Prowler's Lof: The Story of the Shadow Runners: Entries 1 though 50

Note 1: With so many characters and concepts in Virtually Real being pulled from my stories set in the Kah-Har universe I've decided to start posting this log as it covers all the important events from the main characters point of view.

Note 2: the offset number is Prowler's age according to the Galactic Standard time system.

Entry 1 (17.3GS)

I died today; my name is Tigris Dacat and this is my log. A rather unusual way to begin a personal log but then I’ve never been what most consider normal. Three days ago Kindra D’mize, one of the greatest evils the galaxy has ever known, came to Accordia to enlarge her army. She didn’t need to increase her already considerable power. She did it because she felt like destroying something. We … They, I have to remember that I’m no longer considered one of them, are a pacifistic people and Kindra believed that everyone would choose death rather than submit to her demands. She would have been right if she hadn’t decided to taunt us. It cost her in the end. Since they refused to draft an army for her Kindra told the ruling council that if they could find one person who would voluntarily join her then she would leave Accordia in peace.

Everyone knew that Kindra would destroy the planet since she has destroyed many planets in her quest to become supreme ruler of the galaxy. A quest she is getting close to fulfilling. One of her latest acts was the poisoning of Kran-Rak’s oceans. She had demanded that their government train an elite group of assassins to be her personal guards. They refused and she poisoned the ocean and all the plant life died. This included the Kran’s children and elders since their life cycle begins and ends as simple plants in the great oceans. There have been rumors that some of the Kran escaped to another world but they are just rumors.

The thing is, Kindra has one redeeming quality, if it can be called such under the circumstances, she never breaks a promise. That was why I volunteered; I knew she would keep her promise and leave Accordia. I’ve lived my life by the same code that all Accordans live by; however, I also believe that I must do everything I can to preserve life. I see this sacrifice as a fulfillment of that code. I willingly joined Kindra D’Mize to save my friends, family, and planet from destruction. To them I’m nothing more than a memory. The moment I stepped forward to answer Kindra’s challenge I was declared dead to them forever. In their eyes I am betraying everything they believe in. Even if I am able to escape from Kindra I’ll never be able to return.

The shuttle has arrived so it is time to go.

End Log

Entry 2 [Transcribed]

I have to write this out rather than entering it into my auto log since everything I brought with me was taken. I have so many things to say and such a short time to say them so I’ll write them down and elaborate when I can. There is another Accordan on board; though I don’t think she realizes that she is from Accordia. Also I need to explain why my log was taken to begin with. I’ve discovered what my rank is and what my relationship with the crew is going to be like. I’ve been learning a lot of new skills and some of them have even been positive experiences. Also I want to mention that Galactic Standard Time is a rather simple concept but I’m having a difficult time trying to adapt to

End Log

Entry 3 (17.4)

Kindra returned my auto log today. She also returned the written entry that I didn’t get to finish. I tried to tell the supervisor that it was my art, poetry, he still took it to Kindra. Of course she had it analyzed and she wasn’t happy when no one could translate it. So having no other choice she ordered me to translate it for her. I recited a poem that I had created after she sent me on my first mission. But that’s another story and I don’t feel like talking about it right now or ever. Anyway I was writing in Shendrin, an ancient language known only to the Dacat family. Kindra believed me since lying is supposedly a foreign concept on Accordia. Fortunately, or unfortunately depending on ones point of view, I’ve learned a lot of new things in the last month.

Now that I’ve finished transcribing my previous entry I can elaborate. The first thing that my supervisor did when I came aboard was take all of my belongings. I knew I had a problem since I have to have an outlet to practice my skills as a poet. The computer in my quarters, which is obviously monitored, wouldn’t provide what I needed since I’d have to enter everything in Basic Galactic rather than Shendrin. So having nothing better to do I tried to make friends with several other members of the crew in a quest to find out more about the situation I was in.

I was stunned when everyone avoided me. Sure I expected the crew to treat me differently since I had ruined one of Kindra’s brilliant plans and because I was the new guy but even when I could convince some one to speak to me I could tell that they were terrified. Finally I asked a crewman, who was to absorbed in repairing something in a duct to know whom he was speaking to, what the story was on the new recruit from Accordia. What he said shocked me. It turns out Kindra has made me her second in command. I know why she did it; she is trying to tempt me with power over people who feared me.

Well I wasn’t tempted I was revolted. However with my new rank I knew I could get everything I needed, except friends, through proper channels. So of course I looked up the quartermaster and headed for the supply. That’s where I met the Accordan I mentioned in my earlier entry.

Damn, can’t I get any time alone?

End Log

Entry 4

Well, it’s only been about an hour since my last entry. It seems that Kindra has decided that the best way to get rid of me is by loading me down with work. And then to have her special supervisor constantly checking on me to see if I’m doing it.

Anyway to continue where I left off, when I reached the main supply offices I met Dawna, she’s also from Accordia. I recognized her as being a member of the Destiny family since she looks so much like her mother. She wasn’t afraid of me like the rest of the crew. I’m hoping that this is a sign that I might actually be able to make a friend in this purgatory.

As part of my new position Kindra has set certain goals on my “education”. Every day I’m hooked up to a machine that implants information directly into a person’s mind in such a way that it hyper educates them. Unlike some educational aids this machine doesn’t just implant the information. It also teaches the subject how to use the information. It also creates a muscular memory; at least that’s the best way I can describe the experience. For example I’ve had a course in self-defense. Now if someone attacks me I’d react instinctively to defend myself with what I’ve learned rather than having to think about it. I guess what I’m trying to say is the education doesn’t require practice to learn. I’ve never touched a blaster before but after being “taught” I’m now an excellent marksman. I must admit that the process is enjoyable. Though what I’m learning isn’t what I’d have chosen in my former life. However, like Kindra herself her education machine has some nasty side effects. It increases an individual’s aggressive tendencies with each use. Fortunately I caught on to that scheme after only a couple sessions.

After realizing what Kindra’s machine was doing to me I started choosing the order in which I’d take her courses. The supervisor didn’t have a problem with that as long as I took courses from a list Kindra had provided. Luckily what I wanted was on the list, though it was slated to be one of the final treatments. In the end I had four courses under the aggression treatment command, battle strategy, an intensive basic weapons training with all known forms of weaponry, and finally computer programming. After which I hacked the ships computer core and implanted a program, which blocks the aggression programming whenever I am undergoing a treatment.

With the aggression treatment blocked I took as many of the courses as I could before Kindra could figure out what I’d done. Just to keep this log updated these are the treatments I’ve had: starship design, astronavigation, computer programming in robotics, unarmed combat, self defense, primitive weaponry, xenobiology, cultural xenopology, piloting which covers most forms of transport, and battle field first aid. Also I’ve added the languages of Basic Galactic, Starport Argot, Calindoni, Arrebo and Binary which I can understand but not speak, to the Accordan, Snarion, Old Accoryon, and Shendrin that I all ready knew. In other words I took all the courses that Kindra had listed. When I had finished I discovered that I still had time to slip in courses for edged weaponry, fencing, swordplay, virtual reality theory and theriomorphic theory. As it turns out I have an aptitude for primitive weaponry specifically the crossbows and edged weapons. As for the other two theory courses they just sounded interesting and I figured it would confuse Kindra as to my motives though they were more informative than I thought they would be.

The problem is that when Kindra figured out what I’d done, she decided to give me more “challenging” work. So now I have to teach some members of her crew skills that they’ve thus far been unable to learn by treatment. According to Kindra the process doesn’t work as well for everyone as it did on me. Teaching the crew shouldn’t be a problem but she expects me to design and build her a space Racer from scratch at the same time. The only positive thing to come out of her plan is that Dawna is one of my students and she will be assisting me in the construction of the racer.

“Did I hear you mention my name in all of that babbling?”

“LOG OFF!”

End Log

Entry 5

That was Dawna, I guess I should have mentioned some conditions when I told her my door was always open. She came because she wanted to meet me to talk about my teaching her. She’s currently rated as a gunner’s assistant fourth class and she wants to become a head gunner due to the “respect” that the position has aboard the ship. Her problem is that she can’t seem to grasp the complicated equations needed to fill the position. The truth is that she doesn’t even need to know the information. I had words with the education supervisor as to why my students couldn’t learn from the machine. He told me that Dawna’s problem was that she had to wait until a position opened up for her but it shouldn’t take more than a few months since Kindra had a habit of blaming gunners when things went wrong. He also told me that Dawna was told that she had an allergy that made it dangerous to take the mathematics course needed for a rise in rank. However he also told me that she would be told that they had found another slightly different program that she could use when a position opened. But until a position became available she would be assigned to assisting the Quartermaster in the supply department.

Dawna confirmed most of his story just now. Since I haven’t taken the course mathematics course yet we spent the time getting to know each other. She pumped me for information, which I was only to willing to give, though I had a few questions of my own. She doesn’t know that she is from Accordia or even what her last name is. All she could remember was that she had been sent to the education planet of Oith for an advanced education since she had tested as having a high aptitude for something and while there she had an accident. When she finally regained that much of her memory she was aboard the Malevolent. Luckily I’ve now convinced her that she would do better to try to rise in rank to the point where she was in charge of the ships supplies after all that would give her more respect since she’d be, in a way, in charge of everything on the ship.

Oith is a small planet in the Trinans system that used to be the elite education planet for most of the galaxy. The only people that could attend were those that tested extremely well for some talent. I’m not sure what happened except that it is often listed as being one of Kindra’s first targets. It is possible that she began her reign of terror there. Though I’ve been unable to find any information in her own computer system that would link her to the planet’s evacuation.

I was fortunate enough to be accepted as a student for my potential to be a poet. However I was only there for a short time. I started experiencing extreme headaches to the point where I had to be sent home in a sensory deprivation pod. Though right after I left orbit the symptoms faded and by the time I had reached Accordia I was completely cured. A year later I reapplied knowing that I’d have to wear an isolation suit ninety percent of the time but the University had stopped taking applications by that point due to environmental problems. There was some sort of disaster where many of the students were killed and those that remained were either sent home or struck out on their own to see the galaxy. That was three years ago and there has been no new information since then.

Now on another note I’ve created a virus, which has purged all information about Accordia from the computer. I then re-designated Dezolate 44498356 as my home planet. Hopefully Kindra will forget where I’m actually from and take her revenge out on an uninhabitable planet.

Let’s see what’s left for me to describe? Oh yes Galactic Standard Time or GST. Because every planet a ship visits has a different timetable at some point in history GST was developed. All spacecraft and most interstellar habitations operate on galactic standard time. It breaks down like this: sixty seconds in a minute, sixty minutes in an hour, twenty five hours in a day, seven days in a week, five weeks in a month, and ten months in a year. It’s been a nightmare to adapt to this system. One of the hardest things I had to do was recalculate my age; I’m now seventeen years four months, and placing important dates on the revised calendar is even harder. If I’d thought of it I could have easily gotten the conversion at the spaceport but I had other things on my mind at the time. Also there isn’t a learning program to implant this information since it is considered common knowledge.

Another problem I’ve encountered is that Kindra sets shift change on a whim. It’s not exactly a problem for me but it’s hard on the crew. The worst example so far is she changed shifts about every two hours for three days. I guess I should be thrilled that this makes it impossible for her to be more dangerous than she already is but it’s hard to be happy about anything that hurts others.

Well I think that brings the log up to date for now.

End Log

Entry 6 (17.5)

I’ve finished designing Kindra’s racer and I’ve also designed a refugee transport. I’ve labeled it the Kindra class and I hope she’ll believe that it’s intended to be troop transport. The prototype will be custom fit to serve as a luxury cruiser for Kindra’s personal use. Hopefully I can convince her to put the design into full production. Once in production I can begin directing the finished product to the places where they’ll be used properly. I’ve now had a chance to meet with the rest of my students.

The first, other than Dawna, is Demmina. She has strange mood swings. At times she seems caring and at others she is as destructive as Kindra is. In my opinion I believe that she suffers from some form of multiple personality disorder, though both personalities can be present at the same time. An example of this occurred in a holographic training exercise. She was ordered to lead her holographic forces into a village and destroy everything without loosing any troops to a possible ambush. The simulation was going well until one of the men set fire to a fowlen coop.

Demmina freaked and blew the trooper away. She rescued every single fowlen while simultaneously destroying everything else including her own troops. Normally I wouldn’t consider this anything out of the ordinary for most of Kindra’s commanders. However Demmina was also giving orders to the fowlens as if they were her troops. She just kept screaming that she was freeing them from the oppression that they had suffered at the hands of the terrible humans. In the end she yelled “fly free my brothers and sisters some day I shall save you all”. That was when I realized that she was going to be the most difficult to teach.

I suspect that the reason she can’t use the learning machine has to do with her mental state. On the up side this means that she can’t have aggression treatments either. As a side note, I’m extremely surprised that she isn’t Kindra’s second in command. She’s aggressive, insane, stupid, and loyal to the point of worship.

Next is Victory, she’s young and in a low position among the crew. She has a definite aptitude for design and architecture. The problem is that she told me she knew Kindra long before she became the evil person that she is now and that she plans to change her. I’m taking her seriously and to that end I’ve made arrangements to have her transferred to one of Kindra’s space stations as soon as possible. She’s the only one of my new students, besides Dawna, that came to meet me before the training began. I know that she’ll feel betrayed but it is for her own safety that I’ve chosen this course of action.

Then there’s Mirage. She is learning some specialized espionage techniques. I believe that she’s already a spy but I’m not sure just whom it is she’s working for. I have to be careful. If she’s working for Kindra she’ll be reporting my every action. However if she’s working for someone else she could be very useful since I have access to things that many beings could use such as Kindra’s planned targets. But since I don’t know for sure I guess it’s best that I keep my mouth shut.

Finally there is Aarik, I have to teach him to speak and write in several different languages. He was able to take the treatments but for some reason he can’t access the information. He’s hoping that by being taught a small portion of the needed skills the mental block will collapse. It wasn’t until I’d met him that I learned that writing is nearly an extinct art in most of the galaxy. Sure everyone can read and type but when it comes down to actual writing no one can do it. On the upside I can write anything down in the traditional styles that don’t rely on basic galactic symbols and no one can read it.

There is something strange about Aarik. I’m not sure what it is but when I’m in his presence I feel the overpowering urged to attack him. As if we were two predators and he was invading my territory. I’m not sure what is wrong with me since I’ve never felt this way before. I’m worried that Kindra’s teaching machine may have altered me more than I had thought. However just to be on the safe side I’ve installed several security measures for my quarters. These include an inhibitor field that renders energy weapons useless as long as they’re in the field, a voice activated force field shielding and restraining devise, and a passive monitoring system that will alert me if anyone has entered my quarters while I am away.

Dawna has also helped me by getting me some weapons. Up until now I’ve avoided having to actually carry a weapon but with Aarik around, I’m not taking any chances. I’ve begun carrying both a blaster and a combat knife, as well as keeping my log with me at all times. Dawna also gave me a book that teaches how to make weapons out of common objects. I guess the old saying “it’s good to have friends, even in hell” is true after all. Speaking of which Dawna is being promoted today; she’s now the ship’s Quartermaster. Her predecessor disappeared at the last space station. When Kindra discovered his betrayal she destroyed the station. Which had, strangely enough, been evacuated in the time it took Kindra to double back.

“You’re talking about me again, aren’t you?”

End Log

Entry 7 (17.8)

It’s been nearly three months since my last entry and very little has happened so I’ve neglected making any entries in the log. I’ve finished teaching all of my students. Though I’ve continued teaching Dawna, not that she needs any more training, as a valid excuse for us to spend time together.

Demmina is now in charge of a group of infantry, I feel sorry for each and every one of her troops. The subjects that I taught her, and so had to learn myself, are Ground Battle Tactics, Harsh Environment Survival, Explosives, and Guerrilla Warfare. I’m starting to think that all the information I’ve been forcing into my brain may be erasing other more important information. I haven’t written any poetry since my first few weeks aboard.

Victory was not as young as I had originally thought. As it turns out she was a highly advanced robot. I guess she could have been telling the truth about knowing Kindra before she became bad. I’ll never know for sure since I transferred her. I discovered that she was a robot in a very round about way. Now that Dawna is in charge of supply she discovered that the man she replaced had set up a covert network of trade. Most of the crew stop in to requisition off the record items. This includes everything from books and magazines to mild narcotics. The Quartermaster orders these items and has the crate marked as “explosives” when the items arrive the person that requisitioned the item pays for it as well as giving a kick back to the requisitions officer. Of everyone on the ship there were only three people that never used the system Kindra for obvious reasons, Victory, and myself. Though I would have been ordering things had I known about it sooner. Even the ships robotic crew would order things from time to time. This got me suspicious so I started checking computer logs and records. I came up with nothing. It was as if Victory didn’t exist. The final confirmation that she was a robot however came from an unlikely source. One of Dawna’s subordinates asked her if she knew why Victory hadn’t reported for her annual maintenance check and fluid change.

If Mirage wasn’t a spy before she is now. Kindra had me teach her espionage, sabotage, covert operations and sniper training. All of which she had no trouble learning. I’m sure the reason she couldn’t take the treatments was because everyone would know that she already knew everything and so didn’t need them. Kindra promptly sent her on a mission as soon as her training was complete.

As for Aarik I had to learn three extinct languages: Triin, Kresh, and Aero as well as Dreanna Skree, Arakeen, and Spoken Vesuvian. I still don’t trust or like him and I’m staying as far away from him as possible. Luckily Kindra sent him away on a mission when his training was done.

Now more about Dawna, we’ve become good friends and I’m hoping that, at some point, our relationship becomes something deeper. However we have to be extremely careful if Kindra ever found out … I don’t even want to think about the consequences.

“I thought you had quit that log thing.”

No, I just delayed it for a while. I presume you’re here to tell me that the racer is ready for it’s final test?

“Yes, now come on before someone sees you talking to that thing.”

Tay

End Log

Entry 8 (18.8)

Even though Dawna thinks I’m crazy for continuing to do this I’m still keeping the log. It’s been a year since my last entry and I really think there’s something wrong with me. Today I learned that Aarik is a freelance bounty hunter and assassin. He brought Kindra the heads of Arrebo’s ruling family. It seems that they refused to make her a new set of office furniture out of their sacred trees. I was on the bridge when he presented his grisly gift to her. Once he finished Kindra proceeded to blast the planet from orbit. Unless someone comes to Arrebo’s aid the planet will die.

The whole time I just stood there and watched as though all he was presenting to her was a report or trinket he had retrieved. The only thing that I felt was a cold emptiness. Even now thinking back on it I know I should feel something but it’s as though something inside me has died and there is nothing I can do about it. I’ve got to escape soon or I’m afraid that even the part of me that knows I should have been shocked and revolted will disappear as well. For our next destination Kindra has decreed that I learn Geology, Robotic Mining Techniques, and hover bike piloting. I guess this means that I’m finally going to get some time off the ship to do a bit of prospecting.

One last note I’ve now upgraded the auto log to a computer headset so that I can make video logs as well. I figure it will be easier to document Kindra’s atrocities that way rather than having to explain them. It also lets me shut down the video feed so that I don’t actually have to watch.

End Log

Entry 9

We’ve arrived in the Vesuvian system and Kindra has sent me out to survey a moon to see if it would make a good place to set up a base. I know that it’s a test to see if I’ll run. I’d do it too except for two problems. I can't leave Dawna behind and the fact that the Accordia system is a direct jump from here. Oh, I just found another reason. The survey ship has a tracer attached to it.

What the! Scanners are picking up some sort of structure on the moon’s surface. It’s small and easily missed. It could simply be a shelter or a smuggler base but I’d better check it out just in case its something Kindra had placed there as another test.

This is survey ship KM2656 calling Malevolent.

“What do you want?”

I’m going to land and collect some surface readings and retrieve some core samples.

“Fine you do that, Malevolent out.”

It seems that Kindra has taken direct control of the communications while I’m out here. That poor tech, he must be extremely nervous having Kindra scrutinize the board so closely. From the sound of it she had expected me to run and since I didn’t she’s getting irritated. That means either she doesn’t know about the structure on the moon or she’s still testing me. Well I guess there’s only one way to find out.

End Log

Entry 10 [Transposed from survey ship’s log]

Well I’ve landed and I’m now entering the structure. It isn’t much more than a shelter perhaps set up as a meeting place for smugglers. I’m in, the door wasn’t coded, obviously it was set up to allow anyone to enter. The first room is an air lock I’m cycling it now. My gages show the air to be filtered and in the human safe zones. I’m removing my helmet. Well I’m still alive so I guess that’s a good thing. The inner door has a code lock on it but I’m going to try the door just to see if a code has been set. The door opened right up, if there’s anything useful in here I may just set my own code when I leave. Huh, all that’s in here is a lift tube. Obviously most of the structure is hidden underground. I’m going down, for the record I’ve drawn my blaster for the first time other than on the firing range.

Holy! The moon, the entire moon is hollow! In the center is some sort of synthetic sun devise, which is providing light and heat to the inner surface. In the open space is what appears to be a shipyard. On the inner surface itself is an entire ecosystem. I’m currently in a reinforced spar that takes the lift tube out to the shipyards. The view is amazing.

Now I can see a set of massive doors that must lead to an airlock for ships to enter and exit. It has to be at least a hundred klics tall and two hundred wide. There is no ship in existence that wouldn’t fit through an opening that large. I’m now in the shipyards and I’m making my way to the control center. There is no way Kindra knows about this place. If she did it would be fully staffed but it seems to be completely deserted. I’m hoping to discover who built this place when I reach the control center.

Interesting, according to the files, this place was designed by someone named Laurenpan and then completely constructed by robots. The odd thing is that the computer system is set up exactly like Kindra’s systems. According to the records I’m only the third person to enter this base and the only one to enter after it was completed.

I’m now searching the database for other known bases designed by Laurenpan. Interesting it seems that three fourths of Laurenpan’s bases are in Kindra’s possession. I’d like to do more exploring but I’m running out of time. I’ve downloaded the base list to my headset. Now I’ve got to get back to the Malevolent before Kindra gets suspicious.

End Log

Entry 11

I’ve finished downloading the mission log to my auto log and then erased it from the survey ship and spliced in a routine landing from one of its previous missions where the moon proved a poor place to set up a base. I doubt Kindra will notice the difference since she only sent me out with the hope that I’d run. I’ve downloaded a list of Kindra’s bases and nearly all of them are on Laurenpan’s list. Obviously Laurenpan was a base designer that got mixed up with Kindra and now no longer exists. I figure she gave Kindra a list of her most obvious projects but held back and Kindra killed her in the end. I’m still concerned about the other person that entered Hollow Base before me but there’s nothing I can do about it. On the bright side when I do escape I now have a place where I can lay low for a while.

Now I’ve got to get some sleep since Kindra is sending me down planet side after the current rest period. I figure she’s hoping I’ll take off while I’m down there. I’d like to but the time just isn’t right yet. I do have some covert things I need to get done while I’m down there though. Dawna and I have embezzled quite a nice sum from her so far.

Kindra requires that the supplies aboard ship have to be replaced every month. So for non-perishable items Dawna has been re-labeling the crates and giving me the credits. She’s also increased the crews “explosives” in order to make it seem that new supplies are coming in. She’s taking the money from that scam for herself and at the last base we stopped at she set up her own account. I now have to set up an independent account so that I’ll have a way to help Kindra’s victims when I get out of this mess.

End Log

Entry 12 [Entry has been edited]

Hell of a planet, Vesuvia, and I mean that quite literally. It’s located in a binary system, luckily it’s far enough out to have surface water but there isn’t a lot, and what it has is located at the Polar Regions. Which are off limits to outsiders. Other than that the rest of the planet is a barren wasteland good only for mining and as a haven for scum. The planet, for all its drawbacks, is home to no less than three native sapient species. First is the nomadic Dreanna Skree. They are roughly human but with blue skin ranging from a pale sky to almost violet and they have large insect like wings that they flutter in order to cool their bodies in the intense heat. The second species are the sand lizards, a misnomer really since they are more snake than lizard. They have long snake like bodies with two stubby arms. The species’ coloration covers the entire visible spectrum and I suspect that it ranges into spectrums that are not visible to humans. The final species are the Vesuvians themselves. It is rather difficult to describe them; they have a tree like body with eye branches and multiple root appendages, which they use both as arms and legs. At least one of the appendages ends in a wicked talon and in some older Vesuvians the talons also contain a mild poison. They range in color from light green to dark brown. Most live in the cooler wetter regions around the poles and in the major star port of Terrashka. One other species of note are the Spiders. Though they are not indigenous to any known system there is a disproportionately larger number here than anywhere else.

I really don’t know why I’m down here unless Kindra’s afraid I’ll lead a mutiny in her absence. As a note the survey of the moon was indeed a test to see if I’d run. That’s probably another reason I’m here on my own. As it turns out, Kindra has a glisterite mine here and she’s inspecting the operation to be sure the miners are properly inspired to work faster. It seems that she’s intent on refining a glisterite crystal for a new and more powerful blaster. Like she needs another one more powerful or otherwise. Well on the up side I’ve set up an independent account so now I can buy things without her knowledge.

“I said hold her down.”

[ED] I guess it was fate or something that I ended up stumbling onto a group bent on a gang rape. There were seven of them. Three of them wore Malevolent uniforms and the other four looked like something that had crawled out of some gutter. Which come to think of it they probably had. Well I couldn’t let anyone get hurt could I? I guess I could blame my actions on Kindra’s aggression therapy but what I did was in the defense of another so in my mind my actions were justified. [ED]

“Watch her claws!”

“Well de-claw her you idiot.”

I suggest you let the lady go.

“This is none of your business, either join us or take off.”

I’m here, so that makes it my business. Now I said let her GO!

[ED] I grabbed the speaker and spun him around to face me. [ED]

“There’s seven of us, just whatta yuh plan ta do?”

I don’t know where you learned to count but there appear to be only four in your group.

“Where the hell are you gnyacks go in?”

“Hey if we cause problems for him our commander will kill us,”

“Yeah right. Kill ya for getten a little pussy and knocken this punk around? Hah I don’t believe that. Run away ya cowards there’s still four uh us and we can . . . urk.”

Sorry about that but I got tired of listening to your stupidity.

“Nice punch, you fight for a living or something?”

Really? No, actually that’s the first time I’ve ever hit anyone. I see you didn’t need any help taking care of the other three Miss . . . Ah.”

[ED] The “lady” that stood before me, clothed only in fur and splattered blood was beautiful . . . No even beautiful doesn’t do her justice. She was obviously from a feline humanoid species. Her fur was dark brown with black markings. The blood, which in retrospect should have repulsed me, only increased her undeniable beauty, [ED]

“Meonii, Meonii Shadowrunner, and thanks for the help but I could have handled things myself. At least I could have if your crewmen hadn’t joined in and even then I’m sure I could have escaped without your help.”

Oh really?

“What, you think I normally walk around without any clothes on? That gang has been harassing the other dancers at the Sundowner Cantina and it was my job to teach them a lesson. I just wish someone had told me that Kindra was back. It’s never safe out when she’s hovering over us.”

So what you’re saying is that you didn’t need my help?

“Exactly, though it would have taken longer and several if not all of them would be dead but yeah I could have taken them. Don’t get me wrong I am thankful for your help. Now if you’ll excuse me I really have to hurry and get cleaned up for my show tonight. It’s amazing how upset some people get by the sight of dried blood.”

Uh yeah.

“You know, why don’t you come by and see the show? It’s at the Sundowner Cantina; I’ll even have Arlen save you a stool at the bar handsome. Nine, Vesuvian Standard, sharp don’t be late.”

[ED] I’ve modified the log so that Meonii Shadowrunner now appears clothed, sorry Rusty. [ED]

End Log

Entry 13

With that she kissed me on the cheek, brushed her tail against my leg and then ducked into one of the buildings. I hadn’t even realized that I’d left my log running during the incident, though I’m glad I did. It’s been nearly four hours now and I’ve been wandering around checking out the Bazaar. The first thing to hit me was the . . . I guess the only word that fits is pung. The over powering Vesuvian heat mixed with the smell of over cooked food stuffs, the body odor of many different types of beings, and other refuse to revolting to mention. Fortunately since it is just after midday the area is relatively empty. The Bazaar is an artificial box canyon. On three sides are buildings that contain shops selling everything from souvenirs to star ship parts, the Downtime and Sundowner Cantinas, Spacer’s Delight brothel, and the Tempest and By the Hour hotels. This bizarre canyon floor is littered with hawkers and Kiosks selling everything form iced caf to over used flesh. Thin alleyways run between several of the buildings, not that it matters since they are filled with refuse and mating creatures, human and otherwise. And all of this is fronted by the main exit from the spaceport. For once I’m glad Kindra dropped me at one of her mines first. If this had hit me immediately, rather than approaching it slowly I’d never made it past the port's steps. Of course I’d also have missed the chance to help Meonii. I’d like to see her show; unfortunately it’s nearly time to launch. So I guess I’ll miss it.

“Malevolent, to Commander Dacat.”

Open link, Dacat here your Excellency.

“It seems that there is a problem with the shuttle. You’d better make arrangements to spend the night planet side. Kindra Out.”

Close link. Yeah right, you’re just surprised that I haven’t run and you really want to play hunt and destroy. Well to bad your Bitchiness, but I’m not playing that game, at least not yet. You’re not even on board the ship you only bounced the signal from there. What’s the matter; afraid I’ll lead a mutiny? Well guess what I’ve decided to take in a show while I’m here. Now I have a few hours to kill so I’m going to enjoy myself so you can just stuff it.

“Um, excuse me are you Tigris Dacat, formerly of Accordia.”

“Marx, let’s get out of here, if he is Dacat then he just told of Kindra D’Mize and this planet isn’t a safe place to be right now.”

I might be Tigris Dacat, who wants to know?

“I’m Marx and this is my wife Trista.”

“We uh, have some things that someone wanted you to have. He said that you’d understand if I said that it’s from He Who Has No Name to He Who Has No Home.”

“He then told us you’d tell us his name so that we’d know that you really are Tigris Dacat.”

Rusty Darkmane, I’m surprised he’d risk so much . . . No I take that back, we were foster brothers and closer than even my biological brother so of course he’d risk being declared dead to contact me. Though I’m surprised you’d risk getting caught consorting with the dead.

“Actually we’re on our Honeymoon and we’ve been planning this trip for a while now. We wanted to meet the great Tigris Dacat, the man who gave his life to save ours. It isn’t every lifetime a person gets to meet a dead hero.

“And get to see some of the gifts from those who meant the most to him.”

“Marx! There is no reason he has to show us what we’ve gone to all the trouble to slip past all that security and risked our own futures to bring him. Besides unless you’ve forgotten he just told off Kindra, which means we’re all going to be very dead any second now anyway.”

HA ha ha ha ha ha ahha, of course I’ll share. You know, I think this is the first time I’ve laughed since I died. Oh and I’m not stupid; Kindra had already broken the link and I’d closed my own connection to the ship. Sometimes a person just has to vent so I’m sorry if I scared you. Now shall we get in out of the heat before someone sticks a fork in us to see if we’re properly roasted or not?

“Follow me.”

“Trista, wait up.”

End Log

Entry 14

[ED] I procured a new Spacer’s negative weight chest in order to transfer what Marx and Trista have brought me on my way to their room at the Tempest. I figured that it would be less suspicious if they return with the original chest. [ED]

“Here it is.”

Well Marx, let’s open it up and see what I’ve got. Lock release.

“Voice identification confirmed. Please place you thumb against sensor plate for level two clearance. Level two clearance confirmed Master Dacat.”

CLICK

“Just how did they pull that one off, what with you being dead and all.”

“Trista, can’t you see that it’s his own trunk. The real question is how did they opened it to put stuff in?”

The lock is coded to both Rusty and to myself. Now let’s see what we have here. Ah a holo-display with pictures of my family. Oh my, this ones’ of everyone together, I bet they had a hard time getting the group together like that.

“Why’s that?”

Some members don’t like each other very much. We’re always civil to each other but getting together like this; well it just never happens.

“Oh, just like Marx’s family and my family. We really thought for a moment that a my great aunt and his grandmother would get themselves banished.”

“Your aunt started it.”

“I know but to be fair it isn’t really her fault she thought grandmother was her husband great Uncle Norbrekt. It’s her replacement eyes they aren’t exactly top of the line.”

“I was only kidding, and Granny did go a bit far serving her drog food instead of wedding cake to get even.”

Eh hem, back to the holos. This ones Rusty, of course and these are my friends Kay, Seeker, Barb, Kam, and Nature. Now let's see what's in the next package. These are recorded messages they’ve sent me. I’ll listen to later, I’m not sure I’m ready to put myself through that sort of ordeal right now. I hope you don’t mind.

“No we understand please continue.”

All right this one is from my paternal grandmother. Ah my favorite book, ‘Shifting Realities’ by Russell Williams, and some recordings of my favorite music. It also seems that the vast majority of the music files are from my cousin’s band. I should have known she’d send me that. And the Accordia Bible, a printed copy rather than an optic-card version. I’ll give her full marks for this one she knew I wouldn’t give it away or loose it this time.

“I take it you’re not very religious then?”

Oh I am, it’s just that I’ve gone my own way rather than following this book exactly, like so many others do. Now moving on to the next package.

“But . . .”

“Trista, drop it can’t you see he doesn’t want to discuss it.”

It’s not that, I do enjoy discussing my beliefs it’s just that this isn’t the time or the place. Also it wouldn’t be good for the two of you. It’s bad enough that you’ve taken the risks that you have but listening to some of my heresy is way beyond acceptable. I may be dead, but I’m still Accordan at heart. Now Marx if you’ll help me with this, it’s from my maternal grandmother and though I think I know what it is, I just want to be sure.

“Sure no problem.”

I was right; it’s a tapestry that depicts the legend that is supposedly the origin of my family.

“I thought the Dacats had been members of the original Accordan colony.”

No Trista, some of my ancestors did come from the original colony but not the Dacat line. See this tapestry supposedly chronicles my family’s history. I say supposedly because some of it seems to be politically motivated by tying the Dacat family to the Stripe Clan of Snarion. Every generation the sons of the Dacat line have to spend a year fostered in the Stripe clan just as an equal number of their children must stay on Accordia for a year.

“What do you learn from them?”

Amongst other things, that even though beings are different every one of us is the same at some level. Back explaining the family's history. Here in the center is a depiction of the planet that my ancestor was banished from.

“Why was he banished?”

I don’t know Trista; either that part of the story was lost or Grandma decided that it wasn’t a proper story to tell children. Anyway there were three siblings Nightiger a feline humanoid much like Snarions, Dacat a human, and Twilight. Now I can see where the first two binds the two families together for political reasons but I’m not sure why Twilight, who is obviously an animal rather than a sentient, is listed as one of the siblings. Obviously she was an important part of the story because each of them has their own third of the tapestry, though her section is a large star field.

“Perhaps she was important to the story the tapestry was originally meant to tell, but before her section was to be done the story was forgotten. And the weaver, rather than trying to cover it up filled the space in with a star field until such a time as it was remembered.”

You could be right about that Marx. Anyway the group set off for separate planets Dacat and Nightiger came here to the Tra’est sector and settled on Accordia and Snarion. Since you know the Dacat history, I’ll only explain the Nightiger history. When Nightiger first arrived on Snarion the Clans were involved in a great war. All the tribes were fighting over territory. Nightiger could have easily joined the Striped clan even though his fur color was a negative image to the rest. He was black with white stripes as this picture shows. Or he could have conquered the entire planet out right since he had technology far beyond their Iron Age weapons and tools.

“Neither of those choices would have been right since they both involve violence and bloodshed.”

That’s probably why he didn’t make either of those choices instead he set out to bring peace to the clans through diplomacy. He met with each of the tribe leaders: the Maned Emperor, the Striped Raja, the Swift King, the Jungle Empress, the Golden Chief, and the Trickster Shaman. He invited each of them to a Meeting of Power. All but the Swift King refused to attend.

“I bet that didn’t go over well.”

No it didn’t so Nightiger tried to shame the leaders into attending by approaching the clans directly. Unfortunately that approach didn’t work either. His next plan however worked brilliantly. You see the Swift King was sick of war but he had to continue fighting or his tribe would have been wiped out. Between the two of them they came up with a daring plan. Nightiger would approach each of the clan leaders individually and tell them that he had decided that the only way to ensure peace was to give one of the clans an overwhelming advantage. He would then tell the leader that he had chosen that clan to be the Rulers of Snarion. All they had to do was send their heir with Nightiger and he would train him or her to use the technology of space faring races. This ploy worked on all the clans except the Swift Clan, who was a part of the plan from the beginning, and the Tricksters who believed in magic over technology. In the end Nightiger had to kidnap the Trickster heir. They were all aboard his ship and completely lost among the technology around them.

“Man I bet they were mad when they discovered that Nightiger had lied to them.”

Oh he hadn’t lied; he had chosen each of the Clans to rule Snarion and he had every intention of teaching the children how to use technology. He had just chosen not to mention that he was going to do so for all of the clans.

“A lie of omission is still a lie.”

True Marx but remember we are not talking about Accordia just yet. The rules are different throughout the galaxy.

“You’re right, but I still don’t like his methods.”

That’s understandable, now as I was saying the first stop of the groups galactic tour was Desolate XV. It was there that Nightiger taught the cubs that they had to work together in order to survive. Though they still didn’t like each other they didn’t have much choice but to work together. They also learned that constant war often leads to extinction. He told them how the beings had destroyed their planet and he showed them the ruins of military bases, great polluting factories, destroyed churches, and homes. He told them of the inhabitants last days when they killed each other just for a scrap of food and a drop of water. But true to his word he, taught the cubs how to use anti-grav vehicles. Next the group traveled to Accordia. There the cubs learned that beings could live without war. By this time a year had passed and the cubs were beginning to get along and friendships were forming. They were finding that they had common interests and that just because they were from different races they were still Snarion. It was while they were on Accordia that Nightiger taught them how to fly most spacecraft.

“Wasn’t he worried that they’d mutiny and take over the ship?”

He was smarter than that, he didn’t teach them how jump through altered space, and as a precaution he locked down the system so that the freem engines would only activate at his command. Next they traveled to an uncharted planet. He showed the cubs how the inhabitants were killing each other because they looked different or because they wanted the other group’s land. By this point nearly three years had passed and the cubs had matured and taken on their adult forms. They were also friends; being confined in a small spacecraft for most of that time can do that to beings, well that or they go insane.

Nightiger then gave the cubs information on each of the planet's race populations and their requirements for survival. He asked the cubs to divide everything so that it would be fair to all groups and still be healthy for the planet. The cubs went straight to work, it took some time and they argued over many small points, but after analyzing every little detail they showed Nightiger their work. The holo-globe that appeared was separated and shaded into eight different sections. Each race received a fair portion, with wild areas for everyone and developmental neutral areas between the groups where star ports and communal gatherings could take place for those that wished to share ideas. Nightiger approved of their work.

The next task he set was for the cubs to set up a system of government where each of the races could continue to live as they had before, but also so that they could live with each other and settle disputes that were sure to arise. For this he gave them information on each of the groups. After the cubs had this information they began to suspect that the planet was their own home. Nightiger new that if his plan was to succeed it all hinged on the cubs continuing to work together. They returned with a plan where the leader from each clan came together to form a Grand Council. The leader of this council was elected by the council members and served for two years and then was replace by another of the council members. Members elected from each of the clans by the clan members, rather than the leaders, formed another council. The Lesser Council leader and the Grand Council leader both served as the planetary Co-regent. At no time were the two co-leaders allowed to be members from the same tribe. For the purpose of enforcing laws and settling disputes a new tribe was to be formed it consisted of members from all the tribes. This clan had no territory of their own but they were allowed to safely and freely travel anywhere on the planet. Nightiger approved of their work only changing it by adding a Royal City and spaceport to the drawings as a place to house the Guardians and the Councils. Then he took them down to the site where the city was to be built and finished teaching the cubs all that he had promised. He taught them how build and use blasters. Then giving the cubs copies of their work he took them home telling them that he would wait for their answer as to whether their plan would work at the future city site.

“He taught them to use modern weaponry? Doesn’t seem very smart, even if they were friends.”

It may not have been wise but he had made a promise and had no other choice but to follow through. As you know the plan worked, but as you can see from the tapestry Nightiger’s story doesn’t end there. Before the Royal City was completed Nightiger married and had two children a son, Tanth and Shen his daughter. They were his pride and joy but Nightiger's happiness wasn’t to last. It is believed that the old Maned Emperor and the Striped Raja feared that Tanth would become the ruler of the entire planet so they worked together to hire a group of known slavers to rid themselves of the threat. Tanth was still a few years from the transformation that would have marked him as an adult. So the slavers were only too happy to take the money from the old cats, after all once they’d kidnapped Tanth they could then sell him for more money. After Tanth was taken the plot was discovered and the cubs, now known as Guardian Corp, judged their own parents. The punishment was to be exile but Nightiger, though mortally grieving, begged for the sons to forgive their fathers and remember all that they had learned. A few days later he died.

“How sad, but what does that empty block on the tapestry mean?”

That block represents the legend that Tanth will one-day return, Trista. They believe that one-day he will return to save Snarion once again. There is a complete other legend surrounding him but until he returns the block is left empty to remind us that story of the Nightiger is not yet completed.

There now then that’s complete. Marx, if you’ll help me fold this we can get it put away and rather than continuing I think I’d better go out and get some things to send home to my family.

“Ooh shopping with a hero sounds like fun, let’s go!”

“Aaah Trista, must we?”

“Oh like you don’t want to go. If anything you enjoy shopping more than I do.”

“Fine let’s go then. And I don’t like shopping I enjoy browsing.”

“Like there’s a difference.”

Well actually there is, when shopping you intend to buy something where as browsing is completely non-committal. You may buy something but then again you might not. But if we stand here arguing about it I won’t be able to do either so let’s go.

End Log

Entry 15

“Well that was Fun.”

“It was, wasn’t it.”

“Trista, I was being sarcastic. Having people shooting at me is definitely NOT my idea of fun.”

“Well it was something we’d never have experienced back home.”

“Thank God for that.”

I warned you to stay away until I’d finished. But since no one could identify you everything should be all right. Now shall we continue, lock release.

“Voice identification confirmed. Please place you thumb against sensor plate for level two clearance. Level two clearance confirmed Master Dacat.”

“Cool, locks in stereo.”

“You know Trista, you find the oddest things entertaining.”

“You must be right, why else would I have married you?”

“Hey.”

You two don’t get out much, do you? Now lets continue investigating the contents of this trunk. This package is from my mother.

“The flag, how . . . unusual.”

She sent a holo-note with it just let me put it into the holo-display.

“Tigris, I want you to know that you were buried as a planetary hero and that you had a beautiful funeral. Now I know that you wanted a simple cremation but given the situation it didn’t seem appropriate and the Ruling Council wouldn’t even consider a small memorial service either. I’ve attached a vid of the ceremony that was broadcast planet wide as well as some close ups of your gravestone. The Council wanted a traditional saying of ‘Here lies Tigris Dacat, he gave his life so that others could live’ or some such thing. Instead your grandfather was able to convince them that WE should get to make that decision. So it reads ‘Tigris Dacat, If you’re looking for me you’ve come to the wrong place. Look for me in the stars and in my writing that is where you can find the true me now.’ The Council was not happy but they were forced to leave it as it is. You’ll also notice that there are no dates listed. Now then to explain the items that I sent you, here are your journals and your books of poetry. I say books because you now have two ‘Reflections’ and ‘Shattered Soul’. Your first book is now in it’s tenth printing and has been a best seller ever since you died. So much so that your publisher was reduced to begging for any scrap of writing you’d ever done. He’s now going after Rusty like a mad drog for the rights to print the stuff you two did together.”

“That reminds me can you sign our copy of ‘Reflections’? It’s a first edition so no one will know when you actually signed it.”

Sure Trista, now let me listen to the rest of my mom’s recording.

“As for the flag, well there is a bit of a story behind that one. You see that’s the flag that was draped over your coffin. They gave it to me but no matter what the records or the Council say I know you’re still alive. So I don’t need that around to clutter up the house collecting dust. Besides I know you’ll find it incredibly funny, after all who else can say that after they died they got to take it all with them? I love you now get out there and live.”

“How bizarrely morbid, I like it.”

“Oh sure, some one shooting at you isn’t fun but that is? And you have the nerve to say that I find the oddest things interesting. Hmf”

Well there appears to be two packages left so lets get them open. This one’s from my maternal grandfather. Oh I don’t believe this!

“What is it!?”

Only the greatest gift so far, it’s my pillow!

“A pillow? All right, I’ll agree that it’s the weirdest so far, but the greatest?”

“Well it is interesting in an odd sort of way, but I have to agree with Marx, that it’s just plain weird.”

This is a special pillow. You see inside it contains what’s left of my baby blanket, a stuffed toy, a favorite T-shirt, and other bits of cloth that have meant something to me over the years. I'd stuff it all in here so that I’d always have them. It’s lumpy as all get out and most people that have used it, other than myself of course, end up having terrible nightmares. To me it’s one of the most special things anyone could send me.

“Weird.”

Oh, oddballs in stereo.

“Well it is refreshing to see that the second in command to the greatest terror in the galaxy is all sweet an mushy at times.”

If that nasty rumor ever gets out I now know just where to track it back to.

“Oh give it up, you’re just a cuddly little kitten at heart.”

Hmm, this last package seems to be from my brother. That’s strange; we never really got along so I wonder what he sent? Let’s see if he left a note.

“I know that I’ve annoyed you no end for years but I have to say that I’ve been rather bored since you left.”

How interesting, it’s a vid of his wedding I guess things really have changed while I’ve been gone.

“Yeah, they were going to be the one’s to bring this stuff to you but the Council forbade them from leaving the planet as long as Kindra was in the sector.”

He’s also sent a fearet in suspended animation, ah here it is.

“Wait, that little bead is a fearet? Impossible.”

No, it’s not impossible. Through a process of suspended animation it is possible to reduce an animal form in size and then encapsulate them. I’ve observed the process many times aboard the Malevolent. It’s how rovers are transported as well as fresh food stores.

“Hmm, I figured Rusty would have sent you something but I guess I was wrong.”

Oh I’m sure he sent something, Marx.

“But the trunk is empty.”

It does appear that way doesn’t it? I know this is going to sound strange but could the two of you step outside for a moment while I inspect the trunk?

“I guess so, but . . .”

“Oh come on Trista can’t you see he wants us out of here while he opens some secret compartment?”

“No, I hadn’t even thought of that. We’ll be right outside until you’re finished.”

Compartment code phrase: “Yes I’d like the onionic loops with creamed garlib sauce, with a naked woman on the side.”

“Authorization phrase accepted.”

Hmm, I have to admit Rusty’s eccentric at times but I doubt anyone would ever be able to figure out that code. Hey, you two can come back in now. I’ve accessed the rest of the trunk so we can continue. All right, this small package is from my father. By all that’s Holy!

“What is it?”

This is the Dacat Family signet ring. He sent a note with it.

“I know what you’re thinking. I shouldn’t have sent the ring but it is yours by birthright. I’ve secretly had another ring crafted for your brother so no one will know. I hope you’re doing well, dad.”

This package is from my sister-in-law, a bottle of Accordan Mead!

“WHAT!?”

“No wonder it was so well hidden. That stuff isn’t even spoken of outside certain groups on the planet. But to smuggle one off! My father works for one of the groups that make the stuff and even he can’t get a bottle. Oh Marx we are in real trouble.”

“We didn’t get caught so it never happened.”

** ** It seems that I’d best keep this safe then.

[ED] I really should have known better than to have allowed Marx and Trista to see the items that had been in the secret compartment. Though I’m glad I was able to conceal the Mead’s vintage from them. I really don’t know how Tawny procured a bottle of the rarest substance in the rarest vintage no less. And come to think of it I’m sure that I don’t want to know. [ED]

This package is from my paternal grandfather . . . I really don’t understand this at all. He say’s it’s a Knar’Tosh blade, the traditional weapon of the of the Dacat clan. It represents the jawbone of a Tosh beast. It has an L shaped handle and a rectangular blade with a saw on the back, which represents the beast’s teeth. According to the note it has been in the family for a millennia, though it may be older. He has sent an instructional simulation on how to use it both in battle and in hunting.

“But weapons are outlawed on Accordia.”

I know that Marx, obviously this has been hidden from everyone including the rest of the family. Ah the letter goes on to say that it has been passed down from the eldest to the youngest male heir on the elders death bed so that only one living soul ever knew of it’s existence. Now that I’ve left Accordia Grandfather wants me to not only learn how to use the Knar’Tosh, but to also seek out my ancestors birth planet.

Now I’m not even sure I should show you what’s in the last package. I’ve gotten you two into more trouble than anyone could have imagined.

“Well what’s done is done and we did get away with it. Besides its not like you’re sending us back with anything that’s as bad as we brought out.”

“Marx is right, now let’s see what Rusty sent you. It’s a small package so it can’t be anything overly illegal. Or can it?”

I guess we’ll just have to find out. Ah this is my memory stone pendant; I gave it to Rusty only moments before I left with Kindra. I didn’t want her to take it. The stone is from a stream in a place that is sacred to me. The slant “Z” lightning bolt is of course part of the Dacat family crest. The runes above and below are my name in the ancient language. The rest of the symbols represent important events or special things that I’ve experienced.

This other little item is a green memory engram crystal. Rusty and I both carried one. I had his and he had mine. It was silly, but we believed that as long as we had the crystals with us nothing could ever happen to the other person. My last update was when I decided to die and his was probably just before he gave the trunk to you to bring here.

Now if you’ll just give me a few minutes to compose a few notes and get the items I’ve collected in order I’ll be out of your way. Oh Marx if you’ll just snap a quick holo of me wearing the Knar’Tosh blade. There, now put almost everything in the secret compartment. Compartment lock phrase “Would you like a surprise?”

“Compartment sealed.”

And finally we put in the wall hanging for my grandmother and we’re almost finished.

“Um, isn’t that phrase one that would open a phrase lock?”

That’s what makes it such a good lock, Marx. This compartment is so well hidden because it, as Rusty puts it, requires thinking outside the box. Now you two can refill the rest of the trunk before returning to Accordia. We wouldn’t want Customs to get suspicious if it is searched. All that’s left is to encode your voice prints so that you can unlock it. Main locking mechanism, add voice print recognition for Marx and Trista. Now all you have to do is say something and your name and you’ll be able to open the main lock.

“Like what?”

“Voice identified.”

“Trista.”

“Voice print confirmed for subject Trista.”

“That’s it?”

“Voice identified.”

“Marx.”

“Voice print confirmed for subject Marx.”

That’s it everything is now set for your return trip. Here are a few thousand credits for you to use to fill that trunk the rest of the way up. Now you’ll have to excuse me but I’ve got to find a place to stay for the night and I have a previous engagement that I don’t want to be late for. I thank you for all that you’ve risked on my behalf, goodbye.

End Log

Entry 16 [Transcribed messages home]

[All] I’ll try to keep this short. What I am sending home isn't exactly legal; however it isn't illegal either. I’ve included messages and holos for everyone. As you can see I’ve still got my health, even though I’m dead. Unfortunately I’ve been forced to give up the code of non-aggression; but Kindra hasn’t succeeded in making me evil. I’m working against her in every way that I can. Unfortunately I haven’t been able to do enough. Arrebo has been nearly destroyed. I know that there are some members of the Exiled living on Accordia and I’m hoping that you can contact them so that they can return home to rebuild their world. Now that Kindra believes Arrebo has been destroyed I doubt she’ll be going back. There’s so much to say and I just can’t organize my thoughts so I’ll put the rest of my time into personal messages and end this by saying that I love you all. Please don’t try to contact me again it is too dangerous for everyone involved. Again I love you and goodbye.

[Granddad] It truly surprised me to discover the secrets of our history. I’ve included a holo of me wearing the blade, even though I probably shouldn’t have. I will learn the techniques and follow the codes of our ancestors as closely as I can. As a parting gift I’ve included a glisterite crystal for your gem collection. It is quite precious even here where it is mined, but I doubt Kindra really needs it all that much. I love you and I’ll never forget our camping trips and fishing lessons.

[Grandpa] You raised me and taught me so much, for that I will be forever grateful. I truly couldn’t be the person I am today without you. I’ll always remember you chopping wood, feeding the grazers, and so many other things. I’m sending home an instant holocam and 30 holomem discs. I’ll love you always.

[Gran] You’ve nearly always made me feel inferior to the rest of your grandchildren. But in the end this has been a good thing since it has made me strive to be better. I thank you for that. I’ll always remember the game’s we played and your ever-present candy dish. I love you and I’m sending you a nyank flower bulb for your garden. It includes the proper documentation for ownership. I know how much you’ve wanted one but the expenses of import have kept you from getting one. Just remember to get the proper license before you plant it so that everything appears legal.

[Grandma] I cannot remember a time that you were not a part of my life. Even now that I’m one of the dead you will continue to be a part of my life since you are forever in my memory. I’ll never forget your stew, your stories, and your love. I’m sending you a wall hanging of two Junta Cats resting in the shade of a frenk nut tree to replace the tapestry. I will always love you.

[Dad] Well I can’t say you’ve been the greatest influence in my life. In fact you’ve probably taught me more through me observing your faults but still you are my father and I do love you. I’ll always remember you covered with grease from working on some hover truck. You always wanted me to learn about repair and I resisted but I thank you for your perseverance. It’s helped me now that I’ve had to design and build vehicles. I’m sending you a memcoder with a complete lesson set for spacecraft repair. I love you.

[Mom] How do I say goodbye? I can’t so I guess I won’t. Instead let’s just say that we’ll see each other again someday and leave it at that. I’ll never forget you and everything you’ve done for me. I’m sending you toys for the drogs and a book on how to propagate nyank flowers. Just remember to get a license first, tay?

[Davit] What can I say? You’ve been a pain all of your life. You’re reckless and dangerous and we were just starting to get along. I should have known fate would have to step in at some point. Well, whether you believe it or not I do love you. I’m sending you the money to buy a space racer. Though space racing is more dangerous than planetary hover racing at least there are fewer living beings for you to run down.

[Tawny] I’m sorry I didn’t get to know you better but I do know that you’ve had a positive influence on Davit and I thank you for that. Some one had to get him under control. Thank you for the gift, I do believe I’ll save it for a Very special occasion. Perhaps ending Kindra’s reign of terror would be that occasion. Any way welcome to the family, I hope you knew what you were getting into before you joined.

[Rusty] Well, where to start? First let me apologize for not making a new memory crystal for you. I’ve been changed in ways that would make it dangerous so you’ll have to settle for my autolog and my permission to release any poetry we collaborated on for publishing. At some point I’ll set up a satellite so that you can receive updates to the log as well. The code for retrieving the information is already set in the transceiver I’m sending you. Now on another note I want you to get as much information about the subject “Dawna Destiny” mentioned in previous logs and be prepared to send it to me. That is as close to communicating that we’ll ever get from now on. It’s impossible for me to say goodbye to you. We’ve been as close as foster brothers can get. Remember the way I was and mourn for what I’ve become since in a way Tigris Dacat truly died and has been replaced by someone new. Tell the group that I’ll never forget them. Your friend forever, Prowler the Homeless One.

End Log

Entry 17

Well that was harder than I thought it would be. Who would have guessed getting gifts from home would have been so hard to handle? At least running around getting tokens to return kept me busy; and my mind off what was going on. Just sitting here waiting for the show to start is giving me to much time to dwell so I guess I’ll just record what I did the rest of the day. I’ve rented a sleazy room for the night. It’s something that I should be able to afford rather than what I can afford. It’s here in the Sundowner Cantina on the top floor. It’s a nice enough place to flop for a night, but being on the top floor makes it the hottest area and what with the noise from the cantina I doubt I’ll get much rest. Now I just have to figure out where I’m going to stash most of my stuff, since I can’t take it back to the ship with me. I wouldn’t want to loose it when I escape.

“Hey kid, you know it isn’t considered healthy talking to yourself? Unless you’re drunk of course.”

What’s it to you?

“Hey no offense meant, I just wanted to thank you for helping Meonii today. Without her act this place would roll over and bake in the sun. I mean see this crowd . . .”

[ED] I looked around the cantina; there were two spiders in a booth, four Vesuvians at a gambling table run by a robot, one Dreanna Skree waitress, and two human miners at the bar. [ED]

“This is rush hour. We’re actually starting to look crowded with you here. I might pull in three or four more people during Meonii’s show but otherwise this is it. And with Kindra hovering in orbit even the regular scum that hangs out around here making deals is conveniently off planet just in case Kindra is in the mood to crisp the place.”

So why are you still in business?

“Well, I own this place so any money that does come in above the cost of supplies, wages, and bribes is my own. For the most part my employees are working for room and board and I have a couple of lodgers staying in the lower levels but they pay by the week so I can’t rely on them as an income source. I guess the real reason I’m in business is because I don’t have anything else.”

So, rent out more rooms.

“I would but the rooms at the Tempest are cheaper and air conditioned. I can’t afford such luxuries. Hell I’m lucky if I can keep the air circulator running. I don’t even have the money to bribe any of Kindra’s people for a note of tax reduction for the governor like the Tempest and the Downtime Bar across the Bazaar. So I’ve got to serve every thing at cost just to compete.”

Tell you what, if you’ll promise to help refuges escaping Kindra and rent me a room on the bottom floor I’ll write you a lifetime “Tax” exemption.

“whose lifetime, yours or mine?”

Which ever you want and think will be longer.

“Hah! That’s a good one, no one has that kind of power. And for a moment I thought you were serious.”

Give me a datapad and I’ll write it up right now.

“Fine let’s see this power you have over Kindra’s lackeys, oh and make it for my lifetime.”

“Ah hah, see I told you there’d be room here at the Sundowner. And I guarantee that Arlen doesn’t water down the drinks to raise the prices.”

“Hey Dare, sit down and enjoy the show I’ll have your usual set up in a minute. Mikkenda get their orders. Hey kid, you’ll have to excuse me a moment it seems that business is actually picking up.”

“You look rather depressed and I can’t have that on a night like tonight. My names Darrin Fireshadow, Ex-Prince of Arrebo, and fastest space racer ever but you can call me Dare since everyone else does. I’ve just won the biggest race in this quadrant of the galaxy.”

I suppose it didn’t hurt that the Malevolent was in orbit and scared off most of your competition?

“Those losers, they all dropped out only because the Malevolent was in the middle of the course, but hey avoiding the lasers and buzzing the bridge was the best challenge of the whole race!”

Did you say your name was Dare or was it Dumb? I guess you just got lucky that Kindra wasn’t on the ship at the time. If she had been you wouldn’t be here now.

“Holy Mother of God!”

I’d say that your friend Arlen just discovered who I am.

“I’ve never seen Arlen look that way before. Fear, joy, and confusion all at once; just who are you anyway?”

Just call me Prowler the Homeless One and don’t worry about who I am. It isn’t healthy knowing such things. Instead you need to be worried about your home.

“I don’t have a home. I’m one of the Exiled and damn proud of it.”

Your exile is over go home and rebuild what’s left.

“Just what do you mean by that!”

Kindra just visited Arrebo, and though it is in better shape that most of the worlds she visits, it is still in need of help. Here take this transfer slip for some extra credits for the recovery effort. Now if you’ll excuse me the show is starting and I don’t want to miss a moment of it.

[ED] I’ve recorded the entire show but I was to enthralled to make any comments. [ED]

“Hey uh, kid, Meonii wants to see you. She must really be grateful. She never has anyone come down to her room. Just go down the stairs in the back through the door and then down three more flights to room 428. Your room’s the rest of the way down number 828. Thanks for the note, and your room is rent free for the next year guaranteed.”

That’s good because I’m not sure when I’ll be able to get back here.

So, Meonii wants to thank me again. After that show, I’ll have to insist that I’ve been thanked enough. All I can say is Wow. First up to my room on the top floor to get my things, then down to the bottom floor to get them safely stored away, then back up to see Meonii . . . Or perhaps I’ll see Meonii first seeing as I’m standing outside her door. Uh, hi Meonii, Arlen said you wanted to see me?

“Mmmm yeah, I wanted to thank you . . .”

[Large section of log has been deleted and is unrecoverable]

End Log

Entry 18

Oh man what a night, I don’t know what came over me. When I woke up this morning Meonii was gone. I’m amazed I fell asleep at all. I asked Arlen but he said she had to run some errands and that she wouldn’t be back before I had to leave but she had left me a message.

“Prowler, last night was exquisite. I can’t be there when you leave but it’s better this way. Goodbye, Meonii Shadowrunner.”

I moved my stuff into my new room and then waited as long as I could but she didn’t return before I had to leave. I left a message with Arlen for her as well. Who could have imagined that I, a once future high council member of Accordia, would experience my first time with a woman, oh what a woman, in a place like the Sundowner? I’m feeling both depressed and overjoyed at the same time. I know that I’ll return to Vesuvia again someday but nothing will compare with last night.

“So the rumors are true then? And here I’ve been waiting for you to make the first move you two timing, back stabbing, alien loving, DROG!”

Um Dawna, I can explain.

“Oh really? Let’s hear it then.”

Um, well maybe I can’t explain.

“I guess this means I’m going to have to punish you then.”

What are you going to do?

“Well I could tell Kindra, but she probably suspected that you’d do something like this. Hell she would probably be suspicious if something didn’t happen. Or I could do something nasty during one of your training simulations, sabotaging you weapons say, but then that might kill you. So I guess I’ll just have to think of something a bit more creative.”

I really don’t like the sound of that.

“Good.”

End Log

Entry 19 (20.7)

Well, here I am back on Vesuvia. It’s been a year and nine months since my last visit. Arlen says that Meonii is on a trip to her home planet. Thank goodness, that’ll make Dawna very happy. Kindra’s here to check her mines again so I’m on a quick trip to the Sundowner in order to store the Knar’Tosh blade with the rest of my things. I’ve had a duplicate made and it’s become dangerous to leave the original in my quarters. Most of the time I’m wearing it, which Kindra is thrilled with. I guess she thinks that I’m finally fitting in with the rest of her bloodthirsty crew. However I’ve discovered that my quarters have been rifled several times so it’s best if I put anything I have of value elsewhere. I know I need to be making more entries into the log but it’s become too dangerous. I’m sure that Dawna and I will be escaping soon.

“Malevolent to commander Dacat.”

Open link, Dacat here Malevolent, go ahead.

“Her Imperial Majesty the Great Kindra has decreed that your leave is canceled you are to return to the ship in order to make a survey trip to the Gateway system.”

Gateway, acknowledged I’m on my way. Close link.

“She’s sending you to Gateway? Damn kid what did you do to deserve that?”

It’s just a survey run; she keeps pulling this hoping that I’ll take off so that she can chase me down.

“I don’t think that’s what she has in mind this time. The Gateway to Hell system is a black hole cluster, there is a way to navigate it but very few people have succeeded. Just a moment I’ll be right back.”

So she’s gotten tired of me, and now just wants me dead. Well to hell with that, if others have navigated it then so can I.

“No need to here, this is a download of the system all you have to do is jump out to the warning beacon upload the program and then take a short nap and jump back. Of course Kindra will come up with an even deadlier mission next time.”

Thanks Arlen, it seems that now I owe you.

“Are you kidding after exempting me from the bribe chain you’ve done more than save my life. You saved my business. So I guess I’ll be seeing you later.”

Yeah, if I survive that long.

“Oh you will, I’m sure of it. Here take this crystal shard with you. It’ll bring you luck as long as you keep it on you.”

All right, just don’t place any bets on me living all that much longer.

“Hey, you could be reported as dead again and I’d place a big bet on you coming back. You’ve caught the attention of the fates and whether you like it or not you’re going to be around for quite some time. Just believe in that and you’ll always end up on the winning team. Now you’d best get going, we wouldn’t want Kindra burning the planet because you were late.”

All right then, krith’pa.

End Log

Entry 20 (20.8)

The Bitch! She’s bean broadcasting one of my poems to the planets we are about to visit, as a warning of what will happen if they don’t submit to her will. I wrote that poem to illustrate the horror of her actions but I never thought she’d use it for such an evil purpose.

As time passes she keeps forcing me to move up my escape plans. It’s only been a month since she sent me out to Gateway and I’ve already begun setting things up for an escape but it will take at least two more months to have everything ready.

End Log

Entry 21

Oh no! Some how Kindra has learned about Dawna’s and my relationship. I don’t dare contact her through the ship communications net, which means I’ve got to physically go out and find her. I’ve gotten my things together and ransacked her quarters stuffing everything that looked in the least bit important in a pack. I then headed over to supply hoping that she would be on duty. She wasn’t there so I checked the training ranges. One of the instructors said he last saw her heading toward the launch bay a few hours ago. I’m heading there now; but I’m worried, about an hour ago an emergency escape pod deactivated and launched. If Dawna knows, that Kindra knows, then she may have gotten out of here but I’d like to think she’d try to at least warn me first.

“Hey commander, you’re a little late the show’s over.”

What do you mean?

“Well I guess Dawna really pissed Her Highness off. Dawna tried to escape and Kindra blew her leg off. Then as Dawna was crawling away Kindra disintegrated her hand. We all thought that the show was over but instead of just finishing her off Kindra stuffed her in an escape pod and dumped her. What a way to go, it’ll be a toss up between shock, suffocation, and dehydration. Cool huh?”

Oh shit!

“Hey where are you going?”

“Oh Tigris, aren’t you forgetting something?”

“Your Highness why are you pointing that thing at me?”

“Because at this point Tigris doesn’t care whether he lives or dies but he still cares for others, it’s a flaw I could never break him of. Isn’t that true Tigris?”

“Kindra, Tigris is dead. You killed him long ago. So you can go to hell!”

“Ha, I didn’t think you had it in you.”

“Arrgh . . .”

End Log

Entry 22

I’m not exactly sure what happened; I know Kindra fired on the Dock Supervisor just as I dove into her racer. I guess she must have completed her new blaster project because the blast seems to have blinded me. Launching form a ship while it is in altered space is considered to be stupid and suicidal not to mention impossible. But staying there would have offered the same risks and it seems that Arlen was right I have survived the impossible. I’ve set my headset to give me a running commentary so that I can fly, again it isn’t safe but I don’t have any other choice. I’ve gotten a fix on Dawna’s pod and the nearest star base. It’s one of Kindra’s but I doubt they’ll give me any trouble since the racer is set with all of Kindra’s codes and I’m still wearing a Malevolent uniform.

End Log

Entry 23

I’ve reached Dawna’s pod and I’ve engaged a tractor beam. According to the pods readings she’s still alive but if I don’t get her to the star base soon she won’t be. One other anomaly according to the pods chronometer when I launched into altered space I actually traveled backward in time. Which means that I’ve got a bit more time before Kindra comes back to see if I’ve survived.

End Log

Entry 24

I’ve reached the star base.

“Unidentified space racer, I say again please identify.”

Open comlink, Star Base K2233 this is Commander Tigris Dacat requesting clearance and assistance landing. I’m towing an escape module with an injured officer aboard. I was blinded in the same battle in which the pod was ejected so I need assistance.

“Commander Dacat, slave your controls to the station and we will bring you in.”

Affirmative control, Commander Dacat out. Wonderful I’m now completely at the mercy of station based technicians. Umph, not exactly a soft landing but I’ll be able to walk away from it.

“Commander Dacat?”

Yes, Doctor?

“Ah, I see you’ve improvised a way to monitor your surroundings. I’d wondered how you had piloted a racer while blind. Now if you’ll just hold still while I inject this sedative, we’ll have your eyes fixed in no time. No you neeeed toooo sheeee tooo Daaaawnaaa firsht ennnnnd loooooooooo.

“What was that? End log?”

End Log

Entry 25

It would seem the wonderful personnel here on K2233 thought it best to repair my vision as quickly as possible. If it meant the difference between Dawna surviving I could have lived with being blind. But if she didn’t survive then the crew of this station may have pushed me beyond what Kindra ever did.

“You’re awake then? We had some problems with your regeneration. It seems that you . . .

How’s the officer I brought in?

“She’s as well as can be expected given the shock she’s been through. We’ve never seen blaster wounds quite like the ones she had. We’ve repaired the damage as best we can and we’ve fitted her with biotech polymimetic limbs but she’s still in a coma. Now if you’ll allow me to continue explaining about your condition?”

Yeah, sure, I guess. Damn she’s in a coma but at least she’s still alive. Damn, this is my fault.

“As I was saying, we had a bit of trouble with your optic regeneration. Your eye’s had been completely destroyed by the radiation of traveling through altered space without engaging a freem drive. I had to commission a search of the archives on Libreen just to discover that bit of information. There hasn’t been a case like that in at least a million years not since the end of the second great galactic war when the structure of altered space was radically shifted. Oh, pardon me I’m rambling. Anyway your eyes had been destroyed so we had to clone the tissue and then regenerate them in the sockets. That part of the process was a complete success. What we didn’t realize is that you’re not one hundred percent genetically human. When we cloned the tissue your new eyes came out . . . well, here’s a mirror.”

I don’t see anything wrong with them.

“Then I suggest you take a closer look.”

Holy! They’re feline.

“As close as we can tell that is correct. At some point you had an ancestor that was a feline human half-breed. Though this is the first time I’ve ever encountered such a shift due to organ regeneration. That’s why we had to fit the officer you brought in with artificial limbs. She has the same odd genetic markers that would indicate she too has a feline ancestor and we didn’t want to create a galactic incident by trying to clone her tissue.”

Well everything still looks pretty much the way it did before; except it seems a bit bright in here and the color of everything seems a bit faded.

“Hmm, we had thought that might be the case. Here put these contacts in they have a micro circuitry which will make your eyes appear human as well as letting you see things the way you used to.”

Whoa, suddenly it’s rather dark.

“Yes it is. With time your optic nerves will adjust to the new stimulus but I suggest you keep those contacts in unless you’re in complete darkness otherwise you’ll blind yourself again. Now I’ll set the lighting to normal human levels.”

In other words I can see in the dark but if I’m not careful I’m back to being blind again?

“Exactly. Though again, in time, you’ll only need the contacts to make you eyes appear human. But since you insist on wearing that computer headset I doubt it’ll really matter. I really don’t see what the fuss is about I mean what is the advantage of carrying a computer around with you that way. It’s becoming a fashion trend.”

Fashion trend? What are you talking about I designed and built this thing myself.

“I hate to tell you this, Commander Dacat, but your design has been copied. I suppose you created the thing while aboard the Malevolent?”

Yeah, but . . .

“Someone stole your design and has been making a killing by marketing it.”

There wouldn’t happen to be anyone in you staff that has one, would there?

“Well yes, just a moment and I’ll get him.”

Now I know why my quarters were ransacked. I’d never even thought of checking to see if my design files had been copied.

“Come on Krist, Commander Dacat wants to see you.”

“He isn’t going to kill me is he?”

No, I’m not going to kill you I just want to see your headset.

“But you have one too why would you want to see mine?”

Let’s just say that I have a professional interest in it. Hmm, it’s a few kilograms lighter than my design.”

“That’s probably because I didn’t need all the upgrades since I only use mine for information retrieval and keeping notes on. I’m saving up in order to get a holovid recorder.”

So the unit has been altered slightly. Though, I guess, as a marketable item it really doesn’t need everything I designed the original unit for. Mind if I try it on?

“No not at all, sir.”

Damn! The new padding is a lot better than mine is, though the visual unit has some major glitches in it. I suppose you experience some eyestrain and perhaps a headache after extended use?

“Yeah, but I thought that was from overwork.”

Also the power unit has been redesigned I suppose it’s so that you have to buy a new unit every couple years.

“But the salesman insisted that the unit could be recharged an infinite number of times.”

I’m sorry to say that he lied. In its current configuration it’ll become just slightly less efficient with each charging. Give me a moment here and I’ll have some things fixed with you unit.

“What are you doing?”

I’m downloading a better visual projection program. There that should end the eye strain and headaches unfortunately there isn’t much I can do about the new power source without taking the entire unit apart and re-working it.

“Oh thank you, sir.”

Thank you for allowing me to borrow it. By the way, how is the unit sold?

There is a stand in the community shopping area. But you already have a unit, that’s better than theirs no less, why would you want an inferior one?”

Oh, I just wanted to check and see if there are any upgrades that I can use. Now if the Doctor will be so kind I’d like to check in on my officer.

“Right this way Commander, but remember she is in a coma.”

Oh I haven’t forgotten.

End Log

Entry 26

“As you can see her body has accepted the biotech but the shock she received was severe. Technically there isn’t anything physically wrong with her. It’s her mind, she’s trying to cope with her ordeal.”

So how long do you believe she’ll be like this?

“It’s impossible to say, she could wake up in a few hours or a few years. She should have come around just after the surgery four weeks ago.”

Four Weeks! We’ve been here almost a month?

“Well, yes. You didn’t think we cloned and regenerated your new eyes in only a matter of hours did you?

Uh, well, yes actually I did.

“Ah, anyway now that you’ve seen your charge I suggest you go see the base commander.”

End Log

Entry 27

Tay, I’ve returned to my racer and I’ve discovered something. I found another of the headset computers. I’ve overridden the access codes with my own unit. As it turns out it belongs to Dawna. I’ve downloaded her log but I’m only recording certain pertinent sections into my log.

Report 1

I know Tigris is going to be ticked off at me for stealing his headset design but I also know that he isn’t going to stop wearing the thing once we escape. To that end I’ve decided the best strategy is to market the unit and hope that others find it as useful as he does. That way it’ll be easier to blend in.

End Report

Report 1.1

Damn it! He has so much security protecting his files I can’t get all the programs he has for it. I only hope the company I’ve contacted will accept my incomplete prototype.

End Report

Report 12

Well I guess I can’t insist that Tigris stop making his log entries. Recording ones thoughts is quite addictive and the unit has so many other uses. I’ve transferred all of my records for the black market supply scam that I’ve been running as well as the order sheets from the crew. I have to admit the unit is really coming in handy. The only problem is I don’t dare let anyone catch me using it. Otherwise Kindra might suspect that I have some connection to Tigris.

End Report

Report 15

Well I’ve done it. I’ve successfully sold a prototype to a company who will produce the unit. I gave them a scaled down version that could only handle recording voice logs. The company’s owner has become almost as addicted to the basic model as Tigris and myself. He was extremely anxious to get a model with an extended options package. I had to review multiple contracts before they finally came up with one that was acceptable. I’ve retained all rights for the unit. They get to manufacture and distribute them. We get a thirty-percent cut of the net profit and they have to approve any changes to the design. They also have to get approval for any new upgrade packages that they design. I’ve set up a business account under the names of Panthare and Dawna Knight. I’ve also transferred al of my other accounts into this one.

End Report

Report 21

Damn it, SpaceTech, the company manufacturing the headset, has been making unauthorized changes to the unit. As soon as we escape we’ll have to take care of the problem. The contract won’t be up for renegotiation for five years, though it does have a buyout clause so perhaps when we escape we can scrape up the credits and go into business for ourselves. It would just about break us but I think we have enough to do it.

End Report

Report 34

Oh shit! One of my inventory crew just told me that a rumor was circulating that I’m romantically involved with Tigris. If that gets to Kindra I’m dead. The time to leave is definitely now. I’ve packed most of my things but I’ve had to leave a lot in my quarters so that it appear that I’m coming back. I’ll contact Tigris just as soon as I have the racer prepped for launch.

End Report

Report 34.1

Oh no, Kindra is here! I’ve got the racer prepared, I can only hope that I can survive this encounter. I had a diagnostic program running with a false reading of a malfunctioning blaster to give me a cover story. Tigris, if I don’t make it I just want you to know that I love you. Dawna out.

End Report

Well, that explains a lot. Now I know why my security measures didn’t go off when my quarters were ransacked. Though it seems I’m going to have to pay a visit to SpaceTech when Dawna recovers. Now to do a bit of checking on what has been happening since we’ve been out of contact with galactic events. First a quick check of the current bounty listings to see if either of us have been listed. Well what do you know there it is, a thousand credits for Dawna and ten thousand for me. Obviously it’s just in case we survived bounty. Other wise it wouldn’t be so low.

Now let’s see what information exists on K2233 and it’s commander. Having Kindra’s racer is going to make my life so much easier. She believes that it was destroyed so she isn’t going to be changing her access codes for a while. That means I can get any information I want off from her personal spy network. Ah, here we go Commander Jannek Rost, tall, lean, blond, male with blue eyes and a keen business sense. According to his personal files he’s dissatisfied with Kindra’s control, has a fondness for pornographic entertainment, and has been embezzling from Kindra’s accounts here on the station. He thinks he’s smart and that he’s been able to hide his actions. Kindra will set him straight on her next stop at this station. Straight out an airlock that is. This is perfect; he stands to loose more by turning me in than by keeping my existence a secret. Well now I’m off to meet Commander Pervert.

End Log

Entry 28

“May I help you?”

Yes, I’m here to see Commander Roth.

“He’s busy right now, but if you’ll wait I’m sure he’ll get to you as soon as possible.”

Thank you, but I don’t feel like waiting.”

“But sir you can’t . . .”

Hello Commander, ah I see, the “All Nude Alien Babes Take Over the Universe” if I’d known you were that busy I might have waited. Now if you’ll just get yourself put away I do believe we need to talk.

“Mr. Dacat, you have a lot of nerve barging in here. Considering that I’ve spared your life and the life of your friend so far.”

Oh don’t give me that. You’ve been protecting you own assets and we both know it. I suggest you start keeping your records as physical documents instead of in the computer system since Kindra can access any file at any time. Though I’d keep a false record and personal logs with just a bit of rebellion in them otherwise she’ll know that you’re up to something anyway. Now down to business. Yes, I know I’ve been here four weeks and I also know that Kindra has placed a bounty on me. However, in case you didn’t realize it already, the bounty is a lot smaller than what it would be if Kindra believed that I was alive. Though if she did know that I was alive and here on your station she’d simply destroy the station.

“What about the officer you brought in with you?”

She isn’t important to Kindra. She was just someone Kindra could use to make my life miserable. I’m the one that poses a danger to Kindra. I was her second in command and as such I have information that is potentially dangerous to her.

“Then I want you off my station immediately!”

Don’t worry, Kindra isn’t headed in this direction. For now you’re safer with me here than you will be when I leave since I can track Kindra and your own logs will condemn you unless you get them fixed soon.

“So what is it you want?”

To stay here until Dawna wakes up or until the end of next month which ever comes first. Also I want to return here if I need medical attention again.

“And what do I get in exchange?”

I’ll keep your little secrets, all of them. You also get my guarantee that all record of my visits present and future will be completely erased from the files. Including the ones that only Kindra can access. That means you get to continue living the way you have been; but you don’t have to worry about Kindra catching you.

“I’ll think about it.”

Good. Now if you’ll excuse me I’ll return to the infirmary and leave you to your, um business.

End Log

Entry 29

Well that went even better than I’d hoped. Though catching him with his pants down was an unexpected bonus that I could have done without. I’m sure he’ll agree to my terms, though I have no intention of returning. Now if only Dawna would wake up we could get out of here before someone who doesn’t have anything to loose turn us in.

End Log

Entry 30 (20.9)

Well it’s been a week, or a month, that we’ve been here and I’m almost wishing that I was the one in a coma. There wouldn’t be a lot of difference I’m just sitting here day after day. I don’t dare go beyond the infirmary area. Someone might recognize me. I’ve started calling myself Prowler again and I’m going to change out of my Malevolent uniform and into something that would better suit a bounty hunter. Once we get away from here that way no one will know that the late Tigris Dacat isn’t dead. I’d do so now but I figure it’s best that the people here only remember me as one of Kindra’s officers. Tigris Dacat has died twice now so it’s time to leave him for dead and move on to a new life. I guess with my feline ancestry I get to take advantage of nine lives instead of one clause. Though I really wish I’d paid more attention to Grandma’s stories now.

Anyway Dawna still hasn’t shown any signs of improvement and I keep falling asleep. I’m going for a cup of coffine, Dawna; if you wake up I’ll be right back.

End Log

Entry 31

There that’s better, now where was I? Oh yes I was complaining about the waiting.

“You! You’ll pay for doing this to me! It’s payback time!”

Dawna! You’re awaarrgh! My, my arm.

“Mr. Dacat are you all right? Security to the infirmary immediately!”

“I’m going to kill you for this. None of Kindra’s flunkies are going to hurt me ever again!”

“Tranquilize her now!”

“I’ll get you . . .”

“She’s out, what about him?”

“He needs immediate attention, get Doctor T’wanbee in here stat.”

I’ll be fine, just help Daaaawnaaaaa.

End Log

Entry 32

“Good morning, you seem to be spending almost as much time in bed as you do sitting around.”

Doctor, how’s Dawna?

“Gone I’m afraid.”

WHAT!

“Oh it’s not like that, it seems she wasn’t sedated enough, she woke up and escaped. One of the guards said she was yelling something about causing trouble for everyone in the galaxy. Now how does your arm feel?”

It hurts a bit but it seems ok.

“Where does it hurt?”

My elbow, wrist, and finger joints. I’m rather surprised that you were able to re-attach it.

“No problem at all. You just press here like so, the synthetic fibers lock off, then rotate, and it comes right off. Now just let me adjust this. There's just a bit of electrical chatter across the synthetic nerves that the bio connection was reading as pain.”

Uh?

“I take it you thought this was your original arm? Unfortunately your psychotic girlfriend used a heat blade. It cauterized the nerve endings to such a degree that replacement was our only option. After all we weren’t going to try cloning after the last incident.”

Do you have the heat blade she used?

“Yes security will be studying it to find out how and where she got it.”

Can I see it?

“Well, I guess but . . . just a moment.”

I guess it’s time for me to be leaving. I think I’ll use that moon base at Vesuvia as a hole to hide in for a while.

“Here it is, as you can see it’s highly sophisticated.”

Hmm, standard laser scalpel, wired to a high-energy blaster cell, encased in an infirmary cup, and it has a synthetic focusing crystal to enlarge the blade. If you check, I’m betting she synthesized the crystal and swiped the rest from right here in the infirmary. All told it would have taken her three minutes maybe four including assembly.

“But how?”

She taught me how to do it. You’d be amazed at the things one has to learn to survive aboard the Malevolent.

“Mister Dacat, what do you think you’re doing? That’s evidence in an attempted murder case.”

Only if you have evidence and as soon as I leave you’ll only have your memory. After all, you wouldn’t want Kindra to find out. Besides it took my old arm from me and the only way to ensure that it doesn’t do it again is to keep it with me. Storing it inside my prosthetic limb is just that extra bit of irony that works for me. Besides you can never tell when it might come in handy. Now, do you have an instruction manual in case my arm starts malfunctioning again?

“Yes, right here but . . .”

Good, now go tell your commander that I no longer exist.

“But you can’t leave yet! You still have therapy and then there’s the investigation.”

I was never here. I suggest you and everyone else forget that any of this ever happened for your own safety. Goodbye.

End Log

Entry 33 (21)

Well I’ve been here at Hollow Base for a month now and I’ve initiated several projects. I’ve designed a star fighter and a heavily armed transport. With all the training I have I should be able to play the part of an average bounty hunter. After all what better way to travel the galaxy without being detected? It’ll take the robotic building facilities two years to complete the fighter and three for the transport. It would go faster if the base was fully staffed but since I’m the only one here it’ll take forever.

I’ve also designed and started construction of a truly magnificent star cruiser. It’s larger than any other ships currently in operation but one person using a neural interface on the command deck can operate it. I’ve designed it so that the command chair slides into a socket mounted at the rear and above the main area. When enclosed the controls are identical to those of my star fighter. Much of the area inside the ship is filled with the triple engine systems. I’ve used three separate systems in order to boost the cruiser's speed to star fighter class. Because of this I’ve had to extend the Freem drivers out away from the main hull. The Freem engines are also oversized but they don’t fill the outer pods. So I designed the extra space as star fighter launch bays.

Also because of the oversized multiengine configuration of the ship it can make a planetary landing. However because of her size the only feasible place to do so would be in a large body of water such as an ocean. She can maneuver in an atmosphere with a 79.9 percent reduction in maneuverability and firepower but this can be reduced to 51.32 if the ship has a full crew. The weapon systems are all the best that can currently be manufactured. but it doesn’t really matter since the projected completion date at the current construction rate is roughly a thousand years from now. And that doesn’t include the energy-absorbing armor plating, which pushes the date up another thousand years.

Of course if I recruit some workers the dates all become shorter but I don’t expect for her to fly in my lifetime. She’s a dream ship and the culmination of all my talents. Perhaps she’ll be used as a technology test bed since everything is modular and can be easily replaced, as new technology becomes available.

Speaking of new technology, I’ve discovered an economical cloaking devise. While modifying an energy deflector I accidentally inverted the system creating an energy absorption field. The device promptly exploded but since then I’ve created an energy converter that redirects the energy into other systems. When the system comes close to overload it will automatically discharge the excess energy through a matter energy converter turning it into the raw elements needed to create armor plating. The field is perfect for space combat since it’ll absorb energy weapons and the deflection field projected within can protect against projectiles.

I tested the system on a drone and that’s how I discovered the cloaking effect. When I activated the energy absorber the drone completely disappeared. The field can absorb all energy including starlight. However I was still able to control the drone since the field doesn’t disrupt the energy signal as it is absorbed. So communications and even visuals are possible, though a bit distorted, because of the way the energy is absorbed. I take that back signals can be sent to the cloaked object but not from it.

Now on to Hollow Base I’ll begin at the center and work outwards. Hovering out in the center of the moon is a heat and light source. I’m not certain how it works but on one side it is brighter to simulate a sun and on the other it is dim to simulate moon glow creating both night and day. The light source is set at a spin that works with the moons natural rotation to create a galactic standard day and night in, The Park. Next come the shipyards orbiting between mini-sun and the inner surface. There are three elevator spines running from the inner surface to the facility as well as multiple repair bays for both large and small craft.

On the surface of the inner crust is an area I’ve named, The Park. This area is a complete artificial ecosystem complete with a miniature ocean, mountains, plains, jungle, as well as animals best suited for those environments. The crusts themselves consist of an average of a hundred kilometers of soil. However the crusts may be thicker or thinner depending on mountain ranges and craters. Between the soil crusts and the living area is a shell made up of extremely thick support structure that protects and supports both the crusts and the living area.

Finally on another topic I’ve contacted SpaceTech. Unfortunately the meeting didn’t go well. They claim that they have creative freedom to make any “adjustments” that they wish in order to “improve” the headset. I took that to mean that they had decided to add glitches that would allow them to release a “new” improved product every year at a higher price with new and different glitches. I could probably challenge them but that would mean I’d have to sort through Dawna’s stuff for the original contract, and I just don’t feel up to that yet. So I guess when the contract expires I’ll set up a new company to manufacture and sell my designs.

Well back to work I’ll update as the urge takes me, I guess.

End Log

Entry 34 (21.8/2.1)

Well it’s been a while, almost eight months in fact. I probably wouldn’t be making an entry now except I had the strangest dream while lying out in the park. Since it was all in images I’ve recorded it as a poem.

The Hunter and the Hunted

Slip through the grass Sun Falling

Shadows stretch into meadow

Slink to stream lap water

Cold burns throat water stops thirst

Thunder in stomach

Hunt

Taste/smell wind from sun down

Smell small food taste coming cold

Hidden deep smell large prey

Long running moon high storm worse

Stands up wind back to me

Rubbing horns storm rages eat!

Lunge

Wind shifts

Claws rake

Air

PAIN

Side shoulder fly land PAIN

Move fight back stand weak stand UP

Buck charges swings head HORNS

Down neck spring hooves kick too late

Eat calm storm thunder gone

Lightning pain bury more later

Hide hollow under logs

Clean wounds shoulder side done

Breath deep hurt inside

Sleep dulls pain

End Log

Entry 35 (22.2)

Holy! Somehow I’ve lost a little over four months. Instead of eight months it’s been a year and two months since my last update. I went to the infirmary and the only thing wrong with me is that at some point, around two months ago, I must have broken two ribs. All brain scans show normal but I just can’t remember the last four months. According to the computer no one has entered the base; or left it for that matter. The only irregularity anywhere is a drop in the number of animals in the park. But that can be explained as natural causes and a normal flux in the environment. I guess the oddest thing is, and I hate to admit this, when I entered the park, I guess it was four months ago, I was feeling kind of depressed and I wasn’t much looking forward to anything. So I decided to go for a swim. Afterwards rather than getting dressed again I just laid back in the grass. I mean there’s nobody else here and the mini sun filters the light so that I couldn’t get sun burned even if I wanted to.

Well when I woke up I wasn’t by the pond so I figured I’d been sleep walking. And I wanted to get the images down before I could forget so I went to the nearest exit found lift tube and went to my quarters. I would have sent one of the assistant robots to collect my clothing and headset, but at some point the park’s robotic keepers had moved them to my quarters. I recorded the poem added it to my logs and now I’ve discovered that my little sleep walk was four months long. Obviously I wasn’t running around the park naked for four months so now I just have to figure out what I was doing during that time.

End Log

Entry 36 (23/3.3)

Well, the star fighter is completed and I’m about to take it out on its test run. I’m currently placing a satellite in geo-synchronous orbit over Accordia. Now, all Rusty has to do is download the logs and upload any messages he may have. If this is the last message ever it means that the star fighter was a failure. I’m returning to Hollow Base now.

End Log

Entry 37 [transcribed from star fighter voice recorder]

Launch time, well this is it. I’ve completed the walk around.

Cabin Sealed.

Life support on line.

Powering up the flight systems.

All flight systems are in the green.

Engaging the anti-gravity system.

Retracting landing struts.

I’m not dead yet so I’m going to see if she’s space worthy.

Opening the bay doors.

Applying thrusters.

Passing through the atmosphere shield.

Well it’s handling like a dream here in the base so I guess it’s time to make a true space run.

Opening the inner gate.

Closing inner gate.

Opening outer gate.

Air space above Vesuvia is clear, or as clear as it gets anyway.

Exiting the moon base.

Everything is still running at 100% so I guess it’s time to try the freem drive. This is the most dangerous test so here’s hoping it works.

Plotting course for Accordia system.

Engaging freem drive.

I’ve made the transition to altered space and everything seems to be working fine.

I’m out and everything still checks out; damn I’m good.

Whoa! What the!

“Unidentified star fighter you have violated Accordan space surrender or be destroyed.”

Shields up, computer damage report.

“Main weapons systems non functional. Shields at 95%.”

Do I have any weapons that are functioning?

“Strike pods are undamaged.”

Oh that helps, oof, they’re loaded with practice drones.

“Shields at 85%.”

Accordia control, what is going on? I thought you were a pacifistic planet.

“This is Accordia control, we apologize, but the Accordia Defense League is not a sanctioned group. They are vigilantes, deal with them as you see fit. Control out.”

ADL this is . . . Ghost retreat now or I’ll have to teach you a few things about space combat.

“This is Tigris’ Pride either surrender now or we’ll destroy you.”

Oh that’s just great, Mom always told me my pride would get me killed one day. Slaving drones weapons to the star fighter’s targeting system.

Pride, this is Ghost, my weapons systems are down but I can still teach you and your fellow pilots a few things if you agree to drop out of combat as soon as you are registered as a kill. If you win I’ll surrender, if I win then I go free. Are you up for a non-lethal game or not? I’ll wait for your answer.

Computer, encrypt message and transmit it through the satellite to Rusty. Oh good, it’s ringing.

“Hello, Darkmane residence.”

Hi, is Rusty there? It’s really important that I speak with him.

“I’m sorry but he’s out practicing with his flying buddies. Can I take a message?”

He’s out with the ADL again? Isn’t he ever home?

“Well, they should be back this evening . . . Who is this?”

Thank you, you’ve told me everything I needed to know. Tell him a ghost called. I’m sure he’ll understand.

“Oh no, what have I done.”

So Mr. Darkmane, you’re up here as well. Now let’s see if I can figure out just which one you are.

“This is Tigris’ Pride to Ghost, we accept your terms, prepare to lose.”

Good luck, you’re going to need it. Launching four drones from each pod, sixteen of them will encircle the fighter and provide my meager firepower. They’re coming at me one at a time. I guess I’ll take the first one out before I let them know that that’s the wrong tactic. One down, eleven to go.

Well Pride, lesson one, when taking on an unknown opponent don’t let honor direct your actions it’ll get you killed, an enemy has to be treated as such.

Ah, you’re learning but remember this is space, not an atmosphere you have to prepare for tactics that make use of zero G. So that puts out both Guardian and Defender.

That was a good one. You successfully took out most of my drones but you underestimated just how many I still had onboard so now both Knight and Pawn are out. Oh and you might want to upgrade Pawn’s programing I can tell he’s a robot.

Whoa that was close. Shard and Justice, you would have had me if you hadn’t nailed each other with friendly fire. When setting up crossfire you don’t do it directly across from each other; you come in at angles that intersect at the target, that way you don’t hit your wingman.

Well that was interesting. Angelic, Fool Stalker, Spectre, and Magic you have to adapt your tactics on the fly. As it was I recognized the Darthen Maneuver and was able to predict your moves. You can’t stick to a game plan in battle. You have to improvise new tactics on the fly. Now let’s see who’s left.

“This is Thunder, of the Nova Burst. You only have two drones left. Surrender now and your punishment won’t be so harsh.”

Well, now I know who’s left. So Rusty, you’ve sat back and learned everything. Well guess what, I was trained by the best, as it were, and I still have some things up my sleeve.

This is Ghost, and though my fighter doesn’t have a name yet, I do believe I proved myself by taking down rest of your squadron. Of course you could back down now and admit that I’m the better pilot.

“That’s it you’re out of drones, all I have to do now is get a strike against your shield and you’re out.”

So you’d agree that my life sucks more than yours does at the moment?

“What? Tig . . .”

Final lesson, never ever get distracted by anything that an opponent might say over the Comm, it’ll get you killed, Rusty. Oh and by the way most modern fighters can reroute weapons systems, if they have enough time, Ghost out.

And quick jump back to Hollow Base. Well Rusty, with enough practice you might actually make a pretty good defense force. But remember the enemy you’re facing is always better, so never let your guard down. And don’t ever try to take on Kindra. You’ll just be throwing your lives away. Trust me I know.

End Log

Entry 38 [Rusty’s message concerning the ADL]

<Receiving encrypted message from Accordia, source indeterminate.>

<Open File? >

<File Open>

Sorry for the level of encryption, but I don’t think the elders would appreciate the fact that I’m writing to one who is dead to us. But lately I’ve done a lot of things against the elders . . . the Accordia Defense League for instance. I guess you can say I’m sick and tired of watching my friends and family get killed or taken prisoner by every force in the galaxy that thinks it’s big enough to take out a piece of a peaceful planet who never did shard to deserve it. And yes, we may just be a rag-tag band flying converted air speeders, but at least we’re doing something to protect our home and the people we love. Old religions and taboos need to be cast aside when our people are threatened. I may be the next to “die” Tigris, but at least I’ll die fighting. And maybe we don’t know all the fancy moves of Kindra’s pilots. Maybe we haven’t been “enlisted” like you have, but we fight with our hearts, with everything we have. In short, we could use you. I know you can help us. Word has come down from the traders that someone high up, Kindra’s right hand has betrayed her and got him self killed. Obviously you managed to escape. I can see you’re not without resources. Throw in with us. If you won't do it for your planet then for your friends, for me. We need a leader, and you know it. But perhaps this message is falling on deaf ears. Who knows . . . please tell me I’m wrong and you haven’t changed. If you have . . . we’ll see.

<Message complete.>

<Would you like to save the information exchange? >

End Log

Entry 39 (23.3/3.6)

Rusty, I’m sorry. I know it’s been three months GS but I told you I wouldn’t be getting messages immediately. Also you don’t have to worry about the encryption, communication with the satellite is completely secure. Trust me no one can break it, not on Accordia or even in Kindra’s fleet. Yes I can see you need help but unfortunately it cannot be me. I’ve become to well known both there and out here. I’m now dead both places and it’s best that I stay that way. If I lead you then at some point someone will discover me. If that happens then Kindra will destroy Accordia. I know you don’t believe she has that kind of power but trust me she can do it.

I may be able to help you though. Your defense craft are obviously modified atmospheric vehicles. Don’t get me wrong, it’s amazing what you’ve done. Especially arming them but they wouldn’t last five minutes against the most basic of star fighter. And your pilots need a lot of training, which you won’t get there on Accordia. That is where I might be able to help but it’ll take some time. For now continue as you have been but don’t take anyone on just yet. Remember, just because an armed ship is in Accordia space doesn’t make it a threat. In fact 99% of all ships out here are armed.

Now as to your fighters I suggest you get your money together and get as many Firebyrd class sport ships as you can. I know they’re unarmed and they don’t have much in the way of shields but you can get them through customs there. The Firebyrd is a rather popular ship out here, and they don’t cost that much new. Actually they often cost more to get them used because of modifications. Just a thought, you and your group could set up a Fyretech franchise to sell the sports there on Accordia. That way you can get them through the manufacturer, Fyretech Industries. The fighter is one of the very few that come unarmed for kids who want a star fighter to play with but can’t have an armed ship. Now, I’m telling you this because it isn’t hard to modify the Firebyrd into a full-fledged star fighter. And if you can start the business then you’ll have a front for training pilots. It’ll also let you get flight simulators through customs.

It will take some time for me to set up things on my end but don’t try to modify the fighters your self. I’ll handle that part. I’ll contact you again when I get some things taken care of.

End Log

Entry 40 (24/4.3)

Well, the bounty hunter ship, Blade Hunter, is completed. I’ve run it through its paces and now all I have to do is go out and begin working. To that end I’ve obtained identification as Jahar Træn which translates to justice seeker. I guess this is it, my return to the galactic fract race. Off to Vesuvia, even though I’ve been up here all this time I’ve been avoiding this trip. With Dawna’s loosing her mind and everyone thinking I was dead I thought it best not to . . . Oh hell admit it to yourself you were avoiding Meonii and you know it. Even after all this time I’m still attracted to her. I love Dawna and I guess I was hoping she’d come to her senses. But the last reports I’d received, about her is that she’s now the captain of a pirate ship. So I guess that relationship is over for good.

Well, if I run into Meonii again I’ll take things as they come. I’m still not ready for this but I can’t hide forever. Kindra is still out there and I have to do something to balance the evil in the galaxy. Besides I have to do something to atone for the time I spent under her command. I leave in the morning.

End Log

Entry 41

All right so it was evening Galactic Standard when I left; but it was morning at the Bazaar so even though I delayed my trip for a day it still worked out to about the right time. So here I am again entering the Sundowner Cantina but this time as a free man.

Oh great, first day back among the living and I walk into the middle of another fight.

“Your tables are rigged! I want my money back NOW!”

“Sir, my tables are not rigged. You are simply a poor gambler who can’t control himself. Not to worry I’ve transmitted your holo to all of the reputable gambling establishments on Vesuvia so you won’t have to worry about controlling yourself any more. Now I suggest you leave before I have to throw you out.”

“Why you little . . . just what makes you think you could throw me out?”

Before you do something stupid I suggest you take Arlen’s advice and leave peacefully.

“Lakshaya, runt.”

Nice, you do of course realize that if you make a move to harm Arlen you’ll be dead. At least 90% of the beings in this cantina are currently aiming weapons at you. Check that I don’t see any riff raff so I guess it’s 99%. Now leave while you still can.

There that settles that.

“Thanks stranger. Thank you so much for ruining my fun for the day.”

Oh don’t worry I’m sure there are plenty more idiots who’ll walk through those doors today.

“Yeah it appears I’m talking to one now. So what’ll it be?”

Ice water, in one of the clean glasses, if you please.

“Creds up front for that one.”

Put it on my bill.

“Now I don’t know who you are stranger, but I can tell you right now I don’t give credit. See that board over there? Those are the losers who’ve skipped out on their bills, back when I still gave credit. Some have moved on but most are dead. It just doesn’t pay anymore. Now show me the credits, or am I going to have to toss you out as well?”

Just a moment I’d like to check that board. Hmm, so he’s got Tigris Dacat listed. That’s interesting though he isn’t posting just how much each person owes. I’ll just copy three at random all believed to be alive of course as well as that of Tigris and see if I can get a job. It may not be much but I have to start somewhere and this way most of my work will be for live capture.

So Arlen, if I can bring some of these people in will you pay me for it?

“A bounty just to collect what they owe? It’s not worth it.”

All right a deal then, I need a few jobs to build a reputation and you want to recover some of your losses, so what do you say I get 10% of what they owe, no matter how small the amount as a bounty?

“That’s more than reasonable that’s insane. Why’d you want to do something so stupid?”

“Oh, I think I know what his reason would be.”

“Mea, stay out of this. This is business.”

“All right, but don’t say I didn’t warn you boss.”

“You’re on, Mister?”

Træn, Jahar Træn.

“Good, you’ve got yourself a deal.”

All right then this is the first one I’m going after, Tigris Dacat.

“Perhaps you didn’t notice; he’s dead.”

Well then he just got better didn’t he. I doubt I’m going to collect much on this one since I’m sure you’re still making monthly withdrawals from the account of one Prowler to cover his debts.

“Yeah but, how . . . “

How did I survive? Lets just say that was only the second time I’ve died. Yet I keep getting better, just like you said I would.

“I tried to warn you, Arlen, but I’m just a dancer so of course I wouldn’t know anything about people. So Jahar is it true Tigris died trying to save his lover?”

Yes Meonii it’s true.

“Well I get the feeling you two need to talk and I don’t mean out here in public. I’ll have your drink sent down to your floor and don’t worry about the credits I’ll just add them to your bill.”

Floor? I only had a room.

“Hey you were dead not much reason to let good money go to waist so I made renovations and I’ve been passing refugees though the place. I didn’t think you’d mind even if you were alive.”

I get the feeling I’d better check on my accounts. I may owe you after all.

“No, you’ve still got at least a year left.”

Tay, that’s comforting.

“Well get going otherwise your drinks will arrive before you do.”

End Log

Entry 42

“So it is true that you almost died saving your lover?”

I was afraid you’d ask that again. The answer is yes, but it’s complicated so perhaps I’d better tell you the whole story. Dawna and I were together on the Malevolent before I met you, though we weren’t serious at the time or so I thought. Things changed though, we loved each other and on some level I still love her. Kindra used that against me. She tortured Dawna and then ejected her into space during a course change. She let the information leak knowing I’d try to escape. You see, she never liked me all that much because I had ruined her plans for Accordia. And predictably I fell into her trap but I acted in a way she wasn’t expecting and launched from the Malevolent while we were in altered space. I’m not sure whether it was because I needed to help Dawna or if it was to irritate Kindra. Anyway I saved Dawna but she wasn’t the same person after that. When she recovered she tried to kill me. She’s now a pirate captain. So I guess any chance for a relationship with her is over since she’s become as bad as Kindra.

“So you’ve decided to become a bounty hunter to track her down?”

No. I’ve become a bounty hunter since it may be the only disguise where I won’t be recognized as being from Accordia. Though I still plan on only going after those who are definitely criminals. I still live by a code. Now Arlen implied that you had something to tell me as well.

“Um, only that I’ve missed you, and that I grieved when I believed you’d died.”

Oh, um well I suggest you stop that. It seems that I have seven lives left.

“I though that was only a feline belief.”

Well it seems to apply to me as well. So I guess since this is going to be my home for a while I should set up a few things. Though I’m not sure how I’ll get a couple flight simulators down here.

“Just bring them down the freight elevator. Though I can’t imagine why you’d want flight simulators when you can obviously fly already.”

It’s not for me exactly it’s for some people I know.

“The ADL perhaps?”

You know of the ADL?

“Yeah a couple of the members come through here every once in a while. Usually they're here to celebrate the life of a departed friend. I’ve learned quite a bit about the Great Tigris Dacat from them. Arlen helps them out when he can. He has soft spot for kids that have delusions of grandeur, and for you it seems. You see he hasn’t been charging you rent he truly was in trouble when you came along. Giving him that exemption literally saved the Sundowner. And this place is his life. He’s been here for over a thousand years, at least. Some of the old timers say he isn’t human. They say he’s the last member of an ancient race that lives forever. Others say he found the secret to eternal life, and Arlen says that he just enjoys what he does and that’s what makes it seem like he’s lived forever. Anyway he’s been using your money to help those in need and keep this place in business. The truth is your accounts were nearly empty for a time but now he’s repaying you for your help.”

But why repay me? I mean what have I done to deserve that?

“He says it’s not what you’ve done but what you will do. He sometimes tells this legend from a planet that only he knows the location of. It probably doesn’t even exist, but anyway, the legend goes something like The Great Ones came and they gave to us many things. Then the Evil One came and took everything away. We used the knowledge of the Ancients, the tools of the Great Ones and the power of the Evil One to drive her away. She vowed to return and three beings would announce her arrival.

Arlen has drawings that the planet’s natives made of the characters. One of the Great Ones looks like Arlen, the Evil One looks like Kindra, and the only picture he has of the people that forewarn of her return is an extremely old holo that the natives gave to Arlen. He says that they stole it from the Evil One. The holo is of you. I’ve seen it. You’re older and there is a strange sadness in the way you look, but it is you. Arlen believes that you are somehow going to free the galaxy from Kindra’s reign of terror.”

A holo of me? That’s impossible, what about up stairs just now? He didn’t know . . . he, was playing the game the same as I was, wasn’t he?

“Well if he’d really believed you were dead wouldn’t he have simply cleaned out your account and transferred the credits into one of his own. Also he kept your things rather than selling them. I mean even though you have them in that chest a skilled locksmith could get it open.”

What!

“Don’t worry it hasn’t been touched, yet.”

Well, never mind that, it seems I’ve got to thank Arlen. Then I have to set up a pilot training center down here. As well as track down a few thieves.

“Sound’s like fun when do we leave?”

We?

“What, you think dancing is the only thing I can do? You’ve got a few things to learn and I’ve done the bounty-hunting thing before. So let’s go.”

End Log

Entry 43 (Letter to Rusty)

Well I’ve finished setting things up. There are a couple flight simulation units set up at the Sundowner for your troops. Each one is designed to give your pilots combat experience. They are currently set up for Firebyrd fighters but you can pick up programs for any other standard fighter program from the shops at the Bazaar. I’ve also installed a learning implantation machine. Now most important of all there are two new Firebyrds in hanger bay 74. Both are fully armed and ready to go.

I’ve equipped each Firebyrd with a pair of shield disrupters mounted between the nose fins; these are the only visible weapons. Since they are non-lethal they should be legal. Each fighter has micro torpedo launch tubes hidden below the cockpit with a ten-torpedo capacity each. Behind the cockpit I’ve placed a pair of twin blasters on a retractable mount. I know they are not very powerful but since they can fire simultaneously with the shield disrupters they can pack more of a punch. Next on the top of the wing mounts are two pop up heavy lasers. To use these; however, you have to divert power from other systems. Finally I’ve installed a heavy shield generator but remember most other star fighters are still going to have you out gunned so be careful.

Now all you have to do is pick them up. I suggest you send two of your own Firebyrds and just trade. If you have started a ship lot it will be easier to set things up by creating records saying that the two ships that leave have the serial numbers of the two returning. That way the two returning pilots will be flying their own star fighters which they can then have painted, named, and even have the wings and nose fins changed to suit themselves rather than keeping the factory look. In other words send me two unattached fighters and pilots and I’ll send back two fighters and their pilots trained in star fighter combat but still in need of real flight experience. I’ll modify the new fighters as quickly as I will can and then send word for you to pick them up.

End Log

Entry 44 (24.1)

Grak Nethandre?

“Trenth fren prab tooo?”

I’m here to collect …

“Trenk, bounty hunter scum!”

Whoa crap! I’m here to collect what you owe to the Sundowner Cantina!

“Cantina? You no come capture for bounty?

No, I’m just here to collect what you owe the cantina! Not to take you down!

“Sorry me thought Kindra send you.”

No Arlen, from the Sundowner Cantina sent me.

“Arlen nice, good human. Me like him. But Vesuvia, Kindra to close, Grak no can return there.”

Arlen understands that, but he also wants his customers to pay their debts.

“How much Grak owe?”

Ten thousand credits.

“That all? Grak have many more credit on head than that. Why you not try take Grak in?”

I don’t work for scum like Kindra, and I figured simple collections such as this would be less dangerous. It seems I thought wrong.

“So did, next time say Arlen send first danger still but less.”

Thanks for the warning. Now do you have the credits or not?

“Grak have credits. Just have getty be righty back.”

If you don’t mind, I do believe I’ll just accompany you.

“Ok Grak really go get. Come with Grak”

End Log

Entry 45 (24.2)

“And that’s it? He actually gave you the credits?”

That he did Arlen, I thought for sure he’d pull something but he went straight to his room and got the credits.

“You got lucky that’s all.”

Don’t I know it; Meonii said she’d cover my back but I didn’t see her there. And I scanned the entire cantina when I entered.

“Oh she was there all right, she’s just very good at disguise. And I bet she gave you a real going over afterwards for your stupidity as well.”

She did indeed, but she also taught me enough so that the next couple of stops went much more smoothly. So here you are a transfer authorization for the two hundred thousand credits that I’ve collected over the last two months.

“Thank you very much. By the way, a couple of Accordans came through here not long after you left. Oddest thing rather than toasting some dead guy they went down to your floor, spent the day there, came back up here had a single drink, and then asked me to tell The Ghost that Nature and Seeker said thanks for everything. Then they said ‘Brind allahk drannu treay pa’ratha’, paid for their drinks and left.”

They’re old friends of mine reminding me that no matter how big the galaxy is I can never escape my past.

“Good advise, the past is always a guide to the future.”

Thanks Arlen, now if you’ll excuse me I have some work that has to be done.

End Log

Entry 46 (24.6) (Letter to Rusty)

Well, it’s been four months since my last update and I’ve finally finished up-grading those two fighters Nature and Seeker left behind. It wasn’t as easy as I’d planned since they’d already made wing and nose fin changes. I’ve equiped Nature’s fighter with enhanced scanning and jamming equipment as he requested in the note he left in the cockpit. I’ve also added a second set of guns into the star shaped nose fin that Seeker attached to her fighter.

I’ve been checking the flight simulators and I have to say everyone’s skills have shown a marked improvement, on an individual basis that is. I’ve set up two additional simulators and updated the memory implant device so that your group can work on their wingman skills. The second two simulators are set up as enemy fighters. That way you’ll have more of a challenge. I’m hoping this will show your group the advantage of working together. Well I’m now off on another mission I’ll pick up the new fighters when I get back.

End Log

Entry 47 (24.7)

Hello, Mr. Bingman?

“That’s me what do you want.”

I’m here on behalf of the Sundowner Cantina.

“Yeah and what’s that supposed to mean to me?”

According to our records you owe Arlen forty thousand credits. Twenty four thousand for damages caused to the cantina due to a bar fight, three thousand in drinks, and thirteen thousand for lodging. Now, how would you like to pay; account transfer or hard credits?

“You bastard!”

My familial history is not an issue at the moment. Now as I was saying, how will you be paying?

“Die!”

“I don’t think so; I prefer to keep him alive.”

Thank you, but I can deal with this, uh?

“Mea, Mea Shadowrunner, and from where I was watching you were about to be introduced to the end of a knife.”

“I’ll kill you both!”

“Oh shut up.”

We definitely have some things to talk about later. However first we need to see what we can get from Mr. Mouthy here. Let’s see, four hundred credits, interstellar porn club membership card, speeder license, damn I didn’t think you could get any uglier, credit card, that might come in handy. Hello, what have we here?

“Looks like another credit card to me.”

“You two are in so much trouble.”

This is a Malevolent card; Kindra gives them to her semi-independent agents. It has a high cred limit so that they have plenty of credits to operate.

“What good does that do us?”

“It doesn’t do you any good since no one can access it but me. So the two of you can just get bent. When I tell Kindra about this your lives are . . . Urk”

I can’t say as I approve of that but I guess killing him was the best option. So do you have a plan for disposing of the body?

“Why bother, Seti 9 isn’t exactly known for its safe communities. Now how is that card going to help us?”

First we’ll need a credit machine. Then it’ll be like taking berries from a raftra.

“Raftra’s are surly and mildly poisonous last I heard.”

They’re also meat eaters and that’s why this is so easy. Ah there we are, now fist we insert the card.

“Please choose option: account transferal, account creation, credit download, credit upload or credit check.”

Credit check.

“Enter pin number now.”

“That’s it, I really don’t know how you intend to retrieve the credits that he owed Arlen.”

We just have to enter the proper code, lor-dkin-dra.

“Card has 51, 659 credits and a max total of 200,000. Thank you and please come again.

“Lord Kindra? You’ve got to be kidding?”

I’m just glad she didn’t change the code after I left. Now we max download, then deposit to the account of one Tiberius Sunfel.

“Tiberius Sunfel? I take it he doesn’t really exist.”

Well, I hope he does since I have identification for him.

“Warning you are committing a crime against The Great Kindra D’mize your name and rank have been logged and will be transmitted to, Her Greatness. Be warned that she will hunt you down if you do not rethink your actions.”

“No worries there.”

Damn, I was hoping for a bit more; but 800,000 credits will have to do. Oh wait; I can still get a bit more, account option number six.

“But there is no option six.”

There is, Kindra just doesn’t list it on the card.

“Option six hard credit download. Transaction complete card is now being destroyed.”

That’s why it isn’t listed. The hard credit download is a one time option incase one of her spy’s is detected and they have to have hard credits to escape. It’ll download the credits off the card and then destroy the evidence. Now we need an instant-bank to empty the account before the computer system can track the transfer and erase it. Ah, over by that casino.

“How can we help you sir?”

A living teller you must be doing well then.

“We are always doing everything we can to help our customers.”

I need to close out an account.

“Very good, identification please.”

Here you are.

“Thank you, Mr. Sunfel. Oh my, you wish to withdraw the entire amount in hard credits?”

Yes, it seems I’ve had a run of hard luck and the people I owe prefer hard to an account transfer.

“I understand completely. One moment while I processes your request. There we are, now if you’ll just encode this case for us. Thank you here is one million three hundred forty six thousand two hundred thirty one credits. We hope that you are able to bank with us again.”

Thank you, and just as soon as I hit a winning streak you can be assured that I’ll reopen the account..

“Very good sir, goodbye and luck to you.”

Now let’s get out of here before Kindra arrives.

“I can’t believe you just got away with that. Don’t you think Kindra will find you?”

She might but I doubt it. You see when I set up an account I also set certain safeguards. If I ever close out one of my accounts the shut down triggers certain events. Later tonight it will be reported that one Mr. Sunfel was found dead in an alley. So technically Kindra is deprived of both her money and her revenge. I figure she’ll be too mad to do anything but storm around her ship for at least a week. Now shall we get back to the ship before we join Mr. Sunfel? After all carrying this much hard isn’t very safe.

“You have a point. Let’s get out of here.”

End Log

Entry 48

All right, Mea now that we’re safely away, is there anything you’d like to tell me? Or do you expect me to just forget about the fact that you’re now human?

“Please, call me Meonii when I’m my median form, and no I don’t expect you to forget about it. I’d always planned on telling you that I’m a shifter, but I kept putting it off. I wasn’t sure how you’d react. I’d probably still be putting it off if I hadn’t thought that guy was about to kill you.”

You didn’t know how I’d react? That’s the best excuse you can come up with?

“Yes, it’s been our experience that most humans tend to fear and hate us. We represent something that is beyond the abilities of most beings.”

Pshta, you thought that I wouldn’t be able to accept you? I may have been born on Accordia but that doesn’t mean I was raised in complete isolation. I spent three years on Snarion studying at the Royal Academy. So I’ve been around people that change their shape before.

“Snarions change as part of their life cycle. We can change at will between any of our three forms.”

Three, you have another form?

“Yes, just give me a moment while I change. I’ll be right back.”

Hmm, a shape-shifting race, is it possible that the Dacat origins are true?

[Note section is garbled and sounds like growling from unknown feline species. Unable to translate do you wish to skip to next legible section?]

“All right, this is my other form. Not that you can understand me, I’ll just change back so that we can talk.”

What do you mean, I can understand you just fine.

“Impossible, only those who’ve experienced First Shift can understand the animal speech and then only among those of their own clan. Even members of our own race can’t understand the beast language if they’ve never shifted before.”

Well I hate to tell you this, but I can understand you just fine.

“Then you must be one of us. Which means that you must have changed form at some point.”

I don’t know about that; what I do know is that I have feline genes. I had to have my eyes regenerated and they are now feline instead of human.

“That’s not enough of a shift to allow communication such as this. During First Shift the individual becomes completely animal. Let me start at the beginning, since I’m in this form all you’ll record is growling which can’t be translated so I’ll remain this way. Of course any member if Clan Shadowrunner that has experienced fist shift will understand it.

Millennia ago we shifters hid ourselves within the galactic society. Unfortunately we would loose track of one another and often get caught by non-shifters. This usually meant the shifter’s death; though some humans were more accepting than others. For a long time this continued until Shendria Lightstripe discovered the Gateway system. Now you have to understand that most of us are wanderers by nature.”

Not to interrupt but I’ve heard of the Gateway system, it’s a cluster of black holes.

“That’s a myth created to protect the system. Those that know the truth are either hunted down or know enough to keep their mouths shut.”

So either you expect me to keep my mouth shut or you’ll kill me?

“Something like that; anyway, Gateway is a system that would be classified as a true wonder of the galaxy perhaps even the universe. It is a system of gates or tunnels through the fabric of space. They can take a ship from Gateway to the other side of this galaxy or our closest neighbor the Tabor galaxy in a matter of seconds.”

The Tabor! But that would take seven generations to travel to. And that is of course if a route was already established through altered space!

“Now you know why Gateway is such a well guarded secret. Most ships entering the system are warned away by an auto warning buoy set there thousands of years ago by Arlen, the first and only person to explore all of the gates. Anyone that ignores the buoy runs up against a heavily armed space station, a heavy destroyer, and two star fighter squadrons. Even Kindra would be hard pressed in a fight against them. Now where was I?”

Shendria Lightstripe.

“Ah yes, anyway Lightstripe traveled through a gate and discovered a habitable world at the far side. We later learned that there are habitable planets at the end of each gate. Anyway she named the planet Shendria after herself. She then journeyed through out the galaxy finding as many of us as she could so that we could set up a new home away from persecution.”

Well that explains where you come from. Now how about telling me the reason that I shouldn’t be able to understand you.

“It ties into the process known as First Shift. This is quite simply the first time one of us shifts. First Shift can happen at any time; though usually it takes place during adolescence. During the First Shift the mind reverts to a completely animal state. During this phase of development a guide or guardian watches over the young shifter until the end of their shift, which lasts from a week to a year. It is during this time that the shifter becomes accustomed to the animal mindset and learns shifted speech of their own clan as well as that of their guide. The longer the shift the better the communication level.”

At what shift length am I communicating at?

“It’s hard to tell, you seem to understand me completely, but your speech is slightly garbled. Normally these abilities should be about equal.”

Well, I’m hearing you quite clearly. Am I speaking at a level of say, a four month First Shift?

“Possibly.”

Is it possible to go through First Shift and then never shift again?

“That happens more often than most would like to admit. Many of the people manning the Gateway outpost have experienced a shift of this sort. Though the first recorded case of this was with the Trinity. They were Shendria Lightstripe’s descendants Twilight, Tiber, and Tigris. All three experienced First Shift together; only, when the shift ended each became trapped in one of the three forms . . .”

Twilight was trapped in animal form, Tiber Nightiger in the median form, and Tigris in human form.

“How do you know that?”

I’ll tell you in a bit, but for now go on.

“Twilight traveled through a gate and established a colony on Qedrin where she taught the native feline species how to communicate as well as use specialized equipment designed for non fingered use. Often those of us that get stuck in animal form travel there to live in peace. Tiber . . . ”

Nightiger traveled to Snarion. I know his story even the part where his son Tanth will return to save Snarion one day. As for Tigris, well, I know his story as well.

“You do? I’d really like to hear it since his story is missing from the Shendrian history archives.”

Before I tell that story we have to return to Vesuvia. So you might want to change into something a bit more comfortable and a form where you can better understand what I’m saying.

[untranslatable section ends here]

End Log

Entry 49 [Section coded. Enter code to continue or skip to next readable entry]

Welcome to Hollow Base.

“This is where you were hiding for all that time?”

Yeah, right in plain sight as the saying goes. You can see the shipyard ahead of us circling the “sun”, and on the moons inner surface is a complete biosphere park.

“It’s amazing, who did this?”

A human it seems, someone named Laurenpan. Unfortunately, Kindra now owns most of her creations. There, docking complete, now if you’ll just follow me. This is the main lift shaft it can take us pretty much anywhere on the base. Here we are my home in exile.

“Thinking of seducing me in your little love nest?”

As I recall that is your calling card not mine. Though now that you mention it the park can be rather romantic.

“I guess we’re just going to have to visit the park before we leave then.”

Uh, yeah, anyway here is what I wanted to show you, lock release.

“Voice identification confirmed, Tigris Dacat”

All right here it is, this tapestry depicts the history of my family. In the center is the planet that was our home before my ancestors were banished.

“That’s Shendria, and the Trinity depicted are the descendents of Shendria Lightstripe. You can tell because of the fur pattern. See each of them have stripes that are lighter than their overall fur or hair color. I know Twilight and Nightiger’s stories but Tigris’s has always eluded us just as it seems Twilight’s story has been missing from your history. Though the star field depicted is that seen from the gate mouth at Qedrin. Oh and the Trinity wasn’t banished. They left because they were ashamed that they couldn’t shift. They vowed that they would only return when either they or their children were able to shift.”

Ok, when Tigris Lightstripe arrived on Accordia he met with the ruling council though he had been banished from his home world the council gave him permission to settle on Accordia provided he take the Oath of Peace. He agreed and settled in a rural area far from the sprawl of any large city. He became well known in his community and even though he protested he was elected city leader. You see he didn’t realize that on Accordia it is often the person that least wants to lead whom is elected. This is so that once their term of service is over they are more than willing to return to their simple life. Unfortunately for Tigris he didn’t learn this quickly enough. He was soon a state leader and finally he was elected to the highest position as a diplomat assigned to Snarion. He met his wife at a play being held in his adopted hometown. They had two children, their oldest son died in a speeder accident. After that Dacat’s health declined and he passed on leaving Raine Dacat as his heir. From this point on the tapestry is a collection of pictures representing each generation. In every generation since Locke’s death there have been only two children one male and one female. The pictures, after Raine, only represent the male’s descendants down to this corner and here as you can see both children were male. Davit and myself; and as if fate had her hand in it, the oldest son died or at least I was declared dead.

“So why do you have the tapestry? Shouldn’t it remain with the family?”

Make no mistake a tapestry is still hanging in the main hall however it is a reproduction and this is the original. You see my brother was never cared overly much for learning and history. He was more interested in speeders and being cool. To him a new wall hanging was preferable to the old. And this…

“A Knar’Tosh blade! By all that’s holy, you are of the Lightstripe line. Only those of the Lightstripe Clan are allowed to have such weapons. Can you, um, do you know how to wield it?”

Yes, Grandfather sent explicit instructions on its use, which I encoded as a memory implant and then practiced. I have a replica that I’ve used to hunt, and practice with. I’ve also adapted a few other fighting styles to work with it in a way that feels natural. Would you like to do a bit of sparing or perhaps some hunting in the park?

“I’d be honored, Lord Lightstripe.”

Lord Lightstripe?

“Didn’t you realize Shendria was our savior her descendents have always been the rulers of our planet. When they left they appointed my clan, the Shadowrunners, as custodians until they or their descendants returned. Therefore you are their heir and Lord of all Shendria.

What do you say we just stick with Jahar for now?

“I have to tell you something else, it’s important but I’m afraid you’ll hate me. I did something that may hurt you.”

Go on.

“That day on Vesuvia when you rescued me, I knew you’d spend the night.”

And how is that?

“I’m the one that sabotaged the shuttle.”

I could have left in another shuttle. It was Kindra that decided that I had to stay on Vesuvia over night.

“Well that’s not the important thing. You see I knew you were a member of Kindra’s crew but I didn’t know who you were; at least not until the next morning when Arlen told me. I … I fell in love with you the moment I saw you in that alley. And because of that I was putting off pheromones that would force you to be attracted to me. It’s not like I had any control and if you had been a normal human you wouldn’t have been affected anyway.”

Well that explains why I was immediately attracted to you but still, that doesn’t explain…

“I wanted you to stay with me and be my mate. I didn’t realize that if you stayed then Accordia and Vesuvia would have been destroyed. That’s why I left, and why I was never around when Kindra returned to Vesuvia.

So you were avoiding me to keep me out of danger.

“No, that’s not it. I… I was on Shendria, with our son.”

What! You’re . . . I’m . . . Son?

“You’re upset, I’m sorry I wish we’d never met. Then I would not have disgraced you so.”

No, not at all, it’s just that If I’d known I… So what are we waiting for?

“What do you mean?”

Well, first we have to take a finished ADL fighter down side, and give Arlen his money but then we can leave immediately. Oh wait, I can’t go can I.

“Go to Shendria? Of course you can go, if that’s what you want.”

No, I can’t. I’m still bound by my ancestor’s oath.

“But you have shifted. After all, you understand the animal language. And you implied that you had shifted when you asked about communicating at a four-month shift level. I figured this meant that at some point you lost four months and you thought that perhaps you had shifted during that time.”

No it’s impossible, you see I dreamed it. I do have a four-month memory gap but it would have been impossible that I’d have shifted. I’d never be able to survive. You see I only have one arm. The other is a prosthetic so if I shifted I’d be at a disadvantage immediately.

“I still believe you shifted. Where were you when this happened? There may yet be some evidence of your shift left.”

I was here on the base, out in the park actually.

“Is the park monitored?

Yes, but I couldn’t find anything out of the ordinary.

“I doubt you knew what to look for. Was there any decline in prey species during those four months?”

Yes, but that isn’t overly unusual.

“Perhaps not under ordinary circumstances. First call up the records for those four months. Next do a search for predator anomalies. So what did you find?”

There are multiple anomalies, revolving around a previously unknown predator in the park. There are requests for remove or remain. Since there was no one to reply the system decided that the predator had been newly introduced. Therefore, rather than removing it the system tracked and recorded it’s behavior. I’m downloading the files now. Loading a complete bio of the creature including in depth video in multiple wavelengths and spectrums. Whoa! That was me?

“Definitely a member of the Lightstripe clan, they always were larger than most. And look at that all four legs. Though your arm is still prosthetic. Obviously, you have one of the experimental polymimmettic units. I guess being Kindra’s second in command had its perks. The polymimetic units adapt themselves to the species requirements. Though it does have a problem simulating fur. So, you see, you did shift.”

All right then, let’s get going; we still have a stop to make before we can leave for Shendria.

End Log

Entry 50

Well Rusty, it seems I’m going to be out of touch for some time to come. I’m sending you codes that will give you access to Hollow Base. Be especially careful not to get caught entering or leaving. The sections where I’ve been living, where my star fighter is stored, and where my cruiser is being constructed have been specially coded so that I’m the only one that can enter. The defense systems are set up to kill, I repeat KILL, anyone else that enters those areas. So stay away from them. I’m sure there are simulators somewhere on the base. I haven’t explored the whole thing after all. I suggest you find them and get your entire team in at the same time. That way you can get some training working as a complete unit.

And with your entire team you could even get started on a star fighter carrier, small destroyer, or a couple armed transports. Again this is goodbye, I don’t know when or even if I’ll be back.

End Log