Rimwalker - SF Novel FREE to read in full in posting

[Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly]

“Rimwalker”



By

Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly

http://noahidebooks.angelfire.com

© 2009-2010







PART ONE



‘The Sigmorius Crown’



1



The dust fell to the floor as the tired and hungry adventurer whacked
his boots, carefully mind you, so as not to damage the valued assets
too much, against the side of his spacecraft, the Wolfklaw. Rimwalker
was pleased; very pleased. He could count the Arcturian credits
already, and visualised, amongst other riches, his time in the arms of
the tender, blue skinned Arcturian beauties that were always ever so
lavish in their adorations. He patted his satchel which was hanging
from his shoulder, ever so careful with his prize. For millennia the
Arcturian council had posted rewards for the return of their beloved
Sigmorius crown, the most revered of the ancient royal jewels of the
united kingdoms of Arcturia. And Rimwalker had tracked it down,
strangely enough of all places which were his usual haunt, right out
on the edge of the galactic rim. Draxian piracy had looted the crown
long ago and, tracing old records and rumours about the crown, he had
found information on Telos 17 that the Drax had an old lair on Karnak,
a mostly uninhabited desert planet on the edge of the rim. Rimwalker
had spent days surveying the continents of the planet, going over
countless mounds of dirt with his scanners, looking for significant
manmade structures. At the northern and southern poles of the planets
plant-life existed with a small number of native animal species, but
apparently the air was to thin on the planet for any more advanced
species to really want to inhabit the place. Rimwalker had decided
that he would scan the desert regions first, before the more complex
greenery as there was not too much of that so he would leave it to
last.



Fortunately, one week into his scans by the galactic calendar he had
found a series of obviously manmade structures and had investigated.
It was an abandoned Drax lair alright and searching through the place
he found countless worthless coins, far out of date, from various
cultures, with not a sign of gold coinage or other precious metal
amongst them. Any other type of currency seemed to have long faded.
But finally, after almost giving up, he looked under an old metal bunk
and found a small box containing his desired prize. For whatever
reason the Drax had they had long ago given up on their prize and it
was now his to claim.



Putting it into his satchel he had climbed out of the ruins and was
now dusting off his boots, breathing carefully through his oxygen mask
as the air was too thin to breathe this far south from the northern
pole.



He pressed a button on his wristpad and the doors of the Wolfklaw on
the bottom deck opened up. He came inside, closed the doors and took
his prize to the central station deck to look it over.



Sitting there he examined pictures he had of the original crown and
looked at his copy. All things seemed correct. It had the right
markings and looked practically identical apart from a little wear and
tear. Yep, he had the crown alright. The reward would be his.



He went to the wall of his command station, opened his safe, and
carefully placed his prize inside. And now straight to Arcturia, a
billion Arcturian credits and the sexual pleasures of the most
decadent of Arcturian whores.





2



Rimwalker awoke. Jan Kolby, alias the ‘Rimwalker’ was suddenly
awakened by a jolt to the ship. He looked at the digiclock. It was
still 3 hours to Arcturia and he was sure he would have slept the
distance apart from this disturbance. Getting up quickly he ran to
the command deck. The Wolfklaw’s command deck was a pretty basic
affair, not surprising given the age of the ship. It was one of the
early star-solar ships of the human confederation of planets, now over
1500 years old, but still in reasonable shape considering the
distances it had travelled. The Command deck was run mostly by audio
programmed computers, who you really only needed to speak commands
to. There were in fact controls at the deck, which Rimwalker was
acquainted with and had used occasionally, but most things ran
themselves. Fortunately the confederation had an ample supply of
dedicated tech-heads ever so happy to take a look at the ancient ship
and tinker with it whenever he was at a suitable port. At the front
of the command deck were 3 main screens, a central one, and 2 smaller
ones on either side. They were standard LCD screens as that was the
major technology at the beginning of the confederation being used, and
they worked well enough, but he had often thought about putting in
some of the more advanced holographons for a better 3D image.
Usually, though, he was too miserly when he gave it serious thought as
the LCD generally worked well enough.



‘Computer. Please identify source of jolt.’ Various lights before
him whirred and spun and soon a female voice responded.

‘Greetings captain. The source of the jolt was an unidentified
metallic missile. Sensors read that there is some sort of attachment
to the ship currently.’

‘Analysis,’ asked Jan.

‘A hostile alien boarding or capture seems statistically probable.
Though they may wish you no harm captain. This sector has little
hostile activity in our current databanks and they may be simply
cautious.’

‘Give us a look then.’

The screen came alive and images of a large metal object, perhaps
magnetic, with a cable attached was shown.

‘Why magnetic? Are they that primitive not to use gravitational
tractor beams?’

‘Quite possibly, Captain,’ replied the computer.

‘Mmm. Interesting. Can you see were that cable goes.’

‘Locating endsource of cable, captain,’ responded the computer.

Coming onto the screen, the computer enlarging the image, was a small
spaceship, about the size of the Wolfklaw, and about as primitive
looking.

‘Captain,’ began the computer. ‘This appears to be a primitive tug-
ship. We are being towed to its homebase.’

‘We’ll see about that,’ responded Rimwalker. ‘Computer, prepare the
‘Cub’. I am going to drop our friends a little visit and let them
know this ship is taken.’

‘As you wish Captain.’



Coming into the ‘Cub’, the Wolfklaw’s tiny child as it were, Rimwalker
brought his phaser and translator. He wanted to be careful and
polite, and sensed he wouldn’t have too much trouble, but caution was
needed as well.



Getting into the cub he piloted the ship out of the small dock and
headed towards his captor.





3



‘Look, Mr Kolby. I am sorry, ok. My scanners were clearly
malfunctioning when they detected no life-signs on board your ship. I
had thought it another routine patrol droid we occasionally get out
here. And some of the metals and other material you find on those
droids can come in very useful. Arcturia sends them out this way a
lot to monitor things. We pinch em, ok. But they know we are here
and haven’t complained yet. I think they feel guilty, really. They
abandoned our colony years back and left us to fend for ourselves,
forbidding re-entry to Arcturia.’

‘And why is that,’ Rimwalker asked the blueskinned female Arcturian.

‘We were in the rebellion against the crown of Arcturia. We wanted
democracy, not monarchy and they exiled us.’

‘Yeh, I have heard about that. Arcturian’s talk about it from time to
time. But, you know, times have changed on Arcturia. It is
practically a democracy these days. The crown is mostly a
figurehead. Have you thought of going back?’

The Arcturian looked at Rimwalker, considering those words.

‘Go back. Now. No, I mean we couldn’t. They shamed us, and we have
our pride.’ But despite the female’s words, Rimwalker could sense she
was considering the issue.

‘How many of you are there. And where do you live.’

‘We are on a space-ark just outside of Arcturia minor. It is a dead
planet, and we prefer living on the Ark. We were exiled here
centuries ago. The droids come in useful for various things. And
like I said, Arcturia feels guilty. They often place supplies, for no
real apparent reason, upon the droid ships.’

‘I think you have been forgiven, you know. Perhaps it really is time
to go home.’

She looked at him, seemingly now convinced of his words.

‘Perhaps you are right. Perhaps you are right. I may speak to
Landoria and ask her. There are about 50 of us on the ark, but she is
the most respected. Perhaps she may find what you have to say
interesting.’

‘Then let us go speak to this Landoria. I can transport you all if
you like. The Wolfklaw will fit 50 Arcturian’s easily. It would be
my pleasure.’

The Arcturian just nodded.

‘Well, do you have a name,’ asked Rimwalker.

‘Oh, yes. Chance. Chance Kibb’star. An old Arcturian family.’

‘I’ll bet. Well I’ll get back to my ship and set it to follow you.
And it was good to meet you Chance Kibb’star.’

‘Yes. Good to meet you too, Captain Kolby.’





4



Landoria seemed, to Rimwalker, very sophisticated and wise, although
he hardly knew her. Her manner bespoke an upbringing of the higher
class of society, which surprised him considering she was likely born
on the ark. But not necessarily. Arcturian’s had, apparently,
unpredictable life-spans and could go on for centuries so the story
went. He decided to query her on the subject as they walked around
the upper levels of the ark were the food was made and stored.

‘So, Landoria. Just how old are you?’

‘You are inquiring, perhaps, because you sense something within me not
like the others, dare I say it?’

‘Exactly. Let me guess, you were in the original rebellion, right?’

‘It is as you say. I was part of the original rebellion on Arcturia
against the new monarchy, the only surviving member here on the ark,
but I fear any at home would have perished.’

‘And your upbringing on Arcturia?’ quizzed Rimwalker.

‘Why ask you of such a thing.’

‘Because you don’t speak in the mannerisms of a commoner from
Arcturia, and I know them a little by now.’

‘Mmm,’ nodded Landoria, but seemingly unwilling to answer the
question.

‘This, Captain Kolby, is the main kitchen. We prepare most of our
meals here. Most of us take part in the communal meal, but we have a
few families who eat together by themselves.’

The kitchen was not really anything unusual. Standard fare for a
spacecraft, and very Arcturian looking with its strong sense of
symmetry.

‘Yeh, it’s a great kitchen,’ replied Jan, not really interested in how
they prepared their meals. ‘So, thanks for the tour and everything,
but really, if you are not going to take me up on my offer, I would
like to head off.’

Chance spoke up. ‘Perhaps you could stay a few hours. Sleep over.
It may give us time to consider your offer. It is quite sudden, you
know.’

‘Chance speaks wisely,’ stated Landoria bluntly. ‘Yes, Captain Kolby,
I am from the upper class of Arcturian society. I was brought up in
the nobility, which is how I grew to disdain its lavish hypocrisy,’
stated Landoria, finally responding to Jan’s question.

‘Figures. But you know what they say about biting the hand that feeds
you.’

‘An interesting analogy,’ responded Landoria. ‘Human I take it?’

‘100% sweetheart. Look, alright. If you want me to stay a day or so,
I guess I can manage it. But don’t keep me here too long. There are
a billion credits waiting for me on Arcturia, and the arms of their
finest harlots beckon.’

‘And you seemed like such an intelligent human,’ said Landoria,
disdaining his promiscuity.

‘Hey, lady. Not all of us are born with divine scruples. I know you
Arcturian’s are still hung up on religion, but humanity got over most
of our fables years ago.’

‘From what I knew of humanity, many of you still confess faith in the
higher one.’

‘Hell, luv. I think I even believe in God when I am shagging a lady.
Only God could make them so fine, you know. But religion is dead,
sweetheart. ‘Only the Pope in Rome really keeps the faith.’

‘Rome?’ questioned Landoria. ‘Where is Rome?’

‘A city on Earth. Home planet for us humans. I even visited it
once.’

‘And who is this Pope you speak of?’

‘Ahh, fucking hell. I hate religious discussions. You know, the
Pope. Head of the Church. Or the Catholic thing, I think. The
details are fuzzy. Dad mentioned it a bit.’

‘And what does this church believe?’

‘Jesus fucking Christ sweetheart. The son of the Almighty.’

‘Fascinating. You must speak more of this.’

‘You know what I know. Anyway, you were saying you had some place for
me to sleep.’

‘Yes, I was forgetting. Chance, can you show Captain Kolby to one of
the vacant domiciles. And see to any needs he has.’

‘Of course, Landoria.’

‘Captain Kolby, if you will follow me?’ said Chance, who started out
of the kitchen, Jan slowly following her, giving Landoria a final look
over.





5



The domicile was about all the Rimwalker expected. Not overly large,
but not tiny either. Adequate enough. The bunk looked strong enough
and the mattress didn’t appear to have been slept on. Chance spoke
up.

‘You must forgive Landoria if her ways are a bit off-putting to you.
She is quite religious, as you may have guessed, as many of us
Arcturian’s are. It is a strong part of our culture.’

‘Was for humans too, once. But we grew up.’

Chance just nodded, but it was not a nod of agreement.

‘Do you want something to eat? I can bring you various drinking
liquids and fruit and vegetables.’

‘You don’t have any fried chicken do you?’

‘We haven’t had animal food for a long time, Captain Kolby. The droid
ship occasionally brings some, but most of us won’t eat meat.’

‘Veges, huh.’

‘Veges? What do you mean?’

‘Vegetarians! Don’t eat meat! Oh forget it.’

‘Yes, most of us would be vegetarians, as you put it. But Landoria
often eats the meat the droid-ships contain.’

‘Well, some fruit-juice and whatever vegetables you have will be
fine. As long as the veges are cooked, ok.’

‘That shouldn’t be a problem.’ She left him then, and he lay down on
the bunk, closing his eyes. Damn his generosity, as it was taking up
time he could be spending in a fine harlots arms. But deep down he
knew he was doing the right thing.



Chance soon returned with a flask of juice and a plate of steaming
vegetables. She gave him some utensils and he sat up on his bunk,
trying them. They were tasty enough, similar to what he had eaten on
Arcturia before.

‘Thanks Chance. You know, if only you want to come, I will take you.
If nobody else is interested, I don’t mind of you tag along. It will
give me someone to chat with before we arrive at Arcturia.

Chance looked at him, considering his words. Eventually she spoke.

‘This Ark has been my home all my life Captain Kolby. And these
people are my family. But, yes, if they will not leave, I will come
with you. I was not brought up in the monarchy. I was not part of
the rebellion. I think I have a right to make up my own mind.’

‘You sure have. Well, I will give them till a few hours after I
wake. If no decision, we leave. Alright? So gather your
belongings.’

‘Yes. I will do that. And thank you Captain Kolby.’

‘Don’t mention it.’





6



In the morning Landoria spoke with Rimwalker. The community had
decided that they would not risk return at this stage. But if Jan
would speak with the council on Arcturia on their behalf it would be
appreciated.



Rimwalker made his way to the dock, were Chance was waiting. He
looked at her, all dressed up and ready to taste her new life.

‘A new beginning for you sweetheart. I am sure you will fit right in
on Arcturia. You look just like them,’ saying the last comment with
sarcasm.

‘Most funny, Captain Kolby.’

‘Hey, call me Jan. Or Rimwalker. It is my alias.’

‘Rimwalker? Why Rimwalker.’

‘Because I travel the galactic rim. Have circled it twice now. It’s
more interesting out here. Less formal – less developed. I have been
to so many of the central galactic systems, and they all worship a
type of lifestyle that just don't suit me. So fucking politically
correct. Always kissing each others ass. Always diplomacy. Uggh.
Give me the rim, were there is action, and even the odd war. It is
the place for a real man.’

‘But is not Arcturia much like one of these central systems?’

‘In some ways. But despite your religion you guys are generally
easygoing. Not so legalistic with your legal system. In the central
system it is fucking hell with all the protocols you need just to get
by.’

‘Interesting,’ said Chance, illuminated by this wisdom.

‘So you ready? Said your farewells?’

‘I am ready,’ she said nodding.

‘Let’s go then sweetheart.’

They both boarded the Wolfklaw, and shortly it was leaving the
vicinity of the ark, headed for Arcturia.





7



‘So human mating rituals are quite similar to our own?’

‘Hey, sweetie. I have done dozens of Arcturian harlots and they are
just like humans, only blue. I think we are related someway, but that
is only a theory.’

Chance looked at him naively, looking at his body. Chance was a
virgin, uncoupled on the ark, but was intending to mate if she could
on Arcturia. But this human looked interesting.

‘You know, sweetheart. Human woman come in differing shades like you
Arcturian’s. We have deep browns, even blacks, and reddish and yellow
tinting, alongside my own shade.’

‘Arcturian’s come in differing shades?’ asked Chance, most interested.

‘You bet. Mostly similar to your colour, but there are lighter and
darker blues, and even the odd greenish looking Arcturian’s.’

‘Fascinating. Tell me, how long before we reach Arcturia?’

‘Computer, estimated time of arrival for Arcturia?’

‘37 minutes, Captain.’

She looked at him. ‘How long is a human minute?’

‘This long,’ he said, pointing to the screen. ‘Computer, show us
Arcturia.’

The computer proceeded to highlight the planetary body they were
approaching, magnifying and zooming in.

‘Computer, show us Zardray, the capital.’

‘As you wish, captain.’ The screen proceeded to magnify the image,
focusing on a sector of the planet, and zooming in. Soon before their
eyes was a sprawling metropolis, distinctly Arcturian in nature.

Chance gazed at the picture, her heart fluttering at seeing home for
the first time. ‘This is Zardray? The capital?’

‘That it is.’

She sat there, looking at it for many moments, her mind a wonder at
the sight. Eventually she spoke. ‘Thank you, Jan Kolby. Thank you
Rimwalker for taking me home. I am forever in your debt.’

‘Better be careful, I might call in that debt one day.’

She looked at him, saw he wasn’t being serious, and smiled.



A few minutes later, as she continued to gaze at the screen, the
computer spoke. ‘Captain, we are being hailed by Arcturia. Would you
like to respond?’

‘Open the channel.’

‘As you wish captain.’

‘….yourselves. I repeat, please identify yourselves. You have
entered Arcturian space, and we require identification.’

‘Kolby. Jan Kolby,’ responded Jan. ‘And I think I have something you
guys will really thank me for.’

The channel went silent for a few moments as that information was
being processed. Shortly the voice spoke again.

‘You are cleared for entry, Jan Kolby. Please proceed on your current
course and you will be met by a craft which will escort you to our
capital and quarantine. Thank you for visiting Arcturia.’ The voice
went silent.



‘Now what?’ asked Chance.

‘We sit pretty, sweetheart. Don’t sweat it. I have done this thing a
million times before.

She nodded, continuing to stare at the screen.





8



In the underground Draxian piracy network on Arcturia, Dak Bluddhook
had just been notified by one of his paid cronies in Arcturian defence
of the soon arrival of one certain ‘Jan Kolby’, the illustrious
‘Rimwalker’.

‘So the bastard is back,’ muttered Dak, as he made his way along the
corridor of the Zardrayan temple of Daranok, one of the lesser deities
of Arcturia, this particular temple a front for the Draxian pirates.



The Draxian pirates were not all Draxian – that is simply were the
piracy guild originated. But it was widespread through the third
quadrant of the galaxy, mostly rim-wards were lawlessness was easier
to get away with



People joined the guild of piracy for many reasons. Adventure,
intrigue, power. But mostly to make a quick buck the old fashioned
way – robbery and plunder. The guild had many fronts, even legitimate
businesses throughout their territories, but these were mostly ways of
laundering out goods obtained and selling other wares. Dak Bluddhook
was officially a deacon of the priesthood of Daranok, but he simply
ran affairs for the guild in Zardray. Strangely enough, Dak had run
into Jan a few times, as Jan occasionally had questionable goods of
his own which he needed disposing of as silently as possible. They
gambled together from time to time, Dak hating his bastard opponent
for the small fortune won off him last time in port. He would not be
so lucky next time, Dak had sworn. But he wanted to catch up with
Jan, today if possible, for other reasons. Jan had mumbled something
about going to look for the lost Sigmorius crown, and Dak suspected
the bastard had somehow claimed the prize. That particular crown, so
Dak understood, was still hidden in a cooling off period. The league
had obtained it originally, knew were it was hidden, but left it alone
for now. One day a profitable sale to Arcturian renegade royalists or
other entrepreneurs could possibly be made, and as such it was a
hidden, but known of asset for the guild. If Jan had found it Dak
wanted to know, and before anyone else.



Muttering to himself he came to the outer port and entered his
vehicle. Programming in his destination, Regis Hotel were Jan usually
stayed, Dak planned just how to obtain the information he needed.





9



‘So do you like the room sweetheart?’

‘You are sure this was the only room available? They do not have any
others?’

‘Only this double,’ said Jan, Lying. But hey, he was hoping to get
lucky with Chance.

‘What will you do next?’ Chance asked Rimwalker.

‘I have a meeting with officials from the Monarchy scheduled.
Tomorrow afternoon Zardrayan time. Business to take care of you see.
But for now we can rest a little and, if you like, we can see some of
my types of places this evening.’

‘Your types of places, she quizzed, her curiousity aroused.

‘You’ll find out soon enough, sweetie. I wonder what’s on the
visuals.’ He picked up a remote control on the side of the bed
cupboard beside were he was sitting and pointed it at the large visual
screen. After some button pushing an Arcturian sports match came on.
‘This should be perfect,’ said Jan. ‘Hey sweetie. Do you fancy
anything to eat? I can order us some real nice Arcturian food.’

‘Oh, yes. Alright then,’ said Chance, still a little nervous at being
home. She was looking forward to going out that night with Jan to see
Zardray a bit more and get to know her new home. And then, in the
morning, she could think about finding somewere to live.



Munching on some fried chicken, which the Arcturian’s had imported
from the human civilization and delighted in, Jan gazed at the behind
of Chance Kibb’star, lying on the bed in front of him, eating her
chicken, and watching the sports match. It really was a fine ass, and
Chance was a fine figure of a woman. He had been thinking on and off
about trying to score with her ever since leaving the Ark, and was
hopeful. But the lass would probably find somewere to stay and
farewell him before he had the chance. Still, that didn’t matter that
much. With a Billion Arcturian credits he could afford the finest of
Arcturian harlots, something definitely to look forward to.

‘You liking your chicken?’

‘It is delicious,’ responded Chance. ‘I never knew meat could be so
tasty.’

‘Hey, you have to live a little. But watch your heart. The
cholesterol in this stuff can kill you.’

‘I’ll be careful.’

‘So, what are your plans Chance? Will you find somewere to stay in
the morning? I guess I should have mentioned it before, but there
seems to be a well advanced welfare system on Arcturia. If you start
there, they can give you somewere to live and an income for food.
Your young so you might want to consider getting a good education
after that and look for work. I’m sure you will be alright.’

‘Yes,’ said Chance, hesitantly. ‘I wasn’t really sure what I would do
next, but thanks for that knowledge. If you can help me find a place
in the morning to get this welfare, I would really appreciate it.’

‘We’ll make that the morning’s activity. You might have to disclose
your origin, but I personally don’t think that will be a problem.
Don’t sweat it, whatever you do.’

‘I won’t.’

They ate the chicken and as the evening passed, despite thinking he
might try it on with her, he thought better of it, and simply went to
bed looking forward to the billion credits he would hopefully receive
in the morning, deciding against introducing his new friend to the
nightlife of Zardray.





10



In the morning they were down in the breakfast bar of the Regis hotel
when one of Jan’s old adversaries came walking into the bar and,
spotting the two of them, came over to sit down.



‘Jan fucking Kolby. Do you still have those credits you screwed me
for?’

‘Hey, a bet’s a bet, Dak. Really, though, you should have seen it
coming. I had been playing you all night. If you had called my
bluff, I would be hassling you now.’

‘I’ll be more cautious next time, Kolby. So tell me, who is your new
friend. One of the ladies of the night I take it.’

‘Hardly. Dak Bluddhook, meet Chance Kibb’star. Brand new to
Arcturia.’

‘So you are from Charnay, I take it,’ asked Dak about the Arcturian’s
major colonial settlement of a nearby star system.

‘Uh, no,’ replied Chance. ‘I am from the Ark.’

‘The Ark? Now what exactly is that my dear?’

‘Home to me and my family’, responded Chance.

Dak gave her a quizzical look, but did not continue with the line of
questioning.

‘Anyway, Kolby. Are you going to give me a chance to win my money
back? Go on. I know you want to. You could never resist a good
gambling session.’

‘Maybe some other time,’ responded Rimwalker. ‘I have business to
take care of at the moment.’

‘And what business is that,’ asked Dak, carefully seeking the
information he needed.

‘Important business,’ was all that Kolby would reply.

‘So you are seeing the Royalists, huh?’

Kolby looked at him, a little suspicious, but decided to answer
anyway.

‘You could say that, Dak. Imperial business, you see.’

‘So when are you meeting them,’ continued Dak, determined to get the
information he needed.

‘What concern is that of yours,’ asked Kolby, now annoyed.

‘Hey, take it easy buddy. Just a friendly question. It’s not
everybody who has royalist business. I was just curious ok.’

‘Yeh, well curiousity killed the cat, Dak.’

‘What is a cat?’ asked Chance.

‘Small domestic animal. Human’s love em. Look, Dak. I am afraid if
you are fishing for information for the guild, you can forget about
it. While I may have royalist business, it is of no interest to the
guild. I can assure you of that.’ He was lying, of course, but the
last thing Jan Kolby wanted was the guild of Draxian piracy snooping
into his business, especially with a Billion Arcturian credits at
stake.

‘Relax, Jan. Don’t worry about it. Just happy conversation, hey.
You know, just gabbing.’

‘Yeh, right,’ said Jan, eyeing his opponent suspiciously. Deciding on
a tactic to lose his friend, Jan spoke up. ‘Tell you what. How about
we meet up tonight. At ‘Rakkos’ in the city. I will give you that
opportunity to win your money back that you are looking for.’

‘Sound’s good buddy. I will see you there.’ Dak got up and
farewelled them, but he would wait outside in his vehicle. He would
follow them and notify one of his fellow guildsmen. If they had the
crown, the guild would recover it. You could bet on that.



When Dak had left, Jan was pleased. He had no intention of meeting
him at ‘Rakkos’. It had been a ruse to get rid of him. In fact,
thinking on it, as soon as he had converted most of the credits to
gold, he would leave Arcturia. Perhaps not the best place to stay at
the moment with the guild snooping around.



He looked at Chance. ‘You ready sweetheart? We will go and find
welfare now, if you like.’

Chance looked at him, a little sad to be leaving her new friend, but
also happy to be starting her new life.

‘Let’s go.’



Making there way out of the hotel, Jan gave thought to Dak and
encouraged himself to be cautious. It could be a dangerous ride
today, and he would probably need his wits about him.





11



In the vehicle they had rented, Kolby had programmed in the nearest
welfare office from the onboard directory, and they were cruising
through the streets, Chance carefully looking at all the sights of her
new home.

‘Zardray is amazing, isn’t it Jan?’ said Chance, ever so pleased at
the sights she was now seeing.

‘So you like the scrapers, huh. Yeh, they always dazzle kids.’

She looked at him, uncertain what he meant, but looked back out the
window.

Having thought it over the night before, Jan decided to take the risk
on what he was about to say.

‘You know, Chance. Jan Kolby, the fabulous Rimwalker, always works
alone. Always have done and always will. But, you know. Sometimes I
get lonely. Especially on long flights. And, you know. If you
want. I mean, if you really want to, you could hang with me if you
like. I don’t mind paying your bills and feeding ya. Hell, you can
do that yourself. But it would give me company and give you someone
to hang with for a while. Well, whadda you say, kiddo.’

Chance continued staring out the window, but she had heard Jan’s
words. After a while she turned to look at him.

‘That, that is a kind offer, Jan. But I have a new home now. My
home. And I can’t leave it before I have really seen it, you know. I
just can’t.’

‘Hell, of course I understand. Don’t sweat it.’ But inside he was
disappointed.



When they reached the welfare office, and exited the vehicle, she
looked at him. ‘Well, farewell Jan Kolby. Rimwalker. It has been
very exciting knowing you, but my life must begin.’ She looked at him
for a moment and then awkwardly came forward and gave him a hug.

‘Seeya sweetheart. If I am ever in town, I will look you up. Ok.’

‘Ok,’ she said, wiping a small tear from her eye.



She looked at him, gave one last wave, and turned to make her way
inside the welfare office.



He looked at the office for some time, and got into his vehicle. She
had been a good friend in the time he had known her, and he was
disappointed to be leaving her. But shit, life goes on.



As he was programming in a city diner, a knock came to the door.
Looking through the window Chance was standing there. He opened the
door anxiously.

‘What is it sweetheart? Did you forget something?’

She looked at him, and finally spoke. ‘What is life without a bit of
adventure, hey Rimwalker. Yes, I will come with you if you will take
care of me. I guess why stop at Arcturia when I can see the galaxy.’

He looked at her, came forward and kissed her on the cheek. ‘Why the
hell not, sweetheart.’



She got in and Jan finished programming the location for the diner.
He was pretty happy now. She was a quiet gal, but suited to him.
Someone to enjoy spending time with. Finishing the programming, the
vehicle zipped away, oblivious to a red vehicle now following them.





12



As they sat eating in the diner Jan usually frequented when he was in
Zardray, he couldn’t help but noticing an Arcturian, dressed in red,
glancing at him from time to time. He didn’t know the guy, but
guessed he may be a guild crony. They would have to be careful.



‘So what do you want to eat?’ Jan asked Chance.

‘Whatever is good.’

‘Hell, most of it is edible. Take your pick.’ She surveyed the menu
and finally ordered an item, Jan also ordering some Arcturian beer
which the diner also served.



They sat eating and, after a while, the Arcturian dressed in red got
up, paid for his meal and giving Jan one last look, left. That
couldn’t be good news, Jan thought to himself. They could be waiting
outside. Perhaps he should leave quickly.

‘Come on Chance. Sorry, we have to go now.’ Chance continued eating
her meal, a little reluctant to leave, until Jan yelled ‘NOW!’ He
left some Arcturian credits on the counter and waved to the attendant
and grabbing Chance left the diner.



Out in the port he looked around carefully. The guy in red was not
visible. Mmm. Perhaps he had not been guild pirate after all.
Still, they would need to be cautious.



‘Were to now,’ asked Chance.

‘Now my business. May as well get it over with.’ They got into their
vehicle and Jan programmed in the Royalist sector of the city, were
most of the buildings the Royalists used as well as the palace was
located.



The vehicle was humming along when, suddenly, a huge crash brought it
spinning and over to the side of the road, colliding with the
barriers. Jan was dazed, and so was Chance, and when the Arcturian in
red appeared, grabbed Jan’s satchel, and disappeared, he was still too
dazed to stop him.



Eventually they came to their senses and Jan, feeling for his missing
satchel, began swearing profusely.

‘Whatever is the matter,’ asked Chance.

‘The bastards stole it. All that work and they fucking steal it
again. Typical for the league, though. Bloody typical. Dak, that
bastard. He was behind this, I just know it.’

‘Behind what,’ asked Chance. ‘The crown. The Sigmorius crown. I was
about to return it and claim the bounty of a billion credits.’

‘Oh,’ she said.

‘Yeh, oh. Fucking oh.’

‘Well, what now?’

He thought quickly. ‘We will have to notify the rental yard. I paid
full insurance, so that should cover the vehicle. But for now we go
back to the Wolfklaw. I think I have a plan, but I need some time to
think.’

‘Ok. Whatever you say.’

Jan pushed an emergency button on the control panel and soon they were
greeted by sirens. He gave his details to the Arcturian police and
they gave them a lift back to space-dock, were the Wolfklaw was
located. Jan was pissed, but he had a plan. He had a plan.





13



Coming back onto the Wolfklaw, Jan was like a caged cat. He began
pacing through the command deck, anxiously thinking on his next move.
Chance sat down at the central station and just watched him. She had
joined an adventurer, she knew that much. So life, really, would
never be the same again. She spoke up, carefully so as not to upset
him, ‘Well, what is your plan, Jan.’

Kolby looked at her momentarily, but said nothing and resumed his
pacing. Eventually he spoke up. ‘Ok, ok. I know what we are going
to do. As I recall from probable guild policy in a situation like
this, they will likely transfer the crown to Drax itself for a while.
For safekeeping. But they may decide to sell it soon anyway as it has
been missing for so long. But, either way, Drax is where we are
headed. Drax is where we are headed.’

Chance Kibb’star looked at her new provider and, the question coming
to her mind, asked it. ‘And why are we going to Drax?’

‘To join the league of piracy, sweetheart. What else.’

She looked at him and nodded. Life, it seemed, was about to get a
hell of a lot more complicated for Chance Kibb’star.





14





‘Those are Deimonian clouds. They are a phenomenon particular this
side of Draxos.’

Chance looked at the gaseous bodies floating on the screen in front of
her.

‘They go on for millions of kilometres in this area of space,’
continued Jan. They are not that common throughout the galaxy, but
you find them here and there.’

‘They are so bright,’ commented Chance, noting the almost illuminated
state of the clouds.

‘The elements within them react with solar light in a very positive
way, illuminating their body structures. Harvesting the elements in
these clouds is practiced here and there.’

‘Mmm,’ nodded Chance, fascinated.



The two of them were closing in on Draxos, home of the Draxian pirate
guild. Not all Draxians were in the guild of course, the home in
general being a regular type of planet with its own intelligent home
species. But Draxians were noteworthy for their ruffian ways, and you
could always guarantee a fight in a pub if Draxians were present.



‘So how do we join this guild,’ asked Chance innocently.

‘We will probably need a reference of some kind, but that might not be
a problem. I will use the bastard himself, Dak Bluddhook. I will
mention I have had dealings with him and we will see how we go.’

‘How will we find the guild.’

‘They will find us, sweetheart. Don’t worry about that.’

She nodded, content with that information.



‘Computer. Place Draxos on screen.’ In reply the computer obediently
brought up a magnified picture of their planetary destination.

‘It looks like Arcturia,’ stated Chance, surprised.

‘Oh, it is a standard oxygen based planet, of similar size. They all
look similar from space. But usually they have their own distinct
array of plant and animal life. Every planet is unique in that way.’

Chance nodded.



‘Computer, what is our estimated time of arrival to Draxos.’

‘16 minutes,’ responded the computer.

‘We should be hearing from Draxos space command shortly.



True to Kolby’s words Draxos soon hailed his ship and he was directed
to a spaceport on Draxos. Like Arcturia, Quarantine was standard on
this planet, as well as a formal customs declaration, unlike the
Arcturian’s who didn’t really care what valuables you brought on
planet, as long as there were no quarantine problems.



They hired a standard Draxian vehicle near the port, having
transferred some gold to Draxian currency at the currency exchange at
the port. Jan had visited Drax before, and was known to some of the
league members here, having had some minor dealings. They would, so
his hunch went, seek him out once they were notified of his arrival,
perhaps expecting him with goods to trade in. That was what he hoped
for anyway.





15



Sitting in a Draxian pub, not far from the spaceport, Jan looked
around the room seeing all sorts of galactic travellers of differing
races. He even spotted a few humans and was thinking about saying
hello, but thought better of it. Best to stay inconspicuous and let
the guild find him.



Chance was sipping on some Draxian ale, and enjoying the stuff
tremendously. In fact, she was part way through her second draft and
was starting to feel the effects of the alcohol. Looking at her Jan
felt she needed to lie down and instead of returning to the Wolfklaw
they would sleep it out in one of the vacant rooms of the pub. He
purchased a room, and dragged Chance upstairs.



‘Yuu arr sho kinddd, Jannn. Fank yu.’

‘Your pissed sweetheart.’

‘Thigs Allleee. Itt was sho ghud.’

‘I’ll bet.’

He manoeuvred her into their room and placed her down on her bed.
Fortunately she was out almost instantly. He thought about undressing
her to put her into her sleeping garments, but thought better of it.
Best to leave her as is. He flicked on one of the visuals and,
searching through the channels, found some Draxian sport. He usually
preferred sports to any news or drama items. At least sports was
generally a universal language, whatever the game.



He watched it for a while, sipping on some ale, when a knock came to
the door. Getting up and opening it, he was greeted by a male Draxian
in his middle years. The Draxian spoke. ‘You are Jan Kolby. This is
correct?’

‘That is me.’ The Draxian looked relieved at that response.

‘Well, do you have any dealings with the guild while here on Draxos.
It is why we assume you have come.’

‘No transactions, but other matters.’

‘If you have no transactions, we have nothing to discuss.’ The
Draxian turned as if to leave, but Jan halted him.

‘My business is this. Me and my partner want to join the League. We
feel we can prove valuable members.’

The Draxian looked at him for a few moments, considering those words,
and then finally spoke. ‘Very well then. We will contact you here
tomorrow. Be ready to leave in the morning.’

‘Will do. And I have a friend – a contact in the leaguer. Dak
Bluddhook from Arcturia. We are old acquaintances. He can vouch for
me, ok.’

The Draxian nodded, remembering the name, and left.



Jan returned to his bed. So far so good. The morning should prove
interesting.





16



Chance awoke to find Jan’s hand on her butt. She pushed it off and
looked at him. He was dead asleep. She felt her head and grimaced.
Really, it was quite a hangover, one of the few she had experienced.
She shook Jan who grumbled, but eventually came to. ‘What the fug is
the time, he asked. She looked at the wristpad he had given her, and
said 11:24, having been taught how to read it.’ ‘Fuck. Now let me
see, that is about mid-morning Draxon time as I recall. Our man
should be here soon.’

‘You have contacted someone?’

‘Last night, while you were drowning in your sorrows. A guild member
showed up inquiring if we had business. He is returning this morning
some time. So time to shower and shave, I guess.’



Jan got off, went to the Draxian bathroom and relieved himself, and
showered. Fortunately a showering system seemed standard for most
galactic cultures he was aware of. Most intelligent life was biped in
structure like humanity, and many very similar species to humankind
existed, especially in systems of earth’s quadrant. But in the
opposing quadrant which he did not visit that frequently there were
indeed some bizarre alien cultures.



After they had cleaned up and were preparing to go downstairs, a knock
came at the door. The Draxian from yesterday was standing there, with
another Draxian guild member. He spoke up. ‘Your story checks out.
You can come with us now and our head in this city will assess your
suitability for league membership.’



Jan and Chance gathered their backpacks and followed the Draxians.



The vehicle took them to a central city office block and coming into
the underground parking, they took elevators up to the 3rd floor.
Coming through the doors of the elevators they were in an office
environment with computers and people busily at work. The Draxians
lead them to the main corner office of the building, knocked, and told
them to wait. They left and Jan and Chance stood there, waiting.



After a few moments the doors opened, and they walked inside. Sitting
behind the desk was a rather hefty Drax male, with a long scar down
his left cheek. He had black hair, not that common for the Drax, as
they were pale green skinned, and usually had green or bluish hair,
but Jan had seen black occasionally. The Draxian got up from his
desk, walked to a side cabinet, and poured a beverage into three
glasses. He handed two glasses to Jan and Chance and spoke. ‘If you
are league material, you will be very rich when we let you retire.
But we have a test. Fail it and you don’t make the cut. Pass it and
you become a full league member.’

‘What is the test?’ asked Jan.

The Drax smiled, pleased his new offerings were ready for the
challenge. ‘Nearby to Drax is a competitor to the league, as it
were. But we usually rob them blind. Still, the Tekra have a
fortress high in the Drz’Kdl Mountains near the northern pole of Tek,
were they have much gold. The test is this – steal at least a kilo of
Tekra gold, bring it here, and you are in the league. But be warned,
many fail the task. The Tekra fight hard often when challenged.

‘You’ll have your gold.’

‘We’ll see,’ said the Drax. ‘We’ll see.’





17



‘What the hell are you doing,’ Chance said, perplexed at Jan’s
activities.

‘Trust me. This is the best way into the complex.

‘But what is it?’

‘Parachutes. I have always had them on board. Never thought I would
need them, but now seems like a good opportunity.’

‘So what’s the plan fearless leader?’

‘If the blueprints Tarkan gave us are correct, the complex is guarded
on every side but the northern side which goes up to unclimbable
mountains. If we land on the northern side, we can climb down and
infiltrate the complex.’

‘And how do we find the gold.’

‘I know the room it is located in. And I have ways of getting around
security. Don’t sweat it, sweetie. Hey, trust me.’

‘Yes, trust you. Where have I heard that before.’

Jan grinned at her sarcasm, but continued putting the parachute on
following the ancient instructions. Helping her fit hers, he spoke.
‘Well, I will have the ship hover a few kilometres above the northern
slopes and then remote it back out to space. It will come and get us
when we need it.’

‘Well, Chance Kibb’star. Are you ready?’

‘I guess. You better hope this works.’

‘Hey, what’s life without a little adventure, huh.’ She grinned at
his reply.



After a few minutes the computer spoke signalling they were at the
desired range, and so Jan and Chance came to the side docks, opened it
up, and looked carefully downwards. ‘Here goes,’ yelled Jan to
Chance, and jumped out. Chance watched him descend slowly, made one
of her religious hand signs, and jumped out.



They shot downwards, ever so quickly, and Chance was shocked and a
little frightened at the speed they were descending. Soon Jan pulled
his cord, and Chance, noting that, pulled hers. They floated down the
final few hundred metres and, coming to a snowy ground, looked around
to gain their perspectives. Jan touched a button on his wristpad,
which gave a directional pointer, indicating the direction they needed
to travel in. ‘Come on sweetheart. This way. It should take us a
couple of hours, but we’ll get there. Chance started after him and
they began the slow trudge downhill towards the Tekra complex.



18



Peering through his binoculars at the complex, Jan was satisfied. All
the guards seemed to be on the other sides of the complex. Perhaps
they wouldn’t have too many difficulties. He motioned to Chance and
they slowly approached a wall, made of thick stone.

Chance looked at him. ‘Well, how do we get in?’

Jan pulled out his phaser, adjusted the setting and pointed it at the
lower section of the wall. After a few minutes cutting, a section had
been cut out of the wall, and Jan carefully moved away the stone.

‘You first, sweetie. Don’t worry, there is nobody on the other side.
Motion sensors detect nothing, ok.’

‘If you say so,’ said Chance, reluctantly getting down on her knees to
climb through the hole. Jan soon followed her and on the other side,
lighting his torch, they found themselves inside a small room filled
with various goods.

‘Tekra booty, I guess.’

‘What now?’ asked Chance.

Jan looked around, but sensing no great valuables inside the room, he
made his way to the door. Turning it slowly, and looking outwards,
they had come to a long corridor, filled with doors. There were steps
at the end of the corridor, going downwards. ‘ Hey, we are in luck
sweetie.’ He pointed to the near end of the corridor from them. ‘The
gold should be in that room. It will have Tekran markings, so we
could never fool the guild with our own stuff. They want the real
article to prove our skills, so Tarkan said.



They carefully walked the corridor, coming to the room which
apparently housed the gold. Jan adjusted his phaser, and began work
on the door lock. Soon the door was opened, and they came inside.
There were various piles of currency in this room, and some paintings
which may have been valuable. But at the end of the room was a wall
safe. ‘I guess the gold is in there,’ said Jan. Chance nodded.



He looked at the safe and, deciding to try the old fashioned way, put
his ear against the safe and proceeded to pick the lock. It took him
a while, and Chance stood at the doorway looking outwards, but
eventually he had picked the lock and opening the safe they came into
the safe interior and, to their gratitude, piles full of Tekran gold
were lying there.

‘Bingo!’, said Chance, happy enough. But he was suspicious. It had
been too easy so far.

Chance looked at him. ‘How much do we need?

‘A kilo. Three bars should be plenty. He looked at the gold and
leaning down, picked up a bar. Suddenly an alarm shot through the
building.

‘I wondered why it was so easy,’ said Jan. He grabbed three bars of
gold, placed them in his backpack and they made a hasty retreat back
to the room they had come in from. Closing the door he could hear
activity on the staircase and realized they had made it just in time.
‘Come on Chance. And hurry for fuck’s sake. They could be in here
any minute.



The two of them climbed through the hole in the wall, and Chance
turned to Jan. ‘Signal the ship. Get us out of here.’

‘Not yet. We are too close to the complex.’ He looked around the
range before them and over to the left. ‘There,’ he said pointing to
an outcrop of rock. If we get to the side of the mountain, and climb
down a little, the ship will be protected from attack by the mountain.



As they rushed over to the outcrop, shots began ringing. Jan looked
back and spied some Tekran’s shooting at him. Taking aim with his
phaser, he shot back and hit the gun of one of the Tekran’s, who
dropped it instantly.

‘Run, Chance. We haven’t got much time.’

‘Have you signalled the ship?’

‘It should be right below the outcropping. I set it to quick rescue.’

As they came to the outcropping, unfortunately the Wolfklaw was
nowhere to be seen.

‘What next, bright eyes,’ asked Chance sarcastically to Jan, who was
looking everywhere for the ship.

‘I think, sweetheart, we are almost fucked. They will be upon us
shortly.’ She looked at him, and nodded. It had been a good life,
but if this was her time to die, then so be it. Chance looked at Jan,
and spoke.

‘You know, Jan. There is something I want to say to you.’ But as she
continued to speak, her voice was drowned out by the sudden arrival of
the Wolfklaw. She turned, saw the ship, and silently thanked her
gods. Jan yelled a command into his wristpad, and as the dock opened,
laser bolts were blasting into the side of the ship.



They hurried inside as quickly as they could, with the hull of the
ship being blasted continually, and Jan ran to the command deck.

‘Computer, get us the fuck out of here. And make it now!’ he yelled
at the computer.

‘As you wish, Captain,’ replied the Computer.

‘The ship quickly turned and, speeding off, Jan looked at the screen
noting that the Tekran’s were now swarming over the mountain.’

‘Will they follow us,’ asked Chance nervously.

‘Perhaps. But this ship has good camouflaging and cloaking devices.
We can hide and get out to space before they will catch us.’

‘Let us hope so,’ responded Chance.



As the Wolfklaw climbed the Tekran atmosphere, Jan looked at the
screen. Still no sign of pursuit. For now they were safe. They had
done the deed and claimed their prize.



19



Tarkan looked at the gold, carefully examined the markings and
smiled. ‘Yes, this is Tekran gold alright. And you have 3 bars so I
am sure it is at least a kilo. I will do you the honour by not
weighing it.’

‘Thanks,’ said Jan sarcastically. ‘So are we in. Are we league
members.’

‘Yes, Jan Kolby. You and Chance Kibb’star are now league members. We
have contacted Dak Bluddhook to verify his knowledge of you. He told
us frankly you were a contrary type of individual, but someone who
would make a good guild member. So welcome to the guild of piracy,
scourge of the third quadrant. For this little treasure you may have
a few weeks before we assign you some duties. I will get some of my
servants to gain you some living quarters, and they can instruct you
on what you need to know. I think, yes, Dalok. He will make a good
instructor for yourself and Chance.’

Tarkan pushed a button, and spoke into a microphone. ‘Jella. Could
you contact Dalok. We have new recruits for him to work with.’

‘Yes Tarkan,’ responded the voice. ‘Dalok is currently in the bar
downstairs, so I will go down and fetch him.’

‘Thank you Jella.’



Later that afternoon, Dalok had instructed Jan and Chance on much of
the interior workings of the League of Piracy. Much of it Jan was
already familiar with from his dealings with Dak, but inside knowledge
was always the best. They had three weeks to settle into their
quarters on the northside of the city. After that, they would have
some work, so Dalok told them, with the crew of the ‘Black Terror’,
running the spaceways further into the galaxy in the third quadrant.
‘Standard piracy business,’ Dalok informed them. Hijacking ships and
stealing plunder.



That night Jan was alone with Chance and she asked him the crucial
question. ‘Well Jan. How are we going to get the crown back? And
how will we do it without the league knowing?’

‘Now that we are in the league it should be easier to get inside
information from Dalok and the others. If we are careful, we might
just find out were the crown is located. And then, depending on the
challenge, we reclaim our prize.’

‘And if it is locked up tight?’

‘I know a specialist. A Shadrachian thief who can get into anywhere.
We hire him and finish the job.’

‘You hope,’ replied Chance.

‘Hey, have a little faith, sweetheart. Have I let you down yet?’

She smiled curtly back, but was silently pleased Jan seemed to have a
plan.





20



Settling into their upper level unit of a 3 storey complex of flats,
Jan in one room, chance in the other, Jan was sitting one day,
watching the visuals, familiarising himself with Draxian culture.
Chance was sitting over at the side of the room, looking into a mirror
and brushing her hair. Jan felt it an opportune time to ask her some
questions which had been on his mind.



‘You know, sweetheart. The last few weeks have been really kind of
hectic for you I guess. I mean we are from one place to the next, and
we have never really had an opportunity to settle for long.
Fortunately we have some time now. But one thing has been on my
mind. You are young for an Arcturian, Chance. Only 20 human years in
equivalent. And you must be, I guess, eager to find a partner or a
mate to, you know.’

She looked at him. ‘You know what?’

‘You know. Mate. Couple. Have sex.’

She looked at him, a little shocked, but after a while nodded,
returning to look in the mirror.

‘Yes. Yes, that is important to me Jan. But I have lived my life
without a partner so far, and I can wait a while, I guess. Besides, I
am with you now, and like you as a friend.’ She turned to him. ‘In
fact, I am very happy tagging along with you Jan.’

‘That is good. But don’t you get the desires. I sure as hell do.’

‘Oh, yes. Occasionally. But believe me I can cope with them. All
Arcturian’s can. I will mate, in time. But for now I am with you,
and am happy with that. Please believe me. You offer me something in
life which I really can’t get elsewhere. Action, adventure, real
drama. It is something I only read about in Arcturian stories growing
up. But you are the real deal. So don’t worry about me Jan. When
the time comes for me to find a mate, I will let you know, ok. So
don’t sweat it sweetie.’

Jan smiled at her last comment. ‘Thanks Chance. That is a load off
of my mind.’ And, silently, he was relieved. He knew the girl would
need to mate one day, but the fact that she had chosen him as a living
companion for the time being was a solace to his somewhat lonely life.



And, as the week passed, he grew to know her, learning of her
upbringing on the Ark, and the mundane life she had grown accustomed
to, apart from capturing the droids which had always been something of
a thrill. It seemed, despite his own very obvious flaws which he
occasionally rebuked himself for, that Jan Kolby, the fabulous
Rimwalker, may have been the best thing to happen so far in the life
of Chance Kibb’star. And, whatever else, that was at least something
positive.





21



Dalok looked a bit suspicious at Jan’s question, but answered it
anyway. ‘Well, if you must know, we store our most precious goods at
the guild hall in Retak, a city on the northernmost continent of
Draxos. It is impenetrable. Believe me, totally impenetrable. We
have had some of the Galaxies finest security detailers design the
place, and it will never be broken into. Of course, that is
important, because wealth is the most important thing for the guild.
Lavish, decadent wealth. We are popular and attract new recruits
because of what we can offer them. So don’t worry, our goods are
safe. You can count on that.’

Jan nodded, pleased with that information. He now assumed, given that
the guild likely had the Sigmorius crown, that it was located at the
guild hall in Retak. Getting it back would not be easy, but he
already had a head-start. As a guild member he may be able to
infiltrate further into the guild hall in Retak than he otherwise
might be able to. That just, and just, might give him the edge. If
he was to get the crown back, which had been his goal all along, and
joining the league being the way to achieve it, he would need any edge
he could get.



They sat drinking in the bar at the ground level of the guild hall,
were Dalok drank frequently. Chance was over by the side of the bar,
playing a video game which she seemed to be becoming quite adroit at.
They had a small games console back at the flat which she was now
addicted to which did make Jan realize that she was still something of
a youth and had led a sheltered upbringing on the ark to some degree.
But good luck to her. If she enjoyed these games, that was a
positive. He felt it would teach her good eye-hand coordination if
nothing else, which could come in handy one day.



‘Well, Jan. I have got to get going. Business for Tarkan and the
guild tonight. But I am enjoying our drinking sessions, and you
always ask the most interesting questions. I shouldn’t answer half of
them but, heck, you are in the guild now. I know I can trust you.’

‘You sure can,’ replied Jan, his insincerity lost on the mildly
intoxicated Dalok.



Dalok got up and left and Jan continued drinking his ale. The league
had given him a reasonable income, and he would own the flat on the
northside of the city after a year if all things turned out well with
his work. He had even considered simply staying with league anyway,
as its perks were actually quite good, and Draxon was starting to
become something of a home, Jan rarely staying anywhere long, now
getting used to the place. But, no. The crown was his prize. And
the rim beckoned. The rim – the galactic rim – home of the
illustrious Rimwalker. He could never leave the life it offered, no
matter the prize.



Walking over to Chance, he looked down at the screen and yelled at her
to shoot one of the aliens, but she ignored him, having learnt the
game for herself.



The next two weeks passed and as Jan got to know Chance even better,
he learned more and more of the internal operations of the league.
When the time came for him to claim the crown, he would be ready.
Whatever else he would be ready.





22



Dalok introduced Jan to a Draxian pirate, well into his middle age,
dressed all in black. ‘Jan, this is Kal Shandray, captain of the
‘Black Terror’. You have been assigned to his command for standards
raids in sector G7 of the third quadrant. He’s an ornery sort, so
watch what he says.’ Jan offered his hand, but Kal just looked at it.

‘So, tell me lad, how are you in a fight. If things get sticky, can
we rely on you.’

‘I can handle myself.’

‘And your partner,’ inquired Kal, looking over Chance.

‘She’ll be fine. She is a survivor, like myself.’

‘If you say so. Well, we are leaving port tomorrow night, so best get
a good night’s sleep. Meet us at the dock around mid-day and I will
introduce you to the crew. Now, Dalok. You still owe me a round you
dog. Well, get to it.’ Dalok, obediently, signalled the waitress and
ordered a round of drinks.



Casually chatting to Kal Shandray, Jan was immediately struck by the
Captains bawdiness, even more so than his own. He swore frequently,
and was very authoritarian, but he seemed sure of himself which would
have to be important.



Later that night, Kal and Dalok leaving in a vehicle, Jan came over to
were Chance was resting on the side of the bar, and gently woke her.
‘Time to go love. We leave on our first mission tomorrow night, so we
will need a good night’s rest. We could be away for a few months,
apparently, so get anything you need in the city tomorrow. You might
want to visit that Arcturian shop again, see if there is anything you
want. I will pay if you don’t have enough money.’

Chance nodded sleepily, and got to her feet following Jan to the
vehicle outside. As they sped along back to their apartment, Jan
thought on his new life as a space pirate. He would have to practice
with his phaser tomorrow morning to brush up somewhat. He could be in
need of it shortly. But, hopefully, from what Shandray was saying,
they usually robbed easy targets with little defence, so he may not
see any action. But he would have to be ready just in case.



They arrived back at their apartment and Chance had fallen asleep in
the vehicle. He didn’t want to wake her, so picking her up he came to
the security doors, punched in his code, and came to the elevators and
made his way up to their apartment. Placing her on her bed when back
inside he looked her over. Really, for an Arcturian female, she was
blossoming, and he felt a stir in his loins looking at her. But he
controlled himself, put a blanket on her, and left the room. When his
mission was over and he claimed his prize he could have all the
Arcturian female flesh he could possibly desire.





23

The following morning Chance came out onto the balcony, were Jan was
shooting his phaser at tin cans. ‘What the hell are you doing Jan,’
she asked. ‘Practicing. I may have need of these skills on the
‘Black Terror’ if we are to board ships. You never know when close
combat could be involved.’

‘Right,’ she said, yawning and sipping on a can of soft drink. Jan
continued for half an hour, shooting at cans on low beam, mainly to
practice his aim.

‘Doesn’t that Phaser have an aiming mechanism.’

‘Yes, it does. But it is unreliable. You can program it carefully
and often it still fucks up. Too many unpredictable variables for it
really to deal with. Manual is the safest way to go, especially out
on the rim were the action can be intense.’ She nodded, taking in
that information.



Jan continued shooting at cans all that morning and when Chance had
arrived back from the city with a bag full of items, they were ready
to leave.



‘Remember Chance, we will be onboard the ship for months. So you
won’t have clean air to breath most of the time.’

‘Hey, I was born on the Ark remember. We only ever had recycled air.’

‘Yeh, I know. But I figured you may have been getting used to life on
Draxos which won’t be like the ship. Your body might need some time
to adjust.’

‘I’ll be fine.’

‘Just letting you know, ok. Now, apparently there will be some
harlots for the men onboard the ship. Shandray assures me you will be
fine, but also told me to keep my eye on you. So be careful with the
men. You’re attractive lass and they are pirates. So keep your wits
about you.’

‘Thanks for the compliment,’ replied Chance, smiling at him.

‘Think nothing of it. Well, if you are ready, we best be going. I
have put our luggage in the transporter, and we have to be at the dock
at mid-day according to Shandray’s instructions. So if there is
nothing else.’

Chance followed him as they made their way down to the basement
parking were there transporter was located.



As they sped there way through the city heading for the spacedock Jan
thought on Chance and the male pirates onboard the ‘Black Terror’.
With a name like that they were probably not that friendly, especially
considering the nature of their captain. He would have to keep his
eye on Chance, perhaps at every moment.





24



Chance looked at her sleeping quarters on the Black Terror. She had
been assigned a bunk in the ‘ladies’ quarters, were the harlots
slept. Apparently no male could go so long out at space without some
loving attention, and a Draxian as well as three other females from
various species met the males on the ships particular needs in that
area.



Chance, being religious, had scruples to a degree about promiscuity,
as reflected in Landoria’s strict upbringing in terms of morality by
the Ark’s inhabitants. She knew Jan really had no such ideals but,
despite and perhaps because of that she felt attracted to him. He was
rogue. She knew that. But she had grown to love him over the last
couple of months and would stick with him even in spite of his flaws.
Because of this she felt she would be alright bunking with daughters
of the night. Perhaps she may rub off some good values onto them.



She returned to the main deck, were Jan was sitting at a table,
talking with Dalok who was about to leave. Jan and Chances initiation
period had come to an end, and they were now expected to live the life
of the guild. If they came back from this mission successful, they
would receive a portion of the goods taken, and be rested for their
next mission. This was pretty much the life of a space pirate, so
Dalok maintained, apart from the odd special mission which the guild
visited upon more experienced members. ‘You never know,’ said Dalok.
‘Prove a boon to the guild and you might get some tasty missions. But
you will have to show your worth.’

As they pulled away from Draxos Chance looked at the screen showing
the disappearing planet. In a strange way it had become home, and she
would miss it. But that couldn’t be helped. She was with Jan for
many reasons, but if they could reclaim the Sigmorius crown, the money
it would bring of which Jan had promised her a substantial cut could,
in the end, afford her a life on Arcturia which she could only have
dreamed about previously. And so, despite the current circumstances,
she would grin and bear it and get on with her responsibilities.





25



They spent three weeks travelling from dock to dock, occasionally
staying overnight, but usually to gather food and information from
various guild outposts. When they had gotten some useful information
from Gartonias 6 in sector G5, Kal ordered a change to their original
destination, as a new lead looked promising. A nearby system was
having a great celebration to mark Unification Day when three of the
major powers of the system united to form the greatest alliance the
planet had known. And apparently there would be busy space-faring
around this time to import various items for the celebration. ‘We may
not get much gold,’ commented Captain Shandray, ‘but I have a hunch
they may have something the guild will find very useful. If they are
importing the stuff for the festivals.’ But he would not say more
than that.



A few days later they hijacked their first ship, which was enroute to
Telkonias, the home of the festival. Jan and Chance were both in the
boarding party and Jan managed to shoot, set on stun, one of the
guardsmen of the ship when they had docked abruptly and boarded it.
Fortunately, checking for life signs, the guard was only stunned, Jan
reluctant to kill on this mission. But the other pirates had no such
convictions, and the ships three other guardsmen were killed. The
captain did not know the guardsman was only stunned, so congratulated
Jan on his kill. Jan did not pretend otherwise, but locked the
guard’s body in a holding cell when he had the chance, in case he
woke.



The captain was pleased with the haul. As he had suspected, the ship
contained, amongst many other celebratory items, the powdered element
Curantia, which was commonly known to humans as ‘Paradise’, for the
extremely powerful ecstatic effects it had when mixed with other basic
drugs. Curantia was one of the rarest elements in the galaxy, and it
was prized. Every culture liked ‘Paradise’ and the captain was
overjoyed to find a supply being shipped to the festival on Telkonias.



‘Well done men,’ he praised, when everyone was back on board the Black
Terror. You have done well. And Jan, Chance. You both showed
aptitude. The guild will be well pleased with you.’ Jan nodded. He
had been lucky this time, to get away with his blunder, but it had
worked out for the best. But he would have to be ready next time, as
they were not heading home yet, but were continuing to there original
mission.



Later that night he sat with Chance, and they both enjoyed the small
amount of Paradise mixed with some Draxian liquid they had been
given. Jan lay on his bed, totally zonked, staring at the ceiling.
He was high alright, and as the night passed, dreams of naked
Arcturian women filled his head.





26



Out in sector G7, were the Black Terror was headed, the spacecraft
Ravensclaw was sending out a distress signal. But to no avail. The
final member of the Ravensclaw tasted bitter death, and the entity
which was an emissary of its homeplanet on the other side of the
Galaxy, took control of the ship, and plotted in the co-ordinates for
a nearby system to gather some supplies before heading home. The
entity was a Dronganite – an electricity based life-form, which had
the ability to become solid when necessary. It was almost like living
light in some ways. They were, usually, not given over to the darker
side of life Dronganians, but there were renegade elements in that
society, some of which were seeking galactic conquest. They lived on
a system near Drongan, an early colony which had been abandoned due to
the planets harsh climate. But the renegade Dronganians, whose cultic
leader assured them of their destiny to rule the galaxy, had been
populating madly and were settling some of the uninhabited planets of
the first quadrant. Nobody really payed much attention to the
apparent threat of the Dronganians, but they were passionately
pursuing their agenda, and believed one day they would rule the
universe. Presently a number of operatives were working in the third
quadrant in work similar to the guild of piracy – slowly acquiring
wealth. With money their leader assured them they would rule. It
bought loyalties, and land and other assets when necessary. However
they achieved their goal, money was necessary. So in this phase of
the renegade Dronganian society, raid and plunder abounded.



Unfortunately, for Jan Kolby and Chance Kibb’star, they were headed
for a rendezvous with this particular Dronganian which would cause
something of a setback in their own plans. Quite a setback.





27



Chance sat with Trim Wannabe on the edge of her bunk, chatting about
life. Trim was the Draxian harlot, used by half a dozen of the crew
to satisfy sexual urges. And did she have some tales to tell.

‘Ohh, Chance. You really must taste man-flesh. You will realize the
hypocrisy of your religion when engaged in what life is all about.
Believe me my dear.’

Chance had heard the persuasions of Trim to give up her virginity
before, but had ignored them.

‘But don’t you feel dirty? Used? Landoria tells me that is how all
harlots feel deep inside.’

‘Oh, Chance. The religious always say things like that. But they
don’t know what it is like to take a man’s organ into their mouth and
delight when he comes.’

Chance blushed. Trim often talked quite brazenly.

‘You know your partner, Jan. You should offer yourself to him. I
have seen the way he looks at you. He won’t say no, sweetie. Believe
me.’

‘Jan! I don’t think so.’

‘What is wrong with him?’

‘He is a human for beginners.’

‘Oh, from what I know your species are compatible. I have even met
offspring of Humans and Arcturian’s.’

Chance looked at him, surprised. ‘Really? We can mate?’

‘You produce pale greenish children when you do.’

Chance nodded, finding that most interesting. ‘But no, I couldn’t.
Not Jan. He looks after me. It wouldn’t be right.’

‘Never say never, sweetie.’



In the main command deck, Captain Kal Shandray was steadily consuming
some Draxian ale, boasting of all his grand achievements. He had
claimed Jan as his prize to tell all his tales to and Jan, still
somewhat sober, sat listening to all his fabulous tales of his 30
years in the league of piracy.



Kal had been an orphan; problematic since his youth, in and out of
jail, and when the league had beckoned he had taken his opportunity
with open arms. And in the 30 years he had been in the league he had
lived a life of pure rebellion, a renegade in a job perfectly suited
to him. He was currently recalling his last adventure in space were,
supposedly, despite Jan thinking it a fiction, he blasted his way
through 2 gigantic dragon-like creatures, breathing fire, to claim the
egg they were hiding, a prized delicacy. Jan really felt the story
more fiction than fact, but it was fascinating anyway.



Later on, as Kal was becoming increasingly drunk, he recalled details
from that encounter in reference again, but with strangely differing
details which led Jan to conclude on his assumption that Kal Shandray
was a fabulous storyteller, which in fact he was.



They eventually claimed sleep and, as the night passed, the ship
steadily entered sector G7 and its destiny.





28



‘It should do.’ Commented Kal Shandray, in response to the space-
cruiser on their screen. ‘It seems to be going solo, so we should
have no problems from any other backup ships. Get ready to dock.’



The Black Terror, with its extremely hi-tech tractor beam, a long part
of guild piracy tradition, put a hold on the ship the ‘Ravensclaw’
and, lining up docks, began their terror activities.



Coming inside, though, they found nobody present, which was extremely
alarming. After a quick search for the ship Captain Shandray made the
statement that the ship was likely on automatic, and that any plunder
it had would be theirs. Surveying the holding docks they were in
luck. About 50 bars of Gold, various currencies and some minor
jewels. Quite a catch. Kal looked at Jan and Chance. ‘Ok, you two.
You want to prove yourselves. You stay on board this ship, and we
will maintain tractor beam hold and tug you back to Draxon. The ship
itself could come in useful for the league. It looks pretty advanced
and is the kind of ship we use.’

Jan nodded. An opportunity to prove himself he thought.



The crew returned to the ‘Black Terror’ and Jan and Chance remained
onboard the ‘Ravensclaw’. The ‘Black Terror’ fixed its tractor beam
hold and they started to make their way back to Draxon.



‘Well, this was easy,’ said Chance. ‘We have hardly seen any action,
and we already have goods to bring back to the guild. They will think
favourably of us, don’t you think Jan?’

Jan nodded and opened a can of beer. ‘Let’s hope so.’



As the ships sped along approaching light speed, suddenly, without
warning, there was a huge jolt, and the hold of the tractor beam was
shattered. Then surges of electricity pulsated through the
Ravensclaw, it slowed down, turned around, and shot of back in its
original direction. And, without warning, shot to Warp 8 Light Speed
to lose the Black Terror for good.



Chance looked at Jan, but all he would say was ‘Fuck!’ What had they
gotten themselves into?





29



The Dronganian surveyed its new hosts. Human and Arcturian by the
looks of it. It could kill them – that would be easy. But, perhaps,
no. Perhaps it would simply enjoy the pleasure of their company on
the trip home, and kill them then. He could entertain himself
watching their primitive behaviours.



Jan looked at Chance, signalling defeat, and she responded with a
frustrated look of her own. Initially they had tried Contacting the
‘Black Terror’ but none of the communication instruments seemed to
work. And then they found out that nothing really worked on the
control deck and that they were now hostages to a ship which somehow
ran itself. But why the oxygen? Queried Jan constantly. And why the
seats? Why would an automated ship need these things?



After 3 days of endless travel and finally conceding defeat, they had
both concluded that they were likely headed somewere and would do
something when they arrived. For now they would simply sit it out and
wait.



They found food and drink supplies as well as bathroom facilities and
mostly kept themselves busy playing the various card games Jan had
acquired in a lifetimes pursuit of gambling.



When they hit Warp 17, which Jan assured Chance was about as fast as
any solar-star ship had ever travelled, noting the shuddering of the
ship, Chance asked Jan wether the ship would hold together. Jan
informed her that at the current speed they could make the other side
of the galaxy within a few weeks and that unless they were headed for
Andromeda or some other galaxy, the ship should last the distance.



Assured of her safety, Chance spent a lot of time watching the screens
as the various star systems whizzed by from time to time. Wherever
they were headed, she had time to learn something of space travel, and
inquired into Jan’s knowledge of the Galaxy and how ships got around.
She found out that in the more central systems of the galaxy travel
could become very complicated with the higher level of traffic and the
great sense of diplomacy and protocol. Apparently inner systems felt
themselves the true representatives of the galaxy and the systems
right near the centre often called themselves galactic royalty. But
nobody rim-wards really cared. Paths between them did not cross that
much and life went on regardless.



However, as the star systems came and went and, according to Jan, they
neared the centre of the galaxy were the stars were a lot thicker,
Chance wondered what it would be like to meet some of the inner
citizens of the galaxy.



Humans had a colony on a central planet of the galaxy, which a
confederation corporation had paid for at an exorbitant price to
establish a physical presence in the humdrum of galactic life.
Technically it was still owned by the corporation, yet thousands of
shareholders and other interested parties had purchased land there to
live the high life of the galaxy, and ‘New Terra’ as it was called was
gradually becoming humanities most envied location for living. Jan
had been once, sussed it out, and left impressed with the sheer
quality it offered. It was the upper of upper class planets, and he
now well understood why it was sought after so much.



As the weeks passed Chance grew in more and more knowledge of galactic
life, Jan telling her all he knew, and as they passed the centre,
heading into Quadrant One, they both sensed that perhaps now they were
nearing their location. The wait should be over soon.





30



Chance was the first to notice as the ship gradually slowed down from
Warp 17, gradually coming right down to Warp 1 and soon into impulse
power. Jan looked at the screen. ‘We are well into Quadrant 1 by the
looks of it – about two thirds from the centre rim-wards. But don’t
ask me were exactly – its an enormous galaxy.’

‘How many planets are there in the galaxy, anyway?’ asked Chance.

‘Various estimates. There are a heck of a lot of uncharted ones. But
we know of about 1,000 intelligent species who are now space-faring
and around 100,000 oxygen based planets, most of which are now settled
or colonized. But there are millions, probably billions of dead
planets. Some of them are mined, but there are a number of terra-
forming operations going on many of them to gradually make them
habitable. Back in Earths solar system Mars is now completely
liveable on, but it was a dead planet to start with.’



As the days passed, they saw coming onto the screen a planet in the
system they had entered. Gradually they drew closer and closer to the
planet and, finally, Jan announced, which Chance had already assumed,
that they had reached their destination.



And, suddenly, they were in orbit of the planet, sitting there for 3
days. On the fourth day they noticed a ship approaching and when it
had docked, and the doors were opened. 3 creatures, humanoid in
shape, looking as if there bodies were made of light, came on board.
Jan and Chance stared at them, but the creatures ignored them. One of
the creatures spoke and shortly afterwards electricity surged from the
control panel of the Ravensclaw and another of the creatures now stood
before them.



Chance quickly made the connection. ‘He was piloting our ship.
Wasn’t he?’ she asked Jan, who simply nodded and said probably. He
picked up his translator and turned it on and suddenly the
conversation between the creatures came alive.



‘…..has good supplies, and some good gold. I felt it worthy booty for
the sector and should prove a good boon for our goals.’ The creature
who had been aboard their ship seemed to be the one speaking as far as
Jan could tell.



‘And these two,’ said one of the creatures, pointing at Chance and
Jan. ‘Why did you bring them?’

‘Entertainment. Nothing more.’

The creature looked at Jan and Chance, surveying them. ‘Mmm. They
might come in useful. We can always use new slaves. These two look
strong. Some of the families might want them. Bring them.’



Without warning Jan and Chance were shoved into the holding bays of
the Ravensclaw. Shortly afterwards the ship was guided downwards to
the planet and about 2 hours later they had been brought into a large
complex near were they docked on the planet. Jan still had the
translator turned on and nobody seemed to be trying to take it from
him, so he listened intently.



After a conversation between two of the creatures in the building they
had been taken to, one of the creatures looked at the translator and
then spoke to Jan. ‘Human, aren’t you?’

Jan nodded.

‘You two are slaves now. It will be a life of servitude, but we will
feed you for your work. Occasionally, if slaves work hard, they are
freed. We are not barbaric you see. Just fit to rule.’ Jan looked
at Chance. They had been reduced to slaves. Things it seemed could
not get much worse.



31



They began their life of slavery for the house of Jak’takr, one of the
official families of Trago, the home planet of the new house of
Drongan, so they were dutifully informed. The Royal house of Sha’kar,
which was the settling house of their first Emporer, who claimed the
vision for the new house of Drongan to conquer the galaxy, ruled the
other houses, and all paid tribute to them. Apart from the Royal
house and the officially recognized families were a number of other
drone families who usually served the official and royal family as
servants. But the lowest class of all were the foreign slaves of
which class Jan and Chance were now members. Somehow the two of them
had been mistaken for man and wife, which was an important part of
Drongan culture, and they had been sent everywhere together, even
given the same living quarters.



The house of Jak’takr were one of the more senior of the official
houses, having a great deal of contact with the Royal house of
Sha’kar. Jan and Chance soon found out that, as they were a leading
house, like the Royal house especially, all news centred around their
growing empire was treasured. They had settled 107 dead planets
within their sector and were gradually terra-forming them. But the
real deal, so the Royal family maintained was the day of liberation
when, having amassed as much galactic wealth as they could, they would
engage in war with other sentient galactic communities in the overall
goal of New Drongan culture – galactic conquest.



As the weeks passed, though, and despite the official front the house
of Sha’kar maintained, from Jan’s observations it seemed very few,
apart from the Royal house, really believed in the conquest of the
galaxy which had once been a dream amongst the community in its
formative years. Firstly, most realized that conquering every other
species, some of which were just as potentially warlike as their own,
would be extremely difficult. And secondly, as their empire had
grown, and through the wealth they had amassed, many were now
seemingly content. It had been a vision once, but had diminished.
New Drongans were generally satisfied, now, with their lot.



Occasionally, also, they received news from Drongan itself, which was
a far older community. Drongan had an empire of around a dozen
settled planets, and were far more passive than the renegades who had
left them. But apparently, so he was told, Drongan’s looked fondly on
their offspring these days, and as time had passed, so some of the
members of the house of Sha’kar told him, unification with old Drongan
seemed to gradually be becoming a reality. And unofficially Jan and
Chances house of Sha’kar pursued that aim, with the occasional
diplomat guest from old Drongan.



Their lives as slaves were, fortunately, quite basic. Chance had been
assigned to the kitchen and cooked food and occasionally served. Jan
worked in the stables were horse like creatures were kept and also had
to cut wood with a primitive axe from time to time, in keeping with
Drongan tradition. When Drongans materialized in hard light form,
their bodies took on properties similar to other cultures and they
were sensitive to things like food and pain, heat and cold. They did
not really go to the toilet like other species, but often exuded waste
material from their outer shell, or burned it totally when going into
electric form. Although they did not do this unless they had too as
it could be tiring unless near a source of electricity to recharge
them.



As an official house, the Sha’kar dressed lavishly and after one years
service in the kitchen, Chance was promoted to handmaiden to one of
the senior ladies of the Sha’kar. As that work progressed, Jan and
Chance started assuming that they would likely be in the service of
the Drongans for the rest of their lives and settled down to life
together, seemingly as husband and wife. But despite them sharing the
same room, they were yet to mate. Jan respected Chance, and Chance
was waiting. Soon, though, she might approach him. She had grown to
love him now, quite strongly. And he was a cornerstone in her life
she really needed in this exile. The Drongan’s themselves treated
them well but it was still made certain they were slaves and nothing
more. But Jan was like her, in the same situation, and as the second
year passed and the third began Chance began to think she had found
her life-mate.





32



Chance found Jan piling up wood. Most of the day had passed, and
evening had descended. He would be free to do what he wanted soon,
and Chance’s lady was away for a few weeks, not having called upon her
assistance. Finishing his work, Jan came over to her and gave her a
peck on the cheek. Chance smiled.

‘Come on, Jan. We are eating in our room tonight.’

‘Why not the kitchen.’

‘Oh, you’ll see.’



Jan followed her inside, past the kitchen, to their slave quarters.
They had been moved recently to a better quality of room, mainly
because, so they had been told, they had faithfully served and were
proving useful slaves. Their new quarters were quite a bit larger
with nice decorations and a good large bed which they both shared.



As they ate a special meal which Chance had prepared, Jan caught her
looking at him often. Eventually he queried what was on her mind, but
all she would say was ‘Just wait.’



When they retired for the evening Chance came to Jan’s side of the bed
and helped him with his boots. But she did not stop there, which was
the norm, but proceeded to unbutton his shirt, all the time looking
into his eyes. Jan was not a stupid man. After a while he knew what
was on her mind and concluded something. Perhaps this was her time.
Apparently she had chosen him as worthy and he himself loved her now,
knowing no other for so long.



They were both passionate that night – extremely passionate. And in
the morning, Chance resting in Jan’s arms, she knew she had made the
right choice. Jan had been sensitive at times, but dominant when he
needed to be. Really, for her first time, he had been the perfect
lover. And lying there, resting in his arms as he dozed, she felt she
had found the love of her life. And, in spite of their captivity,
things felt right in the world for Chance Kibb’star.





33



In a very real way, Jan and Chance were now married. They’d had a
long time together before sexual relations, and had grown to respect
each other because of it. But Chance, who now fussed over Jan even
more than before, whispered from time to time that they should make
their togetherness official. Jan was a little reluctant as, despite
his captivity, he was still somewhat used to his roguish ‘Rimwalking’
ways. But, if love was ever to come into his life, he would perhaps,
having gotten to know her, not chosen many other than Chance
Kibb’star. She was still quite gentle, rather than naïve in how the
world worked and he found in her a feminine quality sometimes absent
from some of the tougher female humans he had known. Really, she
could perhaps make the perfect wife. And then when, in discussion
about Arcturia, she mentioned that the pale green skinned Arcturian’s
Jan talked about were likely the result of Humans mating with
Arcturian’s, as she had been informed by Trim Wannabe onboard the
Black Terror, Jan concluded that if they were compatible for mating,
marriage was reasonable.



And so, in a private ceremony, and before a figure Chance had made to
represent the higher power who they took their oaths before, promising
to be loving and faithful to the other, Jan and Chance wed and became,
officially, man and wife.



From then on Jan was a little more cautious about Chance. Careful to
respect her properly and show her love. He brought her flowers often,
a strongly human tradition, and caressed her when they were together.
And, as the fourth year of their activity commenced, Chance had an
announcement. As far as she could tell, with the growing bulge in her
stomach which Jan had also noticed, she felt she was pregnant.



Later that night Jan laughed. ‘A father. A freaking father. Still,
his own dad had been one, so perhaps it was not that unexpected. And,
looking to the heavens, thinking on that higher power, he grinned a
little and gave a silent prayer of thanks. Perhaps life was not so
bad after all.





34



About 7 months after Chances announcement, with a Drongan maid to help
deliver the child, Chance gave birth to their first child, a son.
They spent 3 weeks deliberating names until in a naming ceremony they
named the child Kalan Rance Kolby, named after both their fathers.
Jan loved Kalan, a great deal. He felt, often he saw his father or
younger brother in his looks, and Chance commented that he was
definitely of her own family. As the child grew over the next two
years, to Jan’s 35th birthday, it became apparent that Kalan was in
the mould of his father. Roguish but with a good heart.



At four years of age Kalan would be excused from work till he turned
7, when he would be given minor duties. Until then he was free, and
wondered around the ground of the Jak’takr homestead often, the
Drongan’s themselves unbothered by the young child. Once he fell down
the main well of the homestead, and Jan and Chance were up all night
looking for him until Jan heard faint yelling coming from the well
when he passed by it. The child had trod water for hours, and was
exhausted, but had survived clinging to the side of the well.



After that, Chance was ever so careful with him, fretting over his
every move, but Jan just said Kalan was a Kolby, and trouble would be
expected. But this did not dampen Chances concerns.



And then came the announcement. The Emporer would be visiting the
Jak’takr homestead soon, to take part in the official four yearly new
Drongan sporting games taking part in the city nearby the Jak’takr
homestead that year. This was the major sporting event for New
Drongan, and the Emporer had decided to make the Jak’takr homestead
his home while the games were being run.



With that announcement Jan and Chance were informed that they would be
kept very busy in the weeks ahead, and that Kalan needed to be kept
under wraps.



The Emporer arrived one sunny afternoon in the middle of summer, and
despite the fuss made over him, he seemed a very down-to-earth and
casual sort of a Drongan. Very relaxed, it seemed, and in touch with
his rulership.



The Emporer liked the outdoors and Jan helped him often mount the
steeds the homestead kept. The Emporer began asking Jan questions
about humanity and his origins, ever anxious to increase his
knowledge, so he commented to Jan. And during the three weeks before
the games started, Jan, despite himself, found himself coming to like
the man.



And then the games started and the Emporer was kept busy each day,
while Jan and Chance went about their daily routine.





35





In the fourth and final week of the planetary games, Jan was summoned
by the Emporer to an event, a shooting event, on the outskirts of the
city. The competitors had been using something similar to the phaser
Jan had owned, but Jan honestly felt that he could shoot more
accurately than any of them. And having commented as such to the
Emporer, the Emporer decided to put him to the test. When the event
was over, the winner was brought forth and targets were set up. Jan
would compete with the victor in the best of three shots with a
standard Drongan phaser, and a new winner would be declared.



Jan found the phaser difficult to use at first and lost the first
round. The Emporer eyed him, but was interested still in the
outcome. And then, getting used to the phaser, his old dead eye
returned, and he shot the next target from 300 metres directly in the
centre – a bullseye. He was lucky with the third shot, and then had
been declared by all the winner.



Being presented before the Emporer, the man looked at Jan and said
‘What prize could we possibly give a slave,’ to his entourage. There
were various comments and then, the Emporer stepping forward, looked
at Jan. ‘Jan Kolby. You are a man’s man. I grant you your freedom
for your heroic display. You and your consort are free to remain here
in New Drongan, but may leave if you wish. Well done brave warrior.’
Jan nodded, smiled and picking up the phaser walked over to the
shooting ground. ‘Freedom’ he thought to himself. It was almost
something he thought he would never taste again. He had been on New
Drongan for 7 years now and it had become his home. To be free – to
be free again to follow his own destiny – he was almost not sure what
he would do with it.



Later that day, when the Emporer excused him, giving him a letter with
his official seal to present to his house, Jan returned home and
presented the letter.



And so, gathering Chance and Kalan and some possessions they had
acquired, they made their way to the spacedock and, entering the ship
they had been given and with a number of gold bars they had also been
given, they took to the heavens.



Chance, looking at the screen of New Drongan as it disappeared behind
them, looked at her husband. ‘Were to now, brave adventurer.’

‘We will see. We will see. But I have an idea of our first port of
call.’



And so, the Ravensclaw which had been returned to them, sped onwards,
heading slowly for the centre of the galaxy.





36



Kalan looked at the screen and yelled ‘home’. Chance smiled and Jan
nodded to Kalan. ‘Perhaps, son. For a little while.’



On the screen in front of them, as Jan had informed Chance in the
preceding weeks, was coming into view ‘New Terra’, humanities most
prestigious centre of wealth and the current destination for the
Kolby’s. It was home to wealth – great wealth. And, perhaps, in the
fortunes of the Kolby’s, their ticket to a new and better life.



The gold they had been given would feed them for a few years at a
stretch, but Jan had let Chance know he had an idea in mind for
gaining some wealth on New Terra and, if that failed, their final
alternative.



When the landed on New Terra and came to the home of Radnick
Darkthorn, who was something of an uncle to Jan, not so much blood,
but close to his father, Jan informed his family that Darkthorn may be
able to help them out. He was a wealthy businessman working for the
corporation who owned New Terra and had been his father’s best friends
in their early years.



When they arrived Radnick welcomed them and, hearing their dilemma,
asked Jan if he wanted to work a regular job and provide for his
family that way. He could find him work in the corporation if he was
interested.



Jan and Chance talked it over and thinking of Kalan and his future
agreed to Radnick’s idea. Radnick had just divorced, and while his
children visited him often, he was presently living alone. As such,
and to help the Kolby’s start their new life, he suggested they live
with him for a while. The Kolby’s agreed to this and, after a few
weeks settling in, Jan began his new work in the corporation.



He started low, but when he turned 37, he had risen to a mid-level
position in the corporation, mostly involved with imports to New Terra
from other systems. Jan could handle the work without too many
difficulties and now that Kalan was in school it looked as if the
bravest adventurer of all, the fabulous ‘Rimwalker’ had been
domesticated. This did not bother Chance, who enjoyed the settled and
stable life of luxury on New Terra, but Jan had the itch in his genes
and, finally, at 38 spoke privately with Chance.



‘The Sigmorius Crown!’ she exclaimed. ‘You cannot be serious. Do you
know how much trouble chasing that thing got us into?’ He looked at
her and smiled. ‘Hey sweetheart. What is life without a bit of
adventure?’



And so, reluctantly, and having heard Jan’s plan, Chance agreed to
follow him back to Draxon for one year at most in an attempt to
reclaim the prize they had originally sought. They felt it best to
leave Kalan with Darkthorn, who had grown used to him, but Chance, who
loved Jan and knew what he really was, needed to be with her husband
and knew it no place for a child.



And so, a few months after Jan turned 38, they took the Ravensclaw,
full of provisions and began their trek. Out to the rim again. And
back to the life of adventure.





37



Yelt Trandolin was anything but a typical Shadrachian. Natives of
Shadrach were, if anything, noteworthy for their sense of honour. But
Yelt was a different type of Shadrachian, one in the rogue class of
Jan Kolby. Yelt had worked in his younger years in security divisions
of various galactic corporations and had risen to be one of the top
workers in the field, especially with his acute mind. But, when
offered a contract by the league of piracy, he had slowly and
inevitably turned to a life of crime, as dividends were so much
higher.



Jan had met him in his mid-twenties and they had struck up a
friendship. Jan’s work in those early years had been traditional
bounty hunting and otherwise treasure seeking. He had not really been
a thief by trade, but ran in circles which encountered such
characters. And through someone who he had been bringing in on a
bounty, he gained an introduction to Yelt Trandolin.



It was Yelt, so Jan believed, who would be the key person to help him
crack the security details on Draxon were the league would have stored
the Sigmorius crown. Yelt would undoubtedly give him insight and
clues and, if he could be hired for the windfall when it arrived, he
would go a long way to ensuring success.



Chance found Yelt a smooth-mannered and polite Shadrachian and Yelt,
despite Jan’s proclamation that he and Chance were attached, came onto
Chance often. Eventually Chance let Yelt know her and Jan were sort
of married with a child and Yelt backed off. But he remained charming
and Chance found herself liking the fellow.



The plan was this. When they got back to Draxon, Yelt would hire a
room in a hotel on the northern city on the continent of Draxon were
the guild hall in which the crown was located. He would monitor the
complex and with the information that Jan could provide once he,
hopefully, became re-established with the league, they would go from
there. Like Chance, Yelt gave Jan one year to finish the job. Jan
promised both of them that a year should be more than enough – but was
worried anyway. They would have to be careful, perhaps even more so
than before, because their disappearance on the Ravensclaw would
certainly be remembered and look suspicious. But Jan felt, as bizarre
as it may sound, a story something akin to the truth might just work.
Chance had pictures of Kalan, and using them as evidence, they might
just re-enter league hierarchy without too many problems.



And so, as the Ravensclaw drew closer to Draxon, the mood was good
onboard that, if they were successful, the galaxies greatest riches
would be theirs.





38



‘Believe me Tarkan, it was hell. If all those years under Drongan
slavery taught me anything it was to value freedom. And the freedom
of the League of Piracy is what I missed most, so now I am back.’

Tarkan eyed Jan Kolby, still a little suspicious, but when one of his
drones handed a printout containing various details of the New Drongan
Empire taken from their planet-wide data-network, Tarkan concluded
that as bizarre as it sounded the story seemed to check out.

‘And this Kalan,’ began Tarkan. ‘Where is he?’

‘With his uncle on New Terra. And here are some photos,’ said Chance,
handing Tarkan some photos of Kalan Kolby.

Tarkan took them, looked them over for a minute or so and compared
them to Jan and Chance before him. After a while he spoke up.

‘Yes, he does look like both of you. And he is pale green skinned,
indicating human and Arcturian parents. So, I guess your story seems
to check out. We had concerns, you know. From memory Shandray told
me that he didn’t think you would have been able to break the tractor
beam like you did and that some other party may have been involved.
So, considering that, yes, I guess you can have your guild places
back. But you will be again starting low – you’ll have to earn your
place.’

‘No probs,’ responded Jan. ‘Tell me, can we have our old
accommodation back?’

‘Shouldn’t be a problem. Actually, your stuff is probably still
there. We have a great number of places around the city which we only
use occasionally. Oh, and the Wolfklaw. It is still in spacedock. I
felt you might want to know. We have had no real use for it, but felt
we would hold it for the time being.’

Jan grinned. The Wolfklaw. Now that brought back memories.

‘Ok,’ said Tarkan. ‘Settle in. Get used to life here again. Do
those things you need to do. We will assign you some work soon
enough. Oh, and finally, glad to see you back. You always seemed a
promising recruit.’

Jan smiled, nodded and left, Chance following.



Strangely enough it was still Dalok who accompanied them to their old
apartment and, funnily enough, all of their belongings which they had
not taken aboard the Black Terror were still there.



Jan spent an afternoon out at the ‘Wolfklaw’, taking it for a
successful short flight, and reminisced about old times. It was good
to fly her again.



Settling back into life, Jan gained more information he needed and
sent Yelt to live in Retak on the Northern most Draxon continent of
Stuxal. From reports Yelt sent him regularly, Jan found out that Yelt
had made a number of surveys of the guild hall, analysed the diagrams
Jan had managed to obtain carefully from his new connections in the
guild, and had begun formulating a plan.



After three months back on Draxon, with only Jan sent on a minor
raiding mission which lasted one week, they were ready, so they felt,
to go for it.



Yelt had gotten all the information he could from Jan and from his own
detective work about the interior set up of the guild. It was really,
now, a one man job. If Jan, with his guild identity, could gain
access to the guildhall and enter the interior of the building and
then find some time alone, he may just successfully, with Yelt’s
planning, claim the prize – if it was still there.



They planned carefully, as carefully as they could and then got
lucky. On the second mission Jan was sent on they claimed another
Imperial prize – a set of royal goblets from a star system which were
deemed of great value. So much so that they were ordered to Retak and
Jan, as casually as he could, asked if he might join the party to
Retak to simply visit the city as he had never been. Tarkan seemed a
little suspicious, but agreed nonetheless. And so it was now or
never. To avoid suspicion, Chance would remain home, but when he
could Jan would meet up with Yelt in Retak and then would get to their
business.





39



With Dalok who had been assigned to transport the goblets to the guild
hall, they got to the city and Jan asked if they could taste some
local food before going to the guild hall. Dalok was a bit reluctant,
but agreed nevertheless. They found a pub, and through Jan’s constant
persuasions, stayed late into the day so that Dalok agreed to spend
the night in the pub and visit the hall sober in the morning.



During the night Jan met with Yelt. They went over all the details
both were aware of, confirming the exact layout as best they could of
the hall. The real key to success was the cloaking device which Yelt
had supplied for Jan. Theoretically, he really should not be visible,
but rather a vague sort of shadowy light, which would not be
immediately obvious. If he got inside the guild hall with Dalok, and
found some time alone, with the other tools available to him, he
should be able to enter the main storage area and hopefully find his
prize.



The following day Dalok was hung-over and said they would spend the
night at the guild hall. Jan had been given a lucky break.



The security, indeed, on the outskirts of the hall was incredibly
tight, motion cameras and all sorts of other technology everywhere.
But, inside, no real problems. There were the occasional guard
stationed here and there but, for Jan, it seemed that if you actually
got inside the hall you were assumed to be a league member and thus
deemed no actual threat.



That night, Dalok snoozing, he took to his long awaited task. He
still remembered what the crown looked like and if it was here and
could be found, he would find it.



He spent about 2 hours wearing the cloaking device, investigating the
large complex until he came to large steel doors which seemed to be
were the main goods of storage were held. Strangely enough they were
closed by simply a turning wheel and, turning it slowly, he opened the
doors and closed them behind him. And then, bingo.



The room he found himself in, seemingly, housed every possible
treasure known to galactic civilization. Gold, jewellery, precious
metals, currencies and artwork from all the major civilizations. And
various other important commodities seemed to be present. He was
almost persuaded to simply grab what looked most valuable and have
done with it, but no. The Sigmorius crown would likely be one of the
most prized items.



He glanced over the room and spied, right up the back a small hallway
in the centre of the wall. Walking over to it, his torch lit up,
there were several drawers which, when opened, seemed to contain
particular items which, perhaps, were deemed the most valuable of
prizes. After 10 minutes of searching through them he was about to
give up when, suddenly, looking in a drawer he had already looked in
just to re-check, he picked up an object which, looking at it, seemed
very much like his prize.



But it was covered in grime, as if it had been used a lot. Spending a
few minutes cleaning it off, and then looking at it in the light, he
smiled. Oh yeh. It was the Sigmorius crown alright. He had found
his prize. Praise the gods.



Placing it in his satchel, and returning things the way they were as
best he could, he retraced his steps and, upon returning to the
sleeping Dalok, silently thanked the gods again. Twice in one night –
Chance would be pleased.



He contacted Yelt on his mobile call-phone, confirmed the capture of
the item, and laid in bed that night, happier, perhaps, than he had
ever been.



They spent much of the following day at the hall, talking about this
and that, when finally, leaving, and Jan breathing a sigh of relief,
started their journey back.



When he got home he came to Chance, smiled, and pulled out the crown
from his satchel. ‘Sweetheart, we’re rich. Bloody rich.’ Chance
looked at the crown, grinned and hugged him.

‘And now?’ she asked.

‘Now, as carefully as we can, we ditch the league and head for
Arcturia. I have a long delayed appointment with certain royals. And
then, if the reward still holds, one Billion Arcturian credits, and a
lifetimes wealth.’



Jan held the crown, grinning, and Chance again hugged him.





40



‘Dak Bluddhook. Now how the hell are you going, old pal.’

Dak looked suspiciously at Jan Kolby. ‘Back in town, huh. Haven’t
seen you in these parts for a while. What brings you back? And I
thought you had joined the league?’

‘Oh, yeh. I joined the league. However they released me recently for
commendable service. I am now retired.’

Dak nodded, but still looked suspicious. ‘So what brings you to
Arcturia?’

‘Oh, my partner. She is Arcturian, and misses home. You know how it
is. I dare say we won’t be here very long; just a bit of seeing her
family and some sight-seeing. We’ll be gone practically before you
know it.’

Dak nodded. ‘So how is life with you Dak?’

‘Oh, you know the life of a pirate. It has its highs and lows. But,
truth to tell, the league has recently offered me a retirement as
well, and I think now is the time to take it. I am not getting any
younger you know.’

‘Ain’t that the truth. Well it was good to see you Dak. I am not
surprised running into you here. Figured you’d show up eventually.’

‘Yeh. Where else, huh.’

‘Well it was great seeing you, but I have business. Catch you next
time.’

Dak nodded, and took another sip of his beer.



Coming to the vehicle out in the port, Chance smiled at Jan.

‘So you wanted to rub his nose in it, did you.’

‘You know I couldn’t say anything. The league would have tracked me
down for sure. I think they assume I just made off and left – sick of
it. Still, in New Terra I don’t think we will have to worry ever
again about the League of Piracy.’

‘Let’s hope so,’ responded Chance. ‘And now can we go visit them?
You did promise.’

‘No worries.’



Coming back to the ‘Wolfklaw’, which they had reclaimed, giving the
Ravensclaw to Yelt, along with a substantial cut of gold from the
Billion Arcturian credits they had claimed, Jan set course for the
Ark. In fact, meeting the royals, he managed to keep a long overdue
promise and mention the Ark to them. The ambassadors of the Royal
family told them that it really wouldn’t be a problem for the
residents of the Ark to return home now. Times had changed. The old
ways had virtually disappeared. They would be welcomed back.



And so, arriving at the Ark, Chance reclaimed her old family
friendships and, upon receiving the good news of their forgiveness,
Landoria who was still alive agreed that the rebellious ones could now
return home.



They stayed on Arcturia until the Ark residents had settled back in,
but Chance was now eager to see her son, and the Wolfklaw soon set
sail for New Terra.



The trip home was generally uneventful. They played a lot of card
games, Jan instructing Chance on the finer art of cheating and getting
away with it, which Chance carefully observed, despite her religious
scruples. On board they were carrying a ship load full of gold and
other gems, as well as various currencies common to the galaxy as well
as details to some of their deposits in Arcturian banks. They were
now wealthy – extremely wealthy – and the galaxy was at their feet.
Whatever else, Chance felt her son Kalan’s future would be now well
looked after.



They arrived back in New Terra just shortly before Jan’s 39th
birthday. They had been gone about 9 months and, just before
arriving, Chance shared with Jan the news that she was likely pregnant
again. Jan just smiled – could things really get any better.



Kalan was overjoyed to see his parents, and both noted how he had
grown so much in the short time. He had been doing well at school and
Darkthorn’s wife, who had returned to him, seemed to dote over him
every possible second, almost like a child of her own.



When Xadina was born, the Kolby’s second child, all seemed well in the
world for Jan and Chance Kolby. They had purchased a home near the
Darkthorn’s and while Jan didn’t really need to work, Chance had
encouraged him to do something, so he had been successful in gaining
re-entry into his prior position.



When he turned 40 Jan Kolby, the illustrious Rimwalker, was generally
satisfied with life. Things had gone well for him eventually, after
many trials and tribulations, and with Chance in his arms one night,
looking up at the stars, sipping on a beer, he asked, ‘What does the
future hold, my dear?’

‘God only knows,’ she responded. ‘God only knows.’

And Jan laughed.



PART TWO



‘Darkthorn’s Shadow’



1



At 41 Jan Kolby, the former illustrious ‘Rimwalker’ was settling down
to a regular domestic type of lifestyle that most of his ancestors had
been used to. But, of course, the Kolby’s also had restless genes,
prone to a reckless lifestyle on occasions and while Jan felt that he
may have settled down in life somewhat to enjoy the good things, one
day his son, bearing his own father’s name, the half Arcturian Kalan
Rance Kolby, would inevitably seek out a grander type of lifestyle as
befitted his name. But of this Jan had little concerns. Whatever
befell Kalan in his own adventures, such was the stuff of legend
making and stories to tell to grand-children. And Jan honestly felt
better a life of adventure with a tale to tell than always the safe
ways of civilian life.



His wife, Chance Kolby, formerly Chance Kibb’star, did not really
share Jan’s sentiments, but realized as Kalan grew he really was his
father’s son.



At 8 Kalan had started school, proved popular, and was doing well in
his studies. Unlike his father who had struggled with school-work,
Chance tutored him carefully, hopeful to ensure the best of legacies
she could leave to the universe. Kalan’s younger sister, Xadina, also
seemed to be showing promise, and Kalan loved her devotedly. The two
of them were inseparable at times, even though Kalan played many
tricks on his very young sister.



The Kolby’s, with their vast wealth, had realized that riches did not
always last forever, and Chance lectured Jan often on the importance
of setting an example of work for reward to Kalan and Xadina. It was
important for her that the family, despite its vast blessing from
recovering the Sigmorius Crown, be seen to be contributing to New
Terran and galactic life and, for Chance, her legacy was important.



That idea also struck Jan Kolby from time to time. Leaving a mark – a
legacy as it were. A reputation behind him which would be talked
about long after he had departed. Perhaps such ideology which his
Arcturian wife talked of was not really that fantastic but, rather,
the most sure blessing he could leave to his descendants. And, with
that on his mind, the Rimwalker gradually made plans for the lives of
his offspring to ensure his legacy would remain for years, even
centuries to come.



Yet, in all this planning, it was the hand of one of Jan Kolby’s
closest confidantes, Radnick Darkthorn, which would place a most
distinct shadow on the legacy of the Kolby’s – a most distinct and
unbreakable legacy.





2



Sitting in Darkthorn’s office, Radnick excused himself for a while,
having to check with his superior, the head of the corporation on New
Terra. Darkthorn, who was about 20 years older than Jan, had steadily
risen in the Omega Corporation and was strongly tipped to be New
Terra’s next Chief Officer. Jan himself had risen again in the last
few months and now worked often directly with Darkthorn in head
office.



He got up from his seat opposite Radnick’s desk and, coming around to
sit in Radnick’s chair, he pretended for a while it was his own
position. And then, almost innocently, he noticed a file in an open
drawer of Radnick’s, with the words ‘The Galagon Proposal’ written as
the filename and, out of curiousities sake, to see what his friend was
now working on, took the file out to take a look at it.



Omega corporation was now, officially, the largest business
corporation of the human confederation of planets. Yet they did not
only delve into business, but were often involved in things political
and social as well. Part of the driving mission statement of the
organisation was the shaping of life for the furtherance of humanity
and the wellbeing of all. In this sense, it was almost a humanitarian
organisation, despite being based on a sense of making a profit.



For some Omega represented, almost, a way of life with its own rich
and complex internal social realities and the rich rewards it imparted
for lengthy service.



Opening the file Jan read through the first page, an introduction to
the ‘Galagon Proposal’. Reading the proposal header, it was put
together by the New Terran head office, with Radnick himself the main
propagator of the document. His name featured prominently throughout.



He read the first page and, somewhat stunned at what he was reading,
started on the second. But then noise out in the offices signalled
that Radnick seemed to be returning, so Jan quickly placed the file
back were he found it, and returned to his seat.



They chatted on for another few minutes but, as Jan left Radnick’s
office, all he had on his mind was the ‘Galagon Proposal’ and the
possible implication’s it would have. And he made up his mind. He
would speak to Radnick – probably soon – and query just what had
brought up this proposal and what purpose Omega had behind it.





3



‘Galagon is a new way of life, Jan. A new way of life for all of us.’

‘How does humanity dominating the galaxy exactly represent new life
for ALL of us. Don’t you think there will be objections from the
other sentient species.’

‘Jan, Jan, Jan. You underestimate us, you really do. Our culture –
our human culture – has always, in its own way, been set apart from
the others. I like to personally think that of all the intelligent
species of life we represent the greatest example of what constitutes
true decency and proper ethic. But more than that. The words I am
using may sound strange but it is the most basic of words like
‘Regular’ and ‘Normal’ and ‘Everyday’ which constitutes the heart of
humanity. So unlike any other species, as I perceive it, we represent
the most normal of species. We are so well adapted to every day life
and have prospered with our confederation because of it. You know I
have religious beliefs – I shared them with your father. You see,
long ago, Omega was founded by Christians – a uniting organisation of
Catholic, Protestant, Evangelical and Pentecostal – with a simple
intent. To bring the message of peace and the choseness of mankind
amongst all the species of life in the universe as the holy people.’

‘For fuck’s sake, you are kidding right.’ Stated Jan bluntly.

‘No. No I am not. Jesus was human, in the end Jan. He was a human
being. There were numerous species throughout the galaxy for him to
become part of, but God chose us. For whatever reason the son of the
Almighty favoured the human race as his most beloved possession and
prize. I have investigated, in my time here in New Terra, into other
cultures, especially into their religious beliefs. And I do believe
that many of them are inspired from God himself, often with Angelic
visitation. But, in all of them, I have never really quite found
anything approaching the way God has dealt with humanity. Never quite
the same – never quite as chosen – never quite as important. Our
faith, our ancient faith, was bestowed upon us because in the words of
ancient scripture humanity is made in the ‘Image of God’. Us.
Humanity. And not some other alien culture.’

Jan nodded, taking in all that information. Really he was
thunderstruck. Of all things he thought Galagon was based upon, he
would never have surmised this. Never in a lifetime of lifetimes
would he have surmised this.



‘I don’t think I have ever really known you until right now, Radnick.
Not until right now.’

‘You will come around, Jan. It is inevitable. It is in your God-
grafted genes. You will see the light. If anything is true in life,
it is just that. You will see the light.’

Jan nodded, looked at Radnick, and left the office.



Driving home in his vehicle, his thoughts were all over the place.
Could he, now, really stay in the corporation. To stay in something
which, really, seemed so at odds with the galactic values and sense of
racial equality that had become ingrained into his life, seemed
impossible. But, in all of this, something struck a nerve. Something
which Radnick had said, about humanities normalness which, despite
everything in him which wanted to say no, he seemed to silently and
passively agree with. And it was that voice which, as the next few
weeks passed, led Jan Kolby to further discussions with Radnick
Darkthorn on the nature of Omega’s foundational beliefs and the
‘Galagon Proposal’.





4



It was while he was on holiday with Chance, thinking over Darkthorn’s
many consoling words, that Jan reached something of a conclusion. As
Darkthorn had clearly expressed, all life, especially sentient life,
was important to God. All beings were his precious creation, so
Darkthorn maintained, loved, cared for and valued. And it was
precisely because humanity, so Darkthorn claimed, had it in its heart
of hearts to care about all of God’s creatures, that they were chosen
for their role in galactic life. And that role, so Darkthorn claimed,
had been given first to Israel, then the Church and Islam and then, at
the final revelation, to all humanity in the golden era of humanities
birth into galactic civilization. At that time God had awakened the
prophets, so Darkthorn had explained, who had spoken many things to
the church and the citizens of earth, explaining them their destiny of
being a holy people and bringers of peace to the galaxy first, and
then the entire universe. And as Jan gave this idea more and more
thought, and with the arguments Darkthorn presented about not being a
superior people but instead a chosen people, that Jan allowed his
heart to give something of a commitment to the idea. ‘Someone has to
be, Jan. Why not us,’ was something Radnick had occasionally said to
him.



And then, knowing that humanity was simply chosen, and not superior,
Jan reconciled the faith which was burgeoning in his heart, with his
own particular love for Chance and his children and accepted the plans
of Darkthorn and the Galagon proposal.



The heart of the Galagon proposal was the unification of all galactic
civilization around a core galactic council which, not surprisingly,
was set to be established on New Terra itself. It was planned that
representatives of all the sentient life in the galaxy would come
forth and take their role in the galactic council, with the prime
directive of uniting the galaxy, bringing an end to all conflict, and
establishing free movement of trade and migration. And going a long
way to establishing this was the introduction of the ‘Galaga’, the
galactic currency to be established as official and tradeable
throughout all the galaxy.



In his proposal, the confederation ‘Dollar’ would be replaced by the
superior ‘Galaga’ monetary system, which would be zealously promoted
as the unifying currency for the inner systems of the galaxy first,
and then, inevitably, spread outwards.



‘There is still so much political infighting amongst inner systems for
territory and dominion,’ Darkthorn explained to Jan. If we can unite
them and deliver to them what they really want anyway, free movement
and a more prosperous system for everyone, it will make a better
galactic life and give us, ultimately, what we crave most of all.
Stability and peace.’



And, the more Darkthorn talked, and the more Jan listened, the more he
was won to the idea. So much so that, when the Omega Corporation
headquarters on Earth wanted to hear a representative speak of the
proposal, Radnick decided to send Jan himself. Jan, so Radnick
claimed, was such a more eloquent speaker, full of charisma, and
deemed a better choice to win the corporation to what was supposedly
part of their overall mission anyway.



Jan accepted and has he turned 42, in a life which was turning from
Rogue to Politician practically, he accompanied his wife on a
scheduled space-cruise, Kalan and Xadina in tow, to the home of all
humanity – planet Earth.





5



Funnily enough, the 65 year old Kalan Kolby senior, Jan’s father, was
still alive and living in Australia on Earth. Australia was a
southern continent, hot in its interior originally, but which had long
ago been greened through basic water piping networks from desalination
plants on the coastline of the continent. Jan had not run into Kalan
since his mid twenties when he left for his life of adventure. The
last thing he heard from him was a letter, of all things, announcing
that the Kolby’s had moved to Earth to live amongst the ancients, as
his father had put it.



The Kolby name, having been originally Colby, had had the letter ‘K’
change made by an ancient Australian ancestor, Jonathon Colby, so the
family legend went. As such, Jan’s father deemed them Australians as
of last port of call, and thus Australia their native home.



Jan’s mother, Francine, was also still living, and they now had
grandchildren to Jan’s brother, who visited them from out in the
galaxy from time to time.



Arriving in Australia, heading for Canberra the capital, having docked
at the spacedock in Sydney, they drove an old fashioned motor vehicle,
solar powered, which also had automatic directional locators, but was
allowed to be driven a little in the basic steering from those who
could demonstrate the skill. With all his experience Jan passed the
basic driving test quite easily, and was allowed to drive, to a
degree, the vehicle.



They arrived in Tuggeranong, a middle district of Canberra, and using
the maps they had been given, followed the address they had been given
from a database in Sydney and found the place.



It was, really, quite basic. Similar in many ways to his home on New
Terra, but not quite as lavish. And the technology was a little
behind New Terran technology, but that was not surprising given
earth’s non-central galactic location.



He and his dad chatted well into the evening, and his mother instantly
fell in love with her two strange looking grand-children. But their
Arcturian blood only put her off momentarily, soon hugging and kissing
them.



Earth, these days, from what his father shared with him was an old and
established type of society. They were extremely traditional, earth
based humans, and held to a quite rigid type of lifestyle based on
established societal norms. It seemed that so many of humanities
outer planets were discovering themselves still, while Earth had
discovered itself, and was in a process of reinforcing the conclusions
on life it had gained. They seemed to know what they were about, what
they wanted out of life, and followed the traditional pathways which
worked to achieve those goals. They were ‘settled’ so his father told
him.



Jan found all of that quite interesting, and well into the night asked
his father questions about Earth culture, something which he probably
wouldn’t have been so curious to know about in younger years but
which, now, seemingly had grown more important.



This, though, was not surprising. Jan was changing. In a very real
way, he was growing up, letting go of the last vestiges of roguish,
irresponsible youth and becoming a man of society. He was becoming
something which he had once belittled but which, now, he understood
was the type of person who was the ‘bread and butter’ so to speak of
everyday life. And in thinking these very thoughts, gave even more
thought to the idea of ‘normality’ which Radnick Darkthorn spoke to
him of.



The Corporation had set no specific timeframe for Jan to be there, but
was aware he was coming. So he could take some time with his family
for a while, and in fact decided to spend a whole year, adapting to
life on earth to understand its culture more properly, before engaging
in his dialogue. Better to understand the mindset of those he was
talking to rather than rush into anything too soon, he thought to
himself. And in those words, perhaps there was wisdom.





6



Jan sat in the crowd at Bruce Stadium, watching the home team, the
Raiders, play the opposition, the Bulldogs, in a traditional Rugby
League Football match. Thinking over his father’s words on the sense
of tradition associated with earth culture at the present time, Jan
thought on the Rugby League match. It was old now, Rugby League.
Over 2000 years old, a very established tradition. And thinking over
the yelling of the crowd and how they all went home or to the pubs
satisfied with something to mull over, a home victory, Jan thought on
how tradition itself played such an important role in human life.



He was, even out walking the Rim, in a Galaxy with a new civilization
to encounter every week, a son of humanity raised with values and
ideals which had been bred into them for countless thousands of
years. And as each generation passed, its value system was shaped by
those before them and attributed its own sense of morality and
justice.



And for those values which lasted: for those ideals which had staying
power and were affirmed time and time again, tradition arose.
Traditions, icons of normality, which society revolved around, which
filled in the every day humdrum of human life.



And on earth those traditions and the way of life, he could honestly
say as his father affirmed, were so much greater than the new world of
galactic life, in human civilizations which were, to a degree, still
discovering themselves.



But the human being itself, despite the societal circumstances it
found itself in, rarely changed. And as such all humans were commonly
linked.



He researched the founding of the League of Nations and the United
Nations back 2000 years ago. The UN was still a functioning body on
earth, used to co-ordinate international and intergalactic economic
policy by and large these days, with most other social concerns now
addressed and stabilised upon. In the beginning of its mission,
poverty, environmental concerns and social justice were a large part
of its mission and taken very seriously. But those issues had been
addressed over time, and now mainly the ongoing maintenance of
international economic policy and galactic economic policy was the
concern of the body. His father explained to him that in the late
2400s, before the advent of Earth into galactic civilization, the
economic problem as it had been called had practically been solved.
But galactic life brought new concerns, and galactic economic
management, given the scope of possible intergalactic commerce, would
likely never be finalised or completed.



And in that idea Jan saw an avenue of approach, a key part of his
address, to deliver to Omega Corporation. For earth, ultimately, the
advantage of a stable galactic economy, which Galagon could ultimately
ensure, surely had to be in their best interests. It was one
particular idea which would form a cornerstone of his presentation.



That night, after the match, his son Kalan having quickly become a
raiders fan, Jan was satisfied with the way his preparations were
going. He planned, now, to visit other social institutions on earth
to, hopefully, even better prepare for his presentation. In the words
of his father, failure to prepare was preparation for failure.





7



Jan looked at the note in his hand. A confederation dollar – standard
currency throughout the human confederation and accepted everywhere.
The confederation dollar had not been born on earth, but developed in
a number of outer confederation systems, gradually promoted
everywhere. And now, wherever humans were the dominant species on a
planet, you could use the mighty dollar to purchase whatever you
wished.



It was made of plastic-like substance, security encoded to prevent
copying, which was very rigidly maintained, and despite the more
popular use of plascards to exchange banking details, the physical
currency for convenience sake was still used often. It was said that
people often liked to handle something physical which they could trade
with.



In the Galagon Proposal, though, it was the ‘Galaga’ which was meant
to replace the dollar and be ushered in as the galactic currency.
Ultimately, according to Darkthorn, the Galaga was necessary to
replace the dollar for two main reasons. Firstly, the human
confederation dollar was precisely that – human confederation. As a
currency it had not been birthed to represent the galaxy and as such
Darkthorn felt that other sentient species would be reluctant to adopt
as a galactic currency a monetary system established primarily for one
galactic culture. Racism would prevent it. As such a new monetary
system was required. And hence the second reason for the new
currency, the new name, the ‘Galaga’ to more perfectly represent a
galactic identity and galactic culture. Galaga would be its human
name but in Darkthorn’s proposal there was a large list of alternative
names for alternative cultures. Each culture, so the proposal went,
would name it as they saw fit, but the idea of ‘Galaga’ as pertaining
to ‘Galaxy’ it was felt would unite all. And that word had been the
basis for translation of the word into titles for all other
international languages.



Selling this idea to the corporation, Jan felt, would not be that
difficult. He was certain most would see the sense in a more
universal title for the monetary system, as well as the fresh start
such a new monetary system could bring.



This also would form a key part of his address, alongside the idea of
free trade as associated with the new currency. Of course, incumbent
with free trade were the ideas of free migration to encourage such
trade and develop a more harmonious galactic life. Which is were New
Terra’s role in the Galagon proposal would be of such importance. And
thinking over the final aspects of his preparation, the formation of a
galactic council and the role of humanity in galactic life, Jan began
thinking on the most fundamental of all the ideologies that Darkthorn
had proposed to him, and the real motivating reason behind the
formation of ‘Galagon.’





8



Omega was housed on Earth. And so was the UN. Planning out further
elements of his speech, Kalan felt some references to the formation of
the United Nations and the establishment of an International Global
Economic Culture would be the very best and most relevant concrete
example to present to Omega for the parallel of a Galactic entity
based on the very same principles. And as the UN had worked so well
in humanity and formed a key foundation for the harmonious functioning
of international life, so the Galactic council, again formed by
humanity on New Terra, could ideally bring such a sense of unity and
peace to Galactic Civilization and life. And to answer a key
question, if the council has to be formed somewere, why not within
human jurisdiction. ‘It may as well be us’, in the words of
Darkthorn.



And then, the final part of the presentation: the emphasis on Omega’s
foundational mission statement, and the rationale for the birthing of
Omega in the first place – the propagation of galactic peace and the
role of humanity as a holy people in the furtherance of galactic
life. In the final part of his presentation, that ideology should tie
together the whole and give the fundamental answers to the question of
what possible basis could Omega and Humanity have in this affair.



And, as the months passed, and Jan set a date for his presentation to
Omega, he was satisfied that he was ready. He was researched,
understood what he was presenting, and motivated to do as such.
Hopefully, hopefully everything would go well. Time would only tell.





9



Jan sat with his father, sipping on a beer, watching the sunset from
their Tuggeranong terrace. His mother was inside with Chance and the
children, and his father Kalan had just finished barbecuing the meat
and they were about to eat.



Kalan spoke up. ‘Son. I want to say something. Something, which, I
don’t know. Something I feel I have to say. We Kolby’s have had a
few personalities famous from time to time. But son, I feel, perhaps,
destiny has its hand on you. What you will be presenting to Omega, if
it goes ahead, could alter the very fabric of human and galactic
life. What might one day become a galactic empire, as it were, may
very well be ushered in by your own powerful words. And so, son, I
want to say this.’ Kalan stood and put his hand on Jan’s shoulder.
‘I am proud of you son. Very proud. You are a fine son, and a great
Kolby.’

Jan smiled at his dad, humbled by those words.

‘I’ll do my best dad.’

‘I couldn’t ask anything else.’

‘Anyway,’ said Jan, changing the subject. ‘Let’s eat. That meat
looks great.’ His father laughed and, taking the meat inside, they
began their family meal.



Jan thought on his father’s words and wondered, perhaps, just how
prophetical they may be. Just how famous would the illustrious
Rimwalker, Jan Kolby, be one day? Just how famous.





10



Jan looked at the board of Omega before him, as well as around a dozen
other important parties which had come to hear the speech. It had
been talked about at certain official levels, and people were
interested. Surprisingly to Jan, very interested.



Nervously, he took to the stand and, taking a sip of water, began.



‘Humanity. Like grains of sand on the seashore. We are many, almost
beyond numbering. But in this galactic civilization we are not
alone. For alongside the children of Adam and Eve there are around
1000 other intelligent species of life, all having mastered space-
faring technology. But, presently, this vast sprawl of galactic life
is disconnected, and gets by on a basic social understanding of
respect for other life-forms, common to most species. But, I believe,
we can do better. Much better.



Galagon is not, in truth, something new to humanity. Our science
fiction writers conceived of such ideas aeons ago. But not only those
great thinkers, but the heart of society, the political beast, also
conceived of such unifying realities.



Our United Nations was formed to, as the very name implies, unite a
divided humanity, just shattered by international war. It began
slowly, but as time passed, and its inevitable importance became known
to all, the UN altered the very face of human society and provided a
world were all could live in safety, prosperity and justice.



We human beings, made in the image of a holy God, made to be holy
ourselves, undoubtedly have a further role to play in life rather than
just creating a society for ourselves to happily live in. We human
beings can go further than that. Like the UN, we can now, and must,
create a sense of galactic civilization and order which can unite, not
just humanity, but all galactic life. This is the heart of Galagon.



There will be obvious advantages. One new monetary system to ensure
simpler and easier imports and exports of galactic goods. Free trade
to allow all businesses new and old to compete fairly, without
interventionist policies, creating a level playground. And, of
course, free migration through a monetary system which can allow
people to travel and find working opportunities they might not have
otherwise had available to them. And what do these things bring but a
sense of community – intergalactic community – in which, inevitably,
through the sheer fact of the burgeoning intergalactic marketplace, or
should I say rather, meeting-place – in which all life-forms learn of
others and bring that prize valued higher than any other. Peace.
Peace, an end to conflict, and a stable galactic economic society, in
which all individuals, all races, can pursue life, liberty and
justice, living in equality and sharing the goods of all planets for
the good of all planets.



Ultimately Galagon is a new way of life. A new way of life for all,
well beyond the rivalries and disputations of bygone eras. A new way
of life in which humanity, housing the new Galactic Council for the
formation of Galactic constitutional, political and legal matters on
New Terra, will usher in.



This, citizens and friends of Omega, is our destiny. It is a destiny
we can not deny and must take hold of, with both hands, fulfilling the
desires of our eternal father in heaven.’



Jan left off speaking, and after a few moments began handing out a
more detailed initial ‘Galagon Proposition’ document, spelling out the
various details and how the proposal would come into being. They were
silent for a while but, shortly, when someone began clapping, the
whole audience followed suit and Jan Kolby, standing before them, felt
he was at the beginning of a new world. A brave new world.





11



Three weeks later, Jan heard the news. The good news. Omega, having
reviewed the initial documents, and having reassessed their own
mission statement as an organisation, had generally conceded that the
‘Galagon Proposal’ seemed to generally be in the organisations best
interests, and part of its overall purpose foundationally speaking.
And so it was given the go ahead with full support, funding and direct
influence through diplomatic mission to the council of the
confederation. Jan himself was asked wether he would like to be the
chief speaker for Omega to the Confederation. He gave it some thought
and, eventually, seeing this really as his new role for the
corporation, accepted.



Winning Omega had been one thing. With their centralization
galactically speaking on New Terra they could practically go ahead
with the idea regardless of confederation support. But really, they
would probably not ultimately succeed without confederation support.



But, strangely enough, the confederation already knew. They’d had
diplomats at Jan’s speech and after a few months had sent delegates to
New Terra to assist Omega in the initial work of the proposal. They
had wholeheartedly agreed, despite the religious influence that had
put off certain members of the confederation council. Jan knew, on
that subject, to tread carefully in the future.



The initial work, unsurprisingly, was simply the presentation of the
idea through delegations to the 480 established inner galactic
civilizations, or those members of what had often been referred to as
Quadrant Zero – the inner galaxy. This is were Galagon would begin.



Jan himself was, alongside Darkthorn who had been promoted to head of
Omega on New Terra, the main organiser of the work of the various
delegations. He attended endless training sessions on diplomacy and
he himself met with around 70 of the prime inner representatives over
the next 4 years of his life.



This time of his life, later on, he referred to as the ‘Galagon
years’. They were the years in which he steadily turned from boy to
man, he really felt. He grew up in more ways than one, and gradually
became one of the most influential people in inner galactic thought.
But not yet power. That would come later. That would come later when
Galagon proved a success.





12



Karz Rezentay was an average sort of citizen of the Durian
Conglomeration. The Durian Conglomeration, which Galagon had
knowledge of, had been dormant in practice of its goal for the last
1,000 years. But they had been waiting. Perhaps alike the dread
Drongan’s in their own vision of galactic conquest, the Durian
Conglomeration of 7 key Quadrant Zero powers, an alliance for the
furtherance of each of their civilizations with the assistance of
others within the alliance when necessary, had been waiting to one day
further pursue their goal – the establishment of a Galactic Empire.
The key difference though between the Durian mission and Galagon was
that, in the ultimate achievement of Empire for the Durians, war and
genocide were ultimately deemed acceptable avenues of advancement for
the creation of this Empire. And, apart from that, it was deemed that
the Galactic Emporer would come from the formative members of the
Durian Conglomeration on a revolving basis.



Jan, who had studied the Durian mission in detail, felt it was similar
to Galagon in many ways. But, perhaps very much like the old human
empires, it was driven to completion of its objectives in ways which
had ceased to be deemed civilized. And as such, by Jan and proponents
of Galagon, viewed as an outdated system of Empire, best left to a
bygone era and now forgotten about.



But the Durian did not feel that way. And Karz Rezentay, an old
champion of the Conglomeration, saw in this human threat a way of life
which was ultimately not in the best interests of the eventually all
conquering Duria.



And Karz knew his man. He knew Jan Kolby was the chief proponent
around Galagon. Galagon, an idea that all the inner civilizations now
new about and were contemplating, was a threat to Duria. And Galagon
and Jan Kolby would have to be dealt with. In a most decisive way.





13



When Jan turned 47 his son, Kalan, had been 15 for three months. And
all that time he had been pestering his father to allow him out alone
on a flight on the Wolfklaw. Jan had been reluctant for a while but,
when Kalan earned his provisional licence for grade one spacecraft,
the Wolfklaw coming under such a category, Jan gave him permission.
On the first few flights he flew with Jan, but soon Jan let him go
solo and even allowed him to take along his 9 year old sister Xadina.



One hot morning Kalan persuaded Xadina to accompany him for a
planetary orbit. The two of the arrived at the spaceport, were
granted clearance, and took to the skies.



However, sitting in space, slowly going through planetary orbit, the
Wolfklaw was come upon by another ship, and taken hostage. Kalan had
a phaser with him, and when the door blew open, almost felt like
firing but thought better of it. They may kill him in return, and he
couldn’t risk the life of his sister.



Later on, when Jan received the news of the kidnapping, Chance blamed
him for letting Kalan fly solo. And said she would never forgive him
because of Xadina being onboard, something which Jan should have put a
stop to.



They were anxious, but no ransom letter came in three whole weeks.
New Terran security assured them to be patient: the letter would
come. But Jan was growing tired and had almost decided to handle the
matter himself, when a letter did come. And a letter with a very
basic message. It read:



‘Galagon. See to it that it fails. See to it that it most definitely
fails, or find your children’s bodily parts in the mail on regular
occurrences.’



It was a graphic letter, brief, but to the point. And when Jan showed
it to Chance, she started wailing, which really was not that
surprising.



Jan took himself off of the Galagon project, but try as he might, and
despite the influence he had, the lives of his children were not
enough to dissuade others to forego the project which had started
gathering steam.



And so when they received, delivered in a tiny box, a finger which
looked like it was a child’s finger, Chance was a wreck. Fortunately
DNA results demonstrated it couldn’t have been a child of theirs,
which reassured Jan that the kidnappers had convictions. In fact, the
finger itself seemed to have been genetically engineered, and was not
from a living child.



Ultimately Jan reached a conclusion. To rescue his children he would
have to act himself. The illustrious Rimwalker would have to chase
down the culprits and free his own children. The time for others to
do so had come and gone. Now it was up to Jan. And there was not one
second to waste.





14



He began with the note sent from the captors. Unsurprisingly, it was
of the Durian confederation in origin. All along Jan had suspected
them due to the ruffled feathers the Durians had displayed in all
dialogue so far on the implementation of Galagon. He had his man, he
knew it. But proving it would be difficult. Of course, his children
could be anywhere, and it was unlikely that they would be returned out
of any sense of decency. Ultimately, for Jan Kolby, when he had done
his best to trace the origin of the note to a source, which could have
been any of a number of Durian planets, finding his children from
there was not a reality.



He now had two options. Somehow, someway, defeat Galagon. But,
conceding that unlikely, the other was to try somehow to persuade the
Durian that Galagon, really, was in their best interests. And in the
end, that seemed like the only realistic alternative left to Jan
Kolby.



It would be tough, and demand his full attention, but with research
and a good deal of diplomatic persuasion on the merits of Galagon,
perhaps, just perhaps, his objectives could be achieved.





15



Karz looked at the item on the screen, forwarded from some of the
hierarchy in the Durian mission. The word ‘Duria’ denoted a region of
space inhabited by a number of sentient life-forms. The Durian
conglomerate was a union of 7 of these species and their empires, for
the furtherance of each. While little action had taken place in the
life of the Conglomerate towards its stated mission goals in the last
thousand years, it was still a functioning body with an annual review
given to member dominions. Karz himself was a high ranking member in
the Conglomerate, dedicated to its existence and achieving its
ultimate aims.



Ultimately, it was not that he really disdained Galagon. He likewise
appreciated its principles and the goal it had set itself. It was not
that he didn’t appreciate Galagon: it was more that he though the
Conglomerate was more in his own personal best interests.



However, when Jan Kolby, the man they had aimed at to defeat the human
agenda, came a calling, with the mission of winning the Durian to the
ideals of Galagon, Karz had laughed at first, but decided to listen to
what he had to say anyway. Operatives of his had Kolby’s children
hidden, locked up on a space station circling a Durian planet. They
were being raised there and, in the plan of Karz, inevitably returned
to the Kolby’s in a few years. It had been a ruse, really. A scare
tactic, with the aim of hopefully destroying Galagon. But he knew,
really, it had been unlikely to work. And Kolby’s children would have
been returned to him one day regardless.



So, ever loyal to his beloved conglomeration, Karz Rezentay decided to
meet the man who had been influential in bringing to light his most
feared reality – a competing empire.



16



In the months since the disappearance of her children Chance had gone
from overwrought mother, to a parent with a growing sense of grief at
children she felt she may never see again. And in spite of Jan’s
constant assurances that their children would be back in her arms to
hug one day, and one day soon, Chance would not be consoled.



As he prepared for his major talk with representatives of Duria, Jan
knew he would need to speak with passion and conviction. Really,
lateral thinking was now what was called for. Not the usual tactical
approach, but something which would emphasize just how Galagon could
really be appreciated by Duria, and not seen as a threat to their own
Empire. And in a the spirit of compromise, Jan saw an approach which
he felt just might work.



He met with one and only one representative from Duria, but it was
told him this was the only one he would need to convince. And sitting
with Karz Rezentay, in a Durian pub, watching a sporting match in the
smoke filled bar, Jan tried the best idea he had.



‘Karz. Can I call you Karz?’

The Durian nodded.

‘Well Karz, I want to say something. Something which may give you new
light on our situation. Galagon, ultimately, was proposed for the
best interests of all galactic life. While it serves humanity, our
motivation in its proposal was not for ourselves alone, but for the
good of all. We want peace. More than anything else we want a stable
galactic peace, which can benefit all societies. But, in forming
Galagon, we are not trying to do away with established dominions. We
are not trying to destroy those things civilizations have already
built. It is, rather, a way of uniting these civilizations. Bringing
them together in a cause which is ultimately in each of their own best
interests, and which is only intended to benefit them. What I am
saying is that Galagon does not threaten Duria or the Conglomeration.
We know what you are about. We know your mandate. Most inner systems
do. But we are not concerned with that. In fact, in a funny kind of
way, we welcome the impetus for building Empire. For establishing
order and a civilization for the benefit of more than just one
society. And the conglomeration does that well. Believe me, Galagon
will not try and destroy what Duria has already achieved.’



Karz nodded, indicating that point was important to him.



‘You see, Galagon, in its own way, can really assist Duria even
further in its own objectives. With a single galactic currency, for
example, the conglomeration of Duria will be even more powerfully
placed as one of the stronger galactic powers to pursue commerce and
industry through free trade on a far more competitive basis than it
might have previously. And the economic blessing to Duria because of
it will be far greater than its functioning independently. But,
really, I could go on all day about the benefits of Galagon. Instead
I want to stress this very vital point. Galagon will not oppose the
expansionist plans of Duria. It is not in our mandate to dictate to
sovereign states their actions of building their own dominion. What
we seek is where each sovereign state agrees on their own merit to the
ideas and visions of Galagon, and they way such ideals can benefit
them personally. Ultimately Galagon will not harm Duria: it will
only help.’



Jan finished. There were other things he could say, points he could
stress about the non-threatening position of Galagon towards Duria,
but he felt he had said enough. Really, he needed Karz’s response at
this point.



Karz looked at him, took a bit of the fish in front of him, and turned
to the match. After a while he spoke up.



‘A way of life. A way of life we have known for so long is not easily
abandoned. Dreams can be made by ancestors, with hopes for the
future. And those dreams can often be passionately held to, and not
easily given up. But I have heard you. I have heard what you have to
say on Galagon, and how you stressed its non-threatening aspect. I
will say this to you, Jan Kolby. If you can show me concrete evidence
in the formative doctrines of Galagon; if you can clearly demonstrate
to me that Galagon, as it grows, will keep its mandate of
impartiality, then Duria will consider your position. As you say,
ultimately, it may be in our best interests to join. So we will let
you have your say for now.’



Jan nodded, pleased. Quite pleased. It seemed, from this response,
he had been somewhat successful. And perhaps, because of this, he may
see his children soon. He just prayed and hoped they were still all
together, ok and in good health.



Later that day, Karz contacted his colleagues and arranged for the
release of the Kolby children. Whatever else, Galagon now did not
seem to really be the threat they had perhaps perceived. It did not,
really, seem as if they wanted more than a Galactic council for
managing galactic commerce. As such, it could even benefit Duria to
belong to it. So, when he had the plans of Galagon from Kolby on
hand, and had studied the sufficiently, he would now assent to it
going ahead. For now it seemed acceptable.





17



Chance was overcome with tears having her children safely back in her
arms. She wept on them for nearly 20 minutes before Jan said enough.
They were safe. Thank the One they were safe.



Later that night Chance forgave Jan. Really, her husband now was
involved in Galactic affairs. Extremely official galactic affairs,
and as such her family would inevitably come under galactic scrutiny
and possible threat from time to time. Really, it would be something
she would simply have to accept and learn to live with. She might not
like it, but she knew she could not keep her husband from his destiny.



They celebrated that evening, and Jan quizzed his children about their
captors, but they didn’t know much more than Jan had already
suspected. The description seemed to fit Durians, but they likely
could not prove it. But now, with possible Durian acquiescence to
Galagon, it may be wiser to simply let the matter drop. To let it
drop and be forgotten. Too many problems otherwise.



And now, the ongoing propagation of the Galagon proposal. They were
now, after 4 years of solid effort, starting to receive feedback from
inner systems, and while there were a few negative voices, mostly from
those who suggested that they house the council themselves, Jan had
becoming increasingly surprised at the widely held respect for
humanities proposal. Most civilizations, as Galagon was intended to
be, generally saw it in their own best interests to have a council for
dialogue, and were happy enough having humanity house the council,
seeing as they had done the work in promoting Galagon in the first
place. Such comments as ‘you have proposed it. You will likely
follow through with it to see it successful,’ were forthcoming,
indicating that it was a job for humanity the galaxy had no objections
to them undertaking. And because of that, Jan often felt that perhaps
Darkthorn had known more than he was saying.



And, as he turned 50, when 400 of the 480 inner galactic civilizations
had generally assented to the implementation of Galagon, it was
starting to become no longer an issue of will this work, but when do
we start.



There were issues to resolve: countless issues, really. But problem
resolution for such a large scale project was an inevitable reality of
life. Still, answers to those problems would be found and when Omega
made it known to the informal Galagon community, which had been
instituted by a simple act of Omega and New Terra with the formation
of an official office to represent the new Galactic community, that
the building of the Galactic council community buildings and Assembly
hall, on the outskirts of the planetary capital city of New Terra was
now going ahead, it seemed as if Darkthorn’s dream was slowly and
inevitably becoming a reality. And as it passed from vision to
actualization, the role of Jan Kolby in the whole affair was steadily
being driven towards a call to power he most surely did not really
expect or dream of.





18



Jan looked at the massive concrete foundation. In over 3 square
kilometres the foundation, in parts, had been laid down. The complex
was, indeed, massive. But the offices of Galagon were visionary.
They knew they were not just building a monument for even one united
planet, but a united galaxy. And as such, the scope was vast. Omega
had vast funds available, and had committed to funding the project
solo. But in a gentle inquiry out to Galagon members to ask if any
would like to voluntarily contribute to the project, every member
obliged with some finances, and some of them quite substantially.
Galagon had caught on. It had undoubtedly caught on.



The next 4 years, till Kolby’s 54th birthday, saw the continued
building of the Assembly hall and other facilities, until one fateful
day it was deemed it complete. During those years Galagon had been
solidifying as a concept, and was being readily and anxiously looked
forward to by member states. They had not yet, though, gone further
outwards. They had not yet approached the remainder of the galaxy,
but focused on stabilising on quadrant zero to sure up support before
trying for the big game. But, fortunately, quadrant zero housed
nearly half of the sentient species of galactic civilization, and
winning them was the job half done.



When his son, Kalan, turned 20 the project was complete. The physical
infrastructure to house Galagon was all done and now all that awaited
was the inaugural first assembly. And that was scheduled, now, for a
few months after Jan’s 55th birthday.



Galactic representatives had already by and large been chosen by the
various member bodies, and even early discussions and pre-inauguration
assemblies had taken place, of various sizes, by differing
civilizations. The idea, really, had been a winner.



Jan looked at the complete complex from a distance, with his wife
Chance standing next to him. ‘Dare to dream, hey love.’

‘And here I thought you would never be anything but a rogue.’

And Jan laughed.



Work went on, everyone in Omega on New Terra anxiously looking forward
to inauguration day. And with a little time on his hand, with so much
being handled by the office staff and routine work having been
delegated outwards, Jan found the time to get to something he had been
thinking of for a while. An autobiography, in a way, of his
involvement with the formation of the Galagon proposal. Darkthorn had
stated quite bluntly that such a work would undoubtedly be in huge
demand, and in even a very short time, and best to write when his
memory was fresh with the events of the past decade.



And so, Jan Kolby sat down, sitting at his personal computer and
typing the traditional way, instead of voice communicator or brain-
electro monitoring device to read his thoughts, Jan began his work.





19



Galagon: The Dream



By Jan Sebastian Kolby





Introduction



“I think, perhaps before I say anything else about the implementation
of the Galagon dream, I would speak of something which underpins the
whole idea of Galactic civilization and unity. So many of us are
familiar with basic philosophical concepts about organisational
behaviour and the social, cultural and political constructs we put
together to express our desires, ultimately, for unity. Yet, perhaps,
no other goal for such a basic drive, extremely common in the
formation of human societies amongst others, can be more highly
epitomized than when societies on large scale, especially with diverse
and even contradictory social realities, unite together to form an
organisation or body of unity which is, ultimately, in the best
interests of all. And for all of us here and now, perhaps apart from
the very infinite universe itself, which begs question of ever really
being applicable, there can be no other realization of this vision as
grand and as epic than the realization of galactic unity.



One Galaxy. Almost, in a sense, if Galagon is ultimately successful,
one nation, in which the good of all is the whole basis for being,
will go further than any other social construct intelligent life can
create and be, for all of us, that highest of altruistic epitomes of
perfection that we can truly, ever, obtain.



Galagon is like nothing else before and likely like nothing else yet
to be. If successful: WHEN successful, Galagon will change galactic
life, not for a handful of centuries, but, perhaps, for all time to
come.



Galagon is the future. A future to be grasped, held on to, and run
with, with all the vigour, passion and commitment that sentient life
and civilization can possibly muster.”



Jan left off writing. That was the introduction, short but vitally to
the point. And it read pleasingly well. He stopped typing and
decided, for now, to let his thoughts gather in his head overnight.
Tomorrow he would write again and, slowly, gradually, put together his
slice of Galagon history from the past decade or so of his life.





20



Fortunately, he finished his autobiography on Galagon about three
months prior to the inauguration of the Assembly. It was released,
first to the hierarchy of Galagon member states in an advanced print
format and then, with official release in various electronic and print
formats, to the wider and general public.



Unsurprisingly, as Darkthorn had stated it would, it sold extremely
well, a bestseller within weeks, and he was on talk-shows all over New
Terra, and even on a dozen or so of the other Galagon member states.



In this time people learnt the name of Jan Kolby and identified him,
inevitably, with Galagon and the new Galactic Council. He became, at
that time, a household word throughout New Terra and much of the
Galagon community and it was this very fame, and the charismatic
personality which accompanied it, that brought Jan Kolby, in a short
period of time, from mere political emissary of the Omega Corporation
to the highest of heights of civilized galactic life.



Late one afternoon, sitting with Kalan drinking a beer, Jan reflected
on his life and encouraged his son to pursue his own dreams.
Hopefully, as far as Jan Kolby was concerned, the son of the
illustrious Rimwalker would one day chart out his own adventure and
legacy. One which would be remembered and talked about, perhaps, for
centuries or millennia afterwards. Or, perhaps, such was the dream.
Such was the dream.



PART THREE



‘Call to Power’



1



Galagon. An idea, now a reality. The inaugural meeting of the
Galactic Council, anticipated for many years, fortunately went over
without any real complications. It seemed for this particular
endeavour there had come to it a spirit of maturity and
professionalism – one in which member bodies were almost displaying
the best of them as a witness of sorts – which guided the opening day
of discussions.



The first point of order was ratification of the official mission
statement for the council, one which they had long discussed in pre-
assembly deliberations. The official mission statement read as such:



‘We, the citizens and peoples of this Galaxy, known by many names but
officially titled ‘The Milky Way’ in honour of humanities formation of
the Galactic Council through the avenue of the ‘Galagon Proposal’, do
hereby come together in a spirit of unity and togetherness for the
purpose of uniting this Galaxy in a bond of peace, friendliness and
law. The Galactic council we hereby form has the purpose of
establishing a threefold mission:

1 – Peace

2 – Economic and Social Unity and Stability

3 – Justice, Law and its enforcement

On a Galaxy wide basis.’



The mission statement was voted on and accepted, with no dissents.
Deemed unanimous it was thus accepted.



From the mission statement was derived the notion of forming a
constitution which then set out the basic parameters of how the
mission statement would be implemented, setting out positions of
authority, rights and responsibilities of body members, and the
various divisions of legal and economic matters which the council
would assent to make judgement upon.



The constitution itself, as it probably should, took 3 years to come
to a finalised position and, when finally voted upon, was passed with
95% support. The agreed upon majority position of 60% to pass matters
saw it get up, and thus became the first official Galactic
constitution. In many ways, despite its complexity, it was
implemented with the purpose of being as brief and simple as possible,
primarily to allow it to be a flexible working document and practical
in its application. It would be the body of legislation following the
constitution which would set out the legal aspects of the Galactic
Council and those matters which member bodies would agree to.



Naturally, a key principle of the constitution was the notion of
sovereignty of member states. If they disagreed with legislation
voted upon in the assembly, they had the right to submit alternative
legislation pertaining to themselves and how they would relate on the
particular subject at stake to other member bodies. Everyone knew
this would inevitably make a more complex system, but that was deemed
inevitable. Organising 480 intelligent civilizations under one banner
would never be an easy thing.



Still, despite the many problems in the formation of the constitution
and the early legislation of the council, it went ahead and provided a
better memorandum of understanding between body members on how to
relate to each other and achieve economic and social prosperity.





2



When Jan turned 58 the council turned to the implementation of its
laws in a more concrete manner. Incumbent within the constitution was
the provision for an intergalactic law enforcement agency. An agency
which recognized sovereign member rights, but worked in harmony with
those laws on a galactic basis. The proposed name for this agency was
‘Allegiance’, intending that it would portray allegiance to the
principles of Galactic unity and justice, and the name given for each
member of Allegiance would be a ‘Lawkeeper’.



Allegiance was headquartered, alongside the Galactic Council, on New
Terra. It was stationed, in fact, not far from the Council Assembly
hall.



Each member body of the 480 members of the Galactic Council was
responsible for providing members to Allegiance, and a presence was
required on each civilized planet of the council nations.



They were tentative in the first few months, reluctant to get overly
involved in galactic affairs, but gradually Allegiance Lawkeepers were
called upon to duty and throughout the inner Galaxy they were soon
called ‘Space Cops’.



It seemed most member bodies appreciated a unified galactic approach
to law enforcement, as this provided an avenue for extradition of
rogue criminals and a more uniform approach to crime throughout the
inner galaxy, creating unity in thinking on this issue.



Allegiance soon became quite popular in galactic thinking and, in
general, it was readily accepted.



Their scope of responsibility grew ever-increasingly as more acts of
legislation were passed through the council, giving Allegiance greater
degrees of authority. And through this process one thing began to
happen, which had initially been feared would upset member bodies.
The council started becoming viewed as an authoritative galactic body,
with the right to make galactic law and have it enforced by
Allegiance. This had not been the intention, though, with the
formation of the council. The council had been very sensitive about
member rights straight from the beginning.



But the average every day citizen of the inner galaxy preferred, it
seemed, a greater authority watching over them than just their
planetary civilization. It seemed the idea of a Galactic community
had been forming very quickly, and the council and Allegiance were
regarded very strongly as the legal authority of the community. And
while the member body officials had been reluctant to push the council
in that direction, it seemed it was what everyone really wanted
anyway.



And so, as time passed, Allegiance became more and more official and
more and more respected, viewed as the real force of galactic law by
most.





3



‘So you want to join Allegiance?’

‘I think so. I have been considering it for months now. I mean,
working for Omega is ok, but the Galagon department has largely been
superseded by the Galactic Council itself, and Omega’s role has
diminished greatly. All that we really do is administer security for
the Assembly grounds and run maintenance. We no longer have any real
official role. I mean, you are kept busy enough with that, but I need
something more, dad. And I think Allegiance might just provide that
for me.’

Jan nodded, understanding shown on his face at his son’s words.
Radnick Darkthorn himself had been nominated and now served as the
chief representative from humanity on the council. The confederation
had agreed that as he had proposed Galagon it was suitable for himself
to serve as the first chief representative of humanity on the
council. Jan, at this time, remained in Omega working on Galagon’s
administrative responsibilities, but what his son did not know was the
Darkthorn had been suggesting to him to come into direct work in the
Galactic council as his chief secretary and co-council member. And
Jan had accepted the position and would soon start. Omega had been
good, but Galagon was his life now, and that propelled him inevitably
into council life. In fact, the way he had been treated by most
representatives on the council it was as if he himself was a
representative, even though not so officially.



But his son, Kalan, had no real responsibilities apart from his basic
work in Omega on the Galagon administrative project. And Jan could
see his son yearned for more. And Allegiance, with the potential
excitement it could offer him, given his reckless Kolby genes, seemed
to be the best avenue for him, and Jan likewise agreed.



‘I think it is a great idea, son. You have my blessing.’

‘Thanks Dad. That means a lot to me. I will do you proud in
Allegiance. I promise you.’

Jan nodded. In a funny way, this wasn’t that unexpected. Kalan was a
man now, and wanted to prove himself. Perhaps he looked up to his
father and saw just how well he had risen through life, and perhaps
that spurred him on to show himself also a man. But, for Jan, that
was ok. Kalan would prove himself. He would undoubtedly do that.
And as a member of Allegiance, Jan felt his son would bring further
honour to the name of Kolby.





4



At 58, becoming the chief secretary for Radnick Darkthorn, humanities
representative on the Galactic Council, was an honour Jan revelled
in. It was, like his formative work in Galagon, exciting times to
once again be in the heart of galactic commerce. And then Darkthorn
suddenly died of cancer complications, complications which he had not
spoken to Jan about, and humanity was left searching for a new
representative. Jan alone was nominated, the confederation extremely
happy to have him as their man on the council.



Jan took up his duties and, now in the real prime of his life, which
due to the very advanced state of quality of food and health on New
Terra and throughout much of the human confederation, was considered
being middle-aged at 58. He still felt very fit, exercised regularly,
and looked good for his age. At this stage he expected to live to
around the regular age for the elder generation of around 130 to 140
years. But of course, 198 was still the record age of a human being,
being set 400 years previously. To some, Jan was still young, but he
felt incredibly experienced in his 58 years.



Yet, while 58 may be young to many, it was deemed sufficient
experience for the honour bestowed upon him within one year of his
appointment. It had been proposed by a number of bodies that the
Galactic Council needed a chief. A head – a chief representative – an
overseer – with various powers to act as the primary spokesman and
guiding voice for galactic affairs.



Jan was humbled when he was nominated. 3 other names had been
proposed but, due to his increasing popularity amongst member bodies,
and the general good reputation he had for being such a key voice in
the formation of Galagon, Jan won the final vote by a large margin.



And suddenly, the illustrious Rimwalker, who in his youth had often
had to pinch pennies practically to get by, was head of a Galactic
council which ruled nearly half the galactic civilizations. Jan Kolby
had, indeed, come a long way.





5



Jan sat with Chance in their new apartment, overlooking the Galactic
Assembly grounds, on the edge of Televere, New Terra’s capital city.
The apartments had been just finished in construction, made available
to representatives of the galactic council on a rationed basis, and
unsurprisingly all had been claimed. Jan felt, with his new and
greater responsibilities, living right near the Assembly hall and his
office would be the best idea, and Chance had no objections.



He was now 60, and had served 2 years of the 4 year term as Overseer
of the council. The work was a new position and in many ways Jan was
charting out its responsibilities. It was exciting work, always
demanding, and Jan’s knowledge of law and economics had been put to
the test. Fortunately, having just completed his doctorate in
political science from Televere’s main university, Jan had a
sufficient enough education into the insight of Galactic affairs,
which he had majored in, to guide him through his everyday work.



He had a 7 man personal security detail appointed to him for his
office. It was deemed of such great importance, becoming viewed as
the highest political office in the Galaxy that his safety was of
utmost importance. In fact, death threats had become ever increasing,
more so than his early days when Galagon was new to the inner galaxy.



His apartment, after a number of modifications, was apparently bomb-
proof and it was often difficult doing what he wanted to do because of
security concerns. But such, he realized, was public life as the
highest galactic official.



Chance was often called into the limelight and appeared on many of the
New Terran talk-shows, like Jan, and was expected to dress with
glamour and sophistication. Although Chance was generally a reserved
sort of individual, she generally now liked the attention, having
gotten used to it, and was always out shopping for the latest
clothes. When she had a personal designer appointed to her by someone
in his office, Jan felt it might, perhaps, be going too far, but he
was confidently assured that his position warranted it.



In fact, as the first term of his office approached culmination, that
position had grown increasingly lavish and was now deemed by New
Terran culture, and many others, as the position to seek in life.
‘Rule the Galaxy’, so it was often said.



When his first term came to an end, he was nominated again. It was
claimed by a number of members that his work was of sufficient
quality, and his growing reputation which was upholding the importance
of the council, that another term in the position seemed to be in the
best interests of the council. He was thus nominated again and
retained the position unopposed.



And, as his second term began, Jan began to realize that in a life
which, almost, had not had a great ambition for success, it had been
lived in such a way that it had almost been led by a power beyond
him. Call it destiny, call it fate, Jan felt that his life was,
perhaps, in the very hands of the great power which was known by
humanity commonly as ‘God’ and that he was simply doing the will of
God in his life, rather than a life of his own choosing. And,
concluding that this seemed to be the case, Jan came to a stronger
faith in ‘The One’ as his wife called him, and began attending an
Arcturian temple which had been recently established in Televere
dedicated to the higher power. In fact, Chance and members of her
family from Arcturia who had emigrated to New Terra were the chief
proponents of the temple, but while it served Arcturian interests, it
was also non-denominational in attempting to present an almost
universal perspective on the higher power. Jan found the sermons of
the Arcturian preacher strangely potent – he was a gifted speaker and
spoke to the heart of his audience. He reflected values, common
values, almost ones which the council itself promulgated, and Jan
Kolby, son of humanity, found himself content in life and with the
universe. Things made sense, now. Things made sense. God was in
heaven, he was doing God’s work, and the galaxy went about its
everyday humdrum existence. Life was good, concluded Jan Kolby. Life
was good.





6



‘Yes sir. Right away.’

‘Dismissed.’

Kalan turned, and made his way off to the task at hand, a word of
caution to one of the other members of New Terran Allegiance stationed
in Televere. Kalan worked in Internal Protocol Affairs for the
Allegiance, headed over the New Terran Allegiance posts. He was now
high up in Allegiance, heaving been promoted quickly mainly because of
the connection with his father. But, nevertheless, Kalan worked well
and was widely respected and recognized.



Internal Protocol Affairs, or IPA, was the police-dog over Allegiance
members themselves. Its primary aim was to fight corruption and
ensure a lawful spirit permeated the agency of the Lawkeepers.
Lawkeepers were carefully chosen. Not everyone who applied for
membership was successful, and they seemed to have not too much
difficulty filling membership at this early stage in Allegiance’s
history.



Kalan’s ambition, much like many around him, was to one day head New
Terran Allegiance. New Terran Allegiance, itself, was separate from
the Galactic body called Allegiance General, which was mainly an
administrative body, but which also had a strong IPA element, which
was responsible for administering the Allegiance network on a galactic
basis. With his connections to the council, his father had suggested
that working for Allegiance General might be in Kalan’s best
interests, but Kalan felt working the real work of the organisation,
on a planetary based body, was his calling. But, with time, he had
grown to see his father’s wisdom and was now considering a position
which had been recently offered to him by Allegiance general, an offer
arranged by his father without Kalan’s knowledge.



Kalan, presently, was undecided. IPA work seemed to be what he was
best suited for and almost expected of in many ways. It was important
to many New Terran’s that the first family set an example in galactic
ethics and conduct, and it was deemed by many that Kalan’s position in
IPA within Allegiance was the best position for him. And Kalan grew
to understand that, following in his father’s footsteps, the position
likewise suited his nature. And so, concluding that, he was
considering the IPA position in Allegiance general, and would likely
accept it within the next few weeks.



Still, for now, he had work to do and observing the command from his
superior, went in search of the officer who needed cautioning on a
particular subject matter.





7



Xenon was a regular member of the Galactic council. Their
civilization spread over 78 colonized planetary bodies which were
settled, 5,600 star systems and numerous dead planets, many of which
were mined.



It was by no means a large civilization, given the vast amount of star
systems in the inner quadrant, but it was important to galactic life
nevertheless. So much so that when the chief prince of the royal
family of the Xenon civilization went missing, presumed kidnapped by
the League of Piracy, and the Xenonian member of the Galactic council
requested Jan Kolby’s own son, being a Kolby, to handle the matter,
Jan approved. So despite his position in IPA in Allegiance General
which he had just accepted, Kalan was appointed to head the Allegiance
task force assigned to recovering the prince.



Kalan enjoyed meeting Xenon’s Allegiance operatives. Xenon Allegiance
was actually one of the most sophisticated of all Allegiance networks
running through the inner quadrant. Generally speaking, after meeting
Galactic council mandates for the powers and jurisdiction of member
body Allegiance agencies, each civilization was then left to its own
devices in how many members they supplied to Allegiance and how they
organized themselves. The Xenonian’s, it seemed, took great pride in
their part in galactic life, and had heavily contributed to their
Allegiance agency, being very efficient, highly managed, and well
respected. It was Xenon’s official galactic law enforcement agency,
and was viewed with great favour by an adoring Xenonian public.



Kalan was well received and as the Task force began its work, with
Xenon supplying all the known details, it became apparent to Kalan
that it was likely indeed the League of Piracy of quadrant three who
had kidnapped the prince. And due to his father’s extensive knowledge
of League of Piracy politics and inner workings Kalan decided it may
be in his best interests to seek his father’s assistance when and were
he could. But not for now. He would first follow the logical courses
of action and do his best himself to track down the prince. He would
call on his father when he needed to – IF he needed to.



The investigation seemed promising at first. They traced what they
suspected were the likely manoeuvrings of the ship involved on a merry
chase through the third quadrant. But then it disappeared and no sign
seemed to be found of it on Draxon itself, were Kalan had been sure
they would take the Prince.



They’d had a number of sightings of the Prince confirmed, he seemingly
being not too closely guarded by the League, free to walk around with
a few of the pirates guarding him. This is what most of the witnesses
they found on various planets confirmed. And that puzzled Kalan.
Could it be that the prince was accompanying them voluntarily? Was he
faking his own kidnapping? It was indeed a mystery.



However, when the ship disappeared from their searches, Kalan had no
option left but to seek his father’s advice. Perhaps he could help
him in some way. Whatever else, it couldn’t hurt.





8



‘It’s a curly one son, and I am not sure how I can really help you.
You have followed general procedure by the looks of it, but it may
simply be a case of the ship either being destroyed or gone astray in
deep space. Perhaps they are stranded and waiting rescue. Hell,
there are a million possibilities and it is a bloody large galaxy.’

Kalan nodded. It was something he had guessed himself.

‘And what of the Prince carousing around with pirates, seemingly
without a care in the world?’

‘In my experience son, this is a funny kind of galaxy at times, and
league members can be the most unpredictable of sorts. They might not
really care that much about the Prince’s security. Maybe the
kidnapping was a grudge between the League and Xenon for some reason,
and they are just getting payback. Or maybe the Prince has just
befriended his captors. He is a Prince and might have a smooth
tongue. But, again, there are a million possibilities.’

‘Yes, I know,’ said Kalan, scratching his head. ‘But what the hell
should I do next. Just monitor the situation and hope for the best?
Xenon will be hardly pleased with that.’

Jan looked at him, considering that point, and considering his own
responsibility in safekeeping galactic order as Overseer of the
council. And so an idea came to him, which he felt he might as well
share with his son.



‘I do have an idea, Kalan. I do have an idea.’

‘And what is that?’ his son asked, looking at him anxiously.

‘Well, aeons ago I was faced with a dilemma involving the league. It
was regarding a certain crown. A certain Arcturian crown. Your
mother may have mentioned the story.’

Kalan grinned at the reference to the source of the family’s fortune.

‘Well, the league had the crown, and I needed to infiltrate the league
to get it back. And I came up with one solution. One bold idea which
was the only thing I could think would work. So perhaps you should
try that. You never know, it might just work.’



Kalan looked at his father, a little surprised, but acknowledging the
idea. Whatever else, joining the League of Piracy to recover a
Xenonian prince would be a story to tell the grandchildren. Whatever
else it would be that.





9



‘Kalan Kolby, huh? Any relation to Jan Kolby?’

‘Who?’ asked Kalan, feigning innocence.

‘Never mind. So what makes you think you will be an asset to the
League of Piracy. We don’t take just any joker who shows up.
Credentials, lad. What are your credentials?’

Kalan thought fast. ‘I have contacts on the darker side of inner
galactic life. You ask, I can deliver. Just name your price.’

Tarkan nodded. He was used to various claims, but this one he would
put to the test. ‘Very well. If you are so very gifted, we have a
task for you. Steal an Allegiance space ship. We could use one for
various missions. But an official one, mind you. No fakes – we will
see right through them.’

‘How long have I got?’

‘Two weeks.’

‘I’ll be back in one.’

Tarkan looked at him, nodding to himself. If this Kalan Kolby could
indeed return with an Allegiance ship in one week, he would make an
undoubtable asset for the League.

‘Get to it, Kalan Kolby. I’ll be waiting.’



Due to anxiousness Kalan was tempted to bring in the ship, the easiest
thing to arrange, within 5 days, but decided, for suspicions sake, to
wait the week. But on the seventh day, coming into Tarkan’s office,
they sped over to the space-docks and Tarkan looked over the
impressive looking Allegiance ship.

‘For fuck’s sake, it’s the genuine article,’ he said to himself a
number of times.



He looked at Kalan, grinning, and said, ‘I don’t know how the hell you
got this done. Allegiance ships are not exactly easy to come by, but
you have got it done. So if you are this good, Kalan Kolby, the
League of piracy could hardly do without you. You’re in.’

Kalan nodded, satisfied. His first objective was now achieved, and he
had been lucky with how he achieved. Somehow he doubted he would have
it so easy next time.

‘What next, Tarkan?’

‘For now we move you into an apartment block. We have several in this
city. In fact, I have a particular one in mind. One used by a
certain Jan Kolby. Ever heard of him?’

‘You asked me that already. But, yeh, thinking about it, the name now
rings a bell. Sits on the Quadrant Zero galactic council, doesn’t he?

‘That’s the one. He used to be a member of the League, which is
something we have over him, should we ever be in a delicate situation
with the council. But that is irrelevant to you. I will put you in
his old apartment. He used to share it with his wife. I think they
even have some of their old belongings there. Feel free to throw them
out if you want.’

‘Will do,’ responded Kalan, quite interested to see were his parents
once lived.

‘Anyway,’ continued Tarkan. ‘We will notify you of your first mission
in due course. Dalok will instruct you in what you need to know about
the league. He handles most of that work. And we will be watching
you, closely. You are untested, so we will be cautious. But you seem
like the perfect recruit, Kalan Kolby.’

Kalan nodded. ‘This could be the beginning of a wonderful
partnership, Tarkan. I am sure of it.’

‘We’ll see,’ responded Tarkan. ‘We’ll see.





10



Kalan sat in his apartment, the harlot he had hired was still asleep
in the bedroom. In many ways, Kalan Kolby was his father’s son, and
prostitution was not totally unknown to the Kolby’s. Still, unlike
his father who had been quite promiscuous in his twenties and early
thirties before he had met Chance, Kalan only occasionally visited a
lady to gain that most intoxicating of comforts.



He was sitting, watching on one of the Draxian visual entertainment
shows a debate on the future of Draxian civilization. The bane, so
many claimed, was the League of Piracy, which although its fronts were
official business, were seen as an ongoing menace to Draxon’s
reputation. They were a warrior-type of people, the Draxian’s, in
many ways. But they were also a civilized people, and desired a
better reputation amongst the other galactic civilizations. The main
problem, then, as many saw it, was the League of Piracy which was
stationed on Draxon. Much of the debated involved how it should be
dealt with, with the government representative maintaining the current
status quo in how the league was currently handled, but the other
heated debater, from a Draxian good works charity, heatedly arguing
that the government needed to do more. Kalan was finding the debate
intriguing, but could sense the mood in Draxon himself on the
subject. The league, unofficially, brought vast wealth to the planet,
and many knew they were in a better situation because of it. And,
despite the illegality of the situation, didn’t really want it
changed. And so Kalan concluded they were indeed civilized, but happy
to work on the darker side of the law.



He had been on two missions for the League in the past three months.
One, a standard raiding mission further inwards in the galaxy, and
another, a bodyguard for some league dealings with the Tekra, who were
in the process of uniting with the League of piracy. Kalan had been
assigned, along with Dalok, the personal protection of Tarkan who was
the main league representative in the discussions. And they had
proven fruitful, with the merger set to go ahead.



Dalok mentioned, in passing, what Kalan had joined the league for.
The location of the Xenonian prince, who was not so much being held
hostage, even though he was technically, but someone who had
befriended the league and sworn to help it when he came to power as
monarch over Xenon. They would become the chief post of the League in
the inner quadrant, so the prince had assured the league, and Dalok
had told Kalan.



This led to a dilemma for Kalan. He could now still rescue the
prince, but should he in fact really bother? Perhaps it would be best
to simply report the situation and let Xenon handle it from here. It
was now no longer as clean cut as a standard kidnapping – other
factors were involved.



But, having given it some thought, he would contact the prince, and
let him decide. It was the best solution Kalan had come up with, and
a way to finish his job.



The harlot yelled out to him to come and get some love and, switching
off the visual, taking a sip of Draxian beer, he got up and went off
to satisfy his desires.





11



Kalan tracked down Prince Ga’hazon in the northern city of Retak at
the guild headquarters. He got in without too much trouble when he
showed his guild id, and found the prince in the main eating hall,
playing an electronic wall console game. The prince was in his early
twenties for a Xenonian, and when Kalan asked him if he wanted to go
back home to Xenon, the prince just shrugged.

‘I don’t know. Maybe. I like it here, now. And the league and
myself have plans for the future. But, yeh, I guess now is a good as
time to any to leave.’

The Prince, with Kalan following, made his way to the office of the
head of the guild and, upon entering, announced he was now leaving for
home. The Draxian looked at him, nodded knowingly, and said, ‘Don’t
forget our arrangement. We will make good on it one day.’

‘I won’t,’ replied the prince. He turned to Kalan. ‘Ok. Let’s go
home.’

They made there way out of the compound and were not even asked
questions, which Kalan now took to understand that the Prince had been
a voluntary guest for quite a while. It was the arrangement he had
with the League which, now, was keeping them together. But the Prince
had to return home sometime and Kalan had been the cog in the system
which would arrange that.



As the Wolfklaw sped away from Draxon, Kalan could not help but think
he had been a pawn in a game which he should never have played in the
first place. Yet his inside knowledge, now, of the Prince’s new
allegiances would prove useful information. He would let his father
know and, he assumed, Xenon would be watched more closely in the
future. At least they had advanced notice of this Princes apparent
loyalties.



The trip home was generally uneventful, the Prince though insisting
they stop at various planets for him to get to know the third
quadrant, which Kalan had no great objections to. As they travelled,
slowly heading for quadrant zero, and the United Galaxy, as it had
slowly been becoming known as, Kalan thought of his life. He thought
of the work he would soon be getting back to in Allegiance general
and, despite the perhaps mixed result in the mission he had just been
on, he began to see why his father perhaps had had the hunger for his
life on the Rim in his early years. There was an appeal to the way of
life of being an adventurer. Of having a new danger to face every
day, and a new planet to call home every now and then. It was life on
the edge and for Kalan, who had known something of adventure from his
upbringing, it was now something which had stung him with its appeal –
something which he was not sure he could now let go of.



And so, when he got home, he would take up his position again in
Allegiance, but he would give private thought to spicing up his life
in a way his father had done in his own early years.





12



Kalan was awarded the highest medal of honour in the Xenonian Empire,
the Star of the Order of Xen, the Xenonian’s chief deity.



His father and mother and sister attended the ceremony, and clapped
loudly when the presentation was made. Kalan grinned, happy enough at
the award, but silently regretting ever getting involved. He had
spoken with his father about the situation with the Prince and his
father had reacted, while maturely as given his age, but also with a
sense of concern. The league, so his father explained to him, was
widespread throughout the third quadrant, and even had bases now in
the other quadrants. If it were to gain Xenon as an ally in its ever
expansive operations, it could prove to be a thorn in the flesh for
the United Galaxy. While Xenon as a power was not great, the presence
of the League within an important area of space in the central
quadrant could prove a bane to the Galactic council for years to
come. It was, so Jan maintained, vitally important that the league
never in fact set up operations on Xenon and he assured his son he
would look into this matter, personally.



Still, for now, Kalan was a hero and enjoyed the limelight for the
while.



It was about a month later, at a meeting of the council, that Xenon
did something quite unexpected. So pleased had the Monarch of the
Xenonian empire been with Kalan’s success in returning his son, that
he proposed that like Xenon and so many other galactic civilizations,
the Galaxy itself have a royal family to represent its ideals. And
they nominated the Kolby’s to represent the Galactic Council and the
inner Galaxy as that royal family.



At first Jan was not really sure what to make of the offer, but
assumed other galactic council members would be uninterested.
However, surprisingly, the concept as presented by Xenon proved a
popular idea and when a motion was forwarded for making Jan’s
overseersmanship permanent, in the role of a Royal family and watchmen
over the council, Jan did not object. If that is what they wanted, he
was now used to the high life and would not mind it continuing.



The motion was voted on and passed with 77% approval. Most members
agreed with the idea, and the Kolby’s had been deemed suitable.



And so the call to power in the life of Jan Kolby rose to its highest
point and, although it really seemed more of a title than anything
official, Jan had become something approaching the Emporer or King of
the Galaxy.



A Crown was prepared and a coronation ceremony took place, shown all
over the inner galaxy. Most were happy enough with the Kolby’s,
knowing them well enough now, and a figurehead royal family, with
limited political powers, did not seem to bother the majority of the
United Galaxy citizenship.



It was the pinnacle of life for Jan Kolby, and he was silently
grateful to the One for the position he had brought him to in life.





13



As overseer, Jan had been fussed over. But that increased manifold as
Emperor of the United Galaxy, his official title. His duties now
changed. There was a new overseer appointed over the Galactic
Council, who Jan had the power to dismiss. He also had the power to
veto legislation. They were his real political powers. But he had a
great deal of other responsibilities, mainly his work of promoting the
Galactic Council and serving as a representative of ethical and lawful
behaviour as the head of the royal family. They were now expected to
be the most of upright citizens by most citizens of the inner galaxy
which Jan found challenging given his early behaviours in life, but
which over the years he had found himself gradually conforming to
anyway. His position, in reality, was that of a figurehead meant to
represent the ideals of civilized galactic life. The power itself was
not great, but the prestige was enormous.



The Kolby’s traveled to many star systems in their new role. In fact,
80% of the New Terran year they were away touring other systems,
promoting the Galactic Council and the idea of the United Galaxy.
They were always well received, despite the odd protest from planets
here and there. Some were not that fond of the idea of a Royal
Family, which seemed to be contradictory in their minds to the ideas
Galagon first represented. But wherever the Kolby’s went he stressed
the idea that his responsibilities really were more of a figurehead in
power, aimed at promoting the values of galactic peace and unity. It
may have involved the trappings of prestige of the royal way of life,
but he assured all the substance of his role was the promotion of
galactic ideology. He was not merely an Emperor dictating his own
dictatorial will on the galaxy. In fact, far from it he assured all
those planets he visited. It was a royal family with a real and
important role and, so he claimed, the family served the galaxy just
as much as others served them.



Those ideas seemed to gradually permeate the citizens of the United
Galaxy, and the entity of the royal family, it was surmised, would
suffice as the chief proponents of united galactic life.



His privileges were, naturally, quite great. He received an ample
salary from the council, one it was deemed necessary to show the
importance of their role in galactic life. The Kolby’s themselves had
their own fortune from the reward for the Sigmorius Crown, but the
income they now received made them only that more wealthy. Jan
himself had always been cautious about the wealth. If they ever
gained a reputation for living too lavishly, too decadently, they
would slowly grow despised. It was how revolutions of the past came
to be. And because of that reality Jan was careful with the company
he kept and the lifestyle he maintained. In all things he tried to
ensure that the Royal family was being responsible in its position,
setting an example of lawfulness and proper ethics and morality.



And, as time past, that effort of Jan’s became noted and talked about
and the institution of the Royal family became generally accepted.



It was a good life, Jan felt, and he really wouldn’t have traded it.
And as the years passed, he grew content with his lot in life.





14



Like her husband, Chance Kolby had slowly been growing accustomed to
the high life. Thinking back to her youth she remembered, at times,
fantasizing on board the ark about living in lush palaces and keeping
company with people of noble birth. Of course, Landoria would have
rebuked her should she have ever spoken as such, but her own parents
had been more accepting and tolerant than the strict matriarch who had
ruled their community.



Her mother now lived also in Televere, desiring to be close to her, as
well as her younger brother and his family. Her father had died a few
years back, and while she missed him, she had grown used to much of
her life without him being there ever since teaming up with Jan.



Her mother was seen as almost royalty herself now and appeared on the
various talk-show’s from time to time, as did all the Kolby’s.
Recently their had been a special organised by one of the major
visuals network, focusing on the life of Chance Kolby. Cameras had
followed her around for three weeks as she went through her various
engagements, and there were sessions in which she was asked personal
and often intimate questions. In her reserved nature she brushed
aside many of these questions, but did give some glimpse into the
private lives of the Kolby’s.



But, unlike her husband who was often quizzed on policy and the
responsibilities of being head of the galaxy, most took an interest in
the fashion life of Chance Kolby, rather than any specific social or
political thing she might have to say.



She was now the patron and head of so many charities that she had
simply lost count of them all. Of course the Kolby’s gave to all of
them, and were highly admired due to this. But such donations came
from their ever-growing vast wealth, and they were never really short
of funds themselves.



It was a life Chance had grown used to and really did not want to part
with it in any way. She thought back, once, all those years ago.
Standing inside the welfare office on Arcturia, looking at the woman
signalling her and suddenly making her decision to go with Jan. It
had been a sudden decision, which had grabbed her, but she wanted to
run with destiny. To take hold of life and see the possibilities it
could give her. And for that, Jan Kolby, the illustrious Rimwalker,
had seen like the opportunity she simply could not refuse. And now
she found it difficult to comprehend just how fortunate she had been
to take that bold step and find herself now, in many ways, queen of
the galaxy.



It was a life of glamour, prestige and perfection for Chance
Kibb’star, all grown up. And, really, she could not count herself
more fortunate.





15



While Kalan still held a position in Allegiance General in the
Internal Protocol Affairs section, it was only now on a casual basis,
as most of his time was spent with his father and on his new duties.
Kalan was seen as the heir-apparent to Jan and when his father passed
on it was now expected that Kalan would step into the role his father
undertook. This did not bother Kalan Kolby. Not really. He was used
to life on New Terra and being a Royal definitely did have its
advantages. But often he thought back to conclusions he had made when
returning the Xenonian Prince and how, after resuming work in
Allegiance General for a while, he would go off and seek a life of
adventure. Now, in his responsibilities as Jan son and heir-apparent,
that did not seem realistic anymore. His father, although gently,
seemed to be trying to mould Kalan towards taking on the position
after him and it seemed that was now the general assumption most
people made. And Kalan himself also made that assumption even though
part of him perhaps desired otherwise.



His younger sister Xadina, though, was ever so happy as a royal. She
took to the position even more passionately than her mother, and
particularly related to the younger audience. Much of the gossip on
the various New Terran talk-show’s was about who Xadina had been seen
with at the latest party and what gentleman would be lucky enough to
snare the fabulous Ms Kolby. And, by most standards, she was quite
beautiful, her pale-green skin in many ways seemingly enhancing the
exoticness of the beauty she radiated.



Both of the Kolby children, really, were happy enough with their
lives. They had come from humble beginnings to a life of extreme
wealth and from their to great responsibility. It had been something
neither had really been prepared for, but each in their own way had
taken it on board and run with it. Xadina, perhaps being the younger,
had adapted more to the lifestyle than her older brother, but in the
end both of them were now galactic royalty and were enjoying and
appreciating the lifestyle which went along with it.



And, as Jan turned 70, and the Kolby’s started becoming an icon
throughout the United Galaxy, the Kolby children began to understand
that whatever their own personal views, thoughts and feelings, they
were now, in a way, the property of the general public of the United
Galaxy and were a victim to the expectations of trillions upon
trillions of United Galaxy citizens. It was a great life, a fabulous
one in many ways, and the Kolby children both sensed that they had
indeed been fortunate, coming to a position that no others, apart from
the greatest royal families of the larger galactic civilizations,
could really appreciate.





16



‘Ladies and Gentlemen. Honoured guests and officials. May I present
to you the United Galaxies Royal family.’

As the host of the official event left off speaking, the Kolby family
descended the staircase, to the applause of those gathered at the
event.



They were now quite used to such applauses and such events. For over
a decade they had been treated as such, and it was almost what they
now regularly expected.



The night was the usual affair. Introductory speeches, dinner and
dance.



Later on Kalan and Xadina, after having danced with many of the
important children of various esteemed officials, took themselves out
to an outer section of the palace they were in, looking over the
nightlife of the city before them.



‘So this is it, huh?’ said Kalan to his sister Xadina.

‘What do you mean?’ replied Xadina.

‘This is life. This is what we get.’

‘And what is wrong with that,’ she asked, coming up to him and putting
her arm in his.

‘Nothing, I guess. I mean I am happy enough. The lifestyle we have
is great. First class. I suppose I couldn’t really wish for anything
more.’

‘I sense a ‘but’ coming,’ responded Xadina.

Kalan smiled. His sister knew him well.

‘As I said this lifestyle is great, BUT.’ Xadina smiled and Kalan
grinned.

‘BUT, I don’t know. Sometimes I get itchy feet. Sometimes I wish we
were living like we used to. On the edge, you know. Like mum and dad
used to when they first met. Shooting around the galaxy here and
there. Not a care in the world. The galaxy their doorstep to
adventure. Sometimes I wish we could have that kind of life.
Becoming ‘Rimwalkers’ like dad. I mean, wouldn’t that be great,
Xadina? Wouldn’t that be exciting?’

‘And miss Andre’s recipes. You must be kidding, right?’

Andre was the Royal family’s chief cook. A famous French cook from
Earth, employed for the highest position in the galaxy.

Kalan continued. ‘I know you and your belly will find it difficult to
be parted from such fine food for long, but wouldn’t you rather not
know what happens next? Not to life a life so, you know,
predictable?’

‘Hey, I like predictable. It pays the bills for one thing. And we
are the Prince and Princess of the Universe, Kal.’

‘The Galaxy, you mean.’

‘Close enough.’

Kalan stared out at the city, taking a sip of champagne.

‘But don’t you want a thrill out of life? To taste danger in a way
you just won’t at the moment?’

Xadina looked at him for a moment, sensed his seriousness, and
softened. ‘And just how would you achieve this adventure, dear
brother?’

‘Take the Wolfklaw, some gold for expenses, and head out to the rim.
And just wander. For some years just wander, and see were life takes
us.’

Xadina nodded. He was just like daddy in this way. Just like daddy.
And deciding that her love for her brother was, really, an important
thing, made up her mind.

‘If you go, I will come to. I will join you on your mad quest for
glory. But remember, plenty of gold. I like my luxuries, dear
brother.’

Kalan grinned. ‘As you wish.’

They continued staring out at the city for some time, and in his heart
Kalan was pleased. He really had already made up his mind, but to
have Xadina coming along had been his strong wish. Two always made
company.



‘So will you tell dad, or will I?’ Xadina asked.

‘I’ll tell him. But not for a little while. I want to make some
plans first. But soon, soon we tell him. And then off we go.’

Xadina nodded. Whatever else it would be a life of adventure.
Whatever else it would be that.





17



‘You want to what!’ Jan’s voice had the slightest degree of
incredulousity in it.

‘Borrow the Wolfklaw for a few years. But, you know. I will return
it eventually.’

Jan grinned. His son was definitely a Kolby.

‘And were exactly will you take her, dare I ask?’

‘Oh, you know. Usual places. I might actually go and visit Arcturia
for a while. See the relatives we have there. But, mostly dad, I
thought I would take up your old occupation. Bounty hunting on the
Rim. Follow in the footsteps of the famous ‘Rimwalker’, you know.
Live the life.’

Jan chuckled. His son was perhaps naïve in that respect.

‘It wasn’t all adventure, you know. I went hungry from time to time
and had to subsist on decade old ship rations. If it wasn’t for the
fact that the Wolfklaw is solar powered, I may have never gotten
anywhere.’

‘Well you needn’t worry. Xadina and I plan on taking plenty of gold
for food and other supplies. Really, it is the thrill of it that we
want. To taste life to its fullness.’

‘Xadina! My God, you aren’t taking your sister are you?’

‘I persuaded her. Hey, I will need the company, and I don’t think you
would be willing to tag along for old times sake.’

‘Unlikely, son. Gah! And I had been breeding you to take over from
me one day. You will need a good reputation for that, you know. Not
one of a renegade louse, carousing wherever he wants, sleeping around,
getting drunk and into trouble. That is not the example the United
Galaxy wants or needs.’

‘As I recall it, you seemed to follow such wild ways for much of your
youth. A bit hypocritical, don’t you think?’

‘Be that as it may, I was not planning on becoming Galactic Emperor.
On the other hand, you have no such excuse. You have been born into a
family which, while it did not seek greatness, has had greatness
thrust onto it. And as such you have responsibilities, Kalan. Great
responsibilities.’

‘Responsibilities I didn’t ask for!’ objected Jan Kolby’s son.

‘Yes, I know. I know.’ He stroked his hair back over his head, a
frustrated look on his face.

‘Well, alright son, alright. You have made your case. I guess I can
afford you to take a few years away from the limelight. But promise
me you will be back within a decade. I don’t think the Galactic
Council will tolerate much more than that.’

Kalan nodded. A decade suited him fine. It would give him all the
opportunities for adventure that he could perhaps ever want.

‘Thanks dad,’ he said, putting his arms around his old man, hugging
him.

Jan put his hand on his son’s head, and patted it gently.

‘Just promise me you will not get into too much trouble. If I have to
bail you out of a situation, I don’t think my reputation will ever
live it down.’

‘I promise.’

‘And for God’s sake, look after your sister. You know how she is.
She will likely follow you into anything madly. She is not always the
most sensible of girls. So you will have to keep a level head.’

‘I will. And don’t worry about Xadina. I’ll take care of her.’

‘I hope so.’



They chatted on for a while, Kalan explaining that Arcturia would
likely be first port of call, but also thinking he would take on work
as a bounty hunter for the experience. He craved, so he told his
father, a reputation like his dad’s. For in Kalan’s mind it was the
adventurous life of his father’s past which really appealed to many
people, even if it was not explicitly stated. And for himself to be
accepted as Emperor he might just have to have a similar legacy of his
own.



And so, with his father’s blessing, he let Xadina know, and they
gathered some gold and planned to take off in the Wolfklaw on the
first day of the New Year. It was a life of adventure waiting for
both of them, one which Kalan Rance Kolby looked forward to greatly.





18



‘Home. We are really home, aren’t we,’ commented Xadina to her
brother. ‘I guess so. But I suppose Earth is just as much our home
as well. We have two, really.’

‘I often wonder about what dad told me once. About his theory that
Arcturian’s and Humans are in some way related. Perhaps it is a big
galactic or universal mystery.’

‘Or the wonders of genetics,’ replied her brother sarcastically.

‘Very funny. Well, were to first?’

‘I have a contact from dad. Someone he told me to look up. Works in
the temple of Daranok. Dak Bluddhook, who is apparently the League of
Piracy’s main man on Arcturia. Apparently if I am looking for some
action, Dak can point me in the right direction.’

‘I thought we were after legitimate work as bounty hunters? How
exactly will a space pirate help with that?’

‘Oh, Dak has connections to various underworld figures. Dad reckoned
it would be in my best interests to make contacts in underworld to
familiarise myself with how they do business. It’s a dangerous
universe, and a Galactic emperor needs to be not only politically wise
but streetwise as well, even if that means learning from the lowest of
dogs.’

‘I see,’ replied his sister. So where is this temple?’

Kalan typed in some search locations onto the onboard computer of the
vehicle they were travelling and finding the temple, programmed in the
co-ordinates.



Half an hour later they were outside the temple of Daranok.

‘Well, here we go,’ said Kalan.’



* * * * *



‘So you are looking for bounty hunting work, on the darker side of the
law as you put it? And what makes you think I can help you?’

‘My dad is Jan Kolby. He said you would know him.’

‘Jan Kolby. That old dog. But for fuck’s sake, the last I heard he
was not the Galactic Emporer of the inner galaxy. And you’re his son,
are you?’

‘Kalan Rance Kolby at your service. And this is my sister, Xadina.’

Jan glanced at her and instantly noted the similarity to Chance.

‘Yeh, she looks just like her mother. And the green skin is a dead
giveaway. So ok, you are legit. Tell you what, Kalan Kolby. I have
some friends who are always looking to get even with this and that old
friend of theirs. If you cut me 10 – no, make it 20% of your pay, I
will give you some contact details which will bring you a tidy
reward.’

Kalan nodded. ‘Sounds good. Were do I find them?’



Dak gave Kalan some details and Kalan farewelled him, heading off. As
he watched him go Dak gave some thought to the name and just realized
that he was an ex league member who had gone AWOL. That information
the league would most definitely be interested in and perhaps, just
perhaps, could prove very valuable information personally to Dak
Bluddhook.



* * * * *



‘So do we find these guys straight away, or look around Arcturia for
some time. And I want to go visit Aunt Helene soon and see Landoria
as well. So what to next?’

Kalan considered that. Really, they were in no great rush with these
contacts. He had just been eager to begin his new lifestyle. But
sure, they could go see Chance’s older sister and visit with Landoria
as well. They were home, now, and may as well do the normal things as
well.

‘Ok, we will go visit Aunt Helene and her family. And then, I guess
we will get somewere to stay. Perhaps an apartment. We can get to
these contacts in a few weeks. It will give you an opportunity to
enjoy home.’

‘Thank’s bro.’



As they took off, Kalan was pleased with himself. The encounter with
Dak had gone well, and he had work available to him. Now would be the
ideal opportunity to catch up with family and settle themselves on
Arcturia. Hell, with the gold they had brought with them they could
buy themselves an apartment on Arcturia if they wanted to, which might
be wise. Arcturia was as good a place as any to set up as a
homebase. Walking the Rim in search of action had its own reward, but
it would always be nice to get back to a place they could call home.
Setting off, Kalan was happy. Life had a buzz to it at the moment. A
happy action-filled buzz.





19



The two of them ended up buying a newish apartment on the edge of
Zardray, Arcturia’s capital city. Arcturia had long been a united
monarchy, the divided kingdoms coming together under the authority of
King Sigmorius around a thousand years ago. But these days, in a very
similar way in which the monarchy of the United Galaxy had come to be
and the powers it possessed, the monarchy of Arcturia was now
primarily a figurehead monarchy, with the real power being the
Parliament. What Landoria had once sought out so passionately had
become a reality around a century after their exile. And it had been
around then the drone ships with supplies had started coming near the
ark.



They visited Landoria and talked with her on many subjects of
Arcturian life. She’d had qualifications prior to her exile on the
Ark, and now worked in one of Zardray’s chief universities as a
lecturer. And, strangely enough, she had met someone upon returning
to Arcturia and had given birth to a daughter who was now in her mid-
twenties. She’ella, as she was known, was a stunning Arcturian female
who Kalan instantly took a liking to. And She’ella made it known to
him that she was interested likewise.



The romance was really quite sudden and, within 2 months, they had
agreed to marry. Xadina had insisted their parents be present for the
ceremony, but Kalan had said he was anxious to marry and there was not
enough time. And so she had stopped bothering him on the idea and
Kalan and She’ella were married in the ‘Temple of the One’ on the
first day of the Arcturian New Year.



In all of this excitement, and in becoming a married man, Kalan began
a life of settling down. All of a sudden the urge which had brought
him out to the rim to pursue a life of adventure had been replaced by
the reality of a married life and new responsibilities. But he didn’t
really complain. He had no obligations to follow up with Dak
Bluddhook as he had never contacted any of the shady underground
figures Dak had provided him details for. Really, in truth, he was on
one of his real homes in a sense and settling down to a regular life.
After a while Xadina queried wether he intended heading home one day,
to which Kalan gave no firm response at first. And then he remembered
Jan had given him a decade’s grace, so he decided he would make
Arcturia his home for that time. Xadina herself missed New Terra and
the lifestyle which went along with it, but part of her, like Kalan,
felt at home on Arcturia and they even met with a number of other
green-skinned Arcturian’s with human and Arcturian parents from time
to time.



So she decided that she may as well stay the decade with Kalan and get
back to the life of luxury later. For now Arcturia was home.



The months passed and soon Kalan announced that She’ella was
pregnant. This gave Xadina thoughts of her own. She was still
relatively young for an Arcturian, but she also had a human parent.
However while there had been a great deal of fuss at home for her to
eventually marry one of her many suitors, she had never found herself
given over to any of them. But, perhaps here on Arcturia, were she
was not greatly known, perhaps here she might find a regular type of
man who would love her for her own sake, rather than any icon of
prestige that she represented on New Terra. And so she started dating
various men which Landoria and her Aunt Helen introduced to her,
hoping in the end to find the love of her life. There was no time
like the present to find someone, she thought to herself, and an
Arcturian, like Kalan had chosen, would be just as suitable a choice
as a human.



But despite her many dates, nobody really suited her, so she prayed a
silent prayer to the One in temple one day, and left the choice of her
mate in his hands. When the time came for her to marry, she would
marry. But until then she would enjoy being an Auntie and see what
life brought her in general.





20



James Sadik Kolby was born to two parents who, from that point
onwards, doted on him. He was their special little man, and each of
them loved him greatly. For Kalan, becoming a father at 37 felt like
a coming of age. As if he had reached a level of manhood and this
child was a token of that level. As if he had found approval from the
One for being a responsible man.



His sister, with the birth of James, visited now everyday and She’ella
often voiced her frustrations at never having James to herself. Kalan
spoke quietly with Xadina on the subject, but understood her dilemma.
She was without a great deal of family here on Arcturia, despite her
brother and his new family and her Aunt’s family being here. But
Kalan suspected the real reason was that Xadina had been longing after
a family of her own. She wanted to be a mother Kalan sensed, and
James seemed to be an avenue to voice that desire. And so he asked
She’ella that, for the time being, if she could put up with the
fussiness of her sister-in-law. Fortunately, though, Xadina took the
hint and backed off somewhat, restricting herself to one or two visits
per week, which She’ella didn’t seem to mind.



When James was one, Xadina had finally persuaded Kalan for them to
visit home and announce the good news. Kalan, though, decided to put
it off to the New Year, mainly because he was now working in Arcturian
Space Defense, responsible for routine patrols of Arcturian Space.
Landoria had had a friend in the defense sector and sensing Kalan
itchy to do something with his life had suggested he apply for work
with the space department of Arcturian Defense.



Kalan had gone with the idea and, supplying his details of his work
with Allegiance, which seemed to be well received, he had gotten work
in the routine space patrols. It was pretty mundane work, but it kept
him busy, and She’ella claimed she liked a man who worked for a
living.



Xadina herself had gotten the most basic of jobs. A waitress at a
Zardrayan café near her apartment. It was only part-time, but like
Kalan she needed to keep herself occupied and although she had been
studying at a university back on New Terra and had thought about
applying to study here on Arcturia, she wanted a work outlet to meet
new people and do something for the money which she already really
had. In a sense it was her parent’s sense of contributing to galactic
life, especially the voice of her mother, which motivated her to
work. And while the work was gritty and grimy at times, she felt
satisfied that she was doing her part for the galaxy and Arcturia and,
in a sense, paying her dues.



So much so did they get caught up with their lives and their work that
when the New Year came around Kalan forgot all about heading home with
news of James but managed to persuade Xadina that, when their decade
holiday was over, and they returned to New Terra, it would make a
great surprise for his father. Besides, he wouldn’t then have to
worry about changing nappies or coping with a precious child. By ten,
so Kalan assured his sister, James would be well brought up and a
responsible young man. This she really doubted, knowing how much of a
handful Kalan had been in his younger years. But, as an answer to her
objections for not returning home, it was good enough. In fact, now
that she had started university she was in fact also a little
reluctant herself to leave at this time, wishing to concentrate on her
studies and give her best to them.



And so the second year of their sojourn on Arcturia came and went, and
the Kolby children seemed to be quite happy and content living on
their adopted planet, which was a planet of their blood anyway.



As they began their third year Kalan had forgotten all about the real
reason he had left New Terra in the first place. The life of
adventure which had beckoned to him had been replaced by the steady
and calm life of child-rearing and family responsibility. But not all
had forgotten the reason Kalan Rance Kolby had come to Arcturia. And
when, one fine afternoon, a man dressed in red, a priest from the
temple of Daranok, which was a front, a certain Dak Bluddhook, came
visiting the Kolby’s, his mind on a particular avenue of blackmail
which he felt would most definitely bring handsome dividends, the life
of the Kolby children was set to change once more. And this time
their fate would be not so simple. For while Dak was, all things
considered, a congenial enough kind of member of the League of Piracy,
he had a dark streak. A dark streak which the Kolby children would
find out about soon enough.





21



‘What do you want, Bluddhook?’ asked Kalan, bothered by the presence
of the League of Piracy member.

‘Hey, if you were you father’s son you would at least welcome me in
first and get me a beer before asking questions.’

Kalan looked at him, but was determined not to let him in just like
that. ‘I repeat, Bluddhook. What do you want? And how did you find
this address?’

‘It is the Leagues business to know were members and EX-members
reside. Besides, you are not that difficult to trace. Well, you
going to let me in? And how about that beer?’

Kalan looked at him, frustrated, but despite thinking better of it,
allowed him into the front living room of his home. They sat down on
a couch and Dak looked at him anxiously. ‘The beer?’

Kalan went off and fetched a can from his kitchen fridge and returned,
handing it to Dak, who opened it and took a large mouthful.

‘That’s the stuff,’ he said, burping and wiping his mouth. He looked
around Kalan’s apartment.

‘Hey, nice place. I love what you have done with it. Very modern.’

Kalan relaxed a little. Whatever else his father’s old adversary
seemed talkative and friendly enough. Perhaps he needn’t have been so
cautious.

‘My wife, She’ella, decorated it as she saw fit.’

‘And where is the sweetheart?’

‘At my sisters.’

Dak nodded, and took another swig of beer.

‘So tell me, Bluddhook. Why the visit? What business has the league
of piracy got to do with me?’

Dak continued looking around the apartment, but he had heard Kalan’s
question, and eventually turned looking him in the eyes.

‘You know, Kalan. Nobody leaves the League of Piracy on their own
terms. Nobody. We know your father disappeared, and we suspect it
really was him who reclaimed the Sigmorius crown. And because of that
the league really is not that fond of Kolby’s. Believe me, not that
fond.’

‘And what has my father’s actions got to do with me?’

‘You are a Kolby, dear Kalan. You are a Kolby. And, besides, you
yourself were not given permission to leave Draxon like you did. So
the deal is this. If you do a particular task for me. A most
particular task, I will see to it that the League no longer bother’s
you and that the Kolby’s, including your father, have their peace with
the League of Piracy. Do this one last mission for us and we will
never bother you again. You have my word.’

‘And what use is the word of a pirate?’

‘Hey, ask your father. Besides, the League is generally an honourable
enough organisation, despite working on the darker side of the law.
Hell, you know, honour amongst thieves and all that.’

Kalan nodded. Somehow he knew he could relate to that statement.

‘What is the mission, then. I am not saying I will help you. But if
I do, I want your guarantee the league will leave us alone –
permanently.’

‘That I can guarantee you, Kalan Kolby.’

‘So what is the game, then. What do you want?’

‘Something a Kolby should be good at. Really, you should practically
excel at this?’ said Jan, a mad grin on his face.

‘Yeh, what,’ said Kalan, his curiousity aroused.

‘Steal back the fucking Sigmorius crown.’

Kalan looked at him for a moment, and noted the serious look on his
face. And then he himself grinned a little at the irony. ‘Figures,’
he said after a few moments.





22



After a few days Kalan knew he had to speak with his wife of his
dilemma. While he had given Dak his assurance that he would steal the
crown, he was still somewhat reluctant to commit a genuine crime, even
for his family’s safety. And so he spoke with She’ella regarding the
situation and she told him almost instantly to contact Arcturian
authorities. Kalan considered that. For three days he mulled it
over, considering the pros and the cons, but eventually he concluded
that such was the nature of the League of Piracy and so pervasive and
widespread the organisation, that no matter who he told and who was
assigned to him for protection, the league could find him out if they
wanted to. And they could harm his family if they really wanted to.
So, for Kalan Kolby, that risk being to great to take, he agreed,
reluctantly, to go through with the job.



Dak had not contacted him since, but had left contact details. Kalan
was unsure wether Dak himself wanted in on stealing the crown.
Perhaps he wanted to keep his role with the league on Arcturia safely
shielded by his temple front, and not get involved with such things on
a personal basis. So Kalan began by seeing if he could simply steal
the thing himself. A name came to mind, one which his father had
spoken of. A Shadrachian thief by the name of Yelt Trandolin. He was
a master of the art and if anyone could steal the crown, he could.



Kalan mulled it over for a few weeks when Dak finally contacted him
again, to see what Kalan had planned. Kalan told him the job was
under way, and not to worry. He decided to ask if Dak himself wanted
in on the job, but Dak told him to handle it alone for now. But, if
he needed him, he would see what help he could provide.

‘You’re a Kolby. Surprise me,’ was all that Dak really said, placing
confidence in the child of the famous Rimwalker.



Putting in a deep space transmission to Shadrach from Arcturian
Communications, Kalan awaited Yelt’s response. Perhaps he would send
a message signalling no great interest. Or perhaps, hopefully, he
would show up himself. Kalan would have to arrange a fee for Yelt,
but with the value of the crown he was sure that Dak would have no
objections.



He spent the next few weeks awaiting a response and thinking his way
through the situation he was in. Really, he felt he had no real
answer apart from going ahead with the theft. But, in the end, it was
his family’s safety, and they came first. They always came first.



Yelt sent a transmission a few weeks later informing him that,
unfortunately, he could not get away at this time. He had some
suggested contacts, but Kalan was reluctant to use someone he or his
father did not know personally. It had come down to this, he would
have to do the job alone. Still, that was not the end of the world.
Like all thefts, there were problems. But problems were made to be
solved, and the son of the Rimwalker had a reputation going with that
name. If he couldn’t steal the Sigmorius crown, who the hell could.



And so he began making his plans, studying the location of the crown
and as much security detail as he could. It would be difficult, but
with the right plan, perhaps achievable. Really, he had no other
choice.





23



After two solid months of planning, having gone over the presumed
location of the crown, according to media reports, Kalan felt he was
making progress. He had been able to take a guided tour of some of
the Royal facilities near were it was presumed the crown was kept and
with a supposed camera which really had special sensors, he took heat-
signal pictures and with a metal-sensor began drawing up diagrams of
how the crown was protected.



At the end of the third month, he had come to a conclusion. The job
could be done, but he would need a third person to temporarily cut of
Zardrayan power supplies from the main station. Either that or trace,
amongst a million cords, the lines from the compound to the station,
and cut it somewere along the way. In the end Kalan concluded it
would be easier to simply stop the supply of power at the central
station itself, allowing him the necessary time at the final step of
the task, getting through the electronic sensor equipment which was to
well protected at the source to make it viable to crack. He could
only hope they didn’t have a back-up generator, or he was fucked.



He contacted Dak with the information and, with some persuading,
Bluddhook stated bluntly he would have his man when he needed him.



And so Kalan set the date, late on a weekend night, and went through
the final details of the plan.



A week before the job Dak announced he would help out Kalan
personally, to ensure no fuck-up’s in his own words. Kalan had no
objections, and had already worked out the details for shorting the
power station for the 10 to 15 minutes necessary.



All things, now, seemed well. If they followed the plan to the
letter, Kalan was certain they would have the crown. He was quite
certain. Strangely enough, he felt after having looked at how it
could be done, that the Arcturian’s were almost unconcerned wether the
crown was stolen again. It was not as heavily protected as it perhaps
should have been. But Kalan felt an air of the political mood which
perhaps caused such a situation. Democracy had taken hold of Arcturia
in recent years, and the crown was just a figurehead. But more and
more Arcturian’s seemed to demand their own individual rights and it
was becoming viewed by some, especially the returned Landoria and the
influence that she wielded, which was great as a university lecturer,
that the monarchy had served its purpose and could now be done away
with. It was a relic of an era, now over with, and best dismantled
and left to the studies of history students. All of this led Kalan to
assume that the Royals perhaps almost wanted the crown stolen, given
the lack of a first class security system. But all of that was
speculation. For now it was protected, and still valued, and he would
have to be at his best to ensure he got away with the job without
being caught.



And so they waited the day, and Kalan reported to work nervously the
final day of the working week, but went home sick, so he claimed.
They were ready now. The job was to be done.





24



Jan whispered into the microphone. ‘Now!’

Dak Bluddhook, stationed in the basement of Zardray’s central power
station, having made the final few blows to the outer wall, which ran
alongside the sewer system, set the timer on the explosives, and then
hit a button on his wristpad. Up above in the parking lot of the
power station a van exploded into fury, and the workers in the
station, as Kalan had surmised they would, all drifted outside to see
the commotion. And as Dak scurried along the sewers, the explosives
went off, and suddenly the city went dark.



Kalan noticed the blackout instantly, and went to work. He had hidden
inside toilets after the guided tour of the facilities near were the
crown was kept. And now, armed with some small explosives and a bolt
cutter, he proceeded to blow the entrance to the main doors of the
tower were it was presumed the crown was kept. He climbed the stairs
in the darkness, his infra-red goggles showing him the way. The
electricity was still out and all the sensors, fortunately, failed to
register his presence.



He made it to the top of the tower, blew the final door, and came into
were he believed the crown was kept. He was in luck. Not only was
the Sigmorius crown featured on display in the large glass cabinet in
the centre of the room, but various other royal jewels. But he was
only here for the Sigmorius crown, and would not add to Dak’s booty if
he could at all help it.



He shattered the glass with his crow-bar and, grabbing the crown,
waiting for an alarm which did not come, put it into his satchel and
scrambled off.



He made it out onto the street, dressed in black, having carefully
avoided the guard’s who had torches on and were frantically running
around everywhere. Fortunately they were not that greatly trained or
they may have spotted him.



He ran down the street, turned the corner, and got into his vehicle.
Powering up he belted away just as the city power lights came back
on. They’d obviously used an alternative supply, but he had gotten
away just in time. Luck had been on his side.



They had agreed he would head back to his place and in the morning Dak
would show up to claim the crown. After that Dak had suggested both
of them take a temporary holiday from Arcturia, out on Arcturia minor,
and monitor the situation from a distance, ready to escape if needs
be.



As the vehicle sped along Kalan grinned a little. He had done it.
Whatever else, despite it being a crime which he regretted, he had
been successful and proved himself a master-thief in the tradition of
his father. Really, it wasn’t something to be proud of, but he
grinned anyway.



He arrived home and, leaving his gear in the vehicle at the basement
of his apartment, took the satchel and came up by the basement
elevators to his floor. She’ella looked at him when he came in, and
spied the satchel.

‘Did you get it. Well, are we out of trouble with the league?’

Kalan displayed the crown, and sat down, breathing a sigh of relief.

‘Now, remember, if anyone asks I am visiting my father on New Terra
and will be away a while. I have already cleared this with work. But
I don’t think we will be traced. I was too cautious for that.’

‘You better hope so,’ replied She’ella, but silently she was
relieved. Hopefully, soon, the lives of the Kolby’s could get back to
normal, never having to worry about and Sigmorian crowns’ or any
league of piracy ever again.





25



‘We will be on Arcturia minor for about three months at this stage,
sis. But remember, if anyone comes asking, I am visiting dad on New
Terra.’

‘And if they don’t believe me?’

‘Don’t sweat it. They will hardly beat the truth out of you.’

‘You hope.’

‘You’ll be alright. Trust me.’

‘I trust YOU Kalan. But I don’t think I trust that Dak Bluddhook. He
will ditch you if you become a problem. He seems the type to break
loyalties.’

‘I know what you are saying, sis. But don’t worry. I can handle
myself and Dak Bluddhook. Just remember, if any authorities come
asking, I will be back in a few months. They have nothing to worry
about from Kalan Kolby.’

‘I’ll remember. And good luck. You may need it.’

‘Thanks.’



* * * * *



‘So you ready to go?’

Kalan looked at Dak as he came out of his sister’s apartment and
responded gruffly.

‘Let’s get the fuck, going ok. The sooner we are gone the sooner we
can come back.’

‘Three months, Kolby. We do not return for at least three months. By
then if they really wanted to speak with us, they will be searching.
And your sister can tell us all about that if it is an issue. They
will likely speak with her if they are onto us.’

‘Yeh, I guess.’

‘Hey, don’t sweat it kid. Arcturia minor is not the greatest of
places, but the small colony there will do us. It’s only a decade old
now, mainly set up for mining, but they have a small hotel with
accommodation. Nobody will look for us there. I am sure of it.’

‘If you say so.’



They had agreed to take the Wolfklaw, and as they pulled out of
spacedock, Kalan nervously programmed in the co-ordinates for New
Terra. However, a fair distance from Arcturia, changed co-ordinates
for Arcturia minor. It took them over a week, but they found the
hotel and stayed out of sight, ordering room service.



It was a nervous time for Kalan Kolby, and he often worried the way
Dak looked at him, but he would be home soon. Home and back with his
family and all of this league business over and done with. So he
hoped anyway.





26



Despite her brother’s assurance that he could handle Dak Bluddhook,
Xadina could not find it within herself to trust the guy. He seemed
dark – the kind of fellow who would sell his mother for a meal if
starving. And while she wanted to honour her brother’s request, she
felt she had to do something and that is when, lost for ideas, she
contacted home via a deep-space communication signal, requesting her
father come out and meet her on Arcturia.



Two weeks later the response came back that Jan was already on his way
and four weeks later he arrived, Chance in tow. He had come alone.
Whatever the situation with his son, out here on the edge of the
galaxy he felt it best if he was not identified, and few would know
his face, or so he believed.



Xadina did her best to explain to her father the situation and, after
mulling it over, Jan felt it might be best to go out and retrieve his
son. Xadina had stated quite certainly that no Arcturian authorities
had questioned her or been seen looking around her place, and She’ella
reported a similar situation. As such Kalan would not be in trouble
with Arcturia, and Jan felt it worth the risk to now go out and
retrieve his son. Regardless, even if Arcturia found out, Jan was
sure given his new position he could smooth things over with the
Arcturian’s once the situation was explained properly.



Jan decided to travel as incognito to Arcturia minor as possible,
leaving Xadina and Chance behind on Arcturia. He did not want to risk
their safety.



It was his job now. He would find his son, let Dak know the Kolby’s
were finished once and for all with the league of piracy, their
obligations met and dealt with, and persuade Kalan to come home to New
Terra, along with the grand-son he had just gotten to know. Whatever
else, in United Galaxy space they had more bargaining power should
Arcturia ever have concerns.



Travelling on the routine monthly flight from Arcturia to Arcturia
minor Jan feared for his son. He knew Dak – he was a crafty old soul,
always one to be worried about if your back was turned. And while he
would likely treat Kalan honourably to a degree that could change if
the bastard felt an opportunity was his, such as ditching a partner
who could one day blab about a theft. And that concerned Jan
greatly. He would find his son, and deal with Dak Bluddhook once and
for all.





27



The trip to Arcturia minor took a full week and landing at the small
spaceport he figured it would not take long to find his son. There
was a large amount of accommodation for the various miners which
worked on the planet, as well as two hotels. Dak could have contacts
on the planet, and be staying with someone. If that were the case, he
would have to be patient in finding him. But first things first, and
the most obvious, trying the two hotels for those who fitted the
description.



He tried the larger hotel first, at the northern edge of the
spaceport. He gave a description and while the hotel was reluctant to
divulge information on its guests, assured Jan that nobody fitting the
description was staying with them or had been seen.



And so he tried the other hotel. They too were reluctant to divulge
information, but the receptionist winked at him and when he handed
over a large Arcturian credit note, gave him the room number.



Jan came to the room and cautiously knocked on the door. He was not
really sure what to expect, but he had seen the Wolfklaw still in
dock, so assumed they would be here.



After a few moments hesitation Dak Bluddhook opened the door and
looked at Jan Kolby, then letting out a grin.

‘For fuck’s sake, if it isn’t the devil himself. Jan fucking Kolby.
And dressed finely mind you. I guess being King of the Galaxy would
do that to you.’

‘Were is my son, Dak.’

‘Hey, why not come in. Have a beer. Your son is just in the
bathroom, taking a shower. He will join us shortly.’



Jan nodded, came inside, and Dak gave him a beer.



Dak looked at him for a few moments, and then Kalan walked in, bare-
chested, but in his pants, and nodded at his dad.

‘I am not surprised, dad. I figured Xadina might have worried.’

‘And so she should. She has always been the sensible one.’

Jan looked at Dak.

‘Now, Bluddhook. As far as I can tell my son has fulfilled his
arrangement with yourself. Xadina and Kalan’s wife have assured me
that Arcturian authorities are not onto you. They have not been
anywhere near her, and sufficient time has passed. So what do you say
about me and my son leaving now and all league interest in the Kolby’s
being finished for good?’



Dak nodded. ‘Yeh, I suppose that sounds good, Kolby. Good for you,
but.’ And having said that Dak pulled out a phaser he had been hiding
under his pillow. ‘BUT I don’t think I can really take the chance
now. You have influence. Great influence. And I think, for your
son’s reputation, the first thing you will do when you get back to
Arcturia is confess and let them know my location. So, no. I don’t
think you are going anywhere. In fact, fabulous Rimwalker, I think
this is the end of the line for you.’



Kalan grinned. He had suspected this betrayal. For quite a while.
And when a week back he had taken out the power supply from Dak’s
phaser, he now knew it had definitely been the sensible thing to do.



‘Go ahead, Bluddhook. Press the trigger. Go ahead.’

‘If you say so, Kolby,’ replied Dak. ‘Say goodbye!’ But as soon as
he pressed the trigger, it fizzed a little and did nothing else.



‘I threw away the power supply,’ said Kalan. ‘I figured you’d betray
me.’

‘Shit,’ said Dak. ‘Shit. Hey, look, Kolby. Only kidding alright.
No hard feelings, ok.’



‘Bite me,’ responded Kalan.



Jan looked at his son. ‘Ready to go?’

‘Let’s get out of here.’



As they left Jan turned to Dak. ‘It has been good knowing you, Dak
Bluddhook. But we got to run. But see you next time, ok?’

‘You can count on it,’ responded Dak, looking embarrassed.



They left the room, and quickly made their way to the Wolfklaw.
Taking off Kalan looked back. He was free now, all obligations dealt
with. And his life could begin again. In the strangest way the
situation was now resolved and, for Kalan Kolby, seeing Dak Bluddhook
again within the next 50 years would be too soon.





28



As they sped along, headed back for Arcturia, they had been gone from
Arcturia minor for about three hours when, suddenly, out of nowhere,
laser bolts started hammering into the Wolfklaw’s hull.

‘What the fuck is that?’ yelled Jan.

Kalan spoke to the computer who brought up a scan of one of the space
vessels from Arcturia Minor which was now following them, opening
fire. And it was a pretty well armed ship by the looks of it.

‘Who the fuck is it?’ yelled Jan.

Kalan knew. Instantly he knew. ‘Its Bluddhook. He is chasing us.’

‘But why the hell go to this much trouble, just to get rid of us. I
would have thought he wouldn’t worry now.’

‘Its not us he wants,’ replied Kalan.

‘Then what?’

‘The crown. We agreed to leave it in safekeeping on the ship. I
forgot all about it.’

The bolts were still showering into the hull of the Wolfklaw, and Jan
spoke up.

‘We won’t survive long against that ship. But I have an idea.
Computer.’

‘Yes commander Kolby,’ responded the female voice.

‘Take us to the Ark. The space ark near Arcturian minor. The one the
rebels used. Do you remember?’

‘Affirmative, Captain.’



The ship suddenly changed course and, fortunately as they were quite
close already, ten minutes later, avoiding the bolts as best they
could, they docked with the ark and taking the crown, came to the
central command deck.



The other ship was hovering in front of the ark, perhaps deciding on
his next move.



‘What next?’ asked Kalan.

‘This thing is not armed, but I have an idea. Trust me.’

Jan proceeded to destroy the communications devices on board the
central command deck, and alongside his son hid down near the dock,
just away a bit from the Wolfklaw.



As Jan suspected, Bluddhook landed on the Ark and soon, walking right
by them, armed with a new phaser, went off hunting them on the Ark.



‘Ok Kalan, get on board the Wolfklaw. I will be right back.’

Kalan did as his father instructed, and was waiting on board the
Wolfklaw. A few minutes later his father returned and yelled to his
son to get the fuck out of there.



They took off and Kalan asked his dad what he had done.

‘Watch,’ said Kalan.

The screen showed the Ark and then, suddenly, Dak’s ship exploded,
damaging the dock of the Ark as well.

‘What did you do?’ asked Kalan.

‘Set off the auto-destruct. I figured the ship would have one, and I
am used to Arcturian cruisers.’

Kalan nodded, and looked at the ark. ‘Of course, you destroyed the
communication devices, didn’t you? I figured that was what you were
doing.’

Jan nodded.

‘You cunning old fox. He will be stranded there. Perhaps for good.
With a damaged space dock passers by might not bother trying to land.’

Jan nodded again. ‘Hopefully that will be the last we ever see of Dak
Bluddhook and the league of piracy. And thank God for that.’

Kalan laughed. ‘Were to now, dad? Arcturia I presume.’

‘Actually, no. I have another idea. First a certain nearby planet,
and then Arcturia. I have a grudge, Kalan. And it is time to deal
with it once and for all.’

‘Whatever,’ said Kalan perplexed.





29



‘What was this place called again. It really is a hellhole,’ queried
Kalan to his father.

‘Karnak. There is life near the poles, but most of the inner region
is uninhabited desert. But, THAT,’ said Jan, pointing to the ruined
buildings of decayed metal being shown on the screen, ‘that is the
final resting place for perhaps my greatest foe.’

‘And what foe is that?’ asked Kalan, amused.

‘That fucking crown.’



They landed the ship and Jan put on his old boots, took the crown and
headed off. He returned about 20 minutes later and Kalan finally
asked the question.

‘But why here? Why hide the crown on Karnak?’

‘That is a long story, son of mine. A long story. Perhaps I will
tell it to you sometime. Remind me, before I get too old, ok.’

‘Whatever.’



Jan spoke to the computer and the took off back into the atmosphere,
now headed back to Arcturia. The Sigmorius crown, the bane of the
lives of more than one Kolby, had found its resting place. And,
having come home, settled down to another aeon long wait for a new
owner.





30



Jan picked up James, and looked at him. He really was a Kolby,
despite the more Arcturian look of him now. His mother She’ella
looked on nervously, and after a few moments Jan handed his grandson
back to her.



In the time they had been away She’ella had gotten to know her mother-
in-law, Chance, and they had become close friends. Chance had spoken
a number of times about She’ella coming to live on New Terra. She had
been somewhat reluctant at first, not really wanting to leave her
mother, but she had also been attracted to the kind of lifestyle which
Xadina spoke of, and wanted the best for her son James. So she had
acquiesced in the end, and plans were now made for Kalan and Xadina’s
self imposed decade long exile to finish early. Kalan agreed that
he’d had enough adventure for one lifetime and that taking up his role
on New Terra might just be in his own and his son’s own best
interests.



Jan spoke that, assuming the Royal family continued, Kalan would one
day take over from Jan. And then, quite possibly, James take over one
day from Kalan. There were three generations ready to sit on the
throne of the United Galaxy and, as long as they were wanted, the
Kolby’s were happy enough to fill the role.



The flight home was generally uneventful, and as Arcturia disappeared
behind him, Kalan was sad in some ways, but also glad to be heading
back for New Terra which also was his true home. It had been an
adventure for Kalan and Xadina Kolby. A great adventure out here on
the rim, one which he had pursued of his own choice to start with, but
which had taken unexpected turns. But now, in truth, he was glad to
be heading home. He was a family man, with a role in the galaxy. And
the name of Kolby was at stake. Perhaps his choice, one day, would be
seen wise. Perhaps the legacy of the Kolby’s would one day be ever
the more fruitful for Kalan again taking up his responsibilities in
the life of the Galaxy. Perhaps.



Xadina, likewise, was glad to be going home now. Her university
education was unfinished but she had gotten knowledge which was always
the important thing. And, back home, she felt she would continue with
her education and become more of the scholar she perhaps needed to
be. And now, perhaps now, she would be more easy on those suitors who
sought her hand, and say yes to one of them. If seeing the birth of
her nephew James had taught her anything it was that family was a
blessing. A blessing not to turn the nose at but to relish and enjoy,
knowing the peace of heart and joy to the soul it brought.



It took a number of months, but eventually the Kolby’s arrived home,
and the life of the first family of the galaxy returned to its more
normal routine. And, for a while, everything was good. For a while.





31



The time, now, was good. The time, now, was opportune. The time,
now, was right. And so when Jan Kolby proposed to the Galactic
Council of the United Galaxy the expansion outwards from quadrant zero
to encompass the remainder of the known galaxy, most member bodies
approved the idea.



This time, though, Jan sensed it would not be as easy as Galagon had
been. This time they would have a struggle. Although they had much
to offer. Distinct advantages in that respect.



In the years since the formation of the Galactic Council, the system
of currency known as the Galaga had become increasingly widespread
throughout quadrant zero, as the plan had been all along, and from
reports it was viewed as hard currency by many of the outer quadrant
systems as well. In fact, in his brief stay on Arcturia before
departing for home, Kalan had shown him a number of stores in Zardray
which happily accepted Galaga’s. And that was their advantage.



Stressing the distinct advantage of a unified monetary system, and the
free trade which could potentially go along with it, which had
partially been realized in the inner galaxy with strong free trade
agreements between many systems, and a far more flexible immigration
policy abounding, Jan felt the time was definitely right to approach
the outer systems in a similar manner to the way the inner systems had
been approached.



Naturally, he had worries about some systems. The Drongan empire, for
example, were he had been a slave, might prove particularly difficult
to win to the idea.



But, nevertheless, the time was right for expansion, and most UG
members felt it was as good as time as any.



Working on this project occupied many of Jan’s hours, often working
deep into the night, planning strategy and approach for various
civilizations. He now had a fair idea of just what citizens inhabited
the Milky Way Galaxy, and had become fluent in over 30 widely spoken
languages of the inner and outer quadrants. Mastering all in his
brief lifespan would have proved impossible, but translation devices
were very popular in New Terra and communicating with them all never
proved that difficult. Still it was always an advantage to know the
language, and one night of Jan’s week had always been put aside for
language lessons.



When he reached 75 it was deemed the time was right. The council
approved of the official outreach to the outer galaxy and delegates
and documentation strewed forth. It was now just a matter of time for
Jan Kolby. Now just a matter of time.





32



Kalan sat in one of the greater lounges of the Royal palace, his son
on the carpet on the floor in front of him, playing with some toys.
He had grown in the last few years, and was talking well for his age.



At that moment Xadina walked in and, waving to Kalan, asked if he
would join her for a walk. He pushed a buzzer and when a maid shortly
came in he asked her to watch James.



Coming out onto a balcony, with steps leading down into the impressive
royal gardens, Xadina stood on the balcony, looking out at Televere.



‘We have been blessed, really, haven’t we Kalan.’

‘Yes, I guess. But why say such a thing now? We have always known
how lucky we are.’

‘I guess,’ she continued, brushing her hair with her hand. ‘I guess,
living on Arcturia changed my perspective somewhat. I mean, working
as a waitress I met a lot of people, many of which are living lives so
totally unlike our own. So many of them struggle to make ends meet,
having poor jobs or education disadvantages. And not everyone is as
bright as the average, which makes it so hard for some families to get
by.’

‘Yeh, I know sis. But that really is life. It is the way things are
in the real world, as dad would see. And while I feel for many
people, we can’t help everyone right away. We can only do what we
do. Which is, I guess, why what dad does is so important. Perhaps,
more than anything else, if the UG does extend outwards and free trade
grows, it will inevitably mean a better quality of life for all
citizens of the galaxy. Free trade means greater opportunities for
business. Without the incessant costs of tariffs, which only reward
selfish civilizations, greater equity will spread and benefit all of
us. So, you know sis, while it is so very admirable of you to feel
this way, something is being done about it. I mean, something has
always been done about it. For millennia mankind worked on this
problem, as all civilizations do, and we have always continued to
improve our quality of life. It’s getting better for everyone.
Slowly, inevitably, it is getting better for everyone. Believe me.’

Xadina nodded, taking in that lengthy speech.

‘Of course, you are right Kalan. You are always right. But, whatever
else, I am so grateful for the life dad and mum have brought us up to
live. We are so blessed, really. So very blessed.’

Kalan nodded, empathising.



Xadina continued staring out at the city for some time and then,
eventually, perhaps having reached some conclusions, turned to her
brother and asked him to walk with her in the gardens.



As they walked along, Xadina seemed thoughtful, as if the thoughts she
had expressed weighed heavily on her. Kalan admired that in his
sister. She had a good heart, really. Like her mother in that
respect. And it only made him gladder that God had brought Xadina
Omega Beltana Kolby into his life.



Eventually she spoke. ‘Whatever else, dear brother, I am glad we are
free from that Dak Bluddhook. I feared him, you know. He seemed to
have a dark edge which I think neither you or dad really noticed. I
am glad he is stuck on that station. I am so glad of that.’

‘If he is even still alive. But mum said the ark had years of basic
ration supplies, apart from the food they grew on the ark. He is
probably right now eating crackers and drinking recycled water. But
such is the reward for a rogue, I guess.’

‘Let’s hope so.



They walked for some time more, and sat down on a concrete bench.
Kalan sat, thinking over Dak Bluddhook who he had forgotten about, and
like Xadina expressed, glad to see the back of him. The sat for a
while, looking over the garden, oblivious to the identity which had
just gotten past the security barriers and was now just a few metres
away from them, armed with a phaser, staring at his foes. It would be
a shock for the Kolby children. A most definite shock, and one which
they were just about to experience.



33



As they sat there, oblivious to the figure watching them, Kalan spoke
up. ‘You know, Dak was a dangerous fellow Xadina. But that is a
pirate for you. But we Kolby’s are a tough breed, don’t forget that.
We can handle the league of piracy.’

Just then the figure emerged, pointed his phaser at them, and spoke.

‘Hey there punks. So you can handle the league, huh. Well we’ll see
about that alright. We’ll see about that.’

Kalan and Xadina turned their heads, and Xadina screamed. Of all the
possible people in galaxy full of people, this was not one she could
have expected to have seen again. And as Dak Bluddhook pointed his
phaser at them, motioning for them to get up and walk carefully,
Xadina was internally distraught, overcome by the situation.



He directed them to a vehicle and had Kalan sit in the front seat,
Xadina next to him. Sitting in the back seat, with the phaser pointed
at Kalan’s back, he said, ‘Remember, no mistakes. You and your sister
are dead unless we get out of here alive.’

Kalan nodded. There would be no mistakes.



They drove to the gates, and Kalan pushed a button in the car which
automatically opened them. The guard looked at the Kolby’s as they
drove out, but said nothing.



Halfway down the street Xadina had had enough. She opened the door
and jumped out quick enough that Dak could do nothing. Running back
to the palace gates, yelling, she turned and saw the vehicle speed
off.



Getting to the gate she yelled at the guards, but the vehicles were
further up the driveway and by the time they had gotten them started
and reached the road, Kalan and Dak were nowhere to be seen.



He had gotten his revenge after all. Dak Bluddhook had gotten his
revenge after all. And that night, as Xadina told the sad story to
her father, Jan Kolby made up his mind to deal with Dak Bluddhook once
and for all. And this time for the very final time. The very final
time.





34



Kalan pulled at the cords at his wrist. It was no use, they were
tightly tied. He would just have to sit this one out.



He sat there for over an hour when, finally, Dak came back onto the
command deck.



‘We are nearly there, lad. Soon you will meet your fate. Don’t
worry, it will be quick. Heh heh. Yeh, it will be quick.’ But the
sadistic look on Dak’s face suggested to Kalan that his apparent death
would be anything but quick.



‘You know, if you had played your cards right and blown the ark, you
wouldn’t be in the situation you are now in. But you’re a Kolby
aren’t you? Soft in the end.’

‘We are not murderers Dak. We are lawful people, unlike some.’

‘Coming from the man who stole the Sigmorius crown. That’s a bit
much, don’t you think.’

‘I had no choice. You know that better than I do.’

‘Choice!’ yelled Dak. ‘There is always a choice. But, never-mind.
That is in the past. The future is what is important now, Kalan
Kolby. And I am afraid the news is in. Yours aint looking so good.’

‘Jan will stop you, Dak. He did before – he will again.’

‘I hope so. Finishing off the final thorn in my flesh would be a
perfect way to start my retirement. In fact, I am really counting on
your father following the trail I have left him. It will be good
riddance to the scourge of the Kolby family from the galaxy.’

‘Go to hell,’ yelled Kalan.

‘Temper, temper. Still, I would be swearing my head off if I was in
your situation. But, it is only temporary. Soon I will have my
vengeance. Soon and very soon.’

Dak sat there, grinning madly, while Kalan silently prayed that his
father was indeed following his trail. His very life depended on it.





35



The trail Bluddhook had left Jan was indeed pretty easy to follow. He
made his way from station to station, always travelling in the same
direction, and when Extar IV came into view on the Wolfklaw’s viewer
screen, Kolby sensed this was the planet Bluddhook had been aiming
for. And not surprisingly so. The inhabitants were barbarians,
cannibalism a popular sport. If Dak wanted Kalan disposed of in the
nastiest way possible, Extar IV would be a suitable candidate.



He scanned the planet for three days and was thinking to himself to
resume his search and leave Extar, when he found a ship.



Landing, armed with his phaser, he came to the ship and found the port
hatch open. Perhaps he was expected.



Coming in he found traces of activity and found some torn cloth of a
jacket which appeared to belong to Kalan. He was here, alright.
Somewere.



He returned to the Wolfklaw, grabbed some sensor equipment, and began
his search. The equipment was advanced, the latest New Terran
technology. And finding two biped creatures only a few kilometres
away, walking steadily towards a large crater like outcropping, Jan
began his pursuit.



It took him half a day, but he closed in on them slowly and, coming
into a clearing, looked up and saw his son dangling from a rope,
hanging over the centre of the crater. Just then a loud gurgling
sound came from the crater and looking down he could see it was not a
crater at all. It was the nesting ground of some hideous creature.
The kind of creature which probably would take Kalan as an appetizing
offering.



With his equipment he knew were Dak was. In the bushes, out of
sight. He could shoot now. Really he could. But he couldn’t risk
it. Kalan could be shot down instantly and his son would be dead
before he could reach him. He would have to play this one cautiously.



Just then Dak yelled out. ‘I know you are there, Kolby. I have known
for hours now. Come on, free him if you dare. Hey, I give you my
word I won’t interfere.’



Jan surmised the situation. He was stuck. If he moved, Dak would
kill him or even his son instantly. Yes, he was stuck. He would have
to think quick. And just then, the old ways returned to him, and he
had an idea. Hopefully, a brilliant idea.



‘Ok Bluddhook. I surrender. Give me your word you won’t harm Kalan,
and you can have me. Me for my son. Do we have a trade?’



There was silence for a few moments, as if Bluddhook was considering
just that, and as he was Jan took his gambit. Hopefully Dak was
distracted, thinking over his offer. And as he climbed up to the
place he thought he was, finding him suddenly, Dak turned and took a
shot. Jan evaded the shot and shot at Dak’s phaser, blasting it out
of his hand with his dead eye.



Dak looked at his hand, stunned, noting the burn mark on his skin. He
looked at Kolby, and smiled that smile Dak Bluddhook was famous for.

‘Hey, Jan. Good to see you old buddy. Hey, we can settle this like
gentlemen, can’t we. The old fashioned way, huh. Perhaps a game of
cards, you know. A gamble.’

‘I don’t think so, Bluddhook. You have worried the Kolby’s for the
last time.’ Pointing his phaser right at him, he said, ‘Let down
Kalan. Let him down, NOW. Or you will be rotting in that creatures
belly tonight.’

‘Sure thing, buddy. Just don’t shoot ok.’



Dak proceeded to lower Kalan down by the rope, and pulled him to the
safety of the ledge which was propped out over the crater.



When Kalan was safe on the ledge, Jan momentarily lowered his phaser
to check his son, when Dak pounced. They wrestled, then. They
wrestled and years of frustration went into the figure of Jan
Sebastian Kolby, as he wrestled with his own personal demon. They
came closer and closer to the edge of the ledge when they both stood,
and Dak hit Jan. Jan grabbed his collar in return and Dak was left,
feet right near the edge, hanging over.
Dak looked at Jan, and then looked down into the pit, observing the
creature which had emerged. He returned his look to Jan and spoke.

‘Hey, you wouldn’t kill an unarmed fellow, would you? Come on.’

Jan looked at him, smiled and said. ‘Ok. Have it your way,’ and
threw the phaser at Dak. Dak managed to grab it but, in the quick
action, slipped and falling backwards, vainly shooting off the phaser,
fell to the pit below. The lizard like creature pounced, and within
two bites had swallowed his victim whole.



Jan looked down. It was over. It was finally over. He turned to his
son Kalan, checked his pulse, and found him still alive. He brought
out smelling salts which he had brought with him, waved them under
Kalan’s nose, and his son soon woke. He looked at his father, and
then alarmed asked, ‘Bluddhook. Were is he?’

‘Digesting,’ responded Jan, looking downwards.

Kalan likewise turned his gaze downwards, noted the creature now
returning to the pit, and grinned at his father. ‘Good bye and good
riddance to bad luck.’

‘You can say that again,’ responded Jan. And Kalan laughed.





36



As they traced their way back to the Wolfklaw, Kalan still somewhat
drowsy, Kalan began relating some of the things Dak had said.

‘Well, he had been stuck on the Ark for three months, so he told me.
Eating crackers and drinking water, as he couldn’t work out how to
grow the food. And then he had found an escape pod on the other side
of the Ark which we had not known about, and made his way back to
Arcturia Minor. And from there back to Arcturia. And then he planned
his revenge, until he kidnapped Xadina and myself.’

Jan nodded. It did not surprise him that the Ark had an escape pod.
Still, he had not known the vessel that well, and it was something
easy enough to overlook. Chance had never mentioned it, so they had
just gotten unlucky. But, that was over with now. Now Dak Bluddhook
was a memory, never to surface again. And his dealings with league of
piracy once and for all dealt with.’



When they got him Kalan soon returned to his regular life and late one
night Jan chuckled at the memory of Dak and, just for the hell of it,
raised a private toast to the fallen pirate. Whatever else, he had
made life interesting for the Kolby’s. Whatever else he had certainly
done that.





37



And now, perhaps the final major act of Jan Kolby’s illustrious life
beckoned. The final shaping of the United Galaxy outwards, to claim
the entirety of the known Galaxy and galactic life.



A year after having sent out the delegates and documentation, similar
to the manner of the original Galagon proposal, they had gotten enough
positive responses to make expanding the UG outwards to Quadrants 1,
2, 3 & 4 a viable proposition. Quadrant 1 was the weakest response,
which was not surprising given the divergent array of life there,
quite different to the standard bipedal forms of the other quadrants.
But regardless they still had a majority of advanced civilizations in
that quadrant assent to the idea, including the Drongans who view Jan
Kolby with great favour.



It took another 5 years of solid planning, but eventually the
inaugural meeting of the first United Galaxy entire Galactic Assembly,
constituting all 5 outer quadrants and the inner quadrant took place.



There had been some questions from certain new members about the
suitability of a Monarchy to oversee the UG, but it was not an
important enough issue for most to make admission into to the Galactic
Council untenable.



And so, at 80 years of age, the illustrious Jan Kolby, the famous
Rimwalker, was declared by many Absolute Monarch of the known Milky
Way galaxy.



Reflecting on this privately with his wife Chance, he knew his destiny
had now been fulfilled. He had risen as high as he possibly could in
life, and now it was only a matter of responsibility and enjoying the
vast privileges which had been given to him.



The Galaga was gradually circulated outwards and within another 7
years the Galaxy had its first unified currency, generally accepted on
over 90% of Galactic civilized planets.



It was around then that Xadina started speaking with her father and
reminding him constantly that the Kolby’s, as a family, served the
galaxy rather than the galaxy serving them. They had been highly
honoured, but as Xadina saw it that meant responsibility so much more
so than luxury. And due to that, as a family, they restrained
themselves more greatly than they otherwise might have from some of
the lavishness of the past that they had grown accustomed to. For
Xadina the name of Kolby was meant to be a valued and respected name.
Not one of a pampered and out of touch royalty.



Jan saw the wisdom in his daughter, and appreciated her humility.
Perhaps of all the Kolby family Xadina represented ideals which they
all looked up to. She certainly made for a proud father.



So, as Jan turned 81 and then 82, getting on in life, but still
feeling he had a few years left in him, he grew to understand even
more so the notion of service and denoting oneself to a higher purpose
and a higher power. And with that attitude the Kolby’s became more
than just a royal family. They became decent and real people. The
kind of people everyone respects.





38



At 44 years of age, Xadina finally married. He was a human male, a
New Terran citizen, from one of the charities that Xadina was patron
over. And a very dedicated hard working soul. Jan had not been
surprised at Xadina’s choice. Having met the lad in the palace, and
knowing the kind of person Xadina had grown into, Radric Taylor seemed
the perfect match for Xadina Kolby. And they got along extremely
well.



Their first child, Jason, was born to them a year after the marriage,
and Jan now found himself with 2 children and three grand-children,
with Kalan siring a daughter just the year before, little Brione.



More and more as he aged Jan turned his attention to family duties and
saw that as an important part in the role of being a royal family. He
had been carefully tutoring Kalan and, when he passed some time in the
future, expected his son to prove an admirable addition to the name of
the Kolby family, which he had already time and again proven.



But, at 88 Jan still felt young. Of course, humans lived up to record
old ages these days, especially on New Terra, and Chance, who looked
much younger than himself now, assured him that she could get another
half a century or so out of him, which Jan fondly hoped to be true.
But, he itched now to turn his hand to something else, some other part
of his life which needed a memory, a more tangible legacy to leave
behind and be remembered by. And in that idea, he began his memoirs.
He would try to be as accurate as he possibly could, not leaving out
even hurtful details, making an honest account. And, although he had
so much to say, he would ensure he delved into the most important
issue that had come to the life of Jan Kolby. Service. Service to a
cause, a higher power, a way of life, which all could look up to.
Inspired by his daughter on that issue he wrote his memoirs with
vigour and passion and after 3 years of solid work surmised that he
had generally finished them. All that they really needed now was some
final closing words. But sitting up late one night, having finished
the memoirs, he looked at the clock. It was late, and Chance would be
up waiting. He could write in the morning. Leave it till then, and
then he would be finished, his work complete.





39



“I think, in this long life I have lived, that no greater legacy can I
leave behind me than my family. Those who tread further on into the
gene-pool of the Kolby family, displaying in youth the swagger so
common to the males, and the maturity so common to the fairer gender.
Yes, family is the greatest legacy any son of Adam and Eve can ever
hope to be given. And for this legacy I thank the One, the father of
all, who brought us all to be for his glory and our own. To him we
are all indebted. I would like to close these memoirs by saying some
simple words, and quoting a prayer. A prayer of a friend most dear to
me, now gone from us. And the words are these: whatever you do in
life, do well. For the past is gone from us, and the future beckons
us on, but limitless days none of us can really claim. So in the time
given to you in this thing called life, live it well and set a mark
which will not be soon forgotten. Whatever else, I encourage you dear
reader, do that. And now, a prayer. And farewell.”



Our father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses,

As we forgive those who have trespassed against us.

And deliver us lord from every evil.

For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, world without end,
amen.





40



At 99 Jan was waiting. Careful with his health, which was still quite
good, but carefully and anxiously waiting for the day. Kolby’s did
not often reach the century mark, and while a great celebration had
been planned, he did not want to disappoint anyone by not making the
date. So he was extra careful with what he ate, and did not do
anything too dangerous. Those were shenanigans of the past, now well
beyond him.



And then the day came, the big centenary, and a celebration was held,
people all over New Terra joining in. Their King had made the big
one, and all were happy.



It was at that time Jan began looking forward, and in a way looking
back. He reflected on the long life of adventure that he had lived.
It had indeed had its pivotal moments. One key moment after another,
each leading him on in a pathway of destiny known only to God
himself. And as he had followed along in that pathway of destiny Jan
had grown to trust in the One and learned to place his life in his
mighty hands.



But now, at 100, and still feeling good, he looked forward. Whatever
else he was not done yet. Whatever else he still had some years left,
and looked now to just how he might fill them in.



In a strange way, he still had some unfulfilled youthful ambitions.
And when he joined an indoor cricket team, the team being honoured to
have him, he trained methodically and carefully considering his age,
but surprised himself by performing well and being a solid contributor
to the team’s success that season.



He played the game for a couple of years, but then gave it away.
There was something else. Something which hungered within him, but
what he was not sure.



He shared his dilemma with his wife who said he was just bored. He
had met all his life challenges, and run out of them. And now he was
just bored, looking for something to do.



Nevertheless Jan Kolby continued that way for the next year and a half
when news struck. News which Jan may have hungered for in a most
passionate way for a while, but which he now regretted ever longing
for. It was devastating news, and threatened he had worked his whole
life to build.



The nearest neighbouring galaxy to their own was Andromeda. But much
of Andromeda was largely uncharted, and they had very sketchy details
of other ones. But when, presumably coming from the direction of
Andromeda, an enormous fleet had come into their galaxy and was
steadily conquering planets and civilizations, all falling before its
onslaught, Jan knew the ultimate test had come. The ultimate and
final test for Jan Sebastian Kolby.







PART FOUR



‘The Challenge’







1



Zendar Driavnaki, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of his
Imperial Majesty, the most high Cheng Tannia, Lord of the Cheng’tai
Empire, conquerors of Andromeda, looked at the figure before him.
Could he really trust an Arcturian, and such a pathetic looking one as
this with one of his hands badly mutilated. Still, the inner region
of the Milky Way would be more challenging to defeat and any help they
had in being able to overcome their foes would be considered useful by
his Lord Tannia whom he served dutifully.

The translators were turned on and Zendar spoke to the human.

‘You say you know the Emporer of the United Galaxy personally. That
you have met him.’

‘And I know his weaknesses,’ responded the human. ‘The matter is
simple. Entrust to me a certain amount of gold and a high position in
your empire and I will show you how to defeat him. Attack him at his
weakest point.’

Zendar considered this. He was an Arcturian, perhaps even a pawn of
the enemy, but he would listen for now. Their goal of universal
conquest could proceed much more smoothly with useful information the
human perhaps could offer.

‘Very well, Bluddhook. Dak Bluddhook. We will listen to what you
say.’

And Dak grinned widely, holding his mutilated hand carefully.





2



Jan looked at the figure before him. Funnily enough, of all things to
survive the invading Andromedan Empire, he didn’t expect an elderly
female human. But Shianna Dessentey was anything but an ordinary
woman from what Jan had gotten to know of her. She had dwelt, so she
said, amongst the citizens of the Cheng’tai Empire for several years,
before recently returning to her home Galaxy. And she had come to Jan
with information on the culture and plans of the Cheng’tai. They had
been speaking for an hour in the Imperial Palace on New Terra, Jan
showing his hospitality to a lady nearly as old as himself.

‘But above all, Jan. Above all things I have shared with you of the
Cheng’tai, they favour honour. Honour is sacred to them.
Sacrosanct. If they enter into an agreement they would rather die
than betray their families honour. It is central to their whole way
of life. It stems from an early monotheistic religion of their
community – the way of the ‘Tai’. Tai favours honour as the greatest
virtue done in the sight of God. Honour is central to everything.’

‘So they believe in the creator,’ commented Jan.

‘Most. But they are like us in many ways as well, with great
doubters.’

Jan nodded. He had been forming an opinion of what they were up
against and he needed to know both his enemies strengths and
weaknesses to ultimately prove successful against them.

‘Well, thank you Shianna. My wife Chance will escort you to your
bedroom as we hope to have you stay with us a few nights for further
discussions. But I can see you are tired now so I will let you rest.’

‘Thank you,’ she replied, as they returned to a living room were
Chance was seated and Jan indicated for Chance to take Shianna to the
guest quarters. When Chance had returned she got down on her knees in
front of Jan who had sat down and looked up at him. ‘Was what she
said useful? Do we have new knowledge for understanding our enemy.’

Jan took her hands and looked at her. ‘I know Arcturia has fallen,
sweetie. I know you are worried for your family. But this may be a
long hard war. A long, hard and bitter war. Even now we are working
overtime on research and development into our united galaxy military
and spending an untold amount of Galaga’s on building our fleet. It
will be close, but while I fear much of the outer sectors will fall by
the time we are ready to defend ourselves, when we are ready we will
give them a fight to remember.’

‘One of the few things I have heard is that slavery and tributes are
paid to the Cheng’tai in Andromeda. Is that true?’ queried Chance.

‘It appears to be the case and Shianna has confirmed that. This
Empire is like the ancient Roman one on earth in some ways. They want
to build their civilization but are not necessarily intent on
destroying all who stand in their way. Simply to make them submissive
to their authority.’

‘Then Arcturia may be safe.’

‘For now I wouldn’t worry, Chance. It is conquered but they won’t
destroy it – that is not in their interests. When they fight a bitter
opponent they like to teach them a lesson, but for those who surrender
quickly, like Arcturia did, they simply send in forces to rule them.
Our family is safe. Do not worry.’

Chance nodded, trusting her husband, but she was not completely
consoled.



Jan got to his feet and walked over to the window to look out over the
city. It would be a struggle, and it would be a close thing, but he
had faith they would be ready in time. He just prayed that would be
the case.





3



Fortunately for Jan Kolby the inner quadrant did in fact have enough
time. The Cheng’tai from the furthest reaches of the Andromedan
galaxy opposing them had taken millennia in building their forces
ready for the imperial goal of universal conquest. It was strange, in
a way, as they sought, ultimately, the same goal as the United Galaxy
– that of providing peace for all their citizens and a unified
economic system in which prosperity could be attained. But Andromedan
civilizations, in general, while about as hostile as those of the
Milky Way galaxy on average, had a strong penchant for individuality
and uniting them, in Cheng’tai belief, could only be achieved by a
strong Empire dedicated to ruling others. It was in Cheng’tai
philosophy in their long term best interests to conquer the other
civilizations in their galaxy to provide a framework in which their
own ongoing prosperity could be achieved – before it was denied them
by any potential opposing force. The Cheng’tai had studied from a
distance the United Galaxy since its formation and feared that one
day, potentially, their stance of peace would turn to hostility in a
goal of conquering the universe. And so they had decided upon
attacking this galaxy first of all in its own universal goals of
conquest after they had completed conquest of Andromeda.



But, while they had attacked as soon as possible in the hope of
gaining the upper hand they were still somewhat limited in resources
and stretched in maintaining the territories they had already gained.
And that, after 10 years of war, is were Jan Kolby saw his advantage.
The Andromedans had not bothered after a few years of conquest of
reaching too much further into the United Galaxy. They had conquered
the outer shell and monitored it and were seemingly satisfied with
that. Jan knew, instinctively, why. The Cheng wanted to prevent the
UGs own efforts in establishing a universal federation, and by
blocking their frontier to other galaxies the Cheng made null the
potential of expansion for the UG. Because of this they merely, for
now, needed to keep the UG in check and one day, when strong enough,
complete their mission. And that was the general conclusion of the
high council on New Terra and the personal thoughts of Jan Kolby.
But, as the Andromedan enemy likely new, they had been steadily
building their resources and would soon be ready for the counter-
attack. The UG had invested heavily in research and development and
had much new space military technology to use against their foes. It
would be soon, the counter-attack. Soon. And then, if successful,
they may have to begin the sensitive path of establishing protocols of
peace with their Andromedan adversary. For if not that a long, bitter
and bloody war awaited both of them and Jan was sure that was
something neither side really wanted or desired.





4



‘So what exactly does it do?’ queried Jan to the Allegiance scientific
military officer in front of him.

‘Well sir, it is like an old fashioned gun in a way. By that I mean
it utilises metal, which is the best choice for the ammunition. We
could use other substances if needed but metal works best.
Essentially we have balls of metal as large as, so far, 100 metres in
diameter which are placed in the vortex and flung at the opposition.
An old fashioned cannon in a sense. But the real advantage to these
cannons is that they fling the metal at incredible velocities, so fast
that they will break through easily any force shield and metal hulls
of ships and cripple them completely. In brief, we create a
gravitational force through our gravitons behind the ammunition and in
front of it and fling it through space like a gravitational slingshot
towards where they need to go. Traditional phaser technology and
nuclear technology are somewhat effective, but can be defended against
quite easily. Sound phasers, sending out incredibly loud noise blasts
are somewhat effective but can also be neutralized. But the oldest of
all military weapons, an old fashioned cannon, when fired incredibly
fast is brutally effective and practically impossible to defend
against. And it becomes more effective against our foes bigger ships
with the larger ammunition.’



Jan chuckled to himself. Of all things – of all things the UG could
possibly conceive of – an old fashioned cannon seemed like the
strangest of choices. But funnily enough, with the sheer power
available to them with graviton technology, it may be the most
effective weapon at their disposal.



‘I would like to state, sir, that we have considered so many other
forms of attack, including the various electronic signals, radio and
so on and various other forms of attack which utilise wave technology
and most of them can be defended against. Biological attack is
difficult in space and not that effective. As strange as it sounds
sir and as old fashioned as it may be, brutal cannons seems to be our
best weapon. We have invested heavily and have a large array of
weaponry based on such graviton technology.’

‘Very good,’ said Jan, and saluted to the officer, who turned and
left. He continued staring out over the vast weapons manufacturing
facility and thought to himself that they would be ready soon. It was
with old fashioned brute power they would be fighting this war. But
it was the best they had come up with and hopefully, of all types of
attack they could formulate, would get the job done.





5





Jan was 112 when the counter-attack began. But he didn’t feel his age
and in fact felt obligated not to. New Terran medicine meant if he
did all the right things he could still expect another decade or so of
good health and that was of fundamental importance to Jan Kolby. They
were depending on him, now, the United Galaxy. He was their
figurehead, their champion in a way. Sure, he could be replaced, but
he knew the effect he had on the morale of people and wanted to ensure
his dietary and exercise regime were perfect to give him as many more
years in what could be a long war as possible. His son, Kalan, was
now getting old as well and looked like he would succeed Jan in his
work, but for now the responsibility belonged to Jan Kolby, and he
would do his best for all he looked over.



They had decided to attack some of the weaker Cheng’tai held sectors
first of all and, fortunately, they were met with only minimal
resistance. It was UG policy to take prisoners of war as they had no
intent of showing themselves a barbaric people and, after the first
successful waves of attack they had to deal with a few hundred
thousand Cheng’tai prisoners which were dutifully sent to inner
quadrant planets prepared for this work.



After a year of such hostilities Jan was thinking that the Cheng’tai
may have practically given up in their attempts to hold the Milky Way,
but inevitably a response came and the Cheng met up with a major
portion of their fleet in the ‘Skartaris’ Sector, in what became known
as the Battle for the Skats, what Skartarins were known as. It was a
brutal three month campaign, with enormous casualties on both side,
but as the Andromedans gradually withdrew Jan knew they had achieved a
costly but decisive victory. Skartaris came back to the UG and
finally officially joined the UG as they had been informal members
only and, with the return of the Skartaris Sector the UG was ready to
plow ahead with its major attack – the battle for Quadrant Three.
Most of the other Quadrants were now again in UG control, but Quadrant
Three was the closest quadrant to Andromeda and that was now the focus
of the next series of engagements. But this time Jan knew victory
would not come easily. The Cheng’tai, from their surveillance
reports, had been steadily building forces in quadrant three which
meant they were settling in for a long war. It would be a war which
would test the resolve of the UG in its ambition for galactic unity
and freedom, but it was a war of necessity and everyone knew they
could not back down.





6



Dak Bluddhook looked over the various reports from Cheng’tai
surveillance on the various appointments to Allegiance military. They
had a number of undercover operatives who supplied them with the
information they needed as they presumed the opposition now had as
well. He was looking for something, something which he had
anticipated finding and now, looking at one particular notice,
smiled. ‘Kalan Kolby, appointed Vice-Commander to the UG Allegiance
command ship Wolfklaw II.’ Bingo. He had what he needed.



* * * * *



Zendar did not usually like his sleep being interrupted but when the
junior officer persuaded him that the human Dak Bluddhook needed to
see him urgently he finally agreed.

‘What is it Bluddhook?’ said Zendar, coming into the official lounge
of the Command Cruiser ‘The Imperial Cheng’.

‘Good news, Zendar. Very good news. I have found something which you
need to know.’ He handed him the electronic tableau and Zendar read
the writing. He looked to Dak.

‘Kalan Kolby? Is there a relation to Jan Kolby?’

‘He’s his son.’

Zendar nodded and stroked his chin. ‘And how is this useful to us?’

‘I kidnapped Kalan once. Nearly got away with it before Jan rescued
him and flung me into a pit monster which mutilated this hand,’ he
said, waving his mutilated hand in front of Zendar. ‘But the point is
this; Kolby will do anything for his son’s safety. He will come and
rescue him and put other lives in danger to preserve his own seed.’

‘Your point?’

‘Make it a point of capturing the Wolfklaw Mark II. Capture Kolby
alive. We will have enormous bargaining power with the UG if we are
successful.’

Zendar again stroked his chin and nodded. It was one of the most
basic of all tactics, ransom. But it could work wonders for them. He
slapped Bluddhook on the back with his large hand and said, ‘Come.
Let us go get some Cheng Ale. This could be a good night.’ Bluddhook
nodded, following the commander, gingerly holding his mutilated hand.





7



‘I am afraid, Chance, that of all the regions in quadrant 3, Arcturia
will be one of the most heavily defended now. It is right out near
the rim and one of the first ports of call from Andromeda. It won’t
be taken back easily. But what am I saying, we may not get to
Arcturia for years. This campaign is really only just under way and
there are thousands of battles still ahead of us. I just can’t say
when we will see our family again.’

Chance Kolby nodded, saddened somewhat, but used to the situation.

‘I know this war has cost us so many lives so far, Jan. I know that.
And I know the Andromedans are unlikely to relent of their goals. But
can we somehow sneak a cruiser into Arcturia and rescue the family?’

‘I am afraid it will likely be too heavily guarded. And if we run the
risk of letting the enemy know I have family on Arcturia their lives
will inevitably be in far greater danger. I hope you understand. I
mean, I am taking a risk already with Kalan on the Wolfklaw II. If
they knew who he was, well, they could use it against us. But I don’t
think they do know. There are numerous Kolby’s in Allegiance, after
all.’

‘But not that many Kalan Kolby’s.’

‘No,’ he replied softly, trying to console his wife.



The two of them were currently on the Allegiance command ship, ‘The
Spectre’, on the edge of the inner quadrant, not far from quadrant 3.
The Cheng’tai did not control all of quadrant 3, but most of the outer
parts of it. They had yet to delve completely into the inner galaxy,
fortunately enough for the UG. The last few months Jan had been co-
ordinating, along with his military officers, the gradual repulsion of
the Cheng’tai from quadrant 3. They’d had some success in various
sectors, but so had the Cheng. At this stage it was something of an
even battlefield with a victor too hard to yet predict.



By this time Jan had received a large number of surveillance reports
from the activities in Andromeda of the Cheng. It seemed that they
had not spent all their resources in trying to win the Milky Way, but
were securing up their own galaxy and moving into others around them.
The UG was just one of the Cheng’s goals by the looks of it. And now,
remembering the earlier viewpoint that the Cheng had surrounded the
UGs inner quadrant with the goal of preventing the spread of their
growing Universal Federation, Jan had been giving thought to just that
idea. Quadrant’s 1, 2 and 4 were now largely under the UG dominion.
Most stellar systems in these quadrants had joined the UG now upon
liberation from their Andromedan oppressors. Jan didn’t really expect
them all to remain in the long term should they prove ultimately
successful against the Cheng. But with the UG now at its largest
membership point, they were ready to approach alternative Galaxies in
an attempt at enlarging their galactic federation to a universal one.
And while the Andromedans were the thorn in their side to perhaps
dissuade other nearby galaxies taking an interest it was just that
threat itself – the threat of the Cheng – which just might prove a
useful bargaining chip for the other galaxies own best interests. And
if that were the case a growing United Federation of Galaxies might
just be in its formative stages. Time would soon tell.





8



The galaxy which was commonly known as ‘Shemray’ throughout the UG, on
the opposing side to Andromeda, was the first galaxy in the new agenda
of the UG to begin its ‘United Federation of Galaxies and Stellar
Systems’, commonly abbreviated to UFGSS. They had known for many
years that Shemray had millions of loose federations of systems, but
no concrete United Galactic system apart, funnily enough, from a
concoction of trade agreements in the inner part of Shemray. As they
had no particular united voice it would indeed be difficult. The UG
almost, in this sense, knew they had to practically unite Shemrayans
themselves, but this would only be achieved in a piecemeal fashion,
one system at a time. But, fortunately, being a galaxy of systems
themselves, still with enormous reserves despite the hostilities of
the Andromedans, they had enough resources to take on the job. And so
sending out millions of invitations in the form of well spoken and
prepared ambassadors, the UG began its attempt to bring Shemray into
the struggle with Andromeda, their unhidden agenda.



Jan had never been busier in his life. His wisdom was called upon in
all sorts of negotiations and he had trained personally so many
officers and politicians in the Assembly of the UG that he had lost
count of who was doing what and were. It was a big universe after
all.



For a while they had ceased in their hostilities with the Andromedans
who were only mildly interested in winning back lost territories, more
concerned with their other affairs. And in those few years leading up
to Jan’s celebrated 120th birthday the UG began making successful
inroads into Shemray in the building of the UFGSS. So successful and
so welcomed were they after a while that they also began moving into
other nearby galaxies. The UG was expanding now, officially becoming
the UFGSS, and it was believed, soon, that Andromeda would no longer
pose the threat it once had been. Negotiations for a peaceful
withdrawal were inevitable Jan felt as the UFGSS continued its steady
growth.



But, as they gradually found out, Andromeda was growing in strength as
well. In the time the UFGSS had grown into existence Andromeda was
becoming stronger militarily within its own borders and were readying
themselves for a new push into the Milky Way. Their first decisive
front had gone well enough for his Imperial Cheng Majesty, Lord
Tannia, and signalled a time for consolidation and growth. Their next
wave, the Cheng believed, would go a long way towards the vision of
conquest they had long held to. And the UFGSS knew another fresh
round of hostilities was coming. It was now headed, they felt,
towards intergalactic war, rather than just galactic. With the
expansion of the UFGSS bigger things were coming, and both sides knew
they had to be ready for the greater conflict.





9



Kalan surveyed the scene in front of him. Carnage everywhere.
Cruisers, both Cheng and UFGSS, all destroyed and floating in space.
Thousands of them. It had been the biggest recorded battle so far in
the war and a whole sector virtually, Sector G19 of Quadrant 3, had
been affected by the battle in some way or another. He gave the
signal for those ships under his command to begin the search for
survivors, both Cheng and UFGSS and, in a sombre mood, surveyed the
scene in front of him. His Vice-Commander onboard the Wolfklaw II,
John Stoke, came up and saluted him.

‘Search and rescue is underway. We could be here for weeks though,
months even. It is always difficult searching for life signs amongst
so much carnage.’

‘I always wonder,’ began Kalan, ‘why the Cheng seem so disinterested
in rescuing their fallen.’

‘I think it is because we do that for them. It alleviates their
responsibility.’

‘You would think that contrary to their sense of honour.’

‘Perhaps honour ultimately gives way to pragmatism. That is not
surprising in war, commander.’

‘No, I guess you are right John. I guess you’re right.’

‘Sir, can I suggest a quick survey of the battlefield first, though.
There might be some surviving enemy vessels waiting in ambush. They
are known for that tactic.’

‘Proceed vice Commander,’ said Kalan, saluting the officer, who
saluted in return and went off to his duties.



Standing there, surveying the carnage, Kalan thought back to something
his father had said upon his commission to the Wolfklaw II.

‘You will see death, Kalan. You will see death. And while your soul
may despair of the seemingly pointless waste of life, remember this.
In all the battles of human history there is a winner and a loser.
And it is ultimately the winner who paves the pathways of history from
then on, regardless of who is morally right. Do not lose, son of
mine. Be cautious, vigilant and defiant were necessary. But do not
lose the fight. Our hopes depend upon you for the future of mankind
and our galaxy.’

They had been strong words for Kalan to take in but they spoke of the
wisdom of his father who had studied history for so long and had a
strong sense of the human quest and vision. If they were to survive
this fight he would indeed have to be cautious, vigilant and defiant
were necessary. And he would have to inspire those under him with the
wisdom his father was so famous for. Trillions were depending upon
him.





10



John Stoke sat at the command deck, listening to his various junior
officers comments. They had spent the last few hours sending out
their probes to monitor the battle scene. So far they had detected no
functioning vessels, but had received numerous calls for help from
survivors onboard fallen vessels. One thing looked suspicious, a
nearby asteroid belt which could potentially hide a small enemy fleet,
but he eventually decided to ignore it. The surviving Cheng had fled
the scene – there would be no point hiding there for an ambush as they
would be outnumbered now and probably would have known that. But he
still surveyed the belt dubiously, noting the erratic signals coming
from it on the readout. Probably nothing, he told himself, and went
back to his surveillance probes.



* * * * *



Commander Zhani Dranik of the Cheng space cruiser ‘The Invincible’ was
ready. The enemy had not sent in any probes to investigate the
asteroid belt were they were hidden, which worked in their favour. It
was a risk they had taken, but so far they had been successful. The
‘Invincible’ was a specially prepared cruiser for one particular
task. A lightning quick engagement with the Wolfklaw II, boarding and
kidnapping of Kalan Kolby, and a return to Cheng space. The plan had
been formulated for a number of years now, originating with the
Arcturian Dak Bluddhook. They had the capabilities for the task – and
in a few moments would begin what they had prepared years for. Zhani
silently watched the viewer in front of him and prayed a silent prayer
to his god for success.



* * * * *



The attack came at lightning quick speed. A Cheng cruiser suddenly
appeared in front of the Wolfklaw II, docked at the front and blew a
hole in the vessel. Shock troopers boarded the ship, shot everyone
they came across and found Kalan Kolby sleeping in his quarters. When
he woke at their presence Zhani Dranik entered the room, took off his
visor, and smiled. ‘You will be the guest of his Imperial majesty the
Lord Tannia from now on, Kalan Kolby. Son of Jan Kolby.’ Kalan
nodded and got to his feet. His fate had come to pass.



* * * * *



It was only a few days later when Jan got the news of Kalan’s
kidnapping. But while he was able to put on a brave face personally,
Chance was beside herself. She’d had her son taken from her once in
her life already. A second time was both unthinkable and unbearable.
But this was war, Jan reminded himself. And in war, sometimes,
unthinkable things could happen.





11



Kalan was nervous. They had long since left his home galaxy and were
just now entering Andromeda from what he could tell from viewing
space, but they had not kept him informed of were they were
travelling. He guessed he was being taken, as the Cheng commander
Dranik had said, to meet Lord Tannia, or taken to some or another
Cheng homeworld. He knew, then, he was ransom. A bargaining chip in
the war. Somehow they had learned he was Jan Kolby’s son and he would
be used to win some concession or another in the ongoing conflict. Of
that much Kalan was certain.



It was 3 months since the kidnapping, and well into Andromeda, that
they finally unlocked his cell door and gave him full access to the
main decks of the ship apart from the command section. It seemed they
now viewed him as no threat, so far were they into Andromeda.



It was in the food hall of the ship, were he was eating his breakfast,
that of some sort of bird eggs and a meat he was not sure about, that
someone old and familiar finally graced his company. And when Kalan
Kolby saw Dak Bluddhook mosey on up to his table he just put his head
in his hands and swore to himself.

‘Now now, Kalan,’ began the elderly Dak. ‘Is that any way to greet an
old friend?’

‘You have never been my friend, Bluddhook.’

‘Come now, we go back together for years. We’re old comrades from the
League of Piracy as I see it.’

‘Then why are you working for the Cheng’tai?’

‘A fellow has got to make a buck. And besides they have paid me
handsomely for the information I have provided on you and your
father. Enough to live like a king in a small Cheng republic
somewere, they assure me.’

‘Dream on,’ replied Kalan.

‘There’s no dreaming about it, young Mr Kolby. It is reality, believe
me. It is reality.’

‘Don’t you care that your family on Arcturia are prisoners to the
Cheng? They have lost that thing we all need – our freedom. Under
the Cheng our people will always be second class citizens. It’s what
Imperialists always do in the end.’

‘Arcturian’s are pragmatic souls as well, Kalan Kolby. You should
know, it’s in your blood. Anyway, our race will survive. Empires
come and go – they always have and they always will. It’s because
life is always springing up people like your father. People with
ideals. With dreams. And they inevitably win over the masses with
their ideas of freedom and democracy, and unity and law. They are the
great leaders all civilizations are made of after all.’

‘And you know this and yet you still support the Cheng?’ said Kalan,
bewildered.

‘Hey, as I said, you make your bucks were you can get them. It’s
every man for himself as far as I see it. But, just so you will know,
Kalan Kolby, I have faith in your father. I mean, personally I sort
of should hate his guts; he gave me this hand after all,’ said Dak,
holding up his mutilated hand. ‘But it doesn’t really bother me.
That’s the stuff of life in my business, after all. But, as I said, I
know your father. One way or another he will get you out of this
mess. So I may as well make a quick buck while I can.’

‘It is true what my father says about you. A man without scruples.’

‘Oh, I have got them alright. Every Arcturian has. But I am just
choosy, Kalan. I am just choosy.’

Dak looked at the meal in front of Kalan and got up, walked over to
the serving section, and returned with a plate full of some meat and
vegetables. Returning to Kalan he said one final thing. ‘I have a
lesson to teach you, dear Kalan Kolby. The good guys don’t always
win. And the bad guys don’t always either. It is the smart guys, the
ones who figured the situation properly, which end up on top. It
always has been. Don’t be naïve, Kalan Kolby. Don’t be naïve.’ Dak
returned to his meal, as did Kalan, who thought quietly on those last
words.





12



Jan knew that his son, one day, would be used as a bargaining chip.
But he also knew he had to keep the bigger picture in mind. If they
were ultimately to prove successful against the Cheng they needed to
not worry so much about things like the kidnapping of officials for
hostage, as horrible as that may be. Jan knew he had to sacrifice the
concerns he had for his son’s safety for the greater good. That much
was demanded of him as head of the UG.



And with that in mind Jan began pushing more than ever for the growth
of the UFGSS. That was the future, to Jan Kolby. It was the future
beyond the UG and beyond even the Andromedan threat which he hoped was
only a minor setback in the history of his human family. The UFGSS
represented Universal civilization. It was inevitable, now, as they
were approaching a critical stage in universally societal
development. Civilizations were clashing, now, more than ever. And
larger federations of systems and galaxies were, so it was concluded
from the information they had in their region of the universe, coming
to be and seeking a new life for themselves. It seemed, to Jan, the
sentient species of God’s creation were now wanting to make themselves
all known to each other. Almost like a universal awakening. And with
that in mind Jan was reminded again and again of the words of
scripture which, ultimately, taught the way of peace. Evil reigned in
life and in conflict of civilizations. That seemed an inevitable
truth. But peace must be sought, for the good of the whole, for true
civilization to emerge. In the end, there could be no other way.



And with this in his mind and heart Jan Kolby, Head of the United
Galaxy and chief spokesman for the emerging United Federation of
Galaxies and Stellar Systems, knew the kidnapping of his son, while
important personally, must give way to the greater good. Andromeda,
ultimately, would prove no threat. They were a thorn for his own
galaxy, but they could not conquer the universe in the end. Jan knew
that instinctively. No sentient species possibly could. It was his
job, as he saw it, to promote the ways of peace and harmony.
Andromedans had a high sense of honour, Jan knew that much was true.
And, perhaps in that honour, and that sense of devotion to a higher
power, Jan Kolby had an opportunity. In some way, through appealing
to the Cheng’s sense of virtue, perhaps, just perhaps, an end to the
conflict could be negotiated. They wanted the same thing in the end,
did the Cheng and the UG. If Jan could meet the Lord Tannia and
persuade him that their interests were better off in Unity than
opposition then maybe, just maybe, they could bring an end to the
madness. And in this brave new direction Jan Kolby found himself
inevitably moving forward, with the hopes and dreams of a galaxy
behind him.





13



Before the Assembly of the UFGSS on New Terra, Jan Kolby made this
speech.

‘Counsellors, Ambassadors, dignitaries, friends. I come before you
today with a new plan. And yet, while it is new to our current
situation, it is one of the oldest plans of history, the plan which
ultimately survives when others have fallen short. It is the plan of
peace. We will never defeat Andromeda, that much is certain. And
while we may repel them from our galaxy for a while, they will
inevitably return. I think all of us know this truth. And Andromeda
themselves have seemingly dug in for the long hall – they want their
empire and will work to achieve it. But empires and federations come
at a cost, often. And that is the blood of our daughters and sons
lost in the futility of war and conflict. My friends, this should not
be so. The plan I bring you today is a simple plan – the plan of
peace. With the growth of the United Federation of Galaxies and
Stellar Systems we have a new and important bargaining chip with
Andromeda. As our Federation grows and continues to expand their own
goal of bringing us into conformity with their rulership diminishes.
And they know this. But likewise, in other areas of space, they grow
as well. There is, I feel, only one answer to both of our dilemmas.
It is the pathway of peace and unity. Only in the field of diplomacy
and honest discussion can this conflict be resolved and a new and
lasting solution of peace and a united system of Governance come to
the fore. It is in both of our best interests, and we know this. So
I ask you today, friends, read my proposal and come back and vote upon
it. It is our last best hope for a free universe. Thank you.’



The applause was predictable and lasted a couple of minutes, but as
Jan took his seat he wondered just how seriously he had been taken.
There were elements in the Assembly which desired the war to teach
Andromeda the lesson they would never back down from a fight and would
ultimately vanquish them. But there were cooler heads as well. Heads
which, Jan hoped, saw the wisdom in a peaceful solution. He just
hoped and prayed those cooler heads, in the end, would be the ones
which prevailed.





14



The counsel returned 3 weeks later and voted. There was overwhelming
support for Jan’s agenda with few voting against it. Everyone liked
the idea of an end to war with a peaceful solution. The next part,
though, was problematic. Bringing the Cheng, with whom they as of yet
had had no formal communications, to the discussion table. This could
be problematic, but Jan had a solution. He would take the Wolfklaw,
alone, and fly into Andromeda. The ultimate act of peace. No space
cruiser would follow him and he alone would negotiate with the Cheng
for the solution of peace he hoped both parties desired.



Chance refused him many times, insisting the idea was fraught with
danger and giving him countless reasons why he should send someone
else. But Jan would have nothing of it. ‘They may consider it an
insult to send anyone less than myself, dearest. It is something I
have to do.’

‘Then I am coming with you.’ And she would not be persuaded
otherwise, so Jan ultimately assented. Xadina likewise insisted on
accompanying them but at that point Jan insisted no other members of
the family join them. 3 Kolby’s were more than enough.



The Wolfklaw went through a series of renovations and upgrades,
especially with the installation of the newer ‘Gamma Type’ engine. It
would now have little problem making the trip as long as they followed
the co-ordinates.



As they got under way Jan prayed a silent prayer to the One and placed
his trust in him. He doubted he would succeed otherwise.



The journey to quadrant 3 was mostly uneventful, but when they finally
encountered the Cheng at the battlelines and made their mission known,
the Cheng simply dispatched a cruiser to accompany them and show them
the way to their homeworld. It seemed to Jan a sign that they too
were willing, now, to talk peace.



The trip out of the Milky Way was daunting in a way. As they left the
Rim of the Galaxy, something which Rimwalker had called home for so
long, Jan felt he was on a big trip, one of the long distance bus
trips of his youth. And, despite his ancient age, felt excited
somewhat. It was not every day you traveled to another galaxy after
all.



As they entered Andromeda Jan sensed something, though. A different
feel, a different ambience to this galaxy. It was like the Milky Way
in many ways, but it felt different. Almost similar to the Cheng in
some ways. It was something he couldn’t quite explain apart from some
sort of universal animistic mystery.



As they neared the Cheng homeworld were the cruiser was escorting them
too, the cruiser sent them a message to proceed on certain co-
ordinates and bid them farewell. It seemed they were welcomed guests,
now, and treated as such. Signs, so far, were good.



They docked at the spaceport for the city known as ‘Li’Cheng’, the
capital of this planet. The Cheng had not explained wether this was
their ancient homeworld or not, but it was the one they had taken them
to and Jan assumed it may have been. After landing, and opening the
ship doors, they descended the ramp to be greeted by a small entourage
of Cheng officials – about a dozen or so, with a small military unit
guarding them. One particular Cheng official came forward and
announced himself. ‘I am Zhaki Nakia. You will accompany me. The
Lord Tannia is expecting you, but will not see you until tomorrow.
Please come honoured guests.’ The 3 Kolby’s followed their escort and
were taken to a large vehicle outside the port and driven to their
guest accommodation. All the time Jan was silently pleased things
were going this well. He could only hope that the morrow would bring
the fruitful discussions he desired. Time would only tell.





15



That evening the 3 Kolby’s were introduced to fine Cheng food. It was
an exotic mix of herbs and spices and meats and vegetables. The Cheng
were very big on meats and vegetables so they learned from their
hosts. There was also an assortment of new liquors to try, Jan
attempting to portray himself the gentleman and refusing, but
inevitably succumbing to a wine like drink his wife recommended.
Zhaki Nakia was their host and introduced them to much in the way of
Cheng culture and society.

‘Yes, it is as you say Sir Kolby. We Cheng do favour honour. But how
can I put this. The honour these days is more of a formal ritual in
society. It no longer runs as deep as it once did. We are still,
though, an honourable people, but more practical in these enlightened
times.’

Jan nodded, gaining a greater appreciation for the Cheng.

‘Will the Lord Tannia be interested in the subject of our discussion?
Will Lord Tannia want to discuss peace?’

The Cheng looked at Jan Kolby carefully and remembered his place in
Cheng society. ‘It is not really for me to answer that Sir Kolby.
But if I dared I would say this one word: perhaps.’

That was what Jan had wanted to hear and was somewhat satisfied. It
seemed, after all, there may be a sentiment amongst the Cheng for this
way of peace. And hopefully the morrow would bring the answer.

Zhaki spoke up. ‘I have been instructed to tell you that your son
will be a guest with us tomorrow when we meet the Lord Tannia.’

‘Will he be returned to us?’

‘I am afraid that I cannot say. The Lord Tannia can be very merciful,
but alas he can also be very judgemental. It is the way of the rulers
of the Cheng. You will have to wait until tomorrow to find out.’

‘Very good.’

The rest of the meal passed and Zhaki gradually opened up more and
more about Cheng society. The Cheng themselves were quite similar to
humans in many ways, not the least the strong resemblance. They were,
on average, about half a foot shorter than humans but their body
structures and facial features were quite similar the notable
difference being the very deep red skins. They also appeared to have
no body hair, but usually wore elaborate head coverings. Cheng
society was a dichotomy of both Patriarchal and Matriarchal
authority. In certain older Cheng cultures the mother figure was
revered as the giver of life while the man was seen as serving the
mother to provide for the family. Yet, in total contradiction, there
were religious movements which were totally based on Patriarchal
authority. And, from what Jan was starting to discern, more
modernistic trends away from either being a figure of authority in a
more reformist or democratic household. They were also very dedicated
to sports and competition, a way in which much of their codes of
honour were displayed. Ultimately, to Jan, they seemed an
understandable enough people and he felt he was learning the kinds of
things he needed to learn to assist him in his discussions the
following day. If he could relate to the Cheng, tap into their
consciousness, he had a far better chance of success. This much he
knew instinctively. And as he returned to his guest quarters,
chatting with Chance, his mind was on the words he would speak
tomorrow. He would be formal and honourable and then, well, anything
more than that was in the hands of the One. Either way he would find
out soon enough.





16



The following morning a large number of expensive looking vehicles
arrived outside their quarters. They had been staying in an official
visiting diplomat’s guest home and were now to be taken to meet the
Lord Tannia at, of all things, a bull-fight. Or the approximate
equivalent in Cheng culture. They were greeted that morning by an
elaborate host of Cheng officials, each of them eager to introduce
themselves to the Guardian of the United Galaxy, all extremely polite
and honourable.



As they drove through the city headed for the sporting arena Chance
commented that things seemed to be going well. ‘Perhaps they have had
a change of heart already?’

‘There is a saying, Chance my dear. Don’t count your chickens before
they have hatched.’ Chance smirked at her husband’s comment.



They arrived at the sporting arena and Zhaki escorted the three of
them up to the main sitting box to watch the event. Zhaki informed
them that the Lord Tannia would arrive shortly and to simply enjoy the
show.



‘It was a brutal affair. The bull itself was indeed something
approximating a bull, but perhaps looked more like a buffalo. The
Cheng warrior was dressed all in red and had a number of small sword
like blades in a satchel at his side. There was no cape but that
didn’t deter the bull from charging the warrior, especially when he
occasionally rang a small bell to attract the bull’s attention. There
were 3 scheduled fights that morning and it was during the second
match in which the Lord Tannia arrived.



There was an official announcement from the broadcasting box and the
crowd stood and cheered there honoured leader. And as he entered the
box Jan was most surprised to find that the man himself was quite
young. Perhaps only about 30 in human equivalent. He guessed, then,
that Tannia had been but a child when the conflict had begun.



Tannia took his seat and sat there for a number of minutes watching
the bullfighting, clapping softly occasionally. Jan was distracted by
him for a little while then returned to watching the fight. It was
then that Tannia spoke up.

‘Peace is also a Cheng virtue, Sir Jan Kolby. Like humanity, from
what we have learned of you, the Cheng value peace and lawfulness
quite highly.’

Jan turned to Tannia who had begun speaking with him and bowed his
head. He decided on a response.

‘Then it seems quite perplexing, Lord Tannia, that our respective
empires find themselves ensconced in a conflict which has run for so
many years now.’

Lord Tannia smiled, and lit up what appeared to be a smoking pipe. He
offered another pipe to Jan who accepted the pipe and took a smoke,
coughing instantly which made the Lord Tannia chuckle a little.

‘Yet Empires are not formed, it seems, in either of our cultures
without conflict. Your ancient Greek and Roman Empires knew much
bloodshed to achieve their goals, did they not?’

‘And the British too,’ responded Jan. ‘But, as much as I hate to
condone some of the barbarity that such Empires undertook, one thing
they valued above all was peace. Their enemies, then, were seen as a
threat to their way of lives, which in their views justified the
building of their legacies. But I would to stress something to
yourself Lord Tannia. You have seen the Milky Way for some time now.
You know our ways. They are not that dissimilar to your own. We do
not need to be in conflict. This much I know is true. In a united
Government – in a United Federation, such as the one we have recently
initiated – the best interests of both the Milky Way and the Cheng can
indeed be served.’

Tannia smiled, almost seeming to acknowledge Jan’s point, and returned
to gazing at the match. After a while Tannia spoke again.

‘There is someone I would like you to meet. Actually, two persons.’
He made a signal and from the side door Kalan appeared. Jan got to
his feet instantly as did Chance and Xadina and came, ever so
relieved, and hugged their son and brother. Jan looked him in the
eye. ‘Have they been treating you well?’

Kalan nodded. ‘It is almost like a holiday, dad. The Cheng are very
polite and friendly. I don’t really know why you are here, but try
diplomacy. I think it will work on them.’ Jan nodded and then a
voice hailed him from the door.

‘Jan Kolby. Jan fucking Kolby.’ Jan turned, saw the speaker of the
voice, and put his hand to his head and just shook it. He looked at
Dak Bluddhook and said,

‘Why aren’t you dead?’

Dak grinned. ‘Some of us are hard to kill, Jan. But you should know
that. You are one of the hardest to take out.’

Jan turned to Tannia. ‘You know this man?’

Tannia smiled. ‘He brought us your son.’

Jan turned back to Dak. ‘How much did they pay you?’

‘Enough Kolby. But relax. I am sure you are now on top of things.
No need to worry about old Dak Bluddhook. On my honour, believe me
there is nothing to concern yourself about me.’ Jan swore to himself
and just then, the Lord Tannia, who had been contemplating Jan’s words
of peace, as he had been doing for many months since hearing news of
Jan’s initial offer when the Cheng claimed the Wolfklaw, came to a
sudden decision. Honour. Yes, honour would decide the question.
Honour was the hallmark of Cheng society so honour would have the
final say. Lord Tannia got to his feet and looked at both Jan and
Dak. He spoke,

‘Sir Jan Kolby. If we are to have lasting peace between us I will
need to know if you are indeed a man of honour. It seems Dak
Bluddhook has made that claim and he is an adversary of yourself. I
have decided upon this. If you can prove yourself more honourable
than Dak Bluddhook, whose ways we Cheng are familiar with, then you
will have your agreement of peace.’

‘And how do I do that?’ asked Jan, anxious to learn the final solution
to his problem.

Tannia gazed down at the arena. He turned to them, ‘We will have a
blood duel. To the death. Between you and Dak Bluddhook. If you
win, you will be esteemed by us as a man of honour, and you will have
your agreement. But if you lose, we will continue our hostilities.
Your family will be returned to your galaxy, but the war will
continue.’

Jan looked at Dak, who just shrugged. ‘Hey, Kolby, it suits me well
enough. I didn’t think they would give me all that gold without some
sort of struggle.’

Jan looked at Tannia, and confirmed it. ‘We will have peace?’

‘We will have peace,’ responded Tannia. And Jan nodded.





17



Jan faced his opponent. He was armed with 2 of the swords the
bullfighters used, as was Dak. In a funny way as he had killed Dak
already once before, and left him for stranded another time, this
third time should be easier. But it wasn’t. It was the hardest of
the lot. They circled and the man over 120 years old, who looked in
his mid 60s by ancient standards, surveyed his opponent. Dak was old
too, Jan unsure of his exact age. But Arcturian’s were capable of
living a lot longer than human beings. Jan manoeuvred one of the
blades in his hand into a striking position, as if stabbing someone
from above, and moved in to try and hit Dak. But Dak raised one of
his daggers and defended the blow, the blades sparking electricity.
He went back to circling and tried another tactic – a thrust. But Dak
managed to evade him and they started circling again. But this was a
bit too much for both of them and they started puffing, which Lord
Tannia noticed and grinned to himself because of it.



The final thrust came with a feint to Dak’s left side, but with a
jolting punch into his right. Dak fell to the ground, lost control of
both his blades which Jan instantly picked up and Dak was instantly at
the mercy of Kolby. Kolby looked down at him. He could not kill him,
he knew that much. He was a fighter, a rogue, even a bounty hunter –
but a cold blooded killer, which this much seemed to be – well that
was not in the nature of Jan Kolby. He stood over his victim and
looked up at Lord Tannia and shouted. ‘I will not kill him but the
victory is mine.’

Lord Tannia looked down at them and spoke. ‘Blood is required in a
blood duel.’ Jan thought on that and instantly bent down and cut a
small shiver on Dak’s arm, drawing just a little blood. He held the
blood up for Lord Tannia and shouted ‘You have your blood.’

Lord Tannia considered the situation. The human had fought fairly and
with honour. He was the superior athlete to the Arcturian so in his
grace the Lord Tannia would honour the blood debt.

‘You have fought bravely, Sir Jan Kolby. You have thought with a
galaxy depending upon you and still would not kill to achieve the
peace you desired. With such a man as this we Cheng now feel we can
enter into a relationship of mutual understanding with those who are
now our former enemy.’

There was a cheer from the crowd and Chance in the box breathed a sigh
of relief. Jan looked down at Dak, helped him to his feet, and said.
‘Its your lucky day, Dak Bluddhook. But you’ll never change will
you.’

Dak dusted himself off and replied, ‘Not if I can help it.’





18



Jan handled the draft negotiations with Lord Tannia personally for the
protocols for peace with Kalan and Xadina being witnesses on behalf of
the UFGSS to the draft treaty. The agreement came down, in the end,
to a memorandum of understanding. The UFGSS would not interfere with
Cheng jurisdiction of Andromeda, a point which Jan did not really like
as he favoured freedom for the civilizations under Cheng control. But
he realized that objective could be met in the long term and for now
to agree to peace rather than quibble over something he had no
immediate control over anyway. In return the Cheng would become
associate members of the UFGSS, not full members, but with the same
voting abilities as other members and with many other rights, but few
responsibilities apart from agreeing to the standards of United
Galactic law which would be gradually worked out between the two
parties. They also began the formation of a trade agreement between
the two galaxies which would set the seen, ultimately, for an agreed
upon united currency. But all that was years away. For now they
generally agreed upon an end to hostilities, the withdrawal of Cheng
troops from the Milky Way, and the setting up of a tribunal to
minister articles of compensation for UG losses which the Cheng agreed
upon to pay, surprising Jan who had just nudged at the idea.



Ultimately what Jan had wished to achieve in Andromeda he had largely
done and as they were again accompanied by Zhaki Nakia back to UG
space.



All the way home Chance congratulated her husband and at their first
port of call, Arcturia, they dropped off their one passenger, Dak
Bluddhook, and caught up with their family. Arcturia was free again
and the celebrations had been planet wide. Jan was the head of many
official functions in his few weeks in Arcturia, finishing with
Arcturia, at Jan’s invitation, accepting membership in the UFGSS.



It seemed for Jan Kolby that in his latter years life had thrown him a
challenge. A great and difficult challenge but one, fortunately, he
had come through and dealt with in true heroic style. All that lay
before them now was, hopefully, peace. Peace and the continued
expansion of the UFGSS





19



It was two years later, when all the hoo-hah had died down, that Jan
finally felt his age. And how old did he feel. He was 125 now and
felt like old Moses and perhaps even looked like him with the lengthy
beard he had grown in his final years.



It was the morning of the seventh day of the week and Chance had
wheeled him in his wheelchair down to the ecclesiastical service
dedicated to the ‘One’. As he sat there in the temple just near New
Terra’s palace Jan felt his heart beat strongly. It was time – he
knew it.



Later that day, after the heart attack had done its course, Jan was
lying tenderly in bed. Chance knew his time had come and so did Kalan
and Xadina who were right by his side. Jan looked at Chance and spoke
his final words to her. ‘Chance. Chance Kibb’star. I don’t think I
ever told you this but when I first met you something changed in me.
I lost an edge. A hardened edge and slowly started becoming the man I
have become. You changed me Chance and I want you to know this.
Whatever awaits me in my destiny ahead of me in the hands of the One,
I will never forget you. You will be my heart forever, Chance
Kibb’star. I promise you that.’ Chance held his hand, nodded and
smiled at him, and silently continued sobbing. Jan turned to Kalan.

‘Kalan Kolby. And you are a Kolby. Son, you are the son I always
wanted and God made you perfect right from the start. I have no doubt
you will continue in my footsteps as you have indicated and I wish the
One’s blessing upon you. I have only one final word of advice:
beware of rogues the likes of Dak Bluddhook.’ Kalan hugged his father
and just grinned at his final comments. Jan turned to Xadina.
‘Xadina, child of mine. All I can say with my final words are this.
I love you.’ Xadina nodded and continued holding Jan’s hand.



He died a few hours later, having grown progressively weak. But his
body shook not and he silently departed this life full of years, full
of wisdom, and full of success.



The UFGSS was in mourning for 1 full year, most dignitaries wearing
black, but when the year had passed Kalan was appointed to Jan’s
position of overseer and life, for most, returned to its steady
humdrum.





20



Chance Kolby passed just two years after her husband and went off to
again be with him in the afterlife. Kalan, in reflection of his
mothers life, said things at the eulogy he had also wanted to say
about his father but had been to grief stricken to say. But perhaps
this was now the right time to say both things.



At the service for Chance Kolbe nee Kibb’star, Kalan spoke up from the
pulpit.

‘Of all the things my mother and father held dear, apart from their
children, it was their sense of purpose and responsibility to the
destiny the One had chosen for them. They tackled this destiny head
on, never flinching, never betraying the faith placed in them. And
they overcame many great and difficult barriers to bring this legacy
to the universe – the legacy of peace.



There has always been so much hostility and calamity in mankind and
other sentient life throughout the universe, but there has also always
been much good done. It is a dichotomy, of good and evil, right and
wrong, and I feel our task is to learn just that. The difference
between right and wrong.



What my parent’s left me was the teaching that, in service to the one,
we are here not just for ourselves, but we are part of a larger
family, a galactic family, a universal family, all wishing those very
same things. Peace, love and prosperity.



My final words in memory of my father and mother are to each of you
gathered here today and watching on visual screens is this. Be brave,
be bold, and do not be afraid to be a peacemaker. The cost of peace
is often life, but those who shed blood for the greater good will
never be forgotten. Long will we remember them. I pray that my
father and mother’s legacy be just that. A legacy of peace and
sacrifice to a cause greater than them both – greater than all of us.
Thank you.’



There was a strong round of applause and both the Kolby children stood
and were again applauded by the audience.



And on that day the Rimwalker, the illustrious Rimwalker, was finally
laid to rest with his beloved Chance Kibb’star. But the story does
not end there. No, in a way it is only the beginning. For peace was
now coming upon the galaxy and the universe. A fresh wave of the
blessing of the One was coming upon universal civilization and true
and everlasting freedom and prosperity for all was beckoning. It was
not the end, in truth. It was just the beginning. The beginning of a
new and better way of life for all.







PART FIVE



‘What happens next’



1



Jan awoke. The hunt was on again as he heard the drums beating. He
yawned, stretched himself, and took a sip of water from his flask. He
was lucky to have a flask, very lucky. When he’d first arrived he had
gradually came to his senses in a clearing were a number of objects
were sitting in a small pile. He had barely had time to look at the
objects, having picked up the flask, when the tribesmen appeared.
They had held spears and, knowing not what else to do, he ran. They
followed him for a number of kilometres, always staying just behind
him, but never quite catching him for some reason unknown to himself.
And then they had ceased and he had found the river in the gorge,
drunk from the water, and climbed the mountain.



At the top of the mountain he surveyed his new realm, hearing the
drums come to an end. They had seemingly given up chase but had been
satisfied he was perhaps gone from their land.



That had been two years ago since arriving and now, using the mountain
as his homebase, he ate the wild berries and drank the water from the
river, filling his flask to take with him to the upper heights of the
mountain were the tribesmen never came.



But having just awoke the hunt was on again, but this time it was not
him. Was there a new visitor? After all this time was there a new
visitor? He decided, thinking he should know better, to go and
investigate. He climbed down the mountain and carefully traced his
way back towards the sounds of the drums. And then, suddenly, just
coming over the rise, a figure, female, dashing in his direction, the
tribesmen just behind. And when she came closer, veering towards him,
his heart leapt. Thank the One. It was Chance.



He yelled. ‘Quickly Chance, follow me.’ Chance leapt at him
instantly and hugged him, but saw the tribesmen still chasing and
quickly followed him. Soon they neared the mountain and the tribesmen
gave up the chase.



Jan gave her some water and then Chance fell on her husband kissing
him constantly.

‘Oh Jan, Oh Jan. Thank the creator you are with me again. Thank the
creator.’

They made love then, the drums ceasing, to which Chance finally posed
the question. ‘So this is it then? Heaven! The Afterlife!’

‘I guess so,’ responded Jan Kolby, and again hugged his wife.





2



Jan looked at the one object Chance seemed to have also managed to
take from the pile of objects. It was one of those gas oven flame
starters. The ones which just gave off little sparks when you pressed
the button.

‘Good, we can make a fire at last. I have been trying but have not
had any luck. But this will probably do the trick.’ Chance nodded,
glad she had contributed something. She looked at his worn down
clothes.

‘They look pretty tatty, hon. But they still look good on you
anyway. My, I don’t think I ever saw you this young.’

‘I feel 20 and I guess I look it too. It must be how we all start in
the next world because you only look in your teens.’

‘Thank you,’ she said and smiled.



After getting a fire going for the first time, surrounding the
fireplace with rocks, Jan explained what he had gone through for the
last two years.

‘Mostly just survival. Going that way,’ he said pointing in the
opposite direction to the tribesmen,’ after about 3 kilometres you
come to a large rim. It is about 100 metres across to the land on the
other side.’

‘And what is at the bottom of the rim?’

‘It just goes down, seemingly forever, but there is not rock to climb
down it. It just disappears into space.’

Chance puzzled on that. It sounded strange.

‘What about the other directions?’

‘Well the rim gradually circles around back towards the tribesmen both
ways and I have only been able to ever go so far before they start
hunting me again and I have had to retreat. I have been wondering to
myself how I would eventually get out of here for a while now, but
have no firm plans yet. But now that you are here, well hon,
hopefully something will change.’

Chance smiled. Yes, now that she was here hopefully something would
indeed change. It was a perplexing situation and not exactly the
first thing you expected in the afterlife. But it was what they were
faced with so they would have to live up to it.

They enjoyed the fire, although Jan explained it was never to cold,
and while there was a night of sorts, there were never any stars.

‘It just gets a bit darker for half the day, and then lighter for the
other half. It is strange, really.’



They spent the next few days catching up with Chance telling him all
that had happened at home since he had passed. And they made love,
often. Every few hours in fact, so randy were the couple now.
Besides, there was not much else to do.



They were sitting besides the fire, eating a chicken which they had
managed to catch and defeather, something Jan had not bothered doing
without a fire, and contemplating just what they would do next when
the most unexpected visitor arrived. A most unexpected visitor
indeed.





3



Jan looked again at the figure who was approaching, telling himself
beyond reason that it couldn’t be, but as the figure, still puffing,
at the sounds of the drums and the tribesmen having just given up
chase, came into closer view he indeed knew who he at first glance
thought it was: Dak Bluddhook. Dak came into the small clearing were
the fire was, turned to confirm to himself that the tribesmen were
indeed not following him, gave a cursory glance to Jan and Chance and
chuckled a little and bent down to warm himself at the fire. Jan and
Chance both just stared at him but Jan quickly reached the conclusion
that Dak, in the schemes of what will be, was to be their guest from
that point, so just let him be. After a while Dak spoke up.

‘This is it then, is it? What, do we start with some kind of test?’

‘I guess,’ replied Chance. ‘Jan has been here for 2 years and I just
arrived and we are not really sure what this place is. Heaven or
something.’

Jan spoke up. ‘I have been thinking about that. There is an ancient
church teaching on a place between Heaven and Earth called Purgatory.
Apparently many souls go there before going to heaven as a place of
final purification.’

‘Great!’ exclaimed Dak. ‘So we are here to be purified.’

‘I guess,’ responded Jan.

And then, for the first time, Jan’s assigned guardian angel who had
been watching Jan’s progress for the last two years came out of the
shadow’s and made himself known.

‘It is exactly as you have both surmised.’

Jan and Chance stared at the figure, but Jan was not really that
surprised. He was used to unexpected guests at the moment.

‘And who the hell are you?’ asked Dak Bluddhook to the new stranger.

‘My name is Ramiel. I am Jan’s guardian angel. All sentient life-
forms have a guardian angel.’

‘Yes, they are also talked about in Arcturian religious culture,’
commented Chance.

‘As they are in most,’ responded Ramiel.

The angel came into the circle, Jan noting the traditional wings were
actually attached, and sat down in front of the fire, warming his
hands. He turned to Jan and spoke.

‘Do you know why you are here, then, Jan?’

Jan looked bewildered. ‘Well, I guess if this place is purgatory I am
here to be made holy or something or other.’

‘Something like that,’ said Ramiel, and smiled at him. ‘Let me
explain things to all three of you, now that all three are here.’ The
angel got to his feet, stretched himself and then returned to sitting
in front of the fire.

‘Life – physical life in the universe you all came from – is not the
first taste of life you have experienced. All creatures begin their
existence in the heart or loins of the creator, the One. It is from
his creative design we all come forth. But when we are born into the
physical universe we soon forget our origin, apart from dreams we have
during life reminding us, subtley, were we have come from. After life
comes the heavenly realms were you are destined, each of you, to live
forever. This place, purgatory, is different in scope and nature for
every group which is tested. It is a spiritual place between heaven
and the physical universe were souls are, as you have surmised, made
pure for their rebirth into the heavenly domain. And that, I think,
sums it up.’

‘What are the lessons we have to learn?’ asked Chance, desiring to
know her religious obligations before the One.

The angel smiled. ‘You will know. In fact, you already do. It is
written on your heart. You just need a little coaxing in this place
to remember that childhood innocence and walk in it once more.’
Chance nodded. That much seemed to make sense.

‘Well,’ began the angel, getting to his feet. ‘I will be going now.
But soon, very soon, one of you will make a key decision. And I will
return for that decision. Farewell.’ He then proceeded to stride
away from the fire into the darkness and disappeared. Watching him go
things started to slot into place in the mind of Jan Kolby. The
purpose – the purpose of life – seemed to be making sense now. As if
he was grasping a bigger picture – a picture in which all the trials
he had been through so far had a meaning and a purpose. But soon for
one of them a test was coming and somehow, some way, he just knew that
the test was for himself.





4



Jan looked at the thin nylon rope, the one meagre possession which Dak
had taken from the pile before the hunt had begun. It was thin, but
was probably strong and looked long. Perhaps 150 metres or so.

‘Why the rope?’ asked Chance to Dak.

‘What do you mean why the rope? I was just looking at this pile of
objects having woken up and picked up this rope and put it around my
shoulder when suddenly the drums began and the tribesmen appeared. I
didn’t wait around to ask any questions. Why do you ask?’

Chance picked up the rope and looked at Jan who shrugged. ‘Each of us
picked up one object before the hunt began. Jan picked up a flask and
I picked up a firestarter. I guess each of these objects may have a
purpose in our time here.’

‘That might be true,’ said Jan, taking the rope from chance and
unwinding it. He placed it at an end with a rock on it and unwound
it, walking into the distance. Indeed, it was about 150 metres in
length, but thin. It might just take the weight of a human if it had
to.

‘What do we do with the rope?’ asked Chance to Jan as he returned.

‘I don’t know yet. But something. I am sure it will come in useful.’

‘Whatever,’ said Dak, picking at the chicken for his breakfast. ‘Hey,
what is there to ear around here anyway?’

‘Well, now that we have fire,’ there are plenty of chickens roaming
around, and even the odd sheep. If we sharpen some sticks we can kill
the ship and remove its wool, gut it and eat it.’

‘Sounds good enough to me,’ responded Dak, who began eating some of
Jan and Chance’s pile of wildberries.



Having made his way through about 20 wildberries Dak turned to Jan.
‘So what’s the plan, genius?’

Chance thought on the Angel’s words on the lessons they needed to
learn and spoke up. ‘We co-operate, Dak Bluddhook. We work together
as a team, putting the interests of the team ahead of our own.’

‘Something you will have to learn how to do, perhaps,’ smirked Jan.

‘Hey, I learned plenty of cooperation in the League of Piracy. You
want co-operation I am your man,’ responded Dak.

‘I am sure you are,’ said Chance, a little grin on her face. She
turned to Jan who had just about finished wrapping up the rope again.
‘Any ideas, hon?’

‘Yes, one. I don’t really know if it is a good idea or not, but it is
an idea.’

‘And,’ said Dak, impatiently.

‘We go to the rim and lower one of us down to have a look. If there
is anything down there, this is the way we will find out.’

‘Sounds good enough to me,’ said Chance.

Dak just shrugged. At least it was a plan.





5



As they walked the few kilometres to the rim, Jan asked Dak how he had
died.

‘Funny that, I don’t really remember for sure. The last few days are
all a bit of a haze. But I do remember being on a League ship just
heading out of Arcturia for somewere. And then the memory fades away
until I woke up here. And that is all I remember.’

Jan recalled his last moments, saying he remembered right up until the
time of his death. And then a fuzzy haze for a while and then waking
up in the clearing with the pile of objects. Chance had a similar
story.



Dak, who had been silently mulling over the Angel’s words, had been
contemplating the state of his own soul. He was not really surprised
he didn’t make it to heaven straight away, often thinking his soul
bound for darkness because of the life choices he had made. But one
thing did strike him. Deep down in his heart he had often told
himself he was still a good guy, just given over to roguish
behaviour. And he had his charms and other good points. Perhaps that
had been enough with the One to earn his way to purgatory. It
certainly seemed that way. And, because of that, and thinking over
the apparent lessons he needed to learn to earn his way into heaven,
he began asking Chance some basic questions about Arcturian religion,
questions he had never really bothered with before. Chance was happy
enough to relate her knowledge and over that hour as they walked the
distance to the rim Jan listened intently to his wife explain some of
the mysteries of life, as she saw them, to a new student eager to
learn. It was certainly interesting conversation.



When the got to the rim the three of them stared over at the land on
the other side. Chance looked at the rope, knew it was long enough to
go across, but could not think of any real way of getting it tied down
on the other side. And Jan seemed to know Chances thoughts and
replied, ‘I have no idea either, Chance. I don’t see anyway we could
secure it. Besides, even if we tied it to a rock, I doubt that we
could secure it at the other side. That was when Dak had a
suggestion.

‘Why not use one of these long trees as a sling and tie the end of the
rope to a rock and try slinging it across. If we choose the right
rock and it land well we can get Chance to go across on it.’

Jan looked at Dak and considered his idea for a moment, shrugged, and
started looking around for a suitable rock. They found what they felt
was the right size and began work on the sling. 2 hours later they
had stripped a tree and were ready to go. But to no avail. It seemed
the furthest they could ever get the rock to go was about 40 metres or
so and it dived down into the rim. Eventually Jan signalled that they
were wearing out the rock and to give up, much to the other two’s
disappointment.

‘What next?’ asked Dak.

‘What we originally came here for, I guess. To look down under the
rim.’ That said he tied the rope to a tree near the rim and looked at
Chance.

‘You’re the lightest sweetheart. I mean, I will go if you are afraid,
but we have a better chance with you.’

She nodded. She understood her obligation.



As she climbed down and disappeared out of sight beyond the edge of
the rim Jan looked across to the other side. He wondered to himself
just what was over there when the rope started swinging. He yelled to
Chance but she didn’t respond. But about a minute later she yelled
out to pull her back up. When she was back in front of them she spoke
up.

‘There is a ledge, about 300 metres this way along the rim,’ she said
pointing in what they had agreed to call north. ‘But I think the only
way we will reach it is by jumping off at the end of the rope. I
don’t think it will reach otherwise.’

‘How do you know?’ asked Jan.

‘Because there is an outcropping of sedimentary rock running all along
the underedge of the rim. I tried swinging to test the length, but I
think I know already. The rope won’t be long enough. We will have to
jump if we want to make the ledge.’

‘That might mean no turning back,’ said Jan.

‘Perhaps,’ replied his wife.

‘Let’s go see anyway.’

They walked along the rim, coming to the place were Chance said the
ledge was, and tied the rope to an outjutting rock. Chance again
climbed down and the rope swung for a little while before she yelled
for them to pull them up. When she had gotten back to them she
confirmed that they would have to jump and leave the rock if they
wanted to try the ledge. There was simply no other way.

‘Well, we will keep it as a backup plan for now then,’ said Jan. ‘We
will think about other ideas first.’

Chance and Dak both agreed. Neither yet was prepared to try the
ledge. It was there last solution.





6



When they had returned to their camp, Dak collapsed in front of the
fire which was still burning. He looked at the pile of wildberries
and, thinking over the lessons Chance had been teaching him, went off
to gather some more to do his share of the work. Jan watched him for
a while and smiled to himself. Dak was cooperating – a good sign to
see.

Jan looked at Chance and spoke up. ‘It was good, you know. You
teaching him all those lessons on your religion. It was good for
him.’

‘I guess that is what we are here to learn, Jan. To be good. To be
better than what we were. Especially now that we don’t have any
reason to doubt anymore that there is some great plan at work.’

‘No,’ agreed Jan. There was definitely no longer any reason to doubt.



Dak returned after about half an hour and had filled his shirt with
wildberries. He only had his jacket on and poured out the wildberries
in the small pile which Jan and Chance had built and sat back down in
front of the fire, putting his shirt back on. After a while he spoke
up.

‘Do you think there are any fish in that river? Perhaps we could
spear some.’

‘I was thinking about that myself,’ responded Jan. Its getting late
in the day now, but perhaps we could make some spears and try that out
tomorrow.’

Chance agreed, it seemed like a good idea.



On the morrow they indeed made spears and while it took some time
getting their aim right they managed to catch a dozen fish. Chance
spent the morning cooking them, even sprinkling some wild salt on them
which she had collected from a nearby salt flat which Jan had talked
about. All that afternoon they ate fish and wildberries, drank water
and ate chicken and talked about old times. Jan and Dak both shared
their adventures in the League of Piracy and Chance discovered more
and more that her husband had indeed been quite the rogue at one time
himself. But Jan had relented of that lifestyle and you could tell so
from his conversation. And, strangely enough, while Dak was a lot
bawdier in the things he reflected upon Chance saw it in him too.
Reflecting as if they were the old days, the old ways. As if a new
man, a better man, was starting to emerge. And she prayed a prayer of
thanks to the One on behalf of the new man Dak Bluddhook was becoming.





7



‘So they are a breed of human?’

‘I suppose we have breeds,’ responded Jan. ‘It is one way of looking
at the racial divisions. But as far as I can tell they are human and
look like pacific islanders.’

‘Have you ever tried talking to them?’ Chance asked.

‘I once snuck up on where they camp and said ‘Hello’. But all they
did was grab their spears and chase me off again. I can’t tell you
how many times I have tried to bypass them and get to the other side
but I always end up running across 3 or 4 of the tribesmen out hunting
or collecting berries or something. It’s as if they have been
deliberately placed there as an obstacle to myself.’

‘Perhaps that is there purpose,’ responded Dak, thinking it over. ‘I
mean if this is a place of trial, they are in your way for a reason.
Perhaps they represent some kind of thing from your past which you
need to deal with.’

Jan looked at Dak, considered that point, but responded. ‘I have only
ever met a few islanders and never had any problems with them. If it
is something from my past I have to deal with I can’t think of it. It
could be from your past, Dak. The angel did imply the situation was
waiting for the 3 of us to arrive to resolve itself.’

‘What have I got to do with islanders,’ queried Dak, puzzled on such a
thought.

‘No idea. Just thinking, that is all.’

‘Well, are we going to then?’ queried Chance to the unasked question.

Jan looked at her. ‘Approach them again, is that what you are
saying? Try and make peace with them?’

‘It is as good as an idea as any and we are out of them. Unless you
plan on staying with me here for eternity.’

Jan considered that and acknowledged Chance’s point. It was time to
speak with the tribesmen.



‘Ok, well, it is late today. Lets go tomorrow, in the morning. When
we are all fresh. It might be the best time to tackle them.’

Chance and Dak agreed. It was as good an idea as any.

‘Remember,’ said Chance,’ the angel said we were here to learn our
lessons. So try a peaceful solution. It is what you are good at.’

Jan smiled, consoled by his wife’s kind words.



He slept fitfully that night, worried about the morrow’s encounter.
Whatever it brought it may finally resolve the situation he found
himself in. Time would only tell.





8



The following morning Jan looked at Dak and Chance nervously. ‘Are we
really ready for this? I don’t think I could stand being hunted yet
again. It is starting to get on my nerves.’

‘How many of them are there?’ Dak asked.

‘I am not sure. But over 20.’

‘So fighting them is out of the question.’

‘Unless you want to fight 20 warriors armed with spears,’ responded
Jan sarcastically.

‘We want to try a peaceful solution anyway,’ interjected Chance. ‘It
is what you are good at Jan.’

Jan nodded. He knew that much was true.



They began the trek in what they had called an easterly direction
towards the camp of the tribesmen. As they neared carefully they
could hear them speaking to each other around a fireplace when Dak
spoke. ‘Gandolo. They speak Gandolo.’

Jan looked at Dak puzzled. ‘What the heck is Gandolo?’

‘It is an old Arcturian dialect. From primitive tribal days.’

‘And how the hell would you know that,’ asked Jan surprised.

‘Well, the reason I got into the League of Piracy was that of all
things to study at university I chose ancient languages. And apart
from work as a professor or teacher there is not much to do with
ancient Arcturian languages. As you can see, I chose piracy
thereafter as my profession.’

‘Well your studies might finally come in useful. Say hello to them.
Try to communicate.’

Dak nodded.



As they approached the tribesmen, as soon as they were spotted the
tribesmen again went for their spears when Dak hailed them, saying
hello in their language. An elder of the tribespeople came forward
and began speaking to Dak. There was a lengthy dialogue upon which
Dak finally went silent. It seemed as if he had come to an impasse
with them, but they stopped threatening them.



Dak signalled for the other two to follow them and he lead them away
from the tribesmen who watched them for a while and then returned to
their fireplace. Dak spoke to Jan, saying, ‘Well, I understand the
situation now. They are indeed ancient tribespeople, having lived
here for as long as they can remember. To the east, were we went to
go, are their sacred burial lands, and they refuse to let us go in
that direction. If we were to try to the leader informs us that we
would have to be put to death. They are that passionate about it.’

‘So they have people live and die here?’ queried Jan.

‘It seems that way. Did you notice the younger people in the small
huts? I guess they all eventually get old and die and go off to the
next world.’

‘Perhaps that is their way of resolving purgatory,’ said Chance.

‘Possibly,’ said Jan, who thought that may indeed be true.



As they trudged back to their camp, Jan gave thought as to what they
would do next. Obviously, with Dak being able to speak with them,
they had the beginnings of an avenue of communication. If they could
gently, but purposefully persuade the tribespeople to let them travel
east they could, hopefully, see what more this world had to offer
them. For now that was the plan of action.





9



It didn’t happen immediately, such being the distrust, but slowly the
three of them became a part of the Gandolo tribe. The tribespeople
explained that they did not now how they had gotten here, or what they
were supposed to do here and, from Dak’s understanding, they simply
followed their instincts and set up camp. That had been long ago
according to the memory of the elder tribesman. And supposedly the
language they spoke was the language they had always spoken. For the
time being it remained a mystery, one which Jan was not sure if they
would ever solve.



As they integrated into the tribe Dak began becoming friendly with one
of the younger girls in her mid teens. She had not been promised to a
man, but the elders eyed the relationship with suspicion. Her name
was Guntara and Dak found himself quite taken with her, although he
tried to hide this when it was in fact obvious to all and would deny
it if explicitly asked.



For the first year with the tribe Jan carefully, trying not to be
noticed, walked around in the eastern sections of the camp, going a
little further each day. But he was always noticed and after a while
one of the tribesman showed up in a subtle way of shooing him back to
the group. Try as he might it was simply forbidden to enter the
eastern lands unless a death had occurred marking time for a burial
ceremony. And funnily enough, that death did in fact occur, with the
eldest elder passing on one night in his sleep.



They were cautiously invited to the burial and Jan was anxious to see
just what was over the ridge they had never been over.



The day came and the tribespeople gathered the body in sheepskin and
brought digging instruments and started the climb up the ridge. When
the three of them got to the top of the ridge they looked out before
them. Jan noted that the rims to the north and the south seemed to go
on forever, but progressively more and more land was opening up. As
far as he could tell the land was basically the same as what they were
currently used to, with the river winding its way throughout it as far
as they could see.

‘It could go on forever like that,’ said Dak. ‘Perhaps they have
already ventured out and found nothing. Perhaps that is why they stay
here, were they awoke I guess.’

Jan considered that. It seemed to make sense.

‘The question is, Dak. Do we take the risk and try to escape and
explore those lands. Or do we live out whatever remains of our
purgatorial existence here?’

Dak nodded. That indeed was the question.





10



Gradually Guntara and Dak grew closer, while Jan and Chance’s
relationship steadily grew stronger. Each day Jan was trying a little
harder now. It was as if life suddenly had a greater purpose in
reality than he’d had to deal with just on faith. He remembered some
of the teachings from the Bible he had read in his life on New Terra,
but mostly consoled himself with Arcturian Monotheistic religion which
he had adopted. Both he and chance, while having religion and being
devoted to it, were not spiritual zealots, not given over to become
clerics or anything like that. But they appreciated now that religion
always had had its purpose and concentrated on living lives pleasing
to the One.



Dak was changing as well. The old Dak, now, seemed something of the
past. His faith had come alive and he too tried to live a life
pleasing to the One. Every seventh day was a devotional day in
Arcturian religion and on those days they would hold a short service
saying a few prayers and Chance giving a short sermon on how they
could improve their lives. Strangely, some of the tribesmen gradually
took an interest in Chance’s religion, and Chance occasionally spoke
her sermons in Gandolo, which she had learned a great deal of by now,
to try and include the tribespeople. The Gandoloans had not great
sense of religion or belief in the One as it were, but spoke of the
mystery life in a sort of spiritual way as well. Almost like life was
a circle in which each individual played a role connected to everyone
else. And that everything had a purpose. But they were somewhat
taken with Arcturian faith, even young Umbarra who had begun taking an
interest in Guntara and trying to separate her from Dak as much as
possible.



It was a strange group which celebrated services each seventh day.
One human, two Arcturian and a gathering of tribesman that may have
been either or something completely different. But the gatherings
gave peace to the hearts of those who attended and gave the answers
that each in their own way were searching for.



As the second year passed and the third year with the tribespeople got
up and running, Jan had settled somewhat. Chance was still not
pregnant, even though they had been trying for ages. They both
surmised that it was perhaps something to do with purgatory and
perhaps they couldn’t have children here. Gradually the clothes they
had arrived with had worn away and they now wore sheepskin. Chance
made moccasins, something which the tribespeople instantly took to,
and they looked like any other ancient tribal people from a distance.



In the end Jan concluded that whatever lessons he was meant to be
learning here in Purgatory he was likely learning and that if he was
to spend another life with Chance in such a place, well, as long as he
had his wife it seemed bearable. But perhaps that was why he was here
anyway. As the angel had said he was to learn to become holy. And
devoted to that, in the world to come he would perhaps receive the
promised reward his religious faith spoke of.





11



Dak looked at Umbarra. He was now coming of age and seemingly ready
for mating. And he had his eye on Guntara. Dak knew, in truth, there
was little he could do. Guntara and himself had not mated, that
seeming to be forbidden by the tribe until a marriage ceremony, but
now that Umbarra wanted Guntara Dak was the one left out in the cold.
And that was hurting his heart which had been drawing close to Guntara
since his time with the tribe.



The two of them often went out together, gathering wild berries,
drinking from the river and sharing their meals together. She even
let him kiss her occasionally, something he delighted in. But nothing
more than that was deemed appropriate or allowable by Guntara,
apparently according to the elder’s wishes.



Dak himself had never been a married man. Of course, he had visited
Arcturian prostitutes as a way of life familiar to most League of
Piracy members. But actually settling down and raising children had
seemed something at odds with the lifestyle Dak Bluddhook had chosen
for himself and the kind of person that lifestyle had led him to
become. But that was then. That was before. Now he had, he felt,
changed. The old carnal Dak was gone and a new man had begun
emerging. One which took seriously faith in the One and one which
cared for others. And more than anything else, one which now desired
an intimate relationship with a female and hopefully the raising of
family. And in that way in which he had developed Guntara seemed like
the perfect person at the perfect time. It was just that Umbarra now
seemed to stand in the way.



In conversation with Jan, Dak shared his dilemma, but Jan reminded him
that they were guests of the tribe in reality and could not really
have things their own way. If the tribe deemed that Umbarra and
Guntara were to be married – well such was life, and there was little
if anything at all that Dak Bluddhook could do about it.



In such a situation Dak found himself doing something quite odd, but
which he had slowly been getting used to. He found himself praying to
the One to do something about his dilemma. Chance shared with him
that the One usually answered prayers if they were part of his will
and plan, so Dak was bemused. He really did not think he was ready to
understand the fullness of the One’s plans for even his own life so
that he just left it alone thereafter. In the end he concluded that
whatever would be would be and that if he and Guntara were to be
together, well that would happen inevitably anyway. But still he
longed for her and was tormented by Umbarra’s presence.





12



In some ways Jan had resolved himself to live out his days in this
place. He was happy enough, fed when he needed to be, and got good
sex from Chance. But there lingered a voice inside him which
challenged him to meet head on the lesson he was supposed to learn.
And so he decided to himself that he would, after all, try and escape
to the east. He discussed it one night with Dak and Chance who had
mixed views on the idea. Dak’s major complaint was that he felt he
might want to stay, now, and try his luck with Guntara. Chance, while
willing, did reflect that the time together between them had been good
for them and that their relationship was developing. But in the end,
with some persuasion, both agreed to try and escape. Jan felt they
had earned the tribespeople’s trust to a degree now and decided upon
leaving in the middle of the night, quietly, when hopefully nobody
would see them go.



It was the following afternoon, and he had gathered their possessions
into a pile, ready to leave that night. There was never really any
wind in their home, but it occasionally seemed to get a little colder,
and that night it seemed especially cold. But Jan kept telling
himself it was probably just his imagination.



In the middle of the night, as best they could surmise, they ever so
carefully crawled away from the group and, when out of sight, started
their trek eastwards. They climbed the ridge and looked out over the
land in front of them, still discernible somewhat in the dimmer
light. As they had noted before the rims continued on in both
directions, gradually getting wider apart. Jan suggested that they
either travel north or south along the edge of the rim to avoid
potentially going in circles. Dak agreed and as the river appeared to
snake its way ahead of them more to the northerly side they agreed to
travel north along the edge of the rim.



They spent two days simply hiking, only resting briefly, before they
decided the tribesmen were not following them and could rest. Dak
suggested that maybe one of them stay watch, but Jan felt he was over-
reacting. They would have given up the chase by now – Jan was sure of
it.



As they slept that night Jan dreamed, and in his dream the angel
Ramiel appeared briefly and whispered to him, ‘Your test is near at
hand. I will be watching.’ He woke soon after the words of the angel
fresh in his mind. They were to encounter to something, soon or some
other kind of test was just about ready. And Jan felt, now, their
time in purgatory was just about fulfilled.





13



All three of them were bitterly disappointed the following morning
when each of them was poked with a spear and awoke to find a dozen of
the tribesmen threatening them with spears. They had gotten so far
but now their merry little adventure was over with and Jan was livid.
As they began the trudge back to the camp Dak mentioned to Jan that he
had overheard some of the elders speaking that they would now have to
resolve the situation with the intruders, permanently. Jan did not
really know what permanently meant, but didn’t at all like the sounds
of it.



It was a long and frustrating march, but when they finally arrived
back at the camp one of the elders who had not come to find them
approached Jan and spoke.

‘You will not escape again. See, it is useless. We will come and
find you no matter how far you run. And perhaps next time you will
not be so fortunate.’ Saying those last word he ran his finger across
his neck in a cutting motion. Jan definitely got the point.



They were back at camp for just three days when Jan finally determined
that they would indeed run again, but this time they would not be
caught. They were only caught the last time because they had stopped
running and rested. It was the one flaw in the plan. Both Dak and
Chance complained that the villagers would be watching them even more
closely this time but Jan didn’t care. He’d had enough and wanted to
resolve the situation.



That night they waited later on in the night and then crept away. But
after only a few miles the tribesmen had again caught them and brought
them back to the camp. This time they were not so friendly and
handled them quite roughly. Back in the centre of the camp Jan knew
they might this time have to pay. He had perhaps acted recklessly and
foolishly and endangered lives. If this was the test the angel had
said he was to go through, then he had bitterly failed.



Dak overheard the tribesmen talking. There was a heated argument and
then silence as one of the elders finally nodded. And then they
placed a tribesman on guard to watch the three of them. Things were
not looking good.







14



It was the following day that Jan decided on their final option. The
option they had all agreed was their last chance. ‘We go for the
ledge and see what is down under the rim. They will never follow us
down there.’ And despite Dak’s affections for Guntara, both he and
Chance agreed. It was down to the final decision.



When the guardsmen later that night had dropped his eyes and started
dozing, they snuck off and begun running back westwards to their
original camp. But no sooner had they begun then the drums began.
Perhaps this time they would be hunted until they could be hunted no
more. Perhaps this time would come the killing blow.



As they ran Jan thought over the words of the angel. A test would
come. Was this, now, the time of the final test?



They came closer to the edge of the rim and Jan looked back to see a
tribesmen had just spotted him who then ran off to tell the others.
They quickly climbed down the rope, Chance going first, swinging, and
leaping to the ledge. Jan went second and then, finally, Dak. But
Dak missed the ledge and slid down the rock beneath the ledge till he
was clinging to the side of the rim, barely holding on.



‘Come on Chance. We have to see were this cave goes. We can’t help
Dak, there is no time.’ Said Jan, anxious to leave. He had seen were
Dak landed and realized that if the tribesmen came down the rope and
started throwing spears they could soon be injured or dead. Chance
was reluctant to leave, though, but Jan persuaded her that they just
couldn’t risk it, and so she followed him but bemoaned Dak.



However, as they started their way into the cave, the walls glowing
some sort of light, Jan came to himself. He couldn’t leave Dak. They
were friends now. And even though it might cost him a spear in the
side, he would go back and rescue his friend. He told Chance to wait
for him, not wishing to endanger her life, and started back for Dak.
He came to the ledge, peered down, and spied Dak barely holding on.
He looked up at the rope and saw it swinging. One of the tribesmen
were now coming down it. He would have to be quick. He climbed down,
ever so carefully, keeping his footing, until he was able to reach
down. Dak looked up at him, looked into his eyes, and reached out his
hand. First fingers touched and then with one last thrust Jan grabbed
Dak’s hand and began pulling him back up to the ledge. No sooner had
they gotten onto the ledge then one spear, followed by another was
hurtled at them, one catching the corner of Jan’s sheepskin. ‘Let’s
get out of here,’ he yelled to Dak, as they made there way into the
tunnel. As they traveled into the tunnel a voice in the back of Jan’s
mind said ‘Well done. You have passed.’ They found Chance quickly
and then continued along the tunnel. The walls glowed and seemed to
increase in brightness the further they travelled along.



They had walked for quite a while, about 2 kilometres as far as Jan
could tell, when they entered a large cavern. It seemed without any
other exits, but against the far wall there appeared to be something
glowing and shimmering. They came closer to inspect it. Dak reached
out to touch it and brought back his hand.

‘It’s like water,’ he said to the other two.’

‘What is it?’ queried Chance. Jan quickly came to the answer.

‘It is a portal. Some sort of ancient portal or gate, for travelling
between worlds. I saw them in old science fiction shows.’

‘But were does it lead?’ asked Chance.

Jan turned and looked back up the tunnel. He then turned and looked
around the cavern. He finally spoke.

‘I don’t know, Chance. I don’t know. But I don’t think we really, in
the end, have much of a choice, do we.’

Chance looked at Jan, then looked at Dak who looked at Jan. Dak
spoke.

‘No we don’t, do we.’



Dak looked at the portal and then said, ‘Well here goes,’ and stepped
in. The two of them waited about a minute when Chance finally said,
‘I don’t think he is coming back to us.’ Jan nodded. Chance looked
at her husband, leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. ‘See you on
the other side.’ And she ventured into the portal. Jan watched her
go and steadied himself. Perhaps this was it. Perhaps this had been
the final adventure of the illustrious Rimwalker, chased down a rocky
Rim of all the ironic things to end it all. He looked at the portal,
took a deep breath, and stepped in.





15



Jan looked down at the young man. It was himself, about 15 years of
age, in his parent’s back yard. He was hovering in space, suspended
almost, and then Ramiel appeared.

‘By the way, well done in rescuing Dak. It was a good choice. A very
good choice.’

‘Where are we?’ asked Jan.

‘We are at the judgement. I hope you are ready. Now look at this
youth and listen to what he says.’

Jan watched on, trying to remember the things he may have said at this
time, but let himself speak in the end.



Young Jan was holding a saber, pointing it at trees, and blasting
them. His father, returning from work, came into the yard and
smiled. Such was his son’s fascination with guns. ‘But remember,
Jan,’ his father yelled. ‘Guns can kill people. And your not a
murderer.’

Jan nodded and shouted back, convicted. ‘Sorry dad. I guess guns can
kill people can’t they. And life is precious, isn’t it? As you and
mum always say.’

‘That it is, son,’ said his father, and went inside the house. Young
Jan looked at the gun in his hands for a few moments and then threw it
away. ‘I am not a murderer,’ he said to himself, and went inside.



The angel besides Jan smiled. ‘That was a good choice, Jan. You
never did murder, in the end. You never did. And that brought you
life with God. But let us move on.’



The next scene they came to was on Arcturia, before he had met Chance,
in the arms of a harlot. Jan looked down at himself in the harlots
arms and grimaced. For some reason he was now embarrassed about his
former life, in a way he had never been before. The angel spoke, ‘But
listen to what you say, Jan.’



‘You know, I love you gals. I lost my virginity to one of you sort.’
The prostitute nodded. Then Jan continued, ‘But, you know. I
guess. Look, I guess in truth I regret that some way. It would have
been nice to have done it the proper way and all, but sometimes we
make mistakes which just can’t be undone.’ The prostitute nodded
again.



The angel spoke. ‘You were convicted, weren’t you. On your sense of
sexual morality.’

Jan nodded. ‘After I met Chance that part disappeared from my life.
I guess in later years I viewed it as the recklessness of youth, but I
am glad I left that lifestyle in the end and chose marriage over
debauchery.’ The angel smiled and spoke, ‘A wise choice. Now we go
to the final scene.’



They came to old Jan Kolby, on his deathbed just a few hours before he
died. He had just spoken his final words to his family and was
drifting off to sleep. But his mind was alert and Jan could here his
prayer to God.

‘God. I don’t know who are what you are exactly. I know you are the
creator of life and death and the judge of life and death. And I fear
you now more than I have ever done, cause I might be meeting you
shortly. Whatever else you might have to say about my life, lord, can
I say this on my behalf. I may have been a rogue at times, a thief
and a smuggler. But there was something in my heart. Something which
carried me on and told me that better days were one day coming and
that I would eventually grow up and become a man. Hopefully, lord,
since that reckless youth I have become that man. A man you might
hopefully be proud of. So I want to say this, God. Forgive me.
Forgive the sins of my youth, because I was young, dumb and naïve.
And accept me now to life. Please grant me that gift, I ask you God.
Amen.’ And then Jan went silent.





The angel turned to Jan and said, ‘That was a good prayer, you know.
Really, a very good prayer. You showed yourself a man in more ways
then one, and God was really impressed.’

Jan looked at him. ‘Is this time for the judgement.’

‘You have been judged already, Jan Kolby.’

Jan looked bewildered and looked around to see if he could see some
great throne, some divine prince of glory, ready to pronounce
judgement. But it was only him and the angel. He finally turned to
Ramiel and said, ‘By who.’

‘By yourself, of course. Who else.’ And Ramiel winked at him, and
flew off, yelling, ‘See you soon on the other side. It will be good
meeting you in a more substantial form.’ And with that the angel
disappeared into white clouds.





Jan just floated there, and returned his gaze to his death bed. His
family was all around him, hugging him, and praying for him. His
heart moved within him and he smiled. This was the judgement, was
it? Ones own honest opinion? But no, the purpose of life couldn’t be
in judging ones self. Surely there was more to it than that. As he
stared at the scene it gradually disappeared and he was left alone,
floating in white space. As he stared things started happening.
Rainbows appeared and shone brightly above his head, flowing around in
musical dance. And then harps started playing and angelic voices
started singing. And then he was thrust upwards, very quickly thrust
upwards, away from this angelic glory, up to the surface of a planet.
But he had not yet arrived at his destination, somehow he knew that.
And looking in front of him images started appearing, images of his
life past, almost in a dream like way. He watched the images come and
go for a number of moments, smiling here and there at fond past
memories. There was his father pushing him on his first tricycle.
Another scene with his mother making his 3rd birthday cake. And then
another scene with his first kiss, a girl from high school. Heck, he
had nearly forgotten all about Jenny Taylor. And then the scene
changed again and this time, instead of seeing the past, he somehow
knew he was gazing into the future. And it was a future which seemed
as if it had already been written somehow. As if it was a destiny he
was treading down the pathways of.



Chance came into view, and she had a child in her arms. And then he
saw himself standing next to Chance, looking at the young baby. And
somehow he sensed that this would be soon. Sooner than expected, and
his heart leapt because of it. Another scene began. He was sitting
in a large audience, watching a lecture. He could somehow discern
that it was a spiritual lecture in a church university, on some or
another subject of spirituality. And then the lecture ended and
people started talking. But the funny thing was that everyone knew
each other and were extremely loving and friendly with each other.
They showed kindness, affection and true love. It was as if they were
learning the secrets of life and the universe now, and that all things
were good for them in life. That it all had meaning. That it all had
purpose. And then the scene changed again and he saw himself with
Chance in a large general store. It seemed to be on a planet like
earth in some ways, and both of them were the store owners. And then
a voice from heaven spoke to him. ‘Glory doesn’t come cheap Jan
Kolby. Expect to work a while to earn your keep. But, I am sure, you
will love every minute of it. Trust me on that.’ And then the voice
left off speaking. The next scene began, but this he could somehow
tell was millions of years later. There he was in the same store
again, but a chain had begun. And he could tell there were hundreds
of other similar stores they owned. And he had more family now.
Dozens around him, all calling him and Chance Father and mother. Jan
smiled to himself. Of all the things the future could hold, something
as basic as a simple life working to the top seemed to make sense in
some way. As if, to reach long term goals you had to steadily work to
achieve them. The scene, though, changed yet again. And this time
Jan was in a university lecture hall again, but this time he was
teaching. And then the scene changed to the teachers lounge were he
could hear some of the teachers saying, ‘That young Kolby is coming
along. He really is beginning to learn his lessons.’ Jan just smiled
to himself at that, but the scene changed yet again. Suddenly he was
on top of a mountain, a very difficult and challenging mountain, and
Dak Bluddhook was standing next to him. He patted Dak on the back as
if to say well done. As if they had conquered some challenge or
another. But ever so quickly the scene changed yet again, and Jan was
again in the store, over by the corner, in a rocking chair, reading to
one of his new-borns. Reading from his memoirs. And he could here
himself say to the child, ‘a long life, yes indeed. But we are
children of eternity after all. Never forget that. Never forget that
truth, blessed one,’ and he kissed his child. Jan’s heart warmed, but
the scene changed yet again. Suddenly he and Dak were standing
together, but opposing them was a figure of darkness. A big dark
figure, something which was hell bent on challenging them and
declaring them nothing against his power and might. But he and Dak
stood firm and the testing came and went. That was a puzzling scene
to Jan and he had no real idea what that was all about. In the next
scene he was walking along a path and Ramiel was beside him. And they
were muttering something about the war of the sons of darkness with
the sons of light. And the scene ended. And the, one last scene in
which he was sitting with Chance, in a new home, a new lovely home,
sitting on the bed. And he could here himself saying to Chance,
‘These will be difficult times ahead of us, Chance Kibb’star. But we
are children of the One. We always have been, and always will be. We
will overcome this challenge, in time. And we will be better,
stronger people for it. And he hugged her, and the scene ended.



And then, yet again, he was floating in white space. He was thinking
quickly on all that he had seen and was fascinated with just what the
future could indeed hold for him when a voice, the voice of eternity,
finally spoke.



‘HELLO DEAR SON. IT IS GOOD TO FINALLY MEET YOU.’ Jan was shocked at
the immensity of the voice, as if it carried with it the weight of all
eternity. But he responded to the One as best he could. ‘Hello
father.’

‘YOU HAVE SEEN JUST A GLIMPSE OF YOUR ETERNAL DESINY, JAN KOLBY. JUST
A GLIMPSE. BUT KNOW THIS. FOREVER I WILL BE WITH YOU, WATCHING YOU,
TEACHING YOU, GUARDING YOU, JUDGING YOU. YOU ARE MY CHILD AND YOU ARE
DEAR TO ME, AS ALL MY CHILDREN ARE. I WILL HAVE MANY WORDS WITH YOU
OVER YOUR LIFE AHEAD OF YOU, BUT I WILL START WITH THIS. ENJOY YOUR
FIRST YEARS, BEFORE THE CHALLENGES. ENJOY THEM AND REST IN THE
BLESSINGS I WILL PROVIDE FOR YOU. FOR YOU WILL NEED THE STRENGH WHICH
COMES FROM THEM. INDEED, YOU WILL NEED THAT STRENGH. AND REMEMBER
THIS. I LOVE YOU, JAN KOLBY. YOU ARE DEAR TO MY HEART.’ And then
the One left off speaking



Hearing the voice of God Jan knew he would never forget it. The aura,
the power, the majesty. But above all, the sheer loving concern. As
if he, Jan Kolby, was a vessel of high esteem in God’s eyes, and that
he loved him dearly.



As he floated there, waiting whatever would come next, his body leapt
upwards yet again. He spiralled up, up into the neverending eternity
above him, and as he flew or was thrust up he could see a vision. A
vision of life opening up before him. It was heaven. He was coming
to heaven. And quickly, almost in a snapshot, he saw they mystery of
the ages, and took in all its wonder, its scope, its vibrancy, its
beauty. And he saw, almost enmeshed throughout all the eternal heaven
before him, a glowing light, a radiance which seemed to speak of the
glory of God. And then silence.



Darkness came in. He was at rest. He waited there, dwelling in the
final place before his rebirth he somehow knew. He waited there, and
as time passed he gradually felt light coming back onto him. And
then, sensing himself in a large room with many people, he rose from
his resting place, looked around him, and smiled. And then one of the
people said, ‘Welcome,’ and Jan Kolby was finally, and eternally,
home.





Final Words



I guess, reader, if anything is true in life is that we don’t always
get what we want, or even expect. We often dream dreams and have
great wishes for a wonderful life. But, tragically, for so many of us
what we want most desperately often fails to materialize. Even with
our most fervent prayers to the one.



But if there is one thing I have learned in this sojourn so far, it is
that the One really is out there, watching over us, working in our
hearts, and leading us on in a destiny which may just last forever.



What is beyond this shroud called life nobody really knows, for who
has ever come back to tell us?



But like you, and like Jan Kolby, I am a walker in this mystery of
life, treading down its often hectic pathways, making the best of it
that I possibly can. It is not always easy. God knows it is not
always that. There are trying times, for all of us I would imagine,
bringing challenges which challenge the bravest of hearts. But, with
a little courage, with a little strength, with a little faith, we can
make it through this mystery into, hopefully, a better day.



I wish all of you who read this text a very happy day and week and
year ahead. Rimwalker will return, inevitably, in some future life.
But for now I bid you farewell, and if any of us are destined to meet
in this thing called life, I can only wish it to be under the best of
circumstances. Goodbye to all.



THE END