Xx23.odt

SIN 4



The poison had not killed me, but the pain that came from my swollen leg made me almost wish it had. I was terribly thirsty and wondered if I had ever felt that miserable. I was able to answer my own question, yes I had. I had it much worse, back on the Burg of my father, and back then I did not see any chance of escaping but here I was not out of options. I was still alive and I had weapons.

I used the little light of the first aid kit to check out the room I was in. It was not as empty as I thought it was before. There was a pile of garbage and waste in one corner and there was a rusty metal door.

Something between the dark plastic film bags and discarded boxes, moved. I was certain I had seen a pair of shiny eyes. I thanked Odin for watching over me while I was out and nothing decided to have me for dinner while I was sleeping.



I cut the leg of my pants open, my calf and thighs had swollen and there was an unhealthy looking white blister around the area the spider thing had bitten me. There was no other way; I had to cut it open. Part of my training was first aid and I had served a spell in sick bay, combat and emergency aid was a subject they stressed. Our instructors at the Academy had prepared us for a situation exactly like this. We had received training in very basic first aid, if tools like an Auto Doc or even a Med Bot was not available.

I disinfected the sharp blade of the combat knife and my leg with a disinfectant spray that was part of the first aid kit. I put the blaster in reach of my hand, eyed the pile of garbage one more time and then bit down on the sleeve of my jacket, so I would not cry out too loud and cut the wound open. It was not as bad as I thought; I was already in tremendous pain so a little more did not really matter. Puss and blood drooled down on the wet and dirty Duro-Crete floor. I had to let it bleed out a little but make sure I would not lose too much.

Again the pile of trash moved and I readied the line blaster, whatever it was big enough to move the bigger bags of waste."If you are sentient say something, if not I am going to shoot!"

Even though I was ready for some reaction, I was completely surprised as something jumped out of that pile in an explosion of garbage. A dark shadow catapulted itself towards me. All I really saw was fangs, gleaming eyes and claws. I fired but did not hit it, that shadow of fangs ans teeth collided with me. Needle sharp claws penetrated fabric and skin. My eyes were still blinded by the bright bolt but I saw the outlines of a humanoid face, and an obscene large mouth filled with teeth snapping after my throat. I hammered my left fist across that face, and tried to bring the line blaster in line with that monster. My blow connected and whipped its head back, it screeched and I could not tell if it was a human voice or the sound of an animal... Claws raked over my shoulder and face, my eyesight sight was clearing and I managed to get my right arm free enough to move, pressed the muzzle of the blaster against that furious thing and fired. This time I could not miss and burned right through the chest of that thing.

It gargled and collapsed. The stench of burned flesh mingled with the foul odor of waste and the reeking smell of this creature.

In the dim shine of the first aide box light I examined the creature, it was humanoid in shape but was partially covered with fur; its face looked as if a human had been merged with a deep sea fish, with bulging eyes and a huge maw.

It was mortally wounded but not quite dead. From the garbage pile it had come I could now see a rugged hole in the wall that led to even deeper regions of this place.

At this moment the rusty steel door flung open with a creaking sound and a muscular Ogahr like creature appeared, holding a Karthanian Flamer stomped past me and held its weapon towards that hole and fired a stream of superheated plasma, and a chorus of high pitched screams and the sizzling sound of fire consuming flesh echoed from below.

The being cursed in Squawk,"Damn Subzombs, I knew they had a hole coming in somewhere."

He turned and said. "We don't like Skath squatting in our basements either! You are certainly not a tenant. "The being stomped his heel on the skull of the dying Subzomb I had fought moments ago and crushed with a sickening sound."Get up and get out of here, before I change my mind and have you for dinner."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I struggled to my feet, gathered my meager belongings and put the jacket back on. The being said,"For a Skath you are well armed. I wonder where you got that Union fleet Uniform. "

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I am on my way out, I fell through that busted crating up there. "

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Wait a moment, you must be that Union officer the Rillo Outfit is looking for.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Like all Ogahr he was almost twice my size and I knew how strong and tough they were, as I seen Az-Az in action, with all the energy I could still muster, I kicked his gun arm. Putting weight on my bad leg was a bad idea, it send waves of pain up my spine but I had no choice, with all the pain and misery I was getting angry and I felt my own rage coming up like a storm surge. He yelped and dropped his weapon and I pointed the line blaster right at his broad nose. "I am new on this rotten planet of yours, but one thing I noticed, you all talk way too much and think you are all so tough. So far I am not impressed."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">He howled. "You aren't a Skath! You're Union for sure! I rip you to pieces!”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“I roast that excuse for a brain of yours, if you don't tell me who is looking for me and why!” “The Rillo Syndicate has issued a 20,000 Polos bounty on you.They say a human in a Union fleet uniform. I don't know why,but this is Sin 4 and we don't like the Union or their fleet.” He raised his arms to attack.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I hissed, "Yes I am Union and proudly so!" and watched as he fell back with a burning hole where his nose used to be.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">He didn't wear much in ways of clothing but I took his wide utility belt, slung it across my shoulder and used its pockets to arrange and carry my growing arsenal and added holster of the Flamer.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">He had also carried a handful of golden coins with a plastic coating and number symbols embossed on them. Polonium encased in gold and a special resin that was radiation proof. Iridium. Polonium and Palladium coins were forms of physical money and accepted all over the known galaxy as a form of payment. This knowledge was alos part of my training.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Physical money was of course not foreign to me, as Iridium coins were in widespread use on Nilfeheim, where many weren't real Union Citizen and the right to have a Union Bank account.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Well he didn't need it no more and I was certain it would come in handy. I added them to the collection I had taken from the dead flyer pilot.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Not wanting to make this damp hole my permanent home, I finished bandaging my leg and took another pain killer. I had only four pain killer patches to begin with and was now down to two. By the rate I got wounded and attacked I wanted to hang on to the rest until I absolutely needed them.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I limped to the open door and looked down a sparsely lit corridor with a dozen doors like this one and a steep flight of Duro-Crete stairs leading up at the far end. While I wondered what kind of building this was I heard the wailing of a baby from one of the doors. It was not closed completely so I peeked through the crack. There was a woman and I was certain she was human despite the rag she had slung around her head, nursing a baby on her thin empty looking breasts, while another kid not much older sat by a smoking little fire, the smoke wafting out a similar crating I had fallen through in the other room. This wasn't a basement for storage. Those were rooms, apartments for the poorest! The kids and the mother were filthy, now I noticed a third kid banging with a hammer on a piece of metal. A pile of bowl shaped metal pieces on its side. This is how Wetty must have been born. A wave of pitty for my mysterious mate overcame me. As bad as my upbringing appeared to be, it was still light years removed from this hopeless misery.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I should have gone on and left this depressing scene behind.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I could not, perhaps one of these kids was another Wetty, they deserved a chance. I could not hope to change the planet, or even the situation of that woman. Heck I was in dire need of help myself.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I opened that door wider and the woman wrapped her arms around the baby she was nursing even tighter and stared at me from underneath that rag she wore with a hollow haunting look of fear, hunger and resignation. I could only imagine how I looked to her, blood caked, dirty and bandaged, armed to the teeth. I held my hand out and said.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I am not going to harm you, Lady. I wanted you to have these."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I put a handful of the coins before her on the floor and said.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"It's not a lot but I hope it helps you to get you and the kids some food."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">There was utter disbelieve in the eyes and the face of the woman. Now as she looked up I saw she had to be about twenty or twenty five, she had ashen skin and large dark eyes that reminded me of Galmy. She looked at the coins then at me and I nodded.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Yes Ma'am I am not sure you understand me but you can take the money."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She shivered and groaned then she put the baby aside and opened the rags she wore exposing her naked body.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I stepped back and turned to the door. She would take the money eventually. I had to leave and somehow find a way to contact fleet Command.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The woman said.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"You give me money for nothing? "

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I turned to look back at her.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"It is for you and the kids; I don't want anything from you in return."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Who…" She stopped and then begun again."Who are you?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I am Eric Olafson."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Lows usually don't have two names, Skath don't give Lows money and don't have weapons."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I am not from around here, lady and I need to leave now and take steps to make sure I won't lie the next time I have to say that, but maybe you can tell me where I am exactly."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She grabbed the coins and said.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I never seen that much, these are nine Twenty-weights. We earn a Twenty-weight in a year."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Then she looked up again and realized I had asked her something.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"You are in the sixth Skirt district, just outside the Spaceport. This is Bottom level; below us are the Subs and the old Sewers where the Subzombs and Light-Shys live. You better stay away from the Subs, Stranger Eric, not many that went down there ever came back. Not even the Uppers go dare to go there."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I said.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I have no intention to go explore the underground of this Hell Hole." Her information did not help me much. I was in no real condition to linger, but I said.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"You are not a Skath?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">There was almost something like pride in her face as she shook her head. "Oh no, I am a Low, Bottom Low but not a Skath. We have a place and me and my kids make souvenir bowls and we get half-a-weight every week."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I left her and did not want to know how the Skath lived.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I managed to get up the stairs without meeting anyone and after a while I learned how to keep my leg stiff and walk decently fast without too much discomfort.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">After the stairs I looked down a similar corridor and an open door to the outside. A Shiss stood guard holding a spiked club and a wicked curved Vibro saber in his upper hands, his lower arm pair he kept crossed before his chest. The Shiss turned as he heard me coming and barked.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"You don't look like any tenant I know. When did you move in?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I had my hand on the line blaster and held it so he could see it.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I am not a tenant, your friend the Ogahr showed me a room but it didn't have the ocean view I wanted and it had one hell of a vermin infestation. Now I want to leave and I suggest you let me."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I had been around a Shiss for a while and Captain Zezz told me much about his species so I knew this red throated lizard was agitated, by the way he ruffled his throat folds. He held up his lower arms.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“If Nugth has shown you in then that is fine by me and you can leave of course. I just wanted to make sure you are not a Skath or something trying to steal." Under his breath he muttered in his native Shiss. "I am going to kill you little human."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">It wasn't that hard to pronounce Shiss correctly if you simply kept your teeth clenched and uttered this vowel free language as if you would eat hot soup. I was certain Zezz was a better teacher than any Cortex uploads and said.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"You try that Red Throat and you going to see your own guts exposed to the night air and hope the Invisible Snake has eyes on this place."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">This was a slight variation of a Shiss curse I heard Zezz say to another Shiss while we boarded their ship.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">He stepped back and lowered his weapons. "This little human knows much about the Shiss and speaks our language like a nestling. Go Human and be safe!"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Just as I wanted to move past him, he hissed. “Quick, human hide!”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Without arguing or asking,I squeezed myself inside a door well.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">A big Oghr and a tall ugly looking man that looked as if skin that was way to big was draped over a smaller skeleton, appeared before the entrance door. Both wore green and golden uniforms and dark green hooded capes. Both were armed with Kermac Line Blasters rifles, bigger and much more powerful than the hand held one I had.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Shiss scum, did you see a human male, union perhaps. There is a substantial reward.” “No I have not, and this is tenant block is under the protection of the Donheer. Rillo Enforcers have no business here.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Be careful Shiss, you have only a laughable Vibro Saber, and the Donheer won't miss you, just replace you.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Then you don't mind if I point out that there are two Neuro Rippers pointed at you and I hold the remote. That's one of the benefits of having four arms you see.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The two men looked up and saw something I could not, but it was clear they did not like it.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Alright Shiss, no need for a Syndicate war over this. There are 500 Fullweights for you if you see and capture that human for us.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Why didn't you say so in the first place,Rillo Polos are as good as Donheer Polos. I sure could use the money. I let you know when I see a human, any kind.” “Good enough.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The two men walked on.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I could not believe what the Shiss had done. He could have sold me right then and there. Did he do it to get more money by delivering me himself? Obviously there was a weapon installed on the outside he controlled.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“They are gone, human, but I dont think it is wise to go out there right now. Whoever you are, you must have pissed of the Rillos seriously. I never seen so many Green cloaks in one night.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“I never thought to see Red Throat acting that way. I thank you, never the less.” “Shiss Taa and the color castes are far, this is Sin 4.The color of throats means little.To what syndicate you belong however means a lot. This place belongs to the Donheer clan, and those were Rillo enforcers. No I suggest you find Nught and get a hole to lay low for a few days.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I thanked him and went back down the stairs. I could not trust the Shiss to much, if he contacted his boss and these Donheer decided to sell me to their rivals, or if he found out that his friend was not exactly able to rent out anything, he would certainly change his mind.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The only alternative I had is trying to climb up the shaft I had fallen down, or try to find another exit.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The ragged looking woman opened her door as I passed it. “You, Eric. Come in, you are wounded. You helped us,maybe I can help you.” “Is there another exit to this place?”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Only through the old sewers.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I hesitated but then I went in.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“I can not stay long.” “Okiv, my oldest will show you the way through the sewers. The Uppers don't go there.It is the realm of the Nolights, the Night Rippers and Subzombs.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“I don't want your son to get hurt. That place sounds dangerous, maybe if he can describe the way.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Mister, you are a strange one for sure. No one ever considered the safety of a child, but not to worry Okiv knows his way and we are ofen dealing with the Dwellers for burn wood and water. There are many passages and one can get easlily lost

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<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I went past him, not letting him out of my sight for a second and then went as fast as I could around the corner.

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<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">This was the bottom street level of a towering city, none of the buildings were the size of the mega structures of Pluribus and no city planning had gone into the placement of the buildings but these were still sky scrapers of many hundred meters height. Some looked well maintained and others were dark ruins, the sky was black and either it was still night or I had slept longer than I thought I had. I had lost all sense of time that was for sure.

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<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The road gleamed wet as if it had rained just recently and even out here the air smelled dirty and foul. I found a piece of dark plastic tarp and fashioned it into a makeshift cloak, in the hope the thing would bend me at least somewhat into the shadows and hide most of my weapons.

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<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I must have walked for at least ten klicks. The pain killer had worn off and the pulsating pain of my leg was killing me. I had to force myself to make each step and knew I could not really slow down. Not that I had a clear cut target or destination, but I hoped that I would find some kind of Elevator or stair system that would take me up to the higher levels, where the Light signs were. One of the hotels or Casinos up there must have some kind of communication system I hoped.

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<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I was not alone; there were beings of every size and shape, scavenging through the ever present garbage and waste. Lingering in those narrow alleys and at all times I felt as if there were thousand eyes watching every move I made. I witnessed a brutal beating in one of those alleys, three beings of humanoid shape beat on a tall being that was either a Spindlar, perhaps an Andorian or member of a species I did not know. The beating was savage and I heard the wet blows of clubs and the painful groaning of their victim.

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<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I should have gone on the other side of the street and put as much distance between me and them, but my cursed values of hating unfair situations overtook all common sense, but before I could intervene. Another group of five beings broke from out the shadows and attacked those who did the beating, from the few words and curses I heard, friends of the victim. There was no way I would get involved now and I increased my limping walking speed to get away before they decided to turn on me. Part of me wanted to fight everyone I saw, simply kill everything and everyone in sight and cleanse this cesspool and as I was thinking those thoughts with the still bubbling anger in my stomach. I suddenly remembered my ring and for a moment I thought it felt almost hot. If I only had Mördaren or that axe I had found. I shook my head freeing my mind of these strange thoughts, most likely fever delusions caused by the spider poison polluting my body.

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<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Among all those foul smelling odors, a new scent wafted across my nose. Seared meat! It was a mouthwatering smell, making me painfully aware that I was thirsty and hungry. This smell banished all my fever fantasies and put me back into reality.

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<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The smell of flame broiled meat directed me towards a dimly lit flickering light sign displaying alien writing, mounted over a hole someone had busted into the foundation wall of a skyscraper. A counter had been build across the lower half of that hole. Behind it was an Ogahr, wearing an apron working a fire grill with strips of meat on a steel grid. Several sod blackened pots with something that bubbled and steamed on the other side. Skinned animals of various sizes and shapes hung on steel hooks all across the low ceiling of this improvised food kitchen. A dozen beings, seven Ogahr three human shapes, a Quadiped and a Togar stood before the hole talking to each other and eating whatever they sold here out of paper wrapped packages. Half concealed by the flickering light sign I also noticed crude but deadly looking Flamer, mounted on a remote arm. The red blinking sensor over the remote weapon made it clear the thing was active. I wondered how many non paying customers had been roasted instead of the meat on the grill. I felt into the pocket where I had the rest of the coins and hoped it was enough for whatever they sold here. I probably did not want to know what it was exactly but at the moment I didn't care and I did not plan to ask too many questions about the origin of the food.

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<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Several banged up looking heavily armored flyers were parked near that group and they all were painted black and orange, had gun turrets of various weapon systems mounted on their hoods and roofs and each of those flyers had a lit sign on the roof. The signs switched writing and lettering every five seconds or so and the word Taxi was displayed in clear Union writing in regular intervals.

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<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I crossed the street walking towards that food stand when one of the Ogahr, dressed in black leather yelled. "Skath get away from my Taxi if you want to live!" As he yelled the gun turrets on the nearest flyers swiveled around and targeted me and I stopped in my tracks.

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<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Quadiped laughed throaty."Maybe he needs a ride. Never turn back a fare, Sigpah."

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<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The black dressed Ogahr yelled again in my direction." I only take Polonium, Union Creds. Not recy scrap!"

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<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I have money. I want to buy some food and I need a ride too!"

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<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">He waved his big hand and the gun turrets moved to point into the sky. "Come over then, if you money glows I take it Skath or not."

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<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I stepped into the reddish light from the sign above and they noticed the H&K which I could not hide like the other weapons under my make shift plastic cloak.

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<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"He isn't a Skath, not with this kind of hardware." The Quadiped grunted.

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<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Ogahr behind the counter leaned forward. "Don't see too many hunters around here, but I ain't buying Skath meat regardless of the species. I fry only Lum-Lums and Kultis, but there is Bonguu five blocks up towards the District border, they take anything that bleeds."

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<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I pointed at the grill." I want to buy some of that and if you have water I like some too."

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<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The cook said "You must be new around here. No one in their right mind asks for water in these parts. I sell Ogahr Brew but I think I have a squeeze bag of Nul Milk if you prefer that. I don't know how fresh it is, never had a Nul customer but I heard humans can drink it."

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<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Since the selection was limited and I had no desire to experiment with Nul food I said. "I have Ogahr brew then."

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<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">He wrapped a piece of seared meat in a flap of white dough and put it in a round Oven made of Duro-Crete bricks and added a few pieced of wood into the fire underneath." Be ready in a minute. Brew and Lum-Lum Chew that will be half-a-weight and I only take Polos. I don't have a fancy Credit strip like my Taxi friends here."

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<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I handed him one of the big coins and he snorted." Hunting must be good, paying with a twenty."

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<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">He handed me a handful smaller coins, a round plastic bag filled with a yellowish liquid and then took the meat and dough combination out of the oven wrapped in brown paper and gave it to me as well.

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<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I went to the side and leaned against the wall so I could keep an eye on things. The plastic bladder had a metal clip that when removed allowed the yellow liquid flow through a short tube from which it could be sucked. Ogahr brew, so I found was a flat and extremely bitter tasting beer, not even a drunken low man would touch, but it was wet and quenched my thirst. What he had called a Lum-Lum Chew was actually quite delicious. It was a strong tasting very spicy piece of stringy meat inside a bland bread pocket. While I was eating I was watching them and they were watching me.

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<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Black dressed Ogahr said after I had finished the last bite. "I mistook you for a Skath, but sometimes these hungry bastards do crazy things. Still needing a ride?"

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<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I nodded. "Yes I do."

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<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">He directed me to one of the armored and armed flyers and at his command the door opened. He said." I have not lost a customer yet and my Hoogley is a well protected. So hop on in."

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<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I climbed into the passenger compartment, there was a bare steel seat and two Neuro Rippers pointed at whoever would be sitting on that seat.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I heard his voice through a speaker. "A word of advice, hunter, and touch your guns and the Computronic will fry you on the spot. Fare is 10 Union Creds per 15 minutes or Two-weight Polo coin." I saw him turn behind the transparent barrier that separated us and he pointed at a slot below." First payment is upfront and don't try to cheat. I don't take Kerms, too much of a hassle to fly out to the Kermac enclave and try to argue with those white skins."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I dropped one of the bigger coins in the slot and he grunted satisfied. "A fiver will certainly do the trick. Very well then, where would you want to go?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"A decent hotel."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"You're in luck. My wives' brother works for a fine establishment. Clean, heavy security, right in the Donheer District and all Insurances paid to the Syndicate."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Cap whisked up through these artificial crisscrossing canyons diving underneath sky bridges in to a higher region of the city where the advertisement signs became brighter and the sky bridges were lit.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">After about eight or nine minutes the cap slowed down before the entrance platform of a Hotel with a bright blue sign reading Sleep save on a Budget Hotel and two line blaster armed Ogahr guarding a heavy looking steel door.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Cab pilot turned again and said."Here we are and be so kind and deposit another one weight, that is the Opening door fee."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I swallowed what I wanted to say, arguing with an Ogahr behind a trans-plast shield and looking at two Neuro rippers was not a good idea so I dropped another coin in the slot and the door opened with an oily sounding groan. The speaker connection was still open and I heard a voice from his Com System saying. "We are looking for a male human shown on this holo likeness, there is a rew…"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I was already out as I heard him yell."Get back in now!"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I ran as fast as my leg let me away from the hotel door across the sky bridge. I had to get some kind of cover before he could fire. There was another Sky bridge, about six meters below diagonal to the one I was on, I prayed to Thor to give me strength and courage, flanked over the hand rail and hoped I could land favoring just one leg and roll over my shoulder to lessen the impact of the fall. I was still in the air as a blaster shot melted the hand rail where I just had been.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Trying to use only one leg didn't work out so well and the impact of the landing made me feel as if I had been hit by a gigantic sledge hammer, I was certain I heard the breaking of a bone. I rolled over my shoulder and almost tumbled over the edge, this Sky Bridge turned out to be a service pipe or sky tunnel, and it had no hand rail or safety force field of any kind. The surface was slightly curved to each side and slippery metal, still wet from the last rain. I almost slipped as I struggled to my feet, hoping the All terrain soles would still work and adjust to the slippery condition at least somewhat. There was no time for safety; the Taxi Cab was already coming after me to get a better firing position. I doubted the H&K rockets were strong enough to damage an armored flyer, but I had to buy me a little time, so I turned knelt down and aimed carefully and fired a five round burst in armor breaking mode right at the narrow wind shield sandwiched between two armor plates.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The mini rockets peppered the windshield and perforated it, one of the taxi cabs guns fired but went at least two meters above my head and slammed somewhere into a wall; the cab went into a steep dive and collided with a sky bridge below me. I limped to the end of the bridge, pulled myself over a railing onto a balcony type side walk circling around this building.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I simply kept on going, to put some distance between me and that cab, who knows if he survived or managed to tell someone that he had seen me. Up here were few places to hide, but luckily there weren't many beings out on foot either.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">How many hours I limped through that strange city, always staying in the shadows as much as I could, I could not tell, but the sky above me begun to brighten and a new day was dawning. My leg was completely numb and my right shoulder throbbed after taking the brunt of the fall, I was sure it was broken. I was at a point where I actually contemplated to jump, simply end it, what was the point of trying to keep on going. There was no one and nothing on this planet I could reach out for help and at this point I needed help badly. Then I saw what looked like a Dance Club with bright lights and expensive skimmers whisking form and to the Entrance platform. From a lofty sidewalk I saw heavy armed guards and robots and there a little to the side stood Wetmouth, smoking one of Muhammad's smoke sticks! My friends had found me! That this could have been any Sojonit did not come to my delirious mind at that point. I balanced across a small ledge on the side of the building to make it from the sky bridge I was on to that platform and approached the Sojonit..." Oh thanks Odin. Wetmouth! You guys found me!"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She looked at me and said."I am not Wetmouth, I am Moistpromise, I am a Sojonit but do know of Wetmouth."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">A robot and a security guard were approaching but she waved them away and then she looked at me from behind her mask and said." You are a mess, soldier, you better come with me!"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">A sporty pink colored Mercedes open roof Skimmer came floating to the edge of the platform and its doors swung open. The Sojonit took my hand." Get in fast, before anyone really sees us."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I did and she sat down behind the controls. The floater was neither armed nor had it any visible armor, but then I saw the controls of a state of the art SII Battle shield and knew why she didn't need armor or guns. She gunned the engines of this quick luxury skimmer and pulled it in a steep climb into the sky above the buildings. I wanted to say something, tell her who I was but everything became blurry and I passed out.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Interlude: NEWPORT

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">There was no panic among the officers in the hearing room, but most of the ones present stared at Dent, his eyes rolled up, drooling from the corner of his mouth and yet he was speaking and making demands." Six minutes left before this side of the planet and most of this continent are atomized and all of you with it."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Alyica said." He is under a Hypnotic control, but still I know he speaks the truth. There is a bomb somewhere near and ready to be activated."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Narth declined his head slightly." One would wager that such a device as the one that is directly below us is not sufficient to atomize half the planet. It is only a 1000 Kilo Bomb of Anti matter, it will however be sufficient to kill. Having been reincarnated so recently I must say I do not look forward to die again and this time permanently."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Richard said." Alyica and Narth you can teleport yourself and hopefully some others with you to safety. Take Mc Elligott and whoever you can. I will stay and try to negotiate."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Circuit said to Narth, can you teleport me to that bomb? I am sure I can deactivate it."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Before Circuit even completed his last word, Narth and he vanished into thin air.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The hypnotized Dent cackled with a strange laughter," Too late, you all die now!"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Nothing happened, but Dent's eyes rolled down and he looked completely surprised and baffled around." What did just happen?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">One of the Academy Commandants looked at his PDD." The ten minutes have just ended."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Out through the window next to the glaring sun a new star flashed into existence and send blinding light erasing every shadow on this side of Newport for a long moment.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Stahl spoke into his PDD giving orders. Mc Elligott got up and spoke for the first time since the ordeal begun." I don't care what it will take or cost, I want every resource every man every ship to hunt that Worm. No one sleeps, takes a break or a vacation until we have eradicated this disease from our fleet."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Dent still standing behind his desk said." Never get into something without a Plan B. He pointed his PDD at Stahl, two streaks of sliver hissed through the air one decapitated Dent and the other severed his hand, while a blaster bolt from the PDD hit the wall only inches above the head of the ancient Warrior.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Stahl brushed his hand over his singed hair and then gave Har Hi a brief smile. "Marines from the Devastator are dropping on Newport as we speak and secure this place, but you my Dai friend saved my life."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Circuit came in carrying the Narth who appeared dead." He teleported the bomb into space, he said it would drain all his energies and he was not sure if he could teleport so much weight far enough so it would do any damage. He did it, but he collapsed and hasn't moved since."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">A solemn silence fell over the room and everyone stared at the limb shrouded body ion Circuits arms.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Stahl was about to break the silence and say something when the Narth stirred and lifted his arm." One is deeply moved by the feelings directed toward my person. I did somewhat overextend myself and need to return to Narth Prime.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Stahl said to Har Hi." Take that Barracuda of yours and bring him as fast as you can to Narth Prime. She is the fastest ship.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Har Hi acknowledged the order and gathered his knifes, spat on the dead Admiral and went to the door followed by his friends, but Wetmouth turned," Sir what about Eric?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"If anyone can find him or know where he is then it is the Narth Supreme. Now go, I promise you we will turn every rock to do our part to find your friend.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Chapter 3 Continued :

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">When I came around I found myself in a large bed with peach colored satin sheets. The bed had curtains, a mirror above the bed and it stood in a large girlish decorated room in matching colors

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">My arm was bandaged with a stiff Bone-Mender Patch; I was clean and otherwise naked under the thin soft sheet. There was no pain from my leg and it was bandaged with a rigid plastic film

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Sojonit sat in a chair reading something on a PDD and noticed me waking up. She looked exactly like Wetmouth with pink hair and a mask displaying a beautiful stiff woman's face with an open mouth. Unlike Wetmouth however she did not wear Union uniform but a pink sheer outfit with a skimpy bikini beneath it covering her only barely. She had her long legs crossed with long heeled boots on her feet

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She said and her voice was different from Wetmouth too. "So you are Eric Olafson. Half the Planet is looking for you. Someone put a huge bounty and a very good description of yours in circulation. That is bad news on a planet without laws and full of bounty hunters, assassins, killers and pirates to name just the tip of the iceberg."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I wanted to make sure and asked. "I am on Sin 4 right?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Yes you are and I just talked to the Mother Superior. She sent message to Wetmouth to tell her you are alive."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">A rock as big as Nilfeheim rolled of my chest and I said. " Thank you, Moistpromise. Thank you for rescuing me."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She laughed a friendly sounding laugh." If anyone ever needed rescuing, it was you Eric, but I am very glad I could help."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I asked. "Is there a GalNet Terminal somewhere, or some other means to get a message to fleet command?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She nodded. "Yes at the SII-Bank and business center in the Uppers District, but getting you there will not be easy. Those who are looking for you will have eyes and ears all around that place and perhaps even scanning equipment. We are 170 Light years away from the closest Union Planet. Only the Union developed this marvelous instantaneous communication net. The Katarians have faster than light communication but slower than a space ship and it would take weeks to get a message to a Union Planet that way. Of course the Kermac have a PSI-Sender on their Enclave Island but entrusting any information to a Kermac long range telepath would not be advisable and I am not sure if there is a connection of the Kermac Psi Sender net to the Union anyway." She got up and walked over sat on the side of the bed and held her PDD over me. It made the characteristic sounds of a med scan in progress. She turned the display around and said." You are one of the lucky few who survived a Bone-hand crawler bite, the antidote and blood cleansing drugs are working and you are soon as good as new."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I looked at the display and it confirmed her diagnosis and I said." Thank you for patching me up and taking care of that. Before I saw you, knew I wasn't going to last much longer. You saved my life."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I saw her smile behind her mask and she padded my shoulder. "Mother Superior commanded me to help you and besides it is a nice change of pace to help a young man instead of doing the other things."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I asked." Is it possible to leave this planet, perhaps booking a passage on a ship? These Casinos need gamblers and they have to come from somewhere, right?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She laughed again." Eric this is Sin 4, we are in Free-space. There is no Space bus service. Yes I am sure you can get a ride on a ship, but you would have to hire one of the Privateers that run passenger services and whoever is looking for you will have the two space ports under close surveillance as well. I heard there is a bounty of five million Polo coins on your head; you could not trust anyone right now."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I swallowed and almost whispered. "Can I trust you?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She spread her arms. "You have to trust me, but no worries. We are bound by the rule of Mother Superior and the Goddess and no amount of money can make us sell out! Mother Superior wants to see you and that is where we go next."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Thank you for rescuing me!"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"It was a pleasure, besides I am a friend of Wetmouth and she has told me about you in many letters. I know you are close friends!"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"What happened to my uniform?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"It's somewhere on the bottom of the South Ocean. There was a tracker tacked to it and hopefully, if they manage to finally track it they think you are dead."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I felt my heart slump." There was a piece of metal, in a leather holster I had. Is it on the bottom of the ocean as well?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She shook her head. "No, I have sent your weapons to the temple, they are safe there and you can collect them there. All I kept here is that Union Bank Credit Box of yours."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I thanked her and was glad that the Colt was not lost. That present I got from Stahl was not only quite dear to me; it had saved my life now twice.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Sojonit turned off the PDD and got up. "We need to leave soon and get you to the Temple Island. Only there will you be really safe and Mother Superior will know what to do!"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I felt quite naked without any weapon, despite the fact that I was under those sheets, "Someone knows we are here?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She shrugged. "I took as much care as I could, while bringing you here but this planet is also called the world of a million eyes and someone could have seen me carry you in. Besides this is only a love hotel and if they want to see who my customer is I can't refuse. We Sojonites are under protection of the Four Families by old contracts, but whoever is searching for you, appears to have the blessing of the Four Families to find you. The temple island is off limits but we need to get there!"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I wanted to get up and said. "Then we should go!"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She held me back and said. "Not like this. My flyer is open and everyone can see who is inside. You need a disguise!"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I nodded and said. "Alright."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Her voice had a serious tone as she said. "It is forbidden by our highest laws that anyone who has not taken the oaths of our order shall impersonate a Sojonit. We command very high prices and respect for our services and there are those who want to cash in on our brand. We kill those who do and without mercy, but our highest laws can be overruled by the will and command of she who is the Mother Superior and she told me to disguise you as a Sojonit. So you can move and travel freely and go to the island." She pointed at an Auto Dresser. "It looks like an old model but Mother Superior had sent it while you were still unconscious, it is a Saresii model and can do some temporary plastic surgery Go use it."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She laughed as I wrapped the bed sheet around me to walk over to the machine and said." Who do you think undressed you? Besides there are no physical secrets you hide underneath that sheet a Sojonit hasn't seen thousands of times."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I blushed and said with a meek sounding voice. "I can't help it, I am from a very prudent and backwater society and being naked in front of a woman is one of these things…"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She stepped on the seam of the sheet and I had to get in the machine without it. It seemed like a small eternity ago when I last used an Auto Dresser this way on Wichita Planet. It took longer than usual and the process was not entirely pleasant. I felt as if I was a piece of dough Midril pounded, rolled and shaped with her round and strong underarms.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">But when I stepped out I wore a corset style top, a short skirt and long boots, over it a sheer jacket and all in shades of pink. The body underneath all this was quite feminine and filled the skimpy outfit in the right places.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She nodded approvingly and then handed me a Sojonit mask and said with a solemn tone." To a Sojonit it is a very special day when she receives her mask and wig. You are the first ever as far as I know who is allowed to wear these and not being initiated by the order."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I put the mask on. It felt warm and was soft and pliable and she helped me with the wig. I had not forgotten about my other persona and the side of me I called Freya came to the surface and the change in me was quite intense. This female persona that was part of me burst to life and brushed all maleness aside and felt free once more.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Moist clapped her hands." Either Wetmouth was a very good teacher or you have hidden talents of your own. I know few females and even fewer males that could walk like that in those heels."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I said and was surprised of the soft female voice "These are hidden talents. Wetmouth had little chance of wearing anything but Uniform since I know her."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She stepped back to inspect me with an approving nod. "Impractical they are and not exactly healthy. Fashion comes and goes but high heels have always been a hallmark of female fashion the Galaxy over."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I had no real response, but simply enjoyed the feel and was certain no one would recognize me now, not even my friends. "There is a voice changer in the mask?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She nodded. "Yes these masks are way more than disguises. Now help me deleting any trace of your presence."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Under her instructions, we stripped the bed, threw the sheets down a garbage chute and she pressed a contact on the Auto dresser and it fell apart in dozens of pieces they too went down the chute. We sprayed everything liberally with a strong smelling disinfectant. She explained." This will destroy any DNA traces of us being here, just in case someone is checking. "

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I wondered if she had done such clandestine things before, as it seemed she had quite the experience but I decided not to ask. I spotted the Credit box on the night stand and just out of curiosity checked the read out and almost fell over. The readout showed a secure account with 10 million Union Creds.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She came out of the bathroom and looked around."As good as it gets. Let's get out of here and pay for the room and for extra cleaning."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">We left the suite and went down a glass elevator into a plush decorated foyer. A truly white faced humanoid with sunken eyes wearing a tuxedo like outfit bowed slightly behind the counter greeted us as we approached. "We are always very grateful for Sojonit patronage. I hope everything was to the Sisters satisfaction?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Moistpromise declined her head gracefully. "The Velvet Pasha meets the expectations of our customers, as always. We had a rather extensive session and I would like to order immediate room service and book the room for the rest of the week."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">He pressed a contact and nodded." Room service has been dispatched right away."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The read out on his terminal showed 1900 Creds and I swiped the box and left a hefty tip. I batted my eyes behind the mask and said." That is for you. Your attention to excellent service is well received."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">He pushed his chest out and smiled proudly." You are too kind! Thank you so much. This is very generous"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Just then six beings came through the main entrance door. They wore armor plated uniforms, and were armed to the teeth. One of them came straight to the counter, touched a control on his left gauntlet and a projected a holo of my face appeared floating above it. He barked at the white skinned man behind the counter. "Have you seen this man?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Desk attendant looked the man down."This is the Pasha! We are operated and owned by the Maroni family! We do not divulge such information if we had it!" On his signal a big Quadiped appeared from behind an alcove and planted his massive body behind the Desk clerk and rasped with his steel barrel voice." It is very unhealthy to mess with the Maroni. I suggest you bounty hunters leave now!"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"We have permissions from the Cartel to search. So tell us have you seen this man?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The desk clerk shook his head. "No I have not."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Moistpromise took me by the arm and guided me towards the exit, one of the Bounty hunters more Cyborg than man stepped in our way and he too produced the Holo." Have you seen him? There is a nice reward on his head!"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"We serviced no such man!" She said." Now let us pass!"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">He grunted something unfriendly but one of his colleagues pulled at his shoulder. "Let the Sojos go. They are protected in ways you do not want to mess with. I could feel their eyes on my back as we left for the park deck.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Her pink Mercedes was already waiting and only after she piloted it in a steep curve above the peaks of the sky scrapers and protected by its powerful shields I relaxed. "Whew, I thought he noticed something."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She giggled. "Yes he did your ass! He had lots of machine parts but he was still a man."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The city was as dirty and gray during the day as it was at night. The air was full of smoke and sod and I looked around and sighed. "What a place!"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She looked at me from the side and said. "Sin 4 is not just Casinos and prostitution. It produces lots of illegal wares. Drugs and weapons being on top of the list and Companies take advantage of the cheap labor Lows, Skath and Slaves provide and there are no regulations, no laws. All waste is simply dumped anywhere. The City as you see it below us spreads almost over the entire continent and there are estimates that there are between eight and twelve billion beings living here, and most of them living at the bottom of the social feeding chain. Not even counting the true owners of this world, the native Sticks."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I asked,"Who are the Sticks?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She answered."A tribal pre industrial species that is native to Sin 4. They are treated even worse than the Skaakh. Most of them live on the Southern continent, but often they round them up for meat, for slave labor. It is very depressing."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I wonder why anyone wants to live here!"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Because Sin 4 is within reach of the four big powers, not to mention the Kartanian, the Togar and dozens of smaller Civilizations not associated to any of the big four. " She must have noticed despite my mask that I wondered who the big four were, because she added." Out here in known Free space we call the Union, the Kermac, the Nul-Nul and the Shiss simply the Big Four. You know by treaty of the last cease fire agreement, this is Free Space. None of the four powers are allowed to send Warships here and all four watch closely the others don't violate this treaty.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">So this world became a haven for the scum and criminal elements of the Galaxy and it is big business. Anything that is illegal in any of the four powers can be bought or sold here. It is a neutral meeting ground, hostages and blackmail money can be exchanged, as you learned yourself."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I sighed. "Whenever I think I know a little about the universe, I find out I know really nothing."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She steered the flyer towards the open ocean and said. "I think you need to be one of those mystical Immortals the Union claim to have, to really know and understand it all."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I agreed with her. "Yes I think you are right, maybe Stahl and Mc Elligott have a chance to do that."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Moistpromise said. "Not that anyone believes they are real, but you mention the name of the eternal Soldier around here in a spacers bar and you can see real fear in the eyes of hardboiled privateers and pirates that usually fear nothing. Some believe he is just well done propaganda, or some kind of Avatar projection, but there are quite a few who think he is a Demon or a God. "

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"He is real and he assured me he is no god. Even though he comes pretty close to a deity aboard the Devi."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Her eyes went wide behind the slits of her mask." You actually met Admiral Stahl and seen the Devastator?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I could not help but feel a deep surge of pride and said." I am a Midshipman aboard the Devastator and I have talked to the Immortal in person."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Just as she wanted to respond and we were almost over the ocean. Two armed skimmers came close; one was open and filled with rough looking warriors. They looked us over, then they waved and yelled obscene suggestions then turned around and left.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She said. "That is why we use open skimmers. So they can see we never have anything to hide. It is part of our agreement with the Cartels. In exchange we are untouchable and no one dares to attack a Sojonit."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I noticed the gray unhealthy looking water of the ocean around the continents shore turned to a beautiful shade of azure green. There were small islands in the distance with expensive villas. She made a big circle around them and said. "Those are the family villas, belonging to the top bosses of the Cartel. They have any weapon money can buy, the best mercenaries and they shoot first and rarely ask questions if you get too close without being expected."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">After a few minutes of flight we approached a larger green Island and I realized what a feat it must have been for a little girl rowing a little make-shift boat all the way out here and Wetmouth's story took on a whole new dimension in my mind.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Island was covered with well tended green parks, in its center an immense Statue of a reclined naked woman in a very provocative position. The Statues face looked exactly like the masks all Sojonites wore.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I estimated the Statue to be at last 200 meters tall.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She chirped with a happy tone in her voice. "Welcome to Sojo Island. This is our sanctuary and our temple!"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Small structures that looked like frilly Garden pagodas, turned with us and I saw the muzzles of modern FTL projectors extending from white roofs following our flight path.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She noticed it too." The island is perhaps the best defended place on this planet and this fact is well known. Here you are as safe as can be as no man is allowed in the inner sanctuary. You will be the first. Do not reveal your true nature to anyone even other sisters, till we met the Mother Superior!"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I won't."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Your mask and wig are registered and you can freely move. Anyone trying to use a fake disguise would not make it that far!"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I said" I am glad to wear the real thing then."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She steered the pink flyer towards one of the gigantic perky breasts of the statue and a hidden door opened at its base and admitted us.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">We landed in a spherical hangar and there was a small fleet of these pink Mercedes Flyers parked.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I knew the price of a used Opel flyer and could only guess at the price of these, especially here so far from Union markets." Well it seems business is good!"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She laughed." It is often called the oldest business in the universe and no matter the times, we always have a steady stream of customers. Our reputation is old and well earned.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">It was cool in here and the air smelled of a faint feminine perfume, the same scent I always noticed on Wetmouth and the same perfume Moist and I wore now. The corridors she was leading me through had no straight lines and had an organic round asymmetric design. The floors covered with soft carpets, muffling our steps. Even though I did enjoy the staccato of our heels in the hangar we just left.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">There were Sojonites everywhere and only few wore masks. Some wore simple white robes and others nothing at all. Moist explained to me as we walked. "Here in the temple we do not have to wear our masks. But some of us wear them for so long they became such an integral part of us, that we feel naked without them."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I could understand that and kept on looking around taking in the sights of this unusual place, antiques and artwork from all over the Galaxy depicting humans and non human species in all forms of sexual contact was displayed everywhere. I noticed a statue of a Quadiped in the middle of a quite obvious act and asked. "How is it you can offer your services to let's say to a Quadiped and yet I see no non human species here?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She responded. "These are secrets I can not reveal to you, but a fully educated Sister can service any being and we know all about the most intimate practices of every known life form as well."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">We stepped into a small elevator that followed the arched body of the female statue into its head and from there she guided me into a very tasteful decorated room with antique looking furniture. A Sojonit awaited us. She was the first I saw that did not wear pink but a deep red gown. The hair if her wig was much longer but cut in the same style and it too was not pink but had a deep red shade, the Lips of her mask were closed. The masked woman inspected me with glittering eyes and then said. "Welcome Eric, I am the Mother Superior of the Order of the Sojonit Goddess who is the Mother of the Universe and source of all pleasure."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I instinctively bowed and said. "It is an honor, Ma'am!"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She said to Moisture." Thank you for bringing him here and keeping him save."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Moistpromise spread her arms and curtsied. "I live to serve the Goddess!" With these words she turned and left the room. I was alone with the mysterious woman.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She gestured towards a soft and comfortable looking seating group arranged around a low table with a single big candle on top that was burning and appeared to be the source of the sweet perfumed scent of the room. "Have a seat and get comfortable. You are welcome to take of the mask of course."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I sat down and took the flexible mask of.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She walked to an expensive looking, delicate carved armoire and asked "Would you care for something to drink? I have real Terran Line Aquavit here and a nice selection of beers!"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I wanted to decline but the prospect of a cold beer was quite alluring and I said." A beer would be great."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She opened the Armoire revealing a modern Union style Serv matic and produced a frosted mug and handed it to me along with a bottle of Budsteiner one of the most common and quite good Union brands. "I am sorry, I don't have Holsteiner but I will have it on hand if you ever return here."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I thanked her, poured the golden liquid in the mug producing a nice white crown. My mouth became dry in anticipation and taking a long drought, if there was a heaven or a Valhalla I was near that state at this very moment."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">A little ashamed I put the glass down, there was nothing left but some foam in the bottom. She laughed with a pearly silvery voice." By the goddess, you are the first Neo Viking Sojonit and it clearly shows."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I squinted my eyes." Ma'am it appears you know a lot of details about me."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She sat down crossed her legs. "I believe your security clearance is Blue-Blue-Red. You are a Midshipman in the third year and you are currently posted aboard the Devastator, your graduation is only 2 month off if I am correct."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She knew more than a person outside the fleet should have known about me and I became suspicious. "Please don't take this the wrong way, Ma'am but are you associated with those who brought me here?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She shook her head. "No worries, young man. I know Richard and O' Brock. I know both of them trust you very much and had lots to say about you when I informed them you had been found." She made a gesture that incorporated the room and everything around her. "You see, this is not only a Sojonit temple but an outpost of the oldest known Intelligence service, known to an elect few as the Gray Cat society of Sar."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I was surprised by that, I had never heard of the Gray Cat society or even knew the Saresii had an Intelligence Service. I said. "I thought all national military and intelligence services had been consolidated in Fleet and NAVINT at the signing of the National resource unification act of 3000."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She nodded. "That is the official line, but we still exist and so does the elusive Terran Space Intelligence service that is still operating under the command of another Terran Immortal." She shifted her position and tugged on the skirt of her dress. Because you are here and because I think you need to know I am going to initiate you into our most guarded secrets over the next few weeks. "

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">If she was moiré than the head of a religious order I thought she might know and so I asked her "Do you know how and why I ended up here?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She nodded, "Yes I do. Admiral Dent was a deeply entrenched agent of the Worm. The Worm fears the new activity of the Narth and their willingness to boost the ranks of the PSI Corps and so do the Kermac. The Kermac have tried to abduct you before, if you recall your ordeal at Camp Idyllic."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She knew everything about me and I said," Why me? I am just one of many and come from a very unimportant planet."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Because you are the first who can claim to be the friend of a Narth and more so the Narth confirm that by making you a High representative of their species. You are young and new to all this, I know but in terms of Galactic Importance, there isn't much above the Narth. They are not only the most enigmatic species known; they are around for longer than even the mythical Pree and the Uni. Now comes along a human, from as you say unimportant planet and befriends the first Narth to ever join the Union Fleet. They tried to abduct him to study him, to use him as a tool to lift the secrets of the Narth and when that failed you became the next target. They think that you hold a key, that you are important enough for the Narth to reveal their secrets. As much as the Worm fears the Narth, the Kermac are truly terrified and they believe their very existence is threatened if the aggressive Earthers gain access to Narth knowledge and technology. So they worked through their agents and paying the Worm to get you."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I frowned." Little would it do, I know very little about the Narth and there is nothing they could do to me to sell out my friend and tell them what little I do know."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The mysterious woman leaned forward and padded my knees." I can only imagine how terrifying and big these things must appear to you, but you have managed to stand on your own and your are far from an average Midshipman. Do you know just how many people have ever met both the Eternal Soldier and the Administrator? "

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Before I could answer she continued saying." It is a small group, for most these men are nothing more than legendary figures that have existed at one point long ago. Others believe these are titles bestowed on new beings, but you have met them and they know you. You rubbed shoulders with the Queen of Saran, the Queen of Klack and the Pan Saran Emperor know of you. Not to mention that your great grandfather, Egill is known to be one of the Wise men of the Assembly. All this, Eric makes you far from average."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I had held my breath as she said all this and somehow I knew she was right, I was different from the other Cadets in that regard." I never thought of myself anything else but normal and average."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"How many average Cadets do you know, have the Medal of Honor and are cleared to the highest Classification level. There have been less than fifty individuals that ever commanded the Devastator ever since Stahl came back with that mighty battle ship. I have it on good authority you even commanded her during a space battle."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Her pointing all that out made me actually feel quite uncomfortable and I wondered what this all meant. "It sort of happened; I did not plan any of this."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Mother Superior laughed again." I am certain you haven't. No one can plan their destiny; only go their way as good as possible. I don't know what destiny waits for you but Algear told me to give you some tools and knowledge that will help you in the future. "

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I wanted to know, "Who is Algear?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"The best friend of Egill, he is a Saresii and when I told him of you he wanted me to reveal all this to you. In the hopes this knowledge might come useful to you one day."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I tried to digest all this and then I said. "If Dent is an agent of the Worm he could put his goons everywhere! Admiral Stahl must be informed!"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She had an assuring tone in her voice as she said "He knows. Admiral Dent has been killed by a certain Dai you know and your friends know you are alive. Your friend Narth is with them. You will be reunited with them soon."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">This was the best news I heard so far and I sighed deeply and relieved and could not help but grin as I heard Har Hi had killed the traitorous Admiral. "So Wetmouth is an agent too?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"No Eric she does not know, only a select few of the High Priestess of this order are aware of this. This order exists for a very long time and it is much more than a cover. The Sojonites know all the secrets of sexual pleasure of almost every being in the known Universe."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"How can they?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"We are not human Eric; we are shape shifters and can take on any form."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I never heard of a species that can do that, but then I've seen many species unknown to me in the last days."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"It is a great secret Eric, however it appears as if you attract and collect the great secrets of this Universe like others collect pottery pieces, maybe it is because you are keeping secrets well and you can be trusted with them."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I never really asked for them!"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Well you are not very good at keeping your own secret to well. It seems you are quite comfortable in this costume. Much more than a Neo Viking supposed to be!"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">My cheeks started burning and I felt ashamed as she was right.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She leaned forward and padded my knee." Don't be ashamed, there are no secrets of this nature that are a mystery to us and perhaps one day you too will learn how to shape shift. It is a gift that can be learned you know.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I tried to feel more relaxed and said. "Well I bet it sure helps to get into the nice outfits!"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She laughed."Indeed it does!"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I showed her the Cred Box." What do I do with this?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She checked it and whistled behind her mask. "This isn't small change anymore. I assume it is the sum brokered between Worm and Kermac for you. The Worm spends quite some money on this operation but the Kermac can afford it. I think you should keep it. You could retire from the Navy right away and be a very wealthy individual.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I shrugged." My grandfather left me much more than that and

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I have no idea what to do with all this money and I don't think I am going to retire anytime soon."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Keep it anyway it might come in handy. There are few more potent weapons in the universe than money."She got up and tugged at her skirt and listened to something I could not hear."It's time we leave and remember you never been here and all I told you was never said."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I will not mention anything to anyone."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Now be a Sojonit again put on your mask and follow me!"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Chapter 5: Chapter 4: Sojonit Secrets

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Chapter 5: Sojonit Secrets

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The woman in the red dress led me through a labyrinth of hallways, corridors and after an elevator ride into the secret basement facilities of the Temple far below the surface and accessible only through a complicated process of ID verification that made the Blue -Blue-Red Code process look like child's play.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">We ended up in a small conference room of sorts with several chairs and a kidney shaped table in the middle. A Sojonit entered and handed the Mother Superior a PDD and said. "Arrangements have been made and we will get a ship in three weeks."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The masked leader of the Sojonites glanced at the PDD, nodded and handed it back. To me she said. "By then everyone who is looking for you will think you are dead. Death comes quickly here on Sin 4 and in three weeks you are old news. By then we should have no problems to move you off planet."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She pointed at my leg and added." That gives you time to heal completely and we can teach you a few useful skills."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">A modern looking SII GalNet terminal rose from a hidden compartment in the table. A field screen flickered into existence and the logo of fleet command rotated in the middle for a short moment only to be replaced by the face of Admiral Stahl

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Suddenly I wished I was not dressed like a Sojonit. While I deeply enjoyed the role and the quite provocative outfit I somehow didn't want Stahl to know my secret.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The woman motioned me to remove my mask and the wig and I did. Stahl looked at me; his face did not reveal what emotions he felt as he said. "Midshipman Olafson I am very glad you are unharmed and safe."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I wasn't sure if I should stand in attention. Military protocol required such behavior only when in uniform so I decided against it." Thank you Sir."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">He nodded and said. "As you know Military Ships cannot enter Free Space and so we cannot come and get you officially. While we do have extensive other resources I think the current plan is the best, to let things cool down and make sure no one connects your rescue in any way to the Sojonites. I am sure you understand that we must move subtle and move carefully through very secure channels, so we do not jeopardize the Sojonites or the Saresii Intel Operation on Sin 4.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Your friends know you are alive and I told them that you are reasonably safe for the moment. However no one but I and Mother Superior know where you are at the moment. Most of your current adventure and the details of your rescue are classified beyond Blue-Blue-Red, meaning you will not divulge any details of this to anyone."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Yes Sir I understand."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">He smiled briefly and continued." I expected nothing less of you. For the time being you are transferred to the Saresii Intel service and you will take orders from Mother Superior as if they would come from me, understood?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Yes Sir."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">He leaned back and the optical sensor now revealed that he was sitting in his office aboard the Devastator. "It might interest you that your friend Har-Hi killed Admiral Dent, sparing him an execution and we are currently cleaning up o Newport."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I could not stop the grin that crept over my lips. "I can't say I am terribly sorry to hear that, Sir."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I am looking forward to see you soon and in person for a complete report, Midshipman Olafson, until then good luck and gods speed, Stahl out."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The transmission terminated and the field screen went dark.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I felt much better now, after talking to Stahl, everything didn't seem so confusing and there was a clear direction once more.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Mother Superior said with a warm tone in her voice." I know him for a very long time and I can see he is very fond of you!"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I was still staring at the dark field screen and said. "I am very proud to know the Admiral. It is very reassuring to know he is one of the men in charge and to know I can trust him."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She nodded. "That you can indeed, there is no one with a reputation like his. In all the centuries I know him, he has not changed. No matter the situation or crisis he is like a sturdy rock. Even his worst enemies respect and trust him."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I looked at her masked face "It seems you are fond of him as well."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"You have keen senses and I think your feminine side goes much deeper than you know."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">During the next few days I was taught how to overwrite and hack into advanced locks, break into Computronics, operate Bioflex mask makers and use make up and other means to change my appearance. I learned that the Sojonites did not only teach the art of love making but had a special squad of enforcers that made sure the Sojonit brand was not exploited by others. The tall Sojonit so I learned was from Earth and she taught me a new and different secretive martial arts technique that had only one goal, to kill the opponent as quickly as possible by recognizing the weak spot. Most of the training was given by neural upload and ancient Saresii Hypnotic techniques. I was told that they had to revert to these old techniques as I was immune to Psionic Learning. After each extensive upload she would go through a series of physical exercises to make sure the upload had taken hold. The martial arts technique was unlike any of the ones I knew as it was based on the incredible deep knowledge of the Sojonites into the weaknesses and nervous systems of hundreds of different species.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Another woman introduced me to the world of poisons and neuro-toxins. How to identify some of them and how to effectively use them; again the Sojonites drew from a deep knowledge base of many species, some of them unknown to the Union.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The range of weapons the Sojonites used was wicked and deadly. None of them obvious and all of them hidden: Micro-needlers, monofilament blades hidden in jewelry, masks, wigs and clothing. A seemingly innocent and playful looking wispy veil, used as part of the costume or in seductive dances that could be transformed into mono mesh nets slicing through flesh and bone was especially nasty in my opinion.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">None of the weapons would do much good in real battle or during boarding action, but reap terrible havoc in a night club, an urban setting or a similar urban setting.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I learned much about the Sojonit and their secrets, that this order was only one aspect of the Goddess and that another much more secretive Order worshipped and studied the destructive aspect. To them the Universe was a female spirit giving live and light but part of the Universe was also death and destruction. The innermost circle of the Sojonites enforced the laws of the Order quite effective as Assassins. Killing without mercy those who did not pay for services or those who tried to cash in on the reputation and dress like Sojonit Sisters. While I was not really buying all the metaphysical stuff I learned that the Order existed long before Terra ascended and collected and preserved knowledge and developed skills for a very long time.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">After two weeks of the most intensive training that barley left time for eating or sleeping I wondered why I was receiving these instructions. I was certain it would come in handy to know these things and I eagerly wanted to learn more. The Viking Warrior in me recoiled and abhorred the wicked and hidden ways to kill and assassinate, and it was not really my style or character, but knowing such things existed would help me to identify such threats easier.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I had just completed another practice session with the tall Sojonit when the Mother Superior came and inquired about my progress. After she received a satisfactory answer and a little demonstration of the skills I had learned she asked me to follow her to a small sacral looking vaulted room with a statue of the goddess Sojo dominating the back. The statue was about the size of a human and the material had a waxen bone colored appearance. The figure was dressed in the same deep red as the Mother superior. Hundreds of Candles were burning and the scent they produced was almost too much.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">A faint sound of silvery bells could be heard; it wasn't really a melody but appeared to be generated randomly. I also could hear the gurgling of water somewhere.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She sat down on a large silk cushion, folded her legs underneath her and asked me to do the same on a cushion across her. She made a gesture towards the statue. "To us Sojonites the Goddess is quite real and I am going to tell you our story so you may understand us better. After that I will arrange to improve your education in certain areas a little."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I blushed and said." I don't really want to know all the things Sojonites do. I respect it and all that and I do enjoy being female at the moment, but I am quite sure I am not interested in the...uhm... you know what you Sojonites do. "

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She laughed heartily. "Oh now young student, fear not, there are no intentions of that nature. Even though you would be surprised how powerful and useful such knowledge could be. The skills we hope you will acquire here are of a more practical nature and your Admiral has approved it."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I nodded and was glad that there was some knowledge I did not had to acquire. Still I wondered what it would be, she wanted to teach me.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She pressed the palms of her hands together and placed them above her lap. "To learn something it is often best to start at the beginning."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I had to agree with this basic wisdom and simply nodded, while she begun. " In a time where humans on Earth barley learned to walk upright and had yet to bring forth true sentience, the Saresii had developed to a strong and mighty civilization with many achievements. We were blessed with Psionic gifts and talents few others species could dream to match and with these powers and with the achievements of our culture came pride."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">While she talked a dark sphere established itself between us and displayed deep space and then moved to a Star system with seven planets. I knew as soon as I saw it, that such a system could not have been natural, as all Planets were on the same orbit around their sun. The orbit was not elliptical but a perfect circle, placing all the seven worlds into a perfect distance from that star.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Her voice continued and she explained what I was seeing. "Our pride grew and while pride is a good emotion, it can easily grow into haughtiness and arrogance and it did so with us. The Saresii became obsessed with our own beauty, our own power and this self importance affected and infected our entire society. The Saresii were as condescending as the Kermac are now. Yes there were voices of warning and those who tried to make us see the true reflection but too little avail.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">We used our combined Psionic powers to re-arrange our own solar system as you can see.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">There are seven perfectly groomed and perfectly identical worlds.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">We were not content with one home world but showed the Galaxy we were powerful enough to rearrange star systems and shape worlds to our ideals.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Saresii spread over many worlds and colonies and each colony competed to be the most beautiful and aesthetic pleasing.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">We Saresii cared little about what others found pleasing and sterilized many worlds to brand them and remake them in our image. During this phase of expansion and arrogance we met another civilization, the Seenians, just as arrogant and even more advanced. They commanded an empire that stretched across most of our Galaxy, with untold resources and mighty fleets. "

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I actually enjoyed her history lesson and it did give me some insights into one of the leading societies of our Union. I was sure her story would drag on for a while longer, but after running through the city wounded and poisoned, I found this a nice change of pace. I also had the suspicion that the scent of the candles had some sort of tranquilizing, calming effect, but my mild interest changed as the image shows a fleet of ships, hundreds of them and each looked like the Devastator. To the entire known Galaxy, the single Devastator was a sign of Union might. I had seen her might unleashed and now I stared at a fleet with hundreds of these immense ships. I knew how difficult it was to fight a tiny courier vessel of the Seenians, this image brought home to me just how powerful the Seenians had been. I barely heard her say. "The Devastator is a Seenian ship and it is just one. The Seenians showed up with fleets of thousands."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I remembered the words of Admiral Stahl about how dangerous the universe could be, regardless of how big your ship was; there was always someone with a bigger or better one. I wondered if even the combined might of the Union fleet would have stood a chance against such an adversary. While I still tried to wrap my mind around the image I saw, she continued. "We welcomed them and felt we finally met a species worthy of our attention.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Seenians told us that they were at war against a brutish force and recruited others to join them fighting. They also warned us that if we would not join them and if we would certainly perish trying to stand alone against the Dark ones."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Seeing the might of the Seenians displayed, I wondered what opponent could hope to stand against them. Yet the Seenians were no longer around and everyone knew they had lost the war against their mysterious opponent.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The mother superior kept on talking and commenting on the visual before me. "The Saresii, as you most likely know from school fought with the Seenians against the Dark Ones, much like the young civilizations of the Galaxy now fights against the Y'All every time they return... The Dark Ones were just as relentless unstoppable and their only motivation seemed to do evil and inflict pain and suffering. They could have easily destroyed entire worlds and solar systems and had done many times, but they also invaded and tortured and killed, not for gaining ground, but to devour and destroy. "

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The projection field between us displayed grainy and blurry images of a spherical ship that moved into a star system and she said. "These images are the only visuals we have of the Dark Ones and no outsider has ever seen them. We enhanced the quality as much as possible but these records have been copied many times and are over a million of your years old."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I had seen spherical ships before, the Ult used drop shaped ships and the new battle ship class that supposed to replace the wedge design was also spherical. I had seen the enormous Klack battle moon from the cockpit of my Wolfcraft, so the first time I laid eyes upon a sip of the Dark Ones I was not really shocked or amazed, but something was odd. Something I saw and suddenly I realized what I was seeing. That spherical ship was moving behind, and not in front of an Earth sized planet and it was bigger! The Dark Ones used a ship of the size of a large Planet!

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The view switched and whoever took the imaged was standing on the planetary surface. I could see troops on sleek artistic looking battle tanks and other beings wearing similar suits as Cateria the Seenian commander had worn and they all looked into the sky as an immense shadow darkened their sun. In that eerie twilight I could see little darks spots in the sky. The troops on the ground poured withering fire of powerful weapons into those spots, yet the spots became bigger and descended unharmed. The eyewitness who made these recordings had the camera mounted on his helmet so it appeared and he looked around and I saw Celtest and Saresii troops ripped out of their battle suits by unseen forces. Blood and gore and the painful screaming of men all around. Then for a brief moment I saw a dark shape almost looking like a Narth, holding what looked like a battle axe. Flanked by hellish looking creatures that made a Fangsnapper look tame and cuddly. The recording ended and the projection field went dark.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Once more I became aware of my ring; Every time this happened I wondered why I never thought about this piece of jewelry and why I kept forgetting that I had it. While I watched these ancient million year old recordings, something struck a chord somewhere deep inside, as if I had seen this images before; familiar images that meant something to me, but I had seen them from a different. I somehow knew the sphere was a called a War World, capable of instant and absolute movement. Able to appear anywhere in space, commanded by a Lord of the Deep and the black dots were Fury Hounds, savage intelligent beasts made to strike terror and fear into their opponents and bring death and destruction over anyone and anything they descended upon. I clenched my fist and agreed silently with their purpose: to bring revenge, to punish all those who worshipped Chaos, Life and light with the final peace of darkness and the orderly state of death. As it was the preordained faith of all who conspired against…The Images displayed on the projection field now showed an elegant glittering object that appeared like a precious jewel floating over a deep blue ocean and these powerful emotions and thoughts that had gripped me just moments ago faded away and I wondered who conspired against whom and how I would know all this, but the thoughts faded away like a puff of smoke in a fresh breeze of air.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">That crystal thing, I had seen it before and this time I knew where, it looked exactly as the crystal construct on Pluribus, where the Diamond ball was held. These new images made the other dark thoughts fade away and as much as I tried to hold on to these strange insights about the Dark Ones, they slipped away and after a moment I wondered what I was trying to remember.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">As if waking from a dream that had taken me away from reality, I remembered where I was and I heard the voice of the Mother Superior once again reached my ears as she said. "I know you recognize this sphere, it was the original hall of assembly for those who spoke for the Saresii, our leaders back then. The Sphere was donated to Pluribus as a symbol of Sares commitment to the Union."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I still felt as if in had cobwebs around my mind and while I did not feel tired, I could barely keep my focus on her presentation. I knew I had seen something that was profound and important. More important to me than anything and yet it was gone. I could not remember!

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">It had to be the scent, the candles.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Her voice went on and inside the projection field we now saw seven white haired men in floor length robes standing in a semi circle inside the crystal hall. They looked regal and wise and full of authority. While I looked at these images she said. "These seven men represented the seven Core worlds and they had made that decision for all Sares, to join the Seenians and to fight the Dark Ones. Now after we were soundly defeated at any engagement they demanded that we fight even harder, that we invent and develop new weapons and that our greatness as a civilization would only be measured by our success in our success fighting the Dark Ones. Yet there were other voices and these voices culminated in that woman you see that is now standing before the Seven.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The image showed a woman looking very much like a Saresii, with a skin tight suit, long silver hair. She argued with the seven men and then as her demands were not immediately accepted she made a sign and a group of twenty more women entered the room and they pointed little silvery devices at the men and as the men collapsed to the floor in withering agony I knew what these little things were, I recognized the small mushroom shaped projector head, Neuro Rippers.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The voice of the Mother superior o the other side of the projection screen said." This was Deepa and her followers. They believed that it was men's aggression that caused the war and it was her who contacted the Dark Ones and negotiated conditions of surrender." Her voice became harder a she said." The true reason why the Dark Ones did not destroy the Seven Worlds but every other Saresii location was her act of treason. She revealed all locations and the position of every Saresii ship and promised to destroy all means of Saresii space technology and knowledge, in exchange for the safety of the Seven Worlds.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">This part of our history is not taught in any school and not even the Saresii know anymore, but her act worked. For the prize of thousands of Colonies and billions of lives, the seven Sares Worlds were safe. The Seenians are nothing but memory, the Saresii is still here."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I could see her outline through the projection screen and she spread her arms. Some think that she was a spy of the Dark Ones and that was the reason she could contact them in the first place. Some think she was a hero. It all was a long time ago but this was also the beginning of our story."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Most of the fact she told me about the Saresii from that point on, I had heard in some form or another.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Her presentation and narration was not over and she continued. "Saresii women blamed the catastrophe and the war on the power hunger and the aggression of our male leaders and swept everything away that was an expression of male gender. " She sighed. "T he truth of course is, that women are just as power hungry and capable of violence as men. During that time as Deepa and her group overtook government, plunging Sares culture in a long dark epoch of our history, there were those who believed the Dark ones might come back, despite Deepa's deal. Since neither Psionics nor any known weapon could really harm or stop the Dark Ones, there had to be another way and two hundred women left Sares Prime One on the last space ship known to exist, to find out if the threat of the Dark Ones was still there and to find a way to defeat them, should they decide to come back."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The projection sphere showed a Saresii tile ship leaving its star system. If these images were that old as she said, I wondered why their ships had not changed much in all that time. While the Saresii technology was considered highly advanced and at least Tech Level Nine, it seemed to me they had not made all that much advances. The Tile ship design was one of the worst hull designs, and the interior layout was not exactly practical, but I kept my observations to myself and listened to her almost boring presentation. I was sure all this was fascinating and educational. I wished it was over soon.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She however went on to tell me the story of origin of the Sojonites and she went on. "After a long and fruitless odyssey they found no traces of the Dark Ones but plenty evidence of their recent presence. After almost five years searching they had come further than any Saresii Expedition coming close to the Galactic Core and found a planet that should not have existed, at least not naturally. The world was as beautiful as any Saresii world, a green and blue world with crystal clear oceans but no higher life forms.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">It was clear that the hand of a sentient culture had groomed this planet and yet there were no cities. After landing and a closer survey they found a single temple, looking much like this one, just magnitudes bigger. "

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I was mildly interested and said." I don't think it is unusual to find the remnants of an old culture on a NiOx Garden world. To find such a world near the Galactic Core however is, with all the radiation there sterilizing the area."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She agreed." As I said the planet should not have existed by any common scientific wisdom, there was no detectable force field and the magnetic field of the planet was way too weak to deflect all the particles and all the radiation. The temple had the shape of a naked human adding to the Human mystery as we determined that this statue and the technology inside was neither Pree, nor Uni."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I shifted my position, the Auto Dresser that made me look like a girl did not change my skeleton or added that incredible flexibility girls seem to have and sitting this way had made my legs fall asleep. I said." I know very little about the Uni or the Pree, but I ran into Pree technology and I know that there is this general consent between Scholars, that the Human mystery can be explained by either the Pree or the Uni seeding human life. I never heard of a third ancient civilization, at least none associated to the Human mystery that is."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Again she agreed." Neither have we, but the Statue and the rainbow temple does exist. It is there we found libraries and archives, books, scrolls, and every data recording device and medium you could imagine filled with only one topic but in seemingly endless variations; document describing in detail how beings of all kinds made love, and procreated. Details to the finest nuance about sex and everything related to it and we realized that there indeed was another power, another weapon or force in this universe. Between life and death there was also love. Love and strong emotions has the power to overcome death, create life, but also to willingly go and seek death and end life. Desires and emotions are much stronger in almost all sentient beings than the basic instincts of survival and self preservation. So we decided to continue this pursuit and we founded this sect, this religion. We discovered the keys to unlock a Psionic power no one had ever heard of, the power to shift and change shape."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She then added after a short moment of silence. "You are the first outsider who is told all this."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I said. "But why, why am I told all this. Why are you training me?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"The Narth have chosen you to be a representative. We know of the Coven and we know you have been the first outsider to ever visit their planet. While we know little about the Narth and even less about the Coven, we know they have been old and traveled the Universe when we Saresii discovered fire."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"It sort of happened and I think it was coincidence that I met Narth and became his friend and it seems that my friendship to him sparks interest in others to a point they want to abduct me to get to him. I don't really understand what you just said and it did not sound like an explanation."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"In many ways you are of course just a Neo Viking from a little known planet, but your friendship to the Narth elevates you into a very unique position. I wanted to train you and give you as much information as I can about us. As you know we left Sares so long ago on a quest to find an alternative to defeat the Dark Ones should they ever return, we have not accomplished that quest."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"What has all this to do with me?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"We think that the Dark Ones might return and we believe that if anyone has a chance to defeat them, it will be the Narth. You might be the only human the only person in the universe who will eventually understand and know who or what the Narth are and perhaps it is you who will fight with them against them. We wanted to make sure that if that ever happens you have all the knowledge possible and that you remember Sares and the Sojonites."

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<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">My head was spinning and I didn't feel too good. I was certain there was more to all but somehow my head didn't work as it should have. I tried to concentrate and said. "Somehow I have the feeling I am getting prepared for an event I know nothing about. I still don't understand what all this has to do with me. All I want to be is a Starship captain."

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<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The field screen sphere disappeared, but everything seemed as if I was inside a cocoon of foam padding. The candles had big soft auras around them and even the Mother superior appeared out of focus. I knew I should have been concerned, ask more questions but I didn't really care, nothing really mattered even the smell of the incense no longer bothered me.

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<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Her voice was distant and she said something and I was sure I understood what she said, but I could not recall a single word. Deep down I knew something was wrong with me and in a state like this I would be very receptive to hypnotic suggestions, but this concern was far away and did not feel very urgent.

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<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She came closer and I could hear her say. "Embrace your female side, make her part of you, and don't shut her out even when you return to be Eric. There is so much more being a woman than looks and outer differences, use your hands your touch your senses and let them guide you, forget logic and reason and let go of the penetrating aggressive nature of maleness."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Her voice was soft and so was the skin I touched underneath the wispy chiffon and satin I wore. It was a different corporal awareness like anything I experienced before.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She was close, and her voice was almost like a song, a soft melody. "There are secrets of corporal existence the Narth have long forgotten, the Coven try to regain but only humans can experience. Let the Goddess, the spirit give you the answer you seek more than any other."

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<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Something happened to me I felt it, I was changing, not at all like the mechanical manipulations of an auto-dresser; it was different and came from within. The skin I touched was soft as foam and what should have been there was no longer. Pure electricity pulsated through every nerve ending in an exciting, animalistic fashion where reason had no place, thought had no meaning. A feverish hunger that could not be quenched with food, a desire I could not explain or put in words. Never before did I really feel the clothing I wore, but now I could feel the satin that cupped the false breasts, there was nothing artificial about the tingling sensation.

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<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Reality and dream were no longer separate. The waxen statue of the goddess no longer looked artificial but alive.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Somehow I realized I had taken the very same pose as the statue, arching back and then I touched something and it was like an explosion of stars, pain and pleasure indistinguishable whatever happened then I could not recall.

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<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I found myself in the cool little chamber they had given me as a room, lying on the bed and my mind was as clear as ever but the memory of what happened was foggy and unclear. I remembered the presentation and some of the things she had told me. I knew she spoke about the history of the Saresii and the Sojonites, but the scent of the incense candles must have knocked me out. I felt like I had woken from a night of drinking, but without the headache. I never tried drugs and after that experience I was certain I did not want to experience it again. Something had happened to me, something profound and yet I could not really remember any details. I didn't like anything that messed with my head, but something felt different.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I received more training and the last traces of this surreal experience faded fast, but the nagging question why all this happened became stronger.

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<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">With all this time flew and at the first day of my fourth week at the Sojonit temple, the tall Sojonit from Earth told me that this would be my last day and again I was taken to the vaulted worship chamber with the Goddess statue, the first thing I noticed however was the absence of the strong incense smell.

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<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Mother Superior was already there and she said to me. "We would like to welcome you as an honorary member of the Order."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I bowed and said. "I am deeply honored by this and I respect the Goddess and your believes, however and despite all my secret desires I am a son of Nilfeheim. I swear upon Odin and ask Thor for strength. I am also a Starfleet officer and cannot put any other organization before that."

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<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She looked at me from behind the eye slits of her mask. "I respect that very much and I actually expected a reaction like this from you. I don't ask you to believe in the Goddess or abandon your religion. The Sojonit Order is not a fraternity inside the fleet. It is an honorary membership and not a commitment like a Sojonit Sister makes. It is simply a formality ritual to welcome you as a friend and not as an outsider and give you access to our network."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I don't mind that and I know I asked this before, but why me?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">"It is you who came to us for help and you have been allowed to hide behind the identity of a Sojonit. To us this is a religion and to us the commands of the goddess are quite real and binding. Yes we are part of the Saresii Intelligence network, but the Order is real. Making you an honorary member will please the Goddess and make the help we gave you legitimate to our laws and custom."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">There was nothing I could say against, they did save my life and I knew that the members of this order took their religion and their commitment very serious. From what I knew about Wetmouth, she too took all this very serious as well; so I agreed.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I was asked by her to take everything off, and stood naked in the middle of the room.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Somewhere a bell rang and twenty Sojonites entered. All of them wore black versions of the outfit and their masks had an angry almost evil expression and the false lips were closed.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Mother Superior stood before the statue and said. "The Goddess has welcomed a new member and she is no longer an outsider. The gate to the Rainbow Palace is open to her. We welcome her as honorary member of the sinister aspect of our Order."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She took a mask from a pillow and motioned me to put it on. A wig and a similar black outfit followed and she said." The Goddess will know your true name to the world you are henceforth known as Nightshade."

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<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The others bowed and said in unison. "Welcome Sister Nightshade."

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<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Mother Superior and I flew aboard a Mercedes flyer back to the mainland and to the very same space port I had arrived almost four weeks ago. It did not look any different from the air and to me looked more like a garbage dump than a space port landing field, but now I could see how big it was and there were space ships in the process of being loaded or unloaded. A Kartanian Megla cruiser