Eric Olafson, Captain Black Velvet 06

Chapter 6

AT THE TAVERN ONCE MORE

We went once more to the Tavern, this time however openly to make our entrance as the pirate crew we pretended to be.

The barkeeper eyed us with interest for about five seconds, took our orders and lost interest after we paid him. We found ourselves a table and sat down.

I had no clear plan what we should do next and at this point I decided to just stir the pot a little and wait to see what would happen.

One point on my agenda was to put the Bennett family out of business permanently. If I could manage to somehow destroy this asteroid base it would take away a pirate base and safe haven for all sorts of space faring scum.

The fewer bases and posts they had to hide at the better, and these so called ‘miners’ aided and enabled these crooks by providing these services.

However I could not do it openly as Black Velvet, but perhaps a few well placed timed charges going off a day or two after we left would do the trick. However there weren’t many options. To destroy a huge object like this asteroid required serious fire power; more than even the Tigershark had. Of course a few well placed Translocator shots into environmental engineering would make this place quite inhospitable. Another option was to set of a P Bomb, but that was like leaving a Union tech calling card. But then there were quite a few things in our arsenal, I haven’t really checked out yet.

Shea leaned forward giving me a very nice view down her cleavage, while she said in a quiet tone.

“I can smell that wash room even out here.”

Har-Hi pointed with his chin to a handful of miners sitting at a table next to us. “It’s not the bathroom, it’s them.”

She produced a little atomizer, and sprayed some of its content before her. A fresh flowery scent suddenly tried to mask the sour, musky scent that wafted almost visibly into our direction.

“Next time I select a filter mask, don’t they bathe?”

Har-Hi shook his head.

“Water is very expensive out here and even more at their mining camps, it has to be bought from ice miners and water merchants. Washing isn’t a big priority to them.”

Narth enjoyed himself greatly, to him it was all a part of his still new corporal experience outside the Narth Collective.

His voice came into my mind.

“You do begin to understand Narth, it pleases me. I too contemplate how a destruction of this base could be accomplished without revealing our true origin. We have quite a few options available to us. As you so correctly identified, our collective societies went all out to provide us with very lethal and destructive options, but I must also be a voice of warning as it wold be against our license and charter.”

“Our what?”

“We are here in Freespace clearly violating a treaty signed by representatives of our Union. Now it is true that the Assembly has given us license via the Security Council to eliminate piracy, hunt known criminals and suppress arms and slave trade. However neither the owners of this asteroid nor the many miners living here appear on any wanted list or are known to have committed crimes against the Union.”

“Did Cherubim not say that eliminating pirate bases was one of our tasks?”

“Bhrama port is not a pirate base per say.”

He was right of course. We were already walking a very thin line and I was certain Admiral McElligott had twisted and bent more than just one rule to make our mission possible.

However Stahl also knew about it and for his trust in me alone, I had to heed Narth objection and think of another way to take this Pirate base out of business.

Aloud he said. “Can I ask you a question that puzzles me greatly.”

“Of course, you never asked permission before.”

“Why did you find pleasure in looking at Shea’s breasts. You do have now almost identical ones, do they differ in some other way than size that affects you in this way? I stared at both sets and compared them and could not detect any emotional effects.”

Har-Hi coughed and the Thill beer shot out of his nose. Shea started to giggle and I was glad for my mask, as I must have turned cherry red.

“Ah ... well because I am still getting used to them.”

Har-Hi wiped his nose. “Narth, with you around I have a real hard time remaining a stern, always serious Dai Warrior.”

The Oghar pirate and the Captain of the Swift Profit were still here and it was not hard to tell that we were the subject of their conversation.

Before Narth could say something else.

Captain Swift got up and walked over, made a theatrical bow and tipping his forehead. “I am Curtis Swift, Captain of the Swift Profit and I think you are the famous and mysterious Black Velvet. I also assume we might be in the same line of business, so I thought I introduce myself.”

I eyed him up and down and said. “And what line of business would that be?”

“Doing what we please and taking advantage of opportunities that might present themselves, a little of this and a little of that and not particularly caring about anyone else and their rules.”

He pointed at the big table across the room.

“This is called the Captain’s table and I am sure Crimson Curse would like to get to know you, as much as I do. He is the big and ugly Oghar over there.”

Before I could respond, everyone turned to the sudden locomotion and noise at the taverns entrance. A rowdy looking crew entered, led by a flashy dressed human with blue skin. He was without a doubt a Thauran.

I cursed silently and wondered how far I had to go, so I would not meet someone of these blue skinned bastards. I always had been tolerant and blind to another beings form, shape or color but those blue Thaurans started to get to me.

He was accompanied by two muscular Oghr and according to the information I received from Narth those were Orkh-Oghr, the strongest and biggest sub species of the Oghr race.

Narth instantly corrected my thoughts, by saying in a low voice.

“No, the Orkh-Oghr are the physically strongest sub species belonging to the remaining Nine Kingdoms. The Ogrwho are nearly three times as big and much stronger in physical terms are Union members for 403 years. The Oromals who are also of the same group of species, are just as big and also Union members for 394 years.

I raised my hands. “Could they not come up with less confusing names. I mean Oghr, Ogar, Ogr it appears the only difference is a vowel here and there.”

Har-Hi chimed in. “After the Oghar Empire fell apart into separate Kingdoms they fought each other in bitter wars over many centuries about such naming issues.”

While Narth and Har-Hi educated me about the Oghr, I observed the new comers who were still standing at the open entrance area that separated the tavern from the rest of the asteroids main cavern.

Trailing the group were three, mangy looking Jooltar warriors.

The new arrived group was now joined by four more Thaurans, one of them female and all gaudily and colorfully dressed. If it weren’t for the fact that the group was armed to the teeth one could have mistaken them for a traveling circus troupe.

It was the five Thaurans that to me explained the noise and the air of self importance they displayed. I wondered why the Thauran did not join the Kermac, they could hold competitions of self importance and arrogance and my money wasn’t on the Kermac as who would win such a contest.

Narth said in my mind.

“I doubt the Kermac would want a thrall species that was equally as good as they in the only field the Kermac really excel.”

I formed an answer and expressed my surprise.

“Never did I think you would say something like this. Not that I mind, but sarcasm wasn’t something I associate with a Narth.”

His thoughts felt slightly amused as his answer resonated in my mind. “One might point out that we shared the Hugavh and that means I also adapt to your ways of thinking. It is us Narth who observed many civilizations for a very long time, and the Kermac are very good at being arrogant and self important. They have inherited this haughtiness and superciliousness from the UNI very long ago. Of course only with our new gained knowledge and understanding of emotions are we able to quantify our observations in such terms”

His thoughts paused for a moment and then his mental voice said to me. “This arrogant self-importance is of course not completely alien to humans, especially those who consider themselves of Noble origin. Now this is a concept I have spent much time analyzing and have yet to come to a satisfactory conclusion.”

I answered Narth silently and on our shared mental level.

“It is also part of my heritage, being of an Old Clan on Nilfeheim is something very similar. My clan is considered very important only due to the fact that we carry an old name. I also don’t think all nobility is bad. Look at our Princess, she can switch it on and off just like that, and then there is Shaka. He never makes a big deal out of it but I met his father, the Zulu King at the Diamond Ball and he radiates authority in a way I can only describe as noble.”

Narth didn’t respond this time but I knew he was contemplating what I just had said and put it through his incomprehensible way of analyzing things.

Now he did respond. “My way of analyzing things is not completely incomprehensible, Shea understands it well.”

I wanted to tell him, that not everyone had an IQ of 400 but my silent conversation with Narth was interrupted as Captain Swift, still standing close to our table also watching the newcomers, rolled his eyes said to me.

“That is Captain Dentar Bloom of the Roughnir. Even among our colorful society of space-faring professionals he is not the most pleasant individual to deal with, but then he is Thauran. Never really met one I liked.”

Strangely I found that Swift and I had actually something in common.

The Thauran pointed out to me as Dentar Bloom yelled to the barkeeper. “Bottles of Solik, Big bowls of Tambark Broth and for me your finest Brohmir Sweat and bring plenty you three armed cretin!”

They sat down at a table not far from us and the red and yellow dressed captain looked around with a disapproving expression in his face and then waved at Crimson. “Of all the ugly sights in the Galaxy, you my dear Crimson appear to be the ugliest. Be so kind and switch chairs so I don’t have to look at you!”

The Barkeeper came to our table and asked if we wanted more drinks and the loudmouth complained.

“I ordered and expect to be served first. Don’t waste time with the riff raff over there.”

The Barkeeper turned and said with an edge in his voice.

“First pay the tab you left the last time, eight Full weights!”

Bloom put his hand on his boarding saber, but not pulling it.

“The cosmic winds did not blow much in terms of prey across our path and the Blessed Blue Virgin was not with us the past few months. Nothing that carried Polos came our way. However we managed to liberate a collection of nice things that bring a hefty profit once I am able to reach the markets on Sin 4. We had to stop here to get some fuel.”

“Save your excuses and tell them to someone that cares. Eight Full weights or there won’t be any drinks.”

Dentar Bloom made a jovial gesture.

“I pay you double I owe you the next time I come by. Now I think you extend my credit, I anger easily.”

The Barkeep pointed with one of his arms to the ceiling and to a set of remote controlled Neuro Rippers.

“You don’t scare me Captain Bloom, I am Pertharian. Pay up or leave. This establishment is for paying customers only. Make any kind of trouble and I might settle for what the scavengers pay me for your carcass.”

This obviously didn’t sit well with the flashy dressed Thauran. He talked to one of his officers and the Oghar left.

Bloom then climbed on his chair and spread his arms.

“It looks like well heeled Captain Swift is here and so is the famous Crimson Curse. One likes to eat and the other likes to rape. So I am thinking I hold a little auction right here and now.”

It didn’t take long and the Oghr came back dragging a beautiful white Togar female on a chain behind him.

She wore a metal collar and both her hands were attached to it with short chains, making her choke and at every move. The cruel metal band had rubbed her neck raw and there was crusted blood all around the collar. Her legs kept apart with a steel rod that had cuffs on each end, allowing her to move only with small circling steps. She had cuts and bruises all over her otherwise completely white fur.

I didn’t like Togar and only a short time ago I wanted to kill them all. However seeing this poor female treated like that made me wish I could twist the head of that blue skinned bastards neck.

Her eyes were big and green, and she had a pink nose, that reminded me of the little Holdian Commander. The Togar female could not talk as she was muzzled with several layers of memory tape around her short snout.

The three armed Pertharian bar keeper protested loudly.

“Are you insane, Bloom? The Togar Empire isn’t far from here and they will send warships if they hear a female Togar was sold here. Those cats don’t kid around when it comes to their females.”

With a dismissive gesture, Bloom said. “Don’t you worry about the Togar. They have other things on their mind right now, besides she is a wanted criminal in the realm of the Togar. I could get good money for her from any Togar male. She might be good in the Death Fight arenas but I am far from Sin 4 and need fuel, and you all know how nice a Togar female can be to human males, if she is properly restrained of course.”

His last comment was answered by nodding heads and rough laughter, coming from Miners and Pirates.

The Thauran obviously enjoyed being in the center of attention and said. “Now I know your appetite Captain Swift, but there are many lonely miners here, so the opening bid is 100 Polos.”

As disgusting as the sale was the lusting gaze in Swifts face and the dirty jokes and openly described fantasies of the miners present was even more revolting.

It was one of the Miners who said.

“I give you the 100 Polos.”

Swift immediately countered with a bid of 150.

I had forgotten my own drink and my hand was reaching for the butt of my gun, when Har-Hi put his hand on my arm and shook his head almost unnoticeable. He was right of course and I would not jeopardize our mission by starting a fight underneath looming Neuro Rippers, especially not for a Togar, I didn’t like in the first place.

The price was at 600 Polos now and it looked one of the miners, a fat unkempt fellow, apparently human had the deeper pockets, as Swift was not raising his hand again.

There was a moment of silence and it seemed the Miner would take the pitiful looking Togar Female and then do all the things he said he would do to her.

I said. “1000 Polos”

I almost surprised myself but I couldn’t let her be sold into a fate so cruel. Maybe we could keep her in stasis and let her go somewhere convenient and close to wherever she called home.

My bid put all eyes on me and the Thauran captain noticed me, saying. “Who are you? I sell to anyone but you have to have the cash.”

“I got the Polo’s anything else is unimportant.”

Swift introduced me saying. “That delectable package in skintight leather is none other than the the famous and mysterious Black Velvet.”

The Thauran made a mocking bow and said. “Thousand Polos, Full-weight have been called for this wild, soft furred promise of pleasure. Do I hear any other bids?”

Narth voice in my head said. “I informed the ship. Hans and the Golden are on their way with the money. What do you want done with the Togar female?”

“Have Cateria check her out and then I guess put her in Stasis till we can let her go somewhere. Maybe we can find out where she belongs and see if we can get her as close as possible.”

“This might prove difficult, as she isn’t what the Thauran claimed she is.”

“She isn’t Togar?”

“She is, but I think we might have purchased what you would call big trouble.”

I didn’t like what I was hearing and silently responded.

“Can you be more specific than that?”

“The Togar hunting her for some reason. From what I can gather she is more than a criminal. I shall accompany her to the ship and probe deeper and then let you know.”

Moments later Hans stomped in and his massive appearance silenced the crowd. He looked frightening indeed in his version of a pirate costume. He wore a harness similar to the one Har-Hi had, across his enormous and otherwise bare chest, but his was not made of leather but of heavy looking links of Ultronit steel chain. Pants of thick leather, stitched together with steel rivets. A full sized Nul Gravitor Cannon across his back and a pair of Y’All boarding swords was his weapons of choice. To all this he had on knee high boots, reinforced with armor plating and he had the appearance as if he could kick a battle robot to scrap. The knuckles of his gauntlet style gloves sported metal spikes, gleaming razor sharp. To finish his look he wore a skull tight leather mask that left his chin and mouth open. The mask had a crest of needle sharp looking metal spikes. He looked like a nightmare version of a dungeon torturer right out of the horror visuals Mao loved to watch.

No one dared to speak and there was open fear in quite a few of the rough faces.

He carried an Ultronit band reinforced Strong box over his left shoulder and with his right he swiped one of the Oghr out of his way, with about as much effort as if swatting an insect. The Oghr hurled several metes, crashed between tables and chairs and instead of getting up he crawled further out of Hans way.

Sobody walking next to Hans was almost unnoticed. He looked the same as always but his bald head sported a ghastly cross shaped scar. From my adventure on Alvor’s cove I knew it meant he was an outcast of the Golden society.

The metal grating of the floor was vibrating with every step Hans made; glasses on the tables danced as he came to my table and placed the heavy chest before me.

Sobody unlocked it with a flair of importance and an electronic key he wore around his neck and bowed before me. “Captain, as requested your purse.”

I was still sitting and said. “Pay that Thauran 1000 Polos.”

Captain Swift whistled through his teeth as Sobody opened the chest that was filled to the brim with Polo Coins packed in clear plastic bags and handed the speechless Thauran two of them, saying “Two bags of 500 each.”

Narth got up whispered to Hans.

My terrifying looking Security chief nodded and took the struggling and horrified Togar cat like a toy doll over his shoulder and along with Narth he left.

Into the prevailing silence Bloom said looking at the two bags of money he held.

“By the blessed Blue Virgin, that I call no nonsense business. You seem to run a tight ship and gathered a capable crew, respect, respect.”

The three armed Pertharian held out two of his hands.

“Now that you have money, I think you need to pay your tab.”

Since the Barkeeper also held the remote control of the Neuro ripper in his third hand and the projector heads on the ceiling moved with an audible hum, targeting the Thauran; the blue skinned Captain obliged, but he didn’t like it one bit as it was evident by his facial expression.

Bloom came closer to our table with his crew close behind him. He eyed the heavy chest and said to me.

“You would not be in the market for 80 tons of fine Togar merchandise?”

I sipped at my Dai Beer and said.

“No I am not.”

“You see, I have a hold full of that stuff, and it will sell on Sin 4 or on Kaliment for good money. The trouble is, I am a tad short on fuel and these tight arse Basset bastards don’t give credit.”

I raised my head and looked at him.

“And why are you boring me with that. I am sure the miners over there have always needs for cheap laborers and after a year or two you might have enough money to buy fuel, I suppose.”

He sucked in air and said pointing his finger at me.

“I don’t think you understand, female. I eat the likes of you for breakfast. I am going to take that chest now and if you try to stop us my men will do the same to you what we did to the Togar female.

Har-Hi said.

“Touch that chest and you touch nothing ever again with your own hands.”

His men drew weapons and he said.

“Do the math, Dai, ten against three. Your leather clad monster isn’t here.”

The Barkeep jelled.

“I don’t care what business you have among each other, but no Energy weapons. If you want to brawl with swords and knifes be my guest, but you pay for the damage.”

Now Crimson Curse got up, smashing his fist onto the metal table so hard, it left a sizable dent. “Enough of this! Freespace is shrinking by the day and the places our kind can rest and trade are not as common as they used to be. It is you trouble makers that spoil it for the rest of us. If you have quarrels duke it out Captain versus captain as it always has been the custom.”

Bloom raised his arms.

“Well so be it then. I fight the female and get the Polos, what a splendid suggestion Ugly Crimson!”

Har-Hi shook his head. “That is a bad idea, Bloom. Reconsider and fight me instead.”

Bloom laughed. “If she wants to play pirate and fly with the big boys then she needs to fight herself. I have no problem spanking her into submission.”

I got up so fast, my chair flew and crashed against the wall somewhere in the back, while I was flanking myself over the table, and raked both of my boot heels across his throat and face. My training with Master Alameda and the Academy instructors; the instructions of Siegfrieda, Richard the Outcast and mental uploads I received from the Sojonit sisters merged into an instinctive, distinct style all of my own and I was at a point where I was able to act almost faster than I could think. My reaction was fueled by the old familiar Olafson rage and my growing dislike of Thaurans.

Still in motion I hit the floor and spin kicked the Oghar right next to Bloom for good measure. The Ultronit heels of my boots, now razor sharp were terrible weapons at close quarter.

Bloom staggered backward, his hands trying to stop the blood spraying from his throat wound.

My Colt roared and the heavy lead slug tore into the head of the recovering Oghr, proving once again what a deadly weapon this old gun really was.

Bloom had dropped to his knees, there was an expression of pain and the certain knowledge of impending death on his face as he reached out with his other hand. There was no mercy and no feeling of remorse as I pointed the muzzle of the antique colt at his forehead and ended his misery with a gory explosion of blood and brain.

Har-Hi had been right behind me, both swords drawn decapitating two of Bloom’s men in a dazzling lightning fast move. A third stared stared at his arm stump, his right hands fallen on the floor still clutching a blaster.

Our constant cross training showed that Shea was no longer just a science geek but a force to be reckoned with, as she had her strange sword at the throat of the second Oghar, cutting pieces out of his armor with little flicks of her wrist.

Even our Golden turned out to be much more than just an old man of a dwarf like species. He moved his hand and arm in a strange motion almost as if he threw something and then pulled at an imaginary string; the effect of his pantomimic moves however was deadly and gruesome. One of the Thauran crew members fell to the floor cut in half.

Sobody glared at the remaining men and said. “He should have thought twice before pulling a dagger on my Captain while I am around.”

I looked around and said. “Anyone else thinking, I can’t play with the boys. Step on up!”

All this had happened so fast, Crimson was still standing. Swift whistled again. “Holy shit!”

Har-Hi carefully cleaned his blades with a piece of silk he always carried and said as he put the swords away. “I did warn him, I might just have clipped an ear of his.”

Crimson sat back down and said. “Good riddance to Bloom, maybe we can drink in peace now. You Captain Velvet, of course are welcome to join us here at the Captain’s table.”

One of the surviving crew members of Bloom’s group said. “What of us now, are we to report to your ship?”

I nodded. “That’s right. Go get everyone of your crew and report to the Silver Streak.”

Har-Hi got up “I make sure they are properly accommodated.”

Har-Hi proved just how strong he was as he shouldered the heavy money chest and he and Shea left followed by Blooms men. Just as I was sitting down at the Captain’s table, a representative of the Bassett family approached and said.

“I am Kooornt Bassett and I can make you an offer and if you want for both ships.”

I pointed to the Golden and said. “My Quartermaster will take care of that.”

Sobody grinned from ear to ear and went with the man to a different table.

Swift said. “You certainly live up to your legend and then some.”

He touched his throat and then glanced at the body of Bloom.

Crimson quaffed another tankard of Oghar brew and ordered a plate of Lum-Lum Chews. Then he said with his deep growling voice. “It is a good thing you dealt with that Thauran. Otherwise I would have. He is the kind, just like that cursed Red Dragon and his Sinister Alliance stirring things up too much.”

He looked around and leaned forward. “The Dragon keeps poking the Union like he did recently with his stunt attacking a Union Outpost and they might start listening to the Eternal Warrior and roll in giving a hoot about treaties and Freespace, and then our days will be counted,”

Swift said. “Well the Shiss, the Kermac and the Nul will have a word in that as well, I doubt the Union will risk a war over pirates.”

Crimson made a wiping gesture with his big hands. “They can’t stop the Union. I tell you Red Dragon and his Sinister Alliance are bad news.”

Swift shrugged. “I was considering flying to Itheamh and finding out where their secret meeting place is and joining the Sinister Alliance. There are rumors they plan for something big.”

Crimson took one of the Lum-Lums that had just been served, but did not eat, instead he said. “What use do we have for alliances? Is it not the very reason we do what we do to be free of other mens rules and laws? What good did his last big raid do him?”

I shrugged and played the uninformed. “I played in another region of the Galaxy and haven’t been in touch with the news lately. Did they not attack a Union outpost or something like that?”

Crimson chewed with his massive jaws and gave Swift a side look from his small yellow eyes and said after he swallowed.

“Aye he did, Outpost 96. Huge Pirate fleet, and a decoy fleet full of ground troops to boot, filled with every gun wielding scum he could hire on Sin 4 and Itheamh. Lightly defended he claimed it would be and yet he got his arse kicked, by a bunch of Wolfcraft fighters. He was the only one escaping with nothing in his holds but air and a hole as big as planet in his ship. If he has some personal vendetta against the Union, let him do it on his own. I rather be dead than fly with his Sinister Alliance.”

He grabbed another Lum-Lum and bit in it with resolve. Then he pushed the plate over and invited Swift and me to take one as well.

Swift declined and sipped on a glass with a greenish thick liquid that smelled strongly of fermented fruits and said.

“Maybe you are right, you’re in this business longer than most.”

The Bassett brother came to me and sighed, pointing at Sobody who looked as pleased as a Nubhir wolf that got the big bone, and said. “Smart move, Captain Velvet to have a Golden do business for you. If we had continued haggling I would have been lucky walking out of here with my pants still mine.”

Sobody also got up and came over as well. “I am going with my new friend Kooornt and make sure we get paid.”

I said. “You did well, I assume?”

“Considering the location and the small market, yes Captain.”

After they left Crimson finished a sixth Lum-Lum and said.

“Well I am off and go back to business and I suggest you both do the same.” He leaned forward once again and lowered his voice as much as he could. “This region isn’t going to be safe much longer.”

Swift made a surprised face. “Why are you saying this? This is still Freespace!”

Crimson touched his jeweled encrusted gold encased tusk.

“I have it on good authority that the Dai Lord Cam Elf-Na united over 2000 clans under his leadership into one massive mega clan. It is said he is out for revenge. Anyone guilty of dealing with Dai artifacts will feel their wraith. The Bassetts made a killing on Dai scrap, as you know. The big fight between Union and Dai happened not far from here.

Cam Elf-Na will need lots of raw materials for the Dai factory ships when he attacks the Union, which I am certain is his next move.”

Swift waved his hand. “I actually heard the same rumor on Itheamh, but the Bassetts have a defense alliance with the Togar and they aren’t far from here and the Togar do keep their contracts, their queen is known for it.”

Crimson placed a few coins on the table and said.

“I care not what you believe, but the Queen would need more than two thirds of the Togar fleet, to defeat 2000 Dai Clans and I doubt the Queen will make such an effort to defend an unimportant partner as the Bassetts. I think Cam Elf-Na has the power to take on almost anyone in Freespace now. No one is really safe. Not Sin 4, not Itheamh, not the Kartanians.

It would take the reunification of all Oghar Kingdoms to stop him and that won’t happen even if the Galaxy turns its spin; and if he moves across into Union space he will cut a swath of destruction before the Union can stop him. In any case this area of space is soon to hot for any individual space ship.”

With those words the Oghar captain left.

Swift said. “I am heading for Sin 4 and two ships are safer than one, if you heading that direction Velvet, we could fly together.”

I nodded. “As a matter of fact, I am going that way too. So yes it might be a good idea. I am leaving early in the morning as well.”

That suited me just fine and if everything went according to plan, he would arrive on Sin 4 inside my Cargo bay and inside a Null-time stasis box.

The Pertharian cleaned the table of empty mugs and plates and pointed at the dead pirates. “Do you want them or can I clean up?”

“No I have no need for bodies, what do I owe you for the clean up.”

“I sell their bodies and gear. This and whatever change they have on them will do for payment.”

Swift stretched his arms. “Well I am hungry too, but the stench of death soured my appetite, This asteroid has a few decent restaurants in the upper tier. This is where I am headed.”

He gestured towards the Pertharian who loaded the dead onto a sturdy hover cart. “Besides the next batch of Lum-Lums might be Ala Thauran. Care to join me for dinner?”

“Maybe some other time. I have a ship to attend to, and I prefer the fair served in my galley anyway,”

He laughed. “You are lucky then. We take turns preparing meals on the Swift Profit and none of us is a gifted chef. This is the main reason I come here, to eat something that isn’t raw or burned. What would I give for a decent food printer, an automated galley or a robo chef.” He got up. “Well if you change your mind, I will be at the Harpir’s Lion top tier. If not we will talk tomorrow when we leave for Sin 4.”

He rapped his knuckles against the table, got up and left.

Mikesh

I suddenly found myself sitting pretty much alone in the dimly lit tavern.

I got up too and decided to check out the Asteroid base a little more. I still contemplated ways to put them somehow out of business, since destroying it was off the table.

The tavern was not the only business on this level. There was a ship parts dealer, a merchant selling water and food items in bulk to replenish ship stores.

Next to it a place that sold mining tools and supplies.

There I observed a big human miner in a smudgy yellowish coverall or maybe some sort of utility space suit standing before the supply store, he was half way surrounded by a group of four unsavory looking characters. A Jooltar, a being that looked like a smaller sized Shiss with two arms only and two humans. They wore space and battle suit pieces and they were armed.

At first I paid no real attention and wanted to go on and explore more of the base, or maybe go back to the Tigershark and see about the Togar female but the way the four beings crowded onto the miner told me that there was trouble brewing. The corridor was technically wide enough for me to pass by unnoticed.

I could hear the Jooltar say. “Didn’t we tell you not to come to the big roid anymore? It is simply not safe for you.”

“I have a right to be here, just as you. Tell him that I will not sell my claim.”

“That is the problem. If you let us have your claim all problems disappear. You struck it rich didn’t you?”

“What is it to you? I am digging for forty years now...”

The lizard being raised a club to strike the man. “I think you need a lesson and then we will walk to the Claims office.”

The four started to beat the man, who tried to shield his face with his arms. They were merciless and brutal.

I shouldered myself past the four and said. “Would you mind clearing the entrance, no one can get in that store with you crowding the door like that.”

For a short moment they all were so surprised about my sudden appearance in their midst that they forgot what they were doing.

The Jooltar muttered. “She is right you know we are blocking...”

One of the humans whacked the Jooltar. “You stupid mutt, of course we are.”

The same human grabbed me by the arm. “Dame, you beat it and disappear very fast, or you join this stubborn Roid digger in the infirmary.”

“I was in the market to buy one of these things with the yellow handle over there, not that I know what it is but I needed exactly one of those. Now there is two things I hate. Unfair situations and being touched unasked.”

They started to laugh, “You are quite cheeky...”

I grabbed his hand that still was on my shoulder, right by the wrist and gave it a powerful twist and buried my knee between his legs,

The Yoltaar was the fastest, reacting while I still dealt with the human, but slow enough for me to stomp on his foot. My heel digging deep into his boot.

They weren’t a real challenge and a few moments later they littered the ground and didn’t move.

Now I should scold myself, killing Bloom earlier on was not really necessary, and fighting four brawlers about a local affair that didn’t mean a thing to our mission was even more foolish.

This was not how a Union Officer behaved, not even undercover but I could not help myself, I never could.

The miner came staggering to his feet and stood there unsteady and wobbling.

I said to him.”Well mister, they won’t bother you for a while. Why don’t you find that infirmary they talked about and have yourself fixed up?”

He pulled a ghastly looking rag from a belt pouch and pressed it on a bleeding cut over his right eye. “I am going to be alright, Captain Velvet. Thanks to you.”

“Well seems you know who I am and since the situation appears to be under control. I am on my way.”

“Please wait, Ma’am. Let me make it up to you. You saved my life.”

“No worries about that. It was on the house. I don’t like unfair situations, it’s sort of a hobby of mine, not a very sensible hobby mind you.”

“Please, it would mean a great deal to me if you come to my rock. I think I have something you might be interested in, something of great value to a pirate like you. No one ever stood up for me like that and I want to thank you.”

“You just told those thugs you worked for what you have and I certainly don’t want to take any valuables from you. I am not hurting for money or loot.”

He gestured towards the still unconscious brawlers. “All a miner has to do is buy a licence from the Bassetts, and sell minerals and ore to the family and he is reasonably safe and protected.”

He sighed with sagging shoulders. “That of course does not hold true for family. I am a Bassett and so is the crook good for nothing greedy son of a bitch who sent these bruisers after me.”

That made me stop, as I was already on the move.”You are a Bassett, aren’t you guys running this place?”

He gathered the supplies he had dropped. “This family has over 1000 members, Black Velvet and not all are blood. Have you ever heard of any big family without a feud?”

Coming from Nilfeheim with big clans and families and family feuds that lasted centuries I almost immediately understood. “No I haven’t.”

I took a bag of his and said. “Alright I am game, show me that valuable whatever it is.”

“You are an enigma Black Velvet and I don’t mean that because you wear a mask and all the stories they tell of you, being 400 years old and turned into a demon by the monsters of the Igras expanse.”

“I had no idea that was rumor, I mean the demon part.”

He gestured to a simple hover sled and put the boxes he carried on the flat cargo area.

“There isn’t all that much in terms of entertainment around here. everyone loves the stories told by the travelers, pirates and transients passing through. They say you escaped Union hunters by entering the Igras Expanse. Now you are back 400 years later. Not even the scoopers at the fringes of the expanse dare to venture deeper and there always have been legends of space born demons.”

I put the bag I was carrying for him into the cargo bed. “Space is so vast and the Igras expanse is far from here. I never new there were rumors and legends that would travel so far.”

“There are many legends and stories and this place is visited by many travelers from all over the galaxy.Nothing travels faster than stories and myths, Velvet. Many of us miners come here to the big roid to hear those stories told. The Wafnuk make it a living doing nothing but.”

“The Wafnuk?”

“Nomadic travelers, Velvet. Going from place to place and tell stories and myths. I like them better than a holo show.”

“And they tell stuff about me?”

“About you and other pirates, about all the things that happen and have happened. Not all of it is very accurate and some of the legends and stories are told over many centuries in many variations, but that is not why I love their tales.”

He sighed and smiled and then he pointed down the corridor. “My ship is all at the end of mooring arm two.”

I climbed onto the equally simple passenger seat, while he sat behind the two lever controls. The sled was accelerating to a breathtaking speed of perhaps 30 kilometers and hour at most. He said.”That Igras soup they say is so thick that no ship can cross it, and there are many old stories of fiery demons and winged monsters appearing to scoopers, pirates and the occasional traveler.”

“Do you think I am a demon?”

He nodded. “You just might be one. I seen that huge monster that brought your Polos. I’ve seen what you did to the Thauran back in the Tavern. I also witnessed what you did to Ilkesh’s bruisers. But then you help a dirty no name like me.”

I changed the subject asking. “So are you the black sheep of the family?”

“I do not know what a black sheep is. I only know of Black Nogoll, but I think I know what you mean. Neither one of us are very high in the Family hierarchy and we are only a little above non related miners and visitors. We must pay for almost everything just as them, except that in case of an emergency we are also supposed to fight for the family. I am digging through these rocks for more than forty years, Black Velvet, a few weeks ago I stumbled across a rich deposit of Kalimun. Every scoop worth more than all the metal ore I manage to scrape together in the last four decades, and I estimate there are a few million scoops in that roid of mine.”

“Kalimun?” I stopped myself in the last moment remembering what Deepa had told me while we were on Kalimant.

He nodded and steered the sled up a long steep inclining corridor that was actually the interior one of the mooring arms. The gravitational directional pull changed as we passed inside the corridor. It now appeared level and the area behind us was in a steep incline.

“Yes Kalimun and I am no longer just a face among many. I am rich, very rich and that means I am moving up in the family ladder. However a family member that used to be rich is sitting on that spot where I am going to move and he is trying to get my claim to keep his spot and deny me mine.”

He stopped the sled at the last air lock door.

“To be honest Ms. Velvet, after forty years of digging, I realized there isn’t really much else I want to do. I have my peace when I dig and if truth to be told I would simply give him all that Kalium. I don’t care much about family politics, have little need for much of anything and I be rather dead than kissing the arses of the sons of the Mother.”

“But since that Ilkesh used strong arm tactics instead of simply asking for it, you rather take a beating even if they kill you than give or sell it to him, right?”

He climbed of the sled. “You aren’t Bassett under that mask? You understand me exactly.”

I helped him unload the supplies into the Airlock. “No I am not Bassett, but I am from a place with large families and similar stories.”

He wiped his hands on his pants and held it out. “I am Mikesh Bassett.”

“Black Velvet, but then you knew that already” I took his hand.

“I never thought to get to know a real pirate captain. They usually never give us miners the time of day,”

His ship was smaller than the Tullerman and not much cleaner than his suit. The smell immediately took me back to the USS Rosinante, I had captured from scooper raiders.

“I know it is not up to par, Ms. Velvet, but it is a short trip and what I want to give you will make it worth your while.”

“If it is Kalium, I don’t really need any.”

“I would not drag you out to my rock for Kalium, but if you want to fill your freight bays with a few hundred tons, I throw that in as well.”

He steered the small boat away from the Asteroid and accelerated in my estimate only marginally better than his hover sled.

I called Har-Hi and told him quietly what I was doing and where I was.

Har-Hi cleared his throat. “That explains the call we got from local security about two dead and two very seriously injured local thugs, not that this was a very big mystery to us.” “Two of them are dead?” “Crushed larynx did one of them in and having a yellow handled pneumatic rock hammer buried in your chest reduces your chances of surviving a brawl drastically. Any specific orders while you do the local sight seeing tour?”

“Keep an eye on our friend, just in case he decides to leave earlier. Other than that stand by I should be back soon.” I swallowed dryly. “At least I know now what these yellow things are.”

Ha-Hi deactivated his wrist PDD with an almost angry tap.

Elfi who stood next to him on the bridge of the Tigershark said. “Be careful with your IRTC module. They say it is sturdy enough for Saturnians to use, but I doubt they designed it with agitated Dai in mind.”

They were both on duty aboard an Union ship and Elfi should have addressed Har-Hi by rank, as he was the XO of the ship, but in this regard no one aboard really acted in accordance with the rules.

He gave her a stern look. “If Hans can’t break it, what chance would I have. Wasn’t it you briefing me on these Intelligence Recon Tactical Communicators? I recall you said they work in any environment and are nearly indestructible.”

Before Elfi could respond, Hans who stood at his security post pulled a mangled piece from out of a pocket. “Sorry Sir, they are not indestructible and most certainly nor sturdy enough for Saturnians.” He made an apologetic face and grinned weakly towards Elfi

Shea actually padded Har-Hi’s shoulder. “The Captain will be fine, it’s a harmless trip to an Asteroid mine.” She was also standing close to Har-Hi when Erica called.

The Dai XO of the Tigershark sat down in the Command seat. “Do you recall one single trip our Captain took anywhere without running in some kind of situation?” He threw his arms in the air. “It took the Captain less than ten minutes and just walking out the Tavern to run into local thugs and kill two of them.”

Everyone on the bridge and the entire ship knew that Har-Hi was not disrespectful of the Captain but vented his concerns. Har-Hi loved the Captain like a brother.

Narth popped out of thin air and said as if he had listened to the entire conversation. “There are no conditions known to all Narth, that could quantify such concepts as luck or fate, but I personally begin to question that knowledge and come to the conclusion our Captain has some sort of unexplained talent in that regard.”

He then sat down behind the OPS station, and carefully arranged the folds of his shrouds.”I sense no danger, or distress. The Captain appears to be in no danger.”

Har-Hi leaned back. “Well since we are all here, I like a situation report. The Captain might want to know when he comes back.”

“She. The captain is now a she, Sir.” Krabbel corrected the Dai while lingering behind the Command seat and next to the Nav Tank.

Har-Hi turned to face the Archa Spider. “Of course, I still getting used to this change. Now let us begin with you Mr. Krabbel, report please.”

“I analyzed all the NAV data we recovered from the pirate ships we recently acquired and created a new info map of Freespace and regions beyond. With the intel data and pirate incident reports from Hans I co-related it all.”

Har-Hi noticed the red haired Yeoman standing next to the spider holding a PDD and said. “And Yeoman O’Connell is using it to prepare legal documents so the the individuals we have in Zero stasis custody can be charged in court later, I assume?”

She nodded. “Yes, Sir. I am preparing dossiers on all our guests.”

Elfi was next and said. “I am monitoring the local channels. They are all abuzz about Captain Black Velvet and the Silver Streak. I say we made quite an impression. I also like to comment TheOther who is becoming a real asset to my department. He is currently in the Comm Lab and diligently sorting through the transcripts, preparing a signal intel report for Fleet Command.”

“So noted Ms. Petetis. I will place your recommendation into the log and have the Captain sign it.”

Shea pointed to her science console. “I am mapping the orbits of the asteroids in this system, using our Kelpiedata. My department also works on a solar profile, analyzing the DNA micromatter I collected in the Bassett office.”

Shaka lifted his helmet. “While we are idle I am running simulations with Mao and SHIP,”

Har-Hi suddenly felt a little proud of the ship and it’s crew and he had to admit the pride he felt was for the Union way of doing things. Even here attached to a mooring arm of a Pirate base, the crew of the Tigershark continued their work with initiative and efficiency.

“Good work you two, I expect a full department report on my desk by 0900 tomorrow, Mr. Narth.”

He then motioned towards Hans. “Mr. Neugruber you are not off the hook. After I heard your security report, I want you to explain to Ms. Petetis how you managed to utterly destroy Fleet equipment worth hundreds of credits.”

The titanic Saturnian, who just recently frightened the toughest cut throat pirates and spacers somehow managed to look a little smaller and a little intimidated as he addressed the XO.

“Sir, all prisoners are safely secured. We received 68 individuals from the Roughnir. They all have been molecular scanned, stripped of all belongings and placed inside Prisoner Control suits and in Zero Stasis boxes. The Togar female is currently still in Sickbay under the care of our CMO. Two Marines standing guard.”

Hans tried to look apologetic as he handed Elfi the mangled communicator.

“It dropped as I changed into my Pirate outfit and TheOther accidentally stepped on it and was surprised it survived and I sort of accidentally stepped on it too.” His face lit up. “It still sort of works.”

Elfi took the thing and glared at him. “That he emergency power light still blinks does not mean it still works, Mr.Neugruber.”

To Har-Hi she said.

“These are prototypes and we are the first to receive them. Each of these simple looking devices are fully operational military PDDs with picto burst GalCom and a range of five light years. They are also the smallest Avatar enabled devices, can self destruct, fully, can launch a remote controlled spy drone, the size of a pinhead and have a three shot micro rocket launcher, not to mention the capability to engulf the wearer into a contour Para Dim shield for ten minutes.”

Narth added in his detached completely emotion free voice. “The development budget of the first 500 units, of which we have received 490 exceeds the estimated GDP of your entire tribe by 67 percent, Lt. Hi. So your estimate of a few hundred credits per unit is perhaps not entirely correct.”

Har-Hi looked at his own wrist com. “It has rockets you say?”

Elfi handed Hans a new one and said. “The use and activation of the units offensive capabilities are described in section eight of the User manual.”

Har-Hi didn’t want to admit he never read past the first page and said to Narth. “How would you know the GDP of my tribe?”

“Your father met with the Finance and Commerce committee of the Assembly, four years ago. Financial and Commerce advice and assessment is part of the process to integrate new members into the Union. The GDP assessment of all Union members is public record and...”

Har-Hi groaned. “And you of course know know that, probably of all Union members.”

Narth voice had the tiniest hint of amusement as he said. “Naturally, Sir.”

Har-Hi listened to the rest of the reports. The ship was in perfect condition and nothing indicated any imminent problems. “Is the Tullerman still there?”

Hans answered. “Yes it is still moored where you have left it, you and the Captain returned with Narth.”

“I think I change into my Jooltar costume once more take a look around the base and take that thing out. Shea you have the Conn.”

“Sir, may I ask why are you doing that and where are you taking that contraption?” Shea asked.

“I want to be out there, just in case.Besides it needs to leave.”

“Sir what help could you give in the Tullerman? We do have a Spectre Class Gazelle. It is not as well armed as a Wolfcraft, but still a terrible Union war machine and faster than anything within a thousand light years.”

“You are a very smart girl, Shea, but how would you explain to the Captain that we blew our cover by opening a hangar and launching a craft that screams union? The Gazelle can only cloak once outside.”

“Sorry, sir. I just think you are worried about the Captain and we should do something.”

“The Captain is fine, he ... I mean she called. Narth says she is fine.” Har-Hi turned to Narth. “She is, right?”

“I feel no emotions other than boredom”

Har-Hi got up and motioned to Elfi. “Can you assist me with the costume again? This Saresii Auto Dresser is not like our regular units.”

“Of course, do you mind me tagging along, Sir? I will look just as convincing as the Captain in the Black Nogoll costume.”

He agreed. “Yes that is a good idea. No one really noticed us, but someone might and it is good if they see us leave together.”

The two men wearing brown cloaks sitting in a dark corner of the Motherload Tavern watched the leather clad pirate captain leave. The Tavern was now almost empty, only a few miners remained. A pair of Oghr miners had resumed their game of Grensex and tossed the eight sided dice onto the table surface.

The Pertharian stood next to the hovercart with the dead pirates and talked to Oneu, the meat and body scavenger and haggled for a good price.

Oneu, an Izonar was sometimes sneared at by others as a ghoul, but no one doubted he made a good living. There was always a market for meat, body parts, blood and other things. The dead Thaurans might not travel far and end up on someones menu.

But neither man paid much attention to that, they both still stared towards the exit. Dimon had a dry throat as he said.”What a woman.”

“A rich one too. She just sold us two space ships and thanks to her shrewd Golden, with a much better profit margin than we usually grant.”

Honsu got up.”I must make my way to Sin 4 now, but I am sure I will hear from her again.”

He bade his farewell and went to his ship. Deep down he knew it already, he was deeply and madly in love with that brutal, mysterious woman.

HAR-HI

Once more looking like a mangy Jooltar and in the company of a Black Nogoll. They slipped into the mooring arm corridor after Narth teleported them to an unobserved corner.

They both were about to enter the Tullerman, when Har-Hi suddenly got weak knees and an intense sensation of burning pain engulfed his entire body. He and Elfi collapsed right before the Airlock.

Har-Hi could see two beings, that had been hiding inside the Airlock, one of the shapes was holding a Kermac Neuro Ripper. “Let’s get them inside before anyone sees them.”

Everything went dark after that.

ERICA

We finally reached a sizable Asteroid, I estimated to be at least six light hours from the pirate base. My new friend had told me much about the Bassett family and the details of a roid miners life.

I had learned that the Bassetts did not built the Asteroid base.

It was so he told me originally built by an unknown alien civilization and discovered by the Togar. The cats of Togr refurbished it and used it as a mining base and outpost. Why the Togar abandoned it about 600 years ago was not known to him. He claimed that the ghosts of the original aliens had chased the Togar away, at least that was a popular legend and horror story, the Roid Miners loved to tell each other.

Mikesh hadn’t really shut up since we left and some of it was mildly interesting, most of it however almost put me to sleep.

However I listened more actively as he begun to tell me more about the Bassetts. “You know where we Bassetts come from?”

“No, but I do wonder why some appear to have Kermac and Shiss features. Those species are not exactly compatible.”

“The details are kept secret, by the inner circle and I am sure only the Old bird herself really still knows the real story, but the tale goes like this. The Kermac Ministry of Information needs spies that could infiltrate other societies. Now in the case of the Union it is relative easy, but neither the Shiss nor the Nul are a multi species society. So the MOI simply took Kermac and started experimenting with plastic surgery and DNA tailoring to create Kermac that look like other beings, including Shiss and Nul. It is said that a batch of clones were a failed experiment and managed to flee before the Kermac could destroy them.

The legend also claims that these clones made their escape by the tiniest margin, their escape ship damaged and more a wreck than anything. They ended up here where they met a pirate or some other type of crook, he came from the Union and his name was Bassett. The old bird, that is the female leader of the Kermac clones and that human somehow formed an alliance.”

He steered the small ship past the opening iris type doors, set right into the surface of the Asteroid. “Know you know.”

“So this Old Bird is still alive?”

“Yes, the Bassetts occupy that Roid for about 400 years now, and female leader, aka the Old Bird has been there from the beginning. The Terran guy, Tom Bassett aged almost 210 years before he died.” Mikesh powered down his ship and got up.”But no one expects her to live much longer, but living past 500 years should be no mystery to you, right?”

“Who knows, I just wondered.” I planned to have Hans check on that name and I was sure that it more or less was exactly how it happened. “Well, Mikesh now there is a mystery less for me in the universe.”

“I kow you are a busy Pirate and all this might not be the usual pace of things you are accustomed to, but to me it is amazing to have your company for a little while ... When I meet the other miners and tell them famous Black Velvet has been here, they will call me a liar and all that; and will give me something to talk about for years to come.”

The ship had docked and he was opening the airlock door. “I was not kidding, Black Velvet. I found something in this rock of mine. I am sure it is from the same beings that originally built the base, could even be Celtest.”

I followed him and was no longer just mildly interested. “Celtest you say?”

Chapter 7 »