Eric Olafson, Neo Viking Vol. 02

Egill got up. "Come and join me for lunch, our newest members the Renegade-Dai have prepared a lunch with Dai specialties and I like to be back in time when the Kermac speak. That is going to be interesting and you can tell me why you decided to ruining my morning by showing up, all dolled up and looking better than it should be allowed for a person of your age."

"I came so I can ruin your morning. I actually decided to wear the steel tipped heels just for that purpose, they make more noise."

Other delegates respectfully greeted the First among the Saresii as he and Egill left the Alcove and went to the New Member Reception Hall. Their friendship had been noticed by many, and was subject to much rumors and debates among the other delegates, including other Saresii.

Algear told Egill about the Kermac Intelligence report and the former Hermit of Nilfeheim listened while he selected a sampling of Dai food on a plate and went to a table. "There is not much I can say to that. I simply don't know enough about it, but if I understand it took the Y'All a very long time to respond to that call and the last time they were defeated to the last ship and did not return to wherever they came from. Whatever we are dealing with is very old and seems to stretch over millennia. Maybe you should talk to the Narth delegate. If only half of it is true what they say about them, maybe they know more about the Y'All and the Dark ones."

Algear agreed and said."For a grumpy barbarian of an unimportant water planet you sure have keen mind."

"It is because I am a grumpy barbarian I have a keen mind. " Then he coughed and turned red emptied a big glass of water and hissed." And if we ever need to torture someone, all we have to do is feed them Dai Meatballs. The Dai woman called those mildly spicy."

Algear tried a bite and his mouth and throat felt like it was on fire. "No wonder they all have red skin and are angry pirates."

Egill giggled like a school boy as he had the Dai Woman pack him a big portion of Extra Spicy Meat balls. He said to Algear. I am sending those to my world and the next Clan Chief meeting. I will say this is what real Off world men eat. Of course they will all eat and then try to look tough to their peer."

"You are a mean old bastard."

"Oh I know."

--""--

KERMAC DELEGATION

Among the seven Kermac diplomats were Nachacht and Vorneun the Wizards, not revealing their true status. In an hour they would have to address the Assembly. A delegation of Shiss and Nul was here as well, both enemies of the Union but here to grill and address the Nogoll trespass.

Nachacht could barely hide his envy as he saw the grandeur of the Great Assembly, the immense city of Pluribus and the many delegates representing civilizations and planets. Not even at the peak of the Galactic Council did they have that close to that many members and nothing in the entire Kermac sphere of influence compared to this. They were followed in respectful distance but clearly visible by a Union security team. While most delegates were shielded against psionics, not everyone was and of those minds they could read they sensed the hostility and hatred towards the Kermac. Vorneun clearly saw the little silver brain pins on the collars of two of the Security beings following them. He whispered to Nachacht."Be careful with your psionics, there are two of the PSI Corps following us."

"So? They are not Kermac and I have the finest Psi amplifier in my beard. If they try to read our minds they will be punished."

"Do you think the Union put two average talents on our tail? I think the left one is Alycia Lichfangh, the PSI corps commandant. If my information is correct, she is more powerful than any other Saresii ever was or is. The other must be equally talented; they react very unpleasant to unasked telepathic probing."

Nachacht was not paying much attention to his paranoid colleague. "I feel like a little child called before the head teacher to receive punishment. They claim we are arrogant, but it is them. Most ignore us, some even laughed at us and others made quite obvious gestures, not flattering ones I might add."

They both had used a Trans Matter Tunnel earlier and neither of them could hide their amazement seeing this incredible technology working.

They were not allowed to sit in the regular session of the Assembly, since no Union member species invited them as guests in their alcove. But they watched some of it from big view screens mounted everywhere. Viertlvorfier one of the real Kermac diplomats clenched his small fists as he heard the Partook and the Elly. "We must deal with those traitors. We cannot allow the Elly to become Union. We should send the Mocee to severely punish them."

Nachacht agreed but said. "How do you propose we do that? It will take us four days just to the border and another three days to Kermac Prime. To mobilize the Mocee or any other battle thrall species will take at least six or seven days. By then the Elly are in the process becoming Union members and the Mocee will face Union Battle ships and right now we cannot afford a war."

Viertlvorfier grunted angry. "We have Long range telepaths and as good as GalNet."

"And every Saresii is listening in? All that would do is giving them a fair warning to be ready for us."

A Blue approached them. Nachacht could barely contain his disgust as he saw that distant cousin of the Kermac. Deemed lost and disappeared they had been found by Union explorers in the Andromeda galaxy and became Union Members. He could not explain how a species that should have been exterminated for that offensive bluish skin, managed to develop such a high technology level and impressive sphere of influence. It was the Blue who brokered the last Armistice arguing that they did not want their Kermac cousins to be exterminated. The Blue had also warned the Kermac that they would be the first to request the complete destruction of all that is Kermac if it was the Galactic Council that broke the Armistice treaty.

This Blue wore a long embroidered robe and was flanked by two enormous Potsme warriors, the closest allies of the Blue and their Warrior thralls in the Andromeda galaxy. "The Assembly is now ready to receive your explanations and apologies."

Nachacht never felt more humiliated, and that after two days of humiliations, by the unspoken warning and the openly displayed disgust by the Blue. The Blue were born slaves and now they acted like masters. He slowly recanted all his titles and that made him feel better and then they followed the Blue into the Great Assembly sphere. The Nul and the Shiss were also only now allowed to enter.

The Blue pointed to a parked hover plat form." You must address the Assembly from the center. No one offered you a place in an Alcove."

After mounting the platform it rose into the middle of the huge sphere. Nachacht and none of his associates could ignore the immensity and grandeur of the place. Seeing thousands upon thousands of Alcoves occupied by representatives of planets and societies, and all united under one Government visualized the true power and might of the Union more than even the biggest fleet of Battle ships. He could not sense the minds of the Nul on a similar platform 50 meters away, but he could feel the White throat Shiss thoughts and they were as terrified and impressed as he was.

The din of voices died down and the image of a Petharian colossus appeared, "I am Radat of Petharia. I am this year's elected Speaker of the Assembly. Before us today are the Kermac delegates, representing the Galactic Council, the Shiss diplomats representing the Kingdom of the First Nestling and, the Nul envoys on behalf of the Gray One.

"This is docket number 56 on the 23rd day of August in the year 5017. The Events leading to the Nogoll attack, Scanner records, Communication Logs and Visuals can be accessed under Assembly file 56 of this day."

An edited visual was shown behind the Petharian and Audio of the Nogoll communications was heard. Including the communication between Stahl and the Kermac.

Vorneun grinded his teeth as a tremendous cheer swelled through the ranks of the assembly as the final words of Stahl were repeated.

The Petharian asked for silence and said. "The Nul have the first word."

Nul were very elusive and did rarely participate in any diplomatic events and gatherings. There was no formal contact between the Nul and the Union. There also was no contact to the Kermac. The last time a Nul representative was heard was during the Armistice proceedings over 500 years ago. The Nul had a thunderous voice as he spoke. "My liege cares little for the squabble between the puny Kermac and the weak Union. We gladly accept any declaration of war and show you what it means to go to war against the Nul. However the Nul are no fools and not blind and such a war will be very costly to all sides. This is why my liege the wise Gray of all that is Nul ratified the Free Space Treaty and we have kept our commitment, the Union and even out most vile enemy the Shiss have kept the treaty. This contract has like no period known before kept peace and stability in this part of the Universe and we are interested in keeping it that way. Make no mistake, Kermac. We are prepared for war and all your pathetic slave species will not stop the Nul from reaching you. So Kermac, speak and declare your intentions. That the Nogoll have attacked Union ships means nothing to us, that they however violated the Free Space treaty is of greatest importance."

The Shiss made a similar statement and then Nachacht who was elected by the Grand Wizard spoke. "None of you childish species could stand against the combined might of the Galactic Council, we have resources and abilities you can not comprehent. However it is us and not unimportant slaves like the Nogoll who make such decisions. Therefore we the Kermac have expelled the Nogoll from the Galactic Council and you may take whatever quarrels you have to them. The Kermac have not violated Free Space and currently have no interest in changing the conditions of this contract. Be warned, all of you that we will take swift and decisive action if any of you decide the Free Space Treaty is no longer valid."

His words caused a swell of murmurs but the Nul and the Shiss accepted the declaration and the Union speaker declared the case closed.

Nachacht regretted loosing the loyal Nogoll but it was the only solution. He cared nothing for the Nogoll fate as he was certain Union ships would retaliate and hunt Nogoll only moments after he made that statement.

--""--

NARTH DELEGATE

The Narth Delegate usually liked to be undisturbed in his Alcove and very rarely spoke, but whenever he did everyone listened, but he asked Egill and Algear to join him. Algear who had a HPI of almost 5000 and was even among the Saresii known to be one of the most powerful telepath ever, was able to pick up the neural activity of a small insect half across a continent, felt nothing in the presence of the Narth, no that was not exactly right, he felt less than nothing, it was as if looking into a great dark hole, knowing it was deep and when you dropped a stone and even after waiting a few minutes there was no sound, even though you only saw a black hole, you still knew it was incredibly deep, that is how he felt standing so close to the Narth and it was somewhat disquieting. Before he became friends with Egill, and like all Saresii he always thought of the Saresii to be just a little above other beings, just a little more powerful, more refined, finer cultured, now he felt little and insignificant.

The hooded and shrouded being appeared at first just like a man or a woman wearing a monk like floor length robe and a hood with eyeholes, but that impression changed after seeing that dark red glow behind those eye slits and the utter soundless way Narth moved, as if they somehow were not completely here and more like shadows.

Egill was very much reminded of his first meeting with Tyr and felt that this being was of a similar quality as his white friend. The Narth turned his hands, thumps upward and slightly bowed to Egill. "It honors Narth greatly that you have come to seek council from Narth. Please be seated so we may converse in civilized manner and befitting your age and status."

The Narth Alcove at first had no furniture, no chairs and the Narth representative was always seen standing, then three chairs melted out of the floor. While form energy and memory materials were nothing unusual and variable furniture was common place, both Egill and Algear knew the Narth had just made those chairs by re arranging molecules and matter from the floor. A cup of hot tea and a plastic cup of Arthurs Swine and dine filled with Vodka and Cola floated into the hands of the Narths guests and the shrouded being again made an apologetic gesture and said. "I trust I have chosen the right refreshments and I must apologize for not partaking, but please if you wish we can converse now about the matters that brought you here."

The Narth had made the exact favorite drinks of the two and Algear was frightened how easily the Narth had scanned deep into his brain to find that information past the most powerful Psi shield the Saresii could make. "You know our favorite drinks and so you must know why we are here." Algear said unable to keep an edge of accusation and anger out of his voice.

The Narth seemed not to notice." How would I know that, representative? The prying of minds is against Union law and Narth finds this a very sensible and quite advanced law for such a primitive culture. I assure you as formidable you think we Narth are, your Saresii Psi shields are quite effective and while I am capable to break it, you would know. He gestured at the drinks. "Public dossier 45302 lists favorite drinks and foods of all members of the Assembly. It is used by the procurement and hospitality services to have these consumables stocked in ample supply. I believe you filled out your preference card yourself."

Egill gasped."You memorized the food and drink choices of all delegates and representatives?"

"Yes of course, in case they do overcome their wish of distance and visit here and one can be a good host."

Algear brushed a strain of his long silver hair out of his face."Overcome the wish of distance? Is it not the Narth who wish to remain isolated and you wanting not to be disturbed?"

"This is quite illogical. Why would Narth decide to become more involved and send a representative if Narth wishes to remain isolated? If we wish to remain not disturbed or isolated it is quite illogical to place oneself in this center of activity."

Algear coughed," So you say there is no distinct wish of yours to remain undisturbed? That anyone could have come to you and conversed with you ever since you arrived?"

"To your first question: Narth do not wish. The very concept of wishing for things and events is very alien to us. Why would you formulate a desire in your mind without clear and precise ways to achieve it? If one wants to be undisturbed then one shall make all necessary logical steps so one cannot be disturbed. Not that the concept of desire is very clear to us either.

"To your second question: Yes anyone can come to here given that this person is able of of locomotion. If such person was unable of conveying oneself to me, all it had to do is ask for Narth to convey to it. I must admit one am not a master in conversation but one has remained here in this alcove and have observed and followed 46,405,343 conversations and while 98% of the content is quite confusing, the remaining 2 % should be helpful to have a base understanding of conversation."

Egill simply slapped the Narth on the shoulder. "You know what Narth, you come up to my Alcove and I teach you how to converse, I was a Hermit for the most part of my life and boy you learn conversation then. Talking to all sorts of things, well in my case it usually turned out to be monologues rather than dialogues."

Despite his completely shrouded appearance the Narth somehow managed to sound and look happy." One shall do this. One is most grateful to learn the art of conversation." Then the Narth pounded Egill's shoulder and then Algear.

"Oh and you only slap shoulders if you are fond of someone, It is a gesture reserved for informal meetings. Not to be used at formal or serious meetings." Algear added.

The Narth representative bowed slightly again. "Being fond of. Formal and informal ... Narth is very grateful for opening so many new questions and new concepts."

Algear finally came to the reason for his visit and told the Narth about the Kermac, the Y'All and the crystal tablets and the Call made to the Dark Ones.

The Narth delegate listened and it was clear he was disturbed by this. "It is good you have come to us with such information. Narth Supreme will analyze this. The Y'All are a manageable threat; however it is conceivable that those who created the Y'All have improved on the original design. We must gather more information. It is conceivable that the Kermac dabble with forces not even the Narth comprehend."

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Chapter 14: Hoods

When the alarm woke me I was surprised I had found sleep in the first place. Visiting the prisoners facing certain death had affected me more than I thought. I remembered images of a fading dream about Tyr and Egill accusing me of judging and killing without remorse. Dawn had assured me yesterday that it was her who would throw the switch. Still I had to be there. It was so she told me, the assistants task to put the blindfolding hoods over the delinquents faces and it would be me who would see their faces last.

I had a long cold shower and after putting on the executioners uniform, and girded the chain sword instead of the blaster. I simply did not want a weapon I had never used before. I stepped out the small hotel room close to the Police department. The corridor was guarded by two police officers who acknowledged me with a nod. Their faces clearly showed, fear and disgust as they looked silently at me. Dawn appeared moments later from her room and said." We still have time for breakfast; you are ready a little early."

"I don't think I can eat now."

Her voice became softer." Doing what we have to do is easier on a stomach that has something to do, trust me."

We went together to her temporary office were breakfast was already served on a small table. Here behind closed doors she removed her hood and poured me a mug of coffee. "I cannot express how thankful I am that you are here. Even after all this time I don't really get used to it and the main reason for the Assistant is moral support you know. So I am not totally alone when I have to do my work."

I had no real response for that. I felt friendship and sympathy for Dawn, but not enough to make me feel less guilty. So I took the cup watched her eating with purpose and eagerness in her moves and said. "What will I have to do afterwards?"

"We both will take a break of two hours and then you can talk to psych support if you like. Some executioners do. I fill out the final documents and we are done."

"So it means I still can go to the Academy in time?"

"It is not up to me but to the Chief Justice and I guess your admiral, but I could not see any reason to keep you any longer, unless of course you change your mind and want to pursue a career in the Justice or Correction department."

"Sorry Dawn, but that is not me. I rather go back to Nilfeheim and scrub Nubhir skins."

She finished her breakfast and then, before she put her hood back on she said." It is not uncommon that you might feel the need to throw up. If possible do not lift the hood doing it."