CH 14: ALVOR's COVE

CH 14: ALVOR's COVE

The battle of Sin 4 was not really a battle. While I was sure the surface skirmishes were still going on, there was nothing left in space that could even remotley be called hostile. I had the ship stand down from battle stations and got up from my seat and said. “Elfi call the Devi for rendezvous instructions.” She acknowledged and I asked for ship wide. "Everyone listen up, we are about to enter the USS Devastator. So everyone be in uniform and be well groomed."

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We received forty eight 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. With a sense of pride that could not be described, I gave Captain Harris a tour of the Tigershark.He was deeply impressed by our Pirate’s Den and Stahl insisted we organize a Steel container kick match against a team he had personally formed only a few days ago.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. Fenris our mascot was curled up on top of my dresser, and had his tiny fierce yellow eyes closed and if you listened closely you could hear the little monster snore. 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?” “Captain Harris has invited us all to a formal dinner and ball.” She rushed past me and pointed at the paper square, on my table.There is your invitation.” 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.” To my surprise she opened a flap on the thing and revealed a card. On it in fine writing I could read. “You are hereby invited to attend a grand affair of a formal dinner and ball. In lieu of Union Week celebrations, you and your crew are guests of honor. 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.” I finally decided on a black velvet dress, as a nod to the trademark name of my pirate alter ego. Elfi, I had to admit had great talent to tease hair in other directions than down. I indulged a little in the female narcissism I felt knowing I was looking drop dead gorgeous. A realization that had no room in daily business but was perfectly alright for a nights out. We made it just a few moments late, but Elfi insisted that it would be okay. Officers had to be on time, a woman could be a little late for effect. Obviously I still had a lot to learn about my recent gender change. 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 ship personnel and fleet personnel and this was their hobby. But then I doubted that midshipmen had much reason to see the ballroom. Harris wore black suit in Kimo cut and a white shirt. Even now there was no doubt he was the Captain. He greeted me, and even bowed slightly as he took my hand. “What a lovely sight indeed. You look spectacular.” I felt embarrassed but said. “Thank you, Sir.” “No need to call me Sir, we are all out of uniform. I am John Jameson Harris and friends call me JJ. Enjoy this evening, as the woman you have become and forget the other aspects for a while.” “I will try, Sir.” “Just so you know I am just as proud as the Eternal Warrior, of what you have accomplished so far. You and your friends have served this ship just as midshipmen like so many thousands before, but I doubt the Olafson Gang will be forgotten anytime soon.” I wanted to say something, but it was Admiral Stahl approaching us, preventing it. Even in civilian attire, a simple black suit, he radiated his unexplainable aura of authority. He looked at me. “Whatever fate decided to put a Neo Viking in such a lovely form, I can not say but lord have mercy, you are looking spectacular. I think it would have been a crime if you kept suppressing your desire.” He then 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. I promise you will will make it up to you another time.” “I understand,Sir.”

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We had left the Devastator only moments ago.. 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. 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. I did not even have time to change yet and was standing next to my command seat and was ready to go to to change as soon as Stahl finished the orders he was just transmitting. “Get your ship back into pirate mode and into Freespace. Find the hideout of the Sinister Alliance, clip that Dragon’ wings if you can, some of his story don't adds up. Where did he get that Seenian equipment if he still needs to find that depot? Play it by ear, so...I mean girl just as you have been doing. Reduce the pirate population and if a few slavers met their fate, that would not be too bad either.But the Seenian mystery and that depot of his take priority." I said looking at his image, “Understood Sir. We try our best.” He disconnected and I said to my bridge crew. “You heard the man, let us go to Alvor’s Cove and see if the Red Dragon is still there.” I went to my ready room to change. I opted to undress manually as I wanted to keep the dress. The Auto Dresser would have broken it down as it was not one of the outfits that were stored in the system. The door chime announced someone as I was trying to reach the closure on 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?” He said without turning. “The Dai attack, it makes no sense even if Cam Elf-Na had united every remaining Dai Clan, an open attack on the Union especially in that region is simply madness, even with the Shiss assisting. The news of the Golden joining and the end of Union Nul hostilities must have reached the Dai and the Shiss. Everyone knows the corridor is particular well defended." I had to sit down to take of the thin stockings I was wearing and said. “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.” "I know, Erica..." 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. Har-Hi was sitting on the sofa next to my visitors table with a thoughtful face, holding one of my heeled sandals and turning it in his hands. “I don’t think I there is anything more impractical than those shoes. He put the shoe down and looked at me. “We should go to Thana Shoo and see if we can find out what the real reason for that attack is.” I gathered the things I had dropped on the floor and also picked up the sling backs. “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.” I put the things away and said.” What is Thana Shoo?” “It is the Dai home system. Our home planet was destroyed many thousand years ago. A particular big chunk of our former home world carries the only remaining piece of Dai architecture remaining. It is an open stone amphitheater and all Dai Clans meet there in regular intervals of about every ten Union standard years. Right now there won’t be any clans there, but the Pale Reds, the guardians of Thana Shoo. Mystical and wise, these men always know everything about the Dai.” I put on the holster and checked my Colt before I sat down across him and asked. “Is it far?” He nodded. “Yes it is about 1160 light years past the outermost reaches of the Togar Empire or about 2600 light years from where we are now.” 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. “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 Thana Shoo is forbidden ground to Okthi Dai like me, to any renegade Dai that is. Also no outsiders are allowed there either.” I also leaned forward and put my hand on his arm. “If it is important to you we go there. I know what motivates you, the possibility that this will end the lives of so many Dai.” He nodded and squeezed the Orange ever so slightly and like a blossoming flower the skin of the fruit peeled away in perfectly equal petal shaped segments. He said. “I had a long talk with the Gray Nul. He told me how the Shiss betrayed them, using an elaborate alliance treaty to lure the Nul fleets in a terrible trap that cost the Nul dearly. The Nul are much more numerous than we Dai and were able to recuperate. The Dai are a space born race of much fewer numbers and if this is something similar, then there won’t be any Dai Than outside of the Union. Stahl will go there with heavy hand and clear the situation,no doubt. I know that the Dai Than that are not in the Union are our enemies." He looked up. "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 will be further diminished. Somehow I was hoping...” He paused and finished peeling the orange and then continued saying. “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.” He parted the fruit segments and offered me a slice. “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.” Har-Hi ate a slice and continued his monologue. “What I really wanted is to talk to you and, now that I did, I feel better about it. You really have become a beautiful woman, it is obvious you are changing in more ways than outer appearance and I must often remind myself as I still see Eric in your eyes and features and I know my best friend is still there.” I nibbled at the slice and said, “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 Thana Shoo, we will. I also want you to get me as much about Thana Shoo, the rules and powers of those Pale Reds as you can and give it to Yeoman O'Connell. You see my grandfather had our Book of traditions analyzed and found things no one knew were not in there. I went on a detour to help the Dolbarians upon the plea of Specialist Warner. We need to know a whole lot more about it all, but we will do something if we can, nyou got my word on it." I ate the rest of the slice. "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 Narth who has a different way of understanding things.” He nodded. “Yes, I have feelings for Elfi and I think she does have similar for me, but I also love you and Shea. I know you have secrets ever since you came back and I don’t mean your desire to be a woman.” I said: “SHIP, who has the Conn at the moment?” “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 48 hours.” “Thank you SHIP, please secure my quarters according to Blue-Blue-Red protocol.” Neutronium shutters closed the view ports, and a heavy plate slid before the already strong door. A TransDim field engulfed the entire room and isolated us.I knew outside Marines and robots would guard the door and corridor. “Security protocol initiated, facilities secure.” I got up and paced a few steps up and down and said. “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. 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.” He had followed me with his yellow eyes and then he said. “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. I knew then there is more to the legends of flaming demons and all that.” 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. He got up and took my hand. “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.” 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."You will always be my best friend,no matter what." Having been able to talk to Har-Hi made me feel right as rain again and we both stepped on the bridge. Shea said. “Whatever you did in there, you should do more often. The Captain is smiling for the first time in over a month.” I said to her. “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.” 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, “As long as you don’t decide to change into an Archa I am fine with that.” I felt an unstoppable deep grin creep into my face and I asked. “Now why is that? Do you think I could not pull it off?” “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, they also do tend to rip out legs if they don’t get their wishes .” As if a spell was broken the bridge echoed with our laughter and mine too. Narth said."Whatever developments are instore for you, we shared Huhgavh. I too have glimpsed at something that is still sleeping or not completely awake. It is you, no doubt. The Narth Supreme is keeping in touch. I will be with you, Erica."

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ALVOR'S COVE

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 outermost 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. Narth said. “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. Ensign Fichier thinks they are already sending erroneous messages, mostly about the takeover on Sin 4. There is nothing reflecting the Dai-Shiss crisis so far.” Looking at the main screen, I said. “And they told me you could send coded messages via those Long range telepaths.” Narth felt addressed as his voice resonated in my mind. “You can, but it is actually illogical. You go to a telepath and tell him a coded message acoustically while your mind thinks about the real message. It seems quite foolish.” “I think the problem is that most people are not telepathic gifted and to them it’s more or less unexplainable magic. I include myself in that group.” “I believe this would be the moment a human sighs. Your opposition and distrust to anything psionic is also quite illogical, especially since you carry more tan just great potential.” “After our mission, I promise to look into that, but right now I rather maintain my own illusion as it would add to all the distractions I already face about myself.” After saying that I paid attention to the bridge and the situation again. Shea said.“I wish I could send this data to New Wurgus, they could make much more sense out of these readings than me.” “Don’t tell me this sun is going to flare up too or something?” “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.” Three-Four, who probably came on the bridge after being summoned by Shea, said, “I could go and dive in to the core and check it out.I agree with Lt. Schwartz interpretation of the data, it was caused artificially." I turned to my Non-Corp friend. “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.” The Delicate officer petted Fenris who sat on the NavTank as if it belonged there."We have biological options Captain." "I keep that in mind." Circuit, who was the next to appear on the bridge came ,mumbling to himself 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. It is that darn system update we downloaded from the Devi. It messed up SHIPs and my calibration." I leaned forward. ”What are you doing is not affecting our plan to land on Alvor’s cove right?” “No Captain, but 0.05 percent can amount to many light years off the course. It has not affected us because Krabbel is so good he noticed and compensated. Sometimes I think our Archa friend has a Nav-tank implanted in his body somewhere.” He crawled basically under Krabbel’s seat."Now I have to pull all four pulse star sensors and re-adjust them." Krabbel was visibly proud and basked in the praise of his friend and said “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.” I got up looked, over Krabbel’s torso and onto his panel and I said, “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.” Shaka piled it on saying. “There is never even the slightest error, we are always down to the meter scale where we are supposed to be.” Krabbel balled up and chirped something in his high pitched voice and then said, “It’s not even my egg sac crawling day and you are so nice to me. I am so proud.” I padded his furry torso and then I said while watching the brownish desert planet grow larger on the screen. “Say Krabbel, are you wearing a scent? It smells really fruity and sweet.” He produced a pinkish looking squeeze bottle he pulled from a pocket of his uniform. “That is Thomson’s Bubble Gum flavored shampoo, Mao got it for me, and it smells like Vanilla and Strawberry Ice cream to me.” “Well you’re taking your addiction very seriously I must say.” Elfi giggled. “You haven’t seen his Ice cream cone print bed sheets or his ice cream themed pajamas.” I rolled my eyes. “If there was ever a more unusual image before my inner eyes then Krabbel in Pajamas then I sure don’t remember!” Elfi became serious and said, “We are being hailed, Captain.” I returned to my seat, completed my costume with the mask and Elfi put the caller on the screen. A gruff looking Oghar with unusual brown skin color instead of the common green said. “Who are you and what is your business here?” “This is Black Velvet of the Silver Streak and my business is whatever I make it.” 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. “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.” 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, “We sell fuel for 1400 Polo Full weights per standard Nogto bulb. If you sell slaves, there is 5% slave sales tax. Buying slaves is tax free of course.” “Not that I need any fuel at the moment, but isn’t 1400 Polos for a single bulb a little pricey?” “Don’t know where you have been Black Velvet, but demand commands the price and we got limited supplies and lots of customers.” I said to my helmsman. “Shaka, take us down then.” Shaka landed not far from the Red Dragon. The landing field was crowded with ships and powered down the main engines with an elegant sliding move of his right hand and raised his helmet. “Looks like a regular who-is-who of crooks and Pirates out there.” Hans was already busy comparing them with Union databanks and said. “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.” I got up from my seat and asked no one in particular. “I wonder what they are all living off and why there are so many pirates in Freespace.” Har-Hi said. “Freespace is almost as big as our core Union space and there are many independent civilizations, colonies, mining and industrial centers. There is trade and lots of spaceship traffic. Civilian companies of the Big Four do business here, so there is rich pickings for Pirates and of course there is no cohesive or united law enforcement of any kind.” Hans added. “Captain there are over three thousand known pirate ships operating on this side of the galaxy and that is not counting the unknown ones or the Dai.” I sighed. “If that is the case we are going to be hunting pirates forever.” Har-Hi grinned. “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.” Elfi said. “I could be stuck in a boring palace and attend boring state affairs.” Mao turned and said. “Or we could be doing duty as first year ensigns somewhere in the bowels of a battleship or even a planetary base or something.” Xon who stood in the back growled.”By the rate you are eliminating pirates and criminals, it might not be all that long.” 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. Mao pointed to the pirate ships we could see on the main viewer and said, “We should simply blast them all, bomb the entire planet and at least this Quadrant of space would be clean.” I also looked at the ships out there and said.“I am tempted to do just that, or follow Specialist Noleii's suggestion. 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 are going to pay the landing fee. In the meantime,maintain Yellow alert and keep your eyes open. I doubt they have forgiven us for the dinner surprise yet.” Circuit had unloaded one of our camouflaged landing tanks and with it we crossed the landing field. 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, 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 on Togar dinner plates or to a short life of hard work and misery. 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. 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. The crowd parted as we approached and created an opening to the door of the building. Red Dragon who was standing with his back towards us, turned and said. “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.” I played the uninformed and said. “Well I guess with the Union violating Free Space there will be war and this place won’t be safe either.” He laughed dryly and said. “With all those treasures in your rust bucket, you should invest in some sort of FTL Comm Equipment. It looks like your ship lacks good 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, was able to smuggle a delegation of Stik natives off planet. They traveled to Pluribus and applied for membership, asking for help. Normally 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.” “PUMA process?” “Whoever you are I am now 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 member understands what Union membership means; that with all the rights and privileges also come responsibilities. Mind you not everyone is accepted, these Union bastards are very picky who they let in their midst.” 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.” He touched his own throat and said. “Nasty way to go, it takes an Oghar hours to die on the rope.” A man wearing a brown dust cloak and goggles said. “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.” The Dragon asked the google wearing man. “How about the Brown People, aren’t they native?” “No, they have come here a long time ago, but they are from somewhere else.” 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. The brown being is an Or-ghe” “Another one?” “A species can have many races and yes another one.” “You sound just like Narth.” “Thank you, Captain.” Sobody argued with the brown Or-ghe and managed to haggle down the landing fee. He paid the being. One of the Velorians counted the Polos and scanned them while the other hammered a colorful stencil mark on an actual sheet of paper and handed it to me. “Here is your landing permit and your proof that you paid your water tax for five days in advance.” While Sobody still talked to the Or-ghe, 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 remembered the events well and knew  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 15,000 Credits plus the offer of tax free living on Alvor’s Cove. The poster was only one of a dozen featuring the images and descriptions of escaped slaves and wanted persons, other prints advertising fuel, with the prices crossed out by hand several times and a new ones written below. A poster of the Mulwhur Trading Company offered trade deals and discounts for slave dealers. The text and the offers offended me quite a bit. 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. 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. One of the Velorians behind the counter said. “If you want to fight then you need a Kill license that you can purchase right here for 5000 Polos.” The newcomer raised his unarmed hand and bowed. “I am of the Tun-Ha tribe, it 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.” 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. “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.” To me Har-Hi said. “Captain, may I ask permission to leave your side for a few hours?” 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. We could not simply stay inside the ship or do everything myself. I said.“Be careful and raise a mug on my behalf as well and return when you are done.” He thanked me with a nod, turned and left with the other Dai. Sobody said to me. “We are done here as well Captain.” I said to the Velorian. “This Kill license, what does it allow me to do?” The being said to me. “You can kill someone and the Local guard will be on your side and clean up the mess too.” “Just one?” 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. “We do have the Grand Maximus Permit. Unlimited kills, maiming and torturing included and it also includes any brawls or fights. But no one has ever bought it as it costs 10,000 Polos.” “I’ll take it.” The antenna wiggled so hard I thought they were about to fall off. The brown skinned Or-ghe opened a locked chest and retrieved a colorful piece of paper and a different wooden stamp thing. Hans stomped in a few moments later, after I called him to bring the money. Sobody did his usual show and counted the coins on the counter and the smudgy Or-ghe performed also a little ceremony, stamping the paper and then handed me a metallic badge. “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.” 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. The Red Dragon eyed the crude metal badge and said. “Anyone in particular?” I shrugged. “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.” He glanced at TheOther and Hans who stood behind me. “With such a crew for back up, I doubt anyone will try.” “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 in following you around. If not, there is business elsewhere.” He spread his arms and said. “Yes I want to invite you to a special conference I am planing to hold on Itheamh, but I first need to stop by Kaliment and have business on N'Ger. I am convinced you are the right fit. You are indeed a mystery but are as hard boiled as the rest of us. We had to come here as Captain Meateater still has to work on his drive. and this is was the closest place. Then we are off to Kaliment, N'Ger and finally Itheamh to discuss our planned endeavour. Does that suit you?” “If he can’t even make it across a few light years, how does he hope to make it across 35,000 light years?” Red Dragon turned to the Oghar.“It is a valid question, you know.” Meateater grunted something about insults and squeezing my head off and then with a louder voice and clear language he said.” I need three days, my engineer will have them patched up good enough so we can reach Kaliment where I will purchase new engines.” He then extended his clawed hand and pointed at me. “You better be careful, Velvet. No one survives long making fun of me.” I stepped forward. “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.” He wanted to say something but TheOther stepped closer, casting a threatening shadow. Hans picked up a head sized rock and it exploded to a cloud of dust and pieces as he crumbled it in his immense fists.”I can do that to skulls, as well.” Meateater stepped back, trying to find cover behind the Red Dragon. I polished the badge I just received and said. “You were saying something, Meateater?” The Red Dragon actually laughed. “I am not sure what to make of you, Black Velvet, but as I said I like your style.” “I’ll wait three days. No longer.” “Three days, Captain Velvet.”

--""--

DIMON

Dimon Honsu dreaded the meeting he was about to have. It was on Avor's Cove and his Nul contacts had chosen this planet, because Brhama port was no longer possible and Sin 4 was no longer accessible. Dimon had no ties to this planet, however the Worm called this dustball home. The meeting would take place in a somewhat upscale tavern and eatery located on the North wall of Nurg's Cove. The slave market was to the south and merchants and dealers used Norg's Tavern as a convenient and comfortable place to celebrate a good business deal. His Nul contacts had travelled with the same Jooltar freelancer and pretended to be business beings. Of course this was a thin cover, Nul had never dealt with slaves. Due to the recent and looming Nul war he was certain, no one would dare to point that out. Both Nul were already there as he approached the window table, that gave a nice birds eye view of Bennan's cut about thirty meters below. As always he identified himself with one of the folded paper pieces, known as Narly Angularity and sat down. He could not explain the relaxed mood of both agents. "Ah Dimon, as we agreed on Brhama port we meet with you again,not that it is necessary and will be the last meeting." The Bioflex mask was not able to translate his emotions, but his voice was painted with disappointment."I understand, the news of your princes fate in the Arena must have reached your realm. I tried my best but I was unable to prevent his demise." "You surprise us again with your lack of information. We feel your performance is far behind te reputation you like to advertise." Dimon blinked. "What are you saying? I located the prince and was close on his trail. Will the Nul realm now go to war?" "Perhaps, but not against the Union, the Shiss have much to answer for." The other Nul said."You know me as member of the Nul secret service. My name is Kal Rakor and I have resigned my position." "Because you feel it is your fault, the prince could not be saved?" "No my good Dimon Honsu. I am going to Union school and intend to become an Union citizen." Being doused with the painful rays of a Neuro Ripper could not had a greater effect on Honsu than that statement. The other Nul growled."I am not yet convinced about it all, but there is a good chance the Nul realm asks for Union membership within the next year or two. Many Nul have done or are doing what my former colleague has done, what our very leader is contemplating and become Union citzens, even before the Nul realm makes this decision." Dimon's head spun. "The Union and the Nul on one side?" "Indeed, Mr. Honsu. This of course ends our business contacts as we no longer seek contact with the Kermac." Both Nul got up."It would really behuf you to be a little more informed." "Your prince?" "We know nothing about him. He might be dead or has survived." The other Nul said."You do know about Sin 4 and the recent developments?" "Yes, I just came from there. The Stik became Union." "You may convey this message to the Kermac. The Nul are not afraid of what they called, we are not the ignorant brutes everyone thinks we are and we know what the Kermac did traveling to Koken. But if we need to we will be the savage brutes everyone is afraid off." The Nul left a stunned man behind. He too left the eatery and just as he stepped out the elevator and into the canyon, huddled in a brown cloak. He noticed two very tall humanoids. One of them was well known to him. Ban Hoo, a disgraced Dai that scavenged the endless deserts. The other did wear a dust mask but no cloak. Such a cloak would have interfered with the swords the man carried on his back. He immediately recognized the Dai, despite his dust mask. It was the warrior fighting in the Death Arena and from what he gathered the First Mate of that female pirate, Black Velvet. He was just another man in a brown cloak, the hood drawn over his head and a layer of cloth before his face not only against the dust, but also the lizard stench. Both Dai entered ground level tavern.

--""--

BAN-HOO

Ban-Hoo had told the other Dai pretty much everything. How he screwed up and was instrumental for the demise of his tribe. How he eventually ended up on Alvor's Cove and what he was doing out there. The other Dai, only gave him the first syllable of his name, Har. By not having a tribal glyph on his harness and not giving his second name part. Ban was sure the other Dai used to be the son and prince of a tribe leader. He was never high enough in the Tun-Ha tribe to earn the Ha syllable. That Har was of the highest levels was instantly obvious, not only because of the fine leathers, but how Har carried himself. Utmost confidence oozed out of every gesture and move. This Dai was afraid of nothing. Har ordered the best Thill and paid with a fullweight. Pirate business must be good. The other Dai did pay more attention as he mentioned the Nakh, the legend of the buried Celtest ship. Har leaned forward."Now that is something my Captain and I would be interested to know more about." Ban-Hoo shrugged and enjoyed the second Thil."I would not deal with Tutu-Flowers if I knew where it is, but I think the Brown People know where it is." "They are an indigenous people?" "There are two distinct species out there. The Sand people and the Brown people. Neither are native if you believe the first Local Lord, that bought this dust ball from the Togar. The Sand People are nomadic for the most part, the Brown People come to the surface only after dark and live in underground caverns. They guard the water that is left here." "And they know about that Seenia... I mean Celtest ship?" "They appear to have no real tech beyond maybe Tech level B, but I have seen their cave art. Celtest writing and Celtest space ships."

--""--

ERICA

Circuit watched the Intruder, Meateater’s ship over our high definition optics and said. “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 five or six days, working around the clock.” So I called a conference and switched to ship wide for those who could not attend.

“It appears we will be here for maybe as long as six days. If anyone has any 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. I am contemplating the bio weapons option, but I think it might also affect the slaves and from my last visit here, I learned there are some primitive tribes or species living here, having nothing to do with pirates and slavers.” Narth said. “Maybe the Local Lord is the key to all this as he is the sole authority here if we could convince him of his wrongful ways.” “That would need some serious convincing; I doubt he will go for that.” "We have Psionic talents and options." Shea said. “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. Togar are not as primitive, while they have very little psionic talents and no PSI tech, they do trade with the Kermac and other species that do have both. There is a good chance they simply move in and take over, this planet is awful close to their empire." The Golden said. “We simply need to find out more about this place.Since it runs mostly on slave trade, I never paid attention to it, but at the spaceport office I learned it too runs also on money and business. 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.” I sighed. “I guess staying cool, well hydrated and safe inside the ship won’t get things done. This time you take two or three Marines along and stay in contact all the time.” “We can do that.” Circuit hoped he could use the time to work on the bridge systems and tinker them back to his specifications. We would be able to use the never used auxiliary bridge if we had an emergency in the meantime. Shaka, Krabbel and Three-Four volunteered to assist Circuit. Elfi,TheOther 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. A spaceship 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 of the Deadly Ghosts in full camouflage or cloak 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. The afternoon watch just took their stations, as forenoon watch went off duty to eat, sleep and spend their free time. “SHIP, who has the Conn right now?” “Lt. Vouza just went on duty, Captain.” "Anything else that might need my attention?" "No, Captain. Xon and Alice are in class, Dr. "Ensign Mehedi has just arrived on the bridge and Shaka is explaining the Helm systems to him, while the Nav system is taken apart by Circuit, Warner. Three-Four is already in my system following data and energy paths. Lt. Vouza is explaining Conn duties to Ensign Vouza as Har-Hi decided to put her on full bridge duty. Alice, prince Xon and surprisingly Fenris are in class. Dr.Ziodo is teaching them Union history. Well perhaps not to Fenris, your pet is sleeping." "That ugly flying snake isn't exactly my pet and I noticed it sleeps a lot." "It has just hatched, Captain. It is a baby and it is growing, almost all newborn life forms tend to sleep a lot." "Uh...you said it is growing?" "It doubled in size since it hatched, Captain." "You would have no idea how big it is going to get?" "No, as there is no comparable life form on file. Our Union Dragons,a life form that has the most similar physiology can grow to thirty meters and about seven thousand kilos." "We have Dragons that are Union mem...did you say thirty meters?" "Indeed Captain, however I associated those measurements to Union Dragons, not Fenris." I sighed, shook my head and went to take a shower, then still nothing much to do. I listened to the conversation of the Golden with TheOther, indeed keeping permanent contact.Nothing spectacular, Sobody was making a commodity list of items that sold well on Alvor's and Narth was eagerly helping. So I decided to explore the Tigershark a little more. There were plenty of areas I had not really 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.Both in volume and dimensions.The main corridor down the middle, was wide and tall enough to accomodate a Wolfcraft. An enormous hatch could be opened in an emergency just below the nose cone and the deck became a launch and recovery deck. The Tigershark was not a carrier or had an extensive auxiliary fleet, but it was designed from the ground up as a special mission craft, able to carry additional fighters, mines,bombs, special mission modules and so forth. I decided to run a drill of launching and recovering a fighter once we could be ourselves. This deck also contained freight bays, main engineering in the back, our recreation facilities including our pool. The other recreation facilities included a gym and a lounge, a deck above and all the way to the front of the ship. 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. I had been told most such activities now took place in the Den. The deck directly below the main deck was called deck seven and contained Marine quarters, the main armory, the brig and Han’s Security Office. There also were the smaller 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, storage bays for food and supplies 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 ad 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. Everything was gleaming absolutely spotless, factory new and clean. 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. “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.” Another voice also male responded: “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.” The first voice said. “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.” The unseen second man said. “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. ” “She laughs at us.” 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 ship’s 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. 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. The one behind the scanner said. “I have a positive live form scan, sector 45, grid point six.” The other magnified a section on the ground near one of our starboard landing gear pads 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. “Scans confirm, local life form known as Jathori Snake. Very poisonous and known to attack anything that causes ground vibrations.” The other said. “I notify OPS and Security with a low priority message.” I felt pride in my efficient and diligent crew as I watched them perform their duty. I said. “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.” 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. 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. “Captain on deck!” Despite being in attention Derek tried to move hiding a pin up poster that was attached to the side of his stations wall. I said. “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 artist’s 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 ax  in one hand and coiling a whip with the other. A flashing title in bold red letters read. “Black Velvet, the sexiest Pirate of the Universe. Mysterious Battle Amazon of a far distant Galaxy.” 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. “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.” I cleared my throat and said. “Interesting choice of wall decoration, a bit perhaps on the kitschy side, but I guess I should be flattered.” 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. I repeated. “As you were, at ease guys.” To Derek I said. “Mr. Simmon, I bet you did not find that poster in one of your National Galactic magazines. How are things on Harvest 12?” He gasped. “Captain, Ma’am you know where I am from?” “Harvest 12 has no seasons because weather control and collector mirrors see to that, but there are wheat fields as big as continents, right?” Derek’s eyes almost popped out as he said. “Captain, have you memorized all the personnel files or are you psionic gifted? No one ever knows about Harvest 12.” I smiled and said. “You told me about it yourself sitting next to me in a shuttle to Arsenal Gate.” He blinked and then snapped his fingers. “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.” I smirked and said. “I was that fellow from Nilfeheim. I wasn’t female back then; it might be a little complicated to explain though.” He waved his hand. “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,” I smiled.“Thanks to National Galactic and your former Uncle. That saves me to explain to you the details then.” “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.” “How about your plans to become an engineer?” He smiled. “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 to my resume.” He made a gesture around the room and added saying. “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.” 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. “Sorry about all that, Captain Ma’am.” I put a hand on his shoulder and said. “I told all 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.” The other crewmember with the name Harper on his uniform said. “Yeah she did. I told you she meant it.” I widened my smile. “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 maybe more than 24 month.” Harper who was much less inhibited by my presence said. “We making a difference, we exploring new space and do things no one else does, 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.” Simmon nodded. “Same here, Captain. Harper never fibs either.” I felt much better knowing that. “Now why don’t you tell me of your idea?” Simmons said. “Well I was thinking about your ship wide 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 and we do whatever we want with it.That the Local Lord is not opposed to money seems clear to me in all those fees and taxes.” Now it was me who gasped for a moment and then I said. “You know I think you are onto something. It is certainly worth a shot.” I turned to leave and went up the ramp and then said to them. “Never hesitate to come to me,” “I will remember that, Captain.” Simmons said. Harper said."Captain, he would never ask but could you sign the poster for him?" The uninhibited Petty Officer handed me a marker and I did. Simmon's rosy cheeks no burned bright red."Thank you, Captain." As I was in the Corridor I could hear Harper say. “She’s pretty damn cool, our Captain and sure nice to look at too.” Derek said. “Why do you think I got that poster from Sobody?” 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, holding a tool and a hand held diagnostic device. 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. Mao rose from the Conn position but I said, “As you were, Mao. I just came to make a local call.” Elfi turned. “Oh, hi Captain. I am just instructing the Prince in basic Comm protocols.” The Nul turned his entire body so he could look at me. “I decided to specialize in Communications and pursue a real fleet career before my ascent. My life giver approves this decision.” “Not Tactical or the Marines?” “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.” I sat down on an unused chair next to Elfi and asked. “Any news on the Golden and Narth?” “Yes, they are calling in every ten minutes. They are still just walking around.” “How about Har Hi?” “He called about five minutes ago telling us that he is alright and will contact us with news soon.” I pointed to the Communications Console and said. “Can one of you see if this Local Lord can be called over the local network?” 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. “Yes I am in their rather primitive Comm Network and have his Comm unit isolated.” “Call him, please.” I got up, masked myself and stepped before the main screen. I heard Elfi say to Xon. “This indicator shows that the bridge background is replaced with a background that matches our Janus disguise.” To me she said. “He is answering.” 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. “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.” “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.” He said nothing for at least one whole minute then he responded. “You sure don’t talk around issues and come straight to the point. I am assuming this is no joke.” “No I am quite serious.” “If you can come up with 80 Million Union Credits on a safe account and add a Million in Polo you got a deal.” “I’ve got the money right here.” He sat down almost as if he was dizzy and said. “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.” He put his hand like extremities on the table before him and made a wiping gesture. “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.”

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. “One Million Polo Coins.” The Local Lord’s tongue flickered and he made a whistling sound. “I still don’t believe it, you are serious.” I pulled my Credit Box and said. “I am ready to transfer the Credits too.” He pulled his Credit Strip and said. “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.” 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. He stared at his Credit strip and then clasped it close to his chest and said. “I can’t believe I just became a Multimillionaire.” He glanced at it again and then at the Polos. He unhooked a device from his belt and handed it to Hans. “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.” Then he pushed a piece of paper across the table and said to me. “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.” I took the paper and folded it and thanked him. He got up and extended his long fingers. “You are the Local Lord, I mean Local Lady now, so don’t worry asking me or my family for the water tax. We will pack and be gone today.” He then brushed off the seat he had been sitting on. “What a pleasure doing business with you. There is a nice Karthanian moon waiting for me, complete with oceans.” I went around the desk and sat down as he went to the door and barked for his guards. As they appeared he said. “Your new boss is sitting behind the desk. She is to be obeyed as she owns the world.” 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. “Pay her respects you oaf or she might be selling you to the Slavers.” I waved them in and said. “You are?” The primate looking man and the other an Oghar looked quite perplexed. The first Oghar finally spoke. “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.” “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.” Stronth bowed. “Now that is very generous of you and we will keep the place running for you. Any special Orders?” “No, not at the moment. Just keep everything running as it were.” The former Local Lord came back with a push cart so he could wheel his money out.

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I  sat in the Den to eat a light lunch with lots of iced tea. That planet always made me very thirsty. 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. “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.” Narth eyes glowed a little brighter. “I don’t think I can do what you ask.” The Golden sighed. “Is he that well shielded even against a Narth?” “The Local authority is better shielded against Psionics than any being known to Narth.” The Golden showed his amazement. “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.” Narth shook his head. “I don’t think it is appropriate to suggest killing the current Authority of this world.” Hans giggled and pointed at me. “Say hello to the new Local Lord, I meant to say, the Local Lady, that is.” The old Merchant blinked and Har-Hi who just came in and heard the last sentences joined us and asked. “We captured him?” I played with the Kermac planetary defense controls. “No not exactly. We made him rich and I am the new owner of this Dust Ball. I bought the Planet.” Sobody bend over laughing. “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.” After I told him what I did he rubbed his chin. “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.” Har Hi helped himself to Ice Tea as well. “What a dry world." After he quenched his thirst. “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.” I straightened in my seat. “Did he know why they went or what they were looking for?” “Not directly but he told me about a legend that out there in the desert a Celtest ship is buried somewhere in the sand.” 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.” Shea said. “The last war with the Kermac broke out because they attacked Green Hell. The reason is highly classified but they tried to uncover an ancient Saresii ship from the First Age of Knowledge because the old Saresii were allied with the Seenians and they hoped that ship had Translocator tech.” 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?” “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 the Brown People someone who he said know more about the legend and perhaps even where this ship is to be found.They only come to the surface after dark.” “How do you want to do it? Camouflaged Marines?” 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.” I sighed. “It is foolish you know, but if there is one thing I understand its honoring ones word and doing foolish things. I guess we can’t ignore this either.” Shea said." We bought the planet. 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.” “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.” Shea agreed that this was a good solution. 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. I said.“SHIP, what is going on?” “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!” “General Quarters, Hans get your Security to the xeno lab section. I was rushing to the next Security box, it responded to my biometrics and I retrieved a TKU and a shield belt. “Narth can you get me there fast?” I did not finish thinking my sentence when the world around me changed and I was at deck three corridor just outside the designated laboratory. 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 with her left, it 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. “Captain the Seenian Battle suit activated.” Shea ran past me saying aloud. “I go and get my sword.” I asked Cateria. “What can we do to stop it?” She sounded defeated as she said. “I am not sure we can stop it at all. Circuit 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.” Narth was shaking a little. “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.” The little girl Alicia, the Delicate and our Leedei came around the corner and without saying a word Alicia and Brana grabbed Narth’s hands and the Leedei put his hands to his temples and Narth said with a more stable voice. “For now we can hold it.” I asked Cateria. “What do you mean it is demanding a Command Person? It is a suit right?” “Captain the Suit has Seenian computronics inside making it  more advanced than SHIP. It is a Command Suit and expects to be worn by a Command Person.” Shea came back out of breath, holding her sword. “It will cut it.” 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 had.” “This Sword will cut it.” “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.” Shea had tears in her eyes. “Why you?” I snapped at her.“This is my ship. No time to argue!” Regretting it the same time. I kissed her on the forehead."Now do as I ordered." Shea handed me the plain looking longsword 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. I put as much authority in my voice as I could and said to it. “I am in Command here. Cease all attacks at once or I will use force and destroy you.” The suit actually talked to me, the voice came straight out of that empty hollow of the hood. “Scanning, Cellular structure, you have Seenian similarities. Unable to penetrate mind, perfect shield.” The suit paused and then said. “I am a Tyron A Model –Command and Combat Suit. Only personnel of command level can give instructions I will obey.” I swiped the sword and amazingly it cut through all the energies and severed the left sleeve of the suit. “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.” The severed piece floated back and attached itself. “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.” I swallowed. “Alright Suit I will wear you.” “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.” “The Narth is under my command. He will cease holding you.” “You command the Narth. You are a Command Person of the highest level indeed.” “Narth release the suit.” The flickering energies ceased and through my connection with him I felt how exhausted Narth was. 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.” “Suit, you have been dormant for more than a 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.” “Analysis of explanation completed. 99. 9 percent truthful, margin for error negligible. Your Ship AI appeared so primitive at first,but it is now part of a system beyond Seenian technology, but it reacts like only a living being can. It resisted all intrusion attempts, explain!” “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.” “Analysis of answer inconclusive. Carbon based life forms are not friends with machines. Seenian are superior to machines. Machines are only to serve.” “I am not Seenian, I am a Norse of Earth descent. We may be related to the Seenians.My first Engineer is from an entire race of machines and we are friends.My SHIP is much more than a machine and my friend. An entity called Mothermachine is not only the source and leader of the X101 sentmac's but a highly liked and respected person by all Union citizens.” There was a pause. “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.” Again there was a pause then the suit said. “You are the Commandant of this vessel?” “Yes.” “I must talk to this SHIP!” “SHIP is very important to me and I will not allow you to harm her. I have the means to destroy you.” “I analyzed your statement and you have beings under your command and items 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.” 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. “SHIP. The Alien suit wants to talk to you. If you feel any attack or any problems you are authorized to Execute Gamma Order!” “Understood Captain! I am in no danger. The NNNTH CORE has fully activated and linked to my core. The alien device cannot harm me.” There was silence again. “SHIP?” “I am fine Captain, the Narth Engineers that installed the Janus device also installed a computronic control device that until now was a separate system. Nothing known to the Nnnth including this Seenian suit can overcome the security barriers, I know possess, 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.” The Suit spoke, “Your SHIP confirmed you are the Captain and you saved her life by allowing her to remain sentient.” “I am glad I did.” “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. ” “I didn’t ask you to strip me naked and have me wear you.” “Correct I came to this conclusion after analyzing all the data and myself.” The Suit separated itself from me and I asked. “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?” The suits voice no longer sounded as forceful as it said. “SHIP confirmed the passage of time and I have seen the star charts and the gaseous clouds that  once were Seenian suns. I am made to adapt and improve in response 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.” “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 interfere with the rights and liberties of others.” “Then according to your definition I am a race of one.” “Well it is a big universe and there might be other suits of Seenian origin. But basically yes you are a race” “I know of the other suit. It is heavily damaged and not sentient. I am hereby asking you to accept my application for Union membership. So I have liberties.” “I can take it and present it to Pluribus once we return. With Union membership there are not just liberties but responsibilites.” “SHIP informed me about the process and is explaining to me the details and concepts.” “So you have learned that any new member must also accept the Union Laws.” “I understand. I have analyzed them. ” “That means you won’t go on a rampage in my ship and I can call for Medics to care for the wounded?” “Yes, now I see the errors of my actions and I shall atone.” “Ship, get Medics up here stat. Har-Hi get me a casualty report.” Har Hi responded verbally over intercom. “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 Noleii and the girl need a few hours rest. There is some minor damage to the walls in Xeno lab, no other casualties. SHIP and Circuit configured confinement fields on the fly, with Zero Point energy sources of our main shields. We are confident we can hold that suit now." “Good news. Please sent someone to get me something to wear. I am standing here in the buff.” Har-HI came in and handed me a Lab coat. He explained his fast appearance. "I was outside" The Alien Suit somehow managed to look at me without any eyes or face and said,. “I hereby ask you if you will accept my conscription into Union service. ” I almost dropped the Coat I was just putting on. “Did you just say you want to be conscripted?” “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.” I looked up to the ceiling. “SHIP!” She responded. “The suit is all alone, captain and besides I only suggested non classified information.” I sighed. “Again, I might add.” Looking to Har-Hi I said. “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.” Har-Hi said. “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.” I sighed but I agreed with him and said to the suit. “You know that means a suit will wear a Uniform. The Admiral will never believe me. I am also 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.” The suit responded. “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.” I threw up my arms and said. “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...”

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