Eric Olafson, Neoviking 05

Chapter 5: Grandfather

Mr.Flensburger was now gone for a week and we had a new teacher. Mr. Walters was his name and he was much different to the jovial and gentle Mr. Flensburger. He was stern and had a no nonsense approach.

This Monday morning, right by the main doors I saw Yngve Lofdahl waiting for me. He had a busted; bleeding lip and his left eye was swelling. Like me he was wearing a fur vest over a linen tunic that reached halfway to the knees, linen breeches and boots. Usually he always looked like he wore brand new stuff as his mother took great care before he left home, today his tunic was ripped and his breeches dirty.

Yngve’s family belonged to one of the newest clans who weren’t older than maybe two or three generations. He was much ridiculed over this fact. Yngve’s parents were not as strictly tradition minded and their home featured many off world technology items. For which I envied him. “Who beat you up today?” I asked more or less knowing the answer.

He shrugged and wiped the blood from his lips. “Annar and Gunnar, the twin brothers did it this time but they were egged on by Sigvard.”

Fighting, brawling was prohibited on school grounds and strictly enforced. “So they are going to be in real trouble if the teacher asks what happened to you.”

“I can’t. Sigvard said he kills me and his clan will attack my family and beat up my parents. I will take the detention I am going to get for not speaking but I am not telling anything to Mr. Walters.”

I sighed and said. “We still have some time. Let’s go to the washroom and see if we can fix you up a little. You know the teacher could give you up to 20 days detention.”

He shrugged again defeated and sighed at the same time.” What can I do? Our clan is very small and far dispersed. We have no Burg we can defend and whatever they do to my family, the Circle of Elders will rule in favor of the Old clan.”

We had reached the bath rooms, no one else was there as everyone else was getting ready for class and he started washing his face and putting a cold towel on his eye.” I know you got a raw deal with your father, but you are Olafson and have Ragnarsson blood. The Elders are made up of men of the old clans and the Traditions are always interpreted in favor of them, always! Father often says so.”

“Maybe I should tell what happened!”

“You are out of your mind. The Peerson’s can’t wait for you to do anything stupid to have an excuse to jump all over you and Sigvard hates you because he is jealous of your clan!”

“I am not afraid of them. There is nothing they can do to me that has not already been done to me much worse at home.”

He tossed the towels in the recycler and we both headed for class as we had little time to spare and Mr. Walters was a stickler for punctuality.

“You know sometimes I think I should be more afraid of you than Sigvard and his gang!”

I gasped at his statement.” What do you mean by that? I have never hurt you!”

“Of course not, but you are driven insane by your violent father and one day you may snap and do something really unexpected.”

We entered class and everyone was turning and looking. Annar pointed at him and hissed.” You say a word and we going to kill you and take care of your parents the old fashioned Viking way!”

Gunnar the twin brother of Annar grinned deeply. “I would kill myself if I had a looser father like that. A weakling like you and who had ever heard of the Lofdahl clan?”

Yngve clenched his fists but slid in his chair and said nothing.

It was my nature. I could not stay quiet and said.” Whoever heard of the Peerson clan? You just challenged a friend of the Olafson clan and you threatened to attack his home. I wonder what your father will say if he hears you declared clan feud with the Olafsons without your clan Chief saying so!”

Annar became pale. All this old clan stuff was beaten into me on a daily basis and it was easy for me to use it in an argument like that. Despite the fact that it was quite true and Annar would be in a world of trouble.

At that moment Mr. Walters entered the class room.

Walters was almost as massive and strong looking as my father, but he did not have a beard and kept his gray hair closely trimmed to the skull. He wore he usual gray three piece suit and a white shirt underneath. Despite his bulk he could move quickly and completely silent and appear right behind you when you least expected him and thought he was clear across the room.

“Why are you still standing Mr. Olafson? Is there something wrong with your seat or are you planning to leave my class?”

“No Sir!”

“No Sir! Is a good start but not an answer! I asked you a distinctive number of questions!”

He suddenly made a half turn and scolded Sigvard, who was silently snickering. “Since you find that funny, tell me how many questions did I ask Eric?”

Sigvard’s smile froze on his face and he shrugged.” It’s none of my business what you discuss with this Outcast.”

“Wrong answer! I just made it your business and I know you heard every word since you found it funny!”

He pulled his Personal Data Device from his breast pocket. Something he only did for theatrical reasons, and said.” System, record three negative marks against Sigvard Elhir and the same Number against Eric Olafson.”

The Device responded with acknowledging beeps.

“Now be seated Mr. Olafson and good morning Class!”

Everyone responded at the same time and 32 boys said.” Good Morning Mr. Walters.”

He went up to his desk and turned. “Today is the 14th of July 4994 Old Standard time. Do you know what happened exactly 500 years ago on this date?”

He looked over the class and his eyes found Yngve who tried to hide as much as he could by keeping his head down.

“We will discuss the significance of this date after Mr. Lofdahl gave me an answer to the question I am going to ask. Keeping your head down like that could mean you try to hide the facial evidence of tears, lipstick or a fight. Since you are Neo Vikings two of these options are most unlikely. You don’t cry and you are not allowed to interact with girls at this stage!” He came closer and commanded sternly.” Look at me!”

Of course Yngve did and his eye now was really swollen and turning color.

“Now I see clear evidence of a fight on you and since it is you I doubt I find similar traces on anyone else.”

Gunnar could barely contain his giggle as he heard that remark.

Mr. Walters did not turn.” I was making a logical deduction. Mr. Lofdahl is physically incapable of defending himself against one, much less two or three opponents. That does not mean I think of him any less. I do not have to point out that his mental abilities far outshine anyone elses’.”

The teacher returned to his desk and pulled his PDD and said. “You all know or should know why fighting is prohibited on school grounds. You have been instructed on your first school day and many times since. On many other Union schools in the Galaxy this is just one rule of many and not all that important. Here on Nilfeheim the Union school board found it necessary to make it the number one rule.” He pointed at Gunnar.” Tell me why!”

Gunnar was no longer smiling and got up.” Fighting among pupils and outside of supervised fight classes is strictly prohibited to maintain order and to guarantee a safe and violent free environment to all students.”

“And because you Neo Vikings are one stubborn bunch that likes bashing others over the head. The Circle of Elders has given the Union school unrestricted control over the education process and approved the school rules. By breaking these rules you break both Union law and the Ruling of the Elders. All this is very serious and for this reason I am turning off my PDD and I give you all a chance to clear this issue here in class. Fail me and disappoint my trust and I will turn this over to the principal.”

He sat down behind his desk. “I know of the set of traditions that rule this society. However this is Union ground and that means for example that Mr. Lofdahl and everyone else here is under the protection of the Union. He was attacked under our watch and harmed. He could now insist on Federal Police taking his case.

He looked directly to Gunnar. “Federal Police could come and arrest everyone involved and put you before a federal court. If the court finds that Mr. Lofdahl was injured or perhaps black mailed and threatened it could decide on hefty fines, on forced resettlement of the guilty party to a penalty colony a so forth.”

He leaned back.”Most of you think your clans are very powerful and the Circle of Elders as the final answer. Few of you ever even glimpsed the power and resources of the Union and what it truly means to be a Union Citizen.”

Gunnar who was still standing said. “Sir, it was me and my brother. We roughed Yngve up a bit this morning.”

“It was my brother and me!” The teacher corrected and then nodded.” I already deducted that much.”

Mr. Walters said to Yngve. “Go to the school nurse and come back when she is done with you!”

“Yes, Sir. Mr. Walters.”

“Then you will report this afternoon to the detention teacher for sixteen hours for not immediately reporting the incident.”

Yngve nodded and left the class room.

Gunnar sat down.

“I have not given you permission to sit!”

Gunnar bolted back up.

“Since you came forward. I want to hear your explanation why you did that. What honor was there to be found by you two attacking one? I thought warriors honor was much important to you!”

Gunnar’s face turned red. “It was Sigvard who told us to see how far we could go. Yngve’s clan is weak and new and Sigvard thought we could earn us a few extra credits.”

Sigvard hissed loudly.”Traitors!”

“Gunnar and Annar Peerson you are going to report to the Groundskeeper Office and offer 30 hours of your free time to assist. If you complete your penalty I shall keep my word and there will be no record kept.”

Both brothers nodded in unison. “Yes, Mr. Walters we will do that.”

Annar added. “Thank you Mr. Walters.”

The teacher raised an eyebrow.” Your insight is noted and you may take 10 hours off your penalty.”

He then went over to Sigvard. “ You however will report to the principal right now!”

Sigvard got up.” You Off-Worlders think you can do anything!”

With this he left the class room.

The teacher activated the display board behind him. “Due to the events of today I am going to change the subject of our class today. Instead of history we going to make a little Virtual Excursion and visit a session of the Member Assembly at Pluribus. The class room went dark and we appeared sitting in an invisible space ship approaching a single star system in deep space.”

He pointed at me.” Mr. Olafson. What can you tell me about Pluribus?”

I got up as fast as I could.” It is the name of a Sun and a Solar system with six planets. It is the seat of our federal Government.”

“Indeed it is. Pluribus Unum is the first planet in that system and it is where all members sent their representatives to meet and discuss all matters of state and union and to make decisions.”

The classroom went dark and the display board showed a yellow sun in deep space and the image started to surround us and soon it was as if we sat in an all transparent space ship and approached a bright spot that soon turned into a planet.

“Who can tell me why it is called that way and what does the name mean?”

It was Yngve who answered, which meant he was back from the nurse’s office already.” It means out of many, one! Sir.”

“Ah you are back. It surprised me not that you know it, but I hoped for someone else answering. Mr. Bergeson can you tell me how this name was chosen and why?”

Alvar Bergeson was a quiet guy who sat just behind me cleared his throat and said meekly.” No, Sir I can’t recall this fact at the moment. I think I must have had a faulty Cerebral Upload.”

“No it was not part of your upload package for this quarter. It was part of the research assignment I gave to you all last week.”

“Ah yes Sir, I recall. The assignment, I mean.”

Mr. Walter made a mark on his PDD and said to all of us.”After the Union was formed by the four original member civilizations. It was decided to put a new government system and a new government for all onto a new place. They found the Pluribius System, back then not claimed by anyone and in almost equal distance to Saran, Spor, Ulta and Terra. A naming contest was held among all Union Citizens and after elimination process the name Pluribus was chosen. It is form an old Earth language called Latin and means what Yngve said. We are many individuals, many civilizations, many cultures but we are together in one goal and one future.”

The planet rushed up on us and our invisible space ship slowed down as it descended into the atmosphere. It was always an incredible beautiful experience for me to see a garden world from space. It was so incredibly big when it was approached and yet compared to space a mere speck. The thin blue layer of the atmosphere and clouds it all was a feast of colors that suggested hospitality and life.

Mr. Walters’s voice explained as the world turned beneath us, towards the main continent. “Pluribus Unum has as you might have noticed three continents, huge land masses that unlike your ice continents that form during Longnight never melt. Pluribus Unum is a Planet of many extremes. While it is a classified as a Garden world now, it didn’t start out that way. It is the most populated planet in the Union and more than 40 Billion individuals live and work here, with an additional 40 billion commuting almost daily. Every Corporation has either their headquarters here or a major branch office. Every bank including the Federal Union Bank has offices here. More than 4500 Member Civilizations maintain so called Culture Pavilions, while all 4995 Member Civilizations have Representative Offices with support staff here. Every occupied world is represented. I believe Eric’s Grandfather is the representative of Nilfeheim.

“Not to mention Courts, Federal Associations, Churches and temples.”

He paused as we plunged towards the surface. Walters’s gruff voice was replaced by a melodic female voice.” Welcome future Citizens to Pluribus Unum. I am Utchat, the Giga Computronic of this world and its voice.”

The voice stopped for a moment but a melodic harmony vibrated on then it said.

“As you dive past the Thermosphere into the Mesosphere you will notice the first spires and tops of the tallest Arcologies...”

Walters’s voice interrupted.” One moment Utchat, this class is form a Culture Type 191 P environment.”

His tone changed as he addressed us.”Arcologies are hyper structures. Complete Cities, enormous habitats of extreme high population density. Providing habitation, recreation and in some cases work all in one place.” He then signaled the Computronic to continue.

The female voice seamlessly continued.” The tallest Arcology is Schwartz Industries Sky Needle III with 190 kilometers height. Most of the others that become visible now reach heights of up to 85 kilometers.

The second tallest of Enroe Industries becoming visible now, is open for visitors and can be accessed via Pluribus Unum Virtual Tours.

Walters said.” We are here to see the Assembly today and watch a session.”

“Very good choice.”

The visual images were almost incomprehensible. I saw it all. I knew what I was seeing but I could barely process it. There were countless fliers, in all shapes and sizes buildings upon buildings and between the buildings canyons many kilometers deep, with bridges

and arcs connecting some of them. But it all was dwarfed by a huge white hemisphere and as our virtual flight speeded up and we rushed towards it kept on growing, everything else around it, buildings, green parks, reduced to miniature size.

“This is the Sphere of assembly.” The Computronic Voice explained. “Of course not all representatives are here all the time and some choose to use holographic Avatars, but by custom and not by any rule, most are here in person and here every weekday. The Assembly is always in session around the clock and every day of the year, except during Union Week celebrations.”

We passed through the wall and emerged inside a complete sphere. The dome shaped structure we saw from the outside was only half of the entire structure. The inner walls of the sphere were dotted with small alcoves. Each alcove had a desk and several seats. Humanoids and Non Humanoids alike occupied these alcoves. Our floating class room descended further into the middle of the immense sphere. “As you can see millions of seats are still dark, those are reserved for future members. When the assembly was constructed it was decided to build it with future expansion of the Union in mind. A section of the sphere changed color high lighting sixty eight alcoves and the Voice said.” The seats that I have colorized for you are representatives of the Andromeda Galaxy for example. Who can tell me the first Civilization that joined the Union that was not of this Galaxy?”

I heard Yngve’s voice almost immediately answering.” It was the Petharians.”

The Computronic managed to sound impressed. “Very good and correct indeed. A Knowledge Citation Star has been awarded to you.”

A single seat was highlighted next. “These are the representatives of the Artikaa Civilization, admitted as full members only yesterday. They are the very first civilization that does not belong to our friends of Attikan Hegemony joining us from the Large Magellanic Cloud.”

Our class room zoomed close to an alcove near the top of the sphere.” This is the alcove of your planet. Here your representative adds your voice to this mega culture.”

A man in expensive looking traditional Neo Viking dress, with long fur brimmed leather coat and silver beard and hair expertly braided sat there, talking friendly to a non-humanoid being. I suddenly felt a deep pride coming over me. This was my grandfather, Eric Ragnarsson; I had seen him only once as a child while mother was still alive. I think he might have been at the funeral too, but I did not remember. He looked very stately, and seemed at ease talking to being that looked almost like a very shaggy Fangsnapper.

I wanted to say something to him to let him know I saw him. The Voice said. “I am sorry Future Citizen, but this is a Virtual Experience, there is no interaction with the projected environment or individuals possible.”

“How do they all come to any form of conclusion to a problem?” Someone in the class asked.

Walters responded instead of the Voice.” Good Question Mr. Lindholm. Every problem, proposal or request is first analyzed by the Office of Proposals and is then sent to the Councils. There are eight councils: Military and Defense, Education, Science and Exploration, Health, Finance and Commerce, Justice, Civil Affairs and Security. Each Council gives a recommendation and the proposal or problem is posted on GalNet were every citizen can read about them and leave a comment or opinion. For big issues and major proposals it is advertised and Citizens are encouraged to vote on it. The representatives here can add their opinions and comments why a proposal is good or bad for them or whatever else they want to say to an issue. Finally a Computronic analysis is made considering all opinions, recommendations and the Issue complete with the analysis is put up for a vote. The assembly then has a certain time to vote on it.”

He took a breath.” Sounds a little complicated and it is, but it is the best system we could come up so far to give every citizen the chance to participate.”

Lindholm grunted.” As if the opinion of a single citizen would make a difference!”

Walters responded.” It does and it can. If that citizen’s opinion to an issue is a valid point not only does the Computronic recognize that and raise a flag for that Citizens representative, but it also sends the issue back I the analysis cycle to view the issue with the new aspect included. Besides there is a population of several Centillion sentient beings classified as legal Citizens, the chances that more than one has the same opinion about any given issue is quite high and it is usually never just one citizen who objects or suggests something, but every citizen counts and your opinion and your ideas are as important as these of the president.”

“What does the president do then?” Asked another student

“The Office of the president does not have many functions left, and many experts believe the office of the president will eventually be abolished, but even now it does not interfere with the decision and law finding aspect of the assembly. Its main function is to represent us. In cases of foreign affairs the Assembly can give the president a series of options and the president can then choose among those during negotiations.”

Our class room slowly moved to the center and we could now hear a high pitched voice speaking and an insectoid beings image was projected in midair, a moving text band identified the being as the representative of the Klack Empire.” Fellow Citizens and those assembled here. Her majesty the queen supreme Nt’gtar thk the 745th has asked me to address docket issue five and the continuous Shiss attacks on trade ships running the corridor and she suggests not only an increase of Fleet patrols but the installation of six trade lane forts along the corridor.”

While the Klack spoke a visual representation of the galaxy appeared behind him. All the major species neutral, enemies as well as Union territory were represented in color. Most of the Union was in the upper left quarter of the Galaxy, this quarter was called the Upward sector. The Klack Empire included a considerable area of space in the so called Coreward Sector. There were the Shiss and Nul spheres of influence in between and much unclaimed space. The colorfully highlighted regions were connected with A very long but narrow strip connected the Klack Empire with Union space, known as the Corridor. Of course it was not a physical corridor, but a political one. Its expanse and its boundaries subject of treaties and contracts. An enormous amount of space ship traffic went through that Corridor. Of course neither the Shiss nor the Nul liked the idea that the powerful Klack were Union members now. While the Shiss officially accepted the Corridor they claimed to have no control over private Shiss raiders that kept attacking trade ships.

All this information was transferred via text directly to my retina as I looked at the image.

The representative of a world that was close to the Corridor demanded that war was to be declared against the Shiss and their menace removed once and for all.

While we were there, the Klack proposal was approved and a fleet liaison promised increased fleet patrols along the corridor and the planet representative was happy after it was decided that a special Corridor Patrol fleet was to be created and head quartered in the same system.

The images faded and our classroom returned to its normal boring self.

Walters pocketed his PDD and said.” I want you to write about what you think would be an important Nilfeheim issue that should be addressed by the Assembly and then we will role play an assembly session tomorrow. After the break you are to upload sections four and five of the History Knowledge data package. Do not upload more than these and don’t let me catch anyone forgetting to do it! I will be here to check!”

He sternly looked at each of us and then nodded.” Dismissed for lunch break!”

We had two school yards. One was outside and the other one underground and inside, used during Longnight and it was here were the Cafeteria was.

I glanced over the menu.” Lobscouse again! “I complained to Yngve who stood in line behind me.” Not that I mind it, but she puts way to little fish and way to much beetroot on it.”

“Do you realize that she is doing you a favor? At least in a sense of value. The fish are local silver-flicks and you can buy a full kilo for less than a credit. The beetroot comes from New Holland 70 light years away.”

“I still don’t like it.”

“Well you helped me out big time this morning so I am buying lunch. Take what you want.”

While I had no money at all, father did not find it necessary to give me an allowance Yngve’s father was quite wealthy and Yngve always several hundred Credits to spend on his strip.

Quite happy I accepted his invitation and selected Pizza from the Serve-Matic and Sparkle Bright Soda.”

The Cafeteria’s view ports were actually underwater and for the most part you did not see anything but the same greenish water and the occasional fish.

I just had finished half my pizza when a collective awe made me look. A Rock Shark swam past the view ports. Everyone tried to give their expert opinion on the sex and size of the fish. Mr. Walters and another teacher I didn’t know by name stood almost next to us and he said to Walters.” I am teaching Neo Vikings now for almost eight years on this planet and I never seen a Rock Shark in the water like that. Walters said. “I was just transferred here and I am stunned by the size of that thing.”

“Its a big aggressive fish alright, only second to this worlds Tyranno Fins.”

“Is there a man in the water?” Mr. Walters asked and as he pointed it out we saw it too, there was a swimmer in the water and he was unarmed.

Annar came screaming on top of his lungs down the stairs.” My brother! Sigvard has thrown my brother into the ocean and he poured Bait scent in the water too!”

Form the green depths the gigantic shadow appeared again.

Like everyone else I rushed to the top across the school yard and climbing the shoulder high Duro-Crete wall and then crawling up the piled up tumble of boulders that closed the open end of the “C” against the sea.

There on a big rock stood Sigvard holding a Slayer harpoon in the right, laughing and yelling against the stiff breeze.” This is ancient tradition! This is how we deal with traitors and cowards!”

Mr. Walters was the first teacher that reached the top. Sigvard lowered the Slayer harpoon. “I am dealing with you Off-Worlder! The way we should deal with all space scum that pollute our ways.”

“All this was going on while Gunnar was in the water with a Rock Shark!”

I never liked Gunnar but that was no way to die, without having a chance. I simply had to do something!

Things happened rather quickly. Sigvard was about to shoot, he could not miss and the explosive tipped two meter long harpoon would certainly kill the teacher. This spear gun was magnitudes bigger than the weapon of the mysterious woman that almost killed me. I grabbed a rock and rushed as fast as possible across the rugged boulders to cover the 20 meters that covered us and threw as hard as I could.

Sigvard fired the spear gun the same time my rock hit him against the upper arm. I was close now, I didn’t want to look back, and I could hear the explosive crack of the harpoon hitting something, now I had reached Sigvard. He was taller and much stronger than me, but he held the huge 2 meter long slayer weapon and instead of dropping it to fight me. He worked the reload mechanism to rotate the second barrel into the firing position. Not to give him any chance I kicked him as hard as I could between the legs. His eyes bulged like a Silver flicker fish on land and his hand dropped from the rotating lever. I had to remain on the offensive and not give him any chance to retaliate and as he bend forward I rammed my knee under his chin, his head snapped back and he fell hard on the ground.

The Slayer harpoon rattled as it dropped to the ground. Gunnar was probably long dead. Like all Neo Vikings Gunnar had gills and could breathe underwater.

I did not know what possessed me other than I hated unfair situations and Gunnar’s situation was as unfair as could be, being unarmed in the water with a Tyranno. I grabbed the slayer and jumped.

I hit the water about twelve meters below, even though it was still Shortsummer the water was very cold. My gills opened and cold water rushed inside me. After breathing air, it was always an exhilarating and intense moment to switch to water breathing. It was an act of will to stop breathing with nose and mouth and use the gills but we all learned to do this from very early on. Along with the gills we Neo Vikings had a second eyelid that allowed us to see well under water. However I neither saw the Tyranno fins nor Gunnar, I struggled with my vest, it was not easy to take it off under water while keeping the big slayer harpoon, but I managed. I swam as fast as I could, wishing I had my fins. We had seen Gunnar from the Cafeteria Viewports.

I cannot explain what it was that warned me, but the sudden feeling of something huge made me turn as fast to the right and towards the rocks as possible. My heart made a double take and fear cramped around my throat like an invisible hand as the pointed nose and the huge maw of a shark shot past me, not further than an arm length!

The rush of his propelling tail-fin send me into a tumble and away from the rocks. Then I saw Gunnar, his hands were tied, but he was almost by the rocks. If he could make it, he’d be safe, but the shark was already turning. I completed the reload on the slayer and swam holding the weapon ready and aimed before me. While the Slayer harpoon had been used and made for exact that purpose: to hunt and kill these big fish. I had done it before and not so long ago with Tyrannos

Rock Sharks were somewhat smaller, but very fast.

Gunnar and I were only alive because we were so close to the rocks; he would have had no chance further out. Rock Sharks did not rely on their eyes but electro location that told them the position of a prey. The surge above us hitting the rocks and the rocks itself masked our presence somewhat, but not completely. The other reason was the sheer size of the fish. Here close to the rocks the fish had to do swim a rather wide circle to realign his teeth filled jaws with as small preys as us. Again in open water were the shark could use it full speed Gunnar would long be dead.

While I still cursed my own stupid impulsiveness that got me into this mess, trying to save the life of a guy who hated me, a strange calmness came over me. I spotted the mark, unlike the yellowish skin on a Tyranno, it was the gill flaps on a rock shark. clearly and at the same time the eye of the shark looked directly at me and for a split moment and of course only in my imagination I believed to see some sort of understanding, a recognition in that dark eye now fixed at me. The shark changed directions with a flick of his enormous tail, the distance was not perfect, and the angle was off and in another heartbeat would be out of reach. I fired!

The almost two meter long shaft of Ultronit steel with a razor-sharp tip darted almost too fast to see through the water leaving a thin streak of bubbles pieced deep past the gills. The shark now completed its turn opened his maw, it came closer. Then the fish was less than two meters from me, suddenly arched and a thick cloud of blood and bubbled came out of its maw!

The savage elation of the kill was filling me with pride and at the same time I could not shake a feeling of guilt. I saw the fish now dead slowly floating to the surface. Gunnar had reached the rocks and moved towards the surface. Being distracted by all this, I almost became prey to a second shark that suddenly up from beneath. It was sheer luck and perhaps my small size perhaps that saved me. When you are under water, and not built like a fish for this environment moving fast without any artificial aide was impossible. The maw of the fish rushed past me so close I could see down its throat and the horrifying sight of the many rows of dagger-sharp huge teeth and something scratched me painfully down the side.

The Slayer had one shot left; I rotated the last barrel as fast as I possibly could into firing position, almost losing the weapon as I had found no time to strap it to myself as I should have done. The shark snapped its head to the side as it noticed it had not caught me. It twisted its entire enormous body but almost plowed into the rocks and moved again to avoid a collision. It presented its side and the gills, I could not miss, the barrel barely in position I fired, the side fin caught me as it rushed by and the impact made bite my tongue, I saw nothing but darkness and felt crunching pain. I almost inhaled with my mouth and that would have drowned me as surely as any Off-Worlder without gills.

The Slayer was no useless and empty. The fear of being torn apart or being swallowed whole somehow kept me from passing out. I swam as fast as I could towards were I remembered the rocks. My vision was still blurred and I felt the numbness coming over me from the loss of body heat. Even though I could stay underwater without the need of air, the exposure would to cold water without an insulating suit was just as limiting.

Fists grabbed me and hived me aboard a floater hovering close over the water. I gasped at first and someone hit me with the flat hand across the face and yelled. “Open your mouth and breathe!”

I had been rushed to the nurse’s office. She was the only woman with authority in our school but she was not an Off-Worlder. “You had a very nasty cut, a serious concussion. You cracked a tooth and bit of a part of your tongue.”

She said looking into a floating field screen before here and then smiled at me. “All fixed. You are a hero. Mr. Olafson. Nothing too good for a hero.”

I didn’t feel any better or worse than before I went into the water and said.” How is Gunnar?”

“Gunnar is fine he was unharmed save for a few scratches, a mild cae of hypothermia and of course his wounded ego.”

I jumped off the treatment couch and said.” Am I free to go?”

“As far as medical and health wise goes yes, but I doubt the words free to go apply to you for quite a while.”

I blinked.” What do you mean?”

“Mr. Walters and the principal will explain it to you. Your father is here as well!”

My father was here! Her revelation hit me worse than the icy water and fear made my hands shake. I would have rather faced another Rock Shark than him.

Outside the nurse’s office stood Galvin. He was the schools janitor. He was an Off-Worlder and some rumors claimed he used to be in some sort of military service for the Union. I knew he was also the schools security officer but he usually only donned his uniform when he addressed us at the beginning of the school year about the rules and told us that bringing weapons were prohibited.

He now wore his uniform now and said.”Mr. Olafson, looks like you managed to get yourself, the school and Nilfeheim into a big mess! I am here to escort you to the principal’s office.”

“What have I done?” Was all I managed to say and my fear of the upcoming confrontation grew with every step we took towards the administrative offices.

“A whole list of things, but I am not the one to tell you. I just take you there but it is as serious as it can get!”

His words only added to my worries while my mind raced to find a reason for all this. At one point I even considered to take my chance and run, but were too? I could not run from an island.

At the front office the Administrative assistant, Ms. Jansen sat behind her desk. Usually she wore Off-world fashion and handed out school supplies. Today she wore her hair in braids and traditional dress. She looked very bland without her usual colorful make up, but she smiled at me and said.” You can go right on in. Two of the Elders are here as well.”

My head felt numb, worse than when I got hit by the Rock Shark fin but having Elders here, explained why she was dressed that way. She was after all a local and not an Off-Worlder.

I never had been to the principal’s office before. I knew the tall very dark, almost black skinned man of course as everyone at the school did. His name was Lothar Valthim, his skin and facial features showed clearly that he was not a native of Nilfeheim, but I knew he was of a planet called New Sweden and his black hair and beard had shades of silver, but he braided it a different way. He stood by the windows overlooking the ocean. Next to him the colossal figure of my father. Wearing his huge Fangsnapper fur lined sleeveless coat exposing his massive arms and the wide Ultronit rivet studded leather wrist bands. Whenever my father clenched his fists you could hear the croaking of the leather and veins as thick as my fingers appeared on his underarms, just like they did now! His almost bluish shining black hair braided and his same colored beard reaching almost to his chest. His right hand clenched even tighter around the handle of his steel cable whip as he saw me coming in and the steel hard look I got from his ice gray eyes was pure hatred and unspoken promise of unprecedented punishment. Underneath the open coat and above his tight fitting leather shirt he wore the golden clan chain of the Olafsons with the medal of the Wolfs.

Mr. Walters was there. Next to him another clan patriarch dressed quite similar as my father, but his coat was brimmed with coppery Nubhir fur and his hair was blonde like mine. He too wore the golden Chain of a clan chief, his medallion showing the head of a dragon with three heads. He was of the Elhir clan! Of course, as Sigvard was Elhir!

Next to him yet another clan chief, notably smaller than the other two. He had reddish hair, and his chain featured the sigil of the Peerson clan, featuring a Fangsnapper. In the back two elderly men sat, decked out in the traditional way, their hair gray and their overcoats dyed white. Their golden chains void of clan symbols clearly marking them as Elders of the Circle.

The worst part was the utter silence as they all stared at me and no one spoke.

It could have been not longer than a minute, but to me it seemed an eternity. Finally the principal spoke.” Mr. Olafson, I see you are well again. As I understand you had several injuries.”

“Only a weakling crawls to Off World Medics with a few scratches!” My father muttered before I could say anything. His words came as no surprise.

The words of one of the Elders however surprised me.” He might be considered an adult now. He slew not one but two Tyrannos the Ancient way no less. And now he killed two rock sharks. This should swell your chest with pride to have sired such a son who is by years still far away from the Ancient Challenge!”

Father hissed.” I refuse to accept him as an adult! He is a worthless whelp and he shall feel the whip as I strip him of his miserable skin until he conforms and does as he is told!” Father raised the coiled whip and said to the principal.” In assure you I shall add to his punishment after you are done with him. “\The principal raised his hands.” I cannot condone such violence against a child!”

The other Elder spoke.” We know of the Federal Laws and while we don’t condone the treatment Eric receives by his father. He is his father and may do whatever he chooses. To limit federal influence over local laws there are no Federal laws regarding the rights of minors!

The other elder nodded and glared at the principal.” This entire situation is a mess of local and federal law, customs and regulations. Let us focus on solving it!”

The Elhir patriarch nodded.” Indeed!”

A melodic chime chirped from the GalNet terminal on the principal’s desk. The Elders rose from their seats one of them smiled even and said.” He has responded to our hail. He will sort this best tom all satisfaction!”

Mr. Valthim accepted the call and a holographic presentation flickered into existence. He was tall and strong looking without being bulky as my father. He wore a richly shining black leather coat seamed with a silvery fur over a suit of black leather that molded to a rippled body. The face was framed by silver gray hair and a silvery black beard. He wore the chain of an Elder but with the Medallion of a clan leader and on it the head of a falcon. The clan symbol of the Ragnarssons. His right hand rested on the hilt of the legendary and quite mystical broadsword Mördaren, both a symbol of office and power. Even though it was a projection his presence somehow dominated all the others present. I still did not know what was going on. My grandfather Erik Gustav, the patriarch of the Ragnarsson had arrived!

He declined his head slightly towards the Elders and they did the same, he greeted Mr. Walters and the principal with a handshake, clasped the underarms of the Elhir and Peerson clan leaders; only then turned to my father but neither offered his arm nor any other form of gesture. “I know what you have done and I will be on Nilfeheim in person very shortly.”

What I never thought possible, I saw concern and even fear in my father’s face!

Grandfather finally turned to me and said.” Eric, my Grandson! You have grown much since I have seen you last. You have your mother’s hair and it pleases me greatly to see the Ragnarsson traits in you. The projection moved next to me and he turned and faced the others.” Let us now conduct and conclude this business. Let it be known that I am an Elder of the Inner Circle, that I am a Citizen of the Union and representative of this world. Let it be recorded however that I am here as Grandfather of Eric first and foremost.”

There was no fear in me anymore. The daunting towering men that had gathered, even my father had lost much of their intimidating effect. I straightened my shoulders and raised my head. It was the most exhilarating feeling ever to realize I was not alone in the world after all and that this man would stand with me.

Mr. Valthim, the principal spread his arms.” Since we are all here, let me recapitulate and summon it all up.”

Everyone nodded in agreement.

The principal begun. “Sigvard Elhir of the Elhir clan was reprimanded and sentenced to thirty days detention by me this morning, for conspiring in a black mail scheme and instigating violence. Elhir attacked me, left the school by stealing a private floater only to return kidnapping another student using a lethal weapon. He then threw that student into the ocean and poured gallons of Fish Bait scent in the waters.”

The Elhir clan Elder interrupted by slamming his sizable fist on the desk before him. “We went through all that already. While my son might have violated all these Off World Union rules, he was acting quite traditional.” He glared towards the Peerson clan chief.” This is how we treat Traitors.”

One of the Elders barked.” Indeed proven traitors are so punished but by the Council only after the Elders heard the case in a proper way. Your son is no adult, he is not a man. His judgment means nothing and his actions were that of a hotheaded fool. Let us decide what it traditional and what not!”

The red haired clan chief although smaller than the Elhir man, stepped up with an aggressive stance and clenched fists.” It was decreed that this school is traditional long before the Elhir clan crawled upon their rock. My son was no traitor and almost murdered by yours, not in a fight but forced with a distance weapon only a coward would use!

“You call my son a Coward...” The Elhir chief could not complete his sentence as Grandfathers half way pulled his sword. “Cease this foolishness and conduct yourself and this business as worthy leaders and men or by Thor’s mighty Hammer I shall descend personally on your burgs and challenge you personally and erase your clans forever!”

There was silence and both stepped back. While clan wars were prohibited, the ancient practice of personal challenge was not; and challenging a clan chief and besting him in personal combat would make the victor new clan chief and the losers’ clan and name would cease to exist.

It was rarely done since a clan chief had to be challenged by another Chief and they all knew they risked more than just their lives in such a contest. Grandfather’s reputation as one of the best sword fighters and renowned strength made this a very serious vow.

Mr. Valthim said.” I would also remind you all that you are Union Citizens and on Union ground!There is Federal police at the port and I have a good mind calling them.”

He then continued as if he wasn’t interrupted at all.” Alerted by the victim’s brother pretty much everyone rushed to the top to encounter Sigvard armed with what you call a Slayer Harpoon. It is an ancient weapon but it is quite lethal both on land and in the water. According to his own admit he aimed that weapon at Mr. Walters to kill the teacher, to avenge what he felt was humiliation before his peer in class.”

At this point Walters looked in my direction and gave me an almost unnoticeable nod.

The principal continued.” Eric Olafson hurled a rock at Sigvard that caused the deadly harpoon to miss its target and attacked Sigvard physically. Taking the Slayer he then proceeded to dive into the ocean and as witnessed by many slayed two Rock Sharks, thus saving the life of Gunnar Peerson.”

My grandfather looked down to me. “You did well my Grandson, well indeed!”

I blinked and while it was prohibited for a minor to speak in the presence of adults without permission I simply could not stop myself from asking.” Then why am I here and this is such a big affair?”

Father growled.” Excuse the insolent behavior of that whelp of mine. I will lay a heavy hand on him for every word he uttered without asking!”

The Elder on the left said.” You might not accept his deeds but he most certainly earned the right to speak among warriors. Go, Isegrim slay two Tyrannos the ancient way as he did. Followed by killing Rock Sharks to save a live. He is a warrior born.”

Grandfather spoke.” What I have to say about this, Isegrim Olafson is matter of the clan and not to be discussed here. But rest assured I will demand answers and will take steps to get them.”

He then turned to me. “The Elders want to celebrate your feat, Eric and exalt you. You are the youngest warrior ever to slay a Tyranno since Ivor Ragnarsson slew a Two-Sixer almost eight hundred years ago. Only to top your feat by slaying Rock Sharks. The school wants to punish you for breaking the rules.”

The Principal nodded and stapled his fingers.” Our rules are not open for interpretation. There is no fighting permitted and the possession of weapons is prohibited. Eric seriously injured another student by beating that student almost to death. Yes he saved the life of Mr. Walters, but rule is rule and he should have either remained inactive like the others or let the proper authorities handle the situation or if he really felt he needed to do something he should have found non-violent alternatives. He was in possession of a weapon as he took the harpoon from Sigvard and then he left school grounds unauthorized. While the results of his actions are commendable, I cannot let this go unpunished, these are the Rules. Rules accepted by your Elders, rules set in place by the Union Education Board.”

He sighed.” I personally do not want to punish initiative, civil courage and last but not least the act of saving lives, but the Board of education has given me clear instructions that I have to maintain these rules. If Eric goes unpunished we might encourage others to jump into the water and try to proof their manhood. Whatever we, whatever I decide will have consequences. No one then you all knows better how difficult it is to educate you Neo Vikings. No matter how conservative and tradition minded you are you all agree that the young must learn about the Union and the other worlds.”

Even the Elders nodded.” Nilfeheim is part of it. We guard our culture and our ways but we see the steady and slow chance that takes place and our youth must be prepared so they can make the right choices for them and our world.”

Peerson chuckled.” I must admit these rules are important. It was all that kept us in line. We are bitter enemies now, but that Snapper skull Leif Elhir and I were more than once right here in this office and usually together.”

The brooding Elhir patriarch was fighting from keeping a smile of his face.” The office had green carpet back then!”

The slightly taller Elder looked down to the blue carpet.” In my time it was red!” Then he said.” Speak Erik Gustav; there is no one here that does not value your judgment!”

Grandfather smiled and said.” Since I declared myself advocate of my Grandson I am unable to take any official position and give recommendations, but I envision a scenario where the principal addresses the entire school with the Elders present standing with him. It will show everyone that school and Elders are of one mind and that will have more weight on this planet than any statement or word. The Principal would then restate the rules and why it is important to keep them. Eric declines all celebrations because a true warrior does deeds not because of their public rewards.

The Circle of Elders however may mark this feat in honoring our traditions and send my grandson this Summer break to the Halls of Hasvik were he receives proper training from the Faceless Seven, if they accept him as an acolyte that is. If not he will clean and scrub the halls, steps and yards of the Seven’s Retreat as all unsuccessful applicants do, both the loss of free time during summer break and the hard work that awaits him there should be acceptable punishment for the school.”

Grandfather looked the Elhir patriarch directly in the eyes.” I also envision that the school sees the deeds of Sigvard so severe that it decides to let the Elders of this world judge over it. The Elders will then accept a Challenge between Sigvard and Annar. Whatever Outcome of this challenge will be should satisfy the Traditions as well as the concerned clans without the need for ages of clan feud.”

Everyone except my father smiled. The Elhir clan Chief slammed his hand on Peerson’s shoulder. “This is a judgment I could live with. Our sons fight according to the rules before the Elders, regardless the outcome win or loss. This is the honorable way and even if Sigvard loses or dies, there shall be no more feuds among us!”

Annar’s father returned the shoulder grab.” We are chiefs and we can make feuds and wars, but we can also end it! Our feud has ended! The words of the Ragnarsson Elder are wise and full of honor.”

The two Elders walked stately to the door and the left one said.” Principal Valthim, you say the word and the Circle of Elders shall stand behind you in person for this matter and we invite you to come to us with anytime you might face a challenge like this one.”

The other Elder nodded.” We have been pupils here at one time. We defend our Traditions but we are not Enemies or against the Union.”

It was the principal that sighed but also with a deep grin. “There is nothing else for me to do then to completely agree with that vision and make it the official conclusion to this matter. I must say having the Circle of Elders standing behind me will make all the difference.”

The Elhir and Peerson clan Chiefs said to my father.” Will you join us, Isegrim? We are going to Peerson’s Burg and sample his excellent Mead and bury old axes.”

“I shall do no such thing! As long as I live there will be no peace between our clans and now that the Peerson clan is your ally, they are our enemy as well!”

Grandfather shook his head.” You are more poisonous than Ouroboros the serpent and I am on my way to visit you, my burg and my grandson personally. It is not proper to speak such things before others but I expect to see my Grandson there alive and unharmed.”

Father took in his breath deeply; I saw it took every ounce of his will to control his rage.” If there is nothing else. I shall leave now with my son!”

The principal sighed.” Mr. Olafson there isn’t anything else; you and Eric may leave now, but tomorrow is a regular school day.”

Father grabbed me by the hair and dragged me with him.

My fear returned. Grandfather was a projection after all, he could not follow us, and he could not protect me for what would happen now! Father kept dragging me through the corridors merciless and without looking at me but he growled. “It is your grandfather who will pay for insulting me before my peer! His words and his advice mean nothing! He delivered it not in person but by Off-Worlder technology. The Elders should be ashamed to even look at a projection. A mere picture, less than a shadow! It is not tradition to do business with a shadow!”

Unlike the corridors the school yard was filled with students. It was the usual din of voices but as we appeared it became silent. Lars Igvarhein a local celebrity and radio show host came over however and said with his booming voice.”It is Isegrim Olafson, whose legendary strength flows in the veins of his son!”

This seemed to please father and he stopped and also let go of my head and said. “There is no other explanation indeed! Only Olafson blood carries the strength as we revere in our traditions!”

Lars who looked exactly as Off-Worlders thought a Neo Viking should look reddish blond hair, tall in stature. A square jaw with a perfectly trimmed beard, flashing blue eyes. I knew Midril swooned for him, had arms no less impressive as these of my father and he clasped his right around the arm of my father. “How do you then celebrate this feat? Not to mention the credits a double kill will earn!”

I realized looking at him, that my father had not thought of that, the fish belonged actually to me but that would not stop him of course. Father now actually smiled.” Celebrate? I expected nothing less. It is the hallmark of the Olafson clan to perform feats of strength and heroism and accept these labors as tests of the Gods! Celebration would be in order if he had died in battle and earned the right to sit in Valhalla. Instead I will send him to the Nameless Seven so he might learn humility.”

Lars who smiled into some recording device behind us took my father’s shoulders and turned him around. “Nilfeheim have a look, this is the face of a real Nilfeheim clan chief and someone who lives our ancient ways!”

Then he said to me.” What are you going to do with all the money you get from this double kill?”

To avoid an even more severe trashing at home I said.” I am but one servant in the clan and whatever my father deems right.”

I was not certain but there might have been a glimpse of approval in my father’s face. He nodded to Lars and we went to our skimmer. It would be the first time I would fly in it.

Harkun my father’s man servant sat behind the controls and wordlessly engaged the engines as soon as we were in.

Father sat down in a broad leather seat in the back, carefully coiling his whip and then said to me.” You are only alive because I need you to be alive till you are sixteen, then you will accept the Inheritance of your Grandfather. After that you are no longer welcome at the Burg.”

He no longer paid any attention to me but worked the radio communicator and I heard him say to whoever he spoke to:”clan leaders making peace and doing clan business in the presence of minors and those not of this world, they are despite able! However they gave me plenty of ammunition for the next clan leader gathering.”