423139040

CH 14 KILKAM

What was there to do? The quest for the depot shaped up to be quite real and we were actually making some sort of progress. The Wisdom Keeper appeared to be a vital piece in this quest, but our disguise did not extend to the inside. Narth spoke to me in our silent telepathic way."I can not read him. He is well shielded but I sense he is very old and he is more than just the Wisdom Keeper of an auxiliary temple." "Splendid just splendid. Now what I am supposed to say and why did he pick us?" "I do not know." Aloud I said."I don't like outsiders and strangers inside my ship, especially someone I know nothing about, but it seems I have no choice." The other members of our quest had obviously mixed feelings about this as well, especially Swybin who didn't like to have a guide with such knowledge on any ship but his. I tried once more."What about your Wisdom Hall here, aren't you the main priest?" "Indeed, but there are substitutes I trust, besides it is more a philosophy than a religion and I am certainly not a priest in the conventional sense. There are a dozen temples or more right here on Trokhit, half of them are not even of Trontigmakader origin, they have priests who interpret the will of their gods and spirits. I have seen other seekers before and they all failed. I want to end my existence honoring my kind and finding the Seenian inheritance ." Sandovahl was certainly no longer sober, as he indulged himself with the various drinks he was served. Even wearing a mask and sitting about as far as possible from him in a more or less round room, I could smell the strong alcohol. He burped unashamed and with glazed eyes and a nose that had turned quite red he slurred."If you are not a priest what are you then?" "I am a Wisdom Keeper of the Fifth ." Sandovahl in his clouded state nodded."Ah yes." Lia got up. "I guess that is better than nothing. I am taking advantage of the present shipyards and have my engines serviced. The fuel prices here are also much better. We are still on to leave for Prostradoris as soon as possible, right?" Captain Carrhrh examined his extended claws."It is you who has her ship serviced. I doubt these insects are able to service your engines in such a short time." Lemakr growled at Carrhrh."Having one's engines serviced by engineers with a shipyard might not be such a bad idea. Pulling and replacing cores is not the same thing as a real overhaul. Besides if things go sour for some reason, it will be a long way back." Crimson Curse played with his gold encrusted. "That mangy cat has a point. I am going to have the same done. Besides in these parts we aren't wanted pirates but paying customers, we should all take advantage of that. The next Karthanian service yard is very far away." All but Sandovahl who had slipped of his seat and was snoring on the floor. His first mate, a Skiffer tried to get him off the floor and said."I am sure that is what we will do as well." Skiffers were an independent species of Sauriens somewhere in Freespace if I remembered correctly, he looked very much like a lizard but Sauriens were warm-blooded. I still was in a sulking mode trying to come up with a solution to the current problem, while the Red Dragon also got up."Lemakr and the Oghr make sense and we all should take the opportunity. So we will remain here for a few days until we all have serviced our ships." He raised his hands in a begging fashion."This time please don't start any trouble, we have an actual lead on our quest and it sounds there is much more than a few ships, but all the Celt...I mean Seenian tech complete with instructions." Crimson accepted a mug with something that looked like beer."No argument from me. I am in for the ride till the end. Both Lormoog and Kilkam gave your quest much-needed substance, Thauran. We know the Seenians existed and I too heard rumors about the things the Union found on that third planet in the Arsenal system. The potential of what we might find is beyond anything material. A Seenian battleship of my own and I could reunite the Shattered Empire and be its Emperor." The Thauran's eyes glared with new fanatism."And the Union will have to listen to my demands. Friends, we will change the course of Galactic History." Kilkam also got up. "Finding the cache certainly will do that, one way or the other. Since you all have work done on your ships and you are here for a little while will give me the chance to prepare for my departure. I will pack too and then see you, Captain Velvet, right?" I sighed."As I said, my ship is old and cramped but I have no real choice denying you so yes I am expecting you."

--""--

My mood hadn't much improved as we returned to the ship. I called my senior staff to the Den to discuss how we accommodate that seeker without exposing ourselves. Circuit said."We could keep him right here. I mean we can keep the divider down and he stays on the other side." Mao was not happy either. "No one invited him and no one promised him a very comfortable ride." And Shaka added. "If he doesn't like it, there are other ships who love to take him." I thanked Lilith for the coffee she was handing me. Then our Chef stepped on the table and placed a metal bowl with chopped meat before me. "Fenris is on his way." Was his explanation and moments later with a high pitched screech, Fenris our mascot winged through a wall and dive bombed me. The obviously growing not so little beast only ate after it received a petting from me. Shea crossed her legs leaning back in her chair. "If not maybe Fenris and Lilith can scare the daylights out of him and he begs to leave." Alice came to the table as well, hugged Fenris and sat down in a free seat. As always she looked as if she just came from the funeral of her most beloved aunt, but she had no inhibitions to sit right with us, but then this is what I wanted every one of my crew to do. Down here in the Den ranks and positions meant little and everyone was welcome on the table when there was room. Meat pieces started floating from the bowl and before Fenris pointed snout filled with needle-sharp teeth. She then said. "I can make him feel as if he gained a lot of weight." Har-Hi who had been quiet until now said."He doesn't know about the Union or how a Karthaninan supposed to look like from the inside, we are over 75,000 lightyears from Union side. If we limit his access to other decks, make sure the doors to the bridge and other places are closed for him, why not put him in one of our VIP quarters? Neither Sodoby nor Xon used them very long." The suggestions of my crew, some of them actually quite funny did wonders to my mood and I said."Alright, Circuit go get a few hands and turn one of those VIP quarters in something barebone. I don't feel like giving that guy the VIP treatment." SHIP said, "And I make the I.S.T.move very slow for him." Elfi said with excitement in her voice."Captain our GalNet equipment just connected, we are online." "Can we call the Admiral?" "Yes, captain." "Please get me a connection to Admiral McElligott."

--""--

The Admiral of the Fleet was actually running back to his office as his adjutant called him just before he was about to enter an I.B.T. After a long day at the office, he had decided to go home. But as his aide called him."Admiral, Sir. Captain Olafson is calling." Going home was far from his mind. "Get Director Cherubim and the Old battle ax on the horn as well." The connection was quite good and Captain Olafson actually looked absolutely marvelous in her black leather suit. The Admiral completely forgot about Eric. Cherubim established an Avatar, while Stahl participated sitting in the command chair of a spaceship. McElligott gathered himself to appear his dignified self."Ah, Captain Olafson, we were just talking about you the other day. I heard the Kermac stirring up trouble down there, I hope you are able to avoid them. We are eager to hear your report." The blonde captain did and delivered her lengthy report and then she said. "I sent the Kermac to the Yotenen so they are going to be out of the way." Stahl coughed."And there I was thinking, five thousand Kermac ships would be an insurmountable obstacle." "I heard the Puup did a number on them in the Corspa system. We are on the Trontigmakader homeworld right now and all the locals are abuzz about the Kermac invasion. The agitators of the Galactic Council lost a good number of ships. I am told the Yotenen will also provide them with a very special welcome." Stahl could not stop the gleeful giggle. "Those grumpy skin sacks sure hate visitors and are very resistant to Kermac Psionic trickery because they know of them." Captain Olafson smirked. "To be honest, I used some Psionic trickery to make them believe the message did originate from Kermac Prime. I have such wonderful talents aboard my ship." Then she explained what she was doing on Trokhit. "Admirals, the Seenian depot I think is quite real. It is the focus of many seekers and apparently holds an enormous amount of Seenian tech including some sort of AI that explains its use. Down here it is called the Inheritance." As Erica came to the last details of her report, she said."An individual which is vital for the quest's progress, insisted traveling on the Tigershark. We think we got it covered without blowing our secret." All three immortals kept scanning over the written part of her report she had transmitted along with her logbook entries, science data and more. Admiral McElligott slowly shook his head."A living cosmic dust cloud that learned to play poker and is named Dusty.  You know if I would tell someone about your crew, they'd call me insane." Cherubim spoke for the first time."I have additional intel for you. Lia Bassett is also more than a pirate, she participates for the Shiss. Her instructions include to eliminate everyone if she is certain of the location of the depot and secure it for the First Nestling." "At this point, it surprises me not. The Red Dragon who is indeed the former Admiral Swybar told too many about his quest. I suspect one of the two Togar being along for the Togr Queen. I think Crimson and Sandovahl are the only genuine pirates for sure." All three agreed with the youngest captain in Union fleet history. McElligott said."We are expanding Union influence over the entire system Sagodi's Bazaar is in, which includes permanent GalNet and space-bus connection. In terms of distance, the Xandrao are not too distant." The old Highlander flicked a space map bigger and pointed to a little light dot. "We are also establishing a NAVINT outpost down there. I am sending you the coordinates and if you can manage swing by and we can take custody of your stasis frozen criminals and hopefully be able to restock and resupply you." I sighed."That be nice. We are not running out of things but our supply of fresh foods is down to a few stasis frozen fish and tomatoes. But with a new guest aboard we might have to substitute for local produce." Stahl said."Your friends are on Trokhit for at least five days, with their engines in service they are not going anywhere. You could visit the Golden Bazaar, turn off your disguise of course and get all the supplies you need. The Devi is there as well." And McElligott closed the call saying."You going to be out of Comm range again soon. Good luck girl, you and your crew is making us all very proud."

--""--

I called the Red Dragon."I am going to take care of some business while you guys fix your engines." "You better be back, without you that Wisdom Keeper isn't helping us. I hate to admit it, but you became an essential part of this quest." "I did not make this long trip to quit now, but unlike you, I do not need my engines serviced but my bottom line maintained. As for our special relationship Mr. Dragon, it is still strictly business. I have not forgotten your prior conduct." Crimson chimed in."Just do your pirating outside of the system while we are here. We screwed up our welcome at Cosporus and I don't want any Trontigmakader trouble while their engineers crawl all around my ship." The coarse voice of Sandovahl told me that he didn't have a very efficient sickbay and was still fighting a hangover."I wish I could go with you, Black Velvet. This is a target rich region and it appears most civilizations are of low tech, but my First Mate made a deal with the locals to have my core changed." Swybar growled."Five standard days, Velvet." I cut the transmission with a hand signal to Elfi and gave Shaka the go ahead."Put some vacuum under our keel, and do it gently. Even though seeing our friends in Trontigmakader jails would have its charms." Shaka laughed."Gentle it is. However, blasting off under full engines has its charms."

It didn't take us long to reach space. I said to Shaka."Take us out with Silver Streak speed. Krabbel plot us a destination somewhere in deep space so we can change appearance." To Narth I said."Did the Admiral specify what kind of disguise we are supposed to use for our visit to Sodoby's brother?" "The transmitted and signed orders are to switch off the disguise." "That means the USS Tigershark makes her first official debut visiting an official Union designation. Better call Command and make sure this is not an oversight." Ten minutes later I looked into the sleepy face of the immortal admiral."Nothing for month and now you call every five minutes." He waved before I could answer."Never mind I am just an old grumpy man, never hesitate to call, this is what this direct line is for." "Sir, I am calling to verify the written orders to switch off our Janus device and expose the USS Tigershark." "It was a conscious decision, Captain Olafson. We still want to keep the details of your ship and mission secret of course, but we feel it is time you and your magnificent crew is slowly introduced. A Golden bazaar far out consecutive space is a good place to start."

--""--

We all wore our real uniforms, everyone was groomed to regulations and according to their species. Xon looked at his reflection in a mirror field."It is both a very uplifting experience but also a little disappointing." "Why do you feel like that?" I asked with openly displayed curiosity. "I am about as proud as a Nul can be to wear this uniform, captain. I just had that hope I would be the first Nul in Union fleet uniform. I took advantage of our GalNet connection and called my life giver. The Nul have officially applied for Union membership only a few days ago, but over eight billion Nul have already become Union citizens individually and not a small number signed up with Union Marines." "Maybe you still are the first in Fleet uniform. Marines do have a different one as they are a separate service." "Unfortunately not, my life giver himself has become a Union Admiral, while it is technically an honor rank he actually takes Academy classes and he takes it very seriously." I smirked."I still think it is a marvelous and quite wonderful development to have the Nul being on our side. I myself remember a quite serious engagement against Nul forces not all that long ago." "I think it was inevitable, it just happened much earlier thanks to you." "I think our SHIP and you yourself had much to do with that as well." SHIP could not stay silent of course as she heard that."I am a very content machine able to play a part in this truly historical development." I got up from my seat, tugged on my uniform blouse and said."Mr.Narth please turn off the Janus device and turn on our Union transponder." Even Narth, wearing his version of an official uniform, managed to sound proud."Aye Captain, Janus device is deactivated. Simulated hull deconstructing...Union transponders active." It took a few moments for the Narth matter manipulators to revert our disguise and Shea reported. "Captain, we are officially ourselves." With our reversal also came our real sensors and Mao said."I hate to be the one with bad news, but our transponders were noticed. Three contacts with distinct Kermac signatures have changed course." Shaka turned."We can outrun them easily, Captain. The Tigershark is faster than a Type IX Wolfcraft." I shook my head."The USS Tigershark does not run! Sound battle stations activate all our real shields and weapons. Load Translocators with full Giga loads." There was a resounding 'Aye Captain' from all stations. "Elfi hail me those Kermac." With a satisfying grin, I added."Maximum transmission energy, so they can't say they didn't hear us." She too sounded satisfied."Maximum transmission energy on all channels Captain." "This is Captain Olafson of the USS Tigershark. Our sensors picked up three Kermac warships on an intercept course. This is open space and we do not appreciate being intercepted. You have one and one chance only to immediately change your course." The response came right away. "We have your pathetic little ship on our scanners, Union cretin. I am angry and you will be destroyed. Kermac supremacy will dominate this space and we will wipe out any Union influence we come across."

--""--

Funsecsiev was more than annoyed. He was about as angry as a Kermac could be. First the disaster in the Corspa system. That it was him who jumped the gun listening to a worthless Puup did not cross his mind. He was Kermac and therefore everyone and everything else was responsible for his failures. That he did not check with Kermac Prime to make sure the information he received was correct also failed to register. He blamed his navigator for not recognizing the coordinates as the ones leading into the core system of the ugly and triple cursed Yotenen. Even he knew about their reputation, but he could not explain why his LRT received such erroneous information, other than that his handler interpreted the received messages completely wrong. He was denied the chance to punish the Puup. That slick crook had stolen a shuttle during the battle in the Yotenen system and in the confusion of the heated conflict managed to escape. He had left the remaining force mainly consisting of the old and slow Habyr battleships behind and was speeding towards a rendezvous point with a substantial reinforcement fleet that was on its way from Kermac Prime. It was not too far from the core system of the Trontigmakader when his sensor operators reported the sudden contact of a Union transponder. He was now convinced he had been somehow been duped and purposely diverted, and he planned to return and lay waste to Trokhit after they had supplied him with the information he needed. Now detecting a Union ship so close to Trokhit, he became really furious. No doubt these Unions heard about the Celtest Depot as well. The lead crook and self-identifying pirate was a former Union citizen and Union admiral after all. From the Puup he knew about the other pirates that participated in that quest and perhaps the captain of the Killerbeast, that Sandovahl individual was a Union spy. That stupid Thauran certainly told to many about his quest. The Union having control over one of these Celtest tech caches already certainly did not want anyone else to gain another one. He was in command of three Yiee battleships and from the scanner data he just received the Union ship was no bigger than a Supercruiser. Sure the Union unit had one or two Translocator cannons and perhaps several of those powerful Loki torpedoes, but his ships were equipped with target lock scramblers, had the most powerful Line cannons and the Kermac version of the Loki torpedo. He decided to remain behind and send the other two Yiee first, who cared if they were damaged and life was lost? Once the Union ship was crippled he wanted to swoop in and finish it off, perhaps even board it and find out what the Union knew. He gave orders to attack.

--""--

"Captain, these are serious big units. We have only very limited intelligence on these latest Kermac battleships." Mao reported. Shea was working with SHIP and her team on the sensor data and added."The energy distribution matrix of these ships suggests they are armed with at least twenty line cannons each, the biggest ones too." "Their target lock scrambling also appears to have been improved. I can't get a clean lock." Mao again said. I had my seat raised into Combat mode and as usual, had the unobstructed view of all space around us. The view was computronic enhanced and allowed my human eyes to see what they could never see on their own. Colorized spheres represented the range of our various weapons as well as the assumed range of the enemies weapons. Floating icons informed me about the status of systems and gave me contact points to the bridge stations. This was the first time we engaged an enemy without any limitations, true the enemy were three very big and powerful Kermac ships but that did not scare me. The lead ships released four torpedo-like weapons each and they accelerated fast directly towards us. "The first shots have been fired. Shaka let loose! Jump behind that third ship staying behind as fast as you can. Mao hit that cowardly bastard with all our Quark-Gluon Plasma and our FTL right up his engines and follow up with a Hydra launch. As soon as the torpedo is out, Shaka execute another jump at maximum sniper range. SHIP you have permission to visual target and fire. I doubt they can scramble visual targeting." No one, not Circuit, not Shaka and certainly not me had any idea just how fast our ship was. We accelerated with a nudge over 1500 km/sec^2. Meaning we hit Translight in less than three seconds. I think some of the acceleration gees came through despite the most advanced inertia neutralizers, diverting billions of kinetic energy into hyperspace. 24 FTL energy cannons opened fire at the same time focusing all energy onto a single spot. To our surprise, the Kermac battleship that had stayed behind was not even under battle shields. Our weapon fire literally cut off one of the engine modules of this Y shaped ship. The Hydra torpedo ripped the other module to shreds. We were back in quasi-space as the first Kermac torpedoes reached the spot we had been moments ago. Ship released five kilo loads in rapid succession and at maximum range. Her machine precision using visual data instead of relying on direct sensor fed targeting, was directly on target. All five loads exploded deep inside one of the Kermac ships that still accelerated to catch up with our position before we even started. Of all symbols in my command bubble, it was Dusty requesting to speak. I blinked it active and the living dust cloud said."Captain, sorry for interrupting you, but I noticed graviton energies exceeding the mass of a large moon diverted. Could you not permit me to use it against our adversaries?" "Do it and let me see what it does." The last unharmed Kermac unit flew into a graviton concentration like a solid wall and was instantly crushed instantly compacted to a ball measuring less than a few centimeters in a truly blinding energy sphere. The Yiee battleship converted into a speck of neutronium while expulsing all quantum level energy. I was utterly shocked by this and so were the others, even Narth. It was the first time I felt his mind to be truly impressed by something. "I believe we just gained a weapon that dwarfs the effectiveness of Translocator cannons or even our nose cannon. Dusty has psionic abilities very similar to the Conck we encountered, able to manipulate and concentrate gravitons and Alice assisted him channeling them."

--""--

Funsecsiev, now forced to wear a protective battle suit stumbled through the chaos of his command center. He was on his way to an escape pod. One of his subordinates stopped him. "Masterful leader, we received a message from the reinforcement fleet, they will be here in moments." "What happened, how could we be so completely defeated?" "In your great wisdom staying behind, you did not order us to be battle ready. We did not have shields up when we got hit. The surviving sensor operators measured tremendous gravitonic energies channeled against the Kaketh and translocator fire spelled doom for the Morkhu." I have your mind wiped for your sarcastic insults. "Why did our targeting disruptors not work as promised?" "You be the one mind wiped if your lucky, Command wizard. The enemy ship never activated his targeting sensors. It appears they devised an alternative targeting method." "No matter the Union trickery, the reinforcement fleet will deal with them. You, however, must be punished. Now make a connection to the reinforcements."

--""--

"Captain, there is a rather substantial Kermac fleet approaching," Mao said. Har-Hi glanced at me."Are we going to engage them as well? It seems to be a large contingent of at least 1000 heavy units and lots of smaller ones." Elfi signaled for attention. "We are being hailed." A new Kermac face appeared on our screens. "You have identified yourself as Captain Olafson. You dared to ignore Kermac commands and killed Kermac. I am High Wizard Seibsibac of the Ministry of War. I have a fleet of unprecedented strength and demand your immediate surrender, or we will destroy you and declare war upon the Union." This was a serious threat. Even my formidable ship could not defeat a fleet of such size. Fleeing would not stop him from declaring war. But before I could even think of a response, a new but very familiar voice chimed in."Let me identify myself, Wizard. I am Admiral Stahl I too have a fleet with me, the First One to be exact. I have received your demands and your threat to declare war upon the Union. I am transmitting your declaration of war to the Assembly of course and it is I who will demand utter and complete unconditional surrender when I am in orbit around Kermac Prime." There was silence for a long moment."This is trickery! That demon Stahl is not here. For how gullible do you hold us?" "Not for gullible, Kermac but for stupid.Plain and simple." Stahl responded. "We are here responding to an official request for assistance by the Yotenen. " Our sensors picked up the vast signatures of the first fleet and all her battle groups. It didn't take long and the first Union battleships dropped out of Quasi. We were hailed by Stahl."Go and do your thing, Captain Olafson. I am here dealing with the riff-raff here, not that I think you needed our help." "Thank you, sir, this was a rather tough one. He threatened with war." "Yes because he thought he can get away with it so far from the Upward sector. I doubt the Kermac are crazy enough to actually do that. If they do, I am ready for them for a long time!"

--""--

Due to our ship's real speed, it took us very little time to reach the system with the Golden Bazaar. Sobody was on the bridge with a clouded face and a very uncharacteristically foul mood. "You don't have to see your brother," I suggested. "We don't have any business at his Bazaar anyway. The Devi is in orbit of the second planet and that is where we go." "And if he ever finds out I was here, I never hear the end of it. Especially now that they have GalNet." "So you are going to see him?" "I have no choice. I am also the First Merchant and it is my duty to inspect his bazaar and his operations." I smiled at him."I thought you are retired." "I am of course retired but until a new First Merchant is found I am still it." Narth said."It appears that his people the Golden are so satisfied with his reforms and their Union membership they voted to ignore his request to retire." Sodoby pointed his stubby finger at me."It's the Union's fault anyway. We Golden voted for nothing in all our existence and now these blasted bronze skinned dwarfs can't get enough of voting." "Uhm, wasn't that the reason for your reforms?" "Of course, my young Captain. But now I have to see him...and her." Specialist Warner said."I go with you if you want."

--""--

I could not deny the pride I felt when I announced us and requested landing permission in one of Devi's huge hangars or hearing Captain Harris himself giving permission to do so. I also found it quite amusing to see massive Xon being visibly nervous wearing his Union uniform. "Oh, I hope I pass muster." "Mr. Xon you are looking very impressive in Union black, "I assured him and then had Har-Hi assemble the entire crew, except SHIP who held the Conn, before the ship for official inspection, by Captain Harris and high ranking officers of the Devi. It was a very uplifting and quite impressive sight to see my crew, all of them in their Class A uniform. All of them in attention right before my ship. Not some disguise but her real appearance. None of them were really strangers anymore and most of them had become more than just crew. I was able to put a name to each face. Even I had to admit as I saw them like that, just how diverse my crew truly was. From tiny Mini Terrans to the towering form of Dusty. Insectoid Klack, Togar, Nul, Y'All, Attikans, Boros, Petharians, X101, Tyron the Suit and sitting right before Alice was Fenris who looked as if he was in attendance too. Captain Harris had walked with me down the row of my crew and then said."The Olafson gang has been the most diverse group of midshipmen aboard this ship, and now I see it has been extended. Before me, I see the idea and principles of our Union expressed in a living statement, but I also see a tight unit and a dedicated crew that makes me both very proud of you and a little jealous. A captain that can rely on such a crew is a commanding officer worth of professional envy. Welcome aboard the USS Devastator. Your stay will be short, but for the time you are here  please enjoy our recreation facilities." I thanked Captain Harris and said to my crew."We only got three days at the most guys. So let's all work together and get the necessities out of the way so we can take advantage of Captain Harris' offer. Maintenance, resupply, prisoner transfers first. "

--""--

It was the second day aboard the Devi when Admiral Stahl returned and found me sitting with Shea, Narth, and Har-Hi in the bleachers watching a Steel container kicking match. The Devastator team was eager to even the score of the last time. This impromptu sport that originated in the Cargo hold of my ship apparently has become a Devi sporting favorite. Harris told me that it was catching on with other ship crews that had a contingent of BaPhy 2 and 3  individuals, or in more common inofficial terms, Heavies. I only noticed him as he simply sat next to me. Harris had quietly vacated his seat. He stopped me from getting up."As you were, girl." Stahl watched the game for a few minutes and then laughed."I think the Devi Thunder needs to practice more, the Tigershark team is not only kicking the steel container but our butts too." "It has become a regular event on my ship. There isn't always as much to do as I wish so we developed our routines and diversions." "Like destroying no less than three Yiee battleships. Your Tigershark is one impressive ship. Even more, than I suspected it to be. The most frightening aspect of it, however, is its crew, that Alice working in conjunction with a living interstellar lifeform is nothing short but terrifying." "I was surprised by that too, but I trust them never the less, Sir." "No doubt. The Kermac fleet or what is left of it is heading back to GC space, but I doubt they will give up that easily, too much is at stake." He became more serious as he said."This quest has become more important than ever, Erica. If that depot even holds half of what we found on Arsenal III then it is imperative we secure it for the Union, but if I read all the reports correctly there is so much more." I sighed."Yes, Sir, I think it is not just a forgotten or abandoned depot, but a consciously created cache of Seenian technology with the distinct purpose to be found." "That is what we think too. We won't do what the Kermac did if at all possible. I think you have a better chance of finding it than a massive fleet. No matter how subtle we try, it will be seen as a heavy-handed approach. So, for now, we can't offer you any break and must ask you to stay on. " "I understand and I am fortunate enough to have a crew that understands as well." "That is indeed fortunate. I sat in your chair for a very short time I know what they think and feel about you." He actually cheered a goal for the Devi Thunder."Sorry, Captain Olafson, that goal saved us from total humiliation." He then padded my knee. "Keep up what you're doing. I have no doubt in your abilities whatsoever." He then got up and said."One of these days I want to see Nilfeheim, with you as a guide."

--""--

It was not without a certain feeling of regret when we returned to be the Silver Streak, but I had to admit I got quite accustomed to my pirate outfit. Narth turned the Janus device back on and Shea confirmed that we once more were a Karthanian armed trader to the world. I nodded towards Krabbel."Trokhit please." Shaka said as he accelerated within our disguise limits."After experiencing just how fast our fish is, it feels like crawling in snail's pace." "I hear you, Mr.Ndbele. Say has anyone seen Sobody? He did return to the ship right" Narth nodded."Yes, he and Mr.Warner are aboard. We did not leave anyone behind." The Golden arrived moments later and took his seat."Sorry Captain, I just made peace with myself and released a woman I loved for over 800 years to make her own choices. It was the right thing to do, but it doesn't make it any easier." I now noticed his bloodshot eyes and knew he had been crying. He gave me a sad smile."Females, I tell you. I am a little over 12,000 of your years old and still have no idea what she sees in him that I could not give her." Har-Hi smirked."The curse of all mammalian humanoids, I am certain." "Including arachnoids." Krabbel insisted."We are not mammalian but we male Archa have similar stories to tell." Mao laughed."You are the most mammalian of us all, at least judging by the number of milk products you consume." That funny banter seemed to lift the mood of Sodoby. It was Narth who almost destroyed it."I fail to understand the mystery. Anaragi, the Gracious the female in question was never as faithful as you think. Her reproductive cycle was started when she had intercourse with your brother because she met him long before you. She pursued you, once she realized you will be the next First Merchant. Your brother, however, insisted in raising his offspring and it was Anaragi's father who made her chose and in return, he inherited that Bazaar to your brother. There are no secretive selection decisions exclusive to females only, and always cause and effect." There was a long moment of silence then Sodoby uttered a long string of curses and called his brother and his love all kinds of very descriptive words in all kinds of languages. Then he took a deep breath and grinned."Thank you Narth, I actually always expected something like that, to be honest, I was just too love blind to really see it." Then he cocked his head."Say ho do you know all this, isn't memory probing illegal? Both my brother and my former love are Union Citizens." "Indeed it is illegal, but talking to the old father of Anaragi is not. I was shopping at the Bazaar and engaged in a conversation with Evegobi, said father and former owner of the Bazaar." "Son of a..." Sobody took Narth's hand."Thank you indeed." I leaned towards the left and Narth."You of all people went shopping? What in Odin's name would you need?" "I observed the habit of giving presents to other individuals during the celebration of a seemingly unimportant anniversary of one's birth. I decided to participate in this as it appears to be also a representation of one's appreciation of the other beings existence." "That is a very thoughtful thing to do. Who's birthday?" "That is the problem, Captain. I was informed by SHIP that the 18th of October on the old Earth-based calendar has no significance as Neo Vikings celebrate the anniversary of the naming day." Har-Hi looked at his PDD and said."By the spirits, today is the 18th. We Dai don't celebrate birthdays either, but congratulations anyway." Krabbel said."We Archa do, well it is called Egg sac crawling day but it is celebrated. Mine is a few months off, but I wouldn't mind a pre-celebration with some Ice cream. Our supplies are restocked by the way and we got a genuine Arthur's robotic Soft Serve machine now." I got up."Well, I think we all need to check out what that machine produces. It does open the question, where do we get this machine from?" "The USS Devastator brought mail and orders. I ordered and bought one back when we were waiting on Sin 4. It took a long time but its now part of the Den." Krabbel said proudly being halfway to the I.S.T.

--""--

We landed and touched down pretty much at the same spot we had occupied before. It did not even take ten minutes for the others to notice our return. The Red Dragon hailed us right away. "Good to see you back, Velvet. There were bets going on that you might not return or try to reach Prostradoris on your own." "What good would that have done me? Without that pushy Wisdom Keeper, I'd be as far from the next step as we are now." Sandovahl obviously felt much better."Anything worthwhile crossed your bow?" I frankly lied but that was part of our disguise. "Oh, we might have convinced a traveling merchant to share the bounty of his holds." It was the Red Dragon again. "While you chased some poor merchants, we serviced our engines and should all be done and ready to head for Prostradoris by latest tomorrow. Are you sure you don't need any services?" "I managed so far and trust my engineers more than the local plasma monkeys." "Has the Wisdom Keeper shown up yet" "Dragon, I just touched down." Har-Hi motioned with his thumb towards the floor."The Keeper is here, requesting boarding permission. He sure didn't waste time and he isn't alone." I had Elfi cut the transmission and said. We don't let him in via the Belly shaft but use the ramp for the Den. I want to know a lot more about that guy before we let him deeper into the ship. I also want to see what company he has along. The deal was for him only." With this, I got up and went to the I.S.T., Suit who now always stood right behind me said."Captain, he is an unknown, please allow my protection." "I come to get used to you like that, so I am asking this again."You didn't want to be a garment and now you insist being worn. Are you sure? You could simply stay close to me like Har-Hi or Hans for example." "I came to the conclusion, I am a garment. This is my origin and all my abilities and functions are geared toward this fact. Being worn by you is a symbiosis and allows me to use my abilities most effectively protecting my Captain." "Alright then." I heard Shaka say just as the I.S.T. doors closed."Lucky suit."

--""--

The Wisdom Hall keeper stood in all his impressive regalia before the lowered ramp, there were three beings. A Trontigmakader and two humanoid beings. One of them I was certain was a Yotenen and the other was a feline female I was certain was Suss, the Karnax. I recognized the big ax she carried over her shoulder and the same headgear. The Yotenen and the Insectoid struggled with a big trunk. I was flanked by Har-Hi to one side and Narth to the other. TheOther had moved behind me and I was certain I was perhaps the best-protected individual in the galaxy right now. "I was under the impression only you forced himself upon us, Kilkam. I count four beings." "The Yotenen and the Trontigmakader are servants of the Hall and only came to help me carry my luggage. I believe you already met Suss before. She is a friend of mine and told me about you. She was very cryptic but from what I gathered, you helped her and the remaining crew of the Whispering Vengeance." "The last time we met like this someone took potshots at us." I said."Let us go to the Den and discuss this situation." We went into our Den and the Wisdom Keeper was obviously impressed. Narth said."He knows who we are, Suss did not tell him, but he is a Telepath and not hampered by Union laws. Suss' memories were an open book for him." I facepalmed myself with both hands."There is the reason why I dislike psionics. We...no I need to be more careful who we reveal our true self." Kilkam sat down."Captain Olafson, I know very little about your Union. All I heard were stories usually from Yotenen, who aren't great fans of your society." He spread his arms. "We all know of course the Yotenen do not like anyone that much." He then nodded toward Suss. "She really is a very good friend of mine. Someone left her in a box right before the entrance to my wisdom hall, and she was raised by me and a female servant of the Hall." The strong looking athletic feline being had put her ax on the table and sat down herself."I am a Karnax, no one has seen another Karnax for many hundred solar orbits. In only learned that my people were enemies of the Porsthir. There is talk about a war, but the Porsthir don't speak about it. It was during my quest to find out more about the Karnax when I met Parth Winthers. He too was an orphan, due to a terrible and brutal raid, committed by Puup slavers and Wartooks. The most brutal butcher was a Wartook you know as the Cruel One." I listened and said."And you followed that Wartook to our side of the galaxy?" "Yes, Parth knew about the genocide the Porsthir committed against the Karnax, but no one so far could explain how I ended up on Trokhit." "That explains why your friend wanted to fly with us. Mr.Kilkam, would you mind telling us more about you and that Wisdom business?" Our chef came to the table with a plate of sizzling bacon."I heard about Suss being back aboard. So I fried up some bacon and made sandwiches for all of you." The Wisdom keeper slipped out of his overcoat and sampled a piece of bacon. "This is quite good." He also nodded in my direction."Yes, I gladly will." After he ate another slice of bacon he began."It is a very old story and what of it is true and what is a legend is for anyone who seeks wisdom to decide for him or herself. Everything has a beginning and an end so does the very universe we live in. Before our universe came to be, there was another one a precursor universe. That precursor universe was about to end, to be destroyed. Now there were very advanced societies and entities that looked to circumvent their own demise. A society calling itself the Brotherhood of Sateer created or discovered a pocket universe and used it to avoid being obliterated like all the rest of their universe." Our Yeoman who just had served me coffee kept standing next to me and listened intensely while Kilkam kept talking."For some reason, however, the entrance or passageway to that pocket universe was in that previous universe and there was no passage to the next one. That Brotherhood is now trapped inside that pocket universe. All of them, except for five powerful individuals. There are Non, Corflic, Cubus, Luc and Invictus. Each of them searches for ways to release the rest from their eternal prison." More crew members had gathered around the big table and everyone listened to the words of the wisdom keeper. Kilkam said. "Scholars of my people believed that it was NON who seeded planets all across the galaxy with human life genome matrix influencers. Non hoped by doing so, would give rise to a nearly omnipotent entity known as the Dark One. An entity with control over space and time and thus able to affect the release of his people." His words caused goosebumps on my skin. For unexplainable reasons, this sounded so familiar to me, just as if I had heard these words before. The broad-shouldered man seemed to look at me directly as he continued."Cubus' plan is to become the Dark One himself. He is searching all across the universe for twelve mystical tokens of tremendous power. He believes that once he united these tokens of power, he will transform into that Dark One and thus rule over space and time affecting his brother's release. We believe it was him who created a species of relentless warriors to prevent anyone else finding those tokens, by killing and destroying anyone." This time he looked at our Y'All warrior. "Of course, I don't know if he really created the Y'All but our people's legends speak of four armed terrors that came in countless ships to this galaxy." For some reason, I became aware of my ring and looked at it. Wondering why no one ever asked me about it. Kilkam proceeded to the next name."Then there is Luc, at first, his goal was to aid the reincarnation of the Dark One and in turn gain his help to free the rest of the trapped members of the Brotherhood of Sateer. Our scholars believe that he survived the destruction of the Precursor Universe by entering some legendary Negative universe. We believe that he no longer wants to free his brothers, but like Cubus wanted the power of the Dark One himself. Invictus is a warrior and is convinced brute force is the answer. He believed conquering much of the Universe, giving the Dark One an Empire as a present was the right way to achieve his goal. He was the originator of the first Dark Ones and created an empire including many thousand galaxies. And finally, there is the fifth one, Corflic. He is the only one who does not see that entity, the Dark One as the answer. Corflic believes that a society that reaches Tech level 12 or even beyond would be able to develop the tools to free the rest of the Sateer. According to our believes he met the Orlan, a sentient species in a galactic supercluster billions of lightyears distant and became their god-like leader. Their home planet was called Avondur and supposedly is right at the very center of the Universe. He instructed the Orlan to create a trans-spatial gate network. He instructed the Orlan to create a gate network. We, the Wisdom Keepers believe that Corfic was killed by entities known as the Knights of Light. Without the guidance of Corflic, the Orlan fought among each other each group believing Corflic wanted them to go in a specific direction. A Seenian scholar came across these stories and mythical legends collected them and founded the Wisdom Keepers of the Fifth. That was a very long time ago, before the time of the last Seenian Queen." The usually lively Den was very quiet. I was convinced that this Keeper just brushed over a dozen mysteries and secrets and revealed them. There were answers to the Human Mystery and to the Seenian history. Har-Hi had an unusual coarse voice."Every story and legend has a true core, to me, it seems all five brothers were looking for that Dark One. Who or what is he?" The Keeper shrugged his shoulders. "I do not know what he or it is, but scholars of my people think it is some sort of concept or condition." I still held my mug and realized I didn't take a sip."I am certain we will have many thousand questions for you and I can imagine you could be busy for the rest of this universe existence, talking to Union scholars and historians, but for now, we have a quest to complete. Can I ask you why you stopped searching for yourself? It appears you know the next steps to take." "Because the Anagoge has not found me a worthy child to receive the directions to the Inheritance. I spent a lifetime trying to find out what makes one worthy and I have the answer. Let us find the Anagoge again first."

--""--