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Chapter 20: Guests of Honor 

Interlude: Planet Odin

GalNet Entry: Saturnian

Genetic altered humans. Previously Corporate owned Clone slaves. Now recognized sub species and own race.

After Earth ascended with the help of the Saran and before Earth became Terra and a founding member of the Unites Stars of the Galaxy (Union), there was a time of fast and virtually unchecked scientific and technological advances. Even before the Ascent, Earth scientists made vast progress in Bionetic sciences and Mega Corporations put great sums of money and enormous efforts into Bionetic and genetic research. Virtually every possible life-form both native to Earth and alien with compatible DNA were crossed, linked, tweaked and genetically altered to create new life forms for all kinds of purposes. It started with the Canadian Organ Donor Swine. Hogs and later great apes were altered to grow human compatible organs that could be transplanted. Almost every settler and colonist group that left Earth to migrate to other world received some form of Genetic tailoring to make them better suitable to their new environments. The Mega Corporations also tried to develop the most perfect soldier, worker and slave.

During the years between 2099-2110 new artificial creates life-forms, ranging from special bacteria, over new fruits and vegetables to new breeds of draft animals and meat producing animals were patented almost daily and literally millions of Patents were issued to corporations for life forms and new gene combinations. While moral and ethical restrictions hampered them before there was no law or moral boundary that restricted research during that time. It produced many successes but also horrible failures and catastrophes. It lead to the Corporate Bio Wars of 2111 to 2114 that escalated into the Bio-Robotnik™ Miner revolt of Rasmussen Planet in 2115 and to the all out Super Clone Wars of 2116 that lasted until 2121 with the Gen Clone Attack on the Terran Assembly. The Clone Wars ended in 2122 with the declaration that all Genetic altering and experimentation with sentient life forms had to undergo the strictest government controls. Any corporation caught in this was to be destroyed, with everyone of the management to be hanged. It also gave all Gene Clones the right of Freedom and self control and to be fully accepted sub species of the Human race with all rights every sentient being was entitled too.

Schwartz Bio Engineering officially did not participate in the Clone or Corporate Wars, but had to release and free all their Gene Clone Products. Among the most extreme were the Alpha-War Workers™, designed to withstand the most extreme environmental conditions and be able to fight and work under crushing gravitation. In one Commercial the AWW's were praised as a worker that could even work on Saturn if it had a solid surface and an atmosphere to breathe. The AWW's got the nickname Saturnians. The average Saturnian stood 320 cm and was almost 150 cm wide, with a tough carbon nano tube laced double skeleton, thick carbon nano mesh skin and super dense muscle structure. The average Saturnian could lift up to 2500 kilos under one standard gee, stay submerged under water for up to 4 hours and work in depths that would crush a normal human. This enormous strength and size had a price and they lost much of their fine motoric abilities and no Saturnian can manipulate objects smaller than 3 cm, without cybernetic or mechanical assistance. Saturnians completely lack body hair and, must have artificially implant eye lashes to prevent small particles enter their eyes. Saturnian Women are considered ugly even among Saturnians and usually cover their appearance with Burka like garments.

The Saturnians settled on a large Planet called Odin due to its high natural gravitation of nine gee. They joined the Union in 2210. While Saturnians are able to reproduce, extensive pre and postnatal cyber technical assistance such as the bone structure weaving has to be done artificially.

Today there are approximately 34 Million Saturnians and most can be found either in the United Stars Marine Corps or in the security field. Saturnian Body guards are among the highest paid, especially if they are graduates of the Saturnian Fight and Security Academy. The entire Culture is focused on security and guard duties and is strongly Germanic and duty oriented. Saturnians enjoy extreme sports such as Ultra Wrestling and Beyond Limits Strongman competitions. The Annual Saturnian Strongmen Festivities are among the most watched sporting events in the Union.

Hans was what you would call a troubled youth. He was even among Saturnians considered stronger than most and he had reached almost 350 cm height. At first he seemed to turn out alright. His family considered themselves of German Terran Descent. This was considered a special social bonus as the Saturnians almost fanatically worshipped old Germanic legends of the Riesen (Giants) and the Teutonic knights. His father was First Paladin of the Granit und Eichen Order, a very old and honored society focusing on fighting and guarding the weaker. Hermann Neugruber had great plans for his son Hans and trained him from early on in all sorts of combat related skills. Hans won the Odin wide Schützen meisterschaft, a planet wide marksman ship competition when he was 14 for the third time. After his 15th birthday he was exposed to the Forbidden past, a secret society inside the Saturnian Society that fanatically worshipped historical events of the Terran national state Germany before the Ascent and what was called Earth's Second World War. His father upon learning his son's involvement in this society first tried to reach his son with discussion and education. However Hans was in a serious teenager rebellious phase of development and the verbal attempts of his father did nothing. So his father used physical punishment; after that send his son to a distant uncle far away from the city, but close to the space port. Hans and two of his friends had stowed away on a freighter and managed to leave the planet hidden inside a container, their plan was to go to Falkenhorst a planetary society of Human supremacists, not members of the Union, but their planet was deep in Union space.

In their youthful blue eyed phantasies they saw themselves already as hailed heroes of the Falkenhorst society but then everything went wrong. The freighter captain knew very well what was in the container and sold the entire box to a slave trader, the three Saturnians found themselves in shackles and in the training camp of a Death Fight Company on Sin 4.

All this went through Hans head as he stood in the elevator that would take him once again up to the arena, where he would fight as the Terror Hammer.

He had come to Sin 4 three years ago. Erwin had died in the training camp after he attacked and killed two trainers under the withering fire of Kermac Line Blasters and Siegfried had died only five month later from the poisonous sting of a Wurlag after fighting a whole herd of these poisonous monsters. Hans however became a star; he had won every match and was sold to several companies to ever increasing prices and in a champion ship match actually won his freedom. He was officially an employee of the Donheer Syndicate, one of the most powerful ruling syndicates on Sin 4. While he was technically free and no longer a slave and even enjoyed the perks of a mega star, he was not really free. He could not leave the planet as no one would want to get Duke Donheer angry by providing Hans the means of escape.

His opponent today was also of the top league and not a slave but an employee of a different Death Fight company. It was a Saturday night special and transmitted into the Union, with tremendous viewer ratings, merchandise and advertisement tie-ins. Even though Death Matches where illegal in the Union, watching them and advertising with images and footage was not.

He checked his helmet and his hammer weapon one more time and then the elevator platform started moving and he rose into the large circular arena, today filled with boiling oil and floating box islands. It mattered little to Hans. All he wanted was to escape this planet and atone for his sins with his family or die right here like his best friends had. He had no longer any ambitions to go to Falkenhorst or belong to the Supremacists. He made good friends among the strangest aliens on this crazy world. He wanted to make his father proud and become a good security guard or body guard and show that he could be a good son and hopefully be allowed to become a Citizen as he left before finishing Union School, he was technically not a Union Citizen yet.

Nuclor the Death Dealer, pride of the Rillo Syndicate was his opponent for this highlight and title match. Hans was not sure what race or species he was, as he like Hans had fantasy origins made up by the PR department. Despite that Hans was almost certain Nuclor was not from any of the cultures associated to any of the Big Four. Like Hans, Nuclor had fought his way up and won every grueling and demanding death match. While both warriors represented a great deal of investment and business to the Companies, it was not called Death match for nothing and only one would leave the arena. Nuclor relied on a steel ball on a long chain and with it he was an expert par none. He could make that ball dance in mid air, back and forth, entangle opponent's legs, crush bones and take out eyes and teeth.

Hans stepped from the Lift platform onto the floating square and it rocked back and forth in the boiling blubbering oil. He could still see the gnarled fried bodies of the pre show fight floating in the dark red clear liquid. The air was hot and putrid from the stench of whatever oil they used. He felt very sorry for his opponent already and wished there was another fate, but now he had to concentrate.

Nuclor was almost four meters tall, his arms reached to the ground from his boxy body with relative short but thick legs. This gave the Nuclor a low center of gravity and a sure footed stand, but it came with a price, Nuclor was not the fastest on his legs and this is why he relied on the steel ball with the long chain to keep his opponents at a distance. So far he had not failed doing so, fighting a large number of skilled opponents.

While Nuclor had fans, he was considered the underdog wanting the championship belt. There was an ear shattering roar of 50,000 voices, fans of the Terror Hammer; nicknamed the Hammer Fanatics and all dressed in blue and yellow. Just like the Helmet of the Terror Hammer and they were chanting his stage name. He could not deny it was this chanting did get him going and he felt uplifted by it and always thought he owed the fans for it.

The announcer introduced Nuclor as a man eating beast from another Dimension and as usual the Terror Hammer was from a far distant Galaxy only survivor of a race of Y'All slayers.

While the Announcer was still speaking Nuclor attacked! This was neither fair nor in the rules, but in a contest where Victory meant life and failure painful death, no one was really much on enforcing the rules. All it would do for Nuclor to increase his reputation as a ruthless, no hold bars monster.

<p lang="en-US">Hans had not one second looked away from his opponent and saw the attack coming. Nuclor quickly went to the edge of his float, about three meters end to end and threw the ball. Hans wanted to grab it, but halfway on its way suddenly spikes appeared. Most likely monofilament, able to even penetrate Hans's tough Carbon Nano tube laced skin. Hans ducked agile, but one of the spikes did scratch over his back.

<p lang="en-US">Nuclor retracted the ball with a fast yank on the chain to drive the hook deep in Hans's skin. The spike caught and penetrated deep.

<p lang="en-US">He ignored the sharp pain and hoped that the spike was not poisoned, he jumped up as hard as he could and slammed back down on the edge of the wooden float, a splashing tidal wave of boiling oil engulfed his opponent, the forward jump had put enough slack into the chain for Hans to grab the chain and jerked it with force. Nuclor already screaming of pain lost his footing on the now oil slick wooden float of his and fell into the hot oil. Hans kept pulling and smashed his hammer on the head of his opponent, ending all his pain and suffering. The fight was over before the announcer could complete his introduction sermon. The crowd had fallen silent as it always did for a long second when the arena kill occurred. Then they went into a chanting frenzy. His fans elated and the supporters of Nuclor silent. Just as the announcer declared his victory the fastest Boiling Oil Inferno victory; two of Nuclor's friends, most likely his trainer and manager, both former death match fighters from the looks of it, almost certainly facing a bad fate from the hands of the owner of the opposing franchise jumped into the ring. One was wearing a full battle suit, armed with a force field axe and waded through the hip high oil; he was a four armed Petharian, his crystalline skin impervious to the scaling liquid. The other was a Quadi-Ped wearing a flight belt hovering over the opposite wood platform, wielding a sword of enormous length.

<p lang="en-US">Now this was truly against the rules and would most likely escalate in a bloody syndicate war. However Hans did not expect that anyone would interfere. It would give the spectators an extra bonus, especially since the title match was so short.

<p lang="en-US">Hans had freed the spiked ball from his back. He was certain his wound was deep enough to bleed and judging by the pain he felt, it had torn through a muscle. To be distracted by pain or wounds was a deadly sin in the arena, and facing two experienced opponents who could not back out facing certain death if they lost and perhaps even if they won was quite a challenge even for him.

<p lang="en-US">He still wanted to give his fans a show and stepped back into the middle of the wooden float and closed his eyes, at least that's how it looked like to the close up cameras, and lowered his arms in a meditative stance, just how he had learned from his child hood martial arts instructors. That Saturnians had two eyelids, to protect them from sand storms and environments that could hurt eyes were a feature only very few outside Odin planet knew about. He could see less clearly but still well enough for this. His opponents were quite surprised by his move and while the Petharian seemed to smell the deception it worked on the Quadi-Ped who flew fast and with raised sword to attack.

<p lang="en-US">The sword came down and would have split Hans's helmet and skull way past his shoulders, Reinforced skin and bone could deflect a normal blade but not the vibrating mono blade his opponent wielded.

<p lang="en-US">He turned away in the very last micro second grabbed the wrist of the sword holding arm, added to the momentum like a Olympian hammer thrower and with all his inhuman strength flung the Quadi-Ped against the Pertharian who was almost on the floating wooden island. The Pertharian more out of reflex and instinct raised his force field axe and sliced deep into the body of his comrade, and using two of his extra arms to toss the Quadi-Ped aside, who had let go of the flight belt controls, into the boiling oil and kept coming.

<p lang="en-US">The Petharian was good! Very good! Hans's incredible move had distracted him for less than a heartbeat and he kept his focus on Hans, bringing down the axe and splitting the wooden raft with one stroke, right down the middle and Hans plunged into the scaling, blubbering oil!

<p lang="en-US">His opponent already thinking Hans was done for, did not know that the two centimeters of nano carbon fiber reinforced skin was engineered by Schwartz Bio Tech so long ago, so Saturnians could work on planets and in conditions no normal being could endure. The boiling oil burned in his wound and he could feel the heat all over. He could certainly not endure for long, but he was not in any immediate danger. He was thankful to God that he had closed his eyelids. Hans crouched and exploded out of the boiling liquid right before the Petharian who had raised all four arms in a victory gesture and Hans brought down his hammer with all his weight and strength behind it, he could have felled a Battle robot with that blow and even though Pertharians were among the toughest warriors in the known Universe, it was enough to render the doomed four armed Petharian into a horrible gory mess that collapsed into the liquid.

<p lang="en-US">Hans waded to the other platform to get out as fast as he could.

<p lang="en-US">As he now raised his arms, the audience exploded into ecstatic chanting.

<p lang="en-US">A hover platform descended and took him up before the Five Fight Judges, declaring him the Ultimate Death Champion for the 21st time, and by doing so he surpassed the previous unbroken record of Tabor Tremendous. Making him the most successful Death Fight Champion in history; he could hear the commentators already arguing that this was technically a triple win and should be counted as such. Part of him was disgusted by what he had done, but the jubilations and the effects of his adrenalin induced rush were making him feel elated.

<p lang="en-US">The fat, half Shiss Duke Donheer proved he was quite agile jumped on the floating platform put his arm on Hans shoulder and waved with his other to the crowd. "This is how a Donheer Champion looks like, people. This is how a Donheer Fighter deals with traitors, cowards and cheats! He simply kills them!"

<p lang="en-US">He spoke into a swarm of floating hover cams and raised Hans's massive right arm. Hans knew this was also a hidden warning and declaration of retaliation to the Rillo Syndicate.

<p lang="en-US">A reporter of Gal Sports floated close and said." This fight certainly will go down in Death match Sports history. Tell us Champ what motivates you?"

<p lang="en-US">"Eating right, making my Team proud and most of all the legions of Hammer Fanatics. It is my fans first and foremost!"

<p lang="en-US">Only a Union Doctor with access to Saturnian replacement tissue could have fixed his back right, but the team medic, derma patched his wound and if he ever made it back to the Union he would have the normal skin replaced. After he had been doctored up and after a long shower he wanted to go home and find a way to escape from Sin 4. He had a good amount of Credits on the local SII Bank, the only Union Branch bank doing business on Sin 4, the Terror Hammer was about as well known as anyone could be on Sin 4, but no one knew Hans Neugruber. The problem was his stature and size, there weren't many disguises available and none would really make him blend into the crowd.

<p lang="en-US">But as he emerged from the showers, Duke Donheer accompanied by his ever present Togar Warrior guards intercepted him with a broad smile. "You can't possibly want to go home. There are big parties in your honor tonight, and you have been invited to a party of Sinister Sports Inc. They made me an offer for you I am contemplating. They want to buy you for 200 Million Credits. No higher sum has ever been offered for a Death Fighter and while I hate to see you go, it would be hard to find new matches for you."

<p lang="en-US">Hans blinked." You told me I am free. How can they buy me?"

<p lang="en-US">"This is Sin 4, Terror! You are free as long as it suits me. Now be a good boy and come to the party! Oh and I forgot to tell you, that the doctor not only fixed your back, but implanted a little device filled with Wurgus poison, plenty to kill you. Just in case you decide to be a little more independent I like you to be. Of course you understand that I have to make sure my treasure piece does not get lost."

<p lang="en-US">Of course he knew how deadly the Wurgus poison even for a Saturnian was. It took all his will power not to attack the man and see if he could twist off the fat man's head before the poison took effect." The day will come I am going to make you pay for this!"

<p lang="en-US">"Yes, yes. If I had a credit for every time someone said that, I would not even need to sell you. Do I have to tell you again, or will you come along now?"

<p lang="en-US">Hans gruntingly followed the Syndicate boss and thought what he could do to get out of this predicament.

<p lang="en-US">The party was in Ups, the most northern part of the Upper Continent of Sin 4. The entire continent was more or less one city and Ups was where the rich and Syndicate protected lived. Only the Syndicate bosses themselves lived even more exclusive on their own islands.

<p lang="en-US">He had never heard of an outfit called Sinister Sports and wondered what his fate held in store for him. Hans was very tempted to simply end it. Attack the duke, kill the swine and be done with it. He would have done it if he could be certain he had time enough to kill the man before the poison took effect, but he had seen the effects of Wurlag poison not only on his friend but in the arena many times, it almost instantaneously paralyzed a being and every nerve in the body would wither away, including brain cells and this was a slow and painful death while you were unable to move a single muscle. There was so he heard no known antidote.

<p lang="en-US">The party was big and every delicacy, drug and drink was provided in vast quantities. Even though they had Terran pig roast, his favorite he had no appetite at all. All he did was nurse a big glass of fruit juice.

<p lang="en-US">The host of the party had not spared any costs and there were at least twenty Sojonit Prostitutes and the Mother Superior of the Order was here to make sure the sexual phantasies of the guests were met.

<p lang="en-US">As she was introduced to Hans, the woman in the revealing red outfit and in Hans opinion creepy face mask said to him." You would not have any special phantasies?"

<p lang="en-US">"I do, but I doubt the Sojonit could help me in my case."

<p lang="en-US">"Why don't you give it a try and tell me? We are known to fulfill even the most unusual requests?"

<p lang="en-US">Hans was not in the mood to talk to a masked prostitute or pretty much in the mood to talk to anyone. He barley contained his anger and frustration. He was traded like merchandise, forced to kill and fight until they decided to kill him per remote or giving him opponents and challenges in the arena not even he could survive."

<p lang="en-US">He wanted to walk away but she put her gloved hand on his chest and said in a whispering way." I can help you Hans. You need to trust me and follow me so we can talk undisturbed."

<p lang="en-US">Duke Donheer was not far but he just waved and said loud." Yes Terror, go with the Sojo and have a little fun! You deserved it! It's all on the house so no worries about the fees."

<p lang="en-US">He was quite surprised that the Sojo knew his real name and he had not much to lose, so he nodded and followed the woman.

<p lang="en-US">The party happened in a huge and expensive decorated, three level penthouse on top of a sky scraper, complete with in and outdoor pool and roof top park. The Sojonit Sisters had set up a series of pink tents on that roof garden and she took him to one of these flimsy looking tents.

<p lang="en-US">She pulled the flap aside and let him in and after she closed it she said." Now we can talk openly, these tents are shielded against any known spy and surveillance technique including telepaths."

<p lang="en-US">"Lady, I am not in the mood to have any intimate conversation or something else with you. I came because I was intrigued how you knew my real name."

<p lang="en-US">"Even though we have ways to satisfy the appetites of a Saturnian," with these words she suddenly changes shape! Her form started to flow and expand and in a mere moment she had the physical size and attributes of a female Saturnian. I do this to show you that our reputation is well earned and that we have means and ways beyond the grasp of men. I also can read minds and when I sensed your troubled mind, I looked deeper and this is why I think I can help you. Help you to get home!"

<p lang="en-US">The sudden change actually frightened Hans quite a bit. He knew of no species that could so easily change shape and add so much volume and mass. That she was no hologram or Virtu projection he somehow knew for sure, of course if she was a good telepath she might be able to make him see and believe anything she wanted. He tensed his muscles, just to be ready." Lady, if you read my mind and you are indeed a Telepath then you know that it is quite impossible for me to leave now."

<p lang="en-US">"I know about the Wurlag Poison Injector in your back. Right now Duke Donheer could press his button all he wanted, the signal would not reach that device and if you let me help you, then you will leave this tent without it."

<p lang="en-US">I am still green, Sojo. I know that but even if you can help me. I need to know the price. There is nothing free in this Universe."

<p lang="en-US">"You are, or you will be a Union Citizen and yes there is a price for you to pay. The Terror Hammer dies when you leave this world and you become a lawful citizen. You cannot return to this sport or even related legal sport. You will be Hans Neugruber again and you must find lawful employment, perhaps with the Union Police, the Fleet or something like that. Large Corporations are out as well. Sinister Sports for example is muscling in on the Death Sport scene and they do it with methods that make the Syndicates look like angels. Sinister Sports is secretly owned by Galakto Entertainment and they are not by accident in the same office building as the SII Bank, if you know what I am getting at!"

<p lang="en-US">Hans knew about Galakto, they owned several Casinos and he had overheard the Duke taking about them as being a dangerous business opponent with incredible resources and no scruples. "But Schwartz Industries is a lawful and good Corporation in the Union and Death Sports are highly illegal in the Union!"

<p lang="en-US">"Hans, SII cares about one thing only and that is profit. Death Sport is huge. Do you know what viewer ratings of 45 percent mean on a market with over a Centillion GalNet subscribers? Neither you nor I can imagine the sums of money involved. None of the Ultra Corps would think twice decimating planets for business like that." She sat down on a Divan." Now we are getting away from the current situation. You have not answered me if you are willing to pay that price. I know there is a part of you that enjoys the attention and the arena and I know you could be tempted to do this on your own if you would be free."

<p lang="en-US">"Lady I would give my right arm to go back to Odin and my family, finish Union school and atone for my sins, not that I could even hope to live long enough to atone for one percent of them."

<p lang="en-US">"Good, that is what I needed to hear. Getting you off this planet won't be easy as we have to fool both the Donheer Clan and Sinister Sports, and you are not someone we could easily disguise, but it is not impossible. It also musty happen without anyone knowing of my involvement, but first let me make you a free man and take out that Poison Implant."

CHAPTER 20 - Guests of Honor

<p lang="en-US">The military band sounded like a bunch of Nilfeheim kids blowing through plastic hoses and with about as much skill, punctuated by an instrument that made a noise that would put a wounded Fangsnapper to shame. Fectiv whispered:" If that is their best band used for ceremonies, I wonder how their beginners sound?"

<p lang="en-US">Ninio had a hard time whispering so it seemed, even though I knew he tried." I can't wait to get me a few recordings. Can you imagine them playing Funtuty tunes?"

<p lang="en-US">I shrugged." I guess, to each his own!"

<p lang="en-US">After the band had played four more tunes, they finally put us on a wheeled vehicle. It had two tiers and the upper one was open and had two rows of seats. The entire vehicle was painted and decorated in the Union colors. We were asked to get on the second tier and all the way to the front.

<p lang="en-US">Before us a row of vehicles with rotating lights on their roofs and so we participated in a parade through the streets of the capitol city. The streets were lined with crowds waving Union flags and cheering, but there were a few groups carrying signs and they had messages printed in Union standard, such as "Union go home" and " We got rid of the Nogoll now we need to get rid of the Union!"

<p lang="en-US">I only noticed Bennett sitting behind me as he leaned forward." Look at those ungrateful Dick faces, they didn't get rid of the Nogoll, we did! I don't see the point of courting those primitives. A nice Virus or a P bomb and we got the system for ourselves."

<p lang="en-US">"I had it! We are back on the ship; I am putting you on report!"

<p lang="en-US">"I am sitting behind you with a dagger and a loaded gun and you won't make it back, trust me!"

<p lang="en-US">I turned and snapped." And you are messing with a Neo Viking that gets more pissed by the minute! The best thing for you is to shut up and report yourself. You might need some serious reconstructive surgery before your court hearing."

<p lang="en-US">He paled and hate glittered in his eyes. The other human cadet sitting next to him was clearly afraid and said." You are not serious aren't you?"

<p lang="en-US">Neither Waite no I could respond as the Admiral called us to attention and then asked us of the now stopped vehicle.

<p lang="en-US">Harel and Uley had an anti-matter mine strapped to their bodies and there were twenty more Nogoll dressed up as Yokuta, ten of them would go on a tour of the ship and the others would run into the forum with the Union honor guests and detonate themselves. Harel and Uley had the same orders. Go to a crowed place and detonate the anti-matter charges.

<p lang="en-US">Neither one of them really wanted to die and commit suicide like that, but neither of them had much hope. If even one of the others followed through, the Union would not have any mercy and hunt the rest down. Once they knew what to look for, their sensors would find them.

<p lang="en-US">Colonel Cornelius O'Hare was concerned. He was on security detail for the Admiral of the Fleet. Union Intelligence and security would not let the highest officer out of their sights. He was with the PSI Corps and one of the three agents permanently assigned to the Admirals security detail. Admiral Mc Elligott was a high profile target and there were thousands of attempts on his life over the centuries. Almost exclusively agents and assassins hired by enemies. Of course there was the occasional attempt of some fringe group. There were very few voices before the Y'All Crisis who questioned the legitimate right of the immortals to be in such leading positions for such a long time. Those voices have almost disappeared after that war.

<p lang="en-US">It was clear to almost everyone that it was better to have individuals with that enormous experience such as Stahl, Decker and Mc Elligott in leading positions. The Fleet was by far the largest organization in the known Galaxy and it was simply practical to have someone on the top who could oversee projects that took 500 years or knowing the organization from the ground up. In all those centuries none of the Immortals ever stepped out of line and tried to rule or dictate the direction. Mc Elligott still took his orders from the Assembly and he did so without fail. Of course none of the Immortals was as popular or beloved as Admiral Stahl, but he didn't need security. He was more often than not in his nearly invincible battle ship. Even though not being as popular as Stahl, Mc Elligott was well liked and for a man of his position had surprisingly few internal or political enemies, mostly due to the fact that Mc Elligott had stayed out of politics or taking sides. But few enemies in a Galaxy as large as this was still a lot and it was his job to keep the Admiral safe.

<p lang="en-US">Now why he had to come to this backwater planet was anyone's guess. Of course it was an impressing gesture to have an immortal show up in the flagship, but way too little preparation went into this trip, especially security wise.

<p lang="en-US">He was a good telepath and most Yokuta were very friendly and had positive thoughts about the Union and a possible membership, but there was about 30 percent undecided and ten percent felt violently opposed to any ties to the Union. It was those ten percent that caused him concern. The local police was not very helpful in providing any pre visit intelligence and claimed they had everything under control.

<p lang="en-US">He now sat in the wheeled bus below and behind the driver, with his eyes closed he looked like he was sleeping but he had his mental eye on the crowd around the bus. Psionic crowd scanning was not easy even for a very good telepath, you had to shift through hundreds of brains in mere seconds and look for an aggressive impulse that was strong enough for him to act. He could not simply stop the visit because someone was thinking badly about the Union or the Admiral. Thankfully he had the best Psi training and while it was demanding. He was experienced and he was not alone and besides there were ten Ultra Marines of F.A.S.T (Fleet Anti-Terror Security Team) posing as regular marines in Parade Uniforms. While they had no Psionic talents they could smell trouble a mile away and react fast.

<p lang="en-US">He hated to be disturbed but Poul from Phantas a decent Telepath and good Telekinet, and one of his colleagues would not have done so if it wasn't necessary. He used the Psi Radio one of the great little devices only the PSI corps had." Hey CC have you had a chance to scan our cadets?"

<p lang="en-US">"No, I thought they are just 3 day cadets freshly processed."

<p lang="en-US">"They missed a Purist! One of them is full of hate and has serious ideas about hurting another cadet. Right now he is held back by his own fear to actually use a weapon and kill someone but it seems the threshold for violence is getting lower."

<p lang="en-US">"Monitor him closely. I prefer to deal with that in the ship. Would send a bad message to the Yokuta if we arrest one of our own right before the meeting, I doubt this would go down well with the Yokuta or the Admiral. "

<p lang="en-US">"I agree. I will keep my senses drained on them and I should be able to interfere telekinetically if needed, but that would mean you got to scan more of the crowd."

<p lang="en-US">"I don't expect any trouble from the locals. Their police seem to be able to handle the few local trouble makers and I have not sensed any real violent opposed thoughts so far, even from those who are against our future presence or membership."

<p lang="en-US">We left the bus and entered something like a Congress center. A big structure surrounded by tended parks and statues. It was basically a flat roof carried by a number of tall columns. Underneath the roof was just one open space area. Long buffet style tables one side. A raised platform with a lectern, local and union flags and large physical 2D view screens instead of field screens completed the ambience.

<p lang="en-US">I grinded my teeth, because the band just had to play again! While that band simulated musically the life skinning of Nubhir wolfs, a number of quite obvious elderly Yokuta in colorful official looking garments climbed onto the platform and assembled behind the lectern.

<p lang="en-US">One of them with an even more colorful robe place himself at that lectern and the band thankfully stopped playing.

<p lang="en-US">"Welcome and our all deepest felt thank you, Union Citizens and Union Soldiers who have fought so gallantly and gave us back our freedom.

<p lang="en-US">"We have suffered terribly for over threehundred of your Standard years under the joke of the Nogoll.

<p lang="en-US">"We still can't really believe our fortune and to all of us it is as if we all walk on five inches of air above the ground, heads up and proud to be Yokuta and free on our own world." He wiggled his trunk that ws much slimmer and smaller than that of the Elly. It appeared to be a thank you gesture. To the yells and cheers that punctuated his speech.

<p lang="en-US">" Much damage has been done by the occupants. Physically robbing resources and polluting without care since it was not their home, killing many hundred thousand over the centuries those who tried to fight the oppressor. Cultural damage by stealing our artifacts and melting our religious icons for their war machine, forbidding Yokuta art that was not approved by our former masters and mentally for making us being ashamed of what we are and thinking that being slaves is a natural place for Yokuta. The Nogoll are gone! Not only from this planet, but gone and so severely beaten that they can never return!"

<p lang="en-US">At this point he paused a little longer and the assembly and the crowds all around the open sided building cheered as his image and his words were transmitted to the huge screens and I was sure they had similar screens all over outside as well.

<p lang="en-US">He bowed to us and then pointed to a Union flag." It is them who under that flag fought for us. We heard of the Union only little via the Nogoll and always thought of them as enemies, worse than the Nogoll. Of course it was all lies and propaganda. Over the last ten day, we of the people's forum and you on your home viewers have seen what the Union really is. How huge, how powerful and it is not propaganda. Go look at our space port and see how this delegation arrived. Look at the power and the size of their ship. It is only one of many. Now many of us think it is best to join that Union and we were assured that we would not be slaves but equals and that one day Yokuta would serve and command ships like that. We can get as much or as little help from the Union as we want, we can stay isolated or be fully integrated and they ask very little in return.

<p lang="en-US">"Some of you may ask: What is it they want from us ?. They will ask that we accept Union law. All of you have seen the documentaries and documents made freely available what those laws mean. These laws can be condensed into one sentence: Guaranteed rights of liberty to every thinking individual, pure and simple. Even without their ships and power. I personally like those laws so much I want them to be the model of our own laws even if we decide not to join and I know there are many who think like I do. However there are those who oppose this and those who are undecided. To help you see what I see and perhaps join me in voting for an application, we honored one of our oldest traditions and invited a group of young people to tell us about the Union. For this we will accept random picked calls from you the audience."

<p lang="en-US">The speaker walked away from his desk and waved at us. The Admiral nodded and gestured us up the platform.

<p lang="en-US">Uley saw the Union delegates getting up to the platform. He looked at his partner and made his decision. His hand cramped around the detonator switch. He took a deep breath, as he knew his decision was not the right one, but the only one he saw. He pushed past two Yokuta, jumped over the hip high barrier and ran as fast as he could towards the Podium.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Chapter 21: Yokuta Salad

Interlude: Hans

<p lang="en-US">As far as Duke knew he still had control over Hans. The device was active and it could be triggered at any time,however it was no longer inside the Saturnians body but in a little Tough-film bag and in his pocket. Now that he was no longer alone and has someone to help him to get off planet and back home, it was easy to control his temper.

<p lang="en-US">He came out of the Sojo tent and joined the guests. The duke noticed his relaxed state right away and made a few dirty remarks. Then he introduced Hans to a man, one could only describe as average. He was the most average human Hans had ever seen, nothing stood out. He didn't wear an extremely expensive suit, nor a cheap one. The color of his clothing was of a bland gray, even his hair color was somewhere between brown and blond. Donheer said:" This is Mr. Kelpie and he represents Sinister Sports your new owner."

<p lang="en-US">The nondescript man held up a little silver device with a blinking green button." Nice to meet you Mr. Hammer." With a theatrical gesture he played with the device and brushed his finger over the button. It was obvious that this little man enjoyed having so much power over a being physically his superior." As you can see, I have the means to destroy you, Mr. Hammer. While your demise will represent a loss of investment money. In the great scheme of things however it is less than a percent point, easily recovered by write offs and post-hum marketing of your merchandise as collectables. Therefore do not think I will hesitate to use this, perhaps crude way of control. If you do the same what you have done for your previous employers, you will find us a generous partner and the rewards will be great. If you decide to do otherwise we have much finer methods of control and Psycho Surgery done right is a wonderful tool."

<p lang="en-US">Hans had the strong urge to rip the man's head off or crush his bones one by one between his fingers but he said with his best poker face."I am a fighter. I care little about management decisions. Give me fights and I fight. Give me opponents and I kill simple as that."

<p lang="en-US">Now the average man smiled broadly across his bland face." I think we have a wonderful future together. We want you start early tomorrow, of course there is a brand new Braddock Murphy Vultron in the Garage of your new apartment, which is this one by the way." He padded Hans on he belly, he had no hopes reaching his shoulders."It is a big day for you. You get a new costume, accessories and there will be interviews and picture shots. We will Virtu – animate you and sell Avatars of yours. You are playing with the big boys now, quite literally!"

<p lang="en-US">Hans had a hard time to keep calm. It went exactly as the Sojo said it would and by tomorrow this time be on his way to Checkpoint 96 and from there he was a Space bus ride away from home. He already made up his mind not to stay home for very long, instead he planned to go to the Academy, right after he went to a recruiting office and had his citizen ship confirmed. Signing up for military service was a legal way to make up for lost school credentials."

Chapter 21 : Yokuta Salad

<p lang="en-US">I saw the Yokuta running towards the podium and my first response was to the dagger they had given us with the uniform. Of course I had a blaster, but my reflexes were still geared toward sword and knife.

<p lang="en-US">A burning foreign thought exploded like a yell in my mind." Stop!" It was a telepathic command and while it was given I knew it had been said by a commanding officer. My hand froze, before perhaps a microsecond before I was to throw.

<p lang="en-US">The Yokuta ripped off his snouted gray head, ears and skin and all and revealed a black Nogoll and he screamed. "Don't shoot! I surrender! There are others like me with AM bombs and there are some in the ship!"

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

<p lang="en-US">I was so used to Tyr and Egill's telepathic communications that I answered without speaking." Sorry Sir!"

<p lang="en-US">There was a small pause." How did you get away with it at Uniform inspection?"

<p lang="en-US">"The Auto dresser gave me weapon options and I choose a second dagger where I always carry my throwing knife, Sir."

<p lang="en-US">"I also notice you have lots of experience in telepathic communication. I will keep an eye on you. Now we need to sort things out here and brief the Yokuta!"

<p lang="en-US">"The ship, Sir!"

<p lang="en-US">"No worries. No one gets aboard the Union Flag ship even on a sight-seeing tour without being scanned to the last body cell!"

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

<p lang="en-US">"Now alongside local Yokuta Police Units a final assault is made on the hidden mountain base and I can confirm right now,that Yokuta security units have successfully arrested the remaining Nogoll infiltrators."

<p lang="en-US">The Image showed Yokuta in borrowed Union Battle suits guiding ten Nogoll out of a smoking cave entrance.

<p lang="en-US">Since we still stood on the platform and behind the Old man of the fleet we could hear him mutter." I wonder how he does it, stealing my thunder all the time!"

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

<p lang="en-US">A thunderous cheer rose from the multitudes.

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

<p lang="en-US">"Where are you from human?" A question was directed at me and I told them that I was from Nilfeheim and I had to describe my world in a few sentences. Then someone asked."How do you feel about non humans, Elly or Garbini for example?"

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

<p lang="en-US">Nino pushed me a little from the side." He got me figured out alright, I can't resist a good prank, but Eric is always willing to help and share, he is one of the reasons ten strangers are on their way to become good friends."

<p lang="en-US">One of the Elders said." I still would like to know what you think about us. I know you don't want to judge and you know little about us, but everybody forms some kind of opinion and usually right away. We Yokuta value honesty above false compliments, so don't be afraid to be frank."

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

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

<p lang="en-US">Two Three now had to describe his home and even I was fascinated about its answers. The way Two Three described his birthplace was incredible and truly alien.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<p lang="en-US">"That Xeno loving freak who almost killed me, over there wanted to report me, so my chances to make a difference were over. I aimed at the Elder not at you. That would have certainly ended these sickening procedures and these Dick Faces would not join."

<p lang="en-US">"Do you know the consequences of your act?"

<p lang="en-US">Bennet laughed hard." We are not in Union space and therefore Union Law means nothing! Even a five credit lawyer will get me off the hook. I want to make a GalNet call anyway!"

<p lang="en-US">"You are not subject to civilian laws as you were told right at the beginning; you are a Cadet and as such face a court martial." He waved at the Marines." Get him out of here!"

<p lang="en-US">Then he focused on me."So you are Eric Olafson?"

<p lang="en-US">I frowned."Yes Sir."

<p lang="en-US">"Do you have anything to say about what you did?"

<p lang="en-US">"I accept responsibility for it, and I know I probably violated orders and such. What will be my punishment?"

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

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

<p lang="en-US">I girded my weapon belt back on and gasped as he said that."Sir you know about that?"

<p lang="en-US">"Yes, lad I do. A Union Planet attacked in peace time and so deep in what we deem safe space was brought to my attention and so the subsequent events. Now please take a seat and tell me about it."

<p lang="en-US">I finished closing the belt and the marine handed me my second knife. I sat down and began to tell him, while I put the knife back into the sheath on my back.

<p lang="en-US">He had not interrupted me once. I had left out Tyr's part and only mentioned that I heard someone mentioning the possible attack.

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

<p lang="en-US">I got up as well and thought it might be a good idea not to shake the Admiral's hand but to salute as they showed us in one of the classes." Thank you, Sir!"

<p lang="en-US">"We are not done yet. We still have a state dinner to attend, and you need a new uniform, the crusted blood on your jacket is not very appetizing"

Interlude: Terror Hammer dies

<p lang="en-US">"Isn't she a beauty?" Said one of the guests adoring Hans new Braddock Flyer." This is one brutish beast, just like you Hammer. Fast, powerful, well armed and tough. Money can't buy a nicer piece of personal transportation outside the Union than this."

<p lang="en-US">His new manager said."Why don't you take it around the tower for a spin? So our press guests can make a few recordings, just remember not to stray too far. The remote triggers automatically if you go beyond fifty kilometers."

<p lang="en-US">He hoped his grin did not look forced as he said." Why would I go anywhere? It seems you are treating me quite nicely."

<p lang="en-US">It had the desired effect, the Manager bought it. "We will work well together, your attitude is commendable."

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

<p lang="en-US">Defense guns had been activated and one of the Tantrums got shot down while the other escaped with one burning turbine.

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

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

<p lang="en-US">The Yokuta then announced that most of the votes had been counted and the result was an overwhelming approval to go ahead with a Union Membership application.

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

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

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

<p lang="en-US">Ninio, the Garbini and the other human Cadet went. The tall Elly, Deadan said to me as if he knew what I was thinking." Ninio is determined to find some Yokuta Recordings. Tescor, the human for some unexplained reason likes it too!"

<p lang="en-US">"You are kidding!"

<p lang="en-US">"No I swear to you. He thinks it could be mixed into Psycho Plank Punk whatever that is."

<p lang="en-US">"I don't know either."

<p lang="en-US">A while later four high ranking officers came into the lobby and someone yelled." Commander on deck!"

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

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

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

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

<p lang="en-US">"I am from Nilfeheim, Sir."

<p lang="en-US">"I heard you say that before. I never heard of Nilfeheim, is it a Union planet?"

<p lang="en-US">"Yes it is, Sir. It is in the old Xunx area, as some Terran books call it. Long ago they called us Neo Vikings and…"

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

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

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

<p lang="en-US">"I am still fascinated about the things you told about your home star. I really would like to take that Virtu Experience one day, and hopefully with you so you can explain it all to me!"

<p lang="en-US">He leaned forward in his chair." This would make me very proud Eric. If we find time and the opportunity and perhaps you can visit me and my parent Units as well on Bright Station."

<p lang="en-US">"I would love to do that."

<p lang="en-US">"I bet Ninio and the other two will be disappointed missing getting their medals."

<p lang="en-US">"I am sure they will get them, but should they not be back by now?"

<p lang="en-US">"I don't think it is an hour yet. They might have found a Yokuta restaurant or something." Then he said."You know the Iron Star is the sixteenth highest award the Fleet gives! I am glad you got it for smacking Wade."

<p lang="en-US">"I should have reported him right away you know."

<p lang="en-US">"It turned out well and four hours wait time means this energy being is going for some shut eye."

<p lang="en-US">"You don't have any eyes."

<p lang="en-US">"I like the expression never the less and I can see you, but you are right not with eyes. Besides if I would say I disengage my ability to receive and interpret reflected photons into visual data would not make much sense to you."

<p lang="en-US">"I might just do the same and disengage mine for a while."

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

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Chapter 22: Where are they?

Chapter 22

Interlude: Distant Events – Several weeks ago

<p lang="en-US">Deep space, minus 270 degrees Celsius, the stars were sparsely seeded in this region of space and these suns were generally very old stars. This near vacuum had not been disturbed, since this universe began. An observer would have seen the sudden glimmering disturbance and then it was there!

<p lang="en-US">Out here was no light to reflect of an object but this shimmering light gray thing with bright light behind tiny space ports brought its own light. It was shaped like a huge wedge and on its wide end it had four big box like extensions. If that observer could read it would see the bold lettering on its side: USS Ivanhoe. Right below a stylized symbol of a white spiral arm galaxy on a blue field with red and white vertical stripes on the side, a triangle superimposed forming the logo of the United Stars of the galaxy. The beautiful sleek looking visitor to this place in time and space paused for a moment. Sensor beams whispered and reached out from the object, tasting, sensing and probing. Collecting vast amounts of data, then it accelerated again, stretching as if elastic for the time span of a second and then it was gone again.

<p lang="en-US">Captain Flowar Saxa brushed over his dull bluish bald head as he always did when everything seemed alright and nothing was out of the ordinary and yet, somewhere deep inside he had the feeling there was something the sensors had not picked up or somehow over looked. Something that was a potential danger to his crew and ship.

Saxa was a Plato, and one of a small handful of this species living as free beings in the Union. He was certainly the only Plato Union Captain. To the Kermac, the Plato were the lowest class of slaves, only good for the most primitive labor. No Plato knew where they originated from, their home planet either destroyed or lost, but there where hundreds of millions of Plato serving on every Galactic Council planet, ship and installation. The Kermac breed them in slave camps, sold them to other species as laborers and cheap workers. Plato Nan taakte  meant lowest useful life form in Kermac.

<p lang="en-US">Plato were strong and tough and had a legendary endurance, needed little sleep and could tolerate temperatures on both ends of the scale most other humanoid life forms could not.

<p lang="en-US">He had been sold as Slave merchandise when he was still young, but the slave trader made a mistake. He tried a short cut through union space and was caught. He became a Union citizen and ever since had only one goal in life, repay this glorious nation with his unwavering dedicated service. He hoped that the Kermac would fall one day and then he would help to free his brethren and educate them how wonderful freedom and liberty was. The Union trusted him with the command over an E Type Explorer.

<p lang="en-US">His ship was based on the same hull as the Galantor Class Super Cruiser. 1400 meters long, 400 meters wide and 600 meters deep at its base tapering to a chisel bow of only 20 meters. It was not as heavily armed as a Galantor Class, but had the same armor and shielding and his ship had much greater range. It also was equipped with a wider array of sensors and had a much larger science department. His mission was deep space exploration and the Ivanhoe would be the first ship to reach the Palomar 12 globular cluster 64,000 light years away from the Galactic rim. Even though this was the Core ward Sector, no Union ship had ever come this far into this direction.

<p lang="en-US">He got up from his command chair and walked over to the OPS station and asked the Klack Lieutenant." Nn'tik anything on the boards?" The Klack was a reliable, dependable officer and he would of course report anything anyway, but Saxa could not shake this feeling.

<p lang="en-US">"No Sir, all boards show green and I have nothing on the scanners. We are almost done with the deployment of Sensor Relay buoy 27."

<p lang="en-US">The Ivanhoe had placed 26 SRB's since they left Union space. Each of these sophisticated robotic devices would not only allow them to be in zero delay communication with Fleet Command, but monitored space with automated sensors, allowing both his crew and analysts back home to monitor the space they had already passed through. Officially their mission was the same as all the thousands of explorer ship, to expand the knowledge horizon and to make contact with other civilizations and was part of the Galactic Survey project. The goal of this project was to completely survey the M-0 galaxy. The projected completion of this project was in 13,200. By then he would be nothing more than dust, but he would not be forgotten, star system and sun bore his name and it had three garden worlds with suitable atmospheres.

<p lang="en-US">His XO, a Pan Saran complete with polished brass chest armor, knew his Captain well and said."Maybe we should take a longer break here and send out two P5-Specters to recon the space ahead. It is the last star system on our course and from what it looks like it has planets and two are in the green zone."

<p lang="en-US">"Yes Marcus, good idea and while you at it sound Alert Condition Yellow."

<p lang="en-US">No one on the bridge questioned his decision to raise alert conditions to Elevated status, despite the fact that there was nothing on the sensors. Many of them served with Captain Saxa for more than five years and even more than regular combat units, explorers were away from known space and regular base visits for the most time and that often bonded crews like tight knit families. The Crew as not nervous or concerned but they knew if Saxa's guts acted up, there usually was a reason and they trusted their captains feelings more than the best sensors.

<p lang="en-US">His Chief Science officer was a Wurgus, one of the few not being a solar engineer, waved his captain over."Sir, I went over the sensor recordings with a Terran fine tooth comb and I did find faint traces of exotic Hadron particles, all in a linear pattern towards that Star system ahead. Now these patterns are decaying and they are at least a month or so old, but Hadron particle spurs are often associated with Kermac T- engines, their equivalent to our Isah Drive."

<p lang="en-US">"I was just thinking about these bald headed bastards. Hail the Specters and tell them to be extra careful and high tail out of there as fast possible if they think there is danger."

<p lang="en-US">Marcus the XO sat down." That system would be almost 20,000 light years from Kermac Prime. Could not another species use a similar propulsion system?"

<p lang="en-US">The Wurgus rotated his onion shaped eyes." Of course this is possible, the Dai for example use similar engines, but it's the pattern that made me think of the Kermac first."

<p lang="en-US">Olnatar was a Siucra. His kind was the oldest and the very first Thrall species of the Kermac. They had one purpose and one task only, protect Koken. Koken meant Origin in the old Ker language. This was the holy planet of the worshipped masters before their move to their new home Kermac Prime 20,000 light years away. Olnatar had never set foot on Koken; he would never dare to defile such a holy place with his unworthy presence. No Kermac had been seen in 453 cycles, but he had been blessed beyond believe as he was allowed to see four Kermac ships pass in the far distance and his ships received the holy codes. He was certain his scanner and sensor data was altered by the Kermac Gods on purpose, how else could it been explained that the Worshipped Masters travelled in ships that did not appear all that sophisticated? The Masters had left Koken a very long time ago and their real technology must have been beyond the grasp of comprehension. This is why they fooled the sensors of lesser beings to appear traveling in ships appearing to be barley more sophisticated than the Siucra.

<p lang="en-US">Olnatar knew all the songs and all the passages of the holy texts and knew why the Kermac had left their place of origin. He also knew why they had returned four times; they had come to talk to the Spirit of the Universe and to make the call. To Olnatar it was clear that the Y'All who came each time after the Summon was made, were another Thrall Species of the Kermac, only the Worshipful Masters could control and call such ferocious warriors.

<p lang="en-US">The Siucra never revealed themselves to the Kermac. The Worshipped Masters would contact them if there was something they wanted done. It was not proper for a servant to address his master without being asked to do so.

<p lang="en-US">For almost 900.000 cycles did the Siucra guard this area of space and have sterilized it of other life that could potentially insult the Kermac by their presence. The peaceful Tinkehel ascending on their own proudly flying their first deep space mission only to be crushed by the Siucra. Olnatar was one of the ship leaders that orbital bombed the Tinkehel world; they had the audacity to be on a direct course to Koken.

<p lang="en-US">The Siucra commander hung from his gripping tail in a relaxed position, when the alarm gas flooded his quarters with the scent of potential danger. The System raised the bar he was hanging on through a short pipe and transported him directly into the commando stand. One of his officers waved his clawed legs at him in the prescribed gesture of obedience."Initiator, a space ship of unknown origin has just appeared at the very horizon of our space feelers. It is so big, our mass detector operator thought it was a very fast wanderer of some sort, but it emits energies and has slowed down. Therefore it must be a ship. Not even the Y'All had something that big!"

<p lang="en-US">"Send message to the Combined Force and alert every combat unit! We will not fail in our holy task!"

<p lang="en-US">Olnatar made the hanging bar rotate twenty five degrees and faced another of his command crew." You who interpret knowledge. What do you make of this?"

<p lang="en-US">Uncomt was the scientific advisor and the smallest of the eight Siucra hanging in a circular pattern around the central Command bar. His leathery skin was more wrinkled as that of the others as his time of study was much longer than those of the others looked with one of his big eyes at a visualizer and with the other at his Commander." Facilitator, we do not have enough feeler knowledge to make a precise evaluation, but it is an artificial construct. Not a hollowed out asteroid generation ship like the Magulon used, the one we destroyed seventy cycles ago. It appears to have a dense metal alloy that deflects or inhibits most of our feeler rays. Only space mass displacement and external energy can be measured. It is …" The Knowledge interpreter stopped speaking and almost fell of his tail bar, recovered and croaked." Whoever they are they know we are here. We were just hit with energy magnitude 77 feeler rays. I can conclude it is a very advanced species."

<p lang="en-US">The Pan Saran XO shook his head." I don't know how you do it Sir, but your gut is better than our sensors, especially since you have no known psionic talents."

<p lang="en-US">Both the Plato and the Pan Saran stood before the main viewer and looked at the close up visual scanner image of the foreign vessel. Both P5-Specter recon craft were under full cloak and both pilots reported that the vessel of unknown origin had not scanned or detected them yet. The science officer a pretty Saresii true woman came over, a small data ball projection floating next to her. "It looks like Tech level seven. Sir, Six hundred meters bow to stern, a crew of 900 carbon based life forms. Neuro patterns not on file. Technology somewhat similar to Kermac, but distinctively different. No Trans Dim or Para Dim Tech detected, but they do use a neat Quasi Space Communication system that I would like to analyze more closely. It looks like the most sophisticated Comm technology we ever encountered, that is not Union tech."

<p lang="en-US">The Tactical officer, a human reported without turning from his readouts. Unknown vessel has certainly detected us and raised shields and activated weapons. That alien ship has some serious fire power. I am detecting twelve FTL Line Blast cannons, and one weapon that look like nothing I ever seen before. It does not relate to any of the other tech. It is clearly of a higher tech level than the rest."

<p lang="en-US">The Captain returned to his seat." Comm, inform Fleet command about this new contact. Science I want you to work on the scanner data of that strange weapon. Dedicate a Com channel to Arsenal III and work with the Xeno Techs there. Tactical they raised shield so we do the same. Standby on all weapons, but leave the turrets inside."

<p lang="en-US">The crew responded like a well maintained piece of machinery. The Plato always felt pride at moments like this.

<p lang="en-US">"Sir I am detecting more than 400 enemy contacts coming in fast centering on our location. All of the same configuration as the first enemy contact. They all have their weapons and shields active."

<p lang="en-US">"We are here to establish contact. Begin standard first Contact procedures and hail them!"

<p lang="en-US">The Computronic started to transmit the most basic binary code sequences on all know channels and after contact was established on one of them, more complicated mathematical problems were exchanged. From there the Computronic send a mathematical expression of basic language references. It turned out the Aliens spoke form of Ker and with Kermac dialects of file it took little time to establish two way communications.

<p lang="en-US">Olnatar was impressed by the size of the alien ship but now that most of the fleet was on its way, even it could be rendered to scrap. They had encountered technologically more advanced species before, but none of them could withstand the Holy fire of the Kermac Present. The Ones worthy of worship have left behind a huge cache of these weapons belonging to one of their other Thralls, a civilization called the Uni on the moon that orbited Koken. Over the millennia the Siucra had learned how to install them in their ships. While they still knew little about the principle behind the weapon. No enemy had ever been encountered that could withstand it.

<p lang="en-US">"The intruder into prohibited space is attempting to plead for mercy, Great Initiator." His Distance Speaker said.

<p lang="en-US">"Let me see the faces and if they leave their ship with us, we shall be merciful."

<p lang="en-US">The visualizer changed and what he saw made his nostril curl in the most convulsing disgust he had ever felt, a Plato stared at him, standing like a lord in black clothing. He did not crawl on the floor like it should have and wore the offensive shade! "How dare you standing! This space has been once graced by the very presence of the most exalted Kermac! How dare you be clothed! How dare you wear black the unholy shade! A Plato must crawl and be naked! You will hand over that ship now! Then submit so you can be exterminated for your insolence!"

<p lang="en-US">"I am Captain Flowar Saxa of the USS Ivanhoe and we are of the United Stars of the Galaxy. We are on a peaceful mission of exploration. Am I to understand you are a Galactic Council species?"

<p lang="en-US">"Now you speak! Without my permission and you are still standing! You will die now!" He made the sign and his Weapons operator placed both his feet on the firing contact plates." The Holy fire weapon rocked the ship and drained power!

<p lang="en-US">Captain Saxa almost fell, the Ivanhoe rocked hard, but the Ships Computronic reacted faster than any living being could and used a tractor field to pull him back into the Command Chair and the safety restrains snaked around him.

<p lang="en-US">"Shields down to 30 percent. Forward shield generator damaged. Secondary system on line! Light casualties on deck nine." The XO barked.

<p lang="en-US">"Reverse engines! Go to Course 45.34.12 mark seven. Full weapon activation! Launch both Loki tubes at these Kermac worshiping bastards!"

<p lang="en-US">The Ivanhoe shuddered again. A second enemy ship had taken them under fire from a distance that was beyond their translocator cannon range!

<p lang="en-US">"Primary shields down. Secondary shields buckling. We have hull damage starboard aft. Damage control procedures in progress!"

<p lang="en-US">Olnatar could not believe his eyes. The other ship was still there after it was hit by two charges of Holy fire Cannons.

<p lang="en-US">As if hit by an enormous hammer, his ship rocked and shook. Sparks from over loading circuits showered from visualizers and he could smell the putrid smell of fire!

<p lang="en-US">"Energy Buffer Bubbles were unable to deflect enemy smart weapon effect. Heavy damage to engine and hull"

<p lang="en-US">"We will not fail!" He screamed. "Unleash the Holy Fire!"

<p lang="en-US">"The weapon is at twenty percent at best!"

<p lang="en-US">Olnatar slashed his claw across the face of the Weapons operator hanging to his left." Unleash it now!"

<p lang="en-US">He then activated his personal Escape pod and said to the command crew." You will fight to the last while I organize the battle from another ship."

<p lang="en-US">"Secondary Shields gone Sir! 12 Percent Hull damage, FTL Drive damage! ISAH field symmetry no longer certain. Reaching FTL threshold no longer safe."

<p lang="en-US">Saxa turned." Did you send our distress call? Is the Log Drone on its way?"

<p lang="en-US">"As Ordered Sir! Drone is away and we have contact to Fleet Command. The closest help is twelve days out."

<p lang="en-US">He said to his XO. "Pack as much crew as you can in our auxiliary craft and fly as far as you get back home. Stay on the relay buoy route!"

<p lang="en-US">The Commander reacted and did as he was told. "Saxa slaved the controls of the stations and fired the Translocator canon. One of the attacking ships now within range exploded almost instantly as a five kiloton TL bomb at the point of detonation rematerialized in its engine room. He send out another Loki and destroyed the already severely damaged first attacker. The Ivanhoe's FTL Directed Energy projectors opened up on a third ship, but at the same time was hit by three more discharges of these powerful alien weapons.

<p lang="en-US">The Ivanhoe had enough FTL auxiliary craft for everyone. The XO called him." It's time to go Captain! All Aux Craft but one is gone."

<p lang="en-US">"I gave you an order Mister. I stay with my ship and risk to go TL! The Ivanhoe is not done yet. I got plenty of energy. Now go!"

<p lang="en-US">"Aye Sir and good luck! The Ninth Fleet is on its way!"

<p lang="en-US">The Ivanhoe got hit again. Repair robot resources already stretched to the limit. He cut of Life support to all decks, and pushed the accelerator. The Computronic warned that the Isah Field was not symmetric. An absolute necessity to safely pass across the FTL threshold into Quasi space, asymmetry meant chaos condition not predictable. He risked it anyway. The Ivanhoe, with over 50 percent hull damage vanished from this reality in a bright white flash. Neither pilot of the still cloaked P5's had ever seen such a flash when a ship went into Quasi Space. They knew about the asymmetric Isah field. One of the pilots was an Ult and he wished he had tears, he certainly felt like crying as he saw his Captain die.

Chapter 22: Where are they?

<p lang="en-US">"Hey Eric, are you asleep yet?"

<p lang="en-US">I opened my eyes and looked at an Elly. "No I couldn't really sleep. I was thinking about Ninio and Potsema and that human I still don't know his name. You're Deadan, right?"

<p lang="en-US">"No I am Plemo, Deadan went to look for them and now he is gone for almost 40 minutes. The human's name is Rodney Barack"

<p lang="en-US">"I guess I have slept after all. Aren't the instructors concerned?"

<p lang="en-US">"Both of them sleep as well and I didn't want to alarm them and get the others in trouble if they just forgot the time."

<p lang="en-US">I got up."Well we might as well see if we can find them. This Space port doesn't look so big. How much time do you think we have?"

<p lang="en-US">"About two hours maybe."

<p lang="en-US">"I think we better make an effort, otherwise they do get in trouble."

<p lang="en-US">I could not put it in words but I had an odd feeling that the missing cadets weren't late because they had a good time somewhere. I adjusted my weapon belt and checked the charge on the TKU and dialed the setting to four. Plemo made a sound like a balloon loosing air, but then checked his blaster as well."You're right, bad things happened already twice today."

<p lang="en-US">The Space port was well lit but quiet. The Yokuta did not have any space ships on their own and this facility had been used by their Nogoll masters. I was sure this would change soon and perhaps one of the business men was a representative of Arthur's and one of these would soon open up. I wondered what the local Rib burger would smell like.

<p lang="en-US">Plemo and I walked down the concourse, it was not like a Union Space port with lots of businesses, it had been a military installation and most of the doors had steel shutters before them, perhaps storage rooms or offices of some kind. We finally reached the end of the long corridor where the entrance doors were, outside was the road leading to the city in the distance. "Do you think they took a taxi or something and went back to town?" I asked Plemo.

<p lang="en-US">He moved his ears and wrinkled his trunk." I would not put it past Ninio, if he was determined to get music, but I would hope he was smarter than that. Besides we should have run into Deadan by now. He certainly would not have done that."

<p lang="en-US">I heard a metallic noise and turned. It came from a metal door to the side that was not completely closed. A sign in Yokuta writing above it, the door kept moving and repeating the metallic sound, as if it was animated by a draft of wind. "Can you read that?"

<p lang="en-US">Plemo squinted his eyes." Only partially. I don't know all Yokuta glyphs. It says something about Train, Wares, Connection, and if I read that right it says something about shop or shops below."

<p lang="en-US">"I bet that is what Ninio deciphered too, and that is where they went, unless they went the other direction from the lobby."

<p lang="en-US">"No I am sure they came this way. Besides the other corridor leads to the boarding gates and the landing field." He then went straight for the door.

<p lang="en-US">"Slow down Plemo. I don't have a good feeling about that."

<p lang="en-US">"I think they took a train to town and found out it isn't running back because of the festivities or something like that."

<p lang="en-US">It was a plausible hypothesis; still it would not explain Deadan not coming back. Unless the train ran only in one direction or something like that or they simply got lost. My hand rested on the butt of the blaster as Plemo opened the door. "It's just a flight of stairs leading reason to get nervous." He said.

<p lang="en-US">A cool breeze wafted from the open door, the walls were naked gray concrete and we could only see to the first landing. The light came from long tubular lamps on the ceiling, one of them flickered erratic and emitted an electric hum. I had the urge to turn around and tell the Instructors. I would have felt better if two marines in destroyer suits were going down those stairs instead of me. I could not explain why I had this strong feeling of something being very wrong. Our friends could be in some sort of trouble and any delay could make it worse on the other hand I would be responsible for them being reprimanded if it turned out to be nothing. Both the Elly and I went slowly down the stairs. As we reached the first landing, the door on top fell shut with a heavy thud and the lights went out.

Interlude: Distant events – present.

<p lang="en-US">Olnatar had been celebrated as a hero, as the one defeating a huge alien ship full of Plato, no less! He had to tell the events many times over and now was the grand Initiator of the fleet and in a brand new ship. He was leading the largest fleet ever assembled and commanded by one Siucra back into the direction where the boats and little ships of the Plato went, that survived the destruction of the big ship. They had left a trace of little sophisticated robotic devices behind marking their way. The things would self destruct before one could be secured, He was not sure what the purpose of these things were, but he was certain they would lead them to a planet or perhaps several planets of Plato scum. Escapees most likely from the master hand of the Kermac. It would be to the glory of the Masters to destroy and eradicate them. He commanded over 1000 ships all equipped with Holy Fire casters.

<p lang="en-US">The crew of the USS Ivanhoe in their small fleet of twelve D 20 shuttles, 8 P5-Specter and two science shallops had travelled back towards Union space as far as their engines allowed. Even the specters could make it 200 more light years; Commander Marcus Rullus made the decision to have the little craft stay together. Only the specters, based on the Wolfcraft fighter were armed. All the craft were cramped to the last possible space with the 600 beings of the Ivanhoe crew with the bulk of the numbers in the two shallops. The Ivanhoe had been equipped with escape pods, but launching pods with such a hateful enemy nearby was most likely suicide.

<p lang="en-US">The shallops were slow and did not have a very good long distance range. The life support systems strained beyond limit, Rullus was not sure how long they would last. They were still over 6000 light years from the fringes of Klack space and the nearest Union out Post. The twelfth fleet was on its way and thanks to the relay chain they were in direct contact with fleet command. However they were able to look into the other direction as well. They could access the Buoy scanner and sensor data and saw the huge alien fleet approaching, and two buoys had already been lost.

<p lang="en-US">Even though they had barely space to move, some of the scientists worked analyzing scanner results, language patterns, and weapon and tech specs.

<p lang="en-US">A hail came in on Union Com." This is the personal Honor guard of her majesty the Queen. Her Majesty and sovereign ruler of the Klack Hegemony ordered us dispatched and come to the help of our brothers and friends in distress. We are ahead of the Twelfth Fleet and should arrive within two hour. "

<p lang="en-US">Nn'tik, the former OPS officer of the Ivanhoe, made a pulling motion with his upper right arm in a very human expression of an emotion." Yes!"

<p lang="en-US">Someone padded the chitin back of the Klack and said." Let's hope they brought enough ships! Those aliens will be here in approximately 90 minutes."

<p lang="en-US">Nn'tik had a hard time turning in the crowded confines." My friend, the honor guard has only one ship. All other Klack ships are under Union Fleet command."

<p lang="en-US">"We should warn them! One ship won't be enough."

<p lang="en-US">"The Klack put his Antenna gently on the face of the human officer" What is the largest Space ship my friend?"

<p lang="en-US">"The Devi of course!"

<p lang="en-US">"No my friend. The Devi is the largest ship in the fleet capable of landing on a planet. The Bison Fleet tenders are technically space ships and are bigger than the Devi, the long freight tugs making it across the bridge with freight too large for the trains, are often 100 kilometers long and more, but soon you will see something few non Klack have ever seen." He then said." However I too would love to see the Stahl appear with the Devi and tear these upside down hanging Kermac thralls a new one!"

<p lang="en-US">"You sound more human every day, Nn'tik." A Purple throat Shiss wedged in between other crewmembers observed, while two small furry Holdian were sitting on his proud shoulders avoiding being trampled or crushed.

<p lang="en-US">"There is no need to insult me, Old enemy! I am as Klack as can be!"

<p lang="en-US">Everyone knew that the two were the best of friends and Nn'tik was playing on the fact that the Shiss and the Klack had been enemies for millennia. Nn'tik was of course not offended but very happy that the racial distinctions and habits slowly eroded and the huge collection of different civilizations slowly but surely became one new civilization.

<p lang="en-US">In this complete darkness. Something inside me made me close my eyes, just as I did riding on Tyr's back. I could sense my surroundings, felt every heartbeat of Plemo and I learned that Elly had two hearts. I felt the stairs and the faint electric residue in the lamps.

<p lang="en-US">The stairs transformed with a metallic hum, into a steep declined slide. Plemo had no warning and was sliding away before I could warn him. I managed to hold onto the hand rail and prevent the slide, but Plemo and most likely the others where sliding into a death trap and the fastest way down was sliding, but I would not slide unprepared. I drew the blaster dropped onto my butt and let go.

<p lang="en-US">I heard voices below, commanding voices and raised the blaster…There at the bottom of the stairs that now were a ramp two figures, perhaps 150 cm tall large heads and armed. I saw Plemo float in mid- air struggling against some unseen force, but with my new sense I saw the head of one figure almost if glowing. Psionics!

<p lang="en-US">I did not hesitate, I fired right at the center of that bright perceived glow, and Plemo fell instantly. The other figure turned his brain and something on his chin started to emit energies. Whatever the figure wanted to do, it was too late my second beam sliced right through his head.

<p lang="en-US">Plemo screamed, more out of anger than fear." I am going to get you!"

<p lang="en-US">I yelled back." It's me Plemo, Eric! I killed whatever was holding you. I noticed a circuit board on the wall and pressed the contact. With a sharp clack the Ramp went back into stair form and a second switch turned on the lights. Plemo ripped his blaster out of his holster and even though I never seen an angry Elly before, but I knew he was furious. Two dead beings still armed with strange shaped blasters lay on the floor, most of their heads were gone, burned to molecular ashes. "Plemo calm down, right now!" I said with a sharp tone." Get up those stairs and wake the Instructors. Tell them we need help down here."

<p lang="en-US">"But…"

<p lang="en-US">"No argument! Now go! I need to guard this panel so no one turns the stairs to a ramp again!"

<p lang="en-US">"Yes Sir!"

<p lang="en-US">He turned and stomped up the stairs. Only after I heard the metal door slam I went to my knees. I was in a short corridor, with some sort of conveyor belt on the left hand side, it was not active. It disappeared after a few meters through a square opening with a slated roll gate closing that opening, next to it a metal door. The door was rusty and had dirty glass panels in the upper half. I kicked the dead alien's weapons under the frame of the conveyor belt. Now I could stay here and wait for the professionals to arrive, which would be the smart thing to do, but I resigned trying to go against my own nature. There were friends in danger, that much was now clear to me. I had no idea who these white skinned small men were in those stupid looking robes, but if there were two there might have been more!

<p lang="en-US">On my knees I crawled towards that door. Whoever was behind it was warned something had gone wrong. So I pressed myself as much as possible against the wall and gave the door a push at the bottom three bright beams perforated the door at the same moment. If I had still been standing at least two of the energy neam would have hit me. A shower of metal sparks burned my back and I clenched my teeth not to make a sound. Steps came closer. From the gap between floor and door I saw four Elly like feet. Someone in the local language said." Whoever it was you got him. Our masters will be pleased!" I was glad they had uploaded the local language into our brains and hour before we landed.

<p lang="en-US">I aimed the blaster's muzzle at that gap and the feet behind and fired describing a small arch while keeping the trigger pressed.

<p lang="en-US">The beam dug a bright glowing fan shaped pattern into the concrete and a wide slot with metal dripping white hot borders into the door. I heard them fall and one screamed at the top of their lungs in pain.

<p lang="en-US">Now I kicked the door open, rushed through, avoiding the semi liquid concrete by a fraction, and jumped onto the conveyor belt, remembering the third beam. Two Yokuta with badly burned leg stumps lay on the floor, one in shock and the other still screaming. A third stood about five meters behind them. Holding the same type blaster as the little men held. I aimed the blaster, holding it with both hands." Drop your blaster or your toast!" It was as if he was fighting something inside him. He wanted to lower the blaster I could see that but against his will it raised. He was controlled by someone or something. I didn't want to kill him. So I fired into the ceiling, showering him with sparks, hoping to distract him. His instincts were stronger than whatever controlled him and he raised his arms to protect his face. Now he was a Yokuta, at least double my mass and two heads taller, and I had no idea if they had any vulnerable spots, but I holstered the gun and I closed in anyway, hit him midriff with a running tackle and as much force I could muster. He was driven back but not as much as I had hoped. It felt as if I had ran against one of those big sand filled leather bags we had at fight school. I just knew I could not have done that with a Yokuta on top of his game, his left hand brushed my ear with a powerful hay maker punch and the burning blazing pain blinding my right eye felt as if he had taken my ear clean off. I retaliated with two left right combinations aimed into the middle of his face where the trunk meet the eyes, and rammed my knee into what would be the stomach pit of a human opponent. If he was to connect another one of his punches I would have been done for. So much for my decision not to wait for back up.

<p lang="en-US">He made a tooting sound as I hit him again this time right at the trunk, and he stumbled back, and I barley avoided another punch. He was trying now to aim the weapon he still held. Either I ended it now or I had to shoot him as well. I stomped my heavy boots on his open toe sandal like shoes and that had the desired effect. He screamed raised a leg and gave me a wide open target for an axe handle blow to his trunk! He fell back wards, and I kicked the blaster out of his hand.

<p lang="en-US">It took two more kicks against the head to make him stop trying to get back up. This seemed to be some sort of postal depot. The conveyor belt ran along a row of chairs, most likely occupied during normal operations to sort whatever was coming down the slide and along the conveyor belt. The stairs converting to a ramp was not a real trap but part of some industrial or ware housing purpose. Four man high capsules in the middle of the room looked out of place, the metal looked different and the design did not fit into the surrounding. A little square box was strapped to the middle of each; a red read out was displaying foreign glyphs changing in a steady pace. Even not being able to recognize these, I knew these were timers and those capsules had to be bombs or weapons of some kind. Something very bad would happen if the timers had counted to zero, that was obvious. No one else was in the room. I did not see Deadan or the others and thankfully no one hostile either.

<p lang="en-US">Not knowing if I doomed everybody including me, I pulled my knife and cut the strap that held the first timer box to the large metal container. . It came loose. Now what? I had a live bomb counting down in my hands! There were three more like it!

<p lang="en-US">Over there, across the conveyor belt a metal chute. There were chutes like this across all the now abandoned sorting or work stations. I cut all the boxes off and threw them each in a different chute. I noticed the cold sweat on my forehead now stinging in my eyes. I heard some machinery starting up from the first chute and the conveyor belt started running.

<p lang="en-US">The Conveyor belt disappeared through another portal at the other end of the room and I simply hoped on and lay flat on it.

<p lang="en-US">Just as I made it, there was a muffled explosion and the first chute emitted a flash cloud of fire and smoke, heartbeats later the other three did the same and I was through into the next area of this underground ware house place. I saw Deadan! He was lying on the floor and due to that I overlooked the robot arm that grabbed me, by the left shoulder in a painful crushing grip and was about to stuff me in some sort of machine. I fired the blaster against the robot arms base and dropped to the floor. My left arm was next to useless; the robot claw must have broken my shoulder, or dislocated it. I could not say but it hurt like hell, making me forget my still throbbing ear. Before I rushed to Deadan, I recognized him by his uniform; I took cover behind a large crate and looked around. The place was some sort of assembly plant, with machinery, conveyor belts and towering shelves. Millions of corners for someone to hide and take aim. The machine behind me so it turned out was similar to the machine that I had seen what seemed so long ago at the exchange wrapping the dead Tyranno in plastic. This machine was wrapping anything that entered it in a shrink wrap plastic skin and onto a pallet. I saw an empty pallet exiting the machine wrapped, the pallet I would have been on if hadn't escaped that machine.

<p lang="en-US">I kept low and rushed over to Deadan who wasn't moving. I didn't see any obvious reason why he would not move but he felt stiff and cold. I hoped against my sad conclusion of his condition that he was still alive, and just knocked out.

<p lang="en-US">The empty pallet had reached the end of the conveyor line and a robotic fork lift took it and placed it into a shelf, next to a pallet that had something on it that moved! Trying to stay as much behind cover I rushed to the shelf and found the human cadet, Ninio and Potsema, tightly wrapped in plastic, Ninio still moved! It took me no time to cut the plastic open. Ninio did nothing but breathe like I never seen anyone or anything take in air. Potsema was up and out next to me seeming little affected. She simply squiggled me all over."Eric! You saved us!"

<p lang="en-US">"Potsema not now! Take care of Ninio!"

<p lang="en-US">I checked on the human cadet. He was dead, no question. I could not feel any pulse and even after five minutes of intensive CPR I got no sign of life!

<p lang="en-US">A heavy hand dropped on my shoulder."Let him go, Cadet! He is gone!'

<p lang="en-US">I turned ready to fight but it was not necessary. A Union Marine and one of our Instructors were there.

INTERLUDE

<p lang="en-US">Olnatar heard his space feeler operator tell him they located the small fleet of little boats that had escaped from the doomed Plato ship. They didn't get too far! Out of fuel or with burned out FTL drives stranded in the middle of deep space. It would hardly take one ship, to destroy them. but he came that far with a thousand ships. The disgusting Plato must have their colony somewhere out here. They were moving towards the more star populated space of this sector of the galaxy.

<p lang="en-US">"Grand Initiator. We are receiving a long distance speech request."

<p lang="en-US">"As much as it disgusts me to see and talk to these Plato slaves, I will give them a chance to explain where their home world is."

<p lang="en-US">Not a Plato slave but an insectoids being appeared on the Visualizer." I am N'Vaant, First of the Guard of the N' Toothal. I am here by the command of Queen N'thannskknta the 674th most sovereign and sole ruler of the Klack Hegemony. I am hailing you Up Side down hanging aggressors! Let it be known to you. That the queen in her great wisdom has declared this space to be Klack and therefore Union space, you are to turn around and return to wherever your came from. We are the Klack and we are proud members of the United Stars of the Galaxy and we shall not fail in protecting our brothers and friends."

<p lang="en-US">"Empty threats from a being that is no more than vermin, you will be exterminated. You may report to your queen that we will exterminate anyone harboring Plato slaves and attempting to come this way! Go run and tell that queen of parasites to beg for mercy so we will be amused."

<p lang="en-US">"We will be soon in range of your limited scanners. You cannot insult us as we know who we are. I have delivered my official message and now let me give you a personal piece of advice." You destroyed a Union ship and you made the Terrans very angry! There is a fleet of Union ships on its way and you may seek doom fighting us, or turn tail and flee, but trust me it is you who should beg for forgiveness and offer pertinence. It is not just those few ships of yours, but your race that is in deadly peril. This was a friendly warning. Make your decisions either way. The time for talk ends now."

<p lang="en-US">Olnatar was furious that this insect cut off communications before he could spew a few more insults, but the Insect would soon enough hail again to beg."

<p lang="en-US">The first forward units of the Siucra fleet was almost in firing range, but then their space feelers detected something that could not be. A moon size object, almost overloaded the feeler circuits had just dropped into scanner range and standard space. It was no moon! It was artificial. A sphere of 4200 nuthum diameter. Not much smaller than the home world moon of the Siucra, and it moved!

<p lang="en-US">"Oh my god!" Someone whispered in the crowded Shallop. "Is that the Queens ship?"

<p lang="en-US">Nn'tik said proudly."Behold the last of the Battle Moons of the Klack Hegemony, once we had 50 of these, but that was almost 12,000 years ago. We lost 48 in the first Y'All war and during the Red night, the darkest years of Klack history, about 7000 years ago, we lost the knowledge and the ability to build new ones. One is in permanent orbit and no longer able to fly, but this currently refurbished and restored in a secret project by Union Fleet engineers. It is not done yet, and will take many years to complete."

<p lang="en-US">Marcus snapped."We will honor the Klack and this awesome ship later, Nn'tik. Hail them so we can get inside. Communication to all Auxiliary craft of the Ivanhoe, approach that Behemoth and see if they let us in!"

<p lang="en-US">"Already receiving hangar guide beams Sir! That hangar just opening would have room for the Devi!"

<p lang="en-US">"I think I am going to kiss you, Nn'tik!" Marcus said and then added." And I promise I be on Klackt next time the Queen celebrates her birthday to honor her!"

<p lang="en-US">It took the Siucra a few moments to digest what they saw, but one of them released a bolt of Holy Fire and the bolt penetrated the shields of the huge ship and burned a tiny but visible hole into the huge ships armor!"

<p lang="en-US">Olnatar screamed in delight."Big it is, yes. But no match for Holy Fire! It will just make a bigger explosion when it goes! All Ships close in and fire!"

<p lang="en-US">N'Vaant was well aware of the limitations of his huge ship. The N' Toothal was very old and her Armor had was only replaced by thirty percent with Union Ultronit. The rest was simple steel. The shields were original Klack, the new Para Dim shield generators were still being manufactured by SII, and since the ship was considered a private ship, not a Fleet unit. It had not received modern military grade weapons. He simply hoped he could buy enough time for the crew of the Ivanhoe, until the 12th fleet arrived. The good thing was that the N'toothal had only 100 Klack crew and the simple Steel armor was almost 100 meters thick. He had received the Intel reports of the Fleet and the analysts on Arsenal III were certain the cannons used by these aggressive aliens were of the UNI that long gone highly advanced species. His Computronic calculated that the 1000 alien ships would have to fire three times each to cripple the ship. And since they had to recharge after each shot, he thought he had a good chance to collect the stranded crew and go to Trans light." He silently listened to the damage reports of his officers from each shot from the alien fleet. So far nothing vital had been hit." Hail the Ivanhoe crew and tell them to hurry up!"

<p lang="en-US">Olnatar could not stop laughing. The weapon fire of the huge ship was sporadic and so far had only destroyed one of his ships, a ship that went to close. It was obvious that this giant had no weapon that could reach as far as the Holy fire could. He told his fleet to take no risk. And concentrate fire on one side of the ship only."If that was meant to impress us they failed. They build big but that iron ball is slow and primitive!"

<p lang="en-US">"Grand initiator, there are new contacts on the Feeler horizon. This time tiny little things, but very fast!"

<p lang="en-US">"First an Iron ball that is slow and now gnats, what will they send next to amuse us?"

<p lang="en-US">"This is Bobcat, Attack wing Alpha calling the USS Balmung. We arrived at engagement area. The Klack monster is in trouble but they just managed to take the last Aux craft of the Ivanhoe aboard. Do we have attack permission?"

<p lang="en-US">"This is Admiral Strother. All Wolf Craft, engage to destroy. I repeat engage and destroy. No mercy no quarter! The Long range sniper bun boats are in range in T-13."

<p lang="en-US">Bobcat switched to Wing channel."All wings you heard Wild Bill, the first kill gets a case of beer!"

<p lang="en-US">Olnatar was not concerned even though these tiny ships that now approached were faster than anything he had ever seen. What race would put resources in such a big ship and then build so small ones? What could these little one possibly do against a Siucra Battleship?"

<p lang="en-US">The first Siucra battle ship exploded right next to his flag ship, it suddenly expanded like an inflatable toy and then disappeared in a sun bright explosion!

<p lang="en-US">Grand Initiator, our targeting calcmatics find it difficult to predict the course of these little ships! We cannot bring the Holy fire Casters fast enough into the right direction!"

<p lang="en-US">Another Siucra ship exploded then five right after that. There was no detectable weapon fire from these little ships, yet he got reports that antimatter explosions suddenly occurred inside the ships engine rooms!

<p lang="en-US">There! Two Siucra battle ships managed to fire and hit one of the little ships, the withering energies simply made a purple energy bubble visible for a short millisecond then the small fighter ship was gone and two more of his fleet's ships exploded!

<p lang="en-US">Now on the furthest magnification horizon of their Visualizer 100 wedge shape ships appeared, shaped exactly like the Plato ship he had destroyed but by magnitudes bigger!

<p lang="en-US">"Giga loads authorized! Giga loads authorized!" Came the speaker message. The main battery crews of the USS Balmung grabbed their anti static rags and gleaming red aluminum casings came up the bomb elevator. Sergeant Nick Stone grinned at his Petharian partner." It's big boy time!"

<p lang="en-US">The Petharian with his four arms wiped like a whirlwind and growled back." They picked the wrong Admiral to mess with; Our Wild Bill loves his Giga loads!"

<p lang="en-US">Nick wrote: Greetings from the USS Ivanhoe with a grease pen on the case as it slid into the dematerialization breech. The next red casing came up the elevator.

<p lang="en-US">Commander Marcus had reached the Command center of the N' Toothal and stood next to the Klack. They and the rest of the bridge crew saw the USS Balmung slowly drift to fire lee as all her main batteries, all 20 giga load cannons simultaneous displaced. Twenty small suns bloomed between the Alien fleet where ships once were. "That is for you Captain Saxa!" He said with a constricted throat while the crew behind them cheered.

<p lang="en-US">There was fear in the voice of his Distant Speaker Operator." Great Initiator, we lost 345 ships already! And there are more of these Plato ships coming! We must retreat! The Holy Fire does not penetrate whatever protection bubbles they have."

<p lang="en-US">"Tell the other ships to fight to the end, while we return to Holy Space and get more ships!" He said that knowing deep inside, that all ships of the Siucra would make no difference. The insectoids was correct after all. Who or whatever these Terrans were, he wished now he did not anger them. But there was one more option he would ask the High Protector of Koken to contact the Kermac. They would then come to assist their most obedient thralls and then destroy these terrans and the Plato with the wraith of gods!

<p lang="en-US">Admiral "Wild" Bill Strother, COWACOM (Coreward Fleet Command) had personally taken command of the 12th Fleet and made the USS Balmung, BBG-31 his flag ship. He didn't like to sit even though regulations required everyone on the bridge to be secured in a Battle station chair during General Quarters. There were a few perks that came with his three stars and not to take every regulation as strict as a Cadet was one. Besides if there was something that could throw him off his feet standing in the best protected area of a super dreadnought Arsenal class ship, he would not be much safer in a battle seat. He had his hands rested on the railing surrounding the so called Command Balcony. Behind him was Captain Bernhard Sassoon, completely disappeared inside his CONN seat cocoon. It was those moments he wished he was a captain again. Yes he earned his rank and for the most part liked the fact that he was done with work every day at 1600 hours and could go home into a nice little house by the river, but in times like this he itched to be back in the thick, back in a command chair. It was there where he earned his nick name, no one dared to say in his face, but everyone said it with loving respect behind his back, Wild Bill.

<p lang="en-US">Then he thought of it and said to the XO. We do have four of the new Barracuda Destroyers aboard don't we?"

<p lang="en-US">"Yes Sir!"

<p lang="en-US">"Ready the Crew, I am taking one out in the Command Seat."

<p lang="en-US">Olnatar had left his shrinking fleet behind; his Ship was gaining speed for Trans light when the Space Feeler Operator said."Sir we are being followed by an enemy ship slightly smaller than ours but it is gaining fast. We will not make it to Translight before they arrive. We still have fully charged Holy Fire!"

<p lang="en-US">"Smaller you say"

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

<p lang="en-US">"Turn around and take aim. Let us teach them not to follow me!"

<p lang="en-US">Olnatar paid for all his sins in this universe as a 5 kiloton Anti matter bomb at the point of detonation materialized right under his hanging bar.

<p lang="en-US">Sixty hours later the last transmissions of the Siucra Fleet and Olnatar arrived at Koken Moon and the first protector listened to them with great concern. The entire fleet of 1000 ships that went out to eradicate the renegade Plato slaves had been destroyed, even Olnatar had not returned.

<p lang="en-US">The Siucra did not have that many more ships and most of all not enough crews to man them if they did. The holy task to protect Koken was in jeopardy. He knew that the Kermac had been here only recently to make the call, but they had not taken the Nuthrum Device that was buried deep. He would make the sacrilege and go to Koken and have it dug out. With it retaliation and revenge was certain! It could open a gate and bring the Y'All much faster!

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Chapter 23: On the Bridge

Chapter 23: On the Bridge

<p lang="en-US">"Your arm is as good as new and those nasty burns on your back are all patched up in a few more minutes." The CMO of the Shetland was obviously pleased. The Old Admiral, the Captain of the Shetland and three Yokuta elders stood there waiting till the doctor was done. I didn't like them watching me getting medical aide but seeing the clouded face of the Admiral. I was certain this was the least of my worries. To me most Yokuta looked alike but I was certain, this was the Speaker of the Elders. He seemed impatient and said." I am sorry human Cadet, for being here while you receive medical attention, I was simply curious about the marvels of your advanced medicine and I wanted to talk to you as soon as possible."

<p lang="en-US">The doctor checked my back." Sorry gents, but the liquid metal burned deep holes in the young man's back, and that takes a little more than just patching skin, there are nerve endings and a tendon to be fixed, so that will take a little longer. His ear is also still mending."

<p lang="en-US">Two of the Yokuta were fascinated by extreme close ups of my wounds and tiny robots weaving tissue. The third one spread his ears." I analyzed the recordings of the earlier procedures and I know it was you who saved my life and that this was no exercise, as so elegantly suggested. While I understand the reason why the Psionic suggestion was made, it robbed me of the chance to thank you. Even though I am old I do like to live and prefer not to be shot in the back. You prevented that and I owe you my life!" He glared at the Admiral. "Now I learn that Kermac Agents tried to establish a secret base on our world before it becomes Union, so they would have a backdoor into Union communications before Archilerb becomes inaccessible for them. Three cadets on the search for Yokuta music stumbled upon their operation by chance. The Kermac afraid their cover will be blown, neutralized the Cadets full knowing that three missing Cadets would cause a detailed search. To cut their losses. They wanted to detonate three Psi Spore bombs. Making the entire world including the present Union crews susceptible for their psionic controls. One cadet single handedly cleared the situation and instead of celebrating him as a hero I am told this cadet are facing an investigative hearing. All this is will be addressed when we stand before your assembly!"

<p lang="en-US">Admiral Mc Elligott slowly shook his head." High Debraman and Chairman of the Yokuta. You are correct we overstepped our boundaries when we Psi suggested you and I apologize for that. Yes the Cadet has saved your life and yes the Cadet who tried to kill you is a bigot and should not have been brought here." They talked about me, with me present as if I was not there, but I kept quiet for now. The oldest officer of the Fleet continued." Chairman, the main problem was the time frame for this meeting. You wanted a selection of young beings talk during your freedom celebrations. It was my decision to select a bunch of first week cadets, without any track record and barley any military education, but Cadets and therefore military personnel they are!" Now he did look at me, but talked to the Chairman." We must act upon our laws and procedures and the young Cadet will have an Investigational hearing. This is our way and our laws. Two Cadets are dead and we owe it to the parents and the families of these Cadets that we have done all things to determine why and how they died and what could have been done to prevent it."

<p lang="en-US">"Then I demand that these hearings be held here right now before we leave to Pluribus! I have seen the security camera recordings and the report of your Marines. This Cadet has saved this world, many lives and I might add yours too! The fact that he destroyed half the cities mail was more than a fair trade off! We won't hold that against him."

<p lang="en-US">Mc Elligott faced the CMO." How long till we can move these procedures to a more suitable venue?"

<p lang="en-US">"Sir, with all due respect, I am already violating patient rights by making his treatment a public spectacle. If we talk regulations here not even you, Sir can tell me what to do when it comes to patient treatment." Then he said." He is well enough to leave now, but I like to see him for a check-up and remove the Nanites."

<p lang="en-US">The wish of the Chairman was granted. The hearing was held right away. It was a three Officers panel. I wondered how many first week cadets ever had a Flag mast hearing with the Old man of the Navy in the first week. This wasn't the start I thought I would have in my chosen profession. Even if I survived that hearing it would certainly end up in my records. Not a very good thing for someone who wanted to become a Star ship captain.

<p lang="en-US">Captain McKenzie, the Admiral and a Klack Commander made up the hearing panel. Once again I stood in epicenter of events and didn't like it one bit.

<p lang="en-US">It was clear from the face of the female Captain, that she didn't like to be here and that she didn't like me. I had no idea what the Klack was thinking or feeling. Someone once told me that it would take years to understand the subtle ways the Klack used their feelers to express their emotions.

<p lang="en-US">A field screen showed an obviously edited version of what had occurred and it was the Klack who gave the narration." What we see here is are the events that took place earlier today at and below the Yokuta Nool Nort Space Port and the Nool Nort Main Courier and Mail service warehouse and distribution facilities. The Cadets were ordered to wait at the space port lobby for a Union ship to take them back to the Academy. There was a waiting time of approximately six hours. Three of them, Cadets Ninio Diobane, Potsema Pe and Rodney Barack asked for permission to explore the space port with the plan to shop for Yokuta music. They were told to be back within the hour.

<p lang="en-US">The three cadets did not find any open shops but miss interpreted a sign for shop and train station, but it read mail receiving station and Conveyor belt intake, which are similar words in the native language. They stumbled upon a Kermac Spy operation, and were captured by them.

<p lang="en-US">The Kermac becoming aware of the possibility that Archilerb is going to be a Union world, planned to establish a secret intelligence post right there with access to mail and the space port. They planned to be established before this world would develop and Union security would make it more difficult to establish a major espionage base inside Union territory. They knew there would be a major search for the missing cadets and opted to go to plan B and detonate three PSI spore bombs. These spores originated from the Piostla war but have been developed and upgraded by the Kermac ever since. The basic effect of these spores is that they turn even shielded and those immune to telepathic suggestions into willing slaves. The spores are very hard to detect, especially once they are inside a body. In other words. If the Kermac would have succeeded, you the Yokuta would now be willing slaves and we would have carried psi spore infected individuals at the command to other Union Planets."

<p lang="en-US">The screen focused on the three metal cylinders and Union specialists with containment fields and special suits securing them. He continued:" Now after the hour had passed, Cadet Deadan concerned about his friend Ninio went to search for them. He did not ask for permission to leave, found the same sign, interpreted it wrongly the same way and stepped into a trap. The Kermac needed time to set up their bombs, Deadan resisted the packing machine and was killed by the Kermac, by overloading his cerebral cortex with a kill pain command, a very nasty and evil way to go.

<p lang="en-US">"Now cadet Plemo notices that the Cadets had gone for a long time and wakes his friend Eric. Both cadets decide to leave without informing their superior officers of their intentions and I want you to keep that point in mind for later."

<p lang="en-US">The visual recording was cut together from various security camera footage and showed different ankles of the events that followed.

<p lang="en-US">"As you can see Cadet Olafson bashed and shot his way through killing and maiming Kermac and Yokuta under the Psionic influence of two more Kermac agents, gambled with all our lives by trying to disarm weapons that he knew nothing about and came too late to save Cadets Deadan or Barack. Now this is not how we want our future officers to act. The only decision he should have made was to wake the Instructors and tell them about the missing cadets, or at least ask them for permission to search for them. When he was certain there was trouble, after killing two Kermac with head shots. He should have returned with Cadet Plemo to deliver the report. While he saved the planet and perhaps half the Union, I recommend full Court Martial. Now an experienced officer could have weight every action against his orders, but I propose that he was just lucky and acted reckless."

<p lang="en-US">That was it! My days in the navy were over! Was I supposed to say something or defend my actions?"

<p lang="en-US">The Captain with her sinister staring look on her face got up and said."I don't like Cadets, I don't like snot nosed want to be officers and I am not too fond of fresh Ensigns right out of the academy. Granted previous experience made me prejudiced. When Admiral Mc Elligott asked me to sit in on this hearing I was ready, just like my XO N'Utrtrn to break the stick over that cadet."

<p lang="en-US">She spread her arms."But truth to be told, he saved my ship. Saved me from carrying that cursed Kermac seed into Union space, giving Kermac access to the most powerful ship and all its secrets that alone earned my eternal gratitude. Yes rules are rules, but to be fair he doesn't know the rules yet."

<p lang="en-US">She addressed the Klack directly now." I know you say not knowing the law you break doesn't make you less guilty and they do call you N'Uts for rules for a reason old friend, but I am Captain for quite a while now, and I would not hesitate to offer him a post on our bridge when he is done with the Academy. "

<p lang="en-US">I think my chin dropped to my chest as I heard her judgment. Finally it was the Admiral's turn. He did not get up just leaned back stapled his fingers and slowly shook his head with a very faint smile on his lips."I value the opinion of both officers greatly. They are not Command officers of the Union Flag ship because I like their faces, but they earned my trust and respect many times over. Commander N'Utrtrn's opinion in this matter is the reason why we have this hearing. I wanted you to know how thin the line was you have walked. Just hours ago I talked to you about that thin line between insubordination and the necessity to act despite given orders. "He was now talking to the Yokuta it seemed." Before my home world was known as Terra, we called it Earth and before we ascended we fought many bloody wars among ourselves. Terrible things were done and officers declared themselves not responsible because they acted under orders out of this terrible and bloody history originates this command philosophy I was talking about. An officer must analyze each and every order and each situation and the excuse: I was only following orders is not a valid defense. The cadet acted exactly how an officer should have acted. I would throw him out of the service if he acted on the third option he had, simply stay on his seat and do nothing. This was the safest option in terms of decisions. Have you noted that neither Cadet Olafson nor the Commander N'Utrtrn even considered that third option? This readiness to help friends, disregard personal comfort and safety is what I want to see in officers and therefore I am closing this hearing and recommend Cadet Olafson to be promoted to Cadet Lieutenant and complying with the wishes of the Yokuta, he will be awarded the Yaktnh in recognition of his deeds."

<p lang="en-US">The Admiral finally got up and then said to the Captain." Get him and his Cadet friends as fast as you can to Arsenal. I take the Delegation of the Yokuta along in the Devi. I don't want him to have any more chances to make some sort of decisions outside the Academy before he is fully trained."

<p lang="en-US">She saluted him." Yes Sir, a sensible course of action indeed." To me she said. "Let's go Cadet Olafson. The Admiral said as fast as possible. That means now!"

INTERLUDE: Foreshadow

<p lang="en-US">The Ivanhoe was gone! Everything he knew was gone. Was he dead? Was this the afterlife?

<p lang="en-US">Flowar Saxa remembered every detail of the last moments very vividly. Now he stood on a surface that was like a mirror of glass. Hard, cold and reflective, he could see himself in the reflection. He still wore his Union Uniform. He could feel his heart pounding. The surface had no end in all directions there was a faint reddish glow in the distance ahead of him. The sky or whatever it was above him was black and he could see stars, like standing on a cloudless night outside on a planet seeing the stars above. Just like he had seen them the first time he stepped out the slave trader ship, naked, hungry and perhaps ten or twelve years old. He had looked up into the sky and his wish to travel free among the stars burned inside him until the day he was accepted at the Union academy.

<p lang="en-US">He slapped his own face and he could feel the pain. Where was he?

<p lang="en-US">A voice spoke to him. No not a voice but telepathic thoughts. It was words, not written or spoken just words! "Who are you?"

<p lang="en-US">If he was alive how could a telepath penetrate his mind? He was a Union captain and shielded!" I am Captain Flowar Saxa of the USS Ivanhoe. Service number 234543-FS-443245-P."

<p lang="en-US">"You speak these words with pride and distinction yet there is resistance in you. You want to keep secrets!"

<p lang="en-US">"Where am I?"

<p lang="en-US">"You are between!"

<p lang="en-US">"Who are you?"

<p lang="en-US">"I am the Voice of the Rule."

<p lang="en-US">"Am I dead?"

<p lang="en-US">"What an interesting question! You are too limited to understand, but you still exist as you have always existed."

<p lang="en-US">"Where is my ship?"

<p lang="en-US">"The construct you used to breach the curtain is no more."

<p lang="en-US">"Are you a God?"

<p lang="en-US">"If the difference of abilities and knowledge between you and the Voice is a measure then yes I am a god, but I am only a servant, a tool. I am only the voice of the Rule. It who has put the Rule in place however is perhaps the God you are thinking of."

<p lang="en-US">Saxa felt thirsty and with that realization he knew he was not dead. "It was the chaotic conditions of the asymmetric Isah field that has brought me here. I am in some higher dimension or space?"

<p lang="en-US">"The definition of high and low, the idea of dimension of space and time have no meaning here. I see your mind and it is not capable to understand where you are. It was in your reality were the rule has been broken. You are not the one who has broken it and you are not associated with those who have broken it."

<p lang="en-US">Saxa spread his thick arms." Voice, I do not understand and I do not know what you are talking about."

<p lang="en-US">There was an empty silence and only after a while the voice spoke again:" Very few come to this place and even fewer remain in their corporal shell. The Rule must remain impartial, but I am only the voice and I see you as you truly are. This place has been adjusted so you can see and exist, but you cannot remain here."

<p lang="en-US">"That is a relief! Don't get me wrong. You got a nice place here, perhaps a little on the bombastic minimalistic side, but I hate to spend the rest of my life here."

<p lang="en-US">Again the voice felt silent for long moments then said." Ah yes it is what you call humor and sarcasm. It appears you have very well adapted to your chosen home you call the Union."

<p lang="en-US">"I am a Plato by birth, yes. I am from a species suppressed for millennia. Not even knowing what freedom and liberty means, Voice, but in our Union I am a Plato only in biological terms. I am a Union citizen and an officer in the Union fleet. I owe them more than you will ever understand and I gladly lay down my life to preserve the Union!"

<p lang="en-US">"Your emotions are strong!"

<p lang="en-US">Saxa remembered his duty and said." This is a first contact situation! Voice I am representing the United Stars of the Galaxy and we are many different cultures and individuals forming one society with the simple common goal of liberty and justice for all sentient beings. Insectoids, methane breathers, humans, lizards, invertebrates, even species without corporal bodies all live together in peace and common respect. I invite you to come to Pluribus. We even have the Narth and they might understand you and this place quite well. It does not matter if you are a just a voice or the representative of a God, there would be a place for you too!"

<p lang="en-US">"Yes Narth would have the capability to see this place as it is and perhaps even understand the Rule. The Rule must stay impartial and cannot associate itself with anything or anyone, but I see you speak from your innermost with the greatest conviction. Maybe your Union will one day find the answer to the Rule, it is conceivable. Now I will send you back, but one day I will call you again to return to this place and then I shall educate you more about the Rule."

<p lang="en-US">"I do not understand Voice but I feel you are a force of good and I will look forward to meet you again."

<p lang="en-US">"The rule is impartial and the concept of good and bad is always in the eye of the beholder, but I am only the voice and the voice can be a force of good for you. Now you must learn, you will return to your universe, but not as you once were. Time is of no essence here! Once you have learned you will be able to make a choice"

Interlude II: The Tinkehel

<p lang="en-US">Qualnat covered behind a tree as he saw the gigantic metal mountain descent from the sky. He used to be one of the scientists working on the first Deep space expedition. The very first ship to be able to reach faster than light velocities was sent out to visit the closest neighboring star, 34 Light orbits away. This happened 22 solar orbits ago. Back then he was a celebrated man, one of the heroes of progress and science, now he was an outlaw, living in the most primitive conditions in the remaining forests of his once so beautiful planet. The Urtla One, that first ship met other sentient beings! This alone was a shocking revelation, but this first meeting with intelligence did not turn out to be a profound joyous occasion but brought almost complete destruction to his civilization! The aliens destroyed the Utlra One and then came in many huge space ships and rained nuclear fire onto the Tinkehel. They had no defense against those energy shielded elongated spheres, immune to the few weapon systems the Tinkehel had. Of the 6 Billion Tinkehel only about two million survived, much of the planet surface turned into lifeless radiated deserts. The surviving blamed the scientists and the explorers for the misery and he would face certain death if anyone seeing him remembering who he was. Now the aliens had returned! In a construct that defied all believe. The landing wedge shaped ship was much bigger than the original spheres they had. He could clearly see the faint purplish bubble around the thing. His scientific mind was in awe about the technology presented.

<p lang="en-US">A wide opening appeared on the bottom of the alien ship and small flyers and vehicles appeared. The beings coming out were mere dots compared to the size of the ship. He used his magnifying optics he used for hunting. The visitors appearing wore bulky armor suits, but they walked upright and did not look like the Siucra, the world destroyers. He concluded these were perhaps Aliens of a different species. This would explain why their ship was so much bigger and differently shaped.

<p lang="en-US">He rushed to his well concealed earth mound, once the burrow of a Jickkak, and now his dirty, muddy dwelling. With his dirty fingers he rummaged through his few belongings and found the hand held Communication device. It was once the hallmark of all the scientist to have one of these, now it was a certain death sentence to be caught with one. Survival and food was more important than maintaining technology. Qualnat had nothing to lose and from the size and the displayed technology of the new comers there was nothing the surviving Tinkehel could do if the Aliens came with hostile intentions. It might as well a good thing trying to find out what they wanted.

<p lang="en-US">He cleaned himself as much as possible and went back to the edge of the forest, took a deep breath and started to walk towards the Aliens.

<p lang="en-US">It was clear to him that others must have seen the arrival of that ship as well and he could imagine the terror and the fear they felt. Those who had families still had hope and lived for tomorrow.

<p lang="en-US">It took him longer than he thought to reach the almost invisible energy barrier, testimony to the incredible size of the alien construct. He was immediately spotted by a towering two armed being in a frightening looking armor suit. The being raised his arm and hand and two more aliens appeared, they wore black uniforms. One had the overall shape of a Tinkehel, but his face had no fur and only two instead of four eyes. The other had four arms and his skin was dark green and scaled and looked shockingly similar to a Jickkak lizard, but much bigger. The shimmering energy disappeared before him and he heard the naked skin being say something to him.

<p lang="en-US">"I am Qualnat of the Tinkehel. Are you here to destroy us?"

<p lang="en-US">Out of thin air a thing like a soap bubble appeared and it displayed one dot then two and he understood that this was a simple math problem and he responded saying:"Two!"

<p lang="en-US">The bubble now displayed his planet and he said." Tink"

<p lang="en-US">An image of himself and he said."Qualnat."

<p lang="en-US">After the bubble had displayed about fifty different images of rocks, trees, hands, feet, faces, eyes and other easy to recognize items. The bubble said." Sufficient Psionic and verbal data for language analysis, collected."

<p lang="en-US">Now the naked being said." I am Captain Kowalski of the USS Bremerton. We are of the United Stars of the Galaxy and we are on a peaceful first contact mission. We noticed the signs of extensive orbital bombardment as we surveyed this system and our instruments detected surviving sentient life. We are here to offer assistance and aid if your people need or want it."

<p lang="en-US">"You are not here to destroy us?"

<p lang="en-US">"No, I assure you we are here to help. We can clean up the radiation, render medical help and help you get your civilization back on track. All this is offered freely and without any conditions. Should you decide you do not want our help we will leave and let you be."

<p lang="en-US">"You are not the Siucra?"

<p lang="en-US">"No we just defeated most of their fleet and we are in pursuit of the last Siucra, this is why we have found this system."

<p lang="en-US">Qualnat almost fainted out of thankful relief. He was so tense and much afraid, now it looked like he was right after all. The Universe was full of life and not just evil destroyers." I am a disgraced scientist and I cannot speak for the rest of my people but there is no central government left, only family pods, but we are starving and dying of radiation poisoning and we need your help very much."

<p lang="en-US">The first Protector had entered the forbidden Cave and went past the shafts of knowledge to activate a hidden door in the rock face wall. The ancient songs described exactly how to open it and it worked just as described. There in a chamber no one had entered in over a million cycles was a raised round platform made out of the same indestructible Neutronium material as the main doors. The raised platform was about 200 steps across and two sickle shaped arms of perhaps 100 steps height on each side of the platform. This was the Nuthrum Device, the gate to the Master of the Y'All. According to the ancient songs if activated, beings of incredible fighting power would emerge without number and eradicate all life. He was not a Kermac and the beings would certainly not recognize the Siucra as the masters, but perhaps they would have mercy for a fellow thrall society.

<p lang="en-US">Not that the First Protector had much choice. The last reports confirmed the Plato slaves on the approach. The thousand ships under Olnatar were long destroyed and reports came in that the enemy had appeared in the last star system before the holy one and hunted down any Siucra ship. It was only a matter of days now they would appear here and defile holy Koken.

<p lang="en-US">He placed his hands onto the sensor fields mounted into a monolith console before the device. His body heat activated the ancient machinery and a wafting bright light point appeared between pointed ends of the sickle shaped columns above the platform and it grew slowly in size. The primordial system hummed with and vibrated with dimension crossing energies. The first Protector and those with him started to chant the old texts."We the guardians and protectors of the most Holy place summon thee oh spirit of the Universe, grant us revenge and tools so we may continue to protect what is holy. Of Kermac hand we received this task. It is the God like masters we serve alone! Come ye who are also serve the Masters and assist us in defeating great evil!"

<p lang="en-US">Something appeared, out of the shimmering portal. It was a bluish skinned Plato wielding a Terran TKU in one hand and a sword in the other, wearing a black cloak over a black chainmail outfit that looked both anachronistic and timeless." I doubt you expected me! The Y'All cannot be stopped and they will come but in their own time when the Union is ready for them. You are dabbling with forces you do not understand and comprehend!"

<p lang="en-US">His sword sliced through the Neutronium monolith with the controls for the trans dimensional gate as if it was air. The bright energy gate behind him collapsed. The Siucra barley came out of their shock seeing a Plato appear instead of Y'All. One of them did fire his blaster weapon but the beam did not penetrate the flexible armor the Plato wore. He returned fire and killed the shooter." Once I have been Captain Saxa of the United Stars Fleet. Now I am serving another purpose and I am a Knight of the Order now. Despite my new purpose and knowledge I am and always will be a citizen of the Union. The Kermac you worship are not the Gods you make them to be, yet they have broken the rule! Events have been set in motion that will bring much war and bloodshed, but it won't be the Siucra who make these events occur before their time. Your species is doomed and shall be nothing more than a side note in galactic events."

<p lang="en-US">It was Captain Jackson of the USS Alexandria and his crew who discovered the hidden caves, after three days of heavy fighting the remaining Siucra surrendered and the first Union troops landed on the planet that turned out to be the planet of origin of the Kermac. He and his landing party followed a faint union code signal that had led them to a underground facility of a long gone civilization, and they found a Union Issue wrist communicator, next to six dead Siucra before a metallic platform. The communicator had a message recorded and Jackson activated it." This message is for Admiral Mc Elligott and the Fleet Command. I was once known as Captain Flowar Saxa of the USS Ivanhoe, Service number 234543-FS-443245-P. The ship is lost and destroyed, but I am alive even though I am no longer the same person and I am now serving another purpose. I am herby resigning my commission. Rest assured that I am and always will be a Union Citizen and I will serve my new task with this assurance as foundation. I cannot tell you what has happened to me or what I have become. For it is forbidden. If the time is right I might be able to reveal myself in a distant future.

<p lang="en-US">"This planet is where the Kermac originated, but before that it was a UNI world. You are standing in one of the last remaining UNI installations built for the sole purpose to contain a gate to another Galaxy and to safeguard forbidden knowledge. The Kermac have called the Y'All and they will come again, but those who send the Y'All, will also come! If my sources are correct you still have 100 standard years time to prevent that or to prepare for what is coming. Somewhere in our Galaxy is a device to be found, something the Y'All seek and something that can defeat both the Y'All and their masters. You will recognize it when you find it as a small disc shaped space ship of great age. Inside rests knowledge and power unimaginable. It must be found before the Y'All find it. It is this device that makes the Y'All return as they seek it. Take this message to Fleet Command. There are two more messages for their eyes only recorded on this wrist com. Fare well, all of you!"

CHAPTER 23 : Continued

<p lang="en-US">Captain McKenzie called us up to the command deck. Standing before the security door to the bridge she said."I still hate Cadets and don't like Midshipmen, but you guys have earned my respect so I decided you should complete your journey seeing the bridge. Now I expect you to behave and not to touch anything and we will all get through with this."

<p lang="en-US">I could not believe my luck. Of all the accolades I had received, this was the only one that mattered to me. After we passed the door she told her XO to explain the individual duty stations and introduced us to the Officers manning them.

<p lang="en-US">I simply stood there and felt as if I had come home, to a place I had never been to. Union ships were marvels of technology and each department and station we had seen before were impressive and awe inspiring, compared to Engineering or the Gun turrets this was a quiet and not much different than a fancy living room with high tech chairs and command console. The Engines were the heart of a ship but this was its brain, its nerve center. I didn't even notice as she stood next to me and said in a quiet tone." It was the same for me, the first time I seen a real bridge. One day I expect you to hail me from your bridge. That is an order by the way!"

<p lang="en-US">"Ma'am I will do my best to comply!"

<p lang="en-US">"I read your file, Cadet and my offer was serious. You contact me after your second year and I see if you can't serve your third as a midshipman on mine!"

<p lang="en-US">"I will do that, Ma'am!"

<p lang="en-US">She said just a hint louder." XO, take her out. Course Arsenal II with all due speed."

THE END

(here ends Galactic Chronicles Book 6, join me in Book 7 if you like to know what will happen next)

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