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KNAPP 21. Daron Hinauer.#1Written by Alfred Juillet Frascara. 2010/10/24 to 2010/12/16Gregorian Year: 3 976Star date [37]53000.4038Location: Star Aquarii 31, planet 4, satellite Domicilium; Knapp planet, Solar

System, Aurean Planetary System,Version 01 73265 words.

Characters:Daron Hinauer, Captain of the spaceship freighter GulaEyeela, Biologist; Johard, Domicilium Citys Major; Shanak Hinauer, sister ofDaron, wife of Johard, Senator.Senator Shungirk, President of Domicilium planet= Jurgen Hidler,King Knapp xxxiii

CHAPTERS.

1.- DARON HINAUER page 01

2.- AT THE CHANCELLORS DINNER page 51

3.- THE TWIN TOWERS HOTEL page 70

4.- TOBOR THE GREAT page 99

5.- AT DOMICILLIUM page 108

6.- THE TRIP TO AUREAN FROM AQUARII 31 B page 111

7.- ARRIVAL TO AUREAN ORBIT page 113

8.- THE ARRIVAL TO STAR AUREAN 6 page 190

9.- APPROACHING DOMICILIUM SATELITE page 209

10.-THE DEPARTURE OF THE 2ND STARFLEET page 222

11.-CAPTAIN OFTER Page 239

12.-THE BELL SHAPED SPACESHIP page 243

13.-KNAPP PLANETARY SYSTEM page 257

14.-THE TRIP OF CAPTAIN GOBURT page 273

15.-AT THE FOREST ON FOOT page 282

The End page 306

1Chapter One, Daron Hinauer.

The four cities (Domicilium, Defensio, Contexo, Confessus and Cautes) werered dots on the sphere. The blue was his Orb One, now circling the globe fromnorth East to South West.Domicilium was located on the first Continent, named Makel; populace twomillion people.Originally, the town was built with four buildings at the centre, and a concretewall all around the place, including three parks four hundred square meterseach; near the river Schwall that passed rushing to the sea- it has twokilometers wide and three hundred meters deep at the center. In summer, itshrinks to a hundred meters wide no more, due to the liquefaction of the ice onthe nearest mountains.

Daron Hinauer descended from the spaceship and organized the download ofthe animals with care- four of them in all.

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This species were living on the mountains on Furum continent- there are cleanof virus.- Eyeela said, looking at him- she was wearing a yellow dress with apair of red shoes.You look very happy.- Daron said, adding in his inner thoughts Andbeautiful.

Do you notice it? Yes, as a Biologist, this finds are precious to me! Now we had309 of these cows in our pastures- of course, nothing as in old times.- Shesaid, walking now to help the others with the animals- they were herded to awagon, to takes them to the fields near the city.Daron goes to the Central Tower, where some officers were directing incomingspaceships and talking with their captains by radio. Johard was there, with hiswhite long hair, and when looking at Daron, he smiled and said: You are back!Good to see you.They shake shoulders in the Neongos way, and Daron said: I see you arebusy- many Alliance Starfleet vessels are coming these days.Yes, we had an alliance with them- the new engines are being set in every old

spaceship- I wonder if this is intelligent.- Johard said, coming out of the room;they take a Flier vehicle and went to the city; the new buildings were shiningunder the star Aquarii 91.Im going to meet a Senator, soon. Do you want to assist? Its a politicalmeeting.- Johard said, looking at him.Yes, of course. I wonder if my sister is at home.- Daron asked.No, she is not! But this first night shell be there for to change of dress. I thinkwe could have that meeting and then go home.- Johard said, being thehusband of Shanak, the recently elected Senator from the first district.Daron didnt like politicians, but since his elder sister become one of them; hehad accepted the fact and was trying to be updated on the political facts.They arrived early to the place where a meeting was adjourned, and so theytake a pair of beverages and sandwiches while waiting, at the Bar. Then, somebells rings, and Johard said: they are calling to the meeting. Lets go there.-Johard said, who was in charge of the Space port in Domicilium.Fourteen minutes later, the people inside the big room was finally seated infront of a large table, and a man in the middle of it speaks by the microphone,saying: The meeting begins. We are here to speak about the new dispositionspertaining to the safety of the space port and the fares we are going to evaluatefor the new kind of vessels, specially those coming from our new allies, themembers of the Alliance Starfleet.

2A person rises his hand, and the President of the table gives him the permissionto speak, so he said: I am here in representation of the government of ourPresident Guvald Gofopra, to hear your ideas about the way we are going toface the incoming of more commercial flights and some other kind of visits. Wedidnt had much commercial interchange with our neighboring planetarysystems; now with the new commercial treaties, we are bound to have moreexchange of products and more vehicles are going to appear. Our original fareswere ridiculously small in price; now we are raising them to Universalstandards- prices are going to be stipulated in the same manner as in the SolarSystem, Knappian System and others. No more, but no less, either.

Johard asks for the permission to speak, saying: we are happy you are here,Senator Shungirk; because you will have our sayings to the President. We need

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a bigger building to house the woods we are sure it will appear soon- also, weneed a place where the visitors could rest some of them flying for months in aspaceship, wished to be near the spaceport while their merchandise is beingdownloaded and inspected; they also needs to pay the fares and that perhapswill delay one to three days- they could be at a Hotel while this operations takes

place. Another thing I wish to ask to be taken in account, its the need of abetter way to carry the passengers of those spaceships to the city; we arecounting now with the presence of private companies to carry the visitors to thecity in small Fliers; perhaps a pair of bigger vehicles could be set in place,perhaps using a leasing contract.Then, others were speaking, and after an hour, the Senator Shungirkapologizes for his lack of time to keep on listening and added: Every motionhere presented I will carry to our President, to be studied and some reasonableaction could be implemented. Good afternoon.And he went out, followed by several persons who hadnt the occasion tospeak, and were speaking while he was walking. Johard takes Darons arm,

saying Certainly this Senator is a good guy and he will do something toimprove our small Space port. Lets go home!Daron hailed a taxi Flier, and inside it they traveled to Johards home, locatedon one of the bigger buildings in town- so they descended on the upperplatform, 390 floors from the street.Wow! I surely will tremble to be living at this place!- Daron said, walking to theelevator.Totally secure, brother in law! Made with good steel.- Johard said, smiling.At the 20 rooms apartment, Daron eats lunch with Johard at the table in thedinner room; a food processor was set in the middle of it, and it could be chosenmore than a hundred different plates and 40 different liquors or beverages.This cost us a lot of money, but it gives a total independence to the woman ofthe house, that as you know, here is working eight hours per day.- Johard said,proud that he has one of those artifacts at home. Later, Johard went to work athis office inside the house, while Daron takes a shower and puts on newclothes; the ring bells and his sister come inside the house.Good to have you here, brother!- She said, smiling; she was tall and lean,dressed with taste; Daron said: Im here only for a week, sister. Then, Ill betraveling again.She looks at him smiling, and said: Well, the eternal astronaut! I guess you arehappier aboard a spaceship than in a city!- And seats at a chair on the living

roomI brought Laleas (Jerifordion cows) that were living on the mountains on Furumcontinent- there are clean of virus.- He said.Good to know it! I wonder how many of them there are now.- Shanak said.Three hundred, they said. Hope this species could stick to life- some of themjust die here in this place.- Daron said.Yes, this environ is rather queer- days of 12 hours, to daylights in a day- wehad the advantage that we could reason about it, but an animal dont.- Shanaksaid, looking how his husband was coming by the corridor.Hi, Shanak! Too much work today?- Johard asked, kissing her on a cheek.Yes, as always! There are two more reunions before I could end this day.-

She said, almost complaining.

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You see, Daron, we Neongos just didnt adapt to this satellite! And there arelots of earthquakes- they said the tension makes the satellite shrink andelongate every twelve hours.- Johard said, and Daron accented with a bow; inreality, he knows better than that, but he was not going to scare the couple withhis scientific information.

Our government wants revenge, dear brother. Revenge against the Knappian,that invaded and almost exterminate our race- no matter we are all humans.-Shanak said, very seriously.Yes, I had heard about it. Our president is the most enthusiast- I wonder whatwe could gain with a triumph.- Daron said, not willing to mention what could bethe end result if they loose the confrontation.Our president Jurgen Hindler has already a whole armada- seven cruisers,fifteen frigates, and seventy Orbs.- Shanak enumerates.Orbs! Those artifacts are very old and obsolete!- Daron said, as this was thefirst time he heard about this.Its hush hush, brother! Dont mention, but the Orbs are superior in kind to any

other vessel you can mention; of course, those spaceships are nothingcompared with a Cruiser, but can do a lot of damage.- Shanak said.Yes, with the C Beam.- Johard said, uncovering the fact his wife had alreadyinformed him about these matters.Oh, the C Beams! Those are big words.- Daron said, thinking in the pricePresident Hidler could have paid for those cannons.In fact, this could be the shortest war ever! The enemy has completeconfidence in his allies, the Federation of Planets. As you know, we areascribed to the Second Brana brotherhood, the Alliance of Planets- perhapswith smaller associates, but all the while powerful enough to be feared.-Shanak said.Sister! I guess the winds of war are blowing your way!- Daron said, thinkingthat a war was never a good solution- only a delay while solving problems.She smiled, and received a glass of liquor from his husbands hands, and said:There are certain things a person must do whatever the costs. We had beenharassed, humiliated, vacillated, and almost exterminated. If not for ourbenefactor, Mr. Weiher Gofarten (and they all touch their hearts when hearingthe cherished name) well be extinct, by now.Daron said: There are no living men in our home planet. The viruses are longdead, but the soil didnt produce crops- its a fact. Something is in the soil thatwas made sterile.- And he remembered the barren lands and the wind blowing

where there was grass in ancient times.Our President Hidler has big ideas- he is going to make our old planet anorchard. We had friends now- the Aurean, the Delta Spooners and the AlphaMollers- of course, Knapp retires from the Alliance and now teams up with theFederation- a joke. No sense of fraternity at all.- Shanak said, finishing herdrink.If you have something to do, sister, dont bother about me! Im going to sleep alittle- the voyage and the gravity is asking for a price.- Daron said, smilingapologetically.I understand! Gravity is never the same.- Shanak said, and then she asked;Dear, do you show him a room where to lay his body?

Yes, darling! Room five.- He smiled, and she stands up and patting hisshoulder, went out to his office inside the house, to prepare for the meetings.

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Your sister the senator works very hard. But she likes it.- Johard said, risinghis shoulders.Daron said yes, and went to his bedroom; in fact, he was not so tired at all, butthe fact he was visiting his sister, after many years, was embarrassing for him;of course, he was decided to stay the five days in her home, not because he

was economizing in Hotels, but because who knows when he will be able tostay with her again in the future.He starts the holographic set- one of the new agreeable things in the city- forhim, a novelty here. The news was being given by a couple of persons, withfilms of every what was being told. The President Hidler also has a smallappearance, giving one commentary on the new Cruisers he was making at theinauguration of a soccer field, saying that soon the Neongos were going toachiever their former glory.Daron slept four hours, and when he awoke again, it was pitch dark; he clappedhis hands and the electrical lights shows him the room- by the window, the nightwas on the city.

He takes a shower, and puts on new clothes, from one of his valises, andwalked out by the corridor; he searches for his sister or Johard, but they weregone, possibly to work.He decided he was going out to the street, and tasks for a Flier taxi using theHolographic set; soon the vehicle was announced as waiting on the platform upon the building top, and he hurriedly walked there, using the elevator.Where to, Chief?- the voice of the in-built driver asked him.Carry me to the spaceport, driver. Pole 46.- He asked, looking by the window.The city was brilliantly lit, and there were several Fliers coming and going abovethe buildings.Do you know how many citizens are there on this city?- He asked the driver.1.002.390, Sir. Not counting the tourists.- The driver said, who was connectedwith the city databases.All right, and now tell me, if you can, how many Neongos are in this planet.-Daron asked him.7.930.303, Sir. Forty per cent are newborns, so you cannot count the numberas a workforce.- The driver said, descending on the Space Port and exactlyright alongside the spaceship Gula. Daron paid the fare with his wrist bar codenumbers.Thanks you, Sir. Good night.- The driver said, ascending swiftly on the air andgoing out of sight.

Daron arrives to the ramp, and seeing an electric crewman on guard there, hesaid: Good night, sailor. Is Miss Eyeela back?No, Sir. There are no natural people aboard by now.- EC 390 said, bowing. Hewas metallic, of course, as every Neongo cybernetic creation was at that date.Daron climbs the ladder and by the corridor he meet two more EC creatures,carrying some wires.What are you doing with these wires, people?- He asked.We are wiring the left nacelle, Sir.- One of them said, bowing.Keep on, men.- He said, not willing to delay them in their work.At the engine room he saw that the crew were making some adjustments; hesaid: Hows going, men?

Fine, Sir! The Dylithium crystal is repaired.- One of them said.

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Theres nothing else more important- except the nacelles. How that is beingworked out?- Daron asked, knowing the one in front of him will search theanswer in those two at the left nacelle. Soon the e-man said: The wiring is fastdoing, Sir. Three hours to complete.Thanks you for your cooperation. Ill be on the Bridge.- Daron said, walking by

the semi dark corridors. At the Bridge, the three e-men on duty saluted him,saying: all normal here, Sir.Thanks. Guess theres no call from the Central office yet?- Daron asked,expecting they could said yes, but no calls were received. He needs that call- infive days he should be leaving the planet, or pay for another five days at thePole 46- the University of Jerifordion has a contract with him- more specimensmust be brought from Jerifordion 3 , but the scant outcome of his last voyage-just four cows and a handful on plants could make the dean realize more tripswere only a waste of money.He calls on Eyeela, the biologist, but there was no answer. Must be sleeping.-He said to himself.

He felt a tremor, and looking at the copilot, he said: What was that?Nothing interior, Sir. Its outside.- EC 903 said.- Something hits hard on thefloor.He went outside by the open ramp, looking at the big black vessel not fortymeters away; from its hatchways the ramps were touching the ground, andsoon a lot of military e-men were marching down. He returns to the main cabin,saying: Military men! Too close, for my tranquility.They are telling us to move to Pole 66, Sir. Did I comply?- EC 903 asked him.Yes, move the spaceship- I wonder if they are going to deduce some moneyfor this.- Daron said, and soon they were farther from the cruiser.Huge baby! I wonder what are going to do with those giants.- Daron said.Declare the war on Knapp, Sir. The President Hidler wants revenge.- EC 903said, with his metallic voice.Yeah, right! Revenge and then what? - Daron said, but he didnt get anyanswer- the machines were clever and smart, but they werent fortune tellers.He waits for a call from the dean of Domicilium University; to not avail- his callsto the Biologist Eyeela werent answered.He worked on the plotting of exotic paths to neighboring stars, that of causeSome e-man could (and did) do in scant seconds. He gets asleep on his seat.Hey, wake up!- A female voice awakes him, and he stared at the person. Shewas dressed in blue, and was smiling- Eyeela the Biologist was there, smiling.

Too tired? She asked, walking to the radars.Oh, no! Perhaps bored. I was waiting for a call, thats all.- Daron said.I was at the University I tried to see the Dean but Mr. Ngronk is on vacation.Perhaps you will be trying to speak with Mr. Negraler; hes the subrogatenowadays.- Eyeela said.

3

Oh, yeah? But he can authorize more trips? And with which base, or project?Daron said.Well, Im just the biologist of the team, remember?-Ayeela replied.Daron realize he was leaning on her, and that was not meant to be- the womanhad been very polite the eighteen months of their trip- never accepting romantic

insinuations or familiarities from him. Obviously, he was not her type of man.Oh, yes! Sorry.- Daron said, standing up.

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I come to say goodbye. My assignation to project Cow is ended. I guess I willbe sending requests for a job. Next thing- Ill be moving to my parents house.-Eyeela said.Daron moves his head and said: Pity to hear that. Perhaps the Dean couldresolve your problem, when he gets back.

She moved the seat, slowing those long legs that had provoked more than oneinsomnia to him, and said: Probably but not sure.Daron was sure she will get a job, and pronto: with her good looking self, it wasa sure thing.

4

She gets close to him, kissing his cheek- he aspires that perfume he knows swell- and as a butterfly in the forest, she glides away in silence.Daron keeps standing there, under the yellow and green lights of the manypanels. EC -903 was on a seat, immobile. Daron was sure the EC was totallyindifferent to his troubles.He looks at the clock- 9:13 hours- the new morning was above them all again.

He walked out of the freighter, hailed a Flier taxi and soon he was at DomiciliumUniversity campus.Finding the subrogate was an easy thing- he was seated behind the big stonedesk of the absent Dean, and very happy to be there, as it seems.Come in, Sir! Dont be shy!- Mr. Negraler said, waving his hands.Daron saluted, seating on a chair and said: I guess you dont know how theDean sent me to find flora and fauna to our mother planet Janarvia III. I broughtcattle and plants to be study here and in the best scenario, to contribute to a bigheard in order to provide our citizens the best of meat and also milk.The Subrogate looks at him with incredulity; he coughed, moved some gadgets

at his desk, and realizes he knew nothing about the matter. Then he said: I wasnot informed of this. Where is the cattle?

6

The cattle were brought to the farm this University has on the north side of thecity by Miss Eyeela, the Biologist.- Daron explained.I see.- Negraler said, not realizing what was expected of him.And now, as the Dean Kgronk said, a second voyage must depart into fivedays more.- Daron said.The Subrogate looked at a screen on his desk, saying; The Dean is currently invacations and if he told you how he wants things donned, I am not qualified todecide. But thanks to drop by to talk.-

Daron was not sure about what was happening there: if he adamantly said hewas just coming and going, he was only cheating himself- he must makebelieve Negraler he has something to say too! Or else, Daron will be working forpeanuts or worst still, for nothing- ad honorem- no payment at all.I need the money first, Mr. Negraler. You, as the Subrogate, I am sure couldafford a signature to your Treasurer, Mr. Finlant. He knows me, so it is surethere will be no problem with him.- Daron advanced his rook.Negraler moves on his seat, saying: What for? If you had a previous deal withMr. Kgronk he should had paid you all in advance, dont you think?Well, as Mr. Kgronk is not here, you must believe in my word! Or else, tell yoursecretary to find the document! Youll see he was paying me every time I went

there.- Daron said, patiently but with intensity.

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To his surprise, the Subrogate takes a card from his best pocket, inserted on aaccounting machine, and said: Tell me your Bank account, and the money it issupposedly I must pay.Here it is, Sir. The amount is 930.000 Credits.- Daron said, not believing hisgood luck.

Fine. 930.000 Credits it is. Satisfied?- The subrogate said, after the necessaryclicking.Yes, Mr. Negraler. You had been of much use to me; I will be paying now forthe fuel and other things.- Daron said, happy all around.I hope it is enough, Captain.- Negraler said, and his eyes were like icicles.

7

Yes, of course, Mr. Subrogate. Well, Im going now. Thanks you very much foryour cooperation.- Daron said, standing from the chair.The man walks around the desk, saying: A Question, captain: I always wantedto see a freighter by the inside. Could I visit your spaceship before you go?Of course, Mr. Subrogate! Pole 66, Domicilium Spaceport. Go there anytime

you want.- Daron said, amused by the strange demand- or not so strange?He thought, adding to his reasoning: Perhaps the man was willing to see therereally is a spaceship involved.He walked to the street, and after some blocks, he gets into a dress store,where he bought several clothes for his next trip. He had money now Negralerhas paid in advance- and he could buy now all he requires- and more.He rented a room at a cheap Hotel with a tiny bathroom, because it was aroutine he always had while in the land: if any problem arise on his stay, hisaddress was an Hotel and not the spaceship- that could be retained justbecause of him, and trashed around.

He found a Tavern and walked in; there was full of cigars smoke and severalfat men were on the opposite side, on a raised platform, singing while adrummer was playing on two big drums. They were dressed only with clothesaround their waist and the inner parts, and while Daron was there sipping abrew, the chant was as follows I learn and when I perform the incantation toEridu when I perform the Incantation may a kindly Guardian stand at my side/by Ningursu, master of the sword, mayest thou be exorcised! Evil spirit, evilDemon, evil Ghost, evil Devil, evil God, evil Fiend, Evil are they! Unto my bodymay they not draw nigh/ before we may they wreak no evil/ nor follow me/ intomy house may they not enter. My fence may they not break through, into mychamber may they not enter.

From then on, they speak in the ancient tongue, the only scholars and mysticscould understand a word. It runs like this: ZI AN NA KANPA KIA KAN PA INIMINIM MA UTUG HUL A KAN. And some other words.A man appears at his side, coming from the street, and asking for a cup ofbrewed aromatic leaves; he looks into Daron and said: This people areinfesting the city! Now that science receives a terrible blow! They are here topervert the minds with this mumbo jumbo of theirs!Of course, the man was referring to the singers; Daron accented with a bow, notwilling to fight anybody that day. The chant keeps on: By heaven you areexorcised! By earth be thou exorcised!Oh, shut up! Yelled the newcomer to them. The fat men begin to sing very

rapidly, with the drums beating a fast rhythm: Evil fiends are they! From theunderworld they have gone forth, they are the messengers of Bel, lord of the

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world! The evil spirit that in the desert smitten the living man, the evil Demonthat like a dork enshrouded the man, the evil Ghost. The evil Devil that seizeupon the body, the Hag demon and ghoul that smith the body with sickness, thephantom of night that in the desert roamed abroad, unto the side of thewanderer have drawn nigh casting a woeful fever upon his body.

Daron finish his drink and walked away. He didnt believe in a phantom worldand powers within; he walked to his Hotel room, takes a shower and went tobed at the common night time, or the second period of darkness existent atthe satellite where he was now and his race.Six hours later, he awakes and after dressing himself on fresh clothes, he wentout to the street, finding the merchants road, where tents were raised and everykind of artifacts were in display, using tables. There were new or used; kettles,electrical or not; sheets, costumes, socks, shoes, leather belts, knives, gamesto play at a table, sport items, fruits and groceries, amulets, toys, even pets.The merchants were occupying eight blocks with their trade.There were also men or women ready to be rented by the hour; these were

naturals and they were chanting: here we are natural men and women, freshfor you to taste! Here we are to make you happy day and night!The males sing but with hoarse voices, boasting to produce several orgasms totheir clients, by the hour.He rented a blonde and soon they were at a room.You are a tourist.- The woman said, undressing fast.Yes, and why do you ask?With you the matter is safer- no viruses or bacteria in those cryogenic pods youmust use to arrive here.- She said, embracing him.Daron was with her until the night, and then he walked to the freighter. He wasastounded to see the Subrogate Mr. Negraler there, giving orders to many anatural student, as they climb the ladder with bags and boxes.Whats going on here, Mr. Negraler? Daron asked, not in the best of moods.Oh, captain Daron! Sorry about this intrusion! But as you are going toJerifordion planet, I thought you could carry our Paleontology team! ProfessorRasmussen and his team is going with you!- The Subrogate said.Oh, yeah? And whos going to pay for the extra load? To cryiogenize manypeople has a price, also the meals!- Daron said, not liking the Surrogates idea.

15

Mr. Negraler said: I am surprised. You had received a nice amount by ourUniversity not many hours ago, and now you here doubt of our good

intentions?Daron realized he was acting too harsh, and said: Oh, no, I dont doubt you!-Well! Thats better.- The subrogate said, looking to the sides- some studentswere there, looking what was happening.I need to know how many professors and students you are willing to becarrying in this trip, Mr. Negraler. I have just a limited amount of cryo-pods instock.Twenty three they are, including Professor Moria Feneloden.- Negraler said.Oh, well, we had thirty five cryo pods available. Not in the same room,originally only just twenty cryogenic pods were needed, but I had bought somemore pods in order to serve my clients better.- Daron said, not mentioning that

the other pods were located in dangerous locations- near the nacellesthemselves.

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Mr. Negraler Then, you can carry them all. Just name the price; I can make thetransfer at any time you like.I have a Holographic set at the main cabin; we could go there to make the deal,Mr. Negraler; also, it will be good that you call on the ones you are sending onthis trip, to know them better.- Daron said, expecting no problems with them,

but all the while, to see if there were someone with too weakly a bodyconstitution- a weak person needs a series of special treatments he was notgoing to go through.They walked to the main cabin, while Negraler ask some students to call on therest for a talk; soon they make the transfer- 30.000 Credits more for DaronsBank account- and at the corridor, he said to the students that were lined at thesides:Good afternoon; Im Captain Daron from the space freighter Gula. I call onyou, through your able Dean Negraler, to see if theres someone not fit for thistrip.And saying that, Daron walked down the lines, to see if there was someone not

fit- he finds not one but four; that he signaled out to Mr. Negraler, saying: Thisfour people cannot make the trip, Sir.Negraler looked troubled, and asked why.The physical conditions of this people are weak. Two females, two males; youcan see they are thin, pale faced, and I am sure their hearts pumps in a feebleway, also that they had suffered severe illnesses when very young, or they alsocould be sick right now.- Daron said.Tell us if there is someone sick among you.- Negraler said, and one of thefemales said: Im with measles but the doctor said I could travel through spacewith no problems.She is sick.- Daron said,Right; well, Mr. Daron, you will be having four people less in this trip- and ofcourse, students, sorry about you, but the trip cannot wait for you to became inbetter physical conditions.- Negraler said, feeling sorry for those people.Daron said: The rest of you will get accommodations for the first part of the trip-then, well use the cryogenic pods.- Daron said, dismissing them.Negraler received a phone call, and after attending it, he said to Daron: Well,captain, I will be going now. Treat my students well.In that moment, a woman approaches them, saying: Sorry, Mr. Negraler, but Iwas busy when you call on us. Professor Feneloden! This is captain Daron, from this freighter! Mr. Daron,

meets our professor Feneloden.= Negraler said.Daron bowed and said; Good to know you, Miss.She was wearing pants and a shirt of yellow color; sandals and looked veryyoung.Hope our presence aboard could be of no occasion of embarrassment, Sir. Ourstudents are smart and full of energy.- She said, with a special kind of delicatevoice.

16

Daron said: Mr. Negraler is the renter of my space freighter, Miss MoriaFeneloden- you and the rest of the students are welcome on my spaceship.The Subrogate soon departed to the University, saying: Hope your travel will

be a tranquil one, Mr. Daron. Farewell!

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The extra payment was already donned, so Daron was in good spirits. Hetalked with Exuro the first officer, who was saying: The Students eats a lot, Sir.We should cryogen them right away.Its not the regulation, but proceeds, Mr. Exuro! The locust plague must becontrolled.- Daron said, so the Students and the professor soon were all

dormant.Doran calls all hands to Deck One, and said: Very well, sirs! We are about todepart. Our tourists are already sleeping, and money is already on my wallet.Furo, a big man in his fifties, said The spaceship is ready, but we arent,Captain! A lot of work and no fun! Why dont you pay us some supplement?Well be having fun before our departure.Daron knew that an unhappy crew makes a good recipe to further mutiny, so hesaid: Ill give you a thousand grand before departure! I only hope youll be herein three more days!They all were happy with the news- the seven of them and after the dulytransference of money to their Bank accounts, they goes down the ramp singing

an obscene tune.17

Daron walked to the Cryogenic pods, whistling the same tune, andremembering when he was a young spaceman. Now the solitude of the bigspace-freighter was not total- several metallic men were working at differentparts of the ship.The night come and go outside- Daron was at the Bridge, when the externalcommunicator resounds; he opened the channel, and a voice said: Mr. Daron!Open the airlock, please!Daron looked at the webcam, seeing Mr. Negraler the Subrogate standing

there, while some guys leave valises all around him.Mr. Negraler?- He said, very intrigued by the unexpected appearance.Yes! Open the airlock, please?- That man asked, with some hysterical tone onhis voice.Daron calls on a metallic man, saying: Escort that man inside ship.Yes, Captain.- The electronic man said, departing to the airlock. Soon Mr.Negraler was in front of him, saying: Fortunately for me, you still hadntdeparted! Captain, I am in deep trouble, but thanks to you I think I can escapemy doom! This is, because you hadnt taken off!Well, I give my men three days of shore leave! Guess its what they deserve.Mr. Negraler slumped down into a chair, and said: Mr. Ngronk the Dean has

come back!Oh, yeah?- Daron asked, sensing that is heart looses rhythm by a couple ofseconds.

18

He told me you was not supposed to have another trip! Also, he refused toaccept the trip- the archeological team, in fact, could not travel to Jerifordion!Daron brazen before the threat that was coming his way, and said: The moneywas paid, and I cannot return the money you give me! The team is already indeep sleep!I cannot believe it! Why? It seems I can remember a regulation against freezingpeople before the departure?- The subrogate asked him.

Daron looked grim. Why this man was arriving to spoil his voyage? And said:But tell me why you are saying you are in danger!

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Oh, yes! The Dean denies me any escape! He told me he was going to freezemy wages from now on, and the money I had paid was going to be asked ofme- legally! So I attacked him- he defends himself very adamantly- butsidestepped and banged his head on a corner.- Negraler explained.And die?- Daron was surprised.

And die!- The subrogate accented with a movement of his head. Daron halfbelieved him- of course, it was plausible. Also logical, looking at the case whenthe money was in between. Perhaps the Subrogate attacked the Dean while hewas distracted.Now I am going to be a fugitive from the Justice! A killer! The Dean was there-still.- Mr. Negraler said, sobbing in his seat.Daron half believed his sobbing- he had time to take his personal belongings onseveral valises- not concordant with an emotional flee.I take some money, too! I will repay your efforts.- The Subrogate offered.

19

Daron was sure the Subrogate wasnt detected. The Police will be studying the

scene of the crime- eventually, the Subrogate will be declared suspect- notguilty since nobody saw him commit the crime!Three days! You cannot delay me so much! Call your people! Lets depart!-The Subrogate asked him.Daron calls on his men- to not avail. The reception of signals shows that theyhad their machines disconnected.No way! They dont want any intrusion.- Daron said, showing the red dots onthe map.Lets depart without them! I saw you have some Electrical Men! They can manthe spaceship for you!

Daron wasnt happy with The Surrogates idea. His men were people proved indangerous situations.I offer you two million Credits if you carry me away!- The voice of Mr. Negralerwas the sound of a bugle for Darons hears. He was electrified by that generousoffer. So generous that Daron looked at the Subrogate with a doubt dot in hiseyes. Negraler repeats: I offer you two million Credits cash! But you must leaveat once! Do what you must do, right now!And taking his Credit Card, he inserted it on a Holographic set near his seat.All right, make the deposit!- Daron said, looking how his Bank accountsuddenly grows with those two million Credits at his name. Then, he calls on theChief of the E.C. crew on board, saying: We departs, now. Ask for the

customary requisitions to the Control Tower.Doing it, Sir.- The E.C. #50 said, using the radio transmitter.Half an hour later, the Freighter Gula departs from its former position, on routeto Jerifordion planet.As the travel takes two months, both Naturals underwent into the pods, wherethey lay immobile and unconscious the rest of the silent voyage.The Electronic Men were in charge of the space freighter. There was scant workto do, as the vessel was already with the necessary speed, and not having airon space, inertia works uniformly.The Star Jerifordion was now in sight- a mere speck of light among millionothers, but the course was set and it was the target.

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21

Five parsecs away from Jerifordion, a Knappian Cruiser was stationed, andasking their goal. One of the EC said: we come from Aquarii, on route toJerifordion.The officer understood it was an old Jenifordion haven, and said: Satellite

Domicilium, the new house of Neongos?Yes, Sir. The remnants are there.How many Naturals on board?Seventeen, Sir. Almost everyone from Domicilium University.The Knappian officer understood it was not a dangerous crew, and asked nomore. The EC keeps the communication on record, to show it to Captain Daronafterwards.When inside the Jenifordion Planetary System, the Naturals were awaken andCaptain Daron scanned the Planets to know if there were more Knappianpresence there- at planet Four there were a mining facility, from the invaders.No presence at planet Three, but indeed the Knappian had two spying

satellites orbiting around.- EC #50 tell the captain.Nasty critters! They still hates Neongos race!- Daron said, despising theinvaders with all his might.Miss Feneloden, now awake, approaches him, saying: Captain: Where do youthink its the best site to begin my work? Because I have some coordinates onmy records that resembles to be the best option to land.Let me see it, please?- Captain Daron said, feeding the Holographic set withthe tiny memory pill. A section of the planet on that pill was shown on theHolodeck, and was enlarged and certainly there were vegetation and somefauna there.

22

It looks promising.- Miss Feneloden remarked.Very well, well land at the south part of that river you see there on theholomap.- Daron said, choosing that spot as it was flat land for more than threekilometers around.They landed safely; the E.C. descended to scan the place- they found severalorganic creatures such as Bacteria, Viruses and worms.Dangerous site. Perhaps we should disinfect, sterilize as much as possiblebefore Natural people ventures there.- EC 45 said.Dangerous site?- Daron repeats, looking at Miss Moria Feneloden and to Mr.Fakor, who was pale.

I will not leave the ship.- Mr. Negraler said.As you wish. Neither do I.- Daron said- as it was his custom from thebeginning of these trips.But Miss Moria Feneloden and the students were very interested in todisembark.I know there is a danger! But I know about viruses and bacteria! If you takesamples in any city, youll be finding viruses and bacteria potentiallydangerous!- Miss Moria Feneloden said.I cannot let you disembark on these conditions.- Daron said, thinking in hisreturn to Domicilium with or without a pest on board.But you said theres the possibility of to clean the place!- Miss Moria

Feneloden said; one of the students said: We can wait until your mechanicalmen cleans the place.

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E.C. #45 said: We should waste chemicals and LASER beams in here. I doubtthat any vegetation will withstand the fumigation.That sets Miss Feneloden silent. He wants to study but also to preserve theflora and fauna.Well search for another place. But the freighter remains here.- Daron said,

and the mechanical men went to scout with the students and the professor inthree Fliers.

23

Daron seats at the dinning room, where Mr. Negraler was licking an ice-cream.The woman is gone? Negraler asked him.Yes. They will search for a less contaminated place.- Daron replied, taking aglass of water from the food processor.I cannot return to Domicilium right away. The mistake I made there will hunt mefor ever.- Mr. Negraler said.Theres an ample sky waiting for you! Perhaps Earth could be your new placeto stay.- Daron said. The eyes of Mr. Negraler were now shining in a strange

fashion, and Daron mused about the stability that man could possess now heknew himself as a murderer.Certainly you know about planets! How much could be the cost of a tripthere?- Negraler asked him. Daron looked at him, thinking why Negraler seemsto have all the money he wants certainly with his wages was impossible to bepaying freighters to travel through space and Branas.Tell me how much.- Negraler almost begged.I can take you near a civilized planet, where you can take a Liner to Earth.Plenty of time to think about that, dont you think?Perhaps! Let me see in your holographic set about it!- Mr. Negraler said, and

without delay, he begins to search for places.25

Daron calls on two Mechamen, saying: Put an eye on Mr. Negraler! Hes actingstrange- any fumbling with equipments out of the Holographic set, and you callon me.And stop him too?- E.C.# 45 asked, with his metallic voice.Yes, you do it.- Daron said, yawning and going to bed.The away team, conformed by Miss Moria Feneloden and his seventeenstudents plus four crew managers (Furo, Sieren, Tugor, Benekar and Exuro)were on the Fliers keeping the left side of the river Cientia who had crossedseven cities (Zalu, Birogy, Furum, Xugohe, Rabor, Actir, Rist.) that now were

mere wrecks of ancients derelicts.Theres much pity on my heart, looking this ancient glories of our race.- MissMoria said : Your country?-Yes, of course. My ancient relative lives at Birogy city, the one we had leftbehind as a city of flowers. Certainly the most wooded of all cities, theecological city of ours! Perhaps viruses and bacteria had spared it in view ofit?- Miss Moria asked.

26

A student, named Fekor, said: My relatives were from that city, too. I have theaddress of what they called Tower 44.Ah! Towers numbered! I remember that: each tower housing more than 44.000people! Surrounded by eight acres of land, where trees and plants grows-

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verdure, groceries, flower beds and small forest lawns to serve the people!-Miss Moria said, and soon they were above that city.It is a real forest!- Miss Moria said, looking how green that whole side of theriver was.They descended near the water line- the sole place without much forest- and

the mechanical men went out, to scan the air, and the ground. They foundAnthrax.Danger.- One of them radioed to the Fliers.Sterilize the area.- Miss Moria said, shutting her eyes- the flora and fauna willhad to sustain the possible damage of the chemical compounds!Hours later, the level of poisoning decreased but never disappear (because ofthe wind) the professor and the students went out of their vehicle and soon theywere using their instruments to study the place.Miss Moria saw that the plants and trees were sound and healthy, but no animalwas found- the mammals had disappeared together with the avian creatures.Four weeks they were using the place as headquarters, because now they were

traveling by the forests- the amount of danger inside the forests were minimal incomparison to the open grounds.Miss Moria was confident now on the future-27Using the forests as the habitat, humans could sterilize the open spaces one byone until the whole planet could be named safe.This trip is going to be historical! Our information could serve to people tired ofto be living two short days in one!- Miss Moria said.Apart from the numerous tremors!- Lanar said, a handsome young lady.Tremors? Earthquakes!- Fekor said, a young lad of twenty one years old.The earthquakes are due because the satellite receives much gravitation pullfrom the mother planet- the inner nucleus is deformed every hour of the day,melting the heavy components with the shrinking and expanding.- Miss Moriasaid.It could crack any other minute!- Young lady Lanar said, smiling whileremembering the phrase being told by her parents at home.It was that satellite or nothing!- Miss Moria said, repeating an old explanationthe Authorities often said.

28

Daron saw them returning, weeks later, and said to EC 45: Take a look at thembefore allowing their entrance here.

Yes, Sir.- EC #45 replied, and with two other Synthetic persons, went out thespaceship to see if the newcomers had some degree of infection.Why our Captain is doing this? We feel fine.- Miss Moria said, feeling herselfabused.Orders, Madame!EC #45 said, and soon a sample of their body fluids wastreated to see if theres some dangerous virus or bacteria lurking inside theirbodies.Two of the students have beginning to be poisoned by anthrax, and the rest hasonly minor infections- nothing that cannot cure some million units of penicillinDaron was not happy to see them arrive with viruses, but said nothing. TheExplorers went to the showers and after that, some liniments were used to fight

any other disease they could have attached to the hair or skin waiting themoment to get into the lungs or the stomachs. Miss Moria went to Darons

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office, and seating on a chair, said: Our team discovered that in the foreststheres practically no danger of infection.That is a good new, indeed.- Daron said, looking at her- she has29a pair of big eyes very agreeable to look upon. She smiled, showing white even

teeth and said: Our race could come back here! Its not wonderful?I mean, they could live here and at Domicilium. Remember the cities they hadbuilt there!- Daron said, while she think about that possibility- she was certaineveryone will prefer Jerifordion than Domicilium!When could we return to Domicilium? Our job here it is finished.- Miss Moriasaid, staring at the Captain, who said: I was waiting for you to tell me. As Mr.Negraler the Subrogate is already bored here and willing to depart. She putsher eyes wide open, saying: Bored? Well, it is his fault! He should had gonewith us to the field!In that moment someone presses the door buzzer and when Daron opened it,Mr. Negraler walked in, carrying a satchel and saying: Here I have your

payment in advance, Captain!When looking at Miss Moria, that was there, he added: Professor Feneloden,hope you are finished here, to return home?Yes, Subrogate Director! At this meeting with the captain, we were discussingthat matter. - She said, coldly.Good! Im bored here, of waiting. Too dangerous living here, dont you think?Are you of my same opinion?- Mr. Negraler asked her.She blushed and said: Quite the opposite, Sir! We found spots where the evil isnot= the forests! So I am decided to

30

inform not only the University about this, but also to the Media! Everyone mustknow our home planet is again habitable!Mr. Negraler looked at the Captain and said: Well, every person knows wherehe wants to stick his head! Me, Im going from here and I will never come back.She stands up and said: Well, its only a matter of opinion! Excuse me now, Ihave things to do.- And she walked out of the office. Mr. Negraler looked at thedoor, saying: Good female! Strong and healthy! Guess Ill be having one ofthose, when at Earth planet- a man should not live alone!Daron believes the same thing- if not because of his short interlude with womenat Jerifordion, he was sure that, by now, he would had been chasing Miss Moriaaround the ship.

I brought you money.- Mr. Negraler said, licking his lips. He opened thesatchel, and a lot of Credit bills were there to be seen.Your trip to Earth is a donned up thing, Mr. Negraler!- Daron said. TheSubrogate puts a hand on his arm, and said: Forget about etiquette, Daron!Now we are partners in this! Call me just by my name, Negraler! Forget aboutetiquette, and Ill call you Daron, just and simply!

30

All right Negraler! These person wants to return to Domicilium first! You couldhire somewhere inside the spaceship while I take them to the surface.- Daronsays, but Negraler denies with a movement of his head, saying:: NO, no! Youare all over backwards in this!

Daron was afraid to hear this, and now it was becoming reality. Negraler keepstelling: You take me out of this dangerous spot Im in! I had paid you good

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money, Daron! You just freeze this people, and with them canned as tuna fish,we just roamed to Earth! There you dump me out, and farewell to ourassociation! You return to Domicilium, delivering this team where they belong,that is, the University of Domicilium.- Mr. Negraler said.We will depart in four hours.- Daron said, counting the bills- they were new

and crispy31

Four hours were spent cryiogenizing people with the help of the ElectronicCreatures (EC). Miss Moria Feneloden and the students, the SubrogateNegraler went to the nether world, nor dead nor alive but for a time, nonexistent- proof that the mind exists based only on matter, and without matter lifecould not exist except in the realm of fantasy and make-believe.Daron waits for the traverse through Branas; his spaceship wasnt new andbecause of its bulk, the traversing has some dangers attached.But the old freighter did make the transition; the stars of the First Brana were infront of them. EC #50 makes some calculations and then said: Two years to

Earth planet, Sir.

32

Two years? Compute again!- Daron said, growing pale- the two monthsvoyage was changed to two full years?Yes, Sir. Four verifications already say this trip will take two years.= EC #50said, mechanically.Then, our traverse through Branas had something wrong in it. Check it.- Daronsaid, becoming angry.Verifications show a difference provoked by a emission of energy produced bya certain unknown vibration, Sir. The fault was not in calculus or in the

spaceship field camp.- EC #50 said.Daron walks to the Cryopods, and looking at the dormant, he said: See thatthey dont get awake until Plutos orbit is achieved.- And setting a pod forhimself, he went under cryo with a lot of worries. In fact, the distance was reallygreat, and the dangers were high, because several asteroids were lurking alongthe way.The EC personnel were busy several times a week. The changes of course, toavoid dangerous rocks were numerous, and didnt contribute to shorten thevoyage more to the contrary; it was delaying more and more.Three years later, at last the freighter arrives to the Solar System, the cryo podswere opened and Daron could walk among the living once more. To his

astonished face, the33

rest of the cryogenized people werent in good shape. All of the students plusMiss Moria Feneloden were very sick- if the viruses and bacteria were erasedand eliminated, why then this sudden disgrace?As Daron wasnt a medic, he just could make assumptions and presumptionswhile he calls on the authorities- soon the emergency spaceship nearest to theirlocation appears, like a flea near a mammoth, and locked to the freighter.Whats happens to them, doctors?- Daron asked the doctor in charge of theteam of five medics.Its strange- a new disease is what we have in here.- Doctor Slate said,rubbing his cheek.Contagious?- Daron asked, very worried for him.

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Not contagious. Its more like an aging of the tissues, which corrupts all bodilyfunctions. Sorry, but you, your spaceship and everyone on board must be keptin quarantine on our Hospital on Pluto.- Doctor Slate said.But I have another passenger- Mr. Negraler! He is at the only occupied pod,waiting for another destination post.- Daron explained, and Doctor Slate went

to the pod, looking inside by the round glass cover that shows the face.Oh, a man! Well, he has to be awakened, too! We must see if he is also sick.-Dr. Slater asked. Daron gives instructions to the EC people to comply with theorder.Where am I?- Mr. Negraler said, when walking out of the cryogenic pod.At the Gula freighter, Sir. Show me your tongue.-34Dr. Slater said, while other assistant was taking fluid samples of Mr. Negralersbody, using a set of needles. One hour later, Dr. Slater said: Infected.Why? He wasnt at the ground- I mean- he never set foot outside thespaceship.- Daron said, amazed.

My dear Captain! He must had been in close contact with somebody of thepeople that is already infected!- Dr. Slater said, amused to see Daron getspuzzled out.Well, If you say so , certainly must be a fact.- Daron said.Dont worry too much!- Dr. Slater said, patting his shoulder.- This thingshappens! You are not guilty.- And he was taking the instruments inside asatchel.The quarantine.- Daron begins to say, but Dr. Slater interrupted him, saying:Dear Captain! I have a list here of the viruses this poor man has inside his body,as well as the others: Tacaribe complex virus, Togavirus, Tupaia virus, SA 2virus, Polyomavirus bovis, and murine hepatitis virus! Certainly impossible toget all this in a normal natural environ! Where did you go with this people?Jerifordion planetary system! This is a scientific team from the University ofDomicilium!- Daron said, itching all around after hearing the list of the virus.Incredible! Of course, you never heard abut the prohibition to visit that place?-Doctor Slate asked him.

35

I live at the second Brana- where no prohibition has been issued.- Daron said,thinking that deep space was free of this prohibition the solar Systemgovernment has issued.Dr. Slater said: Well, I guess you are right. Worst thing it is , that this poor

people will be a large time under medical treatment before they get well.You hadnt answered my question: about the time my freighter will bequarantined.- Daron said.I understand perfectly well your position, Captain! But first of all, we must waitfor a military spaceship to arrive here- I already sent notice to our Ministry ofHealth! They will carry your freighter to some secure place, to begin with themedical treatment on the people, and of course, a disinfection of the vessel.-Dr. Slater explained.Daron went to his cabin, in despair. He seats on a chair, looking at theholoscreen, where the Deck was in view. There were two Electromen there,idling while waiting orders. For a minute, Daron thought in escape- to travel

back to Brana 2, leaving the disease on the medical spaceship, but he cannotcompete with a Cruiser.

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Somebody press the buzzer at the door, and he opened it.Daron! You must help me!- Negraler said.You here? But you should be at the Infirmary!- Daron gasped out.

36

Those doctors know nothing! They told me Im sick! But I feel all right!-

Negraler said, coughing.The ship will be in quarantine! We are waiting some military vessel- they will bein charge of everything, including us.- Daron said, with passion.Dont wait for them! I have valuables they cannot find! They must not find Imon the run! Take an emergency vessel! We could escape!- Negraler said, butDaron has a whole freighter to loose and said no. Negraler had foreseen such athing, and producing a LASER gun, he pointed it at Daron, saying: I was notgoing to do this, Daron! But you left me no choice. Now well take a smallvehicle, and well be descending to Earth planet!Daron laughed and said: Do you know where we are? At Plutos orbit! We justcould make the trip to Pluto! And theres only a garrison there.

Then take the freighter out into space! Im decided to leave this place with mymoney! I will not spend the rest of my life in prison!- Negraler said, waving theLASER pistol.I know you, Negraler! A desk man! Youll never fire that pistol!- Daron said, butNegraler fired and takes a small portion of Darons arm with it.See? I am decided! The next shot will cut that arm of yours! I had beenpracticing, you know.- Negraler said, with a sarcastic smile on his contortedface.Daron was not to challenge a madman any more, so he calls on his ECassistants, saying: To all personnel! Prepare the spaceship to a sudden, not

commented traverse of Brana!37

The voice of an EC said, by the intercom: The destiny point, Captain?Aurean planet.- Daron said, looking at Negraler, who accented with a nod.Five minutes later, the freighter and the attached medical ship blurred anddisappeared from the solar system.At Plutos orbit, and aboard the Orbital Station, Sergeant Lenore said:Commander! A spaceship makes a Brana jump from inside our solar system!Against regulations! - Commander Bliss burped out, chewing a candy. Do youknow the name of that spaceship?A big one, Commander! Unknown name.- Sergeant Lenore replied.

Some smuggler! Call a Hunter spaceship to patrol that area! Perhaps they leftsome cargo behind!- Commander Bliss said, who knew how the smugglers tryto operate in his area of command- they just leave the object there, a black dotin space; for sometime to quench the alarm, and a pair of weeks later, a radiobeam begins to indicate position, so as to alert the recovery spaceship to findthe merchandise.Daron and the Gula space freighter appeared next to Aurean planet, medicalship and all. The medic and his staff were very surprised and asking for thecaptain in all tones.You just ignore those guys, Daron! Sorry to make you upset! I still confide youare my friend.- Negraler said, conciliatory.

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Friends dont point a gun to their friends!- Daron said, still offended. He wasthinking in how he was going to explain Solar authorities the kidnapping of amedical unit. A failure?Forget about it! Now, orbit the planet! Sent me down in a Flier, with some

mechanical man at the helm!- Negraler said.All right, you wait here! Ill be preparing things at the engine room! - Daronsaid, opening the door, but Negraler puts the gun on his pocket, saying: I trustno one! Ill be with you, Daron! See that you dont betray me, or youll find a holethe size of a fist on your chest!Very well, friend. Well do things your way. But then, didnt open your mouthwhile on the presence of others!- Daron said, decided to let that dangerousparanoid out of his freighter.At the engine room, he said to the three mechanical men at the place: This lastBrana jump was made out of an automatic order! A failure on our system!EC #44 said: But you give us the order, Sir!

I give you the order! But if someone asks you about this matter, youll say itwas a failure.- Daron said.Very well, Sir. Understood.- EC #44 said, speaking for the rest of them.Call Doctor Slater! I need him now.- Daron said to the EC #44. Negraler said:Why are you calling the doctor? Just prepare a Flier to descend to the Aureanplanet!All right!- Daron said, walking by the corridors until arriving to the hold wherethe two Fliers were standing. Some EC were around the place, waiting fororders.39

Prepare the big Flier! Mr. Negraler is going to the planet!- Daron said to them.Sir: From the engine room they are saying that Dr. Slater is waiting for you,with two assistants, to talk about the present situation.- EC #49 said.Retain him at the place! Ill be with them in a short while.- Daron said, lookingat Negraler.You and I are going to retrieve my money at my cabin! Walk!- Negraler said,pushing him with the muzzle of his LASER gun.You dont need to poke me around with that gun, friend.- Daron said, butNegraler didnt respond- he was sure the captain puts his interest on theFreighter and nothing else cares him about.They walked to his cabin, and with the aid of the Captain and two EC, they

carried Negraler valises and stuff to the smaller Flier; EC #49 seats at thecontrols and Negraler at another seat. Looking at Daron, he said: You hadbeen a fine friend, Daron! Sorry if I present myself like a ghoul, but it was that orthe gaols.All right, Negraler! Dont feel abashed by your own actions! Certainly your ideaof a friend is very wrong.- Daron said, and descended from the Flier, that soonafterwards leaves the haul and beginning to fly away from the Freighter. Daronsaid to the EC #49 by radio: Open the airlock now; well see if Mr. Negralercould breathe the night breeze.Opening the hatch, Sir. Mr. Negraler turns very black in the face, eyes poppingand exploding. He is very still now.

Oh, then you can return here, EC #49! No need to descend now.- Daron said,smiling, while walking to the Engine room, where he found Dr. Slater waiting.

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40Hope you have an explanation to this situation, Captain Daron! We representthe government of Earth in this minute!Daron see the fire of outrage in that doctors eyes, and said: Sorry about thispitiful incident, Dr. Slater! But it was totally necessary.

You need to get those sick people under proper care, Captain!- AssistantJeanette Flores said- she was a lean woman in his forties.You take them to the surface of this planet! You have the means! My freighterwas damaged while traversing the Branas in automatic failure!- Daron said.Automatic failure? Strange technical explanation!- Dr. Slater said, looking athim suspiciously.Yes! A failure makes us made the Jump and appears here! Perhaps a memorycircuit gives the order. Not my entire fault.- Daron said.Not your entire fault what was, then, your fault?- Asked Miss MarionDelorme , Assistant to the Doctor.The use of old material. This Freighter has 98 years old- refurbished a dozen

times, something fails now and then. I am not a rich person- I think this vessel isasking for a new repair. With luck, I will get repairs in this planet.- Daron said.The face of Dr. Slater softened a little, realizing this was not a kidnapping- as hefirst thought- but a failure.Very well, then! Ask Aurean authorities to take control of the medical situationhere! Then, well travel to the surface- we need to see our Ambassador here, toask for our return to Earth- not in our present vehicle, incapable of to makeJumps through Branas.- Dr. Slater said.41By all means, Doctor! I will provide you with a Flier, if you want.- Daron said,abashed. He was not going to talk about Negraler- dangerous stuff for him, too.No need of your Fliers! We can descend in our own vessel! But first, I want tosee an Aurean medical staff here, to tell them about your passengers!- Dr.Slater said.I will make that call right away.- Daron said, walking to Deck One.Call for a medical team!- Daron said to EC #50.Very well, Sir.- EC #50 said, calling for a sanitary mission.One hour later, a small vehicle gets attacked to the black hull of the Gula anda team of four e-men appeared on board.You call for a medical emergency, Captain. Tell us about it.- The e-doctorasked, but Daron prefers Dr. Slater to speak, and sent for him.

These people are very ill, Doctor AB 302! You will see our scanning andchemical reaction procedures.- Dr. Slater said, handling Dr. AB 302 a memorypill with the information. AB 302 reads it, inserting a fine needle inside; 20seconds later, he said: They are heavily infected. Medical procedures arerequired.That was what we thought! But Captain Daron, here present, makes a Branajump from Earth planet, and we stop in here!- Dr. Slater said.Not relevant, Doctor Slater. We will take them to the Hospital General onAurean city. I recommend you to go with us, to scan and treat yourself, becausethe presence of sick people so close to your person must had produced somekind of contagious. - AB 302 said.

42What for? We are well and sound!- Assistant Flores yelped.

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Regulations, lady. Every person near a infected person must go undertreatment. That includes you, the crewmen and the Captain of this vessel.- AB302 said.I refuse to go.- Assistant Flores almost shouted.Your refusal is inadmissible. Doctor Slater: tell your team to go in peace and

willingly, or the Spatial Army will know about this. Their methods of persuasioncould be very harsh in people.- AB 302 said, looking at the woman, whotrembled.I will see to it. Well cooperate. Theres no point in making of this a situation.-Dr. Slater said, putting a hand on that womans shoulder.Two hours later, and in both medical spaceships, the whole natural populace ofthe Gula freighter was descending into Aurean atmosphere. Daron Hinauerwas looking at the passing clouds feeling himself in trouble, notwithstanding hehas now more millions than before.At the Hospital General of Aurean City, the group was divided, separated inseveral rooms; airlocks in place, medical staff taking samples, examinations

made by e-men and some natural doctors and their teams of natural people.Four days later, Daron was told he could go free of any viruses. Same thing tothe Doctor Slater attendants but, amazingly, not to him, who had contracted theEbola virus- and died, together with Miss Moria Feneloden and all of theremaining group.Daron takes room at a Hotel, from where43he calls unto the EC #50 and the rest of the electronic men on board thefreighter.This is Daron speaking. Whats the status over there?EC #50 said: A medical team comes and disinfected all areas where naturalsabide. They told us not to allow natural people previously on board except theCaptain.But did we have some quarantine or what?- Daron asked the mechanical man.No quarantine, Sir. Die I sent a Flier to pick you up?- EC #50 asked him.Yes, sent a Flier to the Aurean Spaceport. Well be arriving there shortly.-Daron ordered.Very well, Sir. Call us to know where it will be allowed the descent.- EC #50propose.Daron out.- He said, ending the conversation. The panorama looks clear tohim, now. The future was bright. Troublesome people were out of the way.

At eighteen hours, the Flier was allocated on Pole #020 and Daron and histeam arrives on a Flier taxi, and walked to the Wagon Flier, being received bythe EC #42, saying: Welcome aboard, Captain! I brought you sandwiches!Daron and his team eats them, surprised to realize he has not eaten in twodays. He said: Lets move right away. The fares are incredible high aroundhere.The Flier ascended swiftly among dozen others- soon they were traveling insidethe Gula. The air restored inside the hold, he walked out of the Flier and into acorridor, while the rest of the team went to their posts or cabins.Daren looks on the news- about the freighter44

and their cargo of sick people. Scant news about it- the importance was given tosome artists and their debauchery proceedings while on a tour. He calls on EC

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#50 and said: Tell me about the general status of this freighter. Could we makemore Brana jumps?Twenty more, Sir. It all depends on our Dylithium Crystals.- EC #50 replied,and Daron realize he should buy more of those, if he wants to keep on thebusiness. He spent some hours advertising travels for miners- also to anyone

willing to move merchandise among the Aurean Planets. He knows how muchthe transporters had changed the traffic of goods- instantaneously and withoutmuch danger of loose the cargo. The competition was to be lost, due to thelower prices they asked, but there were people who believe that their originalproducts were not the one received at the other side of the line. Example oftheir assert was that, in cases where goods were lost due to failures incommunication, the Company just replace the goods using the copy of theoriginal existing on the point of departureHe asked for Dylithium and a good crystal costs eight million Credits, a very bigsum. A reconstituted crystal could cost two and a half million Credits, but at theAurean Market

45those were not to be found. Daron realize he was going to visit Earth, if hewants a cheaper price.He went to the surface in a Flier, with two EC. Assistants (number 48 and 49),leaving #50 and the rest aboard the Gula.The city was Aurean, the biggest of all at the planet, colonized by Knappianpeople, and the memory of it was everywhere. Also in the language.The air was full of Flier vehicles and Wagon fliers too- Daron thought about theTransporters- if not present, the circulation could have been a hundred timesmore profuse.He enters a Hotel, named Arria, where the people were old and respectful toeach other. He likes the atmosphere, and takes a suite for himself. At theHolographic set, were dancing young females and prices were being flashed inand out, so Daron realize they were for hire. Naturals or not, the show didnt tell.Daron takes a shower and slept for three hours, feeling refreshed , he puts hisclothes on and went out to shopping; he bought shoes and several clothes towear without worrying about the laundry; there were also disposable clothes,but used by the low people, he didnt buy them, as he wasnt interested in beingdespised.He returns with those purchases to his Hotel room, and calling to the Gulafreighter, he said: Any news?

No, Sir! The orbit its the same, and all systems are go.- EC #50 said.Very well, keep it that way.- Daron said, smiling- he was very proud of hisspaceship, no matter how old it was; then he slept again for a couple of hours,and dressing with new clothes, he went out to the street again.46His Two companions were object of curiosity at the street and at the lobby of aHotel; a rich man approaches him, saying: Are you the sole owner of thiscreatures?Daron looked at the man, who was wearing a tunic and wide pants; perhaps anArab of some kind, and he replied: The sole owner of them and others I am.But, who are you to ask me about this?

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Sorry to bother you, Sir. Im Chancellor Tupine.- And the man makes a pauseto be recognized, but Daron has no information about him, so he said: Apleasure to meet you, Chancellor.Yes, well, I wonder if you could sell this mechanical wonders to me. I knewabout these creatures when visiting Domicilium city, some time ago now. To

see them and remember those times makes me feel melancholic.- TheChancellor said, with an honest look.I see there are not many of them in this planet.- Darude said. The Chancellorasks to one of the EC: What is a Chancellor? And the mechanical man said;The Chancellor serves mainly as an officiator of parliamentary procedure andthe first among equals in the Senate. He is the head of the Senatorial Council. Itis a very prestigious position, and the Aurean Chancellor had a grand office inboth the Senate Chancellery and in the dome-like Senate office Building inAurean City. The Chancellor is properly addressed as Your Excellency. Thesymbol of his office is a circle surrounded by twelve petals. You were electedamong the Senators by the Aurean Senate

47and served the term that lasted four years, but you could be reelected, as inyour past. A Chancellor could legally serve as long as their peers vote for himas such. Chancellor Tupine smiled and said: Very accurate.- And turning to DaronHinauer, he added: Sir: if you dont want to sell me one of this mechanisms, atleast permits me to present them to some guests of mine tonight. It will producewhat they call atmosphere of wonder, instead of another bored meal! I couldask, and they will answer, and so on.I dont know.- Daron said, thinking he was not going to lend thosemechanisms for nothing- that, if the man was really a Chancellor.My dear sir! I must invite you too! Youll have your beings always at handsreach! Also, we must talk before the banquet perhaps I could also present youas an amazing person.- Chancellor Tupine said.Daron was unsure, and looked troubled. The Chancellor whispered in his hear:And forget about time lost while helping me! I will pay you for your time!-Daron accepted, and Chancellor Tupine said; Please, accompany me for awhile. We will depart to my office at the Dome.Daron was happy to see the places where the powerful worked- never been inplaces like those- at least, he thought, his clothes were clean and new.The Chancellor uses a governmental Flier with a pilot (A Synthetic person, male

model) that opens and shuts doors for them to climb or to descend. TheMechanical men (EC 48 and EC 49)48were told, by Daron, to communicate with the ones at the Space Freightereverything that was happening, just in case of trouble.The Flier went to the Dome- a circular tower 240 meters high, and two blockswide. On the upper terrace, vehicles landed and departed like bees in abeehive.Dont get frightened! They know how to drive.- Chancellor Tupine said, lookinghow worried Daron seems to be.I am an astronaut, Your Excellence! I just get worried because in space there is

not such jamming!- Daron said, and Chancellor Tupine smiled and said: Awhole Captain! Certainly you must have more than one anecdote to tell!

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Yes, Your Excellency, more than one!- Daron said, and by a strangeassociation of ideas, he envisions Subrogate Negraler resting on the bluedepths of the Aurean OceanThey descended and walked to the elevator- there were several of them, but theChancellor uses one of the four that had a bronze like cover- for V.I.P.S.

The interior has several mirrors, and Daron looked at him- and the mechanicalmen. He was as fat and chubby as always- the Electronic Creatures weredressed on green uniforms, using the standard black shoes, capable to lastcenturies without a scratch.And when do you have your vessel, Captain? Or you are just as a tourist intown?- Chancellor Tupine asked him, looking inquisitively.The Gula is in orbit, Your Excellency! Its a freighter; Im trying to get somecargo, but it has been difficult, due to the new transporter system.- Daron said.Oh, yes! The Transporters.- Chancellor Tupine said, rubbing his chin; he wasalso aware of that fact.49

There were some Secretaries on the first office, and they salute the Chancellorverbally and with bowings; at the Chancellors office, Daron could saw a view ofthe city; the desk of the Chancellor Tupine was to the right- to the left therewere several armchairs facing a new model of Holographic set he has neverseen before.You can rest at the Holographic set, Captain! You just be at home here, while Iattend some people.- Chancellor Tupine said, pressing a button on his blackand shinning desk. The Secretaries enters and begin talking with him aboutaffairs of this post. Others also come, to talk about different topics, while Daronsaw the news, and later dozed, in the company of his two Electronic Creatures,that were standing close to him and in the alert.At 21.00 hours, A Secretary comes to his side, saying: Mr. Captain, please,takes this sandwich and this cup of coffee! Or do you prefer tea?Daron was sleeping, but he awakes and said; Oh! Yes, Thanks you! Guess Iget asleep here. Wheres the Chancellor?- And that he said because there wasnobody there but him and the Secretary plus the two Electronic Creatures.His Excellency saw you sleeping and told us not to awake you until 21.00hours, and as you can see, its 21 hours already. You are awake and serving acoffee later, the driver of his Excellency will take you to his house.- TheSecretary said.Daron looked at her- blonde, nice looking and smiling- 21 to 30 years of age,

and he said Pardon me, lady, but which is your name?Heikela , Second Secretary to His Excellency! She said, without loosing hersmile.50Beautiful name!- Daron said, trying to build some kind of connection with sucha beautiful woman. He finished his coffee and standing up, he said: Im readyto go, Miss Heikela!She guide out of the office- Daron looked back, to remember that nice placethat was his dormitory for some hours, and said: At the way out of the elevatortherell be another person to guide you for the rest of the way. Nice to meet you,and farewell.

Bye, Heikela!- He said, stepping into the elevator with his two ElectronicCreatures.

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As the Secretary said, at the end of the climbing the doors opened and a man,dressed in etiquette, bowed and said: I am Marubelo, first Secretary of hisExcellency!Good to know you.- Daron said.Thanks. We are going aboard the Flier, now. By the way, how much your

Assistants weight?- Secretary Marubelo asked.A hundred and thirty kilos each. Why? Too heavy for your Flier?- Daron askedhim.No, Sir, but I must ask- 800 kilos its the maximum permissible for a tourist, andbetween us, and the driver, well be having 470 kilos -Marubelo explained.They get aboard the green painted flier- in fact; it was a Penthouse on one ofthe many buildings east to the City.Nice building! Pure Crystal reflecting the mood of the day.- The First assistantto Secretary Marubelo said, with certain petulance.51CHAPTER #2.

AT THE CHANCELLORS DINNER.The platform was very close to the Chancellors penthouse, but divided by someartificial trees that permit the necessary privacy.We are going to tell His Excellency of your arrival. Please awaits here.- Thefirst secretary Marubelo informed.Very well.- Daron said, and they were at the side of a wide expanse, withflower beds. He could feel the wind coming from the west, while his eyessparkled with the many lights the city has by night.Three minutes later, Secretary Marubelo returns, saying: Captain: HisExcellency will receive you right now. He told me to explain you this: actnatural, theres nothing to be worried about.Thanks, I will bear that in mind.- Daron said, marching behind the man, withhis two mechanical Assistant at his rear.The Saloon was long and wide. The Chancellor walks to his presence with awide smile, saying: Welcome, Captain! Did you sleep well?:Yes, thanks you very much! And Im sorry about it.- Daron said.Dont be! You are in a new environing, and certainly you must have time toadapt! Now I will present you to some people, who also want to know yourexceptional companions!- And certainly, he was referring to the ElectronicCreatures. Mechanical intelligences.Daron looked around while he was following the Chancellor- the guest were

dressed in52nice suits and (the ladies) enchanting and expensive dresses. They were olderthan young people, and the stares were cold as ice.The Chancellor announced that a couple of Electronic Creatures were present,brought there by a spaceships captain, and invited them to see in functionthose wonders of an alien civilization.Captain: where do you bought these Artificial Intelligence beings?- He asked.At the Domicilium satellite, your Excellency! The Neongos from Jerifordionplanet lives there since a hundred years ago, and they had produced thiswonders of science not willing to reproduce humanoids like us but metallic

assistants.- Daron replied, as he knew the reason since his childhood.

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Very well put! - The Chancellor said, applauding; his guests looked at Daronand did likewise; then the Chancellor asked a question to each EC, and afterhearing the responses, he said to his guests: With the permission of theCaptain, you can ask questions to this wonderful persons.And while the guests, now in two groups, amused themselves making

improbable questions to the Electric Creature, the Chancellor approachesDaron saying: I beg you pardon, Captain, but you must tell me your name!Its Daron Hinauer, your Excellency.Very well- I was aware of it- I mean, I should had asked you at my office, but Ispent too much time attending my business and I had lost my manners in someways.- The Chancellor excuses himself.And myself sleeping.- Daron said, apologetically- the Chancellor walked toattend other guests, and Daron heard no less than fifty questions from thoseguests, that tried53to outsmart the E.C., without any success.

The Chancellor intervenes, rescuing the E.C. from the hurricane of questionsand invited them all to the dinning room; Daren was left behind, but then theSecretary Makubelo approaches him, saying: His Excellence begs of you toattend dinner, Captain!Thanks.- Daron said, smiling, and with the E.C. enters the next room; it has along table made of yellow plastic, with chairs of the same material. The lightwas produced by three helium globes hanging from a high roof. Notwithstandingthe number of guests, the table has more than enough space for them all, soDaron seats almost at the end of a long line of guests.The Chancellor said a few words in behalf of his guests and the generosity toattend; then, several plates begin to be places in front of every guest, by aswarm of assistants- fish was served, with salads and big eggs on metallicrecipients; everyone talks to his neighbor- the lady on his right asked about theE.C. , while the gentleman at his left eats with too much enthusiasm to speakmuch.After the fish, a soup of seafood, and a big glass of desert, several flavors ineach cup. Daron notice that liquor was absent, but there were jars with juicefrom different fruits. The old lady drinks some juice and said: Why do you notdrink? These are natural juice! No ersatz in this table!- And giggled.He tasted a green glass of juice, finding it palatable. The Secretary Mr.Makubelo tapped on his left shoulder, saying: Mr. Daren! Please

54approach His Excellency! Hes talking about you to certain guests!Right away!- Daron said, and walked to the other extreme of the table.Chancellor Tupine was there, smiling, and offering a vacant seat at his rightside of the table, and said: But, Captain Hinauer! You left your seat vacanthere, and seats at the other side of this table!Sorry, Your Excellency! I didnt know I had a seat so close to you!Never mind, but now seat!- Tupine said, while the rest laughed amiably. Then,he added: Captain Hinauer! My guests are very interested in your life amongthe stars! Please indulge us, and let us know some of your anecdotes in deepspace!

Daron has lots of anecdotes to tell, and he satisfied the audience with three ofthem; Chancellor Tupine ends the tale by saying two jokes, and then an

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Assistant invites everyone to dance. Daron saw them dancing- it was a strangeway to dance, with much walking to and fro, bowings and clapping of hands.Several guests mistakes the turns- included him- and laughter was verycommon.A clock strokes midnight, and everyone begin to depart, thanking the Chancellor

for those good moments. At last, only Daron was presenting his farewell, but theChancellor said: wait until the morning! I also must pay you!Oh, no, your Excellency! I had the pleasure of to be like one of your guests,and I will not forget this generosity of yours!I insist! I also have rooms for my guests in here! Please, stay.- And as Daronwas noticing it was almost impossible to leave without incurring in a discourtesyto his host, he stayed.The Assistants guides him to a very luxuriously furnished bed room, and giveshim instructions on how to use the adjacent bathroom.And dont hesitate to ring the bell, Sir! Well be attending at the other side of theline throughout all the night.- An Assistant said.

A sandwich, perhaps? Or soda water?- Daron asked, very amused with all ofthis it was happening to him.Yes, Sir. But beverages you have already in your suite.- An Assistant showshim what, at first sight, resembles a part of the wall- with a gentle pressure,there was a door that opens, showing glasses and bottles- not every one ofthose juice, but also liquor.Daron takes a shower, and went to bed. Before turning the lights off, a female ina night gown enters the room, and into the bed, saying: Good evening, Sir! Orshould I call you Captain?Call me Captain.- He said, embracing her, very happy with his luck.At dawn, an Assistant awakes him, and said: Captain: his Excellency is waitingfor you at the dinning room.Daron blinked under the light and said: Tell him I go right away!- And thebeautiful lady was at his bed, sleeping. He jumped to the shower room andtakes a quick bath, puts on his dress and walked56out of the bedroom, followed by his two E.C.Sir: from the ship theyre saying the Freighter has already cargo to deliver.-The Mechanical men (EC 48 and EC 49) said, much to the surprise of Daron.Tell them Ill be there today. Prepare everything for the departure.- Daron said,energized in front of something to do.

Chancellor Tupine indeed was at the table, halfway with his daily breakfast; hesalutes him with a wave of his hand, saying: Good morning, Captain Hinauer!Have a seat!- And pointed to his right at the table. Daron seats, saying: Glad tobe under your hospitality, your Excellency! I had a very good night.Oh, yes? Hope you like the stove I sent you.- The Chancellor said, smilingknowingly.A superb gift if I may say so. Unexpected, by my part.- Daron said, whileAttendants serves him the exact amount of food and drink the owner of thehouse was already finishing.Glad you like it. Ill be going to the house of government and stay there untileighteen hours, but you could stay here, or come back to lunch- I have things to

discuss with you.- The Chancellor said, standing up.

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But your Excellency, I - Daron was saying, but the Chancellor cuts himshort, waving his hand. Tell me about it at my return! Bye!Daron smiled and waved back. Obviously, Mr. Tupine had important things todo, and little time to waste.He finished his breakfast, and then an Assistant

57approaches the table, saying: Sir, we have orders to attend you throughout thisday.Thanks, but I rather be going.- Daron replied.As you wish, Sir, but permits me to say what you could do here, at any timeyou want until His Excellency arrives= auto play tennis, billiard with anAssistant, depart with the lady you had last night, lunch, holographic setavailable, any kind of food and drink.Daron looked at the Assistant: middle aged, respectful looking and a glint ofboredom on his grey eyes.I thank your boss for these differences, Sir.- Daron replied.

Jaivor is my name, Sir.- The man said.Jaivor. But I really must get going; I have a spaceship with cargo on the orbit-possibly I should start traveling today.- Daron said.But you must attend his Excellency at eighteen hours! I beg of you to delayyour departure!- Jaivor asked.Daron was in debt, so he said: I will be here at eighteen hours, sharp.Thanks you, Sir. His Excellency is a generous man, and deserves somerespect.- Jaivor said, while other Assistant takes the remnants of the breakfaston a tray.Daron said: I wonder if you could ask for a Flier taxi. I get to be at the spaceport now.you can use the Second Flier, Sir. This way, please.- And he guided them tothe platform and into a Wagon Flier; in it, they were at the Space Port in fiveminutes.Daron gives the thanks to the Driver, and with the58two E.C., climbed to a shuttle craft, that carried them to the Orbital Station.Daron gets the information necessary about the cargo through the E.C., andpaid the necessary fares to deploy orbit and leave the Aurean PlanetarySystem, as the cargo was granted to be delivered at Knapp planet.At eighteen hours, Daron arrives back to the Chancellor house, without the

E.Cs. Javior receives him, saying: You are punctual. His Excellency has adelay, but sent notice to attend you well until his arrival.Daron enters the saloon- a wide room with plenty of fine furniture, saying: Oh,well, I have time! Perhaps I could use the Holographic set, to see the news?Yes, Sir. And perhaps you could also rest at a bedroom? With some lady?Darons eyes went watery, and with a bumpy heart, he said: Really? Did I havetime for that?Of course, Sir. But if Chancellor Tupine arrives earlier, I will sent notice to yourrooms.- Jaivor said, with an unmovable face.Daron was happy to walk to the dormitory; soon the lady was there, smiling :Hi, Daron! Glad to see you are still here!

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Yes, I was invited by the Chancellor- Gregoria.- He said, knowing her namefrom the night before. She takes her garments off her wonderful body, saying:There is little time to waste, dear! Come to me!At 19.20 hours, and Attendant calls him by the Holographic set, saying:Captain Daron: his Excellence calls and said hell be here in fifteen minutes

more! Be ready, please?Yes, Im coming!- Daron said, kissing the beautiful lady for the last time, andGregoria murmured: Bye, dear!He gets dressed and59walked out to the corridor. The Assistant said: Perhaps you could wait HisExcellence at the saloon. This way, please.- And he guided him there.Soon afterwards the Chancellor arrives in a group of seven other persons: twofemales and five males, seeing that Daron was waiting, he said: Captain! Hopeyou had not been bored waiting for us! But here we are, to discuss somematters.

Glad to be of service, your Excellence, and thanks for your fine hospitality.-Daron replied, remembering Gregoria.This is Captain Hinauer, dames and gentlemen. Ca