Back From the Void
From The Pardusian Chronicles
monEVz Im thankful for the blog.Really looking forward to read more. Much obliged.
[edit] CHAPTER II - The Office
As I enter the reception area there are two desks that flank the entrance, one belongs to the receptionist and the other to the regeneration debriefing officer. But this time, things are somewhat different. The receptionist, as well as the debriefing officer, are wearing what I can only assume are supposed to be white robes. I find it rather amusing to see Ska'ari dressed in such strange attire. But it is also becoming evident that perhaps the whole regeneration clinic might be in on this little greek charade. "Look who returns from his encounter with the Minotaur in the Labyrinth," errupts the receptionist when she sees me. I look back over my shoulder and above the hallway from which I emerged is a sign that reads "Labyrinth". When I turn back to look at the two desks before me, I notice that the receptionist's name plate is imprinted with "Charybdis" and the debriefer's with "Scylla". Above the door of the office manager is "Medusa" which isn't much of a surprise based on my previous dealings with him.
Just as I start turning toward the door of the counselor's office, it bursts open. Out comes the counselor, dressed in the same histerical garb, but also with a garland of daisies on her shell. She bursts into the room, laughing, twirling, and dancing straight for me and grabs my hand. How can I resist? So I join in. We dance violently for several seconds. Violently, because my left foot soon plants itself on one of her feet throwing her off balance somewhat. My other left foot quickly proceeds to entangle itself in between two more of her legs. She quickly reacts by moving another leg forward to stabilize herself and avert disaster, which would have worked fine if I hadn't panicked and grabbed it in a desperate attempt to remain upright. Unfortunately, this leaves her with only two legs on the left side of her body on the floor, which was not enough to remain balanced given the current circumstances. We land in a tangled heap of limbs on the floor in the middle of the office area. Everyone, except the debriefer, bursts out in laughter. I even think I can hear laughter coming from behind the closed door of the Medusa.
"I guess I'm not quite as good at dancing in real life as I am in my dreams," I say, still laughing. The counselor replies apologetically, "I'm so sorry, Nova, I didn't intend for us to fall down like this." "That's quite alright," I say, "I'm amazed and flattered that you would all go through this much effort just for me. Why, I even..." "Baron Nova!" interrupts the debriefing officer in a rather stern and official sounding tone, "Stop this nonsense and let's proceed with the debriefing." The counselor and I quickly untangle ourselves and rise to our feet. She winks at me and says, "Good to see you again, Nova, stop by my office if you need anything," and scuttles back to her office. I walk over to the desk of the debriefing officer and sit down. The imperial debriefing officers are generally high ranking officers within imperial high command and as such, are usually stuffy and grumpy. The higher the rank, the less personality I always say. This debriefing officer is no exception to the rule and he has a rather grumpy look of disgust on his face when I sit down. Looking at the papers he holds in his claws he begins, "Let's get this over with as quickly as possible, shall we baron?" Before I can answer, he continues "Just because I'm dressed in this ridiculous get up, don't think that I approve of any of this. I was forced to do this as a favor to the office staff, and they owe me a great deal for my efforts. Now on to you. It appears that you were spotted strip mining in the P.O.T.W.O.R. controlled sector of Lamice and justice was dealt out to you quickly and efficiently. I am sure that you are aware that P.O.T.W.O.R. does not tolerate strip mining in their sectors and yet you persist in doing so. This behavior is not befitting an imperial officer, baron. Imperial high command placed you in Grecein to keep you out of harm's way and to keep you from sticking your nose into imperial matters that do not concern you. It is a quiet region of imperial space and yet you still manage to incite the local alliance to violence. We created the 5th Imperial Merchant Fleet just for you so that you could go about trading and supplying the local economy with legal goods. And yet you fail at even such a simple task. We thought you might try to strip mine the sectors for your own personal gain, which is why we made you in charge of a merchant fleet, not a mining fleet. Imperial high command now finds itself with the difficult task of mopping up your indiscretions against P.O.T.W.O.R. and apologizing for your behavior. A full inquiry has already begun on your treasonous actions, and this time we just might have the evidence we need to have you removed from the imperial navy once and for all. You are free to resume your merchant duties in your assigned sectors, but rest assured that you are being watched and as soon as judgement has been passed, you will be stripped of your rank and position. Are there any questions or comments? No? Then consider this discussion complete. You are dismissed, baron." It seems as if he managed to say the whole thing in a single breath. I then reply in amazement, "Strip mining? Strip mining?! You don't seriously beli..." But before I can continue, he interrupts in an even sterner tone "I said our conversation was over! Now if you have any other comments, please submit them through my normal channels and I will assign a junior officer to look them over and if, in the unlikely event it is deemed necessary, I will respond. Dismissed!" "Yes sir," I reply and got up and head toward the exit.
As I pass the receptionist, she whispers "Don't let that old windbag get to you. I still don't know what imperial high command has against you." I ask, "I don't see any of my friends here, didn't anyone come to wait for me to be regenerated this time?" and she replies, "No, there was no backlog of regenerations this time. You were regenerated almost as soon as news of your death was confirmed. We will probably get a lot of inquiries though, there seem to be a lot of citizens that are concerned with your well being and we always get flooded when you die." "I'll give you a forwarding address to send the inquiries, and you can let everyone know that I am fine," I reply assuringly. "Thank you, Nova, by the way, I was wondering. Whydid ..." "Are you still here, baron?!" interrupts the debriefing officer. "I better go before the old windbag cracks his shell, I'll contact you later." I whisper to the receptionist before heading out the door.
[edit] Chapter III - The Ship Dealer
As I stepped outside, I immediately felt the warm afternoon sun on my face and it felt good. I also had to squint until my eyes became accustomed to the outdoor lighting conditions. A gentle breeze was blowing and the hustle and bustle of the capitol city could be heard all around. As I stood there enjoying the warming rays, I remembered that I really must make an effort to come and visit Skara every now and then. The next thing I had to take care of was making sure that all was in order at the ship dealer with my replacement constrictor. The ship dealer was only a few minutes away by public shuttle, but I remembered a round about way that could be taken on foot through one of the many parks and open spaces found in the capitol of Skara. It didn't take long to figure out which I would rather do, and was soon on my way walking down the winding path. I noticed the pangs of hunger and remembered that the regeneration process did not include a full stomach. Up ahead, near the entrance to the park, were some vendors. Wondering if there were any credits in my wallet I pulled it out, and to my surprise, not only were there credits but also a handwritten note:
"Skar'nali's treats has the most delicious krel'nors found anywhere on Skara!"
Strange, I didn't remember that being there before, but as I approached the vendors it all became clear when I noticed that one of the vendors had "Skar'nali's treats" emblazoned on the cart. The staff at the regeneration office obviously were behind this, how thoughtful. I walked up to Skar'nali's treats and waited until the proprietor acknowledged my presence. "I'll have an order of krel'nors, please," I asked and almost as soon as I finished came the reply "You're a human, have you ever eaten Ska'ari food before?" I smiled and said "most of my life," and placed the credits on the counter. He then looked at me suspiciously and handed me the krel'nors in a paper bag. I reached in and tried one, and they were simply some of the best krel'nors I had ever eaten. "Wow, these really are as good as they said they were," I exclaimed aloud. "The best on the whole planet, maybe even the entire Ska'ari cluster," came the proud response. I nodded in agreement while stuffing my face with another krel'nor. I really have to remember to send a thank you to the staff for this recommendation, wait... I quickly finished my mouthful and asked, "Can you deliver around ten orders of krel'nors to the regeneration office tomorrow just before noon?" "Sure, it will cost extra for the delivery, but I can have my son do it tomorrow. The workers at the regeneration office are some of my regular customers, you know them?" "Well, yes, I have been regenerated several times and they have always treated me well. I also try to stop in from time to time when my travels bring me to Skara," I answered. "And what is your name so I can send a note letting them know who sent the krel'nors?" he asked. I had just stuffed another krel'nor in my face and had to wait a bit before replying "Ba... Nova, just Nova." "Okay, Nova, will there be anything else?" "Just one question, have you considered starting your own restaurant? I would be more than happy to fund..." but I never got to finish what I was saying. He promptly interrupted and from the sound of his voice, I could tell it would be a while before I would have the chance to speak again, so I began eating the rest of my krel'nors while listening to what he had to say. "Are you crazy? A restaurant? Do you know what you are saying? You listen to old Skar'nali and you will learn something. Buildings, they are no good. They require too much attention and cost too much. Before you know it, you do not own the building, but the building, she owns you. There are repairs, and expansions, and upgrades in the kitchen, renovation of the dining area, repairing the plumbing, and on and on. Such a building, she requires, greeters, and waiters, chefs, and janitors, and what would become of old Skar'nali? Skar'nali would be stuck in some back room doing accounting. Skar'nali would not be able to see the happy faces of the customers when they eat his food. And it wouldn't be Skar'nali's food anymore. No it would be the chefs', and they all want to make their own little substitutions and improvements, ruining Skar'nali's delicious recipes. No my friend, you listen to Skar'nali, buildings, they are no good. You stay away from owning any buildings, and you will be much happier. Credits do not bring happiness, that can only come from interacting with your neighbors and knowing that you are partly responsible for the smiles on their faces. You cannot put a smile on your neighbor's face with a building, you have to get to know them and find out what makes them happy, and then do it. That is the only way you will be truyly happy. You take it from old Skar'nali, I have tried many things in my lifetime, and everything else will only lead to eventual frustration." About the time that Skar'noli finished, I had finished the last of my krel'nors. I looked Skar'nali in the eyes and nodded "I will take what you have told me to heart, I am sure I will be able to learn from it." Human minds are quite open to the Ska'ari, and Skar'nali looked pleased that his words had at least some impact. "I was just regenerated and would like another order of krel'nors, please," I said as I reached into my pocket for the credits. "You were just regenerated? You put your credits away, the second order of Skar'nali's krel'nors is on the house." He placed the warm krel'nors in the bag and handed it to me and said, "Here you go, and come back again soon." "Thank you, I will," I replied and began walking into the park. I turned to wave goodbye, but Skar'nali was already busy with another happy customer.
I walked on into the park. The breeze was cool, and the smell of well tended flower beds quickly overcame the smells normally associated with a metropolitan area. The chirping of birds replaced the sounds of the city. Insects buzzing in the air and scurrying across the path made me feel as if civilization was hundreds of miles away. Well manicured fields graced the forested paths here and there. At one of the fields I sat down against the trunk of a tree on the edge of the field and finished the rest of my krel'nors. They were truly wonderful. I then stretched and walked to a small hill near the edge of the field and layed down on my back, with my hands folded behind my head, looking up into the clear blue Skaran sky. It was a beautiful deep blue without any hints of clouds. As I lay there looking up into the sky, I began to feel as if I was just falling. Falling into the deep blue sky... When I awoke, the sun had already settled itself just below the tips of the trees. The nap had done me good, and it had been so long since I enjoyed a lazy afternoon on Skara, or anywhere else for that matter, that I didn't mind falling asleep at all. I got up, briefly stretched, and headed back to the trail and on to the ship dealer. It wasn't long before I reached the end of the park and was back in the city. The ship dealer was only one block away and I quickly made my way there.
As I walked into the lobby of the Ship dealer, I noticed a small table with some refreshments on it and several potential customers waiting around for a sales representative to take them to the showroom floor and storage docks to find the ship that is just right for them. Apparently, the ship dealer on Skara was short on sales representatives, like always. I looked around at the opulent furnishings for a brief moment before walking up to the reception desk. "Please take a number and a sales representative will be with you shortly. In the meantime, please help yourself to some refreshments at the table over there while you wait," said the receptionist at the desk, looking up only briefly. "I'm not here to see a sales representative, I would actually like to see Loehr'tak if he isn't too busy," I smiled. "And what is your name?" She asked. "Nova, could you let him know that Nova is here to see him?" came my reply. "I don't see your name on his list of scheduled meetings, he is very busy and doesn't like to be disturbed with unexpected intrustions. May I ask the purpose of your visit?" came a unemotional reply. I then said, "I'm a friend and we have some business to conduct, if you would just mention that I'm here, I'm sure all will be fine." She looked at me for a moment and then addressed the monitor on her desk, "Loehr'tak, there is a Nova here to speak with you," and waited for the response. "Loehr'tak will see you now," she said without looking up and went on with her work. I walked over to the private elevator and the door opened as I approached. Once in, the door closed and I was quickly whisked away to the top floor.
The elevator door opened directly into Loehr'tak's office. Loehr'tak himself was sitting behind his desk, with several documents spread out over the surface. A pile of documents that still needed to be looked over was also on the corner of his desk and I was reminded about what Skar'nali had said earlier. It was Loehr'tak that sold me my first Sabre, and first Rustclaw, and first Spectre, and first Interceptor, and first Harrier. I'm sure he would have sold me my first Constrictor as well if he could, although he did contact the ship dealer on Grecein to make sure I was given a fair price and a good ship. He had been working as a sales representative when I first met him and only took over the managerial duties several years back when he took over the family business from his mother. His eyes didn't seem as bright from behind the desk as they were back then. "Nova, good to see you. I was concerned when I saw the insurance papers for your replacement ship. What happened?" he smiled and yet looked concerned. "Good to see you too, it was just a little accident. I was mistaken for a strip miner and the rest is history. How have you been?" He looked a little tired as he replied, "Busy, very busy. I'm not sure when I was last outside in the daylight. I get in before dawn, and go home after dusk. And I work seven days a week. Sure, I see the sun and all through these windows, but they are filtered and it's not quite the same." "I'm planning on visiting the Great Waterfall before I leave, perhaps you could join me?", I asked smiling. His eyes perked up for a moment, "The Great Waterfall? That would be nice..." but then his eyes glanced at the stack of papers on his desk and he was back to normal again "No, I don't have time for that right now, perhaps at a later time. But, I do think I can spare a few moments to personally show you your replacement Constrictor. But I want to warn you, it isn't ready yet, so don't be alarmed by what you see. It just arrived earlier this morning." "That sounds great, by the way, I noticed that you still seem a bit understaffed when it comes to sales representatives," I said. "As always, Nova, as always. I don't want the customers to be bombarded by sales reps as soon as they walk in the door. They will despise them, and not appreciate them. By making them wait, they begin to yearn for a rep to show them around, and then my reps become heros, instead of vultures. Oh sure, I take a lot of flack from the customers for that, but my sales reps are much happier without the customer attitudes that you find at other dealers." replied Loehr'tak, smiling. "You're going to work yourself to an early grave like that, Loehr'tak, I don't want to have to attend your funeral anytime soon." I said, only somewhat jokingly. "Not me, my friend, I'm too hard. Now let's go see your ship," he chuckled and we headed into the elevator.
The elevator stopped on the main showroom floor, but insurance replacements were not kept there. The replacements were kept quite a way back, but we enjoyed each other's company as we walked and caught up on recent events in our lives as well as Imperial and Federal trends. As we approached the hangar holding my ship, he said, "This ship was confiscated from a notorious interfaction smuggler." As we entered the hangar, I could see why Loehr'tak had warned me about its condition. It was rather battered and rundown. The workers hadn't gotten around to preparing it yet, and I could see that Loehr'tak wasn't extremely happy about the ship either. "We'll get this thing overhauled for you Nova, and we'll completely refurbish the ship's systems. Do you want us to put in an auto-refueler as well?" asked Loehr'tak. "Yes, Loehr'tak, can I see the cargo bay?" I replied. "I don't think that is such a good idea right now, perhaps you would like to see the cockpit?" Loehr'tak asked hopefully. "Oh come on, it can't be that bad, let me see the cargo bay," I almost begged as I headed for the cargo bay. "Well, as you wish," he hesitated and then fumbled with a small control in his hand and the cargo bay door began opening. But before I could reach it, the door closed again. I was about to ask what was going on when my senses were jolted by the most sickening smell I had ever experienced. I stumbled back from the ship gasping, coughing, and choking. A few more seconds of that smell and I would have had to buy some more krel'nors. Finally I was able to ask, "That, that, smell... what is it?" Loehr'tak slowly replied, "Apparently, the previous owner liked to smuggle dark corner goods, Keldon brains, Rashkir..." but I quickly interrupted "No, don't go on. I think I feel well enough now to look at the cockpit. A dark corner goods smuggler, this will take some getting used to, it's rather like moving into a haunted house." We walked up to the cockpit and Loehr'tak opened it. I walked inside and the interior was rather repulsive as well. "Try the computer," came Loehr'tak's voice from outside. "Computer, status report please," I spoke out and almost immediately the speaker on the console came to life "It's about time you showed up. Look at the mess you have made. I warned you not to leave autopilot, I told you not to take the controls, but no, you had to pilot the vessel yourself. Right into a space maggot. Then we had to retreat and didn't have enough fuel to make it to the Temple of Doom. The emergency drives were not ready and so we sat there waiting for someone to come along and shoot us. My sensors show damage throughout the ship, it appears to have sustained about 15% damage to all systems." I interrupted with joy "You survived the assault, this is great news," and then looked out of the cockpit and asked excitedly "how did you manage to get my old computer?" Loehr'tak replied, "One of my contacts saw it on the black market in the Temple of Doom and picked it up for me. I had it installed right away because I wanted at least some good news for you." When I looked at him, it even appeared that he had the old glint in his eyes again, at least for a little while. "Computer, any urgent messages that need my attention?" I asked, and almost immediately came the reply, "You have over fifty, the most important are from Ginea and Wayfarer concerning the incident." I responded, "Send them each a brief message letting them know all is well and not to act rashly, I will send more information later on." As I stepped out of the cockpit, I said "Thanks, again for installing my old computer, it is so hard to get used to a new computer and takes forever to get everything set up the way you need it." Loehr'tak motioned me to follow him, and as we walked toward an adjoining hangar he replied, "No problem, Nova. Now, you were talking about the Great Waterfall, how are you planning on getting there?" As I responded, I could hear the sound of a ship entering the hangar we were approaching, "I figured I'd take some form of public transportation, probably one of the shuttles, why?" Loehr'tak laughed, "That would take hours, you would get there late in the night. How do you expect to pitch your tent, or find your way around in the dark? No my friend, I have a better idea. I have a special Interceptor that I've had modified with an interphased drive. I'll have my best pilot take you there himself. I made all the arrangements while you were in the cockpit." "Thank you, Loehr'tak, but don't I have some papers to sign, and..." I replied, but Loehr'tak interrupted, "There will be time enough to sign papers when you get back. Feel free to use the camping gear I have stashed on board, at least it will get some use again. Oh, I almost forgot, here is a remote link to your ship's computer. With this you can keep in contact with your computer, catch up on correspondence, and even monitor progress on the ship." "Thank you.." I replied, but Loehr'tak interrupted again, "This is our best repo pilot, he goes by the handle Collector. Collector, this is Nova, please take him to the Great Waterfall, and don't let him forget the camping gear. Well, I really must be going now, take care my friend, and I'll see you soon." Loehr'tak then climbed aboard a small shuttle which hurried him back toward the main showroom floor. "Collector" and I were left standing there staring at each other. Collecter quickly said, "Let's get going, I can still get you there before nightfall." This sounded a little unsettling to me. We hurried to the hangar and the waiting Interceptor. "How did they manage to get an interphased drive on an Interceptor and still manage to fuel it?" I asked as we were climbing into the cockpit. He replied as I began fastening the restraining harness, "The cockpit has been shortened somewhat to make room for a special refueler that allows the engine to be refueled directly. Unfortunately, collecting fuel in space is impossible, so long range trips can only be conducted if there are starbases or planets along the way with fuel available. It's the fastest ship in all of the Empire. Are you ready?" The cockpit closed, the engines came to life, and my heart began to beat rapidly in my chest. I responded, "Ye-iiiiiiaaaaaah." We shot out of the hangar straight for a solid wall and turned up only in the last instant. Hurtling straight up and still accelerating we were headed straight for a pair of passing freighters. I quickly closed my eyes and prepared for impact. Two sudden jolts let me know that we had cleared the freighters safely, if one could use the word safely for the flight I was on. Another sudden swerve and we were in horizontal flight again. After 10 full seconds of no further jolts or jerks, I slowly opened my eyes and saw everything speeding by at incredible speed. Collector chuckled, "You can start breathing again." I hadn't noticed before, but I had actually been holding my breath. This was rather embarrassing, especially with me being a seasoned freighter pilot and Baron in his majesty's navy. Collector glanced over at me and reassuringly said, "It happens to everyone, don't worry about it." "I'm just glad I'm flying with you, and not against you," I chuckled nervously. Perhaps glad wasn't the proper term to use though, perhaps less frightened would have been more appropriate. I looked out of the cockpit and even noticed the hull begin to glow at the points where the atmosphere was being sliced apart as we sped along our way. After a few minutes we were approaching the Great Waterfall. I prepared for the landing, but it was rather calm, compared to the takeoff. As I shakily climbed out of the cockpit, Collector said "Don't forget the camping gear." Camping gear? Oh yes, I was so happy to get out of the Interceptor I had almost entirely forgotten about the camping gear. "Yes, thank you," I responded. I unloaded the gear, which looked a bit dusty, from behind and under my seat and thanked Collector for taking me and wished him a safe trip back home. He lifted off and after a few moments was gone from sight.
More to come.
