Erica Olafson, Voyages of the Tigershark (Vol 8)
Vanessa Ravencroft
Erica Olafson, Voyages of the Tigershark (Vol 8, GC 34)
by Vanessa Ravencroft
Copyright© 2019 by Vanessa Ravencroft
Description: The Year is 5024 (Old Terran Time). The Milky Way Galaxy is teeming with life and sentient species. Earth is now known as Terra and part of the United Stars of the Galaxies, a multicultural mega civilization that by now stretches across two-quarters of the Milky Way Galaxy and has a foothold in the Andromeda Galaxy. There are over 5030 distinctive member civilizations calling themselves members of the Union. The United Stars Space fleet protects this mega civilization against external threats
Tags: No Sex, Ma/Fa, Mind Control, Slavery, CrossDressing, TransGender, Fiction, Military, Science Fiction, Aliens, Robot, Space
Published: 2019-04-06
Size: ≈ 175200 Words
Foreword
The Year is 5024 (Old Terran Time). The Milky Way Galaxy is teeming with life and sentient species. Earth is now known as Terra and part of the United Stars of the Galaxies, a multicultural mega civilization that by now stretches across two-quarters of the Milky Way Galaxy and has a foothold in the Andromeda Galaxy. There are over 5030 distinctive member civilizations calling themselves members of the Union. The United Stars Space fleet protects this mega civilization against external threats.
Eric Olafson, born on a cold world called Nilfeheim raised under harsh conditions of a very traditional inward-looking society of Neo Vikings left his planet to fulfill his dream to become a Starship captain.
He had reached that goal much sooner than he expected and is now the commanding officer of a unique Starship, the USS Tigershark. The ship is state of the art and incorporates the finest technologies of the most advanced civilizations of the Union.
Eric used to be 198 cm tall and weigh almost exactly 90 kilos. He still has gray eyes and some say he moves with the same purpose and grace as a Tiger or Nubhir Wolf.
Eric, partially due to external circumstances and mainly due to his innermost desire is now Erica.
Like everyone from Nilfeheim she has a greater tolerance to freezing temperatures and is able to stay submerged under water for a very long time because of gills and eyes that are adapted to see well underwater thanks to a second set of clear eyelids. His muscles are denser than that of a standard human, allowing her to swim longer and deeper. Due to those abilities, she has great endurance and is much stronger than she looks.
She still loves fish, has a very clear sense of honor and hates unfair situations. Even though she doesn't like to admit it, she carries the same short temper of her father and is more often than not ready to face a challenge with fists or weapons.
In the disguise of Black Velvet, a female pirate she and her crew have hunted pirates and solved the Seenian mystery.
Erica is a drop dead beautiful blonde (in human terms) with long legs, long hair, and a killer body
That Erica now lives as she secretly always desired, has done little to change her general approach to problems.
She is also no longer oblivious to the fact that there she is part of something very powerful and dark stirring deep inside her.
Together with her truly unusual crew she had added new members to her crew and to the Union; was responsible for turning a dangerous and powerful adversary into a new ally, solved ancient mysteries, secured the Seenian inheritance for the Union and brought back a huge starship.
Their first mission now officially over, the Tigershark damaged they are hoping for a new mission.
Prelude
The United Stars of the Galaxy, commonly referred to simply as the Union is a multicultural society that started out, about three thousand years ago. It started with three human societies. The Sarans who acted and looked just like the ancient Egyptians that built the Pyramids; their rebellious sons that adopted ancient Rome as their role model and the humans of Earth, now commonly known as Terrans came together, united under common laws and goals in the year 2220.
The very next day the young Union received its first member, the amphibious non-human Ult.
Now 2804 standard years later, in the year 5024 (Old Terran Time), there are almost 5000 member societies, with representatives gathering in the majestic and impressive building known as the Assembly Sphere on the Unions central planet, Pluribus Unum.
Representatives and members from as far as the M32 galaxy met here either in person or telepresent via the marvelous Avatar technology to discuss all those issues and problems a huge mega society might have.
Individuals of the smallest Union species were no bigger than a corn of rice, while the biggest one, a sentient galactic nebula measured several light minutes across. There were beings that lived inside stars and had nobody, others looking like giant pizzas crawling over the superdense metallic helium of a Jovian supergiant. The truly gigantic Bandrupo and the small fuzzy Holdians, the Petharians coming from a planet where liquid magma was as common as water on a garden world, the beautiful Delicates from the distant Large Magellan cloud were just a few examples of the diversity of this mega society.
Only recently the mighty Nul, a former enemy had been welcomed into the Union. The representatives of several Downward societies had traveled to Pluribus to apply for membership.
Most surprisingly perhaps the request from the grumpy and xenophobic Yotenen, who expressed their thankfulness for Union intervention preventing the Kermac from retaliating.
All this was watched by the official Kermac observer and on a field screen while he was sitting in the company of several other Kermac inside the Kermac enclave on N'Ger. Union GalNet services had just recently been extended to this independent planet, due to the Golden who maintained a Trading post on N'Ger.
The GalNet terminal used by the Kermac was Union technology and rented from the Golden.
Neuachfunf, the lead wizard of this compound looked over to the long-range telepath, reclined in his sender seat and wondered how much the overstrained talent was able to sent to Kermac Prime. Then he returned his attention to the crisp, real-time transmission from the far distant Union government planet.
"The Yotenen, the Dawn and now the representative of the Porsthir. With the Xandrao and the Golden down there, these cursed Union cretins gaining a substantial foothold in that region of the galaxy.
"He complained to no one in particular. I wonder how they did that, decades after decades they paid no attention to this region, while we prepared to expand this way. We lost those we wanted to assimilate for our needs and with the Union now active down there it will not be as easy to gain others."
"It might have to do with the doomed project of High Wizard Seibsibac, who had been rewarded for his efforts by being tossed out of the High Wizard's tower on Kermac Prime and if the reports are correct, by the hand of the Supreme Grand Wizard himself.
"One of the other Kermac said, also watching what was happening in the Assembly Dome.
Neuachfunf touched his artificial beard in an unconscious habit.
"It is known to very few and one must be careful, even mentioning Wizard Seibsibac is now considered subversive. Did he not set out to find that Celtest depot?"
"It is not Celtest, it is Seenian. The GalNet files have been updated on this subject. He might have set out to find it, but the Union has somehow managed to find what thousands have tried to find in vain before."
"How do you come to this conclusion, Einsweifier?"
"Because of that!" The Kermac pointed on the screen. An unseen commentator spoke with unveiled awe and pride in his voice.
" ... spatial Fleet is proud to announce the latest additions to our fleet. Nine Devastator class ships have been received from the hangars of the recently revealed USS Dominator."
The Kermac said.
"Where do you think these monster ships come from, Stahl revealed just the other day?"
"Did he say hangars? There is a ship big enough to put nine Devastator ships in hangars?"
"Indeed he did. These ships alone are enough to wipe out all our fleets and none of our analysts can really wrap their minds around the dimensions and potential capabilities of the USS Dominator. According to our intelligence, they gave it under the direct command of the Eternal Warrior."
"What word from the Grand Wizard?"
"All the Galactic Council is to be very careful not to agitate until the Call is answered."
Almost 75,000 light years distant in the Spinward sector and on the surface of Carabis Green, the third planet in an only recently surveyed star system. Paula sat at the main table of the habitat module; Paula Curiosity was very proud of her very old Martian name. Her ancestors were among the very first colonists that came to the fourth planet of the Sol system.
Mars had been the very first planet humans colonized, true Luna came first, but Earth's moon wasn't a planet.
That Venus started its first colonies only a week later was insignificant of course, but not to Martians or Venusians even after almost three thousand years.
She was born less than a thousand meters from where her distant ancestors found the original Curiosity rover. This relic of the 21st was the reason the farm established nearby was called the Curiosity farm. The farm grew into a city and her family was only one of the many hundred with the same last name, but it still connected her with the distant past and gave her a sense of belonging.
She sipped her coffee and leaned forward to take a peek out the round viewport.
Beyond the viewport and the thick walls of this Union science habitat, a hellish environment of dark cracked and fissured volcanic rock and bright glowing magma flows.
The research outpost was located just five hundred meters distant to a cauldron of bubbling magma. This huge puddle of molten rock of was just one of many such volcanic craters dotting the entire surface of this planet.
This was planet Carabis Green. It had been discovered only five years ago by the UES Sorrom just past the fringes of established Union Space on this side of the galaxy and had been reported as a Class A Type one garden world with extensive forests and jungles, temperate climate and a biosphere compatible with most carbon-based NiOx breathers and no sentient life encountered.
Garden worlds of this character were rare gems and BoCA send an assessment team to confirm the findings and make a more detailed survey to clear the planet for colonization.
All they found was this hellish place.
At first, the Bureau of Colonist Affairs believed the survey branch of the Explorer corps made a mistake and perhaps reported the wrong coordinates, which would have been the very first such mistake in the
Explorer Corps history.
A rare and beautiful garden world turned into a shattered world with a destabilized crust, magma-spewing lava craters, clouds of poisonous gas and a sky darkened by ash clouds in less than five years from its initial discovery to the arrival of the BoCA team.
Several checks on data and the local stars unique signature, however, confirmed that this indeed was Carabis Green.
There was no apparent reason or clear scientific explanation why this happened.
The BoCA assessment team filed their report declared the planet suitable for Takkians, Elor and mining operations, reclassified it as Class X and went on to the next planet.
Now, this would be pretty much the end of this story but the BoCA team reported the same drastic change on three other worlds in the same region of space.
This was no longer a mildly interesting anomaly but a pattern. Given that the same thing happened on worlds in different solar systems light years apart natural reasons could almost be ruled out.
The matter was set on high priority and the Science Council of the Assembly decided to task the Science Corps to have a closer look
It found 11 such worlds so far. Four of them were known to have indigenous sentient life, on pre-industrial tech levels. For this reason, contact had not been made.
Eleven garden worlds, destroyed within twenty years and an area of about 50 light years, reduced the possibility of natural causes to almost nil.
Paula turned away from the viewport and the hellish vista it provided and gave her attention to Grorr the Takkian who just entered the common room of the outpost.
"Good morning Paula, the silicone being squeezed in the trumpet-like voice all Takkians had in common.
"You are up early today."
"I haven't really been to bed. I was up all night analyzing the samples you and Krio collected."
Grorr opened a storage locker and retrieved a shiny box and poured a handful of copper pellets into a bowl and said to her while he popped a few into his nourishment mouth.
"And what did you find? I mean spending all night of them you should know those specimen on a first name basis."
"Very funny Grorr," she said with a slightly sarcastic tone. She actually could hear the faint hissing sound as the Copper pellets dissolved in the strong acid soup in Grorr's digestive tract and saw a puff of greenish smoke escape through his nourishment mouth as he popped a few more. She held up one of the specimens.
"The pieces contain Amphibole structures."
"So? Components of my body do and so are many rock types like granite for example. Nothing unexpected near a volcano."
"Indeed they are not, but their composition and arrangement is almost exactly like yours and also comparable to Takian and even similar to Lyharms."
Grorr forgot to consume the next Copper pellet and came closer to look over the results of her analysis.
"You are right."
"What made me spend all night is me combining the pieces to reconstruct what the object looked like before it was broken."
She activated a three-dimensional representation between them.
Grorr almost dropped its bowl.
"By the singing Conck, that looks almost like a Takk nodule, just a whole lot bigger and hollow like an egg."
"I am sure there was something in that egg."
Her Takkian friend and colleague said.
"No, that you mention it, I have seen hundreds of these fragment on every site."
Chapter 1:Narth Prime
The USS Braddock swung into orbit around one of the most mysterious worlds in the entire Universe, Narth Prime.
She was the first Non-Narth vessel ever to do that in over 1000 years.
Captain Mike Anderson was very aware of that. No active scanning was done. He gave strict orders not to activate any probing rays or scanners other than the passive ones needed for space ship operations.
The planet was as unusual as its inhabitants and reputation. It had no visible surface features from space and looked basically like a giant eight ball, with the sun reflecting in the almost polished looking surface it even had the white dot.
"It looks more like a space ship or something artificial!" His XO, an Insectoid Klack said.
The Captain nodded.
"It sure does. have we been hailed yet?"
Just as he said it a deeply shrouded and hooded Narth appeared on the Bridge. And everyone aboard could hear him.
"Welcome to Narth Prime. Thank you for providing transport for our guests. they are here now and we will provide for their transport back to their destinations. You are welcome to remain in orbit, further services are however not required."
The was gone as he had appeared, instantly.
The officer behind the OPS controls said.
"Captain, Olafson and his group are no longer aboard."
He nodded.
"Set a course back to Narth Point Station, this planet gives me the creeps.
"Then he added.
"Member species or not, Computronic why was no Intruder Alert raised?"
"Computronic active. No unauthorized life form has been registered."
"Replay Bridge visual record and conversation. Time reference, Five minutes ago."
"Replaying Bridge visuals, time index 09:43."
He saw himself and the bridge crew react to the sudden appearance but nothing was there and no sound."
His XO said.
"It only happened in our minds, Captain. that Narth was never here."
"What the hell? Leave orbit maximum acceleration. Captain Olafson's group was just as creepy as that planet."
Lt. Lombardi, his tactical officer turned.
"But she was sure a sight, that Captain I mean. Long blonde hair, perfect body. Just right around the chest. if you know what I mean."
"I know what you mean, Lieutenant. Your guys from Nuevo Roma are all the same. But trust me you would not like to get into something with that Captain."
"Why not? She might enjoy a real man from Nuevo Roma."
"She is engaged with that other blonde looker of the group."
"Oh..."
One moment I was aboard the USS Braddock and the next I stood on an endless, smooth surface, extending featureless into all directions.
It was the most alien place I had seen so far. Not for unusual and bizarre sights and things but for the total lack of anything.
Mao had his fists stemmed to his sides.
"Aha, that's how a busy Narth recreation area looks like. More on the minimalistic side I would say."
Shea knelt down and felt the ground.
"It feels smooth. I wish I had my scanner with me."
"At least sightseeing won't take long on this world.
"Har-Hi grunted, "you're done seeing it all in five seconds."
Narth said.
"It does perhaps appear that way, but we adjust the surface as we need it."
He raised a hand and part of the surface became liquid and a house rose from the ground, complete with Garden, trees and a Speeder in the driveway. Far behind a Mountain range suddenly shot into the ground, Forests and a river. then it all returned to the smooth surface. the next thing we stood on a big rock and all around us a huge ocean. A Tyranno Fin broke the surface chasing after a Rock Shark.
Shea was the first that spoke.
"Just like a Virtu-Sim."
Narth responded.
"Not quite, this is not hard light, no sensory trickery. It is matter transformation and the Ocean is quite real, as well as the rock. Our Janus device works on the same principle just on a much smaller scale."
Har-Hi said.
"Amazing and frightening at the same time."
"Nothing here should be frightening to you. You are the first guests on Narth that are fully and completely welcome by all Narth. Any of you may come here at any time and as long as you wish. This place has seen only three visitors before you."
Har-Hi made a gesture across the now smooth featureless horizon.
"I get the feeling you mean three visitors since this all exists, right?"
"Quite so."
Shea said.
"Where is everyone? Where are the other Narth? Are we too early?"
"No Shea we are all here."
I turned.
"Narth, we are here. We are your friends and you know us, so you know we don't understand. Are the others invisible or perhaps only here in spirit or something like that?"
"I know Eric, you are my best friends. This is why you are here, we still try to find a way to make you see Narth for what we are."
Out of the ground, a seat group appeared, a nice comfortable apartment with wooden walls a fireplace made of heavy rocks with a nice fire. It was decorated with furs, pottery, and artwork. It smelled of fire and fresh coffee. From the windows, you could see over a beautiful mountain lake surrounded by deep green forests and mountains.
Har-Hi looked around.
"What is this?"
"That is a Narth's home as it is on Earth in the Colorado region.
"He said and offered us to sit down.
After we were served drinks out of bottles and containers that had simply appeared. Beer, Coffee, and a bottle of the finest Line Aquavit. Narth himself played the host and filled glasses and cups and sat down himself.
"We Narth are many and we are one. Sitting here with you I am all Narth. Every Narth everywhere sees, feels and tastes what the form before your experiences. One Narth lives on Earth and this is his house. Many million Narth like this home and choose to be Narth there. Still, all you see is one form. But only here on Narth Prime, I am Narth and the sum of it all is Narth Supreme. I am now with all and as the one of all Narth, I am more. I am not the friend you know, but the Narth who shared his Huhgavh with Eric is here and part of what is Narth Supreme.
One begins to understand how complicated this must be for corporeal beings to understand. We are not like the Klack and not like the Non-Corporeals of Bright Star, but the Camogi clusters understand. Only when we leave Narth Prime do we have physical bodies.
Eric is the only being who has ever seen an unmasked Narth. It is not to hide. these hoods are made of a special physical solid energy that protects you from our Psionic radiation. We are seen as powerful and this frightens others, but there are forces out there much more potent than us. Some of them could be called gods by lesser beings. Some are good, some are evil and some are beyond such mortal ethical concepts. Thus Please do not think Narth are superior to you. We are not, we are simply different.
The Narth you know is very much an individual when he is with you away from Narth. He can be wounded and he can die. Something we did not know until Eric saved the Huhgavh."
Narth does not know what happens to a Narth Huhgavh when it dies. Does it cease to exist on all levels or does it transmute into another realm?
There are especially Terran religious and philosophical approaches to this subject wisdom we find quite interesting quite new and is a source of awe. No other species we know off in the Universe we know of has developed so many ideas about Gods, so many different philosophic ideas about life and death and life thereafter. We believe that perhaps in the sum of all these might lies the answer.
This I say to show you that you are as fascinating, alien and hard to understand that we might appear to you.
Narth has never learned as much since your friend Narth is with you.
On the core of it all is your deep love and friendship that includes the willingness to accept pain and death without hesitation. This was alien to us and yet we all experienced it through Narth and feel enriched by it beyond description.
Narth learning about humor and sadness, about loss and sacrifice and about the one thing that even goes beyond friendship, gave us emotional treasures we had long forgotten.
This is why you are here, you are all our friends. You are my friends and this world will always be a safe haven for you."
He stopped talking and we all sat there, and I was sure I would need the rest of my life to really understand even a fraction of what he said.
After a few moments of silence, the Narth Supreme spoke again.
"Erica you must return here, once you have completed your many tasks. Your mind has been woken and your abilities will grow, we then must show you how to use your abilities, so you might not harm others unintentionally. You will know the time when you are ready to come back here, you are not ready now."
I was certain I was the only one hearing it. The Narth Supreme got up.
"You are now to enjoy your vacation before your presence is required at Arsenal IV. When you see Narth again, he will be the Narth you know.
You can stay here or I can send you anywhere you like. Shea said.
"Para-Para would be nice if someone would ask me."
We had traveled more than 1200 light-years in less than a heartbeat and found ourselves on a beautiful white beach, next to an ocean.
Narth was with us and I asked.
"So is this you again?"
"I was never not me, my friend. I merely added my substance to who is the Narth Supreme"
Shea said.
"I am supposed to be very intelligent and I feel I know now even less as before."
Har-Hi held his head.
"Lucky you. I understood nothing and still feel like I spend 20 hours under Mental Upload without a break."
Narth sounded concerned.
"I am sure the Narth Supreme did not want to cause you any harm."
Har-Hi grinned.
"He didn't cause any harm. It's just a side effect we mere mortals get when meeting a god."
"Narth Supreme is not a God."
"But I bet he isn't too far removed from that designation either. he fits that general idea pretty good, I'd say."
I said. Well, may it as it be. We only got six months leave. I need to go to Nilfeheim and you all need to touch bases at home and there is an ocean and I need a swim."
Har-Hi said.
"Well, a week in the sun and some lazy days won't hurt a bit. After that, I think I visit my father."
"At least you won't get a Sunburn, you are already lobster red!" I said with a grin and Har-Hi got me in a running tackle. Har-Hi and I untangled and he said.
"I wonder if our robed mystery friend would get a sunburn."
"Probably not but let's find out if he can swim."
PLURIBUS UNUM
Flocks of Sky Tumblers swirled high in the cloudless blue sky as a sleek black lux flyer swooped down almost without making a sound and stopped right at the front of Magellan Gate.
The flier-limo had the logo of the Union Fleet on its side panels and a small red flag projected above its roof with a circle of five stars, surrounding one more star in its center.
The flag indicated that the passenger of this flier was occupied by the only six-star admiral of the Union, the Admiral of the Fleet.
A massive Nul in marine dress uniform jumped out from the pilots' compartment and opened the rear door of the Rolls-Stratos for an old human man wearing a red tartan kilt, white socks, and polished shoes. The old man thanked the Marine.
"Thank you Corporal Xurr. If you want you can take the day off. I will be busy there for a while."
"Sir I just started my shift. I doubt Captain Morgan would approve."
"Corporal I am sure whoever Captain Morgan is won't object if the Admiral of the Fleet grants you a day off."
"You make a valid point Sir."
McElligott smiled at two boys, not too far distant who had stopped their hovercycles and stared at the Nul in awe.
"I guess I am not the only one still in disbelieve to see a Nul in Marine Blue."
"I am one of the very first, but by judging the 500 Million applications made just today, I wager this won't be a novel site for very long."
"No, it won't indeed. I am very pleased how fast and smooth it all proceeds."
"We were enemies, but we Nul never hated and always respected the Union. Thanks to Prince Xon and his friendship to a human we learned we can trust you too."
The Admiral said.
"One day that humans name must be revealed. We owe him that.
"He approached the gate.
"Corporal we are on Pluribus Unum. You are now also a citizen. There are many things to see."
"Admiral Sir, I planned for days what I will do and see ever since I was attached to your security detail and knew I would visit Pluribus. There is one thing, I simply must see."
The Admiral got curious and turned around all the way.
"Visiting your societies pavilion?"
"Why would I do that, Sir? I know everything that is to know about Nul culture."
"The Assembly of course."
"Yes, but that is not on top of my list, Sir"
"Corporal Xurr now I simply must now. What is it you want to see?"
"Stahl's tree of course. I want to get a framed leaf."
McElligott raised both his hands.
"You got to be kidding me!"
"Sir, Nuls never kid. Someone could be offended. It is never good to offend a Nul not even if you are a Nul or a Petharian, besides I am a Marine and we never make jokes about the Eternal Warrior."
McElligott sighed.
"500 Million Nul in just one day and they all going to worship him ... even a saint could get jealous at that."
"Sir?"
"Never mind. Enjoy your day off."
He had lost the good mood he had as he strolled past the gate, decided against the slideway as he still had time before his monthly meeting started.
Most beings ignored him. Now if it was Stahl who would stroll down this Magellan path, half of Pluribus Unum would come, crowds many rows deep cheering ... he dismissed his own thoughts. Of course, the Eternal Warrior earned it, every single cheer. Neither Stahl nor he did all this for glory. Richard never showboated.
When the Citizen wanted to honor him, a huge majority voted to build him a statue. He objected and told them to spend the funds on something useful.
They told him they already decided so he said.
"Plant a tree or something."
It was something like a law of the Universe, no matter what this other Admiral did or said. It always turned into something larger than life. They flew in a single acorn from Earth and his tree grew in the last thousand years or so into the biggest Oak anyone had ever seen, and in a way was perhaps the most fitting memorial.
That every installation of the Union fleet had mustard yellow carpet had its real origin in an actual mustard stain made by Stahl. Everything he did...
A young girl stepped in his way and interrupted his musing. She was of Saran stock, he was almost certain, even if the human species now were truly intermingled. She could be no older than maybe sixteen. She wore a tartan pattern mini skirt and a black top that hugged her pretty shape in a very becoming way. He instantly noticed the Tartan pattern to be that of the McElligott's.
"I am sorry Sir, but are you not Admiral McElligott?"
He smiled and said.
"And who wants to know?"
He asked that most of course for the benefit of the two or three cloaked marines on security detail. It was a safe planet and he had no serious political enemies as far as he knew.
But no one in a position like his was without enemies.
Of course, there were Kermac and a host of other non-Union societies who now were more than nervous as the Nul, the Golden and perhaps the Karthanians soon were allies and members.
She said.
"I am Petra Epoteth of Luxor. I am studying early Union history and Sir, you are my hero. I am on Pluribus to do research on my term paper. What chances, I would have the luck to run into you!"
Now he really tried not to be vain, but because of the corporal, his own thoughts earlier he could have hugged the girl.
"Yes, I am McElligott."
"Can I, I mean if it is not too much to ask, but can I take an image with you. Otherwise, no one will ever believe me."
Of course, he agreed and she detached the tiny hovercam from her PDD by commanding the robotic device to go into paparazzi mode.
A small crowd gathered and everyone wanted a few images with him. His dignity demanded that he had to end this but he felt suddenly right as rain.
To the young woman, he said.
"If you want you can visit me tomorrow at Pluribus Fleet HQ and I take an hour or two to give you an eyewitnesses account on some events you may be interested in?"
He never ceased to be amazed just how knowledgeable and engaged people of this age were. He remembered as if was yesterday when people took every right for granted, disinterested in politics and unwilling to do their part. His own son many thousand years dead by now could not even name the Prime Minister or knew what the party stood for he represented.
The idea behind the United Stars, the concept had grown into a reality. It was not a perfect utopia, but there was a good chance it would eventually reach that lofty ultimate goal. The realization that he had been part of that filled him with a warm feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction.
He told them finally that he had to go to a meeting, waved to now sizable crowd. As he went on to get to the Assembly, someone yelled.
"Thank you, Admiral."
The crowd spontaneously start clapping.
Affected by strong emotions making him feel very human and he was still deep in thought as he passed through the huge Burke doors in the North face of the Assembly Aequator base.
A being deeply shrouded, arms crossed and buried in the long voluminous sleeves of his hooded robe waited for him. Outward there was nothing that distinguished this uncanny figure from any other Narth, but McElligott knew this was the Narth Supreme. Officially he was the leader of the most secretive, mysterious civilization, and technically nothing more than a Union citizen.
He held, at least as far as the public knew no position, he did not even represent the Narth. Yet to the vast majority of the Union he was almost like a fatherly god. While the Narth Surpeme often and firmly rejected that notion even McElligott could not completely dismiss his feeling regarding it.
The Narth Supreme declined his hooded gracefully.
"I see your deeds are not as unappreciated as you think they are."
"I guess I am still human and motivated by foolish human emotions, much more than I realized."
"There is nothing foolish about human emotions. We Narth have abandoned them so long ago and yet through the young Narth we realized how much we have lost. In this humans are far superior to us. Do you know it will be emotions not logic or power that will ultimately decide the fate of this universe?"
"I take whatever you say to the bank. Even if have no idea what you trying to tell me."
"Then we share this sentiment. I do not understand in its entirety what the Voice of the Rule disclosed to me. Further, I am intrigued what can be accomplished by taking my word to the bank. Is it not a place dedicated to conducting monetary transactions?"
McElligott could not help but laugh.
"I tried to indicate how much value I place in your words."
"You possess knowledge I lack. I did not know you could equate the value of words with monetary values? How much would the word 'Assembly' be worth if I utter it?
Is there a difference in value to the written word? How long does a word retain its value? What a fascinating concept!"
In this, the Narth Supreme was not very different from any other Narth and McElligott tried to explain it. No, the Narth Supreme was not a god.
A very wise, very old entity with vast powers indeed, but not perfect or omnipotent. This made McElligott much more comfortable around the Narth Supreme.
The Narth Supreme had listened to the explanation and signaled to understand.
"To comprehend the actual meaning of all the sayings, metaphors, witticism and idioms you use so frequently will keep all Narth occupied for a millennium or more."
The commandant of the PSI Corps, and oldest of the Coven. A small member society in many ways as mysterious as the Narth joined them, with a smile. She was the fiancée of Richard Stahl, proudly wore the simple golden engagement ring band."
"Good morning Admiral and greetings to you Narth Supreme. I am surprised to see you so early. Normally you only appear when the meeting is about to start!."
The Narth Supreme greeted her as well with a nod and said.
"I wanted to savor the culinary offerings of our latest member society. The Porsthir have completed their application process quite fast, they are a very orderly society and were officially welcome yesterday."
McElligott said.
"That was the reason I came early.
"I wanted to welcome the Porsthir Rep and try their food. They say it is consumable by humans."
"Obrock what they call Glokur tastes like Attikan Zinol meat mixed with rotten fish. I doubt it stays long enough in your stomach to be digested.
"The PSI commandant laughed.
The Narth Supreme repeated.
"Rotten fish? I think a description of its molecular composition sufficient."
Both Alycia and Obrock were quite surprised by the usual very adventurous Narth when it came to sampling and analyzing new flavors and tastes.
The Narth Supreme said.
"We do have noses under these hoods you know, we recreated them to sample and process olfactory conditions. I was invited by Egill and the Narth Representative to a banquet on Nilfeheim. Unfortunately, they also served a delicacy praised by the Neo Vikings, called Surströmming. To this day I am unable to decide what smells more offensive. Pulse Stink Maggots of the Elly or fermented rotten Silver Flicker of Nilfeheim. I am not eager to add a third such experience."
Alycia listened totally baffled to the quite unexpected statement of the usually so detached Narth Supreme. She was certain she even detected a hint of very human disgust in his voice."
"I threw up as the Elly introduced their Stink Pulse Maggots.
"McElligott shared.
"I heard of Surströmming as it had been a Swedish or Norwegian specialty in Pre Astro times. I am now very glad I never tried it.
"Are you still going to meet with the Porsthir rep?" Alycia wanted to know.
"Maybe later when the culinary introduction has taken place, we might as well get the meeting started. I am sure Mothermachine is already there."
It now was quite common to see Narth, most, of course, weren't really Narth but humanoids who dressed in the same way. Either to pay homage and respect or to emulate the same flair of mystery. Their glowing eyes, however, was created by normal lights and not the Psionic glow, real Narth emitted.
There were Narth fan clubs and a company did good business selling Narth robes.
And the outer Equator corridor of the Sphere always had a dignified atmosphere. No one really yelled, ran or made a spectacle. While there were no actual rules to this effect, the realization that this was the most important place of the Union usually had a very dampening effect on most beings that came here.
That everything spoken behind these curved walls could be heard by Trillions of beings, that it was where the Will of the people became law was awe inspiring.
Alycia said.
"I think you have been recognized Narth Supreme, there is a group of young people staring your way in breathless awe."
"That group of young citizens focus is on the Admiral. They have talked to him outside and apparently followed him inside."
Obrock turned and recognized the Saran girl clutching her PDD among the group of onlookers. He smiled proudly.
"I can't deny it feels good to step out of your future husband's shadow once in a millennium and be recognized. Despite the realization of how childish and immature this really is."
Alycia protested.
"In all his life, Richard has never done anything for the glory of it. There is only one motivation that drives him.
He dearly loves me, but if he knew some of the things we discussed and decided on. He would not hesitate a second..."
"I know Alycia, never tell him that, but there is no one I admire more."
She said.
"Since we decided not to sample Porsthir fare, why don't you invite her over. Her name is Petra Epoteth and she visits Pluribus Unum for research on her term paper."
He looked at her.
"Yes, she told me that, but how do you know?"
"I did not deeply probe her honesty, but I am also the PSI Corps commandant and my officers crowd scan every visitor, it's no secret. Warning signs on the entrances inform non-Assembly members that they are subject to random scans and searches.
Besides she even wears the same skirt as you, quite obviously a homage."
He motioned the girl over and said to Alycia.
"It's a kilt, not a skirt!"
Narth Supreme observed the kilt closer.
"According to the Encyclopedia Galactica, it is a type of skirt, traditionally associated with the dress of Highlanders. The kilt first appeared as the great kilt, the breacan or belted plaid, during the 16th century OTT, and is Gaelic in origin. The filleadh mhòr or great kilt was a full-length garment whose upper half could be worn as a cloak draped over the shoulder..."
McElligott interrupted the Narth Supreme.
"Now I am getting schooled by an Aliens on Scottish culture. Semantics I say, it is a kilt!"
The young woman was now close enough.
"Sorry to have followed you, sir."
"No worries young lady. I need to attend a meeting, but this afternoon you come to Pluribus Fleet headquarters and I will help you with your term paper as promised."
"You were really serious, Sir?"
"Yes, I was."
A young man who belonged to the same group yelled.
"Have you asked him?"
She turned.
"I almost forgot, Sir. We were following you hoping you might talk to the Eternal Warrior and we were wondering if you know when the Eternal Warrior is supposed to be here?"
A Yoltar walking by said as he kept walking.
"Silly question, if Admiral Stahl is here, you can't get a decent standing spot."
The young woman returned all excited to her friends and McElligott with a deep frown on his face and Alycia who put her arm around his shoulders followed the Narth Supreme into the lift. Alycia told the system.
"Apex Hall, Upper Tier."
The Apex Hall was at the very top of the Assembly sphere. Sandwiched between the ceiling of the inner sphere and the roof of the outer sphere, it was an enormous room with a transparent floor allowing visitors and guests to see down into the cavernous Assembly sphere. It was usually used for conferences and similar occasions. It's upper tier featured a number of smaller meeting rooms.
In one such room was the usual meeting of the Unions most secretive and most powerful group and the latest meeting was just about to start.
There was no apparent security, no marines or the Assembly's First guard, but no lift would carry anyone to the second tier, an army of the most advanced battle nanites had swept the premises for bugs and listening devices and would swarm over anyone trying to approach unannounced.
Whatever technology the Narth had installed no one of the others really understood, but it was certainly not even Stahl or that super potent Rex Schwartz had any means to their disposal to listen in. Not that anyone but the present knew about the when and where of such meetings.
McElligott walking behind Alycia and the Narth Supreme was the last one, the other members of the Gray Ghosts were already here.
Everyone present wore a dark gray hooded robe obscuring the identity of the persons present, McElligott and Alycia had put on their robes just before entering. The Narth's robe had simply changed color and appearance.
Even though they were all obscured, McElligott new all eleven beings of the Gray Ghosts.
The robes and obscuring hoods were originally intended to homogenize them, to make them equal and of course to prevent any outsider to recognize any of the individuals should someone somehow manage to infiltrate the meeting. They also wore the robes during the First Day of the New Year when the Gray Ghosts appeared before the Assembly.
This group called the Gray Ghosts was the strangest and most unique secret of the Union. A secret every citizen knew about and yet it was kept more protected than any other.
While the identity of these beings was part of the secrecy, the Union public simply suspected that the Narth Supreme was a member and no one would be surprised about the identities of the rest.
Yet the unexplainable, but a very real condition known as the Union Spirit guarded their existence more securely than any other security measure.
You could have asked any citizen on the street about the Gray Ghosts and would not get an answer. Asking a second time would cause an angry reaction. This was not mandated, psionic induced or made into a law. It was not even mentioned in Union School, but citizens knew about the Ghosts.
McElligott found an empty chair and sat down.
Nelson II was present as well, its Ego Core hovered as a visible ball of light above the table. The Unions most intelligent and capable Omnitronic AI was not a member but acted as host and facilitator.
Even a cloak and a hood could not really disguise that one of the beings was a Klack. Of course, that it was the queen was known only to the beings present.
There were no set rules as for how these meetings were held, no one kept notes, there wasn't a preset agenda.
Nelson said.
"All are present and the room is secure."
One of the ghosts, the shrouded mobile ego center of Mothermachine begun.
"So they have returned, I hear."
McElligott nodded.
"Indeed they have completed the mission in a way no one not even all of us could have predicted. Captain Erica has found the Seenian inheritance and instructed its robotic guardian to seal and guard it."
"A wise decision, it will keep the dangerous hands of the Tribunal and those who want Union supremacy via military power away from it, just as we managed to keep them from the Arsenal III depot.
"It was most likely One-Zero-Zero-Zer, the undisputed leader of the Non-Corps.
The great bulk underneath its robe unmasked the latest member of the Grey Ghosts, the grey All Leader of the Nul.
"But they also gifted us with the library of the Fifth, I am certain it holds as much dangerous knowledge as the Seenian depot. We have scholars and archaeologists there for less than a month and they already found construction instructions for weapons as dangerous and advanced as Translocators."
Alycia agreed and nodded her hooded head.
"I have the same information of course and ordered the library to be under the auspice of NAVINT and the CLOAK group. We should be able to keep a lid on it and make the system secure and inaccessible to anyone unauthorized."
Elligott stapled his fingers.
"The question I have is this. We have a crew that is second to none and the Tigershark is soon spaceworthy again. Do we sent them across the bridge and tackle the problems we have in the Andromeda galaxy or do we keep them here and make them officially fleet?"
Alycia said.
"Andromeda can wait in my opinion. There is the Dai problem and if anyone can tackle it, is them."
Mothermachine said.
"Why not sent them back into Free and Open space, disguised as pirates once again. Tell them to reach some distant point and all we have to do is wait. They going to solve problems we didn't even know we had."
That caused several beings to laugh.
"That might be the most brilliant suggestion. There are still lots of pirates."
Chapter 2: Home
As I stepped off the space-bus, a stiff breeze of wind howled over the landing field. The last time I left, it was still Longnight and winter had a hard grip on the planet of Nilfeheim. While it was still Longnight, for fourteen more months, the planet was already thawing and Shortsummer was soon upon this world. I filled my lungs deeply with the cold crisp air that carried the scents of Soakstone and Kelp brick fires, but also the savory smell of fried fish and Fangsnapper.
I knew I was no longer really home here, but the Neo Viking soul in myself was deeply satisfied.
I steeled myself as I stepped on the slide belt that would carry me to the spaceport terminal, I was no longer Eric and decided to remain as I know was, Erica.
Yet of all challenges and monsters I had faced recently, this was the most frightening one.
The Viking at the checkpoint wore Space Port Authority Uniform and a Border guard patch on his sleeve. It was and always has been practice to check the CITI of everyone landing on a Union planet.
To my mild surprise, it was the same officer that checked my CITI over three years ago, during my first return.
The big man in Union-Customs uniform, braided beard and hair glanced at his readout as I passed my ID implant under the reader.
"Erica Olafson?"
"Yes, is there a problem?"
"The CITI checks out, it must be some coincidence. We have an Olafson Clan here and it is a very prominent one. Its heir and first born, Eric Olafson and he too is off planet."
His face stayed puzzled as he checked his readout.
"Your CITI shows you as a native of Nilfeheim."
"I think you are going beyond your task and duty, Master Leik of the Stavanger Clan. Either let me pass or point to the issues that make you prevent me coming home."
He did let me pass and I could feel his eyes on me as I entered the terminal building. Should I have told him who I was? Should I really go home like this? I could take the same bus and leave. My change was quite deep and there was no Saresii level auto dresser anywhere within the next 5000 light years for sure.
No, I made my decision. This was my home and I would take my stand, damn them all.
I was not going to stay long anyway. Shea wanted to introduce me to her parents and I promised Har-Hi to speak with his father as well. Yes, this was my birth home but my family was not just here anymore. I found one aboard my ship, one I cared for and one that cared for me.
I was wearing my Union fleet uniform, my sleeves showed Captain's gold. I was not just an officer, I was a Union starship captain. There should be no situation I was not capable of handling.
This time, I did call before I came and sure enough, my beautiful sister was right there waiting for me.
She knew my secret that was now in the open and difficult to hide.
Elena had no inhibitions, she shouldered herself past others apparently also waiting for arrivals and simply took me in her arm.
"Welcome home, Freya."
"It is good to be home, Elena. But I do not use the name of my unborn sister anymore. I am Erica."
She held me at arm's length.
"Odin's wife must have had a hand in your transformation, however, you are absolutely stunning."
"So are you, sister. I agree with Egil, you have become the most beautiful woman of Nilfeheim."
She wore her red leathers, a billowing cape with white fur trim. Yet she carried a sword and two knives in her belt. This indicated to me, some things were changing on Nilfeheim.
I had met Elena right here at the spaceport just a few years back. When I first had a chance to explore my female side and she, holding a steel sword in secret.
I sighed.
"What do you think? Am I doing the right thing?"
"Of course. There is nothing in the book of traditions regarding this and if it isn't there it is not forbidden."
She turned and made a wide gesture.
"Besides they are all here."
Beyond the passenger barrier, the crowd of people waiting wasn't just a crowd. It was my clan. The hulking shape of Isegrim, only dwarfed by his brother Uncle Hogun. Exa the adoptive girl had grown to a good looking lanky teenage girl. Aunt Freydis holding a small child was smiling.
There was tall Sigfrieda, who as always looked like a real Valkyrie had her hands on her hips and she too was smirking in a friendly manner.
Even Greifen and Midril were there, but the biggest surprise was Egil, a statuesque Saresii and a Narth.
Father's gaze was unreadable as he stared at me.
"Welcome home, First Born."
"It is good to be home, although I will not spend much time on our beautiful cold world. I have not come to claim my rights."
"Come then, this is not the venue to greet and welcome anyone. Let us return to the Rock, Midril has not stopped working and preparing food since Elena told us you are coming home, twelve days ago."
"I came on the fastest route, our planet is still not served by clippers."
Egill grunted.
"You are just too tight and stubborn to pay for a charter or buy your own damn ship. I know you have the money."
"And you have probably hitched a ride with the Saresii, too cheap to buy even a Space Bus ticket."
His smile only reached his eyes as he hugged me.
"I am so proud of you. So very proud."
He looked towards the Saresii and the Narth.
"Alegar, Narth. This is Erica."
I instantly knew this was not my friend, but another Narth.
The Saresii was a typical exotic beauty of that society and smiled.
"Your grumpy great grandfather has told us quite a bit about you. I also see you are a Union Fleet captain, congratulations indeed."
The shrouded Narth's eyes glowed in a warm yellow.
"One is very pleased to behold you in person. One was able to share with your Huhgavh sharer. All that is Narth celebrates this magnificent bond."
I send him non-spoken greetings and curtsied.
I also thanked the Saresii and then I said.
"I expected much more difficulties I must confess."
Egill grunted.
"Oh don't you think most of Nilfeheim will understand, but they are getting used to Alegar and I and a few gifted friends smoothened things using gentle persuasion. They are still as stubborn and almost as unflexible as when you have left."
Alegar the Saresii smiled.
"Just a little honestly and besides it does help that you are about as beautiful as a woman can be. Looks still count for a lot."
I sighed and smiled.
"I realize that."
It was not without awkward moments, Father was friendly and polite but treated me like a stranger. Not that I minded, he carried unatonable sins and the blood of my mother was on his hands. It was the others, Greifen and Midril, the other warriors that were not certain how to act or react.
I myself was not as confident as I had grown to be out there.
It started with the challenge what to wear, a traditional Nilfeheim dress with braids or my warrior leathers that no longer really fit my new body.
Elena, never shy around me came into my chambers giggled and laughed and then presented me with a beautiful warriors outfit made of the softest black Nubhir leather, styled both very feminine and yet very practical and with a cape that bore the Olafson wolfs head.
It still was a much-subdued affair, despite the good food and drink.
The next day, however, after donning a wet suit and slipping through the submarine tunnel into the open ocean all my doubts and insecurities washed away in the crisp cold waters of Nilfeheim and I felt free and one with my world. While I was gliding through the ice cold depths a warm white glow appeared deep below and a voice spoke in my mind, despite all my psionic shields.
"I should still sleep and I should not reveal myself to you, but you wear the ring and it would have guided you to the other things without err."
The voice melted away all the veils and blocks that prevented me from remembering.
"Tyr!"
I swam as fast as I could towards the whitish shimmer that merged into the outlines of the largest Tyranno Fin there was, this terrifying creature of Nilfeheim depths was my friend, the white Tyranno Tyr.
He was so humongous, I always felt like a Silver Flicker fish next to him, his maw big enough to crush a hunting sub held no horror to me. I swam right by it and its rows of teeth, just past the huge eye that directly looked at me, with outstretched arms I connected with the yellowish mark right behind the eye.
"Oh Tyr, with you there everything always seems less complicated. I really missed you even though you robbed me of your memory."
"I spend much time sleeping, but I missed you very much little fish. I could not stay away and hidden while you came to our world. Disregarding all wisdom and precautions, I supposed to have."
"In remembering, Tyr. I remembered it all. No longer am I oblivious that there is something inside me. Something that is very much part of me, but I have also decided that it can not define me. Whatever I am to be in the future, will not be predetermined by old contracts or legends.
I met several so-called entities and immortals and they all predict this and that for me. I was and I am still somewhat afraid of it, but it is I who will shape whatever I become and no one else."
I kept on touching the yellow spot.
"I know you know more of what I am supposed to become, I rather remember you and not some prophetic what if maybe things of a far distant future. So don't tell me and you won't have to wipe my memories."
"No force I know can affect your mind anymore, but I see wisdom has grown in you. I will not speak of these things to come, however, I am guarding aspects of that future of your future. You have already realized that you have outgrown this world, you can come back but it will never be your home again."
"But it is my home, and it is Egil's, Elena's and it is yours."
"It has ceased to be that of Egil, he has become a true Union citizen and spends more time on Pluribus than here. He is friends with the Saresii and the Narth, speaks with Mothermachine and the Klack Queen very frequently. Like you, he will never return to this world seeking his home here.
Once my task is over, I might see Narth Prime and leave these cold oceans too. I am like you, I look and act like a child of this world. Neither one of us can ever deny our roots to Nilfeheim, but we do not fit in. No other Tyranno is like me, and no other Neo Viking is like you."
He paused just long enough for me to realize the truth in his words. Defeated I said.
"I love this world and I love its oceans."
"I do too, and ones love does not die with distance, it gives it a new perspective. You can always come back."
"This is farewell isn't it?"
"In a way yes, if you ever come back here. You won't find me, the ring you wear will guide you and that what grows in you will take what is yours alone. When this happens I can not be here, but we will meet again I am certain."
A strong invisible force gently pressed me tighter to the giant fish.
"I love you very much, little fish and only a little time will keep us apart."
"I love you too, Tyr. You are the only one I never have to pretend anything and always can be me."
"Your friend Narth and the Narth Supreme know much and eventually will know it all as well."
"You know it all?"
"Yes, little fish. I do, remember your words of wisdom. Do not ask, the questions you have are already answered, you just have to wait for the time the answers are revealed to you and you have the ability to understand."
Five days later I had visited the Halls of Hasvik, made a detailed tour of our remodeled burg, visited mother's and Freya's graves; I was ready to leave. Har-Hi had sent me a note with the urgent request to meet him at Dai-Nest, whatever that was.
Tar-Ka-Hi his father was sending a fast Dai ship to pick me up. It would be here early the next day.
Elana and I had been to Hogun's for lunch and now slowly walked down Siegfried Lane, that was now officially called Erik Gustav Ragnarsson Lane, but most still called it the Siegfried Lane.
We had been to the Astrid Mossberg park, where my old Poseidon Sub was encased in transparent Duranium. This part of Halstaad Fjord was the closest thing we had for a downtown business district.
Not far from where we were was the community center, where I met a Union Fleet recruiter and made my decision to join the Union Fleet. A little further down was Arthur's Swine and Dine. Across the street a new gleaming Fast Food restaurant. Its color scheme was red and black, was called the Hungry Viking and from the sizeable lunch crowd, it seemed quite popular.
Elena grinned in an elfish way.
"This is the flagship restaurant so to speak, we going to open number twenty in a few days on Twilight."
"We?"
"I decided to take a page out of your Grandfather's book. We are selling traditional Viking food with a modern twist."
"And it is an Olafson venture?"
"It is and you are in charge as soon as you come back for good."
"Elena, I am not coming back for good. Nilfeheim will always be my place of origin, but it has ceased to be my home. The Clan is in good hands with you and I am proud as can be of my savvy and beautiful sister. My home is out there."
She made a sad face.
"I somehow knew that when you left for the first time, but you will always be the firstborn."
"Look at me, I am no longer male and I doubt I will ever go back. I am comfortable as I am, as much as they try a freak in their eyes. I know Nilfeheim and I know how they, how we all think."
"The Burg is always your home and I am so very proud of my new sister, I was the first one who got to know your true self after all."
The Dai ship didn't seem to belong on the landing field of Nilfeheim where usually only space buses and freighters occupied the Durocrete surface.
It was red of course and looked sleek, fast and dangerous.
But not as dangerous as the man standing before it's boarding ramp, the tall Dai Warrior with a pair of swords carried in a cross-shaped rig on his back. He tried to be dignified and aloft as a Dai was supposed to be, but he grinned all over his face as he saw me coming.
"Your world is sure a cold one, Captain. I am standing out here for five minutes and I think my feet are frozen to the ground."
"Come back in a year or so and it will be balmy and cozy for sure, Mr.Hi."
We simply hugged, not that even a month had passed since we left Para-Para.
I made a gesture encompassing the terminal and the world behind.
"Ready to see my home, old friend? I have a banquet prepared for your honors."
"Yes, I would love to do this as we planned, but father just messaged me to hurry, it is about Thana Shoo and Cam Elf-Na. The next meeting at Thana Shoo is soon."
"Then let me shed my Nilfeheim garments, and let us get some vacuum under that ride of yours, what is it?"
"It is the Dai version of a Courier ship, and it is mine."
Another Dai warrior came down the ramp and looked at me disapprovingly.
"Prince Hi, we came all this way for a female? And you are touching her?"
Har-Hi sighed.
"This is Wut-Hi, a high warrior of the Hi tribe, and part of an honor guard my father sent to honor you."
"He is not doing a very good job in that regard," I said.
To Wut-Hi, my friend said.
"Wut-Hi, one more word out of you disrespecting my best friend and I will challenge you, mostly to prevent her from dicing you to fish bait."
"Then challenge me, I am not going to soil my blades with the blood of a weak human female."
I still wore Nilfeheim leathers and of course Mjördaren. With my memories restored, I knew the real one was with Tyr. Part of me had a great urge to retrieve it, but I had no problem suppressing that urge, with the respect and love I felt for Tyr.
Har-Hi gave me an apologizing look.
"We work hard on changing certain things of our society and culture, but some encrusted old minds are still there and it will take the purge of time and death to make these obsolete traditions fade away."
"You speak words that could describe conditions right here on Nilfeheim."
The cocky warrior said louder.
"You have become too soft in the employ of this Union fleet, ignoring my words of challenge while conversing with a female."
Har-Hi drew his blades at the same time as I had drawn Mjördaren. He said.
"Wut-Hi, that is what I tried to prevent, I send your swords to your son."
I realized what I did and stepped back.
"Sorry, Har-Hi. It's the ground we stand on and the air we breathe. Please deal with that Dai as you see fit."
Har-Hi grinned.
"The lack of Nilfeheim air or soil has not stopped you before."
Wut-Hi grew angry.
"You keep ignoring me and jest with that lowly female.
"He attacked and Har-Hi while talking with me, deflected the attack in a playful move.
"Wut-Hi, my father your liege has dispatched us to retrieve a highly honored guest, you fail the command of the Tar. Draw your knife to end your shame or face or by the spirits, I will and your son will receive nothing but shame."
The Dai warrior instantly knew he was outclassed, Har-Hi didn't even draw both blades or went in any sort of defensive stance, yet deflected or evaded the other Dai's attacks with great ease.
I crossed my arms and stood back.
"That is a new one, that underhand deflect. Never seen you use it."
"I copied it from you, or rather I watched you and Master Alameda."
Wut-Hi howled in anger.
"Take it seriously, prince! I am out to kill you!"
"Then do it, don't talk about it. We are in a hurry."
"How can you take orders and speak to a female as if she was equal?"
"Equal? She is far superior!"
"Ah come on Har-Hi that is not true," I said.
He grinned.
"Wut-Hi be dead by now."
The warrior was now really agitated. His attacks became very sloppy.
"I will kill that female too!"
Several other Dai and a few Neo Vikings, mostly cargo handlers and maintenance personnel had created a loose circle. One of the big Vikings, I did not know said.
"The Olafson girl is hiding behind that red alien. She is afraid."
Another said.
"Watch your mouth Gansbaf, or I stuff it with my fist. That is the first born of the Olafson clan, no mortal can stand against."
"And I break your neck, Arinbjorn. That firstborn is sick and weak. Looks like a maiden to me now!"
A Dai warrior spat.
"You are a weak bunch, we were told you..."
He could not finish his sentence. The fist, Arinbjorn promised to the other Viking hammered with significant strength right under the nose of that Dai.
A Dai standing by watching their friend tumble to the ground, wiping his bloody nose and drawing a sword.
"That did not look weak to me Gur-Hi, you point that sword against a man who attacked you with bare hands and I cut it off at your wrist."
I too hammered my fist right where Arinbjorn said to aim it originally. While my new body was not as bulky as it had been, the marvelous Saresii machine maintained my mass and somehow must have made my muscles denser, Gansbaf stumbled back and I put my hand on the hilt of Mjördaren and drew it slowly.
"Your insults cannot stand, yield and crawl away or find yourself a weapon and put substance to your words."
Har-Hi sighed.
"I expected my first visit to Nilfeheim to be different, but honestly, I feared something like this will happen."
He disarmed Wut-Hi with a Terran fencing move, by spiraling his opponents blade out of the way an out of the other man's wrist.
"Now draw Nak-Karr and end it. I am tired of you."
The warrior drew the ritualistic suicide knife, but with the left. He simultaneously freed the Alti-Karr, and threw it.
"Before I conclude this with Nak, I kill her!"
Still holding Mjördaren, I deflected the dangerous disc-shaped knife with a loud metallic clang. that I was that fast, was not my doing alone, I was certain. I was sure Tyr was as close as he could be and watched my departure.
I yelled.
"You bastard!" I got angry.
"On your feet, Dai, draw whatever weapon you want and stand against me."
He did pick up his fallen sword, but he didn't look as confident as he had a the beginning.
I didn't parry his attack, I stepped right in, evaded the last possible moment and plunged Mjördaren into his chest, right underneath his neck. Despite the grim situation and me killing once again, I wondered how that simple steel sword was able to slide so deep and effortless past the Dai armor that was only leather on the outside.
While the fight occurred on Union ground, I committed no crime. I defended myself against a lethal attack, Union law was strict but simple in that regard.
My Union citizen mind and my soul deep down could not find an excuse for taking another beings life, but the Viking in me knew I had to do something like this, mostly for the benefit of the onlooking men of Nilfeheim.
I pointed the bloody sword at Gansbaf.
"I am not done with you, either. Go and get your sword!"
He spread his arms and knelt.
"I yield, the Olafson demon has not vanished with you becoming female. Your legend is undiminished, Erica of Olafson."
After all, this, dealing with Spaceport security and officials, Har-Hi and several of his Dai entourage had an opulent meal at Hogun's Inn after all. Me killing a Dai and the first fight between a Dai warrior and a Neo Viking Freeman on the tarmac of the Spaceport were all the news of course and I was certain, spoken about for years to come.
Hogun mentioned the Olafson beast, to be alive and well even after my change and had to arm wrestle everyone of the Dai Warriors including Har-Hi.
Despite the fact that Dai were supposed to be so much stronger than humans, it was no real contest. Uncle Hogun was still the strongest standard human I ever knew and in my gloomy mood, I wondered if he could even beat Hans. While this was, of course, impossible, the thought alone made me grin and lifted my mood considerably.
We did manage to lift off, eight hours later and the Dai courier craft jumped into Quasi-space passing the orbit of Ygral planet.
Har-Hi had provided me with very nice appointed quarters and joined me just as the ship went translight.
He smirked as he entered.
"I am so sorry about all this."
"Will he be alright?"
"Yes, Gur-Hi will mend from his broken jaw and bruises. I hope the same holds true for Arinbjorn."
"I am sure he is released from the Union Clinic by now and sits in a Tavern with a big mug of ale or meat while Gansbaf will tell everyone about the fight."
"You Neo Vikings are real beasts and I think our societies are not as different as one might think."
"There are not many differences for sure."
"They even were known space pirates at one time. I am sure Gur-Hi and the others will tell everyone about it. I foresee more Dai coming to Nilfeheim."
"Maybe there is an off-planet future for our main sport, after all, skull bashing might become popular among the Dai."
Har-Hi sat down.
"I am also sorry for cutting your home time short, but my father really wants to talk to you, before we leave for Thana Shoo."
I too found a seat while I was taking off my leather gauntlets.
"Thana Shoo, I thought your tribe can't go there because your Okthi?"
"Kai-Do opened our eyes and the Hearts transmitted the gathering pulse."
Putting the soft gloves on the small table, right next to a viewport.
"I learned much from you, regarding the Dai, but I am far from understanding your culture and society. Kai-Do is Okthi and the last member of a vanished tribe if I understand it correctly and what hearts are you speaking about?"
"Yes Kai-Do is Okthi, declared to be by the Pale Ones and a very long time ago, but he is still Dai and now he is a Union citizen. He knows much about Dai history and he spoke to Tar Kar-Hi, my father as you know."
"I met your father at the Diamond Ball, while we were still Midshipmen and I was ... well when I was still Eric."
"He knows of your transformation, Kai-Do and I told him about it, I think this is the reason my father wants to talk to you."
He got back up, crossed his arms before his chest and stared out the viewport.
"Our Dai Mothers have a living heart; a biological component of great age. No one but the Old ones that guard the shrines know their origin or true nature. Each of our mothers has such a shrine in the very command center. The shrines glow red and the hearts can talk to Thana Shoo and Thana Shoo can talk to these hearts, no matter where the mothers might be."
"So you found a way of instant communication too?"
"Not like our GalNet, the hearts will not convey messages to other hearts, but they tell us when the Pale Ones issue a summon and of course when the days of the Thana Shoo gathering is to take place. Each tribe has one such heart. It dies when the Pale Ones declare a tribe to be Okthi, our heart and the hearts of all Dai tribes that became Union are as red and healthy as always. We also received the call to gather at Thana Shoo."
I had listened with great attention and did not interrupt him until now.
"And that means?"
"All tribes of the Union will heed that call and we will go to Thana Shoo. It also means all the other Dai, especially those under Cam Elf-Na will also be there."
"And with him there, there will be conflict and war?"
"Potentially yes, Thana Shoo itself is neutral ground and fights can only happen between individuals on the central floor of the Amphitheater."
"And your father wants to talk to me, before all this?"
"Yes, he made this quite clear."
DEEP SPACE - SPINWARD SECTOR - UNEXPLORED FREE SPACE
The USE Helicidae, a 1000 meters Union Science Explorer of the ancient Vroktar Class just completed a resupply stop at Carabis Green. Technically all ships of the Union Science Corps were designated explorers, but the Helicidae never was anything more than a freighter. It had once been the USS Pronto, a Fleet tender, and after a long and uneventful service life, she had been decommissioned. Instead of being scrapped, the Science Corps acquired her as a supply tender for the science outposts the agency had in this region.
The ships' captain was a rainbow fish skinned Vantax. A laid back well-liked officer, who loved these uneventful supply runs almost as much as his beloved Sarpsmong.
That they had to cross deep into Open Space, did not concern him much. Four hundred lightyears to the next Union system wasn't exactly a great distance and he was supplying over twenty outposts in this region for the last eight years with nothing happening at all.
The only scanner contact they ever made out here was to Long Range Probe 55998, an automated highly intelligent robotic explorer of their own agency.
His ship wasn't armed except for a few paralysator and tech stop projectors. They did have excellent shields. Not that he even wanted to command one of the Heavy Armed Long Distant Explorers, these ships required Commanding officers with Union Fleet credentials due to the fact these units carried Translocators.
He was a Vantax and of the general opinion that an Explorer ship did not need weapons. Besides, it was only an explorer by name.
There was no honor lost in high tailing it out of a potentially hostile situation. Not that he ever experienced one.
Even the enemies of the Union usually left Explorers alone, there was little that riled the Union more than an attack on a Hospital ship or an unarmed explorer.
His sensor operator, on a Union fleet ship this position would have been called Tactical, was a similar well liked Spindlar named Spiranok.
Spiranok turned his head all the way to his back, something done easily for a being with a telescopic and flexible neck.
"Captain, I have very unusual contacts on our sensors. They appear to be spaceships of sorts, nothing comparable on file."
The Vantax Captain, on rare occasions, wished his bridge crew would be a little more like the fleet, professional and dedicated. Aloud he said to the Spindlar.
"Thank you Mr.Spiranok, a little more information would be helpful. Where are they exactly in relation to us and can you tell where they came from and where they are headed?"
"Oh, alright. No need to get all fleet on me. Those things, whatever they are just jumped in. Hyper jump as it looks like and they are headed straight to Carabis Green unless they change course."
Instead of reprimanding the scanner operator who also was the ships communication specialist, the CO of the Van Dyke pulled the scanner data up on his own console.
"Mukilako Gabanz!" He exclaimed in an old Vantax curse.
"Looks like we have a first contact situation on hand."
This was the holy grail of situations to any explorer ship. Captains and ships of first contact situations were usually immortalized in history files recalling that first contact to a potential new Union member. That this could be a hostile encounter did not cross the Vantax' mind. Besides Hyper Jump meant a low tech level anyway.
Before his inner eye, he saw himself decorated by the Chief Science Counselor while standing at the FOCUS of the Assembly after the new species was welcomed. He sat up straight and closed his uniform blouse.
"Mr.Spiranok begin with the First Contact procedures and transmit the contact sequence on all known channels and communication methods."
The Spindlar and the three other beings on the bridge were caught in the moment. Spiranok was a communications specialist, while he did not graduate from the Union Fleet academy, he had completed the communications and contact class of his University with honors.
He transmitted the mathematical sequences and received the unknowns signals almost right away. It took only about eleven minutes when a deep voice was transmitted.
"Pu-Nakti is all, Omni existent."
The Spindlar wondered what that meant, got up and said:
"Greetings, I am Captain Druko Yulmi of the United Stars of the Galaxies of the USE Helicidae. I am representing a Union of almost 5000 societies and species.
We seek friendly, peaceful and open contact with other life forms. Let me assure you that our intentions are peaceful. We are explorers and travelers. Seekers of knowledge. I invite you to continue communicating with us so we may share knowledge and learn from each other."
"You are Apix who must become Pu-Nakti or Ixi. We are the factor of Pu-Nakti. We are the Ypeherix."
To Captain Yulmi this made no sense.
"Mr.Spiranok is the translator routine still analyzing the newcomers' language?"
"Yes, of course, it will continue to do so until we have a clear understanding of their language, but the system signals an eighty-nine percent verbal comprehension. This, of course, does not mean it can translate cultural language references into analogs we are able to comprehend."
Captain Yulmi opened the comm connection again.
"Why are you here?"
"A single nodule lands finds nourishment in decay and soon attains maturity. It then exhales the mist of new life, a hundred nodules, each lands, finds nourishment in decay, so progresses the Pu-Nakti."
"I do not understand."
"I am filled with my parents. I am they and they are me."
"Let us find a common understanding. What is it you try to tell us?"
"We are in harmony with Pu-Nakti through the universe. Pu-Nakti is the hot light in the darkness. All else is useless Ixi. You are not Pu-Nakti, you impede the flow. You are Apix. Violent response ensues."
From the roughly spherical ship and without real warning, a big ball of Plasma energy emerged. It overloaded the freighter's shields in mere moments ... Neither Captain Yulmi nor his crew could respond with much else as their ship was turned to a glob of molten matter.
Chapter 3: You Are Laro
The Dai Nest so I learned a week later, was a huge space station in an otherwise empty star system. It was deep in Union space. The star had been named Dai-Core.
The station was made of several Gigamon stations, interconnected with girder-like structures that acted as docks and mooring arms for Dai ships and the humongous Dai Mothers.
The system and the station were busy.
From my visually unaided vista, a simple viewport I counted eleven Dai Mothers, I was sure there were many more outside the small section of space I could see.
Har-Hi and I had spent the time talking and sparring in the ships small cargo hold, that doubled as a gym.
My Dai friend came in.
"We are not docking at the nest, but going to be received in the Kithir-Hi hangar of the Exer-Hi."
"I know you long enough my friend to know that this is more than just a casual talk request. I did not and will not ask anything you don't want to tell me, but I get the feeling that even this hangar is not an average hangar, right?"
"You are right, it is the family hangar.
"He sighed in a very human way.
"Erica, my father did not disclose much to me either. He is indeed my father, but he is Dai Than. Dai fathers are not the same as human fathers. He is also the Tar of the mightiest clan, what is the Tar comes before all and anything."
I did not interrupt him with questions and as he was done, I said.
"You are my friend, Har-Hi and I will heed the summons of your father, whatever occurs will occur."
"I must ask you to honor one more request, please wear this.
"He held out something folded and red.
"My mother sends you a face veil and head scarf. We made much progress, but an unveiled female aboard the Exer-Hi will not be seen anytime soon."
Now it was my turn to sigh.
"Your father does know I changed right?"
"Yes, I told you he does."
The face veil was made of fine semi-translucent material, framed by small decorative metal discs that covered much of my face and the rest was framed by a red scarf of soft fabric.
I did not see much of the Exer-Hi from the outside as I had dressed myself according to Har-Hi's instructions. Not the Union fleet uniform I originally had planned to wear, but the black and purple assassins armor Kai-Do had made for me.
I was surprised he had it along. The last time I had seen it was in our Pirate's Den aboard the Tigershark.
The moment I was remembered of my ship and the Den, I realized I was homesick and missed my ship more than I had missed Nilfeheim.
"What about weapons?" I asked.
"I assume women are not allowed to have them, right?"
"Oh no, wear your blades and guns and use them freely if anyone objects."
I frowned.
"I already killed one Dai of your tribe. I don't want to add more."
"Please follow me now, the Tar has been informed about our arrival and he requested our presence."
I grunted very unladylike under that face curtain of mine.
"Just like the last time, when they called me before the queen of Sares."
I had seen many hangars before. Most lately the truly immense hangars of the Queen's battleship, but they were utilitarian. This reminded me more of the entrance to an exotic palace. I counted twenty ships of destroyer size parked to the left and right of a broad strip made of dark red metal. The distant walls were curved and richly adorned and decorated with painted scenes, and gilded columns and metal framework in red and more gold. It was a reddish, almost coppery gold and polished to a high shine.
If it weren't for the walls that united at the apex of a distant ceiling full of brilliant lights one could believe to be outside on a planet surface.
An enormous flight of stairs, at least a hundred meters wide leading four steps up to a column framed antique looking round gate or door.
Huge pistons whistled in a deep machine sound, pushing articulate arms and by doing so rolling the twenty-meter wide door seal off the entrance.
Armed Dai warriors appeared and flanked that huge door on each side.
Har-Hi walking next to me.
"I know it is a little on the bombastic side, but this hangar is as old as the Mother we are in."
"How old is this ship?" I asked.
"She was given ton the first Tar of the Hi clan five thousand Maga-Nutho after the destruction of Thana Shoo. Or in Union time, about 25,000 years ago."
"Impressive."
We mounted the steps and passed the open gate. The warriors standing honor guard crossed their forearms before their chest and bowed their heads as Har-Hi walked past.
One older looking warrior fell in walking on his side.
"The Kar is waiting in the hall of council, Juth-Ni-Hi."
"This is where we go then, Moktr-No-Hi."
The man increased his walking speed and fell in next to Har-Hi.
"Is it wise to have a Terran human wear an old Do suit? Some young warrior may be enticed to teach that female a lesson pretending to be a Do assassin after the TAR has spoken to you."
Har-Hi actually laughed.
"Moktr, my old fight master, this not an old suit. It was made by Kai-Do for her."
The old Dai who apparently was one of Har-Hi's trainers gave me a puzzled look. I was not sure how much Har-Hi could actually see of my face but I too was puzzled. Apparently, I did not know as much about the Dai culture as I thought I did. According to Har-Hi and Kai-Do himself, the Do tribe and all its members were Okthi and thus a Dai was prohibited to interact or talk to an Okthi, other than perhaps killing the Okthi. Yet Har-Hi mentioned Kai-Do and the only reaction was surprise and some sort of thinly veiled respect.
Thinking about thin veils, I was certainly very comfortable with my life now, living as a woman, but I was certainly not a meek or demure damsel. While I didn't mind the leather mask I wore as Black Velvet, the veil I had before my face was an entirely different story. I only wore it to honor Har-Hi, but to say that I was in a chipper mood was overstating the state of my emotions considerably. It didn't help that I was here on the summons of an obviously powerful ruler and had no idea what he wanted from me.
Har-Hi had no psionic powers he or I were aware off, but we long learned to understand each other on that level where friendship was almost as good as those psionics.
He gave me a glance from the side as we walked through tall corridors of the same antique gilded flair as the hangar we had left.
"I am sorry, Erica."
"It's not you Har-Hi. It is the situation if there is one thing I truly hate its situations I have no control about and do not know what awaits me."
"That and perhaps unfair situations.
"He said with a smirk.
"And this one is unfair to you, I know."
"What a friend would I be not being by your side. So let's get this over with and then we travel to Richter 4. I think I am already institutionalized, without the fleet and my ship I feel forlorn."
The old man said.
"You should not talk like this to the Prince of princes and the Champion of Thana Shoo, no matter who you are you are still a woman and aboard the Exer-Hi."
Before I could say something, Har-Hi had one of his swords out and its razor sharp edge at the throat of the old Dai.
"Moktr-No-Hi this is my friend and my captain. Not the Exer-Hi, not you or the Kar exceed her importance to me. You have been my master while I was Dai alone, I am now Luitenant Hi of the United Stars Spatial Navy. I am beyond you in skills, a master you are by honor and name not by skills. Know that I saved your honor, as she is beyond me."
To me he said.
"I apologize for all my tribe, Captain. I had not foreseen this level of encrusted old notions."
He returned his blade and added.
"Moktr-No-Hi, she is above all an honored guest summoned as such by the Tar. I will tell him of your conduct and see if you want to draw your blade against the Tar!"
More Dai joined us, they all armed and looking more like noble knights than pirates, they also made me remain quiet for Har-Hi's sake. If he would not have been here, I would be dead but not after cutting off some of that crusted notion along with ears, arms, and necks.
A precious and incredibly expensive double door, big enough to accept five Fangsnappers walking side by side and high enough for a full grown Lordor. The door was framed in that dark reddish gold and appeared to be made of red lacquered wood polished to a mirror shine.
The door was guarded by shrouded Dai Warriors, all carrying the same swords as Har-Hi across their backs, but also holding Alti-Karr throwers at the ready.
To my surprise, I noticed six Orc-Oghr in Dai Than leather and the Hi glyph on their harness and their capes. Har-Hi said while the door was pushed open manually by more Orc-Oghr from the inside.
"Remember I think I told you, Dai is the race. Dai Than are warriors with their honor intact. No outsider can ever become a Dai as it is as impossible as me becoming Nul, but an outsider can become Dai Than. Some members of other species do fight and live with us Dai and some rise to great fame and may be honored."
The door was now all the way open and Har-Hi motioned me to follow him.
"This is the Hall of Council.
"He explained.
"It is used by the Tar in times of war, distress but also to welcome honored guests."
The hall was in theme and spirit actually somewhat similar to our Pirate's Den. Of course, it was humongous and there were no loose piles of treasure, but there was a big rectangular table, chairs, and braziers with bowls of open fire. There were tapestries and weapon racks as well as a collection of armor suits, Dai antiques, and artwork.
There was a large viewport, the local sun, and deep space beyond.
The hall-like room was occupied by about fifty Dai or so, at the head of the table stood a tall man in an elaborately decorated leather armor. That he was the center of it all was instantly clear. He was also unquestionably Har-Hi's father. The similarities in their features were too great to be a coincidence.
I whispered.
"What do I do? Curtsey, crawl or something like that?"
Har-Hi did not answer as the Tar raised his right hand.
"My son and important guest have arrived. All but them, leave now!"
There was no argument, no hesitation they all filed past us and out the still open door, but there were a few hostile gazes clearly directed at me.
The huge door closed and we were alone with the Dai Tribe leader and Har-Hi's father.
He walked up to us, hugged and welcomed his son in a fatherly manner and then looked at me.
"You are Erica now, but we have met before."
I curtsied.
"Indeed, your highness. At the Diamond ball on Pluribus, about three years ago."
"Thank you for heeding my summon. You may, of course, remove your veil."
I did.
"I go wherever my friend asks me to go."
"Your ... your decision to alter or change your gender is rare but not unheard of among Dai. We are removed by millions of years, but Terrans, Dai, Sarans, Saresii, and all humans share the same origin."
I was not sure if he wanted me to say anything, but he did pause so I said.
"This appears to be the case indeed."
"Har-Hi has told me about you. As a Juth-Ni I respect his opinion, as a Dai with his honor intact I do not question his words and as my beloved son, I value it before all else. He praised you as warrior unrivaled, as a friend unequaled. He speaks with great pride and love about you. When we met the last time I wanted to elevate you into my tribe as Har-Hi's brother. Then I wanted you to become his mate as I heard of your change, but he has chosen another female and I hear so have you."
My chin dropped and my cheeks flushed.
"His ... mate?"
Har-Hi coughed but did not say anything.
His father nodded.
"You are female now and he is male, however, as he demanded to be the male of a singular union and his heart chose no less but the princess of the Saran empire. I decided to make you his sister and you may wear the Hi glyph."
"What an honor, indeed."
"No honor is given to a female in all but one circumstance. The last Laro-Gy of the Okthi tribe known as the Do has declared you Laro. A woman can not become Okthi because she has no honor to lose."
I wanted to tell him a thing or two about that, but I bit my tongue and kept quiet for Har-Hi's sake. This would be over soon anyway, or so I hoped.
He was as stern and serious with a hefty helping of Dai haughtiness, much more than Har-Hi ever was, but I was almost certain there was an almost invisible smile reaching his eyes.
"She is a feisty one, your captain is she not?" He had spoken to his son.
Har-Hi had fewer inhibitions to show his smile.
"Father, she fought in the death arena, bare feet killing Togar and a terrifying beast of Green Hell. She broke the neck of a Xandrao just to start on the top of things. Father, not our mighty Exer-Hi, not any of our mothers none of our tribes hold a woman of her equal or a warrior should she ever choose to reverse her decision."
"I have seen the recording of the arena fight, my son. I spoke to the Eternal warrior, to Admiral McElligott and to Kai-Do who trained and sparred with her almost every day on your journey back."
Again my cheeks blushed and I actually wished I had not taken of that silly veil.
"I am sure there are..."
"Yet you deflected a thrown Alti-Karr and killed Wut-Hi, while he had become Okthi and lost all honor, he was a Dai warrior of renown skills."
Har-Hi's smile grew wider.
"He does have a point."
The Tribe leader gestured to the table.
"Come and sit, I have Thill served or whatever other refreshments you desire, while we speak of Thana Shoo and the reason I hoped you would heed my summon."
Har-Hi said as he sat down.
"I am sorry, father my taste for Thill has been lost forever. I prefer Holsteiner or similar beer."
His father laughed.
"It is traditional to offer Thill, but you are right. My thirst can no longer be quenched by Thill. I had the fortune to drink with the Eternal Warrior."
While the USE Helicidae was an unarmed transport crewed with Science Corps personnel and not Union Fleet, her destruction and the urgent calls for assistance from the outpost on Carabis Green caused a sector alert. The closest Union Fleet assets were at Mildrus Edge, a Union world and system with a small Union Fleet outpost 673 light years distant.
Then USS Parser and the USS Fencer, both old Harrow class destroyers were dispatched first. While the USS Gromsmaro a full-size Akuna class battleship of the 47th Fleet, Spinward Frontier group was also dispatched as the closest heavy unit.
The Harrow destroyers arrived 11 days after the last help and assistance calls.
The destroyers found the research base completely obliterated.
The only survivor a Takkian who was able to escape what he called a single Plasma blast from orbit.
Of the USE Helicidae, only a few molten fragments could be located and recovered.
Refreshments had been served and we were once again alone with Har-Hi's father. From behind a tapestry that depicted a space battle in very great detail, a Dai woman appeared. She wore a veil quite similar to the one Har-Hi has given me, but she also carried a long single sword over her back.
She moved gracefully, her jewelry and metal adornments made a faint jingling sound.
"My son, you have returned to your home. Alii-Hi rejoices to see you."
Har-Hi's voice was not very emotional.
"Greetings to you, Alii-Hi who is my mother."
He then pointed at me.
"Alii-Hi, this is Erica Olafson."
"A Terran human in a Do tribe suit?"
"Yes mother, Kar-Hi has made it for her and declared her Laro."
The Dai leader spoke in a commanding tone.
"First of my wives, please find a seat so we may speak of important matters."
She did sit down and said.
"A new age sure will dawn."
The tribe leader nodded slowly and then begun.
"The time of Thana Shoo is soon upon us. The call has been issued and our hearts received it. We are not Okthi. Truth has been spoken from the mouth of one I can not mention as he is Okthi. Only the Pale Ones can declare it and if they do, hearts go dark and die.
The old ones who guard our shrines have heard the summon and the Pale Ones have summoned all Dai and Dai Than to our holiest of places."
I kept silent even though I wondered what my role was in all of this. Did he think I could give Har-Hi some sort of release so he could go?
Har-Hi hung on the lips of his father as if every word was filled with the deepest meaning.
Tar Kar-Hi kept on.
"Only Dai, and for the first time in over 200 meetings Dai Than are summoned."
He pointed with his flat hand to Har-Hi and then to me.
"My son and you have uncovered great evil, done by Cam Elf-Na. We have the accounts of many Dai that languished in Karthanian captivity, but this is not enough. The eyes and ears of the Pale Ones will not listen to the accounts or accusations unless they come from a Than. The crimes and evil are so great it is unthinkable for any Dai to be committed by a Cam, who is at the verge to become a Tar or even a Patr-Tar."
I only understood part of it. I only now learned that both Cam and Tar were titles and not names, but their meaning eluded me.
Har-Hi held up his hand.