CH 12: GRAY NUL



CH 12: GRAY NUL

I could not even think about sleep after executing a living being. This was completely different than a combat kill. So I went to the pool and took a long swim. The clear cold water, as always did wonders to my state of mind. While I was submerged I wondered if there was something like an immortal soul and if that was so, did I add to my eternal damnation by executing Wintsun? I certainly hoped the visions I glimpsed on Coven were not the hell of sinners after all. If such a place existed, Hel might have already prepared a very special place for me. I was about to close my eyes a little and simply drift when SHIP's voice reached me. “Sorry Captain,but you are needed.” So I surfaced and Har-Hi stood by the pool holding a towel. He said. “There is a situation outside the ship; I thought you’d want to know about it.” I climbed out of the pool and dried myself and said. “SHIP give me a field screen,please.” My Dai friend explained while the view screen established itself before me. “There is a grey Nul outside our force field and it looks like he is badly wounded. As you can see there is a gang of other beings hunting him.” I saw the Nul, his left arm hung from his body and he was oozing yellowish blood from several wounds. He threw rocks and pieces of Duro Crete towards a horde of twenty beings mocking him and taking pot shots. I jumped into the Auto Dresser and dialed for my Pirate Outfit. Seconds later Har-Hi was running beside me to the next IST and said. “He is a Nul, Captain. They are our enemies. They have never shown any mercy. Remember Lt. Voglgard? I thought you wanted to see him die.” I turned my head as we stepped into the IST. “Yes I remember the two Wolfcraft pilots and I know Voglgard was killed while he was in space. I was there, but that does not mean we have to be the same way. Let’s see what he wants. He did come here for a reason.You would not have come to the pool if you think the situation was as simple as you now make it sound.” The IST shaft extended to the ground and released us below my ship. I ran towards the force field border where the Nul stood. Below my ship and without a slide belt or other transportation I realized just how big the Tigershark really was. So I increased my running speed, of course Har-Hi had no problem keeping up and he said with grin on his face to me: “It is an unfair situation the Nul is in and that’s why you fought for him at the arena as well.” He could not see my grin as I said. “I guess I am predictable after all.” Har-Hi responded. “You are one of the biggest mysteries I came across in my life, but yes in certain situations I think I know what motivates you.” We had almost reached the edge but there was time for me to say. “That is a strange thing to say. I thought we were getting to know each other pretty good by now.” He chuckled and said. “True enough, but for one I can’t figure out how you manage to run in heels like that, I would break my neck and I know you didn’t have a lifetime of practice like Shea. And then there is this whole female part of you. I knew you as Eric and we served many months together and now you are a woman. You are still my best friend and I accept you like that just as I have before, but I don’t understand it.” I slowed down as we were almost there and said. “I don’t think about the heels, I almost tripped as you mentioned them and for the other part, I can’t even answer that to myself. I feel guilty somehow every time I talk to Admiral Stahl.” I stopped less than a meter from the Nul, all that separated us was the insubstantial, barely visible barrier of the shields. “SHIP can you make the shields transparent for sound where I am?” She responded right away saying: “Yes Captain, you can talk to the Nul now.” Before I could say something to the huge alien, a blaster shot hammered into the shield right before me, perhaps even aimed at me but only a few centimeters away from the Nul, his grey skin discolored from the intense heat to a scarred black. I said into the same audio pick up I had addressed SHIP and said: “Tactical, fire a warning shot at those goons and I don’t mind if you singe a few of these cowards.” Mao responded with a crisp Aye and an eye blink later, an arm thick bright white beam of energy pulsed from somewhere above us and converted a long trench of liquefied Concrete and trash into white hot glowing magma. Whoever was left of the now considerable smaller mob scrambled to find cover. Having the pause I needed, I addressed the Nul. “What do you want here?” He looked horrible, not because he was a Nul, but because he was injured all over his body and was barely able to stand. He said with a voice that was inhumanly deep but sounded weak. “I know you are human and we are enemies…” The Nul stumbled and it appeared he kept on his feet by sheer will power. “I have no place to go; the entire planet’s population appears to hunt me because I am Nul. You are an enemy but you are a warrior born as I have seen you fight and heard what you said to the Pertharians. I do not want to die by the hands of rabble and scum, so I am here to challenge you to a fight. I will die by the hands of an enemy that has honor.” His pillar like legs buckled, and he groaned as he pushed himself back up. I said. “SHIP, Med Bots to my position, stat. Also, alert two Marines in full Battle Armor and make me a structural gap where I am.” Har Hi drew a sword and a blaster at the same time as SHIP responded to my orders.I stepped through the hole in our shield and said to the Nul. "I accept your challenge but there is no honor to fight you in this condition. My Med Staff is on the way and we will treat you.” He groaned something I did not understand and then collapsed. The Med Bots arrived along with the Marines and to them I said. “Bots take the Nul to sick bay and you marines do not let him out of your sight. If he shows any hostile intentions, constrain or terminate him.”

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DIMON

He finally got a break and came across a small crowd standing by several mangled bodies of various beings. He heard the word Nul and a Oghr pointed in the direction of the space port. "That Nul isn't too fresh anymore. I think that monster went in circles before it decided to go towards the port." Dimon had to kill twice, as it was not a good idea to be on foot at Sin 4 at any time of the day. He didn't dare to go to his ship or some other resource to properly equip himself for the fear he might lose the trail. This was the reason he didn't hire a Taxi either, he had to follow the Nul on foot and hoped he would reach him in time. Sin 4 was a deadly place no matter what race you belonged to. The Nul did first turn north and away from the port, but why was he running to the port? May trying to commander a spaceship. Nul were neither common nor much liked by anyone, and the chances someone opened fire just to kill was very likely. In all this he had to agree with his Nul contact. The Seer of Narl Gatu was right, the Nul was alive and in Freespace, but the chances he remained that way were very slim. Dimon feared intergalactic war and the death of the Gray Nul on Sin 4 would almost guarantee it. He also knew that he was far to self confident. He could have not bested that Dai, not with any weapon. That Dai was no mere Dai Than but had the training and even more the skills of a Juth-Ni. That Dai could have cleared the arena on his own, against them all. That this Dai Than warrior god followed her, was even more alluring to him. A badly aimed pot shot burned a hole in the wall of a building only a handswith away from his head. He had to concentrate on the situation at hand and tried to put his thoughts about the pirate lady into the back of his head. Dimon returned fire with a Kermac line blaster, he had taken of an Arena guard. His shots were equally poorly aimed, as he did not even see who had fired at him. He just returned a few blasts into the same direction, while he ran across the street and up the stairs that led to the shallow crater rim, where the Gorotolah space port terminal used to be, most of it had been turned to ashes by a Union corporate security ship. Dimon wasn't here but he had heard the story. Fools with a DE turret actually opened fire on a Schwartz security ship. Dimon was only an identity, he really was the Purple worm. He was a criminal and he knew that, but compared to the secret,hidden evil of the SII corporation, the Worm was a club of saints. Rex Schwartz was much more of a criminal than he ever was. He was on the right track as he came across two badly mangled bodies.One a Lapdir Oghr and the other looked like a Jooltar both clearly victims of a close combat attack of something much stronger. The Jooltar gargled and showed that he was still alive. That the Lapdir was dead, there was no question. A heavy piece of duro-crete had rendered most of his head into a gorey mess. "End it for me." The Jooltar pleaded with a weak cough. "The Nul?" "No two Petharians. The Nul was in no shape to do much, I am sure you find him dead too." Dimon did the mercy killing and went on, rushing from cover to cover. Some half molten support beams and larger rubble pieces. He had completely forgotten about the Petharians. If they caught up with the Nul, they had no problem killing the wounded prince. In the distance a sudden bright flash illuminated a Karthanian Armed Trader, the ship had fired some kind of Thermo plasma weapon. He could hear the loud crack and the screams of those close to be singed but too far from being killed. Moments later, a wild mob of scavengers and low scum came running and limping. Some of them covered with blisters and nasty burn wounds. He grabbed a Fendrian, who was looking over his shoulder noticing the Half Dai too late."Have you seen a Nul?" "We chased that brute all the way to that pirate ship and then it opened fire. The Nul and many others are ashes. Let me go!" Dimon did let the pelted Fendrian go and he too turned. He had lost, the Gray Nul was dead. Killed by Thermo blasts from the Silver Streak. Their crew probably still waiting for their feisty captain to return, nervous and trigger happy. Shooting at anything that seemed threatening. A Nul appearing running over the landing field certainly presented such a target. Dimon wondered where the Gray Nul wanted to go, but then tracing his erratic escape path, he was most likely just running without knowing where to go. Now Dimon faced the difficult task to inform the Nul that their promised new leader was dead.

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The Nul was not the only visitor that night; the two Petharians arrived at our shield base minutes later. They too were wounded, but not seriously as far as I could tell. One of them said to me through the shield: “We are here, Pirate woman, you said to us to come here if we want to see the Union again. We are Union Citizens and do not want to be taken as slaves again, but even Pertharians have little options on this cursed world.” I responded. “On my word I will not enslave you and I meant what I said in the arena.” Narth spoke into my mind. “Those are first year academy cadets, very young and despite being Pertharians, quite frightened.” With this information I had ship open the shield and I said to them. “Cadets, get in here on the double!” They responded before they even realized what they were doing. One of them asked. “How do you know we are Cadets?” Only after SHIP had the shields opaque to sound I said. “I am Captain Olafson and this is the USS Tigershark. I don’t know how soon we can get you home and back to the academy, but for now you are safe.This is a Union ship and we are Union officers.” They both saluted and snapped into attention and one snarled. “Officer on deck.” I sighed with a smile on my lips. “Don’t do the saluting out here, let’s get you inside.” As they stepped out of the IST and into the main corridor of Deck 5 they saw two Marines waiting for them, one being a Petharian, too. The slightly bigger one said. “The center be praised, this is a Union ship! Captain, Ma’am, I am Cadet Clubb and that is Cadet Dorth and we were abducted on Planet Perryton just as we went for our first R&R. Dorth and I followed a phony Master Chief who promised us a good time in an Orglatron. Instead we were paralyzed and sold here to the Arena.” I said. “Sergeant Lemrr here will take you to sick bay, where our MD will check you out. Then you will report to Lt. Neugruber and give him a detailed report and a description so we can send CID to Perryton.” Even though both of them were inhuman Petharians, I could almost physically feel their relief as they followed the Marines. Remembering my first adventure on this cursed planet I knew how they felt. I ended the day with a late dinner at the Den and then I did find some sleep after all.

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Shipmaster Turdin Masab had watched some of the action on the landing field. He saw the bright plasma bolt that dug a deep trench of liquified concrete, rubble and at least a dozen Sin 4 scavengers. He had missed the reason why they were there, but he had seen the results of the last altrucation. He didn't know exactly what happened to the Hegor and the Tight Squeeze, but it involved agitated scavengers and surface pirate scum. He decided that the Gorotolah was becoming to dangerous for his taste, Sin 4 had other places to land. Although not as big or as convenient close to the upcoming market, but a good distance from the Donheer district. He figured that the explosion that leveled the Donheer compound might had to do with all the comotion. The small landing field to the east, completely controlled by the Rillo syndicate might be a little more expensive, they did charge a landing fee, and had ways to collect it too. But they had much less of a scum and scavenger problem. Turdin was an Armosian and didn't like other species much, mostly because like all Armosian he was jealous about other species success, tech and everything else. While Turdin Masab was quite a successful smuggler and pirate all things considered, he carried the same collective shame. The Armosians were rejected by the Kermac as a Thrall species for being useless, unreliable and unimportant. This was felt as the greatest insult and the Armosians hated everything Kermac. The Armosians also waited to this day for an invitation to the Assembly and being made Union members. That the Union never invited anyone but waited for applications was an important fact the Armosians overlooked and so they hated everything associated with the Union as well. Turdin had an all Armosian crew and gave the orders to lift of under Arti Grav, to change landing ports. At first everything went fine and it was total routine. Even though the Brazen Business had an engineer and several helpers, the engineer didn't feel getting out of his bunk for a simple Arti grav hop. As the Brazen Business reached about one thousand meters, dozens of tiny demolition charges went off, cutting energy to all ArtiCoils. The little charges went almost unnoticed, only an engineering helper wondered about the popping sounds behind the wall panels. But he had no chance of investigating or asking someone. A spaceship losing ArtiGrav at this height became basically a big stone and it dropped, reached terminal velocity just before it impacted with the cracked Duro-Crete surface, just a few hundred meters from where it lifted off. An experienced engineer could have activated the ships main engines and prevented that devastating impact, but that engineer never left his bunk. At the time of impact it made no difference where everyone was, the Brazen Business was instantly reduced to scrap, some of it was neatly spread across much of the space port after a hefty explosion. Not that anyone was alive at that point, but the fire that followed the explosion and engulved whatever was left dashed the hopes of even the most optimistic onlooker to find anyone alive. That the ArtiGrav failed aboard a sturdy Oghr Combat freighter actually surprised no one and jokes were made about Armosian engineering.

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When I woke I realized I had missed the Forenoon watch and said to SHIP as I got up: “SHIP, why didn’t you wake me at 0730 hours?” She responded. “You gave no specific orders to be woken, Captain and the XO said to let you sleep if you didn’t give specific orders.” With a mild accusatory tone in my voice I said to her. “You shaded the viewports and dimmed the lights all on your own, so I would not wake on my own and you knew I scheduled myself for Forenoon watch. One of these days, you mother me before the crew.” She actually managed to make her voice sound a little offended. “Captain, your wellbeing is important to the crew and mission. Sleep is important to humans. You know I follow any order you give and would never be disrespectful.” I dressed myself instead of using the Auto dresser, since I wore the same outfit day in and day out. I did liked to select what I was wearing underneath and while I knew it was a mild form of narcissism, I liked the way lace looked on this body. I said to SHIP. “I know you were motivated by good intentions and I appreciate that.” She sounded happy. “Thank you Captain, besides nothing happened that needed your attention while you slept.Other than that the Brazen Business fell out of the sky after lifting of. No one locally was surprised about that and blames it on Armosian engineering.” I finished brushing my hair."It fell out of the air?" "One thousand and five meters. ArtiGrav mysteriously failed and it dropped onto the landing field surface. Five metal pieces impacted my shields, but did not cause any shield strain." "I decided to leave the hair like that instead of making braids."You know ships falling out of the sky technically would require my attention, but then it was an expected event and its cause no real mystery to the crew and this SHIP." "Indeed Captain." I went to the bridge. Har Hi got up from the Conn wished me a good morning and then pointed to the main viewer. “More Pirate ships have arrived. The Red Dragon has just arrived in the system and should make planet fall within the next hours.” "But one fell out of the sky last night,so I heard." Har-Hi grinned."Everyone knows about the shotty Armosian maintenance..." "Uh yes. Actually quite scary how we neutralized two ships, without firing any shots." "It will not be that easy all the time." I acknowledged him and gave Narth a nod. Narth turned back to his console. “I’ve got the Red Dragon on our sensors, Captain. The ship’s original signature has changed from the four ISAH pod configuration we had on file. It now has only two ISAH pods and two Karthanian engine blocks. It appears he could not replace the one you destroyed with the genuine kind.” I acknowledged the reports and sat down on my seat. The Golden was sitting next to Elfi at Communications and he said. “The city is even more chaotic than usual, as the three remaining Cartel families now fight with each other over the void that the sudden decline of the Donheer Cartel has created.” Shea also had a report and said. “Our Nul guest is out of surgery and Cateria hopes she did enough to help him.” Hans stomped down from his security station at the back of the bridge and said to me. “I send the statement of the two Petharian kids to CID and they are investigating. Results are pending and via Cherubim on Richter we informed the Academy and the family of the Petharian brothers that they are alive and safe without revealing where they are. General Cherubim said she will take care of a cover story.” Yeoman O’Connell handed me the morning report and daily order sheet to sign and handed me my coffee with her usual shy smile. I looked around my bridge and said. “You all have been busy so it seems while a certain Computronic I know let me sleep in.” Har Hi grinned broadly. “To her defense, Captain, she did ask me and I agreed with her decision to let you sleep in.” SHIP chimed in. “See Captain it wasn’t just me.” I also smiled and said. “A fine crew I got, ganging up on me and making me look lazy.” Har Hi said. “Well it’s not every day we share the bridge with a genuine GalNet celebrity. You made quite a splash, Captain and recordings of your fight went viral. It’s virtually on every blog, news channel and in hundreds of talk shows.” Krabbel said. “Circuit and I ordered the Black Velvet Action figure with Ax chopping action complete with animated Stomper. Will you autograph mine when we get our mail on Richter?” With a sour face I said. “Splendid indeed, how am I going to explain that to the Admiral when I deliver my next report and who would have an action figure so fast after the fight?” The Golden tried to make an innocent face and spread his arms. “Sorry Captain, that was an opportunity too good to miss. I am going to make a killing on those.” Mao interrupted and said. “The Red Dragon entered the atmosphere and should become visible any moment now. Mao adjusted the tactical screens. “Here she comes.” More out of instinct I leaned forward as the red colored ship descended and settled about a klick to our port side closer towards the actual city. “I still have no idea what kind of ship that is; does anyone of you have more information?” Shea answered. “Yes, there is a highly classified file in the orders we got from Cherubim and the Red Dragon could be a unique prototype that was made for a purpose not unlike the Tigershark but almost 500 years ago. It was never finished and the hull was transferred to a bone yard. From there it was stolen with a shipload of other forgotten tech almost two years ago." There is no information about who did the actual theft…” Her voice trailed off. I turned to look at her and asked. “Something the matter?” She looked puzzled. “I am not sure, but it looks as if part of that file was deleted after it was placed in our order file. The timestamp of the deletion is the day the Tigershark was delivered to Richter Base.” SHIP established her Avatar, walked over to Shea and looked over my science officer’s shoulder and said. “I can see down to the memory level and the deletion was made with the authority code of the Admiral of the Fleet, Admiral McElligott.” He was the highest command authority and he of course had the right to delete information. There were a million legitimate and logical reasons why he did not want us to see whatever had been erased, but I also remembered what Deepa had told me. I decided to keep this in mind and talk to her about that as soon as I could. I wanted to hear her advice before I asked Stahl. I trusted Stahl but I didn’t want to come to him with just a hunch that could be completely wrong. Aloud I said. “He is the Admiral who gave us these orders. I am sure he had a reason for doing it was wrong info or something we are not supposed to know. Well, the Red Dragon is here and so are we. Let us fill in the blanks ourselves.” Circuit came on the bridge, joined SHIP and Shea, and after a few moments said. “The Red Dragon’s hull is made of Compacted Ultronit, the same as our battleships armor. It is standard now, but back then it was state of the art. The main hull is 545 meters long and shows distinctive Saran Battle Cruiser lines. I think they recycled the frame of one from the looks of it. The remaining ISAH pods are of recent design, only about three or four year old Type IX, but he would need four to be fast. With the Karthanian replacements I doubt he can accelerate over 350 klicks.” Mao added his expertise. “The main battery on top  held a Translocator at one point but it from the looks of it, replaced with a double set of powerful Dai Than sputter cannons." He turned to face me and explained. "It is believed the Dai attempt to create Translocator cannons. They do fire fusion bombs but only near light and not TransDim like the real thing and even their mothers don’t have anything bigger than Mega Loads.” Har-Hi sighed at that and said. “We are good Engineers, but we have not figured out how to maintain containment in an Antimatter charge while the casing is accelerated. The Union Translocator cannons do not have this problem as they transmit an explosion via another dimension.” Circuit turned to Har-Hi. “I didn’t mean to put down Dai technology.” Har Hi responded. “I know the feeling, I catch myself doing it because I am working day in and day out with Union tech.” Mao said. “Technically Translocator cannons are not Union tech either, but Seenian.” Shea disagreed by saying. “Our Translocator technology is based on Seenian technology but in the last 1500 years we have greatly improved on it. Translocator Gatlings, Sniper cannons and the reliability is at 99.99 per cent.” I let them banter a little but then said. “Can we go back to the Red Dragon out there?” They all returned to their readouts and scanners and then Shea said. “He has an array of other weapons; Shiss, Karthanian and Kermac tech including four Loki torpedo starters.” She paused again and then said. “I am not completely sure but it appears the Red Dragon has a Seenian technology weapon as a main spine core weapon, unknown design, but the materials conform to Seenian tech. It also conforms to the same sleeping energy readings I made from the ship Cateria attacked us with.” I called Cateria to the bridge. She looked very tired as she appeared six minutes later. “Sorry for the delay Captain, I was sleeping. That Nul patient of ours was more than a challenge.” I made an apologizing gesture and said. “It is I who needs to apologize, Doc and I am sorry for disturbing you, but would you go over the Scanner data from Shea and see if you can confirm that?” She went over to Shea’s console and worked with her. Finally she turned and said. “That is indeed a Zero Point Canon of a much bigger size than the one I had in my courier. He also has a Seenian shield generator. I know Terran weapon engineers are working on Zero Point cannons based on your tech scans of my ship, but the one over there is definite Seenian.” I still looked at the red ship and could clearly see the repairs on the aft, where the red color looked different and the material did not have the same hexagonal pattern of Ultronit. I said.“That explains why he could destroy the Glorystar so easily and shrug of Loki torpedoes without being completely destroyed.” Cateria covered her mouth and yawned. “Initial scanner data shows he has neither Seenian energy providers nor the advance sensors needed to use this weapon. That means he cannot operate his shields or the ZPC at full capacity. If I interpret his power level readout correctly they can fire that ZPC once every twenty minutes at perhaps ten percent of its capacity at most and the same holds true for the shields.” I gave my CMO a thankful look and said. “Go back to bed Cateria, I hope I can let you sleep but I might have to call you again, since he seems to have access to Seenian tech.” She gave me a smile which was rare for her and she said. “It is all good Captain, I needed to get up anyway and check on the Nul. He should come around in an hour or so.Not that I ever have been a real weapon or tech expert anyway.” I said to her “I hope you find some rest later then, you have already proven beyond any doubts that you are the best CMO a ship could have and I think even Seenians can get sick if they don’t sleep enough.” She smiled even wider. “You should talk, even SHIP notices that you don’t sleep as much as you should. Besides I slept a million years. I got a lot to catch up on and I am more content with my new life than I ever was even back in my time. The crew is as healthy as can be, I have a very competent staff and the equipment is less primitive than I originally thought and I have a real purpose. There isn’t much more I need in life.I get real interesting cases. Togars, PSI talented girls with the strangest DNA and now a Nul. This is what I always wanted to do, thank you for having me.” I smiled back at her as she went to the IST and I said: “Call me when the Nul is coming around.” She said, just before she disappeared: “I will, Captain” I returned my attention to the main screen and said: “I guess the best thing is we go to that Pirate market as well.” I turned to look for the Golden and saw him with the little Holdian standing by the Navigation tank, which was right behind my seat in the back area of the bridge. They both were talking quietly, as the merchant saw me said. “I am sorry Captain, did you address me? I was just showing my roommate where the Depository is, the most secret planet of the Golden.” I still smiled and said. “Your roommate? Do you share your VIP quarters with Mr.Warner?” He looked at his furry friend and then at me and said. “I am a regular crew member and therefore don’t want any special treatment. Lt. Hi had me assigned to regular crew quarters and it is much better to share small quarters with your best friend than have big ones alone.” His statement warmed my heart and said. “So you became friends I see.” The Holdian blinked with his black button eyes and nodded. “Oh yes Captain. I am teaching Sobi how to fix stuff and he teaches me all kinds of Merchant secrets.” The Golden put his hand on the head of the Holdian and said. “The friendships I’ve made on this ship make me a richer man than I ever was before, Captain. The only regret I have is that I did not think of this much earlier in my life, and yes I am particularly fond of this quite smart Holdian engineer." I changed the subject and said to him. “We need to go to the Pirates Market and you know most about it.” He came down the ramp and into the main area of the bridge and said. “It is as much a market as it is a fair and social event. Pirates, privateers, Scavengers and the lot leading a solitary life. The Pirate Market of Sin 4 and the Free traders Festival on N'ger are the few social events they have to meet, share stories, trade wares and buy things they need. Show is everything, and I suggest we go with a large group, heavily armed and in our finest armor. I would even take TheOther along, that we have a Y’All in the crew will impress like nothing else and no one will dare to ask where he is from. We should take lots of money and buy expensive stuff as that will show we are successful. Maybe we can set up shop; we do have a few very nice items in our treasury.” I grinned and said. “That we even have a treasury is thanks to you. So I guess the best thing is to put you in charge of this project as well, but at least one senior officer must remain aboard.” Circuit said. “I stay. I am working on a new generation of Spy Nanites and am hoping to finish them and have them dispatched to the Pirate Ships out there. Besides, it would be hard to explain an X101 that turned Pirate Shaka said. “I stay too. I can take the Conn. I don’t mind dirt side but I’d rather be aboard and I am helping Circuit anyway.” My Chief Engineer padded Shaka’s shoulder. “He is getting to be quite the Nanite expert.” Before I could say something, Cateria called and said. “The Nul is awake.” I got up. “Mr Sobody, prepare our excursion to the market. I will be with you all shortly.”

--""--

The Grey Nul was one ugly and threatening looking life from, almost as massive and big as Hans. His entire body looked like it was made of coils of various sized ropes. He had a dome shaped head without a neck and only one eye as big as Dinner Plate but with two independent pupils. Underneath that truly alien eye was a vertical split mouth with rows and rows of needle sharp teeth. There was no distinguishable nose or anything remotely similar. A set of two fork like mandibles perhaps designed to hold whatever prey the Nul decided to devour stuck out from either side of that terrifying mouth. He had two arms without any visible joints, more like flexible hoses or tentacles, with claw like hands. He was standing inside a Holding Cell within an active force field and two Marines in full Battle suits aiming their weapons at him. A Fenris Robot in one corner seemed inactive, except for a dark red light in its Visual Sensor array. It was not too much security, if only half was true that I had heard about Nul.” He still wore bandage patches all over his body. Cateria stepped next to me as I entered the high security detention ward and said. “Captain, I never worked on a Nul before and there was frightening little in our medical Data banks. There is no similar life form on file. There are no Nul on Union side, like the small Togar community or the Purple Throat Shiss colonies. He has an Endo and Exoskeleton, very tough armor like skin and an open Circulation with Organs more or less floating around. I would love to contact Nul and get some information how to help him better.” The Nul’s single eye followed me and he spoke: “You are the Captain of this vessel?” I looked at the Nul through the force field and said. “Yes.” His voice was deeper than anything I ever heard and it no longer sounded as weak as it did before. “You were the one who fought for me in the Arena, a weak human enemy fighting in my behalf a very dangerous life form with nothing but a cutting tool.” I shrugged at that and said. “Let me be frank with you. You are correct in saying that we are enemies. War between our species always looms just around the proverbial corner. Nul do not really communicate with us and they refuse any diplomatic contact, but all this does not mean I hate Nul.” He growled with his deep voice saying. “But why have you fought for me? You risked your life for mine. I need to know.” How could I explain my often impulsive and reckless behavior? I said. “I hate unfair situations. You having your eye glued and wearing that collar was a very unfair situation and I wanted to give you a fighting chance.” He said very slowly. “Unfair...” he repeated it again and then he listened as SHIP chimed in and explained something to him in a different language. He then looked at me again and said. “This is a most intriguing concept. It is simply another way of defining one’s personal honor. You show to have honor and act like a warrior born.” He raised his arms and immediately my Marines did the same with their weapons but all he did was talk and he said. “I had no place to go. I wanted to die from the hand of a worthy enemy, yet you saved me again. You have much honor and so have the beings among your crew that I met so far. Your CMO set aside all her fear and worked on me with great skill. She has, without doubt, also saved my life. You must let me communicate with Nul or there will be war. I am no mere Nul; I am the first Grey of the King. All Nul will go to war to find me. The announcer lied when he said the Union captured me. But if I cannot clear that up, there will be war.” I suspected as much, as I remembered the conversation on Brahma Port quite well. To him I said. “It will be impossible for a while but I will find a way to get you home eventually.” He made a gesture towards the walls. “I know this is a Union ship and we are not as stupid as the Union thinks we Nuls are. You are not a Pirate; you are here undercover on a clandestine mission. I am almost certain of that. No Pirate has such a well-trained crew and such an advanced sick bay. I will not compromise you or say anything to reveal your mission, but I need to prevent war while I can. I give you my word.”

I looked at him actually contemplating if I had to kill him but then I said. “Alright, I accept your word. How do you want to contact your king?” He said. “While we do not have the same marvelous instantaneous communications as you do, I can use your GalNet technology to contact an agent of ours on Bokta World. That is a Union Planet very close to Nul-Nul,our realm. This agent then will use our communication systems to contact the King directly.” I said to him. “If I let you out of this high security containment cell so you can make your call, must I fear for my crew and my life?” He spread his arms in a universal understandable gesture of non-aggression and said. “Your honorable conduct is more effective than any technical means of restrain. Your words and the conduct of your crew make me also realize that we must change our policy and begin diplomatic contacts with the Union after all. Captain Velvet. I give you my word.” I looked to the ceiling and said: “SHIP, deactivate the security fields and get me a GalNet connection on this security panel down here.” I could not help but feel nervous and secretly question my own decision as the force field collapsed. I knew the Nul could change the molecular structure of their bodies at will and become almost unstoppable fighting machines. I was certain the collar he wore in the Arena was some device that prevented him from doing it there. I waved to the Marines and said.” Sergeant take the robot with you and stand guard outside.” The marine, a Pertharian hesitated for a second but then followed my order and ordered his partner and the Robot outside. Now alone with the Nul I said. “You know how to use a GalNet terminal?” He bent his entire body forward and said. “Yes I do.” I went to the door and said. “Tell the Marines outside when you are done.” His voice sounded surprised as he said. “You will not remain to monitor my actions?” I was at the door and said. “I will give you privacy to make this call. You gave me your word so why should I need to monitor it?” He gestured to the terminal and said. “Please stay then, Captain. I would like you to hear what I have to say.” He made a connection to Bokta World and called a Saurian Merchant there. After the Saurian appeared on the screen, the Grey Nul said. “This is the one bound to travel to Holy Ashes of Narl Gatu, the First Grey One born to Orth Gatu na Gatu. I am Xon Gatu na Gatu. I have urgent news that needs to be conveyed to the One that leads us all.” The Saurian bowed. “My days are blessed for seeing you, most adored of the House Gatu. We thought you lost, honorable Xon and the Nul are preparing for war. The seer of Narl Gatu said we have only a short time left before our Prince who is in strange lands transforms forever.” The Grey Nul spoke. “The Seer was right as always. I am in strange lands and I am transforming as we speak.” The Saurian bowed again. “The One that leads us will send fleets to scour the skies and descent upon those who did the foul deed, I am certain of it. The events that transpired on Sin 4 have been received.” The Nul said with a loud voice. “Silence and do not assume. I was abducted but not by the Union or agents of that power, it was the Shiss who took me while I was in the purifying sleep. I am safe and shall return when I finish my journey. Tell him who gave life to me to abandon preparations for war against the Union and honor the Freespace treaty. Tell him Asla Nu Da Venfi and haste with your efforts to inform him!” “I shall do as you command. My eyes are pained as they see you wounded, Grey One.” The Nul made a swiping gesture. “If my wounds would be of significance I would have mentioned that. Now convey that message and prevent that war or I will come to Bokta World and assure you that you will not fail again.” The Sauron bowed a third time and assured the Nul he would act with urgency. The transmission ended and the Nul said to me. “Now I will be your prisoner.” I said. “That is a dilemma, while we consider Nul hostile, there is no war between our nations but if I leave you unguarded I assume you will seek ways to escape and return home.” He asked. “What will you do with me?” “As soon as I can return to Union space, I will have to do what my superiors tell me to do, but that might still be a while, since I have a mission here I must complete.” He bowed before me. “I will be your prisoner and will not seek to harm you or anyone aboard this ship as long as you are in Command. The moment you transfer me to others I must try to escape. On this you also have my word of honor.” I sighed and opened the door. “I will have guest quarters assigned to you but there will be areas that are restricted to you.” He was still bowing and said. “Your conduct is nothing I expected and more than I could have hoped for. I will show you that Nul are not the mindless brutes your propaganda makes us to be but that we value honesty and truthfulness beyond all else.”

--""-- STEEN

The Hard Eight had made planet fall. Tirkov got up from his seat. "Well we made it. I hate flying across Freespace without so much as a cutting laser for offensive weaponry." Lagda Phoenix his First mate."She'll might be here you know. We should make her pay for what she did to us." "She let us live, let us keep the Hard Eight. We are not hunting her anymore. We are here to buy new teeth for our ride, hire and replace fighting crew and go back to business." The cybernetic woman touched her cyber implants. "I need to go to a body smith too and you are right, a nice little local war, with us hired by the winning side be nice indeed."

--""--

CHULA

The New Siam prince did not sleep much, even though he occupied the top suite of the most expensive hotel,complete with a small army of Togar and Oghr keeping the place safe. He had spend most of the night watching reruns of the Death Arena fight. He did hear about the complete destruction of the Donheer island and the city headquarters of that syndicate. He was also told not to use the suites balcony or top pool, as the planet was even more violent than usual. The three  remaining Syndicates fought tooth and nail over the bits and pieces the Donheer syndicate had left behind. Chula Chakrabongse had no interest in local affairs. He did hear that the female pirate had not left. One of his friends explained that Black Velvet would most likely attend the pirate's market. "We need to go there then!" The prince demanded. The aid apologized. "I am sorry your highness, you are a Union citizen and not a pirate. You will end up as hostage in the custody of a pirate." "Who would dare to stand against me?" "Someone with a blaster weapon, your highness. I was urged by your father to keep you safe." "Then this is what we do. We become pirates ourselves. My yacht is a genuine Union destroyer. We can arm it and then hunt that Black Velvet."

--""--

DIMON

It had taken the disguised man quite some efforts to get back to the Baro enclave. Sin 4 had truly gone mad, while it always was a dangerous place, it was a controlled place with unwritten but nevertheless observed rules. Now the Cartel appeared to be dissolved and any previous alliances and agreements meant nothing. He had finally made it, the Baro enclave was bristling with weapons and he had almost been shoot down in a Taxi flier that did not sport the Baro logo. The grizzled face of the old Simian looked concerned after he greeted Dimonn in his study."I am sorry for what happened to you, the Donheers guarantee your safety. That this cursed Duke wasn't keep his word was not foreseen, even though not completely unexpected. I did warn you." Dimon sighed and sat down."You did, Ludor. You did and I felt like an amateur walking into a trap. It was all for nothing though. The Gray One died on the surface of the spaceport of all things. Sin 4 is a mad house, like never before." The old syndicate leader, sat down and lit a smoke stick. "It was much like this during the last Purge War in 4923, when the four big syndicates emerged and formed the Cartel. Who do you think decapitated the Donheer syndicate so completely?" "I can't say for sure, but I think it was that pirate Black Velvet. Donheer captured her and a few of her crew. He made her fight in the Arena, and Siktar be curses, she fought like a demon let loose." Ludor got up and went to his bar filling two tumblers with Bromhir Sweat and while he was doing this he said. "After you mentioned her, I did ask a few people about her. You know there is the rumor that she became a demon herself while she was fleeing inside the Igras expanse. No ship could have survived that." "I would say that is all superstition, but I seen her fight and chances are she was the one clipping the Donheer syndicate. The entire island is gone." "There is still much out there that not even the Narth can explain." Ludor said. "Of course there is a very strong rumor out there, I tend to believe more. The Duke obtained Loki torpedoes and someone not knowing what to do messed with them. Those Union Terran weapons are awful powerful." Ludor handed Dimon one of the glasses."It is more likely than a pirate taking on one of the most powerful syndicates on the planet. After all, short of mythical demon magic, how could she have done it? I mean she was fighting for her life in the same arena as you. Albeit very impressive, I think it was the fumbling of a self proclaimed weapon expert that had no idea how dangerous Union weapons really are that did them in." Dimon had to agree, that sounded very plausible,especially since he knew the Duke did have Union weapons. But Dimon knew how powerful Loki torpedoes were,and there was the talk of a genuine P-Bomb. They would not sit here and talk if one of those went off. Besides there were two explosions, a second one leveled the Donheer mainland HQ. He also knew the Duke was at the arena and not at his compound. This smacked much more like clandestine operations of NAVINT, Union Mil Tech up for auction. Maybe SII who had an operation on SIN 4 told NAVINT or did something about for NAVINT. He was not just Dimon, but the Worm himself and he knew just how irate the Union became when someone else poked into their military secrets. He took a sip of the Brohmir Sweat, knowing well of its addictive properties. Thankfully such things did not affect immortals. Ludor was similar careful and diluted his with water. Dimon voiced some of his thoughts."Burt how do you explain two explosions and where is the Duke?" Ludor shrugged and lit another one of his smoke sticks."I can only speculate. After the compound got leveled, a fight broke out in the continent HQ. I am sure there was more ordinance and it was used. Or perhaps Union Terrans got wind of the upcoming auction. You can't hold an auction without advertising, even the most selective advertising might be overheard by someone with ears and eyes for the Union. Their intel services are very good after all." He looked at his glass."That's why I never touched Union Mil Tech...too dangerous." "So what will happen next?" Ludor sighed. "There will be war. It is very likely that the Nul received the broadcast from yesterday by now. There are fringe colonies with GalNet and Nul have their ears on them. You know the Nul better than me." "Bad news for everyone. Sin 4, Freespace, the Dai and every independent society from here to the Shattered Kingdoms." "I am going to head for N'Ger. Right now there are only few knowing about the Nul, the Pirate market will calm things down here, the rest of Donheer's empire will be carved up." Dimon agreed with the wisdom of the old syndicate leader."I think you are correct indeed." "See me at N'Ger if you survive the coming storm."

--""--

The Pirate market was not far from the space port, located on a cleared field of perhaps six thousand square meters completely surrounded by a ten meter high wall with several gates in each side. The event was sponsored by the local syndicates and was still being held despite the recent turmoil in their ranks. Mostly because a virtual who is who and a small space fleet of pirates and similar crooks had descended on Sin 4 and every possible landing field. Even the big Gorotolah space port was now filled with ships of all sizes, types and tech levels. A very big Oghr combat cruiser had landed in the water right at the shore and set up a mobile refinery, selling fuel. That he was doing his business undisturbed was guaranteed by an entire company of armed Orc-Oghrs. Two Karthaninan landing tanks with the logo of the Ke'Bere syndicate were visual confirmation as to who received a share of the Oghr business. A small city of tents, and other temporary buildings had sprung up inside the walls. Not only pirates set up shop, but also weapon dealers, scavengers, scrap and second hand commodities buyers. The sad tents and pens of Slave dealers as well as exotic live form merchants and ship part sellers intermingled with bar tents and food stalls where the guests and visitors to this market could drink and eat. The Sojonites had placed one of their pink tents at a prominent location near the main entrance and most likely did brisk business. Other establishments of similar business were represented in every flavor imaginable. There were tents of mercenary outfits offering their services as well as places where the Assassin guilds and similar organizations recruited and offered their services. Wares and Slaves from all corners of the Galaxy were displayed on carpets, pallets and platforms. The tents were decorated and advertised with an ocean of colorful flags, signs and banners. Beings of every known world and quite a few unknown worlds mingled in the aisles between. There was an air of commerce and a din of busy noise everywhere and the scents, smells and odors that wafted over the place formed a cloud of indescribable stench that was overwhelming. Even though the diversity of beings here could not have been greater, our arrival caused a stir with many stares and whispered comments. Looking over my crew I had to admit we were quite a unique collection of individuals. Krabbel, Hans, TheOther, four Pertharians, a Quadiped, the Togar female who had her fur dyed black. Mao with naked upper body full of tattoos, Har Hi in Dai Armor bristling with knives and weapons. Sodoby in a shiny golden robe looked regal despite the x shaped branding that was of course only simulated. Elfi in an outfit that consisted mostly of semi-transparent veils that highly contrasted to the H&K Missile rifle she carried like an afterthought over her shoulder. Circuit had come along after all, since he realized we went to a market where we could shop had disguised himself like Narth in a Non-Corp suit with mirrored face plates. The NWC Battle walker manned by the three Mini Terrans stomped at the end of our group, looking particular menacing with an added Missile launcher pack on its back. Specialist Warner, the little rodent, was riding on Hans shoulder and thus was able to tower over almost everyone. It was obvious he enjoyed both the view and the safety his big ride provided. Most of us were dressed in black leather and armor. The eight human marines that also accompanied us had beards and wore black bandanas. Everyone was armed to the teeth with blasters, boarding axes, swords and other weapons. TheOther carried a full size H&K Chain cannon with missile ammo container that was normally carried in the field by Battle robots, easily weighing a full ton. Hans held a Nuc-Flamer, an almost forgotten weapon of the Piostla war, able to project the heat of a nuclear explosion in a devastating beam of fire. This size was usually mounted to landing tanks Shea wearing her bathing suit like bodice with thigh high boots, was armed with her mysterious sword. As I saw her with it I remembered I wanted to ask her about it and again she promised to tell me the story how she got it later. There was our Leedei,also disguised of course. Sobody had put a black leather vest over his golden costume and smirked: “Ah what an entrance. I wish we could be here for real business. We made quite an Impact already.Captain we could be the most successful pirate outfit ever.” "You are the undisputed leader of the Golden, you make more profit in one day than all pirates in the Universe." "Captain, those are mere numbers on a balance sheet. This is real and oh so much fun. Besides I am retired." The crowds parted before us as we walked through the aisles. Sobody could not be stopped, he made a deal for the Arti Colis right there and gleamed with pride as he reported. "Told you captain. We made quite a nice profit, that dealer over there pays us 7,000 Polos fullweight for the lot. Polymers, Boron Discs and Arti Coils. You paid 135 plus a 2 coin delivery bonus. That is 51.09 times your investment. Quite a nice profit indeed!" I knew he could not see my smile as I looked at him with realized fondness. "I have completely reversed my initial objections towards you, Mr. Sobody. I don't think we could manage this assignment without you and I really mean it."He glared proudly."Mr. Warner helped me make that deal. I think Holdians could sell worthless dirt to the most shrewd Golden. I mean who could refuse them?" A melancholic smile creeped over my masked face, remembering the small Holdian commandant."Indeed who could, Mr. Sobody? And yet the Holdians had to fight many wars just because others thought of them as cute and soft." He nodded."I know Captain." We stopped here and there and inspected the wares put out for sale and slowly approached the center of the market that way.

--""-- TIRKOV

Negul, one of the old hands and the designated engineer of Steen's merc outfit poked his leader. Tirkov was just haggling with a Togar weapon merchant over a genuine Kermac large caliber Line Cannon and six Togar missile launchers and grunginly realized he could not haggle that sly cat any lower."Alright, you greedy sack of Togar lice. 1,500 Fullweights for the Line cannon and 800 each for the launchers but you do throw in the 100 missiles as promised!" The Mercenary sighed deeply as he just spend almost half a million credits. He was truly scraping the bottom of his war chest. The Togar merchant however rubbed his paws and agreed to deliver the merchandise and the missiles by the end of the day. Negul poked his leader again and this time Tirkov turned irritated and snarled annoyed."No you can not have new Engine cores, we need new walkers and surface cannons, first." But Negul wasn't asking for equipment, he pointed down the center row of the Pirate's market. A large group of mostly black dressed beings made their way past the sales stands. They all were armed with the finest hardware and their outfits were worn but in perfect repair and excellent condition. The group included the biggest bruisers this galaxy had to offer. Well perhaps even beyond. There were Petharians, all with the signet of the Arcane order. Finding a Petharian not loyal to the Union was like finding a Terran who could resist touching a weapon. She had found four of them, there was a nightmarish dressed giant, most likely a Saturnian. Then there was the Y'All. No one had seen one alive in almost 1500 years but that this four armed monster was genuine Y'All, there was no doubt. Tirkov had seen it rip out the bridge security door, as if the five ton door was made of cardboard. But that was not the extent of this spectacular group. A disgraced Golden, a genuine Dai and a towering battle robot or battle walker of unknown design,but it looked as if it could go toe to toe with a Cerberus and there was nothing in this galaxy as far as the mercenary knew that could equal a fully equipped and enabled Cherberus. At the very head of that group, wearing soft shimmering black leather from head to toe, the infamous pirate captain, Black Velvet. While she did hid her face behind a decorated face mask, her blonde hair moved in the warm breeze and her body filled out that skin tight leather in a very sensual way. That she was much more than a fashion doll and knew how to use the weapons she carried, he knew. She was flanked by the Dai and a man in a brown dust cloak, black leather harness and H&K Sniper rifle. Right behind her three more human females. A petite one with flaming red hair, a statuesque blonde and one wearing something made of black veils and leather. Like the rest they were armed and had their faces hidden. It was a surprising effective way to add mystery and professionalism to that crew of pirates. The Dai warrior drew one of his blades so fast, not even his enhanced senses could distinguish more than a blur. A Stegnar pick pocket, perfectly camouflaged and almost invisible on top of a tent canopy stared at his arm stumps. It's spidery hands on the dirty ground below. The group did not even react to that and simply kept on coming slowly closer. Tirkov wasn't sure what to do. Should he tried to run and hide, ignore them and hopen they ignored his group or greet her?" The pirate market was technically neutral ground and there was a generally accepted truth even between the worst enemies, but she was knew and most likely ignored such unwritten rules just as she ignored the written ones. So he decided to take the edge of a potential situation and stepped before the weapon dealers tent."

--""--

Har-Hi still cleaning his sword after he cut the tentacle like hands of a well concealed being hiding on a tent roof."You know there is that merc. The one you left alive at Dyne, the crook that captured me." "I see him. What do you want to do, kill him? Go right ahead my friend, but make sure he draws something first." Har-Hi sighed."I wish I could, but I am not just a Dai,I am Union and a fleet officer..." Narth who apparently had a great time said."That individual is openly impressed and secretly terrified to his core. He hopes we let him live. Oh and he finds our Captain quite attractive, his glands are stimulated. Not that I could understand why." Elfi in her veil and leather outfit giggled behind her veil."That's why Cherubim insisted on tight leather and heels. Good old Testosterone still rules the brains of many humanoids." While Shea quietly tried to explain that to my confused friend. Tirkov bowed slightly. "Greetings, Black Velvet. Thanks to you I had to spend half million credits worth of polos to replace some of the teeth you pulled out of my ship." "Thanks to me you are still alive, Mercenary and you still have a ship.You are welcome to complain some more, but then I will rectify what I should have done." He spread both his arms."Of course not. I decided that 20 million credits are not even close enough to make it worth angering you. I am no longer hunting you." "Well it wasn't much of a hunt." I let him stand there and moved on. Narth confirmed that Tirkov had indeed changed his mind and was thanking his fate, that he was still alive.

A sales stand kept in a red and golden theme, with an open half tent and a big standard shipping container caught my eye. A row of genuine S 10 Robots stood in a split open shipping crate. A large stack of passenger luggage, bales of Saresii Silk and cases of Terran Liquors on one side. A sturdy, sad cage with about twenty Humans and four Klack was behind that collection of wares. On the other side, the big closed shipping container that caught my eye in the first place. In the middle of this sales stand, a raised podium with a throne like chair shaded by a red fabric roof held up by flag tipped poles on each side. On this throne like chair sat a red and gold dressed individual. He wore a deep red uniform richly adorned with golden embroidery drawing swirling patterns all over the shiny fabric. He had well defined muscles, broad shoulders and even sitting appeared to be tall. The man wore a wide brimmed hat of the same color as his uniform. Like me, he did not show his real face to the world, but wore a disturbing looking skull mask with black eye sockets and a lipless grin made out of the exposed teeth. He was flanked by a rowdy looking crew. I counted nine humans, five Togar two of them female, seven Karthanian, three black furred Nogol, three Oghar, and two Insectoid beings looking like man sized mosquitoes with silvery wings on their backs. Narth as usual filled the gap in my knowledge and said: “These are Frudians.” I acknowledged and then noticed a beardless Kermac in the crew of the Red Dragon. The man in the frightening mask got up and stepped in my way, made an elaborate curtsey and held his hat before his chest. “If your face is only half as lovely as your body then I am sure you are among the most beautiful women this side of the Orion arm. You must be the Black Velvet that I have heard so much about.” I put my hand on the heavy blaster that Har-Hi was raising and said. “And you must be either very brave or perhaps insane to step in my way, whoever you are.” He put his head back on. The jaws of the Skull masked moved only a little while he talked. “You must surely have heard of me, I am the bane of the Union, the living nightmare of merchant captains and the new incarnation of the Dark One himself. I am the Red Dragon.” I made an airy gesture and said. “I don’t keep up  with gossip all that much and I don’t subscribe to the newsletter of the self-help group for delusionally challenged egos, but I am sure this is what you are. Now that does not explain why you found it necessary to interrupt my business.” He put his hand on his chest. “Oh my, you are as cold and arrogant as they say you are. I love that in a woman. Besides I am in a good mood so I will overlook the insult for now. Our community of freelancing entrepreneurs is a small one and new players are scrutinized, especially one that operates under the identity of a five hundred year old Pirate that suddenly reappears.” I looked him up and down and said. “So you decided to scrutinize me? I don’t particular care what you do in your spare time, Red Dragon, but it can be very unhealthy to stick one’s nose too deep into my business.” His voice lost all friendliness and he said. “I am very impressed by your display of fighting skills in the arena and I am certain it was you who clipped the fat Dukes wings. Rumors have it that you stole his Loki torpedoes too, but make no mistake. I am not a little planet bound gangster. I am the Red Dragon and I command the Sinister Alliance.” I also put more edge in my voice. “Then it comes to no surprise to you that I am not impressed by alliances and groups. Duke Donheer wasn’t so little just yesterday. I wonder if you would have said the same thing three days ago. Now come to the point why you stopped me or make way. I intend to do business here.” He held up his hands. “Maybe this is going into the wrong direction. Come and see what I have to offer. I see four lovely ladies and I do have loads of Union fashion.” I looked over his offerings and said. “I don’t wear second hand cast offs, but I might be interested in these rolls of Saresii silk I see over there and perhaps the slaves.” He walked over to the silk and said. “You have a fine eye, this comes from the Gahabee Looms of Sares-Four and would bring enough credits to buy a new ship if one had access to an Union Xchange. The slaves are all healthy. I got rid of the rubble at Alvor’s Cove, those only good for the stew pots of Togr. The liquor, the robots and most of the rest are finest Union wares.” I waved to Sobody and said. “I’ll have my associate check your offerings if you don’t mind so I have a clearer understanding of the actual value.” He nodded and gave Sobody access. While my golden Friend checked the wares with obvious expertise the skull masked pirate said. “Having a Golden in the crew for such business matters must be a great bon.” I watched Sobody as he looked at labels and said. “He is my quartermaster and has proven his worth many times.” He looked over his shoulder. “Even I have not seen a crew like yours. Is that a real Y’All?” I waved at Sobody and said. “Let’s go, the proprietors of this business are a little too nosy for my taste.” To the Red Dragon I said. “It is no one’s business to question the origins of anyone in my crew. If you really want to know, go ask him. I doubt you’ve brought enough men or weapons to survive the answer.” He spread his arms. “Captain Velvet, I am sorry. I admit I am a bit curious and I see you are as no nonsense as they say you are. Now let’s do business and I promise I won’t ask any more questions.” I nodded and Sobody haggled with the man and at the end we agreed to purchase the Liquor, the Slaves and the silk. Sobody said. “The Robots you can keep. Without the proper Factory registration and activation codes, they are as useless as scrap metal.” The Red Dragon sighed. “He is quite correct. I guess I have to find another fool to get rid of those.” Even with his mask he could not hide his feelings as Sobody did his key routine and opened the Polo chest, carried by the NWC Battle suit. “Business must have been good for you Black Velvet and I wonder where you do business. I have never seen such a magnificent fighting robot outside of Union tech. This machine looks as if it could go toe to toe with a Union Cerberus and come out on top, yet I can’t identify the society that might have produced it.” Before I could say something he said. “It was a rhetorical question. I don’t expect an answer.” One of his Oghar took the 20 bags of Polo coins and said after scanning them. “It is all there Red Dragon. The money is genuine to the last coin.” He still eyed the chest and said. “I heard how you dealt with Dentar Bloom and I know you sold the Mighty Nine. The Volting commanding her was an associate of mine. All this and your decisive action against the Duke show me you are not to be trifled with. Maybe you are the perfect addition to my plans. This peddling with second hand merchandise is not what you and I are about. You delegate it to a Golden and I do it out of necessity but I have bigger goals.” I said with a slight amused tone. “Ah right, I think I did hear of that one. Attacking an Union outpost, from what they said at Brahma Port it wasn’t exactly a very lucrative venture and very costly to those who decided to partake.” He almost hissed like a snake as he answered. “Yet I managed to do it. I attacked an Union Outpost and got away. I dared what no one dreamed to attempt. This was not an undefended colony and we managed to land troops. The prize would have been Translocator cannons, shiploads of Union tech and thousands of slaves. Yet I am no longer interested in Union tech, I found something much better and the day I will be able to fly openly all the way to Arsenal or any other planet in the Union and lay waste to their fleets is not so far away.” As delusional as he sounded there was something in the way he said it, that I almost believed him. I said. “What makes you think you could challenge the cursed Union in a way not even the combined forces of Kermac, Nul and Shiss could?” He laughed silently. “By doing the same thing as the eternal soldier did. Going somewhere and gathering technology beyond anything they have. ” I gestured to the robots. “Sounds like the phantasies of a mad man who has to sell scrap metal to pay his crew. No one knows where Stahl got the Devastator or the Translocator tech.” The Red Dragon cursed under his breath and then said. “Maybe you are five hundred years old, but you know nothing of the Union and the Devastator. It is a Celtest ship and the Translocators are Celtest technology. The entire Union military might is centered on a single weapon system. Imagine what would happen if an enemy shows up that is immune to that weapon? If that enemy had shields that neutralizes the TransDim abilities of that cannon? The entire Union fleet has suddenly no teeth and even Stahl could do nothing but run in his big ship.” He stepped towards the closed shipping container and said. “Come Black Velvet, I will show you something that will change your mind about me.” He opened a secure door by touching a biometric lock. Of course it was not the brightest idea to follow an obviously mad pirate with a violent temper inside a metal box alone, but I was well armed and my friends were outside so I followed him It was dark inside the container, and it was empty except for a single transparent show case, illuminated by a single spotlight. Inside the showcase was a dark grey one piece coverall like garment. It was like a cat suit with shoes, gloves and a tight fitting hood that would leave only the face uncovered if worn. It hung in an ArtiGrav field and looked pretty unspectacular. I said after he remained silent. “Okay, so you like to display your underwear in a fancy manner. I fail to see the point.” He snickered and said. “Very funny but if I tell you that this is a Celtest battle suit, a product of a Tech Level 11 civilization and the equivalent of a Union Quasimodo. It has more firepower than a shipload of Nul, better shielding than anything the Union has. It is deep space worthy and you can travel vast distances with greater speeds than a Wolfcraft. Its shields are completely immune to Translocator fire.” I knew of the powers of a Seenian battle suit first hand and while he somewhat exaggerated the abilities of the suit. I was very concerned if he had access to this technology. He was right, an enemy with Seenian technology would be more than just a serious threat to the Union. I said to him. “If this is all true, why are you not wearing it?” He opened the seams of his uniform blouse and said with pride in his voice. “But I am. I am wearing a similar suit. This is but one of many pieces of Celtest technology I have. Not broken artifacts, but fully functional and well maintained.” I tried to keep the distress I felt about this information out of my voice and asked. “Why peddle scrap metal and petty things if you have Celtest artifacts worth billions?” He said. “Because I am going to use it. These things will be my sword of vengeance and my tools to true power. I was not joking when I said I will be the reincarnation of the Dark One. I will march right to Pluribus and give them a choice. Proclaim me sole ruler of the Union or be utterly destroyed. He raised both hands to the ceiling. “I know the location of a Seenian War depot. An entire planet full of automated Seenian factories, continent sized warehouses full of ships, robots, weapons and more. Technology to gain true immortality and I will use it all and become the ruler of this Galaxy. Those, Black Velvet, are worthy goals and I’ll soon have all the means of making them a reality! I will be the Power supreme.” I said to him. “Why are you telling me all this?” “So you know on which side to be. To show you how unwise it is to make me your enemy. Perhaps there might even be a place for you in all this. The Celtest Depot is far from here, almost 50,000 light years deep in the unexplored regions of our Galaxy. An almost impossible trip for one space ship alone. Fuel stops have to be made, engines repaired and overhauled and all this without any known places to stop and get spare parts. But a small fleet, a convoy if you will, of eight or ten well equipped ships can make it and return in two years with a fleet of unstoppable Celtest ships loaded with the finest tech the Galaxy has not seen in a million years. Only I know where it is.” “Are you asking me to participate in this expedition?” “I will be here on Sin 4 for a few more days as I expect the arrival of another Pirate I want to talk to. Then I am off to Itheamh. Meet me there, and if you come and I haven’t changed my mind about you, I might make such an offer.” After we had finished our business at the Pirate’s market we returned to the Tigershark. I went straight to my office and contacted Cherubim. I was connected to her right away and after I started my report she asked me to hold on as she wanted McElligott to hear what I had to say as well and made a conference connection. So I repeated and finished my report to both of them. McElligott said. “I just come out of a staff conference of the highest level as our sources confirmed your initial Intel report. The Nul were preparing for war. Only two days ago we received the first official communiqué from the Nul-Nul Empire in which they accused us of having committed an unforgivable act of war by abducting their prince and selling him to the arenas of Sin 4. Just as we were about to end the conference and call for open preparation for war, we were contacted again, this time the Nul apologized for the misunderstanding, and offered to open diplomatic relations between our nations. While all this went on I had no time to check on you but I should have, since it turns out you were in the middle of it again.” Cherubim said. “Wait till you see the visuals of our female captain fighting in that arena. She managed to make the name Black Velvet a household name.” I cringed and said. “Maybe we could skip over that part?” It was too late. Cherubim had obviously made the visuals available to him and I watched them watching the recordings of the arena fight. While I could not see what they did and I could not see Cherubim’s facial expressions. I clearly saw those of the Old Admiral. He finally turned off the visuals and looked at me and then slowly shook his head. “You look so nice, so pretty just like a girl should and yet underneath it all you are still a real Neo Viking.” “Sir I am sorry if I acted in any way you disapprove.” He waved his hand. “Don’t mind me, I am just an old Highlander that still needs to get used to the fact that you and your crew are out there. So far Project Fish has exceeded beyond the wildest expectations on my side and that is a compliment to you, Captain Olafson.” “Thank you Sir.” Cherubim said. “That the Red Dragon has access to Seenian technology is disturbing news to say the least. If he can equip his Sinister Alliance with Seenian technology he will indeed become a serious threat.” I hoped I did the right thing but I had to ask and said. “We noticed that the file on the Red Dragon is incomplete and details have been deleted. Can I ask why?” McElligott folded his hands and said. “That was me, Captain. Because we think we know who the Red Dragon might be. However there is no evidence to that fact, just assumptions. These assumptions were presented as facts in that report and I deleted them. I did not want you to have information that could cloud your judgment if it wasn’t absolutely true.” Cherubim said to him. “I don’t understand why Captain Olafson should not have this information. I know the circumstances of the theft of the Red Dragon ship are somewhat embarrassing and the fact that he managed to escape from under the nose of the flagship might not sit well with you, but Captain Olafson sits at the front line and earned our trust many times over.” McElligott said. “The fact that he is part of this conference call and that I let you scold me before the Captain should show how much I trust him. It has nothing to do with embarrassment. You Cherubim know a lot and usually more than anyone, but in this case you do not. There is a chance that the Red Dragon is former logistics Admiral Swybar. He and Eric Olafson have a history together.” I could not stop myself as I raised my voice and said. “I was there when he was sentenced, he should be dead.” McElligott nodded. “That was what I thought as well, Captain, but he was rescued by the Worm or Kermac Agents or perhaps by them working together. We know he survived the execution and we know he had foreseen his eventual exposure long before you arrived on the scene. As the head of logistics his department also supervises the Bone yard facilities we have and he used his influence and position to finish the Red Dragon project and equip the ship with technology we don’t even knew we had. Now there is evidence that he was responsible for taking the ship from the Bone Yard after we thought he was dead. However I have evidence that suggests he was killed by his associates as his usefulness ended and whoever is the Captain of the Red Dragon now is not the same man. I deleted that information not to deceive you but to make sure you are not clouded by personal feelings and the possibility that it is not Swybar.” He gave Cherubim a side-glance and said. “I promised Eric Olafson justice and as far as I knew it had been done.” I said. “That the Worm is an enemy with vast resources I have learned myself and that they were capable of faking an execution does not surprise me as they have faked my death to mask my abduction. I am not the same angry cadet anymore, Sir. I have learned that there are many shades between white and black and I know that you do your best to keep the balance on the white side.” He looked at me for a while not saying anything and then he said with a softer voice. “You have indeed grown up since then. To fight the Worm and all this scum is the very reason for Project Fish and why you out there.” Cherubim said. “And you manage to teach me a lesson every now and then Old Man and it is received” He got up and fetched himself a bottle from a shelf behind him. “To hear that from you Cherubim calls for a drink. I also suggest we return to the business at I asked."Could he found that Seenian equipment on one of these boneyards?" "Highly unlikely but unfortunately not impossible. We are currently undergoing a very detailed inventory and transfering some of the things to a new special warehouse of sorts. We found some very disturbing things indeed, but nothing Seenian." Cherubim added. “The Minerva will arrive in a few days. Transfer the freed slaves, the Stik delegation and the Nul prince. The Minerva will also bring you mail and some additional supplies.” The Old Admiral had poured himself a glass and said. “Good job dealing with that Duke and his weapons. After we are done with this meeting, I’d like to talk to the Nul prince myself. Call me direct as soon as you can have the call arranged.” “Yes Sir.” Cherubim finished her part in the conversation by saying. “Stay on the tracks of the Red Dragon, him having Seenian technology and even knowing how to use it is bad news indeed. If discovering the Seenian depot means that we have to send you on a long trip like that was not planned but can’t be helped. The existence of such a depot is a serious threat to the safety of the Union and we must make sure that no one, not he or anyone else can make use of it.” I nodded and said. “I agree I have seen what a little courier ship could do. I will address my crew on that and prepare them for the possibility that we might have to postpone our vacation plans for two years or so.” Cherubim thanked me and terminated the call on her end. The Old Admiral said. “Play it by ear, girl and make your decisions based on what happens. I trust your judgment and now get me that royal Nul on the horn.” I went down to the Deck where the Nul had his quarters. The Marine Guard at his door saluted. “Captain, our guest is well behaved.” I pressed the chime and was asked to come in. The Nul stood in the corner of the room. The bed untouched and the lights of the room dimmed to minimum. He looked quite terrifying with his slightly glowing eye standing there in a dark corner. I asked him motioning to the bed. “Are the quarters not to your liking?” His voice sounded like as if he was sitting at the bottom of a deep well as he said: “The accommodations are more than adequate. I expected a security cell, not this, but we Nul do not rest like you in the horizontal.” I touched the controls of the bed and said. “These are vari-matic. Our Union is made of many species. I am sure SHIP can help you adjusted it to your physiology. ” “You are very kind Captain, but I am not tired. I passed the time conversing with your truly magnificent SHIP AI. I learned so much from her.” She came on right away and said. “I did not give away anything classified, just general, openly available info on the Union and such.” I looked towards the ceiling as I always did when I talked to her and said. “I trust you no worries, SHIP.” “I know you do, Captain. I was just making sure you know the nature of our conversation.” The Nul said. “We have Ship AIs as well but I never thought one could have such a pleasurable and personal conversation with one. The way you talk to your system is truly amazing.” I said. “I think we are giving you wrong impressions. SHIP is unique in this regard and much more than just an AI.” The Nul said. “Captain Olafson, I decided not to accept your challenge. I do not wish to fight you to the death. Even though I am nearly well and I feel I have a fair chance, but the result would be the death of one of us. In the last few hours I was able to observe your crew a little. I conversed with a Golden,a Seenian CMO,a Togar, a Dai and a Y’All and they all have told me about you and why they are dedicated to you. They also told me that your looks and size are deceiving and fighting you would not necessarily mean I would be the victor. I have witnessed you fight and I agree, besides I owe you my life.” I swallowed and said. “I am glad you decided against that, the idea of being torn limb from limb by a Nul Warrior is certainly not on top of my activity list. However the reason I have come is another altogether, my superior, the highest military authority in our Navy, would like to talk to you, if you agree.” He said with urgency. “We are at war with the Union? “No, I believe your message was received just in time and it appears as if war was prevented.” “I am ready to talk to your Admiral.” “SHIP, have Elfi pipe the Admiral's Call down here.”

The Old Admiral appeared as a Holo Avatar. “Your majesty, I am Admiral of the Fleet McElligott. My government has authorized me to talk to you in their behalf as I had to keep your whereabouts a secret.” The Nul said. “I understand Human Admiral.” “To ease faster communication we have sent a ship with long range GalNet equipment to your home world. This historic mission was approved by your supreme leader. As soon as the ship arrives you will be able to converse directly with your government. Also, one of our ships will arrive on Sin 4 in three or four days. It will take you to Union space and from there we will provide transport to any destination you request. Be assured you will be treated according to your position as a highly welcome guest of state and not as a prisoner.” The Nul bowed and said.“Thank you Admiral of the Union. However this is not necessary as I would like to evoke the conditions set forth in fleet regulation 4563-554-b.” The projected avatar of the admiral was obviously baffled and said: “Your majesty. I am not familiar with that regulation at the moment. What are you trying to say?” The Nul surprised me as well as he said. “This regulation was used to conscript the Golden, and it states the right of the Captain of a Union ship to conscript any being willing and able to perform all duties and swear allegiance to the Union, if said Captain is operating outside Union space. He made only a very short pause and then said. “I hereby request to be conscripted as I am willing to swear allegiance to the Union. This Captain has saved my life. The crew of this ship has not made me feel like an enemy and has treated me with respect. I want to learn about the Union and your fleet. I want to do it right here aboard this ship as it also gives me a chance to repay my debt. He who rules is in good health will be the Supreme leader for many decades to come before I will climb upon the Rock of Gatu and take on the responsibilities as ruler of my people." McElligott coughed. “Your highness, this is a very unusual request and I…” The Nul said with a firm voice before the Admiral could finish his objection. “It is not unusual, it has been used for Sobody's request. He is or was the factual ruler of his kind. In order for me as the future ruler of all Nul-Nul to make the right decisions, I want to learn about the Union and its fleet. We Nul have trusted the Seenians and were paid with destruction. We have trusted the Galactic Council and were left alone. We trusted the Shiss and were betrayed. We have decided to trust no one that is not Nul and that is the reason we have resisted any contact. This time, however, I want us, the Nul, to ask someone else to trust us. I want to learn the truth and the depths of your society, not from records and diplomats, but at the source. I believe, if I understood the Golden and SHIPS explanation correctly, this would also make me an Union Citizen, and thus improve our relationship more than words or contracts. I am sure you understand that I can only ask my people to trust and accept the Union beings as worthy allies and partners if I really believe it is so.” McElligott wrung his hands and said. “Your Majesty, with all due respect, you are aboard the strangest ship in our fleet and they are in the middle of a dangerous mission. I could not guarantee your safety other than by ordering that ship home. Could you not do your fact finding tour on this nice big battle ship. I could arrange you to do this even on the Devastator.“ The Nul said. “Do not recall this ship on my behalf. I am certain their mission is vital and important. What message would that send to a society like mine, if I choose safety over honor? I know my life giving Leader will eagerly agree with my decision, and if battle on this ship claims my life, it will not end relationships but cement Nul commitment. I hope you too will learn more about Nul in the future, Admiral of the Fleet, and then you will see how important honor and acting accordingly is for us Nul. I spoke to Sobody the Golden, he too is the leader of his society and he was granted this privilege.” McElligott threw his arms in the air. “Why not, one more totally unique crew member that fits perfectly in this collection won’t make all that much difference, but I must insist on your leaders decision, to make it official." "I accept this condition." "This ship of yours, Captain, seems to have some sort of magnet built in that attracts all the strays and outcasts. Your Majesty, I approver your conscription under condition I mentioned and give you the rank of an acting Ensign. That means however that your diplomatic status means little and that you are subject to all the Navy regulations you are so good at quoting, even the less pleasurable ones, like accepting orders.” The Nul said. “I am aware of this and I am intellectually capable of understanding all the consequences of my request. I am a warrior born and from a space faring society that is very little behind yours in terms of technology and advancements. The Seer of Narl Gatu has been right as always as he foresaw my transformation. We distrusted others for a long time as we paid dearly when we did trust others. But this time it is not others to ask us for trust, but we ask yours. I hope we can normalize relations between our societies and end thousands of years of mistrust and hostilities.” McElligott rubbed his chin. “This is actually quite an historic event. Lasting peace, perhaps, even cooperation between the Nul and the Union will be received like thunder on a sunny afternoon. It will shake the Galaxy and could very well lead to panic decisions by the Shiss and the Kermac.” “The Shiss have abducted me and I am certain my Life Giver will not let this pass unpunished. However, whatever foes or enemies will emerge, we will meet them as allies. I have completed a message to my Life Giver; would you transmit it as soon as possible?” The Admiral acknowledged when he received the file and then sighed: “Carry on Captain, the good thing out of all this is that you could not possible top that. So I should be good receiving your next report, McElligott out.” As the Avatar blinked out of existence, I glared at the Nul.” You could have warned me and asked me about your intentions.” He actually sounded apologetic and said. “I am sorry Captain, but SHIP recommended that this would be a logical course of action, so I could remain aboard a little while longer. I assure you, I am aware of military hierarchy and shall perform and execute all duty and orders you give. I intend to show you that Nul can be trusted. Besides, I learned that I am not the only royal being serving under you and they all willingly accept your rule. I am very capable, having been trained since early childhood in all matters of space warfare.” I glanced towards the ceiling and said. “I think I need to have a word with SHIP about collaborating with the enemy. Now I know why she responded right away after you told me you talked to her. You Mr Natu are to report to the XO for quarters and duty assignment. After you get your uniform, I will swear you in and all that.” SHIP responded with a hurt tone in her voice. “Captain, all questions he asked were nonclassified. I also asked Lt. Narth for his opinion and he said answering these questions would not be against regulations. I would never collaborate with the enemy.” “SHIP, you know exactly what I am talking about. You might be the most advanced Synaptronic in the known universe, but you are not a very good actor. You can barely keep your amusement and satisfaction out of your voice.” “One is amazed how well you know your SHIP.” “That is what I do, I am the Captain after all.”

--""--

The Minerva was an impressive, shiny golden water drop shaped, heavy armed ancient Ult freighter in excellent repair and with genuine ISAH pods of recent manufacture. Despite its apparent bulk this freighter was most likely the fastest thing within a few light years. It landed right next to us and I welcomed her captain in our pirate den. He was a Karthanian. Like all Karthanians he was not even remotely humanoid, having many similarities to a Terran Seahorse. External Bone structure, round always open mouth with a flickering tongue, stalk eyes and short, fern like antenna on each side of his head. He did have two arm-like appendixes with very long fingers that started at what would be the elbow of a human arm. The Karthanian looked around and said. “Permission to come aboard. I am Sposhtrah, Shipmaster of the Minerva.” He then identified himself with the Blue-Blue-Red protocol and I did the same. Only then did he take off his bejewelled jacket revealing a Union uniform. ” I have a load of Translocator bombs to restock you, two more modified Wolfcrafts one Spectre configuration and the Narth components for your shields that are still missing.” I offered him a seat at our table and our chef brought refreshments, showing that he knew even Karthanian cuisine as the Captain of the Minerva praised the brownish liquid he called Qugamt slobber served in a long thin glass that accommodated his long thin tongue, to be exceptionally good. To the captain I said. “I am thankful for the supplies and I know the Stik delegation is eager to get started with their application, but is it wise that we meet so openly?” He waved with his long fingers and said. “No worries Captain, I am known as one of worst Slave dealers in the Galaxy. I do business with Pirates and the other scum all the time. I am here on Sin 4 at least five times a year. This way we are able to return at least some of the captured Union citizens back home. Of course not even the freed slaves know that and for me to remain effective it must remain that way.” “Before all this I had no idea Slavery is such a widespread problem.” He put down the glass he just was sucking at and said. “Compared to the size of the Union and its population it is not a very big problem. However especially fringe colonies that are not officially colonized through the Bureau are vulnerable to pirate and slave raids.You know anyone with a spaceship can go out there and colonize whatever they want if it isn't occupied already. There are always dreamers and fringe groups that think they do not need the OOCA. Oh beleive me I would love for it to end as I seen more misery than I care to see. I estimate between 25,000 and 30,000 Union citizens are abducted that way each year. As far as I know there is currently only one other undercover unit like the Minerva doing what I do as it is very difficult to built up a reputation and do this secretly.” I toasted him and said. “I am glad to know that something is being done about it and I thank you for doing it. I had the ill fortune to see what it is like to be a slave, thankfully only for a short time.” He returned the toast and said. “Thanks to you we might see the end of Sin 4 soon and that is a good thing. I often wish I could do something about the other slaves as well, the ones that are not Union, I mean. The practice and the demand is still big in Freespace and the whole region is so damn large. My own kind is doing a big part for keeping the demand up. Karthanian smelter moons and mines always have a large appetite for slaves.” “At least one Karthanian is doing something about it.” “Because this Karthanian was sent to the Smelter moons and was rescued by an undercover Union ship during a slave transfer.” We finished our drinks and then he said. “Let’s get the transfer started. I heard you got a few slaves freed.” “Yes, I purchased all available slaves at the Pirates Market. I think there are about sixty of them and they’re all in Stasis.” A conveyor bridge was placed between our ships and shields extended and synchronized. I stood next to the open freight door and watched the stream of cargo-tainers. An incredibly thin and beautiful female being floated more than walked towards me. She wore Union black and saluted. "Specialist Brana Noleii, reporting Captain." She held out her orderchip. She was as tall as me, appeared as if someone had successfully mixed a very beautiful female with an exquisite flower; threw in vispy veils and almost insubstantial wings. I had heard of Delicates but never seen one before. "Welcome aboard Specialist Noleii, what are you specialist in, if I may ask?" "I am the weapon specialist for your Bio Chemical weapons. I am also a psionic talent and assigned to your PSI team as well." "Welcome indeed Specialist. As you can see we are receiving material and I guess additional personnel as well. I am not sure my XO has the time to show you to your quarters right away, but if you don't mind waiting a little I show you myself." SHIPs avatar popped up and she said."Captain I can show her, luckily I can be at more than one place at the same time." "Perfect, Specialist Noleii, this is our SHIPs AI but she is also a crew member. I am sure she can explain you the details while she shows you around. Later I like to see you at the Den for dinner and get to know more of you." She blinked with her inhumanly big eyes and smiled."Thank you, Captain." The new addition to my crew left and I kept watching. I could not help but smile to see TheOther and the newly conscripted Nul compete with Hans and our cargo handlers to see who could lift the bigger boxes. The Golden who took his job as Quartermaster very seriously held a PDD in his hands and was directing the flow of cargo to the right destinations. Krabbel hung from a thin thread over the Cargo door and waited eagerly for the mail container as he had ordered a new flavor of ice cream that he hoped it would be part of the delivery. To the side in the back of the cargo hold stood Circuit next to an open crate with technical parts. He had his fists stemmed into his side and I could see a bushy tail moving inside the packing material, next to it Shea and Three-Four had already begun assembling some strange looking device. Now I also saw Narth, who held a big piece using his telekinetics, floating above them while he was reading a PDD most likely with assembly instructions. A deep voice next to me said. “I could stand here all day long and watch your amazing crew work together.” I turned and looked into the face of Admiral Stahl. He said. “Permission to come aboard Captain?” To see him was a great surprise and I said. “Of course, permission granted, Sir. Where did you come from?” He pointed at an open Cargo box and said. “The Devi is standing by in Union space with the entire first fleet to clean up Sin 4 as soon as the Stiks officially made their plea. I simply hitched a ride with the Minerva to see how things are with you.” “I think everything is going well, Sir. I addressed my crew a little earlier today about the possibility that we might postpone shore leave and vacations for two years and instead of being angry they cheered instead of voicing disagreement and I think it was a genuine cheer at that.” “I wish we could give you all the breaks and vacation you deserve, but if there is a Seenian depot we need to know where it is located. Maybe the opportunity will presents itself and you can capture the Red Dragon and get the info that way. But if he really is Admiral Swybar then he received the Union shields and implants to make him immune to brain dumps and psionic interrogations.” “I don’t mind flying this ship to the end of the Universe, but I hope I can give my crew some R&R soon. Not that they actually want it.” He nodded towards the grey Nul and said. “So you really have the Nul prince aboard. I have seen your fight on GalNet and I saw the Nul too. Somehow I had a feeling he would end up with you.” I looked away as he said that and mumbled. “I hoped you would not see that.” “Why not? I am not really a fan of death matches, but the ancient adage of panem et circenses holds true still today. Bread and games is what the masses love and I can’t say I didn’t like what I saw.” He grinned widely. “Seeing a gorgeous blonde, half naked tear into a big monster with nothing but an ax certainly has some entertaining value even for me I must say. I guess the body shaping Saresii machine missed the inner Neo Viking. Besides, your action was the foundation of the Nul’s decision to come to you. Just as it did when you decided to wrestle a Xendarian and go rodeo on him. They too are still on Pluribus and I wager the PUMA process will be over soon than later and they too join our big family." He shook his head. "The Nul on our side, who would have imagined." “If he is serious I think there might be really peace between Nul and the Union.” Stahl nodded. “Yes, we have every indication he is serious. We’ve got real diplomatic relations for the first time. It will of course make the others very nervous, but with the Nul and the Golden now on the Union side, I doubt they will try anything anytime soon. It might even give pause to the Dai assembling under Cam Elf Na. The Dai respect few others, but the Nul are certainly one civilization even the most vicious Dai don't like to anger. The integration of the Golden is a huge operation and keeps everyone busy but it is progressing smoothly. The data we are receiving will keep our analysts happy for centuries. Their ships are more advanced than we thought.” Stahl pointed to Sobody. “I never thought I would ever see the First Merchant actually working with load handlers aboard a Union ship.” I too watched Sobody and said. “He has become quite an asset to my crew and doesn’t mind working at all. He shares quarters with a Holdian and follows fleet protocol more seriously than a first year Cadet.” Stahl said as he watched Har Hi talk to the little Yeoman standing by the door. “Cam Elf Na has visited Brahma Port and killed a few Scavengers, but a very large Togar fleet made him and his clans turn away. From the reports we have, the number of Clans he controls is vastly overstated. It is still an impressive force, perhaps in the neighborhood of twenty or thirty clans, but not 2000. Nothing our now beefed up border forces could not handle.” While I was talking with the Admiral we watched as one of our Petharians kicked a spherical container, most likely an empty Bomb container and Hans kicked it back. TheOther caught it and threw it with force towards the Nul, who in turn boxed it with a crashing sound back to Hans who actually head-butted it. Moments later there was a tournament going, with Crewmembers in Load handler suits joining in as well. The cargo deck was vibrating as the now heavily dented metal case was kicked and tossed between two impromptu goals. Stahl held up a little device and said.” I need to record that. McElligott won’t believe me otherwise.” I heard the elated laughter of the Y’All as he managed to score a goal, getting a high five from Hans. Only moments later the Nul managed to head butt the container over into the other goal and he in turn laughed and got celebrated by the Petharians and cargo specialists in their cargo handling suits. The Admiral sighed. “You know I am so tempted to put on a load handler suit and join them. It looks like lots of fun.” I raised my voice. “SHIP, get me two load handler suits. I think we have a Steel Container kick match to join.”

--""-- How the match ended I could not say as I was called by Elfi who said: “Captain, the Red Dragon is calling and wants to talk to you as soon as you can.” As I stopped playing the entire gang stopped. I said. “Captain’s business, you can go on.” But then the spell was broken and they started to finish the cargo transfer. Stahl shook my hand. ”I have to go back with the Minerva. But there is a big part of that wants to actually come along with you and this crew. I think it would be like old times before I was an Admiral.” "I would love that, Sir." He sighed and then said.“Good luck with your mission. Be assured I trust your abilities and I can tell you have become a real starship Captain, one I am very proud of. ” I felt elated his approval meant more to me than any medal. “Thank you Sir. I would not be here without your help.” “Eric, I meant to say Erica. I actually doubt that. You would have become a starship Captain regardless if you had met me or not.” "But not of the Tigershark." He laughed and left.

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