I looked toward the ceiling as I always did when I talked to her. “I trust you, no worries, SHIP.”
“I know you do, captain. I was just making sure you knew the nature of our conversation.”
The Nul said, “We have hip AIs as well but I never thought one could have such a pleasurable and personal conversation with one. The way you talk to your system is truly amazing.”
I said, “I think we are giving you wrong impressions. SHIP is unique in this regard and much more than just an AI.”
The Nul said, “Captain Olafson, I decided not to accept your challenge. I do not wish to fight you to the death. Even though I am nearly well and I feel I have a fair chance, the result would be the death of one of us. In the last few hours, I was able to observe your crew a little. I conversed with a Golden, a Dai, and a Y’All and they all have told me much about you and why they are dedicated to you. They also told me that your looks and size are deceiving and fighting you would not necessarily mean I would be the victor. I have witnessed you fight and I agree. Besides, I owe you my life.”
I swallowed. “I am glad you decided against that. The idea of being torn limb from limb by a Nul Warrior is certainly not on top of my activity list. However, the reason I have come is another altogether. My superior, the highest military authority in our Navy, would like to talk to you, if you agree.”
He said with urgency, “We are at war with the Union?
“No, I believe your message was received just in time and it appears war was prevented.”
“I am ready to talk to your admiral.”
“SHIP, have Elfi pipe the admiral’s call down here.”
The old admiral appeared as a holo avatar. “Your majesty, I am Admiral of the Fleet McElligott. My government has authorized me to talk to you on their behalf as I had to keep your whereabouts a secret.”
The Nul said, “I understand, Human admiral.”
“To ease faster communication, we have sent a ship with long-range GalNet equipment to your home world. This historic mission was approved by your supreme leader. As soon as the ship arrives, you will be able to converse directly with your government. Also, one of our ships will arrive on Sin 4 in three or four days. It will take you to Union Space and from there, we will provide transport to any destination you request. Be assured you will be treated according to your position as a highly welcome guest of state and not as a prisoner.”
The Nul bowed. “Thank you, Admiral of the Union. However, this is not necessary as I would like to evoke the conditions set forth in Fleet regulation 4,563, paragraph 12.”
The projected avatar of the admiral was obviously baffled. “Your Majesty. I am not familiar with that regulation at the moment. What are you trying to say?”
The Nul surprised me as well as he said, “This regulation was used to conscript the Golden, and it states the right of a captain of a Union ship to conscript any being willing and able to perform all duties and swear allegiance to the Union.” He made only a very short pause and then said: “I hereby request to be conscripted as I am willing to swear allegiance to the Union. This captain has saved my life. The crew of this ship has not made me feel like an enemy and has treated me with respect. I want to learn about the Union and your Fleet. I want to do it right here aboard this ship, as it also gives me a chance to repay my debt. He who rules is in good health will be the Supreme Leader for many decades to come before I will climb upon the Rock of Gatu and take on the responsibilities as ruler of my people.”
McElligott coughed. “Your Highness, this is a very unusual request and I—”
The Nul said with a firm voice before the admiral could finish his objection, “It is not unusual; it has been used for Sobody’s request. He is or was the factual ruler of his kind. In order for me, as the future ruler of all Nul-Nul to make the right decisions, I want to learn about the Union and its Fleet. We Nul have trusted the Seenians and were paid with destruction. We have trusted the Galactic Council and were left alone. We trusted the Shiss and were betrayed. We have decided to trust no one who is not Nul, and that is the reason we have resisted any contact. This time, however, I want us, the Nul, to ask someone else to trust us. I want to learn the truth and the depths of your society, not from records and diplomats, but at the source.
“I believe, if I understood the Golden and SHIP’s explanation correctly, this would also make me a Union citizen, and thus improve our relationship more than words or contracts. I am sure you understand that I can only ask my people to trust and accept the Union beings as worthy allies and partners if I really believe it is so.”
McElligott wrung his hands. “Your Majesty, with all due respect, you are aboard the strangest ship in our fleet, and they are in the middle of a dangerous mission. I could not guarantee your safety other than by ordering that ship home. Could you not do your fact-finding tour on this nice big battleship? I could arrange you to do this even on the Devastator.”
The Nul said, “Do not recall this ship on my behalf. I am certain their mission is vital and important. What message would that send to a society like mine, if I chose safety over honor? I know my Life-giving Leader will eagerly agree with my decision, and if battle on this ship claims my life, it will not end relationships but cement Nul commitment. I hope you, too, will learn more about Nul in the future, Admiral of the Fleet, and then you will see how important honor and acting accordingly is for us Nul.”
McElligott threw his arms in the air. “Why not, one more totally unique crew member that fits perfectly in this collection won’t make all that much difference, but I must insist on your Leader’s decision, to make it official.”
“I accept this condition.”
“This ship of yours, captain, seems to have some sort of magnet built in that attracts all the strays and outcasts. Your Majesty, I approve your conscription under the condition I mentioned and give you the rank of an acting ensign. That means, however, that your diplomatic status means little and that you are subject to all the Navy regulations you are so good at quoting, even the less pleasurable ones, like accepting orders.”
The Nul said, “I am intellectually capable of understanding all the consequences of my request. I am a warrior born and from a spacefaring society that is very little behind yours in terms of technology and advancements. The Seer of Narl Gatu has been right as always as he foresaw my transformation. We distrusted others for a long time as we paid dearly when we did trust others. But this time it is not others to ask us for trust, but we ask yours. I hope we can normalize relations between our societies and end thousands of years of mistrust and hostilities.”
McElligott rubbed his chin. “This is actually quite an historic event. Lasting peace, perhaps, even cooperation between the Nul and the Union will be received like thunder on a sunny afternoon. It will shake the Galaxy and could very well lead to panic decisions by the Shiss and the Kermac.”
“The Shiss have abducted me, and I am certain my Life Giver will not let this pass unpunished. However, whatever foes or enemies will emerge, we will meet them as allies. I have completed a message to my Life Giver; would you transmit it as soon as possible?”
The admiral acknowledged when he received the file and then sighed. “Carry on, captain, the good thing out of all this is that you could not possibly top that. So, I should be good receiving your next report. McElligott out.”
As the avatar blinked out of existence, I glared at the Nul. “You could have warned me and asked me about your intentions.”
He actually sounded apologetic. “I am sorry, captain, but SHIP recommended that this would be a logical course of action, so I could remain aboard a little while longer. I assure you, I am aware of military hierarchy and shall perform and execute all duties and orders you give. I intend to show you that Nul can be trusted. Besides, I learned that I am not the only royal being serving under you, and they all willingly accept your rule. I am very capable, having been trained since early childhood in all matters of space warfare.”
/> I glanced toward the ceiling. “I think I need to have a word with SHIP about collaborating with the enemy. Now I know why she responded right away after you told me you talked to her. You, Mr. Natu, are to report to the XO for quarters and duty assignment. After you get your uniform, I will swear you in and all that.”
SHIP responded with a hurt tone in her voice, “Captain, all questions he asked were nonclassified. I also asked Lt. Narth for his opinion and he said answering these questions would not be against regulations. I would never collaborate with the enemy!”
“SHIP, you know exactly what I am talking about! You might be the most advanced synaptronic but you are not a very good actor. You can barely keep your amusement and satisfaction out of your voice.”
“One is amazed how well you know your SHIP.”
“That is what I do. I am the captain, after all.”
***
The Minerva was an impressive, water-drop-shaped, armed Ult freighter. It landed right next to us and I welcomed her captain in our Pirate’s Den. He was a Karthanian. Like all Karthanians, he was only remotely Humanoid, having many similarities to a Terran Seahorse. External Bone structure, round, always open mouth with a flickering tongue, four stalk eyes and short, fern-like antenna on each side of his head. He did have two arm-like appendages with very long fingers that started at what would be the elbow of a Human arm.
The Karthanian looked around. “Permission to come aboard. I am Sposhtrah, shipmaster of the Minerva.” He then identified himself with the Red-Red-Blue protocol and I did the same. Only then did he take off his bejeweled 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 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. “No worries, captain, I am known as one of the 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 have 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 build up a reputation and do this secretly.”
I toasted him. “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. “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 who 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, “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 60 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 would be part of the delivery. 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. 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. “Permission to come aboard, captain?”
To see him was a great surprise. “Of course, permission granted, sir. Where did you come from?”
He pointed at an open cargo box. “The Devi is standing by in Union Space with the entire First Fleet to clean up Sin 4 as soon as the Stiks officially make 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. Instead of being angry, they cheered, 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 present 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 toward the Gray Nul. “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 entertainment 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 and they, too, will 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 real 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 un
der 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 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 20 or 30 clans, but not 2,000. Nothing our now beefed up border forces could not handle.”
While I was talking with the admiral, 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 toward 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 crew members 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. “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 Pertharians and load handlers.
Eric Olafson Series Boxed Set: Books 1 - 7 Page 121
