill all witnesses and since they are looking for Sif I will be awarded by the Arnske clan as well!"

<p lang="en-US">The first triangle fin of a Rock shark appeared!

<p lang="en-US">He added "It is time to die Eric. I let your old man watch and then he and his crew is next!"

<p lang="en-US">Father screamed." I will get you for this!"

<p lang="en-US">I had to do dive to face the attacking shark. I was again played like a well-tuned harp. Angry at my own stupidity! I had already won. Had them at the point of a gun and yet I was in the water and faced death as I sensed four more sharks!

<p lang="en-US">I did have three spears in my slayer but this was open water, no rocks to hide, and four rock sharks. They were no were near as big as Tyrannos but each was at least 12 meters long and much faster than me, even though I had fins on my feet this time. Also Rock sharks did not have a mark, a clear spot to shoot at and if they did I did not know about it.

<p lang="en-US">I evaded the first fairly easy but was almost snatched by the second ,my strange ne sense spotted two more attracted by the scent and in the distance at the horizon of my awareness, a huge shape…no doubt a Tyranno!

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Chapter 39: Thingstead

<p lang="en-US">Chapter 39 – Thingstead

<p lang="en-US">I had one spear left. Two of the Rock sharks floated belly up to the surface, the Slayer harpoon meant for Tyrannos was good enough to kill these triangle snouts. Even now fighting for my life I wondered why I called them that way.

<p lang="en-US">My last spear missed! Not that it mattered much, four sharks were now busy with the carcass of the ones I killed, fighting each other for the meat, there were three more now aiming for me, also that immense presence beneath me came closer. This was the largest Tyranno ever. The rock sharks suddenly hesitated and then turned and swam away as fast as they could! I opened my eyes and saw something white almost glowing shooting up from beneath. Too fast for me to evade. A huge white Tyranno with a maw big enough to bite a normal sub in half came up with the speed of a torpedo. This was it. I would be devoured like a Silver flicker! Strangely though I knew I had to die I did not fear that white shape. It hit my feet with its snout and pushed me out of the water! The same moment as if a veil was removed from my mind. I remembered and yelled with full lungs." Tyr!"

<p lang="en-US">Sif could not believe her eyes and the men holding her hostage suddenly trembled with fear. Eric shot out of the water, like a reborn God standing on the snout of a white Tyranno! It was the biggest she had ever seen!

<p lang="en-US">Adolph Lindberg was the only one turning his spear gun aiming at the immense presence, and fired! The spear turned in mid air and nailed Adolph Lindberg right through his chest where it exploded.

<p lang="en-US">"Tyr!" I yelled again with the intensity of my relief. I knew everything would turn out well! Maybe Tyr wasn't a god but the next best thing and he was certainly the biggest friend I had. The men surrendered and dropped their weapons.

<p lang="en-US">I learned that several of Bendixen's men were already in the water when I surfaced and had entered my boat as soon as I was in the water. This time I took no chances. Sif armed with the Neuro ripper gun held them in check while I used every drop of Stick and Bond to glue their hands together. Bendixen did have some fight in him but Sif dropped him with a short shock of the beamer and after that he too was no problem. Father's split his men up to crew the captured boats and to tow his damaged sub. After all this was done I went back out and looked at the huge white fish floating next to us."Why did you take my memory of you? I would not have told your secret!"

<p lang="en-US">"Eric you have a long road ahead of you and I did not want you to be influenced by the knowledge I gave you, I will erase the memory of these men about me. I must remain to be a legend. However I had to come and safe you, little fish! You have a habit to swim in the middle of trouble a lot and the next time you decide to swim with Triangle snouts, make sure at least one Tyranno is nearby, or you carry a whole lot more of those harpoons."

<p lang="en-US">"Tyr I don't know how to thank you and for the short time I actually know you, you have become a dear friend."

<p lang="en-US">"If you call me cute, Eric I throw you in the water myself!"

<p lang="en-US">"No worries, I still don't think of you as cute. But when this is all over I would love if you show me more of our oceans. "

<p lang="en-US">"Maybe my little fish, maybe!"

<p lang="en-US">Sif came out and she was clearly afraid but came closer anyway." Is this Tyranno tame? I never knew how pretty they are."

<p lang="en-US">She went close to the edge and stretched out her hand to touch Tyr." You are so beautiful! Look at his gorgeous eyes and he is all white!"

<p lang="en-US">"I am not tame!" Thundered Tyr, but his voice grew softer." Well perhaps she is not totally wrong with the other statements."

<p lang="en-US">"He doesn't want to be called tame, Sif. You also better not call him cute!"

<p lang="en-US">Her eyes widened."Is it talking to you somehow?"

<p lang="en-US">"Sif that is Tyr! He is very old and wise and powerful."

<p lang="en-US">"Hello Tyr! I am Sif and I am a friend of Eric. I never saw a Tyranno so close and never one as big as you." She touched him." I bet he doesn't like that we kill his brothers and sisters. We must stop that!"

<p lang="en-US">Her eyes widened and I knew she was hearing his voice as well now." Sif, I know who you are and it was me who suggest you to become our next representative. Maybe we could discus culling quotas when you are at that point. For now let my existence be a secret."

<p lang="en-US">David Moyes greeted the new client in his office and he said." I was told by our mutual contact that you are in need of special services and represent a larger organization?"

<p lang="en-US">His visitor certainly dressed the part, and had arrived in a private Yacht. A 120 meter Bombardier executive no less. Whoever his client was had the means to hire Galactic Solutions, no doubt.

<p lang="en-US">The man was humanoid but had distinctive Atikkanian features. The Atikka had only recently joined the Union and ruled pretty much the entire Larger Magellan Cloud. While he had the overall shape and size of a human he walked more like an upright hyena and his face shared some of the characteristic features of this Terran canine species. The man spoke with a cool accent free voice." Indeed you could say that. I am representing Schwartz Intergalactic; to be precise I am here to express the distinct displeasure of my employer using his personal image, name and reputation. He especially wanted me to point out to you that he is even less amused about the fact you used his image in the conduct of highly illegal activities."

<p lang="en-US">David tugged at his collar." I can understand that and I will gladly make aments. You can tell your employer it will never happen again."

<p lang="en-US">"It pleases me that you understand, Mr. Moyes. You will indeed make aments and yes it will never happen again, at least not done by you or anyone in this company. "

<p lang="en-US">"How much will it cost me?"

<p lang="en-US">"Right now my associates have cleaned this building, Kevin Atkien has certainly caught up with his last cigarette butt, he really shouldn't litter you know." The Attikan tugged at the thin leather gloves he wore." I am a Cleaner as well and my job is to clean this office!"

<p lang="en-US">David pulled the little Walther Laser and fired. The beam was absorbed by a force field that was visible for a fraction." Please Mr. Moyes. You pride yourself to be a professional and your company is in business for many decades. Schwartz Intergalactic plays in the first league since the Union was founded, give us a little credit! And I do apologize for making it a little messy, but my Employer wanted to make your execution a statement for all similar ventures operating in this unsavory field. I am sure they understand why I feel it is necessary to decorate your office with your entrails!"

<p lang="en-US">The Attikan went to do exactly that.

<p lang="en-US">The ship was a real space bus, manufactured by Leyland Ship yards. Just like the million space ships operated by Grey Lines, it was an old model, sold many decades ago as surplus. Hog Crafton had spend considerable money and a great amount of effort to refurbish the ship and make it look like a new one even the paint scheme down to the logos was just like that of a space bus. Hog was a pirate and he called his ship the Trojan Horse as it could slip in and out Union Territory unnoticed, he usually used it to smuggle illegal goods but this time he had only one item in its freight bay. A genuine Terran Mil tech P-Bomb, he had to pay an astronomical sum to the Worm, the Criminal Organization that operated within the Union Fleet to get his hands on this thing. Officially it was designated Planetary Incendiary device, but as it was typical Terran custom they came up with funny names for their most deadly weapons. Parking Lot Bomb, because it would turn a planet into one gigantic parking lot once it had cooled down. He didn't like the mission one bit. Committing genocide was a big step up, even for a hard boiled pirate and smuggler like him and he knew the fleet would try to hunt down whoever dropped such a device on a Union planet. He decided to hide in Kartanian space for a long time after this job. He actually regretted taking the job and wished he could change his mind, but once he had agreed to do a job, he would see it through. In three days he would reach planet Nilfeheim, drop the bomb and high tail out of Union Territory. The target world was deep in Union space and he hoped his ship's disguise would buy him the time he needed to get away.

<p lang="en-US">We arrived in Halstaad Fjord and were greeted by a group of elders accompanied by twenty beefy looking men, all were dressed in the traditional Neo Viking way with leather vests and trousers and shirts. They all wore identical helmets and swords and all were dressed in the same dark brown color. Egill was also with them. As we stepped ashore he said to me, I know what happened, Eric and I will take it from here. You may have noticed the men; these are the first members of the Nilfeheim Beskyddare Vakt or Police force if you will. I tell you more about them later. We waited for your arrival because due to the recent events the great meeting is held today and not at Yuletide."

<p lang="en-US">Father who was helped ashore by two of his men said." Go to the Burg Eric; bring the Clan insignia and the Olafson sword, only an Olafson can open the clan shrine. I need to get that leg fixed!"

<p lang="en-US">I said. "Greifen, tell the doctor to check father out for Psycho drugs as well. I am not sure if he can say it himself, but I want to know if he is on his own mind!" Greifen nodded." I will do as you say!"

<p lang="en-US">I had borrowed Uncle Hogun's flyer and went to the Burg. It was a strange feeling going home that way holding fathers clan ring which I needed to open the shrine. I set down right in the main yard, rushed over to the High Halls, a Freeman women almost collided with me as she came out the door carrying a basket and crying. I said."What is the matter? Has Harkun done something again? By Odin this time I am not helpless!"

<p lang="en-US">She shook her head." No Sir, they found Harkun dead in his torture chamber." She tried to look away but I saw the bruise in her face and the split lip.

<p lang="en-US">"Then who?"

<p lang="en-US">"Master Eric, there is nothing you can do; we know you are not welcome in your own home."

<p lang="en-US">"You tell me this instant who harmed you, girl! It is my home and I will set things right, right now!"

<p lang="en-US">Hope glimmered in her eyes." Your brother, the Lords favorite, he does this all the time."

<p lang="en-US">I took my PDD." I call you a flyer so you can get to the clinic and be checked out. If there are others with wounds or maladies, be it Freeman, clansman or low man tell them they can go to the clinic as well. The days of fear and torture in this burg end today or I tear it down, by Odin's spear!'

<p lang="en-US">I rushed in and saw Lothar, Tyr and Gretel sitting at the great table having lunch. Gretel's face dropped as she saw me and she blurted out." You are alive?"

<p lang="en-US">"And so is Isegrim! The Doctors will clean his mind of your vile poisons!"

<p lang="en-US">Lothar threw a piece of fish on the floor." Go eat that, like a Nubhir puppy. I want to see you eat that and then get out; when father comes back he will break your bones if I tell him you did not!"

<p lang="en-US">I drew Mördaren, rushed to him and hissed." You will clean that up; you will crawl on your knees." He still was unimpressed! "Mother, can you tell this Nubhir poop pile to do as I told?"

<p lang="en-US">I never hit anyone as hard as I hit Lothar. My fist clenched around the grip of the sword hit him at the side of the head; he was thrown out the chair and landed on the floor. I put my boot on his head." If you even so much as make a noise I kill you right here and now!" Tyr came running." Let my brother go!"

<p lang="en-US">Gretel rose from her chair, producing a little elegant looking off world weapon and she shot but she hit Tyr who was still in front of me. I did not give her a second chance grabbed a bowl of fish and flung it at her she ducked instinctively and I was right after the bowl smacking the weapon out of her hand and put the sword tip on her throat. "Tell me now, when did you start poisoning father with your drugs?"

<p lang="en-US">She panted and then a smirk came over her lips." Only a few years ago! He killed that blonde bitch all on his own! I simply told him to do it and he did! He is just a man and so are you! Now be a good boy, put that sword away and I show you what a woman can do to a man to make him forget all else." She cupped her breasts. "You are old enough to learn are you not?"

<p lang="en-US">She disgusted me so much, but I could not murder her. She was responsible for my mother's death and at least partially to blame for my miserable childhood, but I could not drive the sword through her neck.

<p lang="en-US">She purred in a sultry way as I put the sword away." I knew I could convince you. Maybe you and I can work something out!"

<p lang="en-US">I hit her with my fist square into her painted mouth. I felt a tooth crack and said." You are a Nubhir scrubber and nothing more, a cheap whore that is fatter than a pregnant Fangsnapper. I will not soil this sword with your filth."

<p lang="en-US">I left her as she was slumped in her chair and went to father's study and opened the Clan shrine with the ring and took the chain and sword that was in it.

<p lang="en-US">As I came back out, she was still sitting there, Lothar was by her and I said." The piece of fish is still on the floor!"

<p lang="en-US">He stared at me but then dropped to his knees and ate the fish. I left them and returned to Halstaad Fjord.

<p lang="en-US">Gretel saw Eric leave and her mind spun. If it was true and Isegrim was at the clinic and got treated for the Psycho blocks, he would come back and he would have no mercy. She still had the Credit strip, with a considerable sum on it; maybe she could leave the planet and somehow obtain a new identity. There had to be a way for her to turn things around. She tried to call Adolph but the call was not answered and neither was her call to Brunar. She waved at one of her handmaidens." Don't just stand there, fetch me ice you worthless thing!"

<p lang="en-US">The hand maiden came back a few moments later with a bowl, but then dropped the bowl revealed a sharp dagger she was carrying underneath the bowl and stabbed Gretel in the throat and came closer with a smile as she looked in Gretel's pain filled eyes." Worthless? I don't think so. I am going to collect 60,000 credits for your head. You know I heard what Harkun said to you as well, and I checked your bounty on GalNet!"

<p lang="en-US">The handmaiden pointed the bloody dagger at Lothar. "As for you, my older brothers are on their way and they will have a word with you for what you did to me."

<p lang="en-US">Everyone was there, just like at Grandfather's funeral. I had no idea there were this many flyers on Nilfeheim. The Roundhouse also was filled to capacity, it was especially historic as the Eldest occupied the seat that was always empty and to my surprise he was flanked by the current Head keeper of Hasvik to the right and the Ancient one to the left, both wearing the white robes with the World tree, and white hooded cloaks looking very mystical. Before the Eldest chair was a block of solid Platinum of table size. I had heard of it but never seen it. It was the Altar of Odin, brought from Earth by the first settlers, and upon it on a stand the Krigen Sverd, the mystical two hander sword of Olaf Erikson the first warrior and the Spear of Odin on which the first Circle of Elders had sworn to uphold the Laws of the Traditions. Every Clan chief was there as well, old and new. The Speaker for the Freemen and the majors of the three towns, everyone was present. I even saw a few teachers and Mr. Valthim.

<p lang="en-US">I was sitting in the chair of my father. He had send message for me to represent the Olafson clan. He was still in the Clinic, they had no problem fixing his leg and his concussion, but the doctor told me over the PDD, before I sat down that my father was heavily poisoned by very complex and advanced psycho drugs and he had to be put in a deep sleep trance while a specialist from Med Center, via Holo Presence worked to get the blocks removed and the effects neutralized, it would take at least a week, but they were confident to get him back to normal.

<p lang="en-US">Egill rose from his seat and it became silent. He then touched the spear and said." I call to order the Great meeting of Nilfeheim."

<p lang="en-US">He sat back down and continued." Events of great importance have caused us to call this meeting today and not after Yuletide. Our world is under attack and our very civilization on the brink of destruction, but before we talk about what we can do to prevent that and look to the future, let us recall the past and deal with the present. "

<p lang="en-US">He motioned and two men carried in a stretcher with the dead assassin and another two carried a table with the mask, her clothing and her Neuro ripper. They set it up in the circle and Egill continued." The recent murder was not committed by women of this world but by an Off -world assassin. She had Psionic powers to take control over others and posed in the guise of Sif Arnske to seed discontent. She came to this world called by Brunar Bendixen. Brunar who discovered a treasure on the bottom of the Ocean, pearls produced by a legless crab that can as far as he knew only be found at the Bendixen Grounds. This is why he wanted this part of the Ocean declared as his private real estate. He wanted to find out who killed his father and believed it was the deed of one of his rivals, namely the Lindbergh Clan."

<p lang="en-US">He paused and they brought in Brunar Bendixen. He wore his Clan insignia and even his sword.

<p lang="en-US">His face was stoic but his eyes full of hatred and anger." Yes this is so! All I wanted is to protect my investment and my business. I elevated the Bendixen Clan from the shadows of many to a foremost position and I tried to reason and tried to have my rights to my discovery protected, but my own father, an Elder was murdered on the day he became a member of the Inner Circle! What I did was for my clan and this is what a Clan chief does and I should not stand accused!"

<p lang="en-US">"Equipping your boats with Tech stop generators and attacking another boat is one of the accusations I level against you, Brunar Bendixen. Paying an Off World Assassin and let her commit acts of Terror is a crime against the Book of Traditions. Your father raping a 12 year old daughter of a Freeman is a crime and this is why he was killed! Low men, Free Men Clan members and Elders will no longer be different when it comes to the law. Everyone will have to abide by the rules or face the consequences."

<p lang="en-US">Brunar made a hard laughing sound and said." If that is so, why could I not get a fair ruling or even a hearing? I was not out to kill at the beginning. I was out to fish pearls and sell crab meat and do so at my underwater farms undisturbed."

<p lang="en-US">"One wrong does not justify another. You could have challenged Adolph or waited for the Great Meeting to get you heard. It was greed that motivated you."

<p lang="en-US">"I admit to all of this, yet I am still a clan chief and I will return to my Island."

<p lang="en-US">"No you are not! You have issued a Challenge and lost by fleeing."

<p lang="en-US">A field screen lowered and we could all see the Challenge he issued, climbing back out of the water and pouring Bait scent into the water. I had no idea where he got this recording from or who made it. It even showed me fighting the Rock sharks, but there was no Tyr. The recording ended before that.

<p lang="en-US">Brunar was biting his lip. "I did not want to end up like Steiner. I did not want to lose everything over a stupid old rule!"

<p lang="en-US">"So you know already that you lost it. Indeed Brunar you are no longer a Clan Chief and your Clan will be added to the Olafson clan as he won the challenge."

<p lang="en-US">Brunar ripped out his sword and I sighed. I knew what would happen next, or at least I thought I did.

<p lang="en-US">The Bendixen man raised his sword and yelled." I will not give you the satisfaction to gloat and rule over me!"

<p lang="en-US">He turned the sword and pushed it with force through his own chest! He dropped to his knees."At least I die with my honor restored." Then he slumped to the side.

<p lang="en-US">The men carried Bendixen's body out and Egill continued as if nothing happened." Clan leader of the Arnske clan, your daughter has not committed any crimes and all those accusing your daughter are silent." Sif came in and she wore a black leather suit, with a long billowing, fur brimmed cape, also in black as well as boots and she carried a sword! While the accusation and the suicide of Brunar was accepted with little murmur and reaction from all present, seeing a girl in warriors garments carrying a sword caused a surprised uproar. She looked gorgeous! Her hair seemed like pure gold against the black of her mantle. Her hand rested on the sword hilt just as I always did emulating the pose of my grandfather.

<p lang="en-US">Egill's voice thundered and I was almost certain he used a little more than just his voice because everyone was instantly silent." Quiet!"

<p lang="en-US">He pointed at her."Sif Arnske could not be found because she had made a pilgrimage to Hasvik. She served the Gods with honor, while she was the first in 2000 years, there is no word and no rule that prevents a woman to pilgrimage and serve the Faceless Seven. She was trained and tested by myself and she has with distinction passed all requirements for the ancient challenge!"

<p lang="en-US">This caused uproar especially among the Elders!

<p lang="en-US">Egill held up an old book."This is the sacred book of traditions. If any of you can point me to the passage where it says who can or cannot take the challenge shall speak now! We Elders require that all the rules are followed, but no new ones may be added. Abide by them or declares the Book of Traditions as no longer valid, it will however also declare us Elders obsolete!"

<p lang="en-US">One Elder, his hair was not even silver and still black rose and said." There are no words that describe who can or cannot take the ancient challenge, but if we accept her, then every Free and Lowman and even other girls can ask to take the challenge!"

<p lang="en-US">"Exactly and that is what it was intended for. The challenge was a sacred rite, to be taken only by those who really dedicated themselves to become warriors, to abide by the code of honor and complete a pilgrimage. You have let it deteriorate, only first born sons took the challenge and no one really tested them anymore. You all simply made your mark on the document. How many first Born sons did not slay a Tyranno or a Fangsnapper the ancient way, how many have recited the Poems in the past or demonstrated their skills? Anyone can take the Challenge but only few are going to pass it and these are the warriors meant we have, these are the warriors meant to be our police force from the start. Bound by the honor code to do right and not to tolerate others to lie, cheat or steal. That was the idea behind the Challenge and it is spelled out over seventeen pages in our sacred book. Go read it if you don't believe me."

<p lang="en-US">There was a long silence; the black haired Elder was still standing. "Then let us begin today to do so! Let her be tested. No one doubts your word, Holy One and certainly not I, she might very well have slain a Tyranno but I call her to be challenged with the blade so we may see her skill so we can accept her as a Warrior indeed!"

<p lang="en-US">Egill spread his arms." You heard the Challenge of Elder Olhilm anyone want to champion for him?"

<p lang="en-US">There again was a great silence.

<p lang="en-US">Egill waited for a good five minutes." It seems you cannot find a volunteer to champion for you Elder Olhilm. However since Sif's honor is intact she still is the bride of promise to Eric Olafson and I am certain he will challenge anyone who questions the honor of his bride!"

<p lang="en-US">Egill's voice reached me in my head."Now it would be a great moment to be theatrical and make your speeches. Jump and stand by her side!"

<p lang="en-US">I got up drew the Olafson sword Hevnen, and jumped down in the circle and drew a slow circle with the swords tip around the assembly." It is as the Holy one says. Come forth and utter thy challenge whoever you are. I shall not allow anyone question the honor of my bride without answering to me. Who dares to question the valor and skills of the Valkyries? Has not Freya herself also armed with a sword and stood against the hordes of Ragnaroek? The Gods wisdom is beyond ours and it is the gods who reward honor and warrior be it a man or a woman who does the deed. I vow before you all, the honored and wise elders. The mighty clan chiefs and to everyone with ears and eyes, I shall take Sif as my bride and she shall stand beside me as equal, wear the Clan seal and her will shall be my will and my will shall be hers. "

<p lang="en-US">I put the sword tip down and rested my hand on it. "So I speak, Eric of the Olafson clan now come forth and speak or be silent and accept that she is will be my wife, not my slave or property."

<p lang="en-US">Olhilm finally answered." No one questions thy deeds. You have slain not one but two Tyrannos, answered more challenges in your young life than most will not in their life time. You wild thy sword Mördaren with great skill, but your bride she carries a cheap sword bought at the market. Never reddened by blood and now you want to raise a woman to be thy equal? What order could there be in your clan if she holds the powers of a man?"

<p lang="en-US">"Elder Olhilm, I respect thy position and the fact that you have been elevated to be an Elder. You found no one to speak and challenge my bride, now you question my honor, belittle she who is my future wife and most of all you call Mördaren a cheap sword? It is the sword of my grandfather she carries. I am holding Hevnen. I am therefore must ask you to recant thy words or stand by them and I shall fulfill my oath just given!"

<p lang="en-US">Sif skillfully drew her sword and placed it in the ground as I did. "I am Sif of the Arnske Clan and the Holy One himself has instructed and tested me, anyone questioning his honor again shall face me and we you shall see if I am indeed a warrior born. I will not stand behind my future husband, or before him, but beside him."

<p lang="en-US">Olhilm prodded his fists into his sides." You would dare to challenge an Elder?"

<p lang="en-US">"I gave an oath to defend her honor and I shall do so against all Nilfeheim if I have to! Recant, name thy Champion or stand in the circle and let us put this behind us!"

<p lang="en-US">He raised his hands." I am convinced it is as the Holy One says!" then he sat down.

<p lang="en-US">Egill said. "I herby openly and in front of all declare my mark of approval for both Eric and Sif. Elders speak now and declare your vote."

<p lang="en-US">They stood one after the other and declared their mark.

<p lang="en-US">The so stern and regal face of the eldest was suddenly graced by a warm smile." Step forward then Sif of the Arnske Clan and Eric of the Olafson Clan you are herby declared officially adults and warriors before all eyes and ears. Your voices will have weight, your vote must be counted and you have the right to Challenge. In Eric's case this is only a formality as he was declared so already in absence, you Sif however now are the first Female Warrior of Nilfeheim may your lives be long and your arm strong to uphold what is right and strike down what is wrong. So it is said so shall it be written!"

<p lang="en-US">Someone clapped their hands and now everyone was on their feet and there was a frantic applause. Until Litfas Arnske stepped into the circle. The applause and the calls ended. Litfas looked up to the Eldest." I don't mind those two marrying and I must say I am strangely enough very proud of my daughter. I just wanted to know who is throwing axes at whom now?"

<p lang="en-US">A voice said." Maybe at each other after the first lovers' quarrel!"

<p lang="en-US">The assembled crowd started laughing with a thunderous roar!

<p lang="en-US">Then the meeting progressed and they talked how these things could be prevented. The Police force we had now was one of these measures. It was independent and not associated to the Elders or clans and should eventually enforce Union laws. It was composed of volunteers Freemen and Clan men alike, and they would not interfere with the daily lives but respond to emergencies and the Union Colony Development Bureau promised to send a few instructors to teach them how to be police men.

<p lang="en-US">There could have not been a meeting of this size without having a big banquet after it. As we stepped out the Roundhouse, tables were put up and while every Inn and Restaurant participated, Uncle Hogun was easy to spot and he was in his element, one could see how much he loved what he was doing as he prepared no less than ten grills. The weather was not exactly perfect but that had never stopped Neo Vikings from celebrating, eating and drinking. Any affair that ended in a banquet was a good one. Sif and I stood right at the entrance and watched. Only after she kissed me on the cheek I noticed we were holding hands." You made me very proud to be your future wife you know. Not that it will ever really happen of course."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Chapter 40: First Command

<p lang="en-US">Chapter 40 – First Command

<p lang="en-US">The banquet was about to start. Sif and I were the guests of honor of course. Egill came out of the round house and smiled. "Well it isn't perfect but it turned out better than expected."

<p lang="en-US">Sif turned to look at him. "It is a bit frightening to be at the center of such a historic event that will most likely change our planets history."

<p lang="en-US">"That is a very astute observation, young lady."

<p lang="en-US">She made a gesture towards the banquet preparations. "At least they celebrate and don't prepare for our execution. I wonder who is going to pay for all this. It's going to be the biggest party our world has seen by the looks of it."

<p lang="en-US">Egill pointed his thumb at me."He does. He is the hero, but no worry he can afford it, he added another clan to the Olafson holdings and thanks to his real Grandfather you will pretend to marry a very rich man."

<p lang="en-US">I wanted to say something but I suddenly had Tyr's voice in my head. "Eric, someone is approaching our world with the intent to destroy it. I can do nothing out there. I can not affect what I have never seen."

<p lang="en-US">By the faces of Sif and Egill I knew they heard it too. I cursed. "I wish I had asked them to put the ISAH pods on the Poseidon after all, maybe we could do something then. "I was running towards the next Flyer and Egill's voice said. "It is still space worthy it just can't go superluminal!"

<p lang="en-US">Sif and I reached the Poseidon, Astrid was already there and so was Elena. As we run up they said. "Tyr brought us here,he thought we might be able to help!"

<p lang="en-US">"Sif can you fly as well as you can steer?"

<p lang="en-US">"Better than most boys."

<p lang="en-US">"Well none of us was ever in space or operated a space ship but I guess space is just another ocean. Not that we stand much of a chance. Whatever is coming must be huge to destroy a planet!"

<p lang="en-US">Astrid sat beside Sif and Elena took the seat of the Sonar and Sensor operator.

<p lang="en-US">There was no time to lose and this time I did not care if someone saw us fly or not. "Sif get her into orbit as fast as you can!"

<p lang="en-US">I was terrified, not so much about my own life but now being responsible for the lives of the girls and being the only one able to do something. I sat down in the Boat Commanders seat, and as I leaned back, I could not explain how but my doubts vanished. I realized I would be a starshipcaptain much sooner than I thought. Sif activated Arti-Grav and switched from propeller drive to thrusters. Two port-doors at the end of the ship opened that had not been used in over 500 years. It was the same with the Nuc-Gas fuel tanks that supplied the thrusters, but we were pushed deep in our seats, they worked just as they should and accelerated us much faster than I strained, but managed to press the words: "Computronic activate Inertia Absorbers. Switch to space operation."

<p lang="en-US">The pressure that had us almost black out was gone and the systems voice said. "Craft configured to space travel. Please be advised that life support functions are limited to seven hours."

<p lang="en-US">"Now I think we should be done by then, whatever it is we are going to do." I said. "Tyr was not exactly specific as to what is approaching, from where it comes or how close it is."

<p lang="en-US">Sif turned."He was never in space and does not know!"

<p lang="en-US">The Poseidon broke through the last layers of the atmosphere and I was in space for the first time. When I saw the endless darkness, the brilliance of the stars I was sure I had chosen the right career path. I felt really home for the first time in my life.

<p lang="en-US">Elena said. "The scanners work fine, well except the sonar of course, and the range seems very limited but I am detecting only one artificial object on a straight course towards Nilfeheim and if I am right this is only a space bus. Those are not armed."

<p lang="en-US">"Nothing else?"

<p lang="en-US">"Not in range at east."

<p lang="en-US">"I wish we could hail the Bus and see if they had seen anything, but we do not have GalNet. "I mused aloud. "Could it be that maybe someone aboard was simply thinking about destroying Nilfeheim?"

<p lang="en-US">Sif shrugged. "I don't know but Tyr sounded very concerned. It is odd though, why would the space bus come on a Wednesday? Maybe we can call the space port and have them hail the Bus. The boats radio should be able to reach the Nilfeheim radio net, we are not that far out."

<p lang="en-US">"Good idea!"

<p lang="en-US">I activated the Radio and switched to Emergency channel. "Poseidon calling Nilfeheim Radio Central this is an emergency call; please connect us to the Space Port authority."

<p lang="en-US">A voice came on. "One moment I am putting my PDD on the mike. I have them on now." "Space Port, this is the Poseidon. We are detecting a Space Bus approaching Nilfeheim and wonder if you can contact the bus and ask if they had seen or detected any other craft approaching Nilfeheim."

<p lang="en-US">"There is no space bus scheduled until next week." I could hear the man speaking to someone else and then he said."We got the bus on our scanners and something that looks like a Submarine!" His voice rose a notch as if he couldn't believe what he as saying.

<p lang="en-US">"The Submarine that is us! We were warned that there is someone approaching the planet with hostile intentions. Can you contact the bus please?"

<p lang="en-US">Before an answer came, Elena said. "The bus has changed direction it is heading towards us!"

<p lang="en-US">"Spaceport here, the bus does not carry the correct transponder mark. It is not responding to our hails. It is not one of ours. I am informing Head quarters right now.

<p lang="en-US">"Astrid activate shields and charge weapons. I think Tyr was right. They are up to no good!"

<p lang="en-US">I looked at the magnified image of the space bus and tried to remember everything I could about these Leyland ships: 350 meters long, five decks, regular crew compliment of 4, Basic shields, Acceleration of 250 kilometers per second, Duranium skin and frame and no weapons. I had no idea how fast the Poseidon could accelerate but she was made of reinforced Ultronit, designed to reach the deepest regions of the oceans and punch through surface ice to surface. We had two faster than light energy Cannons and four sub roc / torpedo tubes. I was not sure if they would work in space and we had old but good Duo Dim Shields. At least I hoped they were good.

<p lang="en-US">The Cargo Hold of the Space Bus opened and a cylindrical object appeared.

<p lang="en-US">A bright beam from the Poseidon hit the device and it blew in an enormous explosion.

<p lang="en-US">"What the..."

<p lang="en-US">Sif turned."Sorry I should have waited for your command, but that looked like a Planet Buster or something like that!"

<p lang="en-US">"How do you know all these things?"

<p lang="en-US">"You are not the only one who likes tech and space ships. I always wanted to know what boys know!"

<p lang="en-US">"Let's hope he doesn't have any more of these! Our FTL's are charging."

<p lang="en-US">It all seemed easier than I expected.

<p lang="en-US">But then the Nose-cone of the space bus retracted and the stubby muzzles of two FTL's appeared, we were hit with such force it threw me out of the seat and the lights flickered. I could smell the stinging smell of metal burning, I did not fall to the floor, I hit the ceiling and many things, were floating with me. We had lost Arti grav! The Computronic voice said with the same friendly voice: "Structural damage to Hull, Shields are no longer operational, weapons inoperable!"

<p lang="en-US">I pushed myself of the Ceiling, flailed back to the seat and pushed myself into it, and put on the safety straps. Sif and Astrid were still sitting in their seats, they had strapped themselves in before and I realized how important that was. Elena however floated in the small command center and she was not moving. I hoped she was just knocked out and said. "We are toast if he fires again! Let's hope he needs to recharge as well. You don't know if our Sub rocs work in space, Sif?"

<p lang="en-US">"I think they use rocket motors and should work, but they are way too slow to hit anything at these distances. We would need to be real close."

<p lang="en-US">Astrid unbuckled and said." I am going to the Engine room. We have a fire and I better extinguish it!"

<p lang="en-US">"Be careful and hold on to something real good when I tell you to!"

<p lang="en-US">She nodded and pushed herself down the ladder chute."I will be Eric!"

<p lang="en-US">"Sif get us all the speed you can get. And aim straight for that bastard. Let's see if our Ultronit is stronger than his Duranium!"

<p lang="en-US">"Engines work fine but the helm controls are sluggish."

<p lang="en-US">"Girls, we don't have space suits aboard and it might be the last thing we do on this side of reality, but if they have more of these bombs then we are the only thing standing between Nilfeheim and them."

<p lang="en-US">Sif turned. "That is what it means to be a warrior of Nilfeheim, I took the words of the Eldest very serious. To do what's right. If we have to die, I die saving our world and with my best friends. One could not ask to go out any better than this!"

<p lang="en-US">I unbuckled, fished for Elena's leg and while I held myself with my feet to my seat pushed her into hers and buckled her up. She had a pulse and was breathing but she did not show any other signs of life.

<p lang="en-US">She then said without opening her eyes. "I may not be a warrior but that goes for me too!"

<p lang="en-US">The Poseidon was accelerating quite quickly and the Space bus grew bigger by the heartbeat. "Everyone, this is it! Hold tight!"

<p lang="en-US">Whoever steered the Space bus had now realized what we were attempting and they fired again, probably luck for us they weren't charged fully, still the Poseidon shuddered, the lights went out. With a red flicker red lights came on, and the Computronic warned." Reactor breach, all life support off line, emergency power limited. Collision warning!"

<p lang="en-US">Our field screens were off, but I could see the space bus well from the front viewport, they had fired their reaction thrusters to change course. The Ultronit nose of the Poseidon still glowed white hot from the last hit. The air was filled with putrid smoke and felt hot to the skin but we held true course and plowed into the space bus. Even the red lights went out and I was thrown hard into the straps of the safety harness. It was as if Thor's mighty hammer had struck us head on, the hull rang like a mistuned bell and there was the screeching and tearing sound of metal.

<p lang="en-US">Then it was over. The front viewport was cracked but held, and I could see Nilfeheim in its entire blue and white splendor. I heard Sif cough." I think we plowed right through him!"

<p lang="en-US">Elena groaned."Astrid, she is gone!"

<p lang="en-US">"She went to the engine room to extinguish a fire." I said

<p lang="en-US">"Tyr has gifted me with Psionic abilities. I am still new at this but I can feel you all. I just lost Astrid!"

<p lang="en-US">"Can you feel the enemy?" " I am not good at this yet. I don't know their minds."

<p lang="en-US">I unbuckled just as the Radio crackled." This is Space Port Control. Poseidon we have seen you destroy the Bomb and cut that Space bus in half, can you receive us?"

<p lang="en-US">I coughed and my voice wheezed. "Yes we can hear you but we are heavily damaged and have no energy left, multiple casualties. We won't make it back down. Please convey this message to the Elders: Sif Arnske, Astrid Mossberg and Elena…" I cursed and said."Elena I don't know your last name."

<p lang="en-US">She whispered." I am of the Olafson clan, a servant and daughter of a low men woman; we do not have last names."

<p lang="en-US">"Space port I repeat, let Nilfeheim know that Sif of the Arnske clan, Astrid Mossberg and my sister Elena Olafson have given their best to defend the planet. "

<p lang="en-US">"Hold out, Poseidon. The USS Bremerton is on her way. She is only four hours out!"

<p lang="en-US">"I don't know if we have four hours, but we will try!"

<p lang="en-US">A few of the red emergency lights came back on and I floated myself to the First aid locker and took four Coma Injectors. They were as everything else very old and I hoped the drugs would still work. I said to them." I will put us all in Coma Sleep, that brings our needs for oxygen down to a minimum and I hope it will last."

<p lang="en-US">I injected Elena and Sif before they could object and then made my way down to the Engine room. My way was blocked by a round airlock door and through the little round view port I could see a gaping hole in the hull and Astrid stuck in it. I knew she was dead!

<p lang="en-US">I returned to the Command chair and strapped myself in. I did not take the Coma drug, one had to be awake at the Helm, that was the ancient tradition and I would honor it, till I was gone!

<p lang="en-US">The USS Bremerton had made it in time to save Sif, Elena and me. Two days had passed since we had been rescued. We all stood at Oslo Plaza right at the Wharf. Again most of Nilfeheim was there. The Elders, Clan Chiefs and everyone of Halstaad Fjord. A grieving woman had turned her head to the chest of a tall Freeman, Astrid's parents.

<p lang="en-US">Before us on the water was a wooden dragon boat and on its deck garbed in the finest warrior outfit, holding a sword was Astrid. She wore the yellow on maroon colors of the original flag the settlers of the Clan of Erikson the first warrior and the sigil of Thor's hammer.

<p lang="en-US">Egill spoke with the most somber expression. "We are all humbled by the heroic deeds of these young warriors who have saved our very planet. You all have seen the report sent to us by Schwartz Intergalactic why a pirate ship disguised as a Space Bus wanted to drop a Planetary Incendiary Bomb on our world. Eric Olafson, Sif Arnske, Elena Olafson and Astrid Mossberg have risked their lives and saved everyone on this world. We all owe them our thanks. One of them paid the ultimate price and Astrid Mossberg has paid with her life so we may see another sunrise!

<p lang="en-US">Only recently a young woman became a Warrior completing the Ancient Challenge. Now we are here to pay our highest respect to another woman who has proven beyond any doubt that our women can be as brave and full of honor as any male warrior. Astrid Mossberg was declared a Warrior and today we send her on her last journey and there is no doubt she will sit with Odin and Thor and all the heroes of the past as an equal on the tables in Valhalla!"

<p lang="en-US">Egill took a torch and handed it to her father who threw it in the wooden boat.

<p lang="en-US">Her mother had sorrow and pride in her face as she threw her torch. The boat gained slowly speed and moved towards the harbors entrance. It was beyond the harbor walls now and then as the flames reached the sail and it burned bright, a sound of collective awe and shock went through the crowd as an incredibly huge white Tyranno fin breached and splashed with a tremendous thunderclap back into the water, taking the burning boat down with it.

<p lang="en-US">Father came up and put his hand on Elena's shoulder. "My son has declared you his Sister and such you shall be. I swear on Odin's spear and all eyes and ears, you will be the first Daughter I never had and all Honors of our clans will be bestowed on you! You shall be second to no one and share Eric's rights as a first Born, so speak I Isegrim Olafson!"

<p lang="en-US">Sif who held my hand the entire time wiped her eyes. "Eric, I will leave with Egill as soon as possible. What happened can never happen again and I must learn all there is so I can do my part!"

<p lang="en-US">"I understand."

<p lang="en-US">I still looked out past the harbor walls over the churning deep green waves and the lead colored sky as Snow started to fall. The events of the past few years flashed past my inner eyes and I could not help but wonder what the future was holding in store for me.

<p lang="en-US">THE END

<p lang="en-US">Here ends this part of the Story of Eric Olafson. Join me as it continues in Eric Olafson, Midshipman

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