Journey.odt 6





Journey.odt 5 <<<<<<     >>>>>>>  Journey.odt 7

Chapter 12: Preparing Death 

Chapter 12 – Preparing Death

I received a dark red dress and hood, just like Dawn, someone had handed me a little golden pin with the Justice Logo and the sword. Then I was sworn in as member of the Justice Department, Corrections and Punishment Division, Deputy Executioner. That was one title and career I certainly had not dreamt about. After a two hour session under a Cerebral Up loader, cramming my head with laws and regulations, the Union Judge updated my CIT and said." Don't look at me like that. Even as a Klack I can see your frown. I promise you it's going to be over soon and you will have done the Union a great service. "

The ever present Union Police officer handed me a holster with a blaster." As member of the Corrections and Punishment Division you are authorized to carry up to Level V weapons at all times. I suggest you do not advertise much what you are. "

Dawn came in the room and said." I am terribly sorry for all this. I really haven't planned it to turn out that way."

"I know I can blame no one but myself. Somehow I have a great talent for ending up in such situations I don't really want."

She sighed and said." Put on your hood. We are going to check the gallows and see the prisoners now." She handed me an official PDD in Clip board mode and said." This part is easy. You don't have to do much. Just check off the points on the list and record everything I say and do."

She too now carried a belt with a holster.

This time we went out the front door and the crows went silent as they saw us, but then someone yelled." Make 'em twitch a few minutes! Those bastards sold my sister to the Togar!"

After we sat in the Police flyer I asked." Do you know why hanging is used?"

She nodded." It is one of the ten execution methods approved by the Union. Hanging is a truly ancient method of execution for pirates and is also used by the navy to execute mutineers and traitors. Union member societies usually have their own methods and most are accepted by the Justice Department. In some cases the delinquent may choose the way. It really depends on the culture, the crime and the species of the delinquent. You could hang a Klack all day long without ill effect. There was one X101 execution and they simply turned him off. Hanging can be very rough and I hope it will all go quickly."

The Gallows were a metal scaffold put up in a picturesque park. Like the rest of the city it was deep below the methane ice buried into the rocky core of the planet. Most of Corri-City was a network of tunnels Housing and businesses build into the tunnel walls, normally about seven hundred thousand beings lived and worked here, but the recent events and the news of the executions had swelled it to over a million, so the Police Chief told me. The town center was built in an artificial cave of about one kilometer in diameter. Here the houses and buildings not hugging the cave walls looked very much like regular buildings with windows, doors, advertisement signs and roofs. There were ten streets coming from the tunnel arms leading to the center of the city with real Terran oaks and grass. A little fusion Sun was suspended underneath the cave ceiling.

The drab gray scaffold seemed out of place in the green park. On top of the scaffold, mounted between two upright columns, a cross beam with twenty nooses. The gallows were cordoned off by police and barriers. Robots and workers put up rows and rows of chairs on the other side of the barrier. Twenty elongated boxes were just unloaded from a cargo flyer and placed underneath the scaffold. More than the nooses it brought home to me what would happen here tomorrow.

Beyond the park and the chairs, I noticed vendors putting up tables and sales booths.

<p lang="en-US">I pointed them out and Dawn said. "It is inevitable. Even though the law prohibits making executions into an entertainment circus. We cannot prohibit vendors form putting up sales stands on private property and while this aspect galls me greatly, they will do brisk business tomorrow. There will be plenty of news media, huge cheering crowds and always a few protesters, not that I think we will see any tomorrow. This is basically a military installation, even though Corri-Door is a civilian colony"

<p lang="en-US">A Sentmac X101 and a blue faced Thauran in work coveralls greeted us at the bottom of the stairs. The machine being padded the hand railing." We put great effort in making it nice and solid, Chief Executioner. The Thauran was chewing something."It's the biggest one we build so far for the justice department."

<p lang="en-US">Dawn turned to me." That is Seris Seveneightseven, he runs a small specialty business building execution scaffolds for the Justice Department. I worked with him a few times before."

<p lang="en-US">I tried to keep the sarcastic tone out of my voice." I guess he found a nice market."

<p lang="en-US">The whole contraption was quite simple; a set of hydraulic arms would yank the cross bar two meters in the air, suspending anyone attached to those nooses off the ground. Each noose had life sensors embedded and would turn twenty green lights on a small control board to red when there was no life signs detected. Trapdoors would then open and the bodies released and slide directly into the open coffins. All was thought out and I found in a very macabre way efficient. Dawn checked the equipment and tested a random noose with a test tummy. I was behind her making check marks when she told me to do so. She told me that the justice department basically copied the Union Fleet manual on executions and she found there was no institution in the known universe more efficient in making detailed manuals on every possible subject. Dawn took great care and made sure every detail was checked and tested and approved by her inspection. She found a little drop of hydraulic fluid at one of the lines and made Seris check, then replace the line and test the contraption again. Only then she was satisfied and we went on to the prison. The prison was located in a prefab building drab looking building underneath a force field dome on the surface of the cold planet. Every door was guarded by at least two fully armored and armed marines and one menacing looking Battle robot. There were at least twenty doors we passed through till we reached the cell tract with the prisoners. Dawn and I had to leave our weapons behind. Each of the seventeen Dai was held in small cells out of solid Ultronit, with Ultronit bars and a force field closing the cells to the corridor. The Dai were kept in clear plastic coveralls, I found very humiliating. The Prison guard who accompanied us said." We have to keep them under High threat confinement as they try to kill everyone including themselves. The coveralls have mittens that allow the prisoner to hold food cups and feed themselves, but keep fingers away from throats and eyes. They are highly trained warriors who know dozens of ways to kill with their bare hands."

<p lang="en-US">I still found it demeaning and I was sure there were other ways to keep a prisoner. Besides if they commit suicide what was the harm, other than taking this sorry task away from the Executioner?

<p lang="en-US">None of the first ten Dai Dawn spoke to would even so much as part their lips and simply stare into the distance. The eleventh looked somewhat younger than the rest and tried to spat, but his spittle evaporated as it hit the force field." So what are you, some sort of priestesses?"

<p lang="en-US">Dawn said. I am the Chief Executioner tasked to fulfill the sentence tomorrow. I came to see if you have any last wish or request or if you have anyone you like to call or talk to. Do you wish to have a priest present?"

<p lang="en-US">It took a moment and then he understood." You are the ones that going to kill us tomorrow! Yes I have a last wish. I want to fight your strongest and best warrior, knifes, swords, bare hands no matter! I do not want to die by the hands of a woman!"

<p lang="en-US">"This is not a choice you have. Executioners have no face and no gender. We are simply tools of justice. You may request something to eat, a special song, music, entertainment or something similar. According to your documents you refused to be pardoned by joining the Dai Clans that have become Union Members."

<p lang="en-US">"You Unions know nothing of the Dai! Offering me to become an Ulkatai slave in an enemy clan is worse than death; to be Ulkatai in a clan of Okthi-Dai not only my spirit but the spirits of all my forefathers would be shamed!

<p lang="en-US">I glanced on the clip board and pulled up his information. According to this he was one of the youngest Tribal Chiefs know to the Dai and took part in the Partook massacre. According to his mind dump he had sold over a thousand Partook slaves to the Slave traders of Alvor's Cove.

<p lang="en-US">He then was eager to make himself a name and was among the first clans following the Renegade tribes and among the first across in Union Space.

<p lang="en-US">No matter what Dawn said after that made him talk another word.

<p lang="en-US">The rest of the Dai were as stoic silent as the others. Three of the Delinquents were not Dai. One was a thief caught with a kilo of Califerm at Colony 12 light years from Corri-Door and brought here to be executed after a local court had found him guilty. The second was a human Saresii found guilty using Psionics to influence others to empty their Credit strips into his, and then commit suicide. I had to admit this was a case where I fully agreed with the sentence. That had to be the most heinous and cowardly way to kill someone, by making them commit suicide. The last one was to my surprise a woman. She had killed her husband and her mother in law. She was a resident of one of the Floating cities and had been arrested in the Bubble Top restaurant celebrating with her new lover.

<p lang="en-US">She cried as she saw us and pleated for her life. I was glad for the hood. It provided me with distance. She finally asked for some food dish and some perfume. She wanted to have her hair done and Dawn promised to have a hair dresser come.

<p lang="en-US">Finally outside again I realized how depressing and how much the prison and the fate of the 20 had affected me. Even though it was exactly the same artificial created air I felt I could breathe easier.

<p lang="en-US">Dawn put her hand on my shoulder." You did great. I know the first time is always the hardest!"

<p lang="en-US">"I don't mind your company Dawn but I sure hope this is the only time I ever have to do something like this."

<p lang="en-US">"We are almost done; all that is left is to file the paper work and give the Justice Department my okay and then we are off till tomorrow. The Department has found us accommodations here on Corri-Dorr. So we don't have to go all the way back to the Gas planet. We do have to get up early in the morning you know."

Interlude: Narth Delegate

<p lang="en-US">The Narth Delegate usually liked to be undisturbed in his Alcove and very rarely spoke, but whenever he did everyone listened, but he asked Egill and Algear to join him. Algear who had a HPI of almost 5000 and was even among the Saresii known to be a powerful telepath able to pick up the neural activity of a small insect half across a solar system felt nothing in the presence of the Narth, no that was not exactly right, he felt less than nothing, it was as if looking into a great dark hole, knowing it was deep and when you dropped a stone and even after waiting a few minutes you would hear nothing, even though you could not see the depth you still knew it was there and it was endless, that is what he felt standing so close to the Narth and it was somewhat disquieting. Deep down, especially before he became friends with Egill, and like all Saresii he always thought of the Saresii to be a little above other beings, just a little more powerful, more refined, finer cultured, now he felt little and insignificant.

<p lang="en-US">The hooded and shrouded being appeared at first just like a man or a woman wearing a monk like floor length robe and a hood with eyeholes, but that impression changed after seeing that dark red glow behind those eye slits and the utter soundless way Narth moved, as if they somehow were not completely here and more like shadows.

<p lang="en-US">Egill was very much reminded of his first meeting with Tyr and felt that this being was of a similar quality as his white friend. The Narth turned his hands, thumps upward and slightly bowed to Egill. "It honors Narth greatly that you have come to seek council from Narth. Please be seated so we may converse in civilized manner and befitting your age and status."

<p lang="en-US">The Narth Alcove at first had no furniture, no chairs and the Narth representative was always seen standing, then three chairs melted out of the floor. While form energy and memory materials were nothing unusual and variable furniture was common place, both Egill and Algear knew the Narth had just made those chairs by re arranging molecules and matter from the floor and the air. A cup of hot tea and a Plastic Cup of Arthurs Swine and dine filled with Vodka and Cola floated into the hands of the Narths guests and the shrouded being again made an apologetic gesture and said. "I trust I have chosen the right refreshments and I must apologize for not partaking, but please if you wish we can converse now about the matters that brought you here."

<p lang="en-US">The Narth had made the exact favorite drinks of the two and Algear was frightened how easily the Narth had scanned deep into his brain to find that information past the most powerful Psi shield the Saresii could make. "You know our favorite drinks and so you must know why we are here!" Algear said unable to keep an edge of accusation and anger out of his voice.

<p lang="en-US">The Narth seemed not to notice." How would I know that, Honorable colleague? The prying of minds is against Union law and Narth finds this a very sensible and quite advanced law for such a primitive culture. Besides I assure you as formidable you think we Narth are, your Saresii Psi Shields are quite effective and while I would be able to circumvent it, you would know. He gestured at the drinks. "Public dossier 45302 lists all favorite drinks and foods of all members of the Assembly. It is used by the procurement and hospitality services to have always all foods and drinks stocked in ample supply. I believe you filled out your preference card yourself. "

<p lang="en-US">Egill gasped."You memorized the food and drink choices of all delegates and representatives?"

<p lang="en-US">"Yes of course, in case they do overcome their wish of distance and visit me here and I can be a good host."

<p lang="en-US">Algear brushed a strain of his long silver hair out of his face."Overcome the wish of distance? Is it not the Narth who wish to remain isolated and you wanting not to be disturbed?"

<p lang="en-US">"This is quite illogical. Why would Narth decide to become more involved and send a representative if Narth wishes to remain isolated? If we wish to remain not disturbed or isolated it is quite illogical to place oneself in this center of activity."

<p lang="en-US">Algear coughed," So you say there is no distinct wish of yours to remain undisturbed? That anyone could have come to you and conversed with you ever since you arrived?"

<p lang="en-US">"To your first question: Narth do not wish. The very concept of wishing for things and events is very alien to us. Why would you formulate a desire in your mind without clear and precise ways to achieve it? If one wants to be undisturbed then one shall make all necessary logical steps so one cannot be disturbed. Not that the concept of desire is very clear to us either.

<p lang="en-US">"To your second question: Yes anyone can come to me given that this person is able of any form of locomotion. If such person was unable of conveying oneself to me, all it had to do is ask for me to convey myself to it. I must admit I am not a master in conversation but I have remained here in this alcove and have observed and followed 46,405,343 conversations and while 98% of the content is quite confusing, the remaining 2 % should be sufficient to have a base understanding of conversation."

<p lang="en-US">Egill simply slapped the Narth on the shoulder."You know what Narth, you come up to my Alcove and I teach you how to converse, I was a Hermit for the most part of my life and boy you learn conversation then! Talking to all sorts of things, well in my case it usually turned out to be monologues rather than dialogues."

<p lang="en-US">Despite his completely shrouded appearance the Narth somehow managed to sound and look happy." I shall do this. One is most grateful to learn the art of conversation." Then the Narth pounded Egill's shoulder and then Algear.

<p lang="en-US">"Oh and you only slap shoulders if you are fond of someone, It is a gesture reserved for informal meetings. Not to be used at formal or serious meetings." Algear added.

<p lang="en-US">The Narth representative bowed slightly again." Being fond of! Formal and informal… Narth Supreme is very grateful for opening so many new questions and new concepts."

<p lang="en-US">Algear finally came to the reason for his visit and told the Narth about the Kermac, the Y'All and the crystal tablets and the Call made to the Dark Ones.

<p lang="en-US">The Narth delegate listened and it was clear he was disturbed by this. "It is good you have come to us with such information. Narth Supreme will analyze this. The Y'All are a significant but manageable threat; however the Rule must not be broken! We must gather more information. It is conceivable that the Kermac have the means of calling ultimate destruction on more than just one Galaxy. They play with forces not even the Narth can fully comprehend!

Lox Marshall - Indoor Lanscaping Inc

<p lang="en-US">Sechz Sibenvoreinz lived for years on Corri-Door undetected. Intelligence work was quite difficult; the Union was very successful protecting its most important secrets. No spy ever managed to find out what exactly was found on Arsenal III, that made the Union use a formerly unimportant star system deep in Kermac Territory and transform it in the most protected and defended system of the Galaxy. Corri-Door was strategically almost or perhaps even more important than Arsenal. The Border Control and Defense Headquarter were here and everything moving across the borders was registered and analyzed here and at the central data processing system on the system smallest planet Corrosive. Union BCaD processed immigration requests, checked and tracked visitors, especially those of unfriendly or enemy civilizations. They worked closely with the Union Intelligence and Counter Intelligence agencies and the data and scanning results of millions of buoys, sensor arrays, deep space forts and patrol ships was analyzed and processed. It was said that the BCaD had record of every piece of space dust that floated between the borders. He knew it wasn't so far of the truth.

<p lang="en-US">He had come here eighteen years ago, entering the union via Checkpoint 96 disguised as Pilgrim Lox Marshall who had left Union space a month before to visit the Whispering Uni Ruins on Netlor. The real Lox Marshall never returned from Netlor of course.

<p lang="en-US">It helped that Lox was a loner and had no real family, actually that was the reason Lox had been targeted in the first place. Kermac Intelligence kept close tabs on all members of the sect belonging to the Church of the Golden whispering Spirit of the Universe, as it was a wonderful way to get hold of Union Citizens and either turn them or replace them. It had to be done carefully and sporadic, not to ruin a good thing and possibly expose about two hundred agents. Sechz had almost forgotten his real name; he had been surgically altered to represent the bald headed short shop keeper from Corri-Dorr. He carried the original CIT of Marshall in his arm inside a bio patch sack and real Marshall tissue and DNA. So normal CIT scanners matched the DNA to the CIT and he was verified. His mental wave pattern could not be altered to match that of Marshall, but the Kermac were PSI tech experts, second only to the Saresii and he carried an implant that masked his mental waves and simulated Marshall's patterns. Marshall owned a small Indoor Landscaping and indoor plant business in Corri –City, Tunnel 8. His eighteen employees had no idea they actually worked for a Kermac spy. Marshall kept a low profile and only travelled once a month to the Sect Temple on Palomino. He kept regular GalNet contact via his avatar in Dream World and it was a harmless romance, of course they used an extensive sign language to convey information. He was sure there were sniffer programs searching for key words even code words and the cursed Union had very advanced Computronics and successfully implemented Positronic Brains with Quantum capability but they would not be able to monitor visual gestures of Avatars. He of course had no idea who his online lover really was other than his handler.

<p lang="en-US">He had just finished delivering the white roses and lilies to one of the sales stands near the execution site and saw his Gal Net terminal blinking. His Online lover wanted to have a chat with him. It had to be something urgent otherwise he would not be contacted out of schedule. He closed his office door, told his office assistant he did not want to be disturbed and laid down on the low grav Dream Couch. The real world disappeared and moments later he stood in an almost sickening happy place with green meadows, trees and oversized flowers and butterflies. This was the welcome environment of Dream Maker. He went to his private flower and opened the middle of the air door to his private dream world.

<p lang="en-US">To his surprise not only Micara his Avatar lover was here, but another Avatar and it was a Standard Base Line Avatar. Whoever it was did not spend more than five minutes in creating it. It looked very blank and was a sexless approximation of a human being. Micara said aloud." I missed you my lover." And her hands wiggled and she said." This is my supervisor he has an urgent assignment for you!"

<p lang="en-US">The other Avatar said…looking to the side and obviously talking to someone in the real world." Not now Vorneun! I don't care how the Avatar looks like! I am very well able to…"

<p lang="en-US">The Avatar suddenly changed and sported a long beard and four arms.

<p lang="en-US">His Lover Micara hissed angry." No names! Use the Avatar name I gave you!"

<p lang="en-US">The four armed avatar suddenly grew to six meters and lost two of his arms and the skin turned bright white. The Avatar moved as if slapping or hitting someone and cursed:" Leave the Avatar controls alone. It does not matter how it looks!"

<p lang="en-US">Sechz was a little confused. The new avatar acted like a being directed by two noob operators who never used a Dream Maker before. Yet he was certain he heard the name Nachacht and that was could only be the Grand Wizard of the Military. Since the one directing the Avatar had no quarrels hissing at the other it was quite logical to assume it was another High Wizard.

<p lang="en-US">Micara then spoke about love and used dirty words and her fingers said." You are aware of the execution taking place tomorrow?"

<p lang="en-US">He complimented her looks and was distracted as the other Avatar shrunk to look like a 20 centimeter gnome complete with white beard and red hat and said with an angry tone again to someone not in the simulation." So this is how you think I should look?" Again the slapping motion of hands as if to chase someone away from input controls!

<p lang="en-US">He signaled back to Micara, unable to take his eyes away of the Grand Wizard controlled avatar." Yes I just delivered flowers."

<p lang="en-US">"You must sabotage the event. We don't care how or what you do, but it must be disturbed so it has to be postponed or does not take place at all!"

<p lang="en-US">Sechz didn't like that at all. He was a spy and didn't mind to collect information but to actively commit sabotage, murder or an act of terror on a planet swarming with Marine and Union Police security was basically suicide, or if he got caught he would be next on the scaffold.

<p lang="en-US">"He signaled. I am biologically Kermac; if I get caught they will know it was Kermac and will cause political problems. Besides it is too late to plan anything. The Execution will take place in less than 12 hours!"

<p lang="en-US">The Gnome avatar grew but kept his shape." It is not your place to consider political problems. It is your place to obey and serve. Refuse and you wish you would be dead."

<p lang="en-US">Again Micara hissed." Do not use words like this! Don't speak! I get the message across!"

<p lang="en-US">Micara's hands spoke:" This is a Prime Order of highest authority! You are welcome to terminate yourself after completing the task. But you will do as ordered!"

<p lang="en-US">"I obey!"

Omni Planet

<p lang="en-US">Rex stood next to his massive desk in the top floor of SII –Sky Needle IV. The tallest planet bound structure on Omni Planet. The desk was made of a solid piece of black volcanic glass, obsidian a material he liked as it somehow reflected and represented his character well. The desk weight several tons and was in his simplistic clear design a symbol of power like few else. Dark gray slate covered the floor, the seams between the slate tiles pure gold. There was little else in furniture other than a wide black leather chair hovering behind the desk. The three of the walls were floor to ceiling view ports. The technology hidden away however was quite arguably the finest and most advanced tech created by any known civilization that currently existed. In some aspects approaching Celtest levels. Rex Thought this was a true statement as the Narth as far as he knew not really used any tech in the classical sense. Not even the Narth knew something he knew. He was aware of the true purpose of the Guardian and he knew who had put this artificial entity 255 million years ago underneath what today was the Himalayas on Earth.

<p lang="en-US">A cold smile played around his lips as he thought about Richard Stahl, who personally had a team of gifted and quite talented individuals working to solve these questions. Good old Stahl. Honest to the bone. Stahl meant steel in an old Earth language and Stahl was every bit like that metal. If they needed a picture to illustrate the very definition of Righteousness Stahl's picture would be perfect. He was the only one he would fear in an open conflict. That old Soldier was very resourceful. Rex knew that Stahl had been on Narth Prime, so far the only human ever. Stahl had returned with that huge ship of his, during the height of the last Y'All Invasion and to this day no one knew where he got it from. Rex knew about the ultra-secret Celtest depot underneath the deserts of Arsenal III, but the stuff there was all mothballed by the Celtest, inactive and very dangerous to play and experiment with a technology level higher than your own and the Celtest were at least TL 11 when they disappeared. The Devastator however was fully functional and Stahl came back with the full knowledge how Translocator Cannon worked and how they could be manufactured. The mighty Devastator could cloak so effectively nothing known detected her. Where did he get the functional ship from? Not that he planned to go against Stahl or betray the Union at least not in the near future .Mc Elligott the Grand old man of the Fleet however held little respect in the eyes of Rex. True after 3000 years he knew the other Immortals and there was a level of understanding that went beyond friendship, but in the richest man alive thought of Elligott as past his prime and usefulness. He was picked by the Guardian to take care of the logistics and the politics needed to build a huge organization as the Fleet was, something the Warrior Stahl had no patience for.

<p lang="en-US">Cherubim on the other hand was a great unknown. In all that time, he did not know her true purpose other than be the eyes and ears of the growing humanity. She created the PSI corps and the Terran Space intelligence. He knew she somehow infiltrated the Sojonit Order and there was in his opinion no better intelligence network in the Galaxy. He was almost sure she had her fingers in other organizations.

<p lang="en-US">He was interrupted by Yvonne, the most advanced android in the Galaxy and perhaps the most capable battle robot. Yvonne carried the imprint of Clara his first daughter and looked exactly like she would look as a grown woman. She was created as a daily reminder that he had not avenged her death yet. True the perpetrators who had abducted and killed her, he had found and their end was as gruesome as his intellect and resources allowed him to be, but the ones that send the kidnappers to make him work for them, the Kermac still existed and he would not rest until he had wiped them of the face of the Universe.

<p lang="en-US">The android handed him a print out in a black folder. The words: For RS only and the SII logo imprinted on it. Anyone else but him opening it would cause the complete molecular decay of the folder and what it contained. It was his daily report. Containing also all the activities of what he called Black Business. He liked the numbers he saw associated with the SII Entertainment Division. The profits soared, mostly due to Dream World. DW release 5.6 was hugely popular and Dream Maker the equipment and shell program you needed, despite its steep price of 1000 Credits always had to be back ordered no matter how many units SII Entertainment build. Naturally SII-Ent Division could have produced enough units to flood the market but creating this artificial shortage made it even more desirable to the customers across the galaxy. A secret division of Schwartz Industries did exactly some of the things Richard Stahl feared SII might do. They listened in onto every conversation in Dream Maker, no matter how private or secure the user thought they were and in subtle ways influenced Users to prefer SII products and services. Rex Schwartz was very well aware of this as this division reported to SII-Black Ops Command, which in turn delivered daily reports to their boss. Would he had political ambitions he could indeed use Dream Maker and other channels to influence over 60 percent of the Union population and have himself elected king or emperor.

<p lang="en-US">Yvonne said." Master, you should look at document 9403.32. It is associated with the Kermac Spy on Corri-Door."

<p lang="en-US">Schwartz security knew about the Kermac using the sect of the whispering Spirit to infiltrate the Union for quite a while, ever since the Kermac replaced a SII employee sixty five years ago. SII Security kept tabs on all of them. The Employee for example was allowed to send selected information home. It was much better to control a known spy than exposing him and then trying to find who or whatever replaced him.

<p lang="en-US">The Kermac spy on Corri-Door was more or less a sleeper, doing very little intelligence work and basically sending information to the Kermac, they could have gained by an extensive GalNet investigation. This time however his handler, a human woman on Pluribus had contacted him while the Kermac delegation was there and with specific instructions to sabotage an execution that was about to take place. Rex knew of course about the implications and the political reasons why this particular execution had to take place without any complications. It was quite bold of the Kermac to order such a subversive attack on a Union planet. If the sabotage was successful and the Union identified who ordered it, could easily escalate to war again. While Rex would not mind if the last war against the Kermac finally broke out. He had no doubt the Union would succeed and he would commit his fleet and secret military might into the fray virtually guaranteeing victory, but the Nul would most likely not stay idle. The Free Space civilizations and especially the Kartanian and the Togar would also fight to maintain their interests. Still he was certain the Union would be victorious but at a serious cost. He knew about the Call the Kermac made or were about to make and the Union would then need all its strength. Rex knew who it was who would answer the call.

<p lang="en-US">He found it was better to chip away the Kermac power, thrall by thrall, deal with the Shiss first and make sure they are no longer a factor, and then maybe in 30-50 years wipe those white skinned meddlers out in one decisive hit. Unite the Galaxy under one rule and then it would be time for the Master to return and he would become the Emperor of the Union and then face what the Kermac had called!"

<p lang="en-US">He did not want to reveal his source of information of course. "Do we have someone who can make it to Corri-Door on time and deal with Lox Marshall before he can do something?"

<p lang="en-US">Yvonne who was permanently connected not only to GalNet and GalCom but to the secret Comm-Channels of SII immediately answered."I have contacted a reliable asset, but there is 56 percent chance he will not make it in time."

<p lang="en-US">"Monitor the situation and if the chance rises over 75 percent, leak the report to Union Intel but make sure it is done so SII is not implicated."

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

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Chapter 13: The Call

Chapter 13: The Call

Interlude: Lox Marshall

<p lang="en-US">He had visited the Prison and convinced the one of the administration assistants working there that the indoor plants needed checking again. This was an easy and little psionic suggestion, and all that was needed, as he was the regular official contractor.

<p lang="en-US">He could not visit the actual prison tract, but that was not needed. The prison guards were psionic shielded anyway, especially as there was a Psi talent in the cells at the moment. He watered the indoor trees in the attached offices and glanced at the field screens monitoring the prisoners, as all he needed was visual contact. The woman was his target and he planted a new wish in her mind. She wanted to hold flowers when she was executed. It was a harmless suggestion. That she would ask for Saran Lulus would guarantee they called him.

Interlude: Adam Smith

<p lang="en-US">He had actually burned out the drive of his small but very fast Cobra Race ship, the damage was considerable to the brand new ship he just had purchased 8 hours ago, nevertheless he had made it to Corri-Door with 3 hours to spare before the execution was to take place. He had virtually unlimited funds to complete his mission and all available data on Lox Marshall in his data brain. His left eyeball was actually a precision laser emitter and with it he could drill a fine and deadly hole in his mark without anyone noticing him doing it, but he had to find his mark first. His papers identified him as John Adams of Luna, and his CIT was no forgery but the real thing. Easily obtainable for a SII Black Ops enforcer, while the Citizen CIT implantation machines were made by the government, they used parts manufactured by SII- Biotronics Division.

<p lang="en-US">He found tunnel 10 and the business easily enough. After torturing the pretty Office assistant with a Neuro active Poly scanner that was a crude Positronic alternative to a natural telepath, almost as good just not very gentle and not legal. But he only found that she indeed knew her boss had left, but she did not know where he went. So she had told the truth from the start. John shrugged, for that kind of bonus he would gladly kill his own mother, bless her heart. He had sprayed the body with a neat bio dissolver. While he was on his way down town, her body would dissolve, bones and all. In about ten minutes all evidence would be gone. However finding Lox was not that easy, even this early in the morning there was lots of foot traffic and there was the possibility Lox had disguised himself. He used his PDD to send a short burst message. The chances to find Lox in time had just climbed well past the 75 percent chance.

Hoods

<p lang="en-US">When the alarm woke me I was surprised I had found sleep in the first place. Visiting the prisoners facing certain death had affected me more than I thought. I remembered images of a fading dream about Tyr and Egill accusing me of judging and killing without remorse. Dawn had assured me yesterday that it was her who would throw the switch. Still I had to be there. It was so she told me, the assistants task to put the blindfolding hoods over the delinquents faces and it would be me who would see their faces last.

<p lang="en-US">I had a long cold shower and after putting on the executioners uniform, and girded the chain sword instead of the blaster. I simply did not want to use a weapon I had never tried before. I stepped out the small hotel room close to the Police department. The corridor was guarded by two police officers who acknowledged me with a nod. Their faces clearly showed, fear and disgust as they looked silently at me. Dawn appeared moments later from her room and said." We still have time for breakfast; you are ready a little early."

<p lang="en-US">"I don't think I can eat now!"

<p lang="en-US">Her voice became softer." Doing what we have to do is easier on a stomach that has something to do, trust me."

<p lang="en-US">We went together to her temporary office were breakfast was already served on a small table. Here behind closed doors she removed her hood and poured me a mug of coffee. "I cannot express how thankful I am that you are here. Even after all this time I don't really get used to it and the main reason for the Assistant is moral support you know. So I am not totally alone when I have to do my work."

<p lang="en-US">I had no real response for that. I felt friendship and sympathy for Dawn, but not enough to make me feel less guilty. So I took the cup watched her eating with purpose and eagerness in her moves and said." What will I have to do afterwards?"

<p lang="en-US">"We both will take a break of two hours and then you can talk to a psych Support if you like. Some executioners do. I fill out the final paper work and we are done."

<p lang="en-US">"So it means I still might make it to the Academy in time?"

<p lang="en-US">"It is not up to me but to the Chief Justice and I guess your admiral, but I could not see any reason to keep you any longer, unless of course you change your mind and want to pursue a career in the Justice or Correction department."

<p lang="en-US">"Sorry Dawn, but that is not me. I rather go back to Nilfeheim and scrub Nubhir skins."

<p lang="en-US">She finished her breakfast and then, before she put her hood back on she said." It is not uncommon that you might feel the need to throw up. If possible do not lift the hood doing it."

<p lang="en-US">I made a sour face and put on the hood" I keep that in mind, even though the thing has the perfect shape to catch it."

<p lang="en-US">She actually found that funny and laughed while we left the room and went to the waiting flyer.

Interlude: Lox

<p lang="en-US">Lox lingered by the flower and souvenir stand, he had delivered flowers to it just the day before. The man running it, was an actually a friend of his even though they were officially competitors. Ill Dum Kau of Terran descent was a florist and had ordered extra stock with Lox to give him a share on the expected business. Ill came out of his store holding a PDD and asked." Do you have any Pink Lulu Roses left?"

<p lang="en-US">Lox feigned surprise." Yes as a matter of fact I do have some."

<p lang="en-US">"One of the delinquents, a woman from Corri-Gas wanted to hold a bunch while she gets hanged and they granted her this wish. I don't have any pink ones left and no one answers the PDD in your shop!".

<p lang="en-US">He was lucky and got a cab right away. He wondered why Liona would not answer calls, she was usually so dependable. If she went to the hanging without asking he would fire her!

<p lang="en-US">He found the door to the shop unlocked and a strange sickening sweet smell hung in the air, but he had little time to be curious about smells. Only at the edge of his conscious he noticed the almost perfectly human shaped wet looking shadow on the floor behind the counter that slowly disappeared. The Kermac spy was way to agitated to really notice. He took a big bunch of Lulus out of the stasis storage and another mini beamer from a hidden compartment in his and rushed back.

Interlude: John

<p lang="en-US">It was almost hopeless to find Lox in all this! He would probably sit somewhere aiming a long range beamer at the scaffold. John Adams would have loved to complete the mission. The bonus was astronomic; still all the money could not help him find Lox now.

Interlude: Lox

<p lang="en-US">Lox approached the barrier and one of the beefy police officers in full armor was actually a neighbor of his who lived in a house just 3 tunnel recesses down from his in Tunnel recess Dwelling in tunnel 9. He had often talked to that police officer since he took great pride in his little front lawn and not only was a regular customer but also asked Lox for plant and flower advice. The cop's name was Trevor Burke. Lox was certain he would not even need Psionic suggestions here, not that he would want to try. The suit was not a new model but could still have Psi shielding.

<p lang="en-US">Burke looked impressive in the massive blue battle armor holding a shock baton in the right hand. He had his helmet visor open and the baton was deactivated. Despite the crowds the Police seemed relaxed and it was clear they did not expect any trouble. There actually were eight protesters with signs and they were heckled by the crowd and posed no security problem. Trevor raised the huge hand of the battle armor." Oh good morning Mr. Marshall! Say what pretty pink flowers! What are those?"

<p lang="en-US">"Good morning Mr. Burke. These are Lulu Roses from Sares. I am supposed to deliver these to the female delinquent."

<p lang="en-US">Burke looked at his helmet read out and said." Yes that is confirmed. Burke opened the gate and said." My wife loves all things pink. Would they grow under Tunnel light?"

<p lang="en-US">Lox could not believe he just made it inside the barrier with weapons. The spy in him laughed at the lax security and the stupid police man, but his Lox Marshall identity had become way more than just a disguise and a cover. He begun to think like a Union citizen and he felt sorry for betraying the police man who was a good neighbor and invited him to BBQ's more than once. He could have become friends with the officer. Marshall was after all well respected and had a solid clientele who would never order anything plant related from GalNet and always come to him. He answered with a guilty consciousness. "I don't think they would, they are expensive for a reason and grow only on Sares Planets as far as I know."

<p lang="en-US">Burke tried to shrug inside the armor and pointed with his chin towards a black limo landing on the other side of the scaffold. "There they come, the slaughterers. It can't be long now and the circus will start."

Hoods

<p lang="en-US">Our flyer landed before the scaffold in the now crowded park and Dawn said. "You know everything you have to do, right?"

<p lang="en-US">"Yes I think I got it. After the guards have placed the prisoners I go down the line and place the hoods over their heads. You go after me and set the noose. Then I proceed to the other end and you go down to the panel and press the button after the Chief Justice has made his final speech. I then throw up preferably inside the dress. You wait till they are dead, release their bodies and we can go."

<p lang="en-US">She nodded "Yes that is it. Are you ready?"

<p lang="en-US">"I don't think I have a choice, so yes I am."

<p lang="en-US">We left the flyer and I followed her through a gate in the barrier opened by a police man and up the stairs of the scaffold. From up there I could see that the park and the surrounding buildings were full of people both human and not. I had never seen so many people in one place and they all stared at me at least so it appeared to me. I wondered why so many would get up so early to see someone die, especially disturbing were the media crowd. Between two buildings in the distance a big field screen flickered into existence and showed a close up of the scaffold and us.

Interlude: Lox

<p lang="en-US">Lox watched the dark red robed executioners getting out of the limo. He said to Burke." Those are women!"

<p lang="en-US">"They must have ice in their veins. I could not do it. I don't think I could kill anyone in cold blood like this!"

<p lang="en-US">Both Executioners walked close by and the Kermac spy could only see their eyes for a moment before they mounted the stairs. He shivered involuntarily and actually for the first time in his life prayed and hoped there was a Whispering Spirit. Then he said." You are a police man. You carry a gun!"

<p lang="en-US">"I never raised my blaster against anyone in anger. I am a police man, not a soldier. I don't mind using my fists, the shock baton or restraining fields and that's all we ever have to do here on Corri-Door. That poison murderess is the first capital crime we had in years and in the entire system and she didn't resist arrest. Oh I am all for capital punishment don't get me wrong! There are over 7 Million permanent residents living in this system and lots of traffic coming through and we have very little capital crimes, so the idea behind it seems to work fine. I think that Saresii mind bender sure earned it and I have no patience for Califerm dealers but I am not so sure the Dai deserve it." He holstered his Shock baton and whispered." I just think they should do it in a little chamber away from this entire county fair atmosphere. I know they voted it in and even my lovely peaceful wife has voted for it and she had herself a spot reserved right over there on Peerson's Roof. I bet she and her friends sitting up there right now waiting for the hanging."

Hoods

<p lang="en-US">Now a dark blue police van with hover bike escort and a platoon of marines in destroyer suits behind it, landed. It was the prisoners. Police men and robots dragged twenty shackled individuals up the steps.

<p lang="en-US">The Califerm thief struggled against the police men's grip, the woman's feet collapsed as she went up the stairs. The Crowd had hollered obscenities at the Dai but now, except for the murmured comments of the news casters. I noticed a civilian holding a big bunch of flowers right next to a police officer in crowd control gear talking to each other and Dawn said." That is just a local flower dealer. The woman requested flowers in the last minute and I allowed it."

Interlude: Chief Justice

<p lang="en-US">Chief Justice V'Thensnhk like almost everyone else in the Justice General Building on Pluribus was glued before the big field screen watching the events unfolding on Corri-Door. He was Klack but despite the great biological differences to humans, he had a very similar range of feelings. He regretted the fact to deputize and draft such a young human, he know it was actually quite unfair and unjust. He always wanted to be a real Judge, unbiased or influenced by anything but the law. He didn't like to be pressured by the Union Department of State, but it was done. It seemed the young human worked well together with their best but sometimes difficult Chief executioner who always wanted everything perfect.

<p lang="en-US">His PDD glared red and he immediately answered this Priority One call. It came from the State department and it was the representative of the Ult who currently held the chair of this ministry." We just have received credible intelligence that one or more Kermac Agents will try to sabotage the Execution. Can you delay the Execution and get everyone to safety? We are trying to get assets to deal with this to Corri-Door within two three hours."

<p lang="en-US">"First you use every political trick in the book to speed things up and now you want it delayed? Have you looked at the broadcast lately? It will be over in an hour or so. There is police and they should be able to handle any Terrorists. I will tell them to be on the look out! Why don't you go over to the Kermac who are still here on Pluribus and tell them to call back their assassins? You can tell them that the Justice Department will not stand idle and arrest them if they commit crimes on Union ground. Ordering a murder is certainly a hanging offense!"

<p lang="en-US">"They are under diplomatic immunity and we don't have official proof they did anything anyway. This is a matter of state and not Justice Department!"

<p lang="en-US">The Klack got angry." All of a sudden it is a matter of state? " The Ant being whistled in highest agitation. "The rule of law applies to anyone and everything and no one is excluded. Union constitution does not acknowledge political motivations. There is no law on the books that allows foreign nationals to commit crimes. It is the very reason we are able to prosecute and hang the Dai! I am the first who will call this execution off if you can show me Diplomatic Immunity is anywhere in our law books. I will personally call for a mistrial and let the Dai go if you insist on diplomatic Immunity!" The Judge was not done and his antennae wiggled furious. "I won't be bullied anymore. If you have a political problem address the assembly and if the Assembly decides to act and they make a law, then we of the Justice Department will enforce it. We are the Union we are not Kermac or whatever prim civ you like us to be!"

Interlude: Lox

<p lang="en-US">The delinquents had their hands locked in shackles on their backs and Lox found it easier than he expected to slip a mini blaster into the hands of one of the Dai Than and give him psionic instructions. It took only a few thoughts and the Dai did not need much Psionic persuasion to take the weapon.

Interlude: Smith

<p lang="en-US">Adam Smith finally saw the Lox Marshall, standing right by a police man behind the barriers. Too far for his laser eye so he had to get closer. He was almost there, three more meters and the distance was perfect. A fat woman stepped into his way and he was tempted to burn another hole her in that big butt. A heavy hand suddenly dropped on his shoulder and he reacted in the fast trained way of a master assassin, turning around releasing the long thing mono blade from his left underarm sheath and breaking the tough blade against the torso of a Paladin Battle robot. . The robot crushed much of his shoulder bone and placed a force field cocoon around Adam. The Undercover Union Investigator spoke in his wrist com." Assassin apprehended and neutralized."

<p lang="en-US">Adam Smith could not allow to be interrogated and with a sequence of eye blinks he activated a little device below his heart and it released fast spreading green Spore foam.

Hoods

<p lang="en-US">The Delinquents had been placed under the nooses their feet currently held by form fields firmly attaching their feet. The bald headed flower dealer was allowed to approach the woman who was the only one who had her hands tied in the front. He handed her the flowers and walked off. Dawn who stood by the Stairs nodded to him and turned away. The bald headed harmless looking man suddenly held a weapon in his hand aimed it at Dawn and fired!"

<p lang="en-US">Dawn stumbled back. The third Dai's hands were suddenly free holding a little weapon. Out of reflex my hand reached for my knife I, but the cursed hood covered it. My hands touched only fabric. The Dai fired at me but he must have missed, I felt no pain or anything. I reacted more out of instinct and the chain sword drew as easy as Mördaren, the blade grew and with the teeth on the sword went with a whining snap supersonic,however the Dai before me did not move. I turned to face the next enemy, whatever just happened, it was already over. Marines and Battle robots secured the scaffold and Dawn got up on her feet! There was a dark spot on her dress where the blaster had hit her, but no hole. All the Delinquents looked like statues stiff and unmoving.

<p lang="en-US">Police had arrested the Bald headed man and led him away. Dawn nodded to the local Judge and said." The Execution will commence."

<p lang="en-US">Then she came over and said." Are you alright?"

<p lang="en-US">"Yes I am but what happened?"

<p lang="en-US">"An attempt to sabotage the Execution. I recieved a warning about it, mere moments ago." She touched the blackened spot on her chest." Our robes are more than fabric, it is microscopic fine Ultronit foam loops covered with velvet. It takes more than a Class III Line blaster to burn through that. It looks like you didn't even feel the thermo blast that hit you." She pointed out a small blackened spot right above my heart.

<p lang="en-US">She then motioned to the prisoners." Stasis contour fields they can't move a muscle. Your intervention with the sword was quite spectacular and fast, but not necessary. " Dawn handed me a stack of black hoods. " Put those over their heads, don't even ask if they want it or not, so we can get this over with!"

<p lang="en-US">She really was cold as ice and any affection I had for her before died that moment.

<p lang="en-US">She released the contour fields after the Marines had scanned the prisoners for weapons and I had the sorry task putting the black hoods over their heads. Most of them did not look at me, but the young Dai stared right into my eyes and even though he acted toufh and stoic, I saw the fear and the silent plea for mercy. My hands trembled as I pulled the black fabric over his face. The Califerm thief was shaking and tears streamed down his face. "I didn't even know what was in the bag!" He bubbered."I don't want to die!" I think I was crying too as I pulled the hood over his head. The woman seemed not even aware what was happening, now that I her saw her close up, she was quite beautiful. Her lips formed words, as she looked at me. Perhaps a prayer or a plead for mercy, I was glad I did not hear what she said. Her face too disapeared behind the black fabric.

<p lang="en-US">Dawn came after me and placed the nooses made of memory metal. She touched a control on the cuff of her glove and the memory metal cables stiffened.

<p lang="en-US">The local Judge instead of reading the charges or the names simply nodded and the crossbar shot up, the nineteen dangled and I could not look away as much as I wanted. Most of them died silently and fast. The green lights flickered for a few seconds and turned red. The light of the califerm thief however stayed green moments, the thief kicked and spasm, then he went limb. The third Dai who and fired the weapon still gargled and his legs tried to find ground. The light stayed green and I could not say how long it took but I prayed to every God I knew to have mercy and turn that last light red. It stayed green for what seemed an eternity. The Crowd had made a collective sigh as the bar went up, but now there was utter silence. Only now Dawn pressed another contact on her glove, In heard the buzzing crackle of electricity, blue sparks crackled around the memory metal noose, one last violent kick the Dai Than stopped moving and the light went red.

<p lang="en-US">The trap doors opened, the bar lowered and the memory metal robes released the bodies sliding directly into the tilted coffins below. The Scaffold was empty, except for a bunch of pink flowers looking strangely out of place.

<p lang="en-US">She motioned me with a wink and I followed her. The crowd was still silent and the first spectators started to leave. Dawn in a normal tone as if she would order coffee said." That went rather well, except all the complications." I somehow knew she had that Dai suffer longer by setting the noose differently or something like that and I felt like an accomplice.

<p lang="en-US">I was glad I could take off the robe and mask when we had returned to the small hotel and I took a long shower, but I felt as dirty when I left it as when I stepped in. I didn't press the button, no, but I was still there and no spectator. It was a situation as unfair as can be and yet I did do nothing.

<p lang="en-US">The Klack Justice had thanked me and I was dismissed. Dawn wanted to celebrate or have dinner or something I did not ask details and I did not care about what else she wanted. I had used an Auto dresser and was Eric once again and had sneaked out the back door of the hotel. A crowd of media people had gathered before the hotel, but no one was particular interested in me. It suited me fine as I just had to get away and went straight to the Gray Lines counter. I did not want to know details of the attack or who was behind it, or be asked to stick around, maybe to hang a little bald headed man. "Robot I want the next bus out of here, preferably to Arsenal Gate but if the service is still interrupted I take whatever bus leaves earliest."

<p lang="en-US">"You can take the Greylines Wind spiel 923 Gate twelve. It will leave in 21 minutes to Arsenal Gate. Flight restrictions have been removed."

<p lang="en-US">It turned out my ticket was still good and I would be on time at Arsenal.

Interlude: Assembly

<p lang="en-US">The Elly announced their wishes for member ship and Algear leaned back into his seat and said."Do you think the Elly will serve some sort of interesting food?"

<p lang="en-US">Egill shrugged. "I would assume they do."

<p lang="en-US">The Narth delegate stapled his fingers and said." Food the very idea is very interesting and I shall look forward to see you both eat the gelatinous Pulse-Stink maggots the Elly prefer."

<p lang="en-US">Egill turned to the Narth."You just made a joke right? There is no such thing as a Gelatinous Pulse Stink Maggot, or is there?"

<p lang="en-US">"To question one: If one made a joke then it was unintended. Narth is still very much in discussion as of what a joke might be. One can make a Joke without producing any material item, but would the act of making if successful not yield a product and usually making requires raw materials. What raw materials would a joke need?

<p lang="en-US">"To question two: You are asking this following a false statement. Denying the existence of the maggots does not make them any less substantial. However one can assure you Gelatinous Pulse stink maggots do exist and are the larvae state of the Pulse stink fly. This particular life form defends itself against natural predators with a highly concentrated organic liquid that sprayed in small pulses from the life forms abdomen. According to Xeno biological research documents it is among the most offensive odors. One shall ask Narth to experience it!"

<p lang="en-US">Algear said."The raw materials of a joke are every day occurrences, retold often in an exaggerated state to bring the punch line across."

<p lang="en-US">"One does not understand why it would be necessary to retell an occurrence and alter it by adding substance. While it seems clear to the author of the dictionary I just consulted, what a punch line is. However it is not clear to Narth." The Narth got up and bowed. I must seek now the state of solitude. I shall return once I no longer seek this state."

<p lang="en-US">He went to the door but was simply gone before he had reached it.

<p lang="en-US">Egill shook his head."He is amazing. I can't wait for Tyr to talk to a Narth. I think he might be the only one able to understand them truly."

<p lang="en-US">"I feel like a child, less than a child when he speaks with such certainty and then his questions or his understanding of the most basic things of life make me wonder if the Narth have not evolved into a state that is neither life nor death but something else, a third state if you will."

<p lang="en-US">Egill rubbed his beard. "Tyr often said that the Universe is dual. Life and death, Dark and light, good and evil, black and white, male and female, yes but that the key to a different place is the third state and it is not a mixture of two concepts, but a complete separate new one. He tried to explain it to me by saying to imagine the moment before the Universe came to be, the moment before matter, energy and time. He says this is the third state. Of course I am only human and cannot imagine that."

<p lang="en-US">"It somehow sounds right and yet like you I can't begin to understand or imagine such concepts. I had enough Assembly business for a while, why don't you come with me to Saresii Prime One and we have a nice dinner and watch that Universal Wrestling Titans match. You know the Title belt is on the line and who knows if Terrible Tyrant will survive the Monster Pit Challenge!"

<p lang="en-US">"You are supposed to be a refined, fine mannered sissy Saresii Elder arrogant, old and above such crude below primitive and pre arranged UWT shows. Did you not only an hour ago lecture the Pan Saran how high and mighty the Saresii are?"

<p lang="en-US">"First of all it is a secret. No one in the Universe but you knows that the First Saresii of all loves watching UWT matches and drink a beer doing it. Secondly it was you who got me watching this mindless predictable repetitive junk and thirdly I did not lecture the Pan Saran. I let him partake on my great wisdom."

<p lang="en-US">"Predictable yes? Then why don't you put twenty Credits on the Terrible Tyrant while I put twenty on the Awesome Avenger?"

GalNet Entry: UNI, the

The Universal Collective or more commonly known as the UNI were a community of star faring civilizations united under a common government. Not much is known about the Uni. Few known artifacts of this culture exist and these dated to be over two million years old. Some scholars believe their culture reached tremendous technological and sociological advancements considered to be Tech level 11 or 12 and to have spanned 250 million years, reaching its peak at about 10 million years ago and then declining sharply. The Uni vanished from the galactic stage at about 2 million years ago. It is generally believed they were of primarily humanoid shape and size and some scholars believe the Uni to have seeded Humanoid Life on planets in the upward sector and thus explaining the Human Mystery. Others reject this and claim it was the Pree who did the seeding. (While there is a definite DNA link between all human shaped species in the Upward sector, no scientific universally accepted explanation exists to expound this so called Human Mystery) The Saresii claim to have actual contact to the last Uni before they vanished or left. Most information about the Uni finds its origin in Saresii myths, legends and fairy tales. One popular myth is the legend of the Knights of Light and Order. A small elite group of Uni that survived until present times to guard a mythical treasure and bestow special gifts to individuals for being especially good and orderly.

Originally used by Saresii parents to promise their kids unsubstantial not nearer defined blessings by mythical beings if they kept their rooms and clothing tidy and did good things. This custom has spread to many union planets.

Interlude: The Call

<p lang="en-US">The Grand Wizard of all had completed a journey of almost 30,000 light years and stood on the surface of the planet that once was Kar. It was here the five tribes had originated. Somewhere on this mostly lifeless planet must have been the place where the first Ker walked upright, made the first fire and killed the first Blue. Why the Ker and the other four tribes had chosen to leave this world was the Voice of the Universe that told the Ker to seek a place closer to the heart of the Galaxy. But the real reasons were shrouded in mysteries and legends. The Grand Wizard did not believe in gods or anything higher than himself. It was very conceivable to him that the Kermac itself were on their way to gain Godhood and of course the Grand Wizard would be the first among Gods. He paused in his approach to the Forbidden Caves and pulled his PDD." Note to Secretary and to Communications Wizard. I the Grand Wizard of them All, more wise than anyone, blessed by Intellect beyond others understanding shall furthermore be addressed by adding the title: First living God conceived by the Universe soon to be Omni potent and solely worthy of worship."

<p lang="en-US">He was very pleased with that. He most likely just found the ultimate title. This could hardly be bested! Then he waved at his companions and said." This place is very inspirational already. Upon our return it shall be against the law to have religions other than one that centers on me. The first Thrall species that erects a temple to honor me shall receive some nice reward, perhaps a new holiday or something like that."

<p lang="en-US">One of his companions, the usually so loyal Cultural Wizard said." It might not be the wisest decision to prohibit religions. It was always considered a good practice to allow the thralls their own religions."

<p lang="en-US">"We Kermac Wizards are on the way to become gods. I am the one first among Gods! I am Wisdom incarnate and my decisions are no longer to be questioned! I shall forbid the worship of the Voice of the Universe as well, the Kermac serving us should not pray or call upon divine intervention from non existing idols but focus their energies and praise on us and of course dominantly on me!"

<p lang="en-US">While the Cultural wizard already saw temples of great beauty erected in his name and statues with beautiful robes, it was the Communications Wizard who was certain the Grand Wizard finally went over the edge.

<p lang="en-US">They were on a plateau high in the Jetda-Mountains of the Ningine Continent, in the valley below the barley visible ruins of Esscas the ancient capital. For two days a team of Plato slaves under the direction of two Hythagh engineers had dug and cleared sand, dirt and rocks away from a mountain side and uncovered the entrance to a cave network. The Grand Wizard had the Plato slaves shot, as they were not worthy to remain any longer on this sacred planet and in his presence and it was cheaper than transporting them back. The Hythagh would be allowed to live until he was sure there was nothing else that required work.

<p lang="en-US">The Cultural wizard blabbered." My priests will have red robes with white lace and cute little hats, and…"

<p lang="en-US">The Grand Wizard ignored him as they entered the Caves and the Communications wizard completely accidently threw a rock telepathically against the arm of the Cultural Wizard who yelped in protest.

<p lang="en-US">All three were carried in sedans by Hythagh slaves through a down winding corridor, but the ceiling became too low for the sedans and the three wizards faced the task of walking over uneven ground in a cold cave. The Cultural Wizard was not pleased at all." Look at this! My shoes are getting dirty! This is unacceptable. We shall have the slaves carry us back and conceive another way of conveying us, or we should have them remove the mountains."

<p lang="en-US">No one answered him as the Grand wizard moved on. After an hour of walking the Cultural Wizard protested that he would not go another step and even the Communications Wizard had to admit that this was not very dignifying to walk behind light carrying Hythagh on their own feet and felt fatigued.

<p lang="en-US">The Grand Wizard shot the Cultural Wizard with a weapon beam emitting from a finger ring and hissed to his other companion." We are guaranteeing the survival and the dominance of our species, by doing what we are doing. Are you too of the opinion we should turn around?"

<p lang="en-US">"Of course not!" The Communications Wizard said glancing at the body of the dead wizard. He followed the Grand wizard deeper into the mountain and his conviction that the Grand Wizard was insane was now confirmed. No Wizard had ever slain another.

<p lang="en-US">They did reach the massive doors. The mechanism had been last used for over a thousand years, but the door opened flawlessly. These doors and what was beyond had not been made by the Ker or any of the other tribes. These doors and the shafts of forgotten Knowledge were left here by an advanced culture, active before the raise of the Kermac, the Universal Collective or more commonly known as the UNI. The doors were made of Dineutronuim, a substance the Kermac could not recreate, dent or damage in any way. Even here the Communications Wizard could not help thinking about the Union and the latest intelligence report he had seen about the rumor that the Union was experimenting with Tetra-neutron based materials. This made him think that the madness of the Grand Wizard was the only way for the Kermac to regain the lost ground."

<p lang="en-US">A cold breeze came from the now open doors and a voice both acoustic and mental overwhelmed all present, saying." The master was defeated with the price of a Universe and must never be woken again! The Rule must never be broken!"

<p lang="en-US">The message repeated and then the voice was silent. Not even the Saresii had, as far as the Kermac knew means to record a telepathic message that could be repeated with such force as to burn out the best psi shield generators, Kermac technology could produce.

<p lang="en-US">The Grand Wizard ripped his smoking false beard of his chin and with it a little bit if skin. He was very proud of himself only to cry and scream for ten minutes, a lesser being would have died in withering pain! After he managed to collect himself and one of the Hythagh returned from the surface with first aid supplies they entered.

<p lang="en-US">Behind the door where three shafts of 40 meters diameter in the metal floor. The lights the Hythagh had brought were not needed as small lamps in the tube like shafts had come on illuminating them straight down in regular rows. The shafts were so deep the light chains narrowed to one tiny glow in the far distance. The Communication Wizard felt dizzy looking down.

<p lang="en-US">The Grand Wizard said." Only one shaft can be accessed, if the wrong one is chosen we have to wait twenty years before it can be tried again and the one trying will not come out alive."

<p lang="en-US">"So how we going to do this?" The communications Wizard asked.

<p lang="en-US">"Just like before, by trial and error!" The Grand wizard said and pushed the Communication Wizard over the edge. He found it quite astonishing how well the Comm Wizard could scream. His colleague fell but only for a perhaps two meters and then came back sitting on an almost invisible platform.

<p lang="en-US">"Congratulations you have found the right one!" The Grand Wizard said and stepped on the platform as well and said with a loud voice." I want to see the Crystal Tablets!"

<p lang="en-US">The platform sacked away so fast his feet were in the air for at least two heart beats. He pointed his ring weapon at the Communication Wizard who was about to attack him with his bare hands. "I don't need you anymore for the rest of this so behave or I kill you!"

<p lang="en-US">Without their Psionic enhancers their powers were quite weak but both could now read the others thoughts and Einzvorsecz the Communication was amazed at the depth of the First Wizards megalomaniac ego.

<p lang="en-US">The platform descended now for almost 10 minutes but slowed down now. Slow enough to see details of the shaft walls. There were nooks at even spaces of about ten hand spans wide and two hand spans high, there had to be billions of these.

<p lang="en-US">The platform stopped and it was the bottom of the shaft. There were two slots exactly opposite of each other. The High Wizard took two round shimmering glass like discs out of each alcove. Each shimmered like a soap bubble and seemed to have about the same substance. They looked no bigger than Hymlah- cakes the Hythagh fried up everywhere they went.

<p lang="en-US">Einzvorsecz could hear the Grand Wizard take a deep breath and then he said." This is it, for the glory and dominance of the Kermac!" Then he placed the disc on top of each other. Einzvorsecz mind felt as if ripped out of his head and he was traveling without a body and without control faster than anything he could imagine across the galaxy, past the empty gulf …he could see now the local group of galaxies he could feel the Grand Wizard next to him but there was something else. A light barrier stopped their progress and words formed, not a voice, not thoughts but words itself. Worlds of no language or perhaps words understandable by all." Are you the Callers?"

<p lang="en-US">"Yes we are! We call!"

<p lang="en-US">"The Call has been made. The ones that have come before will come again!"

<p lang="en-US">"The Call is made to the Creator of the ones that have come before!"

<p lang="en-US">"The Rule must not be broken!"

<p lang="en-US">"We break it!"

<p lang="en-US">"The Rule has been broken and the Call has been made!"