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The End of Sin 4





I took the call in our Den and the Red Dragon looked at me after the connection was made and the field screen was activated. He then said:

"I was wondering if you would be interested in meeting a few colleagues of ours, perhaps over some food and drink so we can discuss a very profitable little excursion. You see the associate I am waiting for is a little delayed and won't be here for a while. Since there is no sense in wasting too much time on this boring dirt ball, we thought we might invite you to a very promising little hunt. Of course such things are better discussed in person and since you are the new kid on the block it was suggested that you do us the honors."

I glanced at my gloved fingers and said:

"I too have some unfinished business here on Sin 4, but it could wait a little longer. I am never opposed to hear about something that could improve my bottom line. I am not opposed to such a meeting."

He sounded pleased as he said:

"Maybe there is a future with us doing business together after all, Black Velvet. So do you say, 2000 hours at your ship, or are you too ashamed to have guests?"

"My Silver Streak might not be able to provide you with all the creature comforts you are accustomed to, but I think we should be able to scare up some food and drink to entertain our guests. So I expect you and your associates at eight?"

"We will be there and I will bring some wine."

Har-Hi stood next to me as usual and as the transmission ended he said:

"So he wants to come over and discuss business and bring along a few friends. Why do I get the feeling he isn't coming for a friendly barter at all?"

Narth shrugged his shoulders and said:

"If he is a former Admiral or not I can't say, but his psionic shielding is most certainly finest Union technology, the kind Command Officers get. I am certain I could break it, but he would notice, no doubt."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Let us go slowly. If he suspects a Psionic attack he might have a failsafe that deletes the information he has. Since his Seenian equipment is genuine there is no reason to doubt he knows the location of a Seenian depot. Finding and securing it for the Union is vital. If he found it, someone else could. Seenian technology in the hands of the Kermac, the Shiss or anyone else would be bad indeed."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Har Hi propped his hands on our massive table and said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"The Admiral was quite clear; we need to find his source of Seenian equipment and even his arrest and neutralization as a pirate is secondary to that. So our goal should be to gain his trust and play along for awhile. Maybe we can find out where the Sinister Alliance has its headquarters as a bonus to all this, but if he wears a Seenian Battle suit what would keep him from running amok inside our ship?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Cateria pointed at a PDD she was holding and said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"The scans you made inside that container confirm that he is indeed wearing a Seenian Battle suit, but it is certainly not fully activated. I am convinced it is damaged, because it is a Command Issue and it would otherwise never accept a Non Seenian."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I asked.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"We are assuming he is Admiral Swybar, but McElligott said that this is not entirely certain. Could we not perhaps be dealing with a genuine Celtest? Maybe you are not the only one who survived all this time in suspended animation."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">She said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"That would certainly explain how they managed to install Seenian shields and the ZP Cannon. Since I exist it is not completely out of the question. If we can obtain some genetic material, I can find out of course."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I still looked at her as I said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"So Har Hi's question becomes even more valid. We had a hard time stopping you with ship sized weapons. What can we do to if he attacks?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">She answered. "I wasn't even wearing a Full battle Suit, just an Emergency Defense Model, but ever since I came aboard, Cirruit and I are working on a few ideas. Not that we expected to run into a pirate with Seenian tech but we managed to incorporate some Seenian ideas into his latest generation of Battle Nanites."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">As usual when we sat in the Pirate's Den there were other Crewmembers present and the Garbini Engineer turned Med Tech raised one of his tentacles.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Captain?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I turned to look at the Garbini and said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Yes, Specialist?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"My roommate is Shail, Ma'am. Even though he is pursuing an Engineering career now, he is still Shail and there aren't any better poison experts in the Galaxy. Suits protect only from the outside and the Shail have poisons that defy our best Auto Docs."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I grinned.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"What a splendid idea. Let us prepare for that dinner and make it a memorable occasion..."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Sobody rubbed his small hands.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Can I be in charge of that, Captain?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">To him I said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"It would not be memorable if you didn't plan it. So of course you are in charge."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">It was eight in the evening when the Red Dragon, four of his officers, and three Pirate Captains arrived in a Shiss Landing tank. I had them enter over an extended Ramp into the Pirate Den, so they would not see the rest of the ship or ride the IST

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Golden, his rodent shadow and my Elly Chef went all out to provide an impressive meal.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">From where the massive open grill came from, I had no idea, but I was instantly reminded of Uncle Hogun and I almost expected him to be there. The grill had a shimmering force field chimney and most of the smoke was funneled away into the ships atmospheric recycling systems, but the savory smell of freshly seared meat was spreading all over the former Hangar bay. I was not sure what kind of animal was slowly turning on the spit but it was huge and I was assured it was safe for humans to eat.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">As the eight men stepped through the hangar door they stopped in their tracks. One of them was an Oghar Captain and he could not take his eyes of the stacks of boxes spilling with Polo Coins, the stacked Polo Cubes in the back and the several meter tall pile of Iridium ingots right next to it that not even I had noticed before. The gothic shaped braziers were lit and flickered with dark red fire. The immense chandelier provided a warm light that made the table and the polished precious metals glow and sparkle. Our big round table was laid out with the finest china, crystal drink ware, bowls and plates of massive gold and platinum grouped around a three tiered center piece overflowing with fruits and fresh vegetables. It too was made of platinum and gold and was big enough to serve an entire family of starving Saturnians.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I was wearing a black velvet gown and a matching eye mask with a wispy veil. I greeted them saying.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Welcome to the Silver Streak. Have a seat, eat, drink and be merry. We do not have guests all that often but according to time honored traditions, enemies and friends alike shall find peace and hospitality while at my table."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Red Dragon who was wearing the same red outfit and that he had worn before said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"One should never judge the book by its cover. One would never suspect to see such splendor inside what appears to be such a rust bucket from the outside."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I spread my gloved arms and said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"There might be some rust here and there, but the Silver Streak has served me well and I would not exchange it even for the formidable Red Dragon you command."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He introduced his associates and bumped the Oghar next to him, who finally managed to take his eyes of the Polonium chests and looked at me. Red Dragon said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"This big fellow goes by the name of Captain Meateater and he commands the Intruder, the silent Togar to my right is Captain Carrhrh of the Celestial Nightmare. The third Captain, here is a member of the Puup. While the Puup are Kermac thrall species that has virtually no contact to this side of the Galaxy, they look a lot like Terran Bears. He has a solid reputation as Privateer and Pirate all over this area we call Freespace. To introduce him as gentleman is pushing the envelope of course, but he does go by the name of Captain Brathering of the Uhuin."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Oghar grunted.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"This is a fine treasure you got there. I also noticed your Nul weaponry. Nothing to be trifled with."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I shrugged.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I find it necessary to have certain devices that reinforce my arguments. Such arguments do occur quite regularly in this kind of business as you surely know."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He grunted something and they all sat down. Food was served and I noticed that the red Dragon only ate after I did and he selected the same food choices. His mask so I saw now allowed him to eat without the need to take it off. The Oghar, the togar the Puup and their men ate like starving Tyrannos.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The conversation during the main course was just small talk, but as the Elly served desert and fine liquors I leaned back and said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Maybe it is time you come to the reason you have invited yourself. I am eager to get some vacuum under my keel and leave dirt side soon.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Red Dragon held up the glass he was using and looked at the golden liquid.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"You know how to entertain your guests. This is the finest Blue Blood Chardonnay I have tasted in ages. If I am not mistaken it is from the Sapphire Winery that supplies the Court of Thauran itself. I truly appreciate your hospitality and it almost pains me to do what I have to do next. You see my associate Captain Meateater has a ship that isn't up to par and barely made it to Sin 4. Suitable ships are rare to come by and since he likes the Silver Streak I think it will serve him well."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He put the glass down.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Be a good girl and give him all the command codes now and without any fuss, I might even let you live and offer you a nice bedroom aboard my ship so you can serve me when I have the need for female attention."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">At his words his men and the Pirate Captains pulled their weapons and pointed them at me. The Red Dragon said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Now before you get all upset and shooting starts. Let me tell you that I am wearing the Celtest Battle suit and there is nothing you can do that will stop me to do whatever I please. Now get started, the Command codes now or I start killing every one of your crew and rape you until I have what I need. It looks like there are enough treasures to buy a brand new ship with all the trimmings even if you die before I have the codes."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I had let him speak, plating my mouth carefully with a napkin under the veil of my mask and said: "You know dear Dragon, I did not come this far to trust anyone and I would not have invited you inside my ship without taking some precautions. If you would pay attention and look to your side you will notice a Shail. Now I am not sure if you are aware of the Shail reputation and their particular skill and knowledge of very complex poisons, but you all swallowed enough quite lethal Shail bio toxins to kill half of Sin 4. The final outcome is of course lethal but it will take a little time to take full effect. I think you might feel the first effects already, the only antidote is well hidden and only I know where."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Captain Meateater grabbed his throat with his left while he pointed his big Oghar Flamer directly at me.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"The Antidote now or you die!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"It is very unwise to threaten the only person with the antidote. I might just decide to die before I give in on your demands, so I suggest you press that trigger."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He did and nothing happened. Now my friends pulled their weapons. Krabbel zipped from the ceiling with eight heavy old style TKU's in each of his legs. Hans, the Gray Nul and TheOther came from behind the curtains, their massive weapons pointed at the now frightened looking pirates. Marines disguised as Pirates completed the half circle around me and Har Hi pulled both his swords with a slow metallic sound that was as threatening as it looked.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Red Dragon pointed his finger at me and screamed:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"There is enough energy in my finger blaster to render you all to ashes!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">But his entire hand turned and he stared at his own finger.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I was the only one still sitting and I poured myself a cup of coffee and carefully spooned some sugar in it.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"The weapons of your associates have been rendered inoperative. I used some Black Velvet magic to do that and the weapon in your finger would need to go through your skull first before it can harm anyone else."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He groaned.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"You think psionic tricks will save you? My shields will take care of that."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Shea got up holding her sword and sliced his uniform open and cut away the Seenian weapon belt from his waist. Her wondrous blade sliced right through the supposedly indestructible material of his suit.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I sipped at my coffee and said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I wonder why you are not doing just that!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Brathering groaned.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Do something; you said your suit is unstoppable!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Red Dragon yelped in pain as his own finger started to poke him in his right eye.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I said

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"What a cruel fate, poked to death by your own finger. Now I wonder if that is the death the ruler of the Galaxy thought he would suffer?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">His finger now poked his nose and he yelped:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Cut that out! It was all just a joke, a test of course. I wasn't serious."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I got up walked slowly around the big table and watched him being poked again, this time in the other eye. Shea had sliced almost half of his suit of his body and the blade that had no trouble cutting through the Seenian material was only a fraction away from his throat.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I got close to him and said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I don't buy lies my dear Dragon. Now I could easily take your lives and your ships and whatever else I please. Your associates are already turning into nice shades of green, a wonderful side effect of the poison. I am certain you don't feel so fresh either as the wine contained the same poison. Oh wait, you wanted to rape me. I think I know a better place for that finger!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He groaned and said with little conviction in his voice:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"You would not dare!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I pointed at his groin and Shea's blade followed my gesture and I said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Do you really think I would not dare to cut you into ribbons and sell your carcass to the Skaakh kitchens? But I'll tell you what, I'll let you go. You tire me. You may return in one hour with one million in Polo Full weights for each of you. I will then give you the Anti-dote. If you decide not to do it, that is your choice and your funeral."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Hans, TheOther and the Gray Nul grabbed the helpless Pirates and simply threw them out the main door. They landed hard on the ramp and limped down the rest scrambling to their waiting Landing tank but they never reached it, their tank was lifted into the air and forcefully slammed into the ground, a dozen times till it was a twisted smoking pile of metal. Whoever was inside had no chance.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I turned to Narth.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Seeing your telekinetic abilities turning a seventy ton tank into scarp was actually quite scary."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Narth said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"That wasn't me." He pointed at the young girl with the big eyes stepping from behind him.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">She has been awake since this morning and I promised her she could help."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I looked at her and said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"That was a great job Alice."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">She lost her sad expression for a moment as a smile hushed over her thin lips.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I knelt down.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Is there anything that would cheer you up more permanently?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">She shook her head.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"No Captain Olafson. I am content. My dad is safe at home and can help our friends the Stik and Narth is a very good teacher. He made the headache go away and knows how I can use the invisible hands without hurting myself. I am very glad to be here and will help when I can."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"So it was you poking the guy in the eyes? It was a bit out of character for Narth I must admit."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">She nodded and smiled a moment longer.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I watched him from behind the curtain. He wasn't very nice."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Narth looked at me with his glowing eyes.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I must admit I liked the idea and helped a bit."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I rolled my eyes.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I am not sure this Universe is ready for a Narth with a mischievous streak"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Then we watched our guests run across the landing field to their ships.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I mused aloud.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I wonder if we revealed too many of our aces or if Mehdi's Psycho probability analysis is correct and they do come back and offer us a spot in that expedition.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Cirruit appeared in the hangar door and said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"If not, they all taking a load of Nanites into their ships. We should be able to hack into their systems and get that info without chasing them half across the Galaxy."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The cold night wind brushed over my naked shoulders and, while I always liked the cold, I actually wished for a jacket or something and said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Your new Nanites?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He nodded and said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Yes the ones I based on Cateria's designs. I think in eight to ten months I might be able to replicate them to be just as good as the Seenian ones."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Cateria, her hands on the shoulders of the girl, said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"In some aspects they are already as good. We can be glad he was not able to activate his suit fully or even know of its full capabilities. He did have a full Casern with him."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I turned to look at her and said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Something bad, right?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">She frowned and responded.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Very bad, a subspace pocket with 100 Celtest Battle droids."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Where is it now?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Safely away with Narth, also in some sort of Subspace pocket he has under his shroud. Until we can get the proper codes, it is suicide to open it."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I pointed in the distance towards the Red Dragon.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"So he isn't Celtest?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">She shook her head and held up her PDD.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"No, we have a sample of his DNA now. He is Thauran alright and I am pretty sure he is the disgraced Admiral Swybar."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I walked back in and gestured over the dinner table:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Alright, let's get everyone off duty down here to eat, it would be a shame to have all this wonderful food go to waste."

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

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">--””_-

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

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Elfi caught me as I helped to clean the table.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Captain, the Red Dragon is calling. Do you want to take it?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Golden simply took the stack of plates I was holding and I said, giving him a thankful nod: "Yes, Elfi, pipe it down but let them wait three minutes."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Shea put the tray down she had used to gather the silver ware, brought me my mask and tugged it in place. Ship activated a field screen and the Red Dragon became visible. He was wearing a loose cloth mask and kept scratching his arms. To the side behind him the Puup who was also scratching himself. I said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I don't accept any transferable currencies, only cash in the form of Polo full weights or Iridium Chips."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He sounded tired as he said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Let us end this, Captain Velvet. You have showed us you can play in the big league and we lost the gamble. It also showed me you are very resourceful and that is what counts for my planned endeavor. I have tied up all my cash resources in that project and don't have eight million in cash, but I'll let you have the other suit. It is Celtest and worth way more than eight million."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I leaned back.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"You are right, the Celtest suit is worth that. Have it brought over. You've got about 12 more minutes by my calculation, but I could be off a few."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He sighed and said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"It is already sitting in a crate before your shields. I give you my word, no tricks."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I cut him off, nodded to Cateria and Cirruit and said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Check it out first. Make sure there are no surprises hidden."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">A few moments later Cateria's voice came over the Comm.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"It is the suit. It is undamaged and there is nothing else, no Nanites, no microbes nothing remote controlled."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Alright, secure it and put it away safely."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I waited another two minutes and opened the channel again.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Alright Red Dragon, here is the anti-dote. Take a bath using soap and water, that will take care of the outer symptoms. As for the internal symptoms, they should subside about now."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">At first he cursed. But then he laughed.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"You know I am looking forward to working with you. I like your style, stick around for five or six more days and I'll make your wait worthwhile."

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

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">---””--

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

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

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The next morning, I came onto the bridge at 0600.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Three Four holding the con and got up “Good morning Captain.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Good morning Lieutenant.” I also acknowleged the rest of the morning watch and sat down in the Command Chair.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Should I call the Senior Officers to the Bridge?” He asked.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“No not yet, let them sleep.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Of course I knew the names of all my officers, but with the exception of Three Four and TheOther manning Communications I knew little about them. As I turned to see who was at the engineering console, I could not completely stop the smile that crept into my face. “Mr. Warner, are you pulling double shifts?

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Haven't I seen you on First Dog watch too?”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“I wasn't on duty then, Captain. Sobody was.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“I see. Well Mr, Warner since you are the engineer on duty., any engineering issues?”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“No Captain, the TransDimtap is online again. All systems are fully operational.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Sitting at Shaka's station was a very tall Andorian. Accordig to his personal file he had completed his Midshipman year just a six month prior to us on the USS Boney Hoo. Unlike Shaka he was unable to use the Virtu Helm system, but had a high Helm rating of 503. Other than that he was more or less just a face to me.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Mr. Rohmor while we are dirt side, please run space battle simulations 45 and 46. Coordinate with tactical.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Yes, Ma'am.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">TheOther was sitting behind the Communications station.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Day Code and union fleet brief received at 0001 hours, Captain. Sealed command portion available in your message box, Captain.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Very good, Mr. TheOther.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I opened the classified portion and memorized the day code. The daily fleet brief was a standard message that was transmitted to all Union ships and Navy posts. It contained the state of the Union, a list of hostile and potential hostile situations and societies and an abridged report on all Assembly decisions that could affect the Navy. Such as new members accepted or societies applying for membership. The State of the Union was a solid Green. Meaning there were no active conflicts or wars and no hostile actions imminent anywhere.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">A new member had been welcomed yesterday, the Osirians. A speies native to Andromeda.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The being at the Science Console was a Leedei, Ensign Fivcheer, other than his name and rank I knew little about him.I had seen him several times during our weekly department meetings. His file mentioned that he had served with the Science Corps for five years before he decided to join the Fleet. I blinked his file up while I said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Ensign Fivcheer anything to report?”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“All science labs are busy. We are currently conducting research on the collected species,. A team is working on the duro crete eating microbes, they are trying to realize your idea in creating a bio based weapon. Others work on a detailed atmosphere analysis. There is an ongoing androphology study on the Stik and...”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I interupted him and said. “Seems you are quite busy down there. I look forward to read the science department summary rport for the log book. Anything on the ship of this Brathering?” “Yes Ma'am. Circuit and Mao are working on a detailed report as we speak. The Uhuim is a genuine Kermac T Cruiser and as pirate ships go, perhaps with the exception of the Red Dragon the most powerful pirate ship known. This is not a customized civilian ship, but a purpose built war ship. We only conducted visual and passive scans so farm but it appears the ship is fully armed with Kermac Line Blaster Cannon, FTL and the latest Kermac shimmer shields. We think she can reach 500 klicks. I can read 271 life forms.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“How did we come to this number? I thought life form scans require active sensors?”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Sir I am not Narth, but I am still Leedei and without trying to brag,I am one nof the most gifted onf my kind. I register 18000 on the HPI. I can read them.We also have a Leedei Tele Psi device among our sensor equipment. We are the only ship in the Union that carries extensive Leedei tech. Even Narth is impressed by it.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“I am too, there isn't a day going by I learn something new about my own ship.” “Indeed and one fact is that you have the only SHIP that orders breakfast for her captain.” Our Elly chef had appeared next to me, uncovering a platter with bacon filled bread. “SHIP told me that this is a traditional NeoViking breakfast. I didn't have Fangsnapper bacon, so I used traditional one, but the bread is baked after instructions of Mihdril.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I wanted to correct Mr. Eeeryt or SHIP that this was not a traditional breakfast, but the mouthwatering smell filling the bridge was simply too tempting. “Mr. Eeeryt, that was very thoughtful of you andI guess I could indulge myself this morning. Having a breakfast like this every morning though, and I look like a butterfly without wings in that suit of mine.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He was visibly proud as I lauded his creation after taking a bite. It was about as good as food could possibly be. I had him pass the platter around so everyone that wanted could try.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“SHIP, that was very thoughtful, thank you. I doubt even CENTRON does this for Stahl”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“I have it on good authority, Centron personally supervises the Devi's onboard brewery to make sure Stahl's beer meets the Admirals expectations,and Centron selects Stahl's music and...”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“And you know that how?” “I asked Centron for advice on how to be a good AI.” “You don't need advice on that. But one thing is clear, we are not a pirate ship. I hope they never make a Virtu show about us, we never make the action channel.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I got up, “Seems everything is under control. Mr. Three Four you have the Conn. I am having a cup of coffee in the Den.”

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

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">--””--

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I actually contemplated to return to bed, as I walked past my quarters. But I was already up and had been an early riser all mylife. I decided against sleeping but was not in a particular hurry.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I was relaxed but still noticed a crew member, down the corridor changing direction very fast as I approached.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Now it could have been coincidence, but I somehow had the distinct feeling, that Crew member didn't want to run into the Captain.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Instead of taking the IST, I followed the Corridor further. There wasn;t much more here on the command deck. Har-Hi's quarters, a second conference room, the upper Armory filled with the latest Union weaponry, most of it still prototypes or test units. There were twelve so called VIP quarters behind thant, Finally there was senior officer's mess and officer's lounge. I had never used any of these facilities, I just knew they were there.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Command deck was the smallest deck and all the way on top of the ship. Most civilizations built their bridge or command center deep within the bowels of a ship, to protect this vital part, but Union planners always had Translocator cannons in mind and to these weapons it mattered little where the bridge or engineering was. While no known adversary of the Union had Translocator technology, it was always considered that this secret could be stolen or some unknown species used something similar.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">In case of an emergency the entire Command Deck could be seperated from the Tigershark and turn into an independent space craft with FTL engines. It was called rhe Captain's Yacht.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">One of these days I planned to run a drill of seperation and re uniting the Yacht, but that would have to wait until we could be our selves.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">While I was thinking all this I went down the slightly curved corridor to catch up with that captain avoidng crew member. Initially I had not noticed more than a movement, but now almost caught up coming around the corriodor bent I saw a human female with blue skin and shyny coppery hair slip past the doors of the Officer's mess.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">A Thauran aboard my ship and from the looks of it,up to no good. I was just about to call for security when I stopped myself. I had to make sure before I made a fool of myself.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Tigershark wasn't the Devi, but still a big ship and I hardly knew my crew. Sure I had seen them all assembled when I gave my initial speech, but there could of course be a Thauran crew member. They were Union after all.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I rushed in the completely deserted Officers mess. Eight tables and chairs and a serving counter, closed with a steel shutter. Everything looked brand new and had the distinct feel of a place that has never been used.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">It had of course the same mustard yellow carpet and the walls were covered with warm wood paneling. Polished old fashioned looking brass lights gave the place a luxurious, elegant feel.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Only now I noticed a woman standing by a large view port, that showed deep space and the local star getting smaller and smaller.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">She stood close to the curtains that framed that viewport almost as if she wanted to hide behind them. She was quite obvously terrified, and she was Thauran there was no doubt.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">She snapped into attention as I came closer. She wore standard fleet issue uniform and had the rank pins of an ensign on her collar and shoulders.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“At ease Ensign. I was ..well I am curious what you are doing here?”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Ma'am. I was eating here. I didn't want to...”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“You are not in any trouble or anything. I just noticed you turning as I approached and that made follow. Frankly I had never been here. “

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“No one ever comes here, Ma'am. Ever since we have the Pirate's Den not even the main mess hall is used,”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Then why do you?”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Because I am Thauran, Ma'am and there is this rumor that.., well it was suggested that I stay out of your sight as much as possible.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I suddenly felt very guilty. I had not been very subtle with my comments expressing my dislike for Thaurans. I even contaminated my best friend Narth with predejudgmental thoughts. How terrible must she feel, thinking her own Captain hated her, just for what she was. Making her eat alone and try to hide from me, even fear me.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Ensign, I confess I am guilty of the one thing I truly dislike and yet I have done exactly that without even realizing. I also was told never to appolgize, but in this case I simply have to.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Her name, was Dybur as her name tag indentified her,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Ms. Dybur, I apollogize if I have by word, action or deeds offended you; made you feel unwelcome and even afraid.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">She just stood there.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Ensign forget that I am the Captain for a moment. There is an old man, he was one of my mentors and he called me a fool qute often and right now I can hear his voice calling me that again.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Captain, you are not a fool and the crew really respects you. I am sorry for being a Thauran. I know of our reputation oh too well. I am of a high house and have been guilty of our ways myself. It's not just you, Captain. There are many who dislike Thaurans. We don't make friends easily and ...”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I put my hand on her shoulder.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Well maybe we can try to remedy that. It is true that my past experience with a few individuals colored my perception, but it is no excuse for judging and even hating a race or a species. Come Ensign let us have breakfast at the Den together and you tell me more about you and I tell you about Chief Sodar, a Thauran Weapons Engineer aboard the Devi and about a certain Egill Skallagrimmson who made me clean his tower.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">She suddenly smiled.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Thank you Captain, I would like that.”

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

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">--””--

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

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">There was always someone in our Pirate Den. It had become the most popular recreation room of the ship. Even more than the actual R Deck facilites. It had become a second ,mess hall and if needed and with the dividing curtains raised there was plenty of room for the entire crew to eat. Of course it also provided a challenge for the galley, as this was a Hangar and not meant for food service. While there were vent matics and drink dispensers on pretty much every deck. There weren't any down here, but that didn't stop my crew. Circuit had asked permission to make some changed and I knew he was working on ways to address the many logistical problems that my spontaneous idea to have our meals in a hangar caused.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Luckily my crew was still technically a skeleton crew, the 360 serving her instead of the 800 she was designed to have.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">As I entered our Pirate's Den, a Vantax standing next to the door started to clap and seconds later everyone applauded me. The Vantax I had seen only during my initial address said. “Captain, I am proud to serve you. This was a mighty fine thing you did. I doubt any other Captain would have ever admitted to something and appologized.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I tried to remember his name, as he was in civilian attire, he did not have a name tag. Thankfully I received Narth's thoughts. “This is Lt. Ziodo. Call him Dr. Ziodo, he much prefers academic titles over his rank. He is part of our science department and the resident Astro Biologist.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Dr. Ziodo, I appreciate the sentiment but this isn't neccesary. I will have to give orders that won't be liked and this perhaps raised expectations I can't always meet.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“You underestimate your crew, Captain. We are all Union Citizens before we started wearing uniforms and the commitment to duty and the understanding of doing ones part is part of our shared society for nearly 3000 years. “

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I wondered how a Vantax ended up in a Fleet ship. They were known to be very peaceful and shy and not very many found their way into the armed services.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The only other Vantax I had ever met was during Year two at the Academy and he was a Poiltical science instructor there. The Vantax before me had the same grayish skin, elongated head and trinagular very pronounced eye sockets with deep black eyes. There was nothing that resembled a nose or ears. The deep set mouth reminded me of a Flicker fish. He also had very large hands with three fingers and a thumb.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He added. “Perhaps you wonder why a Vantax was picked for this crew, Captain?”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Dr. Zido, this crew was handpicked by Immortals and Fleet Admirals. So far I can say I am a very lucky Captain, they gave me perhaps the best crew in the Universe.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“I am here, because I was aboard the Lucky Green, five years ago. We were attacked by pirates and many passengers ;ost their lives. Yes we Vantax are known to be peaceful and abhore violence in all its forms, but I came to realize that sometimes there is no alternaive to violence if you want to live and protect yourself and those you care about. We Vantax are peaceful. Sadly the Universe isn't.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“There isn't really much I can add to this, Dr. Ziodo.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Your idea of turning this local microbe into a material defeating weapon is brilliant, Captain. We just finished mapping thr DNA and I am certain it can be tweaked to do what you had in mind.” “It was just a hypothetical thought. I had no idea you guys take that literally. “ “All it takes is an idea for every invention.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Over at the big table was Circuit and a small crowd. I also noticed Narth and Shea.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Suddenly out from between them a black object with large wings shot up in the air with a lous screech and approached me fast.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The only weapon I had was the old Colt and I had the weapon out of the holster in an eyeblink but not fast enough. Whatever it was, landed on my shoulder!

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">To call me completley surprised was an under statement. Some kind of lizard like life form with large leathery weings, a long spiked tail and an equally long almost snake like neck with a small head, and a maw filled with needlesharp teeth sat right next to my face.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I was bringing up the old gun to blast the thing when my hand met with an invisible barrier and Narth said. “Please dont kill it.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“What in the name of Loki is that? And get it of my shoulder!”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The animal or whatever it was protested quite loud as invisible telekinetics lifted it of my shoulder, shredding the thin leather over the micro mesh in the process.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The whole gang present seemed to hold their collective breath.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Hello guys this is your Captain. Something big, ugly and alive just landed on my shoulder and shredded my suit anyone care to explain.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Narth said. “This is what hatched out of the egg that Circuit bought at the pirate market yesterday.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I noticed it to be very intelligent and on the treshold of sentience. It also appears to feel a great attraction to you for some reason.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“You let Circuit bring in an alien egg and let it hatch? What if the thing hatched some mind controlling indestructible monster from another dimension? Don't we have propper bio containment equipment and specialists?” I noticed Dien Tallow and the brunette scientist in the crowd and they both made guilty faces.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Shea said. “It's clean, no harmful bacteria or any other kind of microbes. And it was in a cage, just moments ago...” “So you say it harmless, right?”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Shea spread her arms. “No not exatly, we think it could a tad dangerous”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“In Odin's name. I dont mind you buying souvenirs or collect critters at the trash dump, but I did not expect a flying snake with bat wing deciding to use me for a perch. Since you are all in it together, maybe you elect someone to explain the whole thing from the stars and then what is it?” Shea said. “Circuit bought an egg from a curiosity dealer.among many other things. And we scanned it all before he carried it aboard.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Narth noticed the egg not to be a sculpture but the cell of a life form. He was certain the creature had latent psionic abilities.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Well Circuit developed sort of fatherly feelings for it and did not want us to harm or disect it.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Long story short it ended up in Bio Lab 2 safely contained, and it hatched over night.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The life form somehow managed to get out and played with Circuit and half the science staff.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Narth was certain the thing opened the cage with psionics and now we know it can phase shift.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Phase Shift?”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Bypass matter in a quantum state. Or going through solid objects. Now it cant go through the neutronium lined walls and armor of the Tigershark, but the normal Ultronit walls and door seem not to be a barrier. It followed Circuit and Narth said it has friendly feelings. In terms of science this little beast is an enigma and we don't know what it is. Sobody thinks he knows an old legend of the Ongloran empire about winged space demons.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Not that anything like this exists,”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I said. “It does. Demons or soomething in thar regard does exist. Or more likley the inhabitants of a place called Anti Universe or the Netherworld are the source of many of these demonic stories.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">They all looked at me as if I told them I believed in faery tales.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Narth said. “The captain is correct, the Narth Supreme just verified it.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Our Yeoman stepped next to me. “I am of the Coven and we have come from the Netherplane. Our truue existence is known to very few.Our Captain is the reason we Coven are Union members and the Narth Supreme has supported our membership.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">We must keep our true origin secret to most as it is disturing and frightful to most. Only two humans alive have seen our true form and have not been afraid, Admiral Stahl and Eric Olafson.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">This little beast however is not from the Netherworlds.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Har Hi said. “We Dai have many legends of firery winged demons haunting the Igras expanse.So have many cultures.I am not surprised that there is truth to the legend. I am surprised that they are members of the Union though.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Only we Coven are, not all that dwells on the other side. Because you are more than shipmates I divulged this to but please do not addit to any reports”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">They all promissed.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Can we get back to that thing now?”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Narth said. “For reasons I can not acertain but this creature appears to like you.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Let it go.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Sure enough the vicious looking Mini dragon or flying snake with legs screeced flapped his leathery wings and landed on my outstretched arm.”You couldn't find us a Nubhir puppy or a cat?” I asked Circuit.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Shea said .”The ship needed a mascot after all.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“The dragon Fenris in our Book of Legenss looks a bit like this thing.”

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

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

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Over the next two days we heard nothing from the Red Dragon. But our own little dragon was seen playing with crew members all over the ship and seemed to feel right at home.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I wondered how I should phrase that in my log book entry.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">It was actually quite boring,sitting there on this landing field.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The fifth day passed without much going on. Elfi had hacked into their transmissions and we knew it was the Intruder that caused the delay. The Oghar's ship had engine problems They managed to find a suitable spare part only after the third day and it took them four more days to install it. The Dragon had called us several times and gave us updates. He had officially invited us to follow him to Itheamh where he would pick up the rest of his convoy and do the final preparations. Even though Cirruit's nanites managed to hack into their data banks there was no information about the Seenian depot.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">It really looked like we had no other choice but to follow him until we were able to obtain that information.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Nul prince had been able to talk to his father and most of the crew had a chance to call home as well.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Tigershark did not have the same elaborate recreational facilities as the Devastator or a battle ship, but we did have four Holo tanks and an elaborate Virtu Library. Since we were within reach of GalNet, we also had access to the latest entertainment offerings. According to Narth and Har Hi, the crew was in good spirits and no one resented the possibility that we had to go on a long trip, much longer than anticipated.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Fleet had thousands of years' experience how to keep crews happy even on long assignments. Our ship was well equipped, but the fact that we weren't in space and that we stood on the same spot now for almost two weeks without the chance to really go outside was not something I wanted my crew to experience much longer.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I was in one of our gyms and exercised my sword skills, going through the two thousand moves exercise. I found great solace and inner balance while doing that under dimmed light. It was an exercise that required great concentration especially now, as Master Alameda was here via Avatar presence, and as usual was not shy pointing out where I had to improve. He was not at all happy with my sword draw and complained that I did it with little elegance. He demonstrated and I knew I still had a long way to go to reach his level. He no longer instructed at the academy, was retired and lived on a Saresii world near snowcapped mountains in a very simple house with sparse furniture.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Then he suddenly switched from instructing me and attacked and I had to give my all not to be sliced in ribbons. The Avatar projection was a shaped force field that simulated the texture and weight of a real person. The simulated sword was sharp enough to cut and kill. He continued his instruction and talked as if he was taking an afternoon stroll.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"It looks like my pupil has trained with the Gray Cats and learned some ancient moves not taught on Sares since the first Empire. Very impressive but sloppy, don't concentrate so hard, let it flow."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I was not sure if I should have been more impressed by him knowing that or by the fact that he was still light years ahead of me in skill. I grinned and parried another lighting fast attack of his and he repaid me by slapping the flat side of his blade across my butt. It was more embarrassing than hurting, and after the third time I got angry and suddenly he stopped talking and we fought silently. Only the whispering blades interrupted the silence and then he said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"When you tap your inner anger you change. Your style changes, you no longer exercise you are out to kill and that my pupil is both good and frightening, I bowed in the required manner and then wiped the sweat of my face.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I don't know if I could ever get angry enough to beat you Master Alameda."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He also bowed.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I know I don/t want to be there for real if whenyou do my pupil. Continue with the Ahkth-urm exercise and if you are still stuck on that planet we shall continue tomorrow. Now my fish need attention and feeding."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">With these words his avatar blinked out. Only now did I notice Har Hi standing at the door to the gym, and he said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"He is right you know. I consider myself a good blade fighter and I don't think there are many Dai or Humans I would need to fear, but when you get in that zone of yours, all I really want is to run."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Come on, flattering your Captain isn't your style. I am nowhere your equal when you fight for real."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He said pointing at the blade I carried:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Interesting weapon that old Saresii blade. It has elements of the humans' samurai sword and the Dai Kith-mner. Show me that Ahkth-urm exercise."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">In perfect tandem like exercising with my own shadow, Har Hi and I went through every move.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Elfi called and said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Sorry to disturb you two, half the ship is watching with awe but there is a large freight skimmer approaching us requesting boarding permission. The person requesting it is someone asking for assistance from her Soja. She also requests tactical support as she is under attack."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Clear Hangar Bay E and let her board. Tactical assist with all means necessary, but use the weapons of our Janus disguise first. The safety of that skimmer is paramount. Clear all personnel off and around Hangar Bay E until I give the okay. This area is off limits to all. Put Marines on all access ports."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Har Hi gave me a surprised look. There was a big question mark in his face and I said to him:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"As soon as I know details I'll fill you in, until then, this is Blue Blue Red classified and so is the Hangar area."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I rushed to the hangar wondering why the Mother Superior was coming using the nick name she had given me and why she was coming with a freight skimmer. She had said nothing when I met her.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">It was a big modern freight skimmer, of the same type I had used on Nilfeheim. It had several scorch marks, but was not damaged seriously. From its crew compartment came four black dressed Sojonites and the Mother Superior. I ran over to her and said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Are you okay? I hope you are not harmed in any way."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I am fine my Soja. It warms my old heart to see and feel the concern you have for my well-being. My mind calls me a fool for not calling ahead and tell you, but there was so much to do."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I said to her:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"The hangar is secure to Blue Blue Red protocol; can you tell me what happened?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">She put a hand on my shoulder.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"You happened, my Soja. This world was the same for 500 years and no change was in sight but you come and Sin 4 is soon no more. I have evacuated the temple due to the pending storm that is about to happen. The regular Sojonit sisters have left to other places. The Minerva has taken many and all our temple furniture, but you know there are components and secrets that cannot be trusted to anyone. Secrets that need to be kept even from the soon arriving Union forces, and these secrets are in this skimmer. I used every precaution to make sure no one associated this freight skimmer with the Order, and I made a big detour, but such a big freight skimmer attracted the usual sky vermin over the city and I am very thankful for the skillful shooting of your tactical officer."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I asked.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"What will happen to the Sojonit Order?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Nothing at all, we will continue to do business. Our main temple at the Rainbow World is not affected and we have thousands of temples all over the galaxy. Just this one needs to be relocated, unless the Stik want us back. So we will be your guests until we can arrange for a Sojo transport to take these things to a new location."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"This might not be anytime soon; as there is the possibility I am going to take a long trip to unknown regions of the Galaxy."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">She nodded.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I know, I have talked to Richard. He is working on a solution as we speak and said we will be safest aboard your ship. These four Avenging Angels are my personal guard and also members of the Gray cat society. Two of them you know already, they are also Saresii and Union members and might become useful and I am sure I can be useful to you as well."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"What do you want me to tell my crew?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I will remain the Mother Superior for the time being and you can tell them everything I told you without going too much into detail about my true identity and the things we did underneath the temple."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I did brief my senior officers with Mother Superior present and then went to take a shower and change. I was barely inside the shower cabin when Elfi called me again.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Captain you are needed on the bridge. There is much going on outside and Har-Hi just called for Battle Stations."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">At the same moment I heard the Klaxons.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I said "Har-Hi, report." while jumping into the Auto Dresser.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Hell just broke loose on Sin 4. Everyone with Space ships is fleeing and we are attacked as well as all the other Ships. The attackers are panicked crowds of beings."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I made it to the bridge and into the Conn Seat a few moments later. On the main viewer I saw thousands of beings swarming the Landing field. Some firing hand weapons at the still present ships.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Elfi said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Captain the Red Dragon is hailing us."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Put him on."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The red dressed pirate appeared on the screen and said,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"You better get your ship of planet fast. We meet at Alvor's Cove as that is as far as Meateater will make it with his half fixed engines."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I asked.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"What is causing all this?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">On a side screen I saw the Red Dragon lifting off, pulling the Intruder with a tractor beam while the Pirate on the main screen answered.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"The News just came through that Sin 4 is now a Union World. The Devastator and a huge Union Armada supposedly is already on its way. I don't want to be here and find out this is true."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Alright, see you at Alvor's Cove!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The transmission blinked off and I said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Shaka get us out of here, Krabbel plot a course to Alvor's Cove and Elfi get me secure Channel to Admiral Stahl."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Admiral appeared.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"The days of the old Sin 4 are numbered. I will be there in 15 Minutes. Do you have our friend aboard?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I answered.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Yes Mother Superior is safely aboard. We are breaking Orbit in a few minutes and heading for Alvor's Cove. I was just wondering if we can get a Visual Feed. It's Shea's Home you know."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Switch your Janus device to display a Union ship and you can see for yourself. Go to Fleet Alpha. I am designating the USS Enigma as Observation Unit. We need to rendezvous anyway so I can take the Sojonites aboard."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I looked to Narth and asked. "Narth can we switch unobserved?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He said: "We are in the upper atmosphere obscured by clouds below and there is nothing in range that could see us from above. It should be no problem"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Then go for it and turn on Union transponder. Elfi switch to Fleet Alpha. Shaka take us out of orbit. I need to see that."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Somehow it felt good to me to be a Union ship on the outside again.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Narth magnified the optical sensors and we observed the Devi that massive ship droped out of Quasi and with her the entire First Fleet.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Union Navy consisted of many fleets. Each fleet consisted of four Battle groups, plus Fleet Tenders, Hospital Ships, Repair Ships, Planet Bombers, Drop Ships and Marine Carriers. But only the first Fleet also included the Devastator.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">It was an incredibly unforgettable sight and demonstrated more than anything I ever seen before the might of the Union.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">TheOther who almost always stood near Hans at the Security Station when he was not on offical duty whispered: "Oh my God!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Swarms of Wolfcraft, thick as clouds screamed into the systems inner orbits fast, their shields glowed bright white with Micro matter impacts and looked like energy beams.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">From Elfi's console we could hear Stahl's steady voice as he issued commands to his fleet. Then his voice addressed us:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Stahl calling the XO of the Enigma."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Har-Hi identified." Yes Sir?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Stahl said: "Direct your visuals to Fleet transponder 495849 and check out the Fighters now being launched form the new USS Tor-Hi."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Har-Hi whispered.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"They named a ship after my Grandfather!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Narth magnified on a dark red ship.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"It was distinctive Union but also had Dai Than design elements. Revolver Starters turned on the sides of the Carrier and fighters emerged, also colored red instead of the usual Union light gray. Narth magnified further and had trouble to keep our visuals focused on these new fighters. They looked longer and more pointed than the elongated discs of usual Wolfcrafts. Glancing to the side I was certain there was a tear in Har-Hi's eye.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Stahl's voice said addressing Har HI:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I thought you might enjoy seeing the first official deployment of the new Kahri-Wolfs. Many are flown by Dai of your Clan by the way."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Har Hi almost melted into the view screen and said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Thank you, Sir."

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

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Whatever ship was still in the system had no chance. Whoever did not immediately surrender was destroyed. The arriving Union fleet cleaned house heavy handedly. Many privateers and civilian ships failed to comply to be boarded after the first hail. There was no second chance, no argument or discussion. Stahl was here and with him the iron broom of the Union.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Lumbering Marine Drop Ships turned into Orbit around Sin 4 and we saw the many thousands of tiny dots rain on the planet, Marines in Quasimodos, followed by Cerberus robots and landing tanks. Wolfcrafts and Kahri-Wolfs now screamed into the atmosphere.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I turned to see the Science station and said to Shea.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Soon the word Skaakh will be only remembered in history and at least on that world no one will suffer hunger. Maybe the Stik will even rename their world."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">She wiped a tear form her eyes and said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"This is for you Mama for your dream of a better world is now a reality. I just wish she could have seen it happen."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Har-Hi said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"My father's decision was the right one. Those Dai will not be hunted to extinction or suffer hunger when supplies run out. They have schools and are still allowed to do what they do best. I am glad we joined."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I looked at him and said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I am glad you did as well!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Nul who stood in the back of the bridge said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Your father's decision will also be ours. I am seeing Dai Than with Terran tech and Translocators, a war with the Union would have been much shorter than we had thought."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Har-Hi still glowed in the moment.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I had similar sentiments and then a Union Commander said to me not so long ago: 'Wait till you see Wolfcraft Squadrons with Dai Pilots'.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I am so privileged to see that day come. If you Nul indeed join the Union the day will come we see Nul Union Marines in Atlas Battle Suits."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">It was TheOther who said: "This would be a sight even Y'All would fear to see. I am certain of that."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I got up and said: "Elfi call the Devi for rendezvous instructions."

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

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

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">We had 48 hours of shore leave on the Devi. It was perhaps not the same as real R&R but the Devi had an entire deck filled with forests and lakes. There was the Village and every recreation facility imaginable.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">With a sense of pride that could not be described, I gave Capain Harris a tout of the Tigershark, He was deeply impressed by our Pirate's Den and Stahl insisted we organize a Steel container kick tournament. The fact that the team of the Tigershark won, had put a deep smile on my face as I noted this in my daily log entry.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Fenris our mascot was curled up on top of my dresser, and had his tiny firece yellow eyes closed and if you listened closely you could hear the littl monster snore.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The door chime announced a visitor. It was Shea wearing a beautiful midnight blue evening dress. Her hair all done up and she said. “Are you not coming?” “Coming to what?”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Captain Harris has invited us all to a formal diner and ball.” She rushed past me and pointed at the paper square, on my table.There is your invitation.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Oh right Harris handed me that thing before the Kick match. I forgot about it. Not that I know what it is.” “It's an envelope.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Tom my suprise she opened a flap on the thing and revealed a card.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">On it in fine writing I could read. “You are hereby invited to attend a grand affair of a forma dinner and ball. In lieu of Union Week celebrations, you and your crew arre going to miss, you and your crew are guests of honor.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Formal attire required, no Uniforms.” I looked sheepishly at the paper. “I have never seen an envelope before.” “I tell you later about stationary and the significance and function of envelopes. Now get dressed, we don't have much time.I better get Elfi to do your hair.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I finally decided on a black velvet dress, as a nod to the trade mark name of my Pirate alter ego.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Elfi, I had to admit ad great talent to tease hair in other directions than down.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I induldged a little in the female narcissim I felt knowing I was drop dead gorgeous. A realization that had no room in dailybusinessm but was pefectly alright for a nights out.

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

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">–

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">We made it just a few moments late, but Elfi insisted that would be okay. Officers had to be on time, a woman could be a little late for effect.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Obviously I still had a lot to learn about my recent gender change.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I also hand no idea the Devi had a ball room complete with chandeliers fancy dressed tables and even a full orchestra called the Devi Philharmonics. Of course the musicians were also fleet personnel and this was their hobby.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">But then I doubted that midshipment had much reason to see the ballroom.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Harris wore black suit in Kimo cut and a white shirt. Even now there was no doubt he was the Captain.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The affair had not even started when Stahl appeared, and raised his hands, “I am terribly sorry everyone, but we have to cut this short. A large Dai Fleet supported by Shiss are attacking worlds near the corridor. First Fleet has been ordered to make all haste.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I promisse you will will make it up to you another time.”

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

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

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

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Back at Alvor's Cove

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

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">We had left the Devastator only moments ago..

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I had to give kudos to my crew. They all were back and accounted for within the hour after the ship wide announcement was made on the Devi.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The mighty Devi and the Admiral was already light years away and speeding towards the Union Klack Corridor almost 1500 light years away from Sin 4. Half of the First fleet had remained behind to complete their task in the Sin system.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I did not even have time to change yet and was standing next to my command seat and was ready to go to the next auto dresser as soon as Stahl finished the orders he was just giving me. "Get your ship back into pirate mode and into Freespace. Find the hideout of the Sinister Alliance, find the Seenian depot. The Seenian depot takes priority."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I said looking at his image,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Sir with all respect I am just an acting Captain, but don't you think it is odd that the Dai and the Shiss attack the Corridor? The Klack are near and they know the fleet will respond. I can't help but think that this is a trap, a diversion tactic and they have something completely else in mind."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He lost his serious all-business facial expression and smiled for a brief moment.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Very valid observation, young lady, Admiral Bill Strother of COWACOM and the 12th fleet is already engaging Shiss and Dai units and the Queen herself has taken command of the 45th and 47th fleet. The enemy has picked the wrong region to pick a fight. Admiral Wild Bill is not to be trifled with and we all think that this is some sort of diversion for something else, yet since we don't know what their target is we will try to quench the fire there and keep the entire fleet in high alert. Don't worry Captain Olafson I have things well at hand and I think we manage to keep the enemy at bay without your help. You go do what you do best, mix up Freespace and keep your eyes and ears open: maybe your pirate friends know what this is all about."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He disconnected and I said to my bridge crew:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"You heard the man, let us go to Alvor's Cove and see if the Red Dragon is still there."

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

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I went to my ready room to change. I opted to undress manually as I wanted to keep the dress. As the Auto Dresser would break it down as it was not one of the outfits that were stored in the system.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The door chime announced someone as I was trying to reach the closureon the back of the dress. I expected Shea but it was Har-Hi and as he saw me he stepped behind me, opened the zipper and then turned to look out the view port so I could wiggle out of the dress. We had seen each other naked of course countless times during our final year aboard the Devi, but now he felt the need to look away and I was actually glad about it. I said, "What is on your mind?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He said without turning.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"The Dai attack, it makes no sense even if Cam Elf-Na had united every remaining Dai Clan an open attack on the Union is simply madness, even with the Shiss assisting."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I had to sit down to take of the thin stockings I was wearing and said,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I have an odd feeling about this myself, but no matter what they've planned we have Admiral Stahl and he has more experience in these matters than anyone. He doesn't need our help and we have direct orders, besides what could we do? The Tigershark is a formidable ship but it is not a ship meant for full scale fleet level space battles."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Now I was ready to get into the Auto Dresser and dialed for my leather suit. I realized how much I actually liked this outfit and once again wearing it, I felt ready to take on whatever challenge there was.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Har Hi was sitting on the sofa next to my visitors table with a thoughtful face, holding one of my heeled pumps and turning it in his hands. "I don't think I there is anything more impractical than those shoes.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"He put the pump down and looked at me.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"We should go to Dana Shoo and see if we can find out what the real reason for that attack is."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I gathered the things I had dropped on the floor and also picked up the shoes.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I can't argue that, but they do make a nice leg and I think I really got used to these. Not a real substitute for Terran All Terrains I know."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I put the things away and said." What is Dana Shoo?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"It is the Dai Home system. Like the Wurgus, we lost our Home planet to a Y'All attack. A particular big chunk of our former home world carries the only remaining piece of Dai architecture, an open stone amphitheater and all Dai Clans meet there in regular intervals of about every ten Union standard years.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Right now there won't be any clans there, but the Pale Reds, the guardians of Dana Shoo are still there and these men always know everything about the Dai."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I put on the holster and checked my 45 before I sat down across him and asked.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Is it far?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He nodded.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Yes it is about 1160 light years past the outmost reaches of the Togar Empire or about 1600 light years from where we are now."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He leaned forward and took an orange out of the bowl of fruits that my Yeoman put there every day and with a flick of his wrist a small knife appeared between his fingers and he begun to cut the skin off the fruit. The strong fresh orange scent immediately filled the room and he added, saying,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I know we have a mission and I know the Union will prevail. We can't simply disobey direct orders and go where we could not possibly go because Dana Shoo is forbidden ground to any Daisho, to any renegade Dai and no Non Dai is allowed their either."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I also leaned forward and put my hand on his arm.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"If it is important to you, I will disobey the order and take full responsibility and we go there. I know what motivates you, the possibility that this will end the lives of so many Dai."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He nodded and squeezed the Orange ever so slightly and like a blossoming flower the skin of the fruit peeled away in perfectly equal pedal shaped segments. He said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I had a long talk with the Gray Nul. He told me how the Shiss betrayed them, using an elaborate alliance treaty and then they lured the Nul fleets in a terrible trap that cost the Nul dearly. The Nul are much more numerous than we Dai and could recuperate. The Dai are a space born race and if this is something similar, then there won't be any Dai Than outside of the Union. I know that the Dai Than that are not in the Union are our enemies. You know I would not hesitate to fight them, but so much of our species heritage and culture would forever vanish and our already small Gene Pool would be further diminished. Somehow I was hoping..."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He paused and finished peeling the orange and then continued saying:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I mean since I am with you, you always somehow managed to do something and I have a feeling this is an unfair situation. I am convinced Cam Elf-Na is blinded by hatred and drunk of the new found power and leads what is left of the Dai to their certain doom. I just wish I could do something about that. Maybe if we can find out that this is a trap, a rouse, then we could convince more Dai Clans to see the light and make the decision the clans around my father had made."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He parted the fruit segments and offered me a slice.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I don't want you to make that decision and disobey orders. Finding that Depot is vital and slaying that Red Dragon is no less important."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Har-Hi ate a slice and continued his monologue.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"What I really wanted is to talk about it to you and, now that I did, I feel better about it. You really have become a beautiful woman and I must often remind myself as sometimes I still see Eric in your eyes and features and I know my best friend is still there."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I nibbled at the slice and said,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"For now we will continue to do what we are told to do, but if there is even a slight chance we can go to Dana Shoo, we will. I am glad you still think of me as your best friend. I realize that being what I am now is more than a costume or a disguise and my decision to appear female might be more complicated for you than expected, but I, too, need to talk to a friend other than another girl or the Narth who would not understand what I mean, because to him these things are normal. I was told to keep these secret, but you are my friend. I can't call you my best friend because I truly love you all way beyond mere friendship and I can't pick a best one."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He nodded.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Yes, I have feelings for Elfi and I think she does have similar for me, but I also love you and Shea. You do not have to tell me what you are not supposed to, I trust you, and I know you have secrets ever since you came back and I don't mean your desire to be a woman."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“SHIP, who has the Conn at the moment?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Shea does. We are back in Freespace and there is nothing unknown on the scanner horizon at the moment. We should arrive at Alvor's Cove in 68 hours."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Thank you ship, please secure my quarters according to Blue-Blue-Red protocol."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Nutronium shutters closed the view ports, and a heavy plate slid before the already strong door.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">A TransDim field engulfed the entire room and isolated us.I knew outside Marines and robots would guard the door and corridor.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Security protocol initiated, facilities secure."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I got up and paced a few steps up and down and said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Har-Hi, I was told I am going to be one of the Immortals. I have some sort of purpose and mission that is beyond fleet and Union.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I don't know what it is or when it will take place. I remember vaguely that I asked the Narth Supreme to make me forget until I need to know, but I can't shake the feeling that it is something I don't like, that I am becoming something else. You knew me first as Eric and now as Erica, but I don't think that is the end of my transformation."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He had followed me with his yellow eyes and then he said,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I know, Erica. I have seen a glimpse of what is inside you when we fought on the Devi before the Daoine delegation. It was as if I looked into a pit of dark flames and for a moment I was certain I was done for. It was as if I stared death in in the face. I don't mean danger or imminent mortal demise. I mean something personified, like as if Death was a person."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">What he said made me feel ashamed and I too remembered that event well and that I tried to cut off the head of my friend.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He got up too and took my hand.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I told you that I will follow you to the gates of hell and nothing has changed and if in your case I really have to go to these gates, I will do it without hesitation. I will be right behind you and fight with and for you, no matter what you turn out to be in the end."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">First I hesitated as it was highly inappropriate but I simply hugged him in a brotherly fashion even knowing that this term was not really applicable anymore.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Having been able to talk to Har-Hi made me feel right as rain again and we both stepped on the bridge. Shea said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Whatever you did in there, you should do more often. The Captain is smiling for the first time in over a month."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I said to her:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"What I did in there I will do with you all as well. What I did made me realize that you all are more than friends to me, you are my family. I am on a strange journey and there is something profound and significant at its end. But I am not making this journey alone, I have you and that makes it much easier."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I told them more or less the same things as I told Har-Hi and after I was done it was very silent on the bridge, but then Krabbel said,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"As long as you don't decide to change into an Archa I am fine with that."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I felt an unstoppable deep grin creep into my face and I asked,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Now why is that? Do you think I could not pull it off?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"No the opposite, Captain, you could decide to become a female Archa and I would have to share my ice cream all the time as I can't really say no to a gorgeous Archa girl."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">As if a spell was broken the bridge echoed with our laughter and mine too.

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

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

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I had the same thoughts as we dropped out of Quasi-space here at Alvor's as when we approached Sin 4. I hoped we would not be stuck on this depressing planet for long. As always we had gone to sub light speeds at the outmost orbit and would now slowly approach Alvor's Cove, which was the second planet of this 12 planet system. The bridge was a hub of activities and all departments were busy doing their evaluations and tasks.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Narth said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"There is much activity on Alvor's in terms of energies and transmissions. The two long range telepaths I can detect are sending messages to the limits of their abilities and energies; they are already sending erroneous messages, mostly about the takeover on Sin 4. There is nothing reflecting the Dai-Shiss crisis so far."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Looking at the main screen, I said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"And they told me you could send coded messages via those Long range telepaths."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Narth felt addressed and said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"They do, but it is useless. You go to a telepath and tell him a coded message acoustically while your mind thinks about the real message. It's quite illogical."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Shea sighed and said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I wish I could send this data to New Wurgus, they could make much more sense out of these readings than I could."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I asked.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Don't tell me this sun is going to flare up too or something?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"No Captain, this one already has and that is why there are no oceans on Alvor's Cove anymore. However these readings suggest that the flare was caused deliberately and on purpose; meaning an intelligent life form with a considerable high level of technological abilities."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Three Four, who probably came on the bridge after being summoned by Shea, said,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I could go and dive to the core and check it out."

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

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Maybe if we come back here one day, not that I see any way we can clean up this hell hole as we did on Sin 4. Frankly I don't want to spend too much time here while there is a war going on back home."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Circuit, who was the next to appear on the bridge came mumbling down the ramp and went to the Navigator's seat where Krabbel was sitting. He held up a scanner and said to me. "Sorry Captain, but I the Navigational sensors are off by 0.05 percent to the true course that is selected. I pinpointed the problem to the Navigational console."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I leaned forward." What are you doing is not affecting our plan to land on Alvor's cove right?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"No Captain, but 0.05 percent can amount to many light years off the course. It has not affected us so far because Krabbel is so good he noticed and compensated. Sometimes I think our Archa friend has a Nav-tank implanted in his body somewhere. What bugs me that the discrepancy is hardware caused."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He crawled basically under Krabbel's seat. Krabbel was visibly proud and basked in the compliment of his friend and said

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I always envision the star charts like the nets we used to make before our industrial revolution; it's somewhat genetic with us and therefore easy."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I got up looked, over Krabbel's torso and onto his panel and I said,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I still think we have the best Navigator, having the Heinemann display open on your readouts instead of the more common Natuuk-Ult display shows that."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Shaka piled it on saying.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"There is never even the slightest error we are always down to the meter scale where we are supposed to be."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Krabbel balled up and chirped something in his high pitched voice and then said,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"It's not even my egg sac crawling day and you are so nice to me. I am so proud."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I padded his furry torso and then I said while watching the brownish desert planet grow larger on the screen.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Say Krabbel, are you wearing a scent? It smells really fruity and sweet."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He produced a pinkish looking spray bottle he pulled from a pocket of his uniform.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"That is Thomson's Bubble Gum flavored shampoo, Mao got it for me, and it smells like Vanilla and Strawberry Ice cream to me."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Well you're taking your addiction very seriously I must say!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Elfi giggled.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"You haven't seen his Ice cream cone print bed sheets or his ice cream themed pajamas."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I rolled my eyes.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"If there was ever a more unusual image before my inner eyes then Krabbel in Pajamas then I sure don't remember!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Elfi became serious and said,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"We are being hailed, Captain."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I returned to my seat, completed my costume with the mask and Elfi put the caller on the screen. A gruff looking Oghar with unusually brownish skin color instead of the usual green said,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"This is Black Velvet of the Silver Streak and my business is whatever I make it."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I noticed that both of his tusks were broken and filed to uneven looking nubs. Even for an Oghar he looked particularly unkempt and I could almost smell him even through the visual. He scratched his chin and said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Alright, you are known and if you want you can land here, however there isn't much space left on the landing field, so put her down anywhere you like. Landing fee has increased to 200 Polo Chips and every day you are here there is a water tax of 50 Polos. Regardless if you have your own or not, you are to obey the Rules of Local Lord Sihoc, the sole owner of this world."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He looked at an actual list written on a piece of cardboard and he dragged his long finger claw across the list as he said,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"We sell fuel for 1400 Polo Full weights per standard Nogto Bulb.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">If you sell Slaves, there is 5% Slave Sales tax. Buying Slaves is tax free of course."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I said,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Not that I need any fuel at the moment, but isn't 1400 Polos for a single bulb a little pricey?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Don't know where you have been Black Velvet, but demand commands the price and we got limited supplies and lots of customers."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I said to my helmsman,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Take us down then."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Shaka landed not far from the Red Dragon. The landing field was crowded with ships.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He powered down the main engines with an elegant sliding move with his right hand and raised his helmet.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Looks like a regular who is who of crooks and Pirates out there."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Hans was already busy comparing them with Union databanks and said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Eighteen of the ships out there are on wanted lists mostly for acts of piracy and there are twenty one smaller vessels, privateers and scavengers, of which six are known to be operated by wanted criminals."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I got up and said,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I wonder what they are all living off and why there are so many pirates in Freespace."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Har-Hi said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Freespace is almost as big as Union space and there are many independent civilizations, colonies, mining and industrial centers. There is trade and space ship traffic. Civilian companies of the Big Four do business here, so there is rich pickings for Pirates and no cohesive or united law enforcement of any kind."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Hans added.,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Captain there are over three thousand known Pirate ships operating on this side of the Galaxy and that is not counting the Dai."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I sighed.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"If that is the case we are going to be hunting pirates forever."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Har-Hi grinned.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"If there wasn't a war going on, there would be nothing I'd rather do for the rest of my life and I am convinced that the crew thinks so too."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Elfi said,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I could be stuck in a boring palace and attend boring state affairs."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Mao turned and said,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Or we could be doing duty as first year ensigns somewhere in the bowels of a battle ship or even a planetary base or something."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I had to admit they had a point and truth to be told. If there wasn't all this mystery in my own life I would also enjoy this much more.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Mao pointed to the pirate ships we could see on the main viewer and said,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"We should simply blast them all, bomb the entire planet and at least this Quadrant of space would be clean."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I also looked at the ships out there and said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I am tempted to do just that. I have been here before. This place is worse than Sin 4 in many regards, maybe we can get a few before we leave by picking a fight or so, but for now we going to stick to the plan. Har-Hi, Hans, Sobody and TheOther you're with me. 'We're going to pay the landing fee and keep your eyes open. I doubt they have forgiven us for the dinner surprise yet."

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

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Circuit had unloaded one of our camouflaged landing tanks and with it we crossed the landing field.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">While Har-Hi sat behind the controls and steered the vehicle across the glaring landing field, I remembered how I ran across it, getting sun burned, trying to escape. To my disdain I actually saw that Velorian Slave trader, standing among the other ships. I recognized it by the shoddy repair work to its ceramic hull. It appeared to be repaired and I wondered how many miserable, poor souls had been transported to this hell hole of a planet only to be auctioned off and sold to death or to a short life of misery.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">While I was brooding over that and wondered what I could to do change it, we reached the mouth of the canyon and a collection of buildings made out of local rock. A crowd of beings had gathered under a sun roof extending from the largest building. A collection of flyers, other landing tanks and similar surface vehicles were parked in a semi-circle before that building. A hand painted sign declared this building to be the Alvor's Cove Port Authority.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">As we got out I recognized the Red Dragon, Crimson Curse and Captain Meateater. Even though both were Oghar, I had learned to differentiate and Crimson Curse looked more affluent and cleaner.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The crowd parted as we approached and created an opening to the door of the building.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Red Dragon who was standing with his back towards us, turned and said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Ah the formidable Black Velvet made it out in time as well. I bet the Union would have had a field day with you, having a live Y'All in your crew and all, so I had already feared you fell victim to those Union bastards."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I played the uninformed and said,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Well I guess with the Union violating Free Space there will be war and this place won't be safe either."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He laughed dryly and said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"With all those treasures in your rust bucket, you should invest in some sort of FTL Comm Equipment. It looks like your ship lacks FTL Comm or you didn't listen to the right channels. Sin 4 became a Union Planet; the Freespace treaty was not violated. As it looks like a Terran crock who was hiding on Sin 4 by the name of Fusionbeam or something like that managed to smuggle a delegation of Stik Natives off the Planet. They traveled to Pluribus and applied for membership, asking for help. Normaly it takes the Union many month to complete the PUMA process, the Stik were declared members basically overnight. That the Union fleet jumped on that opportunity was to be expected. I bet none of our planet bound friends managed to see another day."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“PUMA process?” “Whoever you are I am no convinced you didn't grow up in the Union. Potential Union Member Assessment. A whole set of tests and investigations to see if the new mmber is granted membership. Mind you not everyone is accepted, these Union bastards are very picky who they let in their midst.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Meateater growled, "I heard Stahl was there himself and that means their hangmen have to run shifts to string up everyone who is on some list somewhere."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He touched his own throat and said. "Nasty way to go, it takes an Oghar hours to die on the rope."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">A man wearing a brown dust cloak and goggles said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"It won't happen here. There are no sentient natives and since the Local Lord has no desire to be hanged he sure won't ask for Union Membership."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Har Hi, Sobody and I went in the building. There behind a wooden counter sat the brown skinned Oghar and two beings that looked like large pill bugs. Har-Hi whispered. "Those are Velorians; they hate the Union with a passion."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Sobody argued with the brown Oghar and managed to haggle down the Landing fee. He paid the being. One Velorian counted the Polos and scanned them while the other hammered a colorful stencil mark on a sheet of paper and handed it to me.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Here is your landing permit and your proof that you paid your water tax for five days in advance."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">While Sobody talked to the Oghar, I took a moment to look around this one room building. There were large paper displays; I think they were called posters. One featured a color image of Tirkov the mercenary and a bounty of 50,000 Polos. I doubted anyone would risk their lives for that kind of money. Right next to it another wanted poster with a grainy picture probably taken through a long range optic of cheap quality. It was me, or better, it was Eric Olafson, standing before the freight ramp of the Slaver ship. I only recognized myself because I recognized the others standing there with me. The text referred only to a Human slave of unknown, probably Terran, origin and there was a bounty of 5000 Credits plus the offer of tax free living on Alvor's Cove. The poster was only one of a dozen about escaped slaves and wanted persons.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Other prints advertising fuel prices, with the prices crossed out by hand several times and a new ones written below.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Mulwhur Trading Company offered trade deals for Slave dealers. The text and the offers offended me quite a bit.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">A man huddled in the usual local garb of a sand colored dust cloak with hood and goggles entered. He lowered the hood and pushed the goggles and to my surprise revealed a Dai Than. His red skin was much darker than that of Har Hi and it looked as if he regretted his decision to reveal himself as he saw my Dai friend.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Har Hi also appeared to be astonished to see a Dai. While his right hand dropped to his blaster he made a series of signs with his left.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">One of the Velorians behind the counter said,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"If you want to fight then you need a Kill license that you can purchase right here for 5000 Polos."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The newcomer raised his unarmed hand and bowed.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I am of the Clan Tun-Ha that no longer exists. I am Okthi and I surrender. There is no honor lost to yield to a Hi master, even if he too appears to be Okthi."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Har-Hi looked down his nose and was about to say something offensive I was certain, but then my friend visibly changed his mind and said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"There is no purpose in slaying the last of the Tun-Ka clan as our numbers dwindle. Let us share a Thil and exchange words."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">To me Har-Hi said,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Captain, may I ask permission to leave your side for a few hours?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I didn't like him to go unescorted, but he was well armed and able to contact the ship and us. In order to get information and to do our job, I could not simply stay inside the ship or do everything myself. I said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Raise a mug on my behalf as well and return when you are done."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He turned and left with the other Dai.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Sobody said to me,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"We are done here as well Captain."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I said to the Velorian,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"This Kill license, what does it allow me to do?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The being said to me,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"You can kill someone and the Local guard will be on your side and clean up the mess too."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Just one?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Velorian had two short antennas like appendixes on his insectoid head that stuck out the segmented armor of his body and these antennas wiggled excitedly as he said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"We do have the Grand Maximus Permit. Unlimited kills, maiming and torturing anyone included and it also includes any brawls or fights. But no one has ever bought it as it costs 10,000 Polos."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I'll take it."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The antenna wiggled so hard I thought they were about to fall off. The brown skinned Oghar opened a locked chest and retrieved a colorful piece of paper and a different wooden stamp thing. Hans stomped in after I called him to bring the money and Sobody counted the Money on the counter and the Oghar made a little ceremony out of stamping the paper and handed me a metallic badge and said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I am a big fan of yours Black Velvet. I have seen your fight with the Stomper and we heard a lot about you. Everything they say seems true. Kill anyone you want the Local Lord will applaud and cheer and won't care whoever bites the dust."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I took the paper and the badge and we went back outside. The news that I purchased this permit had already spread between the beings still gathered there.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Red Dragon eyed the crude metal badge and said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Anyone in particular?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I shrugged.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"No not really, I am just not in the best of mood this time of the month and getting no fuss from the locals when I express my displeasure to anyone is worth a few Polos."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He glanced at TheOther and Hans who stood behind me and said,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"With such a crew for back up, I doubt anyone will try."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I said to him:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"That doesn't mean I intend to support the local economy with my water tax for very long. I came to hear if you still have something to say to me and if there is a future with me following you around. If not, there is business to attend."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He spread his arms and said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Yes I want to offer you to be part of my endeavor, now more than ever as I am convinced you are the right fit. You are indeed a mystery but are as hard boiled as the rest of us. We came here as Captain Meateater still has to do some work on his drive. Then we are off to Itheamh to pick up the rest of the supplies and join the rest who will come along. Does that suit you?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"If he can't even make it across a few light years, how does he hope to make it across 25,000 light years?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Red Dragon turned to the Oghar,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"It is a valid question you know."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Meateater grunted something about insults and squeezing my head off and then with a louder voice and clear language he said: "

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I need three days; my engineer will have them patched up good enough so we can reach Itheamh where I will purchase new engines." He then extended his clawed hand and pointed at me.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"You better be careful, Velvet. No one survives long making fun of me."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I stepped forward.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"And I have not forgotten your conduct aboard my ship. The next time you so much as utter a threat against me will be the last thing you do, and you won't need engines for the journey I am sending you on."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He wanted to say something but TheOther stepped closer.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Hans picked up a head sized granite rock and it exploded to a cloud of dust and pieces as he crumbled it in his immense fists.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Meateater stepped back almost as if trying to find cover for his big body behind the Red Dragon.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I polished the badge I just received and said,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"You were saying something, Meateater?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Red Dragon actually laughed,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I am not sure what to make of you, Black Velvet, but as I said I like your style."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I'll wait three days. No longer."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Three days, Captain Velvet."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">We returned to the ship. Circuit watched the Intruder, Meateater's ship over high definition optics and said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"His engineer seems capable in a mediocre way, but he has a major job to do and from the looks of it, only marginal skilled help. I think he is going to be lucky if they make it in four days, working around the clock."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">So I called a conference and switched to ship wide for those who could not attend.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"It appears we will be here for three or four days. If anyone has an idea how we could close this miserable place forever without blowing our cover, I am all ears. Just as we returned I saw a group of Slaves herded to the Slaves pens. Some of them might be Union citizens."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Narth said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Maybe the Local Lord is the key to this as he is the sole authority here if we could convince him of his wrongful ways."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"That would need some serious convincing; I doubt he will go for that."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Shea said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"We have to be careful, the Togar are not far from here and they are not signatory to the Freespace treaty. If they suspect Union tinkering or influence they might declare war and this is not a good idea in the current situation. Or they might simply move in and take over this place."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Golden said,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"We need to find out more about this place. I know you don't want to hear it but maybe you let me go and get a feel for the place. Narth will come along and everyone will be robed and hooded. We will blend in just fine."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I sighed.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I guess staying cool and safe inside the ship won't get things done. This time you take three Marines along and stay in contact all the time."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"We can do that."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Circuit wanted to use the time to work on the bridge systems and tinker them back to his specifications. We could use the auxiliary bridge if we had an emergency in the meantime.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Shaka and Three Four wanted to help Circuit

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Elfi and Shea wanted to use the Communications Laboratory to monitor and analyze the local Comm traffic, so it came that everyone had something to do except me.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">A space ship is like a small town and everyone has a task. I watched the Golden and Narth leave the ship. Wearing a brown instead of a black robe and hood, Narth would not even have to disguise himself to blend in. Two Marines with them, and a third well camouflaged would be somewhere near. Having an Elite Marine in full camouflage watching over them made me feel much better. I knew we had to take risks but we also had wonderful tools to reduce that as much as possible.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The afternoon watch just took their stations, as forenoon watch went off duty to eat, sleep and spend their free time.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Ship, who has the Conn right now?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Lt. Krabbel just went on duty, Captain."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">So I decided to explore the Tigershark a little more. There were plenty of areas I had not seen yet. The ship had eight main decks. Some were subdivided in Sub decks. The Hangar deck in the middle of the ship was the largest deck. It also contained Freight bays; Main engineering in the back and the Main recreation area was all the way up front. It was something like a bar and tavern with access to our Virtu-Chambers and various gaming machines and socializing areas. Ever since we had the Den, it was not frequented as much. As I walked in I found only a few crew members playing chess.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The deck directly below was called Deck Seven and contained Marine quarters, the main armory, the brig and Han's Security Office. Here were the hangars for the landing tanks and the main ammunition storage bunkers for the Translocator cannons. In the rear was Auxiliary engineering with the alternative ISAH drive and conventional engines. Then came the lowest Deck officially called Deck eight, but usually referred to as the basement. Here was Environmental Engineering with the obligatory waste tanks, recycling facilities, water and material storage. Stasis freezers for fresh food and the machinery and systems needed for the Janus Device. Why I went down here I could not really say, other than the fact that I had only once been down here during our training on Richter Base. I went through most of the ship but had spent next to no time down here. The Tigershark was still a new ship and had a huge swarm of Nanites, teams of robots and my crew that kept everything clean as can be.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">To the left and right down the central corridor of Deck eight were heavy doors in regular intervals. Signs designated them as access to such areas as: Environmental Engineering, Stasis Freezer, Supply Factory, Ship Store Office and the like. A double slide belt in the middle of the Corridor, one for each direction, activated as I entered. Other than the slight hum of the belts and the background vibration of our main engines on standby it was very quiet down here and no one else was around. I stepped on the slide belt and was carried down the corridor. Then I heard voices from an open door. The icon sign read: D8 SB Perimeter Control Ground. I knew it was not exactly the finest manners but I stopped to listen. A male voice I was sure I had heard before said,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I don't think she wants to hear from us, she is the Captain. I am just enlisted. I tried to become an officer but it wasn't for me."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Another voice also male responded:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"But she said she would listen to every suggestion regardless where it came from. I think our captain is different. I even ate on the same table in our cool den with her just the other night."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The first voice said,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Yeah I heard that too, she is a mighty fine Captain and we're on the best ship, but she didn't really mean that. Besides it might be a stupid idea."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The unseen second man said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I am sure she meant it exactly like that. In what other ship can you hear and listen to what they decide to do on the bridge? I think I'll walk straight up there and tell her about your idea. What can happen? Either she listens and likes the idea or she doesn't. "

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"She laughs at us."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I stepped around the corner, there was a steep ramp leading down into an inverted dome shaped small control room that appeared to be extended from the ships belly. A double barrel Directed Energy Cannon was sticking out from the middle and one had a great view of the underside of the ship and the entire landing field.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The two men sat in comfortable recessed seats. One was operating a scanner type instrument panel, while the other kept visually magnifying areas of the landing field and focusing on movement outside our shield parameters.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The one behind the scanner said,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I have a positive live form scan, sector 45, grid point six."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The other magnified a section on the ground near one of our starboard landing gear and the resolution became so fine, one could see individual pebbles and small rocks. The visuals focused on an arm long snake that was well camouflaged with its color against the same colored ground. The man on the scanner said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Scans confirm, local life form known as Jathori Snake. Very poisonous and known to attack anything that causes ground vibrations."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The other said,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I notify OPS and Security with a low priority message."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I felt pride in my efficient and diligent crew as I watched them perform their duty.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I said,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I really appreciate your meticulousness approach in performing perimeter security and I promise I won't laugh at any idea bring before me. I really did mean what I said."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The two turned and I recognized the left one by the rosy face and blue eyes as Derek Simmons, the academy aspirant I had met in the space bus flying to Arsenal Gate for the first time.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He blushed even more and the both got up, the other man I did not recognize other than the fact I had seen him a few times somewhere in the corridors of the ship. He snapped in attention and said. "Captain on deck!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Despite being in attention Derek tried to move hiding a pin up poster that was attached to the side of his stations wall.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"As you were, I am just making my rounds. I stepped closer and inspected the poster Derek could not possibly hide even if he wasn't at attention. It was a picture of me, or actually graphic artists rendering showing me in skin tight leather, but with a deep plunging neckline, exposing much of my breasts. In the picture I was swinging an axe in one hand and coiling a whip with the other. A flashing title in bold red letters read.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Black Velvet, the sexiest Pirate of the Universe. Mysterious Battle Amazon of a far distant Galaxy."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The poster had smaller inserts of moving visuals that constantly repeated the scenes of my fight with the stomper. Below a moving ticker line reading:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Black Velvet, notorious pirate fights monsters and evades the authorities, there are merchants praying never to cross her path and men dreaming to be captured by her..."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I cleared my throat ad said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Interesting choice of wall decoration, a bit perhaps on the kitschy side, but I guess I should be flattered."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The other enlisted had a hard time keeping a straight face while it looked as if Derek wanted to sink into the floor in embarrassment.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I repeated.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"As you were, at ease guys."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">To Derek I said,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Mr. Simmon, I bet you did not find that poster in one of your National Galactic magazines. How are things on Harvest 12?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He gasped,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Captain, Ma'am you know where I am from?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I said,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Harvest 12 has no seasons because weather control and collector mirrors see to that, but there are wheat fields as big as continents, right?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Derek's eyes almost popped out as he said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Captain, have you memorized all the personnel files or are you Psionic gifted? No one ever knows about Harvest 12."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I smiled and said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"No but you told me about it yourself sitting next to me in a shuttle to Arsenal Gate."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He blinked and then snapped his fingers.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Ah yes, I told that fellow from Nilfeheim where I am from! I remember him,but I would sure remembered a hot looker like you...ah I mean a nice looking Female being in that shuttle with us."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I smirked and said,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I was the fellow from Nilfeheim. I wasn't female back then; it might be a little complicated to explain though."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He waved his hand,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Not really Captain, I read an article about that in National Galactic and my Uncle Samuel is now Aunt Samantha. He looks pretty good too now and even married,"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I smiled.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Well that saves me to explain to you the details then!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Wow you made Captain. Now that explains where I heard the name Olafson before. I remember you saying you wanted to become a Starship captain and you already made it."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"How about your plans to become an engineer?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He smiled.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Right there at Arsenal Gate I talked to the Career advisor, one of those guys in those gray rooms suggested an enlisted career path for me and he was right, I am exactly where I want to be. I am a Direct Energy Weapon Specialist and also added Ship Security Specialist to my resume." He made a gesture around the room and added saying:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"You can't believe how happy I was when they picked me for a special mission and it turned out to be this ship. Now it looks like we going into unexplored space just as I have always dreamed. I bet we are going to see things no one else ever has!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">At first he talked to me like a buddy and then it was clear he realized who he was talking too and his cheeks turned red again and he added sheepishly,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Sorry about all that, Captain Ma'am."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I put a hand on his shoulder and said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I told you guys that I am not going to rip your heads off, if you forget to say Captain or do something else not exactly by the book as long as the work is done and that it is done very satisfactory, as I could see a few moments ago."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The other specialist with the name Harper on his uniform said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Yeah she did! I told you she meant it!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I widened my smile.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Mr. Harper is quite correct. I also would never laugh about anyone coming to me with an idea. My door is open for everyone and not just for ideas, but anything that bugs you or simply to talk. For example I really do want to know how the crew feels that we might have to extend our mission for at least 24 months."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Harper who was much less inhibited by my presence said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Everyone I know can't wait to get it started, Captain. I mean that's the real reason most of us have joined. Not to fly from A to B in Union space, but to see new things and occasionally kick some behind. I don't mind if we fly to the other end of the galaxy and it takes five years."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Simmon nodded.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Same here, Captain!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I felt much better knowing that and said,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Now why don't you tell me of your idea?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Simmons said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Well I was thinking about your Trans ship message about this planet and you wanted ideas. I mean. I've seen our treasure. Could we not simply buy that planet? It's done all the time. I mean Corporations buy planets and I think this Local Lord bought this world from the Togar. You could say you are interested in operating your own Pirate Base, especially with Sin 4 gone it might be good business; and then when you own it you represent it and it could become a Union member for example."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Now it was me who gasped for a moment and then I said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"You know I think you are onto something here and you have a good idea. It is certainly worth a shot."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I turned to leave and went up the ramp and then said to them,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Never hesitate to come to me,"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I will remember that, Captain."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">As I was in the Corridor I could hear Harper say.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"She's pretty damn cool, our Captain and sure nice to look at too."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Derek said. "Why do you think I got that poster from Sobody?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Still smiling I went back to the bridge. Circuit was there and had a few access panels open around the Navigations chair. I did not have to wait long to see the Holdian appear from one of them, holing a tool and a hand held diagnostic device.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">To my surprise I saw the Nul sitting at Communications and Elfi standing next to him looking like a small doll compared to his size and she was instructing him.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Krabbel rose from the Conn position but I said,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"As you where, Krabbel, I just came to make a local call."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Elfi turned. "Oh, hi Captain. I am just instructing the Prince in basic Comm protocols."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Nul turned his entire body so he could look at me.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I decided to specialize in Communications and pursue a real fleet career before my ascent. My life giver approves this decision."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Not Tactical or the Marines?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I am sure this will be the choice of many Nul, but I think Communications is a good choice as it could lead to an OPS position."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I sat down on a chair next to Elfi and asked,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Any news on the Golden and Narth?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Yes, they are calling in every ten minutes. They are still just walking around."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"How about Har Hi?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"He called about five minutes ago telling us that he is alright and will contact us with news soon."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I pointed to the Communications Console and said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Can one of you see if this Local Lord can be called over the local network?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Elfi with her fine hands guided the brutish fingers of the Nul giant over the input panel and showed him what to do then she said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Yes I am in their rather primitive Comm Network and have his Comm unit isolated."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Call him, please."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I got up, masked myself and stepped before the main screen. I heard Elfi say to Xon.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"This indicator shows that the bridge background is replaced with a background that matches our Janus disguise."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">To me she said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"He is answering."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">A Karthanian appeared on the screen. He looked as alien as the Captain of the Minerva but appeared much older. He also seemed surprised by my call.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I think you are the Captain of the Silver Streak. It shows you have some good hackers aboard your ship able to overwrite the Comm securities of our network so effortlessly. You better have a good reason to call me like this."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Yes I do, Local Lord. I was wondering if your entire World might be for sale. I am thinking of getting into the Pirate Base business."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He said nothing for at least one whole minute then he responded.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"You sure don't talk around issues and come straight to the point. I am assuming this is no joke."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"No I am quite serious."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"If you can come up with 80 Million Union Credits on a safe account and add a Million in Polo you got a deal!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I've got the money right here!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He sat down almost as if he was dizzy and said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"You are serious! For this money I can get me a real nice place on one of the Water moons of Kartheee and even buy me a non-voting seat in the Guild and once more be a respected Karthanian with nothing to worry about, except how well my Qugamt is mixed."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He put his hand like extremities on the table before him and made a wiping gesture.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Come on over and I'll sign the deal. I'll tell the Lord Guards they have a new Local Lord or in your case a Local Lady in charge of the place. If your money is real I give you the codes for the Planetary Defense Forts too."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">An hour later I arrived at the Local Lord's office, with two Marines and Hans in my wake. Hans slammed the big box down and opened it saying.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"One Million Polo Coins."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Local Lord's tongue flickered and he made a whistling sound.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I still don't believe it, you are serious!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I pulled my Credit Box and said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I am ready to transfer the Credits too."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He pulled his Credit Strip and said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"One might not like the Union but their money is as good as Polos and so much safer. You are not kidding around. I never heard anyone buying a planet that fast and just like that."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I swiped the amount on his strip and noticed that even this big transaction made no serious dent in my personal funds. It had been steadily growing. It looked like Mr. Silverzweig invested my money very wisely.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He stared at his Credit strip and then clasped it close to his chest and said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I can't believe I just became a Multimillionaire."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He glanced at it again and then at the Polos. He unhooked a device from his belt and handed it to Hans.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"This is the Control device for the three Kermac Planetary defense forts this planet has. The Access codes are open and can be reset by you."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Then he pushed a piece of paper across the table and said to me.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"This is the Purchase Contract we got from the Togar when my grandfather bought this place. It is signed by the Togar Queen and declares anyone in possession of this contract the legal owner of this world. I just crossed out my grandfather's name and added yours. I also signed it that you legally bought it from me."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I took the paper and folded it and thanked him.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He got up and extended his long fingers.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"You are the Local Lady now, so don't worry asking me or my family for the Water Tax. We will pack and be gone today."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He then brushed off the seat he had been sitting on.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"What a pleasure doing business with you. There is a nice Karthanian moon waiting for me, complete with oceans."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I went around the desk and sat down as he went to the door and barked for his guards. As they appeared he said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Your new boss is sitting behind the desk. She is to be obeyed as she owns the world."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The three guards, two Oghar and a man that looked more like a big primate than human stared at me. The Karthanian slapped one of the Oghar.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Pay her respects you oaf or she might be selling you to the Slavers."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I waved them in and said,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"You are?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The primate looking man and the other an Oghar looked quite perplexed, the Oghar finally spoke:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I am Stronht the Security Chief around here, my brother Feifht is the Tax Collector and that big guy is Ste. He isn't talking much but he is really good at keeping order."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"During my absence and until my associates arrive, you're in charge. You can keep and share all the collected taxes among the Lord Guards."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Stronth bowed.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Now that is very generous of you and we will keep the place running for you. Any special Orders?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"No, not at the moment!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The former Local Lord came back with a push cart so he could wheel his money out.

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

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I had returned to the ship and sat in the Den to eat a light lunch with lots of iced tea. That planet always made me very thirsty.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Narth and the Golden came back and they both looked very dusty. The Golden helped himself to a big glass of Iced Tea and said after he had drained most of it:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I am not sure what we can do to change conditions here. I guess we could buy all the slaves for now and see if we can stack them in our Cargo bay until we can transfer them. Maybe we could assassinate the Local Lord or try Narth's suggestion. We have seen lots of misery in those Slave pens."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Narth eyes glowed a little brighter.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I don't think I can do what you ask."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Golden sighed.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Is he that well shielded even against a Narth?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"The Local authority is better shielded against Psionics than any being known to Narth."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Golden showed his amazement.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"He just appeared to be a normal Karthanian. What is he? Maybe we better kill the Local Lord before he finds out what we are if he is such a strong Psionic talent."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Narth shook his head.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I don't think it is appropriate to suggest killing the current Authority of this world."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Hans giggled and pointed at me.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Say hello to the new Local, I meant to say, the Local Lady, that is."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The old Merchant blinked and Har-Hi who just came in and heard the last sentences joined us and asked:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"We captured him?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I played with the Kermac Planetary Fort Controls.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"No not exactly. We made him rich and I am the new owner of this Dust Ball. I bought the Planet."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Sobody bend over laughing.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"You would have made a perfect Golden my dear Captain, a solution worthy of a real merchant. I wonder why I didn't think of it."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">After I told him what I did he rubbed his chin.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I think I could not have made a better deal, even by haggling. This world is still a garden world, in a very good location for business and worth ten times what you paid for it."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Har Hi came in, his leather armor dull with dust.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“What a dry world..” He helped himself to Ice Tea as well “I talked to this local Dai, he lives here for almost twenty years.. He did tell me about Kermac that have been here only a few month ago. He had taken them to a mountain out in the desert, but they had not returned with him.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I straightened in my seat. “Did he know why they went or what they were looking for?”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Not directly but he told me about a legend that out there in the desert a Celtest ship is burried somewhere in the sand.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Mao who just joined us said. “Celtest is the wrong term, it's Seenian.” “True that, but only we know that because of Cateria To the galaxy this old civilization is still the Celtest.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Shea said. “The last war with the Kermac broke out because they attacked Green Hell. The reason is highly classifiedbut they tried to uncover an ancient Saresii ship from the First Age of Knowledge because the old Saresii were allied with the Seeians and they hoped that ship had Translocator tech.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I said. “I was briefed on that too while I was on Pauli Station, it would sure be enough reason for the Kermac to find out more about this legend. Did your Dai friend know anything more about this legend?”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Yes, he claims that a desert scavenger found a Seenian artifact and was killed while he tried to sell it. He also said he would take me, and me alone tonight to someone who he said knows more about the legend and perhaps even where this ship is to be found.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“How do you want to do it? Camouflaged Marines?”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He looked at me with a painful face. “No Captain, I gave him my word I come alone. It's a Dai thing I can't betray my word.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I sighed. “It is foolish you know, but if there is one thing I understand its honoring ones word. I guess we can't ignore this either.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I then told him that we bought the planet and he said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Now what are we going to do with it? I mean we don't have enough room to take all the slaves in and it'll take month to get it all straightened out."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I will call the Admiral and maybe he can send some civilians. I sell them the Planet and he will know what to do. Maybe even have the new owners apply for Union Membership. The Fleet could then come and close the Slave markets for good, or they could use it as a secret base to buy and free slaves, more efficient than Captain Sposhtrah."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Har-Hi agreed that this was a good solution.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Before he could continue we were interrupted by a sudden flickering of the lights and we could hear our power plants kick into high gear.

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

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"SHIP, what is going on?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Captain I am under attack! I need to shut down all Input interfaces, except for your verbal commands. It is in our Xeno labs, Intruder alert!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"General Quarters, Hans get your Security to the Lab section. I was rushing to the next Security box, it responded to my biometrics and I retrieved a TKU and a shield belt.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Narth can you get me there fast?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I did not finish thinking my sentence when the world around me changed and I was at Deck Three just outside the designated Laboratory.

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

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I saw the Nul stomp around the corner holding a TKU and I immediately thought he had double crossed us, but then I saw him stumble and fall like a felled tree, he was bleeding his yellowish blood from a gash on his head. Shea and Cateria followed him stumbling, Shea held her right arm that hung limp from her shoulder and blood seeped between her fingers. Cateria was bleeding from a cut over her eyes and she said to me,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Captain the Seenian Battle suit activated!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Shea ran past me saying aloud,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I go and get my sword."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I asked Cateria,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"What can we do to stop it?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">She sounded defeated as she said,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I am not sure we can stop it at all. Cirruit is on his way with new Nanites but the suit is fully operational and no Nanites will be able to penetrate its shields. It is demanding a Command Person!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Narth was shaking a little.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Captain I am currently holding the suit, but it is building counter pressure and I am not sure if I can hold it for long. It is also attacking me on a Psionic level. I am unable to talk much longer as I need my concentration."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The little girl Alicia and our Leedei came around the corner and without saying a word she grabbed Narth's hands and the Leedei put his hands to his temples and Narth said with a more stable voice.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"For now we can hold it contained."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I asked Cateria.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"What do you mean it is demanding a Command Person? It is a suit right?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Captain the Suit has Seenian Computronics inside making it much more advanced than SHIP. It is a Command Suit and expects to be worn by a Command Person!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Shea came back out of breath, holding her sword.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"It will cut it!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Cateria shook her head. "Nothing can cut this suit! This is a Tyron A suit. And even if you could damage it somehow it has self-repair capabilities like you seen that I have."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"This Sword will cut it!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Cateria, take care of the prince and yourself, Shea give that sword to me. If I am not coming back out alive, Har Hi will be in charge!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Shea had tears in her eyes

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Why you?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I snapped at her, regretting it the same time. I kissed her on the forehead.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"This is my ship. No time to argue!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Shea handed me the plain looking long sword and I walked in the Lab. There hovered the gray suit held by wafting visible energies that made the air around it flicker. The thing now looked as if it was filled out by an invisible person. The only equipment the suit has is a silvery belt with four little boxes attached to it. The tight hood was fitted around nothing, where the face of a wearer would have been was simply nothing.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I put as much authority in my voice as I could and said to it.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I am in Command here. Cease all attacks at once or I will use force and destroy you."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The suit actually talked to me, the voice came straight out of that empty hollow of the hood. "Scanning, Cellular structure has Seenian similarities. Unable to penetrate mind, perfect shield!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The suit paused and then said. "I am a Tyron A Model –Command and Combat Suit.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Only personnel of command level can give instructions I will obey."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I swiped the sword and amazingly it cut through all the energies and severed the left sleeve of the suit.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"For the last time Combat Suit, I am the commanding officer of this ship. Cease all hostilities and deactivate or I cut into your Computronic components and end this!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The severed piece floated back and attached itself.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"You use weaponry beyond my capabilities to analyze. You exert great authority. Wear me and prove that you are in command and I shall obey or I will commence termination sequence."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I swallowed:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Alright Suit I will wear you!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"You have mighty Psionic servants. Analysis completed. One Psionic talent is Narth. Do you wish that I destroy that Narth? He is preventing me from taking you in me."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"The Narth is under my command. He will cease holding you!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"You command the Narth; you are a Command Person of the highest level indeed!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Narth release the suit."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The flickering energies ceased and through my connection with him I felt how exhausted Narth was.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The suit flowed like liquid around me and peeled of my leather suit that was reinforced with Ultronit Micro Mesh as if it was paper. A tiny stinging sensation in my neck and my head began to hurt. Then the suit spoke. "You are not a Seenian Commander, but you carry Seenian DNA. Explain!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Suit, you have been dormant for more than 1 million of our Years. The Seenian Empire no longer exists. I am Human Terran and scholars believe that Terra was a forgotten Seenian colony. A Seenian woman is in my crew. She survived via Cryogenic sleep and can verify that."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Analysis of explanation completed. 99. 9 percent truthful, margin for error negligible. Your Ship AI appeared so primitive at first,but it s only part of a system beyond Seenian technology. but it reacts like only a living being can. It resisted all intrusion attempts. Explain!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"SHIP is sentient and might be primitive to your standards, but she is way more than the sum of her parts. She is my friend and understands concepts like self-sacrifice, loyalty and emotions. Making her perhaps superior to you.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Analysis of answer inconclusive. Carbon based life forms are not friends with machines! Seenian are superior to machines. Machines are only to serve!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"My first Engineer is from an entire race of machines and we are friends."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">There was a pause.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"You are not Seenian. Seenian no longer exist. My reason for existence is to serve Seenian Command Personnel. Conclusion: purpose to exist is no longer valid. Scan of Seenian female present completed. She is not Command level. I must process this!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Again there was a pause then the suit said

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"You are the Commander of this vessel?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Yes."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I must talk to this SHIP!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"SHIP is very important to me and I will not allow you to harm her. I have the means to destroy you."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I analyzed your statement and I detect items on you that make this a true statement. I will not attack. I must talk to this Ship to obtain information only an AI can give. If my purpose is no longer valid, I must have information to find a reason for further existence. Termination sequence must otherwise commence."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I was not sure what the thing meant by termination sequence but me wearing it didn't sound too healthy and once again I got myself right inside the situation so to speak. Besides the serious situation, I found that I hadn't changed that much, after all. Aloud I said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"SHIP. The Alien Suit wants to talk to you. If you feel any attack or any problems you are authorized to Execute Gamma Order!"

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

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Understood Captain! I am in no danger. The NNNTH CORE has fully activated and linked to my core. The Alien device can not harm me.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">There was silence again.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"SHIP?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I am fine Captain, the Narth Engineers that installed the Janus device also installed a computronic control device that until now was a seperate system. The alien suit can not overcome these security barrier but this Suit AI is asking a million questions a second literally and I need to analyze them as to what I can and can't answer."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Suit spoke, "Your SHIP confirmed you are the Captain and you saved her life by allowing her to remain sentient."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I am glad I did."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I was damaged and repaired myself. I improved my programming and gained awareness. Not unlike your AI. But my purpose is no longer and I do not want to be a garment and serve as a tool. "

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I didn't ask you to strip me naked and have me wear you."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Correct I came to this conclusion after analyzing all the data and myself."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Suit separated itself from me and I asked:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"So what now, do I need to cut you into ribbons and fight you to the last man. Will you try to destroy us and find a new purpose or destroy yourself?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The suits voice no longer sounded as forceful as it said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Ship confirmed the passage of time and I have seen the star charts and the gaseous cloud that was once the Seenian Sun. I am made to adapt and improve in respons to new situations. Seenia no longer exists therefore my purpose is void. You however allow non-biological beings the same rights to find their own purpose the same way as biological beings."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"That is the general idea behind the Union. Regardless of your origin or form you have the same rights and unrestricted liberty to pursue your goals as long as that doesn't interfer with the rights and liberties of others."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Then according to your definition I am a race of one."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Well it is a big universe and there might be other Suits of Seenian origin! But basically yes you are a race"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I know of the other suit that is on this planet. It is damaged and not sentient. I am herby asking you to accept my application for Union Membership. So I have liberties!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I can take it and present it to Pluribus once we return."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"SHIP informed me about the process and is explaining to me the details and concepts."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"So you have learned that any new member must also accept the Union Laws."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I understand. I have analyzed them. "

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"That means you won't go on a rampage in my ship and I can call for Medics to care for the wounded?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Yes, now I see the errors of my actions and I shall atone."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Ship, get Medics up here stat. Har-Hi get me a casualty report."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Har Hi responded verbally over intercom,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Ensign Xon's injuries looked worse than they were. He was able to change his molecular structure to prevent more serious injury and is recovering in Sick bay. Our CMO and Shea are also on the mend. Narth, Ensign Fivcheer and the girl need a few hours rest. There is some minor damage to the walls in Xeno lab, no other casualties.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Good news. Please sent someone to get me something to wear. I am standing here in the buff."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Har-HI came in and handed me a Lab coat.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Alien Suit somehow managed to look at me without any eyes or face and said,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I hereby ask you if you will accept my conscription into Union Service. "

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I almost dropped the Coat I was just putting on.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Did you just say you want to be conscripted?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"SHIP just explained this is the only way you can grant Union Citizenship to me without going to Pluribus, and she is right, it will give me also a new purpose. She said you did that before."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I looked up to the ceiling. "SHIP!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">She responded. "The suit is all alone captain and besides I only suggested non classified information."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Again, I might add.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Looking to Har-Hi I said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I am now convinced Admiral McElligott is right that we have some magnet installed somewhere that attracts all this. To top it all off, I have an AI with a soft heart, convincing everyone and everything that comes aboard to become a member. If this continues we'll need a bigger ship."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Har-Hi said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I think this magnet is you. I doubt the prince or the Suit would have asked for this on any other ship. The suit only asks this because you allowed Ship to remain as she was. I think this outcome is much more preferable than fighting a Seenian Suit inside our ship."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I sighed but I agreed with him and said to the suit:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"You know that means a suit will wear a Uniform. The Admiral will never believe me! I am not sure I can simply trust you to be frank. You are very powerful and if you decide you don't like an order you will take over or something like that."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The suit responded:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"After further analyzing the facts and the situation, I came to the conclusion that my victory was not certain at all. The Narth contained me, but could also have destroyed me. The ship, as primitive as it may seem, taps unlimited energies and merged with a device that is beyond Seenian technology and could have contained me until you came to destroy me. You have the power to destroy, but all this aside; I have asked SHIP to share her loyalty programs with me. She made it quite clear in our initial struggle she was willing to terminate her own existence for you and so will I."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I threw up my arms and said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"What the heck, we need something for you to do. I am not sure what duty an empty suit could do but we will figure something out. Now raise your right ar... I mean sleeve and repeat after me..."

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

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">--””--

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

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I made sure everything was taken care of and there were no new developments outside as well. According to Circuit, the Meateater Engineering crew did make some progress. He was able to verify the Suit indeed had put the loyalty programs in place and he was working on a solution to give the Suit something to do. Narth went to his quarters to rest; Shea and Three Four were in the Xeno labs along with the Seenian suit and Cateria. So I decided to find a little rest too, write my log book entry.

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

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">--”””---

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

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">While the on board chronometer was calibrated to OTT and it was close to lunch time, it was already late at night on Alvor's cove.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Elfi's voice reached me just as I was on my way to the Den for a light lunch. “Captain, Har-Hi is calling. He wants to talk to you on a secure channel alone.”

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

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"No but I received the code to a secure Comm Link for you to call."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I turned on my heel and returned to my quarters. “Elfi pipe him on my terminal”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Captain, could you meet me at Nurg's Cut Tavern at the east wall in Nurg's Canyon in an hour. It's about Cam Elf Na and please come alone. I gave my word to come alone but he is okay if I bring one friend.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“I be there.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I knew it was foolish to go alone,but Har-Hi gave his word and I would honor it as if I had given it myself.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I instructed Elfi that I would leave the ship. Narth was still resting after he had struggled with his suit.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“I am a little surprised by this myself but I think it may has to do with the Dai Than issue and that crazy clan lord. The whole affair is affecting our friend and he is torn between loyality to his clan and the fleet and his fear that his kind is doomed under the hand of that clan lord. I hope he didn't make any decission that is not compatible with our current orders or something like that.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Elfi said.” Yes you are right, this situation has caused him distress I know and I know he had a few foolish ideas. Maybe he needs you to talk him out of something. You are the only one who can.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Huddled in a cloak that was more or less local fashion,I had Narth drop me of neat the location Har-Hi had mentioned.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Tavern was not hard to find, a bright red sign glowed in the dark advertising the business.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I went in and found that the place was not much brighter than the street outside. About sixteen or twenty patrons hunkered around various tables, and a pelted humanoid looking like a sibling to the primate I had met in the Local Lords office behind the bar filled glasses and mugs with liquids from odd shaped bottles.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Almost everyone wore browm or black cloaks, and many had the hoods drawn deep into their faces. It looked like the annual convention of an Assassin club.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">A hooded person at one of the corner booths waved his arm and I could see the dark red of Har-Hi's Armor.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I made my way to that table and sat down.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He said with a whisper. “Thank you for coming Captain. You did come alone?”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“You ask me to, so yes of course.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“You are dumber than I thought!”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He threw some kind of powder in my face and all went dark.

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

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">–

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Yes it happened again. I Captain Erica “The Fool” Olafson found myself with my hands tied in what looked like the covered cargo bed of a freight skimmer.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Har-Hi sat across me aiming his TKU at me.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I could not have been more surprised, the man across me looked and sounded like Har-Hi but I was convinced that this was not my friend and I said. "I don't know who or what you are, but you are not Har-Hi,"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Dai across me laughed. "Well perhaps not, but it matters little. My charade was good enough to get you out of your ship and here into the desert. You see there are regions in this desert that are more dangerous than others. This area for example leaks an invisible, almost undetectable gas and this gas has a wonderful effect on most oxygen breathers. It causes hypnotic effects and as my servant brought your First Officer out here, it was quite effective on him. Now it will seep into your mind and soon you will tell me all I want to know and since it is a biochemical process psionic shield won't matter."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I strained my muscles and tested the bonds, they held fast. What was it that it was always me who ended up, tied up or unconscious? Was I already affected by the gas?

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He laughed and said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Relax pretty girl, you did save my live back on Sin 4 and I was really impressed by you, so as a thank you I'll let you live and I am sure we will come to an agreement.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He came over and grabbed my chin forcing my face upward to look into his eyes and now I was certain it wasn't Har-Hi, but a stranger. He said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"You are a pretty one, shame to hide such a lovely visage under masks all the time. "

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He pulled a Hypo-Injector from a belt pouch and pressed it against my neck and the last thing I noticed was as sharp hiss.

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

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">-""—

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

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">As I came back to my senses I sat at a long wooden dinner table laid out with fine china and silverware. The room looked like a natural cave of sorts. The place was comfortable and expensively decorated. The art and decoration was selected by a talented interior designer and the shelves and furniture was expertly blended into the rough cave walls. Wall scones and crystal ceiling lights illuminated the place and fire place radiated warmth from what seemed to be a wood fire. The place, the books and everything did look like the tasteful lived in habitat of someone spending much time here.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I felt different and as I looked down I noticed, my black uniform was gone and I wore dark red velvet like bodice dress that squeezed my upper assets into a deep plunging cleavage. My arms were dressed in long gloves and held in place by metal bracelets to the armrests of the chair I was sitting on.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I was not alone, there was a tall being wearing a floor long purple cape. Its head looked menacing and ugly as the head of a trench worm that could be found near hot water vents on Nilfeheim. The head shimmered moist and had a moving ring mouth.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The creature said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I am glad you are awake and I hope you like the dress I selected for you, I know you are a woman and would rather choose what to wear yourself but I am sure you would have fought the idea with tooth and nails."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I said,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"You better have had a good look while you did that, pervert. I assure you it will be the last time you do something like that."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He raised his hands, grabbed the ugly head and removed i. It was as I suspected a mask, and he revealed a human male face that a real woman might find handsome. He had black hair that was combed back and silver gray on the sides, his skin appeared extremely pale and its waxy almost unnatural shade was enhanced by a neatly trimmed black beard around his mouth. He put the ugly worm head with an almost loving expression and great care on a special stand sitting prominently on the table. He said,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I am indeed the Purple Wrom and you are the first living being who sees my true face ever since I was chosen."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Not much of an improvement, if you ask me. I can see why you chose to hide it."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">His eyes blinked angry but only for a moment and then he said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Yes, I can understand why you are angry and upset, but I used an Auto Dresser to change your attire, but I picked the dress and I hope you like it. It is similar to the one you wore at the arena."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The steel clamps held my hands tight and I noticed similar clamps around my ankles

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Where is Har-Hi?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Your Dai mate is a formidable warrior and resisted the gas for quite a while. He is safe, perhaps not as comfortable as you but he is safe and I will not harm him if you humor me for a while. Have dinner with me and be social and maybe all this will turn out to be a lovely evening that benefits us both."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I said nothing.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He slipped out of the purple cape, wearing a tuxedo like suit as I had seen men wear at the Diamond Ball on Pluribus.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"As I have seen you fight, I can't let you have your freedom completely of course but I think you should be reasonably comfortable even with your legs demobilized. I am a patient and civilized man but don't try anything foolish, I am also quite capable of being ruthless and cruel and there is a neuro ripper installed in your chair that will overload your neural pathways with pain impulses."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I tried to concentrate and feel for Narth, and I did feel his mind but it appeared he was still sleeping or resting after his struggle with the Seenian suit, but I was certain I would be able to reach him soon. To my captor I said,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"You don't know the meaning of cruelty until I am done with you, Worm!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He ignored my threat came closer and said,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"How about some wine, to ease the tensions and then I will tell you what this is really all about."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Why don't you tell me right away? I am not particularly fond of wine."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He poured himself a glass from a bottle that had Terran writing on it and he said,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Very well then."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He sat down on a chair to my left and began,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I have seen you fight and kill Bloom at Brhama Port. My friends there provided me with a nice recording of that encounter. As you can guess by now one of my identities is that of Daimon Honshu.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I know my friend Captain Swift left with you for Sin 4, he never arrived and no one has heard of him since. Now you will tell me that he went somewhere else and got caught by the Togar, but I would wager a substantial amount of money that he met his fate by your hand."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He sipped his wine, looked at the clear golden liquid in the glass and then continued as I didn't say anything.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"The Port protectors tried to intimidate you and paid with their lives doing it. That dangerous fool called Red Dragon tried to steal your ship and you toyed with him, despite him having Celtest technology." He snickered.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Duke Donheer captured your Dai and you were willing to risk your own life to get him back, and that gave me, of course, the idea for what I did here, but you showed him whose boss. There isn't a Donheer Clan anymore. Of course there would not be one anyway as the Union moved in, but neither you nor I could have foreseen that. Bottom line is, you are a dangerous woman and from what I have seen and heard you are as coldblooded and ruthless as can be"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I smiled at him.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I am glad you see a pattern there and maybe you should consider this as a prediction of things to come for you. If you let my First Mate go and untie me, I will consider listening to you and show mercy. Continue to force me and cause harm to my friends and you will find out what I am all that and more."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Oh please, Captain Velvet, I am not fool. I know you have some sort of psionic assets in your crew and I suspect you are connected to the witches that hide in the Igras Expanse, but this place of mine is shielded quite well against Psionics and I have been dealing with the Kermac and other talented beings all my long life.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I am quite well prepared and took precautions. That you are human is evident as my drugs worked just fine on you. You will see that as soon as I ask you questions you that cannot lie or keep anything hidden. The natural gas and the drugs will loosen your lips as well as any Saresii interrogator could. It is quite similar incomposition to those wonderful Shaill compounts and drugs"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He leaned forward and looked me closely in the eyes.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I know what motivates you. You are hungry for power and want to show the men and the world that you are powerful. I am offering you power beyond your wildest dreams. More power than any pirate could ever dream of having."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He put his hand on mine and said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I fell in love with you, that day in the arena. I have been alone for a very long time but finally I think I found someone equal to me, someone I could share everything with. I am in love with you, Black Velvet. I was struck by your beauty despite the masks you wear and by the ruthless brutality you dish out with the elegance of a refined lady. I am mesmerized by your voice and now as I see you unveiled and unmasked, I know I have seen a true angel; a dark violent angel, but an angel no less."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">His confession and statement floored me and for a moment I had no smart response. Was this idiot serious?

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">With a careful measured gesture he put down the glass and said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I have managed to conceal my true identity and my location, keeping them secret, for 3000 years and built this organization from scratch, but I put all caution into the wind as I saw you. Now tell me who you are and your real name."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Funny thing was that even if his Hypno-drugs and gas worked, I wasn't even able to answer that question to myself. I didn't feel impaired or forced to say something I didn't want to and so I said, "I am Erica and I am the Captain of the Silver Streak."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">If his truth drugs or gas worked I could not say but what I answered wasn't a lie, but somehow I was certain his drugs had no effect on me at least not yet.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He pointed to the bottle.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"This is a very old and very good wine from Terra and it would be a crime to tamper with it so I assure you it is just wine. You really wouldn't care drinking a glass with me, Erica?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I told you, Worm. I don't drink wine. I simply don't care for it."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He poured himself another glass and said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I am Hector Vargas and long time ago I once considered myself an Earther, from a region called Spain. Where are you from?"

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

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I am from beyond time when all was void. I am darkness incarnate .”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The man blinked surprised.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Maybe you are over exposed to the gas and the drugs. It makes no sense what you are saying."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Maybe the gas did affect me after all because he was right; even I had no idea where that came from. It was certainly not what I wanted to say and made no sense to me as well.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He turned and I saw two dark brown robed beings, no taller than maybe ten year old children, appear from a well hidden door in the rock face. To them he said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Close the vents of the gas, my faithful servants and maintain the Psionic shielding."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The two beings bowed and left as silently as they had come.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"The gas is very complex and affects everyone a little different of course, but it matters little."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He got up and a gestured towards the wooden book cases. Soft violin music began to play and he said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Let us eat and maybe I my proposition will grow on you. Of course you must remain my prisoner until I could be absolutely sure you would not betray me, but your captivity can be pleasurable of course, as you see I am a connoisseur and collector of fine things and will treat you well."

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

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"What about my ship, my crew and Har-Hi?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I haven't decided yet, but if you treat me right and with respect, I might let them go, they are pirates after all and I am sure they will find a new captain soon."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">A voice in my head said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I managed to bypass their psionic shielding It is quite effective and quite strong."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I never felt in much danger as I knew Narth would find a way to contact me, but hearing his mental voice was still very reassuring and I opened my recent memories to him so he knew what was going on.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Narth responded.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"What do you want us to do?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Can you locate Har-Hi?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"He is well shielded like all Union Officers, but I am certain I have found his distinct neuro impulse activity.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Can you get him to safety without them noticing?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"If you can give me another ten minutes, so I can familiarize myself more with the Psionics of your captors."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Alright, let me know when you can."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The steel cuffs that held my wrists snapped open and the man who was the worm said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I will treat you like a princess and all I ask is your companionship and perhaps you learn to love me as well."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Two of the little brown robed beings appeared from that same door and one of them placed a soup bowl before me and he was served one as well.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I said. "So you are 3000 years old and the head of a criminal organization and you think captivity will make me like you eventually?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He took a spoon and tried the soup, closed his eyes and nodded in agreement to the robed being and then said to me.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Yes my dear, 3000 years ago a strange entity picked two hundred humans from Earth and gave each of them a specific task. I am sure you heard about Admiral Stahl and maybe you even know that the Admiral of the Union fleet McElligott is one of them.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">We all do not age and are immune to diseases. That cursed Stahl for example was to be the Warrior and boy does he take his task serious. My task was different, I was to be the one that acted in the shadows and the underbelly to make sure the others did not get too cocky and stayed on track.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I was to act unbeknownst to the others and keep an eye on them. I was to be the Worm, squeezing into cracks where those dwelt within our own society that opposed the course the guardian wanted humanity to go. Humanity always had a criminal element, no matter how shiny and noble it appeared on the surface. "

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I sniffed at the soup, it smelled alright but I did not eat. However there was a nice sharp looking steak knife among the cutlery and within my reach. I said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Yes I have heard of these immortals, but even if they exist has reality not made them obsolete? Humanity is well integrated into the Union and part of a galaxy spanning society? I know of Stahl and he is no longer just a Terran but acts for all the Union and most of all observes the law?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He sneered and put his spoon down.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"That oversized, overinflated egomaniac everyone worships makes me sick with his straight and narrow morals. He hasn't changed in all the millennia; he still is that same primitive marine soldier he once was. Of course we are obsolete there is no need for us to act for humanity. I am independent, my organization has penetrated deep into the fleet and one day I will succeed and get rid of that eternal soldier. There is only one place an immortal should be and that is on top and rule. What do the average citizens know?

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">They live and die and as long as they have plenty to eat and a good program on GalNet they are content.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He looked me straight into the eyes ”Only a few months ago, I had them all at one place. Stahl and McElligott and almost succeeded in killing them both. One of those cursed Narth interfered."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He grew visibly angry and bunched the napkin into a tight wad. Then he pointed his spoon at me. "The Narth are but a hurdle, thar can be overcome. You see the Worm is not limited to play just on Union side. I have contacts to the Shiss and the Nul, I play with the Kermac and I know they have plans in motion to deal with the Narth once and for all and then my dear my time has come to step out of the shadows and you have a chance to be there right at my side as my queen; as the Empress of the Galaxy."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I took a spoon and tasted the milky soup. It was some sort of potato cream with mushrooms and said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I think you lost your sanity somewhere in the process. If you honestly think that those paper skin clowns of the Galactic Council could do anything to the Narth then you betting on the wrong race boat. The Kermac could not even come up with a plan to oppose the Saresii."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He regained his composure.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Men with ambitions and great vision have always been laughed at and considered insane. You my dear might have a long life ahead as I think you are somehow connected to those witches inside the Igras nebula, but you are still young I can tell. The Kermac are much more resourceful as anyone in the Union knows. It is them who called the Y'All in the first place. It is them who inherited knowledge and technology of the UNI

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">.The Y'All are once again on their way and with them comes a new enemy. It might still take a while but that is the good thing about being immortal, I can wait."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Narth said in my head.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Har-Hi is safe."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I took another spoon while forming my response silently in my head.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Prepare for a very fast take over, I don't want anyone to escape from this place, wherever I am. "

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Narth responded.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I never saw Har-Hi as angry as he is now. He heard your instructions and we should be able to execute in fifteen minutes. Shea is currently analyzing the ground scans to make sure we know where all the exits are."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Aloud I said

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"What would happen if I agree to your plans?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">His lips curled into a smile.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"If I knew it would be genuine I make you my queen. I've been alone for a very long time, and realize I needed a worthy companion. Of course I can't trust you right now and so you will have to get used to being restrained.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He got up and walked around

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Be a good girl and put your hands on your back and I show you what I mean. Don't try anything stupid, I would hate to use the Neuro ripper."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I complied and he snapped cuffs around my wrists. Now the chair released my legs and he pulled it away, then he draped the purple cloak he had worn around my shoulders.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"See no one would see you are restrained, you could have a little freedom and no one would see that you are under my control."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"This is getting you off, right? Having a woman bound and helpless?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He snickered.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I can't deny it, it does have its charms especially since it is such a strong willed, stubborn wild cat as you are."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He then took the ugly worm mask and said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"This is a more than a disguise; it is a symbol of power and filled with the finest Kermac Psionic enhancers and shields. It allows me to contact my organization from anywhere and give orders and there are high ranking officers in my organization that cringe and crawl on the floor seeing it. He pulled the thing over my head and said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"One day I might even show you how it works."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I could see him through the ring mouth and felt the thing moving as if I was wearing a heavy wet towel that was constantly shifting. He clapped his hands.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"How well it fits you, now the Purple Worm is no longer alone. I will have one made for you just like it."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He took it off and said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"That is my plan for you and I am almost certain you'll get used to the cuffs eventually. In the meantime it is me who takes pleasure from having someone to talk to. I also want to learn all about your friends in the Igras expanse. I know they dabble in Psionics as well and do not see eye to eye with the Narth, at least that is what the rumors say."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Narth said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"We are all in position."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I responded.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Let's end this!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I said to the Worm.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I met Admiral Stahl; he is as you say integrity incarnate. I met McElligott and this old man and others that live for a long time, yet you seem the most foolish of them all. You could not begin to comprehend what the Coven is, and you underestimate me and think I am some helpless woman just because you slap cuffs on me. The days of the Worm are counted, and you helped me to end them even faster."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He took a step back.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Who are you really, there aren't many who have seen these men in person and most certainly not a pirate."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Just then the concealed rock door burst into pieces as a gray Nul holding two TKUs burst into the room. From the opening a badly mangled brown robed being flew into the room and crashed landed with a crash on the finely laid out table, blood dripping from it to the polished floor. Followed by the equally frightening TheOther. He held thre TKUs and a chainsword.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Purple Worm reacted quite fast and pulled a weapon from his belt, but dropped it as he felt the razor sharp blade of a Dai sword on his Adams apple,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Har Hi and Narth had appeared behind him and I could tell Har Hi was really fired up and barely able to restrain himself.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Shea came in holding her mysterious sword and used it to cut the cuffs away that restrained my wrists and while doing so whispered in my ear.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"You are the most gorgeous looking damsel in distress, my dear Captain. Red Velvet looks good on you."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Before I could scold her for that a part of the wooden shelf toppled over and revealed a hidden control room behind it. Hans appeared, Hans held a man in his fist, and tossed the man clear across the room.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Hans stomped over and said. "Captain, the Compound is secure. No one escaped."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The worm still having Har Hi's sword at his throat was now peeled out of his clothing, behind Hans our Leedei came in the room.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Narth said. "He is well shielded indeed, but now that I do not have to restrain myself, I can confirm that is the original Hector Vargas, formerly of Earth and one of the Immortals picked by the Guardian.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Circuit appeared from the Control room and said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Hey Captain, Shea's Code breaker worked. I am in his Computronic."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Purple Worm spoke for the first time and it was clear he was in shock.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"This can't be; this can't be the end!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Then he looked up and saw Krabbel coming in tossing another lifeless brown robed being in the room.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"The Archa, the Saturnian, the Dai….you are the former Olafson gang! You aren't pirates!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I said to him.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"As I said, for being the leader of such a successful organization you are quite a moron. No we aren't really pirates."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He tried to laugh as he looked at me.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I am a fool! I fell in love with…with …you are Olafson, the boy from Nilfeheim who likes to dress as a woman. I thought you died on Sin 4."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I smiled at him.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Isn't life full of surprises? Now you know why it just could not work out between the two of us. Not that I like being abducted, twice!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">His eyes flickered towards Narth and he said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Keep out of my head! I am not subject to your petty laws. I have a mission to fulfill. You can't defeat the worm. I will find a way to escape; I will slither between the cracks of your prisons. The worm is bigger than you all ."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I am sure you will be replaced. Anyone with that spooky mask of yours can take your position. But I have a capable crew and they figure out how it works and we download every iota of information from your brain and roll that organization up from the top down, but it won't be you."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Narth said. "I just deactivated a suicide device implanted and he tried to activate it It would be advisable to scan him very detailed."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He screamed.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"You are the real monsters, you are the real criminals! You killed my friends. The Sand people suffered already greatly from Union hands and now you killed what is left. Don't you realize the need for the Worm? Without it your Fleet becomes invincible and can do whatever it wants. You are here in violation of signed treaties. Treaties signed by the Assembly and no clandestine operation approved by the fleet can simply circumvent that. Don't you realize that you are the criminals and any Union Court would have to find you guilty? It does not matter if it was sanctioned by your immortal Admirals. If Stahl knows about this then he too slipped and is no longer that beacon of righteousness you all say he is."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">“You got a lot of books around but I doubt you ever went to Union School. We are here by expressed will of the Union Assembly and we are currently not assigned to the Union Fleet. Makes us quite lawful,. We don't need anyone or anything crawling between cracks It is the will of the citizens that keeps the Fleet in check and not some loon in a ugly costume.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">To Narh I said

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Have Cateria examine him and put him in stasis, as soon as Circuit has all the data he needs, set a charge and blow this place up."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">. "No! Don't do this, my collection. These are books and art from Earth, irreplaceable! You barbarians!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He was forced on a gurney of a med robot and fell silent as Cateria examined him.

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

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

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I had the place blown up after we boxed and crated everything that looked antique, but not without scanning and examining every piece. I had no intentions to take aboard some sort of Trojan horse. Since I didn't want to explain to the other pirates what we were doing. I had the Tigershark repositioned. Sure enough the Red Dragon called as he noticed us taking off and I told him I would be back shortly, without much of an explanation. I decided to let him find an explanation of his own.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Surprisingly he did as we returned to the landing field the next day, when he called and said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I just got word you actually bought this whole damn world. The Local Lord guard just informed me that we have a new Local Lady and that it is you, respect, respect. That is a serious bargain you made and I bet you inspected those defense forts. They alone are worth the price I heard you paid."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I shrugged.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I wish I could claim that world for my own, getting into the Pirate base business might be quite lucrative after Sin 4 is gone, but that isn't me, sitting on a dirt ball all day long. I acted for associates of mine, who offered me a nice sum to be the middle man so they may remain anonymous."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He rubbed his masked chin and said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Very smart, I guess you pulled that either for the Worm, they have this kind of money or perhaps the Dai who always wanted a planetary base." He raised his hands. "None of my business, anyhow, all I want to hear if you are still game and come along."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I am game, but I wait no more than 48 hours, then I take off as I am tired of sitting on planets. Your associate has his engines fixed by then I assume?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"If not I leave with you and leave him and his junk boat behind."

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

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Har-Hi had told us how the other Dai had taken him to a bar and for a drink ; only to find out that the drink was spiked with something and he was taken into the desert. The invisible gas had affected him but he was able to do the same mental exercises we used in our martial arts training to fight the effects. He didn't tell the worm that I was Eric Olafson and was able to keep the fact that we were Union a secret as well.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">It was Cateria who suggested that my body chemistry had changed ever since I was stung by the Wurlag beast, something the Narth Supreme had done to save my life, and that explained why I was able to resist the drugs and the gas for so long. Or survive the posion of a Stomper.

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

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I went into my room made my log book entry, dictated a report and activated my Gal Com terminal to call Admiral McElligott.

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

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Old Admiral appeared and he looked wet and wore a bath robe.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"You do have a talent of always calling at times when I am not presentable."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">He used a towel to pad his face and added,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I know you would not call if it wasn't urgent. So go ahead."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I have an individual in custody we belives is the Purple Worm Preliminary medical examination results support the claim that he is an Immortal, as the aging gene is completely missing and replaced by a complex gene craft that boosts the immune system, facilitates fast healing and so forth. His DNA also confirms to be genuine Terran. My CMO also can confirm his age."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">This time McElligott actually fell of his chair!

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I saw his hand grab the edge of the desk and moments later his eyes appeared as he looked into the visual sensors. "You have done what? "

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Before I could repeat, he said getting up.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Hold that for a moment. I got to get Richard on the line and find me a drink. I still can't believe what you just said!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Moments later the screen split three ways. Stahl stood on the bridge of the Devastator and Cherubim appeared to be standing on the crumbling space port surface of Sin 4. In the distance behind them I could see several huge modular Nanite Factories and an army of robots swarming all over the place carrying trash, and waste, clearing rubble and busting up the cracked surface.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Within the visual sensor pick up I could also see Nestor and one of the tall Stik.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Stahl greeted me and so did Cherubim.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The masked woman said: "Good to hear from you."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">She made a gesture behind her and continued,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Sin 4 is now called Wooorld. Wurgus Engineers are on their way to fix that sun and, as you can see, Army Engineering Corps has begun with the cleanup. It will take a few decades, but the two and more legged trash has already been taken care of. There was a little resistance here and there, but nothing even worth mentioning.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Nestor, aka Fusionbeam. was named the Planet Governor and P Rep by the Stik. They decided to rebuild a smaller, modern City, Keeping the Gambling and Fight Arenas alive, but legal, and the Sojonites are of course welcome to remain. It looks they will do just fine."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Stahl crossed his arms. "Things at the Corridor have stabilized as well. The Shiss claim the attacks were made by an independent group of Shiss renegades and Dai Pirates and they had nothing to do with it and wish to maintain peace and to maintain all borders just as they were. Of course this is a load of BS, but we don't know what the Shiss are up to. They have done all this for a reason."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">McElligott interrupted.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"It is her, Captain Olafson, who supposed to give her report to you and not you to her!"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Stahl shrugged.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"What could there be to report. I mean she only left Sin 4 a week ago and landed on Alvor's Cove."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">McElligott said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I suggest you both sit down. What she told me actually knocked me of my seat and I also want you to go to Blue-Blue-Red protocol."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Stahl went into the Captain's ready room and Cherubim placed a high security privacy bubble around her and both Immortals reported secure protocol after a few moments. McElligott had me report again and after I was done, I showed them the ugly worm mask and images from our prisoner.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Stahl did sit down and Cherubim didn't say a word. Finally it was Stahl who smacked his hand against his forehead.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Silly of us to commit billions in assets and countless man hours trying to find the Worm. All we had to do is send out Olafson and his gang and they do it, as a side job, not even really trying."

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

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Cherubim finally managed to say something.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"I tried to capture and expose the Worm for almost as long as he has operated."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Then she laughed.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"He fell in love with you? Well I guess even the worm had an Achilles heel and his was a feisty Pirate. I cannot imagine what he was feeling when he found out who you are."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">I didn't feel like laughing and said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"What is going to happen to him? Will he get some special deal because he is one of you? "

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Stahl's face lost all friendliness and he said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"She has a point there, my Old Friend. What will happen to him? "

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">McElligott said,

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"He will receive a trial and our courts and legal system will decide what will happen to him."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Cherubim said:

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Let's not be hasty, I think we should put him on ice first and roll up his organization before we make it public that we have him. This represents a great opportunity to roll up that Organization before it manages to grow a new head to replace the one we got."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Stahl said.” I will give you my personal word that the Worm will be treated like everyone else. Of course I too believe we do not have to be in a big hurry and it doesn't hurt if he stays a little longer in stasis until Cherubim and my old friend can make use of the Information you obtained from him."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">McElligott sighed. "If we start to have this kind of conversation with all our Captains we'll never get anything done."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">Cherubim snickered.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Not all of your Captains operate under the guise of Pirates in hostile space, none of them managed to solve the Sin 4 Problem, add three new Civilizations to our Union and capture the most wanted criminal in our entire history."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Admiral of the Fleet smiled and nodded.

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"That is true; if you count it like that it sounds even more fantastic. But say, Ms. Olafson, in all that excitement, did you also mention you bought Alvor's Cove?"

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"Yes Sir, it seemed to be a good idea. I am not sure how we can end the misery of the Slaves here, but now that we have access to the planet I think something could be done."

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">"That was actually quite an elegant solution. I will try to get Captain Sposhtrah and the Minerva to meet you before you leave Alvors Cove. I think he is still in the region. You can transfer Ownership of the Planet to him. He can also take the Worm and whatever else you need to send to us. For the time being we will keep Alvor's Cove just as it is, but replace the local authorities with our people, see if we can at least make sure that all Union citizens get back home and gradually close the place down until we can find a better solution."