Fragment 5-06-2013

Title: GC X(RW) Captain Olafson Category: Fiction » Sci-Fi Author: Vanessa Ravencroft Language: English, Rating: Rated: T Genre: Sci-Fi/General Published: 12-19-12, Updated: 02-05-13 Chapters: 7, Words: 29,303

Chapter 1: Foreword

Galactic Chronicles Book X

GC 10: Eric Olafson, Stars ship Captain

Vanessa Ravencroft, McCullough County, Texas 2011 ©

Note:

This is the ninth book in the Galactic Chronicles Series and the 5th book in the Olafson Saga

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Dedication:

This Book is dedicated to a99515 and Silvak. A99515 for being my oldest friend on Fiction Press, he has long since then became a true and real friend. Lady Gaga can keep her 1 million Face book friends. All together they aren't as true and real as A99515. Silvak, for being perhaps the first Vulcan I ever met in real life. Pointed Ears? No. Alien? Yes...but a legal one. I call him Vulcan for his razor sharp, logical mind. His methodical love for detail and I like to honor him with this dedication for working so hard on the Wiki.

Foreword:

The Year is 5021 (Old Terran Time). The Milky Way Galaxy is teaming with life and sentient species. Earth is now known as Terra and part of the United Stars of the Galaxies, a multi-cultural mega civilization that by now stretches across two quarters of the Milky Way Galaxy and has a foothold in the Andromeda Galaxy. There are over 5030 distinctive member civilizations calling themselves members of the Union. The United Stars Space fleet protects this mega civilization against external threats.

Eric Olafson, born on a cold world called Nilfeheim raised under harsh conditions of a very traditional inward looking society of Neo Vikings left his planet to fulfil his dream to become a Star ship captain.

He had reached that goal much sooner than he expected and is now the commanding officer of a unique Star ship, the USS Tigershark. The ship is state of the art and incorporates the finest technologies of the most advanced civilizations of the Union.

Together with his truly unusual crew he is sent into Freespace to hunt Pirates and Criminals.

In order to hunt Eric and the Crew of the Tigershark pose as Pirates themselves.

Eric used to be198 cm tall and weigh almost exactly 90 kilos. He still has gray eyes and some say he moves with the same purpose and grace as a Tiger or Nubhir Wolf.

Like everyone from Nilfeheim he has a greater tolerance to freezing temperatures and is able to stay submerged under water for a very long time because of gills and eyes that are adapted to see well under water thanks to a second set of clear eyelids. His muscles are denser than that of a standard human, allowing him to swim longer and deeper. Due to that he has great endurance and is much stronger than he looks.

He loves fish, has a very clear sense of honor and hates unfair situations. Even though he doesn't like to admit it, he carries the same short temper of his father and is more often than not ready to face a challenge with his fists or weapons.

But all this has changed. Eric now lives as Black Velvet, a female Render captain of mysterious background and feared by merchants and other pirates alike.

Currently he appears to be a gorgeous female with beautiful long blonde hair and a killer body. His greatest wish fulfilled and his secret desire no longer a secret, he isn't so sure anymore what or who he is.

That he now looks like the fairer sex has done little to change his general approach to problems, head-on.

<p lang="en-US">He is still oblivious to the fact that he is destined to play a central role in an ancient conflict of cosmic proportions, but something is stirring...

<p lang="en-US">The Author

<p lang="en-US">Vanessa Ravencroft

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm">Chapter 2: Prelude

Chapter 2: Prelude: Nilfeheim October 5347

Prelude: Nilfeheim October 5347

I stood at the south most tip of Tusen Kipa Beach and looked over the churning waves of the Ocean. It was the 7th of October 5347, Eric's birthday. I realized it was my birthday, the birthday of Eric Olafson. Humans had this tradition to celebrate the day they were born. Neo Vikings however celebrated naming day, and I had been named Eric. The name itself had been used many times in both lines of the Ragnarsson and the Olafson familiy lines, yet in my case it was an oddly fitting name. The given name Eric is derived from the Old Norse name Eiríkr. The first element, ei- is derived either from the older Proto-Norse *aina(z) meaning "one" or "alone" or from Proto-Norse *aiwa(z) meaning "ever" or "eternal".The second element -ríkr derives either from *rík(a)z meaning "ruler" or "prince" or from an even older Proto-Germanic *ríkiaz which meant "powerful".The name is thus usually taken to mean "one ruler", "autocrat", "eternal ruler" or "ever powerful”.

My old mentor Skallagrímsson.explained that very meaning to my mother and at least in human terms this name was quite fitting to what I had become,

It was here, Uncle Hogun had taken me in the year 5014 to show me how to shoot a blaster.

The big boulder I had split with my first shots was still there.

I reached out with my mind gathered a fraction of my will and released it gently and made the boulder whole again. It was just a boulder yes, but destruction came so easy to me and wisdom so late.

Back then it was an empty beach, but now and just a little to the east, stood a new burg. It was called Hogun's Rock and it had been built mostly by the strong arms of my beloved uncle Hogun. Even now as the last vestiges of what it mean to be human faded, a warm feeling reached the very core of my being as I remembered this titan of a man, who had the strength of four man. Yet I did not remember him because if his strength but of his gentle heart.

But no matter how strong he was, he was human and he too had met the one stronger than all. Uncle Hogun had died 222 years ago at the age of 112. He had not been buried at sea but under a stone plate in the yard of his own burg. In his dying wish he declared he would arm wrestle Thor and the day he won he would return from Valhalla and lift the plate of his own grave. He died with a bellowed laugh and for the first time anyone could remember a tankard of ale dropped out of his fist.

Elena was gone, and so was Exa. Even Eric Narth Olafson, the god-child of the Narth representative was now and old man. He understood much about the Narth, as much as a human possibly could, but he could not share the Hugavh. He would eventually perish as well.

I did not even know who it was that occupied Hogun's Horst. I did not really know the name of the ones now carrying the name Olafson on our own rock,or who it was that claimed the position of Clan Chief. All I had to do was to expand my mind and names and answers came to me, yet those things faded to be important.

Yes it was good I came here one more time, but I was ready to go now and once I left I would not return to Nilfeheim, yet I was certain a fraction of me would always call this little planet home.

I glanced once more over the vast oceans and caught myself wishing to see once more the white magnificent form of Tyr breaching the waves and silently thanked him for showing me that there was indeed a third way.

I took an instant step and moved from the beach right back into to my old room in the tall tower overlooking our Burg. Circumventing the space between two points in space was easy for me now.

I no longer feared or disliked Psionics and if I wanted I could have adjust Nilfeheim's orbit around its sun and eliminate Longnight altogether but that would destroy a delicate balance and destroy Nilfeheim as surely as the planetary incendiary bomb we stopped so long ago would have done.

Most things in the Universe did not need to be changed and Nilfeheim was just fine as it was.

I smiled underneath my own hood at my memories remembering the days I hated, disliked and always somewhat feared Psionics; and now I found Psionics primitive and inadequate.

My eyes fell on an old leather bound book lying on my desk. It was a molecule by molecule copy of the original log book of the Tigershark, the original of course was kept in that musky, hallowed archive on Annapolis Planet where all Logbooks were kept. This copy was a gift of McElligott; the former Admiral of the Fleet.

Ah yes I wanted to finish telling my story. My fingers brushed over the paper and I noticed the date of a particular log book entry and next to the book my old PDD where I promised to write down my story. I better sit down and continue.

There is no real appointment I have to keep. I could sit here and write a thousand years, but the urge to leave this part of my existence behind grew. For all I was and for all I became I was also still Eric and a Neo Viking and we kept our word.

Ah yes, I had stopped just before we reached Brhama Port. Oh that was still early in my life, and there is actually still quite a bit to tell.

So if you like follow me and read how it all happened.

A Narth (Formerly known as E. Olafson, Admiral Ret. USotG Navy)

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm">Chapter 3: The Shattered Star System

Chapter 1: The Shattered Star System

<p lang="en-US">Free Space was not a natural region, it existed only on maps, in Nav-Tanks and Computronic files.

<p lang="en-US">Its boundaries had been defined by diplomats and delegates during the last Armistice Conference on the planet of Intergalactic peace.

<p lang="en-US">The Big Four, the Blue and about seventy independent space faring civilizations discussed, argued and finally agreed on this region. It was to act as a buffer zone between the Big Four and give those who did not want to ally themselves with one of the big powers a place to exist after their own fashion. One of the stipulations was that no official ships or parties of any of the Big Four were allowed to enter Free Space, including Military ships, law enforcement or even science expeditions.

<p lang="en-US">Free Space was meant to be a Free Trade zone for civilian commerce and traffic enabling commerce and slowly enable lasting peace.

<p lang="en-US">The Big Four, namely the Shiss, the Galactic Council (Kermac), the Nul and the United Stars of the Galaxies watched that none of the others broke that treaty, but they all did, not openly of course.

<p lang="en-US">Free Space did not turn out to be the region of peace where free commerce and civil exchange of culture would erode the differences as the dreamers, diplomats and Utopians hoped it would; instead it became a breeding ground of pirates and a destination of the lawless from every corner of the Galaxy. Planets like Sin 4, Alvor's Cove, Kalimant ,Drogs and N'ger gained notoriety as places where law and order meant nothing.

<p lang="en-US">Most of the seventy societies that signed the Treaty to remain independent regretted their decision as their worlds became the target of pirate attacks and Slave raids.

<p lang="en-US">The biggest independents were the Togar, the Kartanians and the Shattered Kingdoms of the Oghr.

<p lang="en-US">The Kartanians hated the Togar and the Togar disliked everyone, except for dinner. The former ancient Oghr Empire, shattered into Nine Kingdoms were constantly fighting among each other, didn't get along with the Togar and considered the Kartanians hostile competition and agitators. To all the freelancing pirates and Renders came the Shiss sponsored, openly denied and condemned Shiss Raiders, Countless schemes and covered actions of the Kermac and the undercover fleet of the Union. Not to mention the not always legal dealings of private corporations.

<p lang="en-US">So far it seemed only the Nul actually kept their part of the treaty and showed little interest in Free Space affairs.

<p lang="en-US">In other words, Free Space was dangerous, completely lawless and far from peaceful.

<p lang="en-US">1-

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Terrans called this spiral shaped star island the Milky Way Galaxy, The Saresii called it Nsorothee and like everything Saresii it sounded refined and melodical but literally translated it meant Giants Sneeze.

<p lang="en-US">Every star faring civilization had their own way to describe this incredibly beautiful spiral wheel. Stars were born and stars died. Black holes slowly rotated through it all, devouring energy and matter alike. It was a seemingly eternal process an yet there was a beginning and an end to everything. In cosmic terms this was a young Universe and this Galaxy had only completed about sixty rotations. For most living beings it was simply impossible to really comprehend the time of just one such rotation. 225 Million Years was simply a number, something abstract and beyond any understanding. Compared to that what significance were the 3000 years the Union existed? The Uni and the Pree rose and disappeared within one single rotation. The Saresii and the Seeinans clashed with the Dark Ones just about a Million years ago.

<p lang="en-US">Such time spans meant little to the beings in the shiny cone shape spaceship that just dropped out of Quasi Space here at the edge of one of the spiral arms. Inaudible to living ears electronic feelers stretched out in all directions testing and scanning the surroundings.

<p lang="en-US">The crew of that pointed metal object measured time in days and hours and the muscular, dashingly dressed ship master was not concerned with galactic time spans, he was more concerned about the here and now. If everything went to plan they would enter what the Kermac called secure space of the Galactic Council

<p lang="en-US">They had travelled further across the Star isle than ever before and had reached space none of his kind has ever entered. His ship was the pride of the Xandrao Empire, bristling with weapons and crewed with the finest and best space warriors the Xandrao Star Academies could produce. There should have been no reason for concern, yet he was a seasoned Shipmaster and like many of his kind who were in such a position for a long time developed a sixth sense for conditions that weren't quite right. He felt that insubstantial, unexplainable tingling down his spine that told him something was not as it should be.

<p lang="en-US">He paced nervously behind the row of the twelve scanner and sensor operators. Each was a highly trained individual from the Royal Academy and they did their jobs well. Xandrao Scanners were incredibly complex systems and required constant calibration.

<p lang="en-US">Behind these Scanner operators sat the co-relator who typed the Sensor reports into the Situation Calculator. It was a very demanding position and required much concentration. That this was an uneccesarly complicated way of doing things, especially on a space ship was not entirely lost to the Ship Master but this was the way it had been done on Xandrao ships for a long time and no one really ever called the Xandrao a very practical race.

<p lang="en-US">With a sigh he noticed Prince Albra step through the access doors and come up to the Command Center area.

<p lang="en-US">The prince was a favorite of the Emperor and thus it was him who was sent on this perhaps most important mission in Xandrao history. The prince was no fool and quite intelligent, despite the centuries of inbreeding among the noble houses and approached Noldra Dorrx the ships head master. Compared to the gold and silver glitter ladden uniform of the prince the ship masters red and gold trimmed uniform appeared quite plain and subdued. Albra masterfully swirled his cape and in a theatrical gesture and said with his high tenor voice. “I missed you at the table and had to entertain the Kermac envoys all on my own.” The Shipmaster bowed slightly as it was required but despite the presence of the prince, he kept his eyes on the readout of the Threat and Situation Calculator. Without making the neccesary respectful gestured he said. “My presence would have not been noticed with you in the room. All eyes are on you, all ears are on you and all attention is given to you when you are present.”

<p lang="en-US">The prince looked down at himself and nodded, “Yes of course and I do look rather dashing tonight if I may say so. The Kermac envoy gifted me this cape. Don't you think it is fabulous?”

<p lang="en-US">“It will be the envy of all the Beauty Boys at court no doubt.” Nolbra hoped the prince would get bored and leave the Command Center.

<p lang="en-US">However instead of the prince leaving, one of the Kermac envoys followed by two of his Dolbarian servants also decided to visit the command center of the ship. Nolbra could not supress the annoyed snort that passed his nostrils. He didn't like anyone strolling on his Command Center without having business there but there was not much he could do or say. The Prince was in command now and the Kermac were important guests of state and the representatives of a mighty galactic power.

<p lang="en-US">The Kermac who had just arrived was much smaller than even the smalles Xandrao. Unlike the Xandrao he had no fur or hair at all and the Kermac's skin was snow white.

<p lang="en-US">Nolbra was covered with a coarse short brown fur form head to his hoofs. Two massive horns protuded from his forehead just above his fur covered ears. His arms and legs were bulging with rolling muscles. Compared to him the Kermac looked weak and sickly and that envoy did not even have a tail. Again a snort of disdain escaped his flared nostrils. The Ship master was certain the Kermac's man hood was just a small as the being itself, there was certainly no room for a Xandrao sized penis underneath that flimsy robe. Everything was small and weak about the Kermac, but he knew they were an old species and if you believed their claims they were the undisputed and technically most advanced species in the Universe. That Kermac also demonstrated that he was able to somehow sense the thoughts of others.

<p lang="en-US">The Kermac made a sweeping gesture towards the view screen. “Why are we not trans-light, what is the meaning of this delay?”

<p lang="en-US">Noldra flared his wide nostrils and curled his lips. “We just crossed the void between the spiral arms and it taxed our engines to the very limits. We must pause to service them.”

<p lang="en-US">The Kermac somehow managed to look down at the much taller Xandrao and said. “I forgot how childish primitive your technology is.”

<p lang="en-US">The Prince said. “Yet your ships seem to be unable to reach Xandr as you came to us aboard a Dolbarian ship and from what I have seen theirs are not superior to our technology. I know our Emperor and my beloved Prince thinks much of you but frankly so far we only seen visuals and recordings about Kermac supreme technology.”

<p lang="en-US">The Kermac's smooth face was moved by an emotion of anger. “Your's is a childish race and you are but a servant tasked with providing conveyance. No explanation should be given to you, but we can not travel in our magnificent ships as this is Freespace, a region where Kermac ships cannot go. I explained that to you. But you soon will see Kermac might and splendor and you will beg to become a serving member like so many.”

<p lang="en-US">The Prince standing behind his Ship master was used to speak his mind from birth and so he said. “Then explain to me again why the mighty Kermac cannot travel here. Who would dare to deny you?”

<p lang="en-US">The Shipmaster noticed the thinly veiled and growing anger in the Kermac’s face and the clenching fists. “No one, Kermac are supreme. No explanations are needed, now get this ship moving so I can show you Kermac might indeed.” With these words the Kermac left but the Dolbarians remained. The Prince actually sat down on the Command Seat, technically reserved for Noldra only, but if it kept the Emperors son out of his way it was a good thing.

<p lang="en-US">The Ship master crossed his massive arms and stared through the view port in the eternal night of interstellar space. As far as Noldra knew, the Kermac were the masters of a huge Star Empire with many member species that served them and in return received the benefit of protection and wise guidance.

<p lang="en-US">The Xandrao were themselves conquered and ruled over a mighty twenty star system empire. Their fleet was feared and respected by the Furze, the Dawn and their immdeate Galactic neighbors the Yotenen even conceded a disputed star system to them, without fighting as they knew how dangerous it was to raise Xandrao anger.

<p lang="en-US">Yet he had travelled more than most of his kind and he had seen the ships of the Togar and the Jooltar and he knew just how aggressive these cats could be and how incredibly advance their technology was. That the Xandrao weren't the most powerful or most advanced sentient species was a fact that was not lost to the Emperor himself, and so when the Kermac Envoys showed up, he agreed to send this mighty war ship and his favorite son to establish closer contacts with the Kermac. If it was true what the Kermac had told about an association of many sentient species called the Galactic Council, it was a foregone conclusion the Emperor would decide to join that Galactic Council

<p lang="en-US">Just like the Emperor, Noldra as a high ranking member of the military has seen the intelligence reports on the expansionistic Togar and if the reports were correct they ruled over a region of more than hundred sixty star systems and appeared to have technology even more advanced than the Down.

<p lang="en-US">The Xandrao would fall if the Togar decided to expand and this was the real reason the Emperor even considered the Kermac proposal.

<p lang="en-US">He moved his spoon shaped ears and they twitched just as the ears of his far distant anchestors did to shake of the flies that had troubled his kind for so long it had become a genetic habit and he said to his Engine Maintainer Chief who appeared on a viewer screen. “Don’t give me excuses, tell me when will we be able to resume trans light?”

<p lang="en-US">The technician down in the engine room had his horns cut to short nobs as every Xandrao of the working Class was required to do, but he knew about his value and position and said without lowering his head. “I am not making any excuses, Shipmaster. I am informing you that our engines were strained to the very limit and that I recommend we land at a suitable planet so I can exchange the Main Core with the spare we have along.”

<p lang="en-US">“Your recommendation is noted and dismissed. Will you be able to service them so we can reach Kermac Prime?”

<p lang="en-US">“It is hard to predict, but I assume we should make it.”

<p lang="en-US">“I have your Man pieces and make you a field tilling Grox if we don’t. Now tell me how long until we can resume acceleration?”

<p lang="en-US">“If the main core fails before we reach that destination, Ship Master. None of us will have enough bits left for anything. To answer your question, we should be ready in three hours.”

<p lang="en-US">Noldra cut the transmission knowing that this was actually a very good time, switching injectors and replacing mag shields was a big job and usually took half a day, doing it while in space and in three hours was a testament just how good his Engine Maintainer was.

<p lang="en-US">The Prince on his Command seat had fallen asleep and started to snore, one of the pressed cakes of the finest herb infused grass, the prince liked so much had rolled out of his hand and across the floor.

<p lang="en-US">He looked at the Dolbarian, neither of the two small beings had said much during the entire visit and now they simply stood there, only their bushy tails twitching.

<p lang="en-US">Noldra had to admit to himself he didn’t like the Kermac much and he found these Dolbarians laughable small, but they had fur and they had tails and that was something positive in Noldra's oppinion of things.

<p lang="en-US">Dolbarian tails were not anything like the thick rope like tails with a paint brush like end all Xandrao had. The Dolbran tail was fluffy but it was a tail and to him it was easy to decypher the tail language and knew the two were nervous. So he decided to ask and said. “Why are you nervous? “

<p lang="en-US">One of the Dolbarians gestured towards the viewer. “We arrived in Freespace, big Shipmaster. If we read your Charts right we are in a region called the Devils Playground.”

<p lang="en-US">“Your masters have not really explained what this Freespace is and why is this called the Devil’s Playground?”

<p lang="en-US">The Dolbran looked surprised. “You do not know about the Big Four and Freespace?”

<p lang="en-US">The other Dolbran said. “You Nift, they are from Downward and there is little contact. We are not supposed to tell them about the Big Four or the Union.”

<p lang="en-US">“You are the Nift, as you just did!” snapped the other back.

<p lang="en-US">“You are guests on my ship and guests of my Liege. I can not order you but if you know anything I should know about this region of space then tell me. It is your life too that could be in danger.”

<p lang="en-US">One of the Dolbrans looked towards the door and said. “We are lucky that our Kermac Masters are not of the highest order and their Psionics are mediocre at best.”

<p lang="en-US">The other spread his arms and said. “This Area is called the Devil's playground because it is Pirate infested.”

<p lang="en-US">Noldra started to laugh and then he said. “Pirates? Did you just say Pirates? You Dolbran must be a very meek species indeed. This is the largest most powerful Xandrao ship, we eat Pirates for breakfast .”

<p lang="en-US">The two Dolbran looked at each other and one said. “The Xandrao do not know...”

<p lang="en-US">Noldra said. “I can understand if you are small like that, Pirates might be frightening, but they do not attack war ships, only helpless merchants.”

<p lang="en-US">One of the Dolbran put his small fur covered finger on the map display and said. “Over here are the Kartanians, more advanced than the Togar you fear, but far less numerous. Here are the Nine Shattered Kingdoms of the Ohgr and the Orkh-Oghr could easily eat you for breakfast so to speak, they fear neither the Togar nor the Kartanians.” His little paw moved to another spot and moved in a circle that included at least a thousand light years. “Here are the Nul, warriors that make you look small. Not even the Kermac would ever want to anger them.” Again his hand encircled a large area. “This is the space of the Shiss, mortal enemies of the Nul and fighting them for over 3000 years and they are not loosing.”

<p lang="en-US">The other Dolbran leanded over the map display and pointed with a small needle sharp claw on a single star. “That is where the Holdians are. Our distant cousins.” Again the other Dolbran scolded the other. “You are the greatest Nift I have ever met. I am trying to tell the ignorant Bovine about the Big Four before our Taskmaster decides to come back and prevent any further education of the ignorant and you tell him about the Holdians. They are insignificant.”

<p lang="en-US">He chirped something sounding very angry, Noldra did not understand and then the Dolbran used his claw to draw an area that more or less included a quarter of the entire galaxy and then he added a sizeable area of another quadrant and said. “This you ignorant Xandrao fool is the space the Union controls, it is them the Kermac fear like nothing else. The Kermac lost three war against them. Not the Nul, not the Shiss, not the Togar and all I have mentioned together could hope to prevail in a war against the Union. Oh Xandrao Ship Master heed my warning and never anger the Union, they are slow to anger but if they do and Terrans go to war, you will learn that anything you knew before about this most terrible of all exercises is a child's dream.”

<p lang="en-US">The other Dolbran said. “The Union, the Kermac, the Shiss and the Nul are the Big Four and they have signed a treaty that defines what is called Free Space.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Noldra snorted. “I don't believe you. No Empire could be that big. It would take years to travel from one end to the other. Messages would travel for ages, it would be impossible to govern.”

<p lang="en-US">The other Dolbran was still pointing at the Holdian home system and had paid little attention. “They are not insignificant, they are Union now.”

<p lang="en-US">“I must concur and revise my statement indeed about the Holdians and you Ship Master of the Xandrao, it matters little what you believe now. You will remember our words the first time you face a Union Battle Ship.”

<p lang="en-US">Noldra no longer paid attention to the wild phantasies of these furry aliens as the scanner operators reported. “Unknown ship contact approaching.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">--””--

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Har-Hi the Dai was sitting in the Command Chair of the Tigershark as he had the Conn during the second dog watch. It was another hour to midnight OTT and the end of his shift. The USS Tigershark perhaps the most unusual ship in the Union fleet, with the most diverse crew ever assembled was on her way to a place called Brhama Port. This was an independent mining outpost in a shattered star system and also a notorious pirate port.

<p lang="en-US">At the Nav station sat a 12,000 year old Golden who had been the leader of his kind. It was his first time on this posting. Krabbel the Archa spider and Senior Naviation Officer was off duty, but was present anyway sitting right beside the Golden to supervise the Old Merchant handling this post. Since he was here anyway he had volunteered to take Helm. While Krabbel was the ships Chief Navigator, he had a sufficient Helm rating to steer the Tigershark.

<p lang="en-US">An Attikan Marine Officer named Fectiv manned Tactical. That a Marine manned a Bridge console was about as unusual as the ship and while it was not against regulations, it was unheard off. But then aboard the Tigershark there were quite a few things stretched to the very limit of standard Navy regulations and procedures. Har-Hi was certain there was no other Union vessel with a genuine Y'All warrior manning the Communications Console.

<p lang="en-US">The Tigershark had its Janus Mask active and looked like a Katarian Armed Trader and pretended to be the pirate ship Silver Streak.

<p lang="en-US">Har-Hi turned a little to face the Engineering Officer, the small rodent like furry Holdian and said. “Everything alright with the tractors?” He asked because they were towing a Pirate ship.

<p lang="en-US">The little Holdian answered. “Yes Sir, once the mass is in motion it takes very little to keep it going. The material stress and shear forces are well within expected tolerances.”

<p lang="en-US">Har-Hi said. “We once towed a full size Hospital ship with a Barracuda destroyer. Back then we were beyond any tolerance.”

<p lang="en-US">The Golden said without taking his eyes of his read outs. “I really want to hear all the adventures you and the Captain had. It seems there weren't many dull moments.”

<p lang="en-US">Har-Hi was both relaxed and highly alert and the tall Dai Than turned to look towards the Ready room door. “Indeed, Mr. Sobody there weren't many dull moments since I met our Captain.”

<p lang="en-US">Narth sitting at OPS said. “I have not yet managed to understand what the exact definiton of a moment is. Is it more than a minute, less than 30 seconds. The expression of taking a moment or waiting a moment is quite confusing. Yet I too agree with our XO, the time we have shared...” He interrupted himself and said. “Sensor contacts, at 7.9 degrees due course, distance 4.1. Hostile activity possible. It appears quite similar to our other encounter.”

<p lang="en-US">Har Hi said. “All stop, Mr. Krabbel. SHIP go to Yellow and be so kind and inform the Captain. She said everything that crosses our bow is fair game.”

<p lang="en-US">The voice of the ship AI responded. “She is on her way.”

<p lang="en-US">;;””--

<p lang="en-US">Yellow Alert and SHIP's voice caught me on Deck R just as I was climbing out of the ships swimming pool. “Captain we have three contacts on scanner horizon. First situation assessment suggests two pirates and a third ship of unknown configuration.”

<p lang="en-US">“Nothing for days, but each time I decide to take a swim, there is something.” I sighed and said. “All stop, maintain yellow alert and I am on my way.”

<p lang="en-US">SHIP of course had her audio sensors open and since she wasn't like any other Ship AI I knew, she said. “It was you who wanted to be informed about any scanner contact. We could make a big bow around it and you go back swimming.”

<p lang="en-US">I gave the shimmering inviting water a last look and said. “I can swim anytime, this isn't a leisure cruise and I am the Captain and must set an example. Why I am even explaining such things to you? You know we can't leave things unchecked. It's part of our mission.”

<p lang="en-US">“Because I am your SHIP and I like have things explained to me.”

<p lang="en-US">I jumped into the auto dresser and dialed for my usual pirate outfit. Of course I could have stayed and finished my swim and let Har Hi handle the whole situation, but this would have been highly inappropiate out of a number of reasons. I was the captain and it was my responsibility. We had standing orders to investigate any ship contact during our mission here in Free Space and besides this was what I lived for, I could swim anytime. While the Auto Dresser assembled the leather outfit around my recently altered body, I once more remembered Captain K'Tngnk while he let me steer his Pounder Class Battleship. Encounters in deep space were usually extremely rare and most situations developed in or near star systems, the usual destination of space ships. However this was Free Space and the region we traversed right now was called the Devil's Playground for a reason.

<p lang="en-US">Our current course more or less followed the the outer rim of the Scrutum Centaurus arm of our galaxy, somewhere in this region was Brhama Port our first destination to make my first official appearance as Black Velvet and introduce the Silver Streak to local eyes and establish ourselves as major player in this lawless region of space.

<p lang="en-US">A few days ago we intervened as we witnessed a Pirate attack on what seemed at first a harmless civilian freighter. The Civilian freighter belonged to a Union Company but it was everything but harmless and after we captured and boarded the freighter, we found a horror freight consisting of human body parts and human captives intended to be sold on the Togar Meat markets.

<p lang="en-US">The freighter, the pirate crew and the human freight was on its way back to Union Space and we were towing the Pirate ship sans its crew behind us, with the intend to sell it at Brahma Port.

<p lang="en-US">My ship, the USS Tigershark was currently disguised as a Karthanian armed Trader named Silver Streak. To disguise an entire Starship we utilized by a marvelous device called the Janus System. I was quite certain that the Tigershark was the most unique ship not only within the Union fleet but perhaps in the entire Galaxy. It represented the very pinnacle of Union Technology and had been in development under the Codename "Project Fish" for centuries.

<p lang="en-US">We operated not under regular Union Fleet authority but were part of the secretive X Fleet and under Command of NAVINT.

<p lang="en-US">Our disguise and our undercover approach was necessary due to the Free Space treaty. This contract between the Big Four and about 70 independent civilizations, made it a war causing offense if any of the Big Four operated ships inside Free Space territory. No space ship operating under Union Authority was allowed to cross the treaty defined boundaries of this buffer region between the Big Four. This fact was used by pirates and criminals to escape pursuit and prosecution. So my ship looked like a heavily modified Kartanian trader and was known as the Silver Streak and I had taken on the disguise and identity of a female pirate Captain called Black Velvet. A female pirate of that name had raided ships and colonies four hundred years ago and then had vanished under mysterious circumstances. No one outside a very exclusive cirlce of individuals knew that Black Velvet and the Silver Streak from back then also had been a NAVINT cover operation.

<p lang="en-US">Our mission was it to hunt pirates and neutralize as many of that murdering scum as possible; to gather Intelligence on Union Mil Tech trade, find pirate hide outs and suppress the Slave and Drug trade. Specifically we were also to find out more about the Sinister Alliance and eliminate a Pirate

<p lang="en-US">The region we were traversing was close to what the Dai called the Thalim Nebula. A region of space where five Suns simultaneous went Supernova.

<p lang="en-US">Part of that Nebula had been claimed by the Union and much of what had been Galactic Council space in that area was now also considered Union Space, claimed after the recent events following the war against the Nogoll. The region was still in turmoil and the final boundaries subject to heated dispute and new friction between the Union and the Kermac led Galactic Council.

<p lang="en-US">We now were clear on the other side of the Thalim Nebula.

<p lang="en-US">I reached the bridge simultaneous with Shea, Mao and Shaka. Like a dance move practiced a million times, Har-H got up in a fluent move and so did everyone else, switching and occupying their stations.

<p lang="en-US">I sank into the leather of my Command seat and as always all doubts, all uncertain feelings left me. This is where I belonged. “Engineering. disengage tractor and set the the Mighty Nine to drift. Tactical give me a full 360.SHIP, Battle view.”

<p lang="en-US">While Circuit confirmed Tractor projectors deactivated, my Command seat was pushed up and my surroundings changed. I now had an unobstructed view of space, a simulated computronic enhanced view of course, bridge stations reduced to icons floating just at the edge of my field of view.

<p lang="en-US">At 11 degrees of our intended course and at 3.9 light years distance were three bright signals.

<p lang="en-US">Har Hi spoke after he collected the different department reports. “The contacts I am marking now red are known pirate ships. The 340 meter Anarkra and the 360 meter Meronka. Operated by the Terrible Twins. Hans is receiving detailed intel as we speak. Both pirate ships are heavily customized DeNoir Balric Corvettes,legally sold surplus from almost 700 years ago. Shea's Power distribution scan confirms Mao's armament estimate. They both have very good Shimmer Shields in Union Standard tripple layer configuration and both are armed with real Nul Froth Casters. Both ships would pose a serious opponent to the Silver Streak, together they would be more than a match to the ship we are supposed to be.

<p lang="en-US">Their opponent is a massive 1000 meter ship of unknown configuration, but energy signature suggests Tech Level 7. Detailed weapon or material scans are not possible with the scanners and sensors we are simulating. The shields of the unknown ship appear to be standard energy and matter repulsors, no para- or transdim signatures present. Situation analysis suggests they are about to engage in hostile activities.”

<p lang="en-US">“Alright then let us welcome the strangers and reduced the number of pirates in these region by two. All hands Battle Stations. Raise Shields. Krabbel take us to the outmost range of our Snipers. If at allpossible I like to stay out of the range of those Froth Casters and clip their claws before we get any closer. Mao prepare for Micro TL and see if you can time your fire whenever the alien ship fires.”

<p lang="en-US">Har-Hi said.”That's not a bad idea at all, they never suspect us but think it was the Alien.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">--””--

<p lang="en-US">Shipmaster Noldra was actually glad the uncertainty was over and his gut feeling had once more proven to be more accurate than the scanners. Two ships of unknown configuration were approaching.

<p lang="en-US">The Kermac had returned to the bridge and the Prince woke from his nap. Albra blinked with his big brown eyes. “What is the matter, how can anyone find some rest with all this commotion?” Noldra fumed. “Your excellency do you want to lead our vessel into combat against two unknown hostiles and remove me from command?”

<p lang="en-US">“No of course not, I have full confidence in...” Noldra was close to physically drag the Prince out of his Command stool. “Then get out of my seat, now and take that pale piece of Alien offense of my bridge, your Majesty.”

<p lang="en-US">The prince got up with a hurt expresion and Albra sat down. “Raise our Energetic Fences at once and prepare to launch Revenge Bringers. Operator see if those Aliens can be raised on the Etherwaver.”

<p lang="en-US">The Kermac did not leave and neither did the prince, but the Command crew around Albra functioned and did their duty. The white skinned ambasador of the Kermac pointed at the visual viewer. “Don't waist your time talking to them. Commence all resources to propulsion and continue to approach Kermac space. That space rubble will not dare to follow.”

<p lang="en-US">“Kermac, you return to your quarters and remain there or by the First Emperors Holy Manhood I have you dragged there. We can't go trans light until we have serviced the engines.”

<p lang="en-US">The Kermac was outraged but knew when it was a good time to remain silent.

<p lang="en-US">The Operator of the Ether Set turned. “We made contact to them and they demand our surrender. They will spare our lives if we hand over all valuables. They have not identified themselves.”

<p lang="en-US">“Then our answer will be clear. Let us hand out something valuable indeed. Launch Revenge Bringers one through twenty..”

<p lang="en-US">Xandrao ship to ship missiles were very fast and able to reach near light speed very fast and shut down their space cutting infra fields moments before impact, bringing 500 kilos of relativistic mass to bear traveling at 99 percent of light. They were equipped with the best computers Xandrao engineering could come up with and had the ability to split into multiple attack vector war heads.

<p lang="en-US">The ship shuttered at enemy weapon impact. Lights flickered and seat restrains activated as ship gravitation was lost.

<p lang="en-US">One of the analysts reported. “Enemy is using a Graivation based weapon and it collapsed shields.

<p lang="en-US">The enemy ships intercepted several Revenge Bringer missiles, but a good number impacted on their shields wearing them down then one of the Scanner operators reported. “Ship Master, our Revenge Bringers have disabled both ships. For some reason we can't yet explain war heads must have penetrated the enemy ships shields and armor and destroyed some vulnerable spot. The enemy ships lost propulsion and weapons as it appears.

<p lang="en-US">“Finish them off!” Yelled the floating Kermac.

<p lang="en-US">Noldra wanted to finish off the Kermac but he said. “Reload the Missile tubes and fire a second volley.”

<p lang="en-US">“Ship Master Noldra we are being called from a third ship that just appeared on our scanners.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">--””--

<p lang="en-US">Mao grinned proudly over his wide face. He had just disabled both pirate ships with two micro TL loads. “The problem these Pirate sisters had that they are using old Union De Noirs,and we knew exactly where their computronic cores were. No Computronic...nothing works.”

<p lang="en-US">“Let's make sure they don't find time to activate some sort of back up.” I said.”Shaka get us close and cut their weapons. Elfi see if you can hail the unknown and establish communications.”

<p lang="en-US">Narth said. “The new comers are from Downward and it appears they are here for the first time indeed, but they are not here for exploration reasons. I sense two Kermac among them.”

<p lang="en-US">I slapped my hand on my arm rest. “And here I was wanting to spare new commers, and all we find is yet another GC thrall species. Not that they should be here with a war ship like that in the first place.”

<p lang="en-US">Elfi said. “I have made contact, Captain. They are using a simple audio only Tachyon Radio I send greeting in all common languages and they responded to Kermac right away.”

<p lang="en-US">“Put me on.” “Comm Link open Captain.” “This is Captain Black Velvet of the Silver Streak. To avoid any confusion. I am a Pirate and we are here to make a profit. Normally I would have let you go,but since you speak Kermac you are violating the Free Space Treaty, you are to surrender and shut down all Energy consuming devices.”

<p lang="en-US">Shea said. “Captain, they are about to release another volley of their missiles.”

<p lang="en-US">“Can we prevent that without blowing them to pieces?”

<p lang="en-US">Mao said. “The missiles are released individually, but we could blow their force field generator and then Tech Stop the whole ship.” “Alright do it.”

<p lang="en-US">--””--

<p lang="en-US">Mao's approach worked but not before the strangers released a few of their missiles. Both pirate ships were the target and without shields they were defenseless and both ships were destroyed.

<p lang="en-US">Two hours later I had reached what must have been the Alien ships bridge. Our tech stop and paralysators have worked like a charm this time, everyone was asleep and and none of the alien ships equipment worked.

<p lang="en-US">Har Hi stood beside me and said. “Don't you think they look like Terran cattle?” He pushed a sleepping alien aside who was still floating, as there was no Artifical gravitation either.”

<p lang="en-US">Now as he said it I had to agree, and I remembered the large feed lots on Wichita Planet and the endless herds of cows.”Yes, there is a resemblance.”

<p lang="en-US">Shea pointing at a large alien strapped to the command chair. He was wearing some sort of colorful harness with lots of gold and a cape like mantle. Otherwise he was his furry self and she said. “At least we can be certain he is male.”

<p lang="en-US">I gave her a side look and said. “And you noticed that huge thing right away.”

<p lang="en-US">“A pure scientific observation and conclusion of evaluating a visual examination.”

<p lang="en-US">“Yes I would have put it exactly the same way. I think they haven't invented pants or modesty .”

<p lang="en-US">Narth appeared next to me and also looked at the being in the central chair and then at Shea. “How can you determine he is male by visual inspection alone? This being is not registered on GalNet.”

<p lang="en-US">Shea pointed at the being. “They appear to be Carbon based life forms, and have physilogical similarities to other mammalian species. The appendix like organic feature so dominantly featured between the beings legs, make me very confident that he is indeed male.”

<p lang="en-US">Har-Hi had strange grin on his face as he said .”You identify as a male Narth right? Don't you have something like that as well?”

<p lang="en-US">I held up my hands. “Here we are on the bridge of an alien species we just boarded, and what is it my Senior staff is discussing?” I shook my head in a over acting theatrical manner then said. “ Mr. Narth make sure we contain all Kermac before they have a chance to come around. Mr. Hi coordinate with our Security Officer and confine and secure the crew of this vessel; and you Ms Schwartz. I like to read a detailed assessment on their technology.”

<p lang="en-US">They confirmed my orders, but had a hard time to keep my ammusement out of my voice as I saw Narth look down on himself saying. “Yes I was supposed to emulate a human male and accessing physiological data I just realized that the coroporal shell I was given, is faulty and inadequate equipped.”

<p lang="en-US">Har-Hi put his hand on Narth's shoulder as they walked out. “Next time you go to your Narth place, that is something they need to fix. “

<p lang="en-US">I missed Narth's reply as Circuit who was working on the ships systems turned and said. “Sorry Captain their tech is very primitive, simple binary circuits, digital stuff and not well shielded. Our Tech stop melted most of it.”

<p lang="en-US">“Can we hook up something of ours? If life support does not come back on soon, they won't survive.” I said to him and pulled a floating Kermac on his foot down so I could examine him closer. “

<p lang="en-US">“I am replicating nanites as fast as I can, so we can restore basic life support. In terms of Computronics they are not Tech Level seven, more like five or six at most. Quite interesting solutions but...”

<p lang="en-US">“Do we have to evacuate them before life support conditions deteriorate and become life threatening to them?”

<p lang="en-US">Circuit shrugged his shoulders. “ Hard to say, but maybe 3-4 hours, before temperatures drop to far. Their hull has a sufficient layer of lead to reduce radiation, but not completely opaque to ionizing radiation like Union Hulls.”

<p lang="en-US">“Well it gives me a little time to think what I should do with them.”

<p lang="en-US">Fective, the Attikan Marine and a good friend appeared from one of the access doors and stomped in his camouflaged battle suit across the deck. “Captain, the Golden and I have completed the survey of the pirate ship wrecks. There is not all that much left, but we secured nineteen survivors who managed to jettison or close their suits in time and being far enough of the explosion centers. We secured the survivors in Stasis boxes and a few boxes of loot.”

<p lang="en-US">“Thank you, Lt. Fective. “Now please get every available hand over here and help Mr. Narth and Mr. Hi and fine tooth comb this ship. I want every Kermac in PSI Shielded Zero Stasis with Marine guards and robots watching them, if they are so much as twitch, you have the authority to elimnate. I really don't trust them.”

<p lang="en-US">Fective nodded inside his suit. “We don't have much exposure to the Kermac at the LMC, but I went to Union school of course and I never heard much good about them.”

<p lang="en-US">I held up my hand showing two fingers. “I like Shiss, Pertharians, Klack and even Y'All. I am the most un-biased Norse ever to step of Nilfeheim. I have Elly friends, got squiggled by Garbinis, get hugs from Archa and trust our Shail. I even did the spooky thing with a Narth, but there are two species my spotted friend I do not trust: Kermac and Thaurans. We are deep in Free Space and what do we find Kermacs agitating a species of cows and very large squirrels. They have no business here in Free Space in the first place.”

<p lang="en-US">Shea looked up and smirked. “Well technically we don't either, but I agree with you on the rest.”

<p lang="en-US">With an elegant move Warner the Holdian pushed himself off a panel he was working at and floated before me. “Those are not squirrels, Captain. I don't know who those big things are but what you call Squirrels are Dolbrans. They have evolved from a once lost Diobane colony and had the distinct fortune that their three planets and 2 systems were on the side of the Galactic Council during the last treaty conference.”

<p lang="en-US">“I stand corrected then Mr. Warner. I must confess I am an expert, as we don't have any Squirrels on Nilfeheim, but I remember seeing a similar kind in the forests of Green Eden, but how are we doing on the ships systems? If we can get their life support going, or we may have to move the entire crew of this big ship.”

<p lang="en-US">The little Holdian sighed. “As Lt. Circuit said, our tech stop fried whatever electronic systems they had and having a Micro load detonate in their computer core made a real mess of their mainframe.” The Holdian re enacted the explosion with a big gesture and was quite successful. “Give us three weeks and the original construction manuals and we might get them working again.”

<p lang="en-US">I sighed with a smile. “Then I better don't keep you from your work.”

<p lang="en-US">He chirped and moved back to the open panel.

<p lang="en-US">Shea said. “I think we need another Paralysator sweep, I can detect their neural activity picking up.”

<p lang="en-US">I blinked at my Comm link and said. “Har -Hi how far along are we containing the crew?”

<p lang="en-US">“This bucket they call a space ship had more than 600 crew members, thankfully our bio sensors have no problem finding them. Narth thinks we got them all except for the ones on the bridge, confined in a cargo hold. We also found 85 casualties.”

<p lang="en-US">“All right then, now all that is left to do is talk to them and figure out what to do.”

<p lang="en-US">To Shea I said. “Let them come around, I need more information so I can decide.”

<p lang="en-US">It didn't take long and what I assumed was the leader of the aliens recovered from the Paralysator effect. He was still strapped into his command chair. His first impulse was to reach for a weapon as he saw us, but he stopped as he stared into four TKU muzzles at the same time. I am sure however it wasn't the guns but TheOther holding them that made him think otherwise and freeze in his move. He said something with a loud voluminous voice I did not understand. Shea spoke to him in Kermac and he nodded but said something in a language I did not understand.

<p lang="en-US">She begun with First Contact procedures and her PDD projected simple dots. First one then two then three.

<p lang="en-US">The bovine looking alien understood and responded with guttural sounds. She made fast progress. He made a snorting surprised and somewhat frightened sound as Narth appeared next to me and I felt sorry for the Alien leader. He had his ship invaded saw a real Y'All with guns and now a shrouded Narth appear from thin air. Narth spoke to me on our silent mental connection. “The Kermac are stripped of all devices and sleep in Zero Stasis and the being before you is a Xandrao. They know of the Togar and the Jooltar but have never heard of the Union, the Shiss or the Nul. From what I gather they are on their way to visit Kermac Prime to discuss Galactic Council membership.”

<p lang="en-US">“Why aren't they using their usual Psi tricks on them?”

<p lang="en-US">“I do not know for certain, but since I had to probe quite forcefully to get into the Xandrao mind, a certain natural resistance to Psionics might be the reason.”

<p lang="en-US">Shea said. “He understands some Kermac, but they used translators of their now defunct shipboard systems. I started Language analysis but SHIP was faster, she downloaded the language data from one of the Kermac Beards. You should now be able to talk to them.” I turned to address the alien leader. “I am Captain Black Velvet of the Silver Streak, we are an independent group of beings seeking opportunities. Your ship was severely damaged in the altercation and lost all electronics. While my Chief Engineer tries to patch rudimentary life support functions, we still might have to evacuate your vessel. Your crew is for the moment secured but relatively safe.”

<p lang="en-US">He listened to me and I was sure he understood so I continued. “I wanted to spare you newcommers to this side of the galaxy, but once learned you are symphatizers and thralls of the cursed Kermac, I am no longer so inclined. From you I want to know what your plans were and what kind of scheme you and the Kermac have cooked up to cause mischief and mayhem.”

<p lang="en-US">The Xandrao snorted angrily but tried to keep his dignity and said with his loud booming voice, “I am Ship Master Noldra Dorrx and this is the First Ship of the Emperor. We are on a mission of diplomatic importance. I will not declare anything else to a stinking pirate, who form the looks of it is a disgusting female. Not that your race seems to have much redeming features, but go away female and find me a male and I might talk to him.”

<p lang="en-US">I got closer and put my finger on his wide snout. “You talk to me, or you talk to no one ever again.”

<p lang="en-US">“You are only tough because I am restrained and you hide behind the guns of your four armed terror. You would never stand a chance against a Xandrao male, no one does. Not even that four armed beast.”

<p lang="en-US">Just then Artificial gravitation came back on and some of the ships own lights came on. “Go ahead Xandrao, chose the weapons. Right here and now!”

<p lang="en-US">“You are a weak female, hiding in armor and behind muscle of your male slaves. Your are a cowardly pirate. Go ahead tell your males to kill me.”

<p lang="en-US">Har-Hi sighed loudly. “Captain, this is not...”

<p lang="en-US">But I had already given the suit the Emergency release command and the battle disintegrated into assembly parts and basically spit me out.

<p lang="en-US">The Xandrao slapped on the restrain release that now worked again and lunged forward. He was almost as big as Hans and had his hands immideatly on me. Instead of evading him, I grabbed him by the grabbing wrist and tried to execute an Aikido move that served me so well so long ago against the lumbering Y'All. It did not work as I hoped, the Xandrao was so I had to realize, a trained fighter and not a brawler. His other fist grabbed me by the throat. And yes once again I was in trouble and it was trouble I could have easily avoided, I certainly did not act like a Union Captain should act, and this was not how first Contact was made.

<p lang="en-US">He was squeezing the very life out of me and yet I found enough air to gargle. “Stay where you are!” To Har Hi.

<p lang="en-US">I got angry, not so much about the Xandrao but about myself, but the bovine like alien was really starting to piss me off. He had lifted me of the ground, I was holding to his massive arm with one hand and stabbed my fingers into his right eye. He screamed in pain and as I feigned a second stab against his other he instinctivley raised his arms to deflect my second attempt, to do that he let me go and I dropped, ignoring the throbbing pain of my squeezed neck and kicked upward as hard as I could and kicked him at exactly that exposed feature of his anatomy we had talked about earlier. He was as it appeared quite sensitive and groaned in an ear shattering volume, He wiped his big arm through the air, a powerful swing, but far of target. An axe handle blow of mine across his wide snout however found its target.

<p lang="en-US">All my attacks had been done with all my strenght, but had done little more than perhaps dazzle the Alien.

<p lang="en-US">He lowered his head and swiped his sharp horns through the air, a perfectly natural move if you had horns like that, but unexpected. I managed to avoid his grabbing arms and the head swing that brought his horns into play, by perhaps a hairs width. In all this I could have ended it easily. Narth was here and so was Har Hi, not to mention TheOther all would have taken was a call for help.

<p lang="en-US">A blow of my fist against his fore head, made me realize just how hard his skull was. It felt like punching a battle ship hull.

<p lang="en-US">Yet I had to end this somehow on my own.

<p lang="en-US">The head swung the other side while the Xandrao drove me backwards as I tried to avoid his horn attacks and his fast grabbing attempts. He was fast, fast enough to prevent me from really getting away. He was mad and full of frustration and it was apparent that his kind trained hand to hand combat, perhaps almost as religiously as the Union Marines did. There was not much room left to back up, the head swung again...his big hands swinging with powerful blows. The only thing saving me was the wonderful agility my altered body seemed to have. Then I acted on an instinct, grabbed the swinging horns just as his neck was at the outmost swing and I added all my body weight to twist it further. I heard a crunching sound and the big alien groaned, even the big Xandrao had to follow physics and his big body had to follow the momentum and he crashed hard on the deck plating almost burring me, I let go and rolled away in the last moment.

<p lang="en-US">The big alien was making strange gargling sounds and did not try to get up. I came shaking to my feet and with a coarse, laboring voice I rasped.”Get up!”

<p lang="en-US">Har Hi rushed by. “Captain, let it be, you broke the Xandrao's neck. He is dying.”

<p lang="en-US">I wiped the sweat of my brow and tried to straighten myself into a more dignified position. “Call Cateria..” Only now I noticed the bleeding cut along my left arm.”

<p lang="en-US">Har Hi shook his head. “Narth get the Captain to sickbay.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">--””--

<p lang="en-US">I did not remember the teleportation and realized I must have passed out. The next thing I remembered was seeing the face of my CMO and she wasn't pleased at all. “That was a close one, Captain. I don't even know how you kept fighting with a severly bruised larynx, the subsequent swelling caused asphyxia and Lt. Narth brought you in with not much time to spare.”

<p lang="en-US">I did not feel proud and as I sat up I saw Har Hi, Shea and Narth standing there. Har-Hi had his arms crossed and said. “Captain I say it right out and in front of everyone, this isn't working. You are the Captain and for the most part you doing a great job, but picking fights like that is anything but smart. You almost died and in a situation that was not even remotely neccesarry.” He spread his arms. “You know we follow you to hell and back, but I am the XO and I must say this.” I lowered my head and felt a shameful frown creep into my face. “I know, I can't even say anything to defend myself. That was extremely foolish.”

<p lang="en-US">“Captain, the warrior in me is full of awe of your fighting skills and I still can't believe you almost killed that Xandrao, despite an almost lethal injury, but I am not just a Dai Than warrior anymore but an Union Officer and you are no longer just a Nilfeheim viking, but a commanding Officer. I know we do things differently than on other ships. Your instincts and your style is usually head on...” He stopped looked at Narth for help then continued. “I love you like a brother and I don't really know how to say it or what to say. Just be a little more careful.”

<p lang="en-US">Narth said, not using his mental voice but speaking aloud. “I tend to agree with Har Hi, but once again these impulsive actions, guided by emotions and instinct all Narth find harder to fathom than the secrets of creation itself, have yielded suprising results.”

<p lang="en-US">I got up after Cateria nodded and I said. “All I can say I know I acted wrong and I am sorry. I am aware that my actions were inapropoiate and unneccesary.”

<p lang="en-US">Har Hi said. “The problem is your action was not as unneccesary as we would like it to be, so we could use it to persuate you to take a different approach next time. The Xandrao survived thanks to Shea putting him in stasis and Cateria saving his live. He hasn't stopped talking about you and swears undying leigance to you.”

<p lang="en-US">I took his hand. “I promise I will listen to you and try to be less impulsive.”

<p lang="en-US">He grinned. “Well it would help if you stop picking fights with the wildest, biggest opponents you can find.”

<p lang="en-US">I noticed I was wearing just underwear and cleared my throat. “Enough of this unprofessional behavior and that includes first and foremost me and let us get back to the business at hand.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">--””--

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Back in my usual outfit I was still turning Har-Hi's words in my head, knowing he was more than just right. I had reached the Command Chair of a Union ship much earlier than I could ever hoped for. Men like Stahl and McElligott trusted me and more so my crew trusted me. I acted like the a dumb Flicker fish. I could almost hear Egill's dry voice in my head. I sighed and entered the Marine guarded room, where the Xandrian Ship Master was recouperating.

<p lang="en-US">He sat on a vari-matic chair, as I entered he dropped to his knees. “I appologize, Captain Black Velvet, you have earned my deepest respect and I pledge my services to you. An apparent weaker female of an apparent weaker race has bested me, almost killed me without any weapons. You are indeed a mighty warrior. I will without reservation answer your questions and accept any fate you have decided upon me.”

<p lang="en-US">“There is no need to kneel. Ship Master Dorrx. I acted out of proportion. I am not out to learn your secrets, but what business do you have with the Kermac? “

<p lang="en-US">“They are not the unchallenged masters as they claim to be. I laughed at the Dolbrans just hours ago as they told me about the Big Four. I could not believe that there are Star Empires as big as the Dolbrans claim the Nul, the Shiss or these Unions control. We had a hard time to really comprehend what the Kermac claimed about the Galactic Council.”

<p lang="en-US">“The Kermac are an old species and they made deception and controlling others to do their bidding into an art form. They do control a sizeable region, but they are far from being the unchallenged masters. They let others fight, work and provide for them.”

<p lang="en-US">“I begin to understand but we are a proud people, but we see there are others who are stronger and who control technology superior to ours. We have reason to believe the Togar are preparing to conquer us. I have seen many reports and know these Cats love hunting and eating Xandrao. Our Emperor thinks that we could make it a costly endeavour for the Togar Queen, but we would still fall. We are in need of an ally who is strong enough to make the Togar reconsider.”

<p lang="en-US">He spread his big arms, the ones who had almost crushed me to death. “Captain Black Velevet, we are aware of our boistorous nature and officially we like to see ourselves as strong and unbeatable. I do not know if you have already talked to the prince, but if you have do not heed him. He is a good prince but never an Emperor. Our liege is not as naïve as the Kermac thinks he is and neither am I, but we considered serving the Kermac as it would be better than losing it all and end up on Togar menus.”

<p lang="en-US">“I am a fugitive, a criminal and a Pirate bound to Free Space, but you might find a vialble alternative to proceed to the Union. There you would not need to be servants, but could be equal partners. Of course Union member ship must be applied for and new members must accept to uphold Union Laws. However it be better if you and your prince see for yourself and then provide your people and your emperor with the information you have gathered.”

<p lang="en-US">“I was informed about the status of my ship. It is not able to return or move ahead. Even if your magnificent robot engineer will be able to patch things. If our encounter is any indication what this region holds for us, without weapons and energy fences covers we will fall prey to the next pirate that is less honorable than you.”

<p lang="en-US">“I find a solution.”

<p lang="en-US">--””--

<p lang="en-US">“Another one?” McElligott said as I finished my report.”Not that I am complaining that you most likely prevented the Kermac gaining another Thrall species, but fighting a 3 meter Minotaur so he would change his mind and contemplate alternatives is not exactly the smartest way of doing things.”

<p lang="en-US">“I know, my XO already made this very clear, Sir.”

<p lang="en-US">The old Admiral rubbed his chin. “You are at the edge of GalCom range and pretty far from Union Space. I can't send any Chimera unit to pick those Centaurs up. “ The old Admiral suddenly chuckled. “I guess my last sentence was only funny to me. Chimeras and Centaurs...ah well let me think.” The Admiral spoke with me over a 2D connection and the image was projected on a field screen. Due to the fact that we were at the very edge of GalCom reach and already beyond GalNet he could no longer establish an Avatar. “I also would love to get my hands on those Kermac.” He rubbed his chin. “See if your Engineer can't patch that Alien ship up, just good enough so it can limp to Auriga Xi and escort him until you know they are safe. We got regular Union Assets there and they can't go after you as long as you stay in Free Space. Then I arrange a rendevouz with a Chimera unit to take the Kermac off your hands.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">--””--

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">Circuit was sure he and his engineering team could get the Xandrao ship patched up enough to make it, if he Xandrao remained in one room and he did not have to patch the entire ships electronics, but he needed at least a day.

<p lang="en-US">I briefed the Xandrao Ship master and he agreed with this course of action.

<p lang="en-US">I had both of our Gazelles out and fly a cloaked search pattern, to make sure no one else interrupted.

<p lang="en-US">The day passed without incident. The Xandrao ship would be able to limp to Translight speed and make it to Auriga Xi in five days.

<p lang="en-US">Back on the Xandrao ship I shook the hand of the big alien and he said. “I have learned a lot in a short time, Captain Velvet. I learned that there are females that have courage and that there are trustworthy pirates. I learned that our galaxy is even more dangerous than we thought it would be and that your robot engineer is not a robot, but a true magician and a genius. However I also learned that my gut feeling about the Kermac was true. I am glad there is an alternative we can present to our Emperor.”

<p lang="en-US">“Fare well then Ship master Dorxx, maybe our paths cross again under better conditions. I will escort your vessel as close to that new Union system as I dare and then you are on your own, but I am sure you find the United Stars a helpful place and they will restore your vessel so you can return safely.”

<p lang="en-US">“I have much to thank you for. I am not sure if we ever meet again, my prince will still be quite sore about the fact that he is tied up in the freight bay and he will of course blame you.”

<p lang="en-US">“You can release your crew, but remember there isn't any life support to most decks.”

<p lang="en-US">“Oh no Captain Velvet, I like to keep him in there as long as possible. I have more peace that way and can blame you the pirates for his misery.”

<p lang="en-US">“I am not sure what this means, but I think I have an idea.” I bode him farewell and went to the next air lock

<p lang="en-US">Specialist Warner scurried alongside. “Captain, we got all our tools and equipment back and Lt. Circuit is down in the engine room putting final touches to these crude nuclear generators. He should be done within the next ten minutes.”

<p lang="en-US">“Very well then, let us return to our ship. Maybe after the third attempt we make it to that pirate port. “ “What about the Dolbrans, Captain?” “What about them, Mr. Warner. Did you not say they are Galactic Council?” “Can we not take them along? I mean they aren't very happy GC members and what will happen to these two?”

<p lang="en-US">“We can't take them along. They are GC and we only pretend to be Pirates remember?

<p lang="en-US">“Of course I know that Captain. I mean that we are pirates. But we could keep them in a room. They won't eat much.” “When the Xandrao reach the Union System, I am sure Command finds a way to get them back to their home. It's not that we are at war against the Dolbrans.”

<p lang="en-US">“Captain, you said we can always talk to you and this is an unfair situation.. These two will be interrogated and tortured.”

<p lang="en-US">I stopped. “Mr. Warner of course you can talk to me any time, but we. I mean the Union won't torture them I promisse.”

<p lang="en-US">“Captain, not us, the Kermac of course. These two were sent to escort two Kermac envoys to the Xandrao and what do you think will happen if they return from somewhere Union side? The entire Dolbran species is under Kermac Control, but not in the nice way where they are mentally controlled but in the demeaning, slave you do what I say way. The Kermac will torture them to find out what happened to their envoys and then kill them for not preventing the Xandrao to go Union Side.”

<p lang="en-US">I had to admit he made sense. “I sure don't want them to be tortured, but if we take them we would have to keep them in Zero Stasis for a very long time.” “Could we not fly to their home world, take a delegation Dolbrans to Pluribus? I am sure the Dolbran want to be Union and free of Kermac tyranny.”

<p lang="en-US">I knelt down to be on his level and said. “Mr. Warner we have a mission, we are supposed to be Pirates. We can't simply fly into GC space, land on a Kermac controlled planet. Contact their government and take them to Pluribus.”

<p lang="en-US">“I know it seems impossible, but you are our Captain and you find a way, besides it doesn't have to be now. Maybe after our mission and when you think about something.”

<p lang="en-US">The Holdian specialist was nowhere near as cute as the little Holdian commander I once knew, but he too had these big black button eyes, a pointed black snout that shimmered wet. His whiskers hung down and his round ears had a somehow sad looking position. He sighed and kneaded his tinny fur covered hand.”But of course you are right, Captain. What can we, what could you possibly do? I am sorry I bothered you with that.” “You drive a harder bargain than that Golden Friend of yours. We really can't do much about the Dolbran situation, but we can do something about those two. Go ahead and contact Mr. Neugruber and confine those two, we might indeed have to put them in stasis for a while.” His whiskers snapped up and his ears turned into a happier position. “Thank you Captain.”

<p lang="en-US">

<p lang="en-US">--””--

<p lang="en-US">The Xandrao made it, they jumped into the Auriga Xi system , where several Takkian ships and a Union Battle Ship had arrived only a few days ago to further investigate the strange blue mountain and the Conck. I was surprised to see a a Nul Anhiliator on our scanners there as well.

<p lang="en-US">Of course we could not get closer to investigate, we were officially a Pirate ship. Not that we made much head way so far.

<p lang="en-US">We were scheduled rendevouzed with the USS Boulder thirty hours later in a planet less red star system, known on the charts only as NC-85893.

<p lang="en-US">We dropped out of quasi into the almost empty star system, that the transmited orders designated.

<p lang="en-US">Shea said. “It is a rather unremarkable M4Ve type.

<p lang="en-US">