Drei-11.odt



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Chapter 29: Interlude 4: Flowerchild

Interlude 4: Flowerchild

The head waiter most likely was a Stellaris, judging him by his chrome metallic shimmering skin underneath the perfectly tailored tuxedo. Hafez Safar slightest gesture was noticed and the waiter came over to his table." I hope you enjoyed your pan seared Ilasian goat filet."

"Very much so!" Havez agreed and wanted to order desert. The waiter snipped his metallic fingers and a Garbini flowed to the table on its lower four walking tentacles and clearing the table and preparing it for desert in a spectacular ballet of tentacles and with speed and accuracy. Havez wondered how long it took for the auto dresser to figure out how to alter a Tuxedo to fit a Garbini. He ordered the Tiramisu and leaned back. From his table and across the candle and brass lamp lit, old Terra décor restaurant he had a spectacular view into deep space and the famous incredibly beautiful horse head nebula in the Orion constellation. The restaurant was inside a Deep Space Way station between the Orion and the Sagittarius arm and still 79 light years away from that nebula, just at a perfect spot to see it in its entire size with the naked eye. No one, so it was said could look at the nebula and not have a religious experience. Hafez agreed it was beautiful but to him the fine meal and the bottle of wine were much more important. The best part of it he would be on Para-Para in a few days, relaxing on the white beaches and under the double sun, with his new name and eat fine meals for the rest of his life. Thanks to the 5 million Credits now on a Cash equivalent Credit strip he carried in his pocket.

Only six weeks ago he would have been able to afford such a meal perhaps once a month and was slaving for Megabix Corporation in a close to the ground fourth floor office with thousand other GalNet Network Engineers supporting the enormous popular Virtu Emotion Game Series. A Game series that was so successful, it catapulted Megabix only five years ago into the top twenty list of the Ultra Gig Corps. It was a pure chance that the security system was down and he could slip in the otherwise off limits test lab, snatch the latest, not yet released version and sell it to Bootleg-It, a company on Sin 4 where Union Law had no meaning. That his theft had cost Megabix billions of Credits in revenue and caused more than two thousand employees lose their jobs, was unfortunate but it didn't concern him much, he was rich now and that was the only thing important. He had purchased a new ID and CITI after getting such services via a Connector.

Havez paid for the meal and strolled with no particular hurry down the main concourse of the station. The luxury clipper that would take him to Para-Para was not due till late tomorrow. He planned his escape well and crisscrossed around Union space now for the last five weeks and no one would be able to find him.

He purchased a High Res Holo Print and a T shirt from a souvenir shop and watched a human female struggle with a broken heel of her stiletto shoes and since he was human as well he found the blonde hourglass shaped girl with the dangerously short tube top dress quite alluring and walked over." Nice shoes!"

She smiled at him and had gorgeous blue eyes. She was exactly his type! She almost looked like Annie the girl he dated in VirtuEmotio. Anna was a simulation. That girl looking even better was flesh and blood and even smelled good." Oh if you can help me hobble to my room. I think I strained my ankle a little that would be great."

He offered his arm and her skin and touch felt warm and soft and while Anna was all these things, to know the girl was real was enticing. He followed her instructions down a short side corridor and then she suddenly pushed him, across a yellow and black striped section on the floor. She was much stronger than she looked and he stumbled three steps, a hissing sound behind him as an Ultronit partition shot up, He saw the blonde through a transparent panel and he heard her voice through a field speaker." Do you really think you can get away after what you did?"

"Well so arrest me! I know my rights."

"I am a Solution provider and not the police. Bye, bye Mr. Safar formerly known as Jim Hollwarth. I wonder how long that brandy you had after dinner will keep you warm out there!"

Now he realized where he was, this was an emergency Air lock. "You can't do that! That is murder!"

"Exactly Mr. Hollwarth, I am glad we agree on that, since this is what I got paid for to do!"

The wall before him disappeared and there was nothing he could hold onto. The coldness was so instant it felt like burning him! His lungs expanded, the water in his eyes froze and so did the salvia and moisture in his mouth and throat. Hollwarth saw the blonde waving with a cold smile before his vision blurred out.

<p lang="en-US">The blonde watched the bloated body carried by the initial momentum float towards the horsehead nebula. She found it funny he still held the Holo and wore his new T shirt. It was quite conceivable Jim would make it there by the time some of the new stars forming in that celestial dust and energy cauldron became real suns.

<p lang="en-US">Satisfied she returned to her own rooms at the stations Hotel, she had no trouble now walking in her heels and the stiletto extension was once more firmly attached. In her rooms however she tossed the uncomfortable shoes onto the bed, along with the long blond wig and the bio-flex mask, shook the long silver hair open then after a shower she slipped into a fluffy robe and sat before the GalNet Terminal. Her genetic data and her menta-print accepted she was now connected to the highly secure Comm Exchange of her guild. She used to be a freelancer but for six years now, she was an active Solution provider for the Violent Mothers Association. Sure she was not as independent anymore but the VMA made up for it with steady work contracts, guaranteed pay and no hassle with customers. You got your mission, completed it and cashed in. In addition to good travel arrangements, access to a weapon delivery network and nice costumes and fun entertainment at the annual company picnic.

<p lang="en-US">She uploaded the recording of the last execution and moments later the visual of VMA One appeared. The beautiful large eyed creature with almost impossible long flowing hair and delicate facial features and the flimsy dress was of course a virtual generated avatar and the First Mother looked completely different in real live, but then her Image displayed at the other end was equally misleading, she had chosen the Avatar body of a talking Flower as it fit her handle Flowerchild well.

<p lang="en-US">The delicate Elfin creature spoke." Well done Flowerchild. I have transferred your bonus."

<p lang="en-US">"It was simple this time. The fool left a trail so wide a blind Nul could follow."

<p lang="en-US">"Are you ready for a break or do you care for a new mission?"

<p lang="en-US">"The last one was not very exhausting and I am saving up for a Red Ferrari Rosso Speciale. So what do you have?"

<p lang="en-US">"Your client a patriarch of a family business on Union world Nilfeheim. It is an open end service contract and might include a few neutralizations. It's a Type 191 P, so I thought of you that should be right up your alley."

<p lang="en-US">"Standard pay?"

<p lang="en-US">"Standard plus 5 percent."

<p lang="en-US">"Make it Standard plus 12 and we got a deal"

<p lang="en-US">"That leaves me no profit at all. Take eight or I send it on to someone else."

<p lang="en-US">"You are the shrewdest pixy this side of Disney Planet. Alright send the details. I take it."

<p lang="en-US">Brunar already had a female scientist working for him, so he didn't mind dealing with another one. This one came prepared, he had to admit, she wore the dress of a Freewoman and had her hair done the local way. He was even more impressed as she talked in the distinctive Nilfeheim dialect, Union Standard heavily laced with ancient Nordish and pronouncing the "r's" and "s'es" much heavier than most Off-Worlders did. At first he thought she was indeed a local but he did not only pick her up at the exchange where she had arrived inside a shipping crate along with two Anti Tech projectors and a few other Off world things he decided to order to protect his business. Any doubt that she was a local vanished as she installed the projectors in no time in two of his subs. Despite her local appearance she had the flair of someone who got things done and without scruples.

<p lang="en-US">She had listened to his troubles and then suggested a course of action he also agreed upon. She was expensive and charged by the day, but she was worth it!"

<p lang="en-US">Ulfred Lindbergh stood in the tiny control room of Sea Snake Three, the newest and biggest Hunt Sub of the Lindbergh clan. New was of course a relative term as this boat did already more than fifty years of service, but Subs were very expensive and only perhaps thirty clans still had Hunt subs. The boat was a reliable piece of New Sweden technology. Like most subs on Nilfeheim it was kept clean and scrubbed and the boat owners prided themselves to always have the boats well painted. On the other hand real engineers were rare, Clan sons did not want to learn off world technology and get their hands dirty with manual labor and Freemen did not go to any further schooling after basic school was completed, so the technical knowledge was usually handed down in a practical apprenticeship. Not that there was really much to do. The reactors were guaranteed to produce power for 500 years and most sub accidents happened when the boat hooked a big Tyranno, and not hitting the mark, but even that was rare.

<p lang="en-US">Normally the Sea snake should be on her way to the Uhim grounds and hook a few Tri Fins or a Tyranno or two, but instead of going south they went north east towards the Bendixen grounds. There was nothing really special there so it seemed. The Bendixens fished and harvested crabs and shellfish for generations and never been an important or rich clan, but ever since Brunar had taken that had changed. That upstart arrived at the last Clan Leader meeting in a brand new Saab Lux-454 flyer, purchased no less than five bran new Submarines in only ten years. Not hunting subs but models with manipulator arms to tend their underwater crab farms. Everyone knew the colorful catalogs displayed at the exchange Café with the latest Submarine models one could order. Those Manipulator boats cost almost 2 Million Credits each. All this sudden wealth and the generous gifts Brunar had showered the Elders with to get his father elected went along with the Bendixens asking the Circle of Elders to declare the Bendixen grounds legal real estate. He already had set up buoys in the Bendixen colors and banners warning trespassers. Oceans on Nilfeheim were free and no one was allowed to declare a part theirs.

<p lang="en-US">If this would be allowed, then someone else could claim the Uhim Grounds private!

<p lang="en-US">There had to be something there that explained both the sudden wealth and the wish to keep others away. Adolph his father told him to take a closer look. Today he would not back down and float all the way to Bendixen rock and check out what was so special about the ocean grounds there.

<p lang="en-US">He was now less than a klick away from the first Bendixen buoy. The computronic enhancing the sonar images to a clear two Dee read out showed three of the five manipulator boats busy with cage boxes. The Bendixens had leveled the rocky ocean floor and large Duro-Crete foundations with even rows of hundreds of pillars on each. Some of these concrete pillars were encrusted with shell fish and immobile crabs. The light flickered and the Sonar suddenly went dark. Now the light went out completely! He didn't even know they had emergency lighting until now as the red lights came on."What in Odin's name? Who of you idiots leaned on the light switch panel?"

<p lang="en-US">Magne the forty year old Freeman who was the boats engineer came up the ladder. "The reactor is out! We have no power. The red lights flickered now and then it was completely dark. Ulfred and his small crew suddenly felt fear. There were no emergency procedures; no one had ever drilled for an emergency evacuation procedure. They weren't even deep enough to be really dangerous for them. They all were Neo Vikings and even though some of them had not taken a dive since their childhood, they still had gills, but not even the Engineer of the boat knew that there actually was an emergency exit. The handle for it had been cut off and hatch painted over with many layers of paint, there even was an emergency blow out valve that would release pressurized air into the ballast tanks. It was a mechanical valve and not affected by any electronic system failure, but the purpose for the red painted hand wheel had been lost with the engineers handbook ever since the previous engineer, threw all manuals out, as he didn't like to read and the manuals took room away.

<p lang="en-US">The boat sank towards the ocean floor. Even though it was not very traditional Ulfred had a modern PDD connected to GalNet. PDD's that could connect to GalNet from anywhere in Union Space were very expensive, almost unknown on Nilfeheim. The Elders considered the uncontrolled exchange of Off World Ideas the worst threat to Nilfeheim Culture and prohibited the use. Ulfred could not explain why this reliable piece of tech was as dark as the rest of the boat. Magne remembered that the air system did more than just make the air cold or hot; it also refreshed it with oxygen and removed Carbon monoxide.

<p lang="en-US">Ulfred and his small crew suffocated about six hours later, shortly after that the lights came back on.

<p lang="en-US">Bendixen had to bite his lip to prevent the gleeful smile creeping on his face as he landed his at the exchange, a large crowd had gathered by the wharf. One of the Olafson subs had towed in the white and red painted Sub of the Lindbergs. It was one of his boats who had reported the drifting sub on via Nilfeheim Radio.

<p lang="en-US">He counted eight Elders and at least nine Clan chiefs among a throng of Freemen, Low Men and workers. Adolph Lindberg and Isegrim stood in the first row as men carried the five bodies on shore. Bendixen suddenly realized that he went too far, as he saw the faces of the suffocated men. One of them was Adolph's Firstborn. The Tech stop had worked just as promised, he expected the men to escape and swim to the surface. He wanted the Lindbergs to lose a boat or two, not five men. But then he steeled himself inside and thought business is business and he wanted to play with the big boys from beyond the clouds. It was their fault for snooping so close. The plan he had agreed upon and paid the Off world women to execute had just unfolded and he knew these were only the first dead in a new war, not fought openly and with honor but underneath the surface with Off world tricks and tech.

<p lang="en-US">Adolph Lindberg's face was as hard as the rock he lived on and then looked in Bendixen's direction and all he did was cramp his fist around the hilt of his sword.

<p lang="en-US">Brunar walked over and wanted to offer his underarm and offer his condolence, but Adolph turned his back, but Isegrim Olafson who was even among his peer a very powerful presence spoke." Five men died like magic and without apparent reason not very far from what you claim your waters. We will investigate and if this is anything else than an accident be assured we will find out."

<p lang="en-US">Brunar did not feel as gleeful as he left the gathering and went back to his flyer, but he decided to sink a few more Subs of the Olafsons and the Lindbergs and anyone else coming close, just this time he would not leave any evidence behind.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Chapter 30: Thunderstorm

<p lang="en-US">Chapter 30 - Thunderstorm

<p lang="en-US">I went down the narrow stair case to find out if there was a God living in the Old Man's basement. Now I had reached the bottom of the narrow stair case and it expanded into a large natural grotto. The old man had a very large, and from the looks of it a natural Sub Pen under his rock. It was cold and moist and without my light it would have been pitch dark. There was no god and no mystery down here. At least there wasn't any more garbage either. I did for a moment see a movement in the water but it was most likely just a play of shadow caused by my own light beam. Since I was here I thought to myself I might as well take a swim and bring the boat in here. No need to leave the Sub tied up outside when the old man was gone for who knew how long.

<p lang="en-US">The water was very cold but as I suspected there was an underwater tunnel connecting this grotto with the ocean. The tunnel was certainly big enough for the boat and I wondered why he didn't use the grotto for his boat, but then there was no handy elevator basket and he would have to climb all these narrow stairs. Convenience was the simple answer.

<p lang="en-US">It took me an hour to reach the boat swimming. The grotto was way deeper under the surface than I expected and while the Nilfeheim pillar looked narrow and tall above the surface it grew wider and more cones shaped below.

<p lang="en-US">He was right; there was an actual little mountain of presents. Golden figurines, At least twenty slayer harpoons of the finest quality, swords, axes, shields, crates with dried fish, barrels with pickled fish, several big boxes of smoked Snapper ham, and at least twenty barrels of Ale, Seaweed Berry Wine and Mead, In between boxes and packages decorated with the seals of a hundred clans.

<p lang="en-US">"Looks like I need to get myself a freight skimmer again." Said to myself and actually enjoyed the solitude and the cold wind. Well coming out of the water I actually didn't enjoy the cold wind all that much and untied the submarine and went inside. He had given me the access codes when I cleaned it. I activated the main power feed and steered the Old man's war sub into the Cave.

<p lang="en-US">I was about to power the boat down and set anchors when I noticed something on the Boat commanders chair. Since I had spent two weeks to scrub the boat, I thought I missed some trash, but it turned out to be a Virtu Holo Print.

<p lang="en-US">My fingers were trembling as I rolled it open. Was this another one of mother?

<p lang="en-US">It turned out to be a very recent one of the Old man and the Holo looked at me just like he did when he was here." I figured you would try to secure the boat before you left. One of your few redeeming features is your sense of duty and you are reliable and trustworthy. "He made a disgusted face. "Listen to me, praising you!" The Holo pointed at me." I still don't like you much! Remember that!"

<p lang="en-US">More or less out of reflex, even though the recording could not hear me I said. "Yes Old man I will remember that. I don't like you either!"

<p lang="en-US">He grinned and nodded and the recording continued:" Since we have this out of the way. Let me come to the reason for this recording. The Burg and this boat are now yours!"

<p lang="en-US">Egill made this statement the same way as if he wanted me to get some more Vodka, but I stopped the recording reversed it and played it again." The Burg and the boat are now yours. The Circle of Elders knows about it and has approved it. You are now the appointed Guardian of the Pillar of Nilfeheim. That is a new title we came up with, but I sure sounds very old and very important and your father can not take it from you. Officially the Boat stays in my name till you are old enough to own one, but it is yours to use. Don't let the plunder and the Burg tie you down. If you are ready to leave, leave! Burg and boat will be there when and if you return."

<p lang="en-US">He became serious again and lost his grin." Just remember if you go through with your revenge plans you will never be able to leave Nilfeheim! "

<p lang="en-US">The recording of the old man suddenly looked tired and much older than usual. "I do need to go to the Saresii as my condition is deteriorating faster than thought, I had planned to stay till you are sixteen, but my time is running out faster than I had planned. I hope I was able to fulfill my promise to your mother and teach you to think it through and evaluate the consequences before you do something."

<p lang="en-US">I nodded slowly. "Yes old Man I think you have, but I can't let Father get away with all he did and I don't want these horrible conditions as they exist in the Tannery keep going on if I can do something about I and I can only do that after I completed the challenge and kill him!"

<p lang="en-US">I didn't realize I was asking a recorded Holo for advice and suddenly I missed that horrible always in a grumpy mood old man. I rolled the recording back up put it to the one with my mother and secured the boat.

<p lang="en-US">I decided to complete the Old Man's last command and load up all the stuff he called plunder and fly it to the Exchange. I was sure he could use the extra Credits since he was traveling and setting himself up as Representative on Pluribus no less.

<p lang="en-US">If my PDD was correct I still had a about ten days of Summer break and the realization that I would compete in the ancient challenge by this time next year, the event I was so eager to reach, made me quite nervous and I suddenly wished I had more time to think what I was supposed to do if I was indeed declared a man. The declaration to be an Adult was only valid for Nilfeheim. I still would have to wait till I was at least 17, the earliest age I would be allowed to go to the Academy.

<p lang="en-US">It was only the second time I went to the Exchange but it almost felt like routine this time. The large Cargo floaters box was loaded to the end as I placed the last barrel inside, turned off the Cargo handler and went on my way.

<p lang="en-US">The Exchange was busier this time and I saw a big crowd gathered outside at the wharf. There was one of my family's subs tied up next to a Lindberg Boat, both easily recognizable by their colors. As I came lower to the ground I noticed five stretchers with bodies on it being the focus of the crowd and I was sure the big shape right next to them was father, I contemplated to turn the flyer around and do my business later. The Exchange was open 24/7 after all, but I decided against it. I would not hide or run away from my father or anyone, besides it seemed they were busy with whatever they were doing. There were several white dressed Elders and dozens of Clan chiefs as well. I guided the big Cargo flyer through the open front of the large building and landed it at a freight dock.

<p lang="en-US">It was not Borg Amundsen who came out of the nearby cubicle, but a bearded man wearing a work coverall with the XChange logo and his hands buried deep in his pockets. I judged him to be about twenty years old and he pointed with his chin at my flyer. "Mighty big flyer you got there. Looks like the Isen transporter, didn't know you pick something up today."

<p lang="en-US">"No I rented the thing from the Isen Market. I am here to sell stuff. I did that before, Mr. Amundsen helped me then,"

<p lang="en-US">"Big Boss helping eh?" He finally got his hands out of his pockets and held a PDD to his ear, talked a few words and said. "Dock master will be right with you. I just started working here."

<p lang="en-US">"No problem."

<p lang="en-US">"The Dock master is with all the others looking at the dead men of the Lindberg boat. "

<p lang="en-US">"What happened?" He snapped his fingers. "OH right you came from Isen, maybe you haven't heard it yet, but there was a strange Sub accident and five men suffocated or something."

<p lang="en-US">It was Amundsen himself coming and this time he was walking and he smiled as he saw me."Ah Mr. Olafson most of my staff is still rubbernecking, but we got robots"

<p lang="en-US">After he had inspected my load and his robots began to unload he said." Lots of variety this time, looks like a selection of Nilfeheim's finest products, that should bring a nice profit, but it will take a little longer as there are so many different wares."

<p lang="en-US">"I am not in a particular hurry!"

<p lang="en-US">I turned as someone said my name out loud. "If that isn't Eric Olafson, the Tyranno slayer who saved my son. Doing business like the man you are at the Exchange!"

<p lang="en-US">It was the Clan Leader of the Peerson clan; he too was standing next to a freight skimmer and robots unloaded barrels out of his cargo box.

<p lang="en-US">He walked over glanced at the crates and barrels the robots unloaded out of my floater, crossed his arms and said. "What do you think happened? I mean why did they die?" It struck me odd that he talked to me like a peer and an equal. He was a clan leader after all."

<p lang="en-US">I shrugged. "I haven't been in touch with the latest events. I spend my summer break down south."

<p lang="en-US">"Oh I know. Everyone knows. The Ancient making you his successor and confirming you have completed all challenges and declared a man was even on Nilfeheim Radio.

<p lang="en-US">His casual way of saying that, floored me and shocked me at the same time. He didn't pay attention to me but looked back to the crowd and going back to his original thread." It is a tragedy for Adolph to lose his Son like this, not even knowing why he and his mates suffocated in a perfectly working boat. It makes you wonder if there is such a thing as curses."

<p lang="en-US">I still digested his statement and my mind raced with all the consequences with what I would have to do. Father was not even 200 meters away, not aware of my presence.

<p lang="en-US">Yet I wondered what he would say and do when he saw me. Would I have to challenge him and if that happened I knew I would kill him or he killed me. The old man was right of course. I would not be able to leave Nilfeheim if I came out on top and killed my father.

<p lang="en-US">The closer I got to that time when I could leave Nilfeheim and go the academy, the more I knew it was the right decision, it wasn't just the phantasy of a teenager I would grow out of.

<p lang="en-US">Thinking all this I knew I had to give the Peerson Chief some kind of answer and said." I really don't know enough details about what happened, but if it was my boat. I call the manufacturer and have them send a technician and check the boat and all my boats to make sure there aren't any leaks, gases generated by some faulty equipment and all that."

<p lang="en-US">He took a step back and then nodded." The Holy One picked you well! That is the first sensible thing I heard anyone say in this matter. I will have my boats checked that way for sure!"

<p lang="en-US">He stomped away and I was glad he did. I needed time to think and hoped the robots would hurry up, not that the machines were working slowly but I felt the urgent need to disappear and go somewhere to think!

<p lang="en-US">It was not going to happen. I would not get the time I needed to think it over as the crowd at the front of the building split down the middle creating an opening right down to where father and Adolph Lindgren stood, next to the stretchers with the dead men.

<p lang="en-US">Faces turned and eyes focusing on me. The Peerson chief standing by three Elders and several Clan chiefs waving at me. So I tightened the sword belt, sighed and tried to put as much force and purpose in my steps as I could. The hulking shape of my father by the wharf wall was like a promise of doom. In all my life I was never more afraid than now and I was not afraid of him,. I would have preferred if I walked there to get another beating; I was afraid of myself and what I might do. I hoped the Old Man was able to give me enough sense to do the right things now.

<p lang="en-US">Peerson said." This man gave good advice and his word has weight."

<p lang="en-US">Someone in the crowd loud enough for everyone to hear:" This will be an epic fight! Eric will challenge his father! They hate each other! Eric is a killer and a master with the sword and Isegrim strong as two men with his wicked whip"

<p lang="en-US">Before Father could say anything Adolph Lindberg gestured with his open hand to the five stretchers I could now see clearly." I lost my firstborn today, Isegrim. Do not darken this day further by fighting your Firstborn!"

<p lang="en-US">Isegrim grunted something but then glared at the dead men and nodded." The Lindberg's have been old friends. You have not wavered standing by my side, so I will honor thy request."

<p lang="en-US">To me Father said." You will not be able to challenge me until you have been officially declared adult before all Elders and Clan chiefs the Day after Yuletide during the great meeting. I however honor the judgment of the Eldest as all do and accept you as an adult."

<p lang="en-US">I wished I could simply scream to vent the pressure and anxiety that had built up in me at this moment. I felt so sick to the stomach and was so glad I was spared to make the decision now. I was not afraid to fight him; the old man had opened my eyes. I was terrified of the possible consequences. Given the grave situation not only because of the dead men right next to us, but about the threshold I just had stepped over in the development of my life, I was a man now in the eyes of my world. I turned halfway to speak into the direction of the speaker who predicted the fight and just like Grandfather laid my hand on Mjordaren. " Whatever disagreements might exist between my father and me is Clan business alone and not subject to public spectacles. Until these Clan decisions are made I am Eric of the Olafson clan and I stand against anyone besmirching this name and our clans honor. Do not take my youth for a lack of resolve and do not think that the chasm that exists between my father and me is a way to divide the Olafson Clan. My side and allegiance is with the Wolfs head by blood and no words or schemes can render this bond. Stand if you dare, speak as man if you have grievances against my Clan and name, Challenge my father, our allies or me and I shall answer it"

<p lang="en-US">There was silence and I saw open mouths and dropped chins, but that glitter I my father's eyes was from the now starting rain and nothing else of course. Learning the old Poems was more than reciting rhymes. It helped to phrase and talk the way men and Norse were expected to talk at official business.

<p lang="en-US">Father who stood across me had obviously seen whoever spoke about me and him and he said staring at someone in the crowd." It is as it was said Stand before thy peer and speak thy mind openly and face the answer we Olafsons will give! Odin alone knows who will be Clan chief of the Olafsons in years to come but it will be an Olafson of that there is no doubt! Now let us hear my son's council as the Clan chief of the Peerson requested and then let us honor the dead."

<p lang="en-US">I blinked not only because of the rain dripping of my lashes but did he just call me son?

<p lang="en-US">I repeated what I had said to the Peerson Chief and there was nodding and agreement and Adolph put his hand on my shoulder." I will send for a technician and have the boats examined. The Eldest has taken you as apprentice and infused you with wisdom indeed!"

<p lang="en-US">"I am far from claiming wisdom as a trait of my own and the Eldest had me clean his burg for the most part."

<p lang="en-US">Like everyone else I looked at the dead men and then they were loaded on a floater and Arthur took them home. The Crowd dissipated and some went inside the XChange Café to talk some more to dry on the outside and wet their throats. The sky was now solid gray as molten lead and it did not look as if the rain would let up. In less than 15 month Long would start and plunge Nilfeheim into seven years of winter. Suddenly I realized only father and I were still standing there. He had his hand on the whip and I had my hand on Mördaren. The rain was pouring heavy and as if to underline the situation, lighting flashed and seconds later deafening Thunder. A robot with a field screen floated between us oblivious of the tense moment and said with an inappropriate happily chirping voice." Mr. Olafson here are the companies bidding on your wares do you accept these offers?"

<p lang="en-US">Father turned to the robot the same time I did. "What wares?"

<p lang="en-US">I said." Yes I accept."

<p lang="en-US">Transaction complete. Packing and transport fees deducted. Proceeds transferred."

<p lang="en-US">The robot thanked me and floated away.

<p lang="en-US">Father stared over the water." I do not believe this was an accident! Having the boats checked by a real engineer who knows the tech is a good idea but it will be expensive."

<p lang="en-US">"The Burg is yours father. You may not think of me as your first born, call me a failure and the scum that dribbled down your legs. You may want to kill me just because I live, but I am your firstborn son! The blood in my arms is as much Ragnarsson as it is Olafson and for what it is worth I am not ashamed of that name, I am proud of my mother's father but I am Olafson and I am equally proud of our families history!"

<p lang="en-US">Lighting light chiseled his face for the fraction of a second into a bright mask of stark features and after the Thunder had ebbed and dark twilight surrounded us once more he said:" Yes you are."

<p lang="en-US">"I will declare the burg and all that Grandfather willed to me on this world is Olafson. I am declared adult and thus all that is Steiner is now mine but it shall be Olafson as well. You are the Clan chief and I will not challenge you for that right now or in the future. "I drew Mördaren half way out of the scabbard." However the day you will be Clan chief no more, it is not Lothar or Tyr who will wear the Clan leader chain. It is not Lothar on who's hand the Wolf ring will be! That, Father I swear and I will fight anyone denying me!"

<p lang="en-US">"You are my firstborn. You are of my blood and I see much of me in you. You do all that after all…" A growling thunder clap cut his words.

<p lang="en-US">I screamed against the wind and with fury and anger in my voice: "There is nothing you can do or say to make me forgive you what you have done to mother. I can see her blood and you beating her to death every night in my dreams. My wish to reach this very night, this moment were I would be strong enough to challenge and to kill you was the only thing that kept me alive while you broke my bones, cut me in pieces with your whip, poured boiling water over me and laughed in delight when I suffered. That day is here and I assure you as good as you are with your whip, I trained well and hard for this very moment and I wield a sword. While I do not predict who will prevail, I am certain only one would walk away. "

<p lang="en-US">He wanted to say something but whatever it was it was drowned out by thunder again and I raised my hand." I never talked to you and might never do so again, but I will pay for the repair of the boats and give you a considerable amount of money but with conditions. I want you to remodel our tanneries and bring them up to modern standards. I want you to pay our Lowman a fair salary as it was done before we hand an exchange and Off World Credits and Clan chiefs paid the Low men in goods and silver for work done! Free and Low man must be allowed to go to school!"

<p lang="en-US">He did not say anything but was listening to my words so I continued." And you need to know that Harkun is playing Lord under your nose and doing the vilest things! He is claiming to be Lord of the House right after you! A servant not even of Olafson blood! Give me your word, more I do not need, you will do these things and I shall call Mr. Silverzweig to get your Accounts back and I will transfer funds of my off planet inheritance so you can do all this."

<p lang="en-US">He nodded. "My word you have then!"

<p lang="en-US">I looked away no longer able to look at him and was sure I was making a mistake, he would not keep his word, but somehow I wished it would be that easy and I simply could wait a year and then open a new page in my life free from all the demons that followed me so far.

<p lang="en-US">Oh I wanted to take the sword and cut him to pieces! So many memories of his cruelness came to the surface of my mind, while rain water ran down my back. As my eyes wandered over the foamed topped waves churned up by the storm winds, there was another flash of lightning. Far out in the water big as an island and only visible for the duration of the lightning strike my eyes played tricks on me as I thought I had seen a huge white Tyranno Fin. Another bolt of lightning followed a heartbeat later and there was nothing. It was just some trick of light and the heavy sea. No one has ever seen a white Tyranno. It was just a faery tale but for some strange reason I could not shake the feeling being watched but not by an enemy or something malicious but something meaning well. I shrugged more or less to myself; I had been on a wild ride of emotions just the last hours. I was starting seeing things. I needed to get to the Pillar, away from this to rest and think.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Chapter 31: Submarines

<p lang="en-US">Chapter 31 – Submarines

<p lang="en-US">Interlude:

<p lang="en-US">Flowerchild liked this planet. It was so wonderfully primitive and rigid; it reminded her of her own home world, Hé máng. He Mang the planet of a thousand rivers and ten thousand mountains actually not that far from Nilfeheim, only about 96 light years if her Databrain was correct, which it of course always was. Chinese traditionalists had settled He Mang and many of the people there lived in primitive and simple conditions. Traditions, superstitions and strong family bonds ruled her society just as it did here. She was the child of an old Chinese Settler Family and her mother fell in love with an Off-Worlder and a Saresii no less. The family felt ashamed for her as she was the product of a union not approved by her family. Flowerchild cared little about this anymore. She would have killed anyone in her own family but only if it was part of a contract, they didn't deserve a free kill. She had forgotten much of it including her real name Jing Wei Leong. Her father a real Saresii was the reason for her own psionic abilities. Of course she was not a full Saresii and her powers were weak compared to any Saresii, her Heidelberg Psi Index was still above150 and she was a decent telepath. Like all Union Citizens she was tested and registered. That it was strictly against the law to pry into other minds did not matter on a planet where no one really believed in Psionics in the first place. She was very careful when she used them in more sophisticated environments. She respected the Union police but she was truly weary of the Union Psi Corps. There was no danger of either institution on this world and she used her ability freely and traced the murderer of the senior Bendixen in short time to a group of girls. One of the girls had been brutally raped by the Elder and had no chance of any legal recourse as the Elders were virtually untouchable in this society. However she would not tell her employer that as he firmly believed in a conspiracy and he would be much more generous with his payment bonuses if she delivered him someone he thought was behind the assassination. Ulfred Lindbergh was dead so she decided to kill someone of the Olafson clan. The Olafson clan was a declared enemy of her Employer's family and Brunar told her about the warning uttered by the Olafson Clan chief. Her Employer went out of his way to make her feel comfortable and she had a nice suite of rooms at the Bendixen Burg. Of course that was not how she operated; she rented a room in the local Portel under a male disguise and name. Brunar could contact her via Nilfeheim Radio placing a small classified ad. The plan was agreed upon and she operated independent until it was done. She was a professional and that was her craft.

<p lang="en-US">Now behind closed doors she took of the Bio flex mask, relaxed the field binders across her chest, took off the padded suit and relaxed on the couch. Before her a dossier about the Olafsons, Brunar had prepared for her. She was impressed: that Clan was rich and influential. The Silver Hawk Corporation was even by Galactic standards, not a small business operating profitable Mines, and a Chain of General goods stores here and on 40 other planets. Most of the company was sold recently for a staggering amount of Money to Enroe Corp but a tidy stock package remained under the name Eric Olafson. The Family structure itself was not as easy to understand. It seemed there were three sons and the father and Clan leader hated his first born and favored his second son, but she understood the traditions of First born children only too well. There was his first born named Eric and judging by this file he was already an important person, celebrated for slaying two of these ridiculous big fish, while diving in the water with little else but a harpoon gun and being the grandson of the founder of Silver Hawk Corp. His now deceased grandfather was the world's reprsentative on Pluribus and was the Chairman of the very influential Trade and finance commitee of the union. She watched the included footage of the young man fighting with an archaic sword against another kid. She considered herself a martial arts expert and due to her trade kept up with weapons and their use. He was good she could tell. The next footage showed him fighting like a demon let loose against 5 armed men twice his size, granted the men had no swords but still the boy killed them with an unstoppable purpose to his moves. She decided to kill him next and do in the guise of the local Girl Underground organization. Girls were underestimated here anyway and she would get close. She smiled as she programmed the Saresii Mask Maker with the features of a girl named Sif. The machine would weave a lifelike mask out of semi-living tissue and it would have a muscle layer below that would not only retain the false faces shape but allow all facial movements. Once a Bio Flex mask was worn it could not be distinguished form a real face.

<p lang="en-US">I had returned to the Pillar burg after my fateful meeting with father and had bought me a used but decent Opel Blitz Flyer at the Flyer Garage in Isen. The mechanic knew me well by now and made me good deal. I still didn't know his name. Everyone in the small City at the southern Pole called him, "The Mechanic" and that's what the sign read over his business. The Opel was red, but then he didn't have many color choices for me to choose from. Very expensive models could change their color on demand pressing a button, but not the flyers on Nilfeheim. The Flyer was a medium sized four seater with enough cargo space for all of my needs and it was fast and I could make the trip in an hour. I could have gone to the school at Isen, but I wanted to end my school year in my school. Two month had passed since the Old man had left and I felt free and without real problems. We had a new teacher, a thin guy named Mr. Flensburger and he was less stern then Walters but even more demanding. Then Adolph Lindbergh invited me to come to Halstaad Fjord and he said all Submarines of Nilfeheim would be there.

<p lang="en-US">It was like a fair. Up and down the Wharf at Oslo Plaza the boats and submarines of the clans were tied up. The Inns and Restaurants had set up tables to sell snack food and the Norse men strutted in their finest and decked out with weapons up and down the wharf. It all started with Adolph calling the Boat manufacturer on New Sweden. The boat company promised to send a team of technicians and then other manufacturers did. Silver Falcon Boats, New Sweden Maritime and Greifswald Werft Corp, these three companies made most of the boats and subs found on Nilfeheim for the last 500 years actually brought their newest models along and had put up show stands. Several banks had representatives here to discuss leasing and loan options. The Friesenheim Clan did not waste the opportunity and had set up a big open sided tent showing their wares and harpoons. Sword smiths, Fabric weavers, Net makers and Tackle Shops, they all participated and of course Uncle Hogun had his grills out and made brisk business selling Finner roast, Blue Finner Steaks and Ale.

<p lang="en-US">I had taken the Old Man's boat to the event as I thought it would not hurt to have it checked out as well.

<p lang="en-US">Even though it didn't take me three weeks to get back to Bifrost island as his boat could go much faster as the Old man had it go when we went to his rock. It still was a long trip and when I arrived the event was well underway. Even though the my sub was the last and I found a tie down way down the row, it did stand out as it was bigger and looked very different than the hunting boats with their Harpoon gun turrets on the bow. A bunch of kids gathered as the hydraulics lowered the gangway to the wharf. I smiled as I could hear them arguing what type it was, as I had the same problem not so long ago. Yet it felt as if it was a lifetime.

<p lang="en-US">"What kind of boat is that?" One of the boys wanted to know as I stepped off.

<p lang="en-US">"It is a Poseidon IX –Multi Mode Fast Attack."

<p lang="en-US">"I never seen or heard of any sub like that." He said rippling his nose as he looked up to me." It doesn't have any clan colors and is all black."

<p lang="en-US">"It's a very old boat."

<p lang="en-US">His face dropped a little and said to his friends." It's old! Let's check out the new ones again!"

<p lang="en-US">They ran off but two men, clearly off Worlders wearing blue coveralls came over. Both were clean shaven and had short hair. The taller one held a PDD in Clipboard mode and the shorter one carried an Image recorder in his left and he had a dreamy smile on his face as he stared at the sub." What a beauty. A real Poseidon Multi Mode probably surplus of the Markan World Wars."

<p lang="en-US">The taller one said." Is this your boat, Sir?"

<p lang="en-US">"Not yet but I take care of it."

<p lang="en-US">"Can we take a look inside and check it out? I am Sid Winslow; Chief Engineer of the Greifswald Werft Corporation, Holstein Planet and this is Piotr my assistant."

<p lang="en-US">"That's what I came here for. I thought it would not hurt to have it checked, considering its age."

<p lang="en-US">"It still is a SII military grade product and legendary!"

<p lang="en-US">The two disappeared inside the boat and I was certain it would be a while, the smells coming over from the food stands were enticing and I wanted to say hello to Uncle Hogun and perhaps eat a Blue Finner Steak.

<p lang="en-US">The boats and subs were tied and arranged by Alliances so the Olafson boats were next to the Lindbergh boats, the Oseberg and Peerson boats, to my surprise the Elhir boats as well. The three green and yellow Steiner boats had the Olafson flag tied over the bows.

<p lang="en-US">Uncle Hogun was busy cutting portions of a Fangsnapper roast. "Can you cut me a piece with as much crust as possible?" I asked and he looked up dropped the sword sized butcher knife and gave me a bear hug that squished the air out of my lungs." Eric!"

<p lang="en-US">He actually kissed me on the forehead and then said." I haven't slept right since that night we talked! I am so sorry."

<p lang="en-US">I returned the hug and said." It all worked out so it seemed. I got my own burg and boat in the process and was able to meet father without one of us being dead."

<p lang="en-US">"Yes that is something. I hardly believed it when I heard it."

<p lang="en-US">"I am holding up the line Uncle Hogun. Business comes first we can talk later."

<p lang="en-US">He shoveled me such piece of roast on the plate, I needed booth hands to carry the weight and grinned. "We do that."

<p lang="en-US">It was nice sitting on a table without really a care in the world with a nice piece of meat and fresh Nilfeheim bread and watch the milling and going about of the crowd at the wharf.

<p lang="en-US">I saw father standing by Adolph, the Peerson Clan Leader and the Elhir Chief. Three Off-Worlders talking to them. Father turned his head and saw me then raised his hand and motioned me to come. The crunchy crust of Fangsnapper roast was always my favorite and Uncle Hogun had given me plenty, but it suddenly tasted shale again. All my life I feared him and I realized I still did, even after our last meeting. I left my food and walked the 1oo meters over. Father had his arms crossed above his chest. Adolph and Gunnar Peerson (the Elder) nodded. The Elhir clan chief turned to face me and actually offered me his underarm." Eric, Son of Isegrim stand and witness what the Engineers have to say!"

<p lang="en-US">They wore dark blue Coveralls with a yellow cross on their chest pockets, representatives of New Sweden Maritime and one of them looked at his PDD and said." As I said before the boats technically sound and surprisingly so as there was no maintenance done, at least none that makes any sense. We made a list of things that need to be done, like uncovering the escape hatch and fixing its handle. Making sure the blowout valve is marked, but we could find no reason why these men suffocated. However we found an advanced GalNet capable PDD. "He held it up." This is a SII-Comm Mark 6; it should have worked even on the bottom of the ocean. I will contact SII and have it examined."

<p lang="en-US">Adolph shrugged." What will that do?"

<p lang="en-US">I said." To have the one piece of equipment fail, in this case the boat is possible, but that two pieces of equipment that are independent of each other fail is very unlikely. Unlike the boat the PDD is very new and very advanced I am sure it has some sort of diagnostic tool and records failures and problems."

<p lang="en-US">"You are a very fortunate father, Isegrim!" to the Engineer he said." Do what it takes I pay for it!"

<p lang="en-US">"We will!"

<p lang="en-US">"How much will it cost for you to overhaul my boats and make them safe again?"

<p lang="en-US">"Hard to say but I estimate about 20,000 per boat plus parts."

<p lang="en-US">Adolph nodded." Let it be done! I don't trust my engineers anymore! They are useless!"

<p lang="en-US">I said to the Off World Engineer." What would it cost to have our Engineers or young men who like to become engineers trained to do the right maintenance?"

<p lang="en-US">"That I can answer. We offer training camps for that purpose. It's 1600 per person but space bus ticket and 2 weeks lodging included. It's of course free for anyone buying a new boat."

<p lang="en-US">Father spoke." All Olafsons Engineers will be sent there!"

<p lang="en-US">Adolph actually began discussing with them what a new boat would cost and what he would like it to do.

<p lang="en-US">My fear was unfounded so far and all seemed alright. I even contemplated to go back to my plate of meat when the Arnske Chief approached our group with purpose in his steps. "A mighty fleet has gathered around the Olafson Red I see and my future Son in law already accepted by the men and speaking his mind, giving sound advice standing there with his mighty father. It lifts my heart! January will be here soon and after Yuletide and at the Great meeting, Eric you shall throw thy axes!"

<p lang="en-US">The Peerson chief pounded my shoulder." A young warrior, full of strength and council, soon to be married to a lovely wife. This is why I am proud to be of Nilfeheim, despite all the Off World lures."

<p lang="en-US">Sif's father brimmed with pride and even Isegrim seemed pleased.

<p lang="en-US">Brunar Bendixen with several of his men and three clan chiefs I didn't know strolled down the line of tied boats and he made sure he was close enough to be overheard." What a sad looking flotilla, old outdated and three times patched over." His comment earned him laughter from his crowd and clenched fists from the other. "The Boat sales people waste their time over here, at least they did not come for nothing, and I bought a new sub."

<p lang="en-US">He then looked directly at Lindbergh and said." Let this tragic accident that cost your son's be the last and accept the Bendixen grounds. Stay away from them and I am sure even your old and derelict boats are safe enough to Tyranno Hunting in the South!"

<p lang="en-US">Lindholm took one step forward." It indeed was the last accident! The next blood will flow in open anger. My boats will dive wherever I they want. The oceans belong to all and none!"

<p lang="en-US">The Peerson Clan leader muttered under his breath to the Elhir man, but I was close enough for me to hear him." He basically admits he has something to do with the deaths and warns us to stay away from his grounds. I don't care if he raises crabs there and would not go there if he asked, but to have the are declared his goes too far."

<p lang="en-US">Elhir nodded." I am going to borrow the money right now. I buy a boat right now in front of him!" I checked my Credit strip by glancing on it and then said loud to father but Bendixen could hear." What is this man talking about, Father did you not decide to purchase two boats today?"

<p lang="en-US">I did not know why I did that, I didn't want to reward my father but I disliked the arrogant behavior of the other Clan Chief and somehow I too understood his barley concealed warning and hidden admission that he had something to do with the death of the five men. Father had a hard time to keep his surprise under control and cleared his throat. "Of course Eric, we are going to buy two boats right now. I simply did not want to put those poor Crab Farmers to shame, but then who could compare to the might and riches of the Olafson Clan? It must be jealousy and envy that made them come over to see how the truly mighty do business!" He spoke just as loud to make sure he was overheard.

<p lang="en-US">Adolph was more direct."I too shall buy a new Sub, and this time it will not just be for fishing and hunting fish! "

<p lang="en-US">Flowerchild was in the crowd watching the Olafsons. His father was full of conflicting thoughts. Part of it was pride and love, the other hate and disgust. There were thoughts of black mail and a scheming wife with more power than she should have. As she tried to probe the young man's mind however she could not, her probing mind slipped of a strong mind shield. Something she had not expected on this world. She was distracted by mind close by full of hate against the young Olafson. The mind was thinking about murder but was afraid of Olafson. She thought this would be a good opportunity to see how good this Olafson was, so she reached out and intensified the anger and hate and isolated the thoughts of family honor and fear.

<p lang="en-US">Something warned me. I could not say what made me turn, but Frederick Steiner was suddenly close rushing with his sword drawn, from behind the Bendixen Chief." You arrogant little upstart! First you kill my son and now you squander my clan's riches! You will die now and what was Steiner will be once more mine!" If I hadn't turned his sudden attack would have clearly cut me in half, still his sword sliced through my fur vest and leather shirt, and gouging a deep cut clear across my chest. The pain was instant, intense and burned like fire. "I claim my right for revenge as it is granted in the Book of Old!"

<p lang="en-US">Father unrolled his whip."Then let it be done, right here and now! The name Steiner will not be remembered!"

<p lang="en-US">Frederick shook his head; his eyes glowed as if he was mad."You are next vile Isegrim, but I challenged your Son and he was declared adult!"

<p lang="en-US">Adolph also drew his sword." You are a coward, striking before the challenge is spoken lost you all rights!"

<p lang="en-US">The men around Bendixen and Brunar drew their weapons and Brunar said." Frederick Steiner is a Bendixen now and part of my clan's council. He has the right to challenge! We will gladly stand by his side and enforce his rights if you deny what is written in the book. This time he has studied it and it shall not be denied!"

<p lang="en-US">It was the pain, the trickling blood and my own foolish pride that made me forget my promise to think things over and I said."The Challenge is accepted! All who do not want to face my wraith step back so I may answer it."

<p lang="en-US">Frederick was well known for his skills and considered a master swords man. This time I had no shield, but neither did he. He was of course a full grown man and was superior in strength and reach.

<p lang="en-US">We fought! Mördaren seemed to come alive in my hand, I could not even remember drawing it. His blade seemed of similar quality as the blades screeched against each other. I slipped on a smear of my own blood and almost lost my left arm to his charge. He left a deep cut, and I suddenly thought I might die right there and then. Another near miss left a scatch above my eyes, blood was blurring my sight. He was as good as me and I was hard pressed to keep him at bay, especially now as my left arm hung useless from my shoulder and my sight impaired, and I lost more blood. I hoped I would last. Then as if something else lifted my spirits. I heard a deep voice in my mind." Calm down Eric. Don't let fear overcome you. Ignore the pain and remember the lessons of Richard and Carl. You carry Mördaren!"

<p lang="en-US">In my haze of pain I was certain I imagined perhaps the voice of my grandfather, but as if new energy came out of the sword itself and the pain was gone! I could clearly see again. Stepped outside his reach and lowered the sword." Surrender and I shall be merciful, fight on and I will end it now!"

<p lang="en-US">He laughed and attacked. I waited to the very last micro second and instead of parrying I leaned sideways, his sword strike missing me so close I could hear the hiss of steel right next to my ear and then swung with all strength I could muster. My blade hit him at the base of the neck on the left and sliced clear to his shoulder to the right!

<p lang="en-US">Frederick Steiner made a gargling sound, spat blood and toppled over. I raised my soiled sword." The Challenge has been answered!"

<p lang="en-US">Adolph Lindbergh, the Elhir chief and my father came to my side and Father thundered." Show thy colors Bendixen stand and challenge or leave to show all the difference between Warriors and Hunters and Crab fishers!"

<p lang="en-US">Bendixen clearly didn't want to risk it all and waved his hand." I will leave, but the days of warriors and hunters are over soon!"

<p lang="en-US">It was the Peerson chief who supported me as my legs wanted to buckle and said."We better get you to the Clinic now!"

<p lang="en-US">Flowerchild was quite surprised at the outcome. The Olafson Boy could not have psionic gifts; she saw his test results that were part of the dossier. Yet he resisted her probing mind and then was able to sense the attack, for a moment she thought she saw a huge white fish staring at her. There was always someone in that crowd thinking about those fish. She didn't like the development and her Employer had a big mouth. Eric had to die by the hand of Sif and that would certainly change things!