First Journeys Chapter 22

I saw the Yokuta running towards the podium and my first response was to the dagger they had given us with the uniform. Of course I had a blaster, but my reflexes were still geared toward sword and knife.

A burning foreign thought exploded like a yell in my mind.” Stop!” It was a telepathic command and while it was given I knew it had been said by a commanding officer. My hand froze, before perhaps a microsecond before I was to throw.

The Yokuta ripped off his snouted gray head, ears and skin and all and revealed a black Nogoll and he screamed. “Don’t shoot! I surrender! There are others like me with AM bombs and there are some in the ship!”

Two figures shimmered into existence next to the Nogoll, two Ultra Marines in full Destroyer suits, deactivating their active camouflage Holo cloak. I saw many more appear all over the place containing individual Yokuta in Stasis fields. It all happened with lightning speed and silently. The voice in my head said.” Awesome reaction Cadet, but you can put your dagger away, and you know it is not regulation to carry the ceremonial dagger on your back, tugged away under your tunic!”

I was so used to Tyr and Egill’s telepathic communications that I answered without speaking.” Sorry Sir!”

There was a small pause.” How did you get away with it at Uniform inspection?”

“The Auto dresser gave me weapon options and I choose a second dagger where I always carry my throwing knife, Sir.”

“I also notice you have lots of experience in telepathic communication. I will keep an eye on you. Now we need to sort things out here and brief the Yokuta!”

“The ship, Sir!”

“No worries. No one gets aboard the Union Flag ship even on a sight-seeing tour without being scanned to the last body cell!”

The Yokuta and everyone else watched Ultra Marines and soldiers in dark blue armor suits take the hidden mountain base on the big screens and Admiral Stahl himself leading the assault! He was only recognizable by the lettering on his Destroyer suit, and the four stars stenciled on the huge shoulder pieces. Only the comments of the off screen commentators were heard. “A special task force of marines and Navy units was and is searching for remaining Nogoll units ever since the last transmission of the First Billie tipping us off that there were independent units still out there. Form captured ship data we knew about the expanse and the secret rally point. Admiral Stahl along with the just refurbished and updated Devastator followed up on a series of long range sensor contacts, found two landed Nogoll capital ships in the neighboring system Rohlo. The crews of these ships, after surrendering divulged that a group of Officers had returned to Arlicherb. Special Forces units were dispatched to find the suicide bombers and were found and neutralized in the last moment.

“Now alongside local Yokuta Police Units a final assault is made on the hidden mountain base and I can confirm right now,that Yokuta security units have successfully arrested the remaining Nogoll infiltrators.”

The Image showed Yokuta in borrowed Union Battle suits guiding ten Nogoll out of a smoking cave entrance.

Since we still stood on the platform and behind the Old man of the fleet we could hear him mutter.” I wonder how he does it, stealing my thunder all the time!”

He stepped behind the lectern and addressed the stunned and silent Yokuta crowds. “I am just getting the final reports and it turned out that local authorities acted fast and decisive, requested Union gear.” There was ashort pause and the voice continued:” I can confirm the last Nogoll threat has been eliminated by heroes of your police force.”

A thunderous cheer rose from the multitudes.

It took a while for everything to settle down again and the Yokuta Elders decided to continue as planned with the question and answer session. The first questions were directed to the Elly in our group. Someone asked how the Elly ended up on Union side and how they felt about their membership and they answered very positive. The tallest of the Elly who had showed considerable knowledge in local space sector politics answered most of the questions in a very educated and precise manner. To my surprise it was Ninio who put one of his arms around my shoulder and his other on Pure and said.” What Deadan said is all true but these are political and other important matters. I find the best thing about the Union and the fleet is the wonderful friends you can make. I really like those Attikan, love the Garbini who still owes me a squiggle. That is a furry tentacle hug of a female Garbini if you ever want to know.” Looking at me he said, “and this human is as good a friend as you can make in three days.”

“Where are you from human?” A question was directed at me and I told them that I was from Nilfeheim and I had to describe my world in a few sentences. Then someone asked.“How do you feel about non humans, Elly or Garbini for example?”

I shrugged.” I knew very little about the Garbini and met Ninio only a few days ago. I don’t have any opinion on the Elly as a species, I know way too little about them to have an opinion. A mentor and teacher of mine always said, judge only if you have all the facts.” Then I grinned and said.” I think Ninio is a practical joker with a great sense of humor and I think we could be very good friends one day.”

Nino pushed me a little from the side.” He got me figured out alright, I can’t resist a good prank, but Eric is always willing to help and share, he is one of the reasons ten strangers are on their way to become good friends.”

One of the Elders said.” I still would like to know what you think about us. I know you don’t want to judge and you know little about us, but everybody forms some kind of opinion and usually right away. We Yokuta value honesty above false compliments, so don’t be afraid to be frank.”

“Well if the Yokuta eat the same or similar things as the Elly, I am not sure I would like to eat or more to the point smell the food and I don’t think I will be a great fan of Yokuta music, but other than that. It’s a nice orderly planet, and the people don’t strike me as particular special. You still eat, sleep, drink and breathe the same air. In my short time away from home I met a methane breather with tentacles and Two Three over there was born inside a star. I haven’t seen much of your world or your civilization to really have an opinion, but I somehow think you are more or less just like us.”

There was a pause of silence and I feared I had caused some major problem, but then laughter errupted and the Elder spread his arms.” This is why we have this tradition. You are not trained diplomats, you say it as you see it and your argument is very true. We are quite average and don’t stand out at all. I was one of the most vocal skeptics until now, but I will vote for an admission now.” He pointed at his trunk.” Don’t you worry Human, we love our cousins the Elly but at least I can’t stand their stink food either. You will have a chance to sample our food later.”

Two Three now had to describe his home and even I was fascinated about its answers. The way Two Three described his birthplace was incredible and truly alien.

Every Cadet had to answer questions and the whole thing dragged on for at least four hours. Ninio was just saying.” I frankly hope you join so I can hear wonderful Yokuta music all the time and maybe even record traditional Elly Funtuty songs in Yokuta style, Eric just doesn’t know what he is missing.” Ninio made a guesture with his arms, I thought might be a shrug and added.” I think If you don’t join the Union you lose out. That’s all I can say.”

Instead of asking questions about membership and union the next twenty or so questions were all about Funtuty songs and music, and my worst fear came true. The band could not be stopped, they started playing and every Yokuta I could see and perhaps everyone watching the broadcast started singing and tooting their trunks .Finally the Speaker of the Elder ended the horror by resuming taking questions and asking the callers to refrain from music questions. The Garbini had to describe and demonstrate how a Squiggle was done and she was only too happy to comply. It all turned out to be one mushy and boring affair and I wished it would be over soon. I had completely forgotten about Bennett Waite, but as I turned more by chance than anything else, to see what Two Three was doing, I saw Waite with drawn blaster aiming at the Admiral or the Elly, who stood by the lectern. I rushed the four steps distance to him as fast as I could, chopped the edge of my hand with as much force as I dared on his wrist. He triggered the beam either of pain or reflex but the bright energy bolt went straight into the wooden decking of the platform only about a meter behind the Admirals feet. Waite had, so it appeared some sort of combat training as he drew his dagger with his other hand barley after his blaster dropped out of his hand. I was too close to deflect it, so I turned hoping he would stab me in the arm and not in the stomach as he had aimed, the burning exploding pain in my arm told me it had worked. I was still in motion too and hammered my palm under his chin, with as much force as I could muster. He collapsed but stopped as if frozen in time in mid fall and two marines appeared and man in Psi Corps uniform.

The Speaker of the Elder applauded.” Wonderful demonstration of skills and powers! We do know about Psi powers but we do not have them. I think we should give our guests a little time to rest and freshen up, so they can all join us later at the state-banquet while our citizens vote online if we, the elders go with you and stand before your assembly to apply for membership or if we rather risk to stay independent.”

I realized I too could not move! Some external force had enveloped me like solid air. I still was in considerable pain from the knife wound. The Admiral thanked the Elder and waved into the cameras and then he turned, looked at the black smoking hole and at us and his face was unreadable.” Yes I think it is a good idea we return to the ship to freshen up and discus this demonstration in more detail.”

We returned to the ship. Wade and I were both shackled and guarded by marines, and separated from the others. Back aboard and after I was patched up at sick bay, I was stripped of belt and weapons and placed in a holding cell of the brig. I had no illusions about my future in the fleet or what sort of punishment I was to receive. While I was not sure what else I could have done, I was certain I had violated regulations and perhaps the fact that I did touch my weapons which they told us not to, was one of the charges. What would I do if they kicked me out? Go back to Nilfeheim, was an option of course but I never really made any other plans than to join the Navy. Maybe the offer form Alex was still good.

I did not spend long time in the cell. Both Wade and I were fetched after perhaps thirty minutes and brought before the Admiral. He first addressed the other cadet and said.” Why did you apply to the Academy if you felt so strongly opposed to Non Human life?”

Wade glared at the Immortal and said.” I know there are officers who think just like we do at home! I wanted the chance to kill as many as possible. Where better than in the fleet would I get a chance to perhaps command a ship?”

The Admiral sighed and his shoulders dropped visibly.” Yes it is a sad fact that even after 3000 years of multi species interaction; racism could not be stomped out completely. It is not against the law or wrong to have a strong opinion in these matters as a civilian. Here in the fleet it is unacceptable and I know there are officers that think like you, but there are very few and none of them will ever make it into the command chair of a ship. Why did try to kill me?”

“That Xeno loving freak who almost killed me, over there wanted to report me, so my chances to make a difference were over. I aimed at the Elder not at you. That would have certainly ended these sickening procedures and these Dick Faces would not join.”

“Do you know the consequences of your act?”

Bennet laughed hard.” We are not in Union space and therefore Union Law means nothing! Even a five credit lawyer will get me off the hook. I want to make a GalNet call anyway!”

“You are not subject to civilian laws as you were told right at the beginning; you are a Cadet and as such face a court martial.” He waved at the Marines.” Get him out of here!”

Then he focused on me.“So you are Eric Olafson?”

I frowned.“Yes Sir.”

“Do you have anything to say about what you did?”

“I accept responsibility for it, and I know I probably violated orders and such. What will be my punishment?”

He motioned the Marine.“Take off his shackles and give him back his things.” To me he said, you walked a fine line out there and twice in less than a day. Yes you violated a direct order, but we want our officers to question every order given and if necessary make a decision to violate it. There is a fine line between insubordination and obeying strict orders, and if you become an officer you will be asked to walk that line every day. That is why we have sentient beings and not robots in charge.”

He looked around and sat down on a chair someone had established via hard light holo.“Now this does not mean I invite you to disobey orders.” He slowly shook his head.” Here I am trying to tell a first week Cadet who doesn’t know the very basics, about the command order philosophy of the Navy.” Then he looked me directly into the face.” You need to finish your Academy training and should we ever meet again, we will continue this conversation. Right now I want you to tell me about that Space Bus versus Submarine thing, we do have a little time and I am curious about that one!”

I girded my weapon belt back on and gasped as he said that.“Sir you know about that?”

“Yes, lad I do. A Union Planet attacked in peace time and so deep in what we deem safe space was brought to my attention and so the subsequent events. Now please take a seat and tell me about it.”

I finished closing the belt and the marine handed me my second knife. I sat down and began to tell him, while I put the knife back into the sheath on my back.

He had not interrupted me once. I had left out Tyr’s part and only mentioned that I heard someone mentioning the possible attack.

The old Admiral got up and nodded.” It is a fine story indeed, young lad, you did well. I thank you for your action today. You saved us quite some trouble. Now I need to find out how that other boy managed to get through base evaluation and why his intentions weren’t caught today.” Then he snapped with his fingers and waved at one of the present officers.” Commander would you be so kind and send a note to the academy, that I would prefer if they adjust the auto dressers, so cadets cannot make independent weapon choices.” With a twinkle in his eyes he then said to me.” It is nothing personal, Lad. I just think it is not a good idea if you guys can make such choices even before basic training.”

I got up as well and thought it might be a good idea not to shake the Admiral’s hand but to salute as they showed us in one of the classes.” Thank you, Sir!”

“We are not done yet. We still have a state dinner to attend, and you need a new uniform, the crusted blood on your jacket is not very appetizing”

Interlude: Terror Hammer dies

“Isn’t she a beauty?” Said one of the guests adoring Hans new Braddock Flyer.” This is one brutish beast, just like you Hammer. Fast, powerful, well armed and tough. Money can’t buy a nicer piece of personal transportation outside the Union than this.”

His new manager said.“Why don’t you take it around the tower for a spin? So our press guests can make a few recordings, just remember not to stray too far. The remote triggers automatically if you go beyond fifty kilometers.”

He hoped his grin did not look forced as he said.” Why would I go anywhere? It seems you are treating me quite nicely.”

It had the desired effect, the Manager bought it. “We will work well together, your attitude is commendable.”

Mr. Kelpie and the Duke watched the Terror Hammer roar with thundering turbines in a tight loop around the sky scraper, much to the delight of the reporters and media people. They also watched as two bright red painted Tantrum Fighters appeared, expensive military Kartanian hardware, one opened fire on the roof top, hyper accelerated uranium slugs, peppered the party crowd and everything else, causing terrible carnage and chaos. Duke Donheer activated his personal force field and saw his Togar cats take the flyer under fire. The other was attacking the Braddock flyer. Now the Braddock should have been well protected and more than a match to the Tantrum fighters, but it showed that the Terror Hammer was as bad an aerial combat pilot as he was good in the arena. The Braddock flew strange erratic maneuvers. The duke then saw Mr. Kelpie lying on the floor perforated by at least two slugs, and in his open hand the Poison activator, it was blinking red! He had triggered while he died! The Terror Hammer was already dead. The Braddock was hit several times, and then crashed in a steep ankle into a neighboring tower engulfed in a cloud of fire and debris.

Defense guns had been activated and one of the Tantrums got shot down while the other escaped with one burning turbine.

The luxurious penthouse was a mess with dead and wounded all over, the swimming pool drained and the careful maintained roof top garden in ruins. There were small smoldering fires and thick belching black smoke. Donheer had a good look at one of the fighters before it was shot down, the paint job was hasty and under the red paint was the green and gold of the Rillo Syndicate, he would have to have a serious word with that old man. The Rillo senior always had been a sore looser. All in all it was just a regular day on Sin 4. Perhaps a little more violent and death came a little to close today for his taste, but he already had been paid a hefty down payment and it would be non refundable of course. The Terror Hammer was dead, but perhaps he could make some money on selling the left over merchandise as commemorative collectibles and find himself a new champion.

The banquet was almost as bad as I feared it would be, but at least the salad like dish called Carax wasn’t too bad and I warned Ninio not to tell me what the little dark brown things were that nested between the dark red leaves and tasted a bit like raw fish, old raw fish that is. I was hoping it was only the bad lighting that made me think one of those dark brown bits had moved.

The Yokuta then announced that most of the votes had been counted and the result was an overwhelming approval to go ahead with a Union Membership application.

Much to my disappointment, we would not return to Arsenal aboard the Shetland, but a destroyer that was to arrive for that purpose shortly. Elligott would take the Yokuta delegation with the Flagship to Pluribus. The entire city was celebrating and I overheard the business men and civilians that also belonged to our civilization already making plans and talking to local business and finance people. They drove us back to the Space port where we were supposed to await the arrival of the USS Kilroy.

We waited in a sparsely decorated Space Port lobby, the place seemed deserted as most, if not all the locals celebrated or partied somewhere. According to our Instructors the Kilroy would be here in six to ten hours and all we had to do was sit tight and wait.

I had to tell Two Three and the others what happened at least ten times. Then Ninio asked if he could find an open store in the space port to buy some souvenirs. The instructor shrugged and said.“I doubt they take credits and most likely the stores are closed but I see no harm for you to check out the space port. Just do not leave the building and be back here in an hour, take someone with you. ”

Ninio, the Garbini and the other human Cadet went. The tall Elly, Deadan said to me as if he knew what I was thinking.” Ninio is determined to find some Yokuta Recordings. Tescor, the human for some unexplained reason likes it too!”

“You are kidding!”

“No I swear to you. He thinks it could be mixed into Psycho Plank Punk whatever that is.”

“I don’t know either.”

A while later four high ranking officers came into the lobby and someone yelled.” Commander on deck!”

By now we knew we had to stand in attention when this command was given. I recognized one of them as the Commander who was with the Admiral while he talked to me and the other was the PSI Corps officer I had seen briefly on the podium.

We were told to stand in a row and then the Commander said.” In recognition of your first mission, you all are herby decorated with the Diplomatic Mission Ribbon 1st Class. The Yokuta Government wanted you all to be called Friends of the Yokuta and a special ribbon has been created for that, you will also receive. Before I have the honor to decorate you with your first ribbons and awards, let me tell you that I am very proud of your conduct, especially due to the fact you are barely a week in Union Service and at the very beginning of Academy training. I see six very promising individuals before me and I am certain you all will be fine officers one day.”

He came down the line and activated medals on the ribbon display of each cadet. As he reached me, he said.” Due to the fact that your quick action prevented much tragedy I am herby authorized by the Admiral of the Fleet to bestow upon you the Iron Star, congratulations Cadet Olafson. Well done.”

All of them then saluted us and we were allowed to stand at ease. The PSI Corps officer also shook my hand. “I am the face behind the voice you had in your head earlier on. You are incredibly quick, your thought to action threshold is remarkable, and it is usually the hall mark of species and individuals raised in a martially oriented society.”

“I am from Nilfeheim, Sir.”

“I heard you say that before. I never heard of Nilfeheim, is it a Union planet?”

“Yes it is, Sir. It is in the old Xunx area, as some Terran books call it. Long ago they called us Neo Vikings and…”

“Ah of course, I think I have heard that term before. Well my colleague was actually already onto Wade. He was called away to be there when they interrogated the Nogoll, so it was actually my fault not to act on his report and do something about it. I suggested to the Elder that it was a planned demonstration and he thankfully announced it that way as well. I personally owe you one and this is why I wanted you to know what happened.”

He shook my hand, congratulated me and returned to the others. The Commander said before he left.” The Kilroy will be here in four hours and the Destroyer Mess sergeant was informed to serve you a special dinner as a little thank you from us.”

They left and I sat back down, remembering I was quite hungry, especially after only sampling that weird fishy salad. Two Three kept looking down on his chest.” I got three now! My life deciding parents will be so proud.”

“I am still fascinated about the things you told about your home star. I really would like to take that Virtu Experience one day, and hopefully with you so you can explain it all to me!”

He leaned forward in his chair.” This would make me very proud Eric. If we find time and the opportunity and perhaps you can visit me and my parent Units as well on Bright Station .”

“I would love to do that.”

“I bet Ninio and the other two will be disappointed missing getting their medals.”

“I am sure they will get them, but should they not be back by now?”

“I don’t think it is an hour yet. They might have found a Yokuta restaurant or something.” Then he said.“You know the Iron Star is the sixteenth highest award the Fleet gives! I am glad you got it for smacking Wade.”

“I should have reported him right away you know.”

“It turned out well and four hours wait time means this energy being is going for some shut eye.”

“You don’t have any eyes.”

“I like the expression never the less and I can see you, but you are right not with eyes. Besides if I would say I disengage my ability to receive and interpret reflected photons into visual data would not make much sense to you.”

“I might just do the same and disengage mine for a while.”

The mission was over, and it did not end me being in a situation I didn’t want to be in. The bad guys were caught, the bigot was in the brig and we were all soon on our way back to the academy and basic training. Just before I closed my eyes to take a nap, I wondered why Ninio and the others weren’t back, unlike Two Three I was certain over an hour had passed.