Eric Olafson Series Boxed Set: Books 1 - 6 (The Galactic Chronicles Series)

by Vanessa Ravencroft

  I toasted him and said: “I am glad to know that something is being done about it and I thank you for doing it. I had the ill fortune to see what it is like to be a Slave, thankfully only for a short time.”

  He returned the toast and said: “Thanks to you we might see the end of Sin 4 soon and that is a good thing. I often wish I could do something about the other slaves as well, the ones that are not Union, I mean. The practice and the demand is still big in Freespace and the whole region is so damn large. My own kind is doing a big part for keeping the demand up. Karthanian smelter moons and mines always have a large appetite for slaves.”

  I said to him: “At least one Karthanian is doing something about it.”

  “Because this Karthanian was sent to the Smelter moons and was rescued by an undercover Union ship during a slave transfer.”

  We finished our drinks and then he said: “Let’s get the transfer started. I heard you got a few slaves freed.”

  “Yes, I purchased all available slaves at the Pirates Market. I think there are about sixty of them and they’re all in Stasis.”

  A conveyor bridge was placed between our ships and shields extended and synchronized. I stood next to the open freight door and watched the stream of cargo-tainers . I could not help but smile to see TheOther and the newly conscripted Nul compete with Hans and our cargo handlers to see who could lift the bigger boxes. The Golden who took his job as Quartermaster very seriously held a PDD in his hands and was directing the flow of cargo to the right destinations.

  Krabbel hung from a thin thread over the Cargo door and waited eagerly for the mail container as he had ordered a new flavor of ice cream that he hoped it would be part of the delivery. To the side in the back of the cargo hold stood Circuit next to an open crate with technical parts. He had his fists stemmed into his side and I could see a bushy tail moving inside the packing material , next to it Shea and Three Four had already begun assembling some strange looking device. Now I also saw Narth, who held a big piece using his telekinetics, floating above them while he was reading a PDD most likely with assembly instructions.

  A deep voice next to me said: “I could stand here all day long and watch your amazing crew work together.”

  I turned and looked into the face of Admiral Stahl.

  He said: “Permission to come aboard Captain?”

  To see him was a great surprise and I said: “Of course, permission granted, Sir. Where did you come from?”

  He pointed at an open Cargo box and said: “The Devi is standing by in Union space with the entire first fleet to clean up Sin 4 as soon as the Stiks officially made their plea. I simply hitched a ride with the Minerva to see how things are with you.”

  “I think everything is going well, Sir. I addressed my crew a little earlier today about the possibility that we might postpone shore leave and vacations for two years and instead of being angry they cheered instead of voicing disagreement and I think it was a genuine cheer at that.”

  “I wish we could give you all the breaks and vacation you deserve, but if there is a Seenian depot we need to know where it is located. Maybe the opportunity will presents itself and you can capture the Red Dragon and get the info that way. But if he really is Admiral Swybar then he received the Union shields and implants to make him immune to brain dumps and psionic interrogations.”

  “I don’t mind flying this ship to the end of the Universe, but I hope I can give my crew some R&R soon. Not that they actually want it.”

  He nodded towards the grey Nul and said: “So you really have the Nul prince aboard. I have seen your fight on GalNet and I saw the Nul too. Somehow I had a feeling he would end up with you.”

  I looked away as he said that and mumbled. “I hoped you would not see that.”

  “Why not? I am not really a fan of death matches, but the ancient adage of panem et circenses holds true still today. Bread and games is what the masses love and I can’t say I didn’t like what I saw.” He grinned widely. “Seeing a gorgeous blonde, half naked tear into a big monster with nothing but an axe certainly has some entertaining value even for me I must say. I guess the body shaping Saresii machine missed the inner Neo Viking, besides, your action was the foundation of the Nul’s decision to come to you. Just as it did when you decided to wrestle a Xendarian and go rodeo on him. They too are still on Pluribus and I wager the PUMA process will be over soon than later and they too join our big family."

  He shook his head. "The Nul on our side, who would have imagined."

  “If he is serious I think there might be really peace between Nul and the Union.”

  Stahl nodded. “Yes, we have every indication he is serious. We’ve got real diplomatic relations for the first time. It will of course make the others very nervous, but with the Nul and the Golden now on the Union side, I doubt they will try anything anytime soon. It might even give pause to the Dai assembling under Cam Elf Na. The Dai respect few others, but the Nul are certainly one civilization even the most vicious Dai don't like to anger.

  The integration of the Golden is a huge operation and keeps everyone busy but it is progressing smoothly. The data we are receiving will keep our analysts happy for centuries. Their ships are more advanced than we thought.”

  Stahl pointed to Sobody. “I never thought I would ever see the First Merchant actually working with load handlers aboard a Union ship.”

  I too watched Sobody and said: “He has become quite an asset to my crew and doesn’t mind working at all. He shares quarters with a Holdian and follows fleet protocol more seriously than a first year Cadet.”

  Stahl said as he watched Har Hi talk to the little Yeoman standing by the door: “Cam Elf Na has visited Brahma Port and killed a few Scavengers, but a very large Togar fleet made him and his clans turn away. From the reports we have, the number of Clans he controls is vastly overstated. It is still an impressive force, perhaps in the neighborhood of twenty or thirty clans, but not 2000. Nothing our now beefed up border forces could not handle.”

  While I was talking with the Admiral we watched as one of our Pertharians kicked a spherical container, most likely an empty Bomb container and Hans kicked it back. TheOther caught it and threw it with force towards the Nul, who in turn boxed it with a crashing sound back to Hans who actually head-butted it. Moments later there was a tournament going, with Crewmembers in Load handler suits joining in as well. The cargo deck was vibrating as the now heavily dented metal case was kicked and tossed between two impromptu goals. Stahl held up a little device and said:” I need to record that. McElligott won’t believe me otherwise.”

  I heard the elated laughter of the Y’All as he managed to score a goal, getting a high five from Hans. Only moments later the Nul managed to head butt the container over into the other goal and he in turn laughed and got celebrated by the Pertharians and Load handlers.

  The Admiral sighed: “You know I am so tempted to put on a load handler suit and join them. It looks like lots of fun.”

  I raised my voice: “SHIP , get me two load handler suits. I think we have a Steel Container kick match to join.”

  How the match ended I could not say as I was called by Elfi who said: “Captain, the Red Dragon is calling and wants to talk to you as soon as you can.”

  As I stopped playing the entire gang stopped. I said: “Captain’s business, you can go on.”

  But then the spell was broken and they started to finish the cargo transfer. Stahl shook my hand.” I have to go back with the Minerva. But there is a big part of that wants to actually come along with you and this crew. I think it would be like old times before I was an Admiral.”

  He sighed and then said: “Good luck with your mission. Be assured I trust your abilities and I can tell you have become a real starship Captain, one I am very proud of. ”

  I felt elated his approval meant more to me than any medal. “Thank you Sir. I would not be here without your help.”

  “Eric, I meant to say Erica. I actually doubt that. You would have become a s
tarship Captain regardless if you had met me or not.”

  Chapter 16: Red Dragon

  I could not even think about sleep after that, so I went to the pool and took a long swim. The clear cold water, as always did wonders to my state of mind. While I was submerged I wondered if there was something like an immortal soul and if that was so, did I add to my eternal damnation by executing Wintsun?

  I was about to close my eyes a little and simply drift when Ships voice reached me: “Captain, you are needed.”

  So I surfaced and Har-Hi stood by the pool holding a towel. He said: “There is a situation outside the ship; I thought you’d want to know about it.”

  I dried myself and said: “Ship give me a field screen.”

  My Dai friend explained while the view screen established itself before me: “There is a grey Nul outside our force field and it looks like he is badly wounded. As you can see there is a gang of other beings hunting him.”

  I saw the Nul, his left arm hung from his body and he was oozing yellowish blood from several wounds. He threw rocks and pieces of Duro Crete towards a horde of twenty beings mocking him and taking pot shots.

  I jumped into the Auto Dresser and dialed for my Pirate Outfit.

  Seconds later Har-Hi was running beside me to the next IST and said: “He is a Nul, Captain. They are our enemies. They have never shown any mercy. Remember Lt. Voglgard? I thought you wanted to see him die.”

  I turned my head as we stepped into the IST. “Yes I remember the two Wolfcraft pilots and I know Voglgard was killed while he was in space. I was there, but that does not mean we have to be the same way. Let’s see what he wants. He did come here for a reason.”

  The IST shaft extended to the ground and released us below my ship. I ran towards the force field border where the Nul stood.

  Below my ship and without a slide belt or other transportation I realized how big the Tigershark was. So I increased my running speed, of course Har-Hi had no problem keeping up and he said with grin on his face to me: “Besides it is an unfair situation the Nul is in and that’s why you fought for him at the arena as well.”

  He could not see my grin as I said: “I guess I am predictable after all.”

  Har-Hi responded saying: “You are one of the biggest mysteries I came across in my life, but yes in certain situations I think I know what motivates you.”

  We had almost reached the edge but there was time for me to say: “That is a strange thing to say. I thought we were getting to know each other pretty good by now.”

  He chuckled and said: “For one I can’t figure out how you manage to run in heels like that, I would break my neck and I know you didn’t have a lifetime of practice like Shea. However there is this whole female part of you. I knew you as Eric and we served many months together and now you are a woman. You are still my best friend and I accept you like that just as I have before, but I don’t understand it.”

  I slowed down as we were almost there and said: “I don’t think about the heels, I almost tripped as you mentioned them and for the other part, I can’t even answer that to myself.”

  I stopped just behind the Nul; all that separated us was the insubstantial, barely visible barrier of the shields. “Ship can you make the shields transparent for sound where I am?”

  She responded right away saying: “Yes Captain, you can talk to the Nul now.”

  Before I could say something to the huge alien, a blaster shot hammered into the shield right before me, perhaps even aimed at me but only a few centimeters away from the Nul, his grey skin discoloring from the intense heat to a scarred black.

  I said into the same audio pick up I had addressed Ship and said: “Tactical, fire a warning shot before those goons and I don’t mind if you singe a few of these cowards.”

  Mao responded with a crisp Aye and an eye blink later, an arm thick bright white beam of energy pulsed from somewhere above us and converted a long trench of liquefied Concrete and trash into white hot glowing magma. Whoever was left of scrambled to find cover.

  Having the pause I needed, I addressed the Nul: “What do you want here?”

  He looked horrible, not because he was a Nul, but because he was injured all over his body and was barely able to stand. He said with a voice that was inhumanly deep but sounded weak. “I know you are Human and we are enemies…” The Nul stumbled and it appeared he kept on his feet by sheer will power.

  “I have no place to go; the entire planet’s population appears to hunt me because I am Nul. You are an enemy but you are a warrior born as I have seen you fight and heard what you said to the Pertharians. I do not want to die by the hands of rabble and scum, so I am here to challenge you to a fight. I will die by the hands of an enemy that has honor.”

  His pillar like legs buckled, and he groaned as he pushed himself back up.

  I said: “Ship, Med Bots to my position, stat. Also, alert two Marines in full Battle Armour and make me a structural gap where I am.”

  Har Hi drew a sword and a blaster at the same time as Ship responded to my orders.I stepped through the hole in our shield and said to the Nul: I accept your challenge but there is no honor to fight you in this condition. My Med Staff is on the way and we will treat you.”

  He groaned something I did not understand and then collapsed. The Med Bots arrived along with the Marines and to them I said: “Bots take the Nul to Sick Bay and you Marines do not let him out of your sight. If he shows any hostile intentions, constrain or terminate him.”

  The Nul was not the only visitor that night; the two Pertharians arrived at our shield base minutes later. They too were wounded, but not seriously as far as I could tell. One of them said to me through the shield: “We are here, Pirate woman, you said to us to come here if we want to see the Union again. We are Union Citizens and do not want to be taken as slaves again, but even Pertharians have little options on this cursed world.”

  I responded: “On my word I will not enslave you and I meant what I said in the arena.”

  Narth spoke into my mind: “Those are first year academy cadets, very young and despite being Pertharians, quite frightened.”

  With this information I had ship open the shield and I said to them. “Cadets, get in here on the double!”

  They responded before they even realized what they were doing. One of them said: “How do you know we are Cadets?”

  Only after Ship had the shields opaque to sound I said. “I am Captain Olafson and this is the USS Tigershark. I don’t know how soon we can get you home and back to the academy, but for now you are safe.This is a Union ship and we are Union officers.”

  They both saluted and snapped into attention and one snarled: “Officer on deck.”

  I sighed with a smile on my lips. “Don’t do the saluting out here, let’s get you inside.”

  As they stepped out of the IST and into the main corridor of Deck 5 they saw two Marines waiting for them, one being a Pertharian, too.

  The slightly bigger one said: “The center be praised, this is a Union ship! Captain, Ma’am, I am Cadet Clubb and that is Cadet Dorth and we were abducted on Planet Perryton just as we waited to go home for our first R&R . Dorth and I followed a phony Master Chief who promised us a good time in an Orglatron. Instead we were paralyzed and sold here to the Arena.”

  I said: “Sergeant Lemrr here will take you to sick bay where our MD will check you out. Then you will report to Lt. Neugruber and give him a detailed report and a description so we can send CID to Perryton.”

  Even though both of them were inhuman Pertharians, I could almost physically feel their relief as they followed the Marines. Remembering my adventure on this cursed planet I knew how they felt.

  I ended the day with a late dinner at the Den and then I did find some sleep after all.

  ***

  When I woke I realized I had missed the Forenoon watch and said to SHIP as I got up: “SHIP, why didn’t you wake me at 0730 hours?”

  She responded: “You gave no specific orders to be w
oken, Captain and the XO said to let you sleep if you didn’t give specific orders.”

  With a mild accusatory tone in my voice I said to her: “You shaded the viewports and dimmed the lights all on your own, so I would not wake on my own and you knew I scheduled myself for Forenoon watch. One of these days, you mother me before the crew.”

  She actually managed to make her voice sound a little offended: “Captain, your wellbeing is important to the crew and mission and sleep is important to humans. You know I follow any order you give and would never be disrespectful.”

  I dressed myself instead of using the Auto dresser, since I wore the same outfit day in and day out. I did liked to select what I was wearing underneath and while I knew it was a mild form of narcissism, I liked the way lace looked on this body. I said to SHIP. “I know you were motivated by good intentions and I appreciate that.”

  She sounded happy. “Thank you Captain, besides nothing happened that needed your attention while you slept.”

  I finished brushing my hair and went on the bridge. Har Hi got up from the Conn, wished me a good morning and then pointed to the main viewer. “More Pirate ships have arrived. The Red Dragon has just arrived in the system and should make planet fall within the next hours.”

  Narth turned from his console and said: “I’ve got the Red Dragon on our sensors, Captain. The ship’s original signature has changed from the four ISAH pod configuration we had on file. It now has only two ISAH pods and two Karthanian engine blocks. It appears he could not replace the one you destroyed with the genuine kind.”

  I acknowledged the reports and sat down on my seat. The Golden was sitting next to Elfi at Communications and he said. “The city is even more chaotic than usual, as the three remaining Cartel families now fight with each other over the void that the sudden decline of the Donheer Cartel has created.”

  Shea also had a report and said: “Our Nul guest is out of surgery and Cateria hopes she did enough to help him.”