MORE VOYAGES OF THE TIGERSHARK

Title: GC Book 7: MORE VOYAGES OF THE TIGERSHARK Category: Fiction » Sci-Fi Author: Vanessa Ravencroft Language: English, Rating: Fiction Rated: T Genre: Sci-Fi/Adventure Published: 08-19-09, Updated: 08-26-09 Chapters: 3, Words: 17,882

Chapter 1: Chapter 1

GALACTIC CHRONICLES BOOK V

THE VOYAGE OF THE TIGERSHARK

''Authors Note: Actually I wanted to finish Roy Masters Story and I still will of course, but It turns out my Story about Eric Olafson and his Crew actually has fans. Since my other stories have no fans (so far) or many readers. I decided to continue uploading Chapters of Book 5. Please note that the original draft was written 1997 and I have developed as a writer (at least somewhat) so I am rewriting the Story and correct plot holes and all the mistakes I see. (Sadly I am very blind when it comes to my own errors and misspellings and grammar problems. So if you come across anything that bugs you or you notice an error, feel free to e mail me or leave a Comment.''

''The Year is 5018 One Year after Olafson and his crew returned to Union Space. The Tigershark repaired and up graded and the crew returns for a new mission.''

Prologue

The USS Braddock swung into orbit around one of the most mysterious worlds in the entire Universe, Narth Prime.

She was the first Non Narth vessel ever to do that. Captain Mike Anderson was very aware of that. No active scanning was done. He gave strict orders not to activate any probing rays or scanners other than the passive ones needed for space ship operations.

The planet was as unusual as its inhabitants and reputation. It had no visible surface features from space and looked basically like a giant eight ball, with the sun reflecting in the almost polished looking surface it even had the white dot.

"It looks more like a space ship or something artificial!" His XO, an Insectoid Klack said.

The Captain nodded." It sure does. have we been hailed yet?"

Just as he said it a deeply shrouded and hooded Narth appeared on the Bridge! And everyone aboard could hear him."Welcome to Narth Prime. Thank you for providing transport for our guests. they are here now and we will provide for their transport back to their destinations. You are welcome to remain in orbit, further services are however not required!"

The was gone as he had appeared, instantly.

the OPS Operator said." Captain, Olafson and his group are no longer aboard."

He nodded. "Set a course back to Narth Point Station. this planet give me the creeps!" Then he added. "Member species or not, Computronic why was no Intruder Alert raised?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Computronic active: No unauthorized life form of any kind has been registered"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Replay Bridge visual record and conversation . Five minutes ago!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Replay Bridge Visual time index 09:43 displaying now."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">He saw himself and the bridge crew react to the sudden appearance but nothing was there and no sound."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">His XO said." It only happened in our minds, Captain. that Narth was never here."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"What the hell. Leave orbit maximum acceleration. Captain Olafson's group was almost as creepy as that planet!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Lt. Lombardi, his tactical officer turned. "But she was sure a sight, that Captain I mean. Long blonde hair, perfect body. Just right around the chest. if you know what I mean."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"I know what you mean, Lieutenant. Your guys from Nuevo Roma are all the same. But trust me you would not liked to get into something with that Captain."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Why not? She might enjoy a real man after all?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Do you?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"What?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Enjoy a real man?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Captain! I am a lover of women!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Then you would have been in for a surprise, my good man. The She is a he!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Darn another one of those Saresii. She didn't look like one!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">CHAPTER 1 - NARTH PRIME

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">One moment I was aboard the USS Braddock and the next I stood on a endless seeing smooth surface, extending featureless into all directions. It was the most alien place I ever saw. Not for the strange things but for the total lack of anything. " Aha that's how a busy Narth recreation area looks like. More on the minimalistic side I would say!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Shea knelt down and felt the ground." It feels smooth. I wish I had my scanner with me!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"At least sightseeing won't take long on this world." Har Hi grunted, "you're done seeing it all in five seconds."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Narth said." It does perhaps appear that way, but we adjust the surface as we need it."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">He raised a hand and part of the surface became liquid and a house rose from the ground, complete with Garden, trees and a Speeder in the driveway. Far behind a Mountain range suddenly shot into the ground, Forests and a river. then it all returned to the smooth surface. the next thing we stood on a big rock and all around us a huge ocean. A Tyranno Fin broke the surface chasing after a Fang snapper.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Shea was the first that spoke." Just like a Virtu-Sim."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Narth responded."Not quite, this is not hard light, no sensory trickery. It is matter transformation and the Ocean is quite real, as well as the rock."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Har Hi said."Amazing and Frightening at the same time!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"It should not be frightening to you. You are the first guests on Narth that are fully and completely welcome by all Narth. But then we had only three visitors before! You Eric, you are home."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Har Hi made a gesture across the now smooth featureless horizon. " I get the feeling you mean three visitors since this all exists, right?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Quite so!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Shea said. "Where is everyone? Where are the other Narth? Are we to early?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"No Shea we are all here!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">I turned ."Narth, we are here. We are your friends and you know us, so you know we don't understand. Are the others invisible or perhaps only here in spirit or something like that?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"I know Eric. I know you and you are my best friends. This is why you are here, but we still try to find a way to make you see Narth for what it is."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Out of the ground a seat group appeared, a nice comfortable apartment with wooden walls a fire place made of heavy rocks with a nice fire. It was decorated with furs, pottery and artwork. It smelled of fire and fresh coffee. From the windows you could see over a beautiful mountain lake surrounded by deep green forests and mountains.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Har Hi looked around." What is this?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"That is Narth's home as it is on Earth in the Colorado." He said and offered us to sit down."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">After we had drinks simply appeared." Beer, Coffee, Hell Ade and a bottle of the finest Line Aquavit. Narth himself played the host and filled glasses and cups and sat down himself." We Narth are many and we are one. Sitting here with you I am all Narth. Every Narth everywhere sees, feels and tastes what the form before you experiences. One Narth lives on Earth and this is his house. Many million Narth like this home and choose to be Narth there. Still all you see is one form. But only here on Narth prime I am Narth and this is what we call Narth Supreme. I am now all and as the sum of all Narth I am more. I am not the friend you know. But the Narth who shared his Huhgavh with Eric is here and part of what is me. I know it is quite complicated for corporal beings to understand.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Only when we leave Narth Prime do we have physical bodies. Eric is the only being who has ever seen an unmasked Narth. It is not to hide ourselves. these hoods are made of a let's say special physical made energy that protects you from the Psionic radiation so to speak. The most talented Saresii could once move a very small moon and she did so not by her own power but by the ability to channel many other Saresii Psionic energy. Before the Saresii Entropy they moved their planets into one orbit around their sun. It took the combined effort of all, many billions of Saresii.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"I am saying this as a relation. Narth Supreme could move the entire Galaxy if I choose to do so. " He held up his gloved hands." I see it in your minds and your faces that you now believe we are Gods with unrestricted powers. This is not so, such an act would draw all our energy and most certainly kill Narth.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"There are forces out there much more potent than us. Some of them could be called gods by lesser beings. Some are good, some are evil and some are beyond such mortal ethical concepts. Above all are fundamental rules, that cannot be broken by any of these. It is known as the RULE. Please don't ask me what the Rule is or who put it in place. Narth Supreme ponders this very question since our beginning and we have not yet begun to understand.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"All this must be very complicated and difficult to understand for you. Please do not think we Narth consider us superior to you. We are not, we are simply different. The Narth you know is very much an individual when he is with you away from Narth. He can be wounded and he can die. Something we did not know until Eric saved the Huhgavh.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"The term soul might come close but it is not. For even we do not know what happens to a Narth Huhgavh when it dies. Does it cease to exist on all levels or does it transmute into another realm, we don't know. Especially Terran human religious and philosophical wisdom to us is quite new and a source of deep awe. No other species in the Universe we know of has developed so many ideas about Gods, so many different philosophic ideas about life and death and life thereafter and we believe that perhaps in the sum of all these might lie the answer to some of these questions. This I say to show you that you are as fascinating, alien and hard to understand than we might appear to you."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">No Narth has learned as much as your friend about the positive sides of humanity and corporal life. The concept of your in compromise able friendship that includes the willingness to accept pain and death for this friendship without hesitation was alien to us and yet we all experienced it through Narth and feel enriched by it beyond description. Narth learning about humor and sadness, about loss and sacrifice and about the one thing that even goes beyond friendship, love gave us emotional treasures we had long forgotten. This is why you are here, you are all our friends. You are my friends and this world will always be a safe haven to you ."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">He stopped talking and we sat there, my mind was spinning and I was sure I would need the rest of my lifetime to really understand even a fraction of what he said. Hearing it was one thing, to sit across that being that claimed to move Galaxies and being the sum of all Narth was something completely different.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">The Narth spoke again." Erica the time is not now, but you must return here, once you have completed your tasks. We will then show you how to use your abilities and then you too will be Narth. You will know the time when you are ready for this. You are not ready now."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">I was certain I was the only one hearing it.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">The Narth Supreme got up. "You are ready now to leave and enjoy your vacation before your presence is required at Arsenal IV. When you see Narth again, he will be the Narth you know. Where do you like to go?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Shea said." Para-Para be nice, if someone would ask me."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Interlude : Distant Shore

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Gigamon Space station

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Galhard Ekoman pointed his Image maker through the view port and made a short visual recording of the Gigamon Class Space Station they just approached. He was working for National Galactic and for his current assignment he had traveled further than ever before. And now after over a year travel he reached Distant Shore, the Unions most distant outpost. His journey began on Titan in the Sol System and with a fast Clipper to Central Station where he boarded a Space Train and with it all across the Bridge and over 2 million Light years to Beachhead and then another 20,000 light years, the last 500 aboard Space busses he was glad he arrived finally. The Attendant robot floated down the middle isle ."Dear passengers we are approaching Distant Shore Station. We will dock at the station in 25 minutes. Please gather your personal belongings and prepare for debarking. Gray Lines Incorporated cannot be held responsible for items left behind." The robot had reached the end of the isle of this passenger compartment, turned around in a fluid motion and continued. "Distant Shore maintains a nitrogen oxygen atmosphere and living conditions suitable for oxygen breathing carbon life forms.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"This space bus terminates here. "

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Galhard and his Assistant got up with stiff legs despite the low grav sleep bubble and stretched. His Assistant, a Furry Holdian yawned." What's your plan. Do we start right away?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Galhard waved his hand." No, we find our Hotel rooms first, get situated and then we have a nice dinner. We traveled that long, what's another day?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Along with the Reporter and his Image taker and assistant, about sixty other passengers debarked. Most of them looked like military personnel returning or arriving for duty, Galhard could spot Fleet personnel even in civilian clothing, but there were civilians too and he could not let this opportunity go, flicked his National Galactic Logo to bright and active and approached a Garbini. " Don't be alarmed we are from National Galactic Magazine and work on a feature about this place. May I ask you, what brings a Garbini so far out here?" His Assistant had the Imager Robot drone activated and the Garbini wiggled his tentacles. " I do like the NGM magazines a lot. I actually subscribe too! My Pod partner and I operate a Fry and Dine here."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Thank you!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">The Garbini went on. Norgner his assistant looked over the images. "Nothing really spectacular you know. Just a Garbini, space dock and space station background. Nothing we haven't seen before."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Galhard switched his Logo of and they walked to the Customs check point." It's exactly that. We are almost 3 Million light years away from Sol and still we can go and order us some Fried Chicken. Think about it! We are in a different Galaxy can you even imagine the efforts and the work that had to be done, so a Garbini can cook fried foods here?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Why would anyone want to?" the Holdian asked as they reached the Customs officer, a Petharian."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">He scanned their CITI's and said." Your documents are in order. You may proceed. Please be aware that this is a military Installation. stay clear of designated security areas and follow all instructions given by Military Personnel"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Right past the Customs was the Main concourse. A 100 meter deep and 20 meters high corridor that ran completely around the stations circumference and over 80 kilometers long. IST's, Slide Belts and Taxi Bubbles provided transportation. Here were the shops and civilian installations.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">A short ride with a Slide belt brought them to the local Twin Trees Hotel. They had no problem finding it, a floating Vari Sign showed the way."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">After they freshened themselves and had a little dinner, they went to the hotel bar, not different from many others. Low light drinks and some music. The bar wasn't really busy only a handful of patrons at the bar. To his furry friend and partner he said." Go ask me a few questions to see if I got it all right."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Alright, what kind of base is that?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"It's a Gigamon, third largest standard Union base type, 32,000 km across."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Where are we?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Lonely Base is officially the furthest outpost of the Union. We are in M 31, often referred to as the Andromeda Galaxy by Humans."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"So far so good. Why is it here?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">" The same reason the Bridge was built, to find the origin of the Y'All and prevent the next attack by finding the reason of their aggressions and if nothing else carry the war to them and end it for good."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Well that's all we need to know. The rest will be the stuff of your story and my pictures."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">He leaned over to the next guest. " Sorry the interruption but we are new here. Are you here longer?" The other guest was an Ult and he turned his upper body to see the reporter with both of his eyes." Yes I have been stationed here since we started construction, eight years now and I am officially retired tomorrow and go home."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">" We are working for the National Galactic Magazine, doing a piece over this place." Did they ever find anything about the Y'All?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Not even a trace."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">That's when the Sirens started howling and a voice said over the Intercom," All hands Battle stations. Civilians are asked to remain in their designated areas. Lock down process in progress."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">The Ult bolted up and so did two other guests and left. A civilian came into the bar and was pale." The Y'All are here!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">PARA PARA

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">We just had travelled more than 1200 light-years in less than a heartbeat and found ourselves on a beautiful white beach, next to an ocean. Narth was with us and I asked." So is this you again?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"I was never not me, my friend. I merely added to the substance who is Narth Supreme."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Shea said." I am supposed to be very intelligent and I feel I know now even less as before."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Har-Hi held his head." Lucky you! I understood nothing and still feel like I spend 20 hours under Mental Upload without a break."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Narth sounded concerned." I am sure the Narth Supreme did not want to cause you any harm!" Har-Hi grinned." He didn't cause any harm. It's just a side effect we mere mortals get when meeting a god."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Narth Supreme is not a God."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"But I bet he isn't too far removed from that designation either. Someone who claims to move Galaxies fits that description pretty good, I'd say."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">I said." Well may it as it be. We still got 3 month leave and there is an ocean and I need a swim!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Har-Hi said." Well a week in the sun and some lazy days won't hurt a bit. After that IO think I visit my father."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"At least you won't get a Sunburn, you are already lobster red!" I said with a grin and Har Hi got me in a running tackle. Har Hi and I untangled and he said." I wonder if our robed mystery friend would get a sunburn!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Probably not but let's find out if he can swim!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">ARSENAL IV

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">I stood in a deserted boarding lobby on Arsenal IV and looked as I always liked to do over the activity on the space port. Several Battle ships were there and a doyen cruisers. Center stage a new 5000 meter Dreadnought.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">My new orders had reached me as I visited Terra and the original Sweden. A strange feeling of truly coming home overcame me as I had seen Earth from space the first time. My ancestors had left Earth so long ago and still as I saw that blue and white marble I was certain I had never seen a more beautiful world. Some dim distant inherited memory seemed to tell me, that this was the world I really came from.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Earth had beautiful oceans and the Folks of Sweden and Norway were friendly spoke even a strange but understandable form of my Nilfe. The traditional music and sights made me feel home as well and the Oceans up at Hammerfest just the right temperature. the only sour note was when I asked for a harpoon as I saw a Blue Whale and I was told that they were not hunted on Earth. What a waste, but then I swum close to one and it had a beautiful eerie song and greeted me in a strange way as I dove along.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Wetmouth and I were officially engaged now. We had been on New Samoa as Mao married Cateria and visited Krabbel. Then she was called to the Science Academy were she was invited as a speaker to speak about the Snakes we had found on Quagmire Bog.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Narth had returned to Narth Prime but he said he would be here on time and Har Hi did go to visit his Clan.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">So I had arrived all by myself an day early. I wanted to check on SHIP and the Tigershark. It turned out she was not here, or perhaps she was still kept secret and would be on a separate dock somewhere. I was told to be at 1600 hrs at the door to Docking bay 91.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">I heard steps and a Shiss was coming over. He wore Captains gold and while I had a hard time keeping Shiss apart I would have been able to pick that particular lizard face out of a crowd of them. It was Captain Zezz."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">He came to the windows and nodded "Captain." and then paid no further attention to me. I said. " Not so long ago this landing field was empty except for the mighty Hyperion. She had landed there just to bring a lowly midshipman for his third year assignment."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">He glanced at me from the side." So you are a Telepath, my shielding must be faulty. I was just thinking about that."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"No Captain Zezz. I can't read minds, but I kept my fangs clean and my honor true just as you said!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">I turned.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Oh by the white throat devils. It's you!" You have changed appearance. Female so I gather. Very attractive in a human way, but nothing beats purple scales. You should have added at least some!" He then looked around and simply hugged me." I was thinking about you ever now and then but could get no information at all."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"I was a little out of reach during my last assignment, but I am sure glad I ran into you!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">He let me down." So you made it, faster than anyone I know, but I knew you would make it after Stahl told me he had picked you to be Devi Captain." "He told me you did too!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Yes I did." He shook his head not realizing how much he had adopted human mannerisms." A Captain. You made Captain! I am so proud of you!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"How's the Hyperion doing and the Crew?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"She's down there, we're leaving for a joint maneuver with the Nul. Can you believe that? I am a Shiss and now we are going with the Nul together on Patrol and some war games right at the Shiss border. Who would have thought, we have peace and now they actually applied for membership yesterday."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Does it bother you?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"You know me better than that I hope. I would be the first over that border and make those cursed White throats pay for every live of Colony 56. "

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"I know you but not as good as I would like, we do need to do this Mud worm hunting thing the next time we meet!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"We need to keep in contact more. We should be able to get a leave together one day."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Zezz's wrist unit beeped and he sighed." I got to go, call if you can!" We shook hands and he left.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">I left the lobby as well

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">The base was huge and the crews of hundreds of ships and base personnel. Like many Navy Installations, it had a concourse with the usual restaurants and shops. Making brisk business.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">The heated argument between a large Ensign and a green skinned Ensign caught my attention as it reminded me of Wintsun and Limbur Then I recognized the tall Ensign and the black haired girl nearby. Olia and it was indeed Limbur!

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">So I went over to see what was going on, Most around me were of lower ranks and made respectful way. "It isn't really acceptable of officers to behave like that in the open. There are midshipmen, Cadets, Enlisted and Civilians around!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">The two snapped in attention.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"What seems to be the problem anyway?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Limbur said."This Hegloian claimed that a good friend of was a traitor and got hanged. I am sorry but I don't like my friends being insulted."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">The green Ensign said." But it is true. All Hegloia was ashamed as we heard about it. Our own Governor said he was informed about the details and that Wintsun got hanged and that this was too good for him!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Limbur almost swung at the other, despite being in attention.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">to the Hegloian I said."You are dismissed. Ensigns Olia and Wintsun you are with me!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Surprised they followed me and I was looking for a quiet spot, which wasn't easy in this crowded place. Finally I found a quieter spot with a few seat benches. "Sit down please!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">They did looking at me ." I am Eric, or I was Eric. This is the new me! You remember me I hope!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Limbur gasped openly." You became a chick?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Well sort of yes. It's a long story but I prefer it that way."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Olia looked me up and down." Not only that, you wear Captain's Gold. Knowing you it's most likely real too!" "It is real."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Limbur made a motion with his fingers to simulate scissors." Was it an accident or did you ...you know have it removed?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"I rather not discuss the details of my gender change with you right now. I have much more serious things to tell. How did Newport end for you?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"We didn't make it to the final Challenge and left. "

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Galmy smiled." I bet your team won!" I nodded yes my team took the trophy, but I wasn't with them. Newport is closed, Admiral Dent and Becker had their court martial and are executed. Wintsun was a traitor I am sorry to tell you that. He was the one who shot Narth in the Tractor Cat, he was the one who got us to that trap in the first place. He then sold Terran Mil tech to a Crime lord on SIN 4. Was caught and hanged."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Olia's eyes became even bigger." He did seem changed as we met him at Newport. How do you know all these details?" I pressed my lips together." I was the one who hanged him."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"We went to School together, Hegloia is in the same system as Tripplestrong where I come from. We applied for the Navy together . I know his folks, decent people. I too thought he had changed but I was thinking he just grew up or something. You hanged him?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">I told them as much as I could.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Limbur was quiet and Olia said." So you actually did it got your own ship and made Captain. So where is your ship?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Somewhere here on the base I assume. I haven't been told yet were the Tigershark is."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">An Ult Captain came and said to me."I was informed by Ensigns got in a little trouble. They are good officers. " he read my tag." Captain Olafson. I trust them and I rely on them. Whatever they did is there a way to handle it of the record?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Captain Wonn, the altercation merely got my attention. It was nothing really worth mentioning. I merely took the Ensigns aside because they are personal friends of mine and I wanted to catch up with them."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Oh, in that case, but remember we are leaving in an hour."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">I said." Ah we will meet again. If you got a lift window in an hour you need your officers."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">He bowed."This is so! You wouldn't be that Olafson they often talk about?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Yes that would be me."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"And already Captain!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Limbur got up sighed." I guess I need to go to his parents when I get my next leave. They need to know the truth and where he is."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"I send you the log book page on that and a personal note."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">The both saluted and followed their Captain.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">It was finally time and I found the designated Docking bay." Behind the transparent wall was no Tigershark, but a D67 Long Range shuttle.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">A Commodore with an E Board was standing there and said." Ah Captain Olafson. I am Commodore Wilmer . I am here to brief you and send you on your way. I hope the 67 will be alright."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"My Crew won't be coming with me?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">" There is a Midshipman and a Robot aboard your ship."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Chapter 2: Chapter 2

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Chapter 2

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Sir, there must be a mistake! I am Captain Erica Olafson and I was ordered to come here and get my ship, the USS Tigershark, not a Shuttle!" "I was not informed about the details of your assignment, Captain. I have your order chip right here and was ordered to facilitate your transport from Arsenal IV to Blue Moon."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">We stood in a long and deserted corridor of huge dimensions. It was the surface level corridor, hundreds of levels above us. On the right side of the Corridor view ports and big service doors leading outside the landing field. From here smaller ships could be serviced or brought outside. The other Side of the corridor was rock of the mountain the base was carved into. transparent Inter Base Transport tubes in equal distances. A series of Pipes and Cargo transport belts under the ceiling. In a similar corridor did Captain Zezz and I take the Scorpion out for testing. It was very quiet down here.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">I was as confused as could be but I took the Order chip. "thank you Sir. I better check my orders then." As I looked up he was suddenly pale as a sheet and whispered. "Captain, the stories are true. The lower corridors are haunted!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Still a little irritated not to get to see my ship. I said." Sir, what are you talking about?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">He slowly raised his hand, pointed at something behind me." A ghost appeared!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">I turned and saw a slight greenish remotely humanoid shaped vapor with a slightly more solid darker center where its head was. The vapor was actually wearing a black belt like device and a metallic sash with a round center. It even had a Name tag and the rank of an Ensign. It was Othbeer!

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">From the IBT tubes in the back came a shrieking sound and the fast transport capsule of the Inter Base transport came down the tube with glowing and smoking deceleration breaks! The doors opened and through a cloud of wafting smoke the threatening shape of a huge Y'All stomped, followed by a no less dangerous looking gray Nul. A monstrous human even a little bigger followed. The Commodore's face showed fear. Suddenly the from the rock wall appeared a brown hand and right by the IST a part of the rock wall formed a fourth monster. As Narth in his black robe appeared out of thin air bringing a huge spider along, the poor Commodore was turning the other way. He almost ran into an empty gray Suit without a face in the tight hood and as the Suit saluted and asked him something he actually yelled and I asked." Commodore are you alright Sir?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">He turned back and swallowed." What is going on here?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"I don't know what you mean Sir. My crew is arriving." "Good Lord! The Admiral warned me to expect the unusual with you but that was putting it mildly!" He wiped his brow." I cleared the controls of the shuttle, you got your orders and I need to go and get me a drink!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">He staggered away to the other IST in the distance.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Hans was arguing with Dusty in a friendly tone:" The IBT was on its limit I told you to take the next one!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">The Other thumbed with is upper left hand towards Dusty." Sorry Captain I think we broke that IBT over there. Dusty decided to squeeze in and went straight to the floor as the thing tried to decelerate."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Are you okay?" I asked Dusty.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Quite so Ma'am. I just found out how deep those shafts go down and decided to go through the rock rather than fall so far down."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Muhammad arrived with a little Indoor Flyer, Elfi and Mao sitting next to him. Mao got out on shaky legs." Remind me never to fly with you again! Two hundred is fast outside but it's murder in a crowded Terminal!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Muhammad laughed." I was perhaps a tad fast but I had it under control and you will fly with me again. I'm the Helmsman."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">We greeted each other and I gave a hoot about regulations and we hugged and shook hands and the like. Ghost floated closer and said." I decided not to go back to the rest of my people. I was hoping you accept my presence this time as well." His voice came from the metal sash." Mothermachine and Narth devised this Control unit I can actually wear and interact directly with you. My weak Psionics have been strengthened so I can use telekinetics as hands. "

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Of course Mr. Othbeer. I just need to read our orders and see why we got a shuttle and not the Tigershark.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">I put the Order chip in my wrist unit and the projection of the Fleet Admiral appeared and the recording began to speak after I had identified myself with Blue-Blue-Red:" Nice to have you back Captain. Here are your orders: A shuttle will be provided to you to bring you to Blue Moon. There you and those who are with you will board a Space Train. It will take you to Threshold. There you are to board the next available Trans Bridge Express to Bridge Head. The Tigershark is already here. Your Engineering Officer Cirruit is already here, as well as your first officer and most of your crew. Since it would have taken you too long to fly across trans galactic space, we took the Tigershark apart and reassembled her here. I expect your presence here in 12 days, Mc Elligott out."A list was attached showing me who already was with the ship or would join us at Blue Moon

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"We are going across the Bridge!" Narth said. "M 31 or the Andromeda Galaxy."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Well I guess we better get started then." I said checking the list. The others are already over there."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">We boarded the shuttle and Muhammad took over for the Midshipman and took us out.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">The Shuttle was a spacey and equipped with basic comforts. It would take us almost two days to Blue Moon.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Blue Moon and the Blue System was the busiest of all Union star systems. It was located almost exactly in its territorial center and served as a main traffic hub. It was home to GalNet Central, The space bus lines had their head quarters there as well as the Union Post Office and hundreds of other passenger, freight,, logistics and shipping service companies. Blue Moon was the largest Space port both civilian and military in the known Universe.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Beside all this it was also the central hub for the Union Space train system.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">The Nul said:" I am very excited to use the Space Train and actually see the Bridge. We Nul know about it and it always was a subject of great envy and respect."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">I looked at him."I am glad you are with us again, but weren't you supposed to follow your father?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"As you might heard. My father and a delegation have officially applied for membership only yesterday. I have seen much and my father has seen much and we both agreed that it would be the best decision. We think Nul strength will add greatly to the Union and we will benefit from the advanced technology. I asked Admiral Mc Elligott if the chance existed I could be assigned to your Crew. My duties as prince can wait many decades. Besides you need a strong Nul in your crew with all those weaklings like Hans and TheOther."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Hans laughed and gave Nul a crashing pad on the shoulder." I could not run my Security department without you."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">The Nul said quieter." Well with all those weaklings, except Hans! "

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">TheOther said." With Hans and Dusty around I actually don't think we Y'All are all that dangerous. "

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Othbeer asked ."What is the Bridge?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Narth could not let this opportunity to explain pas and said." One of the greatest engineering feats of the Union and perhaps the Galaxy. As you know the Y'All came three times to this Galaxy before. True they were truly stopped last time and defeated, they send one message saying: We will be back."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">TheOther tried to nod but moved the entire upper body." Yes I read and learned everything I could about the Y'All since I am awake."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Narth continued." Now the Union decided to find out where the Y'All came from and maybe find out who and why was sending them. Perhaps peace could be made and a further attack prevented. If nothing else to carry the war to their doorsteps and end the Y'All threat once and for all.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"It was generally believed the Y'All came from Andromeda or at least from that direction. No ship back then could make the entire trip over 2 million light years across empty space. The best range was 5000 Light Years. So a string of Gigamon space Stations was build every 5000 Light years and smaller Megamon Stations every 2500 light years. Eventually 804 space stations were built like a string of pearls all across from the this galaxy to the other. Now the Andromeda Galaxy is much larger than this one and the Union has explored only a very small portion of it. Nine space faring Civilizations from there have joined the Union, and even a war against the Briaar was fought but no trace of the Y'All was found so far."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Gatu the Nul opened his frightening maw." To build that bridge in less than 100 years was no small feat at all. Now I understand the entire way across the Bridge can be made via Space train in less than six days!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Again the Ghost asked." I did hear other recruit mention Space trains. These are different from regular space ships?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Narth explained." A quite amazing Terran invention. A tunnel through space is generated somehow. But this tunnel needs a Tunnel generation station and a Receiver base, it requires enormous quantities of Energy and the tunnel so generated can only be made with a diameter of 10 meters . So the vehicles traveling through this tunnel can be as long as desired, but are limited to a diameter of 9.5 meters. Those vehicles have a pulling unit on front and a pusher unit on the end and the freight and passenger units in between. Since they can only go one direction and need two established bases and tunnel booster units if it is a long distance. They can't be used like space ships. Once committed to the traveling process it cannot be interrupted. But the trains cannot be attacked, and travel much faster than traditional space ships." TheOther asked." What happens if the sending or receiving stations are attacked and destroyed?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Narth actually shrugged." This is a question I cannot answer. I only know that the system operates for over 300 years without any accidents or incidents. The actual physics and technology used is a tightly guarded Secret of the Space Train Corporation."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">We arrived at Blue Moon without any incidents but that changed almost immediately after we landed. We left the shuttle landing area and were joined by Cateria, Alya, Shea and the golden Merchant who awaited us right there. I hugged Shea and greeted the others. The Golden Merchant pointed at his rank bar." I am officially a Academy Cadet with special permission to continue my education aboard the Tigershark."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"I thought you had enough after the first time!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Captain I never had more fun and excitement in my entire life. Besides if we go to M31 you need me. I've been there once or twice and know a few folks there."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Alya also gave me a big hug and kiss on the cheek." I have seen my Dad and he is now healthy, important and as dedicated to rebuild Woorld as he was trying to keep me alive. I've been to Sares and are accepted to the PSY Corps school. they said to have a Narth as a teacher would be the best, so naturally I am along again!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Suit now wore a form field generator and no longer needed the robot. "I certainly missed being your protector and companion as well. At least I completed Basic training and like Alya and Golden are allowed to complete my second year aboard the Tigershark."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Shea handed me a black data strip." Our tickets, travel arrangements and so forth. Our train leaves in 2 hours, Track dock 42"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Then let's get there. This is a big place and who knows where it is."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"I know." Said Narth

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Then you need to lead, my hooded friend."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"You heard the Narth Supreme my gender bending friend. You will wear one too in a not too distant future."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">The thick crowds of beings and humans milling around in that enormous Space train terminal suddenly fell silent and everyone was staring at us!

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">I heard a voice from somewhere."That can't be a Y'All you idiot!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">It was eerie and strange. Krabbel said."Do you think it is the Garlic, Onion Limburger Pizza I ate, or is it me?" TheOther said." No Krabbel it is me. Even after 500 Years our image is not forgotten and feared."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Narth said." This and the combination of us all is the reason. Even a culture as diverse as this has not seen a group like ours."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Everyone made way but then a man followed by a floating ball stepped in our way. Suit immediately flowed around me, Har Hi drew and Krabbel drew blasters, Dusty was growing in size and the Nul changed his molecular structure and went into battle mode.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Narth said."He is a reporter!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">The man swallowed hard and then nodded." Kim Lauchang, Blue Moon News. I would like to ask you a few questions Captain!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Sorry Mr. Lauchang we are in a hurry to catch a train. Please be so kind and direct all your media requests to Fleet Headquarters. As Officer of the fleet I am not at liberty to give interviews while on duty, Sir."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Just a little statement for our viewers. Is this indeed a Y'All in your group?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"This is a valued member of my crew and again I am not at liberty to discuss crew matters with the media."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">He did not give up but suddenly his eyes became glassy and then he turned and started to interview a potted plant."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"If you could look innocent you would try it now!" Said Har Hi to Narth." Or perhaps start whistling!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"One does whistle in cases like that? I shall acquire this skill then!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">We found the correct platform. A long segmented space train was already there and boarding had started. The Platform manager came straight towards us and said." You are the Union Officers traveling to Threshold?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">I handed him the appropriate data chip and nodded." Yes we are."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Unit 8 has been reserved for you."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">The train had so I noticed, twenty-four segments. Ours was easy to find. Again everyone at the platform was staring and stopping watching us.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Unit 18 was linked into the different colored other segments. It was Union Fleet white and bore the words: ST - UF Coach-8547 in Fleet fond. Companies and organizations I learned owned their own coaches and could be linked into the train unit.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">A marine was guarding the door and saluted after he checked my ID and let us in. Inside it was compartmentalized just like a small ship. It even had a tiny Command Officer Ready room, hygiene center and two auto dressers. There was a galley and a Serv-Matic.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">We barely checked the coach as the Com Terminal beeped; Elfi took the seat behind it and answered. "Captain it is for you."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Mc Elligott's image appeared." Welcome back Captain. I will get into your actual mission when you are here. The reason I am calling is a complaint I just received. The head of the Press and Public Relations department has called and told me that he was contacted by the owner of Blue Moon News. He said one of his star reporters was interviewing a rubber tree on prime time seconds after he ran into you guys. Now I just saw the news footage and I recommend your answers. Quite by the book, but since you are now sort of in the open, your group is news. I am sorry but it is so."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"I take full responsibility for the incident, Sir."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Well the thing is that, we need to smoothen things out a bit. Even the fleet needs good press once in a while. So they will send a reporter who will be embedded with you guys, till you arrive here. Don't tell them any secrets of course, but be courteous."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"What are secrets and what not? I mean he will ask about the Y'All and this matter is as far as I know still Top secret, is it not?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"We discussed this matter very long and we decided we cannot hide him forever and he is a member of the fleet. if he goes on leave he will be exposed as well. We tell the truth in terms as were he was found, drifting on a rock. The Kermac involvement however must remain a secret."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"I don't have to take him along on the ship right?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"No, we won't allow that. Now enjoy your trip and get here!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Aye Sir."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">I briefed TheOther and then the rest and sure enough the marine guarding the door announced the reporter. He came in and said." That was a rotten trick you did! making me interview that plant!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">I said coldly." You got your wish and I have orders to accommodate you. Now let me make something perfectly clear, this is a military operation and you are aboard Fleet property. You are a guest and I expect you to behave that way. If you treat anyone aboard disrespectfully and you wish you would still talk to that tree."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"No need to be hostile Captain. I have a job to do and the public has a right to be informed. You be celebrities after I am done with you!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"I was afraid you would say something like that. You heard what I said and I meant every word."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">A chime sounded and a voice came on:" All passengers please complete boarding, freight loading procedures are to be completed. We are commencing tunnel generation in 10 minutes."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">The doors lowered shut. There were no windows or viewports of any kind. Neither GalNet nor TransDim communications would work during the trip.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">The Reporter went straight to The Other." Are you Y'All?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Yes I am."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Then you know about our war we had 500 years ago, with your kind and the mystery of the origin of your species." "The Captain found me drifting inside a cryogenic unit and I have little knowledge of my time before that. I was a Battle drone and came to be aboard a hatching ship in this Galaxy. Battle Units were not provided with any information at all and all knowledge we received was for and about fighting. I learned more about my kind since I was reanimated than before."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"So you are telling, perhaps lying about all this and you do know the truth and you are here to gather intelligence?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">I interrupted right there." This is my last and only warning! Ensign TheOther is a valued member of my crew and more than that, he is my personal friend and earned my trust beyond any doubt. He was tested and interrogated by Military Intelligence, tested and interrogated by the PSY Corps and poked and prodded by Xenobiologists. Now he is an Officer in this fleet and also a Citizen. If you insult him or anyone else again, you will find that there are perfectly legal Fleet regulation approved ways of dealing with you!" He more or less ignored me. The Y'All responded." Your hostility towards me might score you points with your viewers. However it is illogical since said war happened 500 years ago, Long before your birth."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Let me phrase this another way, Mr. Y'All. Who do you answer to. I mean who is your highest authority? Certainly not a weak female human officer who just happens to be your superior."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"This weak human female bested two of us in hand to hand combat, Mr. Reporter. I would suggest you do listen to her warning. As you might now an Officer of the fleet has the right to challenge an attack to the honor with a duel.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"As for your question. As long as I am on duty, the Authority I answer to is clearly regulated by the Chain of Command in our fleet. In private and in spiritual matters I accept no higher authority than Jesus."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">His answer dropped like a bomb at the Reporter. For several moments he was quiet and simply stared. Then he glanced over to me and back to the Y'All." Is this a coincidence in language and you refer to a Y'All commander or did you indeed mention that old Terran Religion figure?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"I am referring to the Son of God. I gladly tell you about him and it happens I do have my bible along!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"You are joking! You making fun of me!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"I will never make jokes about this!" Narth said." Kim Lauchang . I suggest you find another line of questions. It is extreme unprofessional to make fun about a beings personal believes."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Shea crossed her arms. " There is one thing lawyers fear more than anything, Lawyers. it happens that I have a law degree and I will be very happy to sue your station!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">He suddenly smiled and held up his arms." We can be civil about that of course."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">To TheOther I said." Ensign, this is no pleasure cruise, we are all on duty. I want you to write me an essay over why we have General Order 75. You are welcome to use my ready room for that!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Aye Captain!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">" Mao you are to cross train with Muhammad. When we are aboard the ship. I want you to take Helm for a spell and Mr. Muhammad will become more proficient with Tactical systems. Narth and Shea please take our midshipmen and prepare classes. Hans you have the first watch. The rest will find rest now."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">The reported blinked as the salon room emptied and. He was alone with me." Now what happened?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Normal fleet routine. Now If you excuse me I have a log book to write."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Kim Lauchang left us already at Threshold saying he had everything he needed and would not need to go on across the bridge with us. My first Space train trip was a bit disappointing as there was no sensation, no feeling of movement, no strange sounds. the doors closed and a display showed our progress where we would be if we made this trip in real space. Without that indicator I could not tell we were going anywhere.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">They simply detached the entire coach module from the Blue Moon - Threshold train and added it to the Trans Bridge express.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">I was sitting in my ready room reading and refreshing my memory on what the Bridge was.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Threshold was the last stop in the M 0 (Milky way Galaxy). Our next stop would be Midway Station. Exactly half between the two Galaxies. .

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Threshold was already pretty lonely and on the outmost reach of the Cygnus arm, where star density was already very thin, but out there at Midway there would be no light, no stars and only a few hydrogen atoms every other light-year. After the Bridge was complete, most believed the Stations in between would become obsolete, as only Midway station was really needed., but then Companies and people migrated to these huge stations. Five thousand light years into trans galactic space for example was First Step. As Bridge construction begun, long range transporter ships went as far as they could and built the first Gigamon Station, complete with ship yards to build new ships to make it even further out. The process was repeated until the Andromeda Galax was reached. After the Space Train connection was established no one really needed to go to First Step or any of the other bases, during the Construction however Communities started aboard the bases. Where Workers went, families followed and then shop keepers, School teachers and all the other things civilizations drag behind them when they expand somewhere. those Communities remained even after the Construction workers moved on. Companies choose to establish their head quarters aboard those stations, high tech companies started highly specialized factories. Where small amounts of raw materials produced a lot of goods. First Step became the most important Nanite development and manufacturing center ,before the X101's joined, Corporations established research institutes there and First Step had to be expanded. Similar Developments happened on each of the 800 stations, a trend continued to this day. The Union beings living here call themselves Bridgers. Since there are no natural resources everything has to be brought in, but the services and high tech products manufactured here more than make it worth. The Bridge community is among the most advanced within the Union. Bridgers claim that they are also safer, since no Pirate or Kermac would ever make it that far out, an if they do you would see them coming for a long time and no place to hide. Station 421 for example, known as The Forge is the place where Terra manufactures Translocator Cannons. To make it a High Security area was easier than anywhere else, since no known adversary could reach it, and would have to go across all the other bases first.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">At first the Bridge was considered by some a waste of money and resources. Some critics claimed that the same resources could be used to build a large defensive fleet. Today the bridge was an enormous and quite unusual community and vital part of the Union. Noteworthy was the aspect that the Bridge was still growing. Midway originally just another Gigamon Space station had been extended to five times its original size. So called Deep Space Villages grew around the big bases, some of them retirement communities.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">In less than 4 days we would reach Midway.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">INTERLUDE -Midway Station

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Slyfox 567 dropped his service ship out of Quasispace. As usual he slowed down and approached Midway. He loved to see that shiny isle of light and appear out of the eternal night. He always dropped a little earlier out of Quasi for that reason. In the distance he could see the beautiful disc of the Andromeda Galaxy and if he turned the smaller but no less spectacular spiral shape of the Milky way Galaxy.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">He never been in either one. He was born on Midway and so was his father. His mother came from Nolight, the twelfth Bridge Base. He never seen a Planet or a Sun outside of Virtu. He worked for GalCom and fixed Relay and Booster arrays. Fixing those problems the robots and Nanites could not. Of course everything was triple redundant and no GalCom or GalNet user would ever have to wait for a call. As much as Bridgers like him considered themselves independent, he and everyone knew they weren't really. Even the most sophisticated molecular level recycling and reuse technology could not sustain colonies so far from any resources, besides the Bridge was not only a community and string of space stations, it was still the connection between Andromeda and the Milky way Galaxy.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Midway was the largest artificial construct known. Fourteen Gigamon Stations had been linked together and there was construction going on to encase the entire thing in a sphere of 500 kilometers diameter. Midway was where things happened.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">His own ComUnit chirped and he activated to see the face of his supervisor, Sloan Dunkin. Dunkin did not have a real Bridger Name like Slyfox, because Sloan actually was born dirt side on a real Planet. Sloan had a puffy face and chewed on his trademark cigar." Are you still out there? One would think you have seen Midway more than enough!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"I don't think you'd understand. I am not entirely sure I do myself. I am committing to docking control now."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Did those 76 Units give you any trouble at Vanilla Base?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Just a little. I wish they never upgraded to the 76ers. The new Connectors are too big for the Nanites and too small for the robots."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">His ship linked into the Docking control and drifted into the almost invisible tractor beam corridor that pulled him in.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">From here he could see the Space Train station with its long accelerator pipes. Over hundred trains passed through every day and more lines were planned.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Sloan said."I see you when you're in." Then disconnected.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Slyfox thought he knew why Sloan had called on a Friday afternoon. There was some kind of emergency repair job and he had no one else to ask. This time he would have to say no, as he had plans with his wife to check for a new home. Not that their old home was bad, but it was a 2 bedroom house in Updeck Village. He always dreamed about an apartment in Mikado Towers, from where he could have a space view. Besides a bigger place would not be bad, now that Mona was expecting. Little Irma was growing fast and wanted her own room. Having to share a room with her brother wasn't going to work in the long run.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">The ship passed through the outer Energy curtain and a robot arm took his 80 meter Leyland Tradesman and placed it on a conveyor trolley.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">The trolley took him to the Service bay of GalCom-Maintenance and into his parking bay.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">He was right, Sloan wanted something! He actually waited for him on the Parking Deck, something he would not do if this was a regular work week ending.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Slyfox handed him his report E-Pad and said."What is it this time?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Well we do have a six-four-six at Fort Chester. You are the only one available with military clearing I can send at the moment."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"What about Starmaster46 ? He has the same clearing I have! Besides a six-four -six is a lot of work. I never had a complete failure code in ten years!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Starmaster is still out, working on the Space train Control Com Construction along with Sexybeast and Peter678."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Slyfox knew they could not ignore a Complete Failure call, especially not from a Military Base. even though it was only for Civilian Com traffic. Military communications went over an entire different system and was not part of GalCom. " Alright I do it, have the replacement units loaded. I am going home to tell my wife and go back out!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Sloan handed him a little envelope." I knew I could count on you. This is a little thank you from the Company for your efforts."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Slyfox opened the envelope and found a black Keycard inside. Sloan said." That is the Owners key to Apartment 221901, Mikado Towers. The boss heard you always dreamed about moving there and he knows the manager. This one became available and we purchased it for you. So you can't say we forget to recognize our best techs."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"You are kidding me right?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Mona already knows and started to move. We wanted to keep it a surprise."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"I wanted to be angry and complain and all, but how can I do that now?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Exactly! Now check your new place and then get out there and fix me that repeater unit."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Slyfox thanked his supervisor and ran to the next Trans Station Mover and called his wife on the move." Honey, they sure surprised me today."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Her smiling face appeared." I know and the new place is fantastic. We got six rooms and you going to love the view. I am already here the movers should be done soon!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"No one even asked me!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"You were the one who wanted to move. I thought it be a niche surprise. Besides I know you gotta go fix something, so the Weekend is busted anyway."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">He typed in the new address and, the ISM shot through the vacuum tubes. His new home was all the way on the topmost segment of Midway or over 300 clicks above his current location.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">He wiped his Corporate Card across the reader. His company paid for the ISM fees and he could use it as much as he wanted. Actually working for GalCom wasn't so bad at all. He had quite a few benefits and made enough so Mona didn't have to work. Of course haven two and soon three kids was actually a recognized occupation and a full time job all by itself. Slyfox and Mona had a very traditional marriage contract. One Partner only, with strict monogamy clause. They extended twice and now agreed to a life time partnership. He sat down and dialed for a drink from the ISM Serv Matic and sipped his Coke while he activated his Valet-viewer and went through the family images he always kept with him. Mona did look so lovely in her white dress. He fell in love with her every time anew when he saw her. The picture of Irma as she was born evoked special feelings in him, feelings many fathers felt since time began and yet no adequate words existed to describe. there she was at her first day in Basic school. And there on her tenth birthday only last month. Little Kevin his son only two years behind his sister. At Vacu Ball practice and there after his first victory. He was only eight but Slyfox had dreams he would be a famous Vacu Ball player and perhaps even be drafted into the Midway Bashers. Thinking about the Midway Bashers made him angry, how could his team loose against the Terran Terrors? That they didn't do so well last week against the Last Step Wolverines was bad enough, but against a team that came from Dirt side? Ah well tonight they would have a chance to show they were still contenders against the Saran Satans. If they won they still had a chance for the Champ Bowl Finals. then he realized he would not be able to see the Game as he was back out.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">The ISM system spoke to him: Dear Passenger we are arriving at the requested address. Have a pleasant day. Thank you for riding Midway ISM."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">The ISM Car stopped and he stepped out onto a busy boulevard with trees and grass area in the middle. the simulated sun was about to go down, large letters in the sky warned of a shower in 17 minutes and an increase of wind speed. A large green Terra park with lake and wooded area to toe left across the boulevard. Buildings and a shopping center on his side. Straight across however was the immense base of Mikado tower One. It went far up all the way through the clouds and through the blue sky. It went straight through the top dome that separated Uptown from Space. He went straight to the main entrance and his new black owner card let him into the enormous lobby. A bank of Elevators in the middle and he swiped his card and the thing went up.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">As it stopped and let him out he knew he was on one of the top floors. The curving corridor was transparent to the right and he could see part of Midway and the Uptown Dome below. In the distance of the darkness he saw the Milky way Galaxy. While on the slide belt he checked the apartment numbers and jumped of as he saw 221901.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">His wife already very pregnant waddled to hug him and made an gesture." It's perfect! We got lots of room and the view from the Master bedroom is spectacular, just as you always wanted!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Much of their furniture was already up and Slyfox noticed a new Wardrobe. he knew better as to question his wife why she found the old one wasn't good enough anymore. he looked around and said." Where are the kids?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Irma went for Piano practice and Kevin found they have Pewee Vac Ball Court here."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">He kept her in his arms as he inspected the new apartment and she was right, from a huge view port in the Master bedroom he could see the Milky way Galaxy in the far distance. As well as the dim lights of other clusters and Galaxies of the local group. Of course the view port could show simulations of just about anything but he preferred this.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">He was still dreaming about his new apartment as his ship dropped out of Quasi Space.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Fort Chester was still 20 light minutes away. Not many knew about this place. Fort Chester was an Ultra High Security Prison for the most dangerous criminals. Fort Chester was not part of the Stations that made up the bridge, but was 20 light-years removed to the side. It could only be reached via special shuttles from Midway. He never was at Fort Chester before and wondered what kind of beings were locked up with such drastic safety and security measures. The Union did not have many prisons as far as he knew. Lesser crimes were usually punished by a spell in Penal Colonies. The real bad crimes carried the death penalty. Fort Banning was also not a civilian prison but some sort of Fleet Installation.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">He was hailed by a dry voice." You have been identified as Service Craft GalCom 54. One life form aboard. Please verify identity."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">He did the usual way and the voice said." You may proceed."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">His goal was not the actual fort but a Repeater and Booster Unit floating in space 5 light minutes from the actual prison.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">He wondered what caused a complete failure as he approached the 300 meter tall spindle shaped Booster Buoy. In his 25 years as Service Tech for GalCom he had only two cases of complete failures. One was due to vandalism and the other due to a reactor containment failure that blew up the entire Buoy. He had visual now and the Buoy looked undamaged. The Energy readouts looked normal, but he could neither raise the remote diagnostics nor the repair bot. This buoy still used the old 75 units. The Nanites had trouble with those but the Robot was able to fix and maintain them. he actually looked forward to see what went wrong. His professional curiosity now wanted an answer.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">The ship automatically docked at the airlock and he grabbed his Diagnostic Unit and summoned his own Tool Bot and went across the short Flex tunnel and opened the door to the Repeater Buoy.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">The smell of something burnt stung his nose. It was darker as it should be. Only one of the Ilu Plates worked. As he went for the main panel, he suddenly felt all his hair stand on end as he saw the body of a man and something cold touching the side of his neck. A voice said with an amused tone." Thanks for providing me with a ride out of here! You are however no longer needed!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Chapter 3: Chapter 3

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Chapter 3

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Lieutenant Melberg watched the Vacu Game. He knew that as strictly against regulations, but what could possibly happen? The Computronic watched the prisoners, the Prisoners had no possible way of escaping. Who could they run to even if they did make it out of their cells? There was nothing around the Station for light years and no ship that could be stolen.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">A GalCom technician had called in an hour ago to fix some of their Buoys a few light minutes out. He checked his instruments and saw the ship already leaving and going Trans Light.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">The Midway Basher finally scored and pulled even with the Saran Satans. Melberg was at the edge of his seat, Midfloater Gorgenson fired the ball, Henley the Rear Sphere guard managed to get his net around it before the opposite Defense Guard could. Henley just got traded from the Nolight Knights and everyone wondered if he was ready to play with the team, and ready he was! In one fluid move he loaded the ball gun, kicked himself of a Saran Devil and fired. Right across the up field between the force field hazards...his aim was true and ... Score!

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Melberg could no longer simply sit down. The Midway bashers now one score ahead. If they could simply keep it they would be still in the finals and of course meet the Terran Terrors again and this time they had Henley. He already saw himself going to the Endgame of this season.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">He completely overheard and overlooked the Computronic status control. the Station System was offline.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Lieutenant Fredericks came into the Command Center, to see why Melberg was running a Computronic maintenance program. It was neither scheduled nor the backup was online. He saw Melberg watching the game and at first wanted to say something but he heard him scream and looked over his colleagues shoulder to witness another score of the Midway Bashers. The reporter and Melberg went nuts and Fredericks got caught in the moment and watched too. Twenty minutes later, the game was over with a solid win of the Midway Bashers. Melberg raised his Can Cooler in Team colors and said:" Next stop Finals! We're going to win you know! We're going to take the trophy this year!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Well I wouldn't count the Terran Terrors out and then there are the Nolight Knights."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"They don't stand a chance. Did you see Henley and Gorgenson play together, six scores in twenty minutes, that's new last quarter record."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Actually I came up to ask you about the Computronic. Why is it in deep maintenance? Aren't we supposed to wait for Compu Maintenance for that, and besides the back Up should run while you doing that!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Melberg got a strange feeling in his stomach as he deactivated the TransDim screen and checked on the Computronic." I haven't set it to Maintenance. I didn't even check it when I came on."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Fredericks reached across and switched the Back Up Computronic on. The secondary system came up, checked the Station and prisoner status and stated with mechanical voice while red lights started blinking, Prisoner 41, 74 ,75 and 67 are not in the holding area."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Lt. Commander Fleming, the Stations CO came running only wearing boxer shorts. " What in blazes name is going on?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Melberg said meekly." Sir we are missing four prisoners!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Fleming looked over the status board and said." I can't find Corporal Moons. I thought he is on duty for that section?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">The Computronic responded." Corporal Moons is not aboard this station."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Fleming gave Station alert and the entire construct was searched. Neither Moons no

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">the four prisoners could be found. However four Space suits and a work drone were missing.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">A detail scan of the space around the base found a biomass of humanoid size and after they got a visual they had at least found Corporal Moon, floating bloated and frozen in deep space.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">It took them another three hours to figure out what exactly happened. With a feeling of impending doom did he make a TransDim Call to Sector Command and told the responding Officer." Fort Benning, Lt Commander Fleming reporting. We have a break out and escape! Three prisoners managed to capture a civilian space ship and are on the loose. Prisoners Evok Stalman, Nator Meateater, Calvin Five and Alvin Stone have escaped current whereabouts unknown. The Service ship they captured could make it to three bases. Midway, BeforeCenter and Overthehill as well as several Space Villages."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">The last name raised a special alarm at NELSON and the Omnitronic transferred the report directly to Fleet Command.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">INTERLUDE : BEACH HEAD Planet 2

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Admiral Mc Elligott was standing next to Lt Har-Hi overlooking the sub surface ship assembly bay on Bridgehead 2. A black ship still halfway surrounded by auto-assembly scaffolding, bathed in brilliant work lights in its center. An army of robots and workers busy to put the final touches on the new ship.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Har Hi smiled as he saw the tiny silvery figure all busy floating around the aft section, supervising everything.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Elligott put his hands o the railing." He does take his job serious, I got to admit!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Har-Hi still smiling." I doubt twenty Y'All could pull him off his engines."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Well she should be done by the time your Captain arrives."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"I wonder what she says if she sees that monster. It turned out a tad bigger than before."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"It still has some of the original Components. SHIP is there as well as the Janus Device. It was simply easier to build her new than bring all the parts over. She looks the same, just now she's a small Battleship."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Sir can I ask why did you rebuild her bigger? The original wasn't all that seriously damaged."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Three reasons, Mr. Har Hi. First you might run into bigger problems out here, with less chance of getting back up. Secondly, because of you we have the Nul, the Golden and the Micro-Terrans in the Union and they insisted in providing their cutting edge technology in a new prototype ship, besides a few Celtest Surprises, courtesy of Lieutenants Suit and Ghost. And finally because if we send you out in a new Galaxy who knows what you guys drag back home, maybe the new Tigershark won't be big enough to fit them all in!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">A small floating disc appeared with two tiny humans none taller than maybe 10 centimeters approached and stopped before the two in eye level. An amplifier device on the floater made the two easily understood." Admiral, we are on schedule and ready. the Tigershark is now the first full sized ship with the largest TD-Gun Batteries we ever assembled. "

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Thank you Dr. Isah-nine. "

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">A Nul stomped up the platform and adjusted his purple robe, over his gray skin. " I must say Terran and Nul Engineers work well together. "

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">The Admiral bowed slightly. "Indeed your Majesty. Your son will be here shortly and be surprised to find you here!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">The Nul Monarch exposed his horrifying maw and rows of teeth and laughed." I wanted to be the first Nul to go across your famous Bridge."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"It is yours now as well. What I never thought possible, but the Nul are Union now!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Indeed. Well I was technically not the first Nul, but the first Gray who made it. I also wanted to supervise to make sure this new ship gets the best in Nul Technology. We are not behind in everything."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Not by a long shot your Majesty. Your Gravi Tech was of grave concern to us before and now that we know of it first hand, I realize we weren't concerned enough."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"You will find the Nul to be as fierce allies as we have been enemies."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"That is evident your Majesty, in the unprecedented cooperation we are already experiencing."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">The Nul ruler also leaned against the railing and looked towards the ship. " The recent developments and growth of the Union did not make everyone happy. The Shiss are now openly talking to the Kermac. Not that this concerns me much, open war is unlikely and neither the Shiss nor the Kermac are trustworthy allies and whatever pact they agree upon it will be broken sooner or later."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"There is also the Scanner Data we analyzed from the Tigershark's first voyage and the massive data from the Golden. There was quite some traffic in the Core Ward sector. We still know little about the Core- and Down ward sectors and we are already in a new Galaxy, barley opened the door and who knows what awaits us here."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">The Nul nodded."Then we will face them together. " He suddenly yelled in an enormous voice down." You Nubssu Scrubs! Be careful with those!" To the Admiral he said." Nul are still a bit clumsy sometimes!" He turned and stomped back down and Har Hi and the Old Admiral watched the ruler of the mighty Nul put hands on guiding some sort of Cannon Housing into a turret socket. The little Terrans also returned to their work

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">The Admirals Com piece beeped and he opened the call in front of everyone. Admiral Stahl appeared and even though it was a Holo from over 2 million light years away, it was obvious he was angry." You might want to take this in private! " The other Admiral almost barked.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Elligott sighed as he knew something serious had happened but he said." Only a friend here who can hear what you got to say. "I just got report of a Prison break. First I had no idea we had a Prison called Fort Bennings and second I am appalled by the lax security measures there, but what really gets me is hearing who escaped! Two men I thought would be dead!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Elligott also became serious." You are my friend for a very long time, and you are one of the most high ranking officers, but even to you there are Need to know areas. Corrections and Prisoner management are not among those. Now just tell me what happened and who escaped?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">" Prisoners Evok Stalman, Nator Meateater, Calvin Five and Alvin Stone. You know Pirate Meateater and former Commander Stone. I was there when he received his death penalty! Why is he still alive?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Mc Elligott became visibly pale." Did you say Calvin Five?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Yes, but I don't know who he is."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"A very dangerous individual. I guess we better exchange information. Tell me how they escaped and I tell you why they are still alive and why Calvin Five is bad news!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Apparently one of the Guards allowed one of the prisoners to do chores and he gained access to a GalNet terminal. From there he downloaded a virus program and fed it somehow into the local Computronic. They then escaped using space suits and a Work Drone that pulled them to a GalNet Repeater Buoy. They created a system failure, GalCom sends out a Service man complete with Service Ship. They killed a guard, the GalNet service man and they found Evok Stalman in the Repeater station dead as well, obviously he got into an argument with the others and lost, since the service ship had only room for three. the Service Man leaves a family with kids behind! What the investigators can't tell me is how the two hope to escape from the Bridge. They have no CITI'S."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">" Evok Stalman is a very talented, genius level Genetic Engineer, he was sentenced to 60 years after experimenting on sentient beings he bought on the slave market. Nator Meateater was kept alive because his death sentence was commuted after he helped to locate a secret pirate base and thus free many slaves. Alvin Stone was kept alive because he is the only person as far as we know who knows who the Purple Worm is. As a former Officer his mind was conditioned and neither brain dump nor Psionics would help. He had given us much information regarding the Worm organization in return for a long term sentence. Calvin Five is like us, Richard. He is an Immortal. He became insane, criminally insane. He has an incredible high IQ of at least 400, he has altered his own DNA and went through many bionetic and cybernetic surgeries. He is super strong, superfast and super smart. He has no scruples and kills out of a whim. He was responsible for the Palhar Massacre and several other heinous crimes. All this happened during your absence, Peter Baker our old Ranger friend caught him and we locked him away ever since. I could not order his death since I did not know if he has completed his task o if it was still to do. The Guardian seemed to know who he picked, so did not dare to kill an immortal."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Stahl was still angry." We are not above the laws! Neither you not me, nor any of the Immortals. If he killed and did all this then he needed to die, like any other criminal."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"I can't say you are wrong. Calvin Five was mostly in suspended animation for the last 520 years. Why he was reanimated I don't know, but if Stone knows the Worm then he is high up that Organization and getting a CITI and new identities is probably not difficult for them. "

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Splendid! You know you are ultimate responsible for anything they do! Neither man would be around if I had anything to say in that matter. I think you need to explain all that to the pregnant Widow on Midway too!" Stahl did not even wait for a response and switched off.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Elligott did not look happy at all.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Har-Hi said." If you need my help Sir, I am at your disposal."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">The old Admiral sighed deeply. " He was right you know. I am responsible. Sometimes I think this old Warrior friend of mine is a little to righteous and straight forward and then in times like this, I wish I could be more like him. To Stahl everything is black or white and his view hasn't changed in all this time."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Sir I cannot judge the reasons or motives of such as you, but if I might be so frank to suggest we first deal with the problem and then see who's to blame and who's not. Erica will soon be here and with her comes Narth and Shea. With those two we might find a trace and track those down!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"You are very wise my young friend. Let's see what we can do to limit the damage they can do and now I am going to make a call and see if I can do something for that widow."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">The door opened and a voice announced:" Midway Station. We will have a 28 hour layover before we continue to Beach Head. Please enjoy your stay at Midway station."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Muhammad said." Are we going to do anything or stay with the coach?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">I said."Well since Cirruit isn't with us I think giving everyone shore leave won't be a big problem. So yes go and enjoy yourself. I read they have pretty much everything here. "

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Muhammad, Elfi, Mao and Cateria were the first to leave. Krabbel joined the Golden and Alya.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">TheOther sighed." I think I better stay in the coach!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Hans shook his head ." Nope you won't! We're going to watch a game and you come along! Dusty and Gatu are going!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">I laughed." If you four sit in the bleachers make sure you sit directly above a support strut!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Narth floated by and said." I shall observe this game as well. To see an absolute illogical activity that seems to occupy so many minds will be fascinating."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Shea asked." Are you going off duty as well?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">" I was thinking about it, yes. No need to stay in this snapper fish can any longer than I have to."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Splendid!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Why what's on your mind?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"We need to do something about your wardrobe. For a Guy who loves to look like a girl you got very little stuff to wear. I see you in your Uniform on and off duty, for most of the time! You don't even borrow stuff from me, Elfi does it all the time!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"I never really thought of it." "Well do you plan to stay that way?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Well yes. I feel fine and content and exactly as I want to be." "Then let's go shopping girl! You got a fat Credit Box and we are in one of the prime shopping centers of the Union. Midway is famous for it!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"I think I could use some shoes and perhaps something to wear indeed."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Shea and I went shopping and it was more fun than I thought it would be. At a fashion store she basically took over and became my style expert.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">I came out of the dresser and said." Isn't that a little too short?" I was refereeing to a mini skirt she had me put on. "How is anyone supposed to sit down in something like that?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"That is just right. Skirts are in and Minis have never gone out of style. There is two ways a girl sits down in these. the artful way with closed legs, or the hell may care slutty way. Depends what you want to accomplish."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Loaded with boxes we went back to the train to unload. The shopping town we went to was just one of many. Midway did not even feel like a space station for the most part. The designers put great care in putting lots of green and water everywhere. The light was as carefully designed as the weather. To make the illusion complete there was actually weather, wind and rain and temperature cycles with real seasons.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">We made plans to see a theater performance and then go to a club but that all changed when Shea saw a Vari Sign Billboard on our way back. It read 47th Advanced Mathematics Congress at the Sheraton. It listed a series of Speakers and her eyes started glowing. "Oh Professor Ameling is one of the guest speakers!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"You would love to go, right?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Well he was my doctor father and his work is fascinating!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Teaches me to engage to a super smart girl" I grinned and gave her a kiss." Go ahead, just don't ask me to sit in as well. I rather count rivets or watch snow melt."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"You don't mind?" "Of course not. I need to practice to walk with that skirt and figure out what those frilly things do you bought. I love being a girl, but the dressing part is so much more complicated . I still need to learn a lot!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"You aren't as innocent as you act now. You know exactly what those are for."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">She left me with all the boxes and bags and I saw her golden hair disappear in a crowd of geeks and scientists before the doors of the Hotel. I found it amusing that even a Klack Ant and a Nul Scientist somehow managed to look like human geeks. A purple skinned Nul was discussing something with a Garbini and a human. As he pulled a pocket E Pad to calculate something and the Klack started writing equations on the hotel wall with the human holding his chin it was obvious that other species had those types too.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">I saw Shea again. She was a as hot and sexy as a woman could be, wearing a mini skirt, and a frilly blouse and none of the human males had any eyes for it but became excited when she added to the equations. Someone said." Some Hotel employee said."The Convention is inside!" But he was ignored as the crowd around the those became bigger, even though they all spoke Union I did not understand a word.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">So I went on, took a floater Cab and went back to the Train Station. Our Coach had already been moved to a new track and linked into a new train. thanks to an Info-Bot I found it anyway and was glad to get rid of the load.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">I was alarmed as I saw Cateria in her CMO Uniform and even more as I saw Narth lying on one of the Couches. She turned and smiled."Nothing really serious, Captain. He sampled all the treats they offer at the game and one of those was beer. You know what alcohol does to him. He be alright, he said so before he passed out. He just needs to sleep it off or something Narths do. Not that his med scans make any sense."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">I rolled my eyes." He is perhaps the smartest being in the Universe and yet a bit naive when it comes to booze. I think I need to have a word with him."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">I was neither tired nor did I have anything particular to do. So I went back out and simply started walking in a leisurely pace. I noticed crowds of mostly men, but also females and aliens around public view screens. I asked a young dark haired woman." Say what's the deal with all that?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">" Vacu Ball, the Midway Bashers playing the Nolight Knights. Whoever wins meets the Terran Terrors in the Finals!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Oh a sporting event!" That must be the game Hans and the others went to.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">She looked me up and down and then said." Yes Blondie, a sporting event!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">I did stop to watch a few moments but the entire thing made no sense to me. I knew I should be more interested in such things, but somehow I never was. I never cared much for team sports, but then I had to admit I did like the Steel container kick games we used to play on the Tigershark. I realized I didn't really belong here in the civilian world. I was only really home aboard my ship. Except for swimming I didn't even have any hobbies to speak of.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Now that was a great idea! I bet they had decent pools and swimming facilities around here.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">I dialed my Com Unit to local and asked it to find me biggest swimming pool and was directed to an Inter Station Transport Hub, took one of the capsules to a place called Oceanic Park. In one of the newly added Gigamon Stations they had converted an entire Deck level into a beach and ocean resort. With Hotels, Pools, Lakes and a one huge central lake with Saltwater and even fish inside. After purchasing a bathing suit and several hours of diving and extensive swimming, I felt this satisfied tiredness one gets after a hard and good workout. Before I had to go back I thought of having a drink and a bite to eat. The smell of fresh roasted fish at a Beach walk open restaurant made me hungry as a starving Tyranno.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">It was late as I returned to the Station and wondered if any of my crew and friends were back, when a man addressed me." You sure look like Captain Olafson from the news!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"What news?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"You are the one who has a Nul and a Y'All in the crew!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">I sighed." It seems that reporter kept his promise."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">The man suddenly held a s small but still deadly Neuro Ripper in his hand, pointed at me." I will keep my promise too. I am going to kill you Captain. You might not recognize me because I received extensive surgical tailoring. I do look human now but I used to be a Oghar and you sure know my name. I used to be a Captain too, Captain Meateater!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">I was as shocked as I was surprised, to see this Pirate there. I cursed the Reporter who made me a target. I cursed the fact that I did not even carry my 45 on any other weapon and I was angry once again at the system for letting a man live and be free I saw being sentenced to death as I had been a witness in his trial.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">I promised myself not to let others do my own dirty work next time and if I was ever sent out to hunt pirates again, I would make sure there was nothing but a note in my logbook that told of the man's last moment.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">the Neuro Ripper was active and would over load every nerve in my body including my brain.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">He smiled." I see you are not very impressed, but you will be in a moment! There are others that want to meet you as well. Someone else is dying to see you. "

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">My mind reached for Narth and I could feel him but he was still unconscious!

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Meateater barked." I can shoot you right here and be done with it. Now get moving or I start with your toes!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">I had no choice. I needed to get a chance to disarm him, but all he needed to do was press the weapons trigger. He didn't have to aim it at that distance. The weapon was small enough so no one would really see it and I sensed he was serious about shooting me, so yelling for help was no option. He guided me to another train track and inside an unmarked coach. One of the two others waiting inside I recognized immediately, Commander Stone!

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">He sneered. "So nice of the press to announce that you were on your way to Midway. We simply had to wait a little till you showed! We would have been long gone but as we heard you would be on your way we simply had to stay and invite you for the ride!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">I said nothing. There was nothing I could say to these men to let me go or to change my situation. The third man I did not recognize but perhaps he was another pirate or someone wearing a mask or other disguise.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">The door lowered and a voice said." This train will leave in 10 minutes to Beach Head, please finish all boarding activity."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">The man I didn't know was human, he had a pasty almost colorless skin. How old he was I could not guess, he did have a few wrinkles and was otherwise neither tall nor small. However his eyes had a strange quality to it. He pointed at a seat." Sit down Captain. We need you and your codes when we are at Beach Head. Don't worry we have ways to get them, even from a Union Officer. Mr. Stone is quite good with illegal Saresii devices as you know. We might even let you live if you cooperate."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Still I was not responding. I needed to find an opening or a chance. The next one would not be before we reached Beach Head. I hoped Narth would be awake by then.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">I sat down and while doing it activated my Com Unit. Without verbal command it would switch to Emergency after being on for 3 minutes and I hoped it would be enough. Once the train was moving, the signal would reach no one.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Meateater gloated ." You thought you saw the last of me at that Trial. But I knew I could bargain a different sentencing with the things I knew. Now fate put me in the companionship of these remarkable gentlemen. You see not all Immortals are on your side."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">The man who hasn't said his name barked at Meateater." You talk too much!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">The train indicator showed us moving a few moments later. No one got my signal in time!

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Suddenly the walls became transparent and I saw space in a strange warped way! Whatever happened was not planned or done by my captors! They yelled at each other but sound didn't reach me, then all went dark!

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Interlude: Midway Station

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Shea listened to the strange message again she had gotten from Erica. It was voices of others and one of the voices she recognized! She had turned off her Com Unit during her old Professors speech. She ran to the Coach and found Narth getting up from the Couch. " I think Erica is in trouble somehow I can hear the voice of Captain Meateater!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Narth said." He was captured by three beings and abducted in a Space Train towards Beach head! I just got his mental message before all went blank. I can no longer feel Eric! He is gone!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Just then Alarm sirens went off and they heard the humming of high energy force fields and seconds later a loud explosive boom.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Mao came storming in." The Y'All attack Beach head and have destroyed a Space Train receiving station!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Interlude Beach Head Station

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Har Hi sat in a Khari-Wolf Fighter watching his Loki torpedo taking out the last Y'All Ship. It had been a hard ugly and short battle. The Y'All still where on the same technological level they had been 500 years ago and one on one they stood no chance against Union tech, but they had attacked with an overwhelming force. A fleet of almost 1000 ships had attacked the System. He was informed that this was the rest of a much larger fleet that had attacked an Outpost.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Beach Head was heavily defended and build up for exactly that purpose, however one really expected them to show up anymore and not so sudden.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Mc Elligott had personally taken the command of a Battle ship group and now as on the General Channel." Good fight everyone! They caught us with our pants down, but considering the huge force we did well. We lost good beings today, but it shows we can defeat them this time. We came here to find the Y'All. That they found us first does not matter now. We are at war!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Then the real bad news came. Mc Elligott called Har-Hi. " Lieutenant I have very grief news. Your friend and Captain Eric Olafson was aboard a space train in transit as the Y'All destroyed the receiving station. The trans space tunnel collapsed and the train and everyone aboard is lost."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Har-Hi felt numb and didn't recognize his own voice." Everyone?"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">"Everyone aboard the train yes. However of your friends only Eric was aboard this train. I will brief you on the details as soon as you land!"

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Richard Stahl put the report down. The Y'All attack was bad news, but he had been in wars before and he was confident they would emerge from this one as victors. He had already ordered his new ship the USS Dominator on a course to M 31. The Old Celtest Ship was almost completely adapted to Union Fleet Use but still had its original drive. He would be able to make it across the gap without using the bridge, of course even with the fast Celtest Engines it would take him 3 month to get across.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">The old Devastator under Harris was already on her way.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">The report he just read had nothing to do with the war. It was a detailed report how Captain Olafson was abducted and how he or she died in the first Space train disaster.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">A nosy reporter allowed to ride along. Not an approved reporter either was allowed to ride with Olafson. He went against all policies and named Officers names and even destinations. that two criminals who escaped could not let that chance pass was Elligott's fault twice over! He was responsible for those crooks to be alive so they could escape and it was he who decided that having a reporter along was a good idea."

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">True, the space train disaster solved the problem with the criminals but at what cost? A friendship of 3000 years he had with Elligott but this time he would not just have a hard talk with him. He would ask him to take responsibility and retire.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Mc Elligott read the same report and he knew he did make a bad decision. However he had a bigger problem at hand right now. Long range Scouts confirmed they found the staging area for the Y'All Armada. How long before the Armada was ready to move, no one could say, but he did not have enough assets here to deal with it. The best thing would be to evacuate M 31 and retreat across the Bridge. Over in the Old Galaxy was more than enough force to deal with the Y'All. Only the largest and newest ships could make it across the gap and they would take month to get here. On the other hand the Union had member species here and they could not be evacuated or abandoned. Luckily only one Space train receiver station was destroyed. Eleven lines were still operational. Every ship building engineer and worker needed to be brought here along with production assets and parts to built up the M31 fleet. All he had was 300 Ultras and 2000 smaller ships. According to the long range scouts, the Armada was a million ships strong at least!

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">Surprisingly Lonely Base had survived, however was dangerously low on Munitions and only Translocator Cannons were effective against the Y'All.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">If the Y'All started to move soon. M31 and everyone here would be lost.

<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-top: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0.18cm">