Chapter 2 Book 10 -Final

Chapter 2

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The Tavern was called the Mother Lode and had been chiseled and burned directly into the rock of the Asteroid. The floor was metal grating placed in metal frames over more rough rock, Something small skittered between the small pieces of waste and garbage that had fallen through the slots in the floor. The bar occupied much of one side of the tavern while a viewport featuring a good view of one of the Asteroid bases mooring arms covered the other side. The shabby looking Tullerman brand 25 meter Dinghy that had been part of the Mighty Nine's equipment, now moored among a dozen much bigger ship, three of them known pirate ships. One of them was the Swift Profit.

The tavern was filled about to half its capacity with the roughest looking bunch of humans and non humans I had ever seen. The air was putrid not just because of the strong and alien drinks but also by body odors of unwashed and unkempt individuals of a dozen species or more.

I had decided to scout the base and the situation before officially arriving with the disguised Tigershark. I wanted to see and feel how other Pirate captains talked and acted. For this Har Hi and I had disguised ourselves as Freespace Scavengers, a disguise suggested by Sobody. Scavengers were mostly ignored and were at the bottom of the feeding order of the galactic space faring community and so we were pretty much ignored here on Brhama Port.

We had settled down on a quiet table in a corner and nursed our drinks while keeping our eyes and ears open.

Har-Hi was for the first time in a true disguise, Shea and Elfi had done a great job as he looked now like a dark red furred Jooltar, a canine species distantly related to the Attikans. Unlike the Attikans they did not live in the Large Magellan Cloud, but were a small independent species that lived beyond the Kartanian Conglomerate and known to have stolen most of their technology instead of inventing it. His outfit was pieced together from several sources and didn't look too new. That the costume he chose had to be red was something he insisted upon.

I was made up to look like a black Nogoll. Since Nogoll space was not too far from here, and the black Nogoll didn't fare to well in the still recent Union Nogoll conflict,this was a good choice for a costume as encountering a black Nogoll in Freespace wasn't unusual. Har-Hi had dropped a few small Polo coins into a slot next to the table and selected a simple battle strategy game that was now displayed on the table surface. We played it and apparently paid no attention to the surroundings, but we both carried Nano fiber periscope optics and directional microphones. My Nogoll horns carried the optics and the large Nogoll ears the directional audio sensors. Har-Hi was similar equipped and that allowed us to focus in on any conversation and watch without appearing to watch at all.

The barkeeper was a three armed Pertharian. Either his business was not very good or he had other problems saving money for a cybernetic replacement or a re-grow therapy. He tried his best to keep at least the glasses and the bar counter reasonably clean, as he kept polishing glasses whenever he did not serve drinks.

Two more Pertharians came in and sat down at the other end of the tavern. I was around those giants long enough to notice the Barkeep was not too pleased to see them and he didn't speak to them.

It wasn't long after they had arrived that a man with distinctive Dai features appeared. He even wore Dai armor; his was not red, but black, and adorned with purple panels. His harness did not carry a clan Glyph.

He looked around and went straight to the table of the Pertharians. I zoomed in on that table using a sub-dermal sensor track on the side of my index finger and rubbing my thumb over it. The other Horn of my Bio-flex mask contained the latest in NAVINT communication technology, a picto-burst GalCom and with it I was connected to the Tigershark. So they could see and hear what we did. The images were directly sent to my visual nerve.

Har Hi whispered in my ear piece and said without moving the jaws of his fierce canine predator mask:

"That is a ancient Assassin armor suit, that the Mar-Do tribe was famous for. He wears it in a way that makes me certain he knows how to use it, but he is no pure blood Dai from the looks of it."

Through the crisp optics I saw him placing a complicated folded small piece of paper on the table and one of the Pertharians produced one that matched it.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">The half Dai spoke and I could hear every word. He said to the two giants:

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"It is quite foolish to dress up like Pertharians. There is hardly a more loyal species to the Union and only a handful ever went astray and there is already one tending the bar and carries the price of his betrayal openly. His family most likely ripped out that arm and he has enough honor left not to replace it, seeing you with all four is not sitting well with him I can tell."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">So we weren't the only ones pretending to be someone else. I mused and wondered if there were even more like us and them. Who would dress up as Pertharians?

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">One of the giants spoke:

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"We are aware of this but our size restricts us to just a few species we can portray. It is, however, pleasant to meet you once again, Damon Honsu. We would not agree to meet anyone else."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">So the Half Dai had a name. Shea flashed a message over my display and it read:

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Intel reports on Damon Honsu are neither reliable nor is there much in the first place, but biometric analysis confirms he is half Dai and half Asian Human. Ship is certain to 99.99 percent that the voice is created and not natural. Chances are he is not what he appears either. Analysis on the false Pertharians is more revealing and we are certain these are Nul Agents."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">I acknowledged her report with a blink and focused on the dialog on that table that turned out to be much more than a chance meeting of Pirates or Freelancers. The man called Honsu said:

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"This is Brhama Port, Guys. You could be all yourself and we could meet up at the nice places and talk all day long and as loud as we want. There are no Terran Spies aboard this base. The Bassetts Family doesn't like the Union at all. I am here to see what the chances are for you to meet with my Kermac contacts."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">The same disguised Nul answered:

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"We are not really interested in meeting the Kermac. For it disgusts us to deal with these squealing, self important, meddling dwarfs. We don't like the Union either but we much prefer them over the Kermac and if the Union ever decides to move against them, we won't stop them."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Now the second disguised Nul spoke saying:

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"However. two developments concern us greatly, we believe you can help us with the first and we might consider information exchange with the Kermac regarding the other event."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">I had to remind myself to move my piece and keep pretending to play as the conversation went on.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Honsu said:

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Can you be more specific?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">The second Nul answered:

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"The First Gray born in centuries has disappeared. Grays are of tremendous importance to us, but this one was born to our longest reigning ruler. It was seen as a sacred omen, that a Gray was born to the Wise Leader and he was chosen to be our next leader. He has been trained and exceeded the greatest expectations in all aspects of fighting and learning."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Part of this process is the Purification Bath in the Holy Ashes of Narl Gatu, our first Civilization. To do so, the Gray entered the purification sleep and was sent aboard the Narl Tompe Barge on his way. The prince never arrived at Narl Gatu."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"The Nul Realm left no trace unchecked and we came to the conclusion he had been abducted, captured by Pirates or Freelancers daring to infiltrate Nul space. We believe he is still alive and somewhere in Freespace and we will pay you to find the Prince. You have six months to find him. After that we will search for him and no planet and no asteroid will be spared in our search. Of course that would mean the end of the Freespace Treaty, and war."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">I held my breath under the warm fur mask and for a moment forgot to play the game. There was the potential of Intergalactic war discussed on a shabby table inside a low class tavern only 30 meters away from us.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">The man in the dark Dai armor said:

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"I will do my best if he is alive and in Freespace. I somehow doubt it though. Could he not been taken by the Shiss or the Union?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"The possibility that it was the Shiss is still considered and, if we find evidence it is so, then we will resume our efforts to annihilate all that is Shiss. While it is not completely impossible that it has been done by the Union, it is very unlikely as they would much rather test our resolve with entire fleets and test our strength by provoking large scale skirmishes."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"I will keep my eyes and ears open. If there is a Nul warrior kept prisoner or sold in Freespace I should be able to hear about it. Can I ask how you even know he is still alive and in Freespace?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"It must be so. The Seer of Narl Gatu said we have six month before our Prince, who according to the Seer is in a strange land, will transform forever. The seer was brought to the last position we knew the prince was and he pointed towards Freespace."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Now the first Nul spoke again and added to the conversation by saying:

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Our leader believes it means that the Prince is transformed from being alive to being dead."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">The Half-Dai snorted and made an amused facial expression as he said:

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"I thought your investigation was done with sensors and tracing perhaps engine trails. You place too much trust in a Seer. I know a thing or two about Psionics and no Psionic gift can predict the future. Maybe he simply went off course and burnt up exiting Quasi Space too close to a sun?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">The first Nul in his disguise said raising his voice:

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"The Seer is no Psionic user. We Nul have no talent or use for it. But the Seer has always been correct, always!"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Honsu waved to the Barkeeper and ordered Thil. I knew Thil was a watery, weak beer and a traditional Dai beverage.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Then he leaned close over the table and said to the disguised Nul agents:

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Let us talk about the second event then. The one you mentioned could make you consider a meeting with the Kermac."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">It was the second one who answered:

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"We like to make it clear that we might only agree to some information exchange, no more."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Honsu shrugged and said:

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"I am only the enabler, I make the connection. What you then discuss or agree upon concerns me not."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">The first Nul said:

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"The Golden Ones are no longer Neutral. As small as this Civilization might be, they have considerable technology, immense knowledge and contacts to species none of us have heard about. Their resources easily equal those of any of the Big Four."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Honsu put down the mug he had just received and waved his hand. "Are you sure this is correct information? The Golden are synonymous with neutrality and have been so for eons. Have they decided to join and side with the Kermac?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"We are surprised you have not heard of it, Damon Honsu. The Golden Ones have applied for Union membership and it was granted just a few days ago. They are now full members of the Union. We just received message from our contact at Pluribus. The Message traveled per GalNet to Bokta World, a Union Outpost where we maintain a trading post and was then transmitted via Myon Corresponder to Natu Toth, our Throne world. Since we do not have the benefit of instantaneous messaging as the cursed Union does, all this happened about 3 weeks ago."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">The voice of the Half-Dai was no longer sounding as certain as he had before as he said:

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Could it be a trick, propaganda or false information? Sobody the First Merchant would never agree to something like that."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Would we be here and considering a meeting with the Kermac if it was a trick? Sobody the First Merchant has retired. A delegation of Golden Elders is still on Pluribus. We are still trying to gather more details, but the entire Golden Fleet has been turned over to Union Fleet control and we know from reliable sources that the first Golden Spheres have been seen on their way to Arsenal, to be fitted with Translocator Cannon, no doubt."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Honsu cursed.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Violent gravitons, Gantoor's ghost be damned, Golden Spheres are almost equal to their Battle ships already and their sensors are second to none."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">The second Nul spread his upper arm pair:

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Not to mention that we have information that the Narth begin to share some of their technology. With all this, and once the Golden fleet is integrated, they might listen to their Warrior Admiral and attack and be done with all Kermac and perhaps all Nul-Nul once and for all."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">The first Nul sounded just as concerned as his partner as he added:

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"With the Union that strong, and getting stronger by the day, all it takes is a spark or an incident and their Assembly will call for war. I have been a diplomatic guest during the last Union Week and I have seen their parade. So we agree to meet the Kermac and discuss what options we might have to address these developments."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">The Half Dai got up and said:

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"I will make the arrangement and contact you with the details of where and when this meeting can be held, but first I will search for your prince."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">With these words he left.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">I wished I could follow him and find out more about all this, but something else happened and prevented me even contemplating how to accomplish that. The Barkeep stomped from behind his bar to the table of the two disguised Nul and pointed all three of his arms at them and said with a loud voice:

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"I don't like anyone mocking me or my species. You are not Pertharian; you are something else in disguise. Now why would anyone come to this station pretending to be Pertharian? Maybe you are Union spies!"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Now everyone in the Tavern was paying attention and almost everyone was pulling weapons.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Both disguised Nul got up, toppling the table doing it and the first raised his hands.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"We are not Union!"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">The Barkeeper growled with anger saying:

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"You are also not Pertharian!"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"We are Nul. We had no intention to insult you, but we will not be threatened."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Before the situation escalated, three men in Kermac Battle suits stomped in, they looked exactly how I imagined Half Kermac half humans would look and their leader said:

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"We are Bassetts and we welcome everyone on our Rock, except spies of any kind, be it Nul, Union, Kermac or from wherever else. We also don't allow fights with power weapons, so we want you to leave now and don't you ever come back."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">I had the strong feeling that this was a staged show, pre-arranged in case the Nul would be discovered. The Barkeep however was satisfied and so were the patrons.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">This commotion however also served the Half Dai to slip away.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">There was nothing more I needed to know right now, so I gave Narth the signal to move the Tigershark and announce ourselves.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">It didn't take long and one of the station's owners, a man with distinctive Kermac features in his human face walked over to a big table where Captain Swift and another Captain drank with members of their crews and my audio pick up overheard the Half Kermac say:

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"It might be of interest to you but we just retrieved the docking request of the Silver Streak, commanded by Black Velvet and she is towing in the Mighty Nine as a prize to sell."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Captain Swift I identified from the security images from the Danny Houston. He was human no doubt, but I believed he also had some non-human genetics in his DNA as he appeared unusually tall and his skin had a yellow hue. He looked up and said with surprise in his voice:

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Are you sure it is the ship of that cut throat Volting?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">An Oghar with elaborate decorated lower jar husks and rough scaled skin touched one of his gold and jewel encrusted teeth and said:

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"I have heard much about this Velvet, but nothing really substantial. No one has really seen her, no one knows if she is the same one that was supposed to be active 500 years ago, or someone using the same name."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Swift shrugged:

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"I haven't seen her either, but I know she is on the top ten wanted list of the Union and that takes some serious crime and they don't put ghosts on that list."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Shea informed me silently:

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"The Oghar is called Crimson Curse and his ship is the Bloody Mary. He is one of the most successful and experienced pirates of Freespace as he has been in business for over 40 years."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Now my disguised ship became visible in the bright flood lights of the mooring arm. It was the first time I saw the ship disguised like that from the outside, and despite the crudely added ISAH pods and the welded armor plates, it looked quite dangerous. Hans and a team of my crew had taken command of the Mighty Nine and docked it right beside it.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Everyone in the Tavern was looking and the Oghar said:

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"It is the Mighty Nine alright, looks like she's missing one drive pod and someone clipped her claws real good, two turrets gone and the third one is damaged. Looks like the Silver Streak has an excellent gunner."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">The Captain of the Swift pointed at my ship and said.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"That old Kartanian has some serious fire power. Look at the size of those Nul froth casters. Those aren't easy to come by and even harder to install."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">The Oghar Captain kept playing with his tusks and grunted.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Them ISAH pods look like the old Three-Ninety B series. State of the art 400 years ago and I bet my left tusk they are Type XI and with four of those she is likely to make 350 to 400 klicks to the second."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Swift agreed with a grunt of his own ,

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"I'd take genuine ISAH Pods over that Karthanian Scrap I got anytime. "

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Har-Hi and I used the distraction to silently leave our table and enter the ghastly washroom of the Tavern.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Har-Hi covered the false muzzle of his mask and said.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"By the lords, this stinks worse than the Enviro Tanks we had to clean."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">What they called a wash room was worse than the Seawall behind the Nilfeheim taverns, where the patrons relieved themselves. Rusty gray steel walls smeared with obscene crude graffiti and organic matter of every shade of green and brown.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">We watched a burly Oghr leave one of the open stalls, trailing a gagging cloud of stench.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">I said while trying to keep it down.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Can you imagine the Enviro Tank on an Oghr ship?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Narth popped out of thin air after we were certain we were alone, touched us both and teleported us back to the ship.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Shea who was dressed in my usual Black Velvet outfit to pose as me for the initial contact with Brhama Port greeted us on the bridge and said.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"There were no problems at all, they granted us mooring permit, but requested that we pay a mooring fee of 500 Polo full weights for each ship."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">I pulled the Nogoll mask and she waved her hand before her nose.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Say, was the costume not enough, did you have to adopt the smell too?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">I glared at her. "You should have seen or smelled what they called a wash room."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Har- Hi was already halfway to the Elevators and I followed him adding. "After Har-Hi and I changed we will make our official entrance and then stay as long as the Swift Profit. That ship will be our next target."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">STATION MASTER'S OFFICE

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">The Half Kermac sitting behind his desk eyed us suspiciously as I placed a plastic bag with the 1000 Polo Coins before him. He had the same paper white skin and the characteristic small nose and mouth of a Kermac, but unlike them, he did have black hair and eyebrows. His eyes, I noticed, were neither Kermac nor Human and looked more like the reptilian eyes of a Shiss. He took the coins without counting and placed them in a drawer behind him, and then he said:

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"You have never been here, Captain Velvet, but you have a reputation that precedes you. The rules here are simple. We like the business your kind brings, but not the trouble. Fighting is allowed but not with any energy weapons or similar destructive devices. I don't think you are interested in mining, but I tell this to all newcomers to Brhama Port. Don't raid mining camps or ships around here and don't start rouge mining on your own. If you need fuel we sell that for 140 Polo Full weights per standard 1023 Nogto Bulb. That is about 500 Nul Roos or 992 Union Kilos."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">He spread his arms.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"That is about all there is, welcome to the Shattered Star System of the Bennett family."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Har Hi, Shea and Narth were with me, and all three stood behind me with crossed arms. Narth actually wore a black leather and steel armor over his shroud and even carried a Nul Gravitor rifle over his back. His face and head hidden, behind a black helmet with mirrored face plate, he had borrowed from Three Four. Har-Hi wore his red Dai Leather with all the knives, weapons and swords in place. He had covered the Glyph of his Clan.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Shea wore a shoulder free bodice of white leather, matching over knee boots and a fur cape that looked much like my old Fangsnapper coat. She had her hair tied in a pony tail and wore a white half mask up to her nose. Beside the long Attikan Sniper Blaster she carried her mysterious sword. In my opinion she looked dangerous and very sexy at the same time.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">That there was plenty of human DNA left in the Half Kermac was evident as he had a hard time making eye contact with me and shifted his eyes to my chest.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">I said to him:

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Indeed I am not interested in mining but I have a spare ship I would like to sell and was told it could be done here."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">He nodded.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"To be honest, you will not get the same price you would get for it at Kaliment or Sin 4, but I am sending my brother Kooornt, and he will check the ship. I will contact you later today with the price we are willing to pay."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">I agreed that this would be acceptable and we left the Asteroid Managers office.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">THE TAVERN

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">We went once more to the Tavern, this time however openly. The barkeeper eyed us with interest for about five seconds then took our orders and lost interest after we paid him. We found ourselves a table and sat down.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">I had no clear plan what we should do next and at this point I decided to just stir the pot a little and wait to see what would happen. One point on my agenda was to put the Bennett Family out of business permanently. If I could manage to somehow destroy this Asteroid Base it would take away a Pirate Base and Hideaway. The fewer bases and posts they had to hide at the better, and these so called 'miners' aided and enabled these crooks by providing these services.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">However there weren't many options. To destroy a huge object like this asteroid required serious fire power; more than even the Tigershark had. Of course a few well placed Translocator shots into environmental engineering would make this place quite inhospitable. Another option was to set of a P Bomb, but that was like leaving a Union tech calling card.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Shea leaned forward given me a very nice view down her cleavage, while she said in a quiet tone.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"I can smell that wash room even out here."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Har-Hi pointed with his chin to a handful of miners sitting at a table next to us. "It's not the bathroom, it's them."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">She produced a little atomizer, and sprayed it before her. A fresh flowery scent suddenly tired to mask the sour, musky scent that wafted almost visibly into our direction.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Next time I select a filter mask, don't they bathe?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Har-Hi shook his head.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Water is very expensive out here and even more at these mining camps, unless they mine ice. Washing isn't a big priority to them."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Narth enjoyed himself greatly, to him it was all a part of his corporal experience outside the Narth Collective. His voice came into my mind.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"You do begin to understand Narth, it pleases me. I too contemplate how a destruction of this base could be accomplished without revealing our true origin, but I must also be a voice of warning as it wold be against our license and charter.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">“Our what?”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">“We are here in Freespace clearly violating a Treaty signed by representatives of our Union. Now it is true that the Assembly has given us license via the Intelligence committee to eliminate piracy, hunt known criminals and suppress arms and slave trade. However neither the owners of this Asteroid nor the many miners living here appear on any wanted list or are known to have committed crimes against the Union.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">He was right of course. We were already walking a very thin line and I was certain Admiral McElligott had twisted and bent more than just one rule to make our mission possible. However Stahl also knew about it and for his trust in me alone, I had to heed Narth objection and think of another way to take this Pirate base out of business.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">“Can I ask you a question that puzzles me greatly.” “Of course, you never asked permission before.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">“Why did you find pleasure in looking at Shea's breasts. You do have almost identical ones, do they differ in some other way than size that affects you in this way? I stared at both and could detect no emotional effect.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Har-Hi coughed and the Thill beer shot out of his nose. Shea started to giggle and I was glad for my mask, as I must have turned cherry red. “Ah ..well because I am still getting used to them.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Har-Hi wiped his nose. “Narth, with you around I have a real hard time remaining a stern Dai Warrior.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">The Oghar Pirate and the Captain of the Swift Profit were still here and it was not hard to tell that we were the subject of their conversation. Before Narth could say something else. Captain Swift got up and walked over, made a theatrical bow and tipping his forehead. "I am Curtis Swift, Captain of the Swift Profit and I think you are the famous and mysterious Black Velvet. I also assume we might be in the same line of business, so I thought I introduce myself."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">I eyed him up and down and said. "And what line of business would that be?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Doing what we please and taking advantage of opportunities that might present themselves, a little of this and a little of that and not particularly caring about anyone else and their rules."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">He pointed at the big table. "This is called the Captain's table and I am sure Crimson Curse would like to get to know you,as much as I do. He is the ugly Oghar over there."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Before I could respond, everyone turned to the sudden locomotion and noise at the taverns entrance. A rowdy looking crew entered, led by a flashy dressed human with blue skin. He was without a doubt a Thauran.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">I cursed silently and wondered how far did I have go, so I would not meet any of those blue skinned bastards. I always had been tolerant and blind to another beings form, shape or color but those blue Thaurans started to get to me.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">He was accompanied by two muscular Oghr and according to the information I received from Narth those were Orkh-Oghr, the strongest and biggest sub species of the Oghr race.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Narth instantly corrected my thoughts.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"No, the Orkh-Oghr are the physically strongest sub species belonging to the remaining Nine Kingdoms. The Ogr who are nearly three times as big and strong are a Union member and no longer a kingdom. The Oromals who are also of the same group of species, are just as big and also Union members."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">I raised my hands.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Could they not come up with less confusing names. I mean Oghr, Ogar, Ogr it appears the only difference is a vowel here and there."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"After the Oghar Empire fell apart into nine Kingdoms they fought each other with bitter wars over many decades about such naming issues."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">While Narth educated me about the Oghr, I observed the new comers who were still standing at the open entrance area that separated the Tavern from the rest of the Asteroids main Cavern.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Trailing the group were three, mangy looking Jooltar warriors.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">The new arrived group was now joined by four more Thaurans, one of them female and all gaudily and colorfully dressed. If it weren't for the fact that the group was armed to the teeth one could have mistaken them for a traveling circus troupe.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">It was the five Thaurans that to me explained the noise and the air of self importance they displayed. I wondered why the Thauran did not join the Kermac, they could hold competitions of self importance and arrogance and my money wasn't on the Kermac as who would win such a contest.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Narth said in my mind.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"I doubt the Kermac would want a thrall species that was equally as good as they in the only field the Kermac really excel."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">I formed an answer and expressed my surprise.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Never did I think you would say something like this. Not that I mind, but sarcasm wasn't something I associate with a Narth."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">His thoughts felt slightly amused as he said.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"One might point out that we shared the Hugavh and that means I also adapt to your ways of thinking. It is us Narth who observed many civilizations for a very long time, and the Kermac are very good at being arrogant and self important. They have inherited this haughtiness and superciliousness from the UNI very long ago. Of course only with our new gained knowledge and understanding of emotions are we able to quantify our observations in such terms"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">His thoughts paused for a moment and then his mental voice said to me.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"This arrogant self-importance is of course not completely alien to humans, especially those who consider themselves of Noble origin. Now this is a concept I have spent much time analyzing and have yet to come to a satisfactory conclusion."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">I answered Narth silently and on our shared mental level.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"It is also part of my heritage, being of an Old Clan on Nilfeheim is something very similar. My clan is considered very important only due to the fact that we carry an old name. I also don't think all nobility is bad. Look at our Princess, she can switch it on and off just like that, and then there is Shaka. He never makes a big deal out of it but I met his father, the Zulu King at the Diamond Ball and he radiates authority in a way I can only describe as noble."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Narth didn't respond this time but I knew he was contemplating what I just had said and put it through his incomprehensible way of analyzing things.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Now he did respond.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"My way of analyzing things is not completely incomprehensible, Shea understands it well."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">I wanted to tell him, that not everyone had an IQ of 400 but my silent conversation with Narth was interrupted as Captain Swift, still standing next to me also watching the newcomers, rolled his eyes said to me.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"That is Captain Dentar Bloom of the Roughnir. Even among our colorful society of space-faring professionals he is not the most pleasant individual to deal with, but then he is Thauran. Never really met one I liked."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Strangely I found that Swift and I had actually something in common. The Thauran pointed out to me as Dentar Bloom yelled to the barkeeper. "Bottles of Solik, Big bowls of Tambark Broth and for me your finest Brohmir Sweat and bring plenty you three armed cretin!"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">They sat down at a table not far from us and the red and yellow dressed captain looked around with a disapproving expression in his face and then waved at Crimson. "Of all the ugly sights in the Galaxy, you my dear Crimson are the ugliest. Be so kind and switch chairs so I don't have to look at you!"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">The Barkeeper came to our table and asked if we wanted more drinks and the loudmouth complained.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"I ordered and expect to be served first. Don't waste time with the riff raff over there."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">The Barkeeper turned and said with an edge in his voice.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"First pay the tab you left the last time, eighty Full weights!"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Bloom put his hand on his boarding saber, but not pulling it.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"The cosmic winds did not blow much in terms of prey across our bow and the Blessed Blue Virgin was not with us the past few months. Nothing that carried Polos came our way. However we managed to liberate a collection of nice things that bring a hefty profit once I am able to reach the markets on Sin 4. We had to stop here to get some fuel."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">“Save your excuses and tell them to someone that cares. Eighty Full weights or there won't be any drinks.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Dentar Bloom made a jovial gesture.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"I pay you double I owe you the next time I come by. Now I think you extend my credit, I anger easily."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">The Barkeep pointed with one of his arms to the ceiling and to a set of remote controlled Neuro Rippers.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"You don't scare me Captain Bloom, pay up or leave. This establishment is for paying customers only. Make any kind of trouble and I might settle for what the scavengers pay me for your carcass."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">This obviously didn't sit well with the flashy dressed Thauran. He talked to one of his officers and the Oghar left.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Bloom then climbed on his chair and spread his arms.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">“It looks like well heeled Captain Swift is here and so is the famous Crimson Curse. One likes to eat and the other likes to rape. So I am thinking I hold a little auction right here and now."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">It didn't take long and the Oghr came back dragging a beautiful white Togar female on a chain behind him.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">She wore a metal collar and both her hands were attached to it with short chains, making her choke and at every move. The cruel metal band had rubbed her neck raw and there was crusted blood all around the collar. Her legs kept apart with a steel rod that had cuffs on each end, allowing her to move only with small steps. She had cuts and bruises all over her otherwise completely white fur.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">I didn't like Togar and only a short time ago; I wanted to kill them all. However seeing this poor female treated like that made me wish I could twist the head of that blue skinned bastards neck.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Her eyes were big and green, and she had a pink nose, that reminded me of the little Holdian Commander. The Togar female could not talk as she was muzzled with several layers of memory tape around her short snout.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">The three armed Pertharian Bar Keeper protested loudly.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Are you insane, Bloom? The Togar Empire isn't far from here and they will send war-ships if they hear a Female Togar was sold here. Those cats don't kid around when it comes to their females."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">With a dismissive gesture, Bloom said.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Don't you worry about the Togar. They have other things on their mind right now, besides she is a wanted criminal and I could get good money for her from any Togar male. She might be good in the Death Fight arenas but I am far from Sin 4 and need fuel, and you all know how nice a Togar female can be to human males, if she is properly restrained of course."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">His last comment was answered by nodding heads and rough laughter, coming from Miners and Pirates.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">The Thauran enjoyed being in the center of attention and said.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Now I know your appetite Captain Swift, but there are many lonely miners here, so the opening bid is 100 Polos."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">As disgusting as the sale was the lusting gaze in Swifts face and the dirty jokes and openly described fantasies of the miners present was even more revolting.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">It was one of the Miners who said.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"I give you the 100 Polos."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Swift immediately countered with a bid of 150.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">I had forgotten my own drink and my hand was reaching for the butt of my gun, when Har-Hi put his hand on my arm and shook his head almost unnoticeable. He was right of course and I would not jeopardize our mission by starting a fight underneath looming Neuro Rippers, especially not for a Togar, I didn't like in the first place.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">The price was at 600 Polos now and it looked one of the miners, a fat unkempt fellow, apparently human had the deeper pockets, as Swift was not raising his hand again.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">There was a moment of silence and it seemed the Miner would take the pitiful looking Togar Female and then do all the things he said he would do to her.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">I said.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"1000 Polos" Almost surprised myself but I couldn't let her be sold into a fate so cruel. Maybe we could keep her in stasis and let her go somewhere convenient and close to wherever she called home.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">My bid put all eyes on me and the Thauran captain noticed me, saying.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Who are you? I sell to anyone but you have to have the cash."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"I got the Polo's anything else is unimportant."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Swift introduced me saying. "That delectable package in skintight leather is none other than the the famous and mysterious Black Velvet."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">The Thauran made a mocking bow and said. "Thousand Polos, Full-weight have been called for this wild, soft furred promise of pleasure. Do I hear any other bids?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Narth voice in my head said."I informed the ship. Hans and the Golden are on their way with the money. What do you want done with the Togar female?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Have Cateria check her out and then I guess put her in Stasis till we can let her go somewhere. Maybe we can find out where she belongs and see if we can get her as close as possible."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"This might prove difficult, as she isn't what the Thauran claimed she is."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"She isn't Togar?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"She is, but I think we might have purchased what you would call big trouble."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">I didn't like what I was hearing and silently responded.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Can you be more specific than that?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"I shall accompany her to the ship and probe deeper and then let you know."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Hans stomped in and his massive appearance silenced the crowd. He looked frightening indeed in his version of a pirate costume.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">He wore a harness similar to the one Har-Hi had, across his enormous and otherwise bare chest, but his was not made of leather but instead of heavy looking links of Ultronit steel chain. Pants of thick leather, stitched together with steel rivet. A full sized Nul Gravitor Cannon across his back and a pair of Y'All boarding swords was his weapon choice.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">To all this he had on knee high boots, reinforced with armor plates and it had the appearance as if he could kick a battle robot to scrap. The knuckles of his gauntlet style gloves sported metal spikes, gleaming razor sharp.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">To finish his look he wore a skull tight leather mask that left his chin and mouth open. The mask had a crest of needle sharp looking metal spikes. He looked like a nightmare version of a dungeon torturer right out of the horror Visuals Mao loved to watch.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">No one dared to speak and there was open fear in quite a few of the rough faces.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">He carried an Ultronit band reinforced Strong box over his left shoulder and with his right he swiped one of the Oghr out of his way, with about as much effort as if swatting an insect. The Oghr stumbled and fell and instead of getting up he crawled further out of Hans way.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Sobody walking next to Hans was almost unnoticed. He looked the same as always but his bald head sported a ghastly cross shaped scar. From my adventure on Alvor's cove I knew it meant he was an outcast of the Golden society.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">The metal grating of the floor was vibrating with every step Hans made; glasses on the tables danced as he came to my table and placed the heavy chest before me.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Sobody unlocked it with a flair of importance and an electronic key he wore around his neck and bowed before me. "Captain, as requested your purse."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">I was still sitting and said. "Pay that Thauran 1000 Polos."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Captain Swift whistled through his teeth as Sobody opened the chest that was filled to the brim with Polo Coins packed in clear plastic bags and handed the speechless Thauran two of them saying "Two bags of 500 each."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Narth got up whispered to Hans. My terrifying looking Security chief nodded and took the struggling and horrified Togar cat like a toy doll over his shoulder and along with Narth he left.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Into the prevailing silence Bloom said looking at the two bags of money he held.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"By the blessed Blue Virgin, that I call no nonsense business. You seem to run a tight ship and gathered a capable crew, respect, respect!"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">The three armed Pertharian held out two of his hands.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Now that you have money, I think you need to pay your tab."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Since the Barkeeper also held the remote control of the Neuro ripper in his third hand and the projector heads on the ceiling moved with an audible hum, targeting the Thauran; the blue skinned Captain obliged, but he didn't like it one bit as it was evident by his facial expression.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Bloom came closer to our table with his crew close behind him. He eyed the heavy chest and said to me.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"You would not be in the market for 80 tons of fine Togar merchandise?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">I sipped at my Dai Beer and said.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"No I am not."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"You see, I have a hold full of that stuff, and it will sell on Sin 4 or on Kaliment for good money. The trouble is, I am a tad short on fuel and these tight Basset bastards don't give credit."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">I raised my head and looked at him.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"And why are you boring me with that. I am sure the miners over there have always needs for cheap laborers and after a year or two you might have enough money to buy fuel, I suppose."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">He sucked in air and said pointing his finger at me.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"I don't think you understand, female. I eat the likes of you for breakfast. I am going to take that chest now and if you try to stop us my men will do the same to you what we did to the Togar female.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Har Hi said.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Touch that chest and you touch nothing ever again with your own hands."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">His men drew weapons and he said.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Do the math, Dai, ten against three. Your leather clad monster isn't here."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">The Barkeep jelled.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"I don't care what business you have among each other, but no Energy weapons. If you want to brawl with swords and knifes be my guest, but you pay for the damage."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Now Crimson Curse got up, smashing his fist onto the metal table so hard, it left a sizable dent. "Enough of this! Free Space is shrinking by the day and the places our kind can rest and trade are not as common as they used to be. It is you trouble makers that spoil it for the rest of us. If you have quarrels duke it out Captain versus captain as it always has been the custom."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Bloom raised his arms.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Well so be it then. I fight the female and get the Polos, what a splendid suggestion Ugly Crimson!"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Har-Hi shook his head.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"That is a bad idea, Bloom. Reconsider and fight me instead."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Bloom laughed.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"If she wants to play pirate and fly with the big boys then she needs to fight herself. I have no problem spanking her into submission."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">I got up so fast, my chair flew and crashed against the wall somewhere in the back, while I was flanking myself over the table, and raked both of my boot heels across his throat and face. My training with Master Alamea and the Academy instructors; the instructions of Siegfrieda, Richard the Outcast and mental uploads I received from the Sojonit sisters merged into an instinctive, distinct style all of my own and I was at a point where I was able to act almost faster than I could think. My reaction was fueled by the old familiar Olafson rage and my growing dislike of Thaurans.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Still in motion I hit the floor and spin kicked the Oghar right next to Bloom for good measure. The Ultronit heels of my boots were terrible weapons at close quarter.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Bloom staggered backward his hands trying to stop the blood spraying from his throat wound, my 45 roared and the heavy lead slug tore into the head of the recovering Oghr, proving once again what a deadly weapon this old gun really was.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Bloom had dropped to his knees, there was an expression of pain and the certain knowledge of impending death on his face as he reached out with his other hand. There was no mercy and no feeling of remorse as I pointed the muzzle of the antique colt at his forehead and ended his misery with a gory explosion of blood and brain.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Har Hi had been right behind me, both swords drawn decapitating two of Bloom's men in a dazzling lightning fast move. A third stared stared at his arm stump, his right hands fallen on the floor still clutching a blaster.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Our constant cross training showed that Shea was no longer just a science geek but a force to be reckoned with, as she had her strange sword at the throat of the second Oghar, cutting pieces out of his armor with little flicks of her wrist.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Even our Golden turned out to be much more than just an old man of a dwarf like species. He moved his hand and arm in a strange motion almost as if he threw something and then pulled at an imaginary string; the effect of his pantomimic moves however was deadly and gruesome. One of the Thauran crew members fell to the floor cut in half!

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Sobody glared at the remaining men and said.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"He should have thought twice before pulling a dagger on my Captain while I am around."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">I looked around and said.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Anyone else thinking, I can't play with the boys. Step on up!"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">All this had happened so fast, Crimson was still standing. Swift whistled again.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Holy shit!"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Har-Hi carefully cleaned his blades with a piece of silk he always carried and said as he put the swords away.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"I did warn him, I might just have clipped an ear of his."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Crimson sat back down and said.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Good riddance to Bloom, maybe we can drink in peace now. You Captain Velvet, of course are welcome to join us here at the Captain's table."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">One of the surviving crew members of Bloom's group said.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"What of us now, are we to report to your ship?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">I nodded.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"That's right. Go get everyone of your crew and report to the Silver Streak."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Har-Hi got up

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"I make sure they are properly accommodated."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Har-Hi proved just how strong he was as he shouldered the heavy money chest and he and Shea left followed by Blooms men.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Just as I was sitting down at the Captain's table a representative of the Bassett family approached and said.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"I am Kooornt Bassett and I can make you an offer and if you want for both ships."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">I pointed to the Golden and said.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"My Quartermaster will take care of that."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Sobody grinned from ear to ear and went with the man to a different table.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Swift said.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"You certainly live up to your legend and then some."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">He touched his throat and then glanced at the body of Bloom.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Crimson quaffed another tankard of Oghar brew and ordered a plate of Lum-Lum Chews. Then he said with his deep growling voice.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"It is a good thing you dealt with that Thauran. Otherwise I would have. He is the kind, just like that cursed Red Dragon and his Sinister Alliance stirring things up too much."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">He looked around and leaned forward.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"The Dragon keeps poking the Union like he did recently with his stunt attacking a Union Outpost and they might start listening to the Eternal Warrior and roll in giving a hoot about treaties and Freespace, and then our days will be counted,"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Swift said.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Well the Shiss, the Kermac and the Nul will have a word in that as well, I doubt the Union will risk a war over pirates."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Crimson made a wiping gesture with his big hands.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"They can't stop the Union. I tell you Red Dragon and his Sinister Alliance is bad news."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Swift shrugged.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"I was considering flying to Itheamh and finding out where their secret meeting place is and joining the Sinister Alliance. There are rumors they plan for something big."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Crimson took one of the Lum-Lums that had just been served, but did not eat instead he said. "What use do we have for alliances? Is it not the very reason we do what we do to be free of other mens rules and laws? What good did his last big raid do him?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">I shrugged and played the uninformed.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"I played in another region of the Galaxy and haven't been in touch with the news lately. Did they not attack a Union outpost or something like that?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Crimson chewed with his massive jaws and gave Swift a side look from his small yellow eyes and said after he swallowed.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Aye he did, Outpost 96. Huge Pirate fleet, and a decoy fleet full of ground troops to boot, filled with every gun wielding scum he could hire on Sin 4 and Itheamh. Lightly defended he claimed it would be and yet he got his arse kicked, by a bunch of Wolfcraft fighters. He was the only one escaping with nothing in his holds but air and a hole as big as planet in his ship. If he has some personal vendetta against the Union, let him do it on his own. I rather be dead than fly with his Sinister Alliance."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">He grabbed another Lum-Lum and bit in it with resolve. Then he pushed the plate over and invited Swift and me to take one as well.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Swift declined and sipped on a glass with a greenish thick liquid that smelled strongly of fermented fruits and said.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Maybe you are right, you're in this business longer than most."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">The Bassett Brother came to me and sighed, pointing at Sobody who looked as pleased as a Nubhir wolf that got the big bone, and said.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Smart move, Captain Velvet to have a Golden do business for you. If we had continued haggling I would have been lucky walking out of here with my pants still mine."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Sobody also got up and came over as well.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"I am going with my new friend Kooornt and make sure we get paid."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">I said.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"You did well, I assume?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Considering the location and the small market, yes Captain."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">After they left Crimson finished a sixth Lum-Lum and said.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Well I am off and go back to business and I suggest you both do the same."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">He leaned forward once again and lowered his voice as much as he could.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"This region isn't going to be safe much longer."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Swift made a surprised face.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Why are you saying this? This is still Free Space!"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Crimson touched his jeweled encrusted gold encased tusk.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"I have it on good authority that the Dai Lord Cam Elf-Na united over 2000 clans under his leadership into one massive mega clan. It is said he is out for revenge. Anyone guilty of dealing with Dai artifacts will feel their wraith. The Bassetts made a killing on Dai scrap, as you know. The big fight between Union and Dai happened not far from here.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Cam Elf Na will need lots of raw materials for the Dai factory ships when he attacks the Union, which I am certain is his next move."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Swift waved his hand.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"I actually heard the same rumor on Itheamh, but the Bassetts have a defense alliance with the Togar and they aren't far from here and the Togar do keep their contracts, their queen is known for it."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Crimson placed a few coins on the table and said.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"I care not what you believe, but it would need more than two thirds of the Togar fleet, to defeat 2000 Dai Clans and I doubt the Queen will make such an effort to defend such an unimportant partner as the Bassetts. I think Cam Elf-Na has the power to take on almost anyone in Free Space now. No one is really safe. Not Sin 4, not Itheamh, not the Kartanians. It would take the reunification of all Oghar Kingdoms to stop him and that won't happen even if the Galaxy turns its spin; and if he moves across into Union Space he will cut a swath of destruction before the Union can stop him. In any case this area of space is soon to hot for any individual space ship."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">With those words the Oghar Captain left.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Swift said.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"I am heading for Sin 4 and two ships are safer than one, if you heading that direction Velvet, we could fly together."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">I nodded.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"As a matter of fact, I am going that way too. So yes it might be a good idea. I am leaving early in the morning as well."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">That suited me just fine and if everything went according to plan, he would arrive on Sin 4 inside my Cargo bay and inside a Zero Stasis Box.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">The Pertharian cleaned the table of empty mugs and plates and pointed at the dead pirates.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Do you want them or can I clean up?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"No I have no need for bodies, what do I owe you for the clean up."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"I sell their gear and whatever change they have on them will do for payment."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Swift stretched his arms.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Well I am hungry too, but the stench of death soured my appetite, This asteroid has a few decent restaurants in the upper tier. This is where I am headed."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">He gestured towards the Pertharian who loaded the dead onto a sturdy hover cart.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Besides the next batch of Lum-Lums might be Ala Thauran. Care to join me for dinner?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Maybe some other time. I have a ship to attend to, and I prefer the fair served in my galley anyway,"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">He laughed.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"You are lucky then. We take turns preparing meals on the Swift Profit and none of us is a gifted chef. This is the main reason I come here, to eat something that isn't raw or burned. What would I give for a decent food printer, an automated galley or a robo chef."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">He got up.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Well if you change your mind, I will be in the Harpir's Lion top tier. If not we will talk tomorrow when we leave for Sin 4."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">He rapped his knuckles against the table, got up and left.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">I suddenly found myself sitting pretty much alone in the dim tavern.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">I got up too and decided to check out the Asteroid base a little more.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">The tavern was not the only business on this level. There was a ship parts dealer, a merchant selling water and food items in bulk to replenish ship stores. Next to it a place that sold mining tools and other supplies I did not recognize immediately. There I observed a big human miner in a smudgy yellowish coverall or maybe some sort of utility space suit standing before the supply store, he was surrounded by a group of four unsavory looking characters.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">A Jooltar, a being that looked like a smaller sized Shiss with two arms only and two humans. They wore armor and battle suit pieces and they were armed.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">At first I paid no real attention and wanted to go on and explore more of the base, or maybe go back to the Tigershark and see about the Togar female but the way the four beings crowded onto the miner told me that there was trouble brewing. The corridor was not wide enough for me to pass by unnoticed or in a safe distance.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">I could hear the Jooltar say.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Didn't we tell you not to come to the station anymore? It is simply not safe for you."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"I have a right to be here, just as you. Tell him that I will not sell my claim."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"That is the problem. If you let us have your claim all problems disappear. You struck it rich didn't you?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"What is it to you? I am digging for 40 years now.."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">The lizard being raised a club to strike the man.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"I think you need a lesson and then we will walk to the Claim office."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">The four started to beat the man, who tried to shield his face with his arms. They were merciless and brutal.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">I shouldered myself past the four and said.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Would you mind clearing the entrance, no one can get in that store with you crowding the door like that."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">For a short moment they all were surprised about my sudden appearance that they forgot what they were doing. The Jooltar muttered.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"She is right you know we are blocking..."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">One of the humans whacked the Jooltar. "You stupid mutt, of course we are."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">The same human grabbed me by the arm.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"You beat it and disappearr very fast, or you join this stubborn Roid digger in theinfirmary.."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"I was in the market to buy one of these things with the yellow handle over there, as I needed exactly one of those. Now there is two things I hate. Unfair situations and being touched unasked."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">They started to laugh,

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"You are quite cheeky..."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">I grabbed his arm still on my shoulder and gave it a powerful twist and buried my knee between his legs,

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">The Jooltar was the fastest reacting while I still dealt with the human, but still slow enough for me to stomp on his foot.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">They weren't a real challenge and a few moments later they littered the ground and didn't move. Now I should scold myself. Killing Bloom earlier on was not really necessary, and fighting four brawlers about a local affair that didn't mean a thing to our mission was even more foolish.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">The miner came staggering to his feet and stood there unsteady and wobbling. I said to him.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Well mister, they won't bother you for a while. Why don't you find that infirmary they talked about and have yourself fixed up?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">He pulled a ghastly looking rag from a belt pouch and pressed it on a bleeding cut over his right eye.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"I am going to be alright, Captain Velvet. Thanks to you!"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Well seems you know who I am and since the situation appears to be under control. I am on my way."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Please wait, Ma'am. Let me make it up to you. You saved my life."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"No worries about that. It was on the house. I don't like unfair situations, its sort of a hobby of mine, not a very sensible hobby mind you."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Please, it would mean a great deal to me if you come to my rock. I think I have something you might be interested in, something of great value to a pirate like you."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"You just told those thugs you worked for what you have and I certainly don't want to take any valuables from you. I am not hurting for money or loot."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">He gestured towards the still unconscious brawlers.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"All a miner has to do is buy a license from the Bassetts, and sell all ore to the Bassett family and he is reasonably safe and protected."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">He sighed with sagging shoulders.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"That of course does not hold true for family. I am a Bassett and so is the crook good for nothing greedy son of a bitch who sent these bruisers after me.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">That made me stop, as I was already on the move.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"You are a Bassett, aren't you guys run this place?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">He gathered the supplies he had dropped.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"This family has over 1000 members, Black Velvet and not all are blood. Have you ever heard of any big family without a feud?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Coming from Nilfeheim with big clans and families and family feuds that lasted centuries I immediately understood.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"No I haven't."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">I took a bag of his and said.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Alright I am game,show me that valuable whatever it is."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"You are an enigma Black Velvet and I don't mean that because you wear a mask and all the stories they tell of you, being 400 years old and turned into a demon by the monsters of the Igras expanse."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"I had no idea that was rumor, I mean the demon part."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">He gestured to a simple hover sled and put the boxes he carried on the flat cargo area.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"My shuttle is at the end of mooring arm two."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">I climbed onto the equally simple passenger seat, while he sat behind the two lever controls. As the sled was accelerating to a breathtaking speed of perhaps 30 kilometers and hour at most. He said.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"They say you were fleeing from Union ships and took refuge in the Igras expanse a little over 400 years ago. That soup they say is so thick that no ship can cross it, and there are many old stories of fiery demons and winged monsters appearing to scoopers, pirates and the occasional traveler."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Do you think I am a demon?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">He nodded the Tavern. I also seen what you did to Ilkesh's bruisers and then you help a dirty dude like me."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">I changed the subject asking.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"So are you the black sheep of the family or is it that Ilkesh?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"I do not know what a Black Sheep is, but I think I know what you mean. Neither one of us are very high in the Family hierarchy and we are only a little above non related miners and visitors. We pay for almost everything just as them, except that in case of an emergency we are supposed to fight for the family. I am digging through these rocks for more than 40 years, Black Velvet.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">A few weeks ago I stumbled across a rich deposit of Kalimun. Every scoop worth more than all the metal ore I manage to scrape together in a year, and I estimate there are a few million scoops in that roid of mine."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Kalimun?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">I stopped myself in the last moment remembering what Deepa had told me while we were on Kalimant.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">He nodded and steered the sled up a long steep inclining corridor that was actually the interior one of the mooring arms. The gravitational directional pull changed as we passed inside the corridor. It now appeared level and the area behind us was in a steep incline.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Yes Kalimun and I am no longer just a face among many. I am rich, very rich and that means I am moving up in the family ladder. However a family member that used to be rich is sitting on that spot where I am going to move and he is trying to get my claim to keep his spot and deny me mine."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">He stopped the sled at the last air lock door.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"To be honest Velvet, after all those years of digging, I realized there isn't really much else I want to do. I have my peace when I dig and if truth to be told I would simply give him all that Kalium. I don't care much about family politics and I be rather dead than kissing the Arses of the sons of the Mother."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"But since that Ilkesh used strong arm tactics instead of simply asking for it, you rather take a beating even if they kill you than give or sell it to him,right?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">He climbed of the sled.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"You aren't Bassett under that mask? You understand me exactly!"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">I helped him unload the supplies into the Airlock.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"No I am not Bassett, but I am from a place with large families and similar stories."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">He wiped his hands on his pants and held it out.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"I am Mikesh Bassett."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Black Velvet, but then you knew that already" I took his hand.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"I never thought to get to know a pirate captain. They never give us miners the time of day,"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">His ship was smaller than the Tullerman perhaps a few centimeters bigger than a D 20 and not much cleaner than his suit. The smell immediately took me back to the USS Rossinante, I had captured from scooper raiders.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"I know it is not up to par, Ms. Velvet, but it is a short trip and what I wanted to give you will make it worth your while."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"If it is Kalium,I don't really need any."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"I would not drag you out to my rock for Kalium, but if you want to fill your freight bays with a few hundred tons,I throw that in as well."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">He steered the small boat away from the Asteroid and accelerated in my estimate with only marginally better acceleration than his hover sled.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">I called Har-Hi and told him quietly what I was doing and where I was.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Har-Hi cleared his throat.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">“That explains the call we got from local security about two dead and two very seriously injured local thugs, not that this was a very big mystery to us. Any specific orders while you do the local sight seeing tour?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Keep an eye on our friend, just in case he decides to leave earlier. Other than that stand by I should be back soon,"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">–!-

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Ha-Hi deactivated his wrist PDD with an almost angry tap.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Elfi who stood next to him on the bridge of the Tigershark said.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Be careful with your IRTC module. They say it is sturdy enough for Saturnians to use, but I doubt they designed it with agitated Dai in mind."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">They were both on duty aboard a Union ship and Elfi should have addressed Har Hi by rank, as he was the XO of the ship, but in this regard no one aboard really acted in accordance with the rules.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">He gave her a stern look.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"If Hans can't break it, what chance would I have. Wasn't it you briefing me on these Intelligence Recon Tactical Communicators? I recall you said they work in any environment and are nearly indestructible."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Before Elfi could respond, Hans who stood at his security post pulled a mangled piece from out of a pocket.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Sorry Sir, they are not indestructible and most certainly nor sturdy enough for Saturnians." He made an apologetic face and grinned weakly towards Elfi

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Shea actually padded Har-Hi's shoulder.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"The Captain will be fine, it's a harmless trip to an Asteroid mine." She had been standing close to Har-Hi as Erica called.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">The Dai XO of the Tigershark sat down in the Command seat.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Do you recall one single trip our Captain took anywhere without him running in some kind of situation?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">He threw his arms in the air.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"It took the Captain less than twenty minutes and just walking out the Tavern to run into local thugs."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Everyone on the bridge and the entire ship knew that Har-Hi was not disrespectful of the Captain but vented his concerns. Har-Hi loved the Captain like a brother.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Narth popped out of thin air and said as if he had listened to the entire conversation.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"There are no conditions known to all Narth, that could quantify such concepts as luck or fate, but I personally begin to question that knowledge and come to the conclusion our Captain has some sort of unexplainable talent in that regard."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">He then sat down behind the OPS station, and carefully arranged the folds of his shrouds.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"I sense no danger, or distress. The Captain appears to be in no danger."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Har-Hi leaned back.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Well since we are all here, I like a situation report. The Captain might want to know when he comes back."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"She. The captain is now a she, Sir."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Krabbel corrected the Dai while lingering behind the Command seat and next to the Nav Tank.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Har-Hi turned to face the Archa Spider.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Of course, I still getting used to this change. Now let us begin with you Mr. Krabbel, report please."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"I analyzed all the NAV data we recovered from the pirate ships we recently acquired and created a new info map of Free Space and regions beyond. With the Intel data and pirate incident reports from Hans I co-related it all."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Har-Hi noticed the red haired Yeoman standing next to the spider holding a PDD and said.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"And Yeoman O'Connell is using it to prepare legal documents so the the individuals we have in Zero stasis custody can be charged in court later, I assume?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">She nodded. "Yes, Sir. I am preparing dossiers on all our guests."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Elfi was next and said.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"I am monitoring the local channels. They are all abuzz about Captain Black Velvet and the Silver Streak. I say we made quite an impression. I also like to comment TheOther who is becoming a real asset to my department. He is currently in the Comm Lab and diligently sorts through the transcripts, preparing a signal Intel report for Fleet Command."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"So noted Ms. Petetis. I will place your recommendation into the log and have the Captain sign it."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Shea pointed to her science console.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"I am mapping the orbits of the asteroids in this system, using our Kelpie data. My department also works on a solar profile, analyzing the DNA micro-matter I collected in the Bassett office."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Shaka lifted his helmet.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"While we are idle I am running simulations with Mao and SHIP, "

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Har-Hi felt suddenly a little proud of their ship and it's crew and he had to admit the pride he felt was for the Union way of doing things. Even here attached to a mooring arm of a Pirate base, the crew of the Tigershark continued their work with initiative and efficiency. This to him was the real reason why the Union was so successful."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Good work, I expect a full department report on my desk by 0900 tomorrow, Mr. Narth."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">He then motioned towards Hans.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Mr. Neugruber you are not off the hook. After I heard your security report, I want you to explain to Ms. Petetis how you managed to utterly destroy Fleet equipment worth hundreds of credits."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">The titanic Saturnian, who just recently frightened the toughest cut throat pirates and spacers somehow managed to look a little smaller as he addressed the XO.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Sir, all prisoners are safely secured. We received 68 individuals from the Roughnir. They all have been molecular scanned, stripped of all belongings and placed inside Prisoner Control suits and in Zero Stasis boxes. The Togar female is currently still in Sickbay under the care of our CMO. Two Marines standing guard."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Hans tried to look apologetic as he handed Elfi the mangled communicator.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"It dropped as I changed into my Pirate outfit and TheOther accidentally stepped on it and was surprised it survived and so I sort of accidentally stepped on it too." His face lit up. "It still sort of works."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Elfi took the thing and glared at him.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"That he emergency power light still blinks does not mean it still works, . "

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">To Har-Hi she said.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"These are prototypes and we are the first to receive them. Each of these simple looking devices are fully operational military PDDs with picto burst GalCom and a range of five light years. They are also the smallest Avatar enabled devices, can self destruct, fully cloak, can launch a remote controlled spy drone, the size of a pin head and have a three shot micro rocket launcher,not to mention the capability to engulf the wearer into a contour Para Dim shield for sixty minutes."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Narth added in his detached completely emotion free voice.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"The development budget of the first 500 units, of which we have received 490 exceeds the estimated GDP of your entire tribe by 67 percent, Lt. Hi. So your estimate of a few hundred credits per unit is perhaps not entirely correct."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Har-Hi looked at his own wrist com.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"It has rockets you say?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Elfi handed Hans a new one and said.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"The use and activation of the units offensive capabilities are described in section eight of the User manual."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Har-Hi didn't want to admit he never read past the first page and said to Narth.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"How would you know the GDP of my tribe?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Your father met with the Finance and Commerce committee of the Assembly, four years ago. Financial and Commerce advice and assessment is part of the process to integrate new members into the Union. The GDP assessment of all Union members is public record and..."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Har-Hi groaned. "And you of course know know that, probably of all Union members."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Narth voice had the tinniest hint of amusement as he said. "Naturally, Sir."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Har-Hi listened to the rest of the reports. The ship was in perfect condition and nothing indicated any imminent problems. "Is the Tullerman still there?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Hans answered.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Yes it is still moored where you have left it, you and the Captain returned with Narth."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">“We need to get rid of it, before we leave.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"I think I change into my Jooltar costume once more take a look around the base and take that thing out. Shea you have the Conn."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Sir,may I ask why are you doing that and where are you taking that contraption?" Shea asked.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Setting it on a course into the local star to burn up. Narth can bring me back. Besides I want to be out there, just in case."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Sir what help could you give in the Tullerman? We do have a Specter Class Gazelle. It is not as well armed as a Wolfcraft, but still a terrible Union war machine and faster than anything within a thousand light years."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"You are a very smart girl, Shea, but how would you explain to the Captain that we blew our cover by opening a hangar and launching a craft that screams union? The Gazelle can only cloak once outside."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Sorry, sir. I just think you are worried about the Captain and we should do something."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"The Captain is fine, he...I mean she called. Narth says she is fine."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Har-Hi turned to Narth.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"She is, right?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"I feel no emotions other than boredom "

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Har-Hi got up and motioned to Elfi.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Can you assist me with the costume again? This Saresii Auto Dresser is not like our regular units."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Of course, do you mind me tagging along, Sir? I will look just as convincing as the Captain in the Black Nogoll costume."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">He agreed.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Yes that is a good idea. No one really noticed the two scavengers but someone might and it is good if they see us leave together."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">–""-

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Once more looking like a red fur Jooltar and in the company of a Black Nogoll. They slipped into the mooring arm corridor after Narth assured them no one was around to see them coming out of the Silver Streak.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">They both were about to enter the Tullerman, when Har-Hi suddenly got weak knees and an intense sensation of burning pain engulfed his entire body. He and Elfi collapsed right before the Airlock.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Har-Hi could see two beings, that had been hiding inside the Airlock, one of the shapes was holding a Kermac Neuro Ripper.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Let's get them inside before anyone sees them."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Everything went dark after that.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">-""-

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">We finally approached a sizable Asteroid, at least six light hours from the pirate base. My new friend had told me much about the Bassett family and the details of a roid miners life.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">I had learned that the Bassetts did not built the Asteroid base. It was so he told me originally built by an unknown alien civilization and discovered by the Togar. The cats of Togr refurbished it and used it as a mining base and outpost. Why the Togar abandoned it about 600 years ago was not known to him. He claimed that the ghosts of the original aliens had chased the Togar away, at least that was a popular legend and horror story, the Roid Miners loved to tell each other.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">We approached the irregular shaped rock, that looked to me almost like the head of a Nul.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Mikesh hadn't really shut up since we left and some of it was mildly interesting, most of it however almost put me to sleep.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">However I listened more actively as he begun to tell me more about the Bassetts.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"You know where we Bassetts come from?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"No, but I do wonder why some appear to have Kermac and Shiss features. Those species are not exactly compatible."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"The details are kept secret, by the inner circle and I am sure only the Old bird herself really knows, but the story goes like this: The Kermac Ministry of Information needs spies that can infiltrate other societies. Now in the case of the Union it is relative easy, but neither the Shiss nor the Nul are a multi species society. So the MOI simply took Kermac and started experimenting with plastic surgery and DNA tailoring to create Kermac that look like other beings, including Shiss and Nul. It is said that the original Bassetts were a failed experiment and managed to flee before the Kermac could destroy them. They weren't called Bassets back then, but no one remembers their real names. The legend also claims that the original Bassetts made their escape by the tinniest margin, their escape ship damaged and more a wreck than anything. They ended up here where they met a pirate or some other type of crook, he came from the Union and his name was Bassett and that where the name comes from."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">He steered the small ship past the opening iris type doors, set right into the surface of the Asteroid. "Know you know."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">I planned to have Hans check on that name and I was sure that it more or less was exactly how it happened.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Well, Mikesh now there is a mystery less in the universe."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"I know you are a busy Pirate and all this might not be the usual pace of things you are accustomed to, but to me it is amazing to have your company for a little while.. When I meet the other miners and tell them famous Black Velvet has been here, they will call me a liar and all that; and will give me something to talk about in years to come."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">“Besides I am going to reveal to you why this shattered system got destroyed and give you the key to the back door to Union space.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">I was no longer bored. “What do you mean by back door?”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">The ship had docked and he was getting out of the pilots seat. "I am not kidding, Black Velvet. You see the real secret of this system is a natural worm hole, that connects this place with what the Union calls the old Xunx Expanse.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">The worm hole does not move, it always appear on the same spot. Planets however do, and when the wormhole established itself, inside a planet, it tore the planet apart. At least this is how it was explained to me. We Bennetts use it for decades to smuggle Union Tech out of a region the Union deems safe with little controls.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">“I listened to the dirty miner, revealing this incredible secret to me.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">He led me into his living quarters that had the same character as his ship and I was certain Egill's burg had been cleaner in its worst days than that.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">He opened a solid looking metal chest and retrieved a shoe box sized object. “Some ancient society, the Celtest maybe had tried to tame that Wormhole and left ten of these control devices behind. There are still ruins and a parts of some kind of lab to be found deep in the bowels of the big rock.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">“Thor's thunder!”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">He nodded .”Family lore has it that the Togar found it, but some kind of device was guarding the place and killed them all. No one knows how the first Bennett, managed to deactivate or control it, but it is the real source of the Bennett power and that is why neither the Togar nor the Dai really want to mess with this place. They have tried in the past.” “I thought there is some pact with the Togar?”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">“Yes there is, because we Bennetts supply them with Union tech, Human meat and Intel.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">He held up the box. “No one knows there is an eleventh box. I found it years ago, digging a tunnel in the main rock. They say there are more of these hidden wormhole gates and this box can detect them when you are nearby. You saved my life and if you ever need to run from Union battle ships, such a worm hole gate might save yours.” He had a proud smile. “None of the other pirates ever gave me the time of day and my kin sided with that good for nothing cousin of mine. So I owe them nothing, but you did and that is why you can have this.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">-""-

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Har-Hi still felt groggy as he came around. He found himself wrapped in plastic tape. A strong looking green skinned Oghr of one or the other sub species before him, holding the Jooltar mask in one hand and a Kermac Neuro Ripper in the other.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Since you awake, you can hear me Dai. I want answers."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Now that his head begun t clear he saw Elfi, still unconscious, also unmasked and to his great dismay a Kermac, who stood behind the Oghr. This Kermac was more gray than white and he did not wear an artificial beard, still he was certain that evil grinning hairless man was a Kermac.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">They were still in the Tullerman from the looks of it.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">The Oghr wore some kind of space suit, from the looks of it, quite old and repaired and patched several times. The Kermac wore something quite similar.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">The Oghr held the Jooltar mask before Har-Hi's face.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"I don't know if I can make a Dai talk, even with a Neuro Ripper, so I might revert to old fashioned torture and rip you and your companion in small pieces. All I wanted to know is why a mangy looking Jooltar and a Black Nogoll came into the possession of the Yukitri."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Now the Kermac spoke for the first time.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"They were good friends of ours, Vaokk and Fundr. scavengers like us, and missing for many month and now you show up in their Tullerman. We knew right away you weren't scavengers and now what do we find?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">The Oghr shook the mask.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"A Dai and a human woman disguised in fancy costumes. Tell me Dai, who are you and why did you come to Brhama Port like that?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Har-Hi was angry at himself, he had been way to relaxed about his surroundings, way to pre occupied about the Captain than to pay attention. In his own Dai Suit he would have had a dozen ways to escape the bondage,kill the two and return to the ship, but right now he was as helpless as a Dai woman during her first bedding. He growled at them.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"You let us go and I won't kill you!"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Letting you go? A real life Dai? Even if you don't talk and survive my questioning you bring a pretty profit at Sin 4 or Alvor's Cove. "

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">The Kermac shook his head.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"I can't read him. He is well shielded and the woman is still unconcious, but I am sure she's Saran."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">A beeping sound from the ships control deck interrupted them and the Kermac said.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"We leave you to think about it."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">They both left and Har-Hi could hear the Isah Pods of the Tullerman whine louder, and then the tone changed to a deep vibrating hum. He was certain they just went Trans-light.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Elfi opened her eyes, showing that she wasn't unconscious after all.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"I think this time it isn't the captain who's in trouble, Sir."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Har-Hi successfully managed to shift his position so he could see the door and said.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Are you hurt?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"No, the effects of that cursed Neuro Ripper fading fast."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Har-Hi looked around to see if there was anything he could use to free himself; to his dismay the small cargo hold was completely empty.

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<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">–""-

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<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"You are a good man. Mikesh. I learned a lot today and this is most certainly a priceless gift."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Well Black Velvet. You can have it and I give you the most beautiful Kalium Crystal on top of it, if you pose with me next to my Digger, for a still visual. So I have a piece of evidence, you really been with me here,"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Of course I can do that. Did you find anything else like that?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"No, this is it.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">I had made a few visuals with Mikesh and his digger,

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Now almost two hours later we were back in his little ship and while he was busy getting us underway, I slipped into the small galley and called my ship.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Shea responded.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Captain, good to hear from you. We were almost a little worried, Sir."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"I told you I am in no danger whatsoever. I found something ancient and alien and it might be Seenian or something like that and it controls a Wormhole gate right into the Xunx Expanse and our back yard. These Bennetts are much more than just independent miners.,"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">I send her images of the box and she said. "Narth is looking at them too, and we are both convinced it is neither Seenian nor Pree or Uni.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">If these Bennetts have access to some kind of advanced technology we must secure it.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"We are still pretending to be pirates. We can't go openly against them, besides if they somehow manage to defend themselves against the Togar and the Dai, we better be very careful. We need to contact Fleet Command as soon as possible.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">“Yes Captain.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">“ Now please give me Har-Hi."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Har-Hi is not aboard, Captain."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"He is not? Where is he then?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Sir, he and Elfi went disguised to take the Tullerman and dispose of it and he wanted out to be near, just in case..."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">I frowned.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Of course, I get the picture. Now please connect me with him."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">There was a pause

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Shea?"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Sir I am unable to raise either one."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">"Narth, connect to the Kelpies and locate the Tullerman."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Again a pause and then Narth said. "Captain the Tullerman went translight sixteen minutes ago."

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<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">-""-

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