"No my friend, he offered a Flag of truce and six Union Hospital ships arrived within the hour. Within the same day they had isolated the cause, and treated every one of us. There was not one word of hate or disrespect spoken by any of them and not a single weapon or bomb had been brought to our ships. They simply accepted my word that I would honor the truce as well!"
A Clan chief Kar-Hi did not know said. "I will leave this meeting right now. My tribe too suffers from a deadly fever we cannot control. I do not care if you call me a coward or a traitor, or even Okthi-Dai! I will ask the Union for help. My Tribes well being comes first!"
Many agreed and many called that chief Okthi-Dai, Outcast!
Kar-Hi raised his arms and it became quiet again." We have three options as a species. We can leave this area of space and see if we can find better conditions across this Star spiral, we can continue to fight and raid and be decimated and go the same way as the Xunx, the Freons and all the others, or we can do as the Purple throat Shiss did and join the Union. I was assured that on the day we Dai become members, our past is forgotten and a new chapter is written. Instead of being decimated by Translocator canons we will have them aboard our ships and if there is one to be said about the Terrans and the Union, they keep picking fights and we can do what we always do, with our ships refurbished, repaired, equipped with their marvelous instantaneous communication and our children, the old and our families safe. I have made that decision for my tribe. You may join me or call me Okthi-Dai but after this Meeting my tribe will head for Union space."
Almost instantly about 1500 clan chiefs stood marched down and stood behind Kar-Hi. The rest however started chanting Okthi-Dai, led into the chant by Kar-Hi's old rival, Cam Elf-Na. His old rival now raised his hands and the chanting died down." By the ancient traditions this place is sacred and only ritual fights may be fought. You and your cowardly followers may leave, but as soon as you have left this most holy of places and you are beyond our Old suns circle we will hunt you down, destroy every one of you as there is nothing more disgusting than an Okthi-Dai who is alive!"
Kar-Hi responded. "Then so be it! Let it be known I already have applied for Union membership and I have not only gained access to free medicine but other Union tech that will make this a costly hunt for the intended hunter."
Kar-Hi left the circle and then put his hands on Har-Hi's shoulder. "I have done this for you and the ones that come after you."
Chapter 3: Orphan
Elena and I stood by the large View ports looking over the snow covered landing field. The space bus was sitting on its single landing foot and a flexible covered gangway attached it to the terminal.
Only ten days ago Elena had surprised us all as she killed three raging Fangsnapper bulls the old traditional way with the Hunting spear. Wtnessed by three elders and asked to be given the Ancient Challenge. Armin Thingsdal actually challenged her and she cut of both of his hands in the fight and was declared a Warrior. Father then revealed to us that Harkun was his half brother making Elena a real Cousin of mine and he declared that her feats could be explained due to the fact she had Olafson blood in her veins.
Elena became more beautiful every day. She wore black knee high boots red leather pants and shirt over a sweeping fur rimmed cape with the Olafson Wolf heads on the back. The leather modeled her body in a very appealing way. Her rich thick black hair contrasted in a lovely way with her blue eyes and rosy complexion. I was very proud of my Sister. On her hip hung Hevnen, father said she had earned the right to wear it.
With us also were Uncle Hogun, Aunt Freydis. the Ancient and Siegfrieda. The almost two meter tall blonde in her black leather outfit and fur cloak and the long blond braids reaching almost to her hips looked very much like a real Valkyrie and she turned every head. She had started to train Elena about two weeks ago and the two had become friends.
Uncle Hogun gave one of his trademark bear hugs and then stomped away. Aunt Freydis whispered ." Don't think bad of him. He is a big tough Fangsnapper on the outside, but soft as kitten on the inside. he didn't want anyone to see him cry. He hates to say good bye."
"I know Aunt Freydis."
She shook my hand. "Keep your honor as you always have and do what your heart tells you to do, sometimes the heart is a better councilor than the mind." She then followed her huge husband.
The Old Keeper took my underarm and said." Be careful out there Eric. I traveled a bit last year and will do so again as soon as I can. I tell you this Galaxy of ours is a marvelous place and you will see amazing sights, but it can be a much more dangerous as a Rock shark infested stretch of ocean."
I nodded." I try to be careful."
Siegfrieda pointed at Mördaren I was wearing." Even though there aren't many your equal with this on Nilfeheim. Out there a simple steel sword is not even considered a weapon anymore. Don't try to pick any fights with someone having a gun."
"I am only wearing it for the benefit of Lars Igvarhein standing over there. Father asked me to wear Clan colors and the sword. I am not planning to stand out like a sore thumb and advertise to everyone I am a Neo Viking Primitive of Nilfeheim."
She actually had to bend down to kiss me on the forehead. With her I always felt like a child again.
Father did not come. He disapproved of me going off world and seeking to become a fleet officer and handed Elena the Clan ring in a symbolic gesture. Of course this was perfectly fine with me.
She embraced me with a tight hug and she felt wonderful and smelled of shampoo, fine soap, a hint of perfume and warm leather. "Don't you worry, you are the first born and I won't take anything away from you!"
"Sister, I am so proud of you. I never really wanted to be a Clan leader. You are everything the Olafson clan needs and so much more. You look regal and stunning at the same time, you are smarter than me, have a knack for business and Father is melting every time you there."
"I love you my Brother. Always have. Be safe and write or call once in a while."
I promised.
A voice blared." Last boarding call for Grey Lines coach 554. All passengers please come to the boarding gate two in the Grey Lines Lobby. Last…"
She kissed me warmly on the lips closed her eyes. "You better go now, I might change my mind and not let go!"
I brushed a strain of shiny black hair from her forehead kissed her and went to the lobby.
Lars now had a partner, instead of a cheap hover cam and directed his Cam-man behind me." Eric Olafson, foremost hero of Nilfeheim is leaving our world today to further his education off planet. Eric you still have a few minutes, would you mind answering a few questions?"
"Lars I am not much for interviews and all this high browed media stuff and I do have a bus to catch!"
"Who is this stunning blonde with your magnificent Warrior Sister? I am getting calls from all over Nilfeheim."
"A close friend. It is not very manly or very honorable to call in. Whoever is interested in Siegfrieda should come forward and ask her. This is the Nilfeheim way."
I was halfway in the Lobby and Lars followed me." There are rumors your sister might be the next Clan Chief of the mightiest clan, is that true?"
"There is only one Clan chief and that is Isegrim my father. He is healthy and full of strength and if you make news out of rumors. I will challenge you!"
Lars stepped back." It is my duty to follow up on rumors. There is a rumor that your sister and an unidentified woman dressed inappropriately killed Tyr Olafson. What do you say?"
I slammed my fist as hard as I possibly could into his stomach and then hit his chin with an upper cut that send him to the floor. "I hope your cam – man got that too! If you ever dishonor my sister or spread unsubstantiated rumors or accusations about her or the Olafson clan again, I come back faster than you can say Olafson and kill you without mercy, do you understand?"
He spat blood wiped his mouth and nodded.
I made it as last passenger to the Boarding gate and the Security Officer at the Gate ask
ed me to present my brand new CIT implanted (Citizen Identification Tag) under the skin of my right arm. Mr. Valthim had made me a citizen and handed me my final Basic School scores only 6 days ago.
A slide belt, the only one I knew of on Nilfeheim carried me through the flexible connector tunnel to the Space Bus.
A robot greeted me at the Airlock." Good afternoon Citizen. Welcome aboard Gray Lines Coach 554. Your seat is upper deck, outmost starboard row seat 44A; please follow the blue pulse light to your seat."
A blue blinking light appeared on the floor and guided me up a flight of stairs to a window seat.
I took the fur coat off and the sword belt stowed it in my seat locker and sat down. From the view port I could see the Space port building and I hoped I would see Elena and the others, but all I saw was the reflection of the space bus and the gray sky of Nilfeheim.
After a few moments the air pressure changed a little and the air started to smell different. A Leg less robot floated down the middle isle." Captain Ruthneck and his crew would like to welcome you aboard Coach 554 Afghan. Please familiarize yourself with the safety features aboard. In the event of a catastrophic hull breach your seat will activate its Life capsule mode, please make sure you have all limbs and other body parts inside the yellow outline around your seat at all times. You will find emergency space suits under your seats. Non humanoid species should ask one of the robots for an appropriate model. The consummation of tox drinks and legal drugs are permitted only while the bus is in space. Due to the various local laws to these matters, Gray Lines generally prohibits these activities while landed.
Our next destination will be System Lichthaus and the planet Holstein. We will arrive at Holstein. Estimated time of arrival will be 16:04 or in about 2 hours and 12 minutes.
The on board restaurant welcomes you to try our various menu offerings. Have a pleasant flight."
We lifted off and the space port, Halstaad Fjord disappeared fast beneath us and behind the low heavy cloud cover.
Then we were through the atmosphere and the Leyland accelerated and after about eight minutes, the stars suddenly disappeared, and the background hum of the engines changed to a faint whistling sound then the stars reappeared. The bus went past the Transdim threshold and slipped into quasi space, the thin layer between real space and the next continuum, where faster than light travel was possible and time did not exist. Inside the ISAH field we brought our own time with us.
The viewports showed a simulated view of real space seen by Trans layer sensors. Humans and all known species had no sensory organs or means to perceive Quasi space. From the brochure displayed in the field screen before me I learned that the space bus service was heavily subsidized by the government. There were other, faster ways to travel of course, space busses offered very little comfort or luxuries and offered no separate luxury accommodations, but no other travel service existed that reached all occupied worlds and places in the Union and for little money. It was intended to facilitate the easy interaction between all Union worlds. A Grandmother could easily visit her grandchildren clear across the Union for less than hundred Credits. Students could travel to visit other places and tourists could visit every point of interest. The space bus service and the instantaneous cheap communication available to all Union citizens were considered the main reason why the Union existed for over 2800 years and kept on growing. Not even the furthest fringe world colony would feel cut off and Colonist revolts that were a common occurrence in many other multi culture Trans galactic cultures had never happened in the Union.
I looked around and didn't see many passengers. Even thought the bus could accommodate over 1000 travelers.
The multi entertainment unit mounted in the backrest of the seat before me flashed with the GalNet logo." Mr. Olafson you have a call from user identified as Mr. Silverzweig."
"Yes I accept."
"My grandfather's old friend and legal advisor appeared and said." Shalom Eric! You left faster than I expected. I wanted to see you on Nilfeheim regarding your Inheritance. Your Grandfather wanted me to give you a recording and you now have complete access and control over the funds he left you."
"I forgot all about that, Mr. Silverzweig. Can I see the recording from here?"
"Yes I uploaded it to your PDD if you have one."
"Yes I do."
I held my PDD net to the GalNet terminal, the connection was made and the file transferred. The lawyer nodded pleased and then said." I took the freedom to invest your inheritance and retained a portion of the stock in your late Grandfathers Company for you and it keeps earning you a little money on the side. You are quite a wealthy individual now and if you like I offer you my continuous services as financial and legal advisor."
"Yes Mr. Silverzweig I like that a lot. I would have asked you that if you had not offered."
"In this case I suggest transferring only 1 billion in your private use account and letting the other 2.2 billion work for you."
"Mr. Silverzweig. To me 100 Credits is a lot of money and I can't grasp the idea of having that much money. There is nothing I really need, other then maybe some less auspicious clothing, and a GalNet enabled PDD. Please deduct whatever fees you charge and do what you feel is right. My Grandfather trusted you and called you friend and that is all the reason I need to do the same, Sir!"
He smiled and bowed slightly." I already deducted my fees Eric and I consider it a personal pleasure to serve you. Good luck with your Union Fleet Application."
I thanked him again and he disconnected. My Credit strip made a pinging sound and as I looked at the read out I really had no idea what a Billion Credits meant."
I started Grandfather's recording." Hello Eric my Grandson! If you see this recording I didn't make it to see you off on your quest to become a Starship Captain. I heard it is a hard journey and be assured I will be or would be proud of you no matter if you succeed or not. I know you will try your best and no one can ask for more. I left you a little bit of money in case this career choice turns out not to be to your liking and you can try something else. I wish I could have been there for you, but I assure you I am with you in spirit. Fare well my Grandson. For the short time I was allowed to know you made me a very proud grandfather."
I hoped no one had seen my tears I hastily wiped away.
***
Holstein Planet was the closest settled system to Nilfeheim and also the seat of the sector Council. It had been settled by mostly German Immigrants from Earth at about the same time as Nilfeheim. According to the Brochure that listed trivia knowledge of all the stops along the way, it was called the Planet of Meadows and famous for its rolling hills covered with deep green grass. Grass seemed to be some sort of sea weed that grew on land. Holstein had a population of nearly one Billion and exported mainly dairy products. The cheese and milk sold on Nilfeheim came from here. Its main city Lunebeck had a Union Police Station and a Sector Court.
We dropped out of Quasi Space a short while later and I decided to skip Holstein Planet, as a sightseeing destination and stay aboard. Lay over time was only three hours anyway. The list of tourist attractions was short and none really peaked my interest. Tour of a Dairy farm, tour of a Brewery, Hiking in the Moors and visiting genuine replicas of German Medieval Castles were on the top of that list. I had burgs at home and the rest was not what I considered interesting. Our next destination would be Twilight, a planet with a permanent night side and a permanent day side and only the strip where both sides overlapped was colonized. I activated the Privacy Bubble and set the Sleep Inducer for arrival Twilight and went to sleep.
***
Twilight is a moon around the fourth planet in the Yutoo System. Twilight is tidal locked around the planet Gigaball, an enormous gas planet with nine planet sized and hundreds of smaller moons. Twilight is unique among them as it has a Nitrogen Oxygen atmosphere, acceptable to most NiOx breathers in the Union. A strip of about 60 kilometers width and 12,200 km long follows the permanent terminator line between the et
ernal night and perpetual daylight side. The daylight side experiences temperatures up to 250 degrees Celsius and the night side is at minus sixty degrees. A strong permanent wind circulation between the two sides has smoothed much of the rocky surface and created valleys with mile deep micro dust. Fresh and liquid water exists at the terminator and developed indigenous plant life. No mobile or fauna life forms have been discovered so far. Twilight was settled by colonists from many different regions and no particular dominant culture about 1500 years ago.
Most cities and settlements are located on or under the Terminator strip but there is a Suns site city and a Night side city. It is noteworthy to mention that the Day Siders do not like the Night Siders and vice versa and both sides consider the Termi's as snobs and weaklings. A short but violent war had been fought about 300 years ago between the two cities inconclusive and Termi called for Union Intervention.
Main export items are a local variety of mushrooms that grow in caves, minerals and metals. Twilight also is a Traffic Hub to the other occupied moons and planets in the system. Some of the Tourist attractions are: Dust skimming, White water boating and a large Amusement Park.
I rubbed my eyes after the inducer woke me from a deep dreamless sleep. I had read the GalNet Entry about Twilight and again was not too interested in the local attraction, but the bus would be there for eight hours, time enough to stretch my legs and perhaps have a bite to eat.
The space port was much bigger and busier than the one on Nilfeheim and two other space busses had arrived as well and waited for a fourth one, the reason for the eight hour layover. One of them only did the local system and I learned that all nine moons and two rock core planets in the System were colonized. The bus in the left bay to ours came from New Sweden and would leave for He Mang and the right bus came from Gallia and would leave in an hour to Nightlife. It gave me a first glimpse just how big the Union was. Many passengers and locals weren't human and I saw members of non humanoid species and could identify only a few. Four insectoid Klack loaded with shopping bags , had a lively conversation with a four meter tall Andorian and a frightening looking ten limbed Kilonian who used eight legs to walk and its first pair as arms, looked like a segmented Sausage. A Wurgus in rainbow colored neck to floor shimmering and glittering robe almost bumped into me and his head really reminded me of a freshly butchered and plugged chicken with two onions stuck to it for eyes. Mr. Flensburger our teacher told us in Xeno Class that the term Chicken head was used in many jokes but should never be said in front of a Wurgus. He mumbled an apology and rushed on. In all this there were robot vendors, message bots, info bots and security bots. Everyone seemed to be in a rush and had urgent business.
Eric Olafson Series Boxed Set: Books 1 - 6 (The Galactic Chronicles Series) Page 213