HANI3.TXT

First Contact - By SwampRat 
(c) 1990 The Brotherhood of Pan 
1991 The Rashathran Society

The deep-space probe/scout sat beside a large rock, and scanned. It had been
recording ship movements for decades, dumping it's findings every now-and-then,
into a recorder in it's tail. This was a quiet place, some mining going on
spinward, but nothing out on the fringes. Even so, the crystalline brain had
cataloged 6 new languages. Some were only a few hundred cross-referenced words,
others were close to fully translated, and usable. 2 ships appeared, riding a
Timewave. The probe read the Timelines, and ran cross-checks. Then it scanned
the outlines, armament, and messages. Kif. A raiding party by all indications.
It would not interfere. Even if it wanted to help, it was unarmed. The only
weapon being it's power supply, a speck of Neutron Star. The Children Of The
Stars sang to the Wise Ones through the ether, warning them of possible
hostilities.

Another Timeghost appeared. Hani. Traiders who were about to have a bad day. It
slowed, slowed again, came into RealTime... and got hit by a missile.
"DISTRESS! DISTRESS!" The scout lifted off the asteroid, re-scanning it's
banks. No mistake. A call for help, by a sentient being. Automatic dump was
made into a crystalline storage cylinder, along with the co-ordinates, and
fired off a faster-than-light rocket. The craft could do no more than watch,
and record the battle. One of the ships turned, and started towards the rim,
where the scout was located. It wasn't gathering up enough speed to jump, so
why... A missile launched, streaking towards the probe. It had been detected.
All the information it had gathered, including language translations, and ship
recognitions, were quickly dumped to storage. Then it scanned the oncoming
weapon. 'Projectile. Explosives inside front section. Independent guidance.'
This information too, was added.

5 meters to impact - All physical links with Recorder2 were severed, and the
pod was blown free. 4 meters to impact - Missile was scanned again, and
information updated via LightWave transmission. 3 meters to impact - The
Recorder's crystal brain awakened, raised shields, and waited a moment for
further input. When none came, it blinked into N-Space. 2 meters to impact -
Self-destruct was well under way. The speck of super-heavy mass that was the
craft's power supply was allowed to come into close contact with a second,
negatively charged speck, as the magnetic bottle collapsed one final time. For
a brief moment a new sun shone in the heavens. The tiny probe stored that piece
of information, along with the fact that the attacking ship had survived, abet
damaged. Recorder2 jumped back into N-Space, waiting. The Kif didn't know it,
but they very little time to enjoy their games. For the FTL rocket had slipped
into another part of the universe, and been received, it's contents read, a
course plotted. And something was moving at speeds only achievable in theory,
and in the place between dimensions, Null-Space.

                             * * *

Marrl Tanar par Fasa cursed her luck. They had walked into that trap blind. At
least the shields had repulsed that first shot. Thank the Humans for that. Her
fur ruffled, rankled that she had to give thanks to any being for their safety.
Speaking of which... She hit Belowdecks Com. "How's He doing?" The reply was
faint, but steady. "Groggy, alright. Be up soonest." They shouldn't pamper him
so, but he Was the only other male onship. In a few more moments he would be
pulling his own weight. If they had a few more moments... Another missile
exploded against the energy screen, and a red lite appeared on the console. One
more direct hit, and that would be it. But, she wasn't about to give up this
easy. The Gods-Rotted bastards wanted a fight, she would oblige them! Marrl
shut the "Distress" beacon off, knowing the chances were very slim that
anything, except Tc'a miners, were about. And they wouldn't be any help. One of
the Kif went out to the rim for a moment, fired at something... and a blip on
the screen went opaque, as light flooded the area. Gods! The fools must have
found an energy-mine. Luck still held on her side.

"John, You get that?" The human's voice came through Com. "Yes, Captain. High-
energy explosion. Almost off the scale..." "Priority! 2/7." That from Kurlf.
She looked at the screen, and saw the other raider coming at them. Well, they
had guns too. She flicked switches, ignoring the warning lites, as the shields
were dropped in front of her gun-sites. Within moments, a set of coordinates
reeled off on a small screen, as the Kif was targeted. Damn, but John was good.
Almost as good as a Hani. Comps were faster, but lacked the instinct that
people had. A fire-lock came, was changed, re-locked. The human's talents never
ceased to amaze her. Marrl thought again of another human, on another ship.
Rumors be damned! She was going to marry that Captain, when next they met. If
they met. A shock reverberated through the hull, signifying that the guns had
opened up on the rotter. Gods, now she was thinking like him. Something
blinked, then the ship shuddered. That was it for the major screens... One of
the Kif was coming in high, one low. There was no chance of hitting them both,
even with one of the hunters crippled. But no Hani ever gave up easily. She
calculated firing range, set-up a pattern, and promptly forgot all about Kif...

"Priority! 4/9." 2 something's dropped out of nowhere. Whatever they were, they
were coming in fast. Way too Gods-Blasted fast! One of the Kif turned to meet
the new craft, sent missiles to intercept them, and everything vanished, as all
screens went blank, the antennas fouled with radiation. "Blast it! What
happened?" "The two craft fired on the Hunters. Some kind of energy blast.
Screens should be clearing now. Cameras operable." This from Com2, John again.
They slowly got their eyes back, revealing two ships like nothing in Compact.
Where were the vanes, the holds, the blasted gun-sites? And how about some ID.
For that matter, where were the Kif raiders? No debris, no pieces of ship, no
Nothing! Marrl didn't like this... "Hani Traider. This is Captain Royyka in
LandOver1. Distress call received. Do you understand us? Do you require help?"
'Ask, and you shall receive, in Gods-Mated Spades!' Marrl grinned. More and
more like that stupid male... Then it hit her. Kif? Kif didn't name their ships
after places, they preferred blood'n'guts titles... And No Kif offered help.
Something ruffled across her back. Fear, and excitement. Rumors of the place
ran through her mind. Perhaps, just perhaps...

"Open Com1. This is Marrl Tanar, Captain of Tanar's Reach. We acknowledge,
LandOver. Negative on help." Where are you from, she wanted to ask. For that
matter who the Gods are you... She immediately dismissed a thought that it
might be Human. Nothing in Compact, even the methane breathers had that type of
craft. Marrl thought of trading information with them for a moment. But, No.
The attack had to be noted, there was still cargo in the hold... "One moment,
Hani Captain." Knnn song came through the Com, And was answered! Kif, My furry
Ass! The curse made her feel a little better, and reminded her of Franx. The
Hani hit Com3, AllShip. "Get us ready for jump. Now! Put that tape in Record."
That to Maheaa in Op, her First. Aliens that appeared out of nowhere, without
leaving even a trace of Timeghost, that ate Kif for breakfast, that spoke to
methane breathers... "The Children send wishes of health, and life." She
switched back to Com1. "The Children?" "The Children Of The Stars. 'May your
lives be full of darkness, and beauty.'" Definitely Knnn. Only the methane
breathers thought no-light was pretty. "Any repairs needed? No? We are
returning to FarLander. May you have a safe journey, Hani Captain." Both ships
suddenly vanished. No getting up to speed, no power surges, just gone! Kurdu
could wait. This was too damn important!

"Set course for Kura via Ajir. John, You go under." She hit a switch, with a
pang of regret, ignoring the alarms. That was a damn good cargo. But they would
need every bit of speed to get this back. Even though her house was under
Chanur, and she was second cousin to a very famous Great-Great Aunt, Pyanfar
she wasn't! It may cost them, but Marrl would feel a Whole lot better with a
few hunters in tow. Not that she expected them to do much good against whatever
the Mahen Hell those craft were.. This was going to be nasty. They accelerated
to jump-speed, and hit the overdrive. And something followed. 3 little things
about 4 meters long. And while Timeline echo's still rippled, a probe came out
of N-Space, scanned for ships, went back in again. Knnn wailed inquires, which
stopped short, as a huge thing appeared. Colored slightly bluish by energy
screens, it was immense. The central column was about half the size of a large
planet, the 10 smaller appendages, about one quarter. 6 were attached to each
other, and the main platform, in a hexagonal shape, at the bottom. The
remaining 4 floated about half-way up, similarly attached, giving it a castle-
like appearance.

Star-Children song rolled across the smaller asteroids, to the minors, bringing
greetings, and reassurance. The Tc'a spoke in 7-part harmonics. Were answered
in kind. Another scout/probe was launched, affixing itself to another lump of
rock. The Recorder went to sleep, awaiting activation. A craft launched out of
one of the outer pods, taking in the containers, and some debris. Then the Knnn
gave warning of an incoming ship. The miniature planetary system vanished once
again, while the Raft finished up, also returning to N-Space. The Knnn greeted
the new ships with tales of wonder, and excitement.

                             * * *

Marrl gasped. That had been rough! 2 fast jumps almost immediately after an
ambush. But this couldn't wait. She sent ID squeal to the buoy, with a terse
message about the attack at Uft-Point. If her sensors were more sensitive, or
her ship a raider instead of a trader, she might have noticed a small blip
detach from her stern, and go to the Space-Anchor. The Reach's captain had no
time for pleasantries. This information Must get back to Central Station. She
would meet her Lover/Future Husband later. As she entered Hani space, she sent
an excerpted copy of her log to Gaohn. This was all done on automatics so the
crew could rest. And they needed it. Blast! Marrl looked at the fur left on the
water-bottle. Something else she had inherited from her Twice-Great Aunt.
Shedding during Jump.. Ah, well. She squeezed the bulb, then passed it over
shoulder to Maheaa. At least the sickness was lessened. More damned human
engineering. They had put a chemical in the bottles of water, which reduced
stress. And then there was those wonderful leaves.. Smelled heavenly. Removed
all cares when chewed. Gods! To get drunk on a Plant..

The second probe headed for the buoy. There it stopped again, aided the first
probe in translations, and if it had been programmed for cursing, it would have
done so. So many new word-sounds, no translator to say what they were, or how
the syntax went. But, the crystalline matrix that made up it's brain didn't
curse, it simply assisted, and when everything was dumped, referenced, scanned,
re-dumped, and stored, it moved slowly to an asteroid, and then jumped out of
this universe and into N-Space, where Speed is relative, Reality is twisted,
and Time doesn't exist.. It jumped so fast, the hunk of rock barely shifted in
it's orbit. But something noticed the ripple. It reached through space, probing
the machine that sat at the buoy. But it did nothing. Too small to be any
danger. The Shield Of Charrik would wait. The Reach slid into a dock on
station, as the last probe moved closer to it, staying in the shadows. It sent
a tiny query... and got contact! As before a small rocket was loaded with the
information, and fired off. The third probe, at first slowly, but with
increasing speed, talked to the alien presence. 

                             * * *

Frres stared at the ComBoard, puzzled. Why so much activity on an un-used
channel? She put a ComPlug in her large ear. Kif came, no, poured in, at a
speed that only machines ran at. And their Comp was answering. First in Kif,
than Hani, then Mahendo'sat. It all ran together into noise, as the two
Computers synced. She hit a button, told Administration of the fact, and
continued listening, catching one word in a hundred. It took all of 20 minutes
to run through the entire vocabulary in the Translator, at machine speed. Then
there was a Beep, and this time in hani, questions came hot, and thick. And all
general information. Who, what, how much.. World History, Politics, Than more
pointed. Ships owned, type, armament, She hit the stop switch, killing the
transmission. There was a blip on her screen. Naturally she had run a trace on
the line, and what came up, was ridiculous. 4 meters long, 2 meters wide... A
Gods-Blasted Probe! And it had to be Non-Compact. There was another query.

This time she answered it. "This is ComSupervisor Frres Llun. Who are you?
Acknowledge." A mechanical voice, devoid of emotion, came out of her earpiece.
"This is LongProbe 117249, from OutWorlder M.R.S. FarLander. Trans Ack." Hmmm..
"Who or what are the MRS?" "Classification. Mobile Research Station. Type:
Planetary StarFortress. Register: OutWorlder Federation." She touched another
switch, sending this straight to Admin. Another light came up. A subordinate
wanted her. "Yes?" "Supervisor, message from Charrik's Shield. Small craft,
coming inbound. No ID. Dimensions: 4 M. by 2 M." The fur on her back went up. 2
of them? "And how Gods-Rotted many more of them were hiding out there", she
muttered. "Only 1. LongProbe 111238, Inbound at sub-light." Frres jumped,
forgetting that the ComLine was still open. "We have a Situation." This from
Admin. She snarled. Damn right we have a Situation!

                             * * *

While she bit at her claws, The probes were conferring. 111238 didn't want to
leave. 117249 overrode it, dumped everything over via LightWave transmission,
and told it to find the FarLander. The other acknowledged, activated it's
shields, and jumped into Null-Space, while the Probe waited, ready to self-
destruct if necessary. Down in the station another light winked out. A worried
voice told somebody that one of the ships had disappeared. "Jumped, you mean."
"Negative... It simply vanished off the screen." "Impossible. System
Malfunction." But all the machines worked fine. Gaohn was only second to
Central Station in size, and importance. So the entire system worked damn well.
Everything they had so far was dumped to tape, and sent via Fast Courier to
Central Point.. And this mess was what Marrl Tanar walked into. First, "To
AllShips. Cut Transmissions to minimum. Do not leave System. Wait for further
instructions."

Marrl didn't like the sound of that. Something was up. And she Gods-Rotted well
knew what. Outsiders. First, there were Blasted Humans. Well, not really. The
Hani had traded with the humans too much to feel hostile towards the soft-
skinned, under-furred ones. Now some new beings.. Space was getting damnedably
crowded. She grinned. At least that what Franx would have said. As she got into
the shower, she wished those skilled stubby paws were here to rub her back, get
all the kinks out. The water was warm, but no substitute for a warm body. She
let it settle her mane, then turned and washed off her back, using another
useful human tool, a long-handled brush. Mmmmm. She stopped the water, and
turned on the dryer, reminiscing. She had met the brash Male in a Bar. A Mixed
bar. She wanted company, and wasn't too picky who, just as long as he was Male.
Franx was sitting at a table, and she had walked over, introduced herself, sat
down, and damn near tore his clothing off. Marrl hasn't been looking at the
calendar too closely. It was the Mating time. Twice a year it happened.. And
Hani usually locked themselves up for the necessary few days. But this Han
hadn't. So, she would have bedded a Bastard Kif, if one had made himself
available.

One hadn't. Franx had. He had walked with her, talked to her, calmed her as
much as a Hani with berserk hormones could be calmed. He took her into his
ship, to his cabin, and mated with her, gently, tenderly, for hours unending.
She didn't even really become aware of her surroundings, until she found
herself in a shower, with soothing hands moving in very private places. "Damn,
but you have a furry ass." Lips pressed against her ear, and a very nicely-
sized maleness rubbed her back. She turned, to find a Human who looked like he
had been dragged through hell, and had immensely enjoyed every minute of it.
Then memories flooded her mind. "Oh, Gods!" They had made love in every way
possible. In every position possible. She had even licked on his... A paw
clapped itself to her mouth. The man looked worried, than a sad smile came
across his scarred face. "It's OK. I understand." He turned his back, lined
with scratches. Scratches she had put there. And then something hit her between
her furry ears. Hit Gods-Rotted Hard!

It no longer mattered that along with various foods, both known, and unknown,
she was digesting some alien semen. It no longer mattered he wasn't Han. He had
been there when she needed someone. He had held her, holding her, stroking her,
making her feel like she had never felt before. Her gaze went down the almost
hairless mounds of flesh, also bearing scratches... and bites. His words came
again.. "And you've got a cute one. Now wash my back.." He turned, not
believing. "Or are you renigging on your promise?" And swept her up on his huge
arms, pressing the cat against the wall, kissing her. Marrl's lips moved up,
claws digging into his shoulders. Then she pressed her mouth back against his.
A paw reached down and grabbed the thick cock, squeezing it. He grinned. "Your
insatable!" For however much time had slipped by, yes, she had been. Now she
wanted to feel him, not a pleasant, if dirty, memory. The Hani spread her legs,
and rubbed the strangely shaped tip between them. Damn, but that felt good! The
human knelt, waiting for her.

And she responded by placing wetly furred legs over his brawny ones. Marrl
growled with lust, as he sank into her. Mmmmm. "Ready?" For what? She wondered.
He stood suddenly, impaling the Hani, pressing her against the shower wall. She
rubbed his sides, remembering to keep her claws in. Oh, Gods. His scant groin
fur pressed against hers, and she grunted. The hani reached under a leg,
feeling his testicles. They had been in her mouth more than once, been pressed
against her flesh many times, but that was then. This was now. And she wanted
to feel them again. While her head was clear.. As clear as it was going to get
for a while anyway. Oh, Gods! He moved, centimeters slid out, then back into
her. It was going to come out of her mouth! And she loved it. She had never
mated in a shower, and had found it to be wet, and exciting.

                             * * *

After the second mating, Marrl was sure the male was dead. But, a paw reached
down, squeezing the male flesh hopefully. To her surprise and delight, it grew.
And it was just as much fun to do with the dryer going. Even if it took for-
Gods-Loving-ever... Finally a mutual toweling off. The Human showing how
talented his stubby fingers were, and the Hani found she liked the flavor of
the male. The taste was interesting, and the scent of male musk made her head
swim. Marrl found her breeches had been cleaned and 4 full days had disappeared
out of her life. "I have to leave. My crew will be wondering where I am." "Not
at all. I took the liberty of sending a courier, with a message you were our,
um, Guest..." That probably went over well... His face made that sad smile that
twisted her guts up. "May I see you again?" She patted his cheek, then wrinkled
her nose in humor, and grabbed his butt. "Try to keep me away." The male
dressed as well, and went down to the lock with her. A crew-member stood guard.
"Good Day, Captain, Captain." She started for a moment. "You are a Captain?"
"Franx Merriam, Captain of The StarBound. At your service MeLady." That in
Human. The Han knew the language. A good trader always knows the lingo. Better
to make deals with. He bowed, and she did the same, a small ache twinged from
her rear. Another fragment of memory.. Oho. She made her way to her ship,
humming something that he had played. Music.. Different than Han, But still
enjoyable.

It wasn't until she stood, looking at Tanar's Reach, that it struck her. She
was in love. Damnit, It Couldn't Be! It Just Could Gods-Rotted Not Be!! He was
an alien, with smooth flesh, and talented paws, and more damn moves than a Knnn
ship! "The Heart Does Not See With The Eyes. It Does Not Reason With The Mind.
When Touched With Love, Neither Will Help." That line really didn't make sense,
when she was young. Now it did. All too Gods-Blasted clearly. Her eyes saw an
Alien Race. Her mind saw problems by the Hold-Full. Her heart saw a male,
gentle and loving. And nothing short of death would keep her from seeing him
again. Maheaa was standing guard. "Good day, Captain. I Hope your stay was
pleasant.' The eyes said, 'So. Hunting successful?' "It was..." To both
questions. And laughed at the wrinkled nose. 'What have you been drinking?' She
smiled quietly, and boarded. 'If you only knew First, If you only knew...'

That was a few years ago. Now she semi-owned Tanar's Reach. Ship number 4. Re-
built, and with a Human Crewmember. Marrl half-listened to the Com as she had
come into station. "Ship, Tanar's Reach. Captain, Marrl Tanar par Fasa. Crew -
Maheaa Fasa, First Mate. Harrn Chanur, Second Mate and Communications. John
Malak, Weapons (Male Human). Kurlf Rye, Navigation, and Second Weapons (Male
Hani). Uthba Mahn, Repairs, and Second Navigation. Brith Mahn, Translator and
Second Communications. Traider originally bound for Kurdu." All that in a
squeal of a few seconds. Then it was auto-docking, and trying to figure out
what ever in the Mudball she was going to say to Hakkn. He was going to be mad.
Marrl had just put on a pair of silk breeches, when the Com squawked. "Messages
Captain, One from StationMaster, Captain's Eyes Only. One from Captain Franx."
Marrl's heart skipped a beat. StationMaster... This was going to be bad. Better
get the worst over with first. As to the other.. She wasn't the only one who
liked Male Humans. Especially one in particular.. There may be a mutiny if the
crew didn't get a chance to hear Franx's words, but a Captain's Privacy was
sacred. "Put them down here, Station first."

The message came up, Han purr. Alien Probe found at Gaohn. Alien Probes found
Insystem. All tied to... FarLander. That was where those other ships had said
there were from. But how? Never mind how. She told Harrl to sent the full Log
records, Priority 1. Than she grinned. "Send Number 2 down, My Com Only." There
was a collective groan, and a handful of protests. "I want to see if there is
anything of a Personal nature, before I let you Sex-Starved Females loose on
it." That would bring a grin from Maheaa. "Aye." The wonderful lilt of Human
tickled her ear. "How do I love thee, let me count the ways... In the shower,
on the bed, on the deck..." A gentle laugh. "Should be back by the time you get
this. Offer of 'Trying To Make Kittens Legally' stands, unless you prefer the
other ways..." She would box his bastard ears. He had as much tact as a damnded
Kif! And she loved him all the more for it. "Seriously. I love You, Will Love
You For all my days. If we can not be, I will understand. I will go another
way, make another trade pact. But my heart is yours, whenever you want it,
dearest Furry-Butt. Out."

Marrl sighed. Punched intership. "Too personal. Understand?" Acknowledgements
and sighs. "Brith, You have the watch. All others, Offshift. No Shoreleave.
There's too much going on." "Aye, Captain." She had that twisting feeling hit
again. The question was, if they married, who's ship would they sail on? But
then, why only one? So they had 2 space-farer's in the Clan. Their feelings for
each other were not a big secret. And the crazy thing was, Hakkn was all for
it. Having a brother who was a Hold-Keeper, abet a minor one, did have it's
advantages. Besides, a Hani/Human pact might just be enough impetus to push the
entire clan up a few notches. Maybe even a bigger holding... She sighed again.
First, Pay Clan Chanur for the ship, then worry about advancing her Brother.

Marrl Tanar par Fasa would walk out with dignity, no matter what she felt like.
That much was expected. And almost lost it, when an Armed escort came for her.
Black trowsered Llun, on one side, Silver suited Humans on the other. "Please
come with us, Captain." As if she had a choice... None the less. Head high.
Shoulders up. Make the gawkers guess at what was going on. With somewhat
hurried dignity the assemblage went into the station. And just about that time
a ship appeared at the far edge of Anuurn System. It came in silently, and
stopped at the buoy. "Ship ID?" There was a moment's hesitation. Then Hani came
from it. "This is the OutWorld SpaceRaft LandOver1. Registration, M.R.S.
FarLander. Captain Royyka in command." The Space Anchor digested this.
"Unfamiliar ship. Unknown registration. Required guidance coordinants follows."
A handful of numbers came out, signifying a lane of safety, with Dump-Zones.
"We need no Dumps." This required some thought. It beamed the question to Rye's
Station, and waited for an answer. "May we enquire as to the reason for your
visit to our system?" "Return of lost items by Han Traider Tanar's Pride.
Interest in Cultural exchanges."

"LandOver1. This is Central Station. You may proceed inbound. Coordinates are
as follows." More numbers. "No need to snarl Traffic, Station. Will be 100 KM
your station, 2 minutes. At point 310 by 21, Spinward Local. LandOver Out." The
ship picked up speed, then winked out of existence. The buoy recorded this new
piece of info, and waited. Central Station, on the other hand, chewed it's
collective nails to the nibs. Something appeared, sent a query, and was
answered by the probe at Gaohn, then vanished. To be replaced by something
else. About the size of a Knnn ship, it stood off about 100 kilometers Sunward
of the Station. The probe moved away from Gaohn and docked on the craft.
"Central Station. This is LandOver1. Will send shuttle, or will wait for
inbound cruiser, as you prefer." "LandOver1. Send shuttle. Berth 20 is open."
"Ack. Shuttle away now." Something opened, and a smaller version of the
SpaceRaft made it's way down to the station.

Where was it's head, or tail, or gun emplacements? Or were there any? To
blasted many questions, and not near enough answers. "Station. Ship incoming.
Will move out of it's way. LandOver out." And they did too. By pulling another
disappearing act. But the shuttle still made it's way towards them, and a few
moments later the Buoy sent the message that the Traider StarBound, Guests of
Clan Tanar, were coming. At least somebody was happy. Even more so, when she
found out the alien shuttle had their cargo. Maybe she could get them back
cheap. After all, They did state they wanted to Return the Lost goods. Maybe
the Gods did smile upon Fools, and Lovers. Gods knows they were both. But,
there's always one worm in the barrel. The Beacon yelled a warning as something
came in, mean and fast. Kif. Only Knnn ignored Anchor's. Even so, it still bode
no good. It came roaring inbound, dumping twice, then settling down to a fast,
hard line, a few minutes behind the StarBound.

Then shock upon shock. "Incoming Kif Fighter. This is LandOver1. Warning. We
have personnel inbound to Station. Should you pursue any hostile actions, we
will take action.." The Kif very quickly decided to slow down. They didn't like
disembodied voices either. "This is Kif Raider StarReaver. Who are you to order
us?" Suddenly all the sirens on the station went off at once. Something too
Gods-Awful Big to Be, appeared on the other side of the system. "This is the
M.R.S. FarLander. Second Captain RarArrshi in command. Do we rate as authority
enough, Kif Raider?" This in Kif. "This is an illusion. A Sham..." The Fortress
glowed. "Kif Raider. We are more than happy to discuss any business you may
have with us or our personnel, At length. As long as it's done safely."

The StarBound came in slowly, not too sure what to do next. The Shield Of
Charrik followed. "Continue Commander?" This from the shuttle. "Continue
onward, Shuttle 7. Central Station, This is the FarLander. We are going back to
#. If you need us, yell. FarLander Out." The '#' was white noise, meaning the
Trans didn't find any word pattern that matched the sound. "FarLander Repeat.
You are going to wher..." With a shimmer, it was gone. "This is First Captain
Royyka. Spelling follows. 'N. U. L. L. S. P. A. C. E.' Word: Null Space. N-
Space for short." "This is Franx Mirriam of the StarBound. You speak Spacer?"
"Spacer, Kzin, and Alcon. Also 17 Old Terran Languages. Pretty good for a #." A
deep chuckle. "This is Central Station. Cease hostilities. You understand,
StarReaver? LandOver?" "This is First Officer Mirrthra. We Comply. No hostile
intentions. We are here for safety of shuttle, Only." The Kif chittered, then
"Comply Station. We Will Dock. Have Charges to bring. Kif ships destroyed. Kif
crews endangered.."

                             * * *

Marrl spat silently. She had sat in an office, telling everything that had
happened, and reviewing the Log Book, for way too damnded long. Now she stood
on the docks, awaiting the Alien Shuttle. At least the Kif were co-operating.
They were just nosing into Berth 5, careful as anything. She was a bit ruffled
herself. What the Gods Was that gigantic thing? And where the hell had it gone?
Well, answers were forthcoming. The StarBound had slid in earlier, and A Human
stood beside her. She didn't need to turn to know it was her beloved. No other
dared grasp her tail, and press the furry appendage to chapped lips. The Hani
flicked it in mock disgust. "There are beings Watching..." "Let them. I have a
Full Hold, and no Bills." She almost lost it a second time.. That meant they
could be Wedded properly. And if the Captain who was now putting his ship to
dock, didn't want too much for salvage... Perhaps, Just perhaps, she could pay
off some of her own debts. Shuttle number 7 came to a stop, lines not hooked
up, since nobody knew what, or even how to hook it up to Station.

There was a hiss, and a door opened near the front. Something walked out, and
stood on the metal. 3 full meters tall, And made of steel. With some kind of
weapon. It made a missle-launcher seem small.. "Site secured Captain." Another
exited. Dressed in a simple blue robe, with some kind of decorations on the
front. A black-nosed snout quivered. And a noise came from it. Another stepped
out, smaller than the first, also in a robe. Something glittered under the
hood. As one they tossed back the cowls, soliciting a collective gasp. Franx
stepped forward. "I don't believe it." He lifted a hand, and a immense, furred
paw grasped it. "Your eyes don't lie, Human. I am Captain Royyka, a Male
Grizzly." The jaws hadn't moved... The other walked forward, scales glistening
in the lights. "I am Rasst. A Male Ferrahhass." It too extended a hand. Six
digits, with claws. Franx swallowed hard, but shook it. Then he said something
in a dialect. Spinward Spacer. Marral know some of it, having learned it from
the Humans. "You are alive. The Last Bear died 200 years ago. Except for..."
The animal nodded.

"We are Genetic Interchanges. Dr. Siris planned well, when he left Terra, with
us. He," a claw pointed back at the metallic monster, "Is Brigade Sergeant
Merri. A RepliDroid. StandDown. Await Instructions." The last to it. A click
and the creature became a statue. "By your leave, Captains. I have business,
and want to tour their manufacturing areas..." The bear chuckled. "Rasst is a
Tech. He, like the good Professor, enjoy life best when they are taking
something apart. Alright. Just be back in time for launch." The snake hissed.
And moved gracefully up the docks. "Please, Which of you is the Captain of the
Tarhar's Reach?" Marrl stepped forward, along with quite a few dignitaries. "I
am." At last! Somebody her own height. "Please follow me." The creature made
it's way across the shuttle, Brown robe stained with Gods Knows what all. "We
salvaged all that was intact. Most of the canisters, a few suits, One ship."
She stopped. A Ship??? The being hissed something, and a panel moved back on
the side of the craft. Fingers moved rapidly across a pad. With another hiss, a
very large door, slid inward, and to one side. "Ship not here. Still on
FarLander.. Caught it going towards inner Galaxy. Extremely Fast. No life
readings." She noticed he lisped slightly. "Name.. FarVoyager." Marrl's heart
skipped a beat. Fasan Ship. Thought lost. Oh, Gods...

All but 5 of her containers sat waiting. A few pieces of stuff, from other han
ships. "How much?" One green eye looked at her. "Smoke?" He offered her
something long, thick and smelling of tobacco. "No. How much for all
canisters." He lit one end of the thing, and puffed for a moment. "Tour of
Ship-Making Facilities." He took another puff. "Tour Of Station... If
Possible." The Hani waited for more. When nothing was forthcoming she shook her
head. "That's All?" The Cobra with legs shrugged.. "Cultural Exchange.." He
touched a button, rasped something into it, and got an answer. Shook his head.
"Commander says go with it. That is my price. Deal?" "Deal. I can't guarantee
the Station..." A Llun stepped up. "You will have all this." A ring of smoke,
perfectly formed. "A fellow Tech to talk with?" The Llun Nodded. Marrl didn't
believe it. No Gold, No Credits, or Bills, or Promises to pay... Just
Information exchanges? Gods grant all transactions be so profitable.

He tapped again on the pad, and something hummed to life. Metallic things
appeared out of the walls, and grabbed the containers with arms, running them
down a ramp, that grew out of the side, and onto the dock. There were at least
30 of them, and they made short work of un-loading. "What are they?" "Robots.
Machines made to run cargo. Want one?" The reptile reached into his robe and
brought out a device. One of the things stopped, and moved forward. "It
understands limited commands." And at the Llun's concerned expression, "We have
thousands. A Gift From The OutWorld Federation, and Crew of The FarLander. You
a Tech?" The Llun shook her head, and motioned to an assistant. "Get me Muurha,
Head of Shop1A. Go." The other took off. Marrl wasn't listening any longer. She
turned and made her way back through the knot of beings surrounding the
Captains, still wrapped in animated conversation, in a language nobody but
Humans, and The Captain knew.

An unfamiliar word. "Pardon, Captain..." "What?" She stepped back, shocked. It
spoke Hani! He grinned crookedly. "You speak the Voice of the People?"
"Actually, I don't speak at all.. The Vox does that. In any language CMC1
knows..." "Who is Cmc1?" He grinned again. "Crystalline Matrix Computer. Names
Alex. He/It Runs all ships functions. Fully Sentient Machine. Built by
Master... No, Shadow hates being called that... Star-Commander, over 400 years
ago." Franx snorted. "Nothing lives that long." The bear nodded. "The Professor
was once human, like you. He replaced parts that wore out with machine parts.
That was before we perfected growing parts for usage."

That floored everybody. "Grow Body Parts..." A paw fanned the air. "All we need
is a few cells for Genetic Matchups. Then we grow new limbs, organs, whatever
is needed. Minds are harder. Brains can be replaced, but personalities die. The
only way to keep a person intact is to place them in a Crystal Matrix Shell,
and attach That to a body. Like the living dead... Raast's ancestors had no
limbs at all. Mine were dumb brutes. We were given intelligence. In return we
serve The Commander. Not a bad trade at all.. In answer to your other question.
Dimention. A Concept." A paw was held out. "Here. This universe." Held another
paw up. Held it next to the other. "Other Universe. Same space, different
spaces. Dimentions." Turned them, and pressed a claw through it. "Between
dimensions. N-Space. Nasty stuff. No up, No down.."

And so a Reptile got to poke and pry into Ships workings. Ask questions.
Dropped gems so valuable, it kept Techs scratching their heads for many a
sleepless night. Kif went quietly back into Space and found out there were
Other Ships of OutWorld design. Orion's Gate. Odin's Wand. Chain Of Amm. Tann
Heteh. Ships built for war.. Each the size of 3 star-sized planets. A miniature
system.. Dedicated to one thing. Destruction. Total and Complete. To destroy
one was not Impossable.. But to live afterwards was. The Anti-Drive took up
part of the space in the main hull. But even that wasn't as deadly as the Pit
that sat in the mid-section. Inside there was a dwarf-star's mass. Collapsed
into a 'Black Hole', it was the reason the ships were invincible.. Destroy the
ship and turn a few parsects of space into a Gravity-Well that even Light can
not escape. And A pair of Captains got mated. On Two Planets..

The End