Eric Olafson Midshipman 13

Crystal Ball

Har-Hi wondered why Eric had been called to the Captain as he returned to the dorm on the 54th deck. That human Neo Viking was his best friend and the man he would follow to whatever end.

Har-Hi had trained to fly from his earliest youth to become a Juth-Ni, an elite warrior among a race of warriors. He had no doubt Eric had what it took to become a Juth-Ni and rise among the ranks and earn the crimson Northor-Kar. Only maybe ten or twelve Non Dai were ever so honored in all known Dai history.

The first Dai mother that had jumped into the Pluribus system for the parade was not just any Dai Mother. It was the Morhh-Hi, the mother ship of his clan and under the rule of his father. It was his home! He wished he could find a few days off and get the permission to take Eric there and introduce him to his father. He wanted Tar Kar-Hi to put his hand on Eric’s shoulder and with this gesture make him one of the Hi. Of course there could be one or the other Juth-Ni objecting and Har-Hi already felt sorry, and not for Eric but the Warrior challenging him. Eric was a beast once he held an axe or a sword in his fists.

As he reached the Dorm corridor he found all midshipmen standing before their dorms and there was the same hushed and confused atmosphere as a few days ago. He got a bad feeling and his stomach cramped. He realized how much he cared for all of them and he prayed to the spirits that none of his friends got hurt or worse. He ran the last meters. They made way for him and he almost ran into Hans who stood behind the door completely filling it out.

“What is going on?” He almost yelled.

Hans made way and said.” The Captain is about to come down and pick the ones that go with him to the Ball. They expect him to come here first.”

He saw everyone but Elfi and Eric. “No one got hurt?”

Mao said with a serious face. ”No one of our dorm, but Lt. Merkus has been arrested just moments ago along with Bognar the Attikan from the Blue team. Nothing official has been said, but I heard rumours that it was him who planted the Bonglee and it is said that they found the Attikan DNA in a compromising spot in connection with the death of Ulther.”

“I don’t believe that for a minute.” Har-Hi said.”

That smells like a frame so obvious it stinks!” Wetmouth held up her PDD. ”I am working on correlating all rumours, facts and events and I agree with you, the accusations, the arrests and the timing of it all. There is only a 21 percent chance that Lt. Merkus had anything to do with the Bonglee. Although I still have a high error percentage as I am still missing data.”

“I wish Eric would be here,” Said Shaka.” He’d figure something out to help the Lieutenant and the Attikan too.”

Mao nodded.” Where is he anyway?”

Har-Hi said. “He was called to the Captain’s Office but I don’t know why!”

Hans still standing by the open door said. ”The Captain is coming!”

Lt. Clusen called all Midshipmen into the Corridor and into attention. The Captain was accompanied by two high ranking officers and one of them handed the Captain a PDD. Harris looked at it and then said. ”Whenever the Devastator participates at the big parade and is in the Pluribus System for Union Week, we established a little tradition that the best Midshipmen Team is allowed to accompany the Captain’s Party to the Diamond Ball at the Crystal Hall.”

He paused and looked down the assembled Midshipmen. ”You are all exceptional and if I could I actually would take you all, but that is sadly not possible. Since the Black, the Yellow and the Blue team are incomplete at the moment, I am forced to elect the Devastator Knights.” He looked at Suppor:” Midshipman you are to pick one other to accompany you and be ready and in appropriate dress at 19:00 hrs. And be at Hangar Deck One to board the Captain’s Yacht.”

Suppor could have drilled a hole in the ceiling with his nose as he triumphantly grinned. ”Yes, Sir Captain Sir.”

The Captain was not done, he picked two of the Brown and two of the Red team who were fourth and fifth place teams before but had moved up due to the three best teams being incomplete.

Finally Captain Harris said. ”The Yellow, the Blue and the Black team are to wait in their dorms for further instructions. All others have four days of R&R and have permission to go dirt side to celebrate.”

The six remaining teams cheered and left after the Captain dismissed them. Har Hi and the others went back to the dorm. Seeing the Captain and his officers following the Blue team into their dorm and he wondered what this was all about.

“Why are we incomplete again?” Wanted Circuit to know, “Did something happen to Eric and Elfi and we have not been told?”

“Would not surprise me one bit!” Grunted Hans.” Clusen and his pets made it. I was so sure the Captain was a fair and honest man. If it is obvious to us what is going on, he should know ever since the intruder exercise.”

Wetmouth looked somehow sad even with her mask.” I think they didn’t want a Sojonit Whore at the big ball.”

Har-Hi sat down at the table. ”No one ever promised us that things would be fair. We only expected it. I hoped what happened to Eric on Camp Idyllic was an exception.”

Krabbel balled himself up, as he always did when he didn’t like something. ”It’s not you, Wetty. I bet the high and mighty folks at that ball did not want to see a big spider.”

“You all should give us a little more credit. You are one of the most amazing teams I have ever seen and things are not always as they appear.”

They all turned to the door. It must have opened completely without making the usual sound, because there stood Admiral Stahl. Not even Har-Hi’s fine ears had noticed, only now he detected the faint breathing and the difference in air current. He cursed himself for being so careless, no one should be able to sneak up on a Dai Warrior unnoticed, but then he realized who had just appeared.

“Admiral on Deck!”

“As you were, Kids, sit down again.”

The Immortal filled the dorm with an almost touchable aura of authority. None of the present, except Hans had ever met the man in person. Stahl sat down in the chair usually occupied by Eric. He looked at each of them for a moment and while his face was stern, Har Hi was almost sure there was amusement in his eyes. As the Immortal looked at Har-Hi, he felt the hair on his back standing up and getting goose bumps, something that did not happen to a Dai very often. The Admirals eyes were deep blue and completely normal human eyes, and for the briefest moment Har-Hi could swear he saw the reflection of the Galaxy as it appeared from far away and his gaze stripped away all his defences and peered down deep into his very being. He would have told this man any secret he would have asked for, knowing he would never be able to lie or pretend. The gaze of the immortal had lasted no more than five or six heartbeats but to Har-Hi it felt like an hour. Stahl went on to look at Krabbel and the others and then said. ”I am sorry for eavesdropping and appearing so unexpected, but I wanted to meet you all anyway and tonight is a good reason.”

No one spoke they simply stared at the Admiral. He stapled his fingers and now openly smiled. ”Don’t judge us or the Fleet so harshly. I had a similar conversation with your friend Eric not so long ago, when I made him acting Captain. You are a very diverse group to put it mildly, but you all seem to think alike. Eric has a very special task tonight and so does your friend the princess. Neither of them is in trouble and the Olafson Gang is not incomplete.”

Circuit was the first to speak. ”I almost figured something like that was the case, Sir.”

“You are Circuit, an X 794 series from the looks of it, right?”

Har-Hi knew his expressionless friend enough to know Circuit was surprised.” Yes Sir. I am amazed that a normal human can tell the difference.” Circuit then slammed his hand before his mouth. ”Please don’t let me have said that out loud… Mothermachine … Sir I am terribly sorry Sir. I didn’t mean to say…”

Stahl laughed.”Mr. Circuit, don’t be sorry! I am very glad there is at least one who thinks I am still a normal human being. I can’t tell the difference form looking at you, but I know your approximate age and I talk to Mothermachine quite frequently, she likes to keep me abreast about the improvements she makes in new X101 series, simple deduction not mystical powers. However I did read your paper on living tissue restoration using nanites and I found it quite fascinating.”

“You did read that? I mean you did Sir?”

“We can discuss that later Mr. Circuit so I can come back to what I wanted to tell you.”

Circuit simply nodded, his mouth open. “Mother Machine is attending the event for the first time with her new Avatar. It will be a highlight of the evening, and you are invited to be among the X101 delegation accompanying her. So while you are not with the Captain’s Party. You going to be there and I personally think that beats being a Midshipman in the Captain’s party.”

Circuit still had his mouth open. ”Are you serious, Sir?”

“Quite so, Mr. Circuit, please find Lieutenant Plugh also an X101 and he will fill you in on the details. He is waiting for you, right now.” Circuit saluted and left.

The Admiral looked to Wetmouth. ”You were right; Ms. Wetmouth a Sojonit would not have been welcome at the ball. Not because of your sects status, but because they are not Union Members. You would be welcome as a Union citizen yourself of course. But I know of your sect and you would have to shed your mask and wig to attend and I would allow anyone to ask that from you, but there is a special person who wants to see you and he waits for you on hangar deck 45. He is very tall and I know this man for a long time. I thought you might enjoy meeting him more than going to the ball anyway.”

Har Hi was not sure what that meant but he sensed Wetty was suddenly happy and excited. The Admiral said.” You are dismissed, Ms. Wetmouth.”

She thanked him waved at her friends and went out the door.

“I know you question the decision to have the Green Team to be honored, but we have our reasons and eventually they will become apparent to you. You Mr. Neugruber and you Mr. Mao have been picked by the Security Chief of the Devastator to accompany our Security Detail. Yes you are going to be on duty, but gaining hands on experience working with the best Counter Intelligence and Security teams the Union has, might be just as prestigious and a whole lot more interesting.” Hans grinned wide. ”Yes Sir.”

“You two are to report to Commander Fleming on the double. That means now!”

Both Hans and Mao caused room shaking tremors as they ran out.

“I have similar news for you, Mr.Chitauli.“

The Admiral looked at Shaka. “Your father the King is of course one of the guests of honor and he had asked me personally if it would be possible you join him at the event. “

Shaka made big eyes. ”I did not know father knows you.”

“I had the great honor to meet Chacka Chitauli, your father the day you joined the Academy and because of that I kept an eye on you. In all my years I don’t recall meeting a more impressive personality than your father.“ Shaka grinned showing his perfect white teeth. “He does have that effect on people, Sir. This was one the reasons I left and joined the Fleet. There were other reasons of course but I needed to get out from under his shadow and be recognized on my own, Sir. “

“I can understand that and I am sure you see the pattern an since you are a good helmsman, I didn’t see the need to tie up a pilot or a shuttle to take you down. Report to Flight deck 55, a Sturgeon Courier ship is on standby to receive you.”

“Thank you Sir!”

“You, Mr. Hi noticed that your clan and your family is here and of course your father and I hope you can guess where you are going.”

Har-Hi smiled. ”Yes Sir I think I do.”

“So you see Mr. Hi most of the Olafson team is taking part at the event and just so you know, Captain Harris just made similar arrangements for the Blue and the Yellow team. It might also be interesting for you to know and your sense of fairness that the Midshipmen the Captain takes along are on duty and have to fetch drinks, coats and run errands and might not enjoy their part of the event as much as you expect.”

Har-Hi bowed his head. ”I am sorry, Sir for doubting.”

“Never be sorry for that, Son. Doubt me and everyone as much as you can, it is a healthy process. It might come as a surprise to you, Mr. Hi but I rather earn your respect than you giving it to me for my position and rank.”

Har-Hi could not believe what the old Admiral just said and everything he ever heard about the man was true, Stahl was integrity personified. The Immortal pointed to the door.” You know where your Wolfcraft is, I believe Commander Cotton has it ready on the Standby deck. Would not be right to have you fly to your Dai Mother in a D12, now would it?”

Har-Hi grabbed his flight jacket. ”I owe you one Sir, a big one!”

“You better go or your father will be late to the Ball!”

Krabbel was last and felt quite forlorn as the Admiral got up and walked to the door. He was certain his parents would not be on Pluribus and the Archa Delegate at the Assembly didn’t know him.

Stahl turned.” What are you waiting for Mr. Krabbel?”

“Sir?”

“I really don’t like those events, but I have no choice and neither do you. I must attend and so I decided you going to join me. If the Captain can have a gaggle of Midshipmen, then it is only fair I take an Archa. You might even like it; they do serve ice cream so I have been told.”

“I am going with you Sir? What do I have to do, what are my orders? I can fetch things and hold up to six coats at the same time!”

“If that floats your boat, then be my guest. I was thinking more in the line of keeping me company; tell me about Archa so I don’t get too bored down there. So get into dress uniform, I am not the only one who’s going to suffer in that monkey suit.”

--“”--

Sif would not have been a woman if she didn’t know about her good looks. She was tall, blond and had a shapely figure yet she had laughed at Egill’s suggestion to put on a dress and let her hair made up by a professional stylist. She was done with the girlish things and embraced her female warrior status. She no longer hated or despised some of Nilfeheim’s traditions.

A Viking warrior would never succumb to drugs and the frivolous trappings of Pluribus and off world garbage. If she wanted to become the first female representative of her world she would also need to be a guardian much like Gustav Ragnarsson was. During the weeks on Nilfeheim and after their return, she had discovered Eric’s grandfather had written a book and a collection of his speeches were available from the Assembly archive. She had begun to read that book and the more she read it the more she respected him.

He had the right ideas and what he tried to accomplish was the right path for her world. She lived with Egill now and no longer with her aunt.

The former hermit of Nilfeheim resided in a big two level apartment atop a medium sized sky scraper. She had learned that the building belonged to a company called Silver Hawk Inc. and was part of the impressive financial empire Erik Gustav Ragnarsson had built. The more she learned about Eric’s grandfather the more she became impressed by him. Here in Egill’s apartment she had a big room for herself with a nice view over parts of Ring Park and the Sphere of Assembly. After the parade and the feeding frenzy of the masses they, they had come here to take a short break and then Egill would go to the Diamond Ball along with his two friends. Most of the Nilfeheim delegation was still at the Sphere, but Elena and Exa were here as well.

Egill had said to her. ”Well dress or no dress, you are a girl and you better get started to make yourself ready, we are leaving in an hour.”

She checked herself one last time in the mirror and was pleased. Nilfeheim traditional leathers and fur were preferable over any dress. As she came out with less than a minute minutes to spare, she noticed Elena had chanced too. She wore a red velvet dress, with a deep neckline fine white fur and lace and her midnight black hair shimmered more precious than obsidian.

Deep within Sif grew a little doubt. Maybe she should have worn a dress after all, but then why would she need to? She had no desire to advertise her body to catch the eye of a man. To her surprise Exa was also there, and Sif had never noticed how much the foreign girl had grown and how pretty she was. Exa too wore a dress as well.

Egill looked quite regal in his dark blue silver embroidered Nilfeheim leathers. His white hair washed and combed.

“You know I used to be a Hermit and valued quietness and now I am herding three young women to a ball on the most crowed planet in the Universe.”

As they entered the waiting Volvo Flyer, Exa said.” I can’t wait to see Eric.”

The flyer took off and Sif said.”He is in some big space ship. Why would he be at the Diamond Ball, only very important people are invited, he is just a Cadet.”

Elena glared at her for a second and then smiled. ”Should make no difference to you anyway if he is there or not, you are not interested.”

Exa tugged at the long crème colored gloves that matched her dress.”

He is not a Cadet, he is a Midshipman now.”

“Big difference.” Sif snorted. Deep inside she felt ashamed that she had betrayed him and she had to remind herself that she never really liked him anyway.

--“”--

Steven Dunham was certain he would not see another sunrise. They had planned for this for over two years and yet the chances of success were astronomically slim. It was him who was to activate the Spore Bomb, the result was worth his own sacrifice and opened the eyes of the galaxy to the cause. That he would be responsible for billions of deaths and perhaps cause the collapse of the Union and war was a price they had to pay for torturing a God.

Yes he was Playwright but he could not have invented it all, Gore had spoken to him in his dreams. The last big action in the Yutoo System on moon Twilight had failed and the resulting man hunt was brutal.

Union Federal Police questioned peace loving Gal Drifts everywhere and had arrested many of his followers, but much worse was the wraith of the demon spawned corporations. No news report, no GalNet page told the public about the killing and torturing the corporate thugs did.

He had over 5000 followers once and now he had ten, but since most of his followers came from the ranks of the true Citizens of the Universe; the ones sneered at and called Galactic Drifters, no one of the so called Union Citizens cared about their fate and perill.

The Corporate thugs committed mass murder and killed millions of Gal Drifts, most of them never even knowing about Dunham or the Gore Defenders. Their only crime was not being a Union citizen.

No one in the general public knew that Alex Enroe paid 10.000 credits for a confirmed killed Gal Drifter. Of course it was done through a front company on Sin 4 but Steven knew the truth. The other one, the bane of freedom, that abomination Rex Schwartz was responsible for horrible massacres committed by his shadow troops. One of these atrocities was an attack on a Church of Gore that killed men women and children attending the only temple of the Church of Gore. The media reported it was a sect suicide, but no one asked who controlled the media and who paid off the police investigating. Steven however knew!

It was not the Nul or the Kermac who were the enemies of life and freedom but these Giga Corps and their criminal CEO’s. One could have hoped the general public would have learned not to trust them after the Corporate Gene Wars, but that was long ago and forgotten.

The Kermac wanted nothing but be friends and if they wanted to rule the Universe, why not let them? Was it not better to be ruled by an Old race than make war and kill billions?

The Kermac had no evil Corporations that gnawed and picked away on the most ancient and noble creature, the living planet Gore?

Gore was ready to wake and unite with the eleven other planet sized living Gods only he knew existed, because he dreamt about them.

Once awake they would banish all weapons, punish all war mongers and unite all peace loving beings off all galaxies boundary free and without any rules.

He became watery eyes just thinking about that. Yes this was worth dying for and those he killed deserved it for not doing anything to stop these atrocities. His little group and his life would have been over long ago, but he had friends! Friends with incredible resources and deep pockets! It was them who managed to smuggle him and ten of his most fanatic and closest follower’s right here to Pluribus. It was them who had provided them with real citizen chips, cut out of the bleeding carcasses of members of the establishment. It was those friends who provided them with the DNA bubble pockets to make the chips verifiable. It was these friends who helped wherever they could.

He smiled at the man across him and pointed at the Spore bomb.” It will be used to cleanse this world of all corruption and the rest of the Union will listen and know the name of Gore! Thank you!”

The Friend bowed slightly.” Gore guides us as it does you. No thanks are needed. All we wish is that the God wakes and the time of true freedom and peace comes upon us all.”

“Now at the eve of my bodily death, before my being is united with the Spirit of the Universe, tell me friends who are you really?”

“We should not tell you, but we are not really human. We are messengers of Gore, avatars of his will!”

Stephen’s knees went soft as he knelt before them.

”Thank you for blessing me. I shall not fail!”

The two men simply vanished into thin air.

Steven checked his costume once more and made sure his followers all looked the part. He snarled at Sharpton his closest friend. “Your girls up there better do their job.”

“Relax Stephen, we still have time. Our girls know what to do and they are in place. The elevator overwrite is timed and set and not for another two hours. We got real Saresii Psi Shield generators and not even the PSI corpscan detect us and we all got good surplus combat suits. Each of us carries the finest in Union personal weaponry and we got a Spore bomb. We are better equipped and prepared than ever. Tomorrow the Galaxy will talk about nothing else but the Gore Defenders, the atrocities and mass killings of the cursed corporations and of course Gore will be free and able to wake!”

A female follower brushed over her suit.” These molecular structured Ultronit scale suits are amazing I can barely feel the added weight.”

She raised her big Shrap-gun and chambered the first canister.” I can’t wait to cut down a few of that arrogant super rich filth up there. Razor sharp fragments of Ultronit accelerated to near light speed will tear them into bloody smears!”

Her eyes glared with insane fanatic energy. Steven slapped her across the face.

”Turn off your weapon you bitch! If they scan for weapons we will be exposed before we can use them”

For a moment it looked as if she wanted to shoot him and then snarled.” It’s not on! I simply racked a load.”

Sharpton snatched the heavy weapon from her and pressed a switch. ”Chambering the weapon activates the coils. If you touch any control on your weapon before the Elevator doors open I am going to kill you!”

With these words he handed the weapon back.

“I am no stinking baby killing Marine.” She hissed back but she backed down. Steven took a deep breath to calm his raw nerves.” Let us go over the plan one more time.”

--

The man known to Steve Dunham only as Friend of Gore shook his head.” Even though we Psych conditioned that looser ever since he came up with his whacko ideas, I can’t believe how easy it was.”

“Seven years of careful planning and preparation were not easy at all, but we better hurry and leave this planet. I do not want to be here when the bomb goes off and the Psi Corps searches for who is responsible.”

“Even if they research past the Church of Gore, they will think it was the Kermac and look no further. War will ensue, perhaps the Nul and Shiss dragged in as well and no matter what side wins, our friends will do brisk business once again and we will have our revenge and Terra pays for its crimes!”

The other man laughed silently.” They think they have eradicated us and most of them have forgotten we ever existed, but with the Union and the others locked in war, we the Freons can step out of the shadow of the Karthanian Guild Lord and rebuilt our civilization.”

“The Karthanian Guilds have given us a place for our last shipload of refugees, our forefathers. Yet they have not allowed us to grow. We will be thankful for their help and shelter but they too must succumb to our rule eventually. The Freon’s second dawn begins tonight.”

“It is good we remained small and hidden for so long. No one expects us; the Union would have wiped out the Karthanian civilization if they knew they sheltered a Freon colony deep within their space. We must be thankful to the Guild of Frame builders and its long line of Guild Masters for keeping us alive and hidden. Without the Guild Master Frathook we would not have all these marvellous Union things we gave to the Gore Defenders. It was great fortune that this renegade Union Admiral found shelter with our friend the Guild Master.”

Their flyer broke through the last remnants of atmosphere. It would be a long flight even with their space capable flyer to reach the sixth planet of the system, were a Union Legal privateer had parked his ship to take them back. He programmed the way points and answered his colleague.

”Indeed, we must be thankful to this Swybin and the many great things he managed to secure before he had to flee. I wonder what he would say if he knew he aidedFreons.”

--

Elfi was gone in her place was a goddess. She wore a shimmering gown of golden pleads hugging her body and her helmet like black hair was now under a hood like head piece shaped like wings Over her shoulders a cape like mantle also shimmering golden shaped in the pattern of feathered wings as well. Her face was hidden behind a translucent veil. It was like that I saw her standing surrounded by handmaidens in a court yard that with trimmed trees, fountains and flowerbeds.

The Queen herself had brought me here. Elfi smiled at me with her eyes.” Don’t I look ridiculous in this get up?”

“No princess you look very regal and very much like the daughter of a goddess.”

“You are just nice. I am glad when this is over and we are back to normal business.”

“I will be too, but this gives me a chance to see where you come from and it gives me a whole different perspective.”

“Please never make this an issue, Eric. To you I never want to be anything but Elfi and a friend. This is what my heritage and my mother wants me to be, it is not who I am.”

I took her hand and squeezed it gently.” I promise and I begin to understand you.”

She squeezed back and again gave me a warm smile.” I begin to understand you too; Eric and I know how hard it must be for you to hide your secret from everyone.”

What she said hit me like a fist in the stomach. I felt the blood rush to my face.

”My secret?”

She looked across the yard and then at me. ”Eric my mother had you investigated, you are here because she thinks you might become family, because she thinks I love you.”

I did not know what to say and she was not done so I listened as she continued.

”Don’t get me wrong Eric, I do love you but I love every one of our group equally. I do not have any plans to marry or settle down. I want to stay in the fleet and with my friends.”

A Saran guard came and knelt before her. ”Most precious Princess of the Realm of here and beyond, there will be a little delay for the departure. The Ammutherathi have been delayed due to Union Security protocols, but the delay will be no longer than 20 minutes.”

I saw her from the side as she looked down at the kneeling muscle man. ”Such details should have been considered before, should the delay exceed twenty minutes we shall use the ark.” “Sekhet the most powerful, it will be as you command.”

He crawled back in this kneeling position, turned after ten paces and left.

Servants brought a heavy looking gold bench, with many pillows for us to sit down. During all this she had kept her hand in mine and said. ”Let us sit down then. Neither your uniform nor my dress are the most comfortable outfits to stand around in.”

We did while my mind still reeled around her revelation. Elfi padded my hand. ”As I said my mother had you and the others investigated. I did not approve but I know you met my mother and she is a queen. Her will trump all others and when it comes to protecting her realm and her dynasty she has little if no moral qualms.”

I swallowed dryly. ”I am no expert when it comes to kingdoms, realms and royals but I can understand that, but…”

“It is part of your personal record and its non-classified part is accessible to any high ranking Officer. I don’t know how exactly, but she could have simply asked Admiral McElligott or someone like him, or got it directly. The queen holds an honorary Admiral rank in the Union fleet. She has of course no command authority but I imagine her honorary rank is enough to access personal files.”

“I don’t …”

“No worries Eric, I won’t tell the others. Even though I don’t think it would be a problem at all, but I actually think I understand why you keep it hidden.”

“You do?”

“Knowing where you have been raised and the culture that shaped you and the so important fundamentality of this question or desire might be the reason. I am not analyzing you, Eric. I am your friend and now that you know I know, you can always come to me and talk about it if you want. I think the world of you and this has not changed, quite the opposite. So please don’t feel ashamed or exposed.”

I swallowed again. ”It is a curse and it amazes me how many know about something I try to hide.”

“You hide it well, but you don’t have to tonight at the Temple, after the official Union festivities. Mother told me you agreed to be there.”

Not that I had a real response to it, but before I could say something the guard came back. ”Most precious Princess of the Realm, the Ammutherathi have arrived and will be ready shortly.”

Elfi dismissed the man and her eyes glittered with mischief as she looked at me.”Are you ready to ride a fierce winged beast?”

“I am doing what?”

“Huge winged beasts from the Desert Mountains of our home world, in our mythology they are related to the Gods just as Queens are and they are considered animal incarnations of our invisible twins. It is complicated religious stuff, but in short we two will ride one to the steps of the Crystal Hall, with the Honor Legion flying escort, as I am the Commandrix of that legion it was deemed an appropriate way for us to arrive.”

--

Everyone even Egill held his breath as the flyer approached the Crystal Palace in which the Diamond Ball would take place. Above the deep blue waves of Pluribus southern Ocean, atop a single thin glass like stem, a shimmering construct with elements that reminded them of a Nilfeheim burg , but not of gray stone and Duro-Crete but like a dream of crème and turquois shades, sparkling like a precious gem in the last rays of the setting sun.

Strong beams of light just underneath the water surface far below came on just as they approached.

“It is beautiful!” Whispered Exa folding her hand before her chin.

“It is sickening kitsch.” Grunted Egill, “probably designed by the fem heads of Saresii.”

“I thought your best friend is Saresii?” Elena asked.

“He is, and it took me a long time to get used to this filigree sugar and lace architecture they like so much. Can’t help myself, I am a Norse and I would love to use a big iron hammer to smash some of this.”

“You are in an especially grumpy mood tonight!” Eric’s sister said with a smirk.

“I don’t like these blown up affairs and all these self-important elitists thinking they are better than anyone else.”

Sif had not said a word since they left. She tried to separate her emotions and feelings, with little success. ”Nevertheless you go! No one forces you to come here. It is an invitation and every year you go! Erik Gustav never went!”

He glared at her. ”You do not have to go either. You can return with this flyer and wait for our return. I knew the old falcon much better than anyone and I respect him to this day and I am glad you found a worthy idol and role model.

He was well liked and respected in the Assembly but he did not come to the Diamond Ball because in all the time he was never invited.”

Sif blinked and wanted to say something but he cut her off. ”I might not like all the details about the Diamond Ball, but it has a tradition older than Nilfeheim and that is quite a history. Since I am your mentor I want you write me an essay about the history of the Crystal Palace, where it was made and how it came to be transported here to Pluribus.”

Exa had her eyes glued to the windows. ”It was made for the first Saresii of the first Saresii Woman council over a million years ago. It has been given to Pluribus as a gift when they joined the Union, to symbolize their unlimited support and commitment to the community of Civilizations. It was cut out of the largest diamond known that was once the core of a Gas giant in the Sares system.“

They all looked with awe at the girl who spoke still looking outside.

Egill put a hand on her shoulder.” You know this?’

Exa turned with a shy smile.” Before I was blessed with a new home and a real family, I was a drifter’s daughter and I have listened to many of the Drifters stories. Drifters travel everywhere and love to tell stories.”

Even Sif had no snappish remark and said.” You have your essay, Uncle Egill. I guess Exa can help me.”

Their Volvo flyer was part of a single row of the most expensive luxury flyers and etched forward to a bright lit entrance with thousands of small lights, a deep red carpet and beings in fancy looking uniforms opening doors. To the left and right separated by visible shimmering force field fences masses of people. As it was their turn to leave the Volvo Sif noted hundreds of Cam and News drones behind those force field fences and she felt as if millions of eyes looked at her.

A woman and a Shiss, both in fine evening clothing greeted them. She knew them as the anchors of a popular GalNet News channel.

The Shiss said. ”Here comes the representative of a little known world called Nilfeheim and a lovely entourage of three beautiful humanoids, females at that. Perhaps nestlings of his, Mr. Egill Skallagrímsson from Nilfeheim is well known to many as one of the three Wise Men of the Assembly. “

The woman asked Egill directly. ”Mr. Skallagrímsson will your friends also attend tonight’s event?”

Egill actually grinned at the reporter and turned with an out stretched arm pointing at a suddenly appearing distortion of air and out of this shimmering distortion of air came the deeply shrouded figure of a Narth. His usually completely black shroud embellished with shimmering golden strips around the seams.

Egill said to the reporter woman.” Here is your answer.”

To everyone’s, even Egill’s surprise a second Narth appeared. Just at the same time, almost as beautiful and impressive as the Palace itself, a long gleaming flyer, clearly of Saresii origin stopped at the ledge and Algear, first among the Saresii stepped out. Although he was biologically male he appeared like most Saresii as a most exquisite, exotic beautiful tall female with long silvery hair, large purple eyes and a figure hugging silvery velvet gown, that traced what seemed the perfect human female body.

Sif was now certain her decision not to wear a dress was wrong. She should have listened to Egill after all, but what woman would take fashion advice from a grumpy old Nilfeheim hermit?

While Egill offered his arm to Algear and flanked to the other side by the Narth she heard his words again, Erik Gustav was never invited, Egill through his friendship to these two reached a level of importance in terms of Union affairs that she only now begun to understand.

The crowds behind the barriers had been completely silent since the Narth had arrived. Even the woman reporter appeared to be intimidated and did not ask any questions.

The Shiss broke the silence. ”His Excellency the Representative of Narth and the First among the Saresii Algear Moansti, each the voice of mighty civilizations belonging to our Union, together they have been nicknamed the Three Wise men of the Assembly.”

Sif was sure, even those who watched the event via GalNet throughout the Union stopped to breathe as the Narth approached the Shiss and said with a deep cool voice. ”Narth have travelled far in this stream of time, observers for many galactic rotations. Perceived as strangers, Aliens and enemies Accused being aloft and removed from events and communities.

However Narth no longer travels alone.”

The mysterious Narth pointed at Egill and Algear.” Through the help of ones friends, all Narth is blessed to understand concepts like pride and friendship.

To all of you Narth says, Narth is proud to share this Union with all of you and Narth is friend to all who are Union.”

The Narth actually bowed before the Shiss and by doing so before the Vid Cams transmitting the images all across the Union.

Suddenly a tremendous cheer rolled through the spectators and they actually chanted the word Narth.”

The Woman swallowed and then said. ”I am only a reporter an anchor, and like everyone watching and listening we know little about the Narth. What we know are rumors and legends. Most of us were intimidated and some were even afraid of the Narth. Your address Mr. Narth was most the most moving I was privileged to hear and I thank you very much.”

The usually loud and often sarcastic never impressed by anything News woman curtsied.

Sif followed her group across the carpet inside. She noticed that the other Narth had the rank insignia of a Fleet Cadet on his sleeves and he spoke to Elena. “You must be Elena Olafson.”

Elena nodded.” Yes I am.”

“I am Narth.”

“I know you are a Narth, Sir.”

“Yes our lack of individual names is oft confusing. I am Eric’s friend. Through him I know you well.”

Elena smiled deeply while Sif wondered if Eric had told the Narth about her as well.

As they passed through the entrance, she forgot the Narth or Elena and just stared, the interior was breath taking a symphony of sparkling lights and surfaces, a silvery bowl shaped hall with intricate swirly columns along the concave walls uniting in a dome shaped roof that showed the showed a view of the local group with the Milky way in its center.

A full orchestra floated on a platform of rainbow colored energy fields across the other side and played strange and beautiful music. There must have been many millions of candles lined up all along the walls giving the room a warm glowing light, that reflected in the polishes diamond surfaces giving it all an almost dream like character.

There were round tables to the sides and a central dance floor, with several Grav Levels, allowing dancers to float underneath the galaxy projection.

She recognized many guests, to her right not even ten meters stood Mystery Child, not as the Superstar main attraction, but just another guest.

Seeing that artist reminded her of the dark events she went through only very recently. She would never admit it to anyone but it felt good to her ego, that she was with a group that was so far more important than Mystery Child and that the artist like almost everyone looked to them as they entered.

A being in a dark blue velvet uniform with silver applications and white gloves, guided them to a large round table near the center. She was not sure but believed the being was a white Nogoll.

A very tall man with short blonde hair and sunglasses and in a perfectly tailored suit of black silk in the fashionable Kimono Cut sitting on a table close by got up and started to talk to the Saresii. She was sure she had seen the man before.

Egill leaned over to her and said. ”You do know who that is, right?”

“I’ve seen his image or something somewhere but I can’t recall where.”

“That my girl is Rex Schwartz.”

Sif got big eyes.” Are you serious?”

“Quite so, considered by many including Algear the most powerful man in the Galaxy and not just because he is richer than the Gods. He controls much of the Media, GalNet, Space Trains and a host of other things that make the Union run as it does.”

She whispered back.” Isn’t that also a little dangerous?”

“Very much so and it is one of the so called open secrets of the Union. Everyone sort of knows about it but no one really talks about it, but in all the 5000 years his company exists. SII always stayed clean. No scandals, nothing that could ever be proven to be illegal practice. SII was called the Good Company during the Corporate Clone Wars, as it did not participate.”

Sif was thinking about the things Egill had said as the Saresii turned to them. “I have invited Rex and his family to our table, I hope that is okay, but it makes our big table a little less empty and frees a table for other guests, as I was told they are short a few.”

Egill nodded. “The more the merrier.”

First with interest and then with growing anger at her decision not to wear a dress, Sif watched the Schwartz family come over. He had three women and a very handsome looking young man in his party…and a huge black beast like animal with a spiked collar around his neck that emerged from under the floating table and stuck close to the handsome man.

His eyes were glued to a gorgeous blonde; she immediately noticed their matching rings. Ms. Schwartz, the wife of the business mogul was also blonde and looked very nice in a dark red gown.

Sif actually envied the third woman; she had the most gorgeous shimmering hair in a natural gold tone she had ever seen. Her body was perfectly proportioned and she wore a dream of black chiffon and satin, why she chose to hide her face behind a feathered domino mask was nothing unusual and made her look mysterious and desirable.

Sif almost hated that angelic woman for her looks. Egill introduced Elena, Exa and her.

Rex did the same with his family.” This is my lovely wife Linda, my daughter Monique Master and her husband Roy Masters, to my right is my youngest daughter Shea.” He smiled and pointed at the huge beast cowering next to Roy Masters.” I almost forgot to introduce Partner, my son in laws pet.”

The girl Shea found a seat right next to Sif. Even Shea’s perfume smelled better than hers! But then with a father like hers, she could afford Shaill perfumes for sure!

Egill interrupted her brooding mood and said. ”Look to the entrance.”

A man came in in a black Fleet uniform. He looked every inch like a soldier and next to him a horrible huge Spider! Everyone else stared too. Egill said. ”That is Admiral Stahl!”

Sif simultaneously heard the young woman next to her whisper more to herself than anyone.” Krabbel!”

Sif shivered involuntarily. ”What is that thing next to him? Is that a pet as well?”

The veiled and masked girl answered. ”No, Ma’am. That is Midshipman Krabbel of Archa. He is a wonderful and resourceful person…so I heard!”

Of course Sif had heard of Admiral Stahl. The man and the frightful spider came over to their table! Only now did she see Rex Schwartz waving at the famous Admiral.

”Why don’t you have a seat with us, Old Warhorse? We got room for you and your Archa friend.”

Stahl had a voice as deep as Hogun, but there was an unexplainable undertone of authority and resolve in it, for some reason Sif instantly trusted that man.

He said. ”I have one more person with me, but she is a little late”

Rex still stood.”There are three empty chairs.”

Admiral Stahl pointed to the spider. ”This is Midshipman Krabbel from Archa. He is a remarkable young Officer and I am Richard Stahl.”

Again Egill did his part and told the Admiral who he and the girls were.

The next entry announced was the Captain of the Devastator and his party. He and a dozen or so Union fleet officer approached a table to the left.

Next a regiment of Klack warriors carrying banners marched in to a high pitched humming melody. Everyone rose to their feet and Egill whispered. ”That is the Hymn of the Klack Queen, watch careful girl you going to be one of the few outside Klackt ever to see the Queen in person.”

The entrance grew wider and everyone had a good view of the open entrance area. Beyond the ledge hovered a big spherical construct. It extended a glowing energy field bridge and Klack in coppery armor suits and twice as big as normal Klack, with frightening big mandibles carrying wicked looking blaster spears formed rows at each side of the bridge all the way to the entrance. She heard the Admiral say:” That is the Queens personal Guard; there are few more frightening sights as to see them swarm and attack a perceived threat to the queen. They devour everything!”

The Spider spoke nervously. ”Admiral Sir, you know about the Klack Archa history, right?”

“No worries Mr. Krabbel. I was there during the historic meeting of the Klack Queen and the Sac Mother of Archa.”

Rex Schwartz chuckled and explained to the rest. “A few millennia ago an Archa expedition reached a Klack world and ate Klack, not knowing that it was a sentient species. It is an unfortunate coincidence that the Archa look exactly like Huttnn’tkt, the Klack equivalent of Satan. When the Archa became a members species the Klack Queen was very brave and invited the Sac Mother to Klackt to show her subjects that there was nothing to fear of their new Union partners, but the queen passed out three times and the Klack Honor guard fled in panic at the first two tries. So this might get interesting tonight.”

Stahl’s voice had an edge as he said. ”Don’t hold your breath, Rex. I know what I am doing.”

“I never doubted that, old Friend.”

But even to Sif it was clear the Klack with the banners seeing the spider, were shaking and doing everything to hold their parade stands. Now a group of Queen Guards escorted what looked like a richly ornamented transparent bathtub with room for ten and carried by even more brown and gold uniformed Klack.

Inside the elongated tank on a bed of hundreds of pillows lounged a Klack, she was larger than even the Guard Klack, but she was otherwise normally proportioned. A voice boomed:” Her most high majesty Nt’gtar thk the 745th. Sovereign Supreme of the Klack Hegemony.”

The masked girl, Shea explained in a whispering tone to the man named Roy. ”The tank is a traditional homage to the times when Klack queens had huge abdomen and could not walk or move. That tank is at least five million years old and one of the most antique treasures in the Galaxy. There are too many Klack on to many planets for her to spawn them all, and they use special Stem cell farms with the Queens necessary imprints…”

The explanation of the beautiful woman was drowned out by a collective awe as a black spider being twice the size of the one on their table was carried out on a platform by more brown and gold dressed Klack.

“Her excellency Wuslla the First Sac Mother of Archa.”

Stahl’s voice now had an amused undertone. ”I guess that even surprised you, Mr. CEO. This common entry had been planned for years.”

To Krabbel he said. ”Happy Union week Mr. Krabbel from the bottom of my heart, The Huttnn’tkt demons heritage has ended forever.”

The procession of the Klack queen and the Archa Sac Mother ended on a special shaped table not far from theirs. Many present bowed or knelt.

Nt’gtar thk the queen raised her upper arm pair,”Egg felt Greetings to all present and tele-present, Klackt and me who is the Queen wishes you all a merry Union Week. A time to remember that we are not Insectoids or humanoids, not Arachnoids or whatever else, but first and foremost Union Citizens! I am the Queen with many titles and great power, but I am a Citizen first. In this I am no different to you or the Sac Mother and today we do not celebrate our differences, but that what unites us. Happy Union week to all!”

The response was a wide cheer and applause. The Queen actually jumped out of that tub before one of her servants could open it and place a ramp. The Insect came straight to their table, and without much protocol hugged the Admiral.”

So good to put my feelers on you Admiral, you have not been to Klckt in 5 years!”

The Admiral looked a little embarrassed, not by the Queens attention but by the stares of everyone. ”I wish I could come more often.”

The Queen wiggled her Antennas to Rex Schwartz and then greeted the others before she left back to her own table. Krabbel had also left and was over with the Sac Mother, judging by the waving of legs it was a lively conversation. Other important guests arrived, like the Pan Saran Emperor, a delegation of Ulta. Elena was in a deep and quiet conversation with one of the Narth and Exa sitting between the Saresii and Admiral Stahl kept looking at the Old Admiral.

The Immortal noticed and his face became softer as a faint smile reached the corners of his eyes. ”I sure hope I have not forgotten to wash my ears is there something else that needs my attention? “

Exa first looked a little embarrassed. ”Uh, no Sir, I just never sat next to an Immortal, even though Uncle Egill qualifies almost as one, him being 469 years old and all that. I also met Elkhart, the Ancient, and he was as old as you Sir, but he died so he isn’t really immortal and when I was drifting I heard so many stories about you…”

Exa could hardly stop talking now that she had started.

Elena said. ”Slow down a little young lady.”

Stahl had big hands and he padded the small porcelain hand of Exa. ”It is perfectly alright, Ms. Skallagrímsson. I am just as excited to meet you Ms. Exa.”

Exa swallowed.” You are?”

“Of course I am. Do you see that silver haired guy over there?” “Yes Sir, that is Captain Harris they said as he came in, is he not?”

“That wrinkly guy is the one usually sitting next to me, now I am sitting next to perhaps the prettiest girl in the room, lucky me.”

Exa blushed in a lovely way and demurely lowered her lashes in a girlish response as old as time, but then her lively personality took over and she smiled at the Old man from ear to ear. ”That was awful nice to say, but Elena isn’t Skallagrímsson. We are Olafson! “

Sif could swear she saw surprise in the Admirals eternal eyes. ”Did you say Olafson? You are not from Nilfeheim by any chance?”

Egill nodded.” Yes Sir, I am the representative of Nilfeheim. I thought you knew.”

“No I did not know, I faintly remember meeting a man named Ragnar…something years ago who was the rep of that world.”

“That was Erik Gustav Ragnarsson; he was killed a few years ago.”

Stahl looked very lively and interested. ”There are many families on Nilfeheim with the name Olafson?”

“Many families yes, Sir!” Elena answered,” but only one Clan, my brother Eric he is already a midshipman in your Navy, Sir. We think he is even on that big ship and Uncle Egill thinks he might be here tonight.”

Egill sighed. ”Well I heard about the Devastator being here and I know about the Captain bringing along the best Midshipmen and I sort of expected my nephew to be among them, but he isn’t. The Captain is here and I can’t see him.”

Egill’s voice was a little hoarse. ”Thinking of it now it was actually foolish to expect him to be here. Odin only knows how many midshipmen are aboard that giant ship and to expect him to be among the best was wishful thinking of an old man.”

The Immortal Admiral acted strange and a wide grin came over his usually stern face. ”Well I am sure Odin knows, but I happen to know that…”

Stahl was interrupted by the announcer.” Citizens and guests, may I represent Mothermachine. “

Six chrome skinned X101 walked in with a seventh clearly female shaped X101.

The female artificial being spoke. ”Due to my size, I cannot physically move or travel. Yet it was always my fondest wish to be able to interact and visit others in a physical way. This Avatar body allows me just that. It is directly linked and my Ego Essence is now able to leave and travel. So this Union week were unity and liberties are the focus of festivities is the first such week where I celebrate my new found liberty, with this I wish you all well and from Factory our Home world and from all X101’s Happy Union Week.”

“This Diamond ball turns out to be quite a historic occasion.” Egill’s Saresii friend said.

Stahl looked a tiny PDD on his wrist and said. ”That was not all.”

The Entrance widened once again and dangerous looking space craft, the size of a Barracuda destroyer, but deep red and heavily armed swooped down with glowing pulse beam thrusters and moments later twelve Dai Than emerged fierce and proud looking in red leather armor, swords across their backs. Escorting a regal and tough looking Dai and an exotic beauty with hip long black hair wearing something like a leather leotard, with thigh high boots, she too was armed with swords and knifes. Her bright red skin and almost glowing yellow eyes made her look as dangerous as the male Dai. She also wore a veil of sorts, made of fine chains before much of her face.

There were guests who felt a little uneasy as the announcer introduced the Dai. “Tar Kar-Hi, the high Tribe lord of the Tar-Kar Dai Than and his wife Alii-Hi, representing the 1500 tribes that are now Union members “

The Dai came over exchanged a few words with Stahl. Through the still wide open entrance something huge not a vehicle or craft but something alive with wings swooped from the cloudless turquoise sky.

The last rays of the sun that had already disappeared behind the horizon caught the beast. It was beautiful and incredibly dangerous looking at the same time. Someone on her table whispered. ”They brought in a real Ammutherathi, the legendary winged messenger of Ammun the devourer.”

The vicious and prehistoric looking monster was accompanied by huge birds on which men in golden armor suits rode and landing in a display of incredible military precision, to each side of the carpet. The birds were clearly birds of prey, their razor sharp talons and beaks clear evidence of that. The men forming ranks also armed with swords and bird head shaped blasters.

With a wild shriek that curled the blood of many the big winged monster in the center came down and landed. It had face with more teeth than anything else and a long snake like spiked tail. Behind the beasts head and on its long neck head stood a man with a billowing black cape, holding the reins of the beast. Saran Servant carried golden steps and from a golden basket like contraption on the monsters back a truly regal and breathtaking beauty emerged. On her lissome legs she appeared floating down the steps with swaying hips and whirls of golden veils.

The announcer voice spoke. “Citizens of the Union, representing the mighty Saran Empire. She who is Sekhet Nefertiti Elfiatra the Precious, Princess to the Saran Empire, second daughter to her Majesty the Queen Cleotrix the second. Commandrix of the Saran Honor Legion, Holder of the sacred ankh. High priestess of Ra is gracing us with her presence tonight."

The man in the black cape had jumped of the beasts back and the princess offered him her hand.

The voice introduced the man. “And Midshipman Eric Olafson, fleet officer, chosen protector of the princess by her Majesty the Queen.”

Behind them a humanoid being, a robot perhaps of at least 100 meters wearing only an apron like garment and instead of a human face it had the head of a hawk appeared and silently floated down from the sky. In its upside turned hands he held a throne and on it a woman, similar spectacular dressed as the princess. The woman was announced as the Queen of Saran.

Sif barley heard it. She only had eyes for Eric who held the hand of the lovely princess. She did not notice the eyes of the masked girl next to her, shimmering with tears.

Stahl crossed his arms and gave Egill a side glance. ”Looks like your nephew made it after all.”

--

Deep below, underneath the waves in a storage room for kitchen supplies, Steven Dunham looked at his PDD.” It is time, Lock and load”

--

Rex Schwartz leaned over to the Admiral. ”So this is Eric Olafson. I heard you let him play captain on that big tub of yours. How did he do?”

“Normally I would not discuss the performance of fleet officers with a civilian, but since you got something like family serving with the boy, I make an exception. If Harris retires and he is around and available, I would be the first to nominate him for the post, that’s how he has done.”

“He appears to have the ear of the Saran queen and from the looks of it he is close to the Narth.”

As he spoke Tar Ka-Hi the Dai tribe lord and his exotic wife came over in company of a tall handsome looking Dai Warrior, looking like a young Lucifer with his truly red skin, the jet black hair, his pointed ears and the bright yellow eyes as if Michelangelo had tried to create a perfect statue of Adonis, but gave him demonic attributes. The young warrior clasped arms with the Neo Viking and then tribe lord after a short conversation put his hand on Eric’s shoulder. As common as the gesture might seemed Rex knew the significance and so did Richard.

Eric stepped back to give the Old man from Nilfeheim some room so Egill could shake hands with the Dai. As he did that Eric accidentally bumped into Partner, the Furry Hound. Partner growled and rose.

The Neo Viking was fast! He turned while drawing the sword he carried and then something odd happened. Partner yelped like a puppy and lowered his massive head and body deep to the ground in a totally devote position. Partner who was very picky who could pet him, was petted by the Neo Viking for a few moments and then Eric turned and continued his conversation with his friends.

Roy had noticed the entire incident and was quite shocked by the look of his face. Roy was the Psionic twin of the Beast and could always sense the emotions and simple thoughts of his animal friend and then he said to Rex.” I never sensed great fear from Partner and we faced some scary things together, Partner he actually feared that man!”