I offered him a seat at our table and our cook brought refreshments, showing that he knew even Karthanian cuisine as the Captain of the Minerva praised the brownish liquid he called Qugamt slobber served in a long thin glass that accommodated his long thin tongue.
I told him: “I am thankful for the supplies and I know the Stik delegation is eager to get started with their application, but is it wise that we meet so openly?”
He waved with his long fingers and said: “No worries Captain, I am known as one of worst Slave dealers in the Galaxy. I do business with Pirates and the other scum all the time. I am here on Sin 4 at least five times a year. This way we are able to return at least some of the captured Union citizens back home. Of course not even the freed slaves know that and for me to remain effective it must remain that way.”
I said: “Before all this I had no idea Slavery is such a widespread problem.”
He put down the glass he just was sucking at and said: “Compared to the size of the Union and its population it is not a very big problem. Especially fringe colonies that are not officially colonized through the Bureau are vulnerable to pirate and slaver raids. I would love for it to end as I seen more misery than I care to see. I estimate between 25,000 and 30,000 Union citizens are abducted that way each year. There is currently only one other undercover unit like the Minerva doing what I do as it is very difficult to built up a reputation and do this secretly.”
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 otherw
ise.”
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 starship Captain regardless if you had met me or not.”
Chapter 17: Alvor’s Cove
I got up and said: “Elfi call the Devi for rendezvous instructions.”
We had forty eight hours of shore leave on the Devi. It was perhaps not the same as real R&R but the Devi had an entire deck filled with forests and lakes. There was the Village and every recreation facility imaginable.
With a sense of pride that could not be described , I gave Captain Harris a tour of the Tigershark.He was deeply impressed by our Pirate’s Den and Stahl insisted we organize a Steel container kick match against a team he had personally formed only a few days ago.The fact that the team of the Tigershark won, had put a deep smile on my face as I noted this in my daily log entry.
Fenris our mascot was curled up on top of my dresser , and had his tiny fierce yellow eyes closed and if you listened closely you could hear the little monster snore.
The door chime announced a visitor.
It was Shea wearing a beautiful midnight blue evening dress. Her hair all done up and she said. “Are you not coming?”
“Coming to what?”
“Captain Harris has invited us all to a formal dinner and ball.”
She rushed past me and pointed at the paper square, on my table.There is your invitation.”
Oh right Harris handed me that thing before the Kick match. I forgot about it. Not that I know what it is.”
“It’s an envelope.”
To my surprise she opened a flap on the thing and revealed a card.
On it in fine writing I could read. “You are hereby invited to attend a grand affair of a formal dinner and ball. In lieu of Union Week celebrations , you and your crew are going to miss, you and your crew are guests of honor.
Formal attire required, no Uniforms.”
I looked sheepishly at the paper. “I have never seen an envelope before.”
“I tell you later about stationary and the significance and function of envelopes. Now get dressed , we don’t have much time.I better get Elfi to do your hair.”
I finally decided on a black velvet dress, as a nod to the trademark name of my pirate alter ego.
Elfi, I had to admit had great talent to tease hair in other directions than down.
I indulged a little in the female narcissism I felt knowing I was looking drop dead gorgeous. A realization that had no room in daily business but was perfectly alright for a nights out.
We made it just a few moments late, but Elfi insisted that it would be okay. Officers had to be on time, a woman could be a little late for effect.
Obviously I still had a lot to learn about my recent gender change.
I also hand no idea the Devi had a ball room complete with chandeliers fancy dressed tables and even a full orchestra called the Devi Philharmonics. Of course the musicians were also fleet personnel and this was their hobby.
But then I doubted that midshipmen had much reason to see the ballroom.
Harris wore black suit in Kimo cut and a white shirt. Even now there was no doubt he was the Captain.
He greeted me, and even bowed slightly as he took my hand. “What a lovely sight indeed. You look spectacular.”
I felt embarrassed but said. “Thank you, Sir.”
“No need to call me Sir, we are all out of uniform. I am John Jameson and friends call me JJ. Enjoy this evening, as the woman you have become and forget the other aspects for a while.”
“I will try, Sir.”
“Just so you know I am almost as proud as the Eternal Warrior, of what you have accomplished so far. You and your friends have served this ship just as midshipmen like so many thousands before, but I doubt the Olafson will be forgotten anytime soon.”
I wanted to say something, but it was Admiral Stahl approaching us, preventing me.
Even in civilian attire, a simple black suit, he radiated his unexplainable aura of authority.
He looked at me. “Whatever fate decided to put a Neo Viking in such a lovely form, I can not say but lord have mercy, you are looking spectacular. I think it would have been a crime if you kept suppressing your desire.”
He then raised his hands. “I am terribly sorry everyone, but we have to cut this short. A large Dai Fleet supported by Shiss are attacking worlds near the corridor. First Fleet has been ordered to make all haste.
I promise you will will make it up to you another time.”
“I understand, Sir.”
We had left the Devastator only moments ago..
I had to give kudos to my crew. They all were back and accounted for within the hour after the ship wide announcement was made on the Devi.
The mighty Devi and the Admiral was already light years away and speeding towards the Union Klack Corridor almost 1500 light years away from Sin 4. Half of the First fleet had remained behind to complete their task in the Sin system.
I did not even have time to change yet and was standing next to my command seat and was ready to go to to change as soon as Stahl finished the orders he was just transmitting.
“Get your ship back into pirate mode and into Freespace. Find the hideout of the Sinister Alliance, clip that Dragon’ wings if you can and find the Seenian depot if at all possible. The Seenian depot takes priority.”
I said looking at his image,
“Understood Sir. We try our best.”
He disconnected and I said to my bridge crew:
“You heard the man, let us go to Alvor’s Cove and see if the Red Dragon is still there.”
I went to my ready room to change. I opted to undress manually as I wanted to keep the dress. The Auto Dresser would break it down as it was not one of the outfits that were stored in the system.
The door chime announced someone as I was trying to reach the closure on the back of the dress. I expected Shea but it was Har-Hi and as he saw me he stepped behind me, opened the zipper and then turned to look out the view port so I could wiggle out of the dress. We had seen each other naked of course countless times during our final year aboard the Devi, but now he felt the need to look away and I was actually glad about it. I said, “What is on your mind?”
He said without turning.
“The Dai attack, it makes no sense even if Cam Elf-Na had united every remaining Dai Clan, an open attack on the Union especially in that region is simply madness, even with the Shiss assisting. Everyone knows the corridor is well defended."
I had to sit down to take of the thin stockings I was wearing and said. “I have an odd feeling about this myself, but no matter what they’ve planned we have Admiral Stahl and he has
more experience in these matters than anyone. He doesn’t need our help and we have direct orders, besides what could we do? The Tigershark is a formidable ship but it is not a ship meant for full scale fleet level space battles.”
Now I was ready to get into the Auto Dresser and dialed for my leather suit. I realized how much I actually liked this outfit and once again wearing it, I felt ready to take on whatever challenge there was.
Har-Hi was sitting on the sofa next to my visitors table with a thoughtful face, holding one of my heeled sandals and turning it in his hands. “I don’t think I there is anything more impractical than those shoes.
He put the shoe down and looked at me. “We should go to Thana Shoo and see if we can find out what the real reason for that attack is.”
I gathered the things I had dropped on the floor and also picked up the sling backs. “I can’t argue that, but they do make a nice leg and I think I really got used to these. Not a real substitute for Terran All Terrains I know.”
I put the things away and said.” What is Thana Shoo?”
“It is the Dai home system.Our home planet was destroyed many thousand years ago. A particular big chunk of our former home world carries the only remaining piece of Dai architecture remaining. It is an open stone amphitheater and all Dai Clans meet there in regular intervals of about every ten Union standard years.
Right now there won’t be any clans there, but the Pale Reds, the guardians of Thana Shoo are still there and these men always know everything about the Dai.”
I put on the holster and checked my 45 before I sat down across him and asked. “Is it far?”
He nodded. “Yes it is about 1160 light years past the outermost reaches of the Togar Empire or about 2600 light years from where we are now.”
He leaned forward and took an orange out of the bowl of fruits that my Yeoman put there every day and with a flick of his wrist a small knife appeared between his fingers and he begun to cut the skin off the fruit. The strong fresh orange scent immediately filled the room and he added, saying. “I know we have a mission and I know the Union will prevail. We can’t simply disobey direct orders and go where we could not possibly go because Thana Shoo is forbidden ground to Okthi Dai like me, to any renegade Dai that is. Also no outsiders are allowed there either.”
Eric Olafson Series Boxed Set: Books 1 - 6 (The Galactic Chronicles Series) Page 126