Cont.docx

He almost jumped out of his greenish skin as glowing light appeared in mid air, became bigger and Alyica, the PSI Corps Commandant appeared. She had returned from some short vacation only this morning and while he had seen her do this teleportation act many times, it spooked him to the core every time, and especially being alone in a almost dark office.

“Oh I see I am not the only cookie thief sneaking around after hours.” She said with a grin.

“I am not stealing them.” Webb defended himself.”She is my Assistant and makes them for me. I simply do some quality control!”

Several cookies floated out of the box and towards her.” Since I don’t have such a talented Assistant I am forced to steal them. “

“Don’t tell me you came just for cookies.”

“No, the Big man is on his way. Since his big toy is still in dock, and Para-Para could not keep him occupied he is a little restless and wants check on his special peeve, you know unusual





in the early morning of the next day the instructors had us assemble on a duro crete plaza and the Nogoll held a PDD in Clip board mode and called names, mine was called right away and I was sent into a nondescript unfurnished waiting room. I still didn't did not see Derek or Max and I even lost sight of the Non Corp. A gray skinned Shaill, a semi rigid intelligent mollusk from a Star system far in the Core ward sector wearing its version of a black Fleet Uniform floated in on a Varigrav sled and said:" Listen up, Cadets. This group is complete now. You are going to board transport 342 to be shipped out to Camp Idyllic."

"Camp Idyllic?" A greenish skinned bald humanoid next to me asked.

I shrugged:"I have no clue. But it does sound nice"

A humanoid completely shrouded in a green monk like garment spoke with a deep voice:" Camp Idyllic is one of the basic training camps the Fleet operates. It is located in the Nardir System, one hundred and twelve light years from here on a garden world called Green Eden."

"Oh boy!" A massive looking human two heads taller than me grunted with a deep voice." I heard of Camp Idyllic. My brother went to Camp Allure last year. He said it was pure hell and he heard that Camp Idyllic is supposed to be the worst."

An hour later we boarded the military version of a space bus and left Arsenal System.

The shrouded man now sat next to me in the starboard seat row. His garment had an attached hood and he wore it pulled over his head obscuring him completely, except for two eyeholes. The massive humanoid sat in the seat on my other side.

The deck plates vibrated slightly as the Leyland's ISAH drive kicked the ship past the trans-luminal threshold. We now travelled in quasi-space a thin layer between the Planck Universe and the Hawkins Omniverse.

The muscular strong guy leaned forward glanced past me at the hooded being." Why are you hiding your face under that hood?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Because I am Narth."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">" I never heard of Narths. Are you ashamed of your face or something?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The green skinned Cadet spoke from across the Isle:" Limbur let him be! He is a Narth. You don't want to mess with a Narth!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Limbur pointed at his massive arms." Do you think someone with guns like these is afraid of a goon in a hood?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The green Cadet seemed to know Limbur raised his hands." Physical strength doesn't mean much when you're dealing with a Narth. Trust me on that! Now relax and come with me. I found out this ship actually has a refreshment bar on the lower deck! I'm buying!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Limbur readily agreed and the two left towards the back.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Someone behind us said ." They are going to be disappointed if they do reach the lower deck, the refreshment bar is nothing more than a water dispenser and a Serv-Matic vending Nutro-Bars."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I was quite tired but I turned to the hooded being:" What is a Narth?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">He didn't move his shrouded head as he spoke with that deep voice." It is very complicated to answer your question in terms you would understand. I am Narth. We are a very old species and to many beings our true nature can be unsettling or even harmful. This is why we choose to cover ourselves."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I wasn't sure if I said anything to him after that, since I fell asleep even without the sleep inducer.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">--

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Green Eden appeared to be a beautiful green, white and blue sphere. From space it looked as inviting as any garden world. The transport descended through moderate clouds and approached a heavy forested land mass.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">We landed on a simple dirt field that had been cleared in the jungle. At the edge of the dirt field I saw a collection of primitive looking buildings made of wood!

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">There were no machines, no robots, no ships or vehicles.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Someone from the flight deck addressed us via the com system:" Welcome to Camp Idyllic. Grab your gear and debark through the rear air lock. Hurry up; I have a Schedule to keep and two more transports to make. Wait here! Someone will be with you shortly."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Everyone debarked and just as the last cadet stepped of the ramp, the Airlock closed and the transport ship climbed back into space.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">It was very humid and hot. The air was pungent with the stench of rotten plants. Strange sounds came from the surrounding jungle. Small insects buzzed all around us. The exposed dirt on the landing field was reddish in color and very moist. It stuck to the soles of my boots.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I counted 150 cadets and everyone was standing there waiting for something to happen, but even after an hour no one showed up to tell us what to do.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The crowd of cadets became a little restless.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Limbur scratched his polished scalp." Now what? Are we supposed to do something? Isn't anyone coming?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">His green skinned friend, his name I had learned was Wintsun appeared to like the environment judging by the smile on his face, but the smile vanished as he replied to his friend." I don't sense or hear any sentient being in the vicinity. While I am not a full telepath, I am usually able to detect sentient minds. I feel nothing and I begin to wonder myself!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The Narth who was standing next to me agreed:" I cannot sense any sentient or coherent thoughts either, but there are life forms out there considering us for food right now."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The group became quite worried after he said that and the word spread.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Three more hours passed and still nothing.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I picked up the Fleet issue garment bag that held my spare uniforms and personal gear, shouldered it and started walking towards the buildings at the other end of the landing field. The Narth did the same and followed me.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Where do you think you're going?" Asked Limbur.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I decided to inspect those buildings and then wait there. It seems to be a better place to wait than here in the open. I expect the sun to set sometime soon."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Narth didn't turn:" The Neo Viking's plan of action is logical. I shall follow his lead."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Wintsun took his bag and said:" Can I come along?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I shrugged." Sure you can. I am not in charge here."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Actually according to regulations, someone has to be in charge and since you are doing something it seems you're it!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Limbur followed us too.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">A cadet with bluish skin and coppery almost metallic shimmering red hair objected: "You can't leave! We were ordered to remain here and wait!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Wonderful. Why don't you wait and let me do my thing? "I said and kept on walking

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">About two clicks away from the point where we landed, at the long end of the crude landing field we reached the three buildings I had seen from the air. The jungles edge was about 500 meters further away and the cleared area packed with the same red claylike dirt. I did not see any recent tracks, neither of machines, humans or animals for that matter. Anyone not flying would have to make tracks.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"What is so interesting about that dirt?" Limbur wanted to know as I squatted down and touched the dirt.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Tracks I am looking for tracks. If you look behind you can see the ones we made. Around here there are no fresh ones and the ones I see are not fresh."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Narth also knelt down. "Interesting observation, by evaluating the surface you can actually deduct the presence or the past presence of ground effect movement. It is quite logical."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Wintsun shrugged. "Of course everything leaves tracks. Did you never go hunting?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Limbur smacked Wintsun in a friendly manner. "Of course not, you know where I am from. Nothing ever leaves tracks in a big city on duro crete and slide ways."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Wintsun rubbed his side." Yes I know your world. Three times the regular gravitation. "

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Narth said to me. "Will you explain to me how you interpret those tracks?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Yes gladly but maybe we should check out the buildings first."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I agree with your assessment of our situation and will look forward when you do further my education."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">A weathered sign above the entrance read," Camp Idyllic"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I surrounded the buildings first, and they kept following me. Two of the buildings looked like storage sheds and the middle building was a two story deal made of manufactured wood.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">There was a roofed porch surrounding the main structure. It had rectangular windows and a solid looking entrance door. "Anyone here?" I yelled as loud as I could."Hello?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Narth shook his hooded head." I sense no thoughts or brain activity."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Well there are life forms immune to Psionics or able to shield their presence, at least so I was told."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Narth nodded."Again you speak quite logical!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"You keep saying that and I start to believe I actually can do that."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Everything looked solid, weathered but in good condition. The door wasn't locked so I went in. No furniture, no machinery just a flight of stairs leading up and four doors.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Wintsun behind me said." I wonder what purpose these buildings serve. They are certainly not big enough to house all cadets."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I shrugged." Maybe just for the instructors, maybe we have to build our own or sleep in tents or so." To Narth I said:" Do you sense anything now?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">He shook his shrouded head." No conscious thoughts here, but back on the landing field things are going bad. There is confusion and some of it will soon lead to violence. The situation is quite unstable."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"It's not our problem. Let that Admiral Kid deal with it." Wintsun snorted at that and then looked at me."What do you want us to do?

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Let's check out the rest of this house and then look at the other two buildings."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The entire building was empty. But it had a working plumbing with fresh water and the lights worked as well, meaning there had to be a power supply somewhere.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">We opened the last door of the ground floor and Narth said:" What matter of place is this?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"It's a kitchen." I responded happily." a kitchen with a wood stove, sink and freezer unit."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"How do you know this?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Many families on Nilfleheim prefer this old fashioned traditional way of preparing meals over Serv-Matics."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Fossil heat, raw fish and meat; the images you transmit are, exceptionally primitive!" Narth said, slowly shaking his head.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I truly appreciate your abilities and I think you are a very nice person. I just wish every third person I run into can hear my thoughts!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Narth do not communicate verbally at all, we do not use our vocal voices and I am not used to be among humans. I am very sorry if I offended you."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">His usually emotionless voice had a faint note of sadness and I felt sorry for snapping at him. So I put my hand on his shoulder." Narth I think we are going to be friends. I will never again be offended or bothered if you know my thoughts. I am sorry I barked at you." I held out my hand." Friends?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Narth didn't make a sound or move for almost a minute then he slowly took my hand into his gloved one. It felt cold even through the leather like fabric." Yes Eric, I shall be your friend!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"So you're welcome to read my thoughts anytime. Nothing to hide really, I just need to get used to all those Psionics."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"We can change that, you know. Narth can make you so that no one can ever read you again!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"That's something I will consider, but for now let's check out this kitchen and see what is there."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The freezer unit was stuffed with labeled packages and the pantry held Vac-packs of vegetables, meat, fish and rice and other packs with food items I could not identify right away. There was enough to feed an army over an extended period of time!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">In a drawer I found all sorts of kitchen utensils including knives. I armed myself with a large mono filament knife. It had a convenient butchers sheath as well that easily attached to my belt.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Why the knife?" Wintsun asked, looking over my shoulder into the drawer.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I feel better with some sort of weapon especially after Narth told us that there might be life forms that consider us prey. Besides a knife is a tool and could come in handy."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Wintsun followed my example right away and took a knife as well."How about you, Spooky?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Narth turned on the spot as if he stood on a mechanical turntable. Wintsun took several steps back startled by the sudden and strange move. "Am I correct in the assumption that you addressed me?" He then snapped his gloved finger." I believe I understand you exercised the human habit of titling me with a Nickname!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Uh, yes exactly! That is what I did!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I shall research that more! As for your initial question: No I do not need a weapon."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I padded him on the shoulder."It's what humans do. In a potential hostile environment you are better off with a weapon than without one."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">One of the knifes floated all by itself out of the drawer and Narth took it and put it under his long sleeve. He then moved his hooded head to look at us both."Simple telekinetics!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Maybe Psionics are quite useful!" I managed to say."And don't cut yourself."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Your concern for my wellbeing is duly noted, I shall not cut myself. Even though it might be an interesting experiment."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I sure don't know anything about your society my new friend, but cutting yourself with a Mono blade is anything but interesting."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Limbur grinned." It is quite messy."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I yield to your expertise. We do not use Knives on Narth Prime."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"How do you cut your food, then?" Limbur wanted to know.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"We do not consume food that needs to be cut."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Quite a time saver, I imagine." Wintsun shrugged and handed Limbur a big meat cleaver."That thing has Limbur written all over it."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Narth leaned forward." I do not see the word Limbur on this tool at all. I believe the words read: NSF – stainless."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">While Wintsun tried to explain to Narth what he meant, I left the Kitchen and out to the back and checked on the other two buildings placed next to each other behind the main structure.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">They where storage huts and locked with simple padlocks but the monofilament knife cut through the wood frame like butter.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Do you think it is wise to break in?" Asked Limbur, while I was cutting around the lock plate.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Well nobody said we can't. This is a Fleet installation and in lieu of any higher authority we represent the Fleet and should be authorized."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">This storage building held pallets stacked with self erecting tents, emergency food rations, construction tools and several power cubes.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The other building was stacked with even more food rations, spare uniforms, water containers and stacks of boxes and crates with other stuff.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">A bright yellow and red painted dura steel locker with ID lock caught my eye.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">On it a sign in bold letters read: "Armory! Authorized Personnel Only".

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Narth approached me:" A fight broke out at the landing field. Someone got hurt."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Let them fight! We got all the food we need!" Limbur made an old but still popular and vulgar hand gesture into the direction of the landing field." It's not our problem."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Does it not strike you odd, that no one showed up to instruct us? Maybe the camp personnel was attacked and killed by something in the Jungle!" Speculated Wintsun with a worried look on his face and gazing towards the dark green wall of vegetation." I come from a Jungle World and we have colonized it for a long time and still we discover new and often dangerous life forms.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I shook my head." This seems unlikely to me. We would have found some evidence of occupancy in the main building. All this stuff is stored and locked away. No one left here in a hurry or unexpected."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Wintsun rubbed his chin." Makes sense to me but where are they? "

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I shrugged:" I don't know why no one has shown up to give us any instructions. Maybe the ship with the instructors was delayed somehow, or we got dropped off at the wrong planet."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Limbur rolled his eyes." That just could be our luck, some clerk filed the wrong flight papers and the shuttle pilot has long forgotten about us. It may take weeks till they know we're missing."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I examined the lock at the Armory. It was a state of the art ID lock. Then I looked over my shoulder and said:" Maybe this is simply another test to see how we react. Until we know for sure we cannot completely eliminate your first speculation either. We should make the best out of the situation. It's not like we are completely screwed. We got all this stuff! I think we should go back and tell them what we found and then see if we can find something in here that can be used to send a Trans Dim message."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">So we went back to the landing field.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">As we reached the others we found one of the cadets lying on the ground not moving, bleeding from a head wound and another one was sitting, pressing his hand over also a bleeding wound at his neck. There was a hushed silence and everyone looked at us.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The blue skinned guy stood before them holding a wooden stick like a club. His other fist prodded against his hip and barked at me:" Cadet you have left this area unauthorized. I am placing you under arrest until superior officers arrive! Resist me and I will deal with you as I have dealt with those deserters."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I gasped and said:" You are doing what? "

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I am Swybin, Son of Admiral Swybar. I assumed command. I know everything about the Fleet and its regulations. You will call me Commandant and you will follow my every order. Anything less will result in severe punishment."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The Narth shook his head." Relationship to a ranking officer does not give you command authority. Rank is not inherited but earned by completing the process we all have started by joining the Academy. You have no authority to place anyone under arrest or assume command. "

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Wintsun stood straight with a serious face, and said with loud voice holding an I Pad before him in blinking record mode:" United Stars Fleet General Orders Section One, paragraph 35 In the absence of higher command authority and during situations where only equal ranking officers are present, the first officer taking charge in said situation is by default of his action commanding officer with full authority to issue orders.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The first cadet taking action was Eric Olafson and I herby evoke said General Order. You Eric are to take charge of post and all government property in control reach. Until such time he is relieved of command by proper identified command authority. "

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Put on record on this day and this hour, by Cadet Alsher Wintsun. Service number 4523232-W-23234. It became quiet.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Narth nodded." He is correct that is the text of that general order and by evoking it and putting it on record it has been made official and legal, he now is our commanding officer."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Swybin didn't like that and it was clear that he wished he had thought of that." I am the son of Admiral Swybar and I am the logical choice here. When the Instructors come they will listen to me alone because a single word of mine can cost their career! You records will mean nothing. Be warned I will report you all as deserters if you do not listen to me!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">A female cadet held up her handbook." What Wintsun said is correct. It states it right here."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Swybin actually raised his wooden club to strike the female."Silence!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I would not allow anyone beating an unarmed woman in my presence ever again, but he was too far away for me to reach him in time to prevent the first strike."At the same moment his club stopped in midair as if he hit something very hard. It splintered and Swybin yelped in pain. The pieces of the wooden club flew in a high arc away. Narth eye slits glowed visibly with a dark red light."You act in a highly illogical matter and your mind is clouded with self delusion of imagined importance."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Swybin held his hand in pain and growled in open hatred." My father will have you hanged for this. No one disobeys an Admiral!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Enough of this!"I yelled! "One thing is certain you are not an Admiral. You are a cadet like me and everyone else here. One thing I promise you if you ever raise your hand in violence against an unarmed and weaker person that you I will break every bone in your body! I frankly don't know much about regulations or Fleet orders yet, heck I didn't even know we have handbooks! I am in this Fleet only since the day before yesterday."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I pointed at the wounded."We are now getting the injured cadets into the buildings and see what we can do to help them. There are self erecting emergency tents and there is food and water. It makes no sense to wait here on the landing field. If someone comes they surly will be smart enough to look for us at the buildings over there!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Swybin fumed:" Anyone disregarding my orders will be court-martialed and I assure you my dad will listen to me! We were ordered to wait here!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"This is getting us nowhere. I am going back to those buildings and I will take those wounded cadets along. I am taking full responsibility for my actions and you are welcome to report whatever I did to anyone you like. Anyone that wants to come along is welcome!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Wintsun barked loud and with a stern face."Cadets follow us!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">About 20 did remain with Swybin, the rest followed us.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I knelt down to the bleeding cadet and said:" Can you walk?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I think so!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Alright then, go lean against me I get you to the building." To Limbur I said:" Can you help me with the other one?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Limbur grinned: I don't need help with that!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">He lifted the unconscious man like a weightless toy from the ground and carried him away.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Chapter 13: Chapter 13

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">–""--

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">By night fall we had enough tents erected for everyone. I had them arranged in a circle around the main building as close together as possible. In the building we arranged one room as mess hall and another as an infirmary. One of the Cadets, a girl with skin so black it had a bluish shimmer was a certified EMT, before she joined the Fleet. Her name N'Buga and she found first aid supplies in one of the storage buildings. The one with the head wound seemed alright after N'Buga, the EMT treated him, but the other one was still unconscious.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">N'Buga bunched the towel she was holding and grinded her teeth." He most likely got traumatic head injury from that first blow Swybin struck and I don't have the scanners or tools to check for bleeding or fractures. We must assume the worse and there isn't much I can do. He needs medical attention as soon as possible!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I smiled at her." I know you do your best. We're trying to find some way to call for help."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"If I could put him in a stasis field, which would be the best solution for now."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I check the supplies maybe they have space suits." Wintsun said who was standing next to us, rubbing his chin and looking like he had an idea.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"What would a Space suit do? " I asked.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"All Fleet space suits have an auto doc unit and are Cryostasis capable in case someone get lost in space and needs to conserve energy and life support."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Well let's tear those storage sheds apart and see what we can find!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Almost an hour later opening countless shipping containers one cadet held up a sealed package and said." Not a space suit but the Cryostasis replacement module for one, complete with Auto Doc."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Two cadets with engineering skills rigged a make shift space suit out of repair tape and tent skin, we placed the injured cadet inside and N'Buga activated the Cryostasis unit. Her face relaxed as the indicator lights went green." Well that should stabilize him better than anything else we can do until help arrives."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I was standing at the door to our improvised infirmary when Narth approached me, he didn't make any sound when he moved." The tents are all up. Wintsun passed out ration food bars and water. I posted the guards as you asked. Two are on the roof and the other two on each side of the camp. Now what do you want the rest to do?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Are you sure no one resents me giving orders and all that?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Narth put his hand on my shoulder." No Eric, the mood on our side has drastically improved. Be assured I do whatever you order!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I looked around to collect my thoughts. "We should inventory the items in the storage buildings. Ration the food, water seems to be no problem, but until we know how long we have to be here or know what native resources are consumable. I think we should ration the food. We post double guards at both storage places. No one is to help themselves to food outside of meal times."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"A wise precaution indeed, I shall convey your orders! I also suggest we open the armory case and supply the guards with better weapons than clubs and knifes. Only a few are trained in any sort of combat and I foresee we might need real weapons before the night is over!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Alright but I am going to open it myself, in case we get in trouble for it, it's only me they can punish!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"This is quite noble, but I will share this responsibility with you!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">–""--

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The lock and the armory would not yield to a simple knife so I pushed my thumb on the lock and a voice said." Biometric data not on file. Access denied."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I am Cadet Eric Olafson. I am in Command as per General Orders. Access to the weapons is vital."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"ID chip information recorded. Command authority accepted. Access granted." The lock snapped open.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The box held ten brand new military issue Directed Energy Blasters. With Narths help I picked eight cadets with the most prior experience handling such weapons and armed them with DEB's, located them strategically so they could rest and eat yet rush to the site of any alarm in short time. Two guns I kept in reserve, just in case.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Then I had them break out the Construction tools and equipped the rest with Power saws and similar tools that could be used as makeshift weapons. I myself armed myself with a vibro blade axe. I never shot a blaster other than once at the beach with my Uncle, but this was a weapon I understood.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The two cadets with engineering skills had rigged an air conditioning system for the infirmary from parts they found in the store room and they were quite proud as they showed off their handy work. Both were human. The taller one of the pair had black hair and it stuck so tight to his skull it looked almost as if it was painted. He had big eyes and a small mouth, his name was Alberts. The exposed skin of the other guy was covered with colorful tattoos in bright blues and blacks. His hair was red almost orange and his eyes where the greenest I ever saw, he listened to the name of Shawn. It was Shawn who proudly demonstrated the workings of the Air Conditioning system and explained to me." Al rigged it with four tent units and I tied it into the building energy supply box. We can keep the place warm or cold. "

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"That's a good job you did." Was all that came to my mind? It surprised me that my comment caused proud smiles. Albert didn't say much, but he had fashioned himself a tool belt and stuffed with all sorts of tools.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Shaun asked "What do you want us to do next?" He looked eager to do something and so did his friend Al.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"We need some sort of central watchtower. An elevated place we can see everything and if you could rig something like a Trans Dim Radio anything that might be used to send a message that be good."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Shawn shook his head." Can't do, Sir, None of the spare parts have transdim spools and without them nothing goes past the LI thresh hold."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Albert said something to Shawn in a language I never heard and Shawn nodded." Aye we could try that."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"What did he say?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Shawn punched the other." Don't speak that old German-Irish gibberish he doesn't understand the old Engineering Language!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Albert grinned sheepishly." Sorry Captain. I am just so happy that I found Shawn who speaks the old engineering language that we started to use it."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I had no idea what he was talking about but nodded anyway." That's fine. Can you make a Trans Dim Radio?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Not exactly, but if we can take one of the DE rifles apart and use the containment field modulator and use the computronic of the ID Lock from the Armory, I am sure we could make a Morse code transmitter. No voice no images and we couldn't receive but anyone with a Trans Dim Set in range could hear us. The Containment field is transdim bases you see and by modulating it we would have a crude transmitter."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Why do I get the feeling you all know more about this than I do? Have you done this before?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Albert shrugged." I haven't. I was raised on a ship and haven't been much dirt side, but I think I know pretty much all non classified tech inside and out. That's important, especially if your family space ship is a rust bucket about to fall apart. You learn to jury rig and improvise from early on!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Shawn explained. "Morse code is truly ancient and comes from Earth pre Astro time. But its simplicity and usefulness made it an almost universal thing. Every Com Officer aboard any ship military or civilian knows Morse code. Besides any computronic will recognize it as artificial transmission and can translate it." Then he added." It's my first time in the Academy for sure, but I was born on Kikenny and being an Engineer is more than a tradition to us, it's a religion."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Then you should try doing what Al suggested."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The dark haired cadet rubbed his hands." I am all over it and tomorrow we are going to install a high energy fence around the place."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Shawn was as excited." After that we build …"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">A cadet I had not seen before handed me an e board." Here is the inventory of the food items, Sir. Kaila, Ivax and I are now tackling the other storage locker."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Thank you, Cadet." That was all that I could think off. I took the board and glanced at it. She smiled warmly." Wintsun was right picking you!" She turned and left with a light spring in her step.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Night and darkness finally came after a long sunset. Narth was confident he could calculate the duration of a local day after tomorrow.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">We then found out nights on Idyllic where very dark, there was no moon to reflect any sunlight. The stars however where spectacular!

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">And soon we learned that night fall caused a sharp drop in temperatures and it was getting colder by the minute. The tents had heating elements and we found plenty of blankets and padded uniform jackets and I was certain we would be just fine.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Narth told me the situation on the landing field was getting worse by the minute. The handful of cadets that remained with Swybin where cold, hungry and confused aggression and fear tensed to a breaking point. He also sensed aggressive emotions from beings in the jungle and that there was more of that activity now than during the day.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">So I had the guards equipped with hand held search lights and we worked out a guard schedule.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I was just inspecting the tents and talked to a Cadet from Earth when Wintsun came down the steps of the main building and said" Everything looks fine, everyone is contempt. Sure everyone is wondering what happened to the Instructors, but there isn't any fear." He pounded my shoulder." I hand it to you, Viking you know your stuff!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Wintsun, I know nothing and the more I talk to other the more I realize that."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">He said nothing just smiled at me and wiped on his feet and I was about to return to talk to the girl from Terra when he said." What do we do now?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"We wait, keep our guard up and see what happens."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"There are plenty of idle cadets with nothing to do. They want to help and do something! They are eager to do whatever you tell them."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Alright, let's run this place Fleet like! I don't know much about it yet, and all I was instructed about was food and appearance. So I want the hallway made into a mess hall. Find chairs and tables make them out of shipping crates or something and get a group on heating ready meals. Everyone not on guard post will attend, perfectly groomed and dressed. Guard posts are to be relieved half way through dinner and also need to groom and bathe before they attend. I want all rooms scrubbed and cleaned and the kitchen sparkling clean."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I smiled." That will keep them busy!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">To my surprise she and Wintsun smiled from one ear to the other and almost yelled. "Yes Sir that it will!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I too put on a clean uniform, trimmed my beard and combed my long blonde hair, braided it as it was tradition and then went with Narth to the storage sheds and we looked over the food supply list and calculated we could serve three meals to everyone for about twelve days, and then still have emergency bars for another month.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Let's not hope we will be here for that long." I said.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Narth shook his hooded head."It is highly unlikely we will be."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Still I think we should keep the guard and household with what we got."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"The situation dictates such precautions and is logical."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"You really think I am that logical?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I am unable to make a conclusive analysis of your logical capabilities as my exposure to you is limited to relative short time span, but all instructions you have given and all actions taken or indicated clearly indicate that you follow a clear defined path when it comes to approach challenges as the one we are currently faced with."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"You always talk like that?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Certainly not. We Narth do not converse using acoustic verbal means and I only talk to you or others if the situation requires it. Therefore I do not always talk. It would be illogical to do so if there is no one to listen for example."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"You made my point." I smiled at Narth. "I am sure the day comes you and I actually really understand what the other means."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I share your vision of this future."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Wintsun joined us."Ah here you are. We have prepared the west facing room in the upper level for you and Spooky. So you have a place to sleep and work. You should also see what the crew had done to the hall."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"You don't think I should use a tent like the others?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"You are in command and according to the handbook it is preferable to find separate accommodations for the CO when the situation permits it."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I sighed." Let's check out what they have done and then you should tell me why you know that handbook so well."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Wintsun shrugged. "I downloaded a copy from GalNet before I applied and read much of it. I like to read and I thought the Academy Handbook would be a good thing read since I was going there."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Narth pointed at Wintsun."This was a perfect example of logical reasoning, Eric."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I actually agreed with Narth and I wondered why I had not thought of doing the very same thing.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The empty hallway had transformed rather nicely into a make shift mess hall with two rows of tables with bed sheets as table cloth. Field mess kits had been arranged in place settings and someone found a Union flag and hung it from the far end wall.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">And almost every seat was taken. Wintsun pointed at the crate at the short end and I felt awkward taking this obviously prominent spot, and uncomfortable because every eye was on me. Wintsun leaned over." Since we don't have servers, the food is already placed but we waited on you."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I cleared my throat, took the water bottle and raised it." Unknown is what lies ahead, let us face it like Fleet officers. I know still know little about the ways, regulations and traditions of the fleet. I did not ask to be in this leadership position, but for as I am in that position you can rest assure I will do my very best. Tomorrow is a new day, we are deep in Union space, and we have plenty of food, weapons, and a great pool of talents, good shelter and lots of work. Our instructors will show up sooner or later. Until then I raise my glass and drink to you and all of us. To the Fleet, to tomorrow."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I drank and sat down and began to eat looking sheepishly around. Not one face of those I could read showed amusement, but I could almost sense the collective pride.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">A frail looking Cadet who almost looked like a skeleton bowed his bony head and blinked his sunken eyes." This was a good toast, Sir."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">During the sixth hour of darkness, after I had few hours of sleep, I climbed on the roof, where we had installed our makeshift Watchtower, to take my post and my turn of the watch. The temperature had dropped below freezing now. I just made it half way when a bright light finger suddenly stabbed into the darkness from the left guard position below me and then came the shouts of alarm!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">It was too far for me to climb back down in time. So I crawled the last meters to the actual post. Someone had taped a tent tarp between four posts and used the heating unit as blower making it not a bad spot at all.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I didn't know the names of the cadets sitting there, but they where humanoid and one asked me in a hushed voice." Mr. Olafson, what is going on?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I don't know, Cadet. But we are going to find out!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I took his spot light and pointed it into the same direction as the first one. Something large with green scaled skin and six legs was caught in the strong bright light beams. It was so big I could see its teeth gleaming from up here. The beast was confused by the sudden light and had stopped its advance. It was at least 20 meters long and perhaps 5 tall, I estimated.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I shouted." Two gun men to the northern guard post. Others remain where they are! "

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The beast overcame its hesitation and started to advance towards the camp. I waited for the cadets with rifles to be in position and then I yelled:"Fire at will!" Two sun bright bolts of energy lashed out, caught the beast and the sharp crack of super heated air vibrated in the area. The beast was hit by pure energy plasma, millions of degrees hot; half the animals head was instantly incinerated.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">We repelled and killed two more within the same hour and then it became quiet. I could smell the burnt flesh and saw the dimly glowing remains of whatever was left of the animals

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Narth who was my watch partner had literally floated up to our position without moving a limb, a few moments after I had arrived:" The beasts of the jungle fear this place of lightning and thunder and won't bother us anymore for a while."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"What about those on the landing field?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"If I would be human I wager there won't be as many left tomorrow."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"We can't let this happen! We have to convince them to come here or at least protect them!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Why? The son of the Admiral thinks very bad thoughts about you and it was their free choice!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"We have to go! " I said while climbing down. Narth floated effortlessly next to me and without making any sound.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"You got some grav device under that cloak of yours?" I asked.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"No I levitate myself using telekinesis. It is quite simple and I am not all that heavy! I can levitate you too, if you care"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I think I should learn more about the Narth."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I shall teach you more of my culture and people."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"At another time though! We need to hurry! I have a bad feeling about this!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">–""--

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I took two of our armed cadets along and we reached the landing field and the other cadets some moments later. We had to fire right away as four of the scaled beasts where about to attack. A fifth of the lizard like beasts had a humanoid form between his claws and the two Cadets armed with the Blasters hesitated to shoot. Without really thinking I hefted the axe with both hands and attacked. Axe fighting was drilled into every Neo Viking from early on and I charged the confused animal. The blinding light and the loud hissing crack of the blasters, hitting the other animals, had been enough to scare the others away but this one was not about to let his dinner go. The humming axe blade vibrated in a very high frequency. It would slice through nearly anything without much effort. I swiped it across the lowering head of the beast as it snapped after me, the axe sliced through its jaw and showering me with scales, blood and broken teeth. The animal roared high pitched and in obvious pain and after my second swing slicing a big chunk out of his left claw, the animal backed up. The wounded cadet floated all by itself away. Without turning I knew Narth had used his incredible telekinetic powers to rescue the mauled man. Two sun bright beams lashed out and finished the beast before I had to do anything else.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Cold wind blew unrestricted and the wind chill made it feel even colder than it actually was, but I felt warm and alive. The rest of the Cadets were huddled close and looked hungry, frightened and exhausted. Two seemed delirious and another one was badly wounded. He was the one caught by the beast. Much of his left arm was gone.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Swybin stood in the middle, wearing several uniforms in layers against the cold and hissed:" It is too late to ask to come back, Viking. The Instructors will come and you will face a court-martial and I will personally watch your execution!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Oh shut up. You are repeating yourself."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Another cadet pointed into the dark." Olafson, Sir! Some of the huge beasts dragged Morthil away!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Still facing the admirals son I said:" Save your poison Swybin. You may court martial me or have me dragged before your father, I don't care. But right now the lives of your friends are in serious jeopardy. Take them to the camp. There is food and warmth. You can blame me for everything and put it all on me, but for Odin's sake go now."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">To the two cadets that had came with me I said:" Get that wounded guy as fast as you can inside and wake N'Buga so she can take care of him."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I turned to Narth." Escort them back and see that they all get food and a place to sleep. "

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Where are you going?" Asked Swybin a little less hostile sounding before Narth could answer me.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I am trying to find that beast and see if we can do anything for the Cadet dragged away. If not he deserves a decent burial so he can enter Valhalla!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Narth said." I shall accompany you. I can sense him. He is still alive."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Cadet Holstin hand Narth your blaster and take the others back." I said.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Narth refused." I am unfamiliar with these weapons and would not use it correctly. I am by no means defenseless. However I relayed your orders to Wintsun and he is up and will coordinate. Limbur is on his way to help guide them back."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Since everything here is taken care of, Mr. Narth point the way then, I am sure the guy hasn't all too much time left!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I ran alongside Narth whose feed hovered just a few inches above the ground towards the jungles edge. I glanced at him." You are sure a spooky sight! Floating and dressed like that, you look like a real ghost."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I wasn't aware there are unreal ghosts!" His answer gave me the chills. I suddenly thought that if Narth believed in ghosts that there might be indeed such entities.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I promised myself to ask him about ghosts sometimes later, but now we reached the Jungles edge and at first the foliage looked like a solid black wall and I wondered how we could advance, when Narth pointed to a smashed path, made by the large beast.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">As we followed the path, I found out I didn't have to use the flash light, despite the fact that no starlight penetrated the forest roof. Eerie glowing tree trunks illuminated the surroundings with a faint bluish light. My eyes where adapted to the dark depths of Nilfleheim oceans so I could see just fine.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Narth asked:" Many of the others experience an emotion called fright. Aren't you afraid? You charged this animal armed with nothing more than a primitive axe"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I am afraid all the time, but it doesn't affect me much as long as there is something I can do about it. I was raised hunting huge carnivorous fish in a very dangerous environment. This is scary I tell you, but really fear my father more than anything so I am used to fear I guess. Besides a Vibro Axe isn't exactly all that primitive."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">We penetrated the jungle deeper, I was trying to catch my breath and still keep up with the effortless floating Narth and I estimated we already went more than a click, when Narth grabbed my shoulder and jerked me back with force. Just then something broke through the jungle floor in an explosion of leaves and wet dirt. A large maw filled with sharp fangs missed my head by less than a centimeter. I swung the axe before I really knew I was doing it, blood sprayed me for the second time this night and I had cut the thing in half. A large centipede like thing with its head intact and six small eyes still fixed on me. I took a deep breath:" that was close! Thank you Narth!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"No mention is necessary. The being caught me by surprise as well. It had no detectable thoughts until we stepped almost over it."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I wiped sweat, blood and pieces of foliage of my face and gasped. "Well let's keep going. He might be still alive but not if the beast decides to slow down and eat."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">After only a few hundred meters Narth stopped and pointed between two bushes. "The Cadet is out of danger! We no longer need to pursue him!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"How can this be? Is he dead?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Bright lights suddenly flooded the scene. I dropped to the ground and yelled "Narth, take cover!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">A new voice out of the lights said." No need Cadet Olafson. I am Commander Letsgo. Cadet Morthil is safe and so are the others. You may lower your axe!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I got to my feet and I saw a Fleet Officer and six Marines in Heavy Battle armor step into the light. "This exercise is over."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Chapter 14: Chapter 14

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Chapter 14

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The real Camp Idyllic so it turned out was about ten kilometers away from the landing field and the wooden houses. A collection of buildings in the middle of the Jungle covered with soil and foliage, undetectable from above.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The installation extended far underground and we all were assembled in a large hall, with green carpets and windows that allowed a view of the jungle and a lake that shimmered in the distance between tall trees and thick underbrush.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">After Narth and I met Commander Letsgo we followed them aboard a floater that brought us here.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The other cadets were already here and standing in the reception hall.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">All eyes turned to us as we entered, but no one spoke. Narth and I took a spot at the rear and waited for the things to come.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Commander Letsgo looked less human than he did during the brief encounter in the dark jungle. His skin had a metallic dull color and he had neither ears nor a real nose. His head was completely hairless and the eyes looked like cybernetic implants.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"He is a Stellaris." I could hear Narths whisper as if his lips where direct next to me, but he had not moved." Bionetic engineered of Terran origin, to survive with minimal protection in deep space."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The Commander stepped behind a lectern and he was flanked by a dark fur covered being to his left and a Pan Saran Officer to the right. He began:" Good morning Cadets. I am Commander Letsgo and I am in command of this training facility. To my left is Commander Propeel. Some of you may recognize her to be a Nu-Uiit she is my Executive Officer. To my right you see Lieutenant Aurellius your Chief Instructor.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"You will spend the next 6 standard months on and around Camp Idyllic in Basic training. As the name suggests it is where you learn all the basics you need to know as members of this Fleet.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"You learn to be soldiers and officers. It is our job to educate, train, and inspire you the Corps of Cadets so that those who complete this graduate as commissioned leaders of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Union and prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the Nation as an officer in the United Stars Fleet. That means we must make sure that you are indeed officer material.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"The United Stars Fleet is unlike any other organization you might be familiar with. We are not a Corporation, not a Church or whatever civilian organizations there might be. The United Stars Fleet is the military arm of our union with many missions. We explore space, make sure the Union is safe from outside threats and even though we enjoy a period of relative peace. Conflict and war is a real possibility and you need to be prepared for all this.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"You are here to aspire to be more than soldiers. We want you to be scientists, diplomats, explorers and above all we want you to be officers. Perhaps you are sick and tired to hear us say and stress this world so much, because we want to drive it home to you that it is not a word by a condition, a state of being and a way of life.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"As you probably noticed at Arsenal, many thousands apply every quarter at 164 Academy satellites to become Fleet Officers. Of all those applicants only about 20 percent make it to the final year and graduate.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"As I mentioned before Instructing and teaching you are only a small part of what this Basic training camp is all about. We test character, abilities and personal values. Knowledge can be learned, skills can be taught but there are aspects to each personality already there, aspects that make each of you a distinguishable individual. The Fleet looks back at 3000 years of history and tradition. Many ways of finding good personnel and officers have been tried, using the combined experience and knowledge of all member species. Neural Uploads, Genetic engineering, mental prenatal conditioning, robots, cyborgs, androids and combinations of all these, none of these methods yielded the same results as the training and selection program we are using now.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Officers even more than Enlisted are ambassadors, representatives of these traditions and values and we developed a complicated but proven process to weed out those unfit to wear this uniform."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">He paused for a moment and scanned the room from left to right:" When you were and left alone on the landing field, it was a staged scenario in order for us to see how you adapt to new situations that have not been anticipated.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"You see, as an Officer it is very likely you come across an unexpected situation in the course of your career. A situation not trained for, not covered in any regulation and still the Fleet expects you to make the right decisions. It doesn't matter how much training one has or what regulations he or she knows. When it comes to the unknown it is just that, unknown and unprecedented.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"You had basically two options last night. Remain on the landing field or occupy the buildings. And both choices have been made. One group went to the buildings, broke locks, liberated equipment and damaged Fleet property, but they where warm, safe had food and shelter. The other group remained where they had been dropped off, sticking to the order exactly as given by the Shuttle pilot. That group was cold, suffered a severe brake down in morale and had casualties. One leader used physical violence and verbal threats to gain obedience. The other simply took the initiative and was chosen. I am asking you which were the better solutions to the given situation?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The commander pointed a finger at Swybin. "Why don't you answer me that question, Cadet?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Swybin straightened his stanch and said: "The loss of personnel can be expected in hostile environment and a few dead men should not change the objectives their leader demands to be reached.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Just like a real commanding officer I expected casualties. Of course I was raised by an Admiral, my father. This is why only I was qualified to be in command. These are soldiers after all. It is imperative that any soldier or service person carries out orders exactly as given. The common soldier cannot base his or her decision to follow and order on potential danger, even deadly threat. He or she must remain at post. It is not important if that soldier is warm and well fed, out of harm's way or safe. It is however important that he keeps his post and obeys every order given by a Superior and thus assures said officer's safety! The average foot soldier is expendable and that is what they are for. A person of my background is of course much more valuable, than a common as dirt average Joe cadet. I fully expect you will ask me to forgo much of this basic training and to join the ranks of Command staff and instructors right away."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">He crossed his arms and looked very self assured into the room."I told you they would listen to me. It is too late to ask for any leniency."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Turning his attention back to Letsgo he concluded. "So without question my decisions were the correct ones. I am fully prepared to be a witness at the court-martial proceedings of this imbecile brutish Neo Viking Olafson, Sir!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The Commanders artificial looking face did not change its expression as he looked around and pointed at me." Cadet Swybin made his statement and answered my question. "Now answer my question as well."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Sir, the pilot said: Wait here and he did not specify were exactly we had to wait. Here could mean the entire planet for all I know, he was a shuttle pilot after all As far as I knew it wasn't even a real order, just instructions. The Pilot did not identify himself with rank or name either by the way. In any case there were buildings only two clicks away. After no one came for hours, those buildings looked like the logical waiting place to me. Since I didn't know what delayed you, our instructors.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">So in my opinion it was necessary to make the best of the situation. The buildings provided us with that option. Anyone looking for us would certainly look in those buildings, besides I posted guards that would have seen any approaching ship or search party.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">It all really started when another Cadet started to quote regulations and hand books and general orders and all that. So he said I was in charge according to those regulations."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I sighed and said." That matters little however as I accepted command and therefore I take full responsibility for the break in and the use of Fleet property. All the others acted under my instructions and orders, Sir!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"So you are willing to accept all responsibility for everything?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Yes Sir."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Swybin laughed with a snorting sound:"Wonderful, have Olafson arrested Sir! He has confessed and accepted his guilt! I believe a nice flogging is in order. Floggings are still on the books I believe!" He laughed pleased and added." Of course I will convey to my father how diligent you execute your post! I am sure the word of an Admiral has much weight when your next promotion will be discussed."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The Commander glanced at Swybin:" How nice of you. So if I have that Cadet arrested and punished you make sure I get a promotion?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Swybin looked around to make sure everyone saw how important he was." Arrangements can be made most certainly, Commander, My father is Rear Admiral Upper half Swybar, you have heard of him of course. There are few of more importance in this fleet of ours and of course he listens to my recommendations!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Again he looked around to make sure all eyes were on him." I accompanied my father to every important posting. I am on first name basis with much of the Echelon of this fleet. From early on I was called the little Admiral and I am sure in no time at all I am going to join Fleet Command."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"You are not a commanding officer. Your father's position and rank makes no difference to your performance, conduct or status. Yes you were correct, we expect our soldiers, service personnel and spacemen to follow orders and execute them regardless of possible danger or personal comforts but an officer is not only responsible to achieve the objectives of an order given but is also responsible for each and every being under his or her command." The commander shook. "I have never seen such a severe case of egocentric, self importance and I cannot understand how you managed to pass the Psych Exams and tests."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The metallic faced commander turned to us: If we wanted blind obedience we could send robots and not beings. We want officers that are able to think and question orders. Every time you receive an order you must evaluate it and decide if you follow it or not. In the far distant past horrible crimes were committed and those committing them refused to accept responsibility because they were ordered to do so.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">When you leave this auditorium, stop a moment and look at the Academy Flag and read the motto underneath our logo: It is an ancient quote from pre Astro earth: Quiz custodiet ipsos custodes? And it means translated who will guard the Guards. We are not the Marines, who are trained to prize unquestioning loyalty and bravery as the highest ideals. We want thinking beings knowing when to follow an order and when not. It is often difficult to decide which orders to interpret and which ones follow by the letter or even refuse to execute. Don't understand this wrong. Mutiny is a serious crime, disobedience is severely punished. It is very complicated but we expect each officer to walk this line every day and that is why robots cannot replace us."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">He paused and slowly shook his head as he continued:" I experienced a lot, Cadet Swybin, but that is a first. Trying to bribe me right out in the open. I am not impressed by your fathers rank, nor am I impressed by your conduct out there. Assuring obedience by violence is despicable."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">If you would be an officer I had you court marshaled and charged with the attempted murder of Cadet Owar and a host of other charges, none the least trying to bribe me! Let me assure you however there will be a full investigation as how you managed to even get this far."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Swybin was obviously caught off guard by this and started to protest:" I have your head for this! I am a Swybin!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Letsgo gestured to a marine standing by the doors." Get this civilian of this Installation at once!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The Commander returned his attention to me while Swybin was escorted outside." I commend you for your performance and actions. I especially liked the Dinner and your acts of bravery to save fellow officers. However you failed the test as well. Do you know why you failed?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I pressed my teeth together and nodded. "Yes Sir, I think I know."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Letsgo pointed at Wintsun." You seem to know the regulation handbook by heart. Do you know why he failed?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Wintsun was caught off guard and shrugged." Sir, I memorized the General Orders because my brother said they always come up in tests. It does not make me an expert in evaluating another cadet's action, but I think Eric did a great job, Sir."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Mr. Olafson. Why do you think you failed?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I feel responsible for the wounded cadets, Sir. I should have done something much earlier."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"And responsible you are! Just like Cadet Wintsun put on record. You are in charge of the post and all government property within control reach. The second you accepted command you assumed responsibility over all personnel in your unit. If you would have arrested Swybin, took all cadets to the houses you would have scored the perfect for this test.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">You also broke into the Armory locker. It was clearly off limits and marked Authorized Personnel only! Do you have anything to say for your defense?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Yes Sir! I did not break the lock it accepted my authority and thus made me Authorized."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Slick answer I give you that. But why did you open it?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Sir we did not know what happened to you. We speculated and quite aware that this could have been a test, but you also could have been delayed or killed by a hostile force either native or foreign to this world. Later events made me glad I did open that gun cabinet."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">He whispered to the furry Lt Commander and then said. "I will announce your punishment later. Now I am going to dismiss you so you can clean up, unless someone else has something to add."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Narth floated just a little off the floor making him quite visible." Sir, I am sharing his punishment."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">To my surprise Limbur stepped forward." I will share it as well!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The black skinned girl stepped next to Limbur." So will I, Sir."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">More and more cadets did the same!

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The Cadet that had been unconscious said:" Sir, his actions saved my life. I will gladly take the punishment for him."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">And yet another said. "I was dragged through the jungle, half dead. I held to Swybin at first, but Olafson went after me. Not even my friends did that. I volunteer to take whatever punishment you have for him." Morthil gave me a thankful look and thumbs up.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The Commander crossed his arms looked us over." We will take this in consideration. Now you are dismissed. You will be assigned to dorms and allowed an eight hour resting period."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">–""—

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The dormitories where simple, with beds that had to be made up manually.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Nine Cadets to a dorm room so it came that I shared my dorm with: Narth, Owar, Wintsun, Limbur, Naxwax, Azey, Galmy and Olia.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Azey actually was called Azey Azey Azeytytalitonitusiviy and he was from Oromarl. Almost everyone had problems saying his name, even the instructors called him as we did Az-Az. Oromals had humanoid characteristics but due to their gray greenish skin, pronounced lower jaws and usually massive and muscular bodies, Terrans nick named them Orcs. Naxwax came from Oromal as well, but he belonged to a subspecies similar but even more brutish looking in appearance and almost twice the size of Azey and of course Terrans called them Ogers.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Needless to say that his name was a similar word monster so Naxwax was all anyone remembered.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Galmy was a female from Maltyr. She was looked quite human, had really long black hair, black eyes and her skin was white as deep frost snow. Her body was extremely thin and fragile looking and she appeared to be no older than maybe a 15 year old teenager, despite the fact she was almost 60 standard years. She was even quieter than Narth. Owar was a sickly looking human from a Terran colony called Sheel at the galactic outer rim area. He was quite intelligent but I wondered why they let him into the Fleet or why he wasn't treated for his conditions. Not that he displayed any real symptoms I could see. His skin had a pasty whitish color, his eyes always sunken deeply with large dark shadows underneath and it appeared as if he hadn't anything to eat in month.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Wintsun's home world was one of the earliest planets Terrans migrated to, after the Galactic Awakening of Earth. Local conditions and genetic alternations with plant DNA made their skin green and allowed them to absorb light and turn it into nourishment via photosynthesis. Limbur came from a world with triple the standard gravitation. His muscles and bones where denser and made him quite strong under one gee conditions.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Olia came from Europa a moon in the Sol system and had the typical arrogant attitude of Terrans (All planet and moon colonies in the sol system considered themselves to be Terran, except by real Terrans from Earth of course). She wore her hair short and used holo-dye making it sparkle and change color depending on the light source. But not for long as Lt. Aurelius confiscated her bottle. I learned that Narth didn't have an individual name because everyone in his culture was telepathic and names were not needed.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I was still as tired as a sleeper fish during Longnight when the lights came on and a voice barked via the PA system:" 0400 hours Cadets rise and shine! 0430 is Breakfast. At 0500 you will receive your first class in the Elbhard Auditorium."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">And we found ourselves in said Auditorium at that time an hour later. Clean, fed and still tired. Again I tried to find a place in the back, so I could perhaps close my eyes for few moments.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The Pan Saran Officer was already there. "Good Morning Class!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">We saluted and he ordered us to sit down.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I am Lt Aurelius. As you can see I am human of the civilization, called the Pan Sarans. We are native to the Upward sector in the M-O Galaxy. Like most humanoid species of this Galaxy we share ancestry with the Terrans, Saresii and Sarans and a few others.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Why the Pan Saran Empire split form the Saran Empire and why we Pan Sarans dress in this somewhat anachronistic fashion is your assignment to find out by tomorrow."He obviously referred to that polished brass chest plate he wore.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"If one does not have to find out but knows the reason. Shall I share this now?" Narth asked.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"No Cadet Narth, you too will write a report and I shall review it like all the others. Now please do not interrupt me again. I will tell you when it is alright to speak or share your knowledge." Aurelius then addressed us all again:" Once you are established officers you are allowed to display one or two things on your standard uniform that shows and links you to your heritage as long as it not interferes with your regulation equipment . Mr. Olafson that means you have to cut that hair and shave for now. You may wear braids and beard if and when you are an officer.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I blinked as I had almost dosed off and was startled by his sudden calling of my name.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I struggled to my feet wanted to argue but instead just mumbled a grumpy." Yes Sir"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">He picked a few others and told them to change their appearance or grooming habits.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Only then he began the actual class:" You will be instructed and drilled to stand, march, run and respond to orders in an unquestioning manner. Drilling performs a psychological function, by inculcating the response to commands and training; you will act unhesitatingly in the face of real combat or danger situations. It can also serve a role in leadership training. Combat situations include not only commands to engage and put one's life in danger, but also commands to disengage when military necessity so demands. This conditioning is essential for military function, because without it a military unit would likely disintegrate under the stress of combat and degenerate into a mere armed mob."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I felt a strong invisible force pulling my head up. Before I could yelp, Narth who sat next to me whispered .You where about to fall over!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Aurelius continued his lecture unaware of my almost predicament.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"You will be subjected to rigorous physical training, both to prepare for the demands of combat and to weed out the less able or insufficiently motivated. That means all of you regardless of species or origin; you must be on peak of your species physical development. You are trained in basic marksmanship with standard and exotic guns, maintenance of weapons, bladed and non distance weapons. Unarmed combat and martial arts, first aid, protective equipment usage, and basic survival techniques in every environment you might end up. Deserts, Ice planets, Jungle worlds, deep space and everything in between. Further training will focus on basic spaceman ship, and skills such as firefighting, damage control basic engineering, and signals."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">He took a deep breath and kept on listing:"To top it all off you will have classes in Astro navigation, propulsion physics, Xeno linguistics, Xeno biology, Xeno technology, diplomacy, strategy and tactics, geophysics and a host of other classes."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">He took a drink of water." Simply listing this is a tiresome and exhausting exercise, but everything is exactly planned out and millions have done it before you, so you know it can be done!

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">After you finished basic you're almost over the hill and the rest won't feel as demanding because you get used to it.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">It is my sincere wish that just once everyone currently present will also be in this auditorium six month from now. Sadly however not all of you will make the entire journey, therefore I challenge you to proof me wrong. Show me you are the class that can do it!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">--''--

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">We had to get up at 0400 standard and went to bed lights out at 2200 every night. The time between was planned for us down to the minute. Physical training, small arms training, hand to hand combat. Classes on Xeno biology, military history, tech and science.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">After the third month of the original two hundred who had arrived with us only 121 Cadets remained. Both Naxwax and Alzey left, but it was because they had to attend the funeral of their king and would be allowed to return with the next cycle.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I couldn't count the times I considered to simply stay in bed sleep in and then quit. Every time I was tempted I pictured the face of my father when I had to return home and his laughter and delight at my failure and it propelled me out of bed as if there was a hungry Fenris-Eel under my covers.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">We learned to survive with only the bare essentials in almost any environment. Snow and ice, Mountains, Jungles, Ocean world, Forests and every extreme one could think of. I was surprised how many cadets had never seen open fire or knew how to make it. While I too learned new ways of making fire at least it was not strange or new to me.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">We learned about bobby traps and hunting for survival. Every one physically able learned how to ski, swim and dive and fight in mid air using flight belts. The instructors yelled at us, insulted us and did not let up but they treated us all the same way and no matter what they asked us to do, they did it as well and always seemingly without efforts at all.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The number of cadets every morning at breakfast was a little smaller each day.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I hated dancing and culture class most of all. Why was it necessary that we knew how to dance, play chess or play a musical instrument? Why did I have to know how to sculpt in clay or draw a picture with coal on primitive paper?

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I rather went on another survival training mission and spend a week knee deep in mud and dirt than sit in that class room and listen to samples of music from hundreds of cultures and discuss the nuances and highlights.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">But it was required so I did my best.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Chapter 15: Chapter 15

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Chapter 15

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Four month had passed since our arrival at Camp Idyllic, but it felt like a life time. The number of cadets no longer dropped and it seemed those who were still here would make it to the end. Before I joined the Fleet time had little meaning to me. Time does not mean much to a civilian. What was the difference if you slept in a minute or took a little longer to eat your meal?

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">To a Cadet at the Academy, a minute had sixty seconds and each second counted. Instead of getting up at 0400, getting up at 0348 was a much better idea. In ten minutes you could shave, bathe, polish your boots and have time for mending a rip on your uniform. And still you had two minutes to spare if something else had to be done.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">One morning, we were all sitting on the floor in the hallway of our dorm building mending uniforms. A cadet voiced his anger about the futility of using primitive tools like needle and threat, when we could use auto dressers and Nanite factories able to make an entire uniform in less time it took us to sew on a button.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Aurellius heard it and said." Mr. Wintsun do you agree with Cadet Applegate's complaint, do you think this a waste of training time?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Wintsun bolted upright dropped his jacket he was working on and snapped in attention." Sir this Cadet will perform repair tasks as requested but I must say I also do not see the reason why we have to know this. I fail to understand why our uniforms are made of primitive fabrics and have stupid buttons that come off all the time. Why can't we have Uniforms made of Memo-Fab. It doesn't rip, doesn't get dirty, it closes securely without the need of buttons and it is around for at least a thousand years."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Mr. Olafson. I noticed you are quite handy with needle and threat and it looks like you did that before you came here. Tell me why?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Like Wintsun I jumped to my feet." Sir the culture I was raised in finds value in such activities. A Neo Viking sews his first pants out of Tyranno fin leather and then is allowed to sit at the men's table and eat with the warriors. The leather has to come from his first kill."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"So your skills are born out of tradition and your native culture.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">If you would be stranded on a planet, you could make a net to fish, fashion you perhaps protective garments or even a tent."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I imagine I could, Sir!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Aurelius motioned us to sit down." Yes we have Nanite factories and auto dressers and it would be no problem supplying you all with new uniforms every day made out of the most advanced Intelli-Fab like the regular uniforms, have auto-beds that make themselves and why not a modern Colgate Complete Body Hygiene Center for each Cadet that does all the shaving and grooming for you?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Applegate smiled at that."I sure would like that Sir!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Even Aurelius had to grin." To be stranded on an uninhabited planet might never happen to any of you but you need to know what to do if it does happen.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"We expect you to be officers of the Fleet and be as well groomed as possible. Even if you never get rescued and you are on that planet for the rest of your life, should we finally find your dried out corpse decades later, it better shows signs of proper grooming."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Applegate nodded and mumbled." Or else! I can see it now! Instructor Aurelius punishing a corpse for a bad haircut. Yeah it sure is going to be in trouble for that one."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I was trying to make a point." Aurelius so it became evident did have fine hearing and gave Applegate a stern look. He continued. "Such basic skills will help you find solutions to problems as shelter, food, survival and defense. The simple skill of sewing can be combined with other skills to manufacture weapons, traps and find solutions to obstacles and problems.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Next week you will learn basic carpentry skills, how bricks are laid, how a pot can be made out of clay and how metal can be cast in the most primitive conditions. You get to know basic engineering skills with all sorts of tools and materials.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">All those skills might never be needed, but if you do you are glad you know how to use an old fashioned hammer."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">He picked up a hammer." Even at our advanced Tech Level, you will find a hammer in every engineer's toolbox. Mankind's oldest tool is still with us and there are no real high tech solutions to replace it!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Narth shook his hooded head barely noticeable, Aurellius saw it anyway." You don't agree Mr. Narth. Don't they have hammers where you're from?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"No Sir. We do not have hammers. I shall however take one along once I return so we do have at least one!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"You are spending way too much time with Mr. Olafson. You even developed a sense of humor."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Narth raised his head."I did? Fascinating!" He gestured with his gloved hand and one of the sewing needles started to float and hissed like a projectile across the room and buried itself deep in a door frame." That is how we used to do it on Narth, but we will finally have a hammer!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Impressive display of Psionics, but what do you do if you are unable to use them. The Saresii for example have developed methods of suppressing Psionic powers and I am certain the Kermac have as well. This entire complex is shielded and not even you were able to detect it when you first came here."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Narth was about to say something but Aurelius shook his finger." This is not open for debate, Mr. Narth. You too will learn how to use primitive tools. After hours you and Mr. Olafson will repair the old compound fence by using Hammer Wire, Nails. I was told there are three clicks of fence and it is in bad shape."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I protested," Sir, what have I done?" "I just wanted to teach you two my kind of humor!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">He grinned and looked quite satisfied and then kept explaining." Let's say you are on a planetary survey mission. You are the Officer in charge of the survey party and you come across a primitive civilization. You don't speak their language and the linguistic translators still have problems translating. But you see a group of natives mending nets.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Instead of being totally clueless you could join them, take up a tool and sit down with the locals and help mend nets.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Actions like these break down barriers faster than any display of superior tech that might frighten them or make them hostile towards you. In the process you might pick up phrases and Names and you begin to understand them faster than the Lingu-Processor of your Translator. Situations like this did happen many times before and might happen again."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">He sighed and went on." When you see a Battle ship you think all the Fleet does is parade around in known space, patrol shipping corridors and fight wars. This is of course part what we do, but only a small part. Space is so vast and there is still plenty of unknown space even inside the boundaries of Union territory. This means there are endless combinations of situations you might have to face. We can't prepare you for all possible situations and problems, but we can give you all a working base that covers as much about our civilizations combined knowledge as we can cram into you.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Mr. Appletree's I want you to take the afternoon off and go to the library. There you will research how many times the skill of sewing came in handy to an officer. You have access to every report and log entry Fleet personnel made in the last 3000 years. Tomorrow I want you to give us a lecture on that."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I was surprised as much as the rest when Appletree read us his report the next day and concluded that he found over 15,000 log entries mentioning the skill of sewing being helpful in various situations.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">--""--

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Weapon training was my favorite subject. It was fascinating to learn just how many different weapons all the known species had come up with .Narth said it didn't surprise him that Terrans where the unchallenged champions I that field. Remembering the lecture on sewing no one questioned the reason why we had to learn how to use clubs, spears and swords among many other primitive weapons.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I had learned how to throw an axe or a harpoon from as soon as I could walk and the instructor for primitive weaponry was very pleased with my results and even let me show others how to fight with axe and harpoon.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Lieutenant De la Lupe was our fencing teacher.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">This morning, after we went through the usual exercises he made us interrupt our training and sit down. His face was stern and it was clear something of serious nature was on his mind." Class I am very pleased with your general progress. Since you are quite good, let's take a break and answer me this question: Do you know why we stress this kind of fighting so much?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Applegate answered quickly." Because a Monofilament Saber is still one of the best weapons in close quarter fighting such as boarding actions either in attacking or defending."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Olia said." Sabers and swords are still used by many cultures and it is good we know how to use them."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Wintsun swiped his rapier through the air." Probably the same reason why we have to use needle and threat and repair stuff."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">De la Lupe smiled briefly." And these are indeed important reasons. There is another reason however." He looked down the length of his rapier, but his eyes saw something else." Officers of this Fleet live by strict discipline and an equally strict honor code. You all know the official words: United Stars Officers will not lie, cheat, or steal, or tolerate those who do"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">It was totally quiet. None of the usual whispered comments or someone trying to catch a few winks of sleep in the back, everyone was listening. Lupe had always treated us differently as the other instructors did. He never ridiculed anyone, never resorted to punishments. He managed to show us without saying it, that he respected us and valued our opinions. This was the reason he also was the most liked Instructor of them all.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I felt he was about to open a little known chapter of Fleet knowledge that was never the less very important.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Honor is exactly what determines a person's character: whether or not the person reflects honesty, respect, integrity, or fairness."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Lupe stopped playing with his sword and put it on the table behind him." This is the official side of the Honor Code, but there is another other side to it as well. It is neither publicized and some academy branches don't ever mention it. As a matter of fact some academies do not require classes in fencing and only offer them on voluntary basis. Commander Letsgo on the other hand as well as many other Academy Commanders requires it to be on the curriculum.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Because as Officers there is the chance that one day you may come into a situation where another person or even another officer challenges your honor or claims to be insulted and his honor injured."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Narth landed over to me and whispered." There is nothing more illogical than humans in this entire Universe."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Lupe grinned as he heard Narth." What is it you find illogical?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Honor is nothing but a philosophical concept, how can a concept be insulted or injured?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Let me explain that in an Example. Captain A accuses Commander B of lying. Now it could be that A was indeed lying and by doing so offended B, or A did not lie and therefore the accusation is an insult of his honor and integrity."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Narth raised both his hands. "It is easier to understand the physics inside a black hole than to follow this logic." Narth actually sighed. I padded his shoulder." I feel for you my friend. This sounds very much like Neo Viking logic."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Lupe nodded knowingly."Yes it is quite antiquated but this situation I described could still lead to a duel. Duels are rare, officially not sanctioned but also not illegal. Quite the contrary and without it being a written rule it is expected you deal with such an insult in this manner. It is expected of you to react in such a situation according to traditions and always as an officer and Gentleperson."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"So does that hold true to Cadets? Can someone challenge me?" Asked Olia, she was one of the finest rapier fencers in our group.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"That is a tough question as there is no official rule to this effect. We want you to act, think and react like full officers as soon as possible but without really giving you any of the privileges. One could argue that you are not officers yet and besides it cannot be used while on duty or for official matters only in private affairs. You cannot challenge or be challenged while on duty."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Olia sighed and smiled." That rules out Cadets anyway. We are on duty 24/7 no spare time for us."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Lupe bowed slightly before her and when he did it looked elegant and full of style." This is a good thing, lovely Olia for you are quite a fencer already."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Applegate snorted."I don't think it even counts for women."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Lupe shook his head." Ever since the Service Equality act of 3812 it counts for all officers. Regardless of sex, race or origin. A woman's honor can be insulted just as that of a man." He declined his head again towards Olia." I for one would think twice before insulting her."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">She blushed and we could see that she deeply enjoyed his courtesy." I am not that good, Sir. Not the best by far. Wintsun and Appletree are just as good and Narth and Eric are the best!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"It behooves a fighter never to overestimate him or herself. Before you begin a fight you must always assume this could be your last fight and your opponent could be better than you, stronger, more experienced or has some other advantage."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">It was Applegate who shook his head now."And I was making fun of Eric and his planet, seems like the fleet is just as antiquated and ruled by ancient traditions as Eric's Nilfeheim."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Traditions do not have to be a bad thing, as they give us a connection to the past and by observing them it connects future generations with us.' Lupe said. "It gives us a sense of belonging to something greater than us, something that endures the flow of time even if we as individuals cannot."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Narth slowly nodded." This does make sense. It might even be considered logical in a sociological sense applied to a wider view of human society."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Lupe laughed."You said it, Mr. Narth."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Nogador, a Vantax and friend of Applegate spread his wing like arms." How does dueling fit into Federal Law. Since you say it is a private matter, is it then not also subject to Union law?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"This is a very good question and a difficult one to answer; even most duels are fought to first blood only, and not to death. A duel could result in one of the dueling parties fatally wounded."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Lupe shifted his position a bit before he continued." If a duel is fought between two consenting and legally adult parties and there are witnesses and records that both parties agreed on the conditions of the duel, it is a legal and private affair. However in case of a fatal outcome, police investigations are not unlikely. In addition to that there might be local laws that prohibit fighting, violence, the use of weapons and so forth. Duels do not happen often and are quite rare but if you are involved, make sure you do everything by the book. Meaning you know where the duel will be fought, local laws considered and always having adjutants, seconds and an impartial. "

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Then he took up his rapier once more."I am proud of the entire class this year."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">With a glance on his multi come he checked the time and said."I am going to dismiss you now that should give you two hours. So you have at least some free time. Please do not start any duels and remain out of the other instructor's eyes, as they surely find something to occupy you with!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">This was a fine example of how he was different from the other instructors and why we liked him.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">As we filed out the training hall he said."Mr. Olafson and Mr. Narth would you please remain for a moment?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">He watched the last one leave and said." I know you two would have earned some leisure time as well, but Olia was quite right. You are both very talented fencers and I would like to train you in more advanced techniques and furthermore would like to ask a special favor of you."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Narth bowed slightly." I greatly enjoy the physical aspect of this fencing activity. I find the methods of moving, attacking and defending actually quite mathematical and fascinating. I am eager to learn more of it."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I see myself to be a swashbuckling ruffian at best, Sir." I said, and then added. "I would be deeply grateful for advanced lessons and of course you may ask any favor of us, Sir."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I didn't even realize that I included Narth but we really begun to understand each other on that unexplainable friendship level.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Lupe put his hands on our shoulders and said." A cartel was delivered to me and I must answer it. A cartel being a hand delivered written notice of challenge describing the cause of the offence."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Who would challenge you?" I asked perplexed." You are exactly how I always imagined an officer should be!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Narth agreed. "Indeed, my friend is quite correct. I still learn much about how humans act and live but your way of educating us appeals to me."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Your comments make prouder than you might realize. I would like you to accompany me to that duel. He stopped us with a motion of his hand." Before you agree let me tell you exactly what it means and what you will have to do. I also need to tell you why and where the duel will take place."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I simply nodded and Narth was listening as well.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Let us not talk here. Such things can only be discussed in private and not while on duty. We will go into the officers' lounge and have a drink and there I will fill you in. Only then I would like you to answer me and make your decision."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Are we allowed in the officer's lounge?" His invitation there was the most incredible development to me.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Yes I am inviting you and with this invitation you are allowed to be there. I am not asking you anything illegal or against regulations, I want this to be perfectly understood. However it is best if you do not talk to anyone about it before it is over. I did discuss this with Commander Letsgo as well."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I never tried to imply that, Sir. I was merely surprised."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Of course as I would be in your place. Now get cleaned up and get dressed in off duty civilian clothing and meet me at the Officers lounge at 1900 hrs."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">With that he left us standing and walked out.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I do not have anything civilian. All my effects were taken at Academy entry."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I can give you one of my robes." Narth offered.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Why did they let you keep your robes anyway?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"My robe is more than just a garment to me Eric. It protects all Non Narth from our true form. Humans cannot look upon us without getting mentally injured, weaker minds often cease to function and die. I am the first Narth ever to join the Fleet and nothing could be found that gives an equal amount of protection. The Fleet however insisted that I would wear a Robe in Cadet Green, instead of my usual black"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Is that why you eye slits glow and there are no real eyes behind them?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I would say my eyes are real, just quite different from yours. However you are correct the glow of my eyes is part of my Psionic aura .The light my eyes emit is not visible light at all. It is seen by your mind not your eyes."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"So a robot would not see that glow?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"No a machine without bio-neuro components would not register it."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"That eye light isn't as harmful as the rest?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"It is the same but thanks to the fabric of this garment and the small openings of much lesser intensity. However I do require those eye holes otherwise I would not be able to see out!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"One of these days I still like to see how you really look."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"One of these days I shall take you with me to Narth. The Eternal is eager to meet you. He will find a way so you can see me as I am."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I look forward to it. Meeting your folks and your planet and see how you live."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"You will be welcome."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">We had reached the showers and we disappeared moments later each in a shower stall. I realized how honored and touched I felt by Narths invitation and I promised myself to learn everything about the Narth so I would not make a fool of myself and embarrass my best friend."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Narth was already done and out of the showers by the time I was done. However he had changed from his dark green into a black robe. The eerie glow behind his eye slits, due to the deep black appeared even more intense.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">He handed me a dark red colored robe." Here, I choose this color so they can tell us apart."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I doubt anyone would mistake me for a Narth."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"All you have to do is do the spooky thing and let your eyes glow!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I laughed as I slipped into the robe."You know what Aurelius is right; you did develop a sense of humor! Do the spooky thing. That does not sound like you at all."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"No perhaps not but Olia is saying it all the time."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The robe material felt almost like liquid metal. It felt smooth and not at all like a fabric. It was also cool and that I thought was quite comfortable, on a humid and hot world like this. A darker metal like belt appeared all by itself and girded the garment around the waist. In the same fashion tight boots formed themselves around my feet.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Hey that isn't bad at all I could get used to it."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"One is pleased that it is so!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I laughed at him."Now that's how you supposed to sound."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">He handed me a pair of gloves."Not that I think you need these. It does however complete the garment."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I put them on and I liked the feel of them quite a bit. I could barley feel wearing gloves at all. I thought how practical they would be in a fight, when you never get sweaty hands and always keep a good grip.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"You are welcome to keep them, of course!" Narth answered to my train of thought. I was so used to him answering to my unspoken thoughts that I didn't even bother to ask my next question out loud, because I wondered where he kept all those things. Since he, like everybody else had only a small locker. It was forbidden to store anything in them except issued standard items.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I utilize a subspace pocket inside my left sleeve. I can store any number of items there, only limited by the size that fits trough the subspace hole."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Wow! That sounds quite practical. I doubt Starfleet has anything like it."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I am certain they do not. It requires a different tech level as Humans would say."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I somehow knew he didn't want me to tell anyone about it and he only told me because I was his friend."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">He simply nodded and changed the subject. "The entire affair with Lt. De La Lupe makes me wonder though. It does not appear unusual to you?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Not really. I think it is simply another test. I am almost sure of it. Whenever something seemingly odd happens it ends up being a test. Besides I think the Lieutenant is trustworthy if he thinks we can do it, let's make him proud and do our best."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">As we left the showers Narth said." I believe you are quite correct. It does sound logical."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">We stopped at the next Inter Base Transport Unit and stepped into the transport cabin. "Officers Lounge, please." I said to the voice pick up.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Identity scanned. Cadets are not allowed to access."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Narth said." I can sense him. Let's go the other way!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The IBT cabin suddenly vanished and the world changed before my eyes as if someone switched a holo-program. We suddenly stood in a room with low ceiling and dimmed lights, comfortable looking seat groups around small tables on one side of the room. There was a bar on the other side. Amuse-matics lined up next to the bar along with a few GalNet booths. The most striking feature was the large transparent wall across the room, showing a greenish underwater landscape, submerged Tree roots and plants. We saw a scaled lizard swimming past, of the same huge kind that greeted us on our first night and we had seen so many times since then hiking and marching through the local jungles. The officer's lounge so it became apparent was under the nearby lake.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Letsgo and Lt De la Lupe jumped out of their seats, even more startled than I was, because of our sudden appearance.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Holy mother of God!" The Lieutenants' hand darted to his sidearm, but stopped before pulling it."You need to warn others before teleporting like that, especially looking like that!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I elbowed Narth into the side and grunted." That includes me!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">But Narth acted as if he didn't notice. Despite the fact that I just knew he was grinning behind his hood if Narth could grin that is. He snapped in attention and I followed his example an eye blink later." Cadet Narth and Olafson report as ordered at 1900 hrs at the Officers Lounge wearing as requested civilian attire. Cadet Olafson had no civilian attire of his own and this is why he is wearing a Narth robe, Sirs"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Several officers most of them Instructors we knew but also faces and beings I had not seen so far turned and some looked as if they disapproved of our presence but then continued with whatever they were doing.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Letsgo pointed at the seats across the table. "Have a seat Cadets. As you can see most of the officers present are not in uniform and neither are you or I." We sat down and so did the two officers.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The Commander leaned forward." This is no reprimand, just information for further reference. It is quite dangerous to teleport inside a Military Installation and appear out of thin air and unannounced. This could result in intruder alerts. Trigger automatic defense measures or could be seen as attempted espionage. Teleporting into an area that is supposed to be Psi shielded and safe could get you shot!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I understand, Sir." Narth answered," The psi shielding of this place however is quite inadequate. I was able to locate Lt De la Lupe without any difficulties, Sir."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"It seems we need to improve on that.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Anyway you where not ordered here, you where invited. This is your first time in an officer's lounge but after you graduate it won't be your last. You do not salute when you are out of uniform. You do not need to snap into attention even if the Admiral of the Fleet happens to be present. You know I am the Commander of this base, but I am wearing no uniform and no Rank insignia therefore I am simply Mister Letsgo."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Yes Sir." Narth and I said almost simultaneously.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">He waved to a wait-bot and said."Order what you like, the tap goes to me. You are welcome order tox as well"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">To the Bot I said."Got any Aquavit or Absolut Vodka?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"We carry a selection of Aquavits, currently no genuine Absolut. However we have the Molecu-Scan on file and can replicate."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I scanned over the list of Aquavits scrolling over is belly and switched to beers and with happy anticipation ordered." I take a tankard of Halverson's Dark warmed up a bit and double shot of very cold Alborg Aquavit."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Narth said."I have the same!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Commander Letsgo held up his hand. "Bring me the same robot, so I can say I drank with a real Neo Viking. De La Lupe motioned the robot that this was his choice as well and said."As impressive this might be, No one is going to believe you, that you have shared drinks with a Narth!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">It was quite strange to see the instructor and the Commander act that way. I still was convinced it was some sort of test but I could not figure out what the goal of it was.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The drinks came.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">They looked at me to show them how it was done. With a quick tilt of my head I downed the Aquavit and enjoyed the cold fire shooting down my throat, smacked my tongue to get the aftertaste. Then I lifted the mug. Its size would had made any Viking laugh, and took a long draft, leaving nothing but clinging foam in the liter glass. Narth did the same putting the glasses under the loose cloth of his hood, both glasses appeared empty.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Letsgo shook his head with a smile." Comets and Quasars you two can drink! If we had a drinking class you would be instructors for sure!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">They both repeated my example and De La Lupe praised the Aquavit. "This liquor is quite enjoyable and has a smooth character. The Ale however requires a stronger palate than mine."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Narth didn't say anything but I saw him wave at the Bot ordering more. So I asked "Would you be so kind and tell us what this is about? So far I am unable to determine what the goal of this test is."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Letsgo leaned forward." How you react in this situation is not part of your overall evaluation even though it will find its way into your personal files but this is no test and has nothing to do with the Academy or part of Cadet Training."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Letsgo nodded to Lupe who then started to explain:" The Edged Weapons Instructor of the Newport Elite Academy, Lieutenant Commander Milieu claimed in a recent article about sword fencing and dueling published in Squadron News Magazine that his students where the best fencers bar none, and that it would be foolish to ever challenge any of his students in a duel and it be best to claim satisfaction or to submit before it came to a fight."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Letsgo interrupted, putting his glass down." You know about the Naval Academies all over the United Stars. There are 164 of them; you for example came from Arsenal. Your friend Narth was accepted at Annapolis Academy Earth. I graduated from Quallstone in the Spin ward Sector. "

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I only half registered Narth ordering a third time because I paid close attention to what the officers had to say.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Letsgo was not done."One of these Academy branches is Newport. Over the last 100 years Newport developed into the Elite Academy. Only the brightest and best prospects are to be sent there, and for the last 20 years or so it became even more elitism oriented, due to Admiral Dent who commands the place since that time.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Now the Squadron News is the oldest and most read officers' magazine in the Fleet."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">De La Lupe played with his empty shot glass." I wrote a reply in the readers comment section and stated that other Academies educated good fencers as well and that it would be not very honorable to claim satisfaction or submit just on the reputation of a fighters teacher. Further I questioned his claim to be the best instructor as I know plenty of Instructors that would be at least equal to his skills."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Letsgo pushed an E-board across the table entitled Squadron News. "There you can have this copy."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Our Fencing instructor took a piece of paper out of his pocket along with a single glove." I received this cartel and this glove was thrown this morning. I am challenged to a duel because I offended Milieu's honor. I am to face him in a duel and part of the stipulation is that two of my best students are to face two of his best students. We do have the choice of weapons but since it is about fencing it should be edged weapons, preferably in the sword or saber variety."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The Commander said." To make it absolutely clear you cannot be ordered to participate and I assure you if you decline it will have no negative effects on your evaluation whatsoever. It is truly a matter of private affairs."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"We don't even have to think about that one, Sir. Of course will we participate, right Narth?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Right Eric!" Narths voice was somehow different. As if he tried to actually sing the words!

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Letsgo smiled proudly." I will give you officially seven days R&R so you do not have to participate in the routine classes. For this time you going to stay in the landing field buildings, the ones you know from your first time here. There you will have three days to further train and rest and the rest will be needed to travel and for the actual duel. The duel is fought to first blood. Meaning even the smallest wound will be accepted as satisfaction."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">De la Lupe saluted us with his glass." For these days you will not be Cadets and I will not be a Lieutenant. We will be comrades in arms. I thank you!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">He drank and Narth did too!

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Narth placed the glass rather hard on the table surface." Eric?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Yes Narth?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Did you know that these beverages have a component that influences ones thoughts and behavior, even perception?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Yes it is alcohol."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Ah yes, an organic compound in which a hy... I mean a hyd… excuse me a hydroxyl group is bound to a carbon atom.., Eric I feel quite strange!" I knew we were in trouble when he started to giggle! Several tables began to float! Aurelius our Chief Instructor sitting on another table was showered with beer out of his own glass which was suddenly floating above his head and Narth giggled even more!"Did you see that...he hehe...Eric I think I need to sleep!

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Narth slumped over his head banging on the table!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The floating things around the room fell as if invisible wires had been cut.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Your friend had a tad too much to drink." De La Lupe said."We better get him to Sickbay. Before he wakes up and teleports all of us halfway across the planet or something like that!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Chapter 16: Interlude 1

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">INTERLUDE 1: COMMANDER EBOR LETSGO'S OFFICE

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The commander stood at the window of his spacious office overlooking the lake and jungle with his hands clasped behind his back watching a group of cadets far below struggling with a heavy wooden log they had to carry over an obstacle course. Only by working together as a team could this task be achieved. This ancient time tested exercise promoted team work, group coordination and leadership.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">This exercise had been used by Fleet trainers even before the Galactic Ascent on good old Earth.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Of course it didn't work as well for some non humanoid life forms. But Humanoids and non humanoid life forms where part of the Fleet and both had to learn to work together. Sometimes the cadets found surprising solutions to this exercise utilizing the natural abilities of their group members.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Letsgo was humanoid himself. His base DNA was human Terran and deep down every Stellaris considered himself to be Terran human and was very proud of that fact. Something no Stellaris would openly admit to others of course.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">After Earth's Galactic Ascent in 2112, Terrans tried to colonize everything, not just Garden worlds. Humans colonized Venus, Mars, Pluto and every moon in the Sol system before they went beyond. Terran Corporations and government labs used genetic tailoring and started a virtual race to manipulate Terran life forms to live in environments unfit for normal humans.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">During the 21st until the late 24th century, a fierce competition dominated the bioengineering labs of every major corporation as to who could come up with the "better" human. This led to the "Super soldier crisis" of 2442, a Corporation Clone Revolt that culminated in the Enroe Civil War 2443, were corporation owned sentient beings revolted and demanded human rights and freedom. Some of the experiments ended up in horrible results, as not all experiments were successful.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The Stellaris originally were a quite successful cyborg/DNA clone project of Honda-Benz-Quon Jan Corp. and were declared a sentient independent species (Along with a host of other Clone types) after the Enroe Civil war ended and full rights and independence were given to previously corporate owned life forms.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">HBQ had tried to create a human worker able to perform tasks as unprotected as possible in deep space unhindered by space suits and crude equipment and still able to go planet side or inside space stations with normal gravitation and interact with their creators. The goal could not be achieved with biological DNA engineering alone and so cybernetic parts were added, for example the nano-tube flex skin with metallic radiation shielding that covered every Stellaris from head to toe. To this day Stellaris came to be in birth factories, after two parents came together and decide to have offspring. There in the birth-factory a newborn Stellaris would be fitted with their cybernetic parts and would return there seven times until reaching adult hood and receiving the final set of adult cybernetics.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Commander Letsgo and every other Stellaris could work and survive in deep space without additional protection for many days and they still had legs, arms, the necessary muscle and skeleton to work and interact on planets.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Every so often he thought how lucky the Stellaris were, compared to the Head-Arms of Enroe Corp. Designed to do the same, work in deep space, based on human DNA but with six arms and no legs, Torso's with heads integrated. There were few Head-Arms left nowadays.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Letsgo was dedicated to his work and was very proud of his posting but often missed deep space. He never really felt at home dirt-side. He preferred a space station or space ship over a planet anytime.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">On his desk was a holo of Harman's Village, a small deep space colony a light year away from Midway Station deep in Trans galactic space. The idea of living out there half way between the two Galaxies appealed to him. He had purchased a large condo there and planned to move to Harman's Village for good as soon as he retired. His third wife, who wasn't a Stellaris but Saresii, had signed a lasting marriage contract with him also loved that new home to be, however she was currently aboard an Explorer ship and on an five year survey mission deep into the completely uncharted downward sector and she wasn't expected to return for another two years.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Maybe when she came back he would put in his retirement request.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Deep down he knew when the time finally came to make that decision he would find an excuse to continue, like he had done twice before and he silently chuckled, maybe he had gotten used to Dirt Side more than he wanted to admit.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">He didn't hear the door. Stellaris did not have very good hearing, since they lacked outer ears. He was completely surprised as someone suddenly spoke:" What do you find so amusing, old friend?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">He spun around and was pleasantly surprised. "Admiral Stahl!" Letsgo snapped automatically into attention even though it was not necessary. "I was thinking about retirement, Sir."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The man who had entered his office was tall. The body under the black uniform appeared to be in peak athletic condition, muscular arms, and a rippled abdomen attested to that. The Uniform itself was immaculate, no wrinkle, not a speck of dust. From the mirror shine polished calf boots to the mirrored sunglasses. The white blonde hair was trimmed into a short buzz cut that would have passed Space marine hair cut regulations without any problems. The strong jaw line and the long silvery half moon shaped scar on his left cheek. Every detail of this man's appearance was well known to almost anyone in the known Universe, by friends and foes alike. A living legend if there ever was one. He belonged to the fabled Mentors, the mysterious 200 picked by an even more mysterious entity so long ago. Stahl was immortal; he had not aged since he met the Guardian. He was born on Earth in 2067, even before the Galactic Ascent. He along with the other 200 Mentors had guided mankind from a feeble one planet society to perhaps the most powerful union in the Galaxy. He was over 3500 years old and it was said he had many superhuman abilities. Most of it was legend and no one really knew what was true and, but it all simply added to the overall presence and mystery of this man. Officially he was a 5 star and second only to the Admiral of the Fleet (also an Immortal) but his real position in the Union fleet and especially Terra was closer to deity than anything measureable human.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Commander Letsgo had met this living demigod, about 25 years ago and they actually became almost like friends. As much as mortal being could be friends with someone like him at least. This friendship with an Immortal made Letsgo feel somehow privileged and elevated every time they met.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The immortal officer grinned:" Sorry If I startled you. Your adjutant let me in right away."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"He probably is still paralyzed and mortified actually meeting such a legend in person."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Stahl sighed:" I do have that effect sometimes.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I tell you the idea to quit and finally retire crossed my mind more often these days." He sighed. "I am at this business of ours longer than anyone should be."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"You can't retire! Not you!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Humankind has grown up, Ebor. They don't need us Mentors anymore. Our job is done. Of the 200 called by the Guardian so long ago, only 60 remained."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I thought you are all immortal?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Impervious to age and disease, but some of us still could get shot, wounded or atomized. Heck I could break my neck in an accident and be gone like that, I think."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Letsgo digested this information without further getting into it. "Have a seat old friend. I still have some Terran beer, your favorite brand in the cooler."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Stahl sat into the visitors chair, leaned back while Letsgo went to a hidden cabinet and retrieved two brown glass bottles handed one to the Admiral and said:" Have you come here to tell me you going to retire? "

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"No that is more a wishful thought than a conclusion. You should talk; you wanted to go that place of yours on the bridge five years ago!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Well yes, but I am not in a hurry either and Helen is on her way to the Aspar Nebula and won't be back for at least 24 month."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Helen loves her work, just as you do and I must say I am glad you stay for a little while longer, good Academy Commanders are hard to replace and with you it will be almost impossible."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">If a Stellaris could blush he might have done so, a compliment from Stahl was just like a medal." So why have you come?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"The usual reason."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Every so often the admiral would come and talk about the new cadets with Letsgo.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The Commander opened the bottle took a sip.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Stahl drained half the bottle and smacked his lips." Ahh! That hit the spot!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Don't tell me you don't have ample supply of that stuff aboard your big ship."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The Admiral put the bottle down. "I got a complete brewery aboard, but good beer is still good beer. Got anything I might be interested in?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Letsgo grinned as much as a Stellaris could and leaned back." We got a Narth."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Stahl's left eyebrow rose." You are kidding me, right?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"No I am not. When Annapolis called me that they sending a Narth I was as surprised as you."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I wonder why I wasn't informed about that. This is truly historical. What do you know about the Narth?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Ebor leaned back." Not much, to be honest with. The Encyclopedia Galactica hasn't much on them and most of the Narth's file is classified, even for me. I know they are a very mysterious species and they are very old."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Stahl put the bottle down and leaned forward, very animated and excited "The Saresii think they have been around even before the Uni ruled most of the galaxy over 10 million years ago. The Narth never expanded or colonized other planets as far as we know and no one ever found out where their home system was until we fought the Y'All.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"The Narth never involved themselves in galactic politics or associated themselves with the first Council but they had been there as observers. During the first Y' all war The Narth did not fight with large battle fleets, so the Saresii tell us. They contributed only one ship and that one ship that made all the difference and not the Wurgus Super Nova."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Ebor leaned forward to make sure he heard every word the Immortal Admiral spoke. Stahl swirled the rest of beer in his bottle." As the Y'All came back 500 years ago and we fought them with great losses, a battle occurred near the Narth solar system without anyone knowing that it was there, because Narth cloaked their entire system behind a very advanced shield. Dr. Isah once tried to explain it to me by saying the Narth removed their entire Solar system 1 minute into the future and left Impenetrable no time space in its place.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The Y'ALL slammed in it quite by accident in the heat of that battle. The Y'All simply forgot about us and went berserk against that shield.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">That was our chance to do emergency repairs, reboot shields and restock munitions.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">We attacked them again while the Y'All kept pounding that impenetrable field with everything they had."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Commander Letsgo listened to the account of the Admiral about an event that happened hundreds of years ago. A war that to him was nothing more than distant history. He knew Stahl was immortal, but to actually realize it was a different matter. Stahl had been there from the first moment. Three thousand years! How could he still be called human? The experience and knowledge gathered over such a time removed the Admiral from any normal human understanding.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Stahl continued:" To give you an idea of the magnitude, imagine a fleet of 50 Million Ships. All the size of the largest battleships we have today. All armed to the teeth with weapons that take out our ships with one single hit and shields that takes the combined firepower of 3 battleships on our side to show damage. That was the size of the Y'All Invasion! No contact, no demands, no requests to surrender. They simply attack and attack anything and everything in their path."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Was it not that time when you came back from your mysterious Exile bringing along that gigantic ship of yours and the secret of translocator cannons?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Indeed I came back a few months prior to that space battle near the Narth System I am telling you about. Yes I did bring the secret of that weapon back and the Devastator. That ship is incredible and after all this time it is still the most powerful ship we have, but it was only one ship armed with Translocators back then. One against millions! The secret I brought back was in forms of construction instructions and blue prints, not ready to be used hardware and it took us month to start manufacturing Translocators in mass quantities and many years to equip every ship with it. What would I have given back then for just ten of our new Ultras equipped with those long range TLG-Gatlings. We would have swept those Y'All out of our Galaxy in weeks not years!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">He drained the rest of his beer." I am getting away from the actual story about the Narth. As I told you the Y'All were attacking that shield. All of their ships firing everything they had. You could snuff out stars with the firepower they poured into that shield while we could destroy ship by ship of theirs, without receiving fire. That went on for almost a month! We had convoys of civilian ships going to bring ammunition and fuel.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Then there after 4 weeks of relentless fighting, there is suddenly a crack in that spherical shield of star system size, and a perfectly spherical ship appears. No visible propulsion, no antennas, nothing, as perfectly round as a cue ball. Attacking Y'All ships simply exploded before they came into firing range of their own weapons. No measurable energies or weapon fire from the Narth ship and for the first time in this horrible Invasion war, the Y'All retreat! We did finally destroy the last of them 2 years later, while they were still on the run but that's another story. The sphere contacted us. Identifying them as the Narth. They tell us how impressed they were of us trying to defend Narth. Even after I explained to them that we had no idea about them and their hidden system they insisted on thanking us for our efforts and sacrifices protecting their system. They joined the United Stars with the expressed clause to remain isolated. The space around their system is to this day off limits to all Star ship traffic within 2 light years. The only contact we have with them is via their representative in the Assembly who rarely if ever speaks. We know virtually nothing about their culture, physiology or history. Narth citizen rarely travel and if they do they simply appear. No one seen them use ships since that time I saw that sphere. Their Citizen ID data is classified. We know they have vast Psionic powers far superior even to Saresii standards and the Saresii claim the Narth mastered some sort of magic."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Letsgo snorted:" Magic! Nothing like magic exists. I am surprised to hear the intellectual and rational Saresii even pay any deed to such claims."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I wouldn't be so fast dismissing legend and magic. I am a man of science myself, but long ago when I was a kid, the idea of traveling faster than light was considered impossible. Terrans of my time laughed at the idea there could be intelligent life on other planets. Since then I crossed this Galaxy form end to end more than a few times and went well beyond it. I have seen and experienced events I still can't understand or explain. To this day Psionics are like magic to me to be honest, even though I am well aware of them and know how they work.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">One day perhaps we advance far enough and there will be no distinction between technology, science and what we define as magic."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Letsgo digested that last statement but he still didn't believe in anything like that. For everything there was a scientific explanation.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The immortal admiral lit a little smoking stick. It was a rare but not totally uncommon habit and Letsgo noticed especially Terrans and Colonial Terrans smoked. The Commander neither had a nose nor the necessary lips to make it work. His oxygen supply came from oxy cassettes he inserted into his chest every 10 days, so it didn't bother him at all. "Tell me, Commander how is that Narth interacting with the others?" "The Narth is very quiet and not social at all, but is best friends with one particular human and they are basically inseparable. He displayed limited Telepathic powers so far. Enormous telekinetic abilities and he can teleport into areas shielded by the finest Saresii Anti Psi tech. if he has other Psionic abilities I can't say. We tested his Heidelberg Psi rating and he is simply of the scale. The best Saresii talent ever to be recorded is Alyia Lichfangh and she scored 4200."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The immortal officer nodded. "I know her of course. She is the Chief of the PSI Corps. It is said she was once able to move an entire moon with her telekinetic abilities."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Letsgo pulled Narths training and test results up on his screen and said." Narth's suggested HPR could be around 17,000 as a very conservative estimate, according to our Psi Tech at least."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Stahl almost fell out of his chair and jumped to his feet." Did you say Seventeen thousand?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Yes Sir."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I can't believe I wasn't informed."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"His test results are highly classified. Admiral Mc Elligott ordered me to treat the Narth like any other Cadet."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I will have a word with my old friend about that! Now tell me about the other one, his human friend."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"His name is Olafson. He is a Neo Viking from Nilfleheim. Webb ran into him as he did his malfunction suit test in the application line. Olafson took charge to save the Ult from drying out. He again took charge during the "No one showed up Scenario".

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Stahl leaned forward." How did he do? "

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"A long time experienced Officer could not have done much better. He charged one of the Scale Prowlers; you know the big carnivorous lizards we got here, with an axe, to save a fellow Cadet."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Letsgo gave the admiral a detailed account of the events, played him the recordings of the hidden visual sensors.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Stahl grinned broadly." I think I found another one! Where are they now? Call them!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Letsgo suddenly didn't look to happy. "They are not exactly here."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"They are not? Where are they?" "They went to Maritime."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Please don't let me ask every detail just tell me!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I gave them officially 7 days R & R so they can accompany one of my instructors on a private gentleman's affair. The Narth got terribly drunk and was out for an entire day. We had him in sickbay but where contacted by Narth Prime not to interfere and simply let him sleep. They trained some more and this morning left for Maritime for a Duel."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"You allowed the very first Narth in Starfleet, a Psi Talent as powerful as the entire PSI Corps together to go and fight a Duel? Beside the fact that both of them are first year cadets and not allowed to fight duels. Nor should they even know about such things until they graduate!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"They are very good fighters. The Neo Viking is perhaps not the most elegant fighter but he fights like a Dai, you seen the visuals as he charged that Scale Prowler with an axe, Sir! The Narth is the fastest fighter you ever going to see. They are with Lt De la Lupe and I trust this man!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"De la Lupe? The old Grandmaster who wrote that wonderful reply to that report about that arrogant bastard Milieu …" Stahl paused." Oh I get the picture." Stahl's left eyebrow went up." Milieu of course threw the glove after Lupe posted that reply; De La Lupe had to respond. Milieu is of French descent and De la Lupe of Spanish origin. Neither of them where born on Earth but things like that are in their blood. Makes all sense now! Why did he take Cadets along?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"That was part of the Challenge. Milieus' protégées against Lupe's pupils in a test of skill. It's only first blood, Sir!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Stahl leaned forward "That is between you and me of course, but I hope one of Dents lackeys, gets a little humble pie and Lupe wins."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Why do you let Admiral Dent do what he does? No one likes him. You are the one who could do something about that!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Stahl shook his head. "Not even I can simply fire Dent and I tell you I would love to beat the guy up physically with my bare fists, every time I see his snug face and his arrogant behavior. Frankly he is a slick bastard."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Stahl raised his hands."However as long as he runs his academy without breaking the rules and delivers good officers I am unable to do much. I am more so than others bound by our rules. Because of what I am must never ever be above the law! I am aware of my status and I know I could tomorrow declare myself sole Imperator of the Galaxy and a sizeable portion of the Fleet would follow my lead. Power corrupts Old friend and I have lots of power. To prevent even the slightest chance I might become corrupt without knowing, I live by our rules as strict and as diligent as a third year cadet."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Letsgo respected the ancient Admiral a great deal more after hearing that." I never really thought of that, but I am very glad you do think that way."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Stahl tapped his nose."Don't you worry. This old snout tells me that Admiral Dent made many mistakes and has many skeletons in his closet and that they will come to light sooner than later and because he put himself on such a high pedestal his fall will be that much harder."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I am inclined to trust your nose as well, Sir. We did have an incident not so long ago right here on camp idyllic and I frankly hope the other Admiral is placing that much restraint onto himself as you do."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Tell me about it!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Letsgo told Stahl about Swybin and Admiral Swybar and said after completing the story." I never heard anything more of this. I expected some sort of report or official message explaining to me how Swybin could circumvent the Psych Evaluation in the first place and what happened to him. Frankly speaking I think it was swept under the carpet."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The old Admiral had a serious look on his face. "It is the first time I hear about it. I will personally check on that and make sure you do get a closing report on this."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I do believe in our Fleet, our rules and the system. I am only a Commander, my experience might be nothing compared to yours, but I seen and experienced injustice, Officers abusing their power and I have seen the workings of the Worm more than once."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"So have I, old friend. This is one of the reasons why I have not retired yet. Now tell me again were this duel takes place. I think I am going to watch."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Chapter 17: Chapter 17

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Chapter 17

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Narth was very quiet since he recovered from his drinking binge.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">We both sat in the Freight bay of a small transport ship on our way to Maritime. De La Lupe was with us for the most time, but he had left the bay to organize something to eat and speak to the Transport ship captain. Commander Letsgo had organized the trip on this civilian freighter, since this was a private affair and to dedicate fleet resources would have been illegal.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Did I do anything to offend you?" I asked Narth "No Eric. I was just very much occupied over the last days relaying my experience to all Narth. It was an extreme unpleasant experience and quite fascinating. All of Narth is sharing it now!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"You are telling me that all Narth feel what you felt?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Indeed I am relaying all my experiences. This is my real mission if you will. Narth wants to learn more about humans and other civilizations. We found that mere observation from a distance is quite inadequate."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I should have warned you about the ill effects of Alcohol. I just I never know what you know and what not. You are the best friend I ever had but I still know precious little."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"You are my best friend as well, Eric. You have no fault and could not warn me. Much of the human condition I don't understand and to be in a corporal body is something I am still getting accustomed too."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">" I know it is illegal for telepaths to pry into other minds but what if I expressly allow you to go as deep in my mind as you need? To learn all the things I simply can't explain. I am human all my life and maybe through my memories, my experience and emotions it will help you to understand better without putting you so much at risk."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Narth looked at me directly and didn't say a word. I couldn't even feel him for a moment. The light behind his eye slits became dimmer and then even brighter then before." You are giving me the greatest gift possible. Narth supreme was stunned and surprised by your offer as I just relayed it and it is the first time in a very long time anything surprised Narth supreme.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">" You see to Narth nothing is more sacred than what we call the Innermost Shell. It is the area of a beings self that defines the very core and nature of a person. It is the most private and most intimate region. No Narth ever touched the Inner Shell of any being outside of Narth. There is no deception possible anything is laid open."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">He paused."Do you really offer this and are you certain you want this?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Narth you know the answer."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"It has never been done to a being not Narth. Therefore I do not know if there are any risks for you."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I shrugged." Diving after a Tyranno Fin is risky. Getting out of bed might get you killed. If it helps you get your mission done I am all for it. Besides what risk could there be, you knowing my deepest secrets? I would tell them to you anyway if you asked. "

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Narth eyes glowed even brighter and suddenly so bright I didn't really see anything. For a brief moment it was as if I was brushed by something immense. It was as if you would float in the ocean in complete darkness and touch a Tyranno Fin with just with your fingertips. You would never know how big the thing was you just touched but somehow and by other means of feeling you knew you touched something very, very big. Then it was over. I was still sitting on the floor leaning against a Shipping container. It lasted perhaps five minutes at the most so I guessed and Narth was floating across me his legs folded underneath his robe, hands on his lap.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"That was it?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Narth nodded his head very slowly."It is magnificent! Primitive and incredibly complex at the same time. Your mind and how you think is so completely different from Narth. Chaos and confusion without end and yet there is a clear direction and purpose to it all. I cannot express adequately you how thankful Narth is."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"No need. At least now I know how I look from the inside. The Chaos and confusion part needs a little work I guess. I didn't expect visitors and forgot to tidy the place a little!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I believe you will in time do just that after all you are now the first human mind connected to the Narth."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">He handed me a piece of dark red cloth.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"What is this?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"A hood like mine, your eyes and face radiate Narth. It will last only for a little while of course."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Are you saying my eyes glow like yours?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Not just your eyes, Eric."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Cool! Now we can both do the spooky thing and freak out Galmy and Olia!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I doubt the glow will last very long, but yes you can do the spooky thing."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I pulled the cool hood over my face and head and it was quite comfortable." How do I look?" "Like a Neo Viking wearing a Narth Hood!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"You can tell the difference? I am shrouded from head to to just like you!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I can."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">We reached Maritime a few hours later. A Vacation colony with beautiful beaches and azure blue oceans and according to De la Lupe about 42 Light years from Camp Idyllic.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The freighter landed and we debarked. Two suns in a cloudless blue sky and there was a mild breeze of warm air and I could instantly smell the ocean that surrounded the space port. White birds croaked in the distance and the gray freighter we came with shared the landing field with a beautiful white Cruise Ship, elegantly shaped with lots of large viewports. A slide belt carried us towards the white Spaceport terminal, an elegant and artistic shaped complex of arches, curves and glass.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">There where robots and crowds of beings in colorful clothing moving back and forth from the Cruise ship and I thought I could even feel their carefree vacation mood and hear their voices, nothing really understandable but it all had to to with weather, vacation, leisure time.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Narth voice said." This is how a telepath sees and hears the world, the Narth Psionics in you have temporarily opened your mind to it so it appears."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I can't really understand anything. " "You are at the moment a very weak telepath and like the shine your abilities will dissipate soon."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">At the Customs desk behind the entrance doors stood two Vantax and a human checking the CITI implants of the arriving tourists.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">As we approached the crowd parted before us and the carefree chatter changed into whispered comments. I clearly felt awe, respect but also uneasiness and even a little fear here and there.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I was not able to determine what exactly caused this reaction or why but the crowds parted and let us approach the Control point ahead of them. The Officers checked De La Lupe but not us one of the Vantax bowed and said." Maritime is honored by your visit."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"What was that all about?" I wondered aloud and De la Lupe said. "They thought you both are Narth and since your eyes glow as much as Narth's since this morning I am almost convinced as well. Your appearance is quite ominous to put it mildly and there are more legends and rumors than facts about the Narth. One Narth appearing somewhere is already news and unusual and now there are two.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"We conducted a Narth ritual and Eric's eyes will return to human standard in a short while." Narth explained and added." As to respond to your other statement, Sir. This is why I am among you. To evaluate and explore so Narth Supreme can make the right decisions as how much we can share and how much we can contribute to this Union."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Lupe smiled."A worthwhile goal indeed I can not begin to imagine what the Narth can share with the rest of us."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">As we walked past huge mirrored window panels I checked myself and while I did look quite uncanny in that shroud and hood I was a little disappointed that I did see my eyes and not the glow.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Narth whispered with an amused tone in his voice." You can't see your own psi shine and in time you will get used to me and cease to see mine as well."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The Lieutenant knew obviously where we had to go. We crossed the Space port lobby and found a Taxi stand.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Moments later we flew in an open floater across the sparkling surface of a deep blue ocean and I had to restrain myself from not simply jumping over the side and plunge deep into the water, just to dive and swim once more in a real ocean, not just a pool or a lake.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Narth leaned closer." I now understand your desire to dive and swim much better. Your inner emotions explain your connection to the water better than words could! To see the world through the eyes of a human is even more fascinating than expected."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Whenever I dive and I am under water I feel like I belong there."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I do understand!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Do you have oceans on Narth?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"There is a body of liquid and it is as vast as any ocean but it is not water. It is an essence."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Narth sounds like a very unusual place."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"There is no similar place in the entire Universe."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"And I am really allowed to see it?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Narth will be your home as it is mine. All that is Narth welcomes you."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I might even fit right in. Hooded robe, mask and glowing eyes!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"We do not wear these robes on Narth. There is no need for them. Besides you are not radiating anymore."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I was so looking forward to freak out Galmy, Wintsun and the others!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I am sure we can find a way to make them glow again!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"So you are all floating around in your birthday suit back on Narth?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Birthday suit..." He paused."Oh a way to describe nakedness. Yes in a way Narth are naked when not with other beings. I also realize how much you need to learn before you understand what Narth is, but it will be a pleasant task to educate my best friend about Narth."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Lupe turned to us." Why are you both so quiet. You didn't say a single word since we left the Space port!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"We did talk Sir, just quietly I guess."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Oh okay I thought you have second thoughts about the duel."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"No not at all."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Lupe had to talk to the human pilot and returned to his forward facing position.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Narth said." You do not realize it but our conversations have long ceased to be of acoustic nature."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The taxi carried us towards a green island with white beaches and between the foliage were buildings, designed in an ingenious way to blend in the surroundings without being camouflaged. They simply looked as if they belonged there.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The Taxi dropped us off on a sandy beach about 100 meters wide, powder fine white sand, luscious green trees and bushes on one side and the sparkling turquoise ocean on the other. The suns had reached the horizon and would soon slip past. I could understand why someone wanted to stay for vacation. About fifty beings awaited us next to a smooth raked circular area about 20 meters in diameter marked with rocks and torches.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">De la Lupe turned to us right after we got out the taxi. "Remember to let me do most of the talking. You are welcome to answer questions but you do not have to reveal anything you do not want. This is a private affair and the ranks of any present Fleet member mean nothing to this duel. The spectators are here to observe the bout and to witness it. There is a team for Squadron News and Admiral Webb of Arsenal Academy is here, but as private person. He was accepted by both sides as the Impartial."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">He shook both of our hands." Thank you for coming with me and good luck to both of you."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">We followed Lupe through the fine sand and approached a group of four beings, standing separated from the rest. One of the beings was an Ult and I recognized the spots it was Webb. He did wear a colorful shirt like the tourist we saw at the space port and nothing else. His scaled skin and huge hind legs exposed.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Next to the Ult stood a tall sandy haired man with a three point beard wearing a dark gray Flex armor suit, he was flanked by a four legged being of at least two meters to one side and a Spindlar to the other.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Spindlar are somewhat humanoid but had very long arms and thin legs they could extend in a telescopic fashion. I had seen Docus about them and the amazing races they performed each year on their home planet.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">It could tell Lupe was very concerned as he saw our opponents. "A Spindlar and a Quadiped, I should have known he could not play fair."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The man in the armor suit I was certain was Milieu sneered." You are piling insult upon insult. I might not be satisfied with first blood if you keep on questioning my honor!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"You are going to fight in that armor suit?" "Of course, no stipulations have been made regarding armor or dress. I fully expected you to show up in a Quasimodo!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"The Spindlar and the Quadiped are your best students?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"What better swordfighters can you think of? Quadipeds train the art of edge weapon fight from the moment they can walk, and being four legged they can walk very early on. They are strong and can lift swords of tremendous weight. Spindlars are the fastest beings alive with a reach both of us can only dream of! Yes they are my best fighters. I wager they might the best bravado fighters in the galaxy already. This is in no small part due to my instructions. That they will use their naturally given abilities in the coming Duel is something you can hardly hold against them."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">It was Webb who said." I recorded your conditions. The natural abilities of the combatants are allowed in the duel."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Yes, yes. Now introduce us to your hooded men you brought along. A nice show effect I must say."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Lupe smiled."You heard the opponent, Narth you are welcome to use your abilities."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Milieu lost his smile and gasped." Real Narth?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">A Saresii bystander bowed deeply." Yes I can sense a vast Psionic presence, Narth without a doubt."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Psionics are not allowed! Narth are not allowed!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Narth spoke with his deepest voice." Thou hast declared that natural abilities are permitted. Do you say my abilities are not equally natural as those of your contestants? Do you say Narth are not equally members of the Union as Spindlar or Quadiped? "

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"No of course not" the man said his voice trembling. "I meant Psionics are not natural. It was stipulated that Cadets, Students of Lupe come to face the challenge!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"These are both first year Cadets still in basic training. They are both students of mine." Lupe said.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The Saresii bystander hissed." You just insulted every being with Psionic abilities. Explain to me what is not natural about them!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Milleu shook his head."It was a bad choice of words. I was not prepared, I did not prepare my Students to face Narth. Their abilities are not known!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Narth almost sounded angry." I will gladly demonstrate to you the full extent of my natural abilities right now? Do you wish to examine a star from the inside? I cannot guarantee how long you will last, but you might appreciate the natural abilities of a Narth."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Milieu looked suddenly very frightened and tried to back up. Webb agreed." You did question the Narths abilities, declared anyone with Psionic abilities as not natural. So it would only be fair if he did demonstrate them to you! If I would be Narth I be insulted too!

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Narth stepped forward and Milieu and both of his students where pushed by an invisible force several meters back through the sand causing the crowd to gasp. Then Narth put his hand on Lupe's shoulder." To show you how well our Master trained us. I shall refrain from using my natural Psionic abilities and fight your student with the skills he has thaught us."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I pulled the hood of and said"I am not Narth. I am just dressed that way because I have no civilian clothing. I have no Psionic abilities whatsoever. I am just a Neo Viking from Nilfleheim. We Vikings duel all the time but we don't talk as much and simply do it. Can we get started?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Webb recognized me." I must say I am not surprised to see you here. Mr. Olafson."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The Ult then said even louder. "I agree with you, let's get started." He held up an E Board and read aloud the article, Lupe response and then he also read the cartel and introduced each of us. By drawing lots it was decided that I had to go against the

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Quadiped and Narth would have to face the Spindlar.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">My mind suddenly filled with detailed information about the Quadiped. I knew it was Narth feeding me that information and I was glad he did.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The monstrous alien Cadet stalked towards me and said." You are but a weak human, so I will make it quick. Now choose your weapon"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I can choose any weapon?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Yes Humans!" "I see Boarding Axes over there on the Weapon rack. So Axes I choose."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Do not blame me if first blood means I kill you. I am simply strong!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Lupe held up his hand in protest and said to Webb." First blood was agreed upon. Why is that Quadiped talking about killing?" The Ult's face was unreadable as always." Cadet Amboo-du are you intended on killing?" "It is hard for me to control and measure my great power and a little tab of mine kills those weak and fragile humans like Tilsis. Besides I was not told how much first blood is to be spilled. I just spill all of that weakling's blood and if he dies it's his fault. That human should simply give up and I will accept this as satisfaction." I jumped into the fight ring." Just quit talking and get it started. I never give up without trying my best, so bring it on Four legs!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Webb made a sound that sounded very much like a human sigh and he said."Let the first duel begin. The Contestants have accepted the conditions. You must cease all fight activity if I call to do so or after the first blood is drawn from either opponent."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The Quadiped stepped into the other side of the fight ring. Webb dropped his arm. Let the fight begin!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I yelled."Hey Ambo-Du is that a Quadithaal running behind you?" The giant turned and as distracted and I threw my ax as hard and as fast as I could. The Blade hissed true and sliced a nice chunk of flesh out of his upper left leg, blood sprayed.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">From Narth mental tutoring I had learned that a Quadithaal was a sexually aroused female Quadiped on a rampage, I was certain he would turn!

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Webb yelled."Cease all fighting. First blood has been drawn. Duel was decided for Olafson."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The Quadiped yelled in pain and roared."I am going to kill you, Human! You tricked me!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">He was about to stomp forward but a bolt of plasma peppered the sand before him. It was Webb holding the blaster." The Duel is over. Continue and you are in violation of the Duel condition."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I don't care about Duel conditions! I will kill this human. Interfere again and I kill you too, Ult!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Milieu yelled too."Get back, here at once you dumb brute. If you attack now you hand them the Victory!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Only now the Quadiped stepped back and towards his master. "

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Lupe padded my shoulder."Quick thinking there, Eric!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Narth was next and he choose Saber."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">This time no words were exchanged between the combatants. Webb dropped his arm and the Spindlar extended his legs and arms rose to almost 3 meters and approached Narth with great speed. The Spindlar attack was lightning fast, the saber made a hissing sound as it whisked through the air, aimed at Narths neck. Narth bend backwards equally fast and only so much as to avoid the blade by the fraction of a centimeter, as soon as the blade passed him he stepped forward took the wrist of the Spindlar and added his own weight to the tall aliens move. The Alien could not fight the momentum and was sent flying. Narth didn't let go of the wrist and leaned back. The Spindlar screamed in pain and his saber fell into the sand. Narth moved the tip of his blade across the arm of the alien and made a small cut it right behind the alien's glove. Dark blue was the blood of this alien and this contest ended just as fast as mine had, the entire attack and Narths incredible fast counter lasted no more than maybe half a minute.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The only sound was the churning of the waves. Webb dropped his arm again and announced Narth the winner."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Now Milieu and Lupe stepped into the ring, both with rapiers and it soon became apparent both men where supreme experts in that style of fighting. Lupe was better and he had slashed the other man several times but always hitting the armor and no blood was drawn.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The clanging and screeching of steel filled the air of the now darkening beach. The torches light cast long shadows of the fighters as they danced feigned and attacked, parried and counterattacked. The fight must have been on for almost 30 minutes now. Both fighters sweating and starting to slow down. Lupe however seemed to enjoy the entire thing. He was making fun of the armor the man wore. "Must get pretty warm under that armor of yours by now." A collective scream of disappointment and anger went through the watching crowd as Milieu kicked sand in Lupe's face and used the distraction to cut Lupe! The sharp blade sliced through the shirt Lupe wore. And Milieu stepped back, lowered his weapon bowed and said."First blood!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Lupe ripped the shirt off to show his body with his left hand." You didn't even scratch me, only sliced the shirt!" With these words he stepped forward, Milieu had no time to get his defense up and with a flick of his wrist cut a L shaped wound into Milieu's cheek, this time there was blood!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Lupe stepped back and curtsied to the on lookers. Webb declared Lupe the winner.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Milieu howled with rage and was no gentleman at all. "You cretin and your abominable escort only won through cheating!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I truly had enough of that guy and my temper got a hold of me." You betted quit calling me or my friend's names! You're the one cheating from the start, wearing Armor and all. Simply go away accept your defeat and go away!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"You whelp dare to insult me? You dare to even talk to me? Do you know who I am?" He raised his sword and pointed it at me!" I should skew you like a rotten fruit!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I grabbed a rapier from the table and stepped into the ring."I know who you are. A lousy second class braggard without class or manners. Bring it on Loudmouth! You and me right here!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I wasn't certain I did the smartest thing, he was an expert with that blade and while I considered myself a decent fencer I certainly wasn't in his league, but I couldn't help it as much as I tried to deny my heritage, deep down I was a true child of my planet and a hotheaded Neo Viking just like all the others.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Milieu was completely surprised but he raised his weapon. Webb cleared the circle and our blades met.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I was surprised at myself how good I fought. My wrist and legs did things before I knew I was doing them.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Lupe at first trying to prevent me from fighting became as quiet as the others. I fought Milieu for about six or seven minutes and then with a precise flick of my wrist and a lightning fast attack ,past his guard I sliced through the fastening control of the flex armor at his belt and the whole thing reverted to liquid metal and like quicksilver fell of Milieu into a metallic puddle to his feet. He was so shocked of his sudden loss of the armor and his complete exposure to the night wind that he forgot to fight. I poked the blade of my rapier under his chin."You will now loud and clearly apologize to Mr. Lupe and Narth for your insults or I start cutting and poking."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">He gasped and gawked, his rapier fell out of his hand.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I heard Narth say." Quadiped if you make one more step I will consider this an attack on my friend."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"You can't stop me. Narth are not as strong as we are!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The Quadiped suddenly flew in a wide arch over our heads. I could hear him splash into the ocean behind me and put a little more pressure on the rapier."I can't hear you!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I, I apologize. I recognize Mr. De La Lupe as the better fighter and accept his critique in the Magazine to be justified and correct. I apologize for insulting you and the Narth."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">He swallowed hard and then with a begging and miserable face he said."May I please get out of the light and put pants on?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I stepped back curtsied to him. "Apology accepted. I suggest any bystanders turn now and let him regain his dignity. I will challenge anyone laughing at his predicament and consider it a personal offense."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Webb was the first to turn and he started clapping. Milieu actually returned the curtsey and Lupe stepped into the light offering Milieu a pair of pants and then turned around.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I did so too and went to Narth. I whispered." You guided me, I felt like a puppet on strings .I never fight that good!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I had to do something after you challenged him with the Rapier of all things."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"True enough. I must work on controlling my temper and pride a little better." "That is a worthy goal my friend!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Lupe and Webb came over to us. Webb shook my hand."Fine display of fencing skills and chivalry, Mr. Olafson."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Then he complimented Narth and said." When we meet the next time Cadets, I will be an Admiral again but not tonight. There is a big Sand roast almost ready and the drinks are on me." Colored lights between the trees came on and added to the light of the torches. A fire that had obviously been prepared beforehand roared to life and from the buildings between the trees came a rhythmic sounding music.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Lupe simply motioned us to follow the Ult and while we did he said." You are a true Master fighter, Olafson. You don't need any more training, at least not from me!" "Oh yes I do, Sir. I had spiritual help from a certain person downloading Fencing moves from GalNet and transmitting them to me."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Lupe's eyes widened." He can do that?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I didn't know he could until tonight."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Narth actually shrugged." You never picked a fight with sword fighter 5.6 times better than you."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Five point Six times better than me?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Yes, taking into account his experience, skill level and practice and comparing it to your skills. I also factored in…"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Five point Six, eh?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Narth nodded. "He would have sliced you into that Tyranno Bait of yours in no time at all."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Lupe laughed." In any case I owe you more than words can express and I am deep in your debt."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"So are we." I said taking the glass of beer the Ult offered me. "I mean we are here at least for a night while the other Cadets do something much less pleasurable." Lupe nodded."You're right of course!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"How long are we going to be here?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"The freighter will leave in four hours."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Webb the Ult still standing near said. " There is a fast Cruiser leaving tomorrow afternoon. It has to make a stop at Camp Idyllic and its Captain know you are going with them."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Thank you Adm…I mean ." Lupe said and to me he said." We will be here all night then."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"That was all I needed to hear." The Narth robe was off in a heartbeat.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Lupe raised his arms."What are you doing?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Taking a swim!|" I ran as fast as I could in my Fleet Issue boxers across the beach and then dove head first into the rolling waves. The water was much warmer than that on Nilfeheim but it was an Ocean. The salty water running through my almost dried out gills, feeling the fresh water energizing me was pure heaven. A shape was sliding next to me through the water. At first I thought it might be Narth, but it was Webb the Ult pushing past me with powerful strokes of his enormous legs. I pushed as hard as I could but without fins I could not keep up. Down here the Ult looked completely different than on land. Powerful, fast and I knew instantly they had developed from a carnivorous background. Down here an Ult looked quite was clear that this was their true element.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Narth's thoughts reached me." They have food out here and wonder where you are, You and the admiral are gone for two hours."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I am on my way."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I had to swim quite a distance to get back. The crowd seemed bigger than before and there was the savory smell of grilled fish and meat in the air.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Narth stood with the Saresii and seemed in deep conversation. Webb came out of the water a moment after me. "You are the most excellent swimmer I have ever seen that is not Ult."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"And I saw the true element of you Ults. You present quite a different picture when you are swimming."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">His fish eyes looked at me and while his emotions and his face was as unreadable to me as before, he seemed pleased by my observation." Yes indeed. It seems you are among the few who really learn to understand the Ult."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">I put on the robe again just as I was done a plate of roasted meat and a mug of beer was floating before me."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Narth waved from where he was standing and said." This primitive roasting of raw meats over open fire is quite delicious."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Taking the plate and the beer I thanked him and started eating like a starved Tyranno.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">--

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Chapter 18: Interlude 2

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Interlude

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Webb walked away past the fire, and wanted to get himself a real Utltanese. He was Ult and didn't really have a sense of taste or smell, but he knew the Island Bars here served good Utlanese shakes with the right texture when a man stepped out the shadows." It is quite a sight to see a Narth here among other beings?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The man speaking to Webb was of above average height and human but he did not recognize him. Webb lived most of his life among humans and could differentiate their faces and he was certain he knew this man from somewhere." Yes it is. "Webb wanted to keep going but the man held a drink bowl of greenish Utlanese before his face."I think you wanted to go to get some of this, right?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Yes but I rather get my own, if you don't mind."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The stranger laughed." It's Huglan with squiggle worms in it. Your favorite I believe. I also think you have no idea who I am. I had no idea shorts and a colorful shirt is such an effective disguise!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Webb's big fish eyes got even bigger."Admiral Stahl?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"No one around here wears uniform and neither are you. You know my first name!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Webb took the bowl." It certainly is a surprise to see you here, but you're right this is my favorite. I truly wonder where you found real squiggle worms."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I got a few Ult friends on the Devi and I knew you would be here. I just came from Green Eden, you know."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Webb wiped his snout after he had drained the bowl." That was real pleasure. I think I shouldn't be such chinch and pay the outrageous prices they charge for shipping them to Arsenal. "The Ult pointed across the fire where the Narth and the Neo Viking stood."I think you are here because of them."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"You know I am. After Letsgo told me a Narth was among his Cadets I really wanted to see if it is true. Not to mention my surprise to hear he actually went to fight a duel."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Did you see the fight?" "Yes I did. It takes a lot to impress me nowadays, but that duel did."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Haven't you been on Narth Prime?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Stahl nodded." This why I am so interested and quite stunned by the recent development. I was on Narth. It was the most alien place I ever visited in all my life and I during those few hours there I felt like the most insignificant insect that was allowed to see a mere glimpse of something so far beyond us or alien to us that I simply can't adequately describe it. "

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"They treated you that arrogantly?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"No, nothing like that, the Kermac are arrogant, the Saresii are often seen as arrogant when dealing with others. It was more like…"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Webb said."More like a first year Cadet meeting Admiral Stahl aboard the Devastator eh?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Stahl sighed and smiled."Actually that's a pretty good analogy. I was not very long on Narth mind you, a few hours at most, but the Narth is not the only reason I am here."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Oh you still look for those special Cadets? What is it actually you try to find?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Stahl sat down and waved a Serv bot." It's a long story actually."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I am the Commander of the Academy after all. To get new insights from an immortal who has a track record of finding the special ones would be beneficial."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Stahl sighed." I know it seems that way and I thought at least you could look past the Immortal part. We know each other for quite a while, old fish face. "

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I wasn't sarcastic, I really meant that. I mean you appear every so often, no particular pattern and pick seemingly random cadets others might even consider misfits and put them through your brand of more than unusual tests, that sometimes seem out of proportion and inhumane." Webb actually shrugged in a very human way." I don't know what happened to most of them, after you found them, but you found Harris that way who now steers that big boat of yours, that Shiss Zezzazzzzz, Lingodan and Deanann. These are the ones I can remember right away. Each of them made history and will be remembered for a long time."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Stahl padded Webb's shoulder." I also found you that way and I think you turned out quite alright."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Yes you did put me through your strange process. I actually can understand why you are interested in the Narth, but what made you pick me for example?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"It is not all that easy to explain and not all the ones I pick turn out to be what I expected. I remember seeing you struggle in a Desert survival test. Most Ults I knew asked to be excused from it, you did not. You nearly died and when you were told you failed you insisted in doing the test again and you only failed because you did not want to leave anyone behind. After that I staged a few of those unfair and cruel scenarios and tests and you managed to succeed in every one."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Stahl threw his bottle with accuracy into a waste recycler, five meters away." The Academy does a great job of supplying our fleet with worthy officers who make this tremendous machine work every day. To do this you use a very efficient method of tests and training to shift through millions of applicants and Cadets and I think the Academy gets a little better at it every season, but to cope with the sheer size of all it is an almost automated process and this process turns out more or less the same flawless well functioning product. Officers that do their jobs and do it well until they retire or die. However I believe there are a few that stand out, which have a special talent. A quality that cannot be taught or measured and has to be there from the beginning. It can't be explained with genetics, race or gender or be found with Psionics. I tried using Computronic programs to shift through the applicants. You didn't test any different from any other Ult in any of the Academy tests, yet I knew you were different. I tried you and was proven right. In the same year I picked a Vantax who did something very similar and I thought I found another one and he turned virtually insane as I gave him command over the Devastator and had to be removed by force. Zezz, the Shiss. Didn't do much out of the ordinary, he simply was one of the first Shiss ever to apply to the Academy and he had a hard stand as he was considered the enemy and no one trusted him, despite all the tests confirming his integrity. When I picked him and put him through my own tests he exceeded every expectation and is now without question one of the finest Captains we have."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Webb nodded."Not to mention one of the best Small Craft Experts and Pilots."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Indeed!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The Ult looked across the fire."If I understand your method correctly, I would wager that Neo Viking over there would be such a candidate."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I think you are getting the idea old Fish. I checked his background and file. He does have some issues I am not so sure about, but he fits the bill. I will keep an eye on him."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Webb tossed his bowl in the recycler and hit it as well." Since you are here and you tell me I should forget that you are actually one of the Immortals. Do you think can ask you a question?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I am all ears, go right ahead and ask."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I always wondered what really happened back then when you did get chosen by this Guardian. I mean all we really know are bits and pieces and mostly just rumors, legends and stories. Unless it is some sort of state secret, I always wanted to know and I probably never get the nerve to ask you again."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Stahl's eyes stared into the fire and Webb knew he actually saw something that happened over 3500 years ago." It's not really a state secret and you should never be afraid to ask me anything. I am not a dictator or anything like that."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"No you are not and I know you are honorable and trustworthy beyond any doubt, but you Immortals do have tremendous influence and power. It is hard for us mortals to really believe or understand what it truly means to be immortal. I was afraid of you not in a negative sense but more like a person is afraid and in awe when meeting something like a god."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I am no god and you know that."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I do, but you know you are not really human anymore."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I feel very much human but I understand. You know before this all started I was just a Marine and I probably would have been afraid seeing an Ult…

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">--

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Somewhere in the Mongolian desert, January 2097

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Lt. Richard Stahl ducked behind the remnant of a wall, to reload his gun and to check on the others." Smithers when are those helo's coming! We need them now or we're going to be toast!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The Chinese tanks crawled over the ridge. Stahl spit into the sand and cursed."Never fight a land war against China and what are we doing here? "Jones his saw man grinned weakly."Fighting a land war with China and it isn't looking all too good, Sir."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Where are those choppers?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Smither's pointed at his radio link and shrugged." No response just chatter Sir."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The Chinese tanks opened fire, tank guns are not the best artillery and not really meant to pound fortified positions, but those were still big guns and lots of them. Fire, debris and destruction rained on the small Marine Corps Recon Unit. Smither's yells something about the Choppers and while Stahl could not hear him, the Land warrior system and the electronics of his equipment had been turned off for weeks now. Some Chinese kids actually managed to hack into the Satellite based, super advanced high tech land warrior battle system of the United States and provide Chinese artillery, missiles and every weapon in between with the exact GPS location of every American soldier.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">As a Recon Unit they weren't really equipped to deal with a full scale Armor attack. The four Dragon IV rockets they had, already used yesterday.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">This was it, Stahl thought. The choppers would not come, either being busy elsewhere or being attacked by Chinese fighter jets. He was certain America would somehow survive this war, after all since Iran nuked Jerusalem and Jaffa and the Israelis retaliated by leveling Teheran, Baghdad, Riad and Cairo the rest of the world showed some restrain using nuclear weapons. Taiwan was lost, Japan would be next and he doubted the Russians could hold of the Chinese Juggernaut from rolling all the way to the Atlantic Coast. But then the Russians still had lots of Nukes…"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Stahl cursed in his native German, he would not give up without a fight. He pressed his eye against the rifle's optics and switched to armor piercing rounds. While all hell broke loose all around him, he calmly targeted the driver's mirrors and periscopes of the Chinese tanks. Suddenly blind and unable to see where they were driving the tank drivers opened their hatches, perfect targets for one of the finest rifle men the Marine Corps had.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">He had defeated 4 tanks that way and won a small victory. He gathered what was left of his men and looked over the wounded, tired and dirty men and then everything changed forever!

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Out of thin air, right there before him a black robed being appeared. It had no face, just darkness underneath a monk like hood.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Stahl did the first thing that his live long fighting instincts had imprinted on his body, lowered the gun and wanted to fire. It was then the being spoke:" Be not afraid, my beloved Humans. I am the Guardian. I am a Machine and I was placed on this world at a time where dinosaurs roamed this planet. I have been here ever since and I have watched every step you took from discovering fire to harness the powers of the atom. You are often angry and violent children, but at the same time you created some of the finest music and art in all the Universe, developed philosophies and religions that touch indeed the true meaning of existence and you are technicians and biologists of great talent most of all you have incredible potential to become the most powerful and dominant force in the Universe.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I lay hidden and ordered never to interfere in your affairs until the day you ascent to the stars. You have not reached that point on your own; someone else has given you today the keys to the stars, but you have reached it! "

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Stahl suddenly saw images of Sphinx shaped UFO's landing in New York! He saw Human beings, actually beautiful women antique Egyptian looking somehow coming out of these ships and talking to the President! He didn't hear sound but the president was smiling and shaking hands.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The shrouded being spoke again." The Sarans, a Galactic civilization and distant kin to you have come to Earth and revealed themselves to warn you about a great danger and to give you the technology to reach the stars.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">But the Sarans are much like children themselves. They fight a long and unnecessary civil war among themselves. There are forces who do not wish the Terrans to ascent, and there are those who consider you not worthy to ascent to the Galactic stage. Most of all there are terrible enemies and dangers out there you cannot face divided as you are now.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">This is my task and purpose, to unite you. The time of national states and borders has come to an end. You are one species on a small planet and now the Universe became aware of you. Only together you might survive."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The shrouded being moved closer, Stahl still had the gun aimed." I don't know who you are, but stay right there and don't move till we figure that out."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Richard Stahl, your weapon can not harm me. I came to you because you are needed. You are chosen by me to aide me in my task. Come with me!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I am going nowhere. I have orders and men I need to take care off. There is a war going on and we are right in the middle of it!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Look around you, Richard. The war has ended."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">His men did not move, there was no sound. It was as if time itself stood still! "What are you, God or Demon or something like that?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"No Richard I am not a God. I am indeed a machine, an artificial construct with one purpose and you are among those I have chosen to be my tools to achieve that goal."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The landscape disappeared before Richards eyes and before he could really think he found himself in a large cave. He could not pinpoint where the light came from that made the entire place glow in an eerie red shine. The shrouded man was standing before him on a raised platform of stone.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Richard was a Marine to his very core and nothing really scared him, but the recent events made him weary. He rubbed his eyes and said more to himself than to anyone in particular." Great, I got myself killed and went to hell." He was not too surprised that he ended up in hell instead of heaven.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The hooded man chuckled." No Richard, you are not dead and you are not in hell."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Then where am I?" Richard looked around and sat down on a big boulder, put his gun but first between his legs." Why don't you explain it all to me in terms I can understand and keep in mind I am no rocket scientist, just a Jarhead."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"This is why you are here, so I can do just that."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Richard fished a crumbled pack of Camels from under his flag vest. "I guess it be okay if I light one."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Yes Richard you may smoke your cigarettes. "

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">His trusty Zippo made the characteristic metallic sound and he inhaled deeply." Well Spooky I am all ears."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"The Universe is a very old place and there have been civilizations roaming the stars long before there was life on this planet. Some developed into great civilizations that spawned Galaxies and they attained technology that will appear like magic to lesser civilizations. I am the product of such a civilization. I am indeed a machine, something like a very advanced computer you might say. Of course I have as much in common with the computers you know as the Sun has in common with your Zippo lighter, but for now it will be a sufficient analogy. The civilization that has placed me here, have a special connection and love for this world and especially you the Humans. I am not allowed to reveal their identity or true purpose until you as a race are ready. When this time comes you will know who they where and why they placed me here. For now they shall be known to you as Friends."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Richard tipped his cigarette and a length of ash dropped to the otherwise immaculate clean stone floor." So there are indeed Aliens out there, who would have known! I must say I am a little suspicious about the whole friend thing. I mean if the folks that made you placed you here and want to be called friends, they certainly want something from us in return. The Devil is known to offer great deals and calls himself friend and all you do is selling your soul into damnation."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I am not a demon and I am not the devil, I assure you. I will ask a great deal from the Human race and I will ask even more from you, Richard. The Human race has no choice in that matter. I will complete my mission and fulfil my purpose. You on the other hand, you will have a choice after I explained it all to you."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Sounds pretty final to me, well keep going. I got a few smokes left and I am going to Miss Chow time anyway. It wasn't looking to promising for that today anyway."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I can provide you with any material things you require. Including smokes and food, your physical well being is of paramount importance to me. "

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"If that is the case you should not encourage me smoking. It supposed to be bad."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"Cigarettes or diseases will have no ill effect on you from this day on, Richard. For the task you are chosen you must live a long time. Aging has no longer meaning to you. Among the gifts I will give you is the gift of Immortality."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Richard wanted to make a sarcastic remark and write it all off as a bad dream he most likely had, lying mortally wounded in a ditch somewhere in the Mongolian Desert, but he couldn't. Somehow he knew this was all real. "Immortal you say? As in unable to die?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"No Richard, you still can die. Immortal as in impervious to age and disease."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Without waiting for another question or response of the Marine the Alien being continued." I was placed here on Earth to watch over mankind. I was not allowed to interfere in any internal struggles, wars or problems and by the Spirits of the Universe you humans sure had a lot of those. More than once you came quite close to make my purpose meaningless by destroying yourself. I was to activate and reveal myself to you on the day you open the door to the stars. On the day you develop faster than light technology I was to appear to all humans and guide them on their way. You have not reached that stage on your own. While you fought the Chinese something else happened. Members of an advanced civilization openly landed in New York and met with your president. The Sarans are distant relatives to your kind. They are human as you are. I do not have the information why this is so and it is up to you to find out in the future. The Sarans have come to Earth once before and first met humans during the time of the Pharaohs in ancient Egypt. I did observe but not intervene as the Sarans did not share their technology with you back then and they left after a few months. Their visit became legend, lore and religion and was soon nothing more than tales of old gods."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"So the Pyramids were built by the Aliens after all!" Richard said more to himself as to interrupt the Alien.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"No Richard, the Pyramids were erected by you humans and without any help from the Aliens. The ancient Egyptians however tried to entice and appease the sky gods to come back with those monuments. "

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"All right, Aliens landed in New York. That should have shaken the world pretty badly!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"It has, Richard. It was the cause of the increased attack activity of the Chinese you experienced for example. As they feared that the Aliens shared their technology with the Americans alone.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">And share their technology they did. The Sarans left your President with detailed instructions as how to build faster than Light ships. You see there are many other Exo terrestrial civilizations out there. One of these are the Xunx. An insectoids species that does not communicate or interact with others, they do only one thing swarm out from their home world every 1000 years and attack other worlds. To them it does not matter if that world is occupied by another civilization or not. Anything organic is considered food and will be consumed, anything that does not have six legs is not considered worth living. Much like the locust of Earth, like a biblical plaque they come and when they leave rich and vibrant garden worlds are nothing more than lifeless rocks.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">In 50 years from now the Xunx will once again awake again. There are not many Garden worlds left within their reach, and one of them is Earth."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Richard grabbed his rifle as he suddenly saw life size images of huge insect monsters that looked like a cross between Hornet, Praying Mantis and Cockroaches, only twice the size of a man. Before he actually pulled the trigger, he realized that he only saw realistic three dimensional images. The insect monsters were armed with gun like weapons and wore armor.

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The shrouded man explained." Your gun could kill a Xunx, but not if a Xunx wears battle armor and has its force fields activated. Besides you could kill a million and there would be two million to take their place. Individual death means absolutely nothing to them. Their technology is crude to Galactic standards but far beyond anything earth has now and there are many Hundred Billion Xunx and sixteen Hive planets with caverns full of warrior eggs ready to hatch at any moment to replace the losses in mere days. There are several human species in this Galaxy and while no one knows why, it is generally believed you all have a common ancestry. This is why the Sarans revealed themselves to you at this point. They know about the Xunx! They themselves have nothing to fear from the Xunx. The Saran Empire is technologically more advanced and very powerful, but they are involved in a Civil War and are unable to provide Earth with protection against a Xunx invasion. So they decided to give Earth the rudimentary knowledge of faster than light travel so you can build Arches and evacuate as many Humans as possible. The Sarans did that not without self interest. They hope you would join them and swell their ranks. The Sarans know of the Terran aggressive talents and thus gain willing warriors in their own struggle."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Richard was a soldier all his life and war was his business. Despite all the fantastic information he received from the Guardian, he started to think and then said." If I would be in charge I would not evacuate Earth but somehow prevent the Xunx to leave those hive worlds in the first place. Strike them hard while they are still in that sleep or hibernation state."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The Guardian nodded." This is why you are chosen, Richard. You are in charge. I have selected 200 Humans from all over this world. Each of you has a very specific task. You are the Warrior!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Stahl crushed his last cigarette and got up." I am not sure I am capable of fighting space wars and all that. I am just a Marine, aren't there any brighter and more intelligent choices than me?"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I assure you Richard, my selection process is not based on random chance but there are many factors that made me chose you."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"How do we get started then? Fifty years to build up some sort of space fleet isn't all that much time!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">The Guardian laughed warmly." I have no doubts I have chosen correctly and you are quite right. Fifty years is a very short time. You will not be alone and I will be there to guide you until you all can stand on your own. I have appeared to each and every Human. I have abolished all existing governments and warned anyone from forming new ones. Anyone claiming to be a leader regardless of religious, political or territorial reasons will be immediately and permanently removed by me. A new capitol city is to be build on the South Pole. Until the new world government is established and stabilized I will rule and watch. You and 199 others will be my executives and each will have a specific task. Only if all this is in place then there will be open elections and I will deactivate and cease to exist as my part and task will be done."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I think you will have a hard stand. Americans especially don't like the idea of a world government and one person being their dictator."

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"I know humankind, Richard. In times of peril democracy will not work. There are those who will claim I am the Anti Christ, others will call me an American Imperialist and yet others will see me as Savior and solution but I can see everyone, know what they are doing at all times and I will prevent any rebellion at the very beginning. This is harsh and I know but this is my task and purpose. Only as a united planet, as one people will you be able to withstand the perils that await you. A new area has dawned, Richard, you have access now to technology that allows you to reach other planets. The entire solar system can be settled and planets far beyond. To show the people of Earth the extend of my power, I have cured and healed every single person. There will be diseases and accidents in the future, but for now everyone is healthy with a clear mind. "

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"You're in trouble now, Guardian. If everyone is healthy then there is no one the lawyers can sue. They just might sue you!"

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">"What you meant as a joke actually already happened, but common sense and not lawyers will prevail for the next decades."

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<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Stahl was describing these memories to the Ult in his own words and sighed deeply. “That was a long time ago, Old Friend. We have come far but I think of this as a Journey and I doubt we are even halfway there.”

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Webb had listened to the Admiral and was deeply moved by hearing how it all started for the humans and how this legendary, immortal began his career. There was so much more and much of this early history had been lost or perhaps never been told. He wished there was more time and the admiral would tell him more, but the party around the fire was drawing to its end and most had left. “Where do you think this Journey will lead us and what is the destination?”

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">“I don’t know and perhaps my purpose has been fulfilled and I could finally retire. The guardian is gone. He has deactivated itself and no one came in its place so far. He did mention that after the Guardian there would be the Guide, but so far the Guide has not shown or maybe the Guide has chosen others and I don’t know about it.”

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">“So you still don’t know who it was that send the Guardian?”

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">“We have and had plenty of theories but not a single one became ever more than a good guess. So no we don’t know.”

<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm">Stahl got up from his seat and padded the Ult Admiral on its nearly non existing shoulders.” I have a few things to do before I return to the Devi, Old Friend, but we catch up on this some other time for sure.”

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