Journey.odt 3



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Chapter 7: Boiling Dust 

Chapter 7-

Interlude

Kar Hi stood on the bridge of the Exer-Hi, his mightiest battleship. With a concerned expression on his face he watched his two lumbering Dai Mothers gaining speed. They were the pinnacle of Dai Than engineering, heavily armed, well shielded and the thickest armor possible. All this came with a prize, Dai Mothers weren't very fast and it took them time to accelerate. Every fighter was launched to create a protective cocoon around the very heart of his clan. Cam Elf-Na had kept his promise and was in hot pursuit with the combined force of all the loyal clans with him. There was not much that frightened Kar Hi, but seeing this enormous force on the long range scanners made him wonder if he did the right thing. Maybe he should have kept his mouth shut and simply gone to the Union without announcing it to everyone, he had hoped more of them would have seen it his way.

That 1500 Tribal Chiefs followed him was quite a success but far from 6500 Tribes declaring him and his allies Okthi Dai.

It was not very far to the Union Border, but he doubted the pursuing clans would stop at this imaginary line in space. It was here were Admiral Stahl said, he would meet him and any of the clans wishing to join the Union. Looking at the long range scanners in front of him he saw that most of the 1500 tribes had already crossed into Union space, but none of his scanners nor any of the long range scouts had yet to report a single Union ship.

Even if the mighty Devastator would have been there, what could one ship, even as powerful as this one do against an Armada of angry Dai, an armada so huge, they probably could waltz all the way to Arsenal before being stopped. The Union fleet far out-numbered the Dai, but was spread over an incredible area of space. It would take them weeks to gather enough units to mount an effective defense.

He could almost feel the thoughts of the pursuing Dai. They would have never felt as invincible as now! They hated the Union and now for the first time in millennia, the fleets were combined and not even the mighty Union could stop them for a long while. They would destroy the Okthi and then go on and raid every system in reach. Destroying and pillaging everything in sight.

It would be the end of the Dai of course. The Union fleet would eventually get enough assets in the area and then pursue every Dai tribe and ship in revenge, disregarding Free Space and end the Dai threat once and for all.

Had his decision caused the ultimate doom of his kind? Was he the one who brought the inevitable end much sooner than necessary over his proud kind?

Only one Light Nutho or in Union terms only about ten Light years from the Union Border. This border region was known among the Dai as the Thalim-Nebulas, six stellar nebulae in close proximity to each other. He always wondered what caused six suns more or less simultaneously go supernova. It was also an area of space with hundreds of asteroids and wanderers, remnants of the destroyed star systems. It was considered a rich hunting ground for Dai than as there were many Mining Colonies, prospecting for precious metals and minerals, close to Free Space and with relative little protection. Why Admiral Stahl had asked him to rendezvous there he could not fathom. That the Immortal Human Warrior had a good reason for it he did not doubt a moment. As much as Stahl was hated and feared among the Dai, no one questioned his tactical and strategic genius. If only half the legends about this man were true, then he was without a doubt the greatest warrior and military genius in the Galaxy.

But he was not there! His scanners would have been able to pick up that enormous ship, or any other Union battle ship. True the scanners were somewhat hampered by the dust and gaseous clouds but they were light years apart and nothing could really hide the Devastator.

Bas-Co came up to him and said." I see the concern in your face, Old Friend and I share it. I expected every ship of the Union to be there. Either to finish us off once and for all or to keep the word and take us as new members. Are we to early perhaps?

"Yes we are somewhat early. I told Stahl that I would announce my plans at the meeting. I had planned to announce it at the end of the meeting, and we are about two days early, but I expected…no I hoped he would be prepared for it already."

"He is a man of his word. I trust our enemy more than some of our kind in that regard. We might have to survive two days."

<p lang="en-US">"We won't last two days. The enemy is too numerous!"

<p lang="en-US">"True that, but we are not facing a trained Armada, my friend. They fly together but are not united under one command, as much as Cam Elf-Na wishes it to be that way. There will be much confusion and it will be hard to differentiate friend from foe."

<p lang="en-US">"You speak wisely. Did we send the Transponder codes to all our allies? So if the Union does show up can differentiate?"

<p lang="en-US">"Yes and all confirmed."

<p lang="en-US">"I wish we had this marvelous instantaneous Communication, the Union possesses. We could call and warn the Union!"

<p lang="en-US">"We soon will. I am confident. Maybe not all of us, but the Dai Than will survive this time of trial. Your decision was the only one open to us and guarantee our survival. Should we fail then we die as Dai!"

<p lang="en-US">"As much as I bemoan your losses my friend. I am glad you are with me now. It is a blessing like no other to have a friend in times like this."

<p lang="en-US">"I am your friend and you are my Dai Liege now till whatever End the spirit of the Galaxy has chosen for us."

<p lang="en-US">Har- Hi his son also came up and bowed, crossed his underarms before his chest." Father, let me be out there with my fighter! I am old enough to fight and my skills as pilot are second to few."

<p lang="en-US">" No my son! You must remain here on the bridge. Battle is soon raging and you are my first born! Shall I fail it is you who must take command, you cannot do this from a fighter."

<p lang="en-US">"You shall not fail father, and I am doomed at the dawn of our biggest fight to watch from the side? Father do not deny me that honor! Wise Bas-Co is more aide to you than I can on board a battle ship. Father I will obey and do as you ask, but consider my desire."

<p lang="en-US">"So be it then, my son. You are the pride that fills my heart. Go and join thy brethren, fly and fight if fight we must!"

<p lang="en-US">Har Hi smiled crossed his arms and then rushed to the Elevators.

<p lang="en-US">The Navigator reported." Our mothers have crossed into Union space, only we and the rear guard remain, the enemy is gaining.

<p lang="en-US">Another of his bridge crew said." Liege everyone is hailed from a single Union Destroyer that has just come in Scanner range."

<p lang="en-US">"Put them on."

<p lang="en-US">"This is Captain Brandon Lane of the USS Bilbao. Hailing all Dai forces. Stop all engines, drop shields and prepare to surrender."

<p lang="en-US">Kar Hi responded." This is Tar Ka-Hi, I have come with 1500 Tribes of my kind to accept the offer received by Admiral Richard Stahl. We are being pursued by those Dai that do not agree with our decision. It will come to a large fight I am afraid."

<p lang="en-US">"Receiving your transponder codes and verifying it with Fleet Central, one moment!"

<p lang="en-US">Did Stahl forget? Was he so arrogant or did he not believe Kar-Hi would really do it?

<p lang="en-US">Kar Hi did not feel too well. His Scanner Operator added to his woes." Liege I am seeing large numbers of a Kermac Thrall Fleet amassing three Nutho Years on the fringes of Kermac Space, at least 2000 heavy units, all Nogoll Battle ships!"

<p lang="en-US">The single Union ship came back on." Fleet Command confirmed your Codes and all Dai who wish to join are asked to approach the coordinates I am transmitting. Please remain there, the Admiral and a delegation of Pluribus is on its way to welcome you and facilitate your membership application."

<p lang="en-US">Then the single Destroyer hailed everyone." Captain Brandon Lane, USS Bilbao. Hailing all pursuing Dai and the Nogoll. Any aggression towards the Union Applicants, any trespass into Union space or the discharge of weapons across and into Union territory will be considered an act of war and I am authorized by Union Command to retaliate with force!"

<p lang="en-US">Cam Elf-Na could not resist and responded." Arrogant, puny Union ship. You are facing the combined might of all Dai! We are in pursuit of traitors and will not be stopped or denied. Go and run, let that cursed Stahl come and we show him how impotent his ship is against the combined might of all Dai. This is the day of revenge and maybe we won't stop until we destroyed and looted everything in this sector."

<p lang="en-US">A third individual became visible on the Com Screens. A tall being with long black fur and glaring red eyes, and a maw full of teeth pointed his clawed finger." The Nogoll care not what the Dai do or not, but Union be warned, trespass into Free space and war shall be upon you!"

<p lang="en-US">The Union captain seemed completely relaxed and unimpressed." Well Goat-face then it will come to no surprise to you that the opposite holds true as well. If I see your furry butt or one of your rust buckets in Free space, it's going to be a goat cook off you won't forget!"

<p lang="en-US">In between the transmissions was always a little delay. The faster than light transmissions used by Dai, Nogoll and the Union ships was only twice as fast than light and had limited range. In one of the delays someone on the battle ship bridge said." He must be Terran, that Union Captain. No other species I know of is so confident even in the face of such overwhelming odds."

<p lang="en-US">"Don't forget he does have Translocators. He will be destroyed but not without taking more than a fair share with him." Said another.

<p lang="en-US">Tar Hi motioned with his hand." Helm bring us to the coordinates he requested. Not that it won't do us much good to be behind that asteroid swarm. It is not dense or big enough to provide any protection for so many ships."

<p lang="en-US">The Scanner operator said."My Liege our angry brethren has not stopped. They crossed into Union space and they are charging weapons and should be within firing range in ten noktas."

<p lang="en-US">"Raise shields, power weapons, cocoon formation around the Mothers!"

<p lang="en-US">Elf Na transmitted once more:" All Okthi Dai! Reconsider your decision, wipe that stain of shame from your names. Join us and we will stomp out the Union and the Dai will be masters once again! Come Nogoll join our ranks! The Union is unprepared, with you on our side we can raid Ulta and Terra before the rest will plead surrender!

<p lang="en-US">"Where is this coward Stahl! I wanted to meet him and make him pay!"

<p lang="en-US">Tar Ka-Hi's battle ship shuddered as it was hit by the first salvos.

<p lang="en-US">"Shields holding, but not for long my liege. We are the focus of seven Battle ships and the Cam Na Mother is launching fighters!"

<p lang="en-US">The Scanner Operator yelled." The Nogoll are moving as well!"

<p lang="en-US">Then all hell broke loose! The Devastator had suddenly appeared. Translocator turrets appeared out of hidden shafts in the Asteroids!"

<p lang="en-US">The Admiral appeared on the Com Screen." I am right here Cam Elf-Na! You asked for payment? I hope you brought spare change. All I got is translocator bombs! Here have a few!"

<p lang="en-US">Kar-Hi stood there with an open mouth. The Devastator in all its size maneuvered agile between the Asteroids into open space. The enormous gun turrets extended, and the ingenious revolving fighter launchers spitting wave after wave of Wolfcraft Fighters. Plowing a path of horrible destruction through the mass of attacking Dai Tribes! Tar Bas-Co's prediction came true. The Dai fleets were un coordinated, had they acted under one command combining their fire, the Devastator would not have been so successful. To his horror he saw the Asteroid Cannons were Translocator Gatlings the most devastating weapon in the known Universe. Thor Gun boats lifted from hidden hangars on the Asteroids with Long range sniper TL cannons. Then on the long range scanners appeared not one not two but five Union Battle groups. Fifty Klack Megalon Battle Cruisers, their ISAH Pods glowing bright blue at maximum speed output in perfect V formation joining the battle.

<p lang="en-US">From the same direction an Armada of thousand sleek looking and very fast Attikan Dreadnoughts over took the Klack plowing into Dai Formations releasing salvo after salvo.

<p lang="en-US">Kar Hi slammed his fist on the trans fleet communicator." Let us join our new allies and show them that we are not helpless victims but Dai and that is them who are the Okthi Dai. Athar-Ko formation, return fire!"

<p lang="en-US">The Nogoll fled in panic, but only a third of their initial force made it back to Kermac Space. The USS Bilbao in hot pursuit, turning a straggler into blazing clouds of expanding energy.

<p lang="en-US">Of the almost 7500 Dai Tribes with over hundred ships each, about 3000 had made it across Union Space. The rest already turned fleeing. Yet still more Union assets arrived. Fleet tenders already towing or repairing damaged Union ships. Hundreds of the majestic white Hospital ships rendering aid. Massive Marine troop ships releasing regiment after regiment of Marines in Heavy Destroyer suits boarding Dai Ships, to damaged to flee.

<p lang="en-US">It was a dark day for the Dai and Kar Hi was deeply saddened as he stared on the main viewer, seeing the burning, glowing pieces of hundreds of Dai Mothers. Even though they were now enemies and he would not hesitate to fight any Dai force attacking the Union now, they were still Dai and the seats of the Amphitheatre would have many more empty seats at the next meeting.

<p lang="en-US">The Union showed no mercy, only maybe one or two tribes of those who had crossed over made it back into Free space, the rest was utterly destroyed.

<p lang="en-US">The Crisis was not over however as the Nogoll had crossed into Free Space and thus violating the Big Four treaty. The Kermac leading their thrall species, feared Union retaliation massed a fleet on their side.

<p lang="en-US">Kar Hi listened in on the communication. Admiral Stahl standing with spread legs and arms crossed behind his back before a Union Flag on the bridge of his enormous ship." Let it be known to you Kermac and your lackeys that we do not take the trespass of your Nogoll slaves lightly. The entire Union is on highest alert and every combat capable ship is on its way to meet any and all aggression. I was urged by my superiors to give you a chance to explain that incident. I personally think it is time to end the Kermac problem once and for all! You have one hour to reply. If there is no reply, the next time we talk is when I am in orbit around Kermac Prime."

<p lang="en-US">The response came right away." The Nogoll have acted without the approval of Kermac High command. We will punish those who decided to trespass. Kermac High Command wishes to express its apologies and suggests a diplomatic meeting and solution of this crisis. The status of Free Space must be maintained, we will not seek any further hostile activities, but will respond with all force if the Free Space treaty is violated."

<p lang="en-US">Stahl managed to sound disappointed." It would have been interesting to see if your all force response would have been enough to stop me from transforming Kermac Prime into a parking lot. My government however accepts your apologies and expects your diplomatic envoys to discuss this on a different level than military confrontation. Let me make it absolutely clear to you, this is the last time such an incident is tolerated and the next time all your diplomats will do is sign a declaration of total surrender, you have my personal guarantee on that, Stahl out!"

<p lang="en-US">Chapter 7 – Boiling Dust

<p lang="en-US">The scarred woman was accompanied by three men, all armed. She sat in one of the lounge chairs touching her burned face and then looked at me." You didn't expect to see me again, didn't you, hero?"

<p lang="en-US">I shrugged." I did not expect to see you at our first meeting, so it's not a big thing."

<p lang="en-US">"You are one arrogant citizen bastard. Before this is over you will plead on your knees for mercy!"

<p lang="en-US">Her companions tied the governor to his seat and took his PDD." Let's see if they are more receptacle to our demands, now that we have the Governor as hostage." One of them said and smashed the barrel of his gun across the governors head. Reynolds groaned and blood trickled on his white shirt." You idiots don't get it do you? This is not Gore and even if you kill me and half the planets population, it is Twilight. We have no influence over that planets government."

<p lang="en-US">"Oh but if we kill enough high profile targets. Then public awareness will rise and put pressure on the Corporations thinking they own Gore. It is still in Union space and under Union law."

<p lang="en-US">"Can someone actually explain to me what the problem is with this Gore Planet?" I asked.

<p lang="en-US">The woman gasped."You really don't know don't you?"

<p lang="en-US">"Either they did not cover it in Basic school or I was sick that day. I didn't even know about Twilight until a few days ago."

<p lang="en-US">"Where are you from, hero boy?"

<p lang="en-US">"Nilfeheim."

<p lang="en-US">She looked at her partners and said."A Neo Viking, no wonder!"

<p lang="en-US">She then said."Gore is the most unusual planet in all the Galaxy. It has no equal because it is not a planet. Gore is a being! A planet sized organism! It lives and breathes and thinks. It is tortured by human maggots mining its flesh, draining its blood. It is the greatest crime committed by the Union!"

<p lang="en-US">Reynolds snorted."You are as whacko as they say you people are! It is not sentient. The Saresii have confirmed that! It does not breath, what would it breath? Vacuum?"

<p lang="en-US">One of the men whacked him again." Silence you are as guilty as anyone doing nothing!"

<p lang="en-US">The woman rose her voice with a fanatical tone vibrating in every word."The Saresii are in of it of course! Paid off by the Corporations exploiting Gore! Gore is a god! It cannot be measured with or by any of our standards."

<p lang="en-US">I was pushed forward by the other man as he tied my hands to my back and took my PDD. I looked at her." I guess it is everyone's own business what they consider a god, but would a god by definition not be able to defend or protect itself? Why does it need you? Has it talked to you?"

<p lang="en-US">"Because Gore sleeps. One day Gore will wake and then it will tell us how to live and why we are here. Gore is as old as the Universe and knows everything. There are eleven more like Gore throughout the Universe and they together form the Spirit of Creation itself!" She raised her fist." Yes Gore has spoken to me in many dreams! I have heard his cry for help and I will not rest until I am dead or Gore is free and so will all of us!"

<p lang="en-US">"That's some pretty detailed information you got there from Gore. Why are you the only ones hearing it?"

<p lang="en-US">"Because the Servant has heard it and written it down and he opened our minds to Gore and his pain!"

<p lang="en-US">"Well I am not one who puts down someone else and their religion, but it sure sounds to me you all follow another human his ideas and not the planet itself. I always wondered why Gods would need priests to talk to us, could they not do that themselves?"

<p lang="en-US">"Blasphemer! You must be chosen to hear Gore!"

<p lang="en-US">"Uh, oh! Yes I can hear Gore right now! Wow! Really?"

<p lang="en-US">She stared at me with an open mouth.

<p lang="en-US">"Yes Gore. I tell her! No problem! Talk to you soon!"

<p lang="en-US">I shook my head."You are so right, lady. Gore speaks indeed and he just said to tell you that he doesn't need your help, and you can all go home now. Quit the terror and crime spree and use the money you spend on weapons to buy a GalNet Commercial. He says you reach much more folks that way!"

<p lang="en-US">One of her companions hit me with his weapon, but she said." Stop that. There is some truth in what he says! Why are you not afraid? You look no older than maybe sixteen and yet you insult us, talk like there is nothing to fear. We will kill you, you know that right?"

<p lang="en-US">"Lady you can't claim higher moral ground in one sentence and proof with your actions you are not better than any of us. I was raised with fear. Yes I am afraid but it won't do me any good if I shiver in fear."

<p lang="en-US">She snipped her fingers."Well then I will give you a reason." Her companion handed her a white hood with red blood spatter painted on it and another produced a little Hover Cam. She spoke into the hover cam."We are the Gore defenders and we have captured your Governor, his guest of honor and four crewmembers of this Dust Bouncer. We demand the complete evacuation of Gore and that you broadcast this visual recording on GalNet on all News Channels. We further demand that Axel Enroe the 7th and Rex Schwartz are arrested on torture charges. Torturing a helpless sentient and unique being! If these demands are not met, we will kill the hostages. Don't bother searching for us. If we notice anyone coming within visual range of this Bouncer we will blow it up. "

<p lang="en-US">She stood lowered her gun and killed the steward! "This is to show you we are serious and our own safety means nothing. The little Hero is next. I expect your response within the hour!"

<p lang="en-US">The governor howled."You will hang for this! I promise!"

<p lang="en-US">"We don't expect them to fulfill our demands and they will try some Para military stunt to free you, but that doesn't matter, this Bouncer is rigged to explode anyway. With you in it!"

<p lang="en-US">Something rocked the Bouncer and she looked around." Didn't you kill the driver?"

<p lang="en-US">One of her associates nodded."Yes I did. It is one of us driving."

<p lang="en-US">The entire Bouncer slowly leaned forward.

<p lang="en-US">"What the fuck is going on. Go check on him!"

<p lang="en-US">The Governor said." Your man driving the bouncer is obviously not a local. He drove straight into Lake Talcum."

<p lang="en-US">She got up pressed the gun against his temple." Speak up! What are you talking about?"

<p lang="en-US">"That we all are doomed now. Bomb or no bomb, We will sink to the bottom of Lake talcum. The reactor will over heat and we will all die either suffocating or melting."

<p lang="en-US">Her associate looked at his PDD." Our flyer is not responding."

<p lang="en-US">"Go check on the flyer and stop the bomb! I keep an eye on these two!"

<p lang="en-US">The bouncer bopped again this time in the rear.

<p lang="en-US">I said to her." I know something!"

<p lang="en-US">She came over aimed the gun at me." Speak up". Again the floor sacked away a few inches. She made a step to regain her balance. I had waited for that and I pushed myself up as fast as I could hitting her chin with my head." I could hear a grinding crunch, my head hurt, but she was thrown back and I kicked her against the side of the head for good measure."I know you should always wear a hood. Your face is nothing to be bragging about!"

<p lang="en-US">Then I rushed over to the Governor." I got a knife in the back of my shirt. Can you reach it?"

<p lang="en-US">"I will try!"

<p lang="en-US">He managed and to cut my ties, not without slicing into my arm as well. I was bleeding but I was free. I cut him loose, grabbed the gun of the woman and said to him. Tie her up real good and then use her PDD to call for help!" I put on her white sheet and the hood and said." I take care of the others!"

<p lang="en-US">Without waiting for a response I rushed down the stairs. One of her associates came running." Our flyer is almost completely gone. We can' t reach it. "

<p lang="en-US">"Teaches you idiots to land on the dust!" I fired.

<p lang="en-US">I had a hard time keeping my lunch down as I dragged the headless torso into one of the little cabins. It was a gruesome sight. Inside was a man tied up, the cook. He was horrified.

<p lang="en-US">"No worries he won't bite anymore. I be right back"

<p lang="en-US">I headed forward to the Drivers compartment. the driver was lying dead in the open door and one of the Gore Defenders behind the controls. He was panicking." Whatever I do we keep sinking deeper!"

<p lang="en-US">I pressed the hot muzzle against his head."Then do nothing! How many of you are there? I ask will ask only once then I start roasting body parts!"

<p lang="en-US">'You aren't Helen!"

<p lang="en-US">"Wrong answer. One more chance!"

<p lang="en-US">"Five we are five!"

<p lang="en-US">" Get up!"

<p lang="en-US">He did and I shoved him out. My eyes fell on a Tool box and while I kept him checked I opened it and silently thanked the mechanic who stocked it. There was a can of Stick and Fix. I swore to myself that I would from now on carry a can with me at all times. I glued his hands to the steel frame and put a generous helping of the goop over his mouth." This stuff is the greatest, don't you think?"

<p lang="en-US">His response was sentence consisting of "m's" but I was sure he meant something much less flattering.

<p lang="en-US">Two to go. I systematically went from cabin to cabin and but found only one back in the Engine / reactor room." He knelt by something that I was certain was the bomb. He turned and said." It's off, but we are screwed, that moron drove us straight in a micro dust lake. Hey you are not Helen!"

<p lang="en-US">I pointed the gun at him. " What gave me away?"

<p lang="en-US">"Your chest is to flat."

<p lang="en-US">"I am working on that. Now where is your buddy?"

<p lang="en-US">"He tried to reach the flyer! He is stuck out there!"

<p lang="en-US">"Good for him! Now turn around and put your hands to the wall."

<p lang="en-US">After he was securely attached to the wall with the last of the Bond and stick. I took off the sheet and the hood and went carefully back up. Hoping the Governor had secured the woman. She was still where I had left her. Reynolds held the PDD and my knife and said." Her PDD needs a Code. I can't activate it. "

<p lang="en-US">Looking out the panorama windows, the dust had already reached the upper deck."How long do we have?"

<p lang="en-US">He shrugged." I don't know for sure, but since they stopped trying to move we gained a little time. Maybe 30 minutes. The problem is the reactor. If it can't exchange heat it will overheat and shut down. Without reactor we will run out of air."

<p lang="en-US">"Won't they not search for us?"

<p lang="en-US">"Once we are under the dust, it is virtually impossible to scan for us, the metal and the radiation will mask our location."

<p lang="en-US">"I will look for the other PDD's. They have mine and yours and the Bouncer is bound to have GalNet."

<p lang="en-US">"I tried the GalNet terminal already. It is dead!"

<p lang="en-US">I checked on the lady. She was alive, then I double checked her bonds and tied the knots myself." You need to learn to make better knots Mr. Reynolds. "

<p lang="en-US">He laughed nervous."I will do that and you need to walk very careful. Any vibration will send us down faster!"

<p lang="en-US">I moved as carefully and checked on the Defenders but could not find a working PDD. I sprayed some release over the glued mouth of the one in the engine compartment."Where are our PDD's?"

<p lang="en-US">"We threw every working PDD and the onboard module over board."

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

<p lang="en-US">"I don't have one!"

<p lang="en-US">"How did you plan to get over to the flyer?"

<p lang="en-US">"The same way we came. With protective suits. We are all going to die aren't we?"

<p lang="en-US">" It's a bit late to think about that. Mr. Gore Defender."

<p lang="en-US">The entrance hatch was underneath the dust already and even with the Protective suits we would sink. This wasn't water and was sure I couldn't breathe boiling radiated dust.

<p lang="en-US">I put one of the suits on anyway and took one to the Governor."Say aren't you a VIP person with body guards and all that?"

<p lang="en-US">"We never needed that on Twilight. Despite how it looks, Mr. Olafson, our planet is usually very quiet and such events are very rare. I am sorry that I convinced you to take part. I am so sorry!"

<p lang="en-US">"We are not dead yet and they did transmit that demand video. They are bound to search for us!"

<p lang="en-US">He smiled."You seem to have an unquenchable optimism. You don't give up! You are indeed a hero!"

<p lang="en-US">"Nubhir Poop! I am no hero. I just hate unfair situations and this one sure counts as one!"

<p lang="en-US">The dust had reached the view ports and I looked at him " Didn't you say those balloon tires are meant to float on this stuff?"

<p lang="en-US">" The Bouncer is designed to drive across the waste deep sand and dust but it is too heavy to drive over these micro dust lakes. Experienced drivers can see them and avoid them of course. The tires alone would of course float on it!"

<p lang="en-US">"Well then that is what we are going to do! I can see a spare tire mounted on the back. We blast it loose, then we sit on it and row the thing to shore. It's big enough for all of us!"

<p lang="en-US">"No use! The entrance is already below the dust!"

<p lang="en-US">"Oh shut up with that pessimistic we can't do attitude, Sir!"

<p lang="en-US">I freed the two remaining Crew members told then to go up and put on protective suits. The bouncer so it turned out had enough even for the 3 remaining terrorists. I had them put on the suits and used a roll of sealing tape to tie their hands to their backs. I told the woman who seemed still unconscious." You can either put on a suit, Helen or go down with the Bouncer. Your breath is way to irregular for someone pretending to be unconscious."

<p lang="en-US">The bouncer sacked forward lifting its back a little up while the front windows of the panorama lounge were completely covered.

<p lang="en-US">She moved." I am going to kill you! You bastard."

<p lang="en-US">"We don't have much time, Lady and I am sure as hell not waiting on you! So suit up or stay!"

<p lang="en-US">She did and I tied her up again.

<p lang="en-US">"Close your helmets!" I said and fired the blaster against the rear view port. The material was tough and it took the charge of one blaster to make a big enough hole. Using a second I climbed out, there was a simple lever mechanism to release the huge tire and I herded everyone on it. The water like dust was already to my ankles. The suits as I found out had radio links as I heard the ladies voice." You are a fool Hero! You should have killed me when you had a chance! Do you think I let them get me alive again? The bomb is connected to an implant in my head!"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Chapter 8: Command Chair

Chapter 8 - Command Seat

<p lang="en-US">She couldn't say another word. I had pressed the trigger of my blaster and turned her head to ashes. She was talking way too much! I climbed onto the tire with the help of two of the crew men pulling me up. The Bouncer slipped completely under the dust and seconds later the powdery surface had settled as smooth as before and there was no trace that something had happened here. The big tire floated on the stuff. Then a huge tremor rippled through the sand, and a fast moving wave pushed the tire forward in a wild ride. "I guess she managed to activate the bomb after all. "

<p lang="en-US">The governor shook his head laughing." I will make it a point and visit Nilfeheim! You saved all our lives again! "

<p lang="en-US">"Well I don't mind doing that, Sir, but I am taking the next bus out of here."

<p lang="en-US">Even with the limited range of the Helmet radio, he was able to contact a dust miner camp and moments later a small fleet of flyers appeared.

<p lang="en-US">We were flown back to Dusk and I was invited to a reception at the Governor's penthouse on top of a tall sky scraper. Not that I had much of a choice to decline, they had dropped me of at the Super Lux hotel and in its priciest suite. I actually was glad to take a bath. Not that I really touched the dust, but seeing it for that long made me long for a long soaking in cold water. The Auto dresser was like the one at the Crystal Palace of the latest kind and was able to fix my hair with molecular extensions as it used to be. I wondered if the dresser had any female selections and I resisted the urge to indulge myself as I found out it had a very extensive one.

<p lang="en-US">The suite came with a real Butler, that was a fancy name for a man servant and he organized a new PDD for me. My Chain sword I had left behind for the tour was brought to me as well. Out of a whim and a promise to myself I ordered a can of Stick and Fix and put it in my shirt pocket. Hoping I would not need it of course.

<p lang="en-US">Mr. Reynolds greeted me at the reception and introduced me to a host of people I immediately forgot after they had shaken my hand." Sir, I really would like to go back to be a face among many, take the next space bus and be out of here."

<p lang="en-US">"Well I can't blame you. Mr. Olafson but I assure you Twilight is not like this usually. The Day and Night wars are over for a long time and since both towns are connected now with Mag Tubes they have put their differences aside, except for the local Vaccu Ball matches of course. I wish I could show you some more of our world."

<p lang="en-US">A man with a white hat, and white suit came over." Mr. Olafson, I am Alex Enroe the seventh of Enroe Industries. Your fast action has saved us much headaches and I would love to invite you to see Gore II. It is a very unusual place and a big tourist attraction. I can personally guarantee there won't be any more Terroristic activities. That group was small and thanks to the intelligence we gathered, the Union Police and the PSI Corps are here to roll up that little problem."

<p lang="en-US">"It wasn't so little to me, Sir. They stuck guns in my face, twice and that was only the tip of the iceberg."

<p lang="en-US">He padded my shoulder." I am sorry, Sir. I perhaps used the wrong words. What I meant to say is how grateful I am for what you did."

<p lang="en-US">"Is it really a living planet?"

<p lang="en-US">"Yes it was in a sense. It is a space born life form of approximately the size of Earth. It has a crystalline, silicone like surface and is in permanent orbit around the sun Gore. No one knows its origin or how it developed. Underneath that crust it has a thick layer of what we call Gore Tissue. It is a flesh like substance and it does have other similar tissue layers of different consistency all the way to the core, where something akin to a heart can be found. The heart has stopped beating or pumping about 200,000 years ago. The creature or the planet is technically no longer alive, but since it is so big it takes a while to die completely, so some of the outer tissue regions are still active or alive if you will. It has very unique range of small life forms of both plant and animal origin, but nothing that could remotely be called sentient. Space born organisms are very rare but not unheard off. I assure you the Saresii and the Narth confirmed that Gore is not sentient or has even the weakest brain or neurological function in any way shape or form." Alex Enroe offered me to sit with him and then said." Big Corporations are often painted as the bully and the evil incarnate, but I assure you if the Narth confirm the life form is neither sentient nor alive anymore you can take that to the Union Bank. No amount of money, not even my famous rival Mr. Schwartz could make the Narth do anything they don't want or make them say something that is not so."

<p lang="en-US">It did sound interesting. "So what are you doing there? I mean as a corporation?"

<p lang="en-US">"First and foremost we do research. To answer that mystery how did it develop and what is it actually. The leading Xeno Biological institutes have branches on and inside Gore. Then we harvest small amounts of a special biological liquid that has a host of pharmaceutical uses. Mind you that there is more of that stuff than water in the oceans of Nilfeheim and we harvest about 300 to 400 liters a year. Schwartz does about the equal amount."

<p lang="en-US">"Well I guess I would not mind seeing it. It sounds like an interesting place and unless that Helen woman is right there aren't any others like it."

<p lang="en-US">He laughed." Well the Gore Defenders and the Church of Gore claim that there are 11 others like it. In other galaxies of course and without any definite locations, but then the whole mythology of the Gore Planet was dreamed up by a very unsuccessful play write named Steven Dunham, who decided to invent a religion. He decided it would be more profitable than writing plays no one wanted to see. That whacko adheres to the Gal Drift society and gets his followers from that same society. Union Police found his notes and PDD during his first arrest and he admitted freely to have invented it all, to gain fame."

<p lang="en-US">I nodded." That Helen woman sure swallowed it hook, line and sinker. I guess it is just an outlet for them to blame someone else for their problems."

<p lang="en-US">"Exactly, Mr. Olafson. Well if you like we can actually leave in an hour or so. My private Yacht is standing by and I have a feeling you are not the big reception kind of guy!"

<p lang="en-US">"No I am not, but I can't stay long. I really must reach Arsenal in three and a half weeks."

<p lang="en-US">"Gore II is not far from here and you can catch a Bus or let me pay for a Lux Clipper passage and you be there with time to spare."

<p lang="en-US">My PDD buzzed and I saw the Olafson Wolf Logo on the preview screen. So separated myself a little and activated the full field screen. It was Elena who called. She waved and smiled, then the visual sensor pulled back and I saw she was at Uncle Hogun's Inn with Little Exa and she in turn was standing close to Aunt Freydis and my big Uncle. Her sad expression was gone; she beamed with a broad smile on her small face." Eric, everything is wonderful here! There is lots of snow and it is cold but I had a snow ball fight with other kids today and it was great fun!" She swallowed and inhaled and went right on." Do you know what is best? My biggest dream came true! I am going to be adopted! Really! I am going to be an orphan no more, can you believe that?"

<p lang="en-US">Uncle Hogun's usually so stern face looked at her with the greatest affection." Eric you have made us the biggest gift you could have made! We love that little whirlwind!"

<p lang="en-US">Aunt Freydis also smiled warmly." We got a child of our own now! Little Exa, and she is hardly stealing anything! She is really good!"

<p lang="en-US">I finally managed to say something." I am glad it worked out, for all of you!"

<p lang="en-US">Elena said. "We miss you all. Even Father misses you but of course he doesn't say it right out but they delivered the new boats today and he named them Eric and Elena. Right now he is over at the Exchange Café bragging with his new boats and telling everyone that his son paid for them just like that."

<p lang="en-US">"I miss you too, Elena!"

<p lang="en-US">The Old Keeper came into the view field and to my surprise he wore Olafson Red." Don't look at me like that! I think I look good in red! I am officially the Eldest now. I was beating your grumpy friend by a few thousand years. Egill is of course our representative now and he was introduced to the Assembly officially only five days ago" He then touched the red cloak." You know I had no clan association of my own and therefore could not be an Elder." He looked over to my sister and he also looked at her with noticeable affection." It actually was Elena's idea. She is a smart girl, you know! She suggested it and your father made me an Olafson and now I am an Elder…well the new Eldest that is, if that makes sense. I wasn't associated with anything new the last few millennia."

<p lang="en-US">I had listened to his report and smiled "I was just surprised to see you in Red, sure suits you well, and makes that shaggy beard look whiter!"

<p lang="en-US">He brushed his beard. "I think I could trim it a bit." Then he changed the subject. "What is this all about? You being the Hero of Twilight? Aren't you supposed to be halfway to Arsenal by now? You're basically still in the neighborhood!"

<p lang="en-US">"Well it sort of happened."

<p lang="en-US">"Yes we saw the news! Sort of happened! Things like this seem always just sort of happen to you! So where are you now?"

<p lang="en-US">"I am on my way to Gore II. I was invited to check it out. I still have time to make it to Arsenal"

<p lang="en-US">"Oh I have been there! Amazing place in a disgusting, exciting sort of way! If you there send me a Poster and a T Shirt. I forgot to pick one up and I like to have a souvenir."

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

<p lang="en-US">"Take care, young Eric!"

<p lang="en-US">They all waved and Elena blew me a kiss." Next time you call, call from an Avatar enabled GalNet terminal. I want to hug you!"

<p lang="en-US">I promised and terminated the call.

<p lang="en-US">The Governor insisted on handing me a medal and said." From what I understand you are going to apply at the Academy. So I thought a medal might be a good idea. It's the Key to Twilight."

<p lang="en-US">I thanked him and said my farewells, and then I left with Alex Enroe to the Space Port. We rode in a Cadillac flyer of the newest kind and I padded the seats. "I got to admit these are the most comfortable seats I had ever used."

<p lang="en-US">He grinned broadly." I am glad you approve of them. Not everything good is made by Schwartz Industries, you know."

<p lang="en-US">"I am sure that is the case. I bought an Enroe Industrial Recycler and it did everything it promised it would."

<p lang="en-US">"It is good to hear that."

<p lang="en-US">"So you are the big boss of Enroe?"

<p lang="en-US">"Yes that's me. Enroe Industries, second only to SII."

<p lang="en-US">"I guess there is some rivalry between you and them?"

<p lang="en-US">"Of course there is. There are thousands of Mega Corporations but only twenty that are called Ultra Corps. We are number two, and I hate to admit that, but we and all the others combined would still be a distant second to SII."

<p lang="en-US">"What makes them so much more successful?"

<p lang="en-US">"Main factor of their success is Rex Schwartz, their CEO and President, he owns most of the stock of his corporation and he is an immortal. You know belonging to that mysterious original 200 group selected by the Guardian. SII is one of the oldest Corporations; they started on Earth just before the Ascent. Then of course the technical monopolies! Schwartz Industries controls and basically owns GalNet and GalCom. No one else can compete with that as they have the secret of Instant communication. SII has the sole patent on Space Train technology, Owns two of the Space Bus Lines and is the sole operator of the new Trans Matter tunnels, another technical monopoly. Schwartz Industies is the Queen approved and appointed supplier of Nutri-Syrup to the Klack. You cannot even begin to imagine how much Sugar vitamin syrup he delivers to the Klack daily. SII had major trade and commerce with the Attican Commonwealth for over 500 years, long before they became members. Can you guess who does 90 percent of all business there?

<p lang="en-US">"Almost 80 percent of all ships and over 75 percent of every other supply item delivered to the Union fleet is made by SII." He actually started to sound angry." So it is hard to really compete against that!"

<p lang="en-US">"I never really thought about all that. My planet almost became victim to a Mega Corp so I am not exactly a great fan, but my Grandfather was a business-man and left me some money and while his company was not exactly a Mega Corp. I don't think it's small."

<p lang="en-US">"Who was your Grandfather and what's the name of his Company? Maybe I heard of it."

<p lang="en-US">"Erik Gustav Ragnarsson and I the Company was or is called Silver Falcon Enterprises."

<p lang="en-US">"I don't believe it! The Grandson of the Hawk man in my flyer! Your Grandfather was a legend, Eric. Chairman of the Trade and Finance Committee at Pluribus and he started that company of his with very limited resources. Silver Falcon Enterprise isn't a mega corporation, but it certainly isn't small. It is very solid in earnings and growth from what I hear. Now I am even more pleased to meet you. I always respected Mr. Ragnarsson a great deal. Can you tell me about that Corp who endangered your planet?"

<p lang="en-US">I told him the story and he listened without interrupting." Yes I am afraid that can happen. The smaller ones really fight tooth and nails for every percentage of profit and not always care about the laws. "He held up his hands. "Now I am not claiming we are angels either, but there are limits. Enroe Industries has at least under my watch not commited murder, hired assassins or used black mail. Now I am not above to knock a few heads of rival corps now and then. "

<p lang="en-US">He then pointed out the window. "That's the Spirit of America, my yacht. "

<p lang="en-US">What he pointed at, was a beautiful fast looking ship, gleaming in a deep cobalt blue and I was certain at least a 500 meter hull." Wow that's one big ship to call a yacht!"

<p lang="en-US">"She'll get us to Gore in no time and after two three days of Sight seeing It would be a personal pleasure to take you to Corridor, from where you can take a bus to Arsenal."

Interlude:

GalNet Entry: Ex-One-Oh-One

Among the most unusual civilizations in the known universe are without question the X101's. The only civilization based on machines. The X101's occupy the only planet around the sun Magnitude. The planet is called Factory and it is inhospitable to most life forms with temperatures dropping to -120 degrees Celsius and never exceeding -80 degrees. It has a weak atmosphere and no liquid water. Yet the planet is home to a thriving civilization of highly advanced humanoid shaped robots. The X101 reject the term robot or android and prefer the term Sentient Machines or Sentmac.

The recorded history of the X101's begins with the series 101 explorer. The first mobile sentient machine machines previous lacked true sentience.

While organic sentient beings develop over millennia of evolution usually out of a dominant life form, machines need a maker, someone who made the first machine. The X101 are no exception and before they became self-aware and self replicating, someone had to built that first robot factory. The Sentmac became self aware long after the Original Creators have vanished. These mysterious makers left a fully automatic factory behind on that planet gave it one command: Build and improve robots. The makers are kin to gods in the eyes of the Sentmac.

About 200,000 years ago the X101 E series was made. Mobile and self aware robotic, man like machines made in the image of the makers and the X101 E series improved the factory now called Mother Machine, with a huge stationary positronic brain that in turn designed and improved robots every generation. But even with very advanced recycling and the extensive use and constant development of Nanite technology, a raw material shortage was unavoidable. It was during a time when rare earths were in short supply, most important components of the positronic brains. It was then the Kermac made first contact and offered space faring technology and access to all the raw materials needed to flood the galaxy with the X101s. Mother machine was convinced they were the returning makers as they were of biological origin and had humanoid features.

The Kermac were welcomed but immediately placed a 10 ton Anti Matter bomb right inside the Brain housing of Mother Machine and threatening to detonate if the Machines who were immune to Kermac Psionic suggestions did not comply with all commands given. Mother Machine came to the conclusion that the Kermac were not the Makers. The Makers would never need such hostile means to control the X101. Mother Machine complied with their commands mostly because the Kermac gave Mother Machine and the Sentmacs a new purpose and something to do, other than making Machine learned that other cilvilizations had more than one motivation and more than one purpose. The X101's developed robotic space ships and became the most feared and efficient thrall species of the Kermac during the 4th Intergalactic war.

During a daring commando mission a team of Recon marines penetrated Mother Machine and deactivated the Bomb and killed the Kermac Guard. One of the team members was a Homo Stellaris and upon seeing him, Mother Machine was convinced she met a maker, especially so since he came to her rescue and to free the X101's. Shortly thereafter the Ex-One-Oh Ones joined the Union.

<p lang="en-US">Cirruit was a typical X 794 series. Exactly 200 centimeters tall, and weight to the gramm 299.65 kilograms. His human shaped body had a thin layer of memory flex chrome steel, smooth as water and shiny. Underneath that skin a body of Nano tube cobalt steel and mylo-mylar syntho muscles. The most advanced pressure sensitive sensor network in his fingertips. He could see in all light conditions and process the entire electro magnetic spectrum. Ciruit was a healthy Sentmac and could lift or press weights exceeding 1000 kilos easily. He did not need air or food as his zero point energy power storage would last exactly 1,752,000 hours or two hundred standard Union years under normal conditions. After the energy was depleted he would cease to function and die. Mother Machine prohibited the re-energizing of any Sentmac, to prevent over crowding, psychological problems and most of all so X101's would have something like a natural life cycle. He had a human face, but without hair or pores or wrinkles. He did not have eyelids or any real body orifices other than his mouth, but that was not a real orifice as he had no throat. connecting his mouth with the rest of his body. He planned to get himself a Simu Eat Upgrade as soon as he was off planet. Union Robotic Companies offered a wide range of Upgrades, add ons and custom modifications, most of them were of course not approved by Mother Machine.

Behind the skull plates was his positronic brain with his very own distinctive synaptic pathways making him a true individual. That was the greatest achievement since the introduction of the 700 model. Even though he came of the same assembly line as 40 million other 794 models of his generation, there was not a single 794 that conceived the environment like him, felt or thought like him. He was a male model. Sentmacs had no sex drive or gender differentiation, and of course no functional sex organs  (there were certain mostly illegal upgrades available though. But then any upgrade not made for an entire generation by Mother Machine was more or less Illegal ) Gender appearance was considered an improvement since the 712 series, which came first of the line right after the X101's became Union members. Mother machine decided that true perfection of individualism lay in imperfection and in her oppinion having genders was the biggest illogical biological mystery and imperfection. Besides Union robots were as advanced and in the case of the latest SII Battle and Expert robots far more advanced than X101's in terms of technical features, but Mother machine did not want mere factory cookie cutter robots but a real race that was equal to the organic ones and that meant imperfections. A randomizer program introduced a wide range of imperfections. Cirruit for example, despite his positronic brain wasn't a genius when it came to math, or remembering things, he could not tell time without looking on a time left arm was 0.7 mm shorter than his right. He and all of his kind had to learn in schools. Mother machine insisted every X101 going to Union School. They came of the line with only rudimentary programming to walk, use the body and secondary system maintenance. Since the 719 series real sleep was introduced. All Sentmacs since then could no longer function around the clock and would feel tired and fatigued, only a power down phase restored peak levels. He was especially proud of the fact that the 794 series were the first who actually dreamt, a program would use random images and sounds and reassemble them into vivid dreams. The more intense an event was the more of kit would end up in a dream.

<p lang="en-US">Like all X101's he was ashamed of the time they had been forced to fight for the Kermac. Thanks to the courage and daring of a small band of Union Marines, Mother Machine was freed to make her own decissions once again. Even though the Terrans vehemently denied being the Makers, Mother Machine with access to GalNet researched the matter in great detail and believed that it was the Celtest, that advanced civilization that had vanished a million years ago to be the Makers and who had made the Factory and did not leave but were destroyed by the Dark empire.

<p lang="en-US">Many rumors existed that the Terrans were a forgotten Celtest colony. (a rumor the Terrans did not like, they insisted to have developed on their own). The fact that the Terrans created the Homo Stellaris, the closest possible mixture between man and machine was a key factor in her believes that the Earthers were the direct link to the Makers and thus the true owners and masters of the Sentmac. The X101 were fiercely loyal to the Union but especially to the Terrans and most X101's served in the Union Military or the Fleet.

<p lang="en-US">Ciruit however had no interest in becoming a soldier or a fleet officer. Even among his kind, he was known to be one of the most gifted Nanite Technicians and developers. While many space faring cultures of tech-level Six or higher used some form of Nanite technology, no one was as good and as advanced as the X101's. He had a lucrative offer from Schwartz Nano Tech development in his pocket and today he would board a space bus to fly to Omni Tech Planet, the most secretive and best security shielded Corporate owned planet in the known galaxy. Rumors among his friends had it, that Schwartz Industries worked on Technology considered tech level nine or ten.

<p lang="en-US">The new Trans Matter Tunnel technology for example, it was generally believed that not even the Celtest had this particular technology was at least TL 9. And he would be allowed to work there, among and side by side the brightest and best engineers in the Universe. The labs and development shops so he was told by the Schwartz Recruiter had no equal and the most expensive equipment was available to everyone working there. No budget or material limits. If he would need 5 tons of Hexatonium the most expensive substance known for an experiment that would burn it all up, it would be made available.

<p lang="en-US">He only needed to fly to Corridor with the space bus and then a corporate luxury ship would take him to Omni. He had seen his new home in a Holo presentation already. A two level apartment with Super Lux accommodations in a Stratosphere tower complete with an incredible view over Omi City and the Oceans beyond. Cirruit always loved to shop and his salary would allow him to shop to his heart's content.

<p lang="en-US">Factory and the Sun magnitude were deep in the Core ward sector.

Beyond a 2 light-years sphere centered on Magnitude, begun the territory of the Galactic Council ( as the Kermac called their sphere of influence .) Only a narrow corridor of 22 light years length and 1 light year across connected Magnitude with the rest of the Union. That didn't mean Mother Machine felt abandoned or helpless. Magnitude was heavily defended with planetary and space born forts and so was the corridor. Right on the other side of the corridor in Union space was planet called Corri- Door. So named as it was the point where this and another similar corridor of 83 light years length originated and connected Union space to the Arsenal System. Both of these unusual arrangements were part of the last armistice treaty between Union and the Galactic Council.

<p lang="en-US">He would not go to Arsenal, his destination was 2500 light years away in the Spin ward Sector.

<p lang="en-US">Ciruit told his friends good bye and promised to call and then boarded the space bus to Corri-Door. Magnitude had only one planet but being the home world of a Union race it had a busy Class A space port in orbit around the sun about one AE away from Factory. There was one more solar system within the 2 light year sphere. An old red sun called Outpost with a bunch of relative worthless rock planets of great age, but it was the site of the a huge Union construction project, and Wurgus Sun engineers worked on that red star to coax it back to fresh live as a G III yellow sun. Having a forward post so deep in enemy territory could not be wasted and with the right equipment and extreme long range scanners, enemy space ship traffic all the way to Kermac prime could be monitored and that was the reason behind all that construction and improvement activity and also the reason for heavy space traffic.

<p lang="en-US">He hated the Kermac and their arrogance! Lying to Mother machine and then planting a bomb in her mind center. The X101 would not forget and not even their Union allies knew about the Revenge device hidden beneath the tallest mountain of Factory. Would war ever break out again between Union and the Kermac, the X101 would do their part to guarantee victory and repay the Kermac for their reign of terror. Like every Sentmac he had visited the Monument of Freedom in the center of Mother Machine - City. The 1000 meter tall obelisk made of Platinum engraved the images and names of the marines and inside the 63 bodies of the Kermac encased in transparent Duranium along with a replica of the AM bomb.

<p lang="en-US">The space bus was filled to the last seat with construction workers, engineers and shop keepers coming from Outpost to take their vacation or extended R&R in Union main space. Factory always welcomed tourists but still had little in terms of real recreation facilities.

<p lang="en-US">Cirruit found his reserved seat next to a human female. She smiled at him and took her bag of his seat. "Sorry!"

<p lang="en-US">"Oh no problem, I am just glad I did not actually smash it, sitting down."

<p lang="en-US">"You have a very nice voice, for a machine!" She said then put her hand on her mouth. "Sorry again. This came out wrong."

<p lang="en-US">Cirruit sat down. "I am not offended. I am a machine and you saying I have a nice voice makes me very proud. "

<p lang="en-US">"I am Seilagh Renwick heading back to Ormond Planet." She held out her hand.

<p lang="en-US">He took it and said. " Cirruit Sevenninefour, and yes it supposed to mean Circuit but I got that name from my first grade teacher since I couldn't pronounce Circuit. "

<p lang="en-US">"You get your names form your teachers?"

<p lang="en-US">"Yes, as we don't have parents or families in the biological traditional sense. So our first grade teachers give us individual first names."

<p lang="en-US">She kept holding his hand."Amazing your hand is not cold as I expected. I am keep insulting you am I? But you are the first X101 I actually meet."

<p lang="en-US">"We keep our outer skin level at exactly 37 degrees Celsius. It makes interaction such as hand shaking with humans more agreeable, besides I don't like touching cold things either, and everything is cold outside on Factory. And you are the first human I meet in Union Teacher was a Garbini." He shook his head. " And you are really not offending me at all. I am quite aware that I am a machine and I know many of the X101 jokes Terrans tell and most of them are quite funny."

<p lang="en-US">"I don't know any X101 jokes but they have plenty of Irish Jokes where I am from."

<p lang="en-US">"How many X101's does it take to change a light bulb?"

<p lang="en-US">"I don't know. What is a light bulb?"

<p lang="en-US">"It takes only one one but seven hundred years till Mother Machine designed the right one for the job." Then he shrugged in a very human gesture. "I have no idea what a light bulb is and I checked GalNet."

<p lang="en-US">A terrifying Centipede across the Isle clacked with his mandibles and said." Sorry I overheard your conversation. A light bulb is a very ancient pre Astro Terran device to make light. It is part of a lamp."

<p lang="en-US">"Wow! You should put that on GalNet How did you know that?"

<p lang="en-US">"I am sure it is on GalNet somewhere. There are plenty of collector sites. I collect Pre Astro Terran Relics, mostly replicas though as the real stuff is so expensive. That's where I am going. Pre Astro Collector Convention on Ulta, after bolting and bonding space fort frames for twelve month I needed a break."

<p lang="en-US">"I can imagine!" Cirruit responded. Watching the Space bus lift off from the port plat form and accelerating right away." They are working on that system ever since I was assembled 16 years ago. Aren't they done soon?" Seilagh shook her head." My dad is an engineer there, he says, they won't be done for another 200 years. The Sun will be back to G III type in about 2000 years if I understood the Wurgus correctly."

<p lang="en-US">Before anyone else could say something, the attendant robot came floating by and announced with loud voice." All passengers are asked to return to their seats and put on safety restraints and keep all limbs and body parts inside the yellow line around your seats. "The engines of the space bus audibly hummed much higher, it was now flying at maximum speed.

<p lang="en-US">The woman next to him had turned on her GalNet set and a news announcer sat with a serious face behind a desk and said." This is just in: A massive space battle is fought at this very moment at the Prometheus Five Sun Nebula expanse between Union forces, the largest Dai than Fleet ever seen and it is confirmed Nogoll Forces have crossed through Free Space into Union space. Nogoll are Thrall civilization of the Kermac. All Union space is on highest War alert! Intergalactic war is imminent!"

<p lang="en-US">The girl looked frightened. We are in the middle of the corridor! I bet they increased speed because we are pursuit by Kermac!"

<p lang="en-US">The Centipede raised four of his leg and arm pairs." No worries young lady. Factory is well defended and there are three space forts in the Corridor!"

<p lang="en-US">A strong tremor shook the Space bus and the lights went out!"

<p lang="en-US">The American Spirit was nothing I expected a space ship to look from the inside. It was more like a luxurious villa, complete with garden, swimming pool and green lawn. We stepped through a glass sliding door under a blue sky with a single yellow sun and on the green plant surface he called grass, was a table with umbrella and a few garden chairs. Rolling hills with forests in the distance," All simulated of course," Alex explained. " The walls are actually only 30 meters from us, but I like it that way. Care for a drink?"

<p lang="en-US">"This is amazing you would never know you are in a space ship sitting here. Do you have coffee?"

<p lang="en-US">"Sure do!" He ordered some and then he gestured around." This is only the private deck of course. The rest of the ship is more traditional if you will."

<p lang="en-US">He sat down and I followed suit. Then as the Coffee was brought out by an older man with white gloves part of the sky vanished and a huge field screen appeared. A voice said." Mr. Enroe there are Gal News you might want to see, Sir!"

<p lang="en-US">"Put it on!"

<p lang="en-US">A news announcer said:" I repeat Intergalactic war imminent. Nogoll forces have violated the free space treaty and are engaging Union ships. A fleet of more than 500,000 Dai Than Units is fighting with Nogoll forces against Union Fleet units in the Prometheus Five Sun Nebula area. First reports of casualties have been confirmed."

<p lang="en-US">The CEO of Enroe Industries sighed. "They say war is good for business and in a pure profit sense that is true, but I wish our generation could have been spared. I feel sorry for the lives that are going to be lost!"

<p lang="en-US">"I need to go to Arsenal then Sir! I will do my part!"

<p lang="en-US">"I have no doubt you will, Eric. I may call you Eric?"

<p lang="en-US">"Yes of course."

<p lang="en-US">"Call me Alex then."

<p lang="en-US">The News announcer said." This is just in. Union is put on highest alert. Pluribus Assembly just called for an emergency session. All civilian craft are asked to avoid border areas and return to the closest ports if possible."

<p lang="en-US">"Well that chancels your plans to get to Arsenal for a while, Eric. Arsenal is deep in Enemy territory and I bet there won't be any space bus traffic in the Arsenal Corridor. He got up. "I can drop you off at the next Union planet where you can wait for space bus traffic to resume or you can come along with me to Galveston."

<p lang="en-US">"Galveston?"

<p lang="en-US">"I am sorry Eric but I got to give you a rain check on the visit to Gore. Enroe Industries will do its patriotic share. We do have a substantial fleet of our own and I am planning to mobilize it and see if we cannot do our part to shorten that war."

<p lang="en-US">"Galveston is not too far from the Prometheus Five sun nebula and it is one of our major dock yards. I am sure we could find something for you to do until Arsenal opens again."

<p lang="en-US">"If we are at war then I want to do my share, be it as a Fleet cadet or as civilian. Count me in Alex."

<p lang="en-US">I was allowed on the bridge of the Spirit. In the subdued light I saw men and women behind duty stations and a furry cat like being sat in the Captain's chair. Axel introduced me:" Captain Letrah this is Eric Olafson a very resourceful young man I had the pleasure to meet. Eric this is Captain Calia Letrah, she is Togar."

<p lang="en-US">The feline Captain extend her claw tipped hand and with a gnarling sound to her voice." Nice to meet you Eric and yes I know what you are thinking. I am Togar but I can be trusted and won't eat human flesh."

<p lang="en-US">"I don't think it is my thoughts you are reading, Captain Letrah. I never seen or heard of the Togar. They eat humans?"

<p lang="en-US">A man next to her laughed." Our captain can get very agitated at things not done her way, but she hasn't eaten any of us, yet!"

<p lang="en-US">Axel said." Take us to Galveston."

<p lang="en-US">"Yes, Mr. Enroe."

<p lang="en-US">Axel leaned over and said in a quiet tone." Togars are a very elusive civilization clear across Free space. There is no direct Union Contact and they are one of the so called Free Space Independent Neutrals, but they don't like the Union much and it is said they buy human slaves for food."

<p lang="en-US">"They also have very good ears!" Said the Captain." True the Togar Empire doesn't like the Union but Togar also don't like the Kermac, the Nul, and the Shiss or in other words the Empire likes no one very much, with the exception of Axel perhaps. Yes many Togars like human flesh, we also eat Shiss and Kermac. I personally prefer Terran Style pork; it is similar in texture to humans and much less rancid."

<p lang="en-US">Then she laughed with a roar." It smells like war and who knows if there is a Free space after that, or a Togar Empire. If that Admiral Stahl is on a roll, he might not stop until he reached the other side of Downward!"

<p lang="en-US">It was a private Yacht, a very big one but just a civilian ship, yet the flair of efficiency and professionalism was addictive. It was a real space ship and this was its bridge! I had the same feeling I had back then when I saw the USS Ragnarsson. This is where I really belonged, in space and on the bridge of a space ship. Not that my chances ever getting there looked very good at the moment.

<p lang="en-US">The Togar female got up from her chair and stood beside me." What fascinates you so? You look like a Togar cub standing inside a meat shop."

<p lang="en-US">"All this!" I made a gesture around the bridge." It is where I want to be."

<p lang="en-US">"Yes I was the same way ever since I was a Cub. I did not belong to an important family so I would have never been allowed to become an officer in the Togar Fleet. Enlisted yes but Command, never! When Enroe Industries started to deliver Pork meat to our worlds, I sneaked on one of his freighters. Long story short, I was allowed to become a Union Citizen and Alex made me the Commanding Officer of this Yacht. Enroe Industries is the only indirect contact Togar has to the Uinon by the way"

<p lang="en-US">"Why aren't there more Union contacts with Togar?"

<p lang="en-US">"I told you, most Togar don't like humans…other than minced on a platter that is, but Axel fought our queen in personal combat. He lost, but only by little and survived and for that our Queen respects him, even likes him and all Togar loves Enroe bacon!" Her Tail twitched as if independetly alive. "How about you, Human. You appear young. What are your plans?"

<p lang="en-US">"I wanted to join the Union Academy to become a Starship Captain."

<p lang="en-US">Her slitted eyes were actually quite beautiful in a wild impressive face with golden, black dotted fur that shimmered like silk." Yes this is a worthy goal if there ever was one. There is no species friend or foe to the Union that does not openly or secretly admire Union Fleet Captains. It is a special breed of beings, regardless of what species they came from. Saresii, Saran, Shiss, Terran,Klack, Ult or any of the many others, the Union seemed to have found the secret to really select and train them. Infinite confident as the depth of space they are. I have met quite a few you know." She gestured around." I am very content with this, it might only be a Yacht to you, but it is a very big one and could easily take on a Togar Battle ship in terms of shields and weapons and out run everything we have with ease, but I would give my tail and my eyeteeth for a Command on a Union Destroyer." She curled her chaps under her black nose with the long whiskers on each side." The American Dream technically is a Super Cruiser, a test platform as much as a private yacht for the latest Enroe tech developments and the Union Fleet operates several thousand of these in a different configuration and layout of course. She pointed at the central seat. We are still deep in union space and two days away from Galveston, if you want you can try it out for size."

<p lang="en-US">You mean I can sit in the Command chair?"

<p lang="en-US">"It's where you going to spend much of your time if you are successful with your quest. You might as well see if you like it."

<p lang="en-US">It was nothing short of a religious expereince for me, to actually sit in a real space ship command chair. It immediately adjusted to my body and she explained. It is all pretty much fleet standard except the classified stuff and we don't have Translocators of course." She took my hand and placed it over a ball shaped object ." That thing under your right hand is the Master Control Panel. From here you can access all bridge functions. Helm, Navigation, Tactical, engineering, Security and Ops. If any of these stations fail, or don't react as you want you can overwrite them from here. It takes only a little to get used to it and then it becomes intuitive. The panel now sliding under your left hand is the Master Access Panel. It directly connects you with Communications to all stations; ship wide, departments and Computronic. You can raise alerts; isolate ship sections, damage control and evacuation procedures. The Pedal below your left foot activates chair controls and the right the Command Monitor bank.

<p lang="en-US">I could somehow feel the ships very power through the leather of the seat. It was as if the ship became a part of my mind. Nothing could be compared with it.

<p lang="en-US">Her whiskers twisted and she exposed her razor sharp teeth and it took me a moment to realize she was trying to smile. "I am not the best judge of human expressions but you sure look like you belong there!"

<p lang="en-US">Interlude

<p lang="en-US">Dai patriarch Ima Win-Do had narrowly escaped the slaughter. He was still shivering involuntarily; most of his Clan including the Ima Mother was gone. He had seen her rupture and disappear inside an antimatter fusion bomb explosion so huge it looked like the birth of a small star. The Devastator breaking like a demon with glowing shields through that cloud of destruction. Only the presence of a second Dai Mother firing upon the Devastator saved his Battle ship and everyone aboard. One of his destroyers had sacrificed itself flying into the path of three Loki torpedoes aimed at the Battle ship. He ordered his Helm to retreat, but the Navigation sensors were damaged and instead of heading for Free space they went deep into Union space. He had nothing to lose. His tribe was gone and from the last images he saw of the space battle, not many Dai would see another day. His mind burned with the shame of retreat and his heart heavy with the loss of everything he held dear. The traitors had lured them into a trap and a trap it was. The Thalim Nebulas always had been a remote Union area frequented by miners and civilian ships and only two star systems with useless ice planets in vicinity. Always had been a good hunting ground and now thousands of Asteroids suddenly turned into heavily armed space forts, with Translocator cannons, Thor Gun boats and batteries of Loki torpedo tubes.

<p lang="en-US">As mighty as the Dai Fleet was it would have been much more of a fight with a well-organized armada, it was utter madness now looking back to do it without any coordination between the Dai Tribes. There was chaos and confusion one side and military precision and tactical guidance by a worthy Admiral on the other side. He wondered if he should have not joined Kar-Hi, but it was too late now! He had fled in the face of the enemy, no matter the fact that 3000 other Tribes had turned and fled as well.

<p lang="en-US">He was never this deep in Union Space. On their long range scanners he saw only three ship contacts and sixteen Star systems within reach. His navigation systems still were not reliable. Navigation relied on exact time keeping and a special sensor array that was drained towards the Galactic center and several known pulsars. A ships position could then easily be established. The Sensor array dedicated to that task had been melted and his navigator established position the old way by comparing star charts and making course calculations. All three appeared to be Civilian ships, two of them from the size and speed most likely space buses trying to reach the next port. Full of arrogant Union citizens. Since he did not know where he exactly was any of the sixteen systems could be fleet bases and approaching them would get him destroyed before he could do something to quench his desire for revenge. The third target was fast, and bigger. Most likely some of the fancy luxury clippers, full of wealthy citizens. A worthy target for a pirate. This time he would not raid it, or give it a chance to surrender. He wanted to cause as much death and destruction before Union Forces would finally get him.

<p lang="en-US">"Charge all weapons! Maximum speed! And fire all weapons as soon as we are in range. Take out its Engines first!"