First Journeys Chapter 12

First Touch

I took a shower as well and used the Auto Dresser and then checked my messages as I saw she was still in her part of the suite. There were two messages waiting. The first was of Egill and Sif. Egill had changed much, he wasn’t as thin anymore and his hair and beard was clean, white and well trimmed. He did not wear braids and his clothing was all black leather with broad silver seams. Sif also had changed; she was much more a woman than a girl now. Her facial expression seemed even cooler than usual and she too wore her blonde hair open and she had it cut to chin length. She too wore black leather and a long matching mantle. Egill spoke.” I just talked to the Governor of Twilight and he was full of praise of a certain Neo Viking killing terrorists and saving lives. Earlier The Assembly was in an emergency session due to the Dai Than troubles and the Nogoll. There was so they claimed the biggest space fleet battle in over 500 years and Sif hearing that makes a “joke and says; you know Eric is on his way into that region of space.” And sure enough shortly thereafter I hear you been right in the middle of it picking a fight with a Dai battleship !”

Sif crossed her arms and shook her head with a smirk in her face.” There are Centillions of beings in the Union but it is you who ends up right in the middle of things.”

It was a recording so it was no use to answer.

Egill said.“The reason I am calling was actually to see how you are doing and to tell you that Sif has been accepted at the University of Pluribus and starts her Political Science studies in a few weeks. I am still learning all this Representative business myself but it is a great experience and I am getting the hang of it, if you can call us in a few days. Sif and I are going to Sares Prime for a visit.”

The second call was from the Ancient and the Burg. Elkhart stood before a huge box. Posters, high res images and a mountain of t shirts and souvenirs piled all around him.” I supposed to be thankful, yes...but you didn’t have to buy every souvenir there possibly was.

“Well the funny part is your father is wearing a t shirt for the first time of his life. It is a foolish thing to wear a t shirt during long night but you know how stubborn he can be. Well everyone says hello and I hope you are at Arsenal by now. Awful thing with all that war and space battle business! I hope you arrived save. Elena, little Exa and the others wanted me to say hello for them. Elena took Exa to the mall shopping. Your big white friend is still sleeping of course. Sigfrida is going to marry Carl and Midril is actually going off planet for 3 weeks. She won a cooking competition and is going to New Sweden. She was so excited she cut herself and is at the Clinic at the moment. I think that is all from Nilfeheim. Talk to you soon.”

I deactivated the GalNet terminal and turned as I heard something behind me. It was Dawn; she wore a clingy black dress glittering and reflecting light from thousands of tiny dots. She had her red locks gathered in a glittering net on the back of her head that matched the dress and she wore long gloves and held a small purse.“I am ready when you are.”

The Concierge in the lobby recommended the Bubble Top restaurant and managed to get us a table. After an elevator ride to the very top of the floating city we were seated on a small table with a spectacular, somewhat disturbing view into the chaotic swirling storms outside. The restaurant was filled to almost the last table and had a very upscale flair.

At first our conversation was nothing but small talk but then after we had eaten appetizers, little fried morsels of some kind of delicious fungus. She said.” Do you think killing should be a man’s job and a woman should not do it, or do you oppose capital punishment in the first place?”

“To be honest I haven’t thought much about this subject. My world really is not very big on keeping tabs on Union laws and events. When I was a kid I dreamed about the day when Union judges would convict my father and I could see him hang, but much has happened since then. Yes I do believe there are crimes that deserve the offender to be put to death, but I am much more careful to judge. I learnend that the hard way.”

She raised her shapely eyebrows.” I don’t think this is an answer I expected at all, especially not from a young man. Why is it you wanted your father hanged if I may ask?”

“He has beaten my mother to death.” I ended up telling her much of my story. I was not very hungry anymore after I remembered my mother but when I was finished telling we had eaten and she ordered a brandy for desert and I had a cup of coffee. It was her turn and she started. “I wanted to be a lawyer, a famous legal eagle when I was a kid. My mother was a federal Judge and my father also worked for the Justice Department, I did not know what he did for the longest time, but then live happened and I became involved with a medicine student and changed my career and became a forensic pathologist and was working as medical examiner for the Union Police on Pluribus. I saw the victims of violent crime on my examination table every day and one day my fiancee was the victim of a violent mugging and I wanted revenge. I told my father about that and he told me that he was a Federal Executioner. It is not a job that is advertised and even though there are individuals every year specifically applying for this, most are rejected after psychological examination. Anyway when the murderer of my husband was caught and sentenced, the Justice Department was short of an executioner to fulfill the sentence. You must know by union law a death sentence has to be executed within 1 month or it is commuted, so I volunteered and I am an Executioner ever since. It is not a nice job or something I dreamed about doing, but the law prohibits machines to do it and so someone has to. So we the Justice Department executioners travel from Union court to Union court and fulfill the sentences. I am sure you understand why we officially keep our identities secret and usually don’t tell what we do. While almost everyone wants the death penalty, no one wants to be friends with the hangman, or in my case the hang woman.”

“I don’t select my friends by their occupation and one of my teachers tried to make me understand there are always two or more sides to any story. I am not sure what life holds for me, but I am trying to become an Officer in the Union Fleet, but during my short time off planet. I made some unusual friends. I don’t mind to count a Union executioner among them.”

“I think you had a very good teacher. Seeing such insights in one as young as you are surprisingly refreshing.”

Part of me was very attracted to this older but good looking woman and her dark occupation did little to distract me form this attraction, but as much as I tried to ignore it I felt also a little envy of not being able to wear a dress like that, or those sexy gloves. I was at a point where I even considered psycho surgery, despite the warning of my friend the doctor.

There were several couples dancing. It was the first time I actually seen dancing like this outside a Virtu adventure, no one on Nilfeheim danced like this. Except the Dance of Axes at the great meeting, but that was something completely different. I also saw her face as she watched them and I could see her longing.

I said.” I am sorry that I am not more of an adult and an appropriate companion. I would then ask you to dance but I don’t know how.”

Her green eyes were perhaps the most beautiful feature of hers, they sparkled like only the eyes of a woman could and her red lips parted to a sad smile.” You are very appropriate, Eric. I am greatly enjoying your company. You are tall and very handsome. I would love to dance with you.”

The restaurants host who had just approached our table to see if we needed something else said.” Please let me apologize for hearing your last words, but I am a Pelogian.” He touched his large ears.” We do offer Cerebral Upload and it takes only ten minutes and you should be able to ball room dance.”

“I am glad you listened in,” I said to the semi human being with the coppery fur and the large pointed ears.” I would like to take you up on that offer!”

So I went over to the Upload couch and twelve minutes later I asked Dawn for a dance. At first it I had to follow the instructions in my head and concentrate, but after a little it became repetitious and easy.

Holding a woman was something wonderful. I could feel her warm body under the thin fabric, smell her perfume and see joy she felt in her face. I felt very much like a man at that point and enjoyed the moment but even now I was also jealous of her and the other women. As much as I felt confidence and certain that I was a man attracted to women, as much I felt confused and angry about my own strange desires.

It was late when we returned to the suite and after the door closed she said.“Thank you for a most memorable and lovely evening!” then she stepped forward snaked her arms around me and after a moment simply looking in my eyes she kissed me. It was not the way Elena or Sif had kissed me before. It was completely different! I could feel her tongue inside my mouth and I somehow did the same and knew exactly what to do. It was like nothing I had ever done or felt before.

Finally she released me, looked a little embarrassed and whispered.” Thank you!”

Then she rushed into her rooms.

I could not go to sleep now. I was excited in a strange new way. Somehow reminded me of the way I felt when Sif was sitting on my lap.

I wished I could talk to someone about it.

I decided to take a cold bath and submerge myself, and clear my head. The suite had a private little pool and I spend a good hour under water but it didn’t help. Freya wanted to get out, more than ever.

So I stepped into the auto dresser and dialed up the female selection and became Freya once again. The machine added length to my hair, removed the spotty beard whiskers and expertly applied make up, with the right padded foundation and finally a nice evening dress with long gloves. After the transformation was complete I once more felt as if I had moved out of a shack and into a palace.

Completely made up like I was, I sat on the bed in the darkened room and looked out the big view port and the wild atmosphere. I watched a flock of those strange local life forms dancing in the storm, but I was thinking about myself and my future. I was so sure what I wanted to do, joining the Union Fleet that had not changed only increased after my experience aboard the American Dream. I had a male body and I was more than attracted to Dawn. I loved holding her while we danced and when we kissed it was exciting in a way I never thought possible. Yet I felt incomplete, somehow trapped and only when I shed this outer expression of my gender and appeared female, felt free and right. As much as I trusted Dr. Dwyer I decided to get a second opinion. I needed to come to some decision and find an answer. Why was it so easy for Uncle Hogun to be a man, why did father, the Ancient and Egill have no problem? Elena, Sif and Astrid had no desire to be male and yet I could not find an answer.

Suddenly I knew I was no longer alone. I turned and saw Dawn standing by the door. Wearing only a skimpy negligee she walked over, as she noticed me seeing her and sat next to me on the bed. Her voice was barely audible as she said.” I didn’t want to be alone tonight.”

It was not dark enough in the room that she could not see how I looked and yet she didn’t say a word about it instead she moved close to me and then she nested her head next to mine. Her hands caressed over my body.” You do look very lovely. Tomorrow we will go our separate ways and it is likely that we will never meet again, but tonight let us be together.”

INTERLUDE : STAHL’S OFFICE

Richard Stahl sat in his office. The Devastator had returned to Arsenal for repairs and re supply. The battle had caused some damage, it was minor but due to the Devastators size, it would take a few month to get her repaired and it was decided to use the opportunity to upgrade some of the systems and do a level one maintenance on the engines.

Most of the crew was on extended shore leave. Even he was now officially on vacation and had a few months for himself. However he had no real family. Even his most distant relatives were long dead and in all the 3000 years of his long life, he never married or had a family of his own. The fleet, the military and most of all the Devastator was his real home. He was one of the 200 Immortals selected by the Guardian so long ago to guide human kind on its way to become a Galactic civilization.

Every so often he considered to retire. His task seemed done. Terrans were no longer a helpless civilization but had risen to a dominating power in the Galaxy and beyond and quite capable of defending itself. The Guardian had told him he would know the day his task was done and he could step aside. He had never had this distinct feeling yet, besides where would he go? He was still immortal and biologically not a day older as the day he had met the Guardian for the first time. He had contacted the Ultra secret research division code named The Investigators, who were tasked to find out who the Guardian really was and who it was that tasked the Guardian in the first place. In all the millennia of his existence he did not completely trust the Guardian and wanted to know why he had been on earth and what the real reason was for his makers to protect Earth and guide humanity. The Investigators had found the remnants of the Guardians machine center, it was destroyed and melted, but from what was left and from the things the Guardian had done it was clear, it was technology far beyond anything known. Stahl was the only human as far as he knew who had ever set foot on Narth Prime. No one officially knew he had been on Narth Prime. He talked to the Entity Narth Supreme. The Narth were by far the most advanced civilization, the very definition of civilization no longer really fit their state of development and even Narth Supreme had no answer or knew about the Guardian or its purpose, but then he only understood a fraction of what Narth Supreme told him.

His office here on Arsenal III was barley used by him. Normally he remained on board, even when the Devi was in dock, but this time they worked on the bridge and the Command deck itself and he would find little peace and quiet.

To this day he preferred paper files and so his aides produced the ones he wanted or needed to see on paper print outs.

Whenever he had time he liked to follow up on the academy and read the files of applicants. He had this personal idea and passion about special indiviudals, he thought held the potential for becoming great Ship Commanders. His way of selecting them was more intuitive and not scientific or developed from countless years of Academy expereince. He selected them more or less randomly. His staff already knew more or less what he was looking for and pre selected a few hundred files from the many millions of applicants each time a new academy year started. A file of Eric Olafson was already marked by him and put aside on a small stack of those he had selected so far.

He was just reading about an autistic savant from Africa when his GalCom unit flashed. Only a few individuals knew his personal contact code. It came over the civilian GalNet connection and was not fleet related. He noticed the logo of Schwartz industries. Rex Schwartz was like him, an immortal and while Rex never openly worked for the Union and used his Corporation in some questionable ways, Richard was certain he too had a task given by the Guardian working for the benefit of the Human species. While he not agreed with everything Rex did, after all those millennia they knew each other well. Richard didn’t like anyone or anything with uncontrolled power. He felt that the Immortals must adhere to even higher standards than normal humans, and be accountable and responsible for all they did. Rex never felt hindered by ethical or moral reasons to do something. Richard pressed the response key never the less; Rex would not call if he did not have a reason.

“You sure cleaned house, Old friend! The whole Galaxy is abuzz with your latest space battle feats.”

“Your security service and corporate snoops knew about it long before it happened. I think they code named it Red Flood.”

“I do have a few sources here and there and it clearly shows you do as well, knowing the Code name of a level 3 classified document of my organization.”

“I like to keep tabs on you. Even after all those years we know each other. I do not completely trust you. Schwartz Industries is so intertwined with the Union it would be possible for you to decide to become Emperor and change the Union into the Schwartz empire.”

“You know I have no political ambitions and like you I am doing what I do to keep the wolfs away from the door. Not all problems can be solved with translocator cannons.”

“I am aware of that, Old friend, this of course has not stopped you to create a battle force second perhaps only to the fleet and arming your ships with weapons illegal for civilian entities.”

“Schwartz industries manufacture and develop much of the weapons and ships your fleet uses and those units are just test and experimental samples of our development division. Perfectly legal by the way. ”

“This is a private call Rex, it is on highest encryption on a Network you own and control so don’t treat me as stupid. You and I know the truth.” Richard leaned forward.” Now I am sure you had a reason for calling.”

“Yes I do. I adopted a Sojonit Sister. She is barley 16 years old but is very intelligent and she wants to join the Union Academy and become a science officer.”

“A Sojonit you say?”

“I don’t care what you are thinking now, Richard. I am still married to Linda and nothing will change that. She has an IQ of 410 and that should even make you pause old Battle Axe!”

Richard did whistle.” There are maybe 20-30 individuals in the entire Galaxy with an IQ like that, including you, Mother machine and the Saresii High Academics.”

“And excluding the Narth, but who knows if you can classify them as individuals.”

Stahl leaned back to reach his old fashioned refrigerator and get himself a bottle of beer.” I would invite you but Holo avatars simply can’t enjoy a good beer.”

“You know I don’t drink alcohol. You offer me beer now for almost as long as we know each other.”

“Just trying to convince an old friend about something he’s missing out!” The Admiral opened the bottle and said.” I can see now why you call. She is still a Sojonit right?”

“Yes, she wears what they call the veil of abstinence and she is not a fully trained Sojonit, our mutual friend on Sin 4 has raised her. It is all she knows and frankly I think it is the best disguise she could have, being my daughter can be dangerous and so she stays anonymous.”

“Yes I remember what happened to your lovely Clara, but I won’t open old wounds. Anyone with an IQ like that will be accepted with open arms and I will make sure she can keep wearing wig and mask even through the Academy. I won’t guarantee her safety in terms of assignments and I expect our future officers to face dangers and if necessary lay down their lives, but I guarantee you her integrity and anonymity.”

“That’s all I ask for.”

“I will call Webb myself right after this. It looks like I have a spot for her in her third year. There is a group of applicants I put together that missed a Science Cadet.”

“I trust you in that completely.”

“So how about Project Fish?”

“We just finished the hull. The first ship with atom compacted Neutronium wave hull and frame. It took us eighty years just to get the manufacturing process right, and it is the most time and work intensive material we ever conceived and on par with the armor the Celtest used to make your monster ship.”

“When do you think she’s ready?”

“I would say four years.”

“I really look forward to see the fish ready!”

“Mother Machine said she now has the concept she thinks she will use for its computronic, it’s the first time SII will work closely with Mother Machine on building a ships brain you know.”

The two old friends started to talk about the Dai and the amazing development.

CIVIL SERVICE

It was morning; Dawn was sitting at the dresser and brushing her hair. I watched her doing it. I had made love to a woman for the first time in my life and it was a wonderful, glorious feeling and she was gentle and without many words had showed me what I had to do. For the first time in my life I did no longer feel like a teenager or a boy. But then my own thoughts stopped. I certainly did not look like a boy or a man. Dawn however had not said a single word regarding my looks.

She had finished trying to tame her coppery locks and said.” I need to call in and prepare for the Executions tomorrow. Then maybe I can invite you for breakfast and we must say good bye!”

I nodded and got up.” I better get changed then.”

“I don’t mind if you stay that way. I had a very interesting night. Making lesbian love to a very talented man is certainly a first for me.”

“I can’t explain my behavior and desires. Not to you or to myself. I am however going to seek a Psycho Surgeon and see if something can be done.”

She turned.” If you do that, you won’t be able to apply for the Academy.” She got up and came close.“Do you know it is considered more humane to execute an offender than to do psycho surgery? In some cases the delinquent has the choice and those who know what it means always choose death. You won’t be you and lose everything that defines you. It would be a great loss losing Eric or Erica.”

I sighed.“A friend of mine who is a doctor said the same. I just need to find an answer to this and make a decision what I am and where to go with it.”

“Maybe you think too much about it, just do what feels right and it might just be the right thing!”

Somehow her words sounded right and I decided to stay Freya for a day longer. There was no harm and I had nothing much to do.

Dawn now wore a red robe like dress with the Justice Department logo and the added sword and put on a deep red velvet hood. She changed from a pretty woman into a dark figure and the purpose was quite clear. So dressed she stood before the GalNet Terminal. I wanted to give her privacy and leave the room, but she said. “It is only a few formalities, nothing secret. Maybe it is interesting for you part of my work, just stay out of the pick-up. Being seen as an executioner’s friend is not a good thing.” Then she activated Avatar Pick up.

Men in police uniforms and two beings with Justice Department logos on their chests received her in an official looking room. One of them was an X101 and the other a Garbini. It was the Garbini who spoke first.” Good morning Chief Executioner 32. We are terribly sorry for the mix up. We expected you today and not yesterday. It was part due to the fact that the Justice Department cruiser was accidently designated a Fleet Unit and we were not informed you are being here a day earlier.”

“I was lucky and found accommodations on Corri-Gas, I am sure the recent space battle and Alert status has mixed up many schedules.”

“Yes Chief Executioner, that was part of it and the decision to hold the executions here was also made in the last moment, however we have another problem. Your assistant has not arrived either. She is stuck on Palomino. She is on her way now but won’t make it until the day after tomorrow.”

“There is much to do and it is not just one execution. I can’t do all this by myself. Do you have anyone that can assist?”

The Marine Commandant has offered to make it a fleet affair, but the Chief Justice insists we handle it, as the delinquents were found guilty by a Union Court and not by the military.”

She nodded.“It would mean a retrial and no one can be sentenced twice for the same crime.”

“The Marines and the local Police will do all the security and much of the prisoner handling but so far we have no volunteer who wants to assist. Neither I nor my colleague from Factory can do it as we are of the prosecution team.”

“I can’t do all this by myself, besides regulations are quite clear. There is no more serious business than execution and it must be done by the book or we can’t proceed and must reschedule.”

“The Chief Justice is also informed and he said the same thing. He will call us in two hours and we keep you posted.”

The transmission terminated and she took off her hood. “It almost looks like there won’t be any executions tomorrow. My assistant seems to be late, but that means we have time for breakfast.

We had breakfast ordered to the suite. I never had been much of a breakfast person but I joined her anyway and I always liked coffee.

While she was buttering a Croissant she asked.“What are your plans for the day?”

“I haven’t really thought about that. I was sort of playing it by ear. Maybe some sight-seeing and then I was considering to see if I can learn how to fly out there, maybe they rent out those flight suits, but no I don’t have any plans.”

“It seems you don’t need money, but I could use the help and I could deputize you to the Justice department temporary of course. I would not want you to help me with the executions of course, that I would not ask you, my assistant is only a day late. I am sure the executions can be delayed a day, but having an assistant for the preparations would greatly help me.”

I sipped my coffee.” What is it I would have to do?”

“Taking notes for me, while I inspect the gallows or execution machines and talk to the prisoners. Making sure they are aware what will happen and that they have their last wishes taken care off. Then I need to go over the court files and see if everything is in order. Do little errands and such. It is simply easier to have someone along to talk to and make sure I don’t overlook something. Regulations require an assistant but I assure you I am not asking you to remain for the executions.”

“I think I can do that.”

She smiled.” You are a friend!”

We returned via System Taxi to Corri-Door. The Justice Department was in the actual town below the space port in a large square looking building. The taxi pilot did not speak to us much but he kept looking at Dawn as she was now wearing her executioners robe and hood. The front of the Justice Building was a chaos of waiting crowds and news crews from all over the Union. She directed the Taxi to the roof of the building to enter it unnoticed.

Inside she was greeted by the same two Justice Department members. At first they paid no attention to me. The X101 said.” The Chief Justice of Pluribus is waiting to speak to you!” the machine being guided her to the next Gal Net Terminal. The Chief Justice so it turned out was a Klack as his Avatar established, next to him a Pan Saran man wearing brass chest armor and a Belarom. I knew little about the Belarom, other than they were a member of the Attikan Commonwealth and Mr. Flensburger said they were looking very much like a Terran hippopotamus crossed with a gorilla. My teacher always liked to describe non humanoid life forms by comparing them with some Terran animals, perhaps not realizing that none of his pupils, me included had any idea how they looked like. There was certainly no Nilfeheim life form I could compare the Belarom with. It was big and had a grayish skin and his potato shaped head was split underneath its eyes with a huge maw. Eight pronounced teeth of almost underarm length protrude from it. The X101 was about as tall as I am but had shiny chrome metallic skin; I could see my own distorted reflection in it. I had seen Klack and Garbini before, first during my grandfather’s funeral.

The Klack greeted Dawn and then said.” Chief executioner, your assistant is delayed because we needed her on Palomino; she is assisting Executioner 554 on a case there, as his assistant fell ill. We hoped she would be ready to help you but the case on Palomino experienced a delay and your assistant simply can’t be here in time. The bad news is that Corri-Door is too far for any other Assistant to arrive in time either and we cannot delay the executions for more than a day. We have the seventeen Dai, one of them identified as the butcher of Partook. The Partook lost seven colonies to this Dai Clan right after they joined the Union. The Partook were a Galactic Council species and if we botch this they might decide to reverse their decision on the other hand if we do it right it most likely convinces the Elly to break of the Galactic Council and join the Union. The Elly have a delegation here on Pluribus watching closely. Gaining their membership would deny the Kermac of their technically most advanced thrall species. So you see we can neither delay nor post pone and must do the deed by the book! It is imperative to show them and the Partook that the Union takes swift action to punish those guilty of massacring union citizens.”

Dawn nodded behind her hood.” I understand all this, but we are the Justice Department and we cannot base our decisions and actions on political grounds. We must remain neutral and only the law of the Union should be our guide.”

The Belarom spoke with a laboring, deep voice.” It is exactly what we have said to the Assembly, but the Dai and the four other delinquents you are to execute are all processed and found guilty in an orderly court of law. The sentence was spoken and verified by the independent Legal Academy. All that remains is to complete the task by terminating the lives of the delinquents.”

“I came here to do exactly that, Secretary Urpetro, but I am alone. By our laws and regulations I must have an assistant. I found someone who is willing to help me with the preparations, but I gave my word that he does not have to be present at the executions.”

Everyone suddenly took notice of me and the Klack said.” Are you a legal Union citizen?”

“Yes I am.”

A Union police officer reacted to the gesture of the Klack and scanned my CIT, before I was even asked and he looked at his PDD.” Olafson, Eric. Union Citizen of Nilfeheim, High Honor resident of Twilight, Special Executive Enroe Industries. Applicant to the Union fleet academy. Completed Sixteenth Birth year. No criminal record. Was investigated three times by Union Police and each time Legal Central declared him innocent of breaking any laws.”

“I was investigated?” I said before I could stop myself.

The Police man nodded.” First after a space battle incident over Planet Nilfeheim, conclusion: Olafson handled in self defense and through his action saved the Union World Nilfeheim from certain destruction. Second investigation: Olafson was abducted by Non Citizens on Twilight and freed himself by killing three known criminals. Investigation closed no crimes committed. Third time preventing a weapon store robbery and preventing a spore bomb attack on Twilight. Third Investigation: Killing three Union Citizens and several non citizens, all identified terrorists freeing the kidnapped planet governor of twilight and several civilians. Investigation concluded: Citizen Olafson distinguished himself in heroic manner, no crimes committed.”

The small crowd was silent and all stared at me. I myself felt embarrassed hearing all this in such a matter of fact list.

The Klack spoke.” Well it seems you are despite your young age quite an active and responsible citizen and have seen death before. I am looking at your CIT record and see no psycho problems or other aspects that would prevent me from doing what I must do next.”

His Holo stepped closer to me and his antennae wiggled while he turned his head to look at me closer with his almond shaped all black eyes. He then clacked with his mandibles and asked.” I am a Klack as you see, despite the fact that I am one of the Union Chief Justices and live among humans for 56 years they use the gender specific words him and he and yet I could swear you have female human forms. How do I address you female or male?”

I was deeply embarrassed again but Dawn spoke before I could say something.” My friend prefers to express gender identity this way and it is female.”

No one seemed to be surprised or take offense in that and the Klack said.” I herby draft you, under the Justice and Jury act of 3423, section 12 into temporary service of the Justice Department and herby deputize you to the position of Deputy Executioner. I am sorry to do this to you, human. But it is necessary and I hope you understand.”

Again I was in a situation I didn’t want to be in and said.” What about my Academy Application?”

“I will personally contact Union Fleet High Command right now, please stand by.”

The Klack Avatar disappeared

“I guess I have no choice in this, right?”

“Yes you do. You can decline and reject the draft.” The Belarom sounded almost apologetic.” I know it is sounds unfair, but if you do you also reject your citizenship. As Citizenship comes with rights and privileges but also with duties and responsibilities, as you might remember the words of your teacher as he declared you a citizen.”

The X101 actually put his hand on my shoulder.” The Justice department will not be ungrateful and the Union really needs this done.”

The Chief Justice reappeared and with him an Old man in Union Fleet Uniform. The Old man said.” I am the Admiral of the Fleet Obrock Mc Elligott and since I was at the assembly Chief Justice V’Thensnhk told me about his problem and yours. “Since you are a registered Union fleet Applicant you are technically already Union Fleet personnel and I herby detach you by Order to the Justice Department until your task there is done. You may enter the Academy entry tests on the next entry date in 4 month. I will personally guarantee you will not miss your chance to apply.”

The Klack spread his four upper arms.” Then it is settled. Chief Executioner please swear her in and get her outfitted as soon as you can. I will get the paper work done.”

Gal Net Entry: Saresii

The Saresii are a Union Member Civilization. The history of the Saresii begins almost 2 million years when the Pree land on Sares and make the pre industrial society of the Saresii aware of other civilizations in the Universe. No records or detailed records of this meeting survived and what little is known is based on myth and legends. According to these legends, the Pree revealed to the Saresii that they were selected as the successors of the Pree. The Pree themselves declared that they would leave the Galaxy forever and move to a distant place. In the Legend it is said the Pree were fleeing from an enemy of immense power. Something the Pree had done made another not identified civilization or entity very angry and seek the ultimate destruction of the Pree. Before they left they gifted the Saresii with Psionic abilities and left behind much technological knowledge. The Saresii rose to become a strong expansionistic civilization but their empire collapsed seven times due to internal struggles and rebellions. Legends have it that the Saresii bombed themselves several times almost to extinction until they managed to unify their factions and spread over a vast section of the Spinward sector. It was then they met the Celtest. A civilization more advanced than theirs and also gifted with Psionic powers. The Celtest at this point were controlling much of the Galaxy. When the Celtest were faced with a mysterious enemy today only known as the Dark Ones, the Nul and the Saresii agreed to fight with the Celtest.

The Celtest lost and the Dark Ones punished the Saresii by destroying every Colony and every planet the Saresii owned except Saresii Prime. The surviving Saresii prohibited all space flight activity and research and blamed male aggressiveness, their last emperor and male warrior behavior for the catastrophe and prohibited men from having any say in politics or holding official positions in the government. The obsession to obliterate all male influence went so far as they prohibited men to receive education. Any display of masculine nature was outlawed. Men were prohibited from growing beards. While the Saresii knew they needed males to maintain a healthy gene pool, genetic tailoring and selective breeding was and is extensively used and children of both sexes are raised to look and accept female behavior patterns and looks. It became the basis of Saresii Culture even though almost 200,000 years of exclusive female government was far from peaceful. Aggressiveness and conflict was clearly not a gender specific condition. Running out of resources and space the Saresii finally resumed space exploration, but kept their expansion to a few solar systems close to their home world. While the anti male hysteria is a thing of the past, all Saresii appear to be female and can only be distinguished by their names. Even Saresii themselves usually can’t distinguish unless they use their Psionic powers. It was then when the Saresii used their combined Psionic powers to pull all seven rock planets of their own system in the same optimal orbit around their sun and terra formed all seven planets into almost identical looking garden worlds of great, but artificial and designed beauty. The first Terran visitors describe the planets as huge manicured parks and gardens. No wild growing forests, truly wild animals or untouched shore and stream lines exist.

The Saresii took part in the Galactic Council to repel the Y’All, but it was the Narth and the Wurgus who achieved the victory. After the Terran ascent and after the Terrans, the Ult, the Pan Sarans and the Sarans came together to form the Union, the Saresii joined shortly after.

The Saresii are known for their vast Psionic powers, great knowledge and well developed technology that is in general considered to be Tech Level 9. Saresii tech puts great emphasis on Psionics and there are Psi enhancers, Psi Shields and psi energy based weapons.

Saresii appear human in all aspects and it requires very little DNA adjustments for biological comp ability. Even though they are technically not a founding member of the Union, they are the first Civilization that joined and as such heavily involved in all aspects of the Union. Saresii colonists and settlers can be found thru ought Union space.

Interlude: Galactic Politics

The First among the Saresii Algear Moansti was one of the seven elected leaders. Saresii leaders were elected for life and only replaced if they retired on their own or died. Even though he was biological male and over almost 260 years old, he appeared like all Saresii to be a statuesque beautiful woman with very long silvery hair and purple eyes and like most he wore a skin tight velvet suit. A little while ago a man from a human Colony world he had previously never heard of came to Sares Prime One and asked for help with is deteriorating health. It turned out this human was easily on par with all but the most powerful Saresii Psionic talents and displayed not one but several Psionic powers. He was a Telepath so skilled he could address and talk to three or four individuals at the same time and about different subjects and had such precise telekinetic control he could influence his own cell structure to heal itself. Egill Skallagrímsson of Nilfeheim was over 500 years old, without the aid of any modern life expanding medicine and had a Heidelberg Psi Index of: 2400. No other human had ever been measured that high. When he came to Sares it was determined he suffered a rare Psionic disease called Mohir Gland Disease that sometimes affected Saresii of similar high talent. A careful treatment with refined Califerm and a temporary neutralization of his powers successfully restored the Old Man’s abilities; this and a physical medicine cell refresh therapy and a detoxification of his body. Egill had become a good friend of Algear. Egill who was his planets representative came very often to Sares and Algear visited him frequently on Pluribus. The fact that Pluribus was connected via Space train and it took only 15 minutes was very helpful in growing this friendship. Algear found the Old Human not only very intelligent but they shared the same open grumpiness and the same sense of humor. Algear shared secrets and concerns with Egill he would not share with most Saresii and certainly not with other humans. He was confident Egill kept his secrets as he had never shared with anyone that there was a Fish like creature on Nilfeheim that, according to Egill gave him the Psionic Abilities. Algear looked forward to meet Tyr when the fish awoke from its seven year slumber. He knew the Tyr’s peaceful life would come to an end if anyone would hear about a god like creature that could bestow Psionic talents of such magnitude and therefore he would take this to his grave and not divulge this knowledge. He had just arrived on Pluribus. There was much going on lately and while Algear was not the official Sares representative, as the Highest Elected leader he could speak for Sares at any time. As it became his habit he no longer went to the large Saresii Alcove but joined his friend in the little planet representative alcove far up in the Assembly Sphere. He had disturbing news. One of their micro drones had returned from Kermac Prime. The bald headed meddlers were again up to something. He had no proof that the Kermac were responsible for the Y’All attacks. Somehow they were able to call this menace and now they wanted to call whoever created the Y’All and if the recordings of the micro drone were correct, it were the same who defeated the Celtest and destroyed all Saresii colonies so long ago, the Dark Ones.

He would need more information on that and decided he would contact the mysterious leader of the Terran Space Intelligence Service, code named Cherubim, later today and he wanted to talk with Egill about it. The Old man had little knowledge of Galactic Affairs but despite or because of it he often looked at things differently and usually had a very sensible take on things.

He slipped into the Alcove and sat next to Egill, who seemed to be asleep, but without opening his eyes he grunted.” How can anyone find some rest if you make this racket with those cursed high heeled boots of yours?”

“You are just jealous because you would break that wrinkled neck of yours trying to walk five meters in those! But then no human male could!”

Egill opened one eye and grinned.“I bet my Grandson could run circles around you doing just that!”

“Your Grandson? I don’t think you told me that you actually have a grandson. Is he still alive, he must be quite old if he is your grandson.”

“I just don’t want to add all the Grand, grand, Grand I would have if I be accurate. He will soon turn seventeen and is the son of a distant Granddaughter of mine. He is my pride and joy and if you ever meet him and tell him I said that, I break your pretty neck!”

“You are not talking about that Sif girl, right?”

“No she is not related to me. I told you about her. It was you who helped me to get her accepted at Politica-University.”

“Yes, but despite her good looks she appears quite butch to me and I never seen her in high heeled boots.”

“If you say that she prefers woman and all that, then you are correct. It’s why Tyr has chosen her to be the First Female warrior of Nilfeheim. She loved to break into this previous male domain. She is dating a Pan Saran woman.”

“Tell me about your grandson then, you never spoke of him and I thought I am your friend.”

“A nosy friend at that, I guess these are the side effects of your all female society. Even the men love family gossip.”

The First Saresii spread his hands.” I guess that is true to an extent, but you are just as curious about me and Sares and pretty much everything else.” Algear sat down and dialed himself a cup of Terran Tea from the Refreshment menu.” Has he Psionic talents like you?”

“Right now he is not, but Tyr says he has potential. Eric doesn’t really like Psionics. In many ways he is as Neo Viking as you can be. ”

Algear noticed the almost invisible proud smile on the usual brooding face of his friend, but kept quiet not to interrupt the Nilfeheim representative.

Egill dug in his chest pocket and handed Algear a small Holo Sheet. On it he saw a young man riding on an incredibly huge and dangerous looking fish like being.” That is Eric and Tyr. My big friend likes me I know that, but I know Tyr long enough to know he loves Eric. He took Eric to the bottom of the Oceans and showed him places no human has ever seen. Tyr bestowed on him an extra sense, it is not Psionic by the way but partially based on sonar and Lorenzii receptors, detecting electrical fields. It is still developing and will take years to truly affect him, and he needs to learn how to use it too.”

“That is quite amazing! I truly look forward to meet Tyr. So this grandson is he still on Nilfeheim?”

“No, he has left Nilfeheim and right now he is supposed to be on his way to the Union Fleet Academy, but him being Eric he ran into more trouble and even got involved in the Dai battle. ”

“To the Academy of all places, sounds like a strange choice for a Neo Viking from what you tell me about your planet.”

“Eric had a very tough childhood. His father beat his mother to death before his eyes when he was five. He was tortured and abused by his father in a way you could not even imagine. Despite all this he turned out quite alright, except for a strange affliction. He likes to dress up like a girl, much like you. Out here it makes no big difference of course, but on Nilfeheim it is a curse.”

“Maybe he should come to Sares and see that his affliction is not a handicap and shared by 54 Billion Saresii. I hope no one told him to get Psycho Surgery.”

“I know his mind and he is very troubled by it, back then I did not understand it, as you know I never left Nilfeheim until recently.” Egill looked in the distance.“It was him who suggested I come to you, the Saresii to get help for my condition by the way and in a way saved my life. Tyr has a different concept of humans and gender and never advised Eric. I should have made more of an effort to help him there. I even punished him and put his mind in that of a low woman. I hoped the shock being weak and about to get raped would cure him of his desire.”

“And that turned him into a coward or what some Terrans would call a Sissy?”

Egill’s response was almost angry.” Eric, a coward? He killed a Fangsnapper when he was 12, with a kitchen knife. Speared two Tyranno’s when he was not even fifteen. There is no man on Nilfeheim who would really dare to face him, he is the best swordsman there is, and he took my old Submarine and rammed a space bus to save all Nilfeheim. He has a strong sense of honor and can’t stand idle if he perceives something unjust. That is why I am as proud as can be of him! He has this strange duality in him that troubles Eric very much, but he is perhaps the toughest Neo Viking of them all.”

Algear still looked at the holo print. “You should send for him, I am sure we can help him with that on Sares. Where is he now?”

“After he saved a little Slum Girl and killed Terrorists on Twilight, he went on to pick a fight with a Dai Battle ship, in a private Yacht no less and he is on Corri-Door right now waiting to get to Arsenal.”

“You know Corri-Door is currently the focus of the entire Galaxy.”

“He isn’t interested in executions and not even he could manage to get involved in that.”

Algear leaned forward to see what the Assembly was currently discussing and checked the schedule. The Kermac diplomatic delegation had arrived to discuss the Nogoll incident. Currently the representative of the Partook was speaking and declaring that he and his people would welcome the Renegade Dai as new members, just like the rest of the Assembly had done just a day before, but only if justice was done to those caught. The Partook resembled more or less a very large squirrel just as easily agitated.” We heard that there is a problem with the execution on Corri-Door! We want to know if this is indeed the case!”

Someone of the Justice Department answered.“There was a technicality but we were able to correct that and the executions will take place as scheduled tomorrow.”

The Partook was visibly pleased and a somewhat humanoid being with a silvery dress sitting next to the Partook said. “I am of the Elly and currently we are enemies of the Union as we are still associated with the Galactic Council, but I am here as personal guest of the Partook government. You all my recall that the Partook were Galactic Council members not so long ago and close friends to the Elly, we will heed their recommendation and you can expect our application of membership tomorrow after the Executions have taken place.”

Egill had both eyes closed again.” Death is such a final thing and they always so eager to dish it out!”

Algear smiled at this comment but said with a serious tone.“You heard of the Partook massacre?”

“Egill tabbed on his right ear and revealed that he wore a small ear piece.“I was just just listening to the GalNet entry on that.“He then removed the ear piece and sat up.” I understand their motivation and I actually agree with capital punishment in certain cases. I just don’t like the taste of the motivation behind these executions, it seems they were not based on law but on politics and that I oppose!”

“I had the same concern and thought the court proceedings went awful fast and the verdict was given even faster, but the accused admitted to the crimes and they were offered to join the Dai who applied for membership so all their previous crimes would be expunged, they refused. The proceedings were checked by both Legal Central and that is a Computronic that only checks facts against laws and the Independent Law and Justice Academy. Every death sentence is checked by them to make sure all of the defendant’s rights were observed. It is as fair as a society can make it. “Then Algear added.” However I am sure there were political reasons behind it all. It is no coincident the Partook have the Elly invited today.”

Egill nodded.” I am sure it is and seeing the bigger picture, our Union has more or less good laws and they really trying to put cross checks and limitations on everything to make it as fair as possible. It is a good system especially considering the many different opinions and viewpoints. I just don’t think we as a society have looked hard enough for an alternative to capital punishment.” He raised his hands.“I know they tried and they vote on it every other year, but every time it is voted in with an overwhelming majority. They even voted for public executions!”

“Maybe if Psycho Surgery advances enough it could be an alternative. Right now I would rather choose death than have it done and Saresii Psycho Surgery is far advanced compared to Union Standard.“The First Saresii added.” There is an old saying from Terran Earth. ‘panem et circenses’ Bread and games keeps the masses happy. And as advanced we all think we are, the average citizen loves to watch violence, blood and death and between you and me, I don’t exclude the Saresii either.”

Egill got up.” Come and join me for lunch, our newest members the Renegade-Dai have prepared a lunch with Dai specialties and I like to be back in time when the Kermac speak. That is going to be interesting and you can tell me why you decided to ruining my morning by showing up, all dolled up and looking better than it should be allowed for a person of your age.”

“I came so I can ruin your morning. I actually decided to wear the steel tipped heels just for that purpose, they make more noise.”

Other delegates respectfully greeted the First among the Saresii as he and Egill left the Alcove and went to the New Member Reception Hall. Their friendship had been noticed by many, and was subject to much rumors and debates among the other delegates, including other Saresii.

Algear told Egill about the Kermac Intelligence report and the former Hermit of Nilfeheim listened while he selected a sampling of Dai food on a plate and went to a table.” There is not much I can suggest or comment. I simply don’t know enough about it, but if I understand it took the Y’All a very long time to respond to that call and the last time they were defeated to the last ship and did not return to wherever they came from. Whatever we are dealing with is very old and seems to stretch over millennia. Maybe you should talk to the Narth delegate. If only half of it is true what they say about them, maybe they know more about the Y’All and the Dark ones.”

Algear agreed and said.“For a grumpy barbarian of an unimportant water planet you sure have keen mind.”

“It is because I am a grumpy barbarian I have a keen mind. ” Then he coughed and turned red emptied a big glass of water and hissed.” And if we ever need to torture someone, all we have to do is feed them Dai Meatballs. The Dai woman called those mildly spicy!”

Algear tried a bite and his mouth and throat felt like it was on fire! “No wonder they all have red skin and are angry pirates. ”

Egill giggled like a school boy as he had the Dai Woman pack him a big portion of Extra Spicy Meat balls. He said to Algear.” I am sending those to my world and the next Clan Chief meeting. I will say this is what real Off world men eat. Of course they will all eat and then try to look tough to their peer.”

“You are a mean old bastard!”

“Oh yes!”

Kermac Delegation

Among the seven Kermac diplomats were Nachacht and Vorneun the Wizards, not revealing their true status. In an hour they would have to address the Assembly. A delegation of Shiss and Nul was here as well, both enemies of the Union but here to grill and address the Nogoll trespass. Nachacht could barely hide his jealousy as he saw the grandeur of the Great Assembly, the immense city of Pluribus and the many delegates representing civilizations and planets. Not even at the peak of the Galactic Council did they have that many members and nothing in the entire Kermac sphere of influence compared to this. They were followed in respectful distance but clearly visible by a Union Security team. While most delegates were shielded against Psionics, not everyone was and of those minds they could read they sensed the hostility and hatred towards the Kermac. Vorneun clearly saw the little silver brain pins on the collars of two of the Security beings following them. He whispered to Nachacht.“Be careful with your Psionics, there are two of the PSI Corps following us.”

“So? They are not Kermac and I have the finest Psi amplifier in my beard. If they try to read our minds they will be punished!”

“Do you think the Union put two average talents on our tail? I think the left one is Alya Sinafar, the PSI corps commandant. If my information is correct, she is more powerful than all other Saresii. The other must be equally talented; they react very unpleasant to unasked telepathic probing!”

Nachacht was not paying much attention to his paranoid colleague.“I feel like a little child called before the Head Teacher to receive punishment. They claim we are arrogant, but it is them! Most ignore us, some even laughed at us and others made quite obvious gestures, not flattering ones I might add!”

They both had used a Trans Matter tunnel earlier and neither of them could hide their amazement seeing this incredible technology working.

They were not allowed to sit in the regular session of the Assembly, since no Union member species invited them as guests in their alcove. But they watched some of it from big view screens mounted everywhere. Viertlvorfier one of the real Kermac diplomats clenched his small fists as he heard the Partook and the Elly. “We must deal with those traitors! We cannot allow the Elly to become Union! We should send the Mocee to severely punish them!”

Nachacht agreed but said.” How do you propose we do that? It will take us four days just to the border and another three days to Kermac Prime. To mobilize the Mocee or any other Battle Thrall species will take at least six or seven days. By then the Elly are Union members and the Mocee will face Union Battle ships and right now we cannot afford a war.”

Viertlvorfier grunted angry.” We have Long range telepaths and that is almost as good as GalNet.”

“And every Saresii is listening in? All that would do is giving them a fair warning to be ready for us!”

A Blue approached them. Nachacht could barely contain his disgust as he saw that distant cousin of the Kermac. Deemed lost and disappeared they had been found by Union explorers in the Andromeda Galaxy and became Union Members. He could not explain how a species that should have been exterminated for that offensive bluish skin, managed to develop such a high technology level and impressive sphere of influence. It was the Blue who brokered the last Armistice arguing that they did not want their Kermac cousins to be exterminated. The Blue had also warned the Kermac that they would be the first to request the complete destruction of all that is Kermac if it was the Galactic Council that broke the Armistice treaty.

This Blue wore a long embroidered robe and was flanked by two enormous Potsme warriors, the closest allies of the Blue and their Warrior thralls in the Andromeda galaxy. “The Assembly is now ready to receive your explanations and apologies.”

Nachacht never felt more humiliated, and that after two days of humiliations, by the unspoken warning and the openly displayed disgust by the Blue. The Blue were born slaves and now they acted like masters. He slowly recanted all his titles and that made him feel better and then they followed the Blue into the Great Assembly sphere. The Nul and the Shiss were also only now allowed to enter.

The Blue pointed to a parked hover plat form.” You must address the Assembly from the center. No one offered you a place in an Alcove.” After mounting the platform it rose into the middle of the huge sphere. Nachacht and none of his associates could ignore the immensity and grandeur of the place. Seeing thousands upon thousands of Alcoves occupied by representatives of planets and societies, and all united under one Government visualized the true power and might of the Union more than even the biggest fleet of Battle ships. He could not sense the minds of the Nul on a similar platform 50 meters away, but he could feel the White throat Shiss thoughts and they were as terrified and impressed as he was.

The din of voices died down and the image of a Petharian colossus appeared,” I am Radat of the Petharian Empire and I am this year’s elected Speaker of the Assembly. Before us today are the Kermac delegates, representing the Galactic Council, the Shiss diplomats representing the Kingdom of the First Nestling and, the Nul envoys on behalf of the Gray One.

“This is docket number 56 on the 23rd day of June in the year 5015. The Events leading to the Nogoll attack, Scanner records, Communication Logs and Visuals can be accessed under Assembly file 56 of this day. ”

An edited visual was shown behind the Petharian and Audio of the Nogoll communications was heard. Including the communication between Stahl and the Kermac.

Vorneun grinded his teeth as a tremendous cheer swelled through the ranks of the assembly as the final words of Stahl were repeated.

The Petharian asked for silence and said.” The Nul have the first word.”

Nul were very elusive and did rarely participate in any diplomatic events and gatherings. There was no formal contact between the Nul and the Union. There also was no contact to the Kermac. The last time a Nul representative was heard was during the Armistice proceedings over 500 years ago. The Nul had a thunderous voice as he spoke. “My liege cares little for the squabble between the puny Kermac and the weak Union. We gladly accept any declaration of war and show you what it means to go to war against the Nul! However the Nul are no fools and not blind and such a war will be very costly to all sides. This is why my liege the wisest Gray King of all that is Nul ratified the Free Space Treaty and we have kept our commitment, the Union and even out most vile enemy the Shiss have kept the treaty! This contract has like no period known before kept peace and stability in this part of the Universe and we are interested in keeping it that way. Make no mistake, Kermac. We are prepared for war and all your pathetic slave species will not stop the Nul from reaching you! So Kermac, speak and declare your intentions. That the Nogoll have attacked Union ships means nothing to us, that they however violated the Free Space treaty is of greatest importance!”

The Shiss made a similar statement and then Nachacht who was elected by the Grand Wizard spoke.” None of you childish species could stand against the combined might of the Galactic Council, we have resources and abilities you never heard or dreamt about. However it is us and not the unimportant slaves the Nogoll who make such decisions. Therefore we the Kermac have expelled the Nogoll from the Galactic Council and you may take whatever quarrels you have to them. The Kermac have not violated Free Space and currently have no interest in changing the conditions of this contract. Be warned, all of you that we will take swift and decisive action if any of you decide the Free Space Treaty is no longer valid.”

His words caused a swell of murmurs but the Nul and the Shiss accepted the declaration and the Union speaker declared the case closed.

Nachacht regretted loosing the loyal Nogoll but it was a good solution. He cared nothing for the Nogoll fate as he was certain Union ships would retaliate and hunt Nogoll only moments after he made that statement.

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