Eric Olafson Captain Black Velvet Vol 6 Chapter 4
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The Minerva was an impressive, shiny golden water drop shaped, heavy armed ancient Ult freighter in excellent repair and with genuine ISAH pods of recent manufacture. Despite its apparent bulk this freighter was most likely the fastest thing within a few light years.
It landed right next to us and I welcomed her captain in our pirate den. He was a Karthanian. Like all Karthanians he was not even remotely humanoid, having many similarities to a Terran Seahorse. External Bone structure, round always open mouth with a flickering tongue, stalk eyes and short, fern like antenna on each side of his head. He did have two arm-like appendixes with very long fingers that started at what would be the elbow of a human arm.
The Karthanian looked around and said. “Permission to come aboard. I am Sposhtrah, Shipmaster of the Minerva.”
He then identified himself with the Blue-Blue-Red protocol and I did the same. Only then did he take off his bejewelled jacket revealing a Union uniform.
“I have a load of Translocator bombs to restock you, two more modified Wolfcrafts one Spectre configuration and the Narth components for your shields that are still missing.”
I offered him a seat at our table and our chef 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, to be exceptionally good.
To the captain I said. “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.”
“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. However especially fringe colonies that are not officially colonized through the Bureau are vulnerable to pirate and slave raids.You know anyone with a spaceship can go out there and colonize whatever they want if it isn’t occupied already. There are always dreamers and fringe groups that think they do not need the OOCA. Oh beleive me 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. As far as I know 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.”
“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.
An incredibly thin and beautiful female being floated more than walked towards me. She wore Union black and saluted. “Specialist Brana Noleii, reporting Captain.” She held out her orderchip.
She was as tall as me, appeared as if someone had successfully mixed a very beautiful female with an exquisite flower; threw in vispy veils and almost insubstantial wings. I had heard of Delicates but never seen one before.
“Welcome aboard Specialist Noleii, what are you specialist in, if I may ask?”
“I am the weapon specialist for your Bio Chemical weapons. I am also a psionic talent and assigned to your PSI team as well.”
“Welcome indeed Specialist. As you can see we are receiving material and I guess additional personnel as well. I am not sure my XO has the time to show you to your quarters right away, but if you don’t mind waiting a little I show you myself.”
SHIPs avatar popped up and she said.”Captain I can show her, luckily I can be at more than one place at the same time.”
“Perfect, Specialist Noleii, this is our SHIPs AI but she is also a crew member. I am sure she can explain you the details while she shows you around. Later I like to see you at the Den for dinner and get to know more of you.”
She blinked with her inhumanly big eyes and smiled.”Thank you, Captain.”
The new addition to my crew left and I kept watching.
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 ax 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 Petharians 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 Petharians and cargo specialists in their cargo handling suits.
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.”
“I would love that, Sir.”
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.”
“But not of the Tigershark.”
He laughed and left.
RED DRAGON
On the landing field of the desolate spaceport of Sin 4 and not too far from the heavily modified Karthanian Trader, known as the Silver Streak, sat the Red Dragon. Inside the stolen Union prototype and in its command deck conference room sat the former Union admiral who now bore the same name as his ship and five other pirate captains.
Red Dragon had his chair swiveled towards the viewport and watches as the well known slave merchant ship, the Minerva climbed into the sky.
“That explains why she bought every slave there was on the market. She is doing business with Sposhtrah.”
“Making a killing doing it.” Said a strong looking Oghar sitting to the right of the Red Dragon, also staring out the window.
Captain Sodex of the Merchant’s Sorrow sitting across the table, curled his chaps in disgust. He was a Jooltar and growled. “This is the dirtiest business of them all. I stay away from it, no matter the profit. One of these days the Union will disregard all treaties and start hunting slavers and those are involved in this business. One more colony raid report with Union citizens captured for slaves and their Assembly will vote to end it.”
The former Admiral, had been an Union citizen for most of his life actually nodded. “There is not much more that riles them.”
He was deeply concerned about the latest developments. The news that the Golden had abandoned their millenia old policy of neutrality and joined the Union had just recently shocked pretty much everyone. The Kermac openly furious and secretly afraid of their cousins. First the Blue with all their fine technology and now the Golden, they knew too well that neither one had forgotten the atrocities the Ker had committed so long ago.
The Shiss seeing their star slowly but steady fading, were very concerned about the Union grow. And now while everyone was expecting war between the Nul and the Union, news came from Pluribus of a new chapter of Nul and Union cooperation. The Nul All ruler himself was reported to be on his way to Pluribus aboard the Union flagship no less. That made everyone nervous, as impossible it seemed only a week ago. Nul and Union no longer enemies, maybe even working together was bad news indeed.
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We entered the outmost orbit of the Dover System ten hours before the deadline. Har-Hi who stood next to me sighed. “I wished it would have taken longer. This is what I am born for, to be aboard a ship and roam the stars’”. I felt the same way and agreed with him, saying. “Me too.” The doors opened and Wetmouth stepped through, taking her seat behind the small science station at the rear of the bridge. I observed Har Hi who acted as the OPS officer of our little crew dedicating sensors...
I went down the narrow stair case to find out if there was a God living in the Old Man’s basement. Now I had reached the bottom of the narrow stair case and it expanded into a large natural grotto. The old man had a very large, and from the looks of it a natural Sub Pen under his rock. It was cold and moist and without my light it would have been pitch dark. There was no god and no mystery down here. At least there wasn’t any more garbage either. I did for a moment see a movement in the water...
Mr.Flensburger was now gone for a week and we had a new teacher. Mr. Walters was his name and he was much different to the jovial and gentle Mr. Flensburger. He was stern and had a no nonsense approach. This Monday morning, right by the main doors I saw Yngve Lofdahl waiting for me. He had a busted; bleeding lip and his left eye was swelling. Like me he was wearing a fur vest over a linen tunic that reached halfway to the knees, linen breeches and boots. Usually he always looked like he wore...
(List of Characters) Eric Olafson – A teenage Neo Viking leaves his home world for the first time. To travel and eventually to join the Union Navy Elena Olafson – technically a cousin to Eric, but since she was adopted by Eric’s father, she is now known as his sister. Isegrim Olafson – The current clan chief of the Olafson clan, and Eric’s father Lothar Olafson – Eric’s half brother The Ancient – aka Elkhart the Keeper. An old man claiming to have forgotten to die. Officially he is the...
The Devastator had excellent recreational facilities and offered something for almost any taste, but the most liked recreation area was called The Village. It was a small down town area complete with shops, cafés, micro breweries, night-clubs, restaurants, Virtu-show halls and theatres. The sky appeared real with moving clouds and a warm yellow sun. It would even rain or snow once in a while. The Village centered on a park with grass, trees, flower patches and narrow duro-crete walking paths....
I was still as tired as a Tyranno during Longnight when the lights came on and a voice barked via the PA system: “0400 hours Cadets rise and shine. 0430 is Breakfast. At 0500 you will receive your first class in the Elbhard Auditorium.” And we found ourselves in said Auditorium at that time an hour later. Clean, fed and still tired. Again I tried to find a place in the back, so I could perhaps close my eyes for few moments. The Pan Saran Officer was already there. “Good Morning Class.” We...
Prelude Part 4: Volund 4999, OTT The crumbling walls of Olafson Burg were no longer on his mind. Volund was now the steward of Ragnarsson Rock. Erik Gustav had kept his word and had given him the stewardship and rule of all that was Ragnarsson on this world. There were tanneries in the extensive basements, several Nubhir farms on the permanent ice of the southern polar region, and large Fangsnapper herds. Best of all, there were five modern and well-kept fishing boats and three hunting...
The Hyperion approached Arsenal IV just as Captain Zezz said with only eight hours to spare before I had to report for my third year posting. The extended time of my stay aboard the battle ship appeared to have gone by even faster. The Klack XO touched my face with his antennae. “You have been outstanding at the OPS station. I have seen many others struggle with that position.” “Thank you Sir. Your guidance and the tutor ship of the other bridge officers was the real reason I managed.” To...
The Attack came totally unexpected. The scanner operator of the American Dream was watching GalNews about the space battle between Dai, Nogoll and Union forces like everyone else on the bridge and thus missed the fast approaching contact. I was still sitting in the Command chair, while the main viewer showed high definition recordings of the space battle of Union Fleet against the Dai and the Nogoll. Titanic fists shock the yacht so violently that Calia Lethra, Alex and everyone else...
The Space bus came out of FTL and approached the blue and white sapphire sphere that was Nilfeheim. I had 6 month before I had to return to the Academy. This was my home world and I was longing to take a long deep dive and feel the fresh cold water all around me, it was of course still Longnight. That I had left Nilfeheim just a little over a year ago was something I could hardly believe. So much has happened since then; it felt I had been gone for much longer. “I wonder how Nilfeheim is...
Harris watched the young man disappear in his quarters and then went back to Stahl who was still there. “You know this was an exceptionally cruel test. I felt like an idiot acting that way.” “And he had the guts to tell you.” Stahl responded. “That is a first one.” “He is the first one I know off who went to the end, all the way to that triple rotten Light gag. I would have pissed myself without those Saresii Sonics, looking in a TKU and suddenly seeing a light.” Stahl raised an eyebrow....
“No need to be afraid First Daughter!” the Old man said and the gun spun out of Freydis hand and floated in mid air. “I am Egill Skallagrímsson, the Eldest. I am sure some of you have heard of me. My friend here is Elkhart the First Keeper of Hasvik. We are not here to harm you, arrest you, kill you or stop you from what you are doing! We came because this world of ours is in grave danger, because we too believe it is high time all citizens of this world are heard and because together we are...
I tried to get up and managed but I was stiff as a frozen snapper fur in Longnight, I was more sore than I realized and colder than I ever was. This time he let me get in. The door led into a short tunnel shaped corridor passing through the tall massive rock wall. Judging by the length of the tunnel, the walls must have been at least 10 meters thick. The steel door swung close behind us, making absolutely no sound as it did. Two boys perhaps my age, wearing dark long fur coats were behind the...
The commander stood at the window of his spacious office overlooking the lake and jungle with his hands clasped behind his back watching a group of cadets struggling with a heavy wooden log. They had to carry it over an obstacle course and only by working together could this task be achieved. This ancient time tested exercise promoted team work, group coordination and leadership. This exercise had been used by Navy trainers even before the Galactic Ascent on good old Earth. Of course it...
“Have we been hailed?” Harris shook his head.”No not yet, but the sphere is transmitting genuine Union Transponder Codes.” The screen changed and a hooded Narth became visible. The Comm. Officer looked at his console and shrugged. The Narth spoke. “This is the USS Narth. “There was a pause and the Narth moved his shrouded head as if he was looking at someone then he nodded and said.” One hopes to be forgiven, by the one who has command. One was uncertain of the correct address. It is the...
I had slept a few hours at Uncle Hogun’s and went to the clinic to check on Litfas Arnske and I found him, in a low gee bed. Two elders, Adolph Lindbergh and a young man perhaps two three years older than me was with him, most likely Sif’s brother I had not yet met. As he saw me, he first smiled and then his face dropped. “You have saved my life, and it looks like my very own daughter has tried to end it. The daughter I promised, my honor is in shambles and I am not sure I want to live...
The lights flickered and Astrid said.” Looks like his Tech stop has trouble to get through our armor and hardened systems. She then pried open an access panel and said.” I am sure I can fix this!” Her hands pulled chip connectors and reset them and then she turned. Eric flip open your left armrest. Beneath is the Code sequencer. They could not have altered your Command Codes, without your permission! All they did is bypass it and tying in their own!” I did and pressed my hand on the now...
We arrived in Halstaad Fjord and were greeted by a group of elders accompanied by twenty beefy looking men, all were dressed in the traditional Neo Viking way with leather vests and trousers and shirts. They all wore identical helmets and swords and all were dressed in the same dark brown color. Egill was also with them. As we stepped ashore he said to me, I know what happened, Eric and I will take it from here. You may have noticed the men; these are the first members of the Nilfeheim...
When I came around, I was still lying under that purple thing. The armed and fully armor suited men were close now holding their weapons ready pointing them at my friends. The bearded dark skinned man wearing a battle suit of unknown origin argued with Cardwell. “I want you to open those Translocator storages now. We do not have much time.” Cardwell barked back and pointed at me. “I told you that two command codes are needed to open them, the only one able doing that was killed by your...
Swybar lounged in the comfortable chair behind the conference table aboard the Red Dragon. Soon the requested supplies would arrive and make him a very dangerous man. The table was laid out with a light dinner. Both of his associates had joined him and both of them had been very respectful and lauded his genius. Swybar loved it when others realized just how smart and resourceful he was. Even the disguised Kermac treated him like an equal, as it was proper. He was no fool however and knew...