Drei-2-.odt





<<<<<--- Drei.odt -- Drei-3-.odt ->>>>>





with you!"

"Yes, Sir. Mr. Walters."

"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. "

<p lang="en-US">Both brothers nodded in unison. "Yes, Mr. Walters we will do that."

<p lang="en-US">Annar added. "Thank you Mr. Walters."

<p lang="en-US">The teacher raised an eyebrow." Your insight is noted and you may take 10 hours off your penalty."

<p lang="en-US">He then went over to Sigvard. " You however will report to the principal right now!"

<p lang="en-US">Sigvard got up." You Off -Worlders think you can do anything! "

<p lang="en-US">With this he left the class room.

<p lang="en-US">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."

<p lang="en-US">He pointed at me." Mr. Olafson. What can you tell me about Pluribus?"

<p lang="en-US">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."

<p lang="en-US">"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."

<p lang="en-US">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.

<p lang="en-US">"Who can tell me why it is called that way and what does the name mean?"

<p lang="en-US">It was Yngve who answered, so he was back from the nurse's office already." It means out of many, one! Sir."

<p lang="en-US">"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?"

<p lang="en-US">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."

<p lang="en-US">"No it was not part of your upload package for this quarter. It was part of the research assignment I gave to you all before Union Week last month."

<p lang="en-US">"Ah yes Sir, I recall."

<p lang="en-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."

<p lang="en-US">The planet rushed up on us and our invisible space ship slowed down as it descended into the atmosphere.

<p lang="en-US">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.

<p lang="en-US">Mr. Walters's voice explained as the world turned beneath us, towards the main continent. "Pluribus Unum has as you might have noticed 3 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.

<p lang="en-US">"Not to mention Courts, Federal Associations, Churches and temples."

<p lang="en-US">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."

<p lang="en-US">The voice stopped 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. "

<p lang="en-US">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.

<p lang="en-US">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.

<p lang="en-US">The second tallest of Enroe Industries becoming visible now, is open for visitors and can be accessed via Pluribus Unum Virtual Tours.

<p lang="en-US">Walters said." We are here to see the Assembly today and watch a session."

<p lang="en-US">"Very good choice."

<p lang="en-US">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 flyers, 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 in the back 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.

<p lang="en-US">"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."

<p lang="en-US">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 many thousand 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 twenty 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?"

<p lang="en-US">I heard Yngve's voice almost immediately answering." It was the Pertharians."

<p lang="en-US">The Computronic managed to sound impressed. "Very good and correct indeed. A Knowledge Citation Star has been awarded to you."

<p lang="en-US">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 joining us from the Large Magellanic Cloud."

<p lang="en-US">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."

<p lang="en-US">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. He looked very stately, and seemed at ease talking to being that looked almost like a very shaggy Fangsnapper.

<p lang="en-US">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."

<p lang="en-US">"How do they all come to any form of conclusion to a problem?" Someone in the class asked.

<p lang="en-US">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 seven Major councils: Science, Political, Foreign Affairs, Military, Health and Medical, Intelligence and Trade and finance. 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."

<p lang="en-US">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."

<p lang="en-US">Lindholm grunted." As if the opinion of a single citizen would make a difference!"

<p lang="en-US">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 approximately one 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."

<p lang="en-US">"What does the president do then?" Asked another student

<p lang="en-US">"The Office of the president has many functions but 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. The President becomes the Commander in Chief of the military in case the assembly declares war or war is declared upon us."

<p lang="en-US">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 5 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."

<p lang="en-US">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 enveloped a huge are in the lower left quarter called the Core Ward Sector. There were the Shiss and Nul spheres of influence in between and much unclaimed space. A very long but narrow strip connected the Klack Empire with Union space, known as the Corridor; an enormous amount of space ship traffic went through that Corridor. 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.

<p lang="en-US">All this information was transferred via text directly to my retina as I looked at the image.

<p lang="en-US">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.

<p lang="en-US">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.

<p lang="en-US">The images faded and our classroom returned to its normal boring self.

<p lang="en-US">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 4 and 5 of the History Knowledge. Do not upload more than these and don't let me catch anyone forgetting to do it! I will be here to check!"

<p lang="en-US">He sternly looked at each of us and then nodded." Dismissed for lunch break!"

<p lang="en-US">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.

<p lang="en-US">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."

<p lang="en-US">"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."

<p lang="en-US">"I still don't like it."

<p lang="en-US">"Well you helped me out big time this morning so I am buying lunch. Take what you want."

<p lang="en-US">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.

<p lang="en-US">Quite happy I accepted his invitation and selected Pizza from the Serve-Matic and Sparkle Bright Soda."

<p lang="en-US">The Cafeteria's viewports were actually underwater and for the most part you did not see anything but the same greenish water and the occasional fish.

<p lang="en-US">I just had finished half my pizza when a collective awe made me look. A huge Tyranno Fin made swam past the view ports.

<p lang="en-US">Everyone tried to give their expert opinion on the sex and size of the fish.

<p lang="en-US">Mr. Walters and another teacher I didn't know by name stood almost next to us and he said." I am teaching Neo Vikings now for almost eight years on this planet and I never seen a Tyranno Fin in the water like that. The other teacher said." I was just transferred here and I am stunned by the size of that thing."

<p lang="en-US">"I think it is what they locally call a Six Double. Meaning it is 2 times 16 meters long and about 90-100 tons. This is not a mammal like the Terran whale but a fish, very fast and very aggressive."

<p lang="en-US">"Is there a man in the water?" The new teacher asked and as he pointed it out we saw it, there was a swimmer in the water and he was unarmed.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Chapter 5: Tyrannos

<p lang="en-US">Chapter 4 - Tyrannos

<p lang="en-US">Annar came screaming on top of his lungs down the stairs." My brother! Sigvard has thrown my brother into the ocean and uses Tyranno Scent!"

<p lang="en-US">Form the green depths another gigantic shadow appeared, a second Tyranno, bigger than the first!

<p lang="en-US">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.

<p lang="en-US">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!"

<p lang="en-US">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 at least two Tyrannos!"

<p lang="en-US">I never liked Gunnar but that was no way to die, without having a chance. I simply had to do something! Sigvard was about to shoot. He would not miss and the explosive tipped two meter long harpoon would certainly kill the teacher.

<p lang="en-US">I grabbed a rock and rushed as fast as I could across the rugged terrain to cover the 20 meters that covered us and threw as hard as I could. Sigvard fired the spear gun before the 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 as the harpoon hit the same time I 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.

<p lang="en-US">The Slayer harpoon rattled as it dropped to the ground. Gunnar was probably long dead. Like all Neo Vikings Gunnar and I had gills and could breathe underwater. It was part of the genetic tailoring the settlers of this world received as it was deemed a valuable trait on a water planet. 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 at least two Tyrannos. I grabbed the slayer and jumped.

<p lang="en-US">I hit the water about twelve meters below, even though it was now the first year of Shortsummer the water was very cold, but I was used to it. My gills opened and cold water rushed inside me. After breathing air for so long 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. I loved to dive as much as I could since being underwater I could forget the upside world. 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 west, it was not easy to unstrap 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.

<p lang="en-US">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 Tyranno shot past me, not further than an arm length!

<p lang="en-US">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 Tyranno 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 a Tyranno. My only chance to do that was to hit the fish at the mark, a yellowish spot behind his eyes on each side of its head, where the spear could penetrate deep enough to do lethal damage with its explosive charge. Hitting the Tyranno anywhere else would only annoy the beast.

<p lang="en-US">Gunnar and I were only alive because we were so close to the rocks; he would have had no chance further out. Tyrannos didn't see too well and relied on an electro sonar sense 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 Fin could use it full speed we would stand no chance.

<p lang="en-US">While I still struggled with my fear and 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 saw the mark, clearly and at the same time the eye of the Tyranno caught my size 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 Tyranno 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!

<p lang="en-US">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 hit the yellowish mark. The Tyranno was still turning and now opened his maw, it came closer. Then the fish less than five meters from me, suddenly arched and a thick cloud of blood and bubbled came out of its maw!

<p lang="en-US">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 the second Tyranno 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. This Tyranno was bigger than the other, much bigger. Its huge eye passed by me. 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 Tyranno 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 the mark right before me, 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.

<p lang="en-US">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.

<p lang="en-US">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!"

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Chapter 6: Principal's Office

<p lang="en-US">Chapter 5 – Principal's Office

<p lang="en-US">I regained my senses in the nurse's office. She was the only woman with authority in our school but she was no 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. The Doc of the Med Station fixed you up via remote, not that I could have done the same thing, but you are a hero. Mr. Olafson. Nothing too good for a hero."

<p lang="en-US">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 and of course his wounded ego."

<p lang="en-US">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."

<p lang="en-US">I blinked." What do you mean?" "Mr. Walters and the principal will explain it to you. Your father is here as well!"

<p lang="en-US">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 Tyranno than him.

<p lang="en-US">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.

<p lang="en-US">He wore his uniform now and said." Well 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."

<p lang="en-US">"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.

<p lang="en-US">"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!"

<p lang="en-US">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.

<p lang="en-US">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."

<p lang="en-US">My head felt numb, worse than when I got hit by the Tyranno's fin but having Elders here, explained why she was dressed that way. She was after all a local and not an Off-Worlder.

<p lang="en-US">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 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!

<p lang="en-US">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.

<p lang="en-US">The worst part was the utter silence as they all stared at me and no one spoke.

<p lang="en-US">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.

<p lang="en-US">"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. This should swell your chest with pride top have sired such a son who is by years still far away from the Ancient Challenge!"

<p lang="en-US">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!"

<p lang="en-US">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. "

<p lang="en-US">The principal raised his hands." I cannot condone such violence against a child!"

<p lang="en-US">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!"

<p lang="en-US">The Elhir patriarch nodded." Indeed!"

<p lang="en-US">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!"

<p lang="en-US">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 but somehow I knew it would turn out alright now. My grandfather Erik Gustav, the patriarch of the Ragnarsson had arrived!

<p lang="en-US">He declined his head slightly towards the Elders and they did the same, he greeted Mr. Walther 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."

<p lang="en-US">What I never thought possible, I saw concern and even a hint of fear in my father's face!

<p lang="en-US">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 first and foremost."

<p lang="en-US">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 and that this man would stand with me.

<p lang="en-US">Mr. Valthim, the principal spread his arms." Since we are all here, let me recapitulate and summon it all up."

<p lang="en-US">Everyone nodded or agreed.

<p lang="en-US">"Sigvard Elhir of the Elhir Clan was reprimanded and sentenced to 30 days confinement 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 Tyranno Bait scent in the waters."

<p lang="en-US">The Elhir Clan Elder interrupted by slamming his sizeable 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."

<p lang="en-US">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!"

<p lang="en-US">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!"

<p lang="en-US">"You call my son a Coward…" The Elhir chief could not complete his sentence as Grandfathers 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!"

<p lang="en-US">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.

<p lang="en-US">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.

<p lang="en-US">Mr. Valthim said." I would also remind you all that you are Union Citizens and on Union ground!"

<p lang="en-US">He then continued as if he wasn't interrupted at all." Alerted by the victim's brother pretty much everyone rushed to the top and 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."

<p lang="en-US">At this point Walters looked in my direction and gave me an almost unnoticeable nod.

<p lang="en-US">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 Tyranno Fins, thus saving the life of Gunnar Peerson."

<p lang="en-US">My grandfather looked down to me. "You did well my Grandson, well indeed!"

<p lang="en-US">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?"

<p lang="en-US">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!"

<p lang="en-US">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."

<p lang="en-US">Grandfather spoke." What I have to say about this, Isegrim Olafson is matter of the Clan and not to be discussed here."

<p lang="en-US">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. The School wants to punish you for breaking the rules."

<p lang="en-US">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."

<p lang="en-US">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.

<p lang="en-US">"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."

<p lang="en-US">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."

<p lang="en-US">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 skulled Leif Elhir and I were more than once right here in this office and usually together."

<p lang="en-US">The brooding Elhir patriarch was fighting from keeping a smile of his face." The office had green carpet back then!"

<p lang="en-US">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!"

<p lang="en-US">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.

<p lang="en-US">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 hunting training from the Faceless Seven, if they accept him 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."

<p lang="en-US">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!"

<p lang="en-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."

<p lang="en-US">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."

<p lang="en-US">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."

<p lang="en-US">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 burry old axes."

<p lang="en-US">"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!"

<p lang="en-US">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."

<p lang="en-US">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!"

<p lang="en-US">The principal sighed." Mr. Olafson there isn't anything else; you and Eric may leave now, but tomorrow is a regular school day."

<p lang="en-US">Father grabbed me by the hair and dragged me with him.

<p lang="en-US">My fear returned. My 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!"

<p lang="en-US">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 the Isegrim Olafson, whose legendary strength flows in the veins of his son!"

<p lang="en-US">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!"

<p lang="en-US">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!"

<p lang="en-US">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."

<p lang="en-US">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 Warrior, Clan chief and someone who lives our ancient ways!"

<p lang="en-US">Then he said to me." What are you going to do with all the money you get from this double kill?"

<p lang="en-US">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."

<p lang="en-US">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.

<p lang="en-US">Harkun my father's man servant sat behind the controls and wordlessly engaged the engines as soon as we were in.

<p lang="en-US">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."

<p lang="en-US">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."

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Chapter 7: Secrets

<p lang="en-US">Chapter 6- Secrets

<p lang="en-US">The next day was different however. Even the older kids in the school flyer came up to me and wanted to know every detail. Dietmar looked especially pleased." You know they interviewed me for Nilfeheim Radio? They wanted to know how you are and all that! I think it is time you graduate to assistant pilot!"

<p lang="en-US">Dietmar pointed at the always empty Control seat next to him and explained to me the controls, there weren't that many and most of the flying was done by the onboard Computronic but since Nilfeheim did not have a central controlled traffic net, operators were still required. I learned that the school flyer was a Leyland CF 65 (Commuter Flyer) and already 200 years old. He told me full of pride that he also was the maintenance technician and actually worked at the Leyland Main Factory on Sumner Planet for over 15 years after he left Nilfeheim as a Stowaway on an Agra product freighter."

<p lang="en-US">After we landed at the school yard there was much nodding and signs of respect by other boys. Yngve waiting next to the entrance was not alone this time, both Annar and Gunnar stood behind him with their arms crossed before their chests. Yngve actually smiled and thumbed across his shoulders. "Meet my personal body guard."

<p lang="en-US">Annar nodded towards me and Gunnar said." Your father declared clan feud against our clan and by tradition we cannot be friends and we are not supposed to talk to you but you saved my life and I won't forget that. My father said it will be okay if we treat you with respect. Even an enemy can be respected according to tradition!"

<p lang="en-US">I shrugged." That's a definite improvement form the past and I take that gladly!"

<p lang="en-US">Yngve reached into my shirt pocket without asking and swiped his PDD against mine." I bet you forgot the assignment Mr. Walters gave us yesterday. I wrote yours as well and tried as good as I could to emulate your limited knowledge."

<p lang="en-US">I frowned at him." You are the only one who can insult me and I know you had no intention doing so and actually mean it well!"

<p lang="en-US">As we found our seats he thought for a second and then blushed." I am sorry. I analyzed my statement and now realize how it sounded!"

<p lang="en-US">Sigvard also came in and took his seat. His face was badly swollen and I saw the clear signs of a broken jaw. He glared at me only for an instant and then looked away. I knew there and without a doubt he was looking to kill me.

<p lang="en-US">Mr. Walters was on time as usual and looked us over." Mr. Olafson and Mr. Elhir you report to the School nurse and are back here as soon as possible. I will contact the nurse to see when you are done. Should either of you even so much as raise a fist against the other, be prepared to face trouble you could not even dream about in your worst night mares."

<p lang="en-US">I was not sure why he wanted me at the Nurses office, but there was no sense arguing with Mr. Walters.

<p lang="en-US">We walked side by side down the corridor and I had the distinct feeling of being watched. Sigvard kept staring straight ahead but hissed from between clenched teeth." You better hide in your burg for the rest of your life! Leave that burg and I am there to kill you!"

<p lang="en-US">I hissed back." Just have the guts and challenge me and I be there, not that Gunnar will leave much behind after he is done with you!"

<p lang="en-US">"Gunnar dies and so will you!"

<p lang="en-US">We reached the nurses office. She scanned Sigvard first." Broken jaw, broken ribs, scratched lungs, Testicular torsion, torn ligaments and a severe head trauma. Why did you not come in yesterday to be treated?"

<p lang="en-US">Sigvard hissed his answer." Because my father worked me over after this Nubhir snatcher attacked me!"

<p lang="en-US">"I will keep you here for a while, till the doctor has time for you." She took him to the adjuring room and had him lay down. The doctor of the Hospital in town formed as a Holo almost right away, the Nurse closed the door and scanned me." Uh, that is a nasty cut Mr. Olafson, it's already infected! We better Re-gen that part of your skin, it seems the Derma-Patcher has your name written on it as much as I use it on you!"

<p lang="en-US">As I saw myself in the mirror I saw my shirt was blood soaked. The bandage I had applied to my chest had come loose." I am sorry Nurse Olga, I ran out of adhesive bandaging last night and I was not permitted to the kitchen to get more."

<p lang="en-US">She sighed as she applied the Derma Patch, thousands of medical nanites repairing the cut by weaving new tissue, replicating mine exactly down to the molecule. The entire process took less than ten minutes and the only sensation was if hundreds of fingers were circling around my chest.

<p lang="en-US">The Nurse said." I want you to stay so the doctor can look you over, just to make sure I didn't miss anything."

<p lang="en-US">The doctor's projection declared me fit but I had missed most of the morning class. Mr. Walter collected the reports and told me he added the missed class to my download.

<p lang="en-US">Yngve and I went topside to enjoy the wind and the clear sunny weather as we did every day since Shortsummer started. . Climbing on top of it was our favorite spot; it was not far from where I had fought Sigvard just yesterday.

<p lang="en-US">Here we were away from the others and their teasing, not that they were teasing us today. The wind was blowing hard but the air was not cold and I spread my arms into the gale and felt it took at my sleeves." Don't you want to fly sometimes like Loki did when he had Freya's feathered cloak?" I had to almost yell my question and Yngve shrugged." Not really. Those Norse God myths did never hold my attention much. Besides if you want to fly' all you have to do is order a flight belt from Techno Shack. They come complete with Arti grav and propulsion units."

<p lang="en-US">"Do you remember who you are talking to? It's me Eric. No GalNet at home, the no allowance and no tech Eric!"

<p lang="en-US">"I bet a bunch of Union marines in heavy destroyer suits and armed with TKU's would take all Asgard apart, stuff Thor's hammer deep in his behind and shave Odin's beard before chow time."

<p lang="en-US">I stared at him." You better never let anyone hear what you just said."

<p lang="en-US">"Did you see Pluribus? Did you see how insignificant Nilfeheim is? I am going to leave this planet as soon as I can. I piss on the opinion of the Elders."

<p lang="en-US">"Wow you sound quite angry today. It isn't like you at all!"

<p lang="en-US">Yngve shoved his hands into his pockets and his face relaxed and he said." I am still angry at Annar and Gunnar. I was scared to death yesterday. Then I was scared for you and as I saw you fight those fish I was scared and knew I could never do that! I am a Neo Viking by birth Eric, but nothing in me seems to be in tune with it all. I feel like a stranger every day I am on my own world and every time I take a Virtu and I am away I fell I belong!"

<p lang="en-US">I knew all too well what he meant." I am scared every time to go home, I too going to leave Nilfeheim and I am going to be a Star ship Commander just like Captain Ironhand."

<p lang="en-US">"And then you return and you land the Starblazer right next to the Burg and kill your father by blasting the Burg to bits." Yngve said rolling his eyes." I hate to break it to you but Captain Ironhand is a fictional character and there is no Starblazer Spaceship either."

<p lang="en-US">"I know that, but there is a real Union Fleet and there is a real Academy.

<p lang="en-US">"Speaking of, did you ever get another episode?" I asked hoping he would have gotten another Virtu Upload of my favorite Virtu Experience. Yngve would bring them to school and I would use the library hook up.

<p lang="en-US">"Sorry I didn't buy any this month. I spend all my allowance on Virtus about Pluribus!" He blinked into the wind and shaded his eyes to see me better." You need to improve your grades quite a bit if you want to join the Academy and not become an enlisted. Only an Officer can become a Star ship Captain you know."

<p lang="en-US">"How much do you think I have to improve them?"

<p lang="en-US">"I don't know but to be accepted at the Academy to become an officer I bet they expect you to be the best of the best!"

<p lang="en-US">That dampened my mood but I promised myself to increase my efforts.

<p lang="en-US">It was Union Week and the school was closed during that time.

<p lang="en-US">Father, my brothers and the men of the Clan were gone with the Family Sub to hunt Tyranno Fins and they went to the Uhim Grounds, almost 2000 clicks from the burg and would be gone for most of the month. He never took me along and I was actually glad he did not. The prospect being pinned up in the small boat with my father for weeks on end was not something would have looked forward to. He had forgotten to instruct the remaining staff to give me any chores. It was a carefree and great time! I used the time to take long dives.

<p lang="en-US">Not many Neo Vikings went diving anymore, and it was said our gills would dry out and maybe even disappear in a few more generations. I used them every chance I got. Down here in the cold water I felt free. The cold water rushing through my gills always invigorated me and I wished I could stay submerged forever, but while a neo Viking could stay under water for a very long time, the loss of body heat even through the insulated dive suit limited the time I could stay submerged. Nilfeheim's oceans teamed with life and there were quite a few life forms down here, dangerous to an unprotected diver, but nothing was as dangerous as a Tyranno Fin. Our teacher said they are bigger and faster than even the biggest Whales on Terra and as aggressive as Sharks. We did have a fish we called Sharks too, and Rock Sharks as we called them were fast and could be dangerous to a diver, especially since they attacked in packs of ten or more fish, they weren't anything like the Tyranno's.

<p lang="en-US">However the Ragnarsson rock was in a region of ocean where Tyrannos could be found only during the first month of Shortsummer. They migrated all to the southern half of our planet where the great kelp and seaweed patches where. They did that because the docile and herbivore Three-fin fish would feed on the rich starchy kelp buts and stems to fatten themselves for the long years of Longnight. The Three fins were the preferred prey of Tyrannos and then they would fight, mate and lay eggs. Female Tyrannos would stuff seaweed in rock crevices and caves to lay one or maybe two eggs, and then guard their nests with ferocity. Fang snappers would dive from the small rock islands or floating ice bergs trying to get to these eggs or snatch a young Tyranno. Rock sharks circling it all, to either catch a Snapper in the water or feast on the leftovers of a Tyranno Kill.

<p lang="en-US">Nilfeheim's oceans were vast and even though they teemed with life, to actually find Tyrannos outside of Tyranno Season and outside this area was not as easy as one would think. These kelp and seaweed patches were in the only area of the planet that stayed ice free during long night, due to the fact that the planets main fault line was located beneath the surface and several dozen underwater volcanoes, thousands of black smokers and underwater vents kept the water temperature even to the surface above freezing.

<p lang="en-US">I finally had to get back out, as I felt my legs and arms starting to go numb. I knew it was high time. I swam through the tunnel that connected our Sub Pen with the ocean. The Sub Pen had enough room for eight boats, but currently we had only five. Hunting Subs were expensive and many Clans had perhaps one, or even used the cheaper surface vessels, like the Olafsons did before they merged with the Ragnarssons. Besides only a few Clans still went Tyranno Hunting. Others were fishing or operating Fish or Snapper Farms, but the Tyranno Hunters were considered to be the elite.

<p lang="en-US">Now that all men were gone either hunting with father or tending our Farms, the Burg was eerie silent during even during the day. While the burg had a central heating system, father preferred the old fashioned Tyranno Oil ovens and fire places. While he was gone the servants kept the fires on a minimum and despite Short Summer, the Burg was always cold. Why I ended up in my mother's drawing room I could not really say, mostly perhaps I looked for warmth. I had stayed longer in the water than I should have and was shivering. It was unused ever since the night he had killed her. His new wife did not use it and stayed most of the time in her suite of rooms where was busy with her needle crafts or she left the burg to socialize with other Clan Chief wives, a part she enjoyed greatly so I heard Midril say.

<p lang="en-US">The old book was still lying on her dresser. My mother's closet door was not closed entirely and I went to close it, but instead I opened it. Her dresses and things were still there. My hands touching the soft fabrics and I could smell her wonderful perfume. I suddenly could almost hear her voice, no words or anything just the tone of her voice. I missed her so much! Something cold ran down my cheeks and even alone I felt embarrassed by my tears. Men did not cry! Before I really knew it held one of her dresses in my hands and then held it before me and remembered the story of Thor dressing up as Freya to fool the Giants. Following a strange impulse I put on the dress. It fit me and it felt so soft. I opened my braided hair and somehow I could see my mother in my own reflection in the large mirror. It was and I could not say it any other way like a religious mysterious experience. Eric the looser and the unwanted son had disappeared and a blonde Viking girl stood there before me in the mirror. She wore a beautiful gown and I was certain now I could feel my mother's presence. I now cried and did not feel ashamed at all. That day my life had changed forever and whenever I could I sneaked into my mother's room and put on one of her dresses. I even started to wear the female undergarments and sat down reading in the old book. I knew it was wrong somehow, but Thor had done it at least once and more so I felt connected to her. She was there just out of sight, but she was there.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm;font-style:normal">Chapter 8: Grandfather

<p lang="en-US">Chapter 7- Grandfather

<p lang="en-US">The seven weeks to summer break went by faster than I liked. Mr. Walters came into class this morning and said after we greeted him." Tomorrow will be your last day of school and you have three month to prepare for the next year. Everyone in class will advance. While your grades and results have much room for improvement, they are satisfactory. Today I want to ask if you know why we keep time the way we do?" He pointed his finger at Yngve." You will not speak."

<p lang="en-US">Since Mr. Walters gave positive marks for active responses and I had vowed to myself to improve my grades, I got up." Union school and most union worlds keep to a universal schedule and summer break has nothing to do with the seasons on Nilfeheim or any other planet."

<p lang="en-US">Walters went through his usual motions and pulled his PDD." I give you a positive mark for attempt, and you are quite correct, but that is not what I asked. I asked why we do that!" He wagged his finger. "You been brave enough to get up and try so remain standing and try again."

<p lang="en-US">"It's from the days of the Ascent, when humans left that planet Earth. Our way of keeping time was simply practical because of the human biological clock."

<p lang="en-US">He nodded and the green light on his PDD indicated he gave me a positive mark." You may sit down, Eric. It seems no one else and I exclude you Yngve from this statement, never wasted a thought on time keeping."

<p lang="en-US">Gunnar got up. "That is not true Sir! Just the other day my father explained it to us!"

<p lang="en-US">"Then why don't you share what your father has explained? Answering my questions and active participation will earn you marks."

<p lang="en-US">Gunnar clenched his fists and grinned sheepishly." It's sort of Yngve's thing to be the geek. "

<p lang="en-US">"We will talk about that at another time. Now enlighten us!"

<p lang="en-US">"Father said that during the early years of the Union, all time measurement was based on how time was measured on Earth. A time keeping reform was tried to accommodate all other member species, but back then the few other members didn't care one way or the other and even the most primitive Computronic had no problem converting Earth time in whatever local time. Long story short the entire Union Non humanoid and humanoid cultures alike now kept Earth time. "

<p lang="en-US">Walters took acted as if he was hit by an invisible fist." Gunnar!" He almost shouted." You managed to surprise me and gave a great answer! I will raise your grade an entire point "To the rest of the class Walters said." Gunnar or more so his father was quite correct and we pretty much still keep Earth time. Surprisingly the Ult have adopted this time keeping system and introduced a bill to make it the official time of the Union and it passed through the assembly with over 90 per cent approval."

<p lang="en-US">A calendar appeared behind him and he said." Of course the Universal Time keeping has been modified from the original Earth time. All month have the same length. Before the time reform of 3044 month and years were directly linked to Earth's orbit around its sun called Sol. Most Terran settled worlds like Nilfeheim counting the years after some religious leader's birth and we reached the year 5012. The Official Union year is 2802 and it counts the years since the Ult, the Sarans, the Pan Sarans and the Terrans came together to become the United Stars of the Galaxy."

<p lang="en-US">He looked at one of the students behind me behind me and said." Mr. Bergeson, you have a question?"

<p lang="en-US">Alvar Bergeson was perhaps the quietest of us all. If he had spoken more than hundred words all year it would have surprised me. "That religious leader was that Thor?"

<p lang="en-US">"You Snapper-skull! " Lif Lindholm who sat next to Alvar blurted." Thor is a god and not a religious leader!"

<p lang="en-US">"Mr Lindholm! " Walters scolded Lif and said to Alvar." Why don't you research that yourself? As a teacher Union school I am not allowed to talk about any religious matters other than cultural impact and influence on society, but it might come to a surprise to some that Thursday was named after Thor and Friday after Freya."

<p lang="en-US">Walters smiled and let us actually cheer on that one before he became his serious self again and motioned us to settle down, then he asked." What are you going to do during summer break?" He clasped his hands behind his back walked down the middle isle and stopped right behind me." Mr Bergeson how about you?"

<p lang="en-US">"I am going to work at our Nubhir farm as every summer and every day I am not in school." Alvar sighed." I for one can't wait till school starts again. Nubhir farming for our clan is profitable and our family business but sometimes I wish we would invest in a few S-10 robots. I don't see the damage to traditions a few robots would do."

<p lang="en-US">"That, Mr. Bergeson is a question I cannot answer. What is it you don't like about Nubhir Farming?"

<p lang="en-US">"You sure are an Off Worlder Mr Walters. Nubhir poop and they poop a lot and if you don't feed and wash them you clean out their poop. " As if Mr Walters hit a button and released a flood. Alvar kept on talking about Nubhir farming, their diseases, fur and meat quality and pretty much everything anyone ever wanted to know about it and Walters leaned back and let him talk without interrupting. Finally however Alvar did find an end and sat down. He seemed surprised about himself and somehow he looked pleased.

<p lang="en-US">Our teacher actually padded his shoulder." This was an excellent oral report on Nubhir farming. I give you five marks for it! "

<p lang="en-US">He then turned to Sigvard. "How about you? What are you doing during Summer Break?"

<p lang="en-US">"I am going to appear before the Council and will have to fight Annar. Only one of us will return next year to this Off World School of yours and it is going to be me!"

<p lang="en-US">"I see!" Walters glanced over to Annar and said." No need to ask you then what you will do." He walked all the way to the back of the class and Ike told him he would go fishing with his family and that he looked forward to it.

<p lang="en-US">Torkel Cederstrom said he would visit his Grandparents in Isen Landsby, the Nilfeheim town built on top of the ice pole in the south. He got similar answers from most then he came to Yngve who could barely keep his proud grin of his face." I am going off planet! I am going with my father to Stafford Planet!"

<p lang="en-US">"I expect you to tell us all about it when you come back." Finally he turned to me and said." While I know where you are going Mr. Olafson, I am as your friend so eloquently pointed out an Off-Worlder. What are the Halls of Hasvik and who are the Faceless Seven?"

<p lang="en-US">I rose and said." The Halls of Hasvik are a burg like structure built when Nilfeheim was first settled by Lars Erikson and a small group of men who adhered more stringently to the rules and Traditions of the Church of Odin. It was the first thingstead of this planet were the first Elders met and worshipped the Gods."

<p lang="en-US">Gunnar added." It was abandoned and replaced by the new thingstead we have now in Halstaad Fjord. As it was deemed too cold even during Short summer."

<p lang="en-US">Walters glared at Gunnar." I appreciate your participation and I welcome your willingness to speak but you need to get up and thus indicate that you want to speak!