Eric Olafson, Neo Viking Vol. 02

Wetmouth said." I am humbled by your assessment Mother Superior, but if my self analysis is correct I do not exceed an IQ of 400."

"Child." the woman laughed behind her mask,"Genius IQ is generally considered to begin around 140 on some scales but the most accurate scale to measure these things is of Saresii origin and a person achieving a score of 180 is considered a genius. You have ability to independently arrive at and understand concepts that would normally have to be taught by another person. That is the very definition of being a genius, girl." The woman padded Wetmouth's knee. "You are not destined to be a working Sojonit. You must explore and use your real gift. I will therefore grant you the right to wear the Veil of abstinence and then I must send you away. I want you to reach Union Space and apply for Union citizenship at the first planet you reach. Only there can you fully develop your gift. They will recognize you very fast for what you are and they have the most wonderful universities, the Science Corps and schools with access to libraries and knowledge."

Wetmouth knew about the Veil of Abstinence it was very rarely given to sisters who received special tasks where the traditional tasks of a Sojo interfered. While she understood the reason for Mother Superiors motives. However on an emotional level she was afraid to leave. This was the only home she ever knew. However every Sojo accepted will and the word of Mother Superior without questioning and said. "I will obey your command and ruling."

The woman left her hand on her knee. "Wetmouth, I know it will be a very hard way, but this world can offer you no future and it would be a sin against nature and the Spirit of the Goddess to waste such incredible intellect. I can not accept you to the next circle of knowledge, without guilt. Now heed my command, my dear. It is for the best."

--""--

It had been a long journey and Wetmouth was at the end of her resources and felt utterly alone. She had reached the Space port of Checkpoint 96; she had arrived on an old surplus Leyland space bus, operated by a non union company from Netlor twelve days ago. Her journey was everything but easy.

The travel arrangements Mother Superior made failed because the ship master she hired was attacked by pirates, but managed to limb to a planted called Alvor's cove. Instead of delivering her to the Union outpost.

Men chased her, wanted her because she was a Sojonit. To them the veil of abstinence meant nothing and she had been raped brutally on Alvor's Cove. She managed to flee as the men fought each other and stowed away on a water freighter bound to Netlor.

With her last Iridium chips, she managed to buy a passage on a pilgrim transport, taking Union worshippers from Netlor back to Checkpoint 98, the first Union space access point.

A horny pilgrim aboard the transport almost raped her again, tore her last set of clothing. She was saved by the pilgrims wife discovering what he was about to do. She beat him but did not spare her either with blows and kicks.

She had nothing left. The credit strip Mother Superior had given her, had been stolen along with her bag and belongings on Alvor'sCove, she had not a single credit or Iridium coin. left.

She had checked with an Info Bot. There was no Sojo temple on Checkpoint 96. Her luggage had been stolen and she was dirty, hungry and alone. The Union Guard had scanned her DNA and the system told him she was human female and according to her cell map too young apply for citizen ship without a legal guardian. He could offer her a place in an orphanage, but she would have to shed her Sojonit identity.

She lied to them and told them she was visiting an aunt and they told her the aunt would have to call and verify her CITI for a sponsored trip.

She found out that even if she still hade all her money she could not purchase a Space bus ticket without a CITI or being old enough to apply for a visitors permit. Mother superior was right, the Union was a shiny world but it was full of regulations and cold.

She sat down, on a bench and despite her intellect she felt lost and she did not have enough data or knowledge to analyze the situation.

She didn't realize it at first but she was crying behind her mask.

A very tall man dressed all in black and wearing black tinted lenses held to aframe things before his eyes, stopped and sat next to her, his voice was rich and deep and he said. "I could not help but notice you crying. Is everything alright?"

"Please Mister. I am wearing the Veil of Abstinence, I cannot service you."

"Sorry to have you disturbed then. I was not looking for service by the way, I am happily married and do not need such services anyway. I just heard your sob and wondered if I could perhaps help in some way."

She looked up." It would be highly logical to accept help in the situation I am in but experience of the behavior of men and their reaction towards a Sojonit conflicts with this initial logical assessment."

He chuckled. "Young lady you are not talking like I would have a Sojonit expected to talk, but I understood what you said nevertheless and I can add some input to your situation analysis. I promise I will not hurt you. I promise I will not touch you in any way. Furthermore since your initial statement suggested that you do need help and give the possibility that I am able to render potential assistance potential. Thus a situation analysis with these new parameters might move you in telling me the reason for your initial logical assessment."

She raised an eyebrow behind her mask. The stranger was quite able to express himself and she said. "I am lost and stranded and do not know how to achieve my appointed task of becoming a Union citizen."

Now she noticed two men and a very professional looking woman, all trying to look inconspicuous, but their focus was clearly the tall stranger. The men looked perfectly civilian but still something was odd and dangerous about them. "Sir, I might not be the only one with problems here. There are three individuals approximately seven meters from here and their behavior pattern suggests they are focused on you and I believe with a reasonable high probability that they are armed."

"Very astude observation young lady, these two gentlemen are associates of mine and the woman is my executive assistant Yvonne. My name is Rex by the way. Would it be acceptable if I invite you to a cup of coffee or something and you tell me more about your troubles? I believe with a reasonable high probability that I can help you and I want to assure you I will not ask for anything in return, neither any service nor any information you are not willing to give."

"I have little options left and a hot beverage would be most welcome. I am Wetmouth."

"Do you trust me enough to walk over with me to that coffee shop or I can have the coffee brought here if you prefer."

Wetmouth relaxed a little. The man seemed no threat and was very friendly. His voice had a deep, with very self assured quality of authority and she believed him. "I do not think they deliver coffee over here, Sir. I think we need to go over there."

"I am sure they make an exception for us." He smiled at her and waved his hand and the woman Yvonne managed to walk with grace, fast and silent on high heeled pumps. A feat of perfect body control, Wetmouth was impressed.

"Yvonne I would like to get some coffee for my bench sharing associate and myself a menu from that coffee shop over there."

"Right away, Rex."

Wetmouth was quite stunned when two waiters came running only moments later, the woman he called Yvonne had not moved or done anything visibe. They carrying one of the Coffee houses tables, a third emerged from the store front carried coffee cups and menus. They placed the coffee table right in front of them and the third waiter behaved like he was the owner of the coffee shop and his facial expression reflected, pride and open fear. Wetmouth analyzed the behavior, the body guards and came to the conclusion Rex was a crime lord or something similar. Only they commanded such obedience.

The waiters bowed placed the coffee cups and the apparent owner said." Mr. Schwartz I cannot begin to express my pride and thanks you have chosen my coffee shop, everything you want Sir you name it and I get it."

"Good to know. I would like to have a private conversation right now with this lady."

"Yes Sir."

"Are you a crime syndicate lord?" Wetmouth asked.

Yvonne who stood nearby audibly sucked in air, but Rex smiled. "No young lady, this is Union space, not Sin 4. While I am sure we have a few of those here too, they usually don't like to draw much attention to themselves. Frankly I don't like that either but we have this part of the lobby for ourselves at the moment."

Wetmouth only now noticed that he was correct, this part of the elevated balcony above the main concourse was void of other beings.

She also became aware of at least ten more beings, not all of them human but all immaculate dressed in black suits, blocking the access pints to this elevated spot above the main concourse.

The woman, Yvonne said."I am sorry to interruot, but the Battle ship with your son in law has arrived Sir. They should be debarking within the hour."

"Thank you Yvonne. Is my daughter informed?"

"Yes Sir, she is the first in line at the gate."

"Then we give Roy a little time and space to say hello to my daughter and tell them where I am"

Wetmouth sipped the coffee and only now realized how hungry and thirsty she had been, her hands were shaking.

Rex said to her." No, Wetmouth I am a business man and much of my business is quite legal."

Wetmouth nodded." Ah the Union uses a legal system of laws and rules that determine what activity is legal and what is not. The activities not legal are considered to be criminal, right?"

"Yes young lady but I know Sin 4 and its culture is what you use as base line. Please do not get upset but despite your mask I am seeing you are quite distraught and hungry. Your outfit is far from immaculate as it usually is with Sojonit Sisters. So why don't you tell me your troubles?"

Wetmouth ignored her caution and simply told the man everything and he listened without interrupting her. She was crying again as she ended and cursed her mask, she could not dry her tears.

He leaned forward. "Please don't be afraid no more. If you let me assist you, I help you become a legal citizen and I take care of your education as well."

A man in military uniform accompanied by an incredibly beautiful blonde girl and a huge black animal approached the table.

Rex got up and said. "Wetmouth this is my daughter Monique Masters and that Union Special forces marine is Roy Masters my son in law. Oh and that big black thing that's Partner his Fury Hound."

They greeted her friendly and either didn't know what a Sojonit was or did not care and seemed to completely overlook the fact. His daughter hugged and kissed him and then he hugged the muscular man, who was not as tall as Rex, but Wetmouth somehow felt this man was very dangerous and not only because he was a member of the even on Sin 4 famous and feared Union marines. The big animal simply flopped down right next to her and without really thinking she touched it and felt its soft fur and began to pet it.

Rex said."Are you done now with the Marines?"

"Never Dad, once a marine always a marine but I will be officially discharged in a few days. My active service time is now over. Now if you excuse me, I promised my Angel to go shopping with her and then we intend to spend some quality time alone. Partner likes your new friend so I leave him here if that's okay Dad."

"Sure is, have fun you two."

Wetmouth felt jealous of the two. They had everything and a loving father.

Rex sat back down." I am sorry I had to interrupt but I had not seen either of them in two years. That is the reason I came to this fringe world in the first place."

She said." I am just a stranger they are family. I understand."

The woman Yvonne stepped closer and Wetmouth realized she was there the whole time, and she looked at a PDD. "I just checked with legal, Sir. It isn't as easy to make the young lady a citizen. She is an unacompanied minor and needs a legal guardian. Technically she is an orphan of non Union origin and would need to report to social services."

He said." I don't care if it is easy or difficult I want it done."

"There is this alternative..." She held the PDD before his eyes.

Rex glanced at it and then said. "Wetmouth, I am Rex Schwartz. I don't know if you have heard of me on Sin 4 but I am considered the richest man in the Galaxy and while I must abide by the law like everyone else I usually get things done. I am an Immortal and a little older than 3000 years. I am happily married for almost as long and I assure you I could hire every Sojonit there is for a decade and would not have to cut down on sugar for my coffee.

I am telling you all this to assure you I am no threat. I won't harm you. As you saw I am also a father and a man. Because of this, I c aan not ignore th.e distress you are in of a young woman, a girl crying. Let me help you but I can do so only if you trust me."

He paused to let it sink in.

Even Wetmouth had heard of Schwartz Industries as they maintained a call center and a Coin Exchange on Sin 4. She knew of stories other sisters told and it was said that not even the Syndicates dared to mess with them.

Her analytical mind realized how incredibly powerful that man had to be and she believed every word he had said. She shivered involuntarily and then said with a weak voice."Given the lack of viable alternatives, sir. I will I trust you."

He smiled. "Splendid, we will call your mother superior and make sure she is okay with that and then I will adopt you, if that is okay with you. As my daughter you can become a citizen in no time and then we find you the finest tutors and your University of choice."

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Chapter 4: Crystal Suite

I came to my senses and realized even before I opened my eyes I was naked and my hands had been tied to my back. I opened my eyes and looked into the face of a blue skinned Thauran teen with coppery metallic hair. "Hey Exa, your rich benefactor is awake."

Then he turned back to me. "Now listen carefully, Rich Citizen Kid. We are the Port Roaches, the most bad ass gang on all of Twilight and I am the Roach King. You caused one of my roaches to be arrested. I don't like that.

You interfere with my business and I don't like that even less.

Now little useless Exa here, tells me you like little girls and pay for food and you got money. You can improve your situation by letting me see how much money you got on your credit chip and then I want you to transfer every micro cent into my credit strip. If you do that I let you live, release you, naked but alive up in the port and you can go back to whatever dirt ball you came from, poorer but alive."

"I don't believe you. You can't let me go after I handed you my money. Union Police will tear this moon apart if they hear of a kidnapping, I am sure you know what the penalty for everyone involved is. It isn't dust camp."

There were four others similar dressed and dirty as the Roach king and Exa who was the smallest and most fragile looking of them all.

One of them said. "He is right King. This ain't stealing anymore. We're in deep trouble; they will hang us for this."

Another squeaked. "I've seen a public hanging and I sure do not want to go like that. It was horrible, the guy was charged with murder and he kicked his feet for almost five minutes before he died. Roach king let's cut our losses and let the guy go."

"You all shut up. We did the deed and now we reaping the spoils. I am in charge here. This guy is rich. That is our ticket out of here. We all will have money and eat and sleep in real beds."

The tallest of the bunch crossed his "You are in charge because you drew the black rock out of the bag. We can call for a new draw anytime."

The others yelled. "We have a right to vote on that."

I stoked the fire. "I sent a distress call with my PDD just before that lying brat sent me dreaming. I am sure if Port security can't find me they call in Union Police or even Marines and Fleet Security. Taking a fleet member hostage is about the worst you could have done."

Exa almost cried as she said. "He did tell me he was on his way to Arsenal. That's Fleet HQ."

Another boy said. "Messing with the Fleet, King, are you crazy? I am out of here. They bring in the PSI Corps to find him and anyone responsible for his death. There is no place we can hide from them."

The tall one hissed "I quit. I go to the Filth Flies. They may not have a nice cave as we do but they stick with stealing."

The Roach King screamed in a fit. "Alright let us discuss this but not before that rich boy. I kill him myself so no one is going to be hanged other than me if it ever comes to that." He herded them out and closed the rusty door.

Now I had time to check my surroundings. I was in a small utility room. There were big pipes and hand wheels on one side.

The walls were made out of natural rock and I assumed this was some sort of maintenance chamber for the water supply systems. Across my current position the other side of the room was a railing about hip high and a sign attached to it read Fresh water holding tank 12. Pre-treatment.

I could see the wave like reflection of water at the rock ceiling.

The door croaked open again and the Roach king came back. "You will tell me the access code to your PDD and transfer the money."

"No."

"You still think you have a choice, rich kid."

Two of his friends came in. "What we are going to do?"

"We toss that piece of shit in the water like we did with Serg and make him talk. They all talk after that."

They dragged me to my feet, and over to the railing, now I could see a big and deep water tank fed by a pipe at on one end and grating covered drain at its bottom about ten meters below the surface.

The Roach King came close to my ear. "You see that Rich boy? That is real cold river water and it is deep."

I had to bite my lips to make me sound terrified." I can't swim."

"Swimming isn't going to be your problem, shit. Getting air to breath however is."

Someone kicked me in the knee pits and I dropped rather painful with my naked knees on the steel grading and two of them pushed me head first over the rim of the tank into the water, holding my legs. After only one minute or so they pulled me back up. "The PDD code, now."

I knew I was acting real badly and as if I was out of breath and terrified." No."

They dunked me again and not much longer then the first time.

One of them whispered. "We are not really going to kill him are we?"

"Shut up you pansy."

Then he leaned forward. "The next time I dunk you it be much longer. Maybe twice as long as before. The Access code now."

I shook my head. "No if I do you kill me."

"I do if you don't."

He dunked me again. I kicked them harder this time and I slipped out of their grip. I expelled all the air form the lungs kicked little for show and then let myself float. I could not help but grin to myself.

But then it was my own stupidity brought me into this situation in the first place and that was no reason to smile.

I kept playing dead. I heard them say." If his body clogs the intake the engineers come down and find him they going to investigate."

After about ten or fifteen minutes, they used a pole to get me and fished me out.

"We got to throw him in the river. Now get his clothing and the PDD so if did make that call they think he fell in the water or something and hopefully the river will drag him halfway around the terminator before they find him."