Knapp 12: Darude.

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Tale of Science Fiction or Fantastic Tale number 291 written by Alfredo Juillet Frascara. 136.771 words Epoch: Year 3769 Tale, contemporary to Knapp 11. Place of the action: Knapp. People from the Kingdom of Knapp. King Lugner of Knapp Isildur: Prime Minister at the Kingdom of Knapp. Darude Bean, colonist and President of the Farmers Association, and his wife Dahlia Fore. Olson Fordin, Treasurer of the FA. Lubina Bank: staff: Xor Simpbour (Natural)General Manager, Efiornes, the Treasurer; Egotifor, the Director of Finances and others Executive Assistants all of them Synthetic persons. Vartio, (Natural) Sub Administrator at the Bank of Lubina Sargent Major Nineton of the Police Station of Lubina. At the city of Lubina on planet Knapp: Prologue. The action occurred at planet Knapp, under the rule of King Lugner, ten years after the narration of Knapp 11. Colonists from Oredloro and Rixiaberg went 840 kilometers north and founded Lubina town amidst forests and the mountain range. Chapter 1. 71. 17447 Darude Bean arrives with Dahlia Fore and was located together with another 250 couples, at the new town of Lubina in the planet Knapp, under the rule of King Lugner. Darude Bean looked at the small cabin and said: Well, dear, guess tomorrow we will leave this tin can and head to the wilderness. She smiled and replied: Incredible that we managed to do this trip at all! It all depended on so many factors, but things go our way. And here we are.- Darude said, kissing her cheek. Yes, darling! We are about to begin a new life in a world of opportunities and advances! Just as the add keep us repeating while we were at Oredloro. Dahlia said. A man knocked on their door, and when opened, he said: You must present to the main hall, to be instructed! Hurry! They walk by the corridor, together with several other couples; at the mess hall, called main hall by the crew, they saw Mr. Obrien, who was talking with several other colonists; soon he said, by the loudspeakers: Colonists of Knapp, welcome! Pay attention, please, here on Knapp, our King Lugner had implemented the population of Deborg, the northern sector of this continent. You are about to be sent to the city of Lubina, and there you are going to work in peace and harmony. Outside this building you are going to find vehicles, that will carry you to that city in comfort. They all cheered the man, and went outside- land vehicles that were huge. Pity there are no Flyers for us! I was hoping to arrive soon.- Dahlia Fore said.

Land vehicles! I think they are economizing from the start.- Darude Bean said. I will look out the window and enjoy the landscape!- Dahlia replied, smiling- she was there to fulfill her dream, and not to fight the facts when they present themselves. Slowly, the vehicles receive their occupants and their luggage and departed in a single file to the north. The trip was made over a road recently build; it was smooth and almost deserted. The traffic to and from Lubina was almost null. The road has 823 kilometers long; a trifle matter if flying above it, but a boredom if traveling on the surface and on wheels. The fleet of buses takes seven hours to be arriving to Lubina, after climb some mountains. This land is very rough. Hope Lubina was not built so far.- Dahlia Fore said. I am sure it has its advantages! Trees, for example.- Darude Bean said- he was worried also, because he knows dreams sometimes had painful ends. Other travelers were chatting, and near Darude was seated a man in his sixties, with a shaven head. The man lean to him and said: Good afternoon! Im Keris, from Rixiaberg. I wish you luck in your new life- I also come here expecting to improve my economical situation. Good luck to you, then! Im Darude Bean, and this is my woman; we are expecting for improvements in our lives; Im well aware we are the first colonists to arrive to Lubina.- Darude said. Certainly we could have our names on the History books! Guess itll be easy to grab some political position, now we are so few.- Keris said, smiling queerly. Our names in History books? I dont see it happening! Here on Knapp, the ones appearing easily on History Books are the members of the Court!- Dahlia Fore said. I dont be so sure, if I were you! They are going to need Administrators for this Colony! Police officers, a Major, people in charge of the Militia! Courtesans didnt like to work hard.- Keris said. Darude laughed and said: Im sure some Courtesan at Oredloro Palace is already appointed to be the new Governor here! I also read the History of Knapp.Keris moved his head sidewise, and said: I doubt the family of King Lugner is interested in this new outpost! They already have what they want of life, so they only need time to enjoy it where they stand.It is a pessimistic way to define the rulers of our Kingdom.- Dahlia Fore said. Youll see that what Im telling you became a fact- for our own benefit. And you are going to be farmers, or merchants? - Keris asked them. Farmers. I will try to be a good one; three hundred hectares of good soil to each colonist was promised before we signed in. - Darude Bean said, not without a hint of proud in his voice, because he had lots of projects to see the light of the star. Good choice, if you love to plow the earth, tends the cows and the sheep! Me, I will try to reach a place in the government! A Major has great importance in a society, as he works for the welfare of his fellow citizens.- Keris remembered them. When arriving to Lubina town, F125b It was already dark and scant lights were there on the streets; they descended on a platform near a building; they heard, by a loudspeaker, that they must enter to that building right away. Why the hurry?- Some people were asking, and Dahlia pressed his lovers arm, sensing there was some dangers of unspecific origin floating over their heads ? Nothing to be afraid of, darling.- Darude said, but he was in doubt of his own words. 17448 Inside the building there was heat and plenty of light- even a low pitched soothing music, to calm down the nerves. People dressed in blue coats were accommodating colonists in large rooms, where rows of beds were waiting for them. Communal beds? How nice.- Dahlia Fore said, meaning just the opposite- she loves privacy. Take it easy, darling! Soon they are going to assign us with the real things they promised! - Darude Bean said, confident in the future. Recently arrived, people wasnt remaining at the beds but keeps on milling around and talking to each others. Darude and his wife Dahlia Fore seats on their assigned bed, and talked to their neighbors around themsimple people who were too excited to get asleep. Suddenly, they heard shots and the running feet; and some women yelled in fright.

Whats happening? - Dahlia asked him. Im sure they will explain to us in a short while. Well wait here, darling. - Darude said; and it was so: rumors travels fast, and so he learnt that some ferocious animals approached the building, and that the guards open fire on them. A man in a blue dress approaches them, saying: Nothing to worry about, folks! We always shoot the wild animals away, not to encourage them to get too close to our doors! A nice looking woman almost yelled back to him: You promised us that they werent wild animals in this vicinity! One or two are left, lady! Nothing to worry too much about it.- The guard replied. Later, everything was calm, and the people went back to the beds, to sleep. At dawn, they went out of the buildings, with some other people, to see the remains- two carcasses of Psittacosaur were already being chopped by the Butcher, who made jokes out of his work. Here is the only place where meat come banging at your door! And everyone laughed, trying to change the former frightful moments in a joyful game of hunting. In five elapsed days, they were lodged on three buildings- each for different groups, taking in account their trades. The Synthetic teachers announced an eight months school for them to attend; they said lessons to be good citizens of Lubina will be included. People fighting lessons or didnt approving the courses, will be expelled back to their homeward cities. Both Darude Bean and Dahlia Fore attended it there was a group for males and another for females. The agricultural world developed itself in holographic scenes, lectures and on the field. They learned to plow, to seed the earth at their proper tine, and even repair minor damages to machinery and Synthetic people. Poultry also went under the courses. They made friends- people from Oredloro and Rixiaberg, Oxiborion were there too. People desiring to start again in a new environ were there, full of optimism. This new friends are going to be our future neighbors. Let us from a chain impossible to break, with them as links. Darude said. People forget quick new relations.- Dahlia remembered him. We must create, then, an organization out of it- a Cooperative, where everyone could get help if needed, with annual celebrations and parties. It will have impact on all our lives.- Darude said. Good idea. Do it.- Dahlia Fore said, accepting the project- her mate soon gets the attention of many future farmers, and reunions were permitted by the Central authorities. Four months later, the fields were distributed among the farmers, beginning at the outskirts of Lubina. Darude gets his land twenty three kilometers away from town, and there were others getting lands more afar than he was. I guess that we are somewhat very apart of city life, being here.- Dahlia Fore said, looking at the cabin some Synthetic was building for them. 17452 Certainly so, dear! But you can see we have a bigger site than some who get theirs close to town. The government has all figured out; here is not too much water running by the creeks, but we have those mountains in the vicinity; I guess we could make a dam to collect winter rains up there.- Darude said. To the East of his farm, the mountains somebody called The Billytrek mountains; to the north the drive bed of a winter creek; and to the west it was the farm of Arnold Kurnenko, and his wife Sinala. They were 25 kilometers away, also looking at thwart their landscape would be for years to come. Four days later, they had a reunion on Darudes cabin; the weather was mild, and some logs were lined up in order the assistants could be seated there. Darudes cabin has eight big rooms and two bathrooms; pity some of those rooms werent finished yet, so he decided to receive the people on the outside. Twenty one farmers come in for that first reunion; they brought their women also, that carried sweets and sandwiches for the assistants to eat at the end of the reunion. The males were seated in front of a table; behind it were seated three persons: a President, his Secretary and the Treasurer man. The President was Darude Bean; the Secretary was Olson Fordin, and the Treasurer was Korb, a small and middle aged man. The Session is adjourned. Ill present the cases: first, the seeds and cattle to be received from the Governor. Second item, the canalization of the waters. Third

17453 is how to build a communal assistance to plow the earth and so on. The fourth item Ill leave for the Assistants to be included.- Darude said to the Assembly of farmers. Ospero, a farmer forty years old, who said: Seeds. We arent receiving as much as we wanted. See if you can send someone to ask the Governors functionaries for it. All right, your motion is on the table. Any other consideration? Darude asked. Machinery! There are but only four Tractors! We need a dozen of it!- A thin man said. Your name, please?- Darude asked Lemont! And also, water! Some of us have access to the creek, others not! I ask to elaborate on this matter.- He said. The items were solved with a delegation, that will present the problems to the Authority- Darude said, to end the meeting: I am sure our Authorities will contribute with all their efforts with us! And I ask of you the cooperation its needed; cooperation among us is tantalizing. Its the only sure way we could succeed in here. There was no round of applause, as people were too worried with their present state. But some of them appeared at Darudes door, asking for more talk. All right, folks! Lets talk.- Darude said, seating on a stool, while others were eating their sandwiches, seated on logs. Ospero said: I am on the Committee. Perhaps we could think first before we present our thoughts to the Governor.17454 No problem! I am sure Sir Borondio will accept all our requests! He should be interested in our success! He must show some progress to our King Lugner.- Darude said. I know things about Sir Borondio that will make you think different!- Ospero growled. Speak up, then!- Darude asked of him. He is a drunkard and a thief! Cousin to our King Lugner, he is here as a punishment for his behavior at the Court! I am sure hell sell our provisions, the seeds and machinery if he had the opportunity.- Ospero said. The more the reason we must ask now our seeds in full! Later it will be too late.- Olson Fordin said. Tomorrow morning Ill present our requisition. I am sure he is not going to refuse not at the very beginning of his Administration.- Darude said. Well see about it!- Ospero said. At the next day, Darude and the Committee presents himself to the office of the Governor Sir Borondio his Secretary Miss Lucila said: I am afraid you get to come back tomorrow, gentlemen! The Governor is out of the city in a delicate mission. Darude looked at the fat woman and said: This is urgent, Madam. Could you not call him for a virtual reunion? No, its impossible. He was adamant on this! No communication at all! You had to wait until his return.Miss Lucila said. When did he return, lady?- Ospero growled. Tomorrow. Its not too much to wait, isnt it? Now give me your names.- Miss Lucila asked. 17455 I am Darude Bean, President of the Farmers Association of Lubina; and this is my treasurer, secretary and a member of the Committee for Improvements.- Darude said. Right. Now please leave; that I have work to do.- Miss Lucila said. Darude went out of the building and while they walk by the street, Ospero said: Guess that by the regular channel nothing will happen. Why dont we pay a visit to the Deposit of Grains and Stuff? Perhaps we could obtain better results in there. Lets see them.- Darude said, and they all went to the Warehouse, a two stories building standing three blocks away from the Governors palace. At the entrance, a Synthetic guard stopped them by saying: Entrance not allowed for civilians, or do you want to see someone?

We are the farmers. I am the President of the Farmers Association of Lubina; my name is Darude Bean. Me and the rest of the farmers need the seeds and machinery right away. Where is the Administrator or Chief of Department?- Darude replied him. You want to see the Director of the Deposit. Mr. Cucional asks first, to give an appointment, several details first. A proceeding must be kept up. You must ask for a possible date, then you could expound your case to Mr. Cucional.- The Synthetic man said. I have no time to waste. How much could be the delay?- Darude asked him. More than a day, I suppose. Mr. Cucional is out on a journey.- The guard said. Seems to me everyone is out of town! Do you know what is happening?- Lemont asked. No idea, Sir.- The Synthetic man replied. Ill return tomorrow. See your Director knows about it.- Darude said, and the Synthetic gives him a card with the cellular phone where to call first. While they were retreating to the fields, Olson Fordin , the Secretary, said: We must keep insisting! This people seem not too much interested in their jobs. Certainly its strange. They receive their jobs and then they try to get rich, stealing to others!- Korb the Treasurer said. They are building their future with our seeds! I am sure the machine will start to grind.- Darude said, optimistically. Hope it will. Ospero said. When arriving at his cabin, Darude said to his wife : Hi, dear! What we have 17457 for dinner? Ersatz potatoes and dinosaur meat.- Dahlia Fore replied, from the kitchen. Pity we had not Food processor! But some day we will.- Darude complained. I dont like those artifacts! With them, you never know what really you are eating.- Dahlia replied. Guess not. - Darude said. And, did you request the seeds, at the Governors house?- Dahlia asked him. The men in charge are out in some trip; his Secretary told us to come back tomorrow..- Darude said. And there is no substitute for him at present? That post is an important one; should be someone replacing him.- Dahlia said. Only Synthetics are working there; except an old lady who is the Secretary.- Darude informed her. Patience, darling! But I miss the daily news here. No matter about food processors, but I need to know what is happening in our world! - Dahlia demanded. No problem! Ill ask one using our Credit Card; still lots of Credits available in our account.- Darude said. Thanks you, dear! I loved to learn new recipes, news from other worlds, new inventions, what is doing the King, things like that.- Dahlia said, smiling. Of course; I also like to see the News.- Darude said, thinking if the machine could be working fine where they stand. 17458 At the next day, Darude returns to Lubina town in his car; this time he finds Mr. Cucional at his post, and said: Good morning, Im Darude Bean, from the Farmers at Lubina; I wish to talk with you about seeds. Oh, my Assistant said that to me, yesterday; but the request its a little on the queer side; we sent you enough seeds to plant for this first season; and are you wanting more?- Cucional said, looking serious. The Farmers Association of Lubina, that Im representing, has planted all the seeds you sent us; but for the next season a lot more seeds will be needed; so thats why Im here to ask you the deliverance of all the seeds you can have in stock, to plant them when the time comes without delay- remember the seeds you give us arrives almost in retard for this season.- Darude said. Cucional rubbed his chin, and said: I see. All the seeds at once. You had already received twenty kilos of different seeds each of you had received 20 kilos for this season, and tubercles. Your quota for this season has been delivered in full . Wait for the next season to obtain some more. My associates think this season we had not received enough quantity. We also need more machinery to work at the land. - Darude insisted. Nothing I can do about it, Mr. President. Except from a supreme order from the Governor, your seeds will come to you next spring.- Cucional said.

Well, Ill try to talk with the Governor; my associates want the seeds in advance.- Darude said, moving out of Cucionals office. Olson Fordin, the Secretary, said: No seeds for us! They already give what they want to give. Lets try at a higher level?- Darude said, but at the Governors office things were the same as before: the Synthetic personnel repeated them that Sir Borondio was out of town not giving now any possible date. 17460 Well, Im afraid well get back home empty handed.- Darude growled. Ill buy a few things, first- at least, Ill be welcomed if I do. - Secretary Olson Fordin said, and Darude remembered about his wifes errand, and went to fulfill it- he was well attended, by a Natural woman, who said in reply: Guess you deserve to be in contact with the outer world- its forty six Credits for the inscription, and forty two credits for thirty days of service.I think I can afford it.- Darude said, smiling to the young attendant. Sign here, please. And here it is your set.- The Attendant said, signaling for a cylinder twenty centimeters wide and forty centimeters long. I put it over the roof of my house, I suppose.- Darude said. Yes; you must attach it to something, in order not to loose it.- She giggled. And the holographic scene, had something gadget to be produced inside the house?- Darude asked. The cylinder has a knob; you must graduate it from the roof; the appliance will make the scene appear downstairs- or if you want, a person could go there to put it in place.- She said. Yes, that will be the best; Im a farmer on Lubina.- Darude said. No problem, Sir. Ill send someone right now- just give me your address.- She said. Darude gives her the address, and after signing and paying the Contract, he went outside and return to the Hotel with his companion. You should buy a Holovisor! Did your wife asked for one of those? I just bought one.- Darude said. Its not the money or the Credit- its my wife she detest to loose the time hearing the news or seeing a show.- Olson Fordin said. Poor you! I invite you any time you like, to see the news or a show at my cabin. Im sure we all deserve to be informed and to relax seeing how somebody gets fun in the city.- Darude said. Thanks, Mr. President. I will have that offer in mind.- The Secretary said, pleased to be accepted, but also thinking in which moment he could be going visiting, when there was so much to do at the farm, and he said: Pity we didnt obtain the seeds. But we could ask if there is someone selling it! Perhaps we could discover how this guys makes money out of the Government. Not too many stores in here.- Darude said, looking the buildings, that were blocks of concrete with shining windows; they found only four shops , and no seed to buy. A month later, Darude calls for another meeting, and this is the transcription of that second Reunion, as it was recorded in the Acts the Secretary made. Session 2. Date: 3769.09.23 At 8.00 hours the session is adjourned, with the presence of the President Mr. Darude Bean, the Secretary Mr. Olson Fordin, the Treasurer Mr. Korb (small, 50 years, and 24 farmers. Lemont, Keris, Ospero (fat, old), Laus Vok and other names. The Secretary reads the last Act, and its approved as it is; the President said his efforts to get the seeds in advance have no success whatsoever, due to the indifference of Authorities at Lubina town. The Secretary said the Governor General keeps on being absent from his office and from town, but that he is booked on a list, expecting for his return to be called for an interview. The Treasurer said there is a small amount of money in stock, in case some of the Associates need help in urgency. He adds the help 17462 Its only for physical illness or accident. Farmer Laus Vok informs the seeds are already giving signs of development. Irrigation is assured by the creeks. Motions are: the finalization of canalization to irrigate the given farms is accomplished in a forty per cent; the workers are mainly Synthetic personnel, not too adequate for these hard jobs, so some of them present small failures on their bodies.

Ospero said he invite all the farmers to a ball he was offering at his farm, where his wife was going to serve beverages and sandwiches for a price. He adds all the money was going to be given to the Treasurer, for the help of people in need. The President asks a vote of applause to this member who has so good ideas in behalf of others. The session concluded at 09.40 hours. Darude heard a lot of complaints from the farmers- small wild creatures trying to be fed appears on the fringes, eating the seeds was its goal; an action was need to eradicate them from the vicinity, so a team was necessary to create. Volunteers! Something like a garrison is needed.- The Secretary said. Very well! I commissioned you to ask for volunteers- perhaps it should be an obligation for us all, to help each others in the nights to come.- Darude said. Two days later, a team of volunteers , self called the Seers, begin to repel the wild animals by night. At the third patrolling night, Darude went as a patroller, at Mr. Osperos;s ranch. Small creatures dig our seeds, Mr. President! Perhaps we should use poison to get ride of them.- Ospero said in a whisper- they were sparse in groups of three persons among the field- only sticks were their weaponry Suddenly, they saw three Omeisaurs running into the furrows . Darude said: Wait until they are occupied! Perhaps others will come! So they waited and soon more than a dozen Omeisaurs were running into the field- their claws hitting the soil to find their meal. Now !- Darude gives the order through 17463 the Bippers, and from every hiding place, The Seers attacked the pack of Omeisaurs; after much yelling and running, the Omeisaurs run for the woods, leaving one dead body and three maimed ones. Darude smiled- the end result was not too much to see, but the fun of it was great- also, they teach the Omeisaurs a lesson: there was danger in the field. They burnt the carcasses and return to their homes at dawn. How was the hunt, dear?- Dahlia Fore asked. Nice, dear! A couple of Omeisaurs killed- not too much of it- we only have sticks to chase them.- Darude complains. Oh! Cannot you ask for LASER guns? It would be easier.- Dahlia asked him. One specific point, previous to come here, was the prohibition to colonist of the use of weapons. Theoretically, the Governor has a number of weapons to defend us from peril. And they said it was no danger in this land.- Darude explained. Four months later, the crops were ready to be harvested- rice, lettuce, beans and potatoes were the most of itother species were harder to get. We can feed the city folks of Lubina for six months with this fresh product! - Darude announced, at the Fifth meeting of the Farmers Association. Nice to hear it! They are going to pay us greatly.- Korb said, rubbing his hands together. I had sent a message to Sir Borondio- notwithstanding the queer fact that he is still missing from Lubina._ Olson Fordin said. We can storage the harvested crops but not the other products. If we havent notice of our Governor in time- we will be eating our own lettuces and onions. Darude said. We can sell the products at the city- all we need is a truck and some advertisements.- Hollon Firrick said, and he was the farmer who prefers to plant lettuces above all other vegetables, so he was the most interested person in to sell fast. No, we are not allowed to do such a thing, by Contract! We even could lost our trade, because of it.- Korb reminded them. Bullshit! I will not waste my efforts if your Governor didnt show up in time!- Hollon Firrick said with emphasis. Ill do all what is in my power to resolve this. Perhaps you know who could be staying out of touch in purpose- perhaps he is not really interested in to rule a small town at all- and too afraid to say no to our King Lugner- more than a thousand kilometers away.- Darude said. Lets do it!- Ospero said, in haste.

That day he banged several doors for nothing- nobody pays them the due respect nor their words finds any echo, so they return to the fields, discouraged How was your trip?- Dahlia Fore asked when he went into the cabin. Not a solution whatsoever, darling! But we give the announce we have products to sell- perhaps tomorrow we will receive answers to our questions- I cannot really think the Government could just ignore its farmers!- Darude said. 17465 Hope Sir Borondio come out of his strange slumber, and begin straightening things right away!- Dahlia Fore said, in response. Four weeks later, and without any response, Ospero went in a truck full of lettuces to Lubina, and at the Main Square, he and his companions begin to sell it to the populace. At a cheap price, soon the truck was empty of lettuces. Ospero return to his farm as an hero and the farmers did an extraordinary reception- a reception to a hero. Darude finds everyone needs a meeting, so he told the Secretary to call for one. Today, Sir?- Olson Fordin asked. Yes, we must straighten things right away!- Darude said. Later, Olson Fordin had a room full of people, even women were this time. He coughed and said: The session is adjourned. The President will say a few words now. Darude said, among a shuffle of shoes: We are here to solve a situation nobody of us asked, we were brought here to produce food for the city of Lubina, first, and to the rest of the Kingdom, later and with luck. Our products were going to be paid by the Governor, and he was going to sell it in a special place, downtown Lubina. We were promised such a thing. Voices yelled: They broke the promise! Darude said: But we are not seeing any preoccupation for us, and we cannot wait any longer.Mr. President!- Ospero said, standing from the log he was a moment before- We can show they same grade of preoccupation for them! I say, lets load the trucks and sell our products at town! We must act now!- The thing looking Lemont almost yelled. Ospero said: Nobody is paying us any attention. Darude waved both his arms to appease them, and said: Wait! Let us proceed like civilized people. Let us gives them a period of time for react. 17466 What? To wait for the next season?- Korb asked, acidly. Of course not! Just a couple of weeks- I assure you that Ill be there pressing for an answer myself!Darude promised them- and after a long debate, he gets the authorization to send the ultimatum and wait one week for their answer. When the reunion ends, he call the Directive to his own house, to talk about the details. Dear, please make some coffee for us! We had a very hard debate today!- Darude asked to his wife. Of course! I see you are not quite happy.- Dahlia Fore said, going to the kitchen. Mr. President, I assume we are all going to the city tomorrow! I mean, to deliver the note as a whole, as the Organization we are!- Korb the Treasurer expounded. I assume this matter its of the utmost importance for us all! I guess we should make a little noise, on the streets of Lubina Town! Not everyone knows what is happening between us and the Governor!- Olson Fordin said. Perhaps a couple of demonstration will do not much harm! Count with me and some other women!Dahlia Fore said, arriving with some mugs of coffee- like infusions. Well think it over! I remember demonstrations were severely punished at Oredloro city.- Darude said to his woman. I already have a copy of our request to the Authorities! - The secretary Olson Fordin said, and he read it out loud: Sir Borondio, Governor of the City of Lubina... But its only just a bunch of buildings scattered all around! Why did you write its a city?- Darude asked him. Well, I very well could change it, if you like.- Olson Fordin said, turning red. Do it! The guy will think his job its more important than what he really is!- Darude remarked. Why, are you mad at him?- Dahlia asked, mockingly.

Of course Im mad at him! He is ignoring us for months on end!- Darude explained his wrath. The Secretary said: Yes, but let me continue: We, the Farmers Association of the Lubina Town, demands of you the duly payment of all our crops as it is well written on our Contracts , to satisfy our means of subsistence here on Lubina. If you dont have a duly response to this request, we are going to sell our products on site, or at the town you are administering. Duly yours, Darude Bean, President of the Association. End of the letter.- And so the Secretary ends the lecture of the message. I find it acceptable, with some corrections I will make later.- Darude said, as he was going to add prices of every item, to present the Governor an estimate of the overall payment. The farmers were in accord with the request, and the letter was signed by Darude after he calculates the costs of the products in question. The farmers leave the room and went to their homes; Darude seats at his dinner table with Dahlia, and said: Wish the letter could have some effect in our Governor. All is being worked out, dear. Soon youll get your money.- Dahlia said. That is what I really hope! But I see here a lot of injustice- this is going to be hard to accept, with the passing of time.- Darude expounded. Dont think of it anymore by now, dear! Lets concentrate in ourselves now. Dahlia said, smiling. At the next day, they climbed on a bus and went to Lubina town, to deliver the letter- it was contained on a electrical pill so small as a finger nail, so it was encased in a plastic box the size of a dice. 17468 The Secretary of the Governor, Miss Lucille, a Natural, received them at her office. Good day, Gentlemen. What do you want to tell me today? The Governor is out.- Said she, and her eyes kept looking at them in turn. Pity our Governor is not at his post today! But we are here to deliver a note and its urgent his approval.Darude said, handling her cube. Miss Lucille takes it with her thin white fingers, and leaves it on a dish, saying: A letter? Fine gesture, but I doubt he could answer this as quickly as you deserve. Darude realize, then, that the lady knows things in advance- must be a secret informant among the dozens of farmers- so he said: Well, our request is a just one, and so we are asking for a quick response, or we are going to take some measures for ourselves. Miss Lucille looked at him with wide eyes, and said: Dont you dare to do something harsh! The Governor has a group of guards who could give your Association more than a headache! Dont you worry, Madame? We are certain he will answer our petitions before something disagreeable could happen.- Darude said, sensing he was stepping in moving grounds; he bowed and went out with his retinue. At the street, they all feel the elation of the moment; they thought they were making drastic decisions. Well, friends, we had accomplished the first part of our duty! Now, lets make some noise in here!- Korb said, and begins yelling what was happening with their crops to the astonished bystanders. Soon a dozen citizens were standing in attention to his words, and afterwards give their opinions about the matter. You are being mistreated! Here we have our trades, and we receive our wages on time. Why not the same with you, it is because you are away from town?- A lady said with a shrill voice. 17469 And they were encouraged to react the way they seems fit. They return to their homes tired but with hopes- in the next six days, those hopes dwindled to nothing, so at the seventh day, having not received any response from the Authorities they cargo the three available trucks with vegetables and departed to Lubina, with 20 farmers and some women. Im sure well get back empty trucked.- Darude Bean said to the driver, Mr. Lemont. So sure as we have a King!- Lemont said, blinking an eye. 17470 Pity for them, the road was blocked five hundred meters before the entrance to the town; a series of Synthetic people dressed as cops and armed with stun guns, make the caravan to stop. You cannot enter town with those trucks!- Was what those policemen said to each driver in turn.

Darude approaches them, saying: Im the President of the Farmers Association! I already told authorities that we were going to sell our products directly to the people, if no answer to our request ensues our petitions. And as no answer was given here we are on route to sell our products before they get rotten. No way, Sir. We also had a copy of your request. Get back to the fields!- One of the Synthetics cops said. Do you know if there will be an answer to our petition? Or we must get back and seat while we wait eternally?- Ospero asked in an harsh way. I repeat, Sir, I am not informed in any way of your future problems. Please get back to your farms in order now.- The same Synthetic cop said. The three trucks turns around with Darude in the front one. Half a kilometer later, the second and third truck turns their direction to Lubina town, but Darude didnt find out until the arrival to the first farm house they realize they were alone. Darude said: What happens with them? Olson Fordin said: Possibly they had some mechanical failure along the way- nothing serious. Lets back and help them.- Darude said, but the truck driver said: You could go in the car, Sir. I lend you mine, as I must disembark the groceries before they rot. All right, no problem.- Darude said, not willing to start a brawl with people already disgusted with their economical situation. The car wasnt operational at first- some cables were jamming the system 17472 and by when Darude and the Secretary could start the engine, it was already dark. Pity we didnt went back in the truck! Now Im really worried by the delay.- Darude said, two hours later. They were sure to find the trucks on the road, but they arrive to Lubina and there was no sign of the truck,, until they arrive to the main square- in a corner of it, both trucks were surrounded by townsfolk, buying the last remnant of the vegetables. Total sold out!- Ospero told him, descending from the vehicle- We just pass through those Synthetics, and here the people defend us from the Police! As you know, they cannot hurt real people like you and me!- Darude realize that the farmer was very exultant and accepted the fact his language was slacking somewhat. And why you come back in a car? Where is the truck?- Ospero asked him. Back at the fields! We thought you were still on the road, perhaps with a mechanical problem on your hands.- Darude replied. Never mind! Ill bring it here tomorrow! Theres more to be brought here- and the people is on our side! Im sure those at the Government are still scared of us!- Ospero boasted- while lots of townsfolk were listening to him open mouthed. 17473 At the next day, Darude was on the truck again- his palms sweat while the caravan approaches the small town of Lubina, but this time they rode freely to the square and nobody was there to stop them. Our customers on line! This is a good day to sell groceries!- Lemont said. To work!- Ospero growled from up a pile of sacs. In less than three hours, all their products were sold and taken away, as grocery owners were there buying wholesale. The trucks return to the fields at sixteen hours, and Darude went home immediately. Dahlia was preparing some biscuits and offered him a beverage. Hello! I finished early.- Darude said, while kissing her cheek. Nice! We are lucky to have the rest of the afternoon together, isnt it?- Dahlia asked him. Well, later I must attend a meeting- we must made some calculations- one thing is certain: we earned a lot of money.- Darude replied. Pity the Governor leave you , and the rest, for your own! He should have bought our products and he should have sold it when necessary. - Dahlia said. I wonder what the Governor is doing! Nobody seems to know where he is or what is doing!- Darude explained. Well, perhaps he is just a spoiled brat, who finds this site uninteresting and he ignores all the works he should do as Governor.- Dahlia imagined. Meaning of it?- Darude asked her.

The end result! All its on Synthetic hands- the future taken from us due to the lack of enthusiasm of an appointed, and not elected, Governor.- Dahlia said. 17476 At the barn, Darude arranged some logs on the floor, and a rustic podium; he carried two lamp posts to the site, and Dahlia was helping him. Here we will be reunited- the Directive and as many farmers as they want to come.- Darude said. Pity I cannot offer them a thing to eat! Our biscuits are too scant for them all. Dahlia said Dont you worry! This is not a social reunion! Hope the money could suffice so make us all rich for a year.- Darude said, smiling. All I want its that service they promised us! The holographic visor is here, but the signals are not.- Dahlia complained. Ill ask right away about the signal we should had been receiving from days ago! The satellites are already in place- the people of the Federation of Planets gives the King Lugner a ring of communication satellites for to join his kingdom together! But seems is our Governor the one who is idling at the hour the implementation for Lubina should be made.- Darude said. Dahlia saw the arrival of two trucks together with farmers and their wives- they brought lots of food and beer, and Garina, the wife of Ospero, said: Dont you worry a bit about food! We brought everything to do a nice barbecue party, dear! And soon the fire was lit, chunks of meat begin to be roasted, while other females begin cooking potatoes or peeling vegetables. The men get inside the barn and the Treasure (Korb) said to the Assembly: Lets start with good news, folks! We had a sold out! They all cheered him up; so he said again: The money is in this bag! Everybody will get equal share of it! The ones who sold their products at the first day had given every coin to me, or in case they hadnt all the money to bring it back, I had received receipts, that will be given them as money when the repartition is ended. They all were eager to know their share- finally, and after several calculations, the Treasurer said: Its 250.000 Credits in all we are here forty two farmers- an eaqual share of 5.952 Credits for each of us is what we are about to receive. Somebody in the last row said: Its not as much as we thought it was! 17477 Darude replied: We must acknowledge the fact our crops werent much this first year! Next time Im certain well get double or triple this amount, if we work hard and the weather keeps on being benign! Certainly with scant quantity of seeds and tubercles we arent!- The same guy said. We must plant what we left apart for this next season! Also, Ill be asking for seeds when the time come!Darude said, with faltering voice- he wasnt sure to be receiving seeds, but he was not to spoil the spirit of the reunion, that is, of triumph over the incertitude of the past. When the money was given to the farmers, they went out of the barn and into the celebration- the women were a lot more practical and saw things in a very more optimistically way. They danced and the whole group departed at the next morning, with smiling faces. Before going to bed, Darude said: Guess these meetings strengthen our bond together. Farmers United!Yeah, right! United by the greed?- Dahlia said who was very doubtful about human relations. Two months later the winter arrives; lots of cold and rain- from the mountains some Pisanosaur arrives, eating the fruit trees- teams were posted throughout the fields, to protect the naked trees from their voracity. We only fight the winter here! We should have Synthetics to do this job!- Lemont said, sniffing the cold air of the night. Those Synthetics they give us are all in failure! Must have been very cheap.- Ospero growled back. At the end of the winter, two hundred and eighty different predators were killed and almost half the trees were damaged. We saved them! Youll see that from their roots, from their tree trunks, they will rise in spring again! Olson Fordin said to Darude.

Yes, but what about the fruits? A tree must be grown to produce good fruit.- He replied, and with other farmers, worked nailing a wire fence to protect what was left of the fruit trees. They are announcing the removal of Sir Borondio as Governor of Lubina!- Its in the news.- Dahlia Fore said, weeks later. Good news! Next Governor could not be worst than this!- Darude said, with hope. 17479 A meeting was adjourned- four days later, on the barn; twenty four farmers begin the fourth session of their Farmers Association. :The Session is adjourned. Our President has the turn.- Secretary Olson Fordin said, and he was using a overcoat, as the weather was still cold. Fellow workers: we are here reunited to day to talk about an item of the utmost importance for us: the removal of Sir Borondio as Governor of Lubina Town, and the future arrival of another person, whose name its still unknown to us. I want to say something, Mr. President._ Ospero said. You may speak.- Darude authorized. I knew it just to day in the afternoon who is the next Governor of this town.- Ospero announced. And?- Korb asked, seeing the man had stopped talking. It is a woman! Lady Shurvana, who is the next Governor of the town and lands around Lubina. She is the sister of Lord Mugor, who was a banker. Her husband died and she has two daughters- seem she is a total stranger as an Administrator._ Ospero said. We must to expect for the better.- Korb demanded. Perhaps we should present ourselves with our wives to her.- Lemont said. Guess its not a good idea- women detects evil when they see it- wait until we know her better.- Ospero said. I vote for a small group to go there and present themselves our respect. So, she will know we exist.Darude said, and ends the Session after some other minor items. Two days later, the people of Lubina saw a big airship approaching; it landed near the main road, and from inside of it, dozens of warriors descended at a run, forming a circle around the airship. 17480 Then, a palanquin made of wood and silver was carried by eight Synthetic workers three meters high- on it, a woman dressed in black leather, but the dress was very strange, as it has strips of leather here and there, leaving the white skin of the woman exposed to the sight of others. Of course, the body was well kept, showing the feminine figure in glorious ways- the lady was white skinned and with silver hair. They carried the Governor to the Town Hall, and descending from her palanquin, she walked to the reunion table, and seated at the head of it, on the old governors chair. The old staff was also there, looking spellbound this woman who was more than an actress than an Administrator. Miss Lucille broke the dense silence, saying: Welcome, Governor Shurvana; I am Lucille, the Secretary of former Sir Borondio. Sir Borondio should be here.- Said Shurvana, with profound voice. Here eyes were yellowish, cold as ice. Miss Lucille said: I fathom you dislike his absence, so perhaps he could be summoned some other day. Bring him in here, if he doesnt want to come!- Lady Shurvana said to his retinue of big Synthetics. They asked Miss Lucille where to find the man, and she gives an address. Shurvana looked at the rest of the Assessors of the former Governor- only one of them was a Natural being, and to him he said: Who are you, Sir? I am Cucional, the Chief of Provisions, guardian of the seeds and machinery, medicines and weapons of this town, Lady.- Cucional proudly said. A Natural among Synthetics! Ill talk to you, later.- The new Governor said, seeing her guards returns with a coffin-like object. A Cryogenic pod!- Shurvana said, knitting her brows. He went into deep freeze six days after his arrival, Lady Shurvana.- Miss Lucille said. Shurvana approaches the pod, and revised the electronic indicators dates watched. She returns to her former position and said: A pity our King Lugner appoints him here! Ill work in here, and I will be remembered. As of him, X30 cut his pod in two!

Lady, I cannot kill a Natural! - The voice of X30 sounds impersonal on that concrete chamber. What a pity this is ! Then, put that thing into the airship that brought me here, together with this short message: Sir Borondio went to deep sleep seven days after his arrival to Lubina as a Governor, and so he has abandoned the duty His Majesty the King appointed for him. - Lady Shurvana said. They take the coffin out, and soon the airship was gone with him on board. Two days later, Darude Bean and the Directive of the Farmers Association of the town of Lubina presents themselves before the Governor, at the same ample room named Town Hall. I am Darude Bean, President of the Farmers Association of Lubina, and this are my Assistants. We are here to salute you and wish you luck in your new post.- He said. She was using a green outfit, with plenty of flesh for all to see; high boots and short pants made of green leather. Her hair was having a new hair-do, and she smelled of roses. I see. How many farmers do we have on Lubina?- Shurvana asked, in her low tone of voice. Twenty four, Governor. We are here to request, also, our share of seeds and the use of machinery to plow the earth.- Darude said. I learn Cucional gives you the share at the last season.- Shurvana said, staring at him- she was being informed, and this guy could be trying to grab more what he deserves. Certainly we receive a small amount of seeds, but we wanted more. Now we want the seeds in advance.Darude explained. Also we lack of machinery.- Olson Fordin added. 17482 Shurvana stands up from her big iron chair, saying: I am commissioned here to solve all your problems, but I must study request with care. She was taller than everyone on that room; lean and strong was her body. We are grateful for it.- Darude said. Return to your fields- Ill see you receive the proper quantity at the proper time; the machinery will be provided, after we revise what you already have in there.- Shurvana said, dismissing them with a wave of her hand- for her, they were mere peasants begin for crumbs. X30! Are the bath ready?- Shurvana asked when the farmers were out of the room. Yes, Milady.- The big Synthetic replied- he was a metallic worker, and his hands were hooks. Very well; lets go there.- Shurvana said, walking by the corridor; she detested the place- it was a brick and mortar building three stories high, and for her, a real bore. The bathroom was decorated with pink flowers painted on the dull original gray. The floor has mosaics like the bath tube, where she gets into and seats on the perfumed warm water. A female Synthetic person presents her with a soap and sponge. You rub my back! Carefully.- Shurvana commanded her, turning her beautiful body to let her do it. Later, she went out of the bath, refreshed, and called her Synthetic retinue- four Synthetic workers arrive. Lets see how we could make this town in something more of my liking! Call the Architects available!And while they went calling the aforementioned beings, she went to the Provisions Warehouse. Lady Shurvana! Glad you visit this place.- Cucional said, standing from his chair. Thanks. Did you send the seeds to those poor farmers?- She asked him. Yes, Milady! Early in this morning, together with two ground mowers and five Synthetics- half the number I had in here.- Cucional informed. Fine you obey my orders in haste! I abhor the lazy people._ Shurvana said, with a dark meaning on her tone of voice that chilled the blood on Cucional veins... I want all your efforts, Mr. Cucional, in a task I am going to start for us all: a tower. I want a big stone tower, together with stone stairs, iron reinforced pillars, engraved doors, chains everywhere. A dark place, indeed.- Shurvana said. For what purpose, Lady? Do you not like the building made up for Governors in Lubina?- Cucional asked, very perplexed. Of course not. I want that tower built in this same year, Mr. Cucional. See to it. I will provide Architects, the plans, diagrams, and my personal servants to do the heavy work.- Shurvana said. Plenty of rocks in the Afrenios Mountain Ridge, Milady. Ill send the rest of the machinery wherever you decide. I am sure you will have the Tower finished in a year.- Cucional said, but in his inner self, he was thinking the whole ideas was a foolishness.

In a month, the workers find a terrain suitable to the needs of Architects. It was located on a mountain slope and facing a ravine. Well reinforce it with new materials.- Shuleter, the chief Architect said. Do it safe. But also, in a short time period.- Shurvana commanded. 17484 The farmers plow the land, plant the seeds and waited for the crops to rise from the earth. Shurvana asked for more iron, and Cucional said: Milady, we run out of cement and iron, workers are finding hard to continue without much material. Shurvana raise an eyebrow, saying: And your initiative isnt in place? Use iron from the buildings! You are saying- from the Governors house?- Cucional asked her. Start with your warehouse, then! I authorize you to strip the Governors building of everything you need! Then, the rest.- Shurvana said, mildly but with sparkling eyes. The works begin immediately- Cucional raise a tent, where to sleep- the Synthetic workers smashed the place, carried the materials and more iron was soon needed. Cucional went to her presence again, saying: Milady, your building is next. Where do you want to live?Cucional asked her, when the Warehouse was in ruins. Guess Ill be using someone elses house! - Shurvana said, laughing. May I suggest you a better perspective, Milady?- Cucional sweats out. What? A tent like yours?- She asked, disdainfully. No, Milady! Perhaps if you sent some of your servants to Oredloro for materials? Or to Rixiaberg? Surely our Majesty the King Lugner could put his hears to listen your petitions.- Cucional suggested. Me, molesting our King Lugner for 17485 such a silly matter? No, of course not! But I extract another idea, from your suggestion: Ill send for materials- perhaps for the building of a new Hospital! Guess the Minister of Health will yield to my petition! - Lady Shurvana said, in gracious tones. Its a good idea, Milady.- Cucional approved it. And you are going there, with my personal message! See that you dont fail!- Shurvana said, raising her voice. Cucional brazed himself and said: I will do my best, Milady! Perhaps you could call for an airship? A land vehicle will take several more hours traveling there. No, just a land vehicle will be enough! - Shurvana said, with indifferent tone- for her taste, the man looks fat and certainly he hasnt sweated working enough. Cucional went out of her presence doing several silly bows; she smiled, and moved her hair sidewise. Cucional has no friends in town- his previous behavior, while Governor Sir Borondio was In charge was complete indifferent to the needs of the people- no matter how many times he was begged, he never yield to any of them- so now, on a truck with five Synthetic Assistants departed from Lubina town with nobody giving a damn for him or his life. So he traveled in that truck with Synthetics until they arrive to Rixiaberg. The activity of that city was tantalizing; 17486 airships and land vehicles were everywhere, people on the streets walked busily to their errands- Cucional realize he was wasting his life on Lubina, where the path to success was nil- also, the threat of Lady Shurvana was not small! He enters where supposedly was to obtain materials- the Ministry of Health. A Synthetic person takes his request and processed it; three minutes later, he said: Congratulation, Sir! We have two items here- material available for to build an Hospital, and another item for to obtain medical equipment. OH! I am glad to hear it!- Cucional said, receiving a plastic card. With that, go to the second floor, office 202._ The Synthetic said. All right!- Cucional said, walking out of the room. All went smooth for him- they give him date and hour for the deliverance of the materials four trucks were going to carry the requested materials and instruments to Lubina- plus a team of 200 Synthetic persons- the workers who were to build the Hospital. Cucional slept at the truck, for the time being; he also sent a message to the Governor of Lubina, telling her the good news; Lady Shurvana didnt respond.

A week later, the convoy departed on route to Lubina- soon they were the only vehicles moving along the road; all the activity and turmoil was left behind. 17487 I see you get what I wanted! You can relax now. Chief of Acquisitions! Your head will remain in place.Lady Shurvana said, seated on a big chair on her office at the governmental building. The Synthetics are ready to build the Hospital now, Milady.- Cucional said. Forget about Hospitals! Ill sent them to build my castle! Havent you say so, then?- Lady Shurvana asked him. Of course not, Milady! I was waiting for your orders.- Cucional replied. I dont change of ideas too easily! See that they work on that tower! Later I want a masonry wall encircling two thousand square meters around my tower! I want big walls , a bridge capable of to be retracted, huge doors, flags on the poles! Pardon me, Milady, but it seems you want to get back to older times! Does it not sounds a little queer for your hears?- Cucional asked her. Watch your tongue, dog! Get back to work or Ill forget about your civil rights!- Lady Shurvana yelled at him. He cringed and obeyed- the sight of those enormous Synthetics watching every step around his master puts him in constant guard and awe- First Law of Robotics or not! Cucional send every item he had not only to the construction site, but also. To the merchants and to the farmers- he did that, seeing the warehouse was no more than rubble now the iron was ripped off. The Senior Architect, a Synthetic persona, worked day and night seeing his blueprints were followed correctly, in order to build the Tower to last for ever. 17488 Lady Shurvana visited the site daily, and stayed close to it, signaling where the work was lacking, giving clever remarks when needed, sending her guards to the sites where superior force was required. I see you at work too often- but its not supposed you should be guarding the items you had at the Warehouse?- Shurvana asked to Cucional, one day at noon. Theres nothing to guard there, Milady. All the iron, copper, aluminum, and even doors and the gate, was carried here- the seeds and spare parts I sent to the farmers, not to be bothered with them any more.Cucional informed her. The seeds already given? For how many season will it last?- Shurvana asked of him, with a fiery glint in her eyes. Three seasons- but dont you worry- they must sell every crop they had to you- and from you at a gain, the products are going to be resale later to the townsfolk at downtown Lubina.- Cucional said. You had all worked out; but did we have a store, a sells manager, and clerks to attend the public?Shurvana asked, as she hasnt seen any of this. All must be created, Milady. I could be the Manager, and with some Synthetics all could be implemented in a swift way.- Cucional said, realizing he was putting more works upon his shoulders needlessly. All right, you have the post! - Shurvana said, thinking that the man must have a great respect for her- or perhaps he has the mind of a slave. Thanks you, Milady.- Cucional smiled- at least, he thought, she was giving him more power- and power will mean a lot of wealth for him in the future. Fool! Now the Farmers dont need me! For three seasons they will plant the seeds without needing any authorization! You must create dependence, bureaucracy, to have them cringing before me!- Shurvana said, with a sudden upsurge of bad temper that makes her face looks very pale. Cucional bowed and walks away, afraid that she could device some punishment for him- he worked at the walls until Lady Shurvana returns to his building at downtown Lubina; then, he went to the only Bar in town. We close at twenty one hours sharp, Sir.- The bartender advised him, from the counter. Cucional looks at the clock on the wall, and said: Time enough for me! Its only 20:45 hours. What is your call?- The bartender asked him. Pisco and lemon.- Cucional said. Two credits in advance.- The bartender growled and

17489 served him what he asked for. Cucional gives a sip to the liquor, finding it acceptable, and then a long swallow. Somebody from a table said: Guess our fancy chief of Provisions has a problem, now his store crumbled down. Cucional turns his gaze to look upon the big mouthed person- and he realizes it was a farmer; he takes his glass and walked to that table. Mind if I seat here?- He asked, seating just the same. Of course not, Chief! Always plenty of room at my table.- The farmer said. Cucional leave the glass on the table, and said: Yeah, Im in trouble. Your boss seems a rather difficult person to deal with.- The farmer announced. Yeap! And shes not happy with me- she complained about the delivering of the seeds I made.- Cucional said, finishing his drink at a gulp, looking afterwards towards the clock on the wall- 20:55 hours he asked for another glass of Pisco, and the Bartender walked to the table with the drink, saying: Be quick. I must close this joint at 21:00 hours- too many Inspectors lurking at the street. Understood.- Cucional said, drinking half the liquor immediately. 17490 Now or in six months later, what is the difference? We arent child, you know.- Ospero said, leaving the place. Cucional waits until the Bartender said: Now its time for you to go, Mister! Yes; guess the time is up.- The Chief of Acquisitions said, walking out of the Bar with unsteady pace. EIGHT MONTHS LATER. Eight months later, the Tower was erected; Lady Shurvana was happy, despite the thirty eight Synthetic servants missing or maimed during the building up. The senior Architect was telling her: And has eighty three meters high, with a radius of twenty meters; the down floor and basement is firmly into place; forty dungeons are excavated on the rock; everything gets electricity fluid from Lubina generators. Nice. Perhaps well get a private nuclear generator in the future. I detest depending on the general power house.- Shurvana said, walking inside the Tower. It has a big center hall, with rows of columns and stairs going up and down the building. 17491 The team of Architects shows her not only the big saloons, rooms, balconies and appliances of it, but also the dungeons, elevators, heat system, freezer chambers and secret passageways and rooms that the tower has. Im very pleased with your work! Now let us design the external towers, forty meters high, a fosse, and an impenetrable pair of doors!- Said she, almost in rapture. At the following days, she stripped bare the rooms of the Governors building until it was only a deserted place. Put a sign in front of the building: Hospital General of Lubina! Nobody will say I didnt build an Hospital!- Lady Shurvana said, smiling. At the fields, Darude Bean made another Session and said: Dear folks and neighbors: we received seeds and machinery from the Govern Lady Shurvana, who left the Governors house to be an Hospital for everyone in town. She is building now a new residence out of town. We should get there and express our sincere thanks for her kindness unto us. Ospero laughed and said: Dear President: I saw his Chief at a Bar in Lubina! The guy was so afraid he left Lubina the next day! The woman is a banshee! All the while, we are under her command! We better be in good terms with her, at her side and not against her! - Darude explained. In or out of the cave? Not for me- I will not volunteer for a trip like that!- Ospero said, crossing his arms. 17492 Any volunteer?- Darude invited- Korb raise his right arm, saying: Count me in! Me, too!- Lemont said, in a feeble voice- he has slim countenance but his spirit seems to be strong.

After the Session, Darude calls his only pair of volunteers to his house, and at the dinning table, he said: Very well, we three are going to be tomorrow on route to see our Lady! Not much of a Delegation, but what the heck! Certainly more should had volunteered, Mr. President.- Lemont said. No matter that! We value for a thousand farmers, do you hear? Where are you going to pass the night? I offer you a pair of beds, in case you want to depart early.- Darude invited them. I prefer to go sleeping at my home.- Lemont said. Me too!- Korb said, coughing. Wish you could sleep in here! I have a spare bedroom.- Darude insisted- he was dubious about the loyalty of this pair of volunteers. Having at his home, the guys couldnt possible escape. Do you think Ill be not here in the morning? That are you thinking?- Lemont asked him. No, seriously not! Im sure you are not changing your minds, but perhaps your wives could told you different, you know, women has the gift to turn our decisions upside down.- Darude said. No, no! I am sure I want to go there and thanks Lady Shurvana for all her generosity.- Lemont said. All right, no need to be upset! But in any case, I prefer to go fetch you at your home- in my small car, of course. No need! I will walk myself in here.- Korb and Lemont said in unison. Of course. Ill be waiting for you both.- Darude said, and when going inside his living room, Dahlia Fore said: Theyll quit.What? Were you spying on us?- Darude asked. 17493 No need of it! You both were yelling out there! I am sure his wife will make him change his mind- in a trifle!- Dahlia repeats. All right! If he does not go, I will go alone! At last, its my idea.- Darude said. I will prepare you some sandwiches for the road.- Dahlia said, smiling. Darude went to sleep early, in order to be able to voyage with good spirits at the next morning- and so, at the next dawn he awoke, take his shower and prepare his car, always looking to the road for his comrades. At 09:30 hours, Dahlia said: Too late to keep on waiting for them, dear! Just depart! Yeah, it happens what you said! They quit.- Darude said, in rage. He started the engine of his car, and went to Lubina town at top speed- that wasnt much, due to the fact the car was a small one and the road was in bad shape. Soon he was traveling in front of the former Government site, now transformed in a Hospital (that was not working at all); and he kept driving to the hills, and half an hour later, he was able to see the dark gray bulk of the Tower- several machines were milling around the place- he parked the car close to the ravine, and walked the rest of the road on foot. When at the entrance of the Tower, he saw a big Synthetic man, blocking the way, so he told him: I am the President of the farmers and I want to see the Governor ! Purpose of the visit, Sir?- The voice come from the innards of that big body, rumbling like a ton of rocks down the hill. 17494 My purpose is to congratulate the Lady, you piece of junk! I am the President of the Farmers Association!- Darude said. I dont recall having seen your face before, Mr. President. Also, we have a schedule to follow; you cannot pretend to be attended the minute you presents here.- The Synthetic man said. Things change! The last Governor was a person who never gives an interview or a date! Lady Shurvana is quite the opposite.- Darude said, thinking that his conversation was being radioed/ emitted among every Synthetic the Lady has in her possession. All right, I will call someone to ask the Governor if she want to attend you today. Wait for the response.The guard said. Half an hour later, a slim Synthetic, resembling a woman in his late thirties, appear and said: Are you the requester ? Yes, lady. Im the President of the Farmers Association. I want to talk with your master.- Darude said, in a clear voice, while he think that tall lady was very handsome but pity it was only a machine.

Very well, follow me.- The E-woman said, and walked in front of him; she was 1.80 meters tall, and guided him through an elevator, to the top floor. Darude was recognizing doors and tables from the former Governmental building; the floor was of polished stone- and in some patches only mortar. The air smelled to mortar, and he was sure the dust was milling around like flies. People that was visible at that hour were only servants of the Synthetic kind- he counted thirty two different e-persons, until he was on a big saloon, with a ceiling ten meters high; in a corner, a dais with a big throne or chair was occupied by the Lady, enjoying some electrical gadget from which music was being transmitted. He waits until the Lady raise her eyes- they were dark green, with strange sparkling. 17495 Yes, farmer? Do you ask to see me?- Lady Shurvana had a deep tone of voice, without any hesitation in it. I come here to salute you, lady Shurvana, and to congratulate you for the finishing of this magnificent tower! I am Darude, President of the Farmers Association of Lubina and your humble servant, full of admiration for you and your Administration.- Darude said his speech. Lady Shurvana leaned on the cushions her big high chair was provided and said: Thanks you, farmer. But I dont quite understand your visit: it is only to praise my obras, my works that are you in here? Because this Tower and what I had been doing here is none of your business! Darude bowed, and said: The accomplishments of our Governor are our business! |Your efforts speaks well of your intelligence and dedication to build! Our Sir Borondio was way too different, and that I know, he does not build a thing in his term, or cares for anything on Lubina town. She stands up and walked around Darude, saying: I see. I am a builder and I take care of my subject in their needs. I take care of the town in a better way; there is the Hospital to be finished. Yes, Milady, and we are happy for that- means you will improve this small town to heights I cannot fathom.- Darude Bean said. Lady Shurvana was in front of him, towering with his greater height; and said: I see you are a flatterer. I like this. From now on, you are going to be my Chamberlain, my reliable man. Have you a wife? Yes, Milady: we arrived here together as farmers. I have lands and...- Darude was saying, but she interrupted, saying: You are going to leave the field to other person; you are going to work for me, from now on. You can bring your female her- perhaps she could serves as my maid if she is a Natural, or in the kitchen, if she is a Synthetic. 17496 She is a Natural, Milady. We both are. Im seeing you are Natural.- Shurvana said, cracking a smile. My idea was to raise a family here, in a natural environ. Guess at your service it will make no difference.Darude said. You get spirits. I guess you are smack in the middle of a gold pot, being my Chamberlain you are going to have nice wages. I need iron to build my castle and other buildings I have in mind. Iron could be obtained at Rixiaberg and food from the farmers. Your work will be to obtain it no matter what; money is running short; but as Governor of a Town, I have quotas the royal administration provides for the poor or newly built communities; you go and ask for them in my name. - Lady Shurvana said. I accept the title and the obligations, Milady. I will need Assistants; there are some Synthetics you could provide me with.- Darude said, thinking he was plunging in deep waters for the first time. Lady Shurvana thinks it over for some seconds, and said: Yes, I concede that. The Guard at the Gate will provide you of some Synthetics. Thanks you, Milady.- Darude said, bowing and retiring from her presence. At the entrance, Darude Bean asked for eight Synthetics; preferable males the huge thing gives him six Efemales with the appearance of young women and two E-males, who had the appearance of men 40 years old. As Darude could not carry all of them in his small car, he said: You will follow me on foot- I suppose you could run? Yes, Sir. Eighty kilometers per hour, at the most.- One of them said. Good. I will not exceed the twenty kilometers per hour. I dont want you to get damaged in advance!Darude said, starting the engine.

The distance to his farm was forty five kilometers, so he takes almost three hours to arrive there; Dahlia Fore was waiting for him at the porch, and when seeing there were more people around and inside the car, she approaches, saying: Who is this people? Why do you bring them here? She already noticed there were Synthetics. Its a new job they give me, dear; these are my Assistants. But please, could we talk inside the house about it?- Darude said, wearisome with the trip. Dahlia serves him some soup, and after that, Darude said Lady Shurvana gives him the title of Chamberlain, a man of trust, with a big salary to start, Assistants and a new future. Pity you made that trip alone! Now you are committed to that Governor!- Dahlia said. With you! She said you and me are hired! You as her Assistant and me like some kind of an Acquisition Agent. - Darude said, and while saying, he understand the queerness of his position: from to be a farmer, to an important position on the Government of Lubina town. I dont want any change! I am at ease here. Tell your boss that I am not going to work for her!- Dahlia Fore said, going to her dormitory. Darude followed her, but she just shut the door; at the morning the situation wasnt changing, so he takes some clothes on a pair of valises and get back to Lubina town, this time using a truck. At the Tower, she asked for Lady Shurvana, but he had to wait until noon; then, he was received at her bathroom. Several Synthetic people were there attending her- a curtain was between Darude and the Governor. What is that you want? I thought you were already working in the mission I give you.- Her voice sounds annoyed. My wife gets mad at me! She does not come here to serve you as a maid or whatever! My marriage its going down the sink.- Darude said. Your problem! Get out of here before I loose my patience!- Lady Shurvana yelled from her basin. Darude went out, and ordered his Assistants: Get on the truck! We are leaving to Rixiaberg! The Guard at the entrance approaches him, saying: Chamberlain, a bit of advice to you: I am informed of your voyage to Rixiaberg, and a lonely truck will only bring here small amount of materials. Why dont you take another three of four trucks, to make you journey a most successful one? And you are going to give me those trucks?- Darude asked, very interested on that offer. Yes, of course, Sir! You are the Chamberlain now; any order to help you in your post, I will obey.- The big Synthetic machine said. This is going to be good! Four trucks could be swell- if only I knew where I am going to ask for the quota our Lady is entitled with! - Darude said. Just ask your Synthetics of anything pertaining to what is obtainable, Sir. They are in radio contact with the rest of the wire nest of communication among us Synthetics.- The Gatekeeper said. 17499 One of the male Assistants of Darude said: Sir, I will go to fetch the trucks with three other Assistants of yours. I have the authorization already. You can go and park it after mine.- Darude said, seeing how the two males and two females went to a big metallic hangar near the ravine, where the machinery was parked. And, Sir, you need gifts. One of your Synthetic is an acceptable gift for the Administrators at Rixiaberg. Or ten kilos of silver, three of gold, or a small house, appliances. Pearls. Or equivalents in money. Three thousand Credits is an acceptable sum. Less than that will make not the trick, and more than that will be an extravagance._ The Synthetic Gatekeeper said. In which kind of society are we living now? Justice and honesty totally absent?- Darude Bean demanded for an answer. Suit yourself, Chamberlain! I already told you what you must to know. Good luck in your mission.- The Gatekeeper said. Darude saw the trucks were already in line, and he get into the first one, seating next to a E-female, that was its driver. Lets go from here! Rixiaberg its awaiting us.- He gives the order, and the E-female started the engine, and the truck begins to move. She said: I am AB6363, Sir. Very well, AB6363. Drive well, and my kidneys will thank you at the end of the trip.- Darude said. Could I say something, Sir?- AB6363 asked. Speak up.- Darude said, looking how the small town of Lubina town was already lost in the distance.

The Natural man has devised a Society where things are not all just. Sometimes a bribe makes the difference between a failed mission and a successful one.- AB6363 said. Are you referring to the bribe I should give at Rixiaberg, to obtain what is due to our Lady?- Darude gets angry again. Its an option, Sir. We wish you luck.- AB6363 said. You would think different, if I choose you as the bribe.- Darude said. Not in the least, Sir. We are here to serve and not to question.- AB6363 replied. After a while, Darude said: All right, perhaps you are right! But instead of one of you, I would prefer to lose a truck.Fine idea, Sir. Pity you would carry less materials back to Lubina town.- AB6363 reminded him. Eight hours later, the convoy arrives to Rixiaberg, by a well kept road. In the voyage, Darude gets information from AB6363 pertaining to who and where to ask for the materials; so he went directly there, and presents himself to the Ministry of Colonization; it was called also the MinCol, and was run by a handful of Administrators, who were near the top of the Government hierarchy. They were assisted by many other individuals. These men and women designed the Blueprint for Colonization, a yearly plan that also makes Lubina town a reality. He was told to wait by a Secretary, and at a very comfortable room, with beverages and Holographic news for free. Half an hour of delay and a Natural man comes in and said: Pardon me by the delay, Sir. I was at a meeting with Lord Alviano, which is my chief. I am Administrator Frascoli, . Very well, Sir. As I told your Secretary, I am the Chamberlain of Lubina town, under the Governor Lady Shurvana, who ordered me to come here and ask for the needed raw materials and electricity appliances necessary for to build a new Hospital and two new buildings.- Darude said, perspiring by every pore he had. Raw materials? Are you referring to iron, copper, mortar, and the like?- Administrator Frascoli asked him. Yes, Sir. Iron and cement its the most needed thing; Lady Shurvana, the Governor, needs to build a Hospital.- Darude said. Oh, yes. Portland cement clinker is made by heating, in a kiln, a homogeneous mixture of raw materials to a sintering temperature, which is about 1450 C for modern cements. The aluminum oxide and iron oxide are present as a flux and contribute little to the strength. For special cements, such as Low Heat (LH) and Sulfate Resistant (SR) types, it is necessary to limit the amount of tricalcium aluminate (3CaO.Al2O3) formed. The major raw material for the clinker-making is usually limestone (CaCO3) mixed with a second material containing clay as source of aluminum-silicate. Normally, an impure limestone which contains clay or SiO2 is used. The CaCO3 content of these limestones can be as low as 80%. Second raw materials (materials in the raw mix other than limestone) depend on the purity of the limestone. Some of the second raw materials used are: clay, shale, sand, iron ore, bauxite, fly ash and slag. When a cement kiln is fired by coal, the ash of the coal acts as a secondary raw material.- The Administrator said. Really, you know a lot about these matters.- Darude said, impressed. Dont be too much impressed, Mr. Chamberlain! I only have an implant- a small chip that tells me what I need to know! Have you not one of these inside your skull? It comes very handy, especially if you are a busy man and dont have the time or the desire to give you to study for hours on end at some Institute.Administrator Frascoli said. I really have not give the matter a thought; you see, Im newly appointed at my present job.- Darude said, smiling feebly. I understand; well, a trip to Europe and you could get your implant at the best site there is! I know here on Knapp they are doing implants, but to tell the truth, I prefer to be in good hands.- Administrator Frascoli confided him. I will go there as soon as my present mission ends! - Darude said. A microchip implant is an identifying integrated circuit placed under the skin. The chips are about the size of a large grain of rice and are based on a passive RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology. The use of externally attached microchip devices such as RFID enabled ear tags (piercing rather than implants) is another, related method commonly used . In some cases the external microchips may be readable on the same scanner as the implanted style.- Administrator Frascoli explained. Well, I will buy one- but for now, I must not come empty handed before Milady Shurvana, who could nail me to a wooden post on Main Square.- Darude said.

Frascoli looked at him for some seconds and started to laugh, and then he said: I cannot believe you! Lady Shurvana was a mild person while she was here on Rixiaberg, not a year ago! And she has two lovely daughters- I assume she had them there? Not at all, Sir. We havent seen them yet.- Darude said. Lovely creatures! A detailed requisition is needed, Mr. Chamberlain, to begin with the procedures: materials needed, quantities, and for which are needed. Then I could begin the process- there are many projects here to begin with- yours will be in the list. Perhaps with number 440 or around that number.Frascoli said. I will do that request as soon as I can calculate it!- Darude said, in haste. No need to be hurry or preoccupied, Mr. Chamberlain! I will wait all the time you want- provide Im in charge.- Frascoli made his favorite joke. Perhaps I could do it here? It will take me a few moments.- Darude said, thinking he will ask as many iron and cement enough to build a road to Oredloro. Take your time! But of course, you can use this office as long as you need. When finished, just leave the order on that slot.- Frascoli said, signaling to a small device on a desk. Darude talked with the Synthetics he had carried there, and AB3432 (male) said: Permit me to speak for the whole of us, Chamberlain! Granted, but hurry up!- Darude almost begged. Lady Shurvana wants to build a wall several hundred meters long and with a height of fifteen meters; for that purpose, she needs stones cut out of the rocks, and to carry them and heaved up- so she needs cranes and trucks, a stone cutter machine, lots of water- this water must be provided by an engine, as you know, the ravine where she is building is as dry as a fig. The engine will provide water from the creek that runs near Lubina, and it will be pushed up to the building site.- AB3432 explained. And what did I ask here? A stone cutter?- Darude asked him. The machine or the money to buy one at the market, Sir! Then iron bars are required to strengthen the masonry, mortar, mixing machines, and lots of man hours!- AB3432 explained. Could you do the math, calculations and the like for me? Record it on a memory chip, insert it on that slot, and wait for the better!- Darude said. It is quick to do the request- pity we rely on the answer.- AB3432 said. Yes! And you make me think; we cannot be requesting things we could do ourselves in there! We need more the machinery than the final product! I guess we could find a hill where to find the material to make cement.- Darude said. Plenty of those around Lubina, Sir.- AB3432 said. And how do you know it?- Darude asked, looking puzzled. The databases! Big huge databases, made by prospectors when they were trying to find the best site to build Lubina town! With the precise machinery, we could obtain everything we are asking now. - AB3432 said. Mining fields! _ Darude imagined. Its the best way to do it, Sir.- AB3432 said. Then ask for small quantities of materials, and huge quantities of tools and machinery! And of course, also money could come handy.- Darude said, thinking that he was not loosing a thing by asking. Every Synthetic model has a recorder built in on their bodies; so AB3432, helped by radio with the rest, made the list in scant 3 seconds; then they recorded it on a pill, and from there they went to Mr. Frascolis desk, where they deposited it on the slot. Darude went out to the truck, with the assurance a reply was not to delay in arriving at his Assistants, through the radio receivers everyone had in their bodies. 17502 Darude slept at a small Hotel, called Jefferies, where a Oxiborian called Forgran said: Im the owner; any complaint, just come to me and say it. Two credits for the night, Synthetics are not paying- supposedly they will be standing on the room. And he looked meaningfully to the E-females Darude was coming with. Of course. The males will be staying at my truck, at the street; just precaution.- Darude said. Where do you left them?- The cowed owner of the Jefferies Hotel was amazed. At the street! Near the Ministry of Colonizations building.- Darude informed him.

We had a parking lot, at the back street. Five Credits per night, being a truck- but as you are lodging here, just one Credit. All right, Ill call them to come.- Darude said. So, the truck and both Synthetics were at the enclosure; Darude could communicate at any given minute with them, using the radio transmitter of the Synthetics he has on his rooms. At the rooms, every electronic appliance was available; one of the Efemales said: Sir: if you allow one of us to plug into the Holographic monitor, we all be able to extract much updated information. 17503 I allow it. - Darude said, yawning. He takes a shower and commented: See that nobody enters my rooms. So, the E-females locked the door and stand at attention next to the door and the two windows. At 03.00 hours, a bio entity appears outside the window, peeking inside through night vision camcorder. The AB6363 opened the window pane and throw it the water from a bowl, so the spy bio entity went away, climbing by the wall with its four hands, that have powerful sucking vents and also claws. The bio entities, of many kinds, even aquatic, were used to spy on people so the vendors could have a glint to what they fancies were in their intimate, so afterwards they could start selling the needed thing at the big stores. But also, the police also used them to search for people wanted by the Justice. At the next morning, Darude returns to Administrator Frascolis office, and this time the man wasnt at his office, but a Synthetic women was there, saying: Ah, Chamberlain Darude! I have good news for you! Mr. Frascoli obtained a thousand tons of iron for your Governor Shurvana! And Mr. Frascoli said the delivery will be donned by air- so you must hurry back to Lubina, where they will arrive during any of the next three days. Amazing! But also, what about the rest of the request?- Darude asked her. Mr. Frascoli risked his job asking this material for your town, Chamberlain Darude! Certainly I cannot enter in detail- but you must be aware that there are many other interests that played important parts in this operation.- The Secretary of the Administrator Frascoli explained. All right, Ill get back to Lubina.- Darude said, not too happy with the sole item he had obtained from the Government of His Majesty the King Lugner. He was troubled because he finds the mission he commanded obtained very meager results. He went back to the Hotel Jefferies; it was noon, and he seats at a table, to have lunch; the male Synthetics were at the truck, four E-females at his rooms, and one of them with him, making him company on that table. He asked for a salad (tomatoes, oils, a slice of pork; a turtles soup with onions; and a plate with smashed potatoes, a beefsteak with two fried eggs on top, surrounded by fried onions. Nice meal; they know how to cook, in here.- Darude said, smacking his tongue. Good to see you eat; sorry, but I cannot find pleasure in to eat; my sole food is a glass of Synthmilk; that is enough for me.- AB6363 said, sipping her glass. Sorry to hear that; but guess you could sense the food, taste it?- Darude said. Yes, I can told how many ingredients it has, in which quantities; the amount of salt, pepper it could have; the weight in each plate. But no delight in it.- AB6363 said. I am in no hurry to went back to Lubina; I will go seeing Rixiaberg, for a change.- Darude said. I heard the big spaceships of the planet Earth are arriving here full of tourists! You could go and see them at the Space- field.- AB6363 said. I wonder how many tourists are in town! Up until now, I hadnt seen aliens in my life.- Darude commented. Plenty of them at the Space field! Rixiabergs Cosmodrome has Ferengis disembarking every day now.AB6363 informed him. And how a Ferengi looks like?- Darude asked her. Like smaller humans, with a grotesque head, large ears and pointed teeth.- AB6363 said. An horrible creature! Are they to trust?- Darude said. Not a bit, Sir! But they are merchants. Their sole intention in life is to make money and gets profits.- The E-female said.

Like so many people in this town!- Darude smiled for himself; in reality, man has that inclination, after the robbery and assault were sublimated into a more civilized manner of to earn money from others without maiming them. At the Space Field, they walk inside the lobby, it has several floors above it, and people could walk around buying at the numerous stands and Restaurants that they were in there. Lots of wide corridors, flanked by shops and ticket vendor machines, Drug stores, Pawn shops, money changers, Sex Shops, Cabarets, Bars and even one Hotel: the Carrados, where the waiters uses bullfighters costumes. Darude bought clothes for himself and his Assistants, including shoes, as they were not looking well in wrinkled clothes and soiled shoes- especially the five E-dames. 17506 Later, he seats on the upper floor, looking how spaceships and also aerial ships deploy or land. We are looking in several directions, Sir, in case you want to see our recordings later.- AB6566 (female) said, politely. Certainly it will be nice to see it, in company of friend! Pity now I dont have a wife- nor friends.- Darude said, gloomily. AB6363, who was an E-female, said: If you want, Sir, I can imitate her voice and ways. Darude looked at her in astonishment, and said: It would be really a freaking moment! Please dont. As you wish, Sir. We are all here to obey your orders but also to please you.- ab6363 said. Darude went to learn how much the Agencies ask for tickets to several near- by planets of the Second Brana, and also to the First Brana. His face was darkened when he knew about the fares they were asking for trips elsewhere- the First Brana, by example, was almost only for powerful people, as each ticket cost like an apartment in downtown Rixiaberg- cash. It was impossible for him, with still ignored wages, to dream in such a trip. He return to Lubina town with the truck he get from the Farmers; the rest of the trucks he left at Rixiaberg, as there was no materials to carry on them; while the hours passed inside the cabin, he dozed and dreamed about what was going to tell him the Governor Shurvana. Also, his wife appeared on them, and he was happy to be with Dahlia again. 17507 When arriving at Lubina, it was early afternoon; the Tower was visible against the gray mountain like a black finger pointing to the sky. Darude walked through the door- the Gatekeeper just salute him, as now he was Chamberlain; but when at the presence of Lady Shurvana, all hell broke loose over him. You are late! Why dont you get back immediately?- Said she. Milady, I come here in a truck! Not capable of too much velocity, isnt it?- Darude remarked. No, you should had come in the aerial transport that brought the iron!- Shurvana yelled. I didnt knew the exact time of departure! They told me any hour, but didnt told me the day!- Darude said in haste. Dont give me any more silly excuses; you are acting dumb! I have a lot of work to do!- Shurvana said, enraged. Milady, if this is the way you are going to treat me in the future, Ill better quit office!- Darude said, red to the core. Youll quit when I told you so! Go to the Bank! They are needing you there!- Lady Shurvana said, turning her back to him and walking back to where she was moments before- at a place where she could see the works being done! Darude was enraged also; he was thinking Lady Shurvana was no good boss at all! At the Bank, the General Manager was Mr. Simpbour, and he was saying something to a group of clerks when Darude arrives there and was announced by a Synthetic assistant. Lady Shurvana sent me here, Sir.- Darude told the Manager; Simpbour looked keenly at the man in front of him: he knew about this man, as it was known Lady Shurvana raise him of status: from common farmer to the post of Chamberlain; he saw that Darude has a flushed face, eyes like one recently have a row or a sexual act; as it was too early for a sexual act, Simpbour realize the man had a row with someone; if he was coming from the office of the Governor, then the row was with her! So he puts his mellow voice, not to raise bad feeling against him, and said: Oh, you are the new Chamberlain! Mr. Darude, I presume?-

Yes, and you are the Administrator?- Darude asked him, clumsily. Well, here I am the General Manager, and in fact, some kind of Administrator; Lady Shurvana told me you was the one who could solve our problems, so please join my joint of staff, and Ill tell you what it is all about.- Simpbour said, keeping with his soothing voice, trained to convince irresolute clients, complaining investors and now, a Chamberlain out of his wits... Here is my staff, and he is Efiornes, the Treasurer; this one is Egotifor, the Director of Finances and the others are Executive Assistants- all of them, as you see, Synthetic persons.- Simpbour presents his subordinates. Glad to meet you, Sirs. Hope we get along well.- Darude said, beginning to regain his self control again. Simpbour said: Dont worry about my Assistants, they are loyal to me and they are not going to talk outside these walls- in fact, their radios are mute to broadcast a word.I understand.- Darude said. Very well. Please come to the Holographic table; to show you our problems.- The General Manager said to him. 17508 Darude was shown the economical and financial state in which the Administration of Lubina was: a total disaster. Furthermore, great debts were acquired by Lady Shurvana. Our resources are almost exhausted; agricultural force here its minimal; commerce its in drapers, colonist didnt come, and big Corporations had no interest in such a small community like ours. We not even get a seaport nor a Spaceport either.- The Bank general manager said. Mining operations could resolve the case, and Ill speak with Lady Shurvana about the implementation of several 339 in a hurry. - Darude said, three hours later, when the normal options were all dismissed. General Manager Simpbour said: Ill be glad that this option you present us could solve our problems; pity its late in time, and the fruits of your work will ripe many more months in the future. Or do you think possible a closer date? All is possible, if there is investor at Rixiaberg or Oredloro, who could wish to invest in this mines- one or three mines could be sold entirely, so with that cash your problems could be diminished in some way or another.- Darude said. So, all depends now, for the short term, of investors out of our community; seems coherent; so please tell me when the mining fields could be offered to the public; I will send, with your permission and the one of the Lady, vendors to those two cities; and perhaps even to Oxiborion; we must not reject any possibility, could we?- The General Manager told him. Right, you have absolutely right. Now, Ill depart, to begin working in this matters as fast as I could.Darude promised them. From there, he went to his office at the Tower; she was yelling to someone else, at her office, and the yelping could be heard in an area of a hundred meters. Darude call his Assistants, and said: We need to solve the financial problems of this community; incomes are nil, expenses sky rocketed every day. We need to find precious minerals, or needed ones, to be selling them whichever the price. The minerals are there, Sir. Not gold or silver, but more down to Earth minerals; we could help you fine the seam. There are maps to be studied, also.- AB3432 said. Of course. Lets see it on the Holographic projector.- Darude said, relieved to know that some help was coming his way. 17509 There, he was shown the several mining deposit existent on the mountain ridge he was outside the window; estimations on how many money could be needed to begin the extractions makes his mind reel. When looking at the numbers and explanations, he comprehended the plan has a great flaw: its implementation will need a lot of money that the town did not have. But he rescued several smaller programs and said; Ill delegate some of my powers to some of you. AB3432, will be in charge of the project related with mining known to us is the existence of copper mines on the near-by mountain ridge; copper mines that could be our solution in the long run. If you discovered some mineral apart from the ones they told us it exists, much the better.- Darude said.

AB3432, who was a male Synthetic, replied: I will need a team, Sir. Four Synthetics and a vehicle, preferable an aerial one, Sir, or well delay a very long time, and you are in a hurry. Let me see: no aerial vehicle in my power, and I hadnt seen any in the possession of Milady; so there is none in Lubina. Perhaps I could convince her to buy one? - Darude expostulate. 17510 She sold four wagon Flyers before coming to Lubina town.- AB3432 said. Ill think you get that information at the Synthetic ring? Well, guess you could use a truck to do your job. Darude said, feeling himself miserable; he was thinking his post was only given to him out of desperation of a woman who knows nil about how to rule a city, and AB3432, who was sensing him, said: Dont you feel pain for us, Sir! We could go on foot, after the truck leaves us nearer of the mineral. We can run very quick, as you know.And Darude remembered the times when those Synthetics must run after a vehicle, by the lack of one for them to be carried on. All right! Ill try to get a Flyer for your team.- Darude promised. Where are you going to steal one of those, Sir?- AB6363 (E-female) asked him. Steal? I will rent a good one, for your team, Mining Administrator.- Darude repeated; and then he went back to the Bank; Mr. Simpbour was not available at the moment, but the Treasurer Efiornes was present and hear his petition: I need some extra cash money, Sir. I have a project coming, and I need to rent a Flyeror the whole project will surely collapse.- Darude said. I am here to help you in anything possible, Chamberlain Darude. What amount of money do you think is needed for your project?- Efiornes asked him, with scared eyes. I am not quite sure, Mr. Treasurer. But I need to be in Riskiaberg to be sure of the definite quantity.Darude confided. Two hundred Credits, seems to you can serve for something? Its the only cipher I could mention, by the moment; perhaps in the future it will dwindle.- Efiornes said, with sparkling eyes. That amount will serves, Mr. Treasurer. Ill wait the deposit in here.- Darude said, and soon he could insert his Credit Card on a slot, and yes, there it was the deposit. He thanks the Treasurer once more, and went back to his office, at the Tower; there he met his Assistants, with closed door. I must go to Riskiaberg; I get some money from the Treasurer, and with that, I am sure I could rent a Flyer to be searching fields of copper of other materials on the hills.- Darude said to them. We are proud to serve you, Sir Chamberlain, but if we stay here, we are sure you will never take us all back; possible one or two, but no more- the Lady Shurvana is making bricklayers out of every idling Synthetics; not even the E-females could be save of it.- AB3432 said. I dont know if she could pardon me another transgression, but yes, I will take all of you back to Rixiaberg! I cannot loose people out of my team! - Darude said. Thanks you, Sir. We are very committed with you, as we think you are the person capable of to raise this town out of the poverty.- AB3432 said. Yes, I wish I could be so sure myself of it.- Darude said, smiling sarcastically. 17511 He was mildly curious by this Synthetic people that presents so much similarities with their makers. He takes the truck and hits the road half an hour later- while he was leaving the town behind, he was feeling relieved from a task almost impossible to achieve. I brought you a sandwich, Sir.- AB6363 announced and handled him bread. Very well donned! With all this troublesome aspects of my job, I almost forgot to eat.- Darude said, smiling, and he eat the break and cheese with joy. Sir, I brought lemon soda for you.- AB6363 added, handling him a bottle. Thanks.- Darude said, drinking of it. The truck could make the trip in 84 hours from Rixiaberg to Lubina; Darude slept each night on the rear, while AB6363 watches his sleep and serves him; but after three days, she awakes him by saying: Sir, the road is blocked. Lets see it.- Darude said, standing up from the half seated position he was. It was dark and under the front lights of the truck, some figures could be seen at a distance of twenty meters. They are Pisanosaur, Sir. - AB6363 said, at his side.

17512 It is blocking the road.- AB3432 said. Sound the horn.- Darude said, but the Pisanosaur didnt move. Guess we must wait._ Darude murmured, and went out of the truck. From the ground, the Pisanosaur looks enormous- he throw it some pebbles, without any luck- so he urged AB3432 to throw some pebbles to the eyes or nose of the animal; as a Synthetic just cannot fail. The Pisanosaur this time felt himself molested, and charged in the direction of the stones; Darude run to a side, while AB3432 presents more target to the animal, in order to save his master; seeing the Pisanosaur was not targeting Darude, he jumped out of the road. The Pisanosaur banged it 840 kilograms against the vehicle, smashing the front part and blowing the windshield, while keeping at a run and into the dark. We made it! He is no longer blocking the road.- AB3432 said; Darude looked at him in disbelief. Cant you see the Pisanosaur wrecked our truck? For what use is now that the road is open for us?- The Natural asked his Assistants. A strange sound ends the conversation; it was a E-female, that descended from the smashed cabin with her head almost hanging down, and she garbles strange sounds. Its AB6363, Sir. Must have her sensory system badly damaged.- AB6324 said. Help her! See that she does not suffer.- Darude said, looking now how the lights of the truck dimmed out into extinction. 17513 Darkness was almost absolute, for the Natural being. Somebody takes his right hand, saying: I am AB6566; cant you see a thing, Sir? Im as blind as a bat.- Darude said. Dont you worry, Sir. I am hailing another person, to bring you night vision goggles right away- AB6566 said, whispering. Why are you whispering now?- Darude said, feeling the danger. The Pisanosaur come back, Sir. He is almost thirty meters away, and to our right.- AB6566 commented. Strange; Pisanosaur is herbivorous; why his interest in this place? - Darude asked. Possibly she has a nest around here, Sir.- AB6566 said. Could you know its a female?- Darude asked, while receiving the night vision goggles. Of course, Sir. I have a very powerful zoom.- AB6566 answered. And?- Darude asked, impatiently. Its the female, Sir. The males are 60 meters away and not interested in us.- AB6566 answered. Darude heard another moan from the injured E-female, and said: Better disconnect her! I cant stand the wailing.- Darude commanded. Disconnected, Sir.- AB6566 said, some moments later, and Darude saw her lying on the ground, apparently asleep. The rest of the Synthetic personnel went to repair the truck, and AB3432 worked at the engine. The place was full of debris. I can repair it in twenty eight minutes, Sir.- AB3432 said. Fine; do it.- Darude said, looking at the male E-man, that was to the left side of the road. 17514 Have you cold, Sir? I can give you a blanket.- AB6566 (female) offered. Yes, bring me those; I am trembling.- Darude said, not accustomed to the stark cold of the night. The blanket returns the warm feeling to his body, and he smiled; things could not be so bad in his near future! The Pisanosaur moved to the front of the road again; minutes passed slowly until the engine was ready to start; AB3432 pushed the button, and the engine works steadily. Ready, Sir! Pity the cabin is combed, but I can drive it someway, but you must went to the back of the vehicle, Sir.- AB3432 recommended. I understand the situation; and what about the Pisanosaur up front?- Darude asked him. Well bumped on it!- AB3432 said, and when Darude was on place, he started to move the vehicle towards the Pisanosaur, bumping on one of her legs. The creature gives a mighty bellow and moved to a side; the truck then was accelerated, and they could recommence their journey. Inside the truck it was very hot, so Darude opened the back door to get some air.

Oh! I am much suffocated in here! - He said to the Synthetics that were with him at the trunk. Ten hours later, they arrived to Rixiaberg, and Darude searched for a cheap hotel next to a parking lot. Im booking for a week, Sir. How much it cost?- Darude asked the Attendant of a small hotel. Thirty Credits per day, fifteen Credits for the night.All right, two hundred forty five Credits it is._ Darude said, paying with his Credit Card; the clerk punched a button and said:Donned, Sir. The password is 0640. 17515 And that includes which other services?- Darude asked, intrigued. Its your voice activation code; to open the door of your rented room number 81830; no pets allowed, and you can use every appliance for a price.- The desk clerk said, with indifference. Darude went up in an elevator, with his four remaining E-females; the damaged one remained at the trunk, with one of the Synthetic males in guard- the other was busy trying the matter of how to repair the truck, using mechanical shops around the site. He went up in an elevator; the Efemales were smiling now, to please his sense of novelty; when they enter the apartment, Darude saw there lots of new appliances and nothing working except if paying a fare using the C.C. on a slot or vending machine. 17516 Yawning, Darude said: Ill sleep for a while; if the guys call when Im dormant, just use your initiative if they ask for something. I dont want to be interrupted. Forty five minutes later, the envoys asked for the money, and AB6566 authorized the payment of 900 Credits. Tell your boss were returning to him this minute.- The Synthetic male AB3432 said, by the radio. All right, but hes asleep now.- AB6566 responded. Take his boots off.- Male AB6566 said, and they didnt exchange any other message. At 20:15 hours, a refreshed Darude awoke and said: Oh, how delightful dream that I had! And yawned. AB6566 (male) asked: Can you tell us your dream, Sir? Perhaps we could analyze it for you. I was at a beach and the sea was very dark blue; there were coconut on the beach and nuts floating at the water; I went into the sea and I was able to swim as long as I desire without 17517 the lack of oxygen- and I awoke after seeing those submarine wonders.- Darude said. AB6566 said: Clearly, Sir, your mind needs open spaces and the release of tensions. To swim for ever more without a known hindrance its no more than your need to solve Lady Shurvana s problems and in that way freed yourself of that anchor. Thanks you for the deciphering of my sleep._ Darude said, smiling- he knew the brain keeps on working when dreaming, and that the scattered thoughts are transformed into images- or so it was the common saying. So! It seems we read a lot about them before making the deal with the repair shop. The truck will get a new cabin, and the front side will be changed, also. The front lights and the lights of position, the indicators of turn , left and right, and the figurine it was blown out of the upper position, will be replaced.- AB3432 (male) said. I see! Much the better! I must make money or get credit for our Lady! Perhaps I could raise a good sum at gambling? Darude imagined it. We can help with statistical along the way.- AB6566 (female) said. I prefer not. I will rely in my abilities. See how much Credits remains at my Bank account.- Darude asked of the E-female. Thirty eight thousands two hundred and forty three Credits, Sir. Discounted what you must pay for the truck repairs.- AB6566 informed him.

17518 Guess I could gamble seven thousand Credits. AB6566, you come with me to the gambling site; I need an extra pair of eyes. The rest stays here.- Darude said, walking for the door. At the corridor, he said: First, Ill buy you a nice dress. Thanks you, but this is still in good shape.- AB6566 said. Yeah, but I need you to look gorgeous; you will give me luck, and the fortunate person are surrounded by beautiful people.- Darude smiled, as he only half believed in that superstition- the reality was more deeply ingrained inside his thoughts- a beautiful woman makes a man more daring and because of it, possibly more successful. I understand. Thanks you for the compliment.- AB6566 reply. You will give me luck, I am sure!- Darude said, hailing a taxi Flyer. Soon they were on a big store choosing clothes for her. The vendor recommended some style, and Darude accepted the recommendations, due to the fact he understand nothing about fashion clothes. I wonder where are gambling sites.- Darude said to AB 6566. I know where, Sir. Its in the tourist section of the map of this city.- AB6566 said. Thanks. Now, we will go there, to see if we can make a couple of Credits.- Darude said. Casinos were lined on a long pedestrian street, full of lights and noise. Darude choose The Smiling, a huge several stories high building, full of light and signs in color. He enters and looked for the Roulette, where he stayed, earning and loosing bets until he gained three thousands and two hundred Credits. Guess we must risk it all!- He muttered, and choose to try gambling at cards; the old 21. The bets pilled up; Darude earned more money and went to the Bar with his companion and asked a soft drink for him, and a glass of hydraulic oil for her; it was not rare to see Synthetics performing that act now there were so many in every branch of activity; the hydraulic oil was a red colored liquid, that makes their innards lubricate for a better performance. To make Synthetic people liking the product (and so prolonged their lives) the builders inserted a pleasure circuit- each time they drink it, they sense a mild state of joysame thing was perceived by humans when drinking beer of wine. AB6566 said: Now you have more money, are you going to stop your bets? Well, in fact, I also want to earn a big amount! See if there is some special gambling here, or elsewhere, where the winners take a real chunk of money.- Darude asked her. AB6566 connected herself with the net pertaining to gambling; soon she was flooded with lots of gambling all around the city, some of them very bizarre; she chooses a bizarre one, and said: There is a bullfight, Sir. Bets have no limit. Where is that special thing? - Darude asked, with a spark in his eyes. At the Neon Turkey, Sir. Three blocks down the street- a bull fights people mounted on horses; wild bulls from the west forest.- AB6566 informed him. Very well, well go there. Another thing: are you in direct communication with our friends at the Hotel?Darude asked. Not right away, Sir. But I can communicate when you decide to tell them something. - She offered. I was only wandering if this kind of place had a black-out in communications with the exterior of the building.- Darude explained her. Not in the least, Sir. They have no such a thing.- She said vehemently. Lets go to see the bullfight! I had never seen such a thing.- Darude asked. While they walked, she was often receiving admired stares from natural men; who saw in her a very wonderful woman. Darude was not sure if those guys know the women were a creation of Man, or a hominid. Four more blocks, Sir. We are arriving.- She informed. Darude also looked at AB6566 with something like proud; not every man could afford that fine specimen of robotic. The place indicated was a very comfortable one, with holographic tables and gambling desks; everyone could also look at other screens where other angles could be seen of the enclosure. It was a circular field, with wooden walls; people were already seated 17520 in ascending rows.

On the eight screens and at the holographic table previous bull fights were being projected- in the form of shorts. Darude saw the bulls being hunted and molested by riders mounted in horses. Every one has a number on their seats and on the raiders backs. You know, Sir, that those numbers also receives bets? They bet the bull send them to the arena, or not. Very interesting.- AB6566 commented. This is not a very amiable kind of sport. Guess the raiders could get hurt, in the course of the action.Darude said. Now they are going to enter the arena, Sir.- AB6566 said, and in fact, the Raiders were coming through a gate that was opened on the wooden wall .They were three of them and armed with lances. Their horses had leather covers, not permitting too much harm at the horns of the bull. The bull enters when the populace at the rows of seats were aphonic demanding for it; then the bull attacked immediately one of the horses with such a force that it stumbles it to the ground; a-flying goes the horseman, who became entangled between the feet of several other horses- maimed, he was rescued from the bulls fury, only it was no good bone in his body; at the seats, the populace roars- some because they earn some money, others because 17521 they had loose a bet. The fighting of the horsemen and the bull continues, with blood pouring by both sides- broken ribs snapping, horse legs maimed, and the lances continually trying to weakening the bulls strength, who managed to stab a horse and stumping a raider on his ribs, sending him to the Hospital, where he gives his life soon afterwards. Finally, the bull earns his life- he defeat the effort of his torturers and the large majority lost their betsexcept Darude, who said; I win! Now I can help our Lady! And after asking for his prize, he returns to his Hotel room with 1.230.000 Credits. Call the Banker! Perhaps this money will help our economy at Lubina town! Call the Lady! Everyone must know my lucky day here in Rixiaberg!- Darude said, happy because of his luck. That night, AB6566 said: Sir, your generosity has no match in our times! Perhaps you should supervise the way the money is used. Our Lady must say something about this, too. Ill think about it! - Darude said, remembering his dream- he was certain it was a prophetic dream all around. Two days later, he receives the truck, and so he loaded it with iron and some electric machines; also he bought three LASER rifles and 18 LASER guns; to his Assistants he said: Time to get some respect! Fire against any animal on our way! Sir! We cannot harm a living thing! Dont give us that order, or well damage our programming!- AB3432 said. 17522 All right! I forgot the first law of robotics! Order is withdrawn!- Darude said, thinking he should hire Natural gunmen instead than programmed Mother Therese. I need some thugs! _ He said to his Assistant. Ex soldiers, ex cops, and the like are available on the Net. Do you want to appoint dates to explore their abilities, Sir?- AB3432 asked. Yes; must be some interviews first. I dont want to hire people who arent what they are supposed to be.Darude commented. All ready, Sir. Advertisement its already published on the Net. Where do you want to have those interviews?- AB3432 asked him. At the lobby of this Hotel, could it be? Perhaps a special permit must be obtained.- Darude said. I guess you must hire some secluded place, Sir, an office would suffice! At the Lobby, plenty of people coming and going, and youll be not able to hear the reply to your questions.- AB3432 said. Well, put it in that way, the Lobby seems not to be such a good idea. - Darude conceded. So, AB3432 rented a special meeting room at a Reunion Center, three blocks to the west of the Hotel, and Darude could get his appointed persons in there, two days after the initiative was born- seventy two applicants appeared.

AB 3432 looks at them, and said: Mr. Chamberlain will be here in any minute now, so keep quiet. He wants people who could fire a gun or a rifle, without hesitation- to know some mechanics also will help get the job. A dark man in a blue mono piece said; I can fire at anything it moves without any fusible goes bang.Someone laughed, and the guy keeps 17523 on saying: what cares me the most are two things, and everyone here in this room also wanted to know: for how long will be the Contract, and how much are you guys to pay us! AB3432 said, without a flinch: The contract its for one month of work, extendable for as many months or years we think it necessary. The payment its up to your skills. The bald dark man said: Brother, my skills are sky high!- And he laughed, relieved- he wasnt going to work for peanuts. AB3432 transmitted the whole conversation to the rest of Darudes Assistants, so he also was informed about it; then he enters the room, saluting the people and begin with the interviews. Fifty one applicants passed the requirements; the rest went out complaining for the lost time in there. Darude waits them to clear the room and then he said to the accepted candidates: I pretend to travel to Lubina town, way up to the north, as I am the Chamberlain there. The trip supposedly its going to be a peaceful one, or we could find dinosaurs on the road. Thats why I asked for skilled marksmen. Piece of cake, brother! Impossible to miss them, with their big bulk of a body.- The dark man said, smacking his lips. At Lubina, Ill find something more to do, gentlemen; to be idle its the last thing on my mind.- Darude said. Fine by me! Im no lazy guy.- The same man said. All right! I see you want to speak! Which is your name?- Darude said, reddened. Fatualer! To serves you, Sir.- The man said, smiling. Fatualer, you sure will serve as my spokesman!- Darude said, while the rest of the men laughed his wit, and then he add: Tell my Assistant names and every other detail he asks of you; and learn that tomorrow at five hours youll be at the entrance of this building, to aboard a vehicle on route to Lubina. Understood? Clear as a bell, Chief!- A fat bald man said, from a back seat. 17524 Darude went out of there, out to the street, where his Efemales were waiting. And now, lets find a good vehicle to carry the people to Lubina with some dignity!- Darude said, remembering his trip on the trunk of a truck. Theres Car Rentals, where to choose, not too far from here. Or do you want to hire a bus?- AB6566 asked. Darude realize a tourist bus could serve- no need to buy one- an so he told his Assistant. Ask for a bus rental- some tourist service could do; a charter. Of course.- AB6566 said, and soon he was signing for the rental of a bus for the next day. Darude expend some more Credits in LASER rifles and guns for his small army, and put it in sealed boxes: they were storage on the same tourist bus. Ah! Tonight I am going to enjoy some show!- Darude said, and with AB6566 he went to a Cabaret; later, he returns to his hotel room, with the aid of AB6566 who wonders why the human race loves to get drunk and stayed in a state of stupor once in a while. As Darudes moral defenses were lowered with the liquor, he bedded the beautiful AB 6566 who was very nice with him. At the morning lights, AB6566 presents him an hearty breakfast, but Darude has a Concerto on his brain, so he declined with this words: Not now, honey. She smiled, and leaves the tray on a desk. The truck is loaded and the men are on board, Sir.- Said AB6566. Dont call me Sir! Now you are Honey and I am just plain and simple Darude to you!- The Natural being said.

17525 It will sound strange, you naming me Honey and me calling you Darude. Why not dear? - AB6566 (Honey, now) asked and proposed. Just right. Do as you wish.- Darude said, kissing her on her lips. 17526 As he was committed to went to Lubina, he said: Lets go to the bus! We must depart the sooner the better! Yes, dear.- Honey said, smiling. When they arrive to the bus, Darude saw how many of those mercenaries were making paces to the Synthetic females of his retinue, so he said: Please, take heed this are my special Assistants and deserve respect, or else you are fired. As I see, we are going in another vehicle. Driver: depart immediately to Lubina, with these fine gentlemen. The Synthetic e-females descended with him, and the driver start the engine and departed from Rixiaberg to Lubina, with the mercenaries on board. When at the street, Darude regain some control he had a moment of fury that he was not able to have since years ago- and said: Honey, ask for another vehicle; perhaps a Van would serve. Why not in the truck, now its fixed, dear? Some mechanic shop could modify the interior and we could seat and have some windows to look out the trunk, dont you think? As your male Assistants hasnt departed yet.- Holly said, as he was in radio contact with them. All right! We all depart together; tell the men to come and fetch us now.- Darude said, breathing hard, as always finding problems in his days. The truck really looks nice, and the smell of new replacements was agreeable to Darudes nostrils sensory cells. Good work they had donned in here! Congratulations! - Darude said. Thanks you, Sir. Are we going to add some seats on the truck?- AB3432 asked. Yes; find a suitable garage, and lets start our journey.- Darude commanded; soon they were in motion, with Darude on the cabin together with AB3432 and Honey; the garage was run by Synthetic people, who knew what to do before they arrive- they had radio receivers scanning the vicinity- and so Darude descended, saying: How many hours must we wait? Five hours, Sir; we must give you a fine work, being the Chamberlain of Lubina.- The master chief mechanic said, as he knew it listening to the chat among Darudes servants. All right. Ill be back then.- Darude said, and went out of the garage followed by Holly and the rest. At the street, he said: Lets go to the Zoo; guess they must have some dinosaur or two.Twenty, Sir. They say alien creatures are arriving now the Federation of Planets is an ally; not much to see, of course. They are recently buying alien beings at the Zoo.- AB3432 said. Hail Flyer taxis! Two of them at the least.- He smiled, and soon they were flying over Rixiaberg; patches of green were visible on the ground, as it was a city with intelligent majors, who were sure the buildings will raise and raise, eating all vestige of trees around them- so, the government didnt sold all the place, in order to make squares of green trees among the big behemoths of glass and steel. Soon they were descending on the ground, in front of the Zoo gates; inside, all the animals the Kingdom of Knapp could have found in the expeditions made in its whole history; the known smaller Dinosaurs, some kinds of strange humanoid dogs and serpents forty centimeters wide and four meters long; fishes and mollusks were there to be seen; at a new enclosure, some alien creatures looked at the visitors with dull stares, inside their aseptic glass boxes. It is beautiful! Honey said, near Darudes hear. Of course! Look at that big green dinosaur there!- Darude said, amazed; she smiled, and said: Its a Hipsibema, dear. Vegetarian!- He said, looking at the teeth. Bingo! You scored.- She laughed, taking him by the hand. AT the next enclosure, a pair of Piatnisquisaur moves his tail against the wire net, and occasionally banged it; Holly said: In 3.400.342 bangs more, this net will collapse. It will be very fun to see all the visitors running for shelter!- Darude said. Did I give the advice?- Honey asked him. No need: they heard you already.- AB3432 said, as they were all radio communicated, and so the ones at the Zoo could also heard their thoughts..

Darude saw Probactosaurs, Pisanosaur, Pleurocelos, Homalocephalus, Cephirosaurs, Otniellos, Hipselosaurs and a Drug Store, where he stop and takes coffee and a pair of sandwiches. Nice Zoo they had in here! All the species in their youth; yes, as the grown up ones are too huge to be caged and nourished.- Darude said. After that meal he gets, they finished the tour in time to get back to the Garage, where the truck was ready to go. All appliances are of good quality, Sir. Made to last even more than the truck.- The Manager said. Hope you are right. Here is the Credit Card; take what is yours.- Darude said, pleased to see the beds and armchairs were made of plastic , same like the walls and the floor, all in a dull white. Each chair has security belts, buttons to move it at will, and communicators on the wall, to tell the Driver anything they wanted; of course, not needed much by the Synthetic personnel, but nice for Naturals to use. During the long trip to Lubina from Rixiaberg, Darude enjoyed Honeys attentions, as she was eager to make of that trip the beginning of a long last relationship between the two. When arriving to Lubina, Darude heard that his Natural woman was at the Tower, working now at the kitchen; he approaches her but Dahlia went away, in haste. Lady Shurvana calls on him at 22.50 hours. She was seated on a big chair, looking at the stars by a window. I learnt you did obtain materials that arrive here by aerial vehicles.- Shurvana said, with her low tone of voice. Glad to be of service, Milady.- Darude said, as he had heard nothing like a compliment from her lips. I have your former woman working for me at the kitchen; I know you both quarreled. If you want me to reunite you both, Im willing to do so; Naturals give offspring that are always welcome in any community.Shurvana said in a bored tone. Of course I want, Milady; I think just as you, in this matter. The separation was due to her denial to serves you here; and here she is now. I see no trouble in recommence our relationship.- Darude said, as he was certain a Natural woman was his natural partner. Ill talk with her later; tomorrow in the morning we are going to talk again, to see if she accepts you or not. Strange, that she hasnt run into your arms, being here.- Shurvana moved her head sideways while saying this. Darude went to his office, and learnt how the materials were being used; his assistants arrive too, and he said: Well, dames and gentlemen, you could return to your jobs; if I need you again, I will certainly call you back. Holly approaches him, saying: I cannot refrain myself to hear you are expecting your wife to return to you in the morning. Yes, there are no secrets in this palace.- Darude said, as he remembered the Governor has several female Assistants in her room, also a Guard on the door. They had heard and transmitted what was going on there. Be not disappointed, my love. I will wait for you, if not tomorrow, it will be at a later day. Dont be sad because of me; I will be all right. And remember: you can call me through any Synthetic person available.Honey said, kissing him on his lips. Darude went to bed, sick of being delayed in this romantic episode; he would have accepted his wife back in a normal way, if she hadnt run away from him like she did; now that will put a barrier between them. He went asleep, as he was tired from the long journey from Rixiaberg. The night was long and full of omens; he awoke several times looking at the watch on the wall; at seven oclock he went to the shower, and after that, he put on a clean dress from the drawer, and went out of the room. Lady Shurvana calls for you half a minute ago. _ A servant told him at the corridor. All right, lead me to her.- Darude said, feeling birds inside his stomach; the corridors were damp and humid; Shurvana was on a wide bed, sipping a cup of milk; he wondered from which animal it was sucked. Chamberlain! Your wife asked me to acknowledge the divorce! So its up to you if you want to delay my decision, or to hasten things and start anew.- Shurvana said. I yield to her desire, Milady. No need to press the subject; when the love goes, there is nothing else to do.Darude said, feeling himself deeply hurt. I recommend you to take a Synthetic female; they serves good and are loyal, dont discuss matters, but also, didnt raise kids.- Shurvana said. Thanks you, Milady. I had one of them on my trip to Rixiaberg; I beg of you to appoint her as my fiance.- Darude said.

Yes, I know you did that; also, a pity that machine will be idling the most of the time; see that she performs some tasks.- Shurvana said. My position needs Assistants, Milady; you had given me seven Synthetics; pity one of them was broken by a Dinosaur on that trip; I ask those to be in my service, too, because my work here hasnt ended.- Darude said. She looked her cup of milk for some time, and said: At the mines, work is being performed again; but I want you to return there and hasten things as much as it is necessary; I need money to run this place in a proper form. You can get one Synthetic this time, not more. The rest are already working hard. Of course, Milady. I will depart as soon as I can.- Darude said. Make it quick, to please me.- Shurvana said, and Darude run out of the room, eager to be out of her presence. At the corridor, he call for Honey, using a guard; soon she was running by the corridor and into his arms; she kissed him hard, while from her eyes tears were dropping. My love! I wished it and now it is true! - Honey said. I lost the command over the rest, Honey. So we are going to the mines only the two of us.- He said. Wish we were there, already! This Tower makes me nervous.- Holly murmured on his hear, not to be heard by the others- also, he cut the radio emissions from then on- she was to be happy with her Natural for ever! Darude went to the mines immediately and with Honey at his side; 32 Synthetic persons were working at profound shafts and tunnels; a machine carried the ores upwards when necessary; in other tunnels, small carts were used to carry the ores out. The two big Synthetics were in the open, working with grinders; a smelting furnace was attended by another Synthetic, who uses a long crane to pour the refined copper on moulds. The bars were one meter long and weighed fifty kilograms each, and were stocked in piles at a platform forty meters away from the main entrance to the tunnel. Soon Darude realized that the problem was not in the workers or in the small way the mining field was 17530 being developed, but in the scant percentage of copper per metric ton- so he decided to stay there as long as it was necessary- not taking more heed to the urgency the Governor puts on them all. Holly: tell the people we are going to stay here at work until an important quantity of cooper is reunited.He asked the Synthetic damsel.. Very well, darling!- She smiled at him. Tell them all, including you, not to respond calls from Shurvana the Governor of Lubina. She is asking things impossible to achieve in this conditions.- Darude said, while caressing the smooth cheeks of the beautiful Honey, who said: The order has been given. Right! Ill work doing minor tasks, as before. You stay at all hours with me.- Darude said; as Honey, sometimes, went to help at the mine in small ways. Very well, dear. I was helping with the illumination system- not dangerous there.- She said. Yes, I know you were working to help. But stop that- I dont want to be here without someone I care.Darude said, while he was thinking he was overprotecting the E-woman. Four months and five days later, the pile of copper was summed up to something. Darude felt proud of his efforts; to be there working as a slave for four months was no small deed. Scant comfort, cold weather, and long shifts was common for him now. Also he felt some fear about the fact he hasnt communicated with the Governor in all those days; she certainly had the right to be mad at him. We have a lot of copper to sell.- Darude said. Three thousand tons, dear. The price wholesale 17531 at Rixiaberg its five million Credits.- She said. Well, guess now we can communicate with the people at Lubina town; youll be calling them to the Bank; Mr. Simpbour was a nice person the last time I went there. Tell him how much we had obtained, and the Credits they pay for it. Certainly that this will hit him as a happy surprise.- Darude said. All right, darling. Communicating. Mr. Simpbour is not at his office right now. Mr. Vartio is a sub administrator at the Bank; he could receive the message.

Tell him what was meant for Mr. Simpbour.- Darude said. He said if you are in good health- I replied youre in nice shape.. He is asking to talk with you.- Honey said. Do the connection; Ill talk.- Darude said; and his voice went by radio, and Mr. Vartios voice comes to him in the same way: through Synthetics. Mr. Darude! Glad to know you are fine, Mr. Chamberlain.- Vartio said. Thanks you! Im here at the mine; I had a very significant amount of copper to sell. How are things going there?- Darude asked. Not so good, Chamberlain! Debts increased, commerce with other cities reduced, and the Governor hasnt received anyone, no matter how many times they ask for an appointment._ Vartio informed him. Pity to hear this! But economical problems will certainly be diminished to the full. Is the Governor ill?Darude asked him. She does not receive anyone. She is secluded at his tower. Works at the wall keeps on, but using ancient techniques where iron is not used.- Vartio said. 17532 I have no means of mobilization here. My truck lies smashed by a dinosaur at the plains. Could you sent me a Flyer of any other means of locomotion?- Darude said. Of course, Sir. But my chief must give his authorization first.- Vartio said, not willing to be taking more attributions than possible to his rank. After some other considerations, Darude ends the transmission. Milady acting strange- a queer situation.- Darude commented. Perhaps she is still waiting for you.- Holly said. Certainly that is a probability! I cannot appear in front of her only saying I will sell the copper! I must sell it right away.- Darude said, alarmed. I can try it from here, darling.- Honey proposed. How?- Darude was spellbound. Communicating with merchants at Oredloro, or Rixiaberg.- She said. Dear Honey! I was ignoring your in-built transmitter could reach so far away!- Darude said. Recently King Lugner authorized a ring of satellites in orbit; a grid is operational- I could communicate with any town in Knapp! King Lugner hasnt authorized, yet, the communication among planets.- Honey said. All right! Try to sell the copper- my account must receive the paycheck!- Darude said. Communicating, dear. This will take some time, as the buyers are Naturals.- Holly said, smiling. Take your time!- Darude said, and as he was very nervous, he went to the mine, leaving her at his tent. Three days later, Honey finished the transaction and said: Dear, the price will be the one you said, but expenses will be reduced 17533 and are as follows: the transport of the ingots, taxes and legal assistance, amount to 2.300 Credits. Well, for a moment I thought it was going to be much more!- Darude said. It was more, dear, but I worked to make it smaller, so you debt me.- Honey said, smiling. Of course I am in debt with you! A commission must be calculated.- Darude said, but in his inner self he was thinking such a thing was not possible to ask by a Synthetic, who supposedly works for free. A kiss will satisfy me.- Honey said, and so Darude kissed her, gladly and relieved. The clients arrives six days later, and a fat man pays him, takes all the ore on four bigger trucks, and went back to Rixiaberg with all the papers signed properly by the Chamberlain of Lubina town. Now I could arrive to Lubina in a better way!- Darude said, looking once more at the nice sum at his Bank Account. I hailed a tourist Flyer, dear, as Mr. Vartios vehicle didnt show up. At 20.00 hours theyll be here, so we must think what do you want to carry there, and who is going to stay in this place, guarding the tools.Honey said. Yes, the miners could not get on board- too heavy for the artifact.- He conceded.

I promised them all a refitting at Rixiaberg, darling! They deserve it! Most of them had a finger missing, or a hand; some others had burned eyes, or had banged their innards while at work- fused sensible software and equipment inside of them. I tell you this way is cheaper for your Governor, than to spend buying new Synthetics.- Honey said. I understand. But how to carry them all to Rixiaberg? We are going to Lubina!- Darude said. 17534 Now you get the money, I can call the Knappian Automaton Organization ; they build me and the rest of the people here; they will do a good job; they will call on you if some more money its needed, and later they return the product I mean, us Synthetics, here at the mine.- Honey said. All right! Do it as you say, but the delivery I want to be at Lubina.- Darude said. Very well, dear.- Honey replied. The wagon Flyer arrives at the morning of the next day; the driver was a Synthetic, who had no inconvenience into carry them all aboard a huge Flyer wagon. By then, Darude was already on Lubina, and Honey was saying: Lets visit the Lady first. Why? Did you know something I dont know about her health, or something?- Darude asked. There are certain radio emissions I had been receiving, that force me to urge you like I do.- Honey confided. All right! We will depart immediately.- Darude said, and using a land vehicle, borrowed from a merchant, they went to the Tower. At the entrance, a Gatekeeper, formerly a Worker Synthetic male, was solidly standing. Good morning, Gatekeeper! Im the Chamberlain.- Darude said. I only wish you could had delayed less than you do, Sir.- The Gatekeeper boomed out, allowing the entrance. Unhindered, they went inside the corridors; four E-females come running to them, saying one of them: The Lady is sick! Come this way! Darude felt a pang on his chest; he felt himself immediately culprit of her sickness, as he ignored her calls for so long time. AT LUBINA TOWN. Lady Shurvana was in bed, and two of the maids were at attention at the side of her big bed. Darude stands at the end of the bed, and he noticed her face was twisted to a side. Tell them.- She mumbled, and one of the Synthetics said: Chamberlain: the Governor suffers a stroke and her left side is paralyzed. And it is not a treatment to release her pain?- Darude asked her. She was expecting your return to get some treatment; she does not want the people to know she is sick.The Synthetic nurse said. All right, Im here and with five million Credits, Milady. Everything you want to do, Im ready to serve.Darude said. Shurvana made an effort to speak; she mumbled and the nurse repeats in a clear voice; so a conversation of sorts was established. Late but with results! First of all, I want you to call for a fast Flyer and then well go to Oredloro; there I will be treated in secrecy; do that and more orders will follow.- Shurvana said. Milady, I am very sorry for you to be sick; Ill do my best to be of service.- Darude said. Does it or Ill skin you alive?- Shurvana said, faithful to her ways. Darude went to his office at the same Tower, and said: Honey, call some Flyer service at Oxiborion; you can do it. Of course, dear. Im already in contact; they said 3.000 Credits its the standard fare; but I am searching for someone with lower price.- Honey said. Good that you take care of our money.- Darude said, kissing her cheek; then one of the nurses comes into the office, saying: Sir Chamberlain, our Lady said you must get hurry. Very well, I am working on it.- Darude said, startled. Could I mention some exact time to her?- The nurse asked.

Tell her in five minutes later a Flyer will start from Oredloro to here, eight minutes more in flight, two to arrive here with the stretcher, and five minutes to aboard the Flyer.- Honey said with her voice, not to leave Darude ignorant of her reply. Very well, Ill mention that to our Lady.- The nurse said, and departed. She already knows- another nurse is telling her what I said.- Honey said, embracing the man. How do you know? Do you see through the walls or what?- Darude said, mockingly. You know we are all connected, we Synthetic beings. But I can disconnect myself from the net, so they could not know what am I doing. That is why the Lady sent for your answer.- Honey said, blinking an eye. Fine girl! Do it as often as you can. Pity, by the other side, that you dont know what is happening with others.- Darude said. Thats why I asked for a furbish! They had several functions I didnt have! One of those, its the ability of to heard but not been heard, read, scanned, whatever! Cost 400 Credits no more! I need it!- Honey said, on her hear. All right; but I will loose you for a couple of days! I cant live without you!- Darude said, embracing that perfect body. They kissed each other for some seconds, and Honey said: Darling, you cant be serious! You are being driven by the moment! But you honestly can survive not only five days but an eternity, without me!- Honey said. Of course, dear. You can go but I must know where you are going to be!- Darude said. No problem, dear. The best its in Oredloro, of course- where they made me. But I can use Rixiaberg, too, if you want. No, its better the source! Well have an escapade to Oredloro, as we are going with the Lady, remember?Darude said, happily. No, dear, she has other plans for you! You will stay here, and she is going alone with ten of her Servants. I heard it.- Honey said. Well, Ill be damned! And so you are going with her?- Darude said. Its not very intelligent to do so! She is going to have me for her use all the time she wants- and she wants a lot. Furbish and update, good bye if I went with her! No, I must hire another Flyer.- She said, smiling. Very well, well escape together.- Darude said. I cannot say no, as you are my dear, but you cannot stay there for days on end! If you want, we can go there, you sign for me whichever the papers, and return; then, when they call you back, you travel again.Honey said. Traveling back and forth! Expensive.- Darude said. Far cheaper than to be without a rehaul, dear! Youll see, all is going to work out fine!- She said, in his arms. It is annoying, but the most we can really do is what you planned.- Darude said, smiling. The Flyer arrives; three Synthetics help the nurses to carry the sick Governor inside the Flyer, and then a nurse approaches to Darude, who was next to the Flyer, saying: Our Lady wants you to stay; no point of you to go to Oredloro; also, she signed an Affidavit stating you are the Governor Substitute. With all the rights that the title means; but also you must give account to her for your actions.- The nurse said, and departed. Well, its a nice thing to see her going.- Darude said to Holly, while the Flyer takes speed on the air. Yes, she is very demanding. But she is your boss.- Honey said, kissing him. Ask for your Flyer, dear.- Darude said. Not to day, dear! You have lots of work to do! Think a little, please!- Honey said. Let me see- a governor who doesnt work for months on end, which problems could have been arising on the town? Yes, guess you are right; let us begin opening our shop: tell everyone the office is open for complaints, suggestions, any problem at all. Ah, and also, take those two gorillas up in front: I dont want them to lynch me in the first couple of minutes.- Darude said. You really have a sense of humor, darling. I love you.- She said, laughing, but she does as he wants. The first to appear was Mr. Simpbour, together with Mr. Vartio; Honey closed the door- the anteroom was full of people now- and Darude said: Well, I see both of the General Managers of the Bank are here! Which of you is the real General Manager? I am, Mr. Governor! What Mr. Vartio was and always had been, its the Sub Manager! But you can rely on him as well as in me.- Simpbour said, stiffly.

Yes, I remember something about your reliable Mr. Vartio: he keeps me waiting at the hills, for a Flyer or a truck that never arrives! - Darude said, looking at the guy. I had no idea of it!- Simpbour turns his head towards Mr. Vartio. Well, Sir, I did a research and there were no truck nor a single Flyer available, so I keep on trying to rent some other vehicle, but the delay was much, and the Governor arrives before I could do anything positive.Vartio said. I think you deserted me; but I will not take any measure against you; I guess you are good at your work, and bad as a finder.- Darude said, blushing with rage- he was sure the man did as little as possible in his behalf. I will talk with him later, Governor! Things like this cannot stay without some rectification; the case could repeat in time.- Simpbour said, reddened. And now we talk about money. I had some to give you, but first, let us revise the situation.- Darude said; and so Mr. Simpbour show the financial crisis they were inserted, with the aid of a memory pill working on the Holographic machine; he was talking about the problems at hand, the revenues and the expenses the Governor Shurvana made while in office. I see; its a real mess, of course. I will try to change it, now she is absent.- Darude said. Yes, and when did she come back? Or she is retired?- Mr. Simpbour asked him. She is working in a special case, at Oredloro city; not to be molested; I am in charge now, until her return- I guess no less than four months, is what she is going to be out of town.- Darude said, thinking it was no easy task to be recovered from a brain surgery. I understand. Good for us that you are here; and how many money are you going to give us, for now?Simpbour asked. If the debt is up to four millions, I can tell you I have enough money to pay all debts! - Darude said, in triumphal tones. Simpbour bowed before him, saying: I will be very glad you do it! Lubina could not receive credits if the previous payments arent solved. Also, we need some more money, as we are almost with empty vaults at the Bank; money to lend, and receive interests; money that the farmers could use to mechanize their farms a bit more; and commerce, that is almost non existent, could raise again from the ashes. I understand very clearly; the money comes from the hills, where the mines are. If we work steadily there, no big problem will affect our town; but there is no one at the mines now, they are all in refitting process; so I cannot give more than two hundred thousands for the lending you propose.- Darude said. It is more than enough, Sir! I suppose the mines soon will give their products, and youll get more money from it. - Simpbour wished for. Of course I could receive more money! To work is what we are here for.- Darude said, and with Honey he makes the deposits on Lubina Banks account. When they were out of the office, Honey said: you were fast to solve the case! But outside the door, there are several dozen other people with problems that must be solved with money! What are you going to do? You have now one million four hundred Credits, and there is nowhere to find more. Make me a list of solicitors, better! Then I will study to whom I could help; and Honey...- Darude said. Yes, my love?- She answered quickly. Guess my orders must be changed- I need the Synthetics at the mine, again. No point to have them waiting and idling. Tell them to resume works.- Darude said. But love, we were going to repair them! Whats happens with your previous decision?- She asked, very troubled. I need money, and I am the Subrogate now; I must have enough copper to sell! I cannot wait any longer!Darude said, so Honey obeyed, sending them all to work again- the reparations were postponed. After a while, Darude receive the list of solicitors; some of them were asking for help to sell their products, while others want money to buy raw materials to work with; some others want the basic functions of a city at work, as water supply, a good drain system, a house. To solve their problems, not 300 million Credits would suffice! But Ill do my best.- Darude said, and begins lending money, also calling his guards to work for the betterment of the city. At mid afternoon he ends his work, and Honey said: Wish you could eat something, dear. You are working since early morning without enough food.

Guess you are right; send me some sandwiches.- Darude said, rubbing his forehead; he had spent half his money helping others, and now he must organize teams to work doing tunnels down the streets, in order to collect dirty waters and carried them away from the city. The Architects arrives at 18.00 hours, and Darude explains them what he did want to be donned there: I want an ample system of sewers, capable of to serve of tunnels communicating the city by the underground; next thing will be a subterranean train, capable of to communicate us with the first farm, so the people could arrive there to buy products- I will sponsor the creation of a big grocery there, where all the farmers could sold their products without coming to the city for it. The Architects worked four days studying the underground with scanners and making chemical analysis ; then the Chief Engineer, Euriotapalos, presents himself to the Governor Substitute saying: Lubina Town gets the water supply from a creek; not enough for a sound drainage system, Sir. I suggest you, after the studies we made, that Lubina town should be moved. Do you think it is a Flyer, or a truck?- Darude said, smiling- of all the queer propositions, this was the most bizarre. There is a river up north, Governor, at 200 kilometers. We only have creeks around this point; not enough for a megalopolis. If you stay in here, youll condemn Lubina to be only a town for the rest of the Eternity. Chief Architect Euriotapalos said. I understand. Well, we must forget to be a megalopolis; the farmers will never depart; they are happy with their lands. Perhaps a new town could raise near that river you are mentioning; but it will be not Lubina.Darude said. Very well, Sir. Well build the sewers, tunnels and youll have the Subway when money and necessity arise.- C.A. Euriotapalos said. How many Synthetics we had for this kind of work, Honey?- Darude asked her, who was always at his side. Five, dear. The rest is working at the mines. But there are some Naturals working on the buildings- not more than 200, but they could begin the work.- Honey said. Yes, the buildings are four stories high, needed to house the new couples; let them be! I will not hinder the human evolution towards family life. - Darude said, thinking the humans love to have families, raise kids and see how they grow- not like to build sewers and tunnels- that work was going to be performed by Synthetics. Pity he has no money to buy them. You could ask the central government at Oredloro for new Synthetics, Sir. It is needed to made projects and present them to the Central Government in time! They certainly must help the colony in this first step.C.A. Euriotapalos said. All right, Ill sign the documents! Honey, you take care of the redaction- Chief Euriotapalos, give her the street plans and tunnel diagrams; Honey, you write for which purpose this project is being donned. We need to explain everything; specially the need for workmen, be it Naturals or Synthetics.- Darude said. Synthetics are costly, Naturals are accustomed to live in the comfort of the great cities; well see what they get.- Honey explained briefly. Thanks you, Chief Euriotapalos; you can go now.- Darude said, dismissing him and his team. The Synthetics abandon the room, and Darude said: Its a pity; was a good project of mine. Impracticable for the time been.- Honey said. Too much costly for our scant resources! How are things going at the mines?- Darude asked her. They are working now, dear, but no product is being donned- yet. In three or four days more, well have results. Months to have enough money to produce one of your smiles.- Honey said, looking at him with tenderness. Hope our Governor didnt return before I could grab that money in my hands! I could do a lot of good to this town! - Darude said, feeling a chill down his spine; he knew the legal Governor wasnt him. Or they could name another person to replace her! The central government knows about your nomination here; but you must be aware of the fact our King Lugner didnt appoint persons on high ranks if they are not belonging to the Court or his family members! Or are you entitled to it?- Honey asked him. No, Im just a common man of a common family; not in any way related to the royal family or their clients.- Darude said, tapping the table with his fingers. He was feeling sleepy; so he said: I guess Ill put an end of my works for the day; cancel the rest of my appointments. Donned, dear. I will serve you a nice cup of coffee and a hot sandwich: meat and mayonnaise in it.- Honey said, embracing him.

You know what I like.- He said, kissing her sweet lips. Hours later, Darude was asleep, and Honey was at his side, watching his sleep, while she was listening to the radio emissions of her fellow beings; she concentrated her attention to the people at the mines, forty five kilometers up north; they were 45 E-persons there, working day and night. The ores were being carried outside with machines, and the pile was only two meters high and with a radius of ten meters; not worthwhile a trip for the melting plant, but the flow was increasing day by day. Chief Foreman! Inform me about the physical force you have there.- Honey radioed them. Foreman AB 3432 here! Four Synthetics with problems on their limbs; the Heavy duty Synthetics with their hands in bad shape, but working at 50 per cent of their capacity; rest of the force in normal state.AB3432 said. Pity to hear that! But you know our Governor cannot pay for furbish up. Perhaps in the future things will be different. I sent a message to the Central Government for replacements; well wait for their reply- Naturals must be informed.- Honey said, meaning the delay was going to be greater than if Synthetic people were in charge. I understand. Anything more that you want to know?- AB3432 asked. Nothing else; but if you encounter more problems, just let me know.- Honey said, finishing her transmission. In the morning, Darude went to his office; several other townsfolk were waiting for him; Honey was the secretary, so she receive their request, and after that, Darude talk with them if pertinent; if not, Honey dispatch them with nice words. At noon, Darude went to lunch at his apartment with Honey, saying: guess everyone here want special treatment! They all try to get some money from me! Yes; they want money to improve their shops, or to get loans or credits! I know.- Honey said, smiling. Pity there is a lack of money you just know about it.- Darude said. Yes, darling. By the way, the gang you hired at Rixiaberg is idling at a cabin, five blocks from here. Are you going to use them?- Honey asked him. What? I was sure they were working at the mines!- Darude said, seating at the table. No, they are not! I suggest them that, but they refuse! They told me they are warriors, not miners. What I think, is that they are mere ghouls.- Honey said, serving him the meal on two dishes. Yeah, I was sure they were going to serves me as helpers while Milady was in charge, but now she is not, theres no point to have them here.- Darude said. You can start a police squadron with them! And they could use a uniform! More people could be trained as cops! - Honey said. Yes, cops.- Darude said, eating the soup. You could also start by creating the Army Forces of Lubina! With you as their commander in chief; I cannot say clearly you could also stay in power through it.- Honey said, not willing to wake up the security system on her software. Oh, I understand! Simply put, the new king of Lubina!- Darude said, laughing. Yes, the king of Lubina; populace 1.230 people.- Honey said, smiling. Perhaps not a king, but the chief of police, or the commander of the forces! Yes, I understand your point of view! Some day, dark for me, a new Governor could arrive stomping out, and I will be out of job. But if I worked for the future, not such thing as misemployment will exist for me.- Darude said. Right. Start now.- Honey said who had heard rumors of removal, through the radio. Very well; summon the people here, this same afternoon. _ Darude said. Right this afternoon, dear?- She said, looking how he ends the second plate. Yes, this afternoon! I will proclaim myself as the Chief of Police! And you will be my First Assistant.Darude said, smiling. Yes, you very well do that! I have no title, you know? When I command someone, they didnt address me with a title! - Honey said. Certainly right! You must have several titles, darling.- He said, kissing her cheek. Take your desert! Raspberries.- She said, smiling back. The Police Station.

Darude summoned the people he hired on Rixiaberg; when they were in front of him at his office, he said: I think you are well fed and had fine quarters; any complaint?Not one, Sir. The lack of females on the town is tantalizing, for sure- some of us are longing for a female, if you know what I mean.- Fatualer said, as he was in charge of the men. Yes, this seems to be a problem here; Ill see to it.- Darude said. The other problem is our wages, Sir. We dont know the amount of money you are going to pay us; certainly we have no complaints about food and shelter, but also we must work in something to earn your money.- Fatualer said, while others said Hear, hear! Of course, that is to get a remedy right away. Ill organize the police in this town; a police that not only protect the honest people from robbery, but also to act as protection for external threats. Darude said. Like what, Sir?- Fatualer asked him. Like animals on the run, or any other threat; I will provide with arms and special training; I have some Synthetics who are able to teach about personal defense.- Darude said. But they cannot kill!- Someone said, from the back row. Ill ask to raise a hand and then I will give the permission to speak, and the one so permitted, will say his name first and what he wants to say afterwards. Do we understand it?_ Darude said. Yes, Sir. I am Nineton; and my question is: are you suggesting our former mission is already accomplishedwhatever that mission was?- Nineton said, and several men laughed, as there was no mission to accomplish, from the start All right, your question is a good one; and I will confide you with the answer: when I arrive here, I was going to be a Chamberlain with a Governor on top of me; but Destiny determined I was going to be the next Governor, and here I am being so. So your mission was not necessary to be performed. Now all of you will represent the Police at this city; Mr. Fatualer will be the Sergeant Major, and I will be the Director General. I will command the forces. The wages will be a hundred Credits per month, each.- Darude said. After a second of astonished silence, there issued a turmoil- they think the wages was outrageously small. I will let speak in order ! You, at the center: speak up!- Darude said, amid the roaring. Klinge, Sir. I think a hundred Credits didnt suffice at all! We were earning 890 Credits at Rixiaberg, and certainly without food or shelter, but with plenty other conveniences at hand.Understood! I will add five hundred Credits if the policeman attends at his post eighty per cent of the 30 days of service. Three hundred more Credits if the Police takes more courses during the thirty days of service. The Police will have two half days of permission each seven days of service, in turns, plus housing; the food it will be provided at the Police Station.- Darude said, as he was sure that with those obligations, the members of the Police will be not idling at their beds when the hour to be at their obligations arrives. The men talked some minutes among them, and then a silence was established; Nineton said: We are all agreeing with your wages, Sir. When we start? Thats the spirit! From tomorrow; I will provide you with a sound Police Station, and uniforms; the weapons was giving to each of you the first day you arrived here; the same weapons will be of use at your work. Any malfunction must be reported to your Sergeant Major, Mr. Nineton; also, a roll must be established- Mr. Nineton will provide me with it, and I will decide names, after some days of work.Darude said. We are ready to work, Sir, and perhaps you could tell us where is the future Police Station, to go there and clean the place.- Nineton said. Of course; but I must study some details, first. I want you all at seven oclock in front of this building; I will give further orders at that time. Dismiss.- Darude said, and the mercenaries went out of the room, laughing and smiling between them. You really offer them good salaries, dear. Im happy for you- as you know how to treat men.- Honey said, who had several chapters of human history on her positronic brain. Yes; man loves money and also loves to work; the rest is mumbo jumbo.- Darude said, smiling. Do you really know where to raise the Police Station, dear? There are so few edifices, that I dont quite understand where that will be.- Honey said, going to a corner and starting a holographic machine, which shows in green lines all the buildings of the small town. You show me where are vacant buildings, dear.- Darude said, looking at the map. Well, vacant there is none, dear. People occupied them all; Synthetic personnel stop building edifices when you call them to work at the mines; I think this only edifice is available, but you are occupying it.- Honey said.

Darude sighed, and asked her to show only the edifice where he stands at the minute, and when she perform it, he said: A building four stories high ; the last floor was of our Governor and its not occupied; the third floor is my abiding place; the second is where this room is placed; I know that also lives here a pair of persons- I must told them to move out; the first floor is used for storing grains and medicines; guess that must be arranged upstairs. Yes, darling! I see it clearly: first floor is for our Policemen; second floor is for the storehouse, a depository for goods; the third will be used to house people lacking where to live- guess the two families that are living now, no change- but saying them this could not last long.- Honey said. And we live on the top floor! Guess we must wrap our Ladys belongings, by the time she is out of town.Darude said. No problem with all of this! I can move objects in half a days work.- She said, decidedly. No, darling! I know you can do it, but I will make this possibly by using the same people that are going to work in here; also, I will made access to our floor impossible, by making a pair of elevators only for our own use; the only way will be, for a possible terrorist, to work his way up through the cables.- Darude said. Why, love, are you thinking they want to kill you?- Honey said, as she had not heard it in any radio conversation. OH, thoughts that I have sometimes! - Darude said, not decided to tell her he was afraid to die younger than he wants. So, in the next five days, the place was full of people moving furniture, and making repairs; three Synthetics were brought from the mines to help; at the sixth day, the elevators were in place, the furniture placed where it was better for the use and circulation of people, and the first jailbirds arrives. We have a problem here, Sir. Two men beats a woman almost to death, drunken bastards, and now they are repented but we put them in jail. And note that we hasnt any jail in our town, nor a judge to sentence them; only a pair of cells at our Police Station, and no more.- Sergeant Major Nineton said to Darude, when he was strolling out of the building. Yes, a problem it is. I should appoint someone as Judge, and also I must build a jail. - Darude said, in passing. When at the fields, driving a land car, he told Honey: This police station business its full of obligations! We need a place where to have the condemned of crimes, and also a condemned group of guards! You could be the Judge, dear! Nobody more able to do it as you!- Honey said, kissing him. But I dont know even one single article of Law! We need a lawyer, to make of him a Judge.- Darude said, not willing to heat his head with problems of people misbehaving themselves. Then, I will put an advertisement in Rixiaberg! Perhaps the people there could want a good job as the first judge in town!- Honey said, smiling. But how could we bring him or her- here? No way has someone gone there in a truck, just to bring the man here!- Darude said. Thats another point you should take in heed, dear! The traffic between us and Rixiaberg is null; so , the commerce is condemned to die in here. We need some aerial vehicle, doing trips from and to that city daily! - Honey said. We have no aerial vehicles in here; the last one crashed two days ago; fortunately, the Synthetics get away in one piece.- Darude said, remembering the crash on the mountains. I know it, dear. One of them gets his arm broken in five parts; now he cannot work with that arm; so I put him supervising the storehouse.- Honey said. Fine with that, of course. Money isnt enough to buy an aerial vehicle; and whats happening with our request to the authorities on Rixiaberg- the help we asked?- Darude said. They answered yesterday morning, dear. We are now on a list; as soon as we get our turn, help will be provided._ Honey said. In which form? Money, articles, medicines, what?- Darude asked her. Medicines, dear; they think we have a Hospital in here; and you know the place is deserted except for a nurse- a Synthetic that works there half a day, and can only gives first aid.- Honey said. Pity to hear that; so the asking was a good one! If they sent us something, it will serves us right.- Darude said. A medic is needed for our community! And some nurses- with full training. I will not mention our Synthetics cannot be named as full nurses! They lack the chip.- Honey said.

Problems that will be solved in time!- Darude said, looking out of the window- the blue sky had now a gray pallor, as winter had arrived. In the following days, five more delinquents were caught, and jailed on the Police Station pair of rooms; they must be fed and carried to the bathroom; police agents begin to complain, so Sergeant Major Nineton ask to see the Governor, and when Darude went to the Police Station, he said: Sir, we had problems with the prisoners; they are being sheltered in here, and we must provide them with food and there is no bathroom for them, so they are using ours. We need a prison camp, Sir.- And the man was very trouble about it. I see; but I cant do a thing by now; Im out of funds; a building, no matter how small it could be, must be built with materials; strong ones, and Guards must be hired. We cannot leave them alone.- Darude said. Well, Sir, I was thinking you were going to said that; so I guess the solution its to build a log cabin near this place, with a rustic bathroom, and two of us could be the jailers; your Synthetics could cut logs and made the cabin in no time; what do you say, Sir?- Sergeant Major Nineton said. Fine ideas; Ill sent for the Synthetics to be here in the morning; and you will provide some of your men for the task- perhaps even to contribute with some more ideas for the log cabin.- Darude said. Thanks you, Sir. We are hard workers here; more than two will be at the site tomorrow.- Sergeant Nineton promised him. Darude walk by the street in company of Honey, who said: Dear, you must be cautious with what you promised! The Synthetics at the mine- they are at 45 kilometers away! I must call them right now, in order that they could arrive in time for tomorrow.He looked at her with surprise, saying: But, they could be here in eight hours ! They could certainly walk faster than a human being! Yes, dear, but there are some problems on the route, now! I hadnt told you, but herds of Apatosaurus are on that terrain; and some Strutiosaurius are threatening them! A human figure seems a good plate for those carnivores! If they walk in the open, they surely will be attacked! So they cannot just walk by the forest as they were on a street!- Honey explained him. Very well, Im sorry. When could they be arriving, then?- Darude asked her. They could be here by midnight, or by noon of tomorrow! Who knows? Im sending the message- they will be departing in half an hour more- they must end what they are doing now.- Honey said, thinking how urgent all human projects their owners wanted to be. Darude, by his part, was thinking he should had given weapons to the miners; right, they were Synthetic persons, but all the while they could be cut in two and get rendered useless- and now, with the lack of money, a replace was impossible. At three in the morning, he was still awake, and heard the welcome the Policemen gives to the recently arrived Synthetics from the mine; Honey said: they had no serious trouble in arriving here, my love. Did I descend to salute them in your name? Of course; but also, invite them here; I want to talk with them a little.- Darude said, from the bed. She was dressed in two minutes, and descended by the elevator one; at the Police Station, the Synthetics were waiting, as she sent a message the second Darude gives his order, so they knew already what was going to happen; she salute them with her voice- in order the Policemen knew what was happening: Welcome, miners! Our Governor Darude send me to invite you to talk with him; he wants some more information about the mines and the state of the mining process. Thanks you, First Assistant Honey! Lead us to him.- The Foreman AB 3432 said, and she guides them to the elevator; they ascended to the third floor, and Darude was already clothed; he said: Welcome, miners! I see you are in good shape. They were dressed in tough clothes, using helmets and gloves for the trip- outside it were raining. Thanks you, Governor Darude! We made good time coming here; just a couple of Taveirosaurus in the way, but we managed to outpaced them.- AB3432 said. Dangerous critters! Are the Heavy duty Synthetics doing fine?- Darude asked, as he knew their hands were in bad shape. Same as before, Sir! They work at 50 per cent of their capacity, and the rest of the miners are in normal state.- AB3432 said. How many of you are working there?- Darude asked. Forty.- Honey said. Ah! Well, how many tons you have already digged from the mine?- Darude asked the foreman.

Five hundred kilos, Sir. The melting plant is working two days at the week, as its in bad shape and must be repaired continually; perhaps some new equipments could raise the production to the double.- The foreman said. My me! Really bad news. Money is needed to earn money; a circle to never ends. Here I want to fasten pace, with the building of a jail house; a very primitive one, made of logs; but also, very strongly built- I dont want the jailbirds flying away.- Darude said. Well see your jailhouse stands firmly in place, Sir. - The foreman said. The police squadron, the Naturals you saw downstairs, will help; everyone working here.- Darude said, yawning; Honey said: You better go to bed, darling! You awake early today, and you havent stop working all day long. But my work is mostly mental, dear.- He said, obeying; the miners kept looking at him, so he said: You guys, stay on my anteroom; no need you get wet outside. Thanks you, Sir.- The foreman said, smiling, as they were waterproof and they could not sense weather changes on their bodies. Honey undressed and went to bed with Darude, saying: Ill sing the Lullaby for you, my baby. Do it.- He said. Do it.- He said, embracing her beautiful body; she kissed him repeatedly, and then pushed his head down to her nipples; he sucked the teats with passion, while her dexterous fingers takes his penis and inserted it on her wet vagina; she moved slowly and squeezing the penis until Darude moaned and come inside her; she kept moving slowly until the last drop of sperm was out of his member, and then said: You are exquisite, my dear! And you are my goddess of love!- Darude said, perspiring with passion. At the next day, Darude and Honey went to work with the Synthetics and half the members of the Police Station; using seesaws, they tumbled down several trees from the forest, and carried it to town using trucks; then the Synthetics made the foundations with mortar, and then the logs, intertwined at the corners until a two stories house was formed. It looks rather stout.- Darude said, embracing his E-female. Yes, darling; it will kept the jailbirds at home.- She giggled, kissing him lightly; the workers already gone, he smell the air embalmed with the odor of fresh cut trees ; he said: Instead of a jail we should be doing houses for the people; pity the evilness lurks in the minds of Homo sapiens. Yes, darling; in everyone there is a tendency to do evil, but the most part of humankind refrains to do it and instead, works to do good. Like you, working without knowing which future awaits you . Honey said. Darude realized his future could be improved, and said: I should go to Oredloro, speak to somebody in high places, stating I am the Governor in absence of Lady Shurvana, and try to be accepted as such.Yes, darling; but the king Lugners officers could appoint another member of the royalty here; plenty of half brothers, relatives at Oredloro, waiting for a good appointing place; certainly you will have little chance.- Honey said. I will try to reassert myself in charge! I dont want to work and then be rewarded with a humiliation! Ask for an appointment with whoever puts Governors in place.- Darude said. Of course, dear. Commencing.- Said she, smiling, while she radioed some messages to the Administration of Colonies at Oredloro. Darude waits, feeling has was risking several months of Governance with this devises; but perhaps it was the right thing to do. At least, there was his title of Chief of the Police, that could be that sticks! Honey ends up by finding Lord Alviano ,the Ministry of Colonies, had the duty to know everything pertaining to the new settlements and to appoint the governor; then she talked with Mr. Frascoli, in Rixiaberg, about the issue. Oh, I remember Mr. Darude! Nice fellow; and now the Governor substitute of Lubina! Congratulations.Mr. Frascoli said. But he is not nominated by the central government; I am learning now that the Ministry of Colonies Lord Alviano must endorse his title! And he is working several days, now, without any confirmation.- Honey explained. I see; well, nothing I could do, Lady! You must direct a pledge to Lord Alvianos office; explain the situation, and it would be very interesting to know about the former Governors health! Perhaps she is recovering, or perhaps she is dead!- Frascoli said, coughing.

I understand; I will do that. Thanks you, Sir.- Honey ends the conversation. She call to the Oredloro State Hospital, but lady Shurvana wasnt there; nor in the 30 other institutions; someone suggest she could be in a private clinic, and so Honey begin calling the 939 private clinic not only in Oredloro, but also in Rixiaberg and in Oxiborion; four hours later, she finds her name booked at a Clinic in Oredloro. I am the Secretary of the Governor Substitute; I want to know the health state of Lady Shurvana, please.She said to the man at the holographic visor. Lady Shurvana isnt too well, lady. Perhaps you could call their relatives, for a final meeting; she still retain her lucidity, but it will be not for long.- The nurse said. Very well; I know she has two daughters; Ill call them.- Honey said, ending the conversation, and calling the daughters by the holographic phone, as they were in the telephone list. Both ladies were very upset when learning their mother was very ill; and they demanded the place where she was being attended; not a word of thanks Honey could receive from them, so she understand those ladies werent amiable at all. Honey sent a letter to the Lord Alviano, stating the situation; and posted it as Urgent matter; Darude was told about the request, and he said: Well, Im in a landslide: else they confirm me in my post, or Ill be fired. Guess this is a matter of luck, only. Lord Alviano of Oredloro, Ministry of Colonies. At Oredloro, Lord Alviano receives the communication early at the next day; he was a practical man, and he uses all his energies in the morning, working at his office until noon; then he went to lunch at his home, and didnt return to the office until the next day; this he did for six days, and the seven he stays at home, or went to Oxiborion, to spent the day on a yacht he owns. When he learns Lady Shurvana was on a Clinic, he said to his first Secretary, Synthetic E-women: Please, call the Clinic and ask a complete report about Lady Shurvanas medical state; then inform me. Yes, Sir.- The Secretary said, and called immediately to the Clinic, stating Lord Alviano was needing the information; at the Clinic, they sent her all the exams and medicines the Lady was ministered, and then other considerations, among them, the opinion of the doctor in attendance. Lord Alviano heard what was to know about Lady Shurvana, and said: Cancer! That old infirmity of old! Perhaps one of the rare cases, nowadays! But also, the Lady is no young women any more! She was appointed by the Queen; guess I must inform her before appointing a new Governor in Lubina. Yes, Sir. As I read here, Mr. Darude was the Chamberlain of former Lady Shurvana, and she appoints him as Governor Substitute; perhaps the Queen will pay respect to Lady Shurvanas final act.- The Secretary said, with even voice. Yes, I see! Well, those considerations I will mention to the Queen; all in all, Lubina seems to be a small town too far from the civilization, and I guess it will remain like it is now. Pity; seems, also, the old megalopolis of Oredloro will be the only powerful city in all the Reign, together with busy Rixiaberg.Lord Alviano said, looking the hour: three hours yet to be at his post! There is a delegation from Oxiborion, Sir. They want some funds to buy a new ship- to study the flora and fauna of the Kingdoms borders.- The secretary said. Tell them to come in; perhaps I could obtain a place on that ship to get ride of peddlers!- Lord Alviano said, jokingly but with a straight face. He saw goes into his office a pair of old gentlemen, wearing lenses and with satchels. Good morning, gentlemen! Please be seated; my Secretary will serves you tea, or do you prefer something stronger?- Lord Alviano said, as it was his habit to offer his visitors with beverages and biscuits. Tea it will be all right for me, Sir! - One of them said. The other denied with a single movement of his naked head. Secretary, please serve tea to our guest! And biscuits and a cup of tea for me, please.- Lord Alviano ordered. Right away, Sir.- The Second Secretary said (the First was now on the anteroom). I am Larry, and this is my companion at the University, Mr. Moe ; we are deacons and we study Paleontology; not only related to animals, you know, but also to the flora as well.- The first of them presents himself and his companion; he was using a brown hairdo, with a strange cut around his upper bald head; Mr. Moe was dark hair, with the air cut around the middle of his head, and he said We are here to

ask for a suitable airship to be used on behalf of an expedition to the fringes of our kingdom; we are sponsored by the Queen herself. Lord Alviano knew not a word about it, and he blushed all over; he was supposed to be advised in advancehe summoned her Second Secretary (for the case, it was the same with any of his five Secretaries, as they were radio- connected) and said; I am hearing this fine gentlemen, members of a University, needs an airship, sponsored they are by her Majesty the Queen herself! Do you know something about it? He waits the three seconds the lady needs to connect with the government and their files, gossips and rumors; then she said: Yes, indeed is like they said, Sir. Pity they dont sent us any information, but now I can give you any detail you need. Very well, but later well step on that; I am sure I can deal with this gentlemen for now. Mr. Moe, perhaps you could tell me how big do you want your airship. Professor Moe blushed, and said: Well, I really dont know how to drive an airship; should be a medium sized one, with a cargo bay to house our specimens- we need to study them at the University, of course; and perhaps also a refrigerated chamber as well. Yes, the refrigeration chamber is a must.- Larry added, sipping on his tea. Lord Alviano looked at them with wide eyes ( a trick he had to frighten his visits) and then he said: A middle sized airship means a forty meters long fuselage. Well, perhaps a little less bulky could be fine.- Professor Moe said, scratching his head while eating a cookie. Yes, I think I have something better for you: twelve meters long, three deck vehicle; I have two of them; I could provide it with seven Synthetic male Assistants and a pilot. Of course, I will need your documentation, Sirs, all what is about your expedition and what do you expect of this expedition, and the duration of it. I am sure you have all of this?- Lord Alviano said, not willing to ask about the Queens motivation- women had their own way of thinking, and he was only the last step on the Royal ladder. Of course, here it is.- Professor Moe said, rummaging into his satchel; Professor Larry also did likewise, and soon the Lords desk was with a lot of papers on it. Oh, the old fashion way! Perhaps you hadnt heard of memory pills?- Lord Alviano said, looking outraged- certainly he was not prone to leaf on that mountain of papers! Oh, yes! But we havent any machine to produce a memory pill at our Section at the University.Professor Moe said, smiling candidly. I see; well, My Secretaries will work through it in a moment.- Lord Alviano said, signaling to the Second Secretary to take all those documents somewhere else to read. When could we have an answer, Sir? As we are anxious to depart! You see, we have only two months to make this trip- then the University will open doors to the next term, and we must be here to work on pupils head.- Professor Larry said, smiling. Work on pupils head? Curious remark, indeed! Fine, Ill leaf on your documents, and on the Queens authorization, mere bureaucracy, of course, and then Ill let you know- give me your emails, please.- Lord Alviano said, using the old term on this strange professors. Mine its Mr. Larry said. And mine its Mr. Moe .- Professor Moe said, sipping on the tea. Fine; Secretary, take note. Good day, Sirs.- Lord Alviano said, while Professor Larry takes a handful of cookies and stuffed them on his vest pocket. Good day to you, also.- Professor Moe said, bumping on Professor Larry, who then pushed him away. Once alone at the office, Lord Alviano sighed; those professors were really queer; but the University has a lot of strange personnel that makes him think too much study did strange things to the brains. Sir, we had read all the papers the Professors brought to you; they are going to study flora and fauna, take samples, and the utility of it all is plainly to be seen- if they succeed, they could produce lots of medicines, and about animals, they could find edible specimens not fully known by our cattle breeders. So they could be of use; point for our Queen. Ask now to the Royal House Administration if the Queen really signs these papers they brought, and if she accepts the expense of the expedition on her own revenues.- Lord Alviano said. Very well, Sir. - The Second Secretary said, and three seconds later, she replied: All sound and clear, Sir. The Queen has them in great esteem; the King Lugner accepted the cost of the expedition to be funded from his own revenues.

That its better! See if they can give you the money now, please.- Lord Alviano asked her. Yes, Sir. They can give the money now, if you want._ The Second Secretary said. Dot it. Dont waste a second.- Lord Alviano said, as he had known occasions in which the delay of one hour means the end of a project- the members of the Court has very temperamental behavior, specially when money was in between... Call the professor when the airship is ready, please.- Lord Alviano said to the Secretary. Calling to the Royal Hangar. Sir, they are telling me the aerial vehicles are being occupied by now. There are only four vehicles left; did you want to ask for a similar one to the chosen by the Professors?- The Secretary asked him. Yes, yes! I need to fulfill my reputation of being reliable! Especially now the Queen could know about the end result of her offer to those University Professors! Tell them to get one of those ready and that they call on you when they get the Synthetic personnel on board.- Lord Alviano said. Donned, Sir. They asked for money- to get the vehicle running, they need 340.000 Credits in advance. Secretary Number 2 said. What? They always asked the money after the service was rendered! Who is in charge of the Royal Hangar, any way?- Lord Alviano asked, thinking he could go there and talk with the manager... Prince Garach, Sir. Do you want to make an appointment with him?- The Second Secretary asked him. Er..., now lets examine the situation... we have the money, yes! Tell them Ill be depositing the money at their account- you take care of it, of course.- Lord Alviano said, while sensing his heart was beating fastno need to fight a Prince for this trifling matters! If he want the money before the service was rendered, the money must be given to him! He went out of the office, and look how the Synthetic personnel were busy working at the second office; this was occupied with several bureaucratic obligations, and the main one was to send goods to the colonies. The Lord sighed, and went out of the building, where a Synthetic Assistant was already waiting at the feet of a Flyer machine painted in dull gray. Home, AB99.- Lord Alviano said, seating inside the vehicle. Yes, Sir. Nice afternoon, dont you think? - The Synthetic Assistant said, closing the door; the in-built driver said: Temperature is at 20 Degrees C, Sir. Do you want a little less? No, 20 its fine; my aging bones love warm climate.- Lord Alviano said, chuckling. He was feeling elated, knowing things were going smoothly at his office... Is Prince Garach calling, Sir. - His Secretary #2 said. Answering.- Automatically the lips of Lord Alviano responded. AB4903 speaking. Prince Garach wants to speak with you, Lord Alviano.- A voice said. All right, Im at a Flyer, but its no matter. Im available.- Lord Alviano grunted- a silence ensued, and then the known voice of Prince Garach resounds on the cabin: Prince Garach here; hope Im not intruding, Lord Alviano. Of course not, Prince Garach: you will never intrude in any way. And it is good to hear you.- Lord Alviano said, with a lower but demanding tone- he was not to kneel before a young man who five years earlier was playing with toys. Thanks, likewise. Im sponsoring a trip for some Professors at the Dumont University of Oredloro; did you hear about it?- Prince Garach asked. Yes, Your Majesty (?); I had appointed a good vehicle for their trip, and for tomorrow they are going to deliver the vehicle to them. Is something more I must know, Sir?- Lord Alviano asked. No, just asking, Lord Alviano. I want them to be well treated; put some more food on that vehicle, I would detest knowing my teachers at the University were hungry on their journey of discovery.- Chuckled the Prince. Oh, I understand! Next term they are going to be teaching you at the University!- Lord Alviano said, emitting a small laugh. Yes, I see you are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel! I need good qualifications! My future scientific career depends on that.- Prince Garach said. I will stuff the vehicle with delicatessen, Sir.- Lord Alviano promised him. Fine, Lord Alviano! Have a good evening, bye!- Prince Garach ends his conversation. Thanks you, Sir!- Lord Alviano said, thinking about how fortunate was to put his mind to this case- or else, the laughs would have not existed between him and the Prince Garach...

Ride to the Royal Hangar, please.- Lord Alviano said, seconds later- no need to be at home, thinking how he should be elsewhere- he better revise the situation by himself. The Flyer gives a U-turn in the sky, and speeded to the Hangar, situated 3 kilometers to the north and out of the city limits- soon the bulk of it was visible, and the in-built driver was asked what was his motivation to be nearing it; the driver replied he was carrying Lord Alviano on a Princely matter, and show the inquirer pieces of information: a short video of Lord Alviano puffing inside the cabin, his Secretary #1, five seconds of Prince Garach talking with him. All of this takes ten seconds. Acknowledged! You can descend and park at Pole 93. A pair of guides will be waiting for Lord Alviano.The sentinel said, while he was also giving the orders for it; a call for the Administrator was also sent; Sir Vasquin was looking some new aircraft models when called, and so he leave the holographic machine to attend the newcomer; he arrives to Pole 93 just before the landing. Welcome, Lord Alviano. I heard you were coming.- He told the gentleman, with a small bow- the big ones were for the Royal Family. Thanks you, Administrator Vasquin! Fine to see you in good spirits! I come here to see for myself an aircraft some Professors from the University required- they are sponsored by the Queen, and recently I was called by Prince Garach; they are his teachers.- Lord Alviano said, in a booming voice. Oh, I see! Prince Garach knows that ensuing events confirmed the prediction: always help whoever could help you in the future!- Administrator Sir Vasquis said, chuckling. Could you show me the airplane, Sir Vasquis? I want to see personally the vehicle; also, I will send provisions food for the professors during their trip. How many people are going to man this vehicle?Lord Alviano asked. Four, Lord Alviano. Skillful people, of course- Synthetics class AB1, old but reliable machines.- Sir Vasquis explained, while they were walking inside the huge hangar; inside there were 309 vehicles, some of them of cyclopean sizes, with guns protruding from aft to pope. The vehicle was not an aerial ship only; it was a small spaceship, with a bulk on front; an elevator raises them from the ground to the hulk, with a grinding noise. Sir Vasquis explained: Dont pay attention to this grinding noise, Lord Alviano; its well greased, but the machine works like this. I understand. A very fancy mechanism this is. I thought it was an airplane.- Lord Alviano grunted out. Oh, the airplanes arent available by now, Im afraid! They are using them in the fields- only five of them is all we get.- Sir Vasquis explained. I see.- Lord Alviano said, thinking the kingdom wasnt having enough of them. The upper part was painted black, with small round lamps along the corridor; in front, three decks provided the principal disposition of space; on top, the driving hall, then at the second level the communication center, the passengers cabins and robotic appliances were disposed; the third deck was for storage of goods or whatever the situation requires; the rest of the spaceship were engines, thrusters, power units, deflector machines, radar appliances, and four pods to hibernate Naturals on long term trips. Oh, I see this machine could travel far on the space! I wonder if these pods were used in the past.- Lord Alviano said. I lament I cannot inform you about it, Lord Alviano; sensible information is required here.- Sir Vasquis said, remembering the four trips to Risen, carrying King Lugner and a small garrison. Consequential to the response, Lord Alviano grunts something unintelligible, dismissing the point. He had seen enough, so he said: Ill call the professors right away; I think they are going to be here tomorrow at noon. Something else they could need? Only his presence, Lord Alviano; I am well aware this trip is very well sponsored.- Sir Vasquin said, while smiling broadly. Yes, it is well sponsored. Good by, Sir Alvin, and thanks for your hospitality.- Lord Alviano said, retiring from the spaceship. Soon he was on board of the Flyer, saying: Secretary: call the professors; tell them to be ready for tomorrow morning. I am sending the email, Sir.- The Second Secretary said, while Lord Alviano yawned; soon he was at his home; Lady Eighfor was at her boudoir, and stands up to receive him with a kiss. Good evening, dear; you look tired- too much work, today? No, the usual work; but I was looking something myself on the Royal Hangar that delays me to our tea hour.- Lord Alviano said, taking her by the elbows.

Oh, my dear! - She said, commiserating his husband. Dont pity me! Its my job, and I love to perform my duties.- Lord Alviano stated, walking out of the room; she smiled, and following him, she said: Perhaps we should postpone our visit to the Concert. Lord Alviano was forgetting that appointment, but when remembered of it, he gets elated, and said: I cannot loose the opportunity of to be seen by the royal family! I was talking today with Prince Garach; hope he will attend, too. Lady Eighfor smiled, and said; I really doubt it, dear! Its a classic performance- nothing to appeal for a young man as the Prince! And what did he wants of you? Oh, it was only a spaceship.- Lord Alviano said, trying to raise her admiration for his high position on the government... I wonder where he will go this time.- Lady Eighfor said, well aware the Prince was on vacations. He has leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure as most people have, but I have no idea where or what he is intending to do.- Lord Alviano said, moving his head a little. Well, go to dress, if you want to arrive in time.- Lady Eighfor asked of him, with tender tones; she saw how his husband went up the stairs, and smiled; he was obedient to her commands. Lord Alviano takes a dry shower, and put on a fresh suit; he sprinkled some male perfume unto his head, and went outside; a servant was waiting near his door, saying: Lady Eighfor is waiting for you at the platform, Sir. Right.- Lord Alviano said, walking out of the house; at a side, a circular patch of concrete serves as a landing place for Flyers; this was an official Flyer, as he was entitled to use one when going or coming from official ceremonies; and this one was official, no matter it was apparently the attendance to a concert; in the private balconies, they often discussed administrative cases without the Media sniffing around. We are sharing a place with Oxigarbio and his wife; perhaps some more people- so please dont get mad at them.- Lady Eighfor asked of him- she had waited to be already there, not to permit him say no to the invitation. Ill endure the ordeal as a soldier.- Lord Alviano said, squaring his shoulders. But when he arrives to the balcony of the theater, he smiled gently; more than eight young females were there with their parents; an Assistant shows him a pair of seats, with a privileged view of the scenario. Good evening, Lord Alviano! Good to see you could come!- Count Oxigarbio said, pressing his forearm; he was fat and well dressed, with a chain and a medal of honor; he was in charge of the Acquisition Department of Defense; somebody said he was obtaining huge percentages every time the Kingdom of Knapp bought a freighter or a battleship- but evil rumors always abound near important people. Oh, I come here most of all because of my wife! She loves music.- Lord Alviano said, not wishing to be taken for an idler. Oh, pardon me! I will salute her and then we talk some more!- Count Oxigarbio almost yelled, and approaching Lady Eighfor, he bowed and kissed her hand. Thanks to be here with us, old frogs! Your beauty will excuse our presence on this balcony!- Count Oxigarbio said to her; she smiled, and said: But you are no ordinary toads! You are magnificent in that green suit you are wearing! And your wife is as beautiful as ever!And the ladies pressed her arms in the Oredloro salute; then it was the turn of the elders to present the younger people present, so the salutations and bowings kept for almost ten minutes; then they seat- the elders, to chat- also present was Sir Vasquis, who said: The vessel is ready, Lord Alviano! The crew its in place. Good.- Lord Alviano said, producing a half smile. You are departing to some expedition or in vacation?- Count Oxigarbio asked him. No, its an official mission; a scientific expedition of two or three weeks span- nothing too special about it.- Lord Alviano explained, in hushed voice. Now, that is a good thing! Because there are some other expeditions going- dont you know about it?Count Oxigarbio said, while Sir Vasquis recoiled somewhat. No idea, Count.- Lord Alviano said, lightning a cigar. I will tell you- if you have no problems with that, Sir Vasquis!- Oxigarbio said to the aforementioned person. No, of course not! Lord Alviano is a member of the nobility, and I am sure he keeps the secrets for himself.- Sir Vasquis said- he was well aware of expeditions, as he was the man in charge of the deliverance of ships.

Of course! He is of high rank and noble birth; with patrician dignity; also has antiquity of family; distinction by rank. Well, enough of it! I say: four aerial vehicles are going to the other continent.- Count Oxigarbio said. Oh! That was why there were no aerial vehicles for my operation!- Lord Alviano said- he liked to put some more mystery unto his almost ordinary occupation. Yes! They went to the Zvei continent- fully armed. There are some queer things at Dryden, our sole colony there. The people are afraid- someone is stealing the pigs and cattle they had in there- someone said there is also human kidnappings!- Count Oxigarbio said. Thats very grave! I assume they are of the military?- Lord Alviano said. They are, but in disguise! As you know, the Tovailed country, to the East of that continent, signed a treaty with our king not to sent there the Army, or the truce will be broken. So this people is going there as new settlers - A company of people transplanted from their mother country to that remote province and remaining subject to the jurisdiction of the parent state; the King Lugner.- Count Oxigarbio said. Yes, that figures. Pity this things are happening; perhaps the same Tovaileds are doing this kind of thing? Kidnapping?- Sir Vasquis asked. Could it be? So this new garrison in disguise will help the Police Station we had there- almost 300 Naturals armed to the teeth! And with nice weapons, too! If they want us to retire from there, they will find a serious resistance.- Count Oxigarbio said. The music begin at a side of the scenario, more than fifty musicians were performing; after some quarter of hour, the play begin- dancers begin to play their parts, and the audience stop making too much noise, and enjoyed the show. Count Oxigarbio looked at the female dancers with delight, using a pair of lenses; other people looked at each other from balcony to balcony, using similar appliances; young people laughed and made friends using small communicators, and the place was full of excited activity; at the royal balcony, King Lugner and the Queen were also attending the play, in full regalia. In some moment of the play, the Queen looked at their balcony, and made a small bow in their direction; the whole plateau of people bowed in her direction; then they all smiled, as they were happy to be recognized. See? And you sometimes didnt come to see plays or listen to some music show! This is a social event, dear.- Lady Eighfor said, asserting his role of matron- as every woman, be it of Knapp or elsewhere- they dont loose a opportunity to reaffirm themselves as the clever side of the couple. Lord Alviano didnt comment her words, but he was certain that if commit a bluff or a error in his work, certainly this civilian gestures will not prevent him to fall in disgrace- bowing and smiles were only civilian gestures meaning very little in his career. After the event, it was a habit to stay on the main hall commenting the play for some minutes; there they also could talk about other matters, and say a few words to the members of the royalty- an impassable and unthinkable act for the common people. Lord Alviano saw his Majesty the King at three steps from his position on a group of functionaries; he looked at them, fixing his glance in each but for a fleeting moment, and said: Certainly it was a good play! They all approved his words, as if those were some kind of a oracle, and then he was gone. The Queen was traversing the groups by the other side of the hall, so Lord Alviano could not salute her. They went home elated and talking about not the play, but about the people that attended the Theatre; and that was a routine for them. At the next day, Lord Alviano heard his First Secretary, at his office, reading the daily Agenda; among other items, the mention of Lubina town. Lord Alviano said: When did Lady Shurvana abandoned that town, to be treated of her illness? Three weeks and four days, Sir. I asked about her health, and she is rather ill. No recover until the moment; possibly she will die in that Hospital.- The First Secretary said. So the title is vacant; that man, whos his name?Darude Bean, Sir. Yes, Darude Bean. He is now the Governor Substitute- not named by our government, but for Lady Shurvana herself- kind of irregular situation, of course.- Lord Alviano said. Yes, he formerly was a colonist, then a farmer, and then the Chamberlain of Lady Shurvana; all a career he is making there, if you permit me to say so.- The First Secretary said. Well, we are going to ask our King about this; I cannot nominate anyone for my own; remember it was the Queen who promoted Lady Shurvana to that post.- He said.

Yes, and if you call on her? I see it fits.- The First Secretary proposed. I accept that proposition, of course! Send a message to the Queen, explaining the entire situation, and where is Lady Shurvana now, with details. And ask her, in my name, to appoint the next Governor- be it that man over there, or a new person.- Lord Alviano said. Doing it, Sir. - The Secretary said, communicating with the Secretary of the Queen; that was a male by name AB935. Two days later, the Queen responded through the same channel: That she was very sorry to hear Lady Shurvana was ill, and also that she were not appointing any other person as the Governor until Lady Shurvana gets well or else. Because she will respect the decision of the Lady, who was her closest friend, when they were young. End of the question, then! Call that man, and told him to do his work in a good form; that he is confirmed as the Governor until further notice, and stop asking for promotions of any kind. _ Lord Alviano said, sighing; that was a kind of solution to that pending matter.

The Governor Substitute of Lubina, Mr. Darude Bean The Secretary called on Honey, who then told Darude about the good news. Dear love! You are promoted to Governor until further notice, Lord Alviano said!- Honey told him. Darudes face beamed up, and he danced around her, saying; This is the happiest day in my life! At last I could say Im in my way to be noticed! Yes, darling, you are the Governor of Lubina now! Ill call everyone, stating the fact.- Honey said, and he did it in scant seconds; soon delegations arrived to Darudes office, to present him their felicitations. Little did he knew it was all because Lady Shurvana was struggling not to die, in a Hospital room, with scant visits and in a gloomy atmosphere... That night, Darude went with his Fiance to dine at a small Restaurant in town, where they talked. And me, thinking Lord Alviano forgets about my case!- Darude said, while sipping his soup. I did work for you, dear! I called every hour to his Secretary, until it works.- Honey said. I wonder how many times this situation wreck the nerves of people asking for a post in the government! I was a total wreck myself!- Darude said, drinking some more wine. Patience its the word, dear! This nomination is very important for you; but you must see it in context! Oredloro and Rixiaberg are megalopolis; this Lubina town its no more than a small town.- Honey said. Yes, darling. When you depart- or they are going to fetch you to the Laboratory?- Darude asked her. No, dear! We must wait for the miners to collect more copper! Then I think everyone could be carried to the Knappian Automaton Organization! Guess we could visit the mines tomorrow.- Honey said. Of course! Oh, wish I had more time, to explore the forest! So many beautiful beasts lurking around there!- Darude said, while he caressed her hand. Dear! You find more delight being a Governor!- Honey said, as she had him psychoanalyzed from day One. Darude accented with his head; he felt the king of the hill there, with everyone peeking on him, the most important man in town! Later, they return to their home, and Darude slept soundly until the morning; then Honey said: I called to the mine, dear. There are 800 tons of copper to sell; I called on the clients; they are eager for that mineral. They are going to the Mining field in the afternoon. Good! Then we are going there before noon; perhaps you could fix a little luncheon box for me?- He said, smiling. A big luncheon box is what I will prepare!- She said, giggling. Before noon, they climb on a truck, and Honey drive to the mines at top speed; it was a good 200 kilometers away, in a bad track. A LASER rifle was at the cabin, just in case some predator felt the need to chase the truck in passing. I felt a disagreeable sensation, darling.- Darude said, looking at the hills to the right. Dont be afraid, dear! Im here to protect you.- Honey said, as she knew Naturals were prone to be afraid; not for nothing they were the prey in ancient times.

At last, they arrive to the last portion the track was capable of to climb; from then on, they were going to walk by the hillside; more than half an hour, as the mines werent too far off. From the distance, Darude could see the gleaming copper in a heap; a Synthetic was piling more on top. Fine it is! We have something more to sell!- Darude said. Honey called the Knapping Automaton Organization ant that same day she departed with all the Synthetics, saying: I will come back bettered, dear! You just stay calm; it will take only nine days for the whole operation.And they kissed good bye; the huge Miners went up the ramp, saying: Farewell, Governor! With their hoarse voices- something Darude felt dramatic; the airship from the Knappian Automaton Organization fly swiftly away, while the Natural climbs the truck and drive to Lubina town full of apprehensions about the whole operation. He sensed he could have lost the Synthetics in some obscure way. Sir! We are here to help you! We heard that you sent the E-persons to be repaired.- Sergeant Major Fatualer said, at the entrance of the building. Yes, it was meant to do several weeks earlier, but the needs obliged me to postpone it until now.- Darude said. As you are without Assistants, and we are many, I hope you could use us instead. We are willing to serve.Fatualer said. Right; we are here to build a civilization, and up until now, we are just in the middle of it. How many trespassers of the Law have you in jail?- Darude asked. Seven, Sir. All of them are males. Their bad behavior was evident; pity theres no Judge in here, but I had been reading Law Codes and at least they had trespassed two or three articles each one of them.- Sergeant Major Fatualer said. You had too may responsibilities here, to be also being judging people, guess you cannot be Judge and Jury! We must find someone with studies in jurisprudence, to appoint him as Chief Administrative Officerthat entitled to be a Judge.- Darude said. You could be the Judge.- Sergeant Major said. No, I dont think I could! Ill talk with some of the elders in town; by the meantime, your prisoners must remain in jail, until a fair trail is accomplished. I have other preoccupations; also, I am thinking you could be the Chief of Police.- Darude said. But you are the Chief of Police and Miss Honey the second in command!- Fatualer said. I know; but I can change things around here; Im the Governor! Until the king wants, of course. And so, You are the new Chief of police.- Darude smiled. Thanks, Sir.- Fatualer was surprised of this nomination. Certainly, you are going to have your wages increased, when my staff returns. - Darude said. Darude went to his rooms, and slept the rest of the day, while the new Chief of Police was giving the people the news; he was exultant with joy, as the Governor has recognized his value, at last. At the next day, Darude missed the small commodities a e-woman is capable to give; he takes a shower, dressed and went down, to see the policemen at the Station; the new Chief of Police Fatualer was there, giving orders and in great spirits; Darude said: Good morning; I see there are lot of work around here. Yes, Governor: we are patrolling the town and finding people idling on the corners; we are telling them work must be first option now we are so few.- Fatualer said. Good, keep on with the good work! - Darude said, and descended to the street; scant people indeed could be seen, as with a populace of 1230 persons he cannot ask for throngs walking along- half of them in the fields. He went to see the stationing, where four trucks and two cars were parked; there werent Synthetics taking care of them, as they had all went to be repaired; he opened the gate and take a truck for a ride; he takes the north road- and after a while, he decided he could visit the deserted mine- it takes three hours to arrive there, and the place was utterly deserted; not a single bar of copper left (all was sold) and the machines were covered with dusty tarpaulins, waiting for the return of the Miners. With night vision goggles, he walked by the dusty corridors, funnels and tunnels, seeing strange crystal formations and steeply sectors, where tools were abandoned. The walls were of pure rocks, and beams were supporting the ceiling, at the weaker places; the air was stale, and water drips in corners; the lower he went, the warmer it became. Cables were connecting machines and lamps at the working places.

As a trophy of his visit, he carried several encrusted crystals with him at his return to the surface; where he protected his eyes from the glare, after being using them in the darkness. When he could see things better, he noticed movement beyond the truck. A figure was there. A Poekilopleuron, tetanuran theropod dinosaur, pertaining to the clade Megalosauroidea. It measured thirty feet (nine meters) long and one ton (one tonne) in mass. Poekilopleuron most distinctive feature is its forelimbs. Their length is a sign of this theropods primitive nature. Unlike other theropods, whose forelimbs tended toward reduction in length in proportion to the animals size, Poekilopleuron is long and, by implication, potent. The antebrachia (forearms) is markedly short and robust, a characteristic shared with Poekilopleuron slighter later and considerably larger Darude stayed there immobile, as he remembered this kind of animals didnt notice another species if staying without motion; but it was clear that the creature was looking straight into him, from a distance of twenty six meters. 17554 Darude recoiled- the Poekilopleuron attacked, running in its two legs at a great velocity- Darude mumped inside the tunnel, and kept running, while retaining a glimpse of the truck being bumped aside by the big body of the animal. The Poekilopleuron get stuck at the first level- no way to turn his body around that first corner; his fierce determination didnt end so easily- she moves her hips side to side, while moving the hind legs in a frenzy manner; the nozzle bumped against the beams. Darude was thirty meters beyond that corner, waiting to see what happened- until he heard a horrible crash and dust went his way; the ceiling had 17555 Collapsed unto the beast! I am entombed alive and in solitude!- He mumbled, guessing he cant live with Synthetic Assistants helping him at every step of the way! But the Poekilopleuron was far from render her life without give a big fight back, so he scurried out bellowing and kicking rocks around until it was out of the tunnel; then the dinosaur leaves the premises, with a lesson how not to get his big nose inside a tunnel. The job for Darude was bigger- rocks were there, almost to the ceiling, and his goggles get broken before he was out- several moments of suppressed terror were endured by the Governor Substitute; he was feeling he was going to remind there, searching for the entrance until his last breath. And things didnt happen like that, and he could get out after four hours of honest work; bruised, bleeding and alive. The night had an icy wind blowing over the upturned truck; Darude was sure he could use the radio, but all he could find of it was plastic powder and debris; half of the cabin was smashed beyond repair. 17556 While he was seated inside the half cabin, with the wheels of the truck upside down, he sensed movements outside; figures appeared between him and the mountain- slender and silent, with occasionally rumors of pebbles being displaced by armored feet. Darude was sweating in fright; he was waiting the animals went away, but the creatures grunted and occasionally run in any direction, perhaps chasing smaller beings Darude couldnt spot; this keeps on until dawn. Then, they went wherever they hide during daytime; Darude slept for two hours beginning at dawn, awaking refreshed and more confident in the future. 17557 He rummaged inside the truck; the LASER rifle, who was left inside the cabin, was nowhere in sight. He did find a bag, where he put some biscuits, a wrench, a new pair of night vision goggles, and an all- weather overcoat- pity, there was no hat, so when he start to walk, rain pour water inside his collar and down his chest.

He walked by the damp road, a mere track on the field, on route to Lubina town, 200 kilometers away. He was sure somebody will miss his presence and begin searching for him- perhaps in due time, they could begin searching in his direction. He repented to have gone so far without letting a note or having told someone about his pointless trip. At his right the forest appears at a distance of two hundred meters- rocks and small bush was there before the green wall; to his left, the mountain ridge, rugged surfaces now being bathed by the downpour, with their tops invisible now by the clouds. The sensation of loneliness was broke when he noticed figures running opposite him, by the road; he didnt think too much, and he run to the forest as fast as he could; he climb a tree just in time not to be eaten by a pack of Velociraptors, that snorted at the feet of the tree trunk; soon they departed, as silent as phantoms. He descended, twenty minutes later, and walked now by the forest, trying not to loose sight of the mountains. 17558 There were sounds coming from the deep forest; big noises he heard, some of them capable of to chill the bones, but their emitters were dozens of meters away. At midday he eats some of the crumbs and bits he had on his bag; he was looking at the road, when he see a pair of Therizinosaurs trotting along. With their beady eyes in the alert. He crouched to the ground, and sensed the tremor on the earth, produced by the trotting of those beasts. Therizinosaurs had a very distinctive, often confusing set of characteristics. Their long necks, wide torsos, and hind feet with four toes used in walking resembled prosauropod dinosaurs. Their unique hip bones, which pointed backwards and are partially fused together, initially reminded paleontologists of the birdhipped ornithischians. Their claws and hands, however, are most like the carnivorous theropods. When they were out of sight and the tremor in the earth was not noticeable any more, Darude realize he was learning to live in fear. He walked the rest of the day, and at dusk he climb to a big tree, and tried to sleep on the upper branches. The wood was slippery with rain, so he attached himself to the tree using his belt, tied to his ankle. That night he sensed a lot more cold, and his body shivers without control. At dawn, he descended and he had nothing to eat until noon; he search for food, finding small fruits with a sour taste; he noticed he could walk faster than at the beginning of his trek, and soon he was able to trot over the wet patches of grass. At dusk, he was on a stretch of flat terrain, full of pebbles; the forest was almost a kilometer to the West- he keep on walking almost to the moment he was totally exhausted. Then he search for a hole in the ground- he find not a hole but a depression 17559 On the terrain, and there he stay for the night- there was no rain and there was not the bitter cold he suffers while perching on the trees. Certainly, the danger was greater on the ground, but he assumed predators were busy searching for herbivores a the woods, and not in this arid terrain. He slept but was awaked two hours later, when he heard a beast approaching. Soon a big bulk was discernible through his night vision goggles: an old Hylaeosaurus about 7.62 meters (7.6 m) long, or about half the size of the other two original dinosaurs, the Iguanodon and the Megalosaurus. It is a fairly typical nodosaur, with three long spines on its shoulder, two at the hips, and three rows of armor running down its back. It has a row of plates down its tail. It has a long head, more like the head of a Nodosaurus than an Ankylosaurus, and a beak, used to crop low-lying vegetation. And it was an herbivorous animal, but Darude takes no risks, and walked silently away- the reaction of dinosaurs was almost the same every time: ram against small creatures, and escape from bigger ones. And there on the woods, he was one of the midgets in stock. Suddenly, he saw lights on the distance- soon the rumor of wheels make him stand on the ground with wide eyes; then he towards the vehicle, that was coming fast. He stands on the road, until the vehicle stops ten meters in front of him, and some people descended. Governor! I knew something bad was happening to you! It was Fatualer, the Chief of Police, taking him by the arm. What a surprise!- Darude said, smiling.

Governor! You are all wet! Come inside the cabin! Its warmer inside.- The other man said, and Darude recognized him as Nineton, now the Sergeant Major of the police. He went inside the cabin of the truck, and they give him some dry clothes, and while he changes, the Chief of Police said: Promise us you wont go out of town without first gives us notice! Yes, it was stupid of me, to depart without saying where I went! Hopefully, I had another chance to do it.Darude said. And what happened with your vehicle, Governor?- Nineton asked him, while he turns the truck to return to Lubina. Darude talk while Nineton drives, the Chief of Police listened and grunted- he just cannot understand Darudes motivations, but respects his title and didnt made a critic against him at all. Darude gets asleep and both Policemen kept themselves in silence, not to disturb his sleep. They arrive at dawn, and Darude saluted the astonished Guard at Lubina Station, and went to sleep to his room at the third floor. After the adventure, Darude didnt go out of town for several days; he attended petitions at the morning and visited places inside Lubina in the afternoons. He mainly was expecting for the Synthetics. Days passed slowly for him, and at last the Aerial Ship from the Knappian Automaton Organization arrives and Honey descended with other Synthetics by the ramp. Honey!- He said, embracing her; she smelled good. He search for her eyes; there were there, same as he remembered, big and humid, with a glint of glass in them; her mouth tasted of fresh mint, and he knew it was all O.K. again with her. A member of the Knappian Automaton Organization approaches him, saying: Good evening, Mr. Darude; I am Picardo, the Supervisor. I brought here your E-people, repaired and as sound as new; they had batteries to last almost 200 years in the future; we replace them their software for new one; the new chips are in place; youll notice better performance in every field of use. The man was a Natural, bald and with a smile on his face. Thanks you very much; let me see the others.- Darude said, and the Synthetics from the mine and others stand in line, for him to see; Darude notices they were without a scratch; the limbs broken were replaced; fingers were with their nails intact and in place; even the clothes were new, and of the best quality. Some bags were at the side of each one, and he asked: What are those? Are there some new clothes? Mr. Picardo replied: Spare parts, purifiers, and yes, some clothes- capable of to stop a bullet without ulterior injuries. A plus we are giving together to our best clients. Thanks for your consideration; the bigger ones- are inside the ship? Darude asked him. Yes, they are, Sir. The Contract says we must deliver all of them to some mines you have 200 kilometers north of this town; we are going to comply with it.- Mr. Picardo said. Of course; they are heavier than the vehicles I have- the first time we get them to the mines, was on foot.Darude explained. Very well, Sir. Now Im departing; have a good evening.- Mr. Picardo said, returning to the airship. Dear, I asked him to leave here half of the Synthetics; surely we will need them here for a week, at least.Honey said, thinking the Naturals didnt worry too much for the garbage, cleansing of streets, and other minor works the town needs to be clean and in working order. Yes, its fine with me.- Darude said, looking at her; he didnt remembered too well how nice she looks; certainly she looks better now; some more gait, some more freshness in her appearance that was good to notice. The big airship deploys and went quickly to the north, disappearing in the distance. - Seems to me that they have a new model, indeed.- Darude said to Honey. Yes, dear; it is brand new; made in the Solar System.- Said she, smiling. What, they didnt build airships in Oredloro anymore?- He asked. The new manager is an Earthman. He is importing everything from his planet.- Honey explained him. Yes, that is for sure. If they import everything from Earth and the planets of the Federation of Planets, surely in 20 years more, the Knappian industry will be wiped out.- Darude said. Yes, my dear. Permit me to direct this group of E-people, in order to make our town a better place.- Honey asked her. All right, darling, go ahead; Ill be waiting at our chamber.- Darude said, kissing her. Yes, do it.- Said she, smiling gently, and at his hear, she asked: Do you miss me, darling? Certainly I did.- He replied, looking at her with desire.

17563 Honey enters the bedroom at 23.03 hours, saying: Dear, we have some visitors. He awoke and rising on his elbow, he said: What, the ones from the K.A.O. are back? Others. Some professors from Oredloro. They said Lord Alviano provides them with a vessel, and they stopped here, on route to the north.- Honey informs him. And must I dress myself and went to say hello?- Darude asked her. Only if you want, dear. They are waiting at the Police Station, downstairs.- Honey indicated. No, of course I wont go! Tell them Ill attend them tomorrow.- Darude said, in bad temper. Very well, dear.- She said, seating at the border of the bed. Arent you going to tell them? I need you at my side, soon!- He commanded, almost loosing his temper. I sent the message downstairs, dear!- She explained. Oh, thats very good! Im tired of waiting for you. First you and those Synthetics, and now the Professors!- Darude said, while she soothed him with a tender look, and then she replied: But I am working for you, dear! 17564 Darude sighed, remembering she was at the K.A.O., where more than a file could have been missed, and said: All right, darling, but now listen to me: orders. First order to you its I am there sole owner of you: you must stay at all times at my side; you have no other work but to take care of me. If someone gives you and order, you ask me first if that order could be fulfilled, and Ill tell you yes, no or hot to comply. Then, if you dont find me, wherever the reason, you dont obey. Understood? Yes, dear.- She said, smiling. Who is your Administrator?- He asked. K.A.O.- Honey said. Well change that- or there is some information I didnt know? If you change the Administration procedures, the new software will not be discharged unto my system and after some time, Ill be not up to date as it should be.- Honey explained. So they had you plugged to their Central of Information and download Center?- Darude asked. Yes, dear. Every time some improvement its devised and the implementation is available, Ill receive it right away.- Honey said. Your conversations, my image, are being uploaded to the K.A.O.?_ Darude asked, suspicious. No, dear. Only on matters of software and if Im failing in some routines a packet will be sent, for the study and development of a solution.- Honey explained. I get it. Well, keep on as you are now; only dont perform tasks I dont approve or command. Understood?- Darude asked her. Understood, dear. Your orders are accepted.- Honey replied. Now get into the bed! Its late.- Darude said, and he observed how she undressed- she enters the bed, and lie besides him. Darude sighed: the technicians erased more info- that was for sure- so he said: Guess you forgot everything about us! Why are you lying like that? She smiled and adopted other position in bed, saying: this position is better for you? Darude refrains himself to utter a bad word, and said: you and I are supposedly lovers. I know, dear. I love you.- Honey said, caressing his face with her left hand. We are a couple. You must feign interest in me- passion, desire, and you must want to be possessed by me!- Darude explains their relation with a hoarse voice. Honey takes her head with both hands, saying: Kiss me with passion, desire and I want you the most! Holy cow!- Darude said, embracing her- he was sure going to teach her everything again! At dawn, he awoke under the impression that something was wrong. The lit the night lamp: Honey wasnt at the bed. He saw light on the bathroom, and so he tiptoed there. Honey was standing in front of the mirror, murmuring something. He approaches a little more, and he heard bits of her mumbling: He suspects of you NO, I dont he orders me to make love, yes, it will be nice to receive a new erotic software, to implement it and so satisfy him in a better way. No, I havent seen her Bank Account, yet Yes. Receiving Erotic Software 3.0

Darude almost couldnt believe his hears: they had sent him a robot spy! And he was so nave he believes Honey, the real Honey, was back without a Virus! Darude went downstairs in pajamas; there were two policemen on duty, but none was the Chief, so he asked for him. I want Fatualer right away! Its urgent.- Darude said, commanding. He was not sure what course of action he was going to take, but of one thing he was pretty sure: the new software Honey acquires was tampered by the K.A.O. Fatualer, the Chief of Police, arrives twenty five minutes later; he apologizes by saying: Sorry by the delay, Governor! I wasnt at my home, so they search for me and that takes some extra time. All right, never mind that! I have a big problem now.- Darude said. Tell me! Ill try to fix it. - Fatualer said, eagerly. All my Synthetic personnel seem to be tampered with spy programs by that Knappian Automaton Organization (K.A.O.) and I surprised Honey speaking by her radio to someone outside this premises! Guess they are monitoring my actions! Also 17567 There were suggestions about my Credit Card account.- Darude said. This is a very serious situation, Governor! And you must act immediately: take that spy away from you!Fatualer recommended. Yes, that is a fine course of action. But I guess I must act legally against those people- a lawyer could extract millions out of them! Spying is not legal.- Darude expounded angrily. You should call the Police at Oredloro; explain things and starting by there begin knowing what more can you do.- Nineton, who was the Sergeant Major, said. Fatualer added: If the Synthetics grasp the notion that you know, they could rebel themselves. The best thing you could do, Sir, its to send them all to the mines! Let them work there, under somebodys supervision: who knows what they are capable to do now they are changed.- Nineton said. Darude finds that conclusion the best of all- pity for himself- the not use of Honey as his fiance was the most painfully of all. Very well, chief! Prepare a truck; take any Synthetic you see around town and send them to the mining fields- and several policemen will be used at that facility as men in charge.- Darude ordered. Fatualer chuckled and said: Governor: now you realize we Naturals are the most reliable. 17568 Darude didnt return to his bedroom, but stayed at a desk on the Police Station. At nine hours, a truck with all the Synthetic recently arrived from the K.A.O. was inside and waiting. So it is good bye, Honey. My orders now are that you work at the Mining fields until I say so. I already give an order not to let you work in hazardous or heavy duties, but at an easy one, or none.- Darude said, while standing near the truck. She sobbed and cringed to him, saying: But five hours ago your orders were different! Why are you sending me away? What I have done? Its not your fault, dear. Soon as I resolve some intriguing problems Ill call you back.- Darude said, seeing in that face a very dearest image. I will rely on your words! Good bye, dear.- Honey said, and mounting on the truck, waited for the departure, among the rest of the Synthetics. Fatualer gets close to Darude, saying: I am relying on the Sergeant major, Mr. Governor. Hell be the Manager at the mines; five other policemen goes with him, as his Assistants at the Police Station there. Very well, tell them to depart! This situation is very painful for me.- Darude explained. It will pass, Governor. Sorry about it.- Fatualer said. Later, the truck departed while Darude remains standing on the street, seeing the vehicle dwindled in the distance. 17569 Governor!- Someone shouted at his back; he turns around, facing three small men in fatigue dresses of a kaki color; they used helmets made of cork and they seem to be happy.

Yes, Sirs? Are you from the recently grounded airship?- Darude said, remembering how Honey wished him to attend them in the middle of the night. We are on an expeditionary mission!- Said the fat man among them. We are three professors from Oredloro University in a scientific expedition! How are you?- Another man said, and this one has an energetic appearance, with very black eyes. I am fine, thanks you. What can I do for you?_ Darude asked. A bit of advice! We could have thrown us into the blue beyond without recommendations, but we thought it will be a bit of dangerous, bearing in mind the fields are teaming with dinosaurs.- The same man said. And they had teeth!- The third man in the row said: this had beady eyes; blond hair and he seem to be rather nervous. I am interested in your welfare, of course! You are visitors of Lubina, so I will be pleased to cooperate in any scientific expedition you could do around here.- Darude said. My name is Moe, and this fat guy is Professor Curly, and the other professor is Mr. Larry.- Moe said. 17570 Glad to meet you, Professors. Please, come to my working room- upstairs. - Darude said. Okay!- Professor Curly exclaimed; and they follow him to the third floor; Darude set the Holographic projector and shows them several images and films of the mines and the 200 kilometers of stretch between there and the Lubina town, while saying: This is the terrain we had observed so far- nothing else is under observation now. But we saw pictures and maps of this whole area- not merely a stretch of land!- Professor Larry said. Certainly true, but it is not us that make those maps, but the Royal Army! So thats why I said we have only observed this thin line between here and the mines.- Signaled Darude with a finger pointing to the holographic map. I understand, but this monkey seems that it doesnt!- Professor Moe said. Now I did!- Professor Larry suddenly exclaimed. And did you find something of special interest on the terrain, Governor? Flowers of special kind, rocks of strange colors, insects?- Professor Moe asked him. I can speak about dinosaurs! At their side, anything diminishes in interest. They are wonderful creatures, no matter that they had tried to eat me.- Darude remembered. Eat you! Well, those animals seem to be for ever hungry.- Larry said. They are like Professor Curly.- Moe said, smiling sarcastically. 17571 We are interested in your films; perhaps you could lend us copies of them?- Professor Moe asked. Of course! But the person in charge went to work at the mines, and I dont really know how to use the transference from my Holographic machine to yours.- Darude said, raising his shoulders a bit. Pity to hear that! But we have several spare Electro people on board. We can call them to help us here.Professor Larry said. Good idea! Ill be glad you do it.- Darude said, and so Professor Curly stomped out to call them- the aerial ship was at the so called Space-field, that was a vacant lot to the west of town. And you, Professors, what do you teach at the University of Oredloro?- Darude asked them. Professor Moe explained: Me, I teach Paleontology and Botanic, my colleague here teach Astronomy and Archeology, and Professor Curly teaches Cybernetics and Botanic. And why dont you leave a Synthetic here? Surely you are a very busy man.- Professor Curly said to Darude. I discovered an evil plot against me: I sent all my Synthetics to be repaired after a though season at the mines; the Knappian Automaton Organization in Oredloro city repaired them, but when they come back, they were communicating with that evil people, sending information and receiving directives to follow against us.- Darude said. Very strange action!- Professor Larry said. 17572 It seems like a spy melodrama!- Professor Moe remarked. And me on the middle of it!- Darude said.

And what are you going to do?- Professor Larry asked him. I was thinking in to hire a lawyer and sue the K.A.O.! They cannot do this!- Darude said, angrily. Of course not.- Professor Larry said. Professor Curly returns with three E-men and after a while, all maps were downloaded into a memory pill. See? Thats easy!- Professor Curly said. The Governor has certain problems with his Synthetic people, after he sent them to be repaired at the Knappian Automaton Organization.- Professor Moe told to Professor Curly. Oh, yeah? Explain it to me, Governor- perhaps I could help you.- Professor Curly said, seating on a stool. Darude explains the problem again, and professor Curly said: Look here, Mr. Governor! You can sue the K.A.O. and ask for millions in reparations for this clear case of tampering and espionage be it whichever kind of espionage it is- and waste money on it- but the truth of the matter is this: the Judge will ask for evidence of this tampering and they are going to take one and all of your Synthetics mimicry of a human being out to Oredloro, where a bunch of stooges will rip apart everyone of them, in 17573 Order to look for tampering. Later, say in two or three months more, the Judge will declare the culpability on the K.A.O. in this case, or it will dismiss the charges. There are many subterfuges to made this case a minor one- say, they will be fined 100.000 Credits, and you will obtain an economic compensation of about 180.000 Credits, not bad, is it? Darude said: Well, the reparation sounds good- better than to seat as a sheep. OH, but your lawyer? Those people ask 100.000 Credits to begin with! So you are risking to loose a hundred thousand Credits plus the Synthetics! I tell you: those guys will tear them apart, and they will be unable of service- perhaps they could value a third of your previous inversion selling them as spare parts!- Professor Curly said. You certainly discourage me! Im full of hatred against those ghouls!- Darude said. Professor Curly smiled and said: Dear Governor, let us see the light in this matter: this guys have a lot of government people on their payroll! They are paying for protection! And protection they surely get.Professor Curly said. So I must loose my fiance- that is a nice looking E-female?- Darude asked. Of course I wont permit such a thing, honorable Governor! I can revise it without any doubt. I know certain tricks- I can erase the evil commands, unplug the mandatory need to communicate with the K.A.O. and restore her to whatever normality she had previously.- Professor Curly said. All right! And the rest, too! I dont want any spy on the mining fields.- Darude said. Professor Moe said: Pardon me, Governor, but we are on a scientific mission here! Not possible to spend time repairing your artifacts! Darude lowered his head, saying: Well, guess Ill see if somebody else could fix Synthetics. Yes! Perhaps at the Cybernetic Institute somebody could be interested in this work. If you want, Ill call there and find out.- Professor Curly said, looking at Moes reaction. Darude didnt give time to Professor Moes to oppose, and said: Yes, tell them I need one good Technician right away.- Darude said. While professor Curly called to Oredloro, using a Synthetic man to do it at the Spaceship, Larry and Moe talked a bit more about dinosaurs with the Governor Darude. Professor Moe said: I am interested in the horned Dinosaurs; these creatures begin at the latest bit of the Mesozoic Era, these are the pinnacle of ceratopsines evolution. Ceratopsids exhibited a fully quadrupedal stance, horns on the face, and a long frill extending from the back of the skull over the neck. These frills, originally thought to be defensive measures against predators, may have developed as anchors for the giant cheek muscles, helping to grind up rough plant material. Possibly they serve both purposes. There must be others places where to find Dinosaurs.- Darude said, not liking much this professor who denies professor Curly to repair his Honey girl. Well, yes, there are. Also there is much dispute as to whether the front limbs of Ceratopsids are held fully erect or sprawling to various degrees. Ceratopsids are divided into two groups on the basis of horn emphasis. The ceratopsines tend to have long horns above the brows, while the centrosaurines tend to have large horns above the nose, and sometimes on the frill. - Professor Moe said. I hadnt seen those yet- not here.- Darude said.

The centrosaurines are a diverse group, but most of the ceratopsines are fairly similar, each with two brow horns and a small, sometimes almost nonexistent nasal horn. Ceratopsines also had very long neck frills, except for the Triceratops. There has been some disagreement over the name of this group and all other groups named after the genus Ceratops. For years they have been known as Ceratopsidae, Ceratopsia, etc. Some have pointed out that this is not correct, and that thes should be dropped, hence Ceratopsidae, Ceratopia. However, the names withs have become deeply entrenched in dinosaur terminology, and are preferred. At 12:00 hours, Professor Curly arrives again to the Governors office, saying: All is working fine, Governor! Soon a pair of skilled Technicians will arrive, to see them all. It will cost a good chunk of money, but less than to buy one of those mechanisms. Thanks you a lot! Pity the lawsuit its only to loose time and money, but also they could be wasting a good chunk too, plus the loss of prestige I could inflict if the lawsuit is made public.- Darude said. 17575 Well, Mr. Governor, we are leaving now: our course is way up north! Possibly well get back to show you our findings.- Professor Moe said, and he spur on his two companions back to their spaceship, departing from Lubina Space Field at 16:10 hours. Darude went to the Police Station, and Fatualer said to him: All is working fine at the mines! The Sergeant Major just call me to say the Synthetics are cleaning the place and revising the big machines- perhaps they will really begin digging in two or three hours more. All right! The Poekilopleuron did a really mess out of the first bifurcation- a whole piece of ceiling went down.- Darude said. Later, he visited the Potable Water System facility- an old man was there, in charge of it. Good afternoon! You alone in here? No help needed?- Darude said, thinking a very important thing like health was in this sole individuals hands. Yes, Governor Darude! Do you come to lay a hand?- The man asked. If you want help, of course.- Darude said, thinking it was a joke. These machines were running fine, but the Synthetics in charge were forced to depart to the mining field! And as I have a lot of time in my hands, I come here looking for a pair of Credits, if possibly.- The old man said. Yes, as I need a lot of money to improve things around! Without them at the mines, I think we would collapse in a week.- Darude replied. The old man smiled, and said: All is about money, isnt it? Well, I must go outside and open a hatch near the creek; you stay here, and when the lights here turn red, you just push this green button- see?- And the man was pointing with his fingers where he was supposed to push. All right, go on.- Darude said, looking at the machine. Soon the light went red, and he push the button; a tremor was heard inside the machine, but that was all; then it run smoothly again. The old man come back, and said: You can go now, Governor! Thanks for your help. Which is your name, Sir? I get to put you at the payroll.- Governor Darude said, noticing the man was dressed with old clothes. Pinfor! Hope you could pay me soon! Im too old to wait.- The man chuckled. I personally see to it.- Darude said, returning to his office. At 22:30 hours he receives a call by the intercom: Sir, the Technicians arrives! Could you come here, or Ill send them upstairs?- Fatualer asked him. Tell them to wait! I was asleep.- Darude said with a sleepy voice. Fifteen minutes later, he appears at the first floor; he saw a pair of Naturals dressed in green uniforms- one of them was a young woman. Im Darude the Governor. Are you from the Institute of Sciences?- He asked. Yes, Sir. Im Lafofenofeno, and she is Garadina. We arrive as soon as we could, Sir. Sorry about the hour.- Lafofenofeno said. Its all right, son. I usually goes to bed early; no way to go deep into the night if they are all asleep.Darude said. They told us you have a grave problem, Sir.- The woman said, with a delightful voice, but her eyes were icy.

Yes, its urgent, but the Synthetics havent performed any hostile act as yet.- Darude said, looking at the white skinned, blonde woman, who said: And where are they, Sir? We want to start working right away. Darude said: They are not in town: I sent 200 kilometers to the north, where there is a mine. I want them totally independent of any order the technicians at the Knappian Automaton Organization gives them, while in repairs. Can you send us where they are now, Sir?- Garadina asked. Of course I can go there myself, using your aerial vehicle as a means- its a matter of two hundred kilometers, more or less.- Darude said. We brought it because it could travel faster than a land vehicle; but tell me if there is some beacon there, to guide our airship.- Lafofenofeno asked. Not a thing. Just the coordinates that could be fed into your vehicle I suppose.- Darude exclaimed. Then theres no need of you to go, Sir! Perhaps you were resting from a very exhausting day of laborsbetter you repose until the morning.- Garadina said. But certainly I must go there; I have some policemen at the site, to present you. Also, I must see what you see in them, at first sight.- Darude said. Of course, Sir, you can go with us.- Lafofenofeno said, looking at his partner, who put right away an impenetrable face. The Chief of Police sent a couple of his men with him, saying in a whisper: You dont know this people, Sir! Better have these two policemen handy, for your protection. Thanks, Chief. Ill be calling back as soon as I arrive there, to maintain you informed.- Darude promised him. Right, Sir. Have a good trip!- Fatualer said, notwithstanding the fact he also told his men to communicate him how was the trip, the minute they could lay hands on the Mines radio transmitter. At the airship, Darude seats on a very comfortable cabin all by him - the rest were 17578 Up on front, where it was several places behind the pilot and copilots seats. Darude sensed the swift raise of the aerial artifact and then not a movement until, seven minutes later, he sensed they were landing. A couple of minutes after that, Garadina opened the cabins door and said: We landed already, Governor. Please follow me outside. Darude follows her down the corridor, and then out by the ramp; surrounding the aerial ship it was by the Policemen, but looking not at the airship but to the darkness that surrounds it. Hi, men! Im the Governor Darude and this people are Technicians hired by me! - Darude said to them. A man approaches, and it was Nineton, the Sergeant Major and Commander of the Police Station at the Mines. Good night, Sir. A bit of cold, dont you think? Follow me, please.- He said, and guided them to the mineDarude was curious, about the way they could had repaired the landslide, but at the entrance Honey was waiting. Dear! You come for me?- She asked, kissing him dearly. 17579 Yes! I brought these Technicians from Oredloro, to see if you are all right.- Darude replied, as he was going to be the first Synthetic to be scanned; he told Lafofenofeno that she was the one most important of the lot. See her first! She is my fiance, and please takes care with what you do.- Darude said. Honey accepted the invitation to went up the Aerial artifact, where the two Technicians begin their work, having every instrument necessary aboard. Darude went out again, to chat with the Administrator. And you think these Technicians will be able to erase any bug from these E-men?- Nineton said. You are right! Lets see the works, now.- Darude ordered, and they descended to the mine- the reparations were firmly in place, and electrical lights were put unto action in every corner of the galleries. The miners had a real din down below. They dont care about that noise, Sir. They stop their hearing system but replace it with radio messages. Nineton said.

Darude climbs back to the surface and cannot refrain himself to remember the time when that dinosaur tries to get him for dinner. Air flow- in good conditions, now. The last time I was here, The air was almost not breathable.- Darude said, looking how the couple of Technicians were descending. Your tent is ready to use, Sir. Wont you sleep now a little?- Nineton asked. Yes. I am dying without a sleep.- Darude replied, and looked at the tent- it has five meters in diameter and was secured to the ground with cables and nails buried on the rock. Inside the tent he found several appliances and a inflated bed, a heater who provides warm air; he went to the bed but only takes off his shoes- he was dead tired. At five oclock something awakens him, telling there was trouble. It was a chilly sensation of impending disaster- he puts on his shoes and opened the lid of his tent before going out. Outside it was still dark but the aerial artifact was shining with dull position lights, sixty meters beyond his tent. Something was moving there- pity he has no night vision goggles, but he saw the beast approaching, thanks to the airship. Darude run to the mine entrance, and then he saw a sleepy guard on the entrance 17581 Who gets startled when he saw him coming at a run. What is chasing you, Governor?- The policeman said. Some animal is coming this way! Now he is close to the airship!- Darude said, moving the man from the entrance grabbing him by the arm. Ill give the alarm! Its a dinosaur!- The policeman said, and then he begins using his Bipper to communicate with the Police Station- a mere couple of rooms inside the mine. Darude went inside the mine, not sure of the police reaction to the danger; but the men went out at a run, and begin firing LASER beams to the incoming beast. The Airship begins to rise from the ground, while the rays were hitting on the body of a Coelophysis. They are attacking our Commander!- A policeman shrieked, and they advance into the night, while firing their weapons- not to much use now, as the quick Coelophysis used the poor light and his jumps to avoid the firing. Nineton, who was closer to the beast, now was firing his LASER against another Coelophysis, that jumped and grabbing his head, ripped it out in a swirl of his mouth. The sound it did arrives to the rest of the Policeman, whom fired against that creature in unison, who suddenly collapsed to the ground, without his legs; the other also went to the floor, as lost half his brain and the other half fried with the heat of those beams. Later, the Policemen revised the camp; five Coelophysis were dead or badly wounded their bodies without limbs or legs in bad shape. The head of Nineton was found in the stomach of a Coelophysis after those men cut its stomach with machetes. The entire body of the ex commander was buried three hundred below the entrance to the mine, under several round stones. I felt pity for him! He was a valiant man.- Darude said, when enough stones were above his grave. The airship landed at noon of the next day, and Darude get inside it a short while after it landed. We knew about the attack! Pity aboard this airship we had no weapons at all.- Lafofenofeno said. Yes, its a pity he was killed. But tell me, how it goes with the debugging?- Darude asked him. The people at K.A.O. did a thorough work indeed! It seems they wanted to spy on you, the Governor of Lubina, in order to have arguments against you.- Lafofenofeno said. And possibly to blackmail you into buying them their products: Synthetic personnel, software and equipment.- Garadina added. I know the commerce has this dark side every day it shines! But, did you fix the Electrical dame for me?Darude asked them. 17583 Of course we did, Governor.- Garadina said. Thats good news. Bring her to me, then.- Darude said, impatient. Lafofenofeno went out of the cabin to search for Honey, while Garadina remains and said: We worked on her and we could say now shes fully operational. Much of the information she had is now lost, but that is easily obtainable through software you could buy through electronic means; she could receive it by her inbuilt radio.

Good news, then! Now follows the rest of them.- Darude commented, and the female Technician said: You really are very fond of this mechanism. I wonder if you are fonder of Synthetic creatures than in Natural beings. Why do you believe so? Because you hadnt commented much when injuries occurs to Natural people, like that commander you had in here. Perhaps the Natural person makes you evil in the past.- Garadina said. I think everyone is capable of sufferance and enjoyment; Naturals and this creations alike; of course, the Natural people looks the real people to all of us, but wait until some other race of beings arrives here- I am sure they will not make any difference between what is a creation of nature and what is made by Man.Darude said, thinking his real feelings could not be shown to people recently arrived and ready to depart, as these two Scientifics. Honey arrives walking by the corridor, and seeing Darude in there, she run to his arms and embracing him she said: Oh, dear, Im sorry very much the thing that happens! Darude looked at Lafofenofeno, who said: we already told her about the de-programming we performed on her. It was totally necessary. I believe you know what youre doing. And thanks to you both, because your work recovers a person I am very fond of. But, tell me if they could not track her again through the radio or other means, or if she could have some virus hidden somewhere.- Darude asked, while she caressed her hair. Lafofenofeno smiled and said: Impossible. They insert artifacts of a very special kind and measuring two microns our state of the art instruments detected from the beginning of our work. Some of them were half a meter long, in the form of a wire resembling the ones she had from the beginning of his performing life. Others were small spheres attached with thin cables, so they hang and moved to appear invisible to the eye; but we have those instruments that detect even the eye of a fly. Cunning people are the ones at your trade! - Darude said, smiling to Honey. They knew her was your first Assistant- the person who rule things. A cybernetic organism is really an improved human being, and each year a thousand new improvements are discovered and attached to the new models- I can assure you that at each given month the improvements grows in number for the past hundred years. And this is going to be at least for a thousand more years, as students of this kind of knowledge are saying. So money is needed for research- thats why they send you people capable of to make money from you in not a too honest way- Lafofenofeno said. Seems you think about this case a lot.- Darude said. Governor: your case is one in a thousand! Its not at all very uncommon.- Garadina said. Darude thanked again, and went out of the Airship with Honey by the hand, saying: Good to have you near me, again. Lets go to our tent. Yes, my dear.- Honey said, walking beside him silently. At the tent, Darude explained point by point their passed life together; what he likes of her, and what she must refrain to do: at each item, she must answer if the memory of it was or not in her memory. Most of the questions were 17585 Answered in the positive way; others not, but those were the few. Lastly, he said: Do you think theres a way for the people at the K.A.O. could try to grab your memory again? Honey smiley and said: I see not how they could do that, dear. In any case at the first inkling Im acting different, I will tell you so. Darude takes her hand and said: Now well relax, dear. Possibly you are out of any spying bug or malicious software. Yes, my dear. There are also some programs that could prevent any tampering with us.- Honey explained. Yes, those programs must be bought. Its on the future but also must be recommended by skillful engineers. We will see to that in the future.- Darude said, and then he undressed and went to bed. The Rest of the Robots. The work of the Technicians found simply gadgets in the rest of the Synthetic personnel; once removed, they just cannot transmit or storage information to be transmitted to the greedy K.A.O.

With this we say farewell, Governor. You had paid us already, so you have nothing else to pay.Lafofenofeno said with a smile, two days later. Yes, good fortune to you two.- Darude said, and soon they were out and away on their aerial vehicle. The truck from Lubina town is about to arrive, dear.- Honey informed then. 17586 They will be visiting the new grave.- Darude remembered. The Miners are working hard, and soon you will be getting more copper ingots.- Honey said. We are in need of a strong barrier in this mining field. Its not good that animals could come and attack our people unhindered.- Darude said. A force field could cost 732.630 Credits for this enclosure, dear.- Honey informed, after a quick revision of available prices at the WiFi web pages. WiFi * * (n : a network that uses high frequency radio signals to transmit and receive data over long distances; uses Ethernet protocol.) Way too much. Perhaps we could try with simpler things? - Darude said, while they walked under the shade of the trees. 326.000 Credits a good automatic cyber machine gun- 4.000 rounds per minute; you can position on the ground, or with an extra 32.000 Credits, a pair of legs to permit the contraption to walk on the terrain, so it could change the angle and distance to the target(s).- Honey explained. What about LASER guns? - Darude asked her. Not allowed on this Kingdom, dear. King Lugner has the LASER guns restricted only the Royal Army could have those.- Honey explained. Who knows how many exotic weaponry exists at the Federation of Planets!- Darude said. That information is available; if you want, I could deliver unto you.- Honey said. Not now, dear! And it is a pity to kill those magnificent specimens so full of cunning! Think about this: not even the Federation has natural dinosaurs like ours; they certainly have clones of the ones that were extinct at the Earth planet; but nothing like ours! I wonder why they dont come here to study our fauna.- Darude said. Again there is an explanation, dear: King Lugner- Honey was saying, and he interrupted her by saying: forbids them to come! Yes, I think our King Lugner has a lot to do with our way of life. So you prefer a force field?- Honey asked him. I prefer it, of course. Forbade the entrance but didnt kill an insect.- He replied. In accordance with our First Law of Robotics.- Honey said, kissing him. A claxon startled them- the truck from Lubina town was nearing by the road. They to the border of it, and the truck stopped besides them. Hello, Governor! Our Chief Fatualer sent us here, to help you come back to town!- A policeman said; he had his face almost covered with dust from the road- the other one smiled and he was, too, dusted all over. Welcome to the mines, gentlemen! Give me your names, please!- Darude said. Im Nonagies, Sir, and my companion is Apte.- The policeman said. Park the truck at the cargo site; then well talk.- Darude said, and starts walking to the entrance of the mine; when arriving there, the Policeman had the truck in position and descending. These young fellows are full of enthusiasm; but without incentives, life soon looks a boring place; we must bring women and more commerce to Lubina; now we are as in the old times.- Darude said to Honey. Yes, darling: you only need a good project, perhaps a Resort near the creek; pity our town hasnt any landscape capable of interest.- She said. The policeman arrives at their side, and Darude said: Well stay here for a couple of days; asks the Commander for a suitable place for you to rest; the trip must have been wearisome. Yes, so it was, Governor! We need to drink something cool! The bottled water we brought is warm and did nothing to relieve the thirst.- Nonagies said. We heard a report by the radio, last night- a dinosaur attack?- Policeman Apte said. 17586 A terrible attack of wild Coelophysis! The Police commander was attacked while on duty! The others run to save him, but it was too late: I was near them but without a weapon.- Darude said. Its a terrible loss for us all; he was such an able man.- Nonagies said.

Later, the police forces at the site lined up in front of a single tomb and Darude speak about the deceased, abounding on his human virtues, not mentioning that with a force field this accident would not have been produced. Later, Darude ask the miners to dig a place for him to stay in the night; he was not willing to sleep on a tarpaulin tent on the open; also, the cave was made fifty meters inside the tunnel, with a narrow entrance, to prevent the entrance to a large animal. Seems to me you should make more rooms in here, darling; those cops out there are going to sleep on tents.- Honey said. Yes, I will ask some more rooms in here.- Darude said, smiling; and so it was donned. The smiling faces he saw later, shows him how the idea was an approved one. That night the din down below came as a soft tremor to his rocky room. He smiled, and embrace Honey in his sleep: now he was secure. At the next day, he saw her hair full of dust; same with him and all the things on his rocky chamber. He smiled, and she said: I know why you smile, dear: we are like mummies! Yes! Guess these chambers must be donned elsewhere! Perhaps these guys should tunnel some more rooms out of this mine.- Darude said. Correct, dear! I saw several suitable places, not far from here; with a metal door in front, nothing could get inside if you dont want.- Honey said. All right; let me take my breakfast, and we go there to look.- He said, dressing himself on dusty pants. Outside the tunnel, the recently arrived cops were also trying to take the dust out of their uniforms, so Darude said: Good morning! Pity there was too much dust inside! Dont worry about that, Sir! We prefer the dust.- Nonagies said, signaling the other option- a finger pointing to the woods, where any dinosaur with enough hungry could be tempted to pay them a visit. AT a table, the breakfast was served; Darude eats with the policeman out of duty, and it was very nice for all of them; the air was pure, the landscape was not sunny, as they were in winter, but they were in high spirits. The miners dig unto another place: a simple tunnel 30 meters deep, and several rooms carved at the sides; before nightfall, the place was ready to use. Well put some rocks at the entrance; if any, only small lizards could crawl inside.- Nonagier said to Darude, who was on the spot all that afternoon. Nice. I will sleep another night of peaceful dreams.- Darude said, embracing the beautiful Honey, who laughed happily. Darude call the Chief of Police by radio, and said: here we are without a commander, Fatualer. Who do you think its able to be in charge of the Police Station here? Nonagier, of course; he has been my right hand while Nineton was out there; now I am training another man to replace him.- Fatualer said. Very well; Ill give the news.- Darude said. When are you going back, Sir? You have me all worried.- The Chief of Police asked him. Tomorrow! We are doing some dwelling places carved on the hill; the tents could not resist a dinosaur attack.- Darude said. Of course not, Sir. Tell me when you are on the road, Sir.- Fatualer said. Ill do that. Good afternoon.- Darude said, and ends the conversation; he calls all hands before him, and said: Theres an announce to make: our Chief of Police and I will appoint Mr. Nonagier as the Chief of Police in here; congratulations, Policeman Nonagier. The new commander was as happy as can be; Darude told him his wages were to be doubled, and that put a smile in everyone; chances to ascend were in sight. That night the new habitations were probed right; no sound whatsoever, no tremors, and no dust. The door was guarded by a policeman in turns; a door was needed, and someone said that he was doing a door made of logs at the morrow. At noon of the next day, the truck begins the return to Lubina town; the driver was again policeman Apte. No other policeman was with them, as the garrison at the mines was a small one, and apt to dwindle every day. The road was empty of animals; not so the forest, where they roamed, but only to the fringes in that day; so they arrive in 8 hours to Lubina town, still with daylight. The Chief of Police was at his desk, and Darude approaches, saying: Hello, Chief! We made it in a good time.

Oh, Governor! Nice to see you again! No news in here; pity about our last Commander at the mines.Fatualer said, standing up. I will set in place a new device: a force field, to protect what is our major treasure here: human lives. Pity the price is very high; it will prevent to build a lot of things, but it is a must.- Darude said, with his fiance by the hand. It is very well thought, Governor! We did not need a garrison if a simple gadget could solve the problem._ Chief of Police Fatualer said. Yes, but also the price will be high, almost a million Credits- thats why I havent yet put one of those devices in place! Also, in Lubina Town a force field could be of use.-Darude said. 17588 Honey informed: Dear: A force field forbids the passage of every person or vehicle in both ways! People willing to arrive or depart while it is working should wait for the Gatekeeper to switch off and on the Force Field. The matter was dropped there. When arriving to Lubina, people were on the street in front of the Governmental building, waiting for the Governor; when seeing him, they shouted and expressed anger. Darude tried to understand but he could not, as they were talking all at once. He then said: People of Lubina! I am your Governor and I am here to help you, but if you dont keep quiet and let just one of you to speak, well get nowhere as it is now! That restore some order, and a woman said: We cannot live like this! Two Troodon attacked us when we were at the street! This cannot be passing! Also, several other dwellers expressed their anger- a child was hurt, and there was no medic at the Hospitalone Policeman puts some bandages on the childs scar, and that was all. Darude promised more Policemen on the streets, and the Chief of Police soothed the people, and promises were made- to appease the neighborhood. Then, when the people departed to their homes, Darude 17589 Called the Chief to his office. Seat down, and dont you want a beverage? Darude offered- he has no liquor at his house, and probably there were no liquor in all Lubina Town. Yes, thanks you! The trip leaves me with a sour throat.- Fatualer explained, but the real reason was the turmoil with the people. Money is what we need in here! And also, to build a strong palisade or better still, a stone wall!- Darude said, receiving a glass of beverage from Honey, who was serving now another glass to the exhausted Fatualer. The Mines are your only source of money?- The Chief of Police asked. Yes: there are other means : the Central Government should sent us a fixed quantity every year. But they seem forgotten of it- apart the money Lady Shurvana receives from the Government- to finish a Hospital, and that she expend too many money building the now deserted Tower!- Darude remarked. Fatualer said: you should turn that monstrosity into an Hotel! I am sure eccentric people would love to come here to rest in that Castle. Yes, the implementation would be costly, and I dont know how to run a Hotel.- Darude said. But you can rent it! That would attract tourism! Perhaps some colorful set of tents, selling pottery and cheap food?- The Chief of Police suggested. 17590 All right! You are saying we lack of a commercial spirit! And of course that you are right! I will work that angle- seems we must change, or die.- Darude conceded. Hope this city grows and become powerful! But at the pace we are walking now- not in twenty years elapsed time!- Fatualer said, standing up. Are you going, Chief?- Honey asked him. Yes! I must sleep for tomorrow! I will post guards at the four sides of the city- perhaps we should build small cabins for our men- in order to be on the alert all day long.- Fatualer said.

Yes, soon the copper will be enough to be sold, and then well build a wall around town- using the work of Synthetic personnel.- Darude announced. I am afraid it will take too long, Sir. We could excavate a fosse- around town- a bridge or two, for communication- a small wall, made of mud and rocks?- Fatualer proposed. Could be a mixing of it all! But what about the ones who are living outside of town? The farmers are way out on the open._ Darude said. Certainly you are right, Sir. No walls and no fosse! But an Army patrolling the woods and seeing that the dangerous creatures could not approach us.- Fatualer said. See? We end up in the same predicament.- Darude said. 17591 - Our lack of people impedes us to be a real society.- Darude added. So, the Police was patrolling the outskirts of town, instead of the streets. Darude said to Honey: This attack was the first we had since I am here- why do they attack us? Dear: they are simple creatures that are for ever trying to eat! Perhaps its the time of hatching and they want more food to feed their offspring.- Honey said. Certainly thats a possibility. Ill send someone to see, if there are some more eggs than before.- Darude said. Is it a joke, dear? Females take care of their eggs, fiercely! It may be dangerous- better you call a Synthetic to do that job.- Honey explained. Yes- a Synthetic- calls them at the mines! Ask how are things going out there.- Darude ordered her. Soon she said: Its all in calm, dear. Five thousand kilograms of copper are already piled out of the mine. One policeman wants to get back- he is not able to stay in the wilderness.- Honey said. Ill tell the Chief of Police about that man.- He said. Not need to, Darling! He already knows! Administrator Gorsalve calls on Chief Fatualer about it two hours ago!- Honey said. 17592 Very well, I hope he could send for that poor devil.- Darude said. In the afternoon, a trick departed to the mine; the Chief of Police said to Darude: There is a sick man on the mines. Do you know it? No, of course not. I hadnt called there myself.- Darude replied. Well, one truck is all we get, Sir. The rest are in bad shape. Surely you want the copper? The truck could carry it here.- Fatualer said. No need, Chief: the buyers go directly there, when they bought.- Darude explains. Honey ask him to take a stroll by the creek- it was the sole provider of water for the entire town, and she said : I had always thought this town was not raised on a good spot, no river, no water- this creek gives enough water now, but in the future? Certainly the populace will be increased! Yes, you have right and I thought about it in the past- but a change of place should be asked first to 17593 The proper authorities at Oredloro.- Darude explained. Yes, you are right. But not always is clever to wait for a disaster, dear. If that creek gets dry, what are you going to do? Cave for dwells?- Honey asked him. Certainly you are right. I will visit the nearest river, and perhaps we could find a good spot where to change the town.- Darude said, but in his inner self the location of Lubina was not his affair. The distance to the river was a hundred and thirty kilometers; not possible to drive there in a truck, as it was a dense forest in between. Perhaps you could rent a Flyer, dear.- Honey said, at the next morning. Yes, it would be fun.- Darude accepted, and Honey called to the next available Agency- at Rixiaberg. Soon she was saying: All right, dear! Its on its way down here. And the Professors- they were abducted by very serious kind of people. Kidnapped? By enemies of their trade? Possibly they stumbled unto some illegal activity, at the jungle.Darude commented.

Pity on them! Do you think we could try to find the place where they could be kept prisoners?- Honey asked him. Very possibly! If we had the luck.- Darude said, moving his head sidewise- he was not too interested in risking his life on a rescue mission. 17594 Darude went to speak with Fatualer, the Chief of Police, and said: I will be out of town- searching for a better place for a city. Oh! And are you going alone? Remember what happened the last time you went out.- Fatualer said. And what do you suggest? A pair of your men?- Darude asked. Why, of course! I will rather go myself, but who could be staying in charge here? - Fatualer asks. We should have a third man in here. But forget it! This trip will be a short one, I assume its for a couple of days- the Flyer is rented- I cannot spend too much renting it, for the money.- Darude explains him. Very well, Governor! I will sent you two men, for your protection.- Fatualer promised him. The Flyer arrives two hours later, and the pilot said: Good morning to you all! I am AB732, at your service from now on! Hi! I am the Governor Darude, and she is my fiance, Honey. Two other persons are also going with us. The Flyer has a capacity of twelve persons, Sir. One driver and a copilot; the rest could be passengers. Nice.- Honey said. We are going north. To the Abu River; Honey, show him a map.- Darude asked her. We have one at the vehicle.- AB732 said, inviting them on board; the fuselage has eight meters long, two meters wide and three meters high. At the lower part was the engine. 17595 Two policemen arrive at a run; they were Bigor and Graften. They obtained seats on the back row. All right, we are about to deploy now. Fasten your belts, please.- The Driver said. At his side, another Synthetic person was busy moving dials on a small rectangle. A nice day to be flying.- Darude said. Yes, it has a clear sky with no clouds.- The Copilot said. His name is AB140.- Honey said, as she already talked with the two guys from the aerial taxi Agency. Its amazing the view from up here! All the troublesome hours crawling inside a truck are missing.Darude said, looking down by a window. The Driver signaled with his hand: The River Abu is over there! It was a blue streak among the forest; and to the East, the Mountains in brown, to the West, the dark green of the forest. The course of the river dwindled to the west and ends on the sea- not visible at that altitude. The pilot search for a nice place where to land, and Darude went out with a smile. Ah, the river! I had never been here.- He said, while he was walking by the high grass to the bank of the river. Here a city could be built.- Darude said- Plenty of water supply, and a road to many sites- the sea is waiting at the end of this mighty river. They found eggs among the grass, and Honey said: Dont touch them! They belong to Ornitolestes. That name puts nervous stares on the Natural people from then on; they could be the prey of those dinosaurs, if meeting them unawares. Both Policemen raised their rifles and Bigor said: Do you want a pistol to defend yourself better, Governor Darude? Rifles we had not more than this pair. Its all right; hand me a pistol.- Darude said, and while he keeps walking, he was not at all sure that a LASER gun could stop a Ornitolestes in full attack. They found more eggs in several nests around the bushes- this was bigger. Baryonic.- Honey said, and she wasnt smiling now. I wonder where those creatures are now.- Darude commented. Easy, dear! Just follow the tracks.- Honey said, pointing to some old footprints on the ground between the grass. It seems to me that those imprints had several days old.- Darude said.

Six, dear. The beast will not eventually return here after two months elapsed time- this eggs will hatch in about six months from now; but their mothers will come here to see in which conditions they are.- Honey explained. And if they arent?- Bigor asked. Then a banshee will look tame sheep at her side.- Honey graphically said. They walked by the bank of the river for more than a kilometer and a half; the Abu River was noisy there, as rocks were spilled along the bank. At the center, of course, there were no rocks visibly, while the other side of the river was not to be seen, because of the distance. 17597 Who knows how many kilometers wide the river had in here- Graften said, and the pilot replied: 1.2 kilometers, Sir. But it gets less wider four kilometers more ahead. You saw it from above?- The Policeman asked. I can say I did.- The pilot said, as he had the memory of other Synthetics traveling by there. They find fruit trees- several kinds of fruits abounded there. Darude eats a couple of them, saying: Wild fruits- sour to the taste, but with some vitamin? Honey tasted one of them, and said: (see apple) They leave the river behind, walking by the bottom of a ravine, when Honey said: Stop! All to the ground and dont move! They all obeyed and soon the stomping of a big creature was heard and felt near the ground- a huge and mature Brachiosaur walked not twelve meters away from them- going to the river, his long neck moving slightly to the sides, with a small but bony head three meters above the ground. Its hind legs measured four meters long and two meters and a half wide. The tail alone measured ten meters long. You can stand, now. Its gone.- Darude said, looking at the receding rump of the dinosaur. Wow! A little more close and we would have been stomped out to oblivion.- Darude commented. They kept going ahead, and then the pilot said: Something lies ahead, but dont worry: seems its some kind of engine.Could be found some engines in this wilder land? This is very curious.- Darude commented. 17598 Dear, better let Synthetics to go and see what it is. Dont risk yourself. All right, go ahead.- Darude said, but both pilot and copilot didnt move. Whats happening to them?- Darude asked. They are saying: Enough! They are pilots from the Rent-a-taxi Flyer and Sightseeing Corporation, and to explore this territory on foot isnt their job. Swell!- Darude said, looking at the cops. Bigor and Graften said: Dont care about them, Sir! We are going- you just stay in here. Waiting.- Darude replied, happy to see some loyalty around him. I should go with them.- Honey proposed. No. I want you at my side- always.- Darude said, taking her right arm. All right, dear.- She smiled gently. Ten minutes later, Bigor returns and crouching beside Darude, he said: Its an electric generator, Sir. It provides energy to a cupola, a big one. We approached, and there are doors- not possibly to open them with our bare hands. Some secret experiment- or some dark project going on. Could be the kidnappers! Do you remember those professors on the aerial ship?- Darude said. Could be! Perhaps if we use our LASER rifles against that door, we could enter.- Bigor suggested. If we did that, we could be sued 17599 For damages to the property.- Honey said. What are we going to do, Sir? The sun is going down, and we need to be back at the wagon Flyer in time.Bigor said. We can gain some extra minutes, if you ask the pilots to go and fetch the Flyer over here.- Honey said. Can you do that? - Darude asked them.

Yes, Sir, and in thirty four minutes.- The pilot said. Go, then. We will wait for you here.- Darude commanded. Both E-men departed immediately, leaving them in waiting. Can you see what they see?- Darude said to Honey. In this case, no, dear. Must be a rapport, an open source between Synthetics and they are conditioned not to. How sad! But you can call them? Yes; do you want me to say something to them?- Honey asked. By way of an exercise, yes. Tell them to call you when arriving to the Flyer; so we could be ready when they came. All right, dear. Communicating telling them hearing.. end of transmission.- Honey said. 17600 Did they acknowledge fine?- Darude asked her. Yes, dear: no problem. Reception was excellent- theyre no more than five hundred meters away.- Said she. Sir: could I go now? My partner must be wondering what happened with me.- Bigor said. Lets go there.- Darude said, standing up; they walked by the bottom of that ravine, sometimes crouching to pass under bramble bush- open spaces were scarce there, and nobody wants to find a dinosaur walking in the same path. Bigor said, after a while: We are arriving. Darude already know it- the rumor now was strong, with a metallic resonance on it. Graften walked unto them, saying: Hi, Governor! No signs of human life, around here. But something is happening here. Do you tried the LASER unto the lock? No, Sir. Could be an alarm of sorts, for this kind of cases.- Graften said. We could leave a Synthetic man in here, and when somebody did arrive, he alerts us of it.- Honey proposed. Right, good idea. Pity we will be out of Flyers. In a truck, how many hours are to this place?- Darude asked. No way with a truck, dear. Too many obstacles. But on foot, its thirty six days.= She informed him. Fire against the door! Lets get inside now.- Darude said. 17601 Both Policemen fired their LASER beams unto the smallest of the doors, and soon it hinges open. There were some machines running inside, with faint pilot lights; under those tiny guides they enter- except Honey, who could see as in daytime- so she first said: Dear, I can guide you all. Or do you prefer that I revise the complex first? No, we go with you.- Darude replied, given a hand to her, and the other to Bigor. They arrive to another door- this one wasnt locked. A stair goes down from there. Let me go first, dear. You wait here.- Honey said, and he accented, to fasten things. The policemen searched the place for spare parts to carry out as trophies but there were none except the machines themselves. Five minutes later, Honey returns and said: I found a man in a chamber. Seems to be the Professor Moe. We must free him! Then we could begin a search for the rest.- Darude said. He is attached to a machine, there are some tubes inserted to his body- chirurgical attached.- Honey expressed. They descend by the stair, guided by the faint lights and the help of Honey, who didnt release Darudes hand; when at the bottom of the stair, they saw a single corridor running straight ahead, with small pilot lights on the walls. At the first room down the corridor, a man was half seated on a steel protruding tubeother thinner tubes were inserted on his mouth and chest. What an horror!- Bigor said, barely able to see it, as there was just one pilot light inside that chamber. If you unplug those tubes, hell probably die!- Graften said. I dont think he will die; help me with this._ Honey replied, grabbing the tube who was at the chest; Darude takes the professor from the shoulders and Honey snapped the tube out of the orifice; other were on his stomach, and they did the same procedure; from all holes a yellowish liquid run out and to the floor.

Now we must cut the bigger tube- the one he has on his anus- that one will not snap out.- Honey said, after a brief examination. Darude fired the LASER beam of his pistol against the tube, cutting it; Professor Moe moaned through his clenched teeth. Now we carry him upstairs.- Honey commanded in a soothing voice, taking the Professor in her arms like he didnt weight. 17603 The rest follows her as they could. Once outside the building, they hurried along the way back- half an hour later, Honey said: The pilot calls me they are on their way here. Good. This man needs medical assistance right away.- Darude said, seeing Moe hardly breathes. They arrive to a clearing and when the Flyer descended, a pair of Deinonychus appeared- Honey climbs to the Flyer with Moe still inconscient, while the three Naturals fired their weapons against the charge of those dinosaurs- one died with his throat severed in two; another pair were maimed, and stay growling on the dirtthe other charged and aiming at Graften, rips his head off, while the others jumped up the Flyer, who was rise from the ground out of dinosaurs reach. Thanks._ Bigor said, panting; Darude went to the cabin and said to the pilot: We have a man severely wounded. Lets go to Rixiaberg city, where they can save him from Death. Fasten your belts, please. We will 17604 Get full speed.- The copilot said; then they fasten pace, going at a thousand and two hundred kilometers per hour in half a minute. Blurred landscapes danced on the screens. First Royal Hospital for him! Sending urgent message to the Institution. Parking on the rooftop- Pole 2.The copilot said, to maintain informed his two natural passengers- Honey was listening by the Radio. 17605 With the help of Honey, all was swift and expedite- some news reporters find out about who was Moe, and in three minutes the news jumped to high priority; swarms of journalists practically attacked the Hospital with questions and to Darude in special, as he was the one who finds him on the woods. Policemen from Rixiaberg get informed by the witness, plus Honey. Then, a team of Police Flyers went to that building, guided by the coordinates the pilots give, and revised the whole place upside down. Darude stayed four days at Rixiaberg, waiting for Professor Moe to recover but, as the doctors told him it was going to be more days for his mind to recover than imagined before, he and Honey with the policemen returns to Lubina Town in the hired Flyer taxi, whose pilots said the time was up, cashed the money and departed back to their headquarter. At the Police Station, Fatualer was sad, because of the dead of Graften. Pity they die while performing their duties. I cannot even raise their pensions, to brighten their lives a little.- The Chief of Police said. Well do that- let me get my hands on that copper production.- Darude said, walking for the elevator with his fiance. 17606 Again a ceremony was performed; this time in absence, as the body of Graften was not at all satisfied with that killing, and rumors were heard- about how the Governor risks his men in pointless expeditions. After the ceremony, Darude went to his office and said to Honey: People are murmuring against me. My leadership is being jeopardized. Yes, Sir, but you have the force, the weapons, and any complaint to the Kingdoms authority, will not be taken seriously.- Honey said. Right. But too many hacks on the same spot, sends the trunk tumbling down. I must stop all murmurs.Darude said. Then we must do something to prevent it. People is happy when helped- you should give away something. And we have no programs here of any kind: no holographic programs, no radio emissions, not even a C.R.S.- She said. Certainly there are many lacks here, which makes life miserable. Well see to it. Tell me, how much copper do we have now?

Two thousand tons, approximately.- Said she. We will sell it. Tell the Administration to be ready for to attend the client, when the operation begins. Any recommendation, darling?- Darude asked. Minor ones that I can implement, dear.- Honey said, beginning to work. 17607 Darude was certain of one thing: he must advance in the solution of every problem instead of to be solving one at a time- money was trickling by at a slow pace, and people wont wait upon months to solve their problems. Two days later, he had the money on his account:. Remember me the list of things we should solve.- Darude said to Honey. Very well, dear. From important to less important, it is as follows: Wall of force field around Lubina (could be in specific sites only); increase of police department; Army to defend the city in case of a major threat; potable water supply; aerial field improved; flying vehicles to be used by the Police, the Governor , the Army forces, ambulances bigger energy plant.- Honey enumerated. A lot of things. And how about to begin in a new site? I could begin my own kingdom!- Darude said. Honey kissed him and said: You should earn a kingdom, dear, because you cannot rise a kingdom with this kind of populace! Or if you are thinking about cloning thousands of humans, the cost it will be very high. 17608 Certainly right, darling. Well, lets begin by appeasing the townsfolk. Let us give our town a decent Hospital, and tell me what that could cost, in Credits.- He said One million eight hundred and thirty two thousand Credits. If accepting, you will obtain a medic, three nurses and the basic equipment.. The basic equipment comprehends two tricorders, surgeon equipment, and medicines for at least six months.- Honey said, kissing his cheek. I see. Its interesting; and about flying machines?- Darude asked her. I recommend you one Flyer for the Hospital as an Ambulance, and one Flyer for the Police Station, this last could also serves for social purposes, emergencies and the like.- Honey said. And how about the money? It will remains a lot of Credits, after this bought.- Honey said. I think we could do it. Ask for the two Flyers and for the renewal of the Hospital- this are things we must do.- Darude said, thinking in how to obtain more money. Honey called the appropriated Agencies, even to the Health Ministry, but small aid their promised to do, except the University of Rixiaberg, where a group of medics and nurses offered themselves to work at the Hospital, accepting the small wages Lubina could offer them. Darude went to see for himself the condition of the Hospital; it was in bad shape, and he said to Honey: Walls and floors must be repaired, windows cleaned, electrical fixtures replaced, all of those and more must to be fixed if we want to be of service here. Medics are coming already! The University is providing them a couple of wagon Flyers; we should be calling for help to the Farmers; they had skilled men. Wish you could be hiring some Synthetics from Rixiaberg- renting its more cheap; and they could do a lot of difference.- Darude said, as after seeing a Synthetic at work, there was no comparison with the Natural beings. Of course, dear. Ill call the K.A.O. right away; provided you want to pay the fare.- She smiled gently. How much money? - Darude asked, with apprehension written in his face. Five thousand seven hundred Credits, for a week. Lots of work could be donned in a week, dear! - Honey said. Lets do it. But also, we need a Minister of Propaganda! I want all the people knowing we are improving the city with this acquisition.- Darude said, eagerly. 17610 Of course, dear. Ill be the Minister. Ill modify the transmitter of one of the Flyers and Ill use it four hours a day. Later, you will buy a decent transmitter.- She laughed. All right.- Darude said, crossing his fingers.

In the following days, Darude paced the streets looking at the sky, and talking to the neighbors- nobody was ignorant of what he try to do, and some of them even gave the thanks. To them, he said: I am the Administrator here, everything I do its in benefit of this town. Three days later, the aerial transport brought craters with medical equipment, who were storage on the Hospital building, and two policemen were transferred there, in order to maintain the security. 17611 Then, the new Flyers arrive; there were no pilots except Honey, who said: Dont worry, dear! I will be always available to drive one of those. But I am not going to let her loose! When the hired Synthetics are going to arrive?- He asked, worried about being without her all of the time. I will ask them about that, again. Seems theres a shortage of Synthetics, and they are privileging (choosing) closer addresses, first.- Honey explained. Bureaucracy! - Darude grunted; he was worried that the doctors arrive and find out the Hospital was in shambles. That night she said: To-day I brought two sick children to the Hospital, on the ambulance Flyer; I attended them, and I have two nurses, from the populace in town. What? Do you know to medicine people?- Darude asked, worried if she doesnt. Only First Aids! These children had some broken bones- I know how to mend them, if not too splintered. And the ladies are looking for the children only for a couple of days.- Honey said. I wonder how many more days I had to wait for those hired Synthetics! Darude said, undressing to get to bed. Tomorrow I will fly to Rixiaberg if they didnt appear in the morning. I will talk with the General Manager!- Honey said. Ill go with you, of course.- Darude said, kissing her. So they did go, as nobody arrived in the morning; Darude visited Frascoli, who was at his office- strangely enough- and he said: All you need its to socialize a bit! I invite you to a barbecue. Therell be some aristocrats over there; I will see you could talk to some with power; we have nothing to loose. All right! I will do whatever you say to get some means to our small and abandoned town of Lubina.Darude moaned. Dont carry your fiance there! This people has the means to give you whatever you want, in order to see smiling faces all around them; you dont want to be in trouble.- Frascoli said. 17613 Really? All right, I will go alone. How did we do it?- Darude asked him. Be here at twenty hours sharp. We will begin from here.- Frascoli grinned. Darude went to the Hotel Sehou, and there he booked with Honey for a week. To Honey he said: You heard him- so Ill leave you here- not of my liking, anyway- but Ill be calling you each hour it passes. Dont you worry, dear. I will take care of myself.- She smiled, thinking in a good nap until his return. Yes; but all the while, dont open the door for nobody- Ill be here as soon as I can.- Darude said, looking at his watch. Two hours left. Why dont you relax? We could bathe together.- Honey said, kissing his cheek tenderly. Right.- He said, smiling. Later, he departed on a Flyer taxi- to the Ministry of Colonies and there at Frascolis office, while he find the man dressed differently. I change for the occasion. We will depart in a few minutes.- there are two other fellows who are invited too.- Frascoli said. I appreciate what you are doing for our own, and anyway, I invite you to visit Lubina, to show how beautiful a town it is.- Darude said, but internally he doubt about the beauty of an almost deserted place. Thanks you, perhaps Ill go there some day.- Frascoli said. The other two persons were Natural females, very well dressed and smiling, but with icy stares. One of them said: Is Frascoli really your friend? Oh, yes! Darude, old friend, permit me to present you Miss Jorna, and this is Daina. They are working here and are very amiable.- Frascoli fastened to say.

Nice to meet you, ladies.- Darude said, looking embarrassed- he was 17616 Thinking that if Frascoli invited him to make two couples, he was mad : he was like a peasant in this matters. At the Flyer, the one called Daina was at his left side; Jorna was in the front row, laughing with Frascoli. You look very pretty.- Darude said when the silence grew so dense it was like a physical thing. Thanks! And you certainly didnt work with Frascoli; so you must be a relative or something.- Daina asked, with a clear and polite accent. I am a client- the Governor of Lubina.- Darude said; she smiled and said: I always wondered who could possibly be administrating such a far away place. Yes, it is very desolate, indeed.- He replied. Once I applied to be a Governor myself; but I choose Oxiborion; I have several degrees in sciences; not that I dont have some implants, too!- She laughed. Well, in this era, everyone is having implants.- He said, smiling. I cannot tell you how many languages I could spoke! But I did insert a poly language chip into my brain, a pair of years ago.- Daina said. Darude also looked cheerful; he was realizing the ice was melted, and she was a good looking woman, so he rested his hand while they were talking, into her right leg; she stops laughing and he raise the hand, as if she was not realizing it was a rude act of approach. Frascoli turns his head backwards, saying: Are you getting fun, over there? Yes, now your friend is touching my leg.- Daina said. 17617 Oh! I recommend you to wait until the first drink.- Frascoli said. They arrive to a nice building with a lot of illumination; Policemen were patrolling the site; several servants were parking visitors vehicles after they descend in front of the main door; and very well dressed people were walking inside. This is it! The whole building belongs to the Bank of Rixiaberg- at the top, my Chief Lord Alviano is giving a party- his birthday, by the way.- Frascoli lectured them. The ladies walked spreading an odor of expensive perfume. Darude sensed that his suit wasnt as good as the average there, but now it was too late to change it. At a wide and mirrored elevator, they traveled to the top floor; Frascoli approached him and said: Relax, man! You are very tense and you must not show it! Darude smiled back, as the women looked at them with indifference. The doors swing open and they went out to a wide corridor; servants welcomed them, and Frascoli lead them to a huge room, where at least eighty people were already there- drinks and sweets were lined up along the walls. Lord Alviano hasnt arrived; but you could ask for any drink you like.- A Synthetic servant said to them, showing a tray full of glasses. Very well, friend! I drink for his appearance!- Frascoli said, 17618 Taking a glass filled with liquor; the rest did their bid, and soon they were laughing for nothing very specialother Servants were milling around with trays, so they could drink at many glasses as they wanted- and the ladies did want a lot. I know half the crowd here! People from Ministries- Chiefs and executives- nobody much important yet! But, drink! I see you as tense as a guitars string.- Frascoli said to Darude. A row of applause suddenly starts- Lord Alviano was arriving! And he wasnt alone- three other elderly men, also arrives with him. Frascoli said: Look who are the newcomers! The Commander of the Royal Space Fleet, Lord Buxer; the Ministry of Sciences, Count Mountwilloco. Prince Garach with his fiance. She is Tekina, his last conquest! Formerly Miss Knapp, at a beauty contest.- Frascoli chuckled. She is nice.- Darude said. Who is nice? Me?- Daina asked, at this side. You are most than nice! You are beautiful.- Frascoli said, going to his rescue.

Ah! I thought your friend was never to be polite unto me. He did not even offer me a drink!- Daina said, and so Darude went for a glass of mild liquor for her- at his return, she thanked him and said: Seems to me you arent prone for parties, are you? At Lubina town I went to a farmers party, some 150 days ago.- Darude said, and Daina laughed, imagining a bunch of rustic people stomping a dance under the stars. 17619 Lord Alviano spoke by a microphone, and his voice boomed through thirty four different sized loudspeakers- he was thanking the concurrence for to be present at his 81 st birthday party, and he ends by saying: Thanks, again, for the presents I had received from you; and now prepare yourself for a lovely evening: first a banquet, followed by a dancing party, and at last, well cut the Birthday cake! They all applauded him, vouching for more life unto him, and Lord Alviano seats at a raised table, where everyone could look at him and his important guests, and vice versa. Tables appears descending from the ceiling, fully served: poultry, salads, wine and beverages were there on those tables. When at the waist level, the tables stop descending, and everyone chooses what to eat or drin- no chairs at all. The only chairs were for the honored one (Lord Alviano) and his guests of honor. As they were all drinking and milling around, sometimes a glass or a dish went tumbling down to the floorbut the servants were ready to clear the mess, and the party keeps on going- a Band begin to play tunes, and after a half hour, the tables with the empty 17620 Dishes goes up. The Band Director said: Ladies and gentlemen invited to Lord Alviano Birthday party! Prepare your shoes: now comes the time to really dance! And they all yelled and the band begins with the first rhythmic theme, a fast one this time. Now you must dance, buddy! Grab your girl, or someone else will take her for the rest of the evening!Frascoli told Darude in one his hears. Darude takes Daina by the hand, and she smiled and begin to dance- Darude knows the basics of the old tunes, and nothing at all of the new ones. The Band was playing, so he begin imitating other males. you dance! Thats cool!- The lady said, trying not to bump on the other dancers; from the ceiling sprayed perfume drops down and it was refreshing to be there! Darude looked at the women dancing: some youngsters danced gracility, others clumsily, with old matrons moved their breasts while they danced, and it was funny for Darude, who never before had attended a rich peoples party. Now you are doing better!- Daina said, at the third dance together- each dance lasted for fifteen minutes only. Darude was sure dancing was some kind of erotic initiation, as it makes female bodies to shake and so prepare them for the matting processes- it was not the same to mate from immobility, than after five hours of funny contortions. 17621 Before the 23rd hour, the servants announced the arrival of the Birthday cake; it was huge and was atop a table with wheels; it was pushed in front of Lord Alvianos table and he was the first who tasted it. Later, the tables from the ceiling were lowered again, and each one could grab a piece of cake, together with a fork and a knife. Frascoli said: Dont leave the hardware on the table! Its a gift from Lord Alviano to us, his guests! Daina was more feminine now- she has several ounces of liquor into her veins, so Darude dared to touch her with more familiarity than before. Frascoli approaches him and said: We are ready to leave; grab your girl and follow me! So he did; at the front of the building, parked were a line of taxi Flyers waiting for the guests, to carry them to their respective homes, all being paid in advance for the generous Lord Alviano. So, Frascoli climbed unto one of them, together with Jorna, Daina and Darude, who was beginning to think in how he had lost his time at a party where nobody of importance was near to lay an ear to help Lubina Town.

Daina pressed her legs unto his, and looked very desirable in the front row of seats, Frascoli was really kissing Jorna. Darude approaches the lady Daina and kissed her thin lips for the first time- they opened for him, and then sucked fiercely; Daina want to be loved and didnt wait for the end of that trip. Later, the vehicle descended on top of a building, and Frascoli said: Please go to my house and well drink a cup of real coffee. 17622 And they all went; he had a small apartment but furnished with care; a small android salutes him and serves the coffee one by one, on a pink tray. Nice servant.- Darude said, looking the fancy embroidered suit the Creature had as a cloth. He is Hugh. Salute my friends, Hugh.- Frascoli asked of him. It is nice to meet you all!- The voice of the Android said, coming from somewhere on his chest. Frascoli approaches to Darude and whispered in his left hear: Buddy, I saw you already connected with the beauty. Now finish your performance going to the second bedroom upstairs; see you later- dont worry to make noise. Thanks._ Darude said, seeing how he went to some room by the corridor, hand in hand with Jorna, who swayed somewhat. Oh, I am so tired!- Daina said, yawning and looking at him- he takes her by the hand, saying: Come! We had a room upstairs! She laughed, and let him lead the way by the stairs; Darude finds the right door, opened it and the dim lights went on, showing a huge bed surrounded by some furniture and appliances. She followed him docile up the bed, and he kissed her with passion. 17623 They slept and they love until dawn; then she said: I must go to work, dear. You stay here. After the party, you must attend to work?- Darude said; he was almost sure Lord Alviano knew his guests were in part working at his same Ministry- and so, a leave should have ensured. No, dear! Lord Alviano gives these parties very often, and always work at the next day as nothing happened.- She explains, while she walks to the bathroom. He followed her, and they love each other again under the warm water. She dressed herself, saying: I will use the same clothes! No time for a change. Permit me to go say goodbye to the entrance to your working place. All right!- She kissed him, seemingly contented. At the elevator, they found Frascoli and the nice looking Jorna. Oh, my friend, you here! I thought you were to sleep until late.- Frascoli said, while they descended in the elevator. I wish to say goodbye at Dainas working place.- He answered. Of course. You seem very happy this morning.- Frascoli said, while smiling. Daina said: I hope you could come at four oclock- wait me at the front door. 17624 Sure I will- my love.- Darude said, embracing her. Then, the street full of people walking fast, he takes Daina by the arm, trying not to bump on others- it was nightmarishing- then it was time to say good bye, and he looked how they enter through the wide doors and then they were gone. Darude sighed, and realize Honey was certainly waiting for him at her Hotel room. He enters a coffee Shop, to think while he sipped black coffee the new romance now was legitimate- no hardware behind a beautiful pair of eyes- Honey and Dania werent to be mixed- so he decided to send Honey home. He return to the Hotel and at her room ,she was waiting, fully dressed, on the first room. My darling, you return safely! How it was?- She asked, while embracing him. Not as I supposed, darling! Frascoli carried me to a Birthday party, where I meet nobody of importance for my project.- Darude said. She smiled and said: Dont care about that, my love! But you enjoyed the party? Yes, I did. Later, I slept at his house- I leave him at his working place- not a word about help for our town.

Honey kissed him and said: I called to Lubina. You can call to Earth if you want, using the videophones they have in this Hotel!So, whats the news?- He asked. 17625 The miners are working normally; the Flyers could carry workers from town to the mines; several townsfolk prefer that to be idling in our ghost town! So I guess more production will be next time._ Honey said. Good news. Guess we will get back empty handed. At least we did try.- Darude said, looking the aerial traffic by the windows. At sixteen thirty hours, he awoke and said to Honey: Ill tr4y to contact our friend Frascoli- I will urge him about some help for our town. You wait me here. All right, dear. Dont you worry about me.- Honey said, smiling. Darude went to the upper floor and at the Flyer port he hailed a Flyer taxi and gives the address of the Ministry of Colonization as a target; the Flyer descended on a platform and Darude went down in a elevator. Once at the street, he saw a water fountain in front of that building, so he stayed there until Daina appeared going out of the building- with the same clothes he saw her using in the morning, so he had no problem identifying her. She arrives at her side, and kissed him in a cheek. Hi, my love! I was afraid you werent here.- Daina said. I always do what I promise! You look lovable.- Darude said. Thanks! Where do we go?- Daina asked, looking 17626 At the street. Darude has no idea where to go with a young female at 17.40 hours, so he said: I am new in town. You tell me. She didnt smile and appears to be upset, but finally said: Lets go to some quiet place! Darude hailed a Flyer Taxi, and said: carry us to a interesting and quiet place. The Driver ascended slowly, and soon they were at 300 meters above the top of the highest buildings, and after fifteen minutes, the Sadam Gulf was now in plain sight. The Driver said: There are two Resorts near the beach, Sir. Do you want the expensive or the standard one? The expensive, of course.- Darude said, smiling to the woman with a certainty he does not have. The driver made a dive; soon they were on the Flyer port near the building; in front of the sea, who was shining under the setting sun. 340 Credits, Sir. Have fun._ The Driver said 17627 Through the stereo system. Darude inserted his C.C. and the debt was paid; they descended. At pair of taller Synthetics were already waiting, and the male one said: Welcome to Velenia! Please follow us. And the female Synthetic takes him by the hand, while the male Synthetic gives the arm to Daina; they were perfect models of Homo Sapiens, and dressed in sport clothes. Do you have some idea of this place, Sir?- The E-female asked him, smiling. No idea, lady. Which is your name? Eporna- and yours? Darude Bean. Tell me more about this place; I brought my friend here because she seems to be expecting great things from me; entertainment and all those things, and I am a perfect ignorant courting a female.- He said. I understand the situation. But we cannot talk any more now: we are arriving to the Elevator, where we all are going to ascend to the Second floor- there youll be offered free drinks- accept them- and when she went to the Ladys room, Ill talk you some more. Darude didnt reply, as they arrived to the elevator- there, the Synthetics let them alone, and they 17628 Ascended to the second floor, where several tables were lined against a wall covered with moving scenes. They seat on white chairs at a oak table.

What is this? I had never come here.- Dania said- and of course she hadnt, as the place was very expensive. A place to relax, darling! I am sure you will like this.- Darude said, but she looked at him and realizes the man wasnt sure about what to expect. A Waiter offers them some drinks, and she accepted a mild one; Darude repeats a name of the several the Waiter offered him, and after the drinks were served, he said: Tell me what is your work at the Ministry offices! Dania felt herself outraged by the question and finished her drink, saying: Pardon me, but I will go to the bathroom.- And departed. As a shadow coming, Eporna appeared and seating next to him, she said: Perfect; now shell stay there for seven minutes. Tell me if you want to dance, drink and go to bed, or for a excursion to the sea, skydiving or water- biking? Yes, the sport life seems better. If it ends on a bed, better still.- Darude said. Eporna laughed and said: All right, the sport tour A, B or C? The C its the cheaper, but has also less fun. The cheaper! How much it will cost?- Darude asked, afraid to hear the answer. Oh, Darude! Dont be shy! We have discounts and you can pay later! Have fun!- And with that, Eporna went away, leaving him with a vision of a perfect body walking like the Goddess of love! What are you thinking? You seems bored._ Daina said, arriving. Of course not, Daina! - He said, and then the same E-man appeared, saying: Lady, Gentleman! The tour is waiting for you! Please come with me . Daina smiled to the Synthetic person, and stand up from his place immediately, while Darude begin to move from his chair with reluctance. Where did we go?- She asked, looking at the luxury of the place. I asked for a sea tour, Daina. Hope you like it.- Darude said, admiring her torso. She noticed it and laughed. Again through the elevator, but this time up and with the male Assistant. And you have many tourists in winter?- Daina asked the Synthetic man, as the place seems to be deserted. Of course, lady! Only we are worried about the privacy, here. Of course, now you are about to travel with some more people, we think its more fun if it is shared with others. For that theory that says people knows themselves better when looked by others.- The E-man said, smiling. You could be right. More fun to be seen.- Dania said. Darude was not in accord with that phrase; he was sure some rich tycoons dont need to be recognized while having a sea trip with a young female, while his wife think he is on a business trip or his associates believe he is on a research mission. Upon the roof, a green Flyer was waiting for them. Eight other couples were there. Darude and Dania seats where they were told, and the vehicle departed from the platform. That E-man is our Assistant during the tour: His name is Ejurkan.- Daina said, taking Darudes hand, so he realize she was beginning to loose her bad temper. The other tourists at the vehicle were 17630 Similar to them, in the difference of age between males and women: the women were young and the males were old. Darude looked at them, and a couple of males return his stare with a wink of complicity. They arrive to a platform atop the prow of a ship; the Flyer was secured in place, and they descended by a ramp to the deck, helped by Assistants dressed in uniforms. The Captain welcomes them, and offered drinks, while the ship traveled now by the sea; Darude said: Do you like to be at sea? Yes, but also I am a bit scared.- Daina recognized. Dont you be scared! I can swim and I could save you if the ship sinks!- He said, jokingly, but she didnt like the remark and said: Are you so out of the way to try to be funny with that idea? Not always.- Darude replied, sensing his joke was not a joke but a sadistic phrase. The Synthetic Assistant (Ejurkan) approaches with a pair of bowls with ice cream; she thanked and sipped, while Darude takes the spoon and tastes it; surely it was non-fat. He was really disappointed of the natural Lady; she was very exigent and word analyzer. The ship stops its march and an Officer in a blue jacket said to the tourist: Everybody out! The Captain has some exercise for you!

And yes, it was the sea-bikes: the men takes it as a game and played on those vehicles over the waves; scant women didnt make a fuss out of be in one of them. Daina refuses and just stared from the deck. Later, everyone returns to the ship, while the Assistants takes the vehicles from the water; coffee and biscuits were served on deck, while the sun (native star) descended down the horizon. 17631 I saw you having a lot of fun!- Daina said. Why dont you go there? It was terrific.- He replied. I dislike feeling myself in danger! I had heard people die in this kind of games.- Daina said. The Captain announced that the saloon was open, and everyone was given a thousand Credits for to play games inside. Well, this is fun!- Daina said, while receiving her share of Chips at the entrance. Darude went other way, while she was playing at the cards, and the beautiful Ekorna was passing by; he called her, and said: Hi! You are working here? Hi, Darude! No, I only came to deliver some more tokens to that croupier- and how are things going with your girlfriend?- She replied. Bad, really bad! I dont want to be with her anymore! Pity I brought her here without knowing she was such a - But she interrupted, saying: Really sorry to hear this, Darude! Do you want to get ride of hernow?- Ekorna asked him. Yes, I wish she was back at Rixiaberg.- He moved his head sidewise. We could tell her that you are sick- and made some Assistant help her back to the city. Some extra money it will cost you this; but never too much.- Ekorna said, taking him by a hand. 17632 I wish you could stay with me- as my couple- from now on.- Darude asked her. Of course, no problem! But you must help us a little now! Go to her side, pretend to be sick, cough perhaps, and someone will assist you to the Infirmary. Then we will tell her you were sent to Rixiaberg in a Flyer; and that she must pay a lot of Credits to remain here- or go to the city in a Flyer.- Ekorna said, remembering the numerous times this case was happened in the past. Seems to be a good plot. There I go.- He said, walking. As she said it was donned: Dania didnt trouble much about his pains, but when told her about payments to stay, she chooses to return to Rixiaberg in a second. Darude was waiting at a nice bedroom, when Ekorna enters, saying: Its all over! The Lady leaves the ship! You are free to roam the saloon from now on. Darude laughed, and she laughs with him. 17633 Darude stayed two days more at that Resort, enjoying Ekorna and betting at the Roulette in the eveningsfrom fifty eight thousands and six hundred Credits they asked for lodging and extras, twenty three thousands and six hundred Credits were discounted by his earnings at the Roulette- so eh paid only thirty five thousand Credits in all, and obtained nice memories for the rest of his life. He arrives at the Hotel Sehou in high spirits. Hi, love! How do you do?- Honey asked when he enters the room. Fine! I was at a Resort, trying to earn money and contacts for our town- I failed in that, but I was well fed and well treated all the time.- Darude said. Very well! So we are returning now?- Honey asked. Yes, theres nothing else to do here; we will be relaying on our copper production only.- Darude said. Honey asked for the bill and after that was paid, they bought some presents and small objects to show something at Lubina; rented a Flyer and return to Lubina in that afternoon. Welcome, Sir! All normal in here! Oh, thanks!- Fatualer said, receiving a personal holographic receiver and recorder from Darude. Good that its all normal! Pity I didnt obtain help! Seems we are alone here- copper is our salvation, only.- Darude said.

17634 Of course, Sir! Perhaps more miners at another mine? That will increase incomes.- Fatualer said. We need more populace or more Synthetics, Chief. Here Ill have presents for the best of your men- call ten of the best.- Darude said. Fatualer obeyed him and in his presence Darude gives the presents to the Policemen: new clothes, knifes and electronic communicators, all of it very useful for their occupation. Then he goes upstairs with the eight valises left, and seating at an armchair, he said to Honey: Wish my voyage serves for better purposes than we really gets. Dont think in that anymore, dear! We are here and theres lots of work to do. And she was right: the Coelophysis were lurking by night at the very doors of houses; the Policemen were all with sore eyed with luck of sleep and much patrolling by nights. Guess a simple wall will be needed. But to stop works at the mine now its a suicide.- Darude said. Honey replied: Lets visit the mines, dear. Theres some copper already there, that we could sell. They were using the Flyer taxi hired from Rixiaberg (?). 17635 The mine was well guarded by two policemen in duty; the rest was digging. My idea! I told the Chief of Police about it- he said people will work if there was going to be an extra payment for it. I say double payment could do the trick? He said yes, and you are seeing the end result.Honey said. Fine, a nice surprise- hope this could be of notice when weighing the copper bars.- Darude said. Of course it will!- Honey replied. Darude saw the pile of copper more than forty tons of it- and said: We will stay in here! Until we reach a hundred tons. What we are seeing here makes a few million Credits.- Honey said. Synthetics! I need them! And to rent some mighty aerial ship, to fire on every dinosaur trespassing Lubina boundaries.- Darude said. 17636 Dear: no! Remember the first Directive! I cannot even hear it mentioned; others will did likewise; to shoot on them, you need Naturals.- Honey said, embracing him. Right! Then, a stone wall.- Darude said. Of course. I will ask for the fares- a pair of machines could do a nice stone wall in scant twenty five days.She said, relieved- she detested to kill, that matches also the first Directive. A walled city in our planet. Certainly Knapp Kingdom enters the Intergalactic Era recently, but here we are mere spectators of the life its unfolding at the capital city.- Darude said. Honey said: The Taxi Driver is calling, dear. He said hell be returning to Rixiaberg (?). Do you need him to return to Lubina town? No, let him go! Well get back in a truck.- Darude said. She said: All right, but we cannot have a Governor on foot! Not anymore!- And called a client; that same day the forty tons of copper was sold and she shows him the transference to his Bank Account. Now, Ill see if we can buy something from Walberg Stores! You can ask for a model directly to them, no matter if the item its on Mars or Jupiter! They only ask that you pay in advance- they had also offers.Honey said. You certainly could connect with them?- Darude was spellbound. Certainly yes, dear! There are three new satellites in orbit for this purpose only! Authorized by the King Lugner himself.- Honey said. Queer! The king authorizing! - Darude said, as they all knew the King Lugner was a xenophobe and always sticking with the old mode of life. It was that, or a huge payment for the use of three frigates! The Federation leased three frigates only after the King accepts some commercial franchises for Federation members.- Honey laughed. You try to find a good model, no matter if old or second handed! I am decided to move around in an aerial way.- Darude said.

17638 Honey revised hundreds of models and prices choosing first what she thought Darude needs. Then he contacted the Walberg Stores and paid using all the money he had on his credit card plus some credit. Now, to wait they bring it here. = Honey said. With the Flyer I guess everything will be better.- Darude said. Of course, dear. The wall will have to wait.- She replied, as her first commitment was with her owner. Small works Darude begin to perform at the mine, not to be idling. News from Lubina werent troublesome, and as days passed, more copper bars were being pilled high. Three tons already.- Honey said, looking at the copper. We could hire personnel at Rixiaberg- Natural people. We could sell them food, clothes, medicines, sex, everything the human needs to live an interesting life- we pay wages and we recover some of it through the Company Store.- Darude said. Honey smiled and said: Lodgings must be provided, a Clinic and his personnel readied, entertainment sector, locomotion to Lubina or Rixiaberg provided, Legal Assistance, Theatre, Music Hall, Firefighter Station, or else, problems will arise like fungus after a downpour. Lots of work to do, but it will be repaid by the revenues.- Darude said, realizing the job at the site was only beginning- and his whole life span (the rest of it) will be too small to see that labor accomplished. That day, a message from Lubina said Professor Moe was in town. Tell him to come here! I wish to know what happened before he was leave at that place of horror.- Darude told Honey. Doing it- reply will delay, dear. The Professor Moe is visiting the surroundings at Lubina.Good. Wish he could come here, too. Darude said. Adding your remark- Chief Fatualer informs Professor Moe arrives here aboard a military airship.- Honey said. I always suspected he had good connections with the Government.- Darude said. He did have! I read his biography, dear- very impressive. Several members of the Court study under his tutelage also he is a very able man.- Honey recited. Later, Professor Moe called by cell-phone, saying he was glad to be invited to the mine, and that he will be there in a while more- thing he did. The aerial ship , a huge gray circular object- landed at the flat terrain in front of the incline to the mineseveral uniformed men descended and after some minutes, Moe went down. 17640 Welcome, Professor Moe! What a delight to see you in good health.- Darude said. Thanks you, Governor! I am happy to be here, too! - The professor said, pressing his forearm. Please, come to my office! I had a site excavated on the rock of the mountain- very secure indeed.- Darude said. Why, is here any danger?- Professor Moe asked, looking around him. As a matter of fact, yes. Some Coelophysis killed the last commander in here.- Darude said. How pity that it is! A force field could be implemented, perhaps facing the flatland! Also, some electrical devices sounding the alarm- movement detectors, of course.- Professor Moe said, panting for the climbing effort he was making. 17641 When at the office, they seated in front of an holographic table, and Darude shows the Professor the site where he was saved, and asked: What were you doing around that territory? We were searching for Piatnisquisaurs, a rare specimen who had a very large span of life. We landed in three places- at the third, we were intercepted by four small Flyers- the same used as personal Flyers- but with armed people on board; they knew who we were that was plain to see.- Moe said. And what they wanted of you?- Darude asked. They said it was for the vehicle we were in! They forced us to walk back to it, open and then they injected us with something- dont knew of myself until on a Hospital at Rixiaberg. Later, I had been trying to remember bits and ends of what happened, helped with some psychiatrist of the Army Intelligence Office.He said.

But, your fellow colleagues? Missed 17642 And thats it? - Darude asked him. Not quite! They lend me a vehicle- the one you can see landed down there- and six soldiers plus a pilot, all Naturals one. We will be searching what could be found at that place they told me you found me on the wilderness.- Professor Moe said. Right. Do you want me to guide you? Certainly the Royal Army knows already about the coordinates, and Yes! They went first thing out there- just the same they found nobody- this is very strange, dont you think?- Professor Moe asked. I think it is. I am here out of funds, so to speak. Lubina town didnt receive any help from the Government. Wish I could go with you. But I am here seeing the miners work as fast as it could be- I depend economically from what we could extract from the mine.- Darude said. Professor Moe looked at the map some minutes more, and then he said: It will be nice you could change your mind. Perhaps with a small payment? Some three thousand Credits- not much, but as a token of gratitude- from this old professor, who wants to know where are his colleagues. Darude looked at Honey, and she smiled, assenting with a nod, so he said: All right, Professor! I will accept your three thousand Credits because we need it, and more. Ill be on your Crusade. Very good! Give me the C.C., to make the deposit right away.- Professor Moe said, and so it was donned. Later they slept- the Professor at the aerial craft, and Darude with the beautiful Honey at his room in the cavern. Dear, in another four weeks, the aerial 17643 Vehicle will be delivered on our house at Lubina town- hope we will be back by then.- Honey said. In any case, tell Chief Fatualer about it; he could receive it for us.- Darude commanded, and so Honey called the Police Station, telling Fatualer about it. All right, Ill receive it! Where are you going?- Fatualer asked, worriedly. At the building where we rescued Professor Moe! He is troubled by the disappearance of his colleagues.Honey informed. Please, carry some policemen with you! This expedition unto the unknown is way too risky.- Chief Fatualer said. So, Darude told the Commander of the police station at the mine about lending two of his men, for his protection. Kingle, the chief of police at the mines, said: Ill provide you with an escort of two of my best men here, Governor! And please accept this LASER rifle.- And he handed one to Darude. I am sure this will be a peaceful trip. The professor has been informed by the Military that nobody was at the building where he was kept prisoner.- Darude remarked. Yes, but at the surrounding area, Governor? Because in some part of that jungle there is a Base.- Kingle said. At sixteen hours they departed on the Army airship; Darude and Honey occupied a cabin at the left side of the vehicle, with a porthole and a video camera, in case they want to see what goes going on at the outside. Dear! At last we are in intimacy!- Honey said, locking the door and kissing him. Darude takes her slim body in his arms, and said: I did love you! 17644 At the cabin, Professor Moe asked to the pilot: What direction are we taking from now? Captain Nefrate was looking at a chart on a screen, and said: Nor- Nor-West, Professor. Six minutes to land. Very well! This vehicle its indeed fast.- Professor Moe said. We can stop on a coin, if we want. That was the main problem, at the first times; how to stop a vehicle going 3.000 km. per hour.- And the Pilot was proud of the machine, bought at the Mars Industries, not a couple of months ago. Wish we could find a clue ! We must find the professors.- Moe said. We are here for that purpose, Professor! I will do my best to find them.- The captain Nefrate assured him. They landed atop some bushes, that burns with the contact with the heated keel. Captain Nefrate sent three soldiers out , saying: Secure the area, call when ready! Yes, Sir!- Both soldiers replied in unison.

17645 The place was devoid of big animals at that moment, so the soldiers said: All secured here, Sir. Very well: professor, your friend should go with us.- Captain Nefrate said. Of course; Ill call on them.- Professor Moe said, and hastened through the corridor to the cabin where Darude was accommodate; he push the button and said: Governor, the captain recommends we go together to the building. Please come out. Just a minute, Professor! We are coming.- Darude said, embracing Honey, who was smiling. Ten minutes later, they disembarked and went out of the aerial vehicle. Cloudy and about to rain! - Darude said, looking at the dark clouds above their heads. As if his remark possessed some enchantment in it, the rain begins slowly to fall over machines and men. I recognize the place, my love! Follow me.- Honey said to Darude, taking him by his left hand. The policemen follow them, and the rest went behind. Three hundred meters away, the bulk of the building was in sight. I dimly remember this site- of course, later I had seen in pictures the Royal Army shows me.- Professor Moe said, while the soldiers stormed the place- shouting and banging things inside; the Policemen takes 17646 Both Darude and Honey several meters away, saying: Something goes on! Take precautions! So they did- half an hour later, Captain Nefrate returns from the building. Governor! Come here! - Professor Moe said, arriving from the building- so they enter and saw the place using night vision goggles, as it was dark. The artifact where professor Moe was attached was not in place, and pieces of equipment were scattered all around. Seems a heard of sarcolestes went through here.- Darude said. Our soldiers did one typhoon of a job here. Nothing remains the same.- Honey acknowledged. They saw the corpses, at the next room; men half eaten by some scavenger animal; Honey revised the rest of the building and find a badly injured man behind a desk. The soldiers take him out and Honey said: that man needs medical assistance. Did somebody have a first aid kit? I can clean his wounds. One of the soldiers has a pack, and she clean and made a bandage on legs and chest of the man, while saying: Near the liver- the LASER beam cuts through the right lung- blood is pouring inside the body- must be removed to a hospital as fast as it could be. Captain Nefrate: we should return immediately to Rixiaberg Hospital. This man is prone to die in here.Professor Moe said. Very well, Professor; but our mission here isnt ended! So I will leave you here, and fly with the wounded to Rixiaberg and back. I will leave half my men with you, to protect; also, the Governor of Lubina and his wife. Yes, go now.- Professor Moe said, with a wave of his left hand. Captain Nefrate leaves the place with the wounded man, and two of his soldiers carried the man to the aerial ship in a stretcher. Darude said: Pity they are going! I dislike this place. Dont worry! We have armed men to defend us! Also, this place is made of concrete and stones- no dinosaur could wreck it.- Professor Moe said, beginning his search for clues on the rooms. 17648 Darude said: Honey, guess you could communicate with the Chief Fatualer? Yes, dear! But only if I am on the outside of this building; much interference in here.- Honey informed. You tell him about our present predicament; I dont like to be here without an aerial vehicle.- Darude said, and she went out to deliver the message. Nice creature you have in her.- Professor Moe said, seating on a box. Yes, she is the light of my life- I prefer her than anyone else.- Darude said. Women are difficult creatures. I never understand them- I prefer to have friends; pity now I am a bit grumpy, with old age.- Professor Moe commented. Honey enters the room, saying: I delivered the message, dear; Chief Fatualer is sending a Flyer to bring us home. Professor Moe said: I dont mistrust military men! Captain Nefrate is very responsible. Lets take a look at the outside? In here theres nothing else to do.- Darude said, and they went out of the building. 17649

At the outside it still was raining; they walked by places where bushes werent so thick, and found a landing place, with burned rocks spread all around a clearing fifty meters in diameter. Here is a clue- they arrived by air! So we will be forgetting to find their den around here.- Professor Moe said, sniffing the air as a ferret. They return to the building, and waited for three long hours for the aerial vehicles. 17650 Call Fatualer again! Tell him to send the Flyer; soon it will be dark.- Darude said, feeling his bones chilled with apprehension. Honey went out and talked by the radio with the Chief of Police; at her return, she said; They were very preoccupied; Police Chief said the Flyer departed from there about three hours ago! Strange thing.- Darude said, seated on a unturned table. One our later, the Flyer arrives and his driver said: Sorry about the delay, Sir! We had a malfunction a hundred kilometers from here, but we repair the damage! All right, the important thing its you are here.- Darude said. It was pitch dark when they departed; Darude said : It is highly 17651 Difficult that Captain Nefrate could not made a call to inform us of his delay! Honey said: Dear, I had been calling him since his departure- not a sign. At Headquarters (Royal Army Forces) they know nothing about him, and sent three Army Flyers to investigate this case. They are already searching for his vehicle. Professor Moe said: We would had been at that building all night without being able to get back! Do you think your colleagues could be alive?- Darude asked him. Not sure, of course. At least, their bones arent at that site. I wish to know why I was left there, as an experiment.- Professor Moe said. A Flyer is hailing us.- Honey said. What he said?- Darude asked. Listen!- She said, repeating the recorded message that says: We are at 73`3`, 69`2`! I am the pilot of KB603 airship! Tell him we are approaching him! I will tell our natural pilot to be there right now.- Darude said, and the pilot obeyed, saying: Its dark, Governor, but that is not the problem: carnivores lurks in the dark. Try to find the wreck.- Darude said. Soon they were descending to the place 17652 Indicated beforehand; it was a rocky site, near the hills, not 800 kilometers away from Lubina, and to the East. The Airship was pointing to the sky on one side, and crushed against the ground with the other, being a Saucer shaped vehicle. Darude and the rest went out of the Flyer, and tried to enter to that vehicle, but the lock was twenty meters above ground. We cannot enter, except we make a ladder.- Darude said. There are trees over there! Go and cut some wide branches! We will make a sound ladder.- Honey said. They used LASER rays to cut the tree trunks, and soon had the necessary material: with wires from the stock inside the Flyer, they knotted the sticks in place, the first going up was Honey, who said: Pardon me, people, but I am lightweight and faster than anyone of you. Go ahead.- Darude smiled back. In scant seconds she went up and inside the Saucer; the corridors were pointing to the center of the planet, so she used his hands to went down, where the cabin was- but soon she realize there were all dead, smashed with the rough crash landing. Honey did find several other people on corridors, with broken skulls mostly; she then returns to the outside, descended and said: There are all dead from the impact; sorry. In that moment, some lights descended upon them the Army vessels 17653 Were arriving, at last. The vehicles landed close to the wreckage and officer approaches, with several soldiers escorting him, aiming the nozzles of their weapons against Darude and the rest.

Who are you?- The officer asked. I am the Governor of Lubina town, this are my Assistants, and this is professor Moe. =Darude informed him. The officer turned to the professor, saying: Professor Moe? We have someone asking for you. Please follow one of my men inside that ship! Once the professor went to meet his unknown solicitor, the Captain sent more soldiers inside the flying saucer, to revise its interior. Dear, we should go now. Nothing else we could do here.- Honey said. But, and the professor Moe? I cannot leave him here without knowing what is happening!- Darude said. Honey whispered in his ear: I know through some listening that the inviter is a member of the Royal Family, so he will be fine. All right, boys! Let us proceed to Lubina town! Nothing else to do here.- Darude gives the order, and they climb to the Flyer and went away, without any more delay. At Lubina town, they were received by the Chief of Police Fatualer, and Darude told him about the building and the Professor Moe almost kidnapped by military men at the site of the crash. 17655 What specialty did he had?- Fatualer asked. Professor Moe is a teacher of Paleontology and Botanic at the University of Oredloro. Not much connection with high politics.- Darude said. But with drugs? A Botanic knows about plants, acids, combinations of chemicals, or am I wrong? Fatualer asked him. I guess you are right. Perhaps those guys has some plantation of sorts and dont want anybody looking. Yes, not high politics, but high finances.- Darude said; he was tired and went to bed, with Honey saying: Sleep well, dear! I will watch your sleep. Thanks you, Honey.- He said, and fell asleep shortly after. Honey was listening to the chat among Synthetics- she also could hear in different wave lengths, some of them used only for Synthetic people. She can choose among many subjects. She heard about the recent crash ; about the Police at Lubina, and about the farmers attitude, among other things. She learnt about the Professor Moe, who was summoned by Prince Garach and asked about the recent events. Prince Garach was sure there was a conspiracy going on, to overthrown his father the King Lugner. He was anxious to learn more of it, but with the death of the only suspect his probabilities of success dropped almost to zero. 17656 Then, Honey called to Wallmars and the Agent said: Its already here, lady! For lack of a pilot we have it parked at spaceport of our Agency! I can pilot it! I have my license; what about me going to your office right now? This vehicle is for the Governor of Lubina, and its tantalizing for him this acquisition.- Honey explained. No problem at all! Tomorrow at noon I will be waiting for you, if you like.- The vendor said. Ill be there.- Honey promised, and called on Fatualer by the radio; a Policeman said: Yes? Call the Chief of Police! Its urgent, from the Governors office I am calling.- Honey said. Very well, Madame! Pity our Chief is at his home right now! But I am Bleta, the Officer in charge ; tell me what you want and Ill do it.- Bleta said, following the orders his chief told him before leaving the office. I need the Flyer ready for my use tomorrow at ten oclock!- Honey said. With the pilot, Madame?- Bleta asked. Yes; I am going to fetch a new airship at Rixiaberg; must be someone in the Flyer to take it back.- Honey said. Ten twenty it is, Madame.- Bleta said, smiling. 17657 In the morning, Honey made some noise, so Darude awoke at nine oclock. Hi, darling!- He said, opening one eye. Hi, dear! Still raining outside.- She said, rising the curtains. But plenty of light! - Darude said, screening his eyes with a hand. They asked me to be at Rixiaberg by noon- we must go there to receive the new aerial ship I bought for your use.- Honey explained, and Darude stretch his arms and said: Well, it was about time! We must depart now?

Yes; we must.- Honey said, handling him a glass of milk. While he drink, she called on the Police Station, saying: The Governor is departing to the Flyer. Be ready. Darude leaves the glass at the night table, and went to take his daily shower; five minutes later, he was putting on his trousers, while Honey combed her hair. The Flyer was provided with food, water, the pilot and two policemen as an escort for the Governor. For your protection, Sir.- Fatualer said when he approached the Flyer. Do you want to go with me, Chief? It will be a short ride.- Darude invited him. No, thanks you, Governor! Lots of work to do here, now you are going out! Also, I prefer to have my feet on the ground, if I can choose.- Fatualer said. The Flyer takes off, and speeded up and towards Rixiaberg; at 11:40 hours they were descending into Rixiaberg Spaceport, and lots of other vehicles were parked there, some of them from the Federation of Planets, noticeable because of the banners into their sides. They paid a fare to be there, and two officers revised the Flyer with scanners; as they had nothing special , authorization to stay was granted immediately. At 12:14 hours they arrive to the office of Mr. Gorjan, who was the vendor of the vehicle. Good afternoon milady, Mr. Governor; your vehicle its on our hangar eighteen. I must give you this box; in it you will find the memory pills with all the authorizations, licenses, date of updates, Sanitary controls, state of the batteries, engines, meteorite deflectors in good shape, weaponry, kits of use, and some other information. Hope all is in good shape.- Darude said. Our technicians will explain to you every detail you want to know; of course, Miss Honey told me she could pilot the vessel; so she possibly know all about the ship already.- Mr. Gorjan said. Of course, I know almost everything about this model.- Honey said. See? You have a good Assistant in her. Well, it rest only to wish you good luck with your new acquisition. Good bye.- The Vendor said, and departed; two Synthetic persons appears, saying they were the technicians. We are here to help in any way, Sir. Please follow us to the hangar.- One of them said. 17659 At the hangar, Darude was very surprised when looking at the vessel, and said: My gosh! Its an Orb!| The magic of old, as they say.- Honey said, smiling. Darude passed the hand by the hull, feeling the smooth surface; it was like a steel chromed sphere, some twenty meters high. Do you like it? It has all the inner circuits made a-new, and upgraded to the last item! - Honey said, proud of herself. Darude embraced her, saying: You are unique! Thanks!- And with that, she was perfectly happy for the day. They went inside by a ramp; the clean atmosphere was constantly filtered; the temperature was 20 Centigrade for the entire habitable sectors. Welcome aboard, Sir! I am Locutus, your in-built pilot and crew master!- A voice said. Thanks you!- Darude said, and Honey remarked: With a in-built driver and all! Yes, dear. The investment you did here is astounding.- Darude said. I studied it thoroughly! You have a state of the art machinery in here; hope all functions are to last.- She said. Errare humanum est! But of course, nowadays you, Synthetic people, are the ones who made things, for the most part.- Darude said. She kissed him, and said: Do not underestimate our Creators! You are way ahead of us in many fields. Hope one day you could be our equals.- Darude said. For what purpose? Our desire is to serve.- She said, repeating the Universal motto the Synthetics have in use, and then she added: Pilot Hucine! Explain to our Commander Darude the disposition of chambers on board.Commander Darude: you are standing on Deck Two, at the corridor that goes through all the perimeter, with access to the Engines at the Center, 17661 Or sector One. There are four sectors to the outside of the corridor. Sector One its the Cabin or Main Control room, where it is possibly to man the Orb in case to be required. Sector Two is the Infirmary and Cryogenic Pods; Sector Three its the Mess Hall, Communal dormitory cells, Holographic Center, Radar and

Communications. Sector Three houses the Lock, personal Flyers docking and storage places, Gunner One to Four seats. Sector Four has chambers to storage goods, a food processor, boxes with spare parts, and two auxiliary engines.- The Pilot Hucine said. Understood! Tell me more details about Deck one.- Darude asked. Deck one has eighteen cabins for two persons each, and a decompression chamber.- Hucine said. And about Deck three?- Darude asked him. Deck Three has three sectors. Sector One has the meteorite deflector, a pulse cannon to be used on incoming inevitable meteors; Sector Two houses the landing gear. Sector Three houses the Life Savior Shuttle Pod, capacity for six persons, Range 3 U.A., reusable.- The in-built pilot said. Nice to know about this in detail. - Darude said. 17662 Darude was more impressed than he was showing; he was now in the ultra modern world he had almost shunned out by living in Lubina Town for so many days. In here, he was part of the Federation of Planets way of life- like in a totally different world. Choose me a good cabin! Perhaps I even sleep in here.- Darude said. Of course, dear! But we must depart and leave room for other vessels at the docking point.- She replied. Do your departure, darling! I will seat in here- nice armchair looking the controls.- Darude smiled. Dont worry about the take off! Hucine the pilot will take care of that.- Honey said, seating next to him, but with one eye fixed on the controls just in case. Of course.- Darude said. I already give him the order to deploy, dear- by radio. The coordinates, in this case, are not necessary to say as the place is a city; but for places at the field, you must tell Hucine the necessary coordinates.- Honey explained him. Darude looked at the controls, and rising his eyes to her, asked: And why is he not departing? He is waiting for you to fasten your belt, dear! _ She laughed, and when Darude did that, a slight tremor was all the indication that they were moving up. Pilot Hucine, put the front cam on the main screen.- Honey asked, and a section Darude thought it was a wall, gets illuminated and the clouds were portrayed there. Of course, it is what the Orb has in front, dear. But you could ask any angle of projection you want, and the system will show exactly what was requested.- Honey said. 17663 Darude asked for a 30 degrees angle, and instantly they were looking at the terrain, from an altitude of 280 kilometers high. The jungle was looking like a green cloak with pinpoints of silver where there was water. 17664 As the image was very astounding, he was spellbound for the rest of the voyage. The pilot lands the vehicle near the entrance to Town, as their size wasnt able to land near the Governors building. The pilot will wait here, dear.- Honey said. Very well; tell him to close the door.- Darude asked, and several people were approaching to see the new vehicle. Darude saluted and walked with Honey until arriving to the Police Station; there, Chief Fatualer welcomed them and said: Good news, Governor! A big group of Oredloro city has arrived. They want to have some land in this community, provided you could help them now they are going to settle up. Yes, good news I am hearing! We need taxpayers.- Darude said. They want places where to build their houses, and the certainty there will be water supply and electricity for their homes.- Fatualer said. All three of them are equally possible to be granted. Theres a leader of them, or should it be one? I want to speak with him.- Darude said. A man called Grigory; hes representing the entire group.- Fatualer signaled. Fine. Tell him I already arrived- appoint him for a reunion at fifteen hours fifteen minutes.- Darude commanded. Ill confirm you about this, Governor.- Fatualer said. 17665 Learn about those people.- Darude said to Honey, when at his desk.

Do you want me to meet them? I could find out all about them, what they want, and make you appear to decide at the end of my work.- Honey proposed. Thats a good idea. I will call the Chief, to tell him.- Darude said, walking to the Police Station. Fatualer was already gone, so Honey run after him and explains the change of plans; Fatualer returns to the Police Station where Darude was waiting. Change of plans, Governor? The lady said she is going first.- Fatualer said. Yes, guess she is very clever and I am sure she will be not committing mistakes with those people.Darude said. Of course, Governor, but she is too valuable to sent her amidst unknown people! Let me handle this, Sir: Ill go myself.- Fatualer said. All right, but dont go alone.- Darude replied. I will carry three other Policemen; not that I could feel afraid of those people, but to show we are not joking.- Fatualer said. I am going too! With the Chief and his men, I am sure I will be protected.- Honey said, and added: I will call you, dear- by the radio. Dont worry. And she change clothes, from a vaporous dress to a green uniform with a LASER gun at her belt. Right.- Darude said, smiling. He was nervous about it; as he didnt want her to be maimed of injuredsome people still believe Synthetics represents a threat to the human society, and act in consequence , maiming or destroying this valuable products of human science and technology. But Honey was not stupid, and surrounds herself by Policemen from the beginning to the end of her visit to the newcomers. 17666 The place was opposite to the one they had landed with the Orb : to the hillside of town. She saw more than two hundred people around three omnibuses; the vehicles were being cleaned up with water from a creek. The appearance of this people was tanned by the weather, women looked tired and in lesser numbers than of men. The men were of Oredlorian stock, middle aged in general. As they approached, the leaders were advised and so, when Honey and the Policemen stopped they were already in front of that little tribe. Three elders are the chieftains of this group. The one on the middle is the Chief.- Fatualer murmured. I come in peace to talk about your needs. I am the General Assistant of the Governor of Lubina Town.Honey said, in a ringing voice (that she maintained while in their presence). Welcome to our company, Assistant! We need a place to settle down- our needs are few.- The voice of the chief was feeble- he was a man in his eighties. We are glad you come here, and as you can see, we are not so far from Rixiaberg, now there are 17667 Aerial vehicles, but we live as in the old times. Governor Darude with a great effort has obtained medical supplies an able personnel to assist at our Hospital General. We are happy to hear that- several of us are sick.- Another chief said- this one was on his prime, and very robust. The Governor invites you to a meeting for today at 15:15 hours; and I hope you could assist.- Honey said. We are honored! Tell the Governor we will be there in time.- The older of the Chiefs said. The honor is ours. Now, permit me to visit your group. I see women and children, but I must have a better view of your doings.- Honey asked. The chief permits her to talk with the people and take a look at what they were doing at the time (mainly, cleaning things on the brook and preparing a meal). One hour later, Honey returns to Darudes office, saying: Here I am, in good shape! Do you miss me much, dear? Of course! I was in the verge of to walk to the rescue! - Darude said. No need of it, dear! They are humble and wanting medicines and perhaps some shelter; they asked for a piece of the land for themselves.- Honey said. Sick people! That represents a threat to our community! Do you know of which nature are their illnesses?Darude asked promptly. Organic dysfunctions, dear, for the most part! Nothing to worry much! I am sure the recently arrived medics are capable of to treat them and cure them fast.- Honey said.

All right, now we are seeing this people as a contribution to our town! Lets see the holographic map, to find out where could I locate them.- Darude said, and she set the holographic projector showing maps of the region. After some time, they choose the same sector those immigrants were now, and then, at 15:15 hours, on his office, Darude welcomed the three elders from the tribe, with their wives. Welcome! I am Darude Bean, governor of Lubina town. This is my wife and Assistant General, Mistress Honey. - Darude said. I am Rakron the Elder, and this is Gockrin, Second Elder; and Telal the third elder of our group. We thanks for your time and disposition to hear our pledge.- Rakron the Elder said. Good to know you! I will do my best to help you, but first you must tell me the origin of your tribe, the status on a society your members had, number of males and females, and also if any technical degree are obtained by members of your group, in order to count on them to increase our welfare here.- Darude said. It is a lot of information you are asking of us.- Gockrin the Elder said, 17669 Grunting afterwards. He was wide and short built, and his face means danger. It is the less I can do to prevent the people in here to have bad neighbors! I guess details of your background will hurt nobodys feelings.- Darude replied to that phrase- he does not like to be argued. I understand your point of view, Governor Darude. Me, in your case, I will act just the same. Very well, we are a hundred and eighty people, with eighty women in it, a hundred males, from which twenty are boys.Rakron the Elder informed. Very well. I dont want you to tire with this detail, so I will send some personnel to your site, to see in which conditions are your people, in the following days.- Darude said. We are prone to be accessible.- Rakron said, looking at Gockrin, who were sniffing. And about the skills of your people? What do you have, among them?- Darude asked. Only three professors and two mechanics. The rest are workers without any technological skill.- Gockrin grunted. I see. Now we have the beginning of this application fixed, let me show you, on this holographic table, the advances and distribution of Lubina town.- Darude said, and asked Honey to explain everything- he heard with the rest, how she embellished what they got. Finally, Darude said: If I accept you, the land you are occupying now will be your permanent site. The Elders change a look among them, and went out of the office without any more words. 17670 With Honey accompanying them to the street, where she stayed until they were three blocks away- then she enters the office and said: Sorry I didnt come back immediately dear, but I was listening them while they walked away. Clever girl. What did they say?- Darude asked, seated at his big desk. Rakron the elder is thankful of you and accept everything you just said- Gockrin finds the site unacceptable, and wanted a better location. Telal the third Leaders opinions vary from one minute to the other. But dont worry, dear! The Rakron elder is the one who decides; the other two are their Assistants, really.Honey said, kissing him. Thats interesting, but I didnt like it. The Elder is very old, and soon another person will take his post: the grunting Gockrin! Its an ogre, and he will begin to provoke problems unto us the minute I accept them to stay.- Darude said. Honey smiled, and said: Your view is a somber view, dear! Let us see what we can make up of them all! The able men, to the mines; the old and sick to the Hospital, and the children to the school, in order to educate them. 17671 I guess your premises are fine. Lets do it!- Darude said, more men at the mines more money for the Treasury. That afternoon, Honey and seven Policemen went to the Camp where the newcomers were roasting a small dinosaur, and begin asking questions: soon, it was clear they were a bunch of workers without any skill. At the end of four hours of questions and answers, Honey told to Rakron: Tomorrow a doctor will come to see the sick and the old- possibly some of them will be sent to the Hospital. I am thankful of your efforts, in our behalf! May the fortune goes with you!- Rakron said.

Honey returns and saw Darude waiting at the door of the building; she said: Dear! Are you waiting for me? Let us go to the Orb! I want to visit the sea.- Darude said. All right, dear! The sea airs its good for your health. - She said, smiling. The Orb was guarded by two policemen, as children tend to play near it, and could scratch the polished keel. Dear: we could carry them, if you plan to explore lonely beaches. Many dinosaurs love sandy beachesHoney said. We had policemen to keep guard for us, why not to carry them to our explorations?- Darude said. Of course, dear. They are clever guys.- Honey informed. All right, and their names are? Reynall and Pregatsis, both singles as the majority of the Policemen at Lubina. Not that they not had a woman.- Honey said unto his ear, as the mentioned persons were near them. Darude said: Policemen! Up to the Orb! We are going to explore. Honey sent the radio signal, and the pilot opened the lock and the ramp went down for them to climb. Good afternoon, Governor Darude! Welcome to your Orb! There is a cup of coffee at your cabin, if you like to rest a while.- The in-built pilot said. Thanks you, Hucine! We will go to the beach; east coast, open space to see there is nothing dangerous lurking around; and see that the beach could be reached in less than a quarter of an hour.- Darude said to the Synthetic person. Very well, Sir. Passengers, choose your seats, strap to them, as we are going to take off.- Hucine said by the loudspeakers. Honey indicate them where to seat and how to strap to their sites; that was, for the policemen, near the lock; she and Darude went to the main cabin; the Orb take off rapidly going East. How comfortable this is it! No air currents, no odors, sweet colors. Wish I could be here for ever!- Darude said. I can make that dream come true.- She said. How?- He mused. Cloning you- so your clone works and you traveled with me. Certainly youll be satisfied.- Honey said. Vacations! I would use a clone only for certain periods of time. Decisions to be made, as a Governor, could not just drop on someone else. No matter if it is a clone of me.- Darude said. Cloning its forbidden in certain realms- at least, officially. King Lugner forbade it the minute he knew what cloning means about.- Honey said. Our king is known for to be real hard to accept changes or improvements. How old is he? More than eighty four years, dear. Theres also a prohibition for us Synthetics to give much information about the King Lugner.- Honey said. Of course this is not a democracy.- He said. There are thirty nine different ways of government and three hundred and sixty mixed ways to follow- and its for ever changing, to societies of man.- Honey said, while the pilot was already landing the Orb. 17674 The place was barren of trees; a sandy beach to the south west, as the coast was making a turn in that direction; the sun (native star) has nothing more than two hours to set down the visible horizon- so the flying creatures were returning from the sea; and every thing alive was preparing for the dark hours of the night. Beautiful sun; the sea seems to give a message of hope to the living things.- Darude said. Yes, its beautiful: dont think I cannot realize that. I even have several poems about sunsets. Do you want to hear one of them?- Honey asked. Yes, it should be nave.- Darude replied, so she begins: And the silence is broken With a myriad of ripples That comes down with the wave Drawing arabesques on the sand The vast space of the ocean Cleans my thoughts Brighten my eyes to see afar Where the sun kisses the sea. Good! I liked that.- Darude said, smiling.

Listen to this other: Suddenly, from all the green around you, something-you don't know what-has disappeared; you feel it creeping closer to the window, in total silence. From the nearby wood you hear the urgent whistling of a plover, reminding you of someone's Saint Jerome: so much solitude and passion come from that one voice, whose fierce request the downpour will grant. The walls, with their ancient portraits, glide away from us, cautiously, as though they weren't supposed to hear what we are saying. And reflected on the faded tapestries now; the chill, uncertain sunlight of those long childhood hours when you were so afraid. Oh, that was better!- Darude applauded.- It is fine poetry, indeed!- And he begin to walk by the sandthe waves leave a white foam and also amoebas on the beach; small crustacean shells appears and disappears on the wet sand, afraid to be eaten but hungry to eat whatever organic the sea could gives them. Some fast pterodactyls soared close to them, and the Policemen fired their LASERS; notwithstanding the fact none of those flying dinosaurs fell down due to the firing, a smell of burnt hide spreads by the sea breeze. Hungry ugly pteranodons! Perhaps fishing was not good today!- Darude said. From the sea, more than twenty turtles begin to appear- they walked awkwardly to the sand, about fifty meters from the wet part, and digging with their rear legs, made holes, where thousands of eggs begin to be laid. At 2 hours in the morning, and using the night vision goggles, Darude still was around that site on the beachnow hundreds of chelonians were coming from the dark waters of the night, to accomplish their sacred ritual of reproduction- for each turtle, more than four hundred eggs were laid; each hole was covered with that coarse sand, and the she-turtles returns to the sea, with their huge and heavy shell. At dawn, they return to Lubina town, where the policemen return to the Station. Honey and /Darude remained at the orb, and return to the coast- posed on a natural terrace at the hills; inside his cozy cabin, Darude slept seven hours- and at fourteen hours he lunched at a table, seated on a stool and looking at Honey, who was prepared with a LASER rifle in case some pterodactyl felt the urge 17676 Of to get a lunch with Darude included in it. Fine weather! - Darude said, drinking some wine from his glass. A little chilly for you, dear!- Honey said, as her inner thermometer was indicating 14 C with a south east wind at 12 km. per hour. Darude finished his meal (tomato salad, guacamole, turtle soup, smashed (native) potatoes, with a piece of meat (dinosaur), one glass of red wine, and walked by the site finding small eggs, that he stored on a bag. Good eggs to eat at tea time.- Darude murmured. Your overweight is now two kilos, dear.- She remembered him about. Guess I will walk a little more.- He said, in order to burn some more fat. He found rocks of reddish color. Honey, that could determine compositions, laughed every time Darude believe he has found gold. No, dear! Not gold, but its beautiful.- She keeps on saying. From the Orb, the pilot Hucine sent a message to Honey, who said: Dear, we get to come back to the Orb, now. What is..- Darude begin saying, but she takes him by a hand and begin running very fast; they arrive to the Orb and the ramp was there to climb on- and as soon they were inside , the ramp went up, the lock, gets closed and the orb ascended swiftly. What is going on?- Darude said. 17677

Look by the screen numbers three, dear.- Honey said when they arrived to the main cabin; the screen in question was shoeing the place where they were strolling before the run dozens of Phylodons were milling around there- part of a thousand Phylodons who were migrating north of the continent. If we dont move from there, at this minute we would be maimed.- Honey said. Yes, outdoors always had certain degree of danger.- Darude said, raising his shoulders a bit. Captain Fatualer is calling you by radio.- Honey said. Put him on the speakers!- Darude said, as it was only a radial transmission and so the voice and not the scene were to be captured. The voice of Fatualer said: Governor! Doctor Moe is in here! There is a virus among the people recently arrived that is dangerous to the community. And of which symptoms are we speaking, Chief? Hear to the professor! He knows.- Fatualer said, and the voice of Moe said: Governor! I am doctor Moe; there is a virus recently discovered! Those people are going to be real sick. Do you visit them, per chance? No, professor, but our Honey did.- He replied. No problem, she is not breathing! Well, you are in the clear, but here we have a real problem; more of the half of the populace is sick, be it from the old stock or from the newly arrived people.- Professor Moe informed. It is serious, then. Ill be there in half an hour, professor.- Darude Bean said, looking worried. Are you too far away, Governor? - The Professor Moe asked. He said its grave- dangerous for Natural people. I could be damn!- Darude said, stomping with his feet to the ground. 17678 Honey signaled to him a no moving her head. Right now I cannot be there, Professor, but in which way do you think those recently arrived could be cured?- Darude said. No way, Governor, that we could cure them here! Our means are poor, the Hospital hasnt the means! I am with the equipment available in one aerial ship Prince Garach lend me in replacement for the one you saw crashed! The medicines are totally inadequate.- Professor Moe said. Pass me with the Chief of Police, please!- Darude asked him. Yes, Governor?- Fatualer asked him. Pity on those newcomers, Chief! Send someone to tell them our community cannot accept them near! A virus among them is lethal to us! So please gives them a day or so to depart; then you burn everything they could had leave there.- Darude said. You mean, if they dont go away?- Fatualer asked. Tell them the town is out of limits for them- and that any trespasser will end up in jail.- Darude explained. Hope we dont arrive to do that, Sir.- Fatualer said, and Darude ends the conversation. Honey touched his left cheek, saying: Dont put that face, dear! Pity those people leave the city where there were means to cure them! Hope they obey and returns to Oredloro, where they could cure them.Yes! Pity for them; also, about this rejection: would had used them as miners, now they would be asking for medicines and blaming the hard work and me!- Darude said. They traveled to Lubina Town hours later 17679 Parking the Orb at the opposite site- far away from the tribe. People in town visited Darude that evening on his office. He attends them one by one, notwithstanding the general desire of to have a general meeting- he does not want a riot in his hands, so he begin talking with the most exalted ones first. I am Gorent, Governor! I am the newly appointed Delegate from the community. I tell you: those people brought here a terrible disease, and you cannot permit them in our midst!- And the eyes of the middle aged man were fixed on him. Of course, Mr. Gorent! I already backed up our Chief of Police; he has orders not to let them enter our city! But we dont need them as neighbors, either! The air or the water will bring that disease unto us any day!A fat woman said, while protruding her head inside the office. Please take a seat, lady! Of course, we cannot let them be near us.- Darude said. The fat lady seats, the chair creaked and then she said: You should do something about this! I am! The Chief of Police must be saying to them right now, my words: Twenty four hours to leave town or the Police will take them into jail and burned all their possessions, the vehicles included.- Darude said.

Yes, Governor! But if you get them into jail, you will bring them inside our town! Its near your own building!- Gorent said. I will build another, to the other side- beyond the place they are occupying now.- Darude said. You should hang the trespassers! Then, you must bury them under ground- three meters under ground.The lady said, perspiring with anxiety- she was the mother of two beautiful children. Professor Moe enters the office in that moment, and having heard what the lady said, blushed terribly and said: We are not going to behave as animals! Those people have the right to be attended by medics and not be thrown out to die in the open fields.The lady went out of the room, together with Mr. Gorent, who had said his opinion and thats was all right and enough for him. 17680 Certainly we are not trying to kill the ones who had come to us in such a humble way, professor. I only try to save the health of this people of Lubina, from what you told me: dangerous sickness those people have.Darude remembered him. Of course, its a pity we havent here the means to cure them all! But we could spare a few of them that are sane; those could be invited to stay here.- Professor Moe said. I am not going to say your idea is bad, Professor, but those sane people will not came to us just like that!The fat woman said, from the door. If we shun the majority, better we shun them all! They will came here with a revengeful heart.- Mr. Gorent said, coming inside again. So my orders will remain! Better to be few people than numerous and sick.- Darude said, and they cheered him from outside the office. Two days later, the tribe commanded by Rakron the Elder, Gockrin the grumbling elder and Telal, the irresolute elder, started the engines of they battered buses and set course to the north- without a complaint of a farewell to the governor. I am relieved! At last they did go out!- Darude said, at his office. Honey said: Be pity and patient in your post, dear! Those people deserved a better treatment. 17681 Better treatment? But you dont insinuate me any other course of action before!- Darude said, angrily. But I am telling you now, dear! See if they could be cured, asking all the details to the Professor! Perhaps in Oredloro they have now a cure- a simple cure with no costly equipment.- Honey said. I am amazed, darling! But are you not in radio communication with the world if you want, by the radio you could know everything!- Darude said. There are certain circles that forbade us to peek! The medics are very jealous of their knowledge and the drug companies often reveal medicines after months of previous tests- you could ask for advice to the Ministry of Health, at Oredloro.- Honey said. Very well! Tomorrow well visit Oredloro- by the way, how many tons of copper did we have right now?Darude asked. Sixteen tons, dear. Not enough to call our clients, so lets go there to see how the Administration is working.- Darude said. They climb to the Orb and departed. At the voyage, Darude saw some Hepstasteornios near the mountains, and he asked to stop and hover above them. Great beasts! Searching for new habitats. Darude concluded. As far as we know, dear, its the winter emigration- the northern sites receive a lot of snow in winter.Honey said. This displays are unique; a tourist attraction suitable for us, if having a Hotel in here. Right: first you build in here, with the infrastructure using force fields for security measures- you dont want negative publicity- and then after some time in service, you offer it to the investors at Oredloro or Rixiaberg. I am sure that, if we show a good number of tourists as booked there, you could sell the place with a profit, or remain as a partner.- Honey said. Synthetics as workers.- Darude said. There are cheaper Synthetic people now, dear. They are offered at Rixiaberg- surplus from the Federation of Planets.- Honey informed. How much each cost one of those?- Darude asked her.

Prices vary- but in average, five hundred thousands each.- Honey said. Credits? Yes, Credits; the Rolos are out of circulation now the King Lugner signed his kingdom as member of the Federation of planets. - Honey informed. Cheap! Asks for two of them!- Darude said. Very well, dear. But we must go there to receive them; the shop didnt send products out of Rixiaberg.Honey remarked. 17683 They arrive to the mining field, and were received by the Administrator AB3432, who was now the sole chief in the mines, as the Police was not retrieve from their vacations by Darude, who ends in that way, his association with that portion of the mercenaries. Good morning, Governor, Lady Honey! Nice weather, dont you think?- AB3432 said, at the end of the Orbs ramp. Nice indeed! And how are things around here?- Darude said, descending with Honey by the hand. Fine, Sir! Taking care of the security now, and also of the miners. We have seventeen thousand tons of copper in bars, Governor.- AB3432 said. Good! I am interested in to see the miners in action.- Darude said, and for three hours, they supervise the labors making minute changes, and then he said to Honey: Lets go buy that. Honey, you only have eight thousand Credits!- Honey remembered him. And that what means?- Darude asked. Well, at the most two thousand Credits is what we are going to expend there, buying Synthetics.- Honey said. And so it rests a lot of money, why worrying?- Darude asked her. Three hundred Credits for parking the Orb at Rixiaberg Spaceport only! So if you want to stay longer on a Hotel, more money will be spilled there.- Honey said. You are acting strange, darling! Forget about monetary worries, please!- Darude said, looking at her with care, suspecting some malfunction in her positronic brain You better wait until 20.000 tons are in here; clients didnt like to come and find less than that quantity. I dont know if you understand me.- Honey asked him. All right, dear. Well wait.- Darude said, with a movement of his shoulders. We could search for more deposits, dear; instead of to be here idling while the workers did they job.Honey said. Did you think we could spot minerals from the Orb in flight?- Darude asked. The Orb is capable of to find ores from the air- with certain adjustments I could made.- Honey informed him. 17684 Do it if you can fix as it were- later. I can fix both ways, dear; dont you worry.- She said, going to work on it. Darude saw several big Priconodon at the limit of the forest. They posed for us, Governor! Dont worry: they didnt come here.- AB6565, E-female, said, while approaching him. You! Certainly your permanence here must end! Where is AB6363?At the warehouse- a carload of ores smashed her body.How pitiful that is to hear! Could she be repaired? Yes, her mind is intact.- AB6565 said. Please, carry her to my Orb! I am waiting.Darude said. I knew you are going to Rixiaberg.- AB6565 smiled. Very well! I will buy a couple of replacements- to replace you and AB6363 here. I need more help in my work, but also I need personal working at the mine.- Darude said. As I had worked here, I can tell you about what could increase our production! One or two big miners more! That would increase the production 8 % more.- AB6565 said. They are costly.- Darude blinked an eye. But you will earn a lot more, and in two months they paid themselves!- AB6565 said, taking his right arm. All right! I will talk the matter with Honey.- He said. You can talk to her through me! Shes listening.- AB6565 said.

Dear, I am Honey.- The voice of Honey was mimicked by AB6565s audio system. Right; if you heard me, you know what I want to ask you.- Darude explained. In ten minutes more I will finish my work on the Orb; and about the Miners- if you buy them, youll be with Zero credits until our next sell.- Honey said. I will buy now! But first, we must end our work in here; perhaps I could find something more valuable than copper.- Darude said, thinking in to explore the hills around the copper mine. 17686 Soon afterwards, he went up the Orb; AB6565 storage the body of AB6363 on a pod, and descended. The pilot said: Ready to take off, Sir? Yes. You can depart now.- Darude replied, touching Honeys hand. She said: We have pinpointed ore deposits alongside the mountain chain. This time we will go further north. If theres nobody there, we can dig without problems.- Darude said. All right, there we go!- Honey said, telling the pilot Hucine to speed up. We should send AB6363 to be repaired, at our visit to Rixiaberg.- Darude said. Of course, dear. I am already calling the three different stories that to that kind of job- at one of the stores they said they could repair anything, or change it for a new model with a discount.- Honey said. But we will be loosing the fine marksmanship AB6363 has! I remember she was a fine model.- He said. Fine models became obsolete very soon, dear.- Honey replied. At least, we must preserve her memory.- Darude said. That is easy!- Honey said, kissing his cheek. They traveled north until the Ocean was in front of their eyes. Oceanum Congelatum! It encircled the whole north of this planet.- Honey said. And it is cold. Lets see the coast.- Darude said. 17688 They descended and he went down the ramp over a small prairie full of grass; 500 meters beyond that, the blue ocean was sparkling. Nice landscape.- Darude said. The north pole its five thousand kilometers away from here, but its stingy wind surely here it comes.Honey said, while Darude takes some soft and dark earth from the ground and spread it to the wind. Lets go to the West Mountains! Prepare your best scanners! Must find something valuable among all those rocks.- Darude said. 17689 They went up the ladder again, and the Orb raise swiftly five hundred meters, and then fly to the west, above vast forests and swamps where never a human being had set foot. Animals were there living in absolute freedom, and flocks of Pteranosaurs, Arqueopterix Regalis and Pterodactyls hovered over mountains searching for a prey. Soon they were at three thousand meters high, over big mountains and dark profound chasms and ravines; the snow everywhere on the highest peaks, where strong winds blows without end. Copper and iron were discovered and extracting samples over the surface was not decisive. The quality of the findings must be studied after begin excavating the mountains. Perhaps we can hire teams of workers to do it.- Honey said. Of course, in this desolate waste everything its to be donned.- Darude said, with a dismal tone. Honey comprehends him- his feelings were not happy as she would like them to be. They return to the mines five days later, and the production was already reaching the twenty thousand tons of copper . Honey sent specifications to the clients, like this:

The clients arrive two days later; as always, they were in a rush; they weighed the product twice, after analyzing its properties, and paid. The miners helped with the cargo and soon the two freighters were flying back to Rixiaberg. Now we have the money! Honey, get ready to depart! We will buy those Synthetics!- Darude said. Are you carrying AB6565 now?- Honey asked him. Yes; we will be back very soon, no time to be in Vacations, darling.- Darude said. At Rixiaberg, they visited the three major stores- the cheaper was the Canaca Stores, Used & New Synthetic Assistants, where discounts and offers were numerous.

Darude was astounded. He had not seen those translucent persons ever before. They were in several 17691 Colors- translucent figures of a human being- everything was there: head, trunk, limbs, legs. Eyes, mouth, nostrils and ears- but as in a dream, almost like jelly. This are cheaper- at the Federation of Planets, they were rejected- so if you want our offer, 2 x 1! That means you buy one, you carry home two. And the rest of the Synthetic Assistants here cost you twice! The Vendor informed, and it was a Synthetic person dressed in a white uniform. I will think about this.- Darude replied, looking at different models- it was a big store, with hundreds of models- in his mind, he was very interested on this marvels of Technology. The Miners were at another Section, big machines, with scant number of options. This people clearly havent much stock on Miners! Better we reduce our bought here to two Synthetics.Darude said to Honey. Of course; I decided the best options for us are the translucent ones! What do you think of those? - She said. Light work they are fine for minor labors at a mine. You cannot put them to push wagons, use a drill.Darude said. They are no males no females; they are neuters. They can work in minor tasks, I think not very well at a mine.- Honey said. But you liked them! I will buy two of them. - Darude said, kissing her. Honey chooses a pair in green hues. This model has the standard cognoscenti capacity, Sir. If you want to specialize them, you will need extra software.- The Vendor said. We know that- thanks for the advice, anyway.- Darude replied- they take both Translucent to the Orb, and Honey said: Now , to the Solar System, Dear! Theres no other way- in here, Miners are second handed and high priced. At Oredloro they are not going to sell us- so the only way out its the Solar System stores. And how many days are we going to be traveling? Darude asked. The Orb you own its a fast one, dear. Just two months.- Honey informed him. Mm! A lot more than I wish to be out of our small town! Send a message to Fatualer and explain him the 17693 Situation- we need more workers at the mine.- Darude said. Calling, dear. I will tell him not what the delay is gone be.- Honey said. Hours later, Knapp was a pinpoint of light on the blackness of space. The pilot was searching for the moment the traverse through the Branas could be accomplished without a catastrophe. Nice vehicle! - Darude said, when they were at the other Brana. The stars were in different positions to what he often saw at Knapp, drawing different patterns. A spaceship approaches and the pilot explains who the owner was and which were his intentions. You can proceed, Governor Darude: welcome to the Alpha Quadrant.- The officer said by the radio, after a thoroughly scanning of the Orb. Thanks you.- Darude replied by the same conduct. The Orb soon was among many other vessels- some of them never before seen by Darude 17694 And also not envisioned by Honey, who said: They come from different parts of the Brana One; They are Klingons, Garidians, Elorgs; they traveled from Velora, Tholian, Thzenketi, Talargia, and seem there is no end for this naming. Certainly a lot of civilizations are coming here!- Darude said. Earthians waited for many centuries the arrival of Extraterrestrial creatures on their shiny vessels; centuries where they make war town against town, country against country, groups of countries against countries; they were unable to raise from the Earth and travel afar; only when a spaceship from alien design appears, was that they could improve their primitive vessels and begin meeting other planetary systems and their inhabitants. Earth people is using now the oceans in their search for food; the surface of the continents has too many cities- their forests and plains are cemented together in many megapolis that consume energy ,food and gives out only waste disposals , chemicals, garbage. The 32.638 billion humans would crowd the Earth up to the last summit, if not for the cities that are underwater.- Honey said. I wonder how could be fed so many people.- Darude said.

The most of them are using pills to survive; only a few keeps eating as in ancient times. It is cheaper and healthier, if you are going to accept the advertising.- Honey said. Pills! Wish we eat meat and vegetables while on Earth.- Darude said. Of course you can obtain that in any Restaurant! Only it will seem to you a steak, potatoes, a salad.Honey laughed, meaning he was going to eat substitutes. Right! Enough of this or I will not be able to eat a banana while we are here!- Darude said. They landed at Pole 3303 at Chicago Spaceport. Honey called on Easy People Company, and a visit to the plant was scheduled. For tomorrow at nine hours, dear! We shall be punctual- lots of other people wait weeks to be attendedyou are special as you are the Governor of a city.- Honey explained. 17695 Did you tell them our city has less than three hundred persons?- Darude laughed. Of course not, dear! Or I would had spoiled the effect.- Honey said. It was a joke.- Darude said, kissing her tenderly. I knew it! But I said that because you could forget I am not silly.- She said. Wish you could save AB6363! -AB6565 said, standing on the threshold of the cabin. Try to find a cheap Repair Shop.- Darude said to Honey. He was tired with that theme, money was not much, and he was decided to by a worker. Thanks! I am sure some repair shop will fix her for little money.- AB6565 said, while she made contact with the first of several Synthetic Repair Shops. Darude said: I will go to sleep! Honey, please see that everything is all right and follows me to my bedroom!Yes, my dear.- She said, smiling. At night, they went to dinner and dance, at a place where dancers were so super Darude said: Those Synthetics really have skill to dance. They are not Synthetics, dear! They are Naturals.- Honey smiled. Darude smiled to one of the women dancers, and soon she approaches him, saying: Sorry, but did we meet before? No, lady! I am the Governor of a town far away from here, and your skill to dance amazed me the most!Darude explained. Oh, yes? Thanks you!- She said. You and your friends- good dancers! We dance all right! We studied ballet. Do you know what that is? Certainly I had seen dance played at holographic sets. Beautiful. Very well for you! Perhaps we could go to perform to your town! By all means! Whenever you want. Thanks. Pardon me, but I must return to my friends. Of course. A pleasure to have talked with you.- Darude said. Likewise.- She said, and went away gaily. Darude looked, from that instant on, how they keep on dancinguntil he went out, but at the street, the same woman followed them and passing him an electronic card, she said: Take this to communicate with us! Thanks you! I will.- Darude said, taking the plastic card. She smiled and return to the dancing floor. Nice woman! Thirty two years old, single, from Michigan, fifty eight kilos weight, a meter with seventy five centimeters high, and in good health.- Honey said, relying on his hears, and the sensors she had builtin. I see. Well, perhaps a show could enliven the cold nights at our town, if they want to perform there.Darude said. Dear! They want fame and fortune! No artist wants to be ignored and become a poor person! If they accept to go, it will be for money.- Honey said. Guess they could not ask for much money, not being famous.- Darude said. Certainly its a possibility! If you want, I call them tomorrow- and see if theres a possibility.- Honey said. Right! With a little advertising in our town, people would go to see the ballet.- Darude said. Being the first time they are going to be invited, a free entrance its almost an obligation.- Honey remarked. More expenses. Not much! We can use the wood of our forests! Certainly we have skilled Architects among the Synthetics.- Honey said.

Like yourself? I have some knowledge about Architecture, surely to make a simple theatre made of wood; my skills are enough- same with the average Synthetic person.- She smiled. When called, Siriana, the woman who talked (and enchanted) Darude, said: We are at a play right now! La Bayadera. Certainly we are pleased to accept your invitation- money is not too much of importance, you know. That we could discuss later- even a free presentation could be given at first- of course, we accept invitations but not for one or three presentations; a dozen a month could be the ideal number. 17698 I understand. Our address is in Lubina Town- you can look at it on a map where the planet Knapp could be located. Ill call you later.- Honey said. Of course! Thanks you and the Govern for your preoccupation.- Siriana said. Honey told Darude of this conversation and he said: Very well, darling! Lets go to see the Miners, now. They went to the store looking for several models of Synthetics. They choose a medium priced Miner, capable of to lift twenty tons and working with efficiency a uranium battery provides. The set of tools he had weighed fifteen tons of different elements. I take it! No matter we run out of Credits!- Darude said. Yes, it will be a good asset.- Honey approved the buying with a smile. The Easy People Company sent it to the Orb, at the Chicago Spaceport, and leaves it well storage inside the bigger compartment. Darude was happy, and said to Honey: This new Synthetic people will certainly made a difference, on Lubina. The Miner is strong and with several of them we could have a greater production. Of course, dear. The Miner costs four million with five thousand Credits.- Honey said. Wow! Expensive.- He murmured. As I said before, dear, you get profits out of them! In the course of time, you will recover the investment in a few dozen weeks.- She said, kissing him lightly. 17699 So, they return to Lubina with two E-men and one Miner. At the voyage, Darude study Architecture, and Honey enabled the Miner, also giving him all the skills she possessed- making almost an Alter Ego of the creature. Raymonda- Ballet- Was the message they received when at Darudes office. Oh, the dancer! Saying what they are playing.- Honey said. Should learn about ballet.- He said. Simply! There are lots of plays at the Database! You can play one each year, after dinner.- Honey said. Right! Good idea. Perhaps some lessons could also gives me some background about Ballet.- Darude said, thinking about the beautiful woman every time he talk about Ballet. To Honey that wasnt ignored- she understand his mind, and finds that attraction perfectly understandingwhen he was asleep, she danced through the corridors, smiling. At their arrival to Lubina, Darude left the Miner standing in front of his building for all to see. He wanted them to be aware that the money was being well spent, in a proper way. Doctor Fegina, the newly appointed Doctor General, went to speak with him at his office, saying: Good to know you, Governor! I arrived here with three nurses and a box of medicines! I am from Rixiaberg University. Welcome to Lubina! I was worried because here the only practicing the medicine were the Synthetics- you know they learn some of your trade, when they ensemble them.- Darude said. Yes, they are very efficient, in a way. At the Hospital some basic drugs are missing. Perhaps you could ask for them; I brought a list.- He said, handling him a memory pill. I will ask for it, pity I used until the last Credit available.- Darude explained. We at the Hospital need a certain fixed amount of money, not to bother you with petty requests.- Doctor Fegina said. It is a pleasure and not a bother to accept your request, Doctor! You can ask me, or to my Assistant, everything that you want; but for now, I am in a bad position to solve your case in haste.- Darude explained again. Doctor Fegina made a grimace and leaves the office, not pleased. Honey heard about it, and said: The Miner has a PET, or position emission tomography, that I could use at the Orb. Its radioactive material to localize whatever you are looking for: copper, iron, silver, uranium, nickel, and aluminum. I could revise more mountain chains if you like, dear.

You in the Orb? Alone?- Darude asked her. Of course! You must be tired, after our recent voyage.- Honey said. Certainly that I am not tired! Furthermore, Doctor Fegina wants some medicines for the Hospital, and I am out of money. He asked for a fixed sum for the Dispensary. - Darude said. If the town produces revenues, no problem! But it gives nothing at all; your revenues come solely from the mines.- Honey explained. Lets carry the Miner now! Also 17701 Both Translucent! And where is AB6565? At work, dear! She is making a Census! We will know names, professions, and ages of everyone on Lubina.- Honey said. Fine. Pity we didnt mend AB6363. We will, dear! Dont you worry too much?- Honey said, smiling. They traveled to the Mining camp and delivered the new Miner to the Administrator, AB3432- he decided which labor was more suitable for the new acquisitions, and the same he did with the new Translucent creatures that were called as their serial numbers indicate: ABT621 and ABT320. Now, we have AB6565 for your personal use, dear.- Honey said. There are lots of works to do; call the Administrator!- He said. AB3432 is working at the copper storing center. I will call him!- She said, walking out of the Orb. Darude went to see the remains of AB6363- it was with her eyes closed, as if in a sleep, inside of a pod, that resembles a coffin, with a lid that has only the upper part transparent, so only her face was visibly. I promise you I will fix you good!- Darude said. Dear! We are waiting for you at the ramp.- Honey said by the inter communicator. He walked out of the Orb, and said: Hi! Wish you could advise us when reaching the 20.000 tons of copper ready. There are lots of things to pay and bought, here and in Lubina town. Very well, Sir. And I also remind you about the payments to the Policemen. Not only they worried about the delay but also they are requesting a permission to visit Rixiaberg city, where they are sure their money will gets them more profit.- AB3432 said. Of course, they are free to expend their money where they choose. Next 20.000 tons of copper will serve for that, as now I am without money.- Darude said. How pity to hear that! Guess that in twenty days we will be having again a similar quantity of copper to sell!- AB3432 reminded him. Not my fault! The clients didnt come here for less than 20 thousand tons of copper, and I guess they are acting right.- Darude said. Then they had to wait. Do you think they can leave in turns?- AB3432 asked. The permission cannot force me to hire Flyers each week! The Flyer Company asks a good chunk for to rent them to us. They must go in one group only.- Darude said, while he was looking at the woods; from there, he saw a couple of Ornitolestes coming out at a fast pace, so he went up the ramp with AB3432 and said: Tell the pilot to take off immediately! Pilot! Take off immediately! Dinosaurs incoming!- AB3432 radioed to Hucine, the in-built pilot of the Orb. Did I shoot LASER rays to repeal them?- The pilot asked by the loudspeakers. 17702 Darude said, going by the corridor: Do it! I dont want more killings, but if we must defend the mine, we must to shoot!Soon he was arriving to a seat on the main cabin, and from there, he saw how the LASER rays prevent that the two Ornitolestes gets any closer to the mines entrance. They are returning to the forest, Sir.- Hucine informed. Great. Could you call on lady Honey? She was busy at the time.- Darude said. She is safe at the storing place, Sir.- Hucine said, after a brief call by the radio. Tell her we are going there! I want her on the Orb.- Darude said, feeling a tenderness growing in his heart for the Synthetic E-woman. Lady Honey said she will be ready, Sir.- Hucine said. Thanks. Proceed to the storing place now.- Darude commanded.

The Orb was there in seconds, and Darude went down the ramp to welcome Honey, that kissed him and said: Poor beasts! They must be hungry.They could provoke important delays, if thrashing around the camp mine, and also they could catch some Policeman unawares and eats him for breakfast.- Darude reminded her. The Policemen eats portions of them, too! They said dinosaur tastes better out here; like chicken- except some of the, that are too hard to chew.- Honey laughed. Right. Well, leave the work away. We are leaving for Lubina town.- Darude commanded. They enter the Orb and soon they were traveling back to Lubina- the animals were in plain sight, and Darude asked Hucine to fly slowly, in order to recognize the different species of dinosaurs. He saw hordes of Sinoceluros, two Taveirosaurus, and a big Silvisaur. He imagined tourists sightseeing dinosaurs in their habitat, while traveling in luxurious Flyers- provided by him. It would generate revenues similar to the mines, with a correct administration. Honey heard about his idea, and said; Dear, you can do whatever you like here! Taxes are not a problem, income is for your Company, theres no limit to what you could do here- because you are not giving account of your actions to anybody. The limit is I want to do more but money runs short.- He said. Be happy! Now you have a new miner and two new Synthetics at the mine! They will increase production, I am sure- more than thirty Synthetics are digging for you day and night.- Honey explained. 17703 Darude told Hucine to park at the north side of town, and descended with Honey to the ground. AB6565 is coming; she has the data. All right, let me be half an hour at my office, if someone wishes to tell me his problems.- Darude smiled while saying it; he loves to feel as a father to the towns people. They salute the Chief of Police, and then they take the elevator, with AB6565, who was waiting for them. Hi, girl! How it was to be asking people their names and abilities without previous invitation?- Darude asked. Not nice! They are suspicious people and they also lie in your face.- AB6565 replied. At his office, Darude looked unto his desk for messages; three of them were there, asking for more seeds to the farmers. The Farmers again! Seeds are provided by the Central Agency- the Minister of Agriculture. I wish some of the farmers could be going there, instead of me.- Darude said, and he was referring to the Ministry at Oredloro. It is your work, dear! You get to perform your duty, as a Governor. Honey remembered him his obligations. He swallowed- certainly his first idea was to be an efficient Governor, but now he wish someone 17704 Else could take some burden out of his shoulders. Perhaps we could nominate somebody as my Agent. Tell the Chief of Police about this.- He told Honey, and she went to speak with him, but Fatualer responded: Tell the Governor I had only policemen under my orders; people who were mercenaries not two months ago- just I was.Darude laughed, when knowing it, and said: I will go to please these farmers! Better me than a new lawyer from Rixiaberg! He rested at the Orb that night, but not parked at Lubina; he asked for a place near the beach, at the East side of the Continent- he loved to awake and heard the rumor of waves coming from the sea. While he sleeps, AB6565 and Honey cleaned up the vehicle by the inside and by the outside; when he awoke, both of them were waiting to serves him the breakfast. Eggs! I wonder where you found them!- Darude said, seeing the fried eggs on a pan with butter. Outside, of course! They are from Pterospondils- we just take three of the five of them.- AB6565 said. Nice girls! I wonder if I could take a swim at the sea!- Darude said. Yes, but a short one! Water temperature 17705 There is of 9 Centigrade.- Honey said. He invited both; so they went to the sea naked, and laughed and played there for more than an hour; later they went inside the Orb, where Darude takes a dry bath for fifteen minutes also with them .

All the rest of the day they spent traveling slowly over the mountains, looking for minerals they did find Adamite, that is a green fluorescent under short and long UV light; Epidymite, igneous intrusive rock enriched in alkali , metals and exotic elements and conversely low in aluminum and silica; Euclase, that formed crystals of higher symmetry slanted termination. Topaz and beryl. The Euclasite is found sometimes at deposits with gold. Pity Euclasite is of limited durability to sell as 17706 Gemstones.- Honey said. Soon afterwards they find a deposit of Elbaite, known with others as Tourmalines; a colorful stone; and Honey said: This is profitable, cut as gemstone, sliced into cross- sections if it is blue they called as Indicolite, if pin is called rubellite, the green as verdelite; and if pink and green is called Watermelon Tourmaline. Elbaite is pleochroic, that is to say darker when looked down the long axis of the crystal A green or blue Elbaite can appear black when viewed from such an angle. Great! Start digging!- Darude said; they had some LASER tools, so they cut rocks, finding several Elbaite engrossed in them- AB6565 said: Pity we havent a Miner here! We should dig and make a tunnel in this place. We can work in what we have- possibly it could be sold as it is to some jeweler at Rixiaberg.- Darude said. Yes; lets to there right now, dear._ Honey proposed and they start to Rixiaberg immediately. For not to pay fares at the Spaceport, Hucine takes the Orb to the outskirts of Rixiaberg, waiting for a sign to take them back in. Darude and the two E-females visited several jewelers, selling to the one 17707 Who paid more- seven hundred thirty eight Credits in all. Honey said, after they went out to the street: Now we hire a machine to work at our site! At the Easy people Organization?- Darude asked her. No, dear! At the Knappian Automaton Organization, that is cheaper and at hand. Lets go there!- Honey said, and she urged by the hand; they hailed a taxi Flyer and Honey gives the address. Nice weather! A little cold, of course- the in-built Driver commented from the innards of the Taxi Flyer, but nobody spoke during the flight. At the Knappian Automaton Organization, Honey choose a Miner with a drill, and also a machine to help with the removal of stones and debris; both were hired for a period of three days- and the fare was Six hundred and forty Credits in all, paid in advance. They called the pilot of the Orb, and Hucine landed the machine on the open yard at the Knappian Automaton Organization, the miner walked in by his own feet, while Honey was giving him orders by the radio- he walked as he knew the interior of the Orb, and parked himself where the corridor has the greatest width. They flew to the hills, descending and Honey instructed the Miner; soon he was working with care- the place was teeming with Elbaite [both E=women packed the stones on plastic boxes and storage inside the Orb. Darude, seated at the side of the ramp, observed the different samples with merriment- his good luck was arriving at last! For three days without stop, the Miner and the machine worked day and night heaping stones and gems in front of the Orb; both Honey and AB6565 worked hard cleaning and polishing the crystals, while Darude stowed them at the Orb in boxes. At the third day, with the Synthetics and the stones on the Orb, they went back to Rixiaberg, to deliver the hired machines. Honey offered the merchandise by the Web, and soon clients ask to see them; Darude went to their shops, one by one, talking and selling the crystals that were priced high. From there, they visit again the mines. To the mines!- Darude said, now happy to have been earning money; and the Orb rise from the ground and Hucine fastened the aerial vehicle until they arrive to the copper mine. Waiting on the outside of the shaft, four Synthetics were ready, and one policeman was standing on guard. Some Coelophysis come last night, and they almost get inside the mine! Now we are watching they dont come back.- The policeman said. And, did you kill some one?- Darude asked him.

Just two, Sir; we roasted them and serves for lunch.- The policeman said, smiling. Darude visited the interior of the mine; more than four kilometers down the tunnel, he find the Miners working hard against the rock, while the smaller Synthetics were carrying the material out of the shaft through an elevator; small trucks carried the ores to the grinder. Unbeknownst to them, the city of Lubina was also attacked by dinosaurs; the farmers get the worst part, and the injured people was carried to the Hospital- fortunately, nobody dies and they could get back to their homes after two weeks ; but this causes the people begin to talk against the Governor, that wasnt there when bad things happens. The same two weeks were used by Darude at the copper mine, helping at the digging and minor tasks, in order to achieve the next 20.000 tons of copper to sell. Honey said, the morning they achieve the aforementioned quantity: You can ask me to call on the clients! The twenty thousand tons of copper has been reached, dear. Good news, indeed! Call the client immediately.- He said. 17712 The Chief of Police calls him by radio, saying: Governor! We need to fully pay the men! For three months we had been receiving half payments from the Bank of Lubina. All right! They should be lacking funds again! We will see to it now, dont you worry. And Darude calls on the commander of the Police Station at the mine, saying: How is going with the payments to the troop? Glad to hear that, Governor! With the new personnel we get twenty thousand tons of copper in six days less than before; that means we also are helping in the search for money.- The Commander said. Thats great. I will pay you all what is retained until now, in one payment only. I will pay you thirty days in advance, too, and a vehicle will carry the men to Rixiaberg, so they could use the money in any way they like.- Darude informed him. Nonagier said: But I cannot believe! You are going to pay us and sent to Rixiaberg? Are you closing the Station? No, of course not! I believe you deserve this.- Darude said. The eyes of Nonagier seem to be popping out of their sockets! Certainly, he wasnt expecting this. 17713 When Darude saw the cargo being shipped to Rixiaberg on an airship, and the money at his Bank account being increased with the payment, he said to Honey: Darling, call to Rixiaberg for a Flyer Bus: I want the Policemen aboard it- they had vacations, now. Very well, dear. Calling.- Honey said. I will replace them for Synthetics; they dont ask for wages.- Darude said to her. Very well, dear. Soldiers and policemen are being replaced everywhere by Synthetic personnel. Wish you have enough money to buy them.- Honey said. See how many of them are necessary. I guess not many.- Darude asked her. Thirty, dear, the dinosaurs had attacked eight times in the last seventeen days. LASER rifles maintain them at bay- but the bigger ones almost enter into the mine, the last time they tried.- Honey informed him. It is a worrying stuff! - Darude commented, as he wasnt informed of so many assaults. The vehicle its already hired, dear. Six hundred Credits only, as its one way ticket.- She said. We must to pay if we want to get ride of them.- Darude said, moving his head in the affirmative. I will make a deposit on the Bank of Rixiaberg they should be going there to collect, as not everyone has a Bank Account or a Credit Card number. Remember they were mercenaries- people who live almost out of the law.- Honey said. How could I forget it?- Darude remarked, smiling. 17714 Later, some of the policemen have doubts about being paid at Rixiaberg, and made a row in front of the Commander of the police, Nonagier, who tried to appease them without much success. Darude presents himself in front of them, flanked by Honey and AB6565, saying: Men! You are about to spend thirty days of leave, full pay and with a bonus of another thirty days! At the bank of Rixiaberg your money is waitingsame as to your Commander Nonagier. And Honey shows them a deposit, visible through the holographic machine, so they could not doubt anymore.

More than half of them believe they were really lucky; the rest was forced to accept the deal, and get aboard the Flyer wagon. They are tough guys.- Darude said. They cannot believe their luck!- AB6565 said, smiling. The Flyer with the former Policemen departed to the south and its lights dwindled in the distance. I will not bring those people back in place! - Darude said. You are going to pay the rest of them? At Lubina town a similar situation is waiting for you.- Honey said. To the ones at Lubina, makes a deposits on their Credit Cards; no need to make offenses there; they show respect to my govern.- He said, so sure Fatualer was like his bodyguard, and has his men under his tight command. 17715 Chief Fatualer was happy, and when Darude arrives to his office, the Captain went there to say: Thanks, Governor! You pay the men and me- without delay; I knew the other garrison at the Mines is in vacation? Yes, I give them a vacation on Rixiaberg.- Darude said, not willing to be too open with anyone. They sure had luck! And here, we find a good service- the Walfort. Had you heard of it, Sir?- Fatualer asked him. Not a word. - Darude replied. Well, you can ask from a Catalogue, and they sent you whatever you had chosen in one or two days delay; they had a fixed fee, so we only need to ask for a product, and they carry it here.- Fatualer said. Had you bought something already?- Darude asked. Yes, but small things, Governor; as small as our purse permits; but now you pay what was left, I am sure we could ask for bigger things.- Fatualer said. Good to hear this.- Darude said, blushing. They sent without charge of envoy if the total amount is over a thousand Credits; so we made lists and we all send our request under one name. And we get the free transport.- Fatualer said. Good for you. It is important our community gets communicated with the big cities; with Rixiaberg specially. I will buy a vehicle that will travel back and forth twice a week- the passengers will pay a reasonable amount and they will be authorized to carry as much as the future vehicle could carry. - Darude said. 17716 Fatualer opened his eyes quite a bit more, saying: thats a very good idea, Governor! Everyone will applaud your initiative, also the farmers, who had products to sell- and they are not too happy with the dinosaurs. Hope this will improve our quality of life.- Darude said, thinking in how many things they lack in Lubina. When the Chief of Police was out of his office, Honey said: AB6565 is at the Hospital now, sanitizing the place. Soon she will be back. Good girl! You should begin testing the market at Rixiaberg- possibly there will be clients for our production.- Darude commanded. That night he invited Fatualer and two of his staff to dine. AB6565 make some steaks on potato salad, soup and coffee. I am going to be absent again, Chief Fatualer. I will be going to buy medicines and other things at Rixiaberg. I will spend there some six days.- Darude said. Of course, Governor- here we produce only babies and lettuces.- Fatualer said, drinking from his glass of wine. At the present, what would you say our people wanted more? This I ask, because I could buy it at Rixiaberg.- Darude asked him. The most wanted thing is a medium to travel out of the city! People heard and see the news; marvels of science discovered every day, shown on the scant holographic machines available here. Now, with the new Superstore, we could buy things, but also, it would be marvelous to visit the big cities ourselves and buy in person.- Fatualer said. 17717 And both of you, Gentlemen, are you in accordance with your Chief here?- Darude asked the other Policemen. Yes, Sir, by all means! Only we think about taking a leave- the permissions should be longer than a day- as you said, the Flyer Bus is going to make two trips per week- means three days of delay between one and the next- so we could not go, if we had only one day of leave.- The man said.

His name is Capero. He is a good man.- Fatualer said to the Governor, in a whisper everyone could hear. The other policemans name was Palmeus; he said: The other problem with Lubina, Governor Darude, it is that we have no School. There are lessons at the holographic tables, but its not like to have a nice room class and a teacher. Certainly true. I will open a School with one or two teachers, to begin with. Good point. And I will ask no more gentlemen as I think my money will be expended absolutely with this few points.- Darude said, and everybody think he was right. A the next day, Darude and his two Assistants traveled to Rixiaberg, selling the gems at a good price. From there they rented a Miner and two machines, for a week. They storage it on the Orb, and under Hucine fast driving, they left them working at the Gem Mine, as they call from then that small mine compound. Perhaps we should visit Rixiaberg, now. We should ask prices for a solid Bus Flyer.- Darude said. 17718 They begin searching at the new model stands and as the price was real high, they went to the second hand vendors. The best they could get was an old model 505 Teperbost, now discontinued. This is a for ever Flyer Bus! Pity they are not making more of them!- The Reseller man said, a big guy with a beard. But, the spare parts, where to buy it? Surely this machine will fail- eventually, and if they are making it no more- where do I get the spare parts?- Darude asked- he was real interested- the vehicle was huge and strong- but this point was tantalizing. Dear Sir! There are numerous Industries making spare parts for the model 505 Teperbost! Also, this machine in particular has been remodeled by a famous fashion designer, recently died. I think he used four times before he died- so you are buying a vehicle with a plus.- The Vendor said. All right! But I have not 38 million Credits, we only had 25 millions.- Honey said. Impossibly! For twenty five million Credits I can only offer you a double cabin Flyer! Capacity sixteen people.- The Vendor informed. No, we want this vehicle!- Darude intervened, worried to be dismissed so quick. I can see you are interested. And not to disappoint you, I will eave it for just thirty two million Credits! Last chance to obtain this jewel of the air!- The Vendor boasted. In two installments! I give you sixteen million Credits 17719 Now, and the rest in thirty days more.- Darude said. Impossible, Sir! I must receive cash money, and no installments! Rules of our trade.- The Vendor said. We get twenty eight millions and a half. I will give it all to you, but you must lower the price.- Honey informed him. After half an hour more, the Vendor authorized the transaction, saying he was going to quit after this bargain. I cannot say no to a beautiful client!- The Vendor moaned, while cashing the twenty eight millions and a half Credits. Honey talked with Lucusculus R24, that is , with the In-built Pilot from the Flyer Bus; then she said to Darude: Dear, the pilot is an able driver- he said he could depart at any hour to Lubina Town. Fine! But, alone?- Darude asked, unsure of the amount of loyalty a recently bought pilot could have for him. Of course, dear! But you could travel with him! I will be flying next to you, on the Orb.- Honey promised. Pity the Professor and the new School will have to wait! Darude reminded. No! I could hire Natural Teachers! This year there are lots of new Teachers that nobody wanted! Schools are feed up with Natural professors, as there are new Synthetic models, recently arrived and sold by the dozens. Cheaper than a Natural teacher in the short run, and also sound proof against strikes, sexual harassing, kidnapping, bad jokes. Honey said. 17720 But I didnt think they are going there just for to teach! Some payment must be given them.- Darude exclaimed. Of course, dear! And I had seen what they earn; not much.- Honey said. We could hire a dozen for the teaching! See to it, Honey.- Darude said, smiling. Honey call on several of the, as there were lists on web pages, for the hundreds. Two weeks later, 38 of them were hired, and they crowded into the Flyer Bus, three days later, most of them never suspected a town named Lubina was up north. Darude count ten females and twenty eight males in

that group. While on flight, he explained the classrooms werent ready yet, but that he will lend his third floor office and rooms for them to give the lessons to the Childs of Lubina town- and to the elder people who wanted more education in their lives. You are being over generous- A large woman said, smiling. And your name is?- He replied. Lisadia. Not quite, Miss Lisadia! I can live on my Airship.- He said, smiling. 17721 When arriving to Lubina, Honey was already landing; the Flyer bus landed near it. People from all around town approaches to see the new Flyer vehicle, eager to know their future way of transportation. Great surprise was also, for the, the existence of so numerous number of teachers, so they were happy to see improved their childs education. Honey left the professors at the entrance of the building while she and Darude fly on the Orb to collect AB6565; she was happy to see them and said: The Miner is working fine. He knows what to do with the Machines, so we could go now. Good! We need you to locate- Darude was saying, but she ends the phrase by saying: Locate the newly arrived professors! I know- by Honey. Fine; lets get back, now.- Darude said, smiling and thinking how many secrets were no more secrets thanks to that capacity the Synthetics had. But first take a look at this!- AB6565 said, showing him seven stone gems of greenish radiance. This we obtained at the first hour of digging! Must cost a lot.- AB6565 said. This are Uvarovite Drusy! Quartz crystals, not too valuable.- Honey said. They traveled back to Lubina 17722 Where it was getting dark. 17723 They parked the Orb next to the Bus Flyer, and descended by the ramp. We will make in here a wall, to encircle our Spaceport.- Darude said. At the building that now was a School plus teachers quarters, everyone were listening a woman dressed in an expensive outfit. To her side Darude arrives, and he was astounded when looking her face. You? What are you doing here?- He said, spellbound. Dhalia Fore, her wife of old, smiled and replied: Surprised to see me back? I traveled to Oredloro, where I met important people, who help me in my loneliness. We are not interested in your new acquaintances. - Darude said, going up to his former office, where he saw Honey and AB6565 packing his pertinences, to make room for the Professors. Darude seats at his desk, while his Assistants worked. He has seen his old hated person face to facesomeone who should had never returned. The Professors find the quarters acceptable, and the Chief of Police lend them ten mattresses, not enough for everyone- but several peasants offered them shelter for that night. Darude went out of his former office at 01.30 hours ;his Assistants takes him by the arms, as he was hobbling. He saw his former wife.- AB6565 said, when Darude was asleep. Hate is what they shared now.- Honey stated. The Orb ascended swiftly 17724 And traveled to the Copper mining field. They descended with the Orb and went to see how many copper in bars were already: ten tons were there, shinning orange, blue and green colors. AB6565 talked with the Miners; they called the Translucent, and the other Synthetics: AB3432, 6324 and others; they all were happy to know their master Darude was with them. He is sleeping, now. Too much work and emotions for him! But tomorrow he will surely visited you.Honey promised them, because the joy of a Synthetic is to see his master happy and in good health- and work for that purpose. At dawn, Darude awake, and after a shower and a glass of milk he said: Where are we? I smell the cold air of the mountains.

Yes, dear. We brought you to the Copper mine; far from any disturbance. Are you feeling well, now?Honey asked him. Oh, indeed! And thanks for this ride. Where the money is made. Now lets see the workers. Darude said, walking out of his comfortable cabin. He was satisfied: all workers doing their jobs, nobody complaining- the policemen were absent0 that means the animals could approach to the mine unhindered but as it was no smell of mammals, the incentive was null for them. A force field! That is what we need here, dear! A protection against animals and man- we must not confide in our luck only.- Honey said. The cost is whats scary.- Darude said. A force field 300 m2 could be of use here- the stock and the entrance to the tunnel would be covered by it. Also, it mimics the surrounding area- from above or on the ground- and metallic objects are also undetectable.- Honey recited. And the cost could be great.- Darude said. 8 million Credits, dear.- Honey informed him. A lot of dug. Too much!- Darude said, moving his head side to side. Better that than to loose a full cargo, dear.- Honey was adamant on this item. I will think it over, but possibly I will say yes.- Darude said, finally. At noon, he returns to Lubina town- the professors had a reunion with the peasants- some of them had children, others wished to have some more education themselves. Great success, Governor! The people are anxious to send their child to school, now we have a nice school and plenty of teachers.- Fatualer said. Yes; it is good to see them optimistic. Only I will be searching for another site, for the Administration Building. - Darude said and someone entering the Police Station said: That will be not a problem for you anymore, because I am appointed as the new Governor.- And it was his former wife who said that! Dahlia Fore presents affidavits several memory pills with documents and films of the nomination by the King Lugners Chamberlain and by the Minister of the Colonies. I also brought five Synthetics with me- you see, I am entitled to do a good job here. By the way, you will tell me where are the copper mines that produce the wealth of this town.- Dahlia Fore said. Like in a nightmare, he revised the papers and said: You will be needing to find it all by yourself. Very well, I am sure I will find out that very soon. It will be another negative point to say about you, in my first inform to the Ministry of Colonies. The first will be how you dispose of the Governmental building to make a school out of it. Suit yourself, bitch!- Darude said, with hate. Thanks to my good manners that I dont call the Police on you! It will be laughable for everyone to see you in jail after you were their Governor Substitute for so many days.- Dahlia Fore said, smiling sarcasticallybut the real reason she dont get him in prison was that she doubt the Policemen will obey her so soon. Darude was abashed; he had lost his precious job. Honey approaches him 17727 And said: Perhaps you could appeal of this nomination- nothing was said to you beforehand. Dahlia Fore, seeing the Synthetic E-woman talking so outspokenly, said: And remember, before you go, to make this beautiful maids you have, to record memory pills with all the financial aspect of your term in office, I would regret to inform Central Authorities that you didnt delivered the govern of Lubina properly financed. That is a thing I will see if I do.- Darude mumbled. And see if you also leave here what does not belong to you: mainly, the two Synthetic babes you have, and the aerial vehicle. They are not yours, of course.- Dahlia Fore said, smiling as in triumph. Oh, what a delight was for her to humiliate her former husband! Darude said: Women believe men are for their sole benefit, a slave for eternity, but there are wrong- we arent slaves, notwithstanding the fact every law its in your benefit. In this case, I will retain everything but the government of Lubina. Perhaps I will make a poll among the populace. Let us see if they want you or me as a Governor!- Darude said. Dahlia Fore laughed and said: I am sure you are mad This is not a democracy! Votes dont count. Any revolution you made here, will be smashed by the forces of the Kingdom- you know King Lugner is now very powerful

17728 And has more warships that he could count. One of them will be enough.- Dahlia Fore said. Suit yourself with your revengeful ideas. Hope you fail.- Darude said, walking out of Lubina. In the Orb, Hucina said: Dont you worry, Sir! Count with us. We will be not punished. She will be not heard by the Central authorities about us and the vehicle until several tens of days had passed. - AB6565 said. Several days! I need more, to take a good chunk of copper for myself!- Darude said. Now he was sensing everything was tumbling down around him. Dont trouble yourself with apprehensions, dear! We are here to help you out! If it is money and security, we could work at the Gems mine- if big money, at the Copper mines. In any case, you have a expanse of time between actions could be taken against your Administration.- Honey said. Yes, I must to stay focus! First, we will dig for gems- its easier and quicker. Lets go there with a Miner!Darude said; they take a Miner from the Copper installations, and at the Gems mine he start working- soon lots of gems were pouring from the mine, and into the Orb. 17729 Your mine has no ending for the digging of gems!- Honey said, while cleaning them at the shadow of the Orb. Nice weather, here! Soon I will be giving back this Miner.- Darude said. It has worked day and night! Same with the machines.- AB6565 said, kissing him. I have dust over my mouth, with this cleaning job.- Darude laughed softly. Its a need to work as the team we are now! Also, the crystals must be polished and clean, if we want good prices.- Honey remembered him. Hope the clients could give good money for these gems.- Darude said. Nine million Credits, as I suppose. Enough for you, dear?- Honey asked him. Things decay with the pass of time. Money pay for spare parts.- Darude said. Yes! You could hire Miners and machines, instead of to buy them. You will be not risking them taken away- they hired them with a Warranty that covers almost everything bad exists.- AB6565 said, laughing. Dinosaurs are the minor concern, now.- Honey said, as her special hearing system heard a faint howling to the north of the camp. Guess we are going to use the money renting machines.- Darude said. 17730 They traveled by night, arriving to Rixiaberg four hours later; they were designed to land at Pole four hundred; Darude slept until the morning, and at 10.00 hours, they finished the holographic conversations; after in being talking with seven jewelry makers, they choose to sell the one who paid the most: nine millions and two hundred Credits. The client said: But one word of advice, Sir: If you keep on bringing this quantity of gems here, in less than six months this crystals will be worth a lot less money- so I beg of you not to sell any more of this here on Rixiaberg. And what I could do with the rest? Darude asked him, somewhat bellicose mannered. At Oredloro you can sell- not much of these jewels around there. Or you could sell in other planetary system! You could ask more if you dare to travel through Branas. The Federation of Planets could be your best client.- The jeweler Isaac Kleiman said. Your words of advice are dictated because you want the good part for yourself. If I want I will sell here or in Oxiborion, for all I care about your saying.- Darude said, seeing through the veil of patronizing the man had. They went to the Orb, and Honey called the Easy People Company, that now was attending at a new building in Rixiaberg, and asked for a reparation job. Its a model AB, and we need to repair it.- Honey said. Its the system working?- The Receptionist said. 17731 Yes, its the limbs and part of the chest that its broken.- Honey informed. Very well, the cost its 423.000 Credits. That includes every part that is broken, skin in the exact shade of color, renewal of the hair, nails and eyelashes; we deliver it in four days to wherever part you wish.- The Receptionist said. We are in Pole 400, at Rixiaberg Cosmodrome (Space Station). - Honey said.

Very well; insert your Credit Card to deduce the cost.Donned. Its all right, then. Do you want we to take it here? Very well, lady. A vehicle its departing now. Well call you when your Synthetic is ready. Darude was happy with that, and said: Its the recovery of an old friend, for all of us. Certainly it is, dear.- AB6565 said, and Honey blinked him an eye, thinking that the man would do the same for her, if she would be injured in the future. Honey and AB6565 revised the Orb inside out; every small machine, lock, keyboard, movable part was scanned, and a list of things about to fail was made; and replaced with new ones bought at Rixiaberg shops. That labor consumed 7.283 Credits- a small amount, bearing in mind the Orb was now their abiding place. All those pieces were changed immediately, tested, and the old ones went to the repair shop, some to be fixed, others to leave as emergency spare parts. Darude went shopping with AB6565 at the afternoon of that day; he bought her new dresses and shoes. For himself, strong fabric clothes and a new small personal radio transmitter, with an option to hear messages among Synthetic personnel, so in a way, he was now like one of them for that purpose. It is very funny! And it is carried at the armpit. I can talk with you without much 17732 Notice!- Darude said to AB6565, while they were shopping. I am glad you could do so, dear! Now I could call you every time I want.- She said, laughing. Honey interrupted, saying from the Orb: I am listening, you two! See if you can bring me some special shampoo! I have to wash my hair with a new recipe. Of course! Ill buy the best I could find.- Darude said, smiling. I am updating the star chart, dear. In case you want to travel out of Knapp in other direction than to Earth.Honey said. Fine, good work.- Darude said; thinking about it- no time for it, anyway- but he must be prepared. Down the street, he found a shop offering war surplus: LASER cannons, rifles, guns, radars and engines, transmitters and force fields. With AB6565 he found several producers of force- fields enough to cover a cone of a hundred square meters, made to camouflage small tactic units on a field of battle. I could buy a couple of it, instead of a bigger one.- He said to AB6565. With three of this you could hide the most important sites.- She said. Darude called on Honey, and as she already heard the conversation, she said: I am of the same opinion than AB6565, dear. Its cheap- only you must to learn which the power source is and how many hours keeps could work without a recharge.Darude talked with the Poly Armed Synthetic person who was one of the many Vendors there; and he said: These are Model ZQ35, Sir. Uranium powered units; the energy left in them is about 320 years from now. Only problem its the leakage: as you see here, deposits of the fuel are missing, but dont you worry: we have them in a safe storage deposit. In case you get interested in them we provide the source power in their original cage. But which is the danger of it? _ Darude asked him. A mild percentage of radiation, Sir. Only about 1 Angstrom a day. If only five meters away, theres no danger whatsoever. So you could put it away from where you supposedly will stand. - The Vendor said. AB6565 asked about the dangerous zone around the battery, and the Poly Arm Synthetic person said: forty meters, lady. Honey said, by the radio: You could buy a de- contaminated set, dear. When visiting the place, we end up decontaminating our bodies before returning to you. Darude accepted the bargain; he bought three mini force fields, and in another section, a new decontaminate shower, for more security. Honey said: We will take the radioactive sets just before our departure, dear- we will carry the batteries inside a lead chamber. The lead chamber was bought in another five hundred Credits, and placed near the engine room, waiting for the batteries to arrive. At the second day at Rixiaberg, a new model of aircraft parked near the Orb, and AB6363 descended from it, among two Synthetic operators from the Easy People Co. Hi, dear!- She said, kissing him.

But you are in good health now! I congratulate you, Sirs!- Darude said, looking at the men from the Easy People Co. As we promises, we are here to deliver her intact! We did a series of improvements, and you will see she has now several updated systems.- One of them said. I am amazed! You are like new!- Darude said, looking her slim wait, her beautiful body, and her nice face. Yes, darling! Im all renewed just for you!- Said AB6363, kissing him again, but this time with more fire in it. Wow! Guess I must get accustomed to you, darling!- He said, smiling. The workers gives Honey a kit of repairs , saying: This is for the house; no charge at all. They are spare parts and some more hardrive, in case you want to change some improvements we made on her. I will be checking her, for sure.- Honey said, laughing, as she was mildly amazed about the loving approach AB6363 was having towards Darude. The workers went away in their vehicle, and Darude said: To celebrate this reunion, this miracle of technology, we are going to celebrate at some funny place. Oh, I love funny places!- AB6363 said, smiling. They went up the Orb and AB6363 stay with Darude on a corridor. She said: My love! At last you take me in your arms!, while some teardrops fall from her green eyes. I am very happy to see you back! Never again I will send you to do mens work! But look at you! You are pretty and brand new! Most of all, how do you feel?- Darude asked her. I felt just fine, dear! My feelings are just the same as before, unto you! I remember you I was never had a brain damage, or in my memory circuits.- AB6363 said, kissing him tenderly. They went to the cabin, and soon afterwards the Orb was traveling to the northwest coast, where they descended on a desert beach. 17735 They give me new software, dear. Now I have a greater scope on things.- AB6363 said. I paid for a complete recovery of your body and senses. Guess they did comply with my orders.- Darude said. We Synthetics are now seventeen times cleverer than a Natural, but are restrained to do things smarter if that causes hindrance to a Natural being.- AB6363 said, taking his left hand into hers. I authorize you all to be as clever as you are able to! I have no false proud- we Naturals are the product of Evolution- sometimes helped by races of other worlds to evolve, but as mammals, we cannot evolve rapidly as we wish to. That is why you Synthetic people come into the general landscape. You are our big helpers.Darude said, kissing them one by one. At the next morning, Darude visited both mining fields- at the Gems place, a heap of new stones and Crystals were accumulated. We will take a Translucent to begin cleaning the Gems, here. I guess he could do a good job in six days.Darude said. Certainly he could do it! We will handle them LASER pistols and tools to do it properly. Next thing will be to find a market for the gems.- AB6565 said. I already have a list of cities where they could buy our production- they all are in the First Brana.- Honey said. We will go there, if needed be!- Darude said, decidedly. They went to do the exchange and find a Protognatosaur walking very close to the mines entrance; Darude fired the LASER canon and cut the beast in half; a river of blood poured from the severed body. 17736 Now we roast it!- Darude said, smiling, and with the help of every male Synthetic at hand, (except the Miners, who were too big for that work) he did roasted all that was edible from that enormous body. He eats quite a few, and the rest he ordered to be put unto bags- as he was thinking into given it to the people of Lubina, for a few Credits. We are going to visit the Chief of Police at Lubina! He loves this kind of meat- especially if it didnt cost him a sweat.- Darude said. Hucine traveled fast through the evening and landed close to the Police Station. Honey, you come with me. Hucine, you wait here, but if we ask you to leave, do it without hesitation.Darude said. Yes, Sir.- The in-built driver said, through a loudspeaker next to Darude.

Well, Honey, lets do it!- Darude said, and both descended walking down the ramp. Several civilians were waiting our side, and they cheered the old Governor. Hail to Governor Darude! Down with the Lady of Iron!- Someone shouted and he was puzzled by that remark. Fatualer was on his office, and Darude asked about that nickname of the lady. Oh, the Lady of Iron! Yes, as she had forbid a number of current traditions in town, such as to have several wives, to bet on small dinosaurs fights, and other 17737 Things you permitted, sir. Darude was certain he had never permitted such things- and others- but just put this blind eye on those things, not to be rejected afterwards- and that contribution to the freedom of the people was now paying off. The new governor life now in the Tower- as its called.- Fatualer said. I remember that hideous building near the ravine- one of the many manias of former Governor Lady Shurvana.- Darude said. Females think different!- Fatualer said and did a grimace. I brought with me several tons of dinosaurs meat, fully roasted. I bet you could distribute among the poor of Lubina town.- Darude said. Dear sir! You please do your own gifts! I will support you in every way possibly! See what we can do: I will sent my men out, to spread the news you brought roasted fresh meat for whoever wants it! I am sure half of the populace will come for the free meal, and the other half to see you.- Fatualer said. So, helped by the Policemen, Darude and his aids gives bags full of cooked meat, amidst hurrahs and shouts of Return to power, Governor Darude Bean! The shouting was communicated to Governor Dahlia Fore, who sent two Synthetic aids to tell Darude he was committing disturbances, and to the Chief of Police to act if he sees fit. Fatualer, for all response, jumped to the Orb and helped distribute the food to the townsfolk, amidst great applause. 17738 At the end of the day, Darude went up in his vehicle, after the deliverance of that meat. Honey said: Your popularity was increased. Perhaps some news of this could be brought to the Court of King Lugner. Perhaps in time, a new term could be granted to you. Good idea, so sent notice of this reception to the News providers at Oredloro and Rixiaberg; of course, Oredloro its the most important city for this purpose.- Darude commanded. It is donned, dear! I sent audio and films, too.- Honey said, kissing his cheek. But this action didnt generate popularity on Oredloro- King Lugner saw it as a rebellion, and sent a Frigate to Lubina, to assert the nomination of Dahlia Fore as the true Governor in town. She was happy and proud of it, and the military aboard the Frigate Direptio (with a crew of thirty two Naturals, three hundred and fifteen Synthetics) did little for the popularity of the new Governor- the Commander in Chief, Lord Iactatus, begin a romantic relation with Dahlia, that deprive her of the admiration of her scant followers in town. Fatualer radioed a message to Darude stating that the Commander of the Frigate had orders to seize him and the Orb in sight, so his visits to Lubina must be cancelled until further notice. Pity we provoke this, dear. My fault!- Honey said, upon the news were unfolded. Dont blame yourself! Humans are unpredictable, sometimes. We all abstain to visit that city. Instead, we will work in the mines, to increase my wealth. Do you want riches or a kingdom, dear?- AB6363 asked him. Possibly I am not so proud to be a king, but I discovered I liked being a Governor.- Darude explained. 17739 Your kingdom could be something like a freelance town- a small community, probably way up north- or better still, on the east continent of Knapp.- AB6363 said. Nobody will follow me in such an adventure! Man knows there are advanced civilizations, capable of to enlarge the natural span of life, and to give comfort unimaginable centuries ago.- Darude said. Some people rejects longer lives, if a tranquil life in a natural habitat is assured to them. Why dont you probe to offer that alternative? Taste it yourself in a remote location! A year will suffice.- AB6363 said. Perhaps its a nice idea to develop, darling. By now, let us concentrate in digging, before we get caught.Darude said, as he knew what a Frigate could to scan for enemies.

FATUALER, the Chief of Police, was looking the Governor making smiles and exotic movements to the Commander Iactatus, who was blushed with desire; she was saying: You always do good things, Lord Iactatus. Now I am a poor woman in the wilderness, among rustic people. He smiled and said: But dear Governor! Here I am to serve you right! Tell me what do you want, and me and my men are ready to assist you!Please, commander, not only for me, but for the poor child of this community! Find the mines that belongs to Lubina, source of the riches the ex Governor Substitute hide 17740 From me! They say that he escaped with tons of copper and jewels that belonged to the Crown! The eyes of Lord Iactatus narrowed and said: So he stole property of the government? He must be a very greedy man! Oh, yes! I was married to him, years ago, and she left me for a E-female! - Dahlia Fore said, sobbing; Lord Iactatus put a hand on her shoulder, feeling the warmth she irradiates, and said: By our King Lugner that I will find him! He will be giving back until the last Credit! Oh, you are so good hearted!- Dahlia said, embracing the old bachelor, pressing her still desirable body unto the man, who now was real red in the face. I will depart, immediately! Any news I have, in the future, I will deliver it to you, at the moment. Please do! I will be waiting at the Castle; do you know where it is located?- Dahlia asked him, while looking straight at his eyes. No, but I will ask, madam.- He said. No need! I was going there! I have a small Flyer machine. Do you want to go with me?- She asked. Of course, Governor! It will be my pleasure.- Lord Iactatus answered. They walked out of the Police Station paying no attention to the Chief of Police nor to the Policemen- then, she seats at his personal Flyer, with the commander Iactatus at his side, and said: To the Tower, at low speed! The autopilot rise the airship up and away- in minutes, they were at the Tower. She fumbled while descending from the Flyer, showing 17741 Her nice legs to the excited Lord Iactatus, who lost any control and embracing her, said: Oh, dear! You are so desirable! Oh, what are you doing?- Dahlia asked of him, in a soft voice- the man kissed her with passion, and said: Dear Dahlia, you must be feeling as I do! She smiled and said: Now, Lord Iactatus, a little more restrain! Go to search my copper mines! I will await you with a reward.- And walked to the Tower, leaving the bachelor Lord Iactatus panting like a Hulsanpes in the matting season. Lord Iactatus returns to the Frigate on the small Flyer, and said to Facfator, his first officer: Set the spaceship in action! We will be searching for the rogue ex governor and the mines of copper and gems! Factator, a natural man of forty two years old, saluted and pressed the button of maximum alert- that stirred up everyone on the Frigate, while Lord Iactatus walked to this seat at the main cabin, and waits for Factator to give the signal. Ten seconds to take off, Sir.- The autopilot said. All right, I am ready!- Lord Iactatus said, looking out by a screen- he saw the scant buildings that composed Lubina town, and remembered the powerful city Oredloro- there was no comparison. He wanted to leave this assignation- but first, the lady seems avid of company, and secondly, the fact that the greedy ex governor takes what he wants and run, must be investigated and if possibly, capture him and release him to the Governor Dahlia Fore- who certainly will be rewarding him as he wants. The autopilot asked for instructions, 17742 And he said: We are searching for a copper mining operation. Must be copper ores, machines working, and people on the area. His first officer said> And if he is using force fields, the interference will denote it. Right. Lets use all our scanners at the time- the general direction is this mountain chain, and to the north. We will spot them easily!- Lord Iactatus said, with a crooked smile.

DARUDE had his mines covered with the small force fields, and the Orb wasnt near of the mines. Only the Synthetics AB3432 and AB6342 were at the copper mines- the Translucent One and Two were at the Gems mine, together with a Miner and two Machines. They will tell us if they are caught, dear. But we must be far away from them. Fatualer called us to advice the Frigate was after us! Guess they will not give up easily.- Darude said. Seems we will loose those mines. Perhaps an attack on them- that will end their nosy work.- Darude said. And it will attract the rest of the Royal Fleet if you attack him!- AB6565 said. Possibly! - Darude said, realizing he has no chance against the Royal Fleet of King Lugner. They went to the North Pole, seeking a new safer place to stay; in those desolate areas, there were high mountains covered with ice, and some others to the west side, shows 17743 The stone they were made of, as the sea wind keeps them clean of snow in the summer. No animals of any kind were visibly. It is the land of the dead!- Darude said, and they traverse the whole continent- at the other side, the ocean Congelatum shows ice packs floating to the south. Continent Zvei it is ahead, dear. Do you want to see it?- AB6565 asked. Of course! But, did the King Lugner have another city around there? Yes, dear! At the west coast- they are the first Oredlorians to come here. People dislike this site- they are only a couple of dozen persons, plus a garrison.- Honey informed him. Why? Must be similar to our own continent.- Darude said. They are strange beasts here, dear. People just dont want to speak of it- nor to go outside their buildings at night.- AB6565 said. It is interesting.- Darude said, thinking in a kingdom in a forest- where nobody could easily know about itnot, at least, while he was alive. He mused with the idea- he needs shelter for the naturals who should be living there- food and some modern appliances- medicines, somebody capable of to extirpate organs in bad shape- grafts. He had a bad time with the last doctor, so he think in a Synthetic doctor, someone who could act as a machine, efficient and smart. How many Credits are asking for a good Synthetic with medical attributes?- Darude asked. A million seven hundred thousand Credits, dear.- Honey replied. A lot.- Darude said, abashed by the price. 17744 The continent Zvei was in front and below of them, small because of the Orbs altitude. Honey said: We are arriving to Continent Zvei. You could see it is formed by a solid mass of land, with a chain of mountains that extended from north west to south west . There are many forests and marshes, you could not easily see, because of the clouds. It certainly its almost bigger than the west side.- Darude said. King Lugners colony its located at the south west portion really its only a seaport with no more than three hundred people, counting Naturals and Synthetics alike. Mostly soldiers and their wives, peasants and fishermen.- AB6565 said. I see. Lets find a suitable place- far from King Lugners ambitions.- Darude decided. Dear! You could easily begin a race here on this continent! In two hundred years more, your town will be taken in consideration by interplanetary treaties that bonds King Lugner to obey, as he had signed as an ally of the Federation of planets! _ AB6363 said, while AB6565 kissed him dearly, sensing he was troubled now he wasnt the Governor of Lubina Town. They begin descending by the north and following the chain of mountains to the south- at the Equator, animal life was reigning supreme Darude could see, through the holographic cameras and the spy drones, the kind of beasts that there abound. I am looking at a Piatnisquisaur! Those are rare at the west continent; and also there are some Ngexizaurs.- Darude identifies- he was trying to identify the others, but the vision was hampered by fog and the rain that was falling; while he advanced on the Orb. AB6565 said: my dear, I can detect Astrodons, Avisaurus, Olacantos, Notoceratops- the whole bunch seems to thrive down there! I remember lessons on fossils: flexibility is NOT (nor has ever been) a gauge as to how old something is IIRC, there are graptolite fossils hundreds of millions of years old that are flexible because of the minerals they

are composed of. Shells and bones are not flexible. Fossilized blood vessels can still be called blood vessels, because that is what they once were. Dinosaur bones are usually fossilized by per mineralization - mineral laden water diffuses into the tissues and the minerals crystallize out. This fills in all the spaces, but the original organic material is still present. Chemical reactions can occur to change it, but it is still present (unless it gets dissolved away later in something called secondary per mineralization). Without bacteria to digest the proteins, the proteins undergo chemical reactions (cross-linking and so on). Whether they remain flexible or not is irrelevant, given the FACT that flexibility has never been used to determine the age of anything. How fast something degrades is dependent upon many factors - the field of taphonomy deals with them. Recited Honey. Well, certainly we had fossils and living species here- not like on Earth, that they have only fossils.Darude remembered. Must be a pity this beautiful animals were destroyed at Earth; perhaps we could send them some of this.Darude said. It is Not possibly, dear! It has been tried; scant a few could live there, with special treatment and in an atmosphere rich in oxygen- Earth is old, and their air is not what this animals require.- Honey said. We must find a suitable place around here! A Hotel for millionaires- where a Earth people could satisfy their desire to see dinosaurs at breakfast.- Darude said. Honey told the pilot (Hucine) to descend, and he said: fasten your belts, please! We are going to land. 17746 Honey said: Look that beach, over there! Good site to land. The radars are showing something.- Hucine said. Honey looked with the ultraviolet scan, and said: Dinosaurs. The shore is full of them. I wonder which species is it.- And she put the screens at maximum capacity. Dracopeltas.- AB6565 said, vocally. Darude looked at a screen, murmuring: Beautiful. So they keep on going north- a walled city was suddenly in sight. What is that?- Darude asked. The city occupied two kilometers along the coast and about a kilometer inland. There were several piers, and sailing boats were at the sea. Tobaileds! Original people of Knapp; like the Oredlorians- if that is true. Somebody said that the humans of this planet are not natives.- AB6565 said. Did they permit visitors?- Darude asked. I know this people are jealous of their privacy. Perhaps we could have a chance to be accepted.- Honey said. Lets try! I hope they dont fire at us.- Darude said. We will see.- Honey laughed, and Hucine landed the orb, near the main road and to the left of the principal gate to the city. Immediately, a cavalcade of eighty horses sprouts from behind the gates; lances and spears were the visibly armament. They throw some lances to the orb, but as the force field was automatically activated, they not even touch the terse surface of the machine. 17747 AB6363 said: I can speak their tongue, dear. Do you want to say something special to them?

Yes- tell them we come in peace- we dont belong to any country, and we want to visit their city.- Darude said, and AB6363 spoke- her voice was amplified by the external loudspeakers, and of course, she embellished the short message with vague promises. The commanding officer, mounted over a Distrofeous, and using a copper helmet, said something- that was taken by the microphones at the exterior, and carried inside the Orb; AB6363 heard it, and translate for Darude: He had said : you are not welcome, men of the machines! Your culture corrupts the souls! Go away now! Darude raise his shoulders and said: We tried to be friendly with this people; but if they dont want us, we move from here.= And Hucine takes off; they passed above the city, in a slow way, filming everything that later Darude could saw before going to sleep. In that scenes, every trade and custom was discernible, except, of course, more intimate behaviors. People that rejects the technical studies, abhor of the sciences, choose to live a simple life- what do you think of them?- Darude asked to AB6363, while he was dinning. Strange and illogical behavior, my love. Strange because evolution must be feely accepted, and illogical because not only spacecrafts and LASER rifles are made at a scientific and technological society, but also medicine is improved- life could be devoid of sickness, for at least, the major part of it. Yes, technology is good. What is flawed are people with too much ambition, who uses technology to control the rest.- Darude said, thinking he was willing to be a Major or a Governor- but alas! He had no titles nor enough money to rise a city. Hucine descended several kilometers to the north, and near the shore. While he slept, AB6363 went out of the chamber and seats at the main cabin, where Honey and AB6565 were also seat. Strange we could enjoy to seat, as we dont get tired! - AB6363 said. How was he?- AB6565 asked. Fine! He finds pleasure with me.- AB6363 smiled. Its because you are brand new! Wait for a couple of months! He will be asking for us.- Honey said. I believe jealousy its only for humans.- AB6363 laughed slowly. No. I am not jealous! I am only stating the obvious.- Honey said, moving her head sidewise- her hair moved like a slow ocean wave. Your hear is precious._ AB6363 said, touching her own with disapproval. I use the best cleaners! Why dont you?- Honey replied. 17749 I had been cleaning myself with the kits the Company delivered me.- AB6363 informed. They always use milder products! They want out parts to serve for ever!- AB6565 said. We should be focused on to serve our owner, only.- Honey said. But do you think its ethic of our master to retain us at his service, if the money was from the government?- AB6565 asked. You are meaning- we belong to the Knappian kingdom, so we should be with the new Governor of Lubina?- AB6363 said. That would be the ethical thing to do.- AB6565 blinked an eye. Women are worst than men! Also, we are mimicking her own sex! We can serve as women, for the men! So thats what.- Honey said. Women hate us.- AB6363 stated. Thats why I am so fan of Darude.- AB6565 said, and they laughed. He is wandering, now. He wants a city for his own. We could help.- Honey said. How? Creating clones on the woods?- AB6565 asked, mildly interested. We must find a suitable place, and with the aid of the Miners, build a dozen cabins for start. Then, collect child at the poorest sectors of Rixiaberg- not Oredloro, where the Police its more restrictive- and in seven to

nine years elapses time, we could had grown up people, forgetful of advanced civilization.- Honey proposed. Kidnapping? I dont know how you dont fuse your primary circuit.- AB6565 remarked. Not necessarily! Just see under the bridges or at night in the poorer streets of Rixiaberg- plenty of people in need, nowadays- or do you think the high tech King Lugner is buying, ends with poverty and disease?Honey asked. Certainly the poor people never cease to exist.- AB6565 said. If you think my idea its too risky, Im waiting for ideas.- Honey said. Cloning its the best solution! Now in four months scientists, biologists, made a fetus in to a grown up man! We should find a geneticist with great ambitions and scant ethics- surely there are more than one, at Earth planet.- AB6363 said. Practically around the next hill! You should invite Darude to it.- AB6565 laughed. I will! Im sure he wants.- AB6363 said. They waited for him to awake, chatting around his bed; when Darude opened his eyes, he saw his three beautiful E-ladies near him, so he said: my beauties! Waiting for me? Yes, dear! We wish to present you some ideas of mine!- AB6363 said, leaning unto him and showing a beautiful sight with her half opened shirt. My mother! This must be a big requisition you want to ask me!- He laughed, very pleased. AB6363 explained: we know you want to have a community to rule! Up until now, we havent accomplished much. But if we go to Earth, where theres a technician behind each door, so to speak, and a scientific around every corner, as they say, you hire the services of one of them, you brought him here. Together with some equipment and start making clones. 17751 Clones! Cheaper than you, the clones! But we would need a clinic, a medic, nurses and equipment!Darude said, imagining the money to spend on that. We have equipments at the Lubina Hospital, and medics in Earth! I see no problems with our plot, dear.AB6363 said, lying at his side. Well, neither do I.- Darude said, taking her by the waist. Later, they visited both mine camps- at the copper mines, AB3432 (again the Manager) said: Twice a large spacecraft had passed above us! Twice we have stopped all engines, except the use of the small Force Fields; they hadnt spotted us. But, this is very good news! - Darude said, happy to know he had fooled one of the best spacecrafts of King Lugner, with second hand mechanisms. They visited the storing yards: seventeen thousand tons were there already, and AB3432 said: It could have been more, but we stopped every time the In that moment, an alarm resounded and all the din the Miners and Machines were doing, ceased immediately 17752 The spaceship is coming again!- AB3432 said. Honey, tell Hucine to set the Orbs force field running!- Darude said. Already donned, dear! Dont you worry- the force field increase coverage for 200 meters around the Orbplus the ones they have running here.- Honey said. For precaution, they entered the mine and waited; soon a muffled sound was emitted and AB3432 said: Its gone. Well, a good example how our systems works! Possibly the new ones are better.- Darude said. They stayed there until the twenty thousand tons of copper were piled then Honey said: If we risk our future, we could call on Rixiaberg clients; but if we want to play safer, we should deliver the ores ourselves. The Orb used as a freighter?- Darude didnt like the idea. Orbs are capable of to lift eighty three tons.- AB6565 said. From eighty three to twenty thousand tons- means two hundred voyages undetected. I find it too risky.AB6363 said. 17753

Call the clients! Hucine and AB6363, up to the sky! If we are caught, they must depart to the gems mine, and stay there waiting for me._ Darude said. Do you think that in the future they are going to take you in prison for a number of years?- Honey asked. I guess its a possibility. But as I hadnt killed anybody, they must release me after some time. So, in the end, I will be set free. But that is a dark omen, a rare possibility.- Darude said. You count with a thirty two percent of possibilities.- AB6363 calculated fast. Honey said: All right, I am calling.- And she smiled. The client arrives four hours and a half later, while the Orb was up and in sight of the mine- Honey had the miners at the site, helping store the ingots up the airship the client has brought. One hour later, the cargo was secured inside the aircraft and after the payment was received, the client went back to Rixiaberg. The Orb descended and AB6363 throw herself into Darudes arms, saying: Never again, dear! Next time you go up with me! Darude smiled and said: How much we gained, darling? Honey said: This time we collected 2.800.000 Credits, dear. Enough for a Freighter?- Darude asked her. No, dear, but you can hire one, and it costs only 20.000 Credits per day, with a deposit of 300.000 Credits; they give it back that deposit, if you deliver the machine in good shape.- Honey explained. Next time! Now we could build some edifices and start 17754 A new community.- Darude said. You should choose who enters the new community. Too attached to the mother country its no good to see the future.- AB6565 remarked. Of course: wrong states of mind also produce bad environments. But lets begin by buying some workersperhaps of second hand?- Darude asked. Later, they traveled to Earth, where the space travel was so dense that the portal at Pluto only scanned one of three spaceships and called to full revision one spaceship out of three hundred vessels. So they just travel among the outer planets not even hailed. From the distance, Mars was with a myriad of splinters of light. Soon they saw it was a million small satellites Hotels and small cities circling the planet. AB6363 who was hearing radio information with delight, said: They are the new boom in industry, dear. Living in the space is now a fashion. Half the populace can afford it, with the Credit system. 17755 Nice! Better than to spread cities throughout the landscape like a swarm of locusts.- Darude murmured. Honey was communicating with Easy People Co., and they told her to visit the new orbital shop, and give her the coordinates to do so. Dear, we could buy without landing on Earth or Mars- theres a new orbital shop of your preferred firm.Honey informed him. Lets go to see it! But remember we should buy used items! Cheaper, now we arent sure of more income.- Darude replied. They soon were docking to a shiny new orbital platform- seven other space ships were there to be seenuniformed attendants fly to bid them the welcome. The use of space suit its an obligation, dear.- AB6363 said, so Darude, AB6565 and Honey went dressed in those suits, while Hucine keep guard at the Orb. In a Translucent environment, Assistants shows Darude and the E-ladies the stock they had: Miners, workers, men and dames for all services- and a leasing sector, where discontinued Synthetic being were shown deactivated, on vertical pods, where holograms were being projected, showing the specimens while at work. Prices are a bit out of hand, here!- Darude said to Honey. Yes, dear- a million seven hundred thousand Credits is the cheapest price I had seen, on the items we are looking for. Better we go down to the surface- better options are being advertised there.- Honey said. So they descended a very slow process- four hours to get to the Assigned Pole (804) at Chicago Spaceport, where Darude rented it for two days only, and said: Guess we could travel fast? Yes, dear! Flyers still had the capacity of to be quick, no matter how much traffic could it be.- Honey informed him.

Very well. We dont need more than Hucine on the Orb; security at Chicago Spaceport is good. Ladies, prepare you to go shopping! They all laughed and caressed him then, Honey asked for a Flyer taxi, and once inside, she said: Lets rice to Easy People Co.! Searching for new models? I have some offers for you.- The driver said. Speak up.- Darude demanded him. I know of three Companies that sell magnificent old models. As you may now, ingrained on humans there is the impulse to reject the old and accept the new, thinking that generally, if not always, the new appliances are better than old, as they are based on old technology, most of the time, to boost the new models. But sometimes old models are build so differently and wish such care that challenge new models. Very well, now there are three hundred and seventy two old models that defied the improvements- they were unique, top of the top, in their times, and now they are precious for the ones who know better. 17757 Now, here its the deal: Ill offer to carry you to five of those sites: you revise the merchandise, you buy or not buy, and at the end of the visits you pay my fare plus an extra of thirty five percent of the total account. Deal? Darude accepted, and they soon were traveling to the first of those places- they landed at the entrance of a big hangar- like construction- and it resembled very much to a dump yard models were everywhere- some were moving, others were disconnected. Several Vendors approached at the same time, and one of them said: We are the 53rd. Team, Sir. Welcome to Cullin Works Associated. Thanks. We are looking for usable models- wish to look around a bit, first.- Darude said, as he was seeing several very interesting models and didnt want to be rushed upon. Of course, Sir. In case that you bumped on someone you like, but its disconnected, just say you want to see it in action and we will manage to awake it with no cost.- The leader of that team explained to him. Darude spent two weeks visiting that huge store- he found not only old fine models, but also experimental robots. For everyone he was interested, Honey asked for the details of it, and then Darude could make comparisons. This is part of that list: Robot model NAME MODEL CAPABLE OF AB634 800 Runner, Radio, LASER beam, Wheels AB505 650 Pilot, Defender, LASER, Radio MRT20 XBR Martial Arts, Teacher, Radio MRT00 XX6 Defender, LASER, Stinger, Radar, Radio ACBOR G20 Woodcutter, L, Climber, Carpenter, Radio ACBOR S 100 Water bike, underwater welder, Radio DEXTER 010 3 arms, run with single wheel, 500 k.p.hr, R DEXTER RC300 3 arms, Tech Mech., Space pilot, Radio ACMON 1975 Reinforced, 6 different weapons, Radio ACBOR DELUXE 6000 languages, Diplomatic Codes, Radio EYEBALL SUB4X Underwater runner, Radio ROCBIN SOAR 6 Flyer, Camera zoom, Glider, Radio 17759 If we buy more than ten units, we obtain another item for free.- Honey said. Sounds good. Make the deal. In any way or another, they will be of service to us.- Darude said. Honey chooses several Models, and the Company carried them to the Orb at the Chicago Spaceport. Darude was happy, with the stock of new Synthetics. We can return, now, and put them to work.- Honey said. All right for me; enough of vacations!- Darude said, kissing her. They paid for the time the Orb was parked there, and ascended to the Stratosphere; long lines of departing spacecrafts, rockets, flying discs, Warships, Police Flyers, Ambulances, were to be seen, all of them leaving Earth as in an Exodus; now the flow was out of the world- hours later, will be the inflow of alien vehicles. The two- way of the past was now impossible to achieve. Too many ships! The traffic its so dense!- Honey explained him.

With a minimal part of this, Lubina could grow to be a real city. You are not the Governor anymore! Please try to forget about it.- Honey said. 17760 Right! I only have a few mines and an empty life. Not so, dear! But you must think straight - delusional thinking will not lead you anywhere.- Honey said, caressing his face. Darude thought about that phrase: delusional thinking- yes! He was having a delusion when loving a machine, cares about circuits and relays , slept embraced to a member of the robotic family. Darude sent every new model to work at the Gems mine, and the Copper mine too. Soon the production soared. Its good the enemy has not discovered us!- Darude said, five weeks later. He was looking at the sunset from the mountain- four hundred meters below him; the black mouth of the gems cave was opened. Its because we have good force fields and camouflage.- Honey said. Yes. Soon I will figure where to begin my kingdom. In this continent are plenty of places, where to raise a new city.- Darude commented. An island would be better invasion by land its impossible and you can stop the invasion at the beach. No need to have a Navy fleet.- Honey said. 17761 Honey studied every island near the East continent, and presents seven alternatives to his master. Five are covered with jungle, two has rocks and small patches of forestation all seven of them could be yours.- Honey said. I guess in time. But I will start humble. We will build a walled city- perhaps at a mountain side- pity there is no copper in this places.- Darude said. If you want, I could put adds to attract people to your town.- Honey offered. We will build a small town, but with tunnels to the heart of the mountains. I dont want to be bombed by King Lugners Aerial Force.- Darude said. Darude stayed at the Gems mine for eight weeks; he obtained a good collection of Crystals and stones, polished by him and Honey at the side of the Orb; twice the Frigate of Lord Iactator passed by the sector, but the camouflage prevents their detection. We have a full cargo, now! We will go to Earth, and we will sell the stones there.- Darude said. Of course. Here in Rixiaberg there is no more people interested in this. They are saying that what they bought us previously, its slowly being sold.- Honey informed him. 17762 They traveled on the Orb to Chicago Spaceport that same day. The traffic at Earth was as usual, so they waited for eight hours before they give them the clearance to land. Pole 502! Four days only!- An officer said to Honey, who was visible at the controls. They are almost mad with so many traffic.- Darude said, as now they were only revising one of five spaceships that landed. They are coming, dear. Soon they will be here. The clients? The possible clients- nothing sure now. I will check the market through the Holographic machine. They come from Liberator Commercial Shop- some Mr. Simpson and a Mister Dilaple...- Honey said, seating in front of that table. Darude keeps on looking for the clients outside the Orb, while Honey revised the market and keeps on calling possible clients with enormous velocity. Soon three persons arrive- of a total number of 1203- using personal Flyers; suits that had neutralizers and gravity enhancers; they stop before the lock, and Honey greeted them- at the mess hall the crystals and polished stones were brilliantly disposed, in order to be seen by the clients. We have several tones of this material. As you can see on the holographic table, the different items are with their respective quantities, and prices. This stone gems and crystals 17763 Are not common here- as I told you by cell phone, the mine is at the Second Brana.- Honey said. Yes, we are interested: how much it will cost?- The man from Liberator Commercial Shop said. . Credits. In two payments? Because thats what we are able to offer. Or we will not buy. You see, we want to be the only one who offers this kind of merchandise to the public. We arent interested in to competed with othersso thats why we want all the cargo.- The client said.

Seventy five per cent now, and the rest in thirty days.- Honey proposed. We could give you fifty per cent now and the rest in ninety days.- The man said. You see, we must to confide in your word, and we had not a place where to find you in our Brana. Banks in Knapp didnt receive deposits from Earth.- Honey explained. There are Agencies who will open branches at your Brana- only I dont know if your particular planet.The client from Liberator Commercial Shop said. The second client, Mr. Dilaple, said: Sixty five per cent and the second installment after seventy five dayslast offer. 17764 Darude moved his head, in approval, and Honey made the transaction immediately. A freighter will come in this afternoon; the deposit will be donned when that ship arrives.- Mr. Wilson said. No problem at all! Good to have business with you.- Honey said, while AB6565 serves soft drinks to the Naturals. Nice spaceship you have here.- Mr. Wilson said. And seems you refurbished it up to the last notch.- Mr. Dilaple said, drinking his beverage to the bottom of his glass. Yes, we are very satisfied with this kind of vehicle.- Darude said, and then the clients stands up and went away, flying like crows with their black suits. Funny way to travel.- Darude said, later. You can buy a flying device PFD02, but you must take lessons first. Not that is its hard to use, but its hard not to bump against other users in a crowded city. Honey explained. Of course- back in our planet, no problem bumping with anyone, as they are so few.- Darude said. We could import them and resell them with a profit.- Honey said. 17765 Darude bought 350 personal Flyers, and said: With this I am sure we will get rich. Yes, darling!- Honey said, while he storage the craters, helped by the rest of the Synthetics. They return to Rixiaberg; there she called on buyers of novelties; also he put ads on the Media. A couple of particulars come first, and bought a pair of perso9nal Flyers. You must practice to fly over here- I dont want you to sue me, if you smashed your head while in flight. Both men laughed, and under Honeys supervision, they learnt the Basics. Now, I beg of you, go and practice out of town.- Darude said, while Honey cashed the sell. Dont you worry, Sir! We will be careful.- One of the clients said, and departed while laughing again. Those youngsters! Life is a joke, to them!- Darude said, remembering himself at that age. Later, a fat man with a thin lady appears. Good afternoon! How good are these Flyers? I have a job and everyday I must 17766 Travel from my house to the outskirts of Oredloro, in rented Flyers!- Said the man. With this you will not need to wait! Or pay everyday! You just use this personal Flyer, attached to your body using the straps, and there you go! In minutes you will be soaring to your place._ Honey said, showing him the apparatus. But, did it fails? If he went down in the middle of a flight? - The thin lady asked, with a sour face. No way he can went down and hurt himself! This personal Flyer has no movable parts, it didnt fuse, and energy comes from ions present on the air. The battery pack last for ten years of continual use.- Honey explained. Ah, ten years! So thats the trick! He must buy another in ten years more?- The sour face cracked with a triumphal grimace. Yes! But he would be earning money, if you compare the price of this Flyer and what he could had paid in fares.- Honey said. We will come back later! Lets go, Hubert!- The woman said, walking out. 17767 Bad, when ladies take control: man didnt get what he wants.- Darude said. And worst: he didnt achieve all that he is capable of to do. The idea to walk on pairs has its hindrances.Honey said.

Soon afterwards, five clients appear and bought more than half of the stock- and it was dark when Darude said: Enough for this day! If someone else arrives, we will say we only attend in office hours. Very well, dear.- Said Honey, and sent a message to the rest of the people she sent advertisements on, in order to postpone visits until next day at eight in the morning. Darude asked her: how much money did we make to day? 17768 From 450 Personal Flyers, we had sold 420 units, dear. And thirty are not sold yet.- Honey recited. Take ten to give to our scouts at the mines, and for us! See if there are people here who wants more of this gadgets. If necessary, we could go for more.- Darude said. We should open a store here, dear. This invention is practically new, so sells will be improving with the pass of the time.- Honey said. All right by me! See to it- must be someone behind the counter.- Darude said. Of course, dear. I think AB6363 could be placed there- and also AB6565. One at the counter and the other to explain how to use the personal Flyers and to deliver it.- Honey said. I feel its very appropriate.- Darude said; bit it wasnt too easy, as the permission to open a shop takes three weeks to be obtained. The renting of a place was very easy, in contraposition to the bureaucratic hindrances the Rixiaberg administration puts on new businessmen. 17769 For the first ten months, Darude was busy traveling to Earth, then they return with fifteen thousands Personal Flyers; as the Custom Office has some money to extract, earnings werent as good as they first planned. They always started selling Flyers as soon as they could move them into the shop, coming from the Space port. But people offered a good support, coming from early morning to late hours in the evening. The Personal Flyer was the cheapest way to fly! Darude didnt went to Lubina in all those months- he kept administrating the ship until the last Personal Flyer was sold, of the ones he bought nine months at Earth planet. Dear! You had earned lots of Credits already! - Honey said, when walking out of the shop that last day. Darude replied: In fact, we are now out of stock. But, do you think we can bring more of this? I am positive! There are plenty more room for more sells! I assume with another 280.000 personal Flyers youll saturate the market here.- Honey said. How many do you think we could buy, using all the money we had?- Darude asked her. 30.000 Personal Flyers, dear. Way ahead of the theoretical 280.000 I spoke about- of course, pass the 280.000 personal Flyer units, you will be seeing the slowing down in sells- more time to sell, costs increasebut always earning money.- She said. Then, lets go to Earth once more, and stuff the Orb to the limit with personal Flyers! - He said. Of course, dear. Your Orb could carry a lot more than we had been buying until now.- Honey said. Very good! Lets depart right now.- He said, climbing a taxi Flyer which carried them to the Orb, at the Space Station. 17770 Welcome, Sir! Have a nice day, selling Flyers?- Hucine asked, while Darude was walking to the Deck. Yes, wonderful! We have a sold out! Now, you will carry us to Earth top speed- not wrecking the machine in the process, of course!- Darude said. Of course, Sir. Please take your seat, and strap yourself; to the rest of the crew: you just know what to do.Hucine said. Honey laughed and said: Hucine has a great sense of humor. The voyage (two months time span) he spent sleeping at a pod- he wasnt interested anymore in to see the stars moving eternally to the rear, and any conversation with the E-girls were simply a bore. Darude awoke when arriving to Mars, and two days later, they were descending through Earths atmosphere. At Chicago Spaceport they were already known as clients, so they just give the pilot the location where to land without any more questions. Nice landing, Hucine.- Darude complimented the pilot. Thanks you, Sir. By the way, there are certain item you could buy, to improve the Orb.- Hucine said. Improving the Orb is a good thing, Hucine. What have you in mind to accomplish it?- Darude asked him. The long radar we have could be improved, Sir, by an eighty percent, with the new models.- Hucine recommended. I see. And which other device are you thinking of?- Darude asked him. 17771

There is a body, Sir. A simple body, that could serves me as an alter ego. A Synthetic mimic person, so to speak. It will be me but in two feet.- Hucine said. A robot for yourself! Tired to be tied up to the hull?- Darude asked him. And somewhat bored, Sir. I could repair the hull, the interior of the Hull, fix a thousand things with my own hands, instead of to wait somebody fumbled- no, works in what I am telling them. Also with your permission, I could also visit cities, and not only sightseeing the surrounding landing area with the cameras; I could be your trusted man while you visit dangerous sites; and I assure you that I have a lot more knowledge than the modern average Synthetic person, Sir.- Hucine said. Of course. Honey will study the costs and we will see about its feasibility.- Darude said, descending by the ramp, followed by Honey, AB6363 and AB6565. At the street, people were gathering at the corners, looking big holographic figures playing a match of baseball. What a silly game!- Darude said. Its a traditional game here, dear! Not needing to have real sense. Its the competence and skill everyone could perceive, comparing the present game with others seen beforehand.- Honey explained him. 17772 Yes, I grasp its something ethnic.- Darude smiled. They bought the personal Flyers- thirty thousand of them- and Darude went to the Easy People Co., where they bought a semi Synthetic body for Hucine. The Vendor said: With this body your Synthetic Pilot person, attached of course to his Flyer or spaceship, could also help you when not driving the Flyer, or perhaps he could repair wirings, systems and the like, knowing exactly where they are. With this cyber body, youll get a full time worker. That is very useful.- He replied. And it is not so expensive- we discount the positronic enabled brain, but we include a sophisticated signal receiver as a second brain. Thats why the price its eight thousand Credits and no less.- The Vendor said. Really.- Darude said- he was thinking- this option wasnt at all economic. He had bought Synthetic persons for less than that. He looked at Honey, who said: Its up to you, dear. You are not forced to buy this body; Hucine will understand if you dont buy it. Lets see the body.- Darude said, and the Vendor guided them to another Section, where a couple of bodies were standing against a wall. You see here, these samples- male and female. I always recommend deciding first for which kind of labor the body is required. If for mild labor, I recommend the female body. If for hard labor, the male body will works fine._ The Vendor said. I am going to use it as a seller.- He said, jokingly. A Vendor! If you are selling male articles, choose a male; if its the contrary, use a female.- The Vendor proposes. By that minute, Darude had already reach a decision, so he said: I will buy it. Make it a male. Wonderful decision- you will never regret it. When in flight, the body could also be used, but of course, in mild occupation- you dont want to crash, did you?- The Vendor asked. Certainly not.- Darude said. Honey asked about the software. Its very simple: you connect a simple machine unto the positronic brain spare plug, and software included of a pill, will set everything going. And the instructions go on this second red pill.- The Vendor explained. You send me this body to the Space port, Pole 10.- Darude said, after he paid the price. When out of the shop, he said: Worst bought ever. Honey clings to his arm and said: I am certain you will think different in the future, dear. You will see Hucine will be able to perform things more efficiently than any of us. Why, because he has a larger positronic brain? Yes, darling. He has a third more capacity in storage than us.- Honey said. And that makes you a moron? Of course not, dear- we could access a giant databank through the radio, but that takes time while searching; Hucine will have more in his own databank ready to jump when ready. That body is a fine acquisition.- Honey asserted. Darude stands in front of a shop where cloned species were for sell, and said:Look! Small replicas of Dinosaurs!

And he walked in; a Vendor appears almost at a gallop, saying: Good morning, lady and Gentleman! What can I do to serves you better? Show us a few specimens! I am really interested in a Diplodocus.- Darude said. Of course; Diplodocus are in great demand nowadays; they can walk and also swim; have you any predilection they can walk and also swim; have you any predilection in color?- The Vendor asked. Why? Arent all of them grey?- Darude asked him. They are in three colors, Sir, like in the wild they are. But, of course, we can provide you with any other color you prefer.- The Vendor offered. No, a grey one would be fine.- Darude said. The size its fifty centimeters long, and the price its only fifty thousand Credits.- The Vendor said, now the sell seems to be donned. Oh, well! Apart from being a toy, has they some utility?- Darude asked him. A toy. Well, sir, Its more than a simple toy- it can retrieve objects for you- it has twenty thousand different items to choose, when called- it can retrieve memory pills you could had spilled out, it can play tunes- you could ask a tune, hell play for you in the original moaning sounds this animals have in real life; also you can storage two thousand Gigabytes of information if you want- you just insert a memory pill on its mouth, he swallow it, recorded it, and defecates it- by the anus! Of course, you must pick the pill up or you could leave it there- the Diplodocus will take it for you and put it where you want it to leave the small objects he finds during the day.- The Vendor informs him. Yes! Hes clever! I am going to buy one.- Darude said, laughing, and paid. Honey takes the bag with the Diplodocus and they walked out to the street. Nice bought! Guess Ill get a lot of entertainment with this Diplodocus.- He said. It will be like those ancient dogs Terrans speak much about.- Honey said. Or better! - Darude said- thinking he needs not to feed the creature He enters a Restaurant and asked for exotic food- Honey asks for the hydraulic fluid the Synthetics drinks while with a Natural on a public place. 17776 With proud, Darude realize she was the most beautiful E-woman at the place- she behaves as a real Lady, talking and smiling gently. Now that you are not a Governor, what are you doing to become an Administrator? Or are you going to become a merchant?- Honey asked him. Theres nothing wrong being a merchant and an Administrator! I think we re going to raise a small town somewhere on the East Continent. There is no Lugner kingdom there. But he certainly has ambitions to have one there, dear! Remember he has a sea town- well, a seaport- on the south.- Honey remembered him. Yes. I guess my possession will be to the north side, not too close to the sea- I dont want to be invaded easily by warships.- Darude said. She looked at the street by the wide windows, and said: Certainly you could do it- but when? He finished his steak and said: Soon afterwards we finish our stock! I dont pretend to be selling personal Flyers for ever!- Darude replied. She communicates with the rest of the Synthetics, saying Darude was going to depart to the North. AB6363 said: Well, thats good news! We only get to be selling those Flyers kits in a hurry! Yes; he doesnt want to be a merchant for the rest of his life! But also, hes forced to do whatever its necessary to fulfill his dreams.- AB6565 said. 17777 That evening, the body for Hucine arrives to the Orb. Lets see- now! The hardware is in place, now._ Honey said, raising his face from the innards of one of the many circuits Hucine had on his positronic brain. The body opened its eyes, stand up from the box, awkwardly, and bumped on a wall. Oops!- I get to master the controls!- Hucine said, talking audibly through the mouth the body has. Darude said: How do you feel looking from inside those eyes? The body turns his gaze unto him, and he said: Fine, Sir! Practically a second self! Of course, I am integrating several routines the builders had left unplugged- a matter of minutes, of course- nothing I cannot muster.- Hucine B said. You will be one of the first Orbs that will repair itself.- Darude said, smiling.

Thinking of it, Sir, Its rather funny. A hand cleans the other hand, so to speak.- Hucine said, and he walked around with agility. What use are you going to give your new body?- Darude asked him. To serve you, of course! I will ad to be your pilot, now I can make errands for you- be a valet- or a mechanic, a Vendor at your shop.- He said, enthusiastically. Soon we will be selling thousands of Personal Flyers and I am sure you will be working at the shop. Full time.- Honey said. Of course! And it will be very interesting to be out there, attending people for my first time, in person, so to speak.- Hucine said. 17778 Four weeks later, every body was busy preparing the Flyers at the rooms of the cargo bay. Darude was already in Deep Sleep, on a pod. Next to him, Honey was keeping watch- the rest were busy elsewhere. AB6363 approaches her, saying (by the radio):Hello! Taking care of your precious? Yes! Its my delight to see he is not bothered by any circumstance. Another thirty two days, and we will be arriving to Lubina Town.- Honey said. I am so interested in his new project! Hope a whole new city could be developed on the East Continent.AB6363 said. For the excitement of more things to do? You missed a lot of work, while you be in stasis.- Honey said. Yes, and for to see him happy! Humans love action, you know. Routine kills their spirit.- AB6363 said. Well, then. I had seen a lot of corpses walking around!- Honey said, smiling. 17779 Suddenly, the alarm resounded by the corridors, and Hucine said: Braze for a directional change! Objects on collision course! And two seconds later, the Orb turns to the right, in an ample curve. Then, Hucine said: Sorry if someone suffers a fall! But it was necessary; the objects are going away. And what was those?- Honey asked him, walking by a corridor appeared Hucine B, who said: Vessels in disguise! Cloaked vehicles, thirty of them. I couldnt see them, but several of our radar systems detected them clearly. Very strange- and to which part of the Galaxy do you think they were heading?- Honey asked him. In the general direction of planet Knapp.- He said. The Orb keeps on voyaging and nobody wished to awake Darude from his deep sleep, as that matter wasnt urgent. So they think. After another sixty four days, they arrived to Knapp; Darude awoke when the planetary sphere was bulging on the bulls eyes. Great! Nice sleep.- He said, looking at his Assistants. We are glad you feel fine, Sir. Seems to me the belladonna worked.- Hucine said. Mm! Drugging me, now? Good idea.- He smiled- he wished to laugh, but he could not, because his muscles were recently at work. They descended on Rixiaberg, after a brief conversation with the Control tower; in their way 17780 Down, they saw several warships docked to the Second Military Station in Orbit. Seems King Lugner its defending in a better way the entrance to Knapps kingdom.- Darude said. News of the day, dear!- AB6363 said. Do you know something I dont know?- Darude asked. Honey replied: Yes, dear! We are listening to the gossip: King Lugner is dead. Darude felt a mild shock of surprise, mingled with later sensations of loss. Certainly that old king wasnt known in person by him- the King was proud in his days, and didnt talk to commoners- likewise was his wife, the Empress. His son is now King. Hes improving everything, guess his father amassed a great fortune, for him now to rise as he sees fit.- Hucine said, using his body, standing at the threshold of the third corridor. King Garach! I saw that prince once. Seems a good fellow.- Darude said. You could talk with Professor Moe! Certainly they knew each other well- perhaps he could speak 17781 In your behalf.- Honey said.

Please, make a contact, then! I assume Professor Moe is on Oredloro city- now changes are being made.Darude said. Honey called on several occasions to the Oredloro University, until finally gets the connection. Dear, professor Moe is on the line.- She said. The image of Professor Moe was on the holographic tablehe said; Good afternoon, Professor Moe! I recently new our King Lugner died! Professor Moe scratches his head and said: Four days now that he is dead! Tomorrow they are going to bury him. Are you attending the ceremony? No, I wasnt aware of it. But wait a minute: are you going? Yes, my former pupil, now our King, sent me some invitations- I was going to attend the ceremony all by myself, but if you want to come, do it!- Professor Moe invited him. I will- at your place, in the University?- He asked. No, I will give you my personal address here in Oredloro- please arrives at seven oclock, tomorrow, without delay. Thanks you, Professor Moe.Good bye!- Professor Moe said, ending the conversation. Darude leaned on his chair and said; At least, he remembers me and hes generous enough. You must press the motive: you were the appointed Administrator of Lubina. Your wife asked your post she obtained it at the Court- and now you want it back. Simple.- Honey said. 17782 Darude prepared his clothes in advance- simple but expensive: he also carried electronic gadgets, to send and record everything that could be near him. Honey was with him, ringing the bell on Professor Moes apartment. The old professor opened the door, and welcomed him by saying: Oh, it is you! Come on in! I see you brought your fiance! That he said, as he met her beforehand, at Lubina town. She is my assistants in everything of importance.- Darude declared. Of course! She can come with us, of course. I have an open invitation- means I could carry any number of guests I want.- Professor Moe said, walking to the interior of his apartment- he puts on his head a black hat and said: Voila! I am ready. Lets go. They went out to the Flyer platform on top of that building, and soon they were speaking to the Royal Palace. We are going to be present in a long ceremony- hope you could stay until the end very important for you!- Professor Moe said. 17783 Why, professor? Of course I will stay as long as you wish.- Darude replied. I pretend to give my condolences to the King Garach. He will not forget we were at his time of mourning.Professor Moe said, blinking an eye. Well, I guess its a bit premature to tell you this- but I was demoted from my post of Governor at Lubina town. My former wife takes my post, helped by the Queen herself.- Darude explained. Ah! I see. Now that old king Lugner is gone, you want your former post! Thats it, really?- Professor Moe asked him. Yes, Professor! I was devoted to that job, and now Dont tell me more! I understand quite well- and I will help you. But you see, this ceremony could not serve for to being asking favors! You will have to wait; with patience probably will get what you want.Professor Moe said, cheerfully. They arrive to the Royal Palace in a Flyer taxi, and at the Entrance, professor Moe shows his Invitation; and the three of them were immediately carried to a row of seats at the left of a big hall, where many other people were present. At a dais, on the extreme of the big hall, the coffin where old King Lugner was resting for ever a dozen guards in black uniforms was standing at Attention. The Guard of Honor, Old soldiers who served the king almost for their entire lives. Professor Moe indicated Meaning, of course, King Lugner. A bell was tolling each fifteen minutes; half an hour later, now King Garach stands, and said by a microphone to his nation: Farewell, dear father. The most wise man I had never knew. Now it is the time for you to rest and for me to try to emulate your deeds. I only humbly wish to be nothing more than a

shadow of what you were in life. Here are your people, paying their last homage to you- nobles and commons, soldiers and scientists alike. Later, a black painted Flyer carried the deceased King to his tomb, at the outskirts of the city, where a mausoleum was prepared. There, King Garach waited until the tomb was sealed, and everyone give him his condolences, Professors Moe gives him the arms touch, and whispered a couple of phrases to Garach, who bowed slightly, while Darude simply bowed in front of him, together with Honey; the keen eyes of Garach shows a hint at recognition- perhaps he had seen his photo sometime, when he was the appointed Governor Substitute. Out in the street, Professor Moe said: Well, the first approach is made! Now we will insist someday in the future, to reintegrate you on the govern of Lubina town. Yes, but when are you going to talk on my behalf?- Darude asked, tremulous. Soon, of course- let the King Garach tasted the power up there! He certainly will be using his new power soon! - The Professor Moe chuckled for himself, and he takes a taxi Flyer and went away. 17785 Darude call another Flyer taxi, and traveled to the Orb with Honey saying: I heard lots of gossips at the Cemetery and also at the Royal Hall. I will tell you later about it.All right, darling! I didnt like burials- the realization that we are to die its not funny.- Darude commented. At the Orb, she said: Well, dear, I heard Prince Garach is going to open his Kingdom to the commerce with all the members of the Federation of Planets; without the restrictions his father was so accustomed to impose. Thats good news. - Darude said. He is a former pupil of Professor Moe. Hes intrigued by the disappearances of Professor Larry and Curly: he finds rather difficult all clue has vanished. Perhaps theres a conspiracy working in the shadows.- Honey informed. Well, every King is full of afraid to loose the kingdom throughout. Nothing new.- Darude said. He has a relation with a female since three years now. His father didnt approve of it as the lady was a strip dancer before she meets him- in fact; he was captivated by the way she danced at a Night Club.- Honey said. Guess she must be gorgeous and she must know everything to make a man very happy.- Darude smiled. So they say.- AB6565 giggled. The liaison between him and professor Moe its interesting. I will wait for a couple of days, before talking to him. Perhaps he could be heard.- Darude said. Four days later, he called on Professor Moe, and the professor said: come to my apartment now! I am working in a project, which surely our new king will approve.Ill be glad to go there, professor.- Darude said, and as before, he traveled on a taxi flyer, with the beautiful Honey. At the apartment, professor Moe was working with three Assistants on a desk. He said Sorry about the disorder, Governor, but I am a bit in a hurry. Thats no matter to me, Professor. I come here as quickly as I could.- Darude said. It is a great invention: it can sole an old problem every governor or king had in the past and in the present: the delinquency. People that 17786 Kill people for greed or for envy. People will be impeded to kill, with my UGMA rays! Sounds, you know, pacify beasts, also could induce sleep and sweet thoughts. With this radio emission, every killer in the Kingdom will be neutralized. Old king Lugner didnt want it- not even as a present! You have a good idea here, Professor! And I am sure you already probed it?- Darude asked him. Not quite! I had been trying it on animals- dinosaurs. They really became tame! But of course, the Prince will put this to the test. I only want him to try it. If it really works, I am sure he will pay me with a huge amount.- Professor Moe said. Of course, Sir. You see, I am also willing to get back my old post at Lubina town, so could I count on you to say a good word in my behalf? To the king Garach, of course. I would be your eternal debtor, if you know what I mean.- Darude said. Professor Moe rubbed his chin and said: certainly I could do that- no warranty he will do what I ask; he is clever and possibly too young or inexpert for the job- I cannot envision his thoughts.

I am leaning on you, professor! If I recover the administration, I swear I will give you a whole building and money to keep going with your researches.- Darude said, thinking he does not loose a thing promising things to an old man, whose live was almost donned. Its a deal! I will offer my invention for free- that will move this king to be thankful unto me. Perhaps I could receive 17788 The compensation through you, who knows? When are you going to present your invention to the King?- Darude asked him. Tomorrow! I already talked with his first assistant about it- do you want to come along? Of course! But if asked, I will not know a thing about your machine.- Darude said. That has a solution: stay with us until tomorrow, and one of my Assistants will talk you about the transmitter: I am sure that you will grasp everything important about it.- Professor Moe said. And send your retinue back to your address! We cannot go to the palace with her.- Professor Moe said. Pity on me, but where I go, my damsel goes with me! If the king Garach puts objections to it, I wont go. Professor Moe moves his head sidewise and said: I cannot understand young people, so attached to electronics! I will risk my career, accepting your desire: you can carry her. Thanks you.- Darude smiled. Now, go to receive instructions! - Professor Moe said, and Darude was lectured about the Generator until bed time; 17789 Then he was provided with a sleeping bag, he set on a corridor; Honey was there at his side, seeing he was not stepped on. Dont you worry about me! I can use a dark uniform, same like the ones Professor Moes assistants use; with a cup on my head Ill be looking like a male.- Honey said, embracing him. I am happy you stand like that for me!- Honey said, kissing him. You deserve it.- Darude replied. At the next morning, all was in motion at the apartment, with Professor Moe running around like a rabbit. At seven oclock, a big Flyer from the government takes the machine and the Assistants on board. Hurry up! Theres no minute to waste!- Professor Moe said, knocking on Darudes sleeping bag- Honey looked out, and said: Wait a moment, Professor! Soon Darude and her stomped out of that corridor and went after the Professor, who was climbing the ladder like a squirrel. The Flyer take off from the top of that building, and soon the Palace was in sight- several aerial landing parks were visibly at the East side of the now bigger building; deceased King Lugner had left it twice as big as his processor left him. You just follow me- I dont need you to get lost at the Palace- too many people down there.- Professor Moe said. They descended and the group walked around the wave generator that was being carried now on wheels. 17790 The corridors were brilliantly lit; dozens of Synthetic guards were marching by there; others were posted at corners; the elevator had another guard. They take it and descended it until the third floor arrives; then they went out. Darude was surprised by the many guards on duty; not only Synthetic guards, but also Natural ones. A room was designated for the test, so the Generator was set there. Energy is available.- A royal Assistant said, and cables were plugged on sockets at a wall; the generator comes to life, with blinking lights. It is working fine.- Professor Moe said, after a brief revision. The Royal Assistant said: Advisor Safernes will come here soon. You must to wait. Of course we will wait.- Professor Moe said, smiling. The royal Assistant left, closing the doors. A silence issued, broken later by Darude saying: nice place, this building. A beehive! Too many people in here! I wonder if they all know what they are doing.- Professor Moe said, chuckling. Apart from the Generator of Waves, no other furniture was present there; also, there were no windows: the light come down from two spheres attached to the ceiling. Half an hour later, Darude seats on a corner, and said: Excuse me, but I will seat while we wait.- Professor Moe said nothing, but he reminds standing near his invention.

Three hours later, the doors swing open, and a white bearded man enters the room, saying: I am terribly sorry by my delay, Professor Moe! But I was kept busy in other part of the Palace! Dont you worry, Advisor Safernes! I know theres a lot of work at this Palace! Darude looked at the Advisor; he was thin and small, with a permanent smile, but with icy eyes- that looked at each one on the room, perhaps a bit more on Honey, which seems to be a young male to almost every stare. Lets play your Generator! I had brought four very interesting specimens.- The small Advisor said, clapping his hands together- his retinue pushed four enchained prisoners inside the room. They faces shows the anger and malignancy they were filled with. Lets see if it works on them!- Advisor Safernes said, almost mockingly. Professor Moe realizes he was being tested- through his invention- but didnt flinch a centimeter. Very well, Sir. Please use these small corks- not to be influenced yourself!- Professor Moe said, handling him two small cubic corks. The Synthetics didnt need it- sensations were reduced on them, and a radio wave has no significance on their behaviors. The four delinquents didnt receive a cork; then the machine begins to work, producing a faint hum that goes in the increase, until it passes the human capacity to hear and the four delinquents begin to smile gently to everyone on that room. Remarkable! I will have some questions to ask them!- Advisor Safernes said, clicking his fingers- one of his Assistants approaches one of the delinquents and said: you are Billy Worth! You murdered Raissa Delly; but you had denied the fact every time we had interrogated you. Now tell me if you killed her or not. The brutal face of Billy Worth twisted in delight as he feels now freed of the black cloud he had since his childbirth, and said: Yes, I killed her. She was handsome and young, a career in Electronics and a Personal Flyer! I saw her several times, parking at her building, while I freeze near the cornice! One day I approach her by the back, and hit her head with a metal tube; she fell to the ground as a doll; I abuse her and run- I dont know how the Police catch me unawares. Easy: her Flyer has a camcorder! Now, Justice will take your declaration before witness and it will change their final verdict! - That Assistant said, turning to the next delinquent: formerly he was a fat ill mannered man; now he was a smiling guy. Bush Irakion! You murdered four aliens in several Taverns until the Police catch you falling for a fifth! You had never given us your motives! Now its the time to give us an explanation!- The Assistant said. Of course, Sir! I was raped several times when I was a seven years kid! By a rabbi! His beard stinks at tobacco, and his whole body was always transpiring! When grown enough, I killed him with a knife! Then I was not satisfied with his dead; so I begin searching for every old man dressed in black and with a beard. I searched and I find. I had killed twenty seven old aliens with my own hands!- Bush said. Enough!- The Advisor Safernes said. Professor Moe disconnected the machine, and so the Advisor takes his corks out of place. You are a genius, Professor Moe! I will inform of this successful session to His Majesty about this marvelous results! I am sure he will compensate you greatly, for your efforts. All right! I will take the machine now, to reproduce it if our King Garach wants more of it.- Professor Moe said. Do as you please, professor Moe! I will send you an answer the minute our King decided what to do with your Generator.- Advisor Safernes said, and leaves the room. This is great! I am accepted, my invention was approved and you were known.- Professor Moe told Darude about. Me, known? He hardly looked at me!- He said. Well, he has more implants I could count! I am sure he knows you better than your own mama!- But let us move out! I am sure this room will be needed very soon.- Professor Moe said, unplugging the Generator, while his Assistants begin dismounting some of tis parts, for better transportation. The Flyer was provided by the Advisor; soon they were back at Professor Moes apartment. This day is one to rememorize! I will work a little more on the Generator; while we were at the Royal Palace, I had three or four new ideas; on how to improve it.- Professor Moe said. Very good, Professor! But now I am going to my place. Good luck.- Darude said. Dont you worry about your problem! I am sure we will succeed!- Professor Moe said, blinking an eye. At the street, Darude gets into a Restaurant, and asked for a sandwich and a glass of beer- to cheer him ups a bit. Honey didnt want to drink.

17794 Is it true a person could know how another is by looking at him?- Darude asked. Only an impression, dear. I know why you ask- because Professor Moe says so, referring to advisor Safernes. He can have all the implants he like, but he cannot develop Psi Powers! I am sure that, when Professor Moe talks about Lubina administration, with the king, he will investigate your records. - Honey explained. Thats more logical an explanation.- Darude said. Five days later, King Garach sent for Professor Moe- he was carried to the Royal Palace and into the Royal dinning room. 17795 Good evening, Professor Moe! Hows your teaching at the University of Oredloro?- King Garach asked him, signaling with a gesture, a place at his left on the table, where four other persons were already seated. Good evening, Your Majesty. Fine, of course. I am teaching Biology now; my students are clever and I am sure they all be successful professionals in time.- Professor Moe replied. I am glad to hear that. I present my guests: Lady Voskia, Count Garniaso who is the father of Lady Voskia; Lady Farglola, her mother; and next to you are Sir Freilost and Mr. Vagid. I am most honored to be in such good company, being just a Professor without any other title.- Professor Moe stated. Nonsense! You are a genius! I saw your Generator.- The King Garach said. And you like it! Thats the best reward to me!- The Professor said. The best reward is a million Credits! Yes! I put it in your Bank account, when you arrive this evening.King Garach said. You are truly a most generous King.- Professor Moe said, moved. Of course!- King Garach said, provoking laughter among his guests. Serves arrives with hot meals, bread and wine. The King talked about the Federation of Planets. A magnificent group of governments, indeed they are! And we are part of it. Never been in Earth, also.King Garach said. 17796 But you can go there, dear! I will gladly go with you.- Lady Voskia said. Professor Moe smiled; this was the fiance of King Garach! Would he get married to her, now he could do as he pleased? No, I could not go there, as I am recently at post! I must get strengthening my position. Too many ambitious people on high ranks! - King Garach said, taking some soup of Deinonychus eggs. You could go there incognito. With a clone in here, to save appearances.- Count Garniaso said. Have you not a trusted general?- Professor Moe asked. I trust in the people my father had during his life! They are no traitors.- King Garach said, finishing his soup. Professor Moe was surprised: if eh trust on his subjects, why then he said hes not safe in his place? Possibly he was saying the last, out of diplomacy. Tell us about your invention, Professor! Science is the path to immortality._ King Garach said. Basically, it is not my invention. It was used by nations on Earth millennia ago. What I really did its a kind of a resurrection of an idea.- Professor Moe said. You are resurrecting science?- Lady Voskia said, smiling. Yes, but with state of the art appliances, the end result its tantalizing.- Professor Moe assured her. 17797 Well, the merit is worthwhile! I will made use of it- in fact, over my entire kingdom. My only question is: how to be immune of it?- The King Garach asked him. The only solution its the use of earphones, your Majesty! Special equipment. You hear through the earphones, that filtered the Generator emissions thoroughly.- Professor Moe said, in a triumphal tone. Of course a risk is on it. Suppose the earphones suddenly failed or are unplugged in some way. The person involved would be affected immediately.- Sir Freilost said. But, the emissions are not necessarily in use all day! People will be affected for days, with a previous two hours emissions.- Professor Moe said. So its feasible! Professor: you must sell me your machine. Perhaps several copies of it.- King Garach said.

The Servants bring several plates with roasted meat and vegetables, and more wine. Everybody talked about the niceties of cooking, and then King Garach said: Professor, I want you working at our Project! I need a name for it, ladies! Lady Voskia said: Never land! Once, I saw a holographic picture about a delightful place0 where nobody dies. A nice title, indeed! Project Never land. Four cities, four Generators. Plus two more- perhaps small towns likelike _ King Garach snapped his fingers , trying to recollect a name. Lubina.- Professor Moe said. Yes, Lubina. A small town but nevertheless, with enough people capable of being wrong at times. Or am I wrong?- King Garach said. Of course, Your Majesty! People suddenly has the evil desire to arrange things by the force. That includes maiming and killing other people.- Professor Moe said. Lubina! Strange name, I never knew you had such a town, dear!- Lady Voskia said to the King. Its way up north, and currently governed by a woman.- Professor Moe said. Count Garniaso said: Oh, yes! I had been hearing rumors- of his husband, running away with the Treasures belonging to that town. Certainly must be trapped and brought to Justice!- His wife Fagorla said. King Garach smiled, and said: I was unawares of it. Well, your father wasnt a very communicative person, dear.- Lady Voskia remembered him. 17799 King Garach stared at her, molested. Professor Moe said: I know something about Lubina Town and what happened there. Sure! You were kidnapped next to that town.- King Garach remembered. Yes, Your Majesty! In fact, the person who saved me of a certain death was the Governor Darude. The same that now is being called a thief.- Professor Moe said. People change.- Lady Fagorla said, munching a piece of meat. Certainly, Lady. The history of Darude is quite simple: he worked hard, replace the former Governor Shurvana when she gets sick; married Dahlia Fore; and now you know who is the Governor there?Professor Moe asked her. No idea.- Lady Fagorla replied. Dahlia Fore! The wife of Darude!- Professor Moe informed them. No wonder why she hadnt found his runaway husband!- Sir Freilost laughed. I will summon her here!- King Garach said, thinking in a conspiracy to take his money. Theres a Frigate at the spot, Your Majesty! Several weeks it has been searching for him- and no clues altogether!- Professor Moe said. I am thinking I will be summoning that Commander instead of her! A whole Frigate searching for a man! Or is he with some troops?- King Garach asked, showing how little he know about the state in which were his cities. Totally alone, Your Majesty! He and two or three Synthetic Assistants is all he had now.- Professor Moe informed. Sir Freilost said: Are you sure it is like that? Of course, Sir! I meet him just a couple of days!- Professor Moe said. King Garach opened his mouth in astonishment. Lady Fagorla twisted her mouth to say: But Professor! You should have seized him! Or give the alarm! King Garach looked unto him very seriously. I can explain my attitude, Your Majesty! Darude Bean is a good man. He hasnt robbed you a coin. Everything he has is an obsolete Orb and two Synthetic persons! I want that man brought to my presence! You, Professor Moe, are very thankful of that man, and I understand your mental processes. But if they are indicting him with serious charges, must be with a reason.- King Garach said. Of course, Your Majesty. I will bring him to your presence as soon as tomorrow. 17801 King Garach takes Lady Voskias hand and she said: Oh, this is boring! Please, call the musicians, please! King Garach talked by his wrist radio, and soon several Synthetic musicians appeared, playing a popular song.

With the noise, every conversation became forcibly a private one- Professor Moe concentrate in his meal: he eats several plates with different kinds of meat; then more wine, and at the deserts, every one was a little drunk. King Garach made a gesture, forty minutes after the musicians begin to play, and they went out of the room. Well, this has been a nice dinner! I will go to bed, now. Professor, dont forget to bring that man in here. Lady Voskia will accompany me to night. Lady Fagorla, Count Garniaso, Sir Freilost and Mr. Vagud : thanks for your coming here.- And with that, he went out of the room, hand in hand with the tall and most beautiful Lady Voskia Attendant! Please bring me a portion of meat and vegetables!- Lady Fagorla said, and turning to his husband (Count Garniaso) added: I was embarrassed to ask for more food, while His Majesty was here. Of course, Fagorla! You must not embarrass our daughter in front of him!- Count Garniaso said, drinking more wine. 17802 Professor Moe stands up and said: Lady, Gentlemen: I am so proud of you to have accepted my explanations to our Majesty without a word against. I am your truly debtor, from now on, but I must be going. Have a pleasant night. They touched arms and he went out of the building; a Royal Flyer takes him to his apartment. At the next day, he called Darude by cell phone, and said: I am working in your case, Sir! Last night I was talking about you with King Garach! Splendid! And what did he say about?- Darude asked, sensing his heart was pumping hard. He wants to meet you in person; or so I understand! Plenty of wine, at that table.- Professor Moe burped out. All right, you did move things fast! When do you want me to go exposing myself?- Darude smiled. Now, if you can! I assured him that you are poor, and are not running away. Because if you are on the loose, little thing I could do for you.- Professor Moe explained. Certainly right, Professor Moe! I assume you are at your apartment?- Darude asked him. Yes! Come on here, quick! I will be waiting for your presence.- Professor Moe said, and ends the conversation. Darude looked at his three E-damsels, and said: Did you hear that? The King wants to talk with me! Honey kissed him and said: certainly he summoned you unto his presence, but we dont know what his motives are: we scanned on the Synthetics Database- he calls on you not with the intention of to restore you at your former post! He only wants to know if your actions were illegal. Fine! I prefer that! I am innocent! Darude said, and added: You will stay in the Orb until my return! And departed to Professor Moes apartment in Flyer taxi; he saw a military flyer parked on the top platformbut they didnt act against him. At the apartment, Professor Moe was ready to depart. Nine thirty! Better we go now! King Garach works only half a day!- He said to Darude. They take the elevator- only the two of them- Professor Moe preferred in that way, saying: Those Synthetics exchange information between them! No privacy available, when they are around! At the platform, they climb on the Military Flyer, at the request of an officer. They traveled in silence. At the Royal Palace, Advisor Sufernes receives them, saying: Good morning, Professor Moe! So this is Mr. Bean? Yes! He comes here with me willingly, to speak with the King Garach.- Professor Moe said. Pretty good job, Professor Moe! You had served the Kingdom! This man is a fugitive of the Justice.Advisor Sufernes said, with a malignant stare. Yes, the King- But Sufernes interrupted him, saying: Yes, I know what you are about to say! Please, come with me.- And they walked by the corridor; soon they enter a room, where five Synthetics men were working. At Sufernes presence, one of them approaches and said: At your orders, Advisor! Assistant! I brought to you the former and much required ex Governor of Lubina, Mr. Bean. Make him explain all about his Administration. But- King Garach was supposedly to hear his declaration! - Professor Moe said, sensing he was loosing grip on the situation. 17804

Please, Professor Moe! Let us think for a second! Our Majesty hasnt time to waste, nowadays! We will find the answers to those many questions presented against ex Governor Darude Bean! Then, a special Jury will decide about the guilt or no guilt of Mr. Bean.- Advisor Sufernes said. They seat Darude on a special chair and attached some cables unto his dermis. Professor Moe said: I am sorry, Mr. Darude! I believed our King was going to be present! Darude was abated, so he said: Do not worry about this, Professor! I had not donned anything illegal! They cannot condemn me because I am innocent! Professor Moe went out, enraged- certainly the King Garach was more worried about his missing Credits, than in the life of Darude or injustices being made against that ex Governor by his subjects in the interrogation period. Darude was interrogated thoroughly, the mines coordinates he gives up; he made a list of things he bought after he went out of his post; the Orb and the three Synthetic females was taken to a Military Base; his Credit Card was emptied of every Credit. At the next day, Professor Moe went to the Palace and asked for Darude; a Secretary of Advisor Sufernes said to him: He is well kept. All his properties are not longer his. You are committing a serious misdeed! Let me talk with Advisor Sufernes! Wait a moment, Professor Moe! Advisor Sufernes is on a trip to Lubina! Wait for his return, if you please.- The Synthetic Secretary said. You better call me when he is back!- Professor Moe said. Very well, Professor.- She said. I want to see my friend Darude. Right away!- Professor Moe asked. The Secretary asked to the Chief of Police; he authorized the visit; the Secretary called on another Synthetic Assistant and said: Professor Moe, this person will guide you to see your friend. Have a nice day. Thanks! Lets go!- Said he, and departed; he was certain Darude was at the Royal Palace, but no. They take a Flyer and went to Jail # 3, because Darude was there. Professor Moe waited on a wide room, divided in two by a wire mesh and desks- the wire cuts through the middle of those desks- chairs at both sides permits them to talk while being seated. How sorry I am, Mr. Darude, of your present situation! I wasnt aware our King was going to act like this.- Professor Moe said. Certainly I am not in the best of worlds! But I assume this is my entire fault.- Darude said. Advisor Sufernes, who apparently is in charge of this affaire, is now at Lubina town. Possibly hell be back today. Professor Moe said. Darude scratched his chin and said: If he is there! 17806 He is. Then, he is finding out everything about me, checking with the Governess, the Chief of Police and the people- if he did his work as it should be, I am sure my fault will be lessened quite a bit.- Darude said. Professor Moe said: And I still believe you could recover your former situation. You are a good person and not a thief. Thanks you, professor! If you think so well of me, perhaps its not all lost.- Darude said, while some teardrops crossed his face. Have confidence, my friend! I will be called, if Advisor Sufernes returns soon. Farewell.- Professor Moe said, sensing the sorrow was strong there. Four days later, Advisor Sufernes was back from Lubina town; the Secretary told about Professor Moes visit. Oh, the good professor! He is old and serviceable; we must not produce him sorrow: call him, make an appointment for him.- Advisor Sufernes said. Professor Moe was called and at 15:30 hours he was in front of Sufernes. Good afternoon, Professor! You look worried, but you dont need to be! I am doing this inquiry as humane as I could.- Advisor Sufernes communicates him. Oh, yes; I mean, what was your appreciation? I knew you were at Lubina town! Certainly that Governess hates the man that shares her bed, and 17807 Nothing good for him could be expected from her lips!- Professor Moe said, almost panting with sudden emotion.

I talked with Lady Dahlia Fore, who accused him, severely. She makes serious charges against him, but deserved. Did you know that he does not give an account of the money he receives while in office? I have no idea of it. Well, he not just doesnt give an account, but also didnt give what money was left at the Treasure office! There were some copper mines, belonging of course to this Kingdom; he camouflaged them and keep them secrets; he sold the copper, make several trips to Earth planet, bought machinery for those mines- one is of precious gems.- Advisor Sufernes said. Professor Moe wished to help Darude in some way of those accusations, and said: Mr. Darude certainly was with hopes to be reinstalled as Governor of Lubina town. I am sure he was always doing things not for himself, but for Lubinas people, or else, he could had gone with the Orb, the Synthetics and all the money he already have. Advisor Sufernes smiled, thinking that with old age comes also certain leniency that is not written in Justice Codes. So, he said: Very well, Professor. Now we have things clarified; a special Jury will debate and finally decide this by a verdict. Guilty if 17808 Necessary, or innocent if the can explain his strange doings. Professor Moe said he hopes Darude could be set free as soon as possibly, and departed. Advisor Sufernes called on five Synthetics specialized in the Law, and said: You will accuse Mr. Darude of the crimes the Governess of Lubina accuses him. You have two hours to study this case; then, you will be present at Room 12, at the Palace of Justice here in Oredloro. Judge Drungar will be in charge. Three hours later, Darude was brought to a room, where Judge Drungar was given sentences in several cases; when it was his turn, Judge Drungar was enraged with an Assistant, who had forgotten to call the Defender a Natural person. Judge Drungar looked at Darude, and said: I am working here in the worst of situations: without a Natural Defender! Surely the man is now fishing at some river, instead of to be here, working! Do you want to be defended by a Synthetic Lawyer, or do you want to wait for a Natural one? Not that its much difference, by the way. I have no objections to be defended by a Synthetic Lawyer, your Highness. My case is simple and- But Judge Drungar interrupted him, saying: I am the one who will decide if this case is simple or not! 17809 The session begins! Call the Lawyer!- He roared. Soon, a E-female appeared, and getting close to Darude, she said: I am AB993, or Gorana, your defending lawyer! I know all the details. Do you want to bargain? Bargain what?- Darude asked her. Your penance, of course! I am being told that, if you pledge guilty, they are going to drop several accusations and you will get one or two years in prison.- The E-lady said. Darude moved his head, saying: I pledge innocence, lawyer Gorana. Come what it may? Could be a sentence for more than seven years!- Gorana said. See here, lady: if I declare myself guilty, I will be never able to be a candidate for an administration post. So, innocent it is!- Darude explained to her. As you wish, Sir. I will do my best to lessen the penalty.- She said, decidedly. After the accusations comes the discharges and explanations of Gorana the lawyer. Judge Drungar studied some minutes the documents, while he analyzes what was spoken there; then, he punched on a machine that summed up every charge and discharge, and made a percentage of culpability. The final numbers were against Darude. Accused Mr. Darude Bean, stand up to receive my verdict!- The judge said. Darude stands on two shaky legs, and waited valiantly while his lawyer blinked an eye in his direction By the proofs presented on this Tribunal, the evidence says you werent complying 17810 With your duty or the confidence the Government bestowed on you. You are guilty of inexplicable delay in the deliverance of money pertaining to Lubina Town. Secondly, you hide premeditative the location of mines pertaining also to Lubina Town. So, guilty as charged. In your possession it was found an Orb Spaceship in working order and several Synthetic Assistants- guilty of possession of fiscal properties without any signal that you wanted to deliver those items to the new Governess at Lubina town. My verdict

is: Guilty of appropriation of money and properties of the Kingdom of Knapp. Thirty years in jail. This case is finished.- Judge Drungar said. Impossible! I will die in prison, your Highness!- Darude yelled out. Guards! Take away the prisoner!- Judge Drungar growled. Like in the middle of a bad dream, Darude saw his appointed Lawyer giving him hopes, while being almost dragged out of that room. Later, he was sent to another jail, on a truck. When Professor Moe appears, two days later, asking for him, he was told about Darudess fate on the Tribunal. Poor man! And I was the instrument of his perdition!- Professor Moe said, with sadness in his voice. 17811 Advisor Sufernes call on Professor Moe, five days after that- by the Holophone, and he said: Professor! His Majesty wants three more Generators! Just name the price! Tell his Majesty I will do it only if I can obtain an appointment to talk personally with him. So, you are putting conditions to obey? I am no slave, you know that, Advisor. Please tell him what I said. As you wish.- Advisor Sufernes said, and certainly he did told King Garach , but in his terms. The King wasnt pleased, but remembering Moe was his former teacher at the University, he grant him an appointment- and in this occasion, not at dinner time. Message for you, Professor! From the Royal Palace.- His Second Assistant said. Deliver it, audible.- Professor Moe said, while he was working in another of his researches. King Garach summons you for tomorrow at nine oclock at the Royal Palace, to discuss an important matter. Very short message. Must be a work of Advisor Sufernes- be as it may, I will speak to that King of ours clearly!- Muttered Professor Moe, and keeps on working until midnight. At dawn, he dressed and departed to the Royal Palace, in a Flyer taxi. At six oclock he was seated at the anteroom- he waits until 10:20 hours there, as he was not called until that time. Good morning, Professor Moe! You can seat on that chair.- King Garach signaled him- he was seated on a rich armchair and in front of a very decorated and kitsch drawer- at his left, Advisor Sufernes and four other persons- at his right, military men with weapons. Good day to you, Sire. I had been waiting for this appointment since seven oclock.- Professor Moe said, to misbalance the nice mood of the King. Oh, it is so? Well, professor, I need four Generators and I need them quick. Too many robberies and conspirators lurking on in this Kingdom.- King Garach said. I will be glad to work on it, Sire. But I need you to free ex Governor Darude Bean, unjustly jailed and later condemned to thirty years in jail.- Professor Moe said. King Garach rise an eyebrow and looked at Advisor Sufernes. This man said: Your Majesty: I take that case personally. I even traveled to Lubina town, where the Governess Dahlia Fore had serious accusations against Mr. Darude; same thing with Lord Iactator, Commander of the Frigate Direptio, who was for weeks searching Mr. Darude and the Lubina mines. And those accusations were probed?- King Garach asked. Yes, your Majesty! The mines show that a great extraction was made, for nil profits to Lubina town. An estimate of forty million Credits is missing- Mr. Darude Bean bought Synthetics for the mine, rented machinery, but the amount of forty million Credits its calculated as more profits than bought he could have made. King Garach looked at Professor Moe, saying: Certainly, Professor, you are in debt with that person- he saves your life. I understand your efforts to take him out of jail, but dont you think he is where he belongs? Professor Moe replied: The fact is, Sire, that I brought him here because you, personally, was going to talk with him. You never shows, but this Advisor takes your place, imprison him, and brought him to Court. That was not what was meant to be. The decided tone and the implication of double 17813 Crossing implicit in those words, make the King blush. He said: I never say Justice will be spared in his case. But you said, perfectly clear, that you were to be present. Also, his explanation wasnt taken in consideration. He was going to present before you willingly, to return everything unto your hands: money,

Synthetic people, the location of the mines, because he wished to recover his title of Governor of Lubina. Professor Moe said. Governor of Lubina!- Exclaimed Advisor Sufernes, mockingly. That are the facts, Oh King! I give you my word its true.- Professor Moe said. King Garach rubbed his chin- he believes his old Professor- certainly that man, Darude Bean, choose the old gentleman to try recover his lost title. I understand you better, Professor. I believe you are talking from the heart. Let me help you and your benefactor, in a way. I will be your eternal thankful servant if you help that man out of the horrible punishment he is now beginning to endure.- Professor Moe said, decidedly. I will give Mr. Darude in custody, for as long as you require his services. I am sure he will be of more use in your custody than where he is now. He will be completing the term of the Court of Justice gives him, under your command. Are you satisfied with this?- King Garach asked him. Certainly I did, Sire. Most humane of you, except I am an old man and twenty years is a high stake for me to jump.- Professor Moe said, smiling for the first time in that Audience. Ask no more! And now, ask my Treasurer all that you must need in order to make those Generators we need.- King Garach said. Thanks, Your Majesty.- Professor said, and the Audience was over- after the reunion, Professor Moe was assured that Mr. Darude was going to be handled him soon. Darude was seated among other prisoners, telling some history about a trip to Earth (kind of mythical planets for the inmates) when a Guard approaches him and said: The Warden needs to talk with you now! The inmates gets excited and said: you will be transferred! Good luck, mate! Farewell, friends! I found true friends in the least thought off place! At the office, the Warden said: you are a lucky man! Somebody high above said a word in your behalf, and was heard! Thats great. Certainly it is! Because your thirty years term in here would had changed you into a madman! Professor Moe is going to be your jailer from now on! Beware of one thing: if Professor Moe rejects you, be sure youll be returning here or any other jail in the Kingdom in no time! Remember that at all times.- The Warden said - who was an educated man and means no harm to the inmates. Yes, Sir, I will remember it.- Darude replied, and he was transported in a Security flyer to Professor Moes apartment. When Darude finally arrives to his apartment, three hours later, they embraced and the prisoner wept on his shoulder, saying: Thanks you, Professor Moe! I am in real debt with you! Professor Moe patted his shoulder, saying: its all right now, my friend! We will work together and you will forget the bad moments. And indeed he almost forgets, as Professor Moe worked hard, with him and the Assistants, enabling the other Generators King Garach needed so urgently. Two months later, the three Generators plus the Prototype, were working at Lubina, Oredloro, Rixiaberg, Oxiborion and the renamed sea town of Celesta, located at the East Continent. The end result was amazing. Delinquency drops thirty two per cent; people cease to attack themselves in daily life, neighbors forget all quarrels, and certainly the kingdom of Knapp resembles a cup of milk. Then, Professor Moe receives some more money, and he call on Darude, saying: In your credit card I deposited 300.000 Credits, as a payment for this time you are working with me. Thanks you, Professor Moe. I am sure you will have success in your other projects. We sold four Generators to King Garach. But I have dozen other requests! From the planets of the Federation- if only we could comply with them all, our funds will be increased thousand fold.- Professor Moe said. I will do my best to administrate 17817 The building of those Generators! You could keep on developing new creations! Professor Moe smiled and said: I thank the Destiny! Otherwise, you would be getting rich and perhaps living in another world.

Darude was in charge of the production- he was helped by Synthetic Assistants and three months later, four Spaceships receives the cargo: three hundred new Generators for five planetary Systems: Klingons Empire, Romulus Empire, the Gorn communist state, Republic of Delevan, and the Moab Reign. Darude saw the spaceships deploy to Space- one by one, from Knapps orbit. Darude sighed- perhaps he should have departed when he had the possibility. Perhaps his greediness was the anchor. He walked to the Cafeteria at the Space Station, seats on a stool and punched a button for a Cappuccino. He looked around- a dozen tourists were lively talking about his past trip. Some others were sipping coffee or tea- Darude wonders who could be him- as he was not aloud to leave the planet, being technically a prisoner. He smiled- now he was approaching the time when, with enough money, he could leave the entire System of Knapp, if he wants. He finished his coffee and takes the Shuttle down- he saw one of the Coffee Shop clients seated close to his seat. A Synthetic. Are you following me, Mister?- He asked the Synthetic, but the one receives no hint to have been heard. Now Darude was sure the Police organization was after his tracks. At the small building at the outskirts of Oredloro, he descended from the personal Flyer, and let it parked on the upper platform. He searches for vehicles, lurking over the building- it were none. He sighed. Certainly, his guardian was satisfied, to see he had returned from the Space Station- very well, his cell was the entire planet? He takes a shower and went to bed. The Association At the next morning, he awoke and went down for breakfast- four males Synthetics wre there, waiting. Good morning! AB210, call on the Professor; tell him to come.- Darude said. Fifteen seconds later, AB210 said: Message delivered, Sir. Professor Moe is still sleeping. Of course. He likes to work late into the night. Stay in contact, so when he awakes, see that my message has a reply.- Darude said, sipping his hot milk and biscuits. He has to speak with Professor Moe- all deliveries were made, and money should be already on the Scientists Bank account. He thought on his three Synthetic ladies- now possibly on governor Fores hands. Some of you could connect with Synthetic people at Lubina town?- Darude asked his Assistants. AB210, the newest model there, said: Yes, Sir. We all are enabled to collect information wherever it isonly at different speeds. Fine. I had three Synthetic ladies under my command, ninety six days ago. Their code names 17819 Are AB6565, AB 6363 and Honey AB6566.- Darude said. Wait a moment, Sir, to read the Database. Right. Theyre on duty at Lubina, Sir. The three of them working at the Hospital.- AB210 informed. Very well. Can I send them a message?- Darude asked. You may, Sir, but its risky. There are informers- when a Natural not the owner asks something for a Synthetic, an archive is opened, and later it is revised by the present owner.- AB210 said. All right, never mind! I will not send a message.- Darude said. Later, professor Moe arrives, with one Synthetic assistant. Professor! We are waiting for new orders.- Darude said to him. Of course. And for your payment?- Professor Moe said, half smiling. Yes! I wonder how much do you get in the bargain, Sir. Several millions! And Ill give you the half of it, deducing the amount I invested. You will be my partner, from now on. You are an honest man, works without questions, reliable. - Professor Moe said, signaling his assistant for to make a deposit on Darudes account. I am very grateful, professor! Perhaps now I could buy an Orb. The 17820 One I had before was real good. Professor Moe asked: An Orb? There are newer artifacts, nowadays. Why dont you buy one of those? I feel at home in an Orb. The new spaceships are made for celebrities or business man; the Orb is something else- you can smell the adventure while traveling on them.- Darude said.

Ah, you had sentimental feelings attached to a spaceship! Suit yourself.- Professor Moe said. The Orbs are discontinued. Lets talk about future projects, Professor.- Darude asked. The Generators are a good business- you see it for yourself. To stop now will be a nonsense. My other invention is completed!- Professor Moe announced. How good its to hear you saying that! And I assume its a commercial thing?- Darude asked. Of course. It is the Eternal paint.- Professor Moe said. A paint?- Darude was surprised- he was thinking in something more dramatic than a simple paint. Yes, paint! But not a common paint, this Eternal paint. You paint with it any object, and the paint melt with the object- you can scratch it and the color will be there- inalterable. If a scratch is made, it will be of the same shade of color. And beware! A drop of that paint in your skin, and you will be with that drop of color for the rest of your life. It has its hindrances- a drop in one eye and blind you will be. Guess it will be not 17821 For sell at every shop- dangerous. Perhaps people will need to sign a paper, making themselves responsible for what it could happens, if they want a can of this. But the Industries will be happy, and the Military, cars, vehicles, will be painted with my invention. Of that I am sure!- Professor Moe said. I could advertise it, saying Eternal paint will give you safe protection for scratches! Paint things anew! But dont paint yourself as its no solvent by the meantime!- Darude chanted. Thats it! You will be promoting this here, and in the external planets.- Professor Moe said. I wonder if I will be able to leave Knapp! I am under your custody- they will think I could not return. Dont worry about that! I will call on King Garach! I am sure he will permit you go out and do business!Professor Moe said, and in the next days, he obtained a permission, much to the surprise of the Police and Advisor Sufernes, who said to his scant number of friends: I wonder why bother sending delinquents to Justice, if after convicted our Majesty condones them of their terms! With three hundred samples, Darude went straight to Earth, this time in a commercial flight. 17822 CHAPTER Darude on Earth Planet Upon his arrival, he rented for adds promoting the new kind of paint; he also rented four local shops in Chicago, where Synthetic people promotes the use of the Eternal paint for wholesalers. A big chain of Supermarkets gets the franchise for the use of that product in all the Americas. Another Consortium bought the franchise for to sell the paint in Asia and Europe. Darude gives the secret recipe only to be reproduced but not owned, so every liter of paint pays back a small percentage by ways of the Trade Mark that signifies more money for the next one hundred years- after which, the recipe goes public- but for that time, Industries would had collected thousand upon thousands of millions Credits in revenues. Every two days, as it was promised, Darude calls to Knapp, and informs verbally to Professor Moe about this mission- not that Professor Moe wants it, but for legal conditions, upon which the King Garach had authorized the permission to leave Knapp planet. As he planned to be selling the Eternal paint wherever they need it, Darude visited a spaceship Builder Exhibition, in orbit of Earth. This time not one, but eight such shops were offering their products, hanging in mid air, with the blackness of stars beyond them. 17823 The Vendors were showing the vessels to the probable buyers- Darude was guided by three Synthetic persons through, first, images on a Holographic room, or Holodeck (now in use all over Earth, not yet known in Knapp planet). He saw stylized spaceships, double deckers, wagon spaceships, pulse planes, star looking spaceships, half translucent spaceships, and second hand ones. Well, I see your new ones that are startling! But I am enamored with Orb models.- He said. A Vendor from the Vorbeugen Company said: There are three hundred and eight Orbs in display, and thirty eight of them on the ground, being repaired. We catalogue them by size, starting with twenty five meters in diameter, to the king- size of three hundred and two meters in diameter.

I never knew there were models built so big! - Darude exclaimed, looking at the pretty Synthetic E-female vendor just talking. Only two of them! Army surplus, from the Battle of Reticule B! One of them receives three impacts LASER beams; brought here, and bought in a military auction half a year ago. The other unit never gets into battle.- The Vendor said. Which is your name, by the way?- Darude asked her. She blushed, looked at the other two Synthetic persons (that were males) and replied: AB5063, Sir. Pure curiosity of mine, do not bother by my question, please. Well, lets go see the Orbs!- He asked, and they went out of that room, take a Flyer and went through the maze of sparkling new models- some of them really beautiful, with bright Nacelles a-shining. Numerous other Spaceships and smaller vessels were also carrying clients around the place. 17824 The Orbs were at the end of the Parking lot. A sign post made of holographic material was shining for all the visitors to see, and it reads like this: VORBEUGEN COMPANY TYPE SIZE-DIAMETER 01 STANDARD 25 meters 01 STANDARD 25 meters X3 SPECIAL 42 meters 02 STANDARD 82 meters 03 KING SIZE 302 meters VELOCITY PRICE/Credits

MACH VELOCITY 500K WARP DRIVE 1200K WD + Brana Jump 1800K WD + Brana Jump 3500K WD + Brana Jump 13000K

They dwindled through the small twenty five meters vehicles; AB 5063 said: This vehicles are not only to travel across the atmosphere, but also could travel to other planets, and some of them have warp drives, capable of to brought you to other stars. Amazing! Small and effective.- Darude commented. You can have several of this in a bigger Orb. In type 02, you can storage five of this- that is, of course, if you are willing to loose storage space inside the Orb.- AB 5063 said. I must to think it over, after seeing how much this Orbs cost! We prefer to show spaceships and then prices.- A male vendor said. I prefer to know the price of something before I became in love with it.- Darude said, looking at AB 5063, that blushed and said: In your case, if you want prices for everything you are looking, I will provide it. Good girl.- Darude smiled, while she recited: The normal 01 Orbs costs 500.000 Credits, the special 01 Orbs a million two hundred thousand Credits; The X3 costs a million and eight hundred thousand Credits; The 02 eighty two meters in diameter Orb cost three millions and five hundred thousands, while the 03 or King Size Orb cost thirteen million Credits cash. 17825 Wow!- Darude said, thinking in the size of the hole on his trousers those prices were going to make. Wow? Means surprise and astonishment possibly I screw up the sell.- AB5063 said. Screw. Means you are deciding I will not buy?- Darude said, laughing. Not quite- yet.- She laughed back. A male Vendor from the Vorbeugen Company said: Perhaps you want to visit the models.Nice idea. Lets see by the inside.- Darude decided. The smaller has two seats, a place for a bag on the back, and nothing else- but it can carry the passenger at mach 6 wherever they like on a planet, and the battery is practically eternal. The Special 01 had a Nacelle extensible, to reach warp velocities- very high velocities- capable of to reach other planets in a few minutes, other stars in days or weeks. For this case, the whole cabin transforms itself in a cryogenic capsule. An automatic pilot guides the vehicle, during those dormant periods. No guns, so if some asteroid appears suddenly, the automatic pilot will evade it.- AB 5063 said. Evade it.- Darude repeats. Turns the spaceship to a side, doing a detour.- A male Vendor clarified the concept. And if it cannot evade it?- Darude asked.

I suppose that could be called the end of the trip.- AB 5063 replied. No more sorrows, either!- Darude commented. At the OX-3 vehicles, Darude felt himself at homenothing was too functional art was all around- if not luxury terminations, it was close enough. Four cabins, storage rooms built-in pilot model AB, a big room to see holographic programs or communicating with other vessels, a LASER cannon, and it was capable of Brana flights. Not enough room for smaller Orbits. The bigger ones, Size 02, were like the one Darude had previously- he liked them- reliable and roomy, capable of warp drive and Brana jump. The cost was high, but he already knew what those Orbs were capable of. Lets see the mega size ones!- He asked, looking pleased. Sorry. Were being called by Administration. We will send you the Flyer shortly afterwards.- One of the Male Synthetic said, and they leave. Well, Sir! You had seen everyone except the big ones! Care to join me? I could give you he whole trip around- with explanations.- AB 5063 said. Of course. I must see this huge monument to the Orb vehicles - Im delighted to be here.- Darude exclaimed. All right, Sir! We will start by the Starboard or main cabin.- Said she. The Main cabin! Where the magic is harnessed! Darude said. The control cabin was huge- plenty of lights blinking, six seats for the Mission Engineers and pilots. 17827 As you can see, there are several seats for the crew. Several of them are to target the different weapons, and radars.= AB 5063 explained. Weaponry. Are they on board, anyway?- Darude asked her. The bigger ones were removed before the Auction. But the radars and meteorite deflectors are in place.Said she. Of course. Tell me again how big this model is.- Darude said. Three hundred two meters diameter, Sir.- AB 5063 said. Call me Darude.- He said, and she smiled. The type 02 was huge; their empty holds smelled of fresh petrol; the corridors have air currents; the engines were there, immobile but its quietness gives a sense of exotic strength. I like this one. Ill buy it- but with one condition.- Darude said. You tell me.- She smiled. First, I want to know about the Dylithium Crystals- are they new? Have this vehicle spare part? Manuals? Where it can be repaired, once bought? And the crew? I assume it has built- in pilot! I hadnt heard him!Darude said. She contacted by radio with the Central Office, and they provided the answers in seconds: Question one: Dylithium crystals at 75%; this vehicle has no spare parts! There is a detailed Manual on the Planning Room, and you can see it with any of the seven Holographic machines on board; Question three: Reparations could be 17828 Donned at any big space dock, preferable on Mars orbit. Beyond Sun, only other site to repair this model is on Vulcan planet. Question 4: The crew must be purchased by the owner. Question 5: Indeed there is a pilot, model AB; but its disconnected until the Orb is sold. Darude approaches the E-Vendor, takes her hand and said: You have the most beautiful eyes I ever see! Thanks.- AB 5063 said. Darude kissed her lips, and she replied for a brief instant (out of education) and said: Romantic intercourse with clients is forbidden. Are you not for sell? I wish you were mine.- Darude said. I am for sell. Plenty of Vendors are sold, every now and then.- She said, smiling. And the cost?- He asked. AB5063 asks for the answer to the Central Office, and from there the reply was: the E-lady price was 1.2 million Credits cash. A million and two hundred thousands, Darude.- She said. Expensive! But, which are your virtues?- He asked, meaning her software and chips. I am able to drive any of this spaceships in display; I have the pilot license for every world in this Galaxy. - She said. Then you worth your price.- He said. Hope that you could treat me well, if you buy me.- She said.

Of course; I will have you at my sight everyday and night! Wherever I go, you will follow me.- Darude said. I will call them, to send the Flyer back.- She said, smiling. Do it. And tell me about what to buy, apart from the 03 model. The 02 and the special X3 seems great vehicles.- He said. While I am not sold, I cannot be honest with you; wait for my answer after that.- She said. All right, well wait.- Darude said, embracing her again. 17829 At the office, Darude bought the big 03 and the beautiful e-female AB5063. Now, lets return to the 03, to see if I could buy more Orbs.- He said to AB5063. She asks the Sales Manager by radio, in order to use a Flyer of the Company, and the Manager said: Of course, see if he could buy some more. So, they traveled alone to the great machine; once inside, he said: I know you could disconnect your radio. Do it for a while. Of course, Darude. The radio is now disconnected.- AB5063 said. Very well- that is, because our conversations, once in a while, must be private.- Darude informed her. I dont need to disconnect my in-built radio for that purpose! You just tell me not to be emitting. In that way, I can only receive messages and information.- AB5063 said, while smiling gently. Now, tell me how my bargain was, and which of those models out there are the best to be purchased.Darude said. You choose fine! This Orb is the better of the two in existence. Some repairs must be donned before we leave: I will tell you which and how. I dont know if you want the weaponry repositioned- this Company smuggles several of it- perhaps I could get them cheap for you.- She said, and he kissed her and say: Thats the way I want you to be! And now, for the rest of my purchase? The small Orbs serves fine to explore or travel in a planet. Certainly they can 17830 Travel from world to world, but the protection against meteorites, cosmic rays, solar radiation, etc., is feeble or non existent. Chance to finish a voyage like that is 65%.- Said AB5063. So, the small ones are for planetary flight. Yes, Darude. The X3 models are fine- you can use them with confidence. The 02 models had Warp 3; if you want more velocity, you should change the interior nacelles by exterior nacelles, and it can reach Warp 5, but the cost in money will be two million Credits.- AB5063 said. The difference in velocity doesnt care me much. If I went into deep sleep, years meant nothing.- Darude said. Yes, Darude, but the vessel will be traveling and being used more time at the space. This model can be updated; perhaps a small extra velocity could be achieved by changing some parts- nothing too costly.- AB 5063 said. I will buy two 02 and four small 01 Orbs for each 02 Orb models. A small flotilla.- Darude said. I wonder where you are going! Please tell me as much as you could of your life, and possessions, if you are the owner of some enterprise or a worker. In that way I could recommend you without too much error.AB5063 said. Darude talked with her, telling his background. Then she said: I see you have real problems in your life. Do you want me to try to solve them? If that could be possible! The worst is my conviction; Thirty years in jail. But I solve it, for 17831 Some time, as professor Moe is not a young man. When death crosses his path, certainly I will be without protection and I will be sent to hail again.- Darude said. Right. I must arrive to your planet first, to get more data. There are two alternatives: you work as fine as it could be, and offers your King Garach some very important contribution, and doing so, you obtain a complete pardon in the future. Or the king finds someone else to put over you as your Guardian. The next alternative its to move out of the Knappian planetary system, and keep on living under another name elsewhere.- AB5063 recommended. Right. But not until recently I could get the enough money. Now I have it.- Darude said.

Perhaps at your return, no other permissions could be allowed! Think of that; perhaps Professor Moe is dead already! How much time do you think has passed in the Knappian civilization, while you come here?She asked. Well, 2.2 months takes the travel here, due to the Branas jump._ Darude said. Seven months. We better approach your planet but without attempting a landing. I could get the information from afar.- She said. Honey, or the E-female I have before I was imprisoned, once told me she could communicate with any civilized part of the Galaxy through Transponders on Satellites. Cannot you get the data in that same way?Darude asked. No, as I am a Standard model. Perhaps she has some extra devices?- AB5063 asked. Yes; I pay a lot for that.- Darude said. 17832 You can pay for me, if you want- in that way, I could save you of a very long trip.- AB5063 said. Ill think it over. First, Ill buy the Orbs, and then youll get everything available here.- He said. Everything? It will cost you a lot!- She said, surprised. No matter that! You must be superb by the interior, as you are now by your exterior.- Darude said, caressing her. Did I like you?- She said, smiling. You drive me crazy!- He said, embracing her. Later, they visited the Orbs, choosing the best they could; Darude pay to the Vorbeugen Company with his Credit Card, and called to Easy People for a crew. They sent him a spaceship with thirty eight Synthetic models, for him to choose. Ill buy nine Synthetic persons for the 03 Orb, four for each of the three 02 models, and one for each of the five smaller Orbs. Darude decided. Eighteen million and two hundred Credits.- AB5063 said, looking at him worriedly. A very lot of money!- Darude gets scared. You can use less than that, of course! No need of people driving the smaller Orbs- they already had drivers built-in! So, you can reduce five of it.- AB 5063 said. Twenty one Synthetic remains! Fourteen million Credits.- He said. You could use only three at the models O2.- She informs him. Nineteen Synthetics! Guess its thirteen million credits.- He said. And nine for the big 03 model- you cant reduce them- but I can serves there- so you could take away another one.- AB 5063 said. Eighteen Synthetics means twelve million six hundred thousand Credits.- Darude said. 17833 Can you pay that sum?- AB 5063 asked. Yes; so Im buying the eighteen Synthetics.- Darude said to the Easy Peoples Vendor. Congratulations, Sir. - The E-man said, taking his Credit Card; he passed it by the slot of a portable machine, and the lot was paid. Another question, Sir: do you want a mixing crew, or do you prefer only one gender for the whole of them?- The Vendor asked. Mixed sexes, of course- nine males, nine females._ Darude replied, as he knew a crew totally composed of females soon could be out of order- as some tasks were rather rude. Also, Sir, you can choose faces, or you can trust in our good taste?- The Vendor said. Make them look Aryan.- Darude said, as he was from that stock, no matter he was born in Knapp. In forty five minutes you will get the requested purchase, plus some extra kits and a special present as you bought us more than ten models at a time.- The Vendor announced, and departed. A present! What that could be?- Darude asked her. I dont know for sure, but often that Organization gives another Synthetic person as a gift.- AB 5063 said. Forty five minutes later, a spaceship from the Easy People Co. arrives, and astronauts bring the required Synthetics inside boxes, plus another bigger one. I present you the model AC02, Sir. Gift of our Company, as you has been a good customer. This model is specially designed for hard labor- miner, agriculture; it can repair the outer hull of a spacecraft without the risk of to fly away- it has a guiding system that permits it to fly in 0 gravity wherever he wants- or you to say.- The Vendor said.

17834 It looks great!- Darude was spellbound- the artifact was one of the costly Synthetics in the market. I see you are pleased! Dont forget us, when you decide to buy more Assistants!- The male Vendor said. I will ask you for more, of course, if needed. Thanks.- Darude replied. The Vendor and the workers went back to their spacecraft and departed down to the surface of Earth. The eighteen Standard models were on their capsules, together with their kits. I could begin starting them to life if you want.- AB 5063 said. Yes; then, the ones you awake could help with the others.- Darude said. She went to work immediately, while Darude revise the cabins once more, choosing one of the biggest that had several appliances; he takes a shower and went to a 0 gravity bed, where he soon was asleep. Hours later, he awoke and went to see how AB 5063 was doing her job: she had seven Synthetic persons plugged to the main computer. 17835 Hi, Darude! Nice nap? What, do you saw me? Yes! I went to see what were you doing, and I found you sleeping! The Synthetics are devoid of much data! Thats why I am recharging them with the main computers database.- AB 5063 said. But, is this common? Or are we being cheated?- Darude asked, feeling somewhat outraged. Not always, but its no motive to complain; in five hours they will be replenished of more knowledge than they are going to use!- AB 5063 replied. Five hours. And this other dormant? I am checking their basic knowledge; this will take half an hour with each one.- She said. Well, we had no hurry. The Orbs are on the Vorbeugen Company site, no fees for me.- Darude said. Yes, they give you five days to stay while you get ready. After that time, the Vorbeugen Company asks for payments- in any case, no more than fifteen days of parking aloud.- AB 5063 replied. Darude revised the small Orbs at Bay one. Both were ready to fly; he seats on one of them and said: Driver! Are you awake? Yes, Sir. Where do you want to go? First, a few questions: tell me your serial number, and the one of this Orb. AXE 32 is serial number. The Orb has the serial 01621-4, Sir. Made in Earth. All right! I want to see the other Orbs- let us visit one by one. See that you can enter to those places.Darude said. No problem, Sir. We are a team, now._ AXE32 said. The Orb levitated, while the doors close. The vehicle advanced by a suddenly sparkling corridor- huge gates were opening for it to pass17836 Then they were out of the Gigantic Orb. Nice view!- Darude murmured- because Mars was alight in front of them, and the thousand for sell spaceships from the Vorbeugen Company and others were sparkling with the Sun rays. The 01 Orb approaches the 02 Orb close to their initial point of departure. An aperture begins to widen and by there the vehicle went through. When closed again, the built-in pilot said: Wait two minutes for the opening of the lock, Sir. Air its being pumped in. Fine landing.- Darude said, looking how several lights begin to shine more brightly; soon the lock opens and he stepped outside. As there was nobody to guide him, he called for the Master Computer. Hello, main computer! I am the owner!- He said in a loud voice. One of the loudspeakers shrieked and a voice said: Welcome aboard, Commander! I am BRIXION R34! Master mind of Orb 02- 643CC-21! Where do you want to go? I want to visit the cabins. How could you guide me?- Darude asked. Follow the blinking lights, Commander! I am devoid of servo mechanisms for this purpose, as they were retired some time ago.- BRIXION R34 explained. I guess I could follow the trail.- Darude replied, following the small blinking lights. After several corridors and decks, he was on the Cabins sector. They were roomy, clean and all the appliances were in working order. 177837

There were seven single cabins, four double cabins, and the Pods Sector, to get into Deep Sleep when voyaging for many days. He visited other places- the engine room, the mess hall, the command cabin, the Meteorite Deflector section, and the Storage rooms. There he found military surplus, spare parts, half a Synthetic Military E-men (without any weapon). It measures 2.40 meters high, metallic all around, with a grey substance glued to the exterior. The head was intact- two round circles ten centimeters in diameter were the eyes. Half a side of the chest was missing, part of the arm and all the left leg. As the borders of that side were burnt, Darude assumed that the Synthetic received a direct shot of a powerful LASER rifle or cannon of some sort. Hello!- A female voice said: at the first moment, Darude thought it was the lying body at his feet, but noit was a female Synthetic, standing near the entrance of that hall. :Hi! Who are you?- Darude asked him. AB621, Sir. I was sent by AB 5063, to help you in anyway you want.- The E-woman said. Good idea. Come here and look at these remains. What do you can say about this? Model FT01, Sir. Military Synthetic, ten years that they are not making this model any more. Battery gone. Half arm missing, leg missing completely- brain apparently intact.- The Synthetic recited. Brain intact! So it can be repaired?- Darude asked. Possibly yes, Sir. But this models belongs to the Military; they dont permit civilians to acquire in any way one of this- military regulations, Sir.- The Synthetic informed him. 17838 So if they see it, or know I have one, they are going to take it back?- Darude asked. They will ask to be delivered to them- and surely, they will melt it in a furnace.- AB 621 said. Why is it so rash? Secrecy. Every military command loves secrecy. I recommend you to try to fix it out of bonds- out of the Solar System, or in the planet Mars.- AB 621 said. Right. Cover it or hid it somewhere.- Darude said, and AB 621 takes it and carried to a metallic shelf, where it was covered inside a plastic bag. Darude asked: Are this machine ready to make a voyage? Yes it is!- The master brain replied. Then, be ready to follow the 03 Orb that you can see from here.- Darude said, and with the E-woman went to another 02 Orb. Meanwhile, AB 5063 finished her work- she sent Synthetics to man their post at Orb 03, and the rest of the group. At her orders, the Orb 1 and the rest were manned and moved around to test the engines. Then, she presents before Darude at Orb 02 643CC 21, saying: We are ready to depart where you desire, Darude! Fine! But I must finish my job here!- He said, adding: we will visit our customers at Chicago city. More money is pouring on my Bank account every day. Also, I must inform my chief associate about the income. I will appoint someone to be in charge of the vessels and to be in contact with me. We have ten more days to be here.- AB 5063 remembered. 17839 Of course. It wont take long, I guess. But, are you going to be updated? That depends on you, of course. I am willing to be updated.- She said, staring at him. Call some feminine Assistant to serves me while you are being updated. She must serves me as an aid, while you became better.- Darude said. Already called. Fine; call to the Easy People Co., too. Tell them you are on the way to be updated. Ask how much money will it cost, and how much time it takes.- Darude said. They walk to the lock; there, an E-female was arriving- she said: I am AB0930, Sir. Your Assistant substitute. Darude smiled- she was white as milk crme, green eyed, blonde and tall, with a beautiful body. Great. We will be traveling to the surface- you will replace AB5063 while she gets upgraded. Of course, Sir.- AB 0930 replied in a nice tone of voice. They get aboard a 01 Orb, and descended to Chicago Space Station. From there, to Easy People Company, where Darude said: Hello. I am Darude Bean, and we called previously asking for an upgrade to a model AB.- And he indicated with a finger to AB5063. I am Gambor, Synthetic. I heard lady AB 5063 wants a full upload- cost three hundred thousand Credits. Do you want to know what are you buying, Sir?- The Vendor said.

You tell me.- Darude said. First of all, we revise the actual state of her software, hardware, battery charge, circuits, chips, LASER reading devices, skin. Everything we choose not optimal is replaced. Then, this model has four years of 17840 Incept date. We give new programs, up to date. Also, now we enter to the special features available for her: night vision enhanced, super hearing, enhanced radio, ten thousand voice tones, erotic software, manners, diplomatic language, course on Philosophy, Psychology, Mathematics; course on piloting spaceships, Archeology, Botanic, Geography, Medicine, surgery included. History of the Federation of Planets and its languages, and a cooking course.- The Vendor Mr. Gambor said. Really that much!- Darude commented. And some more! All for 300.000 Credits; but of course, we can take some items out from the list.- Vendor Gambor said. Lets see, if I remember well tell me the costs of 10.000 voice tones. 100 Credits. And Archeology? 100 Credits. And Botanic? 100 Credits. Better leave that in! I will pay the 300.000 Credits to have a super Assistant at my side.- Darude said. And to the other e-lady? You can upgrade her too! I see shes an AB model, two years old- no special programs- no need to revise her- must be almost new, perhaps an erotic software could serves here, and also manners, haute cuisine?- The Vendor offered. Yes. How much time it takes to gives her all of those?- Darude said, looking at his wrist watch. Just three hours, Sir. And the first lady? Seven hours, Sir. Good. I will be back in three hours, and then in seven hours. Take good care of them, remember I bought a lot of Synthetics here.- Darude said. Yes, Sir. We will do our best.- Vendor Gambor said. 17841 Darude takes a flyer taxi and went to visit the Managers of those Industries where he had the Eternal paint being sold. In all of them they received him with lots of smiles, and offers of to pay for the ownership of the recipe rains over his bead, but to all of them he said no. At his Bank account, millions upon millions left him dumb: 380.000.000 Credits! He called Professor Moe and the Transponder worked- the figure of a thin man appears on the holographic table. Darude! How are you, my friend! You werent calling me- I was worried.- He said. Yes! I was traveling- I have good news! Our product is selling by the thousand here on Earth! You are rich!- Darude said. Good to hear that! Of course, I wasnt poor, either! Here the Generator production keeps going on. When are you returning home?- He asked, and something in his expression makes Darudes feet turn very cold! He sensed something like fear, in the professors mind. Soon! I am waiting for the reparation of several Synthetic persons here- soon they will be ready to man a big spacecraft I recently bought- kind of a freighter!- Darude replied, thinking if he was not also being observed by the Knappian Police! All right! Remember that I am old and my days are numbered! Come 17842 Back as soon as you can! And bring me some materials, and here is my list: Datolite, Obsidian, Nagyagite, Olivine, Tarbuttite, Cacoxenite, Oligoclase, Magnesite, Edenite, Babigtonite, Acanthite, Calomel, Kaolinite. Ah! By the way, the King Garach has fallen ill and Advisor Sufernes is ruling the kingdom for him. Well, I hope you return here safely.- Professor Moe said. Bye, Professor Moe! - Darude said, looking at the list of metals the Professor asked. He was very intrigued. Those metals were common in Knapp, perhaps excluding the Tarbuttite and the Acanthite. The rest was there to be bought Or perhaps the Professor was warning him of something? When went to buy 20 kilos of each metal and it was late when he returns to the Easy People Company.

Oh! I thanks for not to close the shop! I was busy making some errands!- He apologizes to the Natural man he saw at the entrance. Dont worry, Sir! We dont close our shop, except in New Years Eve! What do you wish to buy?- The gatekeeper said. I come here to take two Synthetic persons out of the repair shop. Seems to me they should be ready by now.- Darude explained him The man called by a cell phone and 17843 A Synthetic Vendor approaches, saying; He is Mister Darude! Sir: your E-people are ready. Please wait a couple of minutes- I already announce you are here. Very well.- Darude replied. OH, Mr. Darude! I heard something about you in the news! You are the introduced of that new paint.- The Natural man said. Yes, but the merit of the invention is not mine.- Darude said. I am one of the Directors of this Company- my name is John Blanchard.- The natural man gives him his hand- Darude almost takes his forearm (the usual salute among Knappian) but he manages to comply with that tradition with the other hand. Good to know you, I already bought eighteen Synthetics here- and now I am about to receive another pair I had, for reparations and enhancing.- He explains, while he was seeing his two E-damsels walk like angels towards him. Nice creatures. You have good taste.- The Sells Manager Blanchard said. Thanks you. Ladies! How do you feel, with your new virtues?- Darude asked them. I am feeling very happy inside, now you are here.- AB5063 said, and AB0930 added: we are grateful of your kindness! Good; now we must depart. Mister Blanchard, glad to meet you.- Darude said. Likewise, Mr. Darude! Take my card- perhaps I could be of use, if you have any question about robotics.The natural man 17844 Said, handshaking him good bye. Out on the street, Darude said: Ladies, I have some cargo to carry to our Orb01; please have some more patience! We are here to help you in any way, dear.- AB0930 said, taking him by the arm. They traveled to where the minerals were storage (at a Flyers station) and as the bags were heavy, Darude hired some Synthetics with wheelbarrows to carry it to a Flyer taxi. The built- in pilot said: An extra fee will be asked for your cargo, Sir. As you please! Hop along, ladies!- He said, and in scant five minutes they were at the side of the Orb, in Pole 300 of the Chicago Spaceport. He paid the fare, and climbs the Orb, carrying a bag- the rest was carried by Synthetics. He seats on a chair, and the ladies on his right and left, and said to AB0930: Asked for the bill, darling! We must pay to leave the spaceport. After the payment was donned, the Control Station gives them the green light to deploy. Pilot! Takes us up to the orbit! Darude commanded, and the Built-in driver said: Fasten your belts! Five seconds to deploy! Once in orbit, they enter the 03 Orb, and AB5063 said: You must be tired, dear. We have still enough time to be here without problems. Sleep, and then we could move on. 17845 Darude smiled and said: All right! But first, I have a question to ask: I receive a message of my partner, Professor Moe- he was thinner, and with a troubled look. Perhaps he is working hard, dear. Nothing to worry about. AB 5063 said. Yes, but he asked me to buy some metals- most of them are common in Knapp- same as here. Why did he ask me a collection of it?- Darude asked. AB5063 smiled and asked the names of those metals; then, she said: Perhaps its important to know in which order he asked them! Could you remember the sequence? I have a list- here on my electric pad.- He said, and handled it to AB 5063, who said: All right, dear, let me handle this.

AB0930 takes him by a hand, saying: Now, lets go to bed! AB 5063 looked at the column of names and added, at the right, some more information, like this: DATOLITE Group, neosilicated, borate tetrahedrons. OBSIDIAN Volcanic Silica Glass NAGYAGITE Lead gold, Antimony, Bismuth, Telluride, Sulfide. OLIVINE Magnesium Iron Silicate TARBUTTITE Zinc Phosphate Hydroxide CACOXENITEHydrated Iron Aluminum Phosphate Oxide Hydroxible OLIGOCLASS Sodium Calcium Aluminum Silicate MAGNESITE Magnesium Carbonate EDENITE Sodium Calcium Magnesium Iron Aluminum Silicate Hydroxide BABIGTONITE Calcium Iron Manganese Silicate Hydroxide ACANTHITE Silver Sulfide CALOMEL Mercury Chloride KAOLINITE Aluminum Silicate Hydroxide 17846 AB 5063 looked at the first two syllables of each metal, and it reads: DAOBNAOLTACAOLMAEDBAACK. Now, she takes the first letter of each syllable and obtains this: DONOTCOMEBACK. She smiled- it was clear the Professor was worried by Darude- a certain danger was waiting for him, at Knapp planet. With her new radio, she could communicate with Brana 2- Knapp and heard the data for ten minutes. The message was completed. King Garach was very ill there were rumors of poisoning- Advisor Sufernes was the one in charge. Possibly that man has something against Darude, in his conscience- danger was certainly, for Darude at Knapp. Her duty was to preserve him of any harm! She will ask him not to return, after showing him the deciphered riddle sent by Professor Moe. She walked to his cabin, but he was busy with AB0930, who was testing her new skills- AB 5063 seats on a stool at the next room, to wait for the next morning. At the morning, she said to him: I deciphered the message. Really? What did it said?- Darude asked, propping himself on an elbow. Do not come back. And if you add the comment Advisor Sufernes is in command, you will understand better.- AB 5063 informed him. 17847 Darude moves his head affirmatively, and while dressing, he was thinking in what to do with his plans! He had the desire to return to Knapp, keep on working with Professor Moe, and eventually regain the domain of Lubina town. Lubina! Its features were dwindling to oblivion, in his mind. Soon it will be like smoke in the air! He looked at his beautiful E-ladies, so full of vitality- with them; life certainly was easier to endure. Guess we cannot travel to Knapp, advisor Sufernes hasnt the power to summon me to Knapp, using the Interpol. Not, at least, while Professor Moe lives- so I can stay right here for a long time.- He said to the eladies. We will follow you wherever you go, dear.- AB 0930 said. Ill call Professor Moe daily, if you want. In that way, the bad omens will not catch us inadvertently.- AB 5063 said. I will start colonizing somewhere! With a race of supermen as my aids: you!- Darude told his ladies. I can chart a course here or in Brana 2, dear. You must choose where.- AB 5063 proposed. Where are we going to be?- AB 0930 asked. There are lots upon lots of asteroids beyond Mars. Perhaps we could make a 17848 Stand in one of them.- Darude said. I will study the charts before we leave. Also, I will ask for more food for you.- AB 5063 said. Eight hours later, Darude was thanking the sells manager of the Spaceship Builder Exhibition for their support, while his small flotilla was leaving their spaceport. The traffic was dense, so they advance in line; four hours to leave the vicinity of Earth, and another four hours to align with the other spaceships on route to the exterior planets. From time to time, they saw the new

huge cities on the space, where the surplus of populace was now living- and working. Darude noticed that the majority of them were built on huge asteroids, standing in place after being towed by powerful Starships. Towers could be seeing through force fields and cupolas that protect them of meteorites. I wonder how it could be to live on one of those cities.- Darude said. The most of them belongs to big Corporations, dear. Their employees and their families occupy those towers.- AB 5063 informs him. Do you want to visit one of those?- AB 0930 purred to him. If it is possible, yes.- He replied, smiling. She blinked an eye, and said: We could visit a lot of them without problems! They are selling goods and some tourists prefers them than to visit cities on the Earth! May I get some place for to stay a couple of days? Nice Hotels, in there.- AB 0930, who was still receiving information, by radio, from several of them. Yes, thanks! I am curious! I must find out how is it to live on a suitable asteroid .- Darude said. MISCELLUS, THE CITY ON THE SKY. The vessels approaches to one of those cities; it has forty kilometers long, twenty kilometers wide and 18 kilometers of width, in average; lots of antennas and some cannon towers were visible- they could destroy any big asteroid lurking too close to them, and in doing so, they were also clearing the space from dangerous boulders out of the commercial lines. The city was called Miscellus, and they could lock into a wide spaceport, with low fares for the four Orbs to stay. Tourist are welcome! Of course, you are a rare kind of a tourist, arriving here with three spaceships instead of one.- The Vendor at the reception hall salutes him. Thanks for your welcome! I want to visit the city, buy a few things, and stay at a good hotel for a week or so.- He said, looking at the green vest of the Receptionist. Of course, Sir! We have special prices, and very good accommodations here! You can choose any of 20 different Hotels; some tourists like silence, others dancing and young people around; of what kind are you, Sir?- The Synthetic Receptionist asked him. The first class, of course; I want to be in a unperturbed environ; no much noise for me.- Darude exclaimed. Very well; a suite on Hotel Concisus its what you desire; nice people, and you will be looking at space from a wide terrace; notwithstanding your election, Sir, you can go out and dance at seven big Casinos, at the forward point of this island on the sky; and who knows? You can earn a lot of money, if you had luck.The Receptionist said. Of course; thanks for the advice. Now, guide me to that Hotel; the Orbs Ill left there at the docking site; with me goes my two damsels.- Darude said. Yes, Sir; two ladies. - The e-man said, looking at the pretty models he was with; of course, he said by radio: your boss is a lucky man. You treat him well.- AB 0930 said. Yes, of course; the best of treatments.- The Receptionist said, and call for a Synthetic Assistant, that guided them to the Concisus Hotel, where they lodged at the 39th floor, room 3920. There, Darude said: The metal cargo was sent to Professor Moe before we leave Earth; I wonder if he really needs some of it. I guess he could use it.- AB0930 said, seating on Darudes knees. AB5063 said: The principal heavy minerals of commercial interest are TODAY rutile, ilmenite, leucoxene and zircon: the price of TIN is too low at present. Tin name at Knapp is Gor.- Darude remembered. Well, here the name derives from the Greek kassiteros for "tin" - or - from the Phoenician word Cassiterid referring to the islands of Ireland and Britain, the ancient sources of tin - or - as Roman Ghirshman (1954) suggests, from the region of the Kassites, an ancient people in west and central Iran. the TIN content is of small value in HMS / black sand. Black sands contain a range of rare minerals of high value today and their TIN content is of smaller commercial value ,other than gravity

concentration NO FURTHER on site processing is needed even today and its clear they would have likely sent off shore o refine although in due time have several ancient copper mines that were mined but my research is too raw to go public at this time * Rutile is a red to black, naturally occurring titanium dioxide with a theoretical TiO2 content of 100%, but impurities such as Fe2O3 and Cr2O2 reduce this to 9395%. Cassiterite I dont remember quite well for what purpose it is used.- Darude remarked. AB5063 said: Cassiterite is a tin oxide mineral, SnO2. It is generally opaque but is translucent in thin crystals. Its luster and multiple crystal faces produce a desirable gem. Cassiterite is the chief ore of tin today. Most sources of cassiterite today are found in alluvial or placer deposits containing the resistant weathered grains. Cassiterite is a widespread minor constituent of igneous rocks. The Bolivia veins and the old exhausted tiny workings of Cornwall, England, are concentrated in high temperature quartz veins and pegmatite associated with granite intrusive. The current major tin production comes from placer or alluvial deposits in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Russia. Hydraulic mining methods are used to concentrate the fine particles of ore. Costs of recovery rather than size of deposit decide where tin is mined Darude yawned, and said: :Well, I am sure that to be a miner means to be, in the long run, a man with enough money to smile at the world. Of course, mining operations costs money and a lot of work. Yes, dear. Here on this asteroid they are mining Black sand ,that can be extracted with a gold pan and yield almost PURE tin / black sand in minutes, unlike the tin ore of UK mined from hard rock mining , that needs smelting to purify. Black sand can be extracted from beach sand deposits by hand using dry blowing and gravity separation and yield black sand that it over 90% TIN. - AB 5063 said. And in Earth? I wonder if there is any possibility of to mine in the surface of Earth any more!- Darude said. AB 5063 went to the holographic table and after some scanning, shows places of Earth, saying: There ARE pictures HERE This site lists all available black sand in South Australia, its a GOVT site http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/minerals/geology/mineral_resources/commodities/mineral_sands This map proves there are MILLIONS of tons of black sand immediately adjacent the Lower Lakes / Coorong ,but NONE at the present mouth or in the lakes. Aberfoyle Resources Ltd drilled the Mindarie, Perponda and Mercunda prospects near Karoonda in South Australia, where heavy minerals have accumulated in northwestsoutheast-trending Pliocene strandlines. A renewed phase of exploration commenced in 1998, with Murray Basin Minerals NL defining 11 mineralized strandlines in the Karoonda area (Fig. 2). In September 2000, the company announced the results of a first-stage feasibility study based on a resource of 65.6 Mt containing 3.3% heavy minerals using a 1.32% heavy mineral cutoff. This includes a mineral inventory, adjusted for likely mining losses and dilution, of 32.8 Mt at 4.2% heavy minerals. The mineral assemblage is predominantly ilmenite with significant zircon, rutile and leucoxene. Interesting.- AB 0930 said, kissing Darude. AB 5063 said: Basic MATHS prove somebody removed over a million tons of back sand from the areas along the present coast/ lower Lakes / coorong

the black sand is easily gravity removed from the beach sand and YIELDS ORE OF WELL OVER 90% tin , market forces set the potential to profitably recover the black sand in each site and this can change over time as supply and demand affect costs and value of tin BUT you only need ship the back sand concentrate as they do TODAY for off site refining , that is often not ever required as it can be added straight to copper ore and smelted kn ingots , but I suspect ship wrecks carrying black sands may escape notice in some ship wreak sites as HMS would quickly sink into the local sands at wreck sites. I wonder if a tourist like me could make money like you say.- Darude said. These minerals occur in very low concentrations in a variety of igneous and metamorphic rocks, but being chemically and physically resistant to weathering, and having comparatively high specific gravity, they tend to accumulate in placer deposits in river channels or along coastal shorelines. Beach sands contain the most important accumulations of these minerals; wave action deposits sand on the beach, and the heavy minerals are concentrated when backwash carries some of the lighter minerals such as quartz back into the sea. Onshore winds which preferentially blow lighter grains inland can lead to higher concentrations of heavy minerals at the front of coastal dunes. Old fossil shorelines known as strandlines can now be found some distance inland. The principal heavy minerals of commercial interest are rutile, ilmenite, leucoxene and zircon: * Rutile (TiO2) is a red to black, naturally occurring titanium dioxide with a theoretical TiO2 content of 100%, but impurities such as Fe2O3 and Cr2O2 reduce this to 9395%. * Ilmenite (FeTiO3) is black and opaque when fresh, but has typically undergone some weathering and iron removal, so TiO2 contents are between 45 and 65%. * Leucoxene is the name given to highly altered ilmenite. Grains are brown or grey with a waxy luster and TiO2 content of 68%. You are increasing my appetite for these mining operations!- Darude said, smiling to AB 5063.- I will think about this. He went to the Restaurant, and asked for a good meal; the ladies asked the milk specially prepared for Synthetic people that lubricate their interiors. Nice -please.- Darude said, realizing the people were using costly garments, specially the women; as he was in the peaceful sector, the tourist were from middle aged to really old; but not everyone was old- most of them had young females as a couple- and they were with sparkling eyes, looking at everything with amusement- specially to the young waiters, as some of them were Naturals. The dinner was very pleasant for Darude; then he said: Perhaps we could go dancing. Yes, dear! But first, why dont you look on your suite? AB 0930 ask of him. Certainly that is a good idea! Lets ask for my suite, and then perhaps I could change of clothes.- He said, smiling- his worn out outfit was no match for the place he was staying. A bellboy shows them the suite; it was in velvet colors, and with all the modern appliances a man could want. If you need something, Sir, just let me know; Im a Synthetic, so your ladies could ask by radio, if you want.- The bellboy said. Number 8! - Darude said, looking at the number on his lapel. Yes, Sir, Number 8! - The bellboy repeated, as if it were a good joke. I want a pair of good tailored suits, and shoes to match, and socks and underpants, you know about it. Darude asked him. Of course, Sir. Several white underwear clothes, of course; and perhaps you are going to the Casino? Or to play at some sport in particular? We have garments for every sport you want to play.- Bellboy Eight said.

Nice to know it! I am going to dance with these dames; perhaps you could recommend me which kind of clothes I should wear.- Darude said. With gravity or in reduced gravity?- The bellboy asked him. No gravity? I wonder how a man could dance like that!- Darude said, but the Bellboy 8 retorted by saying: I guess you think we have a Superman in here! No, Sir! Only reduced gravity- just a half of the normal gravity is aloud in here. In other places, Zero gravity its the standard, but the Management didnt want people to go at the next day they could had danced with some liquor in their veins on the Zero gravity dancing halls. All right! I get it! Now get hurry with those clothes!- Darude said, slapping his head. The ladies laughed, and he takes shower- water was very expensive, but he was having fun. The clothes arrives 20 minutes later; Darude puts them on, and went with them to dance; the music and the lights were a thing Darude was almost forgotten; the ladies laughed and gives him a good time; then they went to the suite, where there was a big old fashion bed, with mattress and silk sheets with wool blankets .The three of them gets inside, and he laughed while they played with him; later he gets asleep, while the ladies get all the gossip they could find with the radio. Days later, with a very pleased Darude, they went into the Orb and went back to the 03 Orb; he gives orders to deploy ships, and they fasten their pace into the void. AB5063 said: there are hundreds of asteroids with 17849 Owners- but the most of them belongs to nobody; others belong to people possibly long time dead. So, we have all the rocks for ourselves?- AB0930 laughed. They were now in a vast field of asteroids. From time to time, the LASER beams destroyed the small micro meteorites that could challenge their force fields. Eight hours later, AB5063 said: We are nearing to our destiny: a rock 180 km. long, 70 km. wide and 38 km. of width. And its name is?- Darude asked her. Asteroid CC2800- AB5063 said. Shall we say we are here? I mean: can I claim possession of it? Darude asked her. The cost of this huge rock in the space is of 80 billion Credits.- AB5063 informs. Forget it! I rather live here unnoticed.- Darude said, and they laughed. The three Orbs landed on a plain surface, near the center of the asteroids. Dear: I will send some personnel out, to see the terrain before you went out.- AB5063 said. 17850 The E-men went out and spread around a hundred meters around the Orbs; there were no creatures in a million kilometers away, and there were no crevasses where Darude could fall into. The green light was set. All right. Then I will go myself. The landscape seems to be nice.- Darude said, as the sun rays were bathing the surroundings. Its hard rock out there. One of them is analyzing samples with a chemical set, dear. Rock and iron- the core of a planet.- AB5063 said. Perhaps the remnant of some collision in the past.- Darude said. There is a story about such collision, told by Sumerians in antiquity: a stray planet appears from beyond Pluto, and one of its satellites crashed several times against a huge native planet; half of it changes orbit and its now Earth; the rest its what we are surrounded now.- AB0930 said. Of course. Well, I will go out now.- Darude announced, and using a special suit, he descended from the Orb and walks almost in 0 gravity by that surface, using night vision goggles. Wonderful landscape! - Darude said, looking at those asteroids traveling almost at the same speed in orbits that didnt crossed each others. We could explore the whole asteroid- sometimes this objects presents surprises, like caves or different minerals in it.- AB5063 said. All right, go ahead!- Darude said, and the Synthetics spread now by the entire surface of CC2800 without delay. Darude walked until reaching a peak over the entire asteroid- looking to the other 17851 Side, was like to be on the prow of a gigantic vessel; his eyes could see over millions of kilometers. Suddenly, his eyes were fixed on an object in movement. Spaceship approaching, Sir!- One of the male Synthetics told him by the radio.

Sent small Orbs to collect all crew aboard!- Darude said, and from the big Orbs, the smaller ones shoot out immediately, in about three minutes, all personnel were on those Orbs, included Darude. The newly arrived vessel is landing on this same asteroid, Sir. Did I told them we are here?- AB 0930 said. Yes; told them we need to talk with his commander.- Darude said. From the other vessel comes the reply: Mining vessel A640 under Captain Cherok speaking. What do you want? Nothing in special, Sir. I am just a tourist here, my name is Darude. All right, Mr. Darude, you can keep on touring the asteroid. Dont came near: we are going to put explosives in order to mine the site.- Come the reply from the visitors. All right, Captain. Have a good digging.- Darude said, and when the connection was ended, he said to his group: Miners! They are here to work; no time for socializing. We must keep an eye on them! You have millions of Credits invested in this Orbs.- AB5063 said. 17852 We have no weapons, if they show themselves bellicose! Guess our only hope is to run away.- Darude said. Perhaps you need a military mind in action, dear. Why dont you call the military E-man we have on this Orb? We could try to start his mind now.- AB0930 said. Right. Who could try it, of you?- Darude asked them. Me, of course- I will be working from now on in it!- AB 5063 said, AB5063 said, kissing Darude fleetingly, and departed. Darude looks on the other ship- the miners appear, big Synthetics working with machinery in a very fast way. In half an hour, they were already drilling holes on the rock. Forty-five minutes later, two explosions rock the Orbs in their places; AB 0930 said: they are blasting the whole place! The miners begin gathering the debris, and carrying it to the spaceship in cartwheels. Four days of work, and suddenly the ship was gone. Guess they will come back, dear.- AB 0930 said. Yes, and perhaps not alone. We better leave this place; I get to buy weaponry.- Darude said. That same day, AB5063 said to him: I already awake the military Synthetic, dear. 17853 Darude looked at her, and said: Yes, and is it in good shape? He was very upset at the beginning; he was seeing himself so maimed, that he begs for disconnection. I should repair him.- Darude said. Costly and difficult, dear. Any repair shop will call on the Army- they paid for informants helping them recover their stray units. You must be cautious.- AB 5063 recommended. Perhaps you could repair it.- Darude said. I lack the skills, dear. But there are chips with that knowledge- only 1.570 Credits, at Easy People Co.AB 5063 said. Better that than to be indicted.- Darude said. The Orbs moves from the Asteroid Belt to Mars orbit, and obtained a Terabyte of information about Synthetic repair shops, and where to buy rare spare parts. They docked to a particular- owned Orbital Station that could provide almost everything a miner could wish- from drillers to whole mining plants. Darude left for the surface on a 02 Orb, and landed on Mars City, the Capital of Mars, that was a unique Govern ruled by King Roris and his Court. The place was real different to what /Darude had seen on Earth planet. The city spreads in the form of a five pointed star over a terrain 40 km2, not only in the horizontal but also to the deep of Mars, using the ancient caves found 17854 In the early days of Earthian exploration. AB 0930 said: Supposedly, Mars was occupied by a race of supermen not original this planet, dear. Let me guess the Anunnaki? Right, dear. They lived here for more than 150.000 years, and then left together with the ones from Earth planet.- AB 0930 said. Or evolved.- Darude said.

Genetic programming is an automatic programming technique that evolveees programs by mimicking natural selection. In the simplest version, a set of programs undergoes processes such as .mutation. (Small random changes) and .crossover. (Exchanging a segment of one program with a segment of another). Certainly, basic for a civilization who reaches the stars.- AB 0930 said. Reached the stars. But very well could be a wrong conclusion, darling. I had been reading about those Anunnaki; all is fuzzy around them.- Darude said. The selection for desired Properties. Such as computing a certain function with low error probability, doing it quickly, with the smallest number of calls to a particular subroutine, or with a minimum amount of code is then applied, by running the programs on a sample of the possible input data (called "tness cases), and scoring them on how close they are to the desired characteristics. Higher-scoring programs participate with higher probability in the process of reproduction involving crossover, etc; the Anunnaki is a riddle for humankind.-AB0930 said, kissing Darude. They left HEFE 04 manning Orb 02, and AB 621 in command, while they were on the surface of Mars. They walked by the crowded streets of the commercial Sector. Every specimen of creature from the Federation of Planets were there, walking and making business, while human beings, of course, were more numerous. At a Synthetic repair shop, not too big as to be much inspected, and not too small to be worthless- AB0930 and Darude enter, while AB 5063 waits on the sidewalk, just in case. A Synthetic person, behind a counter, said: Welcome to Sector Shaft Shop! We sell new parts and repair the old. We have a head we want you to revise- it can talk, but seems theres more troubles inside it.- Darude said. Lets see it.- The Attendant said, while AB 0930 puts the bag on the bench. Oh! A military object. Sorry, I must call on the Manager for this.- The Attendant said, and soon afterwards 17855 A big dark skinny man appears, wearing a blue apron and optical goggles. Hi! Whats the trouble?- He asks. Military object, Sir.I see. Well, its hardly military now!- He laughed, taking the head and turning it around. We found it. No, dont tell me! These things are iron hot nowadays- too many Inspectors running around! Mm! Model CL 15, not a new one, but for those guys, its secret stuff! Bunch of jerks!- The owner of the shop said. Can you repair it? I mean- could it be completed with parts of a standard model?- Darude asked. The man stared unto Darude, and ask:: What for? Here in our shop we can sell you a cheaper model for the exact amount it will cost to repair this junk! And what price that could be?- Darude asks. Thirty thousands Credits, cash.- The owner said. Thirty thousands for the repair, and a new body for this head?- Darude suggested. Thirty thousands? I must work a lot to make this head governs a new body! Lets put another fifteen and well be in peace.- The owner said. Forty thousand.- AB 0930 said, as an offer. Forty two thousand and I will not bargain any longer! What do you think I am, an Arab?- The man asked them. All right, but put some software extra on the model.- Darude said. Come back in a week; and you never were here.- The owner said, stuffing the head on a bag and walking to the interior of his shop. Darude went out with AB0930, telling AB 5063: The guy will see to it. Seven days in waiting! Lets go shopping!- AB 0930 asked of him. At a well lighted store, they looked at the new Synthetic models, shining new. A vendor approaches them, saying: could I be of help, Sir? Nice models! How much they cost?- Darude asked him.

Standard models, 600.000 Credits; Special models, from 950.000 Credits on. Depends on the use its the price, of course.- The Vendor said. Are they made in Mars or in the Earth?- Darude asked him. All made in Mars, Sir. Terran models only used models- but down the street, of course. Here, only new models are in stock.- The Vendor said. The new models, Darude was told, had state of the art engines, software, batteries, positronic brains, and their 77857 Weigh was only forty five kilos, except if they were going to be used for work carrying weight. There were also animal like Synthetic creatures- the plus was they need not to be fed- and they didnt dirt the floor. Darude saw replicas of famous musicians, philosophers, painters, politicians, chemists, Saints, Warmongers, Generals, Presidents, doctors, Ufologists, pianists, Singers, etc. What a delight it would be for me, if I would be an Earthman critter, seeing this? I am only a Knappian; with almost nil knowledge on this peoples lives.- Darude said. I know about them. Perhaps I can speak about them to you?- AB0930 asked. Yes- but not now, anyway. What is a philosopher? Formerly, a scientist. Now, they dealt with ideas.- AB0930 said. Ideas- from where everything comes! Interesting.- Darude rubbed his chin. The Vendor said: And they cost only four hundred and fifty thousand Credits, Sir. With a leaflet of their life, for free. Also, a coupon for a monthly prize of fifty grand! Really a bargain, but why?- Darude asked. A philosopher will speak with you all day long, if you have the time, and I am sure you will be not bored. He will muse about life, a flower, a ship, but if you want to pilot a ship or dig a hole on the ground, he will refuse.- like a real philosopher.- The Vendor said, smiling gently. Guess they are doing humans, and they dont realize it yet!- Darude laughed. The musicians really play instruments; they resemble any musician you prefer.- The Vendor said. And the cost, is it the same as the Philosopher?- Darude asked him. 425.000 Credits each, Sir. They could play several instruments like the great masters, on their original creations. They are very moody- they will be representing the true original musician! So if you buy a replica of Mozart, watch out for your girls! Or Beethoven, beware with your furniture! - The Vendor said. Darude rummaged by the lot of them- and bought a philosopher mimicking a certain Nietzsche, a painter named Vincent Van Gogh, a politician called Nixon, and a Ufologists called Varela. He paid and said: Hope they know I am their master, now! The Vendor said: We will activate the models with you present, Sir. With your implanted chip they will recognize you wherever you go; and will be obeying you only. Darude seats at a stool while some technicians inserted the batteries and plug some devices inside the newly bought Synthetics. Darude was happy, because these were brand new models, state of the art and so forth. Soon the first of them blinked his eyes and stared at him. As told before, Darude said: I am Darude, your eternal boss! Whoever obeys me, live! Yes!- The copy of Nietzsche said a mustached man, small and with troubled looks, using old fashion clothes. A Technician said, after a look at some sensors: Works fine, Sir. Wait just another five minutes, while we close it. Very well.- Darude said. And this operation was repeated with his other acquisitions until his four new models were 17859 Ready for work. The, each new Synthetics follows Darude out of the shop, carrying their suitcases with spare parts, kits and utensils to perform their duties ( and that includes paper and pencils, for the philosopher, paint and brushes for the painter, and audio recorder for the politician, a telescope for the Ufologists. Darude enters to a Restaurant and asked a lunch for himself and special hydraulic liquid for the Synthetics; soon he was eating and listening to the conversation his new Assistants were engaged into. Nixon was saying: this kind of Restaurants is open to the public all year round; good for workers and businessmen with not enough time for lunching at home.

Van Gogh accented with his head, saying: Good yellow crme walls! I would paint a sunset on themperhaps I will talk with the owner about that. Nietzsche said: I wonder if the clients would notice it! Poor souls, immersed on their own petty business, they dont have eyes for nothing else! Varela said: I wonder how many a lien creatures come here to lunch every day! I assume the Chief, or perhaps a food processor machine, could guess what they eat on their respective worlds! Darude smiled to AB 0930- end were his days without hearing lively conversations without his own concourse! 17860 From there, with his new group of Synthetic friends, Darude bought weapons- freely sold, no problems whatsoever- and for bigger gunnery, he was told to visit the Army Surplus Repository, where they could put the weapons on the best positions inside the Orbs. All right! But for that, we will wait until tomorrow! We will return now to the Orbit!- Darude said, so the group returns to the 02 Orb, and in it, up to the rest of his small flotilla. We will sleep on our bigger craft.- Darude said to AB 0930. We will go there in the smaller orbs.- She replied, and so it was donned. I knew you had to wait for the soldiers head to be repaired.- AB 5063 said. Yes! I found someone that is going to give it a new body without asking.- Darude said. Good! And you also bought more Synthetic people!- She said, smiling. Special people! Not everyone must be functional.- He replied. AXE32, the pilot, said (by the radio): Sir! I beg of you to go to the center core room, please. Center core?- Darude asked, not knowing what that could it be. This bigger spaceship has secrets on it, dear. Especially if they were of the Space Army. Come, as I know where it is located.- AB5063 said. They walked through half lighted corridors down the engine room and arrives to a place what could had passed by a section of the hull- except a metallic lid was open, showing a green blinking light. Here it is.- AB 5063 said. And as if her words were a secret code to open the door, a part of that site opens- at the other side, a green light was on. Darude enters the room and the door closed after him. A chair, a desk with a big keyboard, a microphone, and in front, a big black screen. Darude seats and heard the ventilation shaft from where a humming sound was being heard. A profound voice said: I am AXE 32, Commander. Well, we met beforehand, only in a less conspicuous environ! Nice place, here. I wonder for which purpose this keyboard could it be.- Darude said. I call on you precisely because you must know every secret detail aboard this Orb.- AXE 32 said. Secrets? And why have you not told me before the existence of these secrets?- Darude asked him, half irritated with the Synthetic person. Rules of my inception program, Commander. The secrets are going to appear on the screen before you, but I will tell you verbally some of them: this Orb has a small C Beam Cannon impossible to pull out, with risk of a big explosion, made it so, in the case the enemy try to extract , for further study of this mechanism and the subsequent copy. I knew you want weaponry installed at the three Orbs you bought.- AXE 32 said. 17862 Dont tell me the others have C Beam cannons, too!- Darude almost yelled. They must have them! Perhaps their instructions vary of my programming, and that could be the reason why they dont tell you about it. - AXE 32 said. This is great.- Darude growled. A special encrypted keyboard at the Captains seat has the power to fire the C Beam, Sir. - AXE 32 said, and the screen begins showing the location of it, among other things. The C Beam cannon were not operational. Very funny! I have a C Beam cannon but I cannot use it!- Darude said. You can make it operational!- AXE 32 said. How? There are certain unplugged cables at the Engine Room, Sector D, second row- as you can see at the screen. Must be plugged in a certain frequency. You know the frequency?

I know it. Give me the sequence, when I get there.- Darude said, standing up from the chair. Where are you going, Commander. To plug those cables. Did I say all the secrets of this Orb are already being told to you? No, but Seat, please! Second secret: this Orb will divide itself in six parts after eighteen months had passed. Why that? The Easy People Co. said nothing about a total Wreckage of this Orb! I will ask a refund!Darude was frantic: he was now thinking in the 17863 Thirteen million credits he had paid for it! Dont return the 03 Orb, Sir! Theres a prize more valuable than those mere thirteen million Credits!AXE 32 said. A prize? Do you mean a treasure? A treasure! Its located very far from here, at Constellation Hercules! B Star, planet 7. Gold.- AXE 32 said, with cavernous echoes on his voice. Gold. Valuable rust! How much of it?- Darude asked, feeling his throat was suddenly dry. A mountain of gold, Commander! A mountain of Gold, at the South Pole. Real queer! Who puts that gold in there? Aliens? Not for me to say, Commander! I have still some restrictions on my program. Its not what was at the beginning of my pseudo life! That was my second secret, Commander!- AXE 32 said. Lets see the third one! The third and final Secret is that there are three more Synthetic soldiers, besides the one you found half blown. The three M.P. are in secret locations waiting to be activated. It will obey orders only by the Commander of this Orb.- AXE32 said. Do you mean- me?- Darude said. I mean the Commander backed up by Headquarters in Earth. I guess you didnt apply being, as you really are, a civilian. And if I am a civilian, why do you keep on calling me the Commander?- Darude asked him. 17864 Because I understand that you are the owner after an auction made by the Spatial Army and won by the Vorbeugen Company who then sold this Orb 03 to you. I have not order to ask headquarters for co probations of any kind.- AXE 32 said. Good for you! So, I better left those Military E-men untouched? Or made them believe they are communicating with Headquarters for co probations of any kind.- AXE 32 said. Nice. Lets make the C Beam Resurrection act.- Darude said, leaving the room, and helped not only by AXE 32 but also by AB 5063, he reactivate the C Beam cannon. Then, Darude said: Lets postpone the firing test for a while- now we are surrounded by public. Later, he presents the problem about the dormant soldiers to his Assistants, and after some talking, AB5063 said: A simple case of hacking their transmitter- reception circuits, dear. We will work with one at a time. With the final test on the lead chamber.- AB 0930 said. Of course. I will have our Miner E-man handy- just in case we need to crash some heads.- AB 5063 said. Darude was excited- three more Assistants will suit him fine- sure thing, this soldiers will know how to fire the C Beam Cannon without missing the target, and also the other weaponry- to be bought- could be under their hands. Fifteen minutes later, AB 0930 was at his side on the main cabin, saying: Dear: AB 5063 announced that the first soldier is already 17865 Functional. The activation of the others will take less time. All right, this are good news! - Darude said, sighing. He was well aware that now he had a big lot of Synthetics in charge of his several Orbs- the time to act, to do something worthwhile, was arrived. Half an hour later, the three soldiers were in front of him, while AB 5063 was saying: This is Commander Darude Bean, to whom you may obey. I am Darude Bean.- He said, as AB 0930 recommends beforehand.

We obey you, Commander Bean.- The three soldiers said in unison. Their sole appearance was disturbingthe models had 2.40 meters tall, with dull metallic bodies, round red eyes, a slit as a mouth- their bodies were flat, their extremities mere tubes of strong material; they had hands and feet mimicking the ones of a human being. AB 5063 : have you not clothes for my soldiers? Any cloth will serve. Of course, Commander. I will provide them clothes right away.- She said, leaving immediately. Soldiers: I want you to revise all weapon systems of this Orb, and make a report to me, so I could solve any lack of it, or malfunction. The soldiers went to work ; five minutes later, AB 5063 returns with a armful of clothes, and 17866 Seeing the soldiers were not present, she said: Dear! You should had waited for me, to give them any order! Guess you will have to find them, now. Search where the weapons are! But AB 5063 didnt need to search much- she simply called on each of them, and when present, she gives them those clothes. Darude was saying, at the Control Cabin: When our friend at the repair shop gets functional, we will depart to some distant planet, and we will dig. Three more days.- AB 5063 said. Darude went to sleep for eight hours- AB 0930 was with him, giving sweetness to his life. When Darude wake up, AB 0930 kissed him, saying: I watch your sleep, dear. Thanks you, darling.- He said, looking at that precious creature next to him, a naked pink E-female. Wish you could buy me clothes, shoes and perfumes! And if you want, also to AB 5063. -She giggled. Darude embraced her and she kisses him with moist lips. Half an hour later, Darude takes a shower with her, and dressed in a green uniform, saying: We will go shopping. Ask twenty six males to guard us. Yes, dear.- She smiled, and soon they were descending to the surface, in a couple of Orbs. They landed on Spaceport Mars City, a 17867 Huge circular enclosure to the south of the city- several hundred spaceships were landed there- some of them real big. Pole 030! Well, lets see about the weaponry!- Darude said. Remember we cannot kill humans.- AB 0930 said. I dont pretend to organize a death squadron! But a Synthetic could prevent: they can threat, and perhaps fire a few seconds against a feet or something not essential for life! - Darude reminded her. Four gun shops are offering their weapons with discounts! Lets begin by the closer to this site.- AB 0930 said, and in Flyer taxis they went to the Gun and Cannons Company, at the west of Mars City. Vendros shows them numerous weapons capable of to blast a spaceship with two shots of ten seconds each. Darude learns that the ruler of Mars didnt care about armed spaceships landing or deploying his major cities- his Army was three times bigger than the Earths armies put together. The Vendor said: So you have Orb Spaceships! Those had the weaponry inside the hull, port holes opens for to discharge rays or missiles. But dont worry: our tem could fly wherever you have them orbiting, and se cannons and missile throwers in place. 17868 And how much it costs?- Darude asked him. Depends on your Bank Account, Sir. We can insert one or eight cannons in each Orb; depending on the size you want the cannons! But if you said three Orbs are all that you had, the cost will be not much.- The Vendor said. I want two LASER cannons and Photon Torpedoes launchers in every one of them.- Darude indicated. Thirty million Credits, Sir. Put them on! I will pay you now.- Darude said, knowing he could invest without care- money from the Eternal Paint was pouring on his Bank Account by the hour. He asks for thirty LASER pistols and fifty LASER rifles; he was thinking now on a Colony far off among the stars. I need colonists! I will advertise on some holographic Channel for it. More than one person will be glad to depart and be fed half of his life for free.- Darude said.

But dear, do you think where to carry those people?- AB 0930 asked. Certainly there are thousand of stars where to choose! With luck, we could find one for ourselves.- Darude said, kissing her. AB 0930 communicates by radio with AB 5063 and she said: I will revise again the Federation Starfleet Earth records. Their captains discovered thousands of habitable planets, when first they decide to explore deep space. That is better than go exploring ourselves. 17869 Confirm a finding when ready. I will told him about this when all ready.- AB 0930 said. I understand. Also, I will advertise on Earth for new colonists- here on Mars, population is less than 280 millions.- She said, and begin to work. Darude visits the theatres and Cabarets by night, with beautiful AB 0930; he not returns to the Orb, but slept on Hotels; the luxury of some of them pleases the senses. Also, he bought clothes for the dames and gentlemen of his crew. Then, the Easy People Co. releases the repaired Synthetic soldier. But it looks like a woman.- Darude said, horrified. Sir! The Synthetics could have one sex or other through their careers! Its just a thing of programming them as we need.- The Technician said. A woman! And did his mind doesnt rebel at this bizarre situation? Ask her!- The Technician said. You are an E-woman now. You were a male soldier before. What do you think your real sex is?- Darude asked. I accept what my mission could be. If I need to be a man, and fire against enemy spaceships, disembark and crack some heads, Ill do it convinced I am fulfilling a mission. Now if I must look like a woman, to fulfill the next mission, the Technicians change some items and programs, so I could be in fact an E-woman. The male portion I had, is now removed.- The soldier said. What I understand of your speech, its that you are like another person!- Darude said. A new person, with memories of my past 17871 Actions.- Corrected the soldier. See? Now you have a female soldier! I assure you that she could fire and crack craniums just as nicely than before.- The Technician assured. Darude wasnt sure of his words: now she looks thin and fragile, with a superb body: slim waist and long legs, thin arms and long fingers- his head was repaired to look like a womans- his horrible eyes (mere round spheres) were removed and now she has beautiful green eyes with long lashes; her hair was not long, but looked like out of a beauty parlor not two hours ago. He was certain that she was not good for body combat, but she could very well fire a gun from inside a spaceship. He takes the female soldier with him, and returns with the group to Orb 03. Dear: I found a place where to begin a colony.- AB 5063 said. Yes, but first we must visit another place.- He said, remembering the conversation with AXE 32. The people willing to travel with you and raise a colony are already found.- AB 5063 announced. Oh? So you had been working behind my back?- Darude asked. I expected you dont take it wrong, dear.- She said. At the contrary! You are helping me to fulfill my project.- Darude said, embracing her. This is good.- She said, kissing him tenderly. Hours later, Darude said: Pilot AXE 32: guide us where we must find that treasure! Yes, commander! I suggest you dont enter into deep sleep after we cross Pluto planet- sometimes Authorities like to talk with the Commanders.- AXE 32 said. I will stay awake.- Darude smiled. AB 0930 said: dear: the volunteers for our colony are already traveling here. We must wait for their arrival. Well, now I have two projects at the same time! And I cannot do both. So be it! We will wait for the naturals to arrive!- Darude said. 17871 It is in Brana 2, dear! At this Brana I, to search for an unknown planet is difficult. The races in the space shared the space flight and their scout spaceship are lurking everywhere; a small expedition- colonizing team

such as yours, could be smashed to pieces if you appears seated on a pot of gold- namely, a terraformed planet, suitable for life. I get it!- Darude said, feeling a chill running down his spine. He was sure pirates existed, and also big Corporations that make everything imaginable to subsist and stay on top of the wave. When the colonists arrives, Darude was very frightened- instead of a bunch of sheep, it were a pack of wolves from East Europe- blonde and defiant, they asked from the beginning to know the whereabouts of the new Promised land, ( as they called the new colony sites) and Darude said, from a corner of the Reception Hall at the Orbital Station Mars -3 : I choose it far away from the commercial routes, because I want to grow and then permit tourists and immigration. Pal: we want to be colonists but not Robinson Crusoe! We want the niceties of civilization, while on a rustic environment! Or do you want to have us living a fantasy, a city on the verge of the XVI Century? And as that was the general idea of Darude, he reminds silent, while the group of people begin to get mad at him. Dear: I recommend you to give this people a bread of two hours! Then youll talk things with their chiefs before another meeting.- AB 5063 said. 17872 Darude said to the people: Dont worry! We will talk this over- with your chiefs! And the chiefs, who were nothing else than the ones who shout the most, were treated with a small generator Darude had on the Orb 3, before he talks to them. Now we can talk things out!- He said, half an hour later. The representative of the people was tamed and smiling. Darude explains them how better would be everything if they accept the original location. They accepted, not without some shouts. AB 5063 said: Now, dear, try to gather the future colonists in this 03 Orb; I will give them the music, and then we will be carrying them to the new location. I see. The problem ends here! But, how to cryogenically frozen them all?- Darude was troubled. The number was double the expected. We will cryogenically frozen a hundred at 03 Orb; 50 persons in each of the other 2 02; and as they are 832 people, we just use the rustic method. Which is that? First we take them to outer space; then, we open a lock; they will be freeze. We just leave them freeze; but under a bubble of force field- not to crack their cells with too much cold. I am sure it will work- I learnt it has been used in the past.-AB 5063 said.
AB 0930 said: Of course the best is cryropreservation methodologies. Whole body means just that. The entire body stays intact and is frozen in liquid nitrogen.

Of course. But we have to improvise, sometimes.- Darude laughed. I doubt it is legal.- AB 0930 said. Dont mind about it! Nobody is going to revise our Orbs! People here are more preoccupied trying to earn money!- AB 5063 said. 17873 Things were donned as AB 5063 said: First, the big group enters the place bullying everybody, and after half an hour of music and Generator waves, Darude explains where and how were they to live the rest of their natural lives- and the whole group smiled and accepted everything he wants to do. AB 5063 gives the order to transport people to Orbs 1 and 2; the rest remains at 03 Orb; soon the capsules (or pods) were full of people in deep sleep; Darude asked them to remain in the hold 1 of the big Orb; soon they were in space; Darude at the main cabin gives the order: Darling, make the freezing begins whenever you want. In three minutes, dear: I must ask two of our crew out of the way.- She said, smiling. The freezing was made, and the frozen bodies were standing there, as statues of salt, until the arrival to the Promised Land . Darude himself went to a Pod, and AB 0930 said: Ill watch your long sleep in the same way I had been watching your short sleeps. My love! How tender that you are!- He said, and the lid close. Soon he was dormant. The Synthetics takes full control- with their impassive minds worked and maintained all Systems in function until two years and a half had passed- long ago in time was the Branas jump.

The star named Knapp was left behind now there were no charts to guide them- only pinpoints of light on the vastness of space, almost all data ignored from them. 17874 Insert map) 17875 Planet Three is terraformed. Landing in five minutes. All hands to their Stations. Continent One, Basilisks, on sight. Landing near Orb 01. Deflectors out. Atmosphere nearing. Shields up. Bay north in sight. Landing. Orb 01 has landed. Orb 02- 1 landed. Orb 02- 2 landed. Proceed awakening Commander Darude. Soldiers out and in the alert. Vehicles Orb 01 are all deployed. Visual contact with walled city near the coast. Flags on poles. Humans? Humans. Counting begin. 343.000 inside the walls, 38.234 in the fields surrounding the city. Weaponry? Claves and swords. Not all people are armed. Children and women mostly in the city; recount begins. 120.000 men, 223.000 women. Childs 80.000. Old people 35.643. Flora and fauna present. Quadrupeds, mostly. No mammals except humans, cats, mice, dogs and horses. Outside walls we are seeing dinosaurs, serpents, sea water crocodiles. Expand the reconnaissance to the whole of the continent. Transmit information. Herds of tenontosaurs, dromicosaurs, deinoqueiros, cronosaurs. Others species abounds at 35 kilometers to the west; 32.000 heads, more hadrosaurs on woods, 63.425 in numbers, other dinosaurs 15.800. Orb 01 -1: Herds of Mayungusaurs present at three kilometers of a big lagoon, 34.463 members. 638 Diceratops on woods, human tribe on same wood, 6.320 members, no weapons except lances and stone throwers. Orb 01- 4. Herds of Pisanosaur to the south west, 58.303 members; 8.000 Griponix to the south; no predators in sight. The report at planet III HORCRUXE, star Horcruxe keep arriving. The reports were all storage at the Central Computer, where the summing up was making by the minute. When Darude was able to speak, think and walk around in a satisfactory way, the scanning of animals was ended on that continent, and the flora studies begin. Nice landscape! Is it winter? Springtime. Ah! The flowers and all that! Did you awake the colonists? Not yet. Good! I want them domesticated again. Set the Generator at work! I want them tame as lambs. Theres a city 32 kilometers due north. A city! You told me this was going to be a deserted planet. Data said nothing about people! And we are so very far to civilization, that I am sure nobody will arrive here, at least, not before a thousand years had passed. Are you sure? Of course. Humans love to live in cities, helping each others out of natural habitats. You love caves and tunnels, gorges, ravines of concrete. Certainly.- Darude said, smiling. He was always more than happy living in a city than in open country- the thing he didnt like was the other peoples desires, cheats and robberies that made notches on his mind. The cities are three, dear. The one at our reach has 343.000 persons, and is encircled by a stone wall 5 meters tall. And there are another two cities, if you want to visit them afterwards.- She said. Perhaps I will.- He smiled- he was interested in how those civilizations cope with life. 17877 Funny. Here is a good place to begin! Guess we could mark the boundaries; always loved cities with the figure of a star.- Darude said. And circular streets uniting the radial lines; after 30 blocks, the circle will make very large blocks.- She said. Yes, but not necessarily long. You can cut them making crossing streets in between.- He said.

A maze of streets.- She laughed. Interesting, dont you think? The chess like organization of a city doesnt like me.- Darude said. We will do as you want, dear. Of course, the miner and some Synthetics must work hard to build them houses. Or buildings. Buildings in this wilderness? Iron and cement, stone quarries and so forth? Electrical fixtures, running water, generators?- AB 0930 asked him, smiling. All right! We will build Roman houses! Stout and comfortable! Not any dinosaur could destroy them easily unto earth!_ Darude said; he had been looking on ancient diagrams for a bit. Mud and timber! Right; of those we had a lot.- AB 0930 said, smiling, and order was issued: the colonists awake- even the frozen ones, of who eighteen died in the process of reawakening. 17878 The soldiers approach Darude and said: Commander! You are founding a city next to a native city! Soon we will get the troubles out of it! I see it differently: we are going to communicate and before long, we will be interchanging goods.Darude replied. At lest, have a detached station between us and them! So we could be warned if an Army or some spies come this way.- A soldier said. Good idea! You build a tower- using trees. I am sure you know how to make a watchtower.- Darude replied. Certainly we did, Commander! We have tools; this is going to be ready in two days.- Another soldier said. Darude was not afraid of the people on a walled city, with weapons belonging to the Middle Ages (of Earth times). AB 0930 waits for the third day, and said: we must meet those people, dear! Or do you prefer I go there alone? I will go with you, in a 01 Orb.- He said, and soon a soldier knew of it and presenting to him, he said: Commander! Please accept us two for your first encounter with this alien people! We could be of use, if they are not as pacific as they should. All right, but dont shoot at them unless I am in real danger.- Darude said who didnt want to start a war the first week he was there. They approach in a 01 Orb, circling the city four times; at each pass, more people were on the streets, looking in surprise their hovering. A dragon appears in the sky, while horrible clouds begin t to form. Darude saw a man on a tower, 17879 Dressed with a robe, summoning demons from the sky, with outstretched arms. What is that?- Darude exclaimed. Energy, dear! The figure is only subjective; but the power of that figure could damage our systems; you better recoil.- AB 0930 said. Pilot! Take us out of here!- Darude said, and in the last moment, as the eagle throws a river of fire and sparks, that missed the Orb for only four meters, while the in-built pilot moves the Orb out of the way. Strange.- Darude said, while the Orb was fifteen kilometers away from the city. Summoned by a man? The energy, from where it sprouts?- Darude asked. They must have some machine, of course. Simple hands and uttering of words cannot made the trick by themselves.- AB 0930 said, reading the scans the Orb 01 was capable to do. Lets try it for a second time, but well land on an open space inside the walls. I guess they could not harm us if we act quickly.- He said. I saw two squares available, dear. But the vessel could be hit.- AB 0930 commented. They traveled to the city; the dark bird was still flying over the city; the Orb appears as a flash and landed on the square, while Darude jumped out with AB0930, getting close to a house. The fiery bird passed overhead, and sent a shower of fire against the Orb, but the pilot moves the Orb to the other side, so the sparks bouncing everywhere; Darudes clothes went on fire, but the swift help of AB 0930 prevents him to get hurt. It will burn our Orb!- He yelled; AB0930 sent a message to the pilot, who then makes the Orb into the air, leaving the city at great speed.

17880 AT THE WALLED CITY. THE HOUSE OF BOTTLES. Dont worry, dear! I can call it back any minute you want!- AB 0930 said. They walked by the cobbled street; the houses were made of rock and wood beams; people dressed with dark clothes begin to appear, all of them looking at Darude and his women in astonishment. Humans all right! Darude said, smiling to those people. The Bird chased the Orb but it was slower. The pilot is waiting at fifteen kilometers from here.- AB 0930 said. Thats fine. Lets look a little more in here.- Darude said. The houses of that block ends at the corner; another street was visibly, more populated and with signs of shops opening their doors to the public, selling hardware, silverware, pots and pans, cheese and bread, sweets and biscuits, clothes and shoes, and other things not discernible at first sight. Beautiful!- Darude exclaimed, looking at the several shelves. There were all kinds of bottles in one of them, and he enters- shelves full of bottles with liquids at one side, empty on the other. The place as a musky odor, and it was not too clean- dust was visible at the floor and over the whole place, like a mist. A person approaches them, wearing a long overcoat with a hat on top of his head. He asked something in a foreign language. Not known.- AB 0930 said. I dont speak your tongue.- Darude told the Vendor. Its not in my database, either.- AB 0930 repeats, moving upwards her beautiful shoulders. Darude takes a small bottle with a green liquid on his left hand, saying: this bottle is nice. I wonder what they use for to buy things here. The Vendor uses silver spectacles, and have blue eyes- he takes the bottle from his hand, and with a spoon, pouring three drops on a silver spoon- and approaches it to Darudes lips to swallow. Beware! Could it be poison to you?- AB 0930 said. I dont think so!- Darude said, and licks the spoon, swallowing the drops. 17881 At first, he felt nothing- but then, to his astonishment, his tongue begin to move by his own, and his stomach begin pulsing rapidly- a flow of words became- the man with the big hat says: Dont worry, workflows elixir always begin like that. Good day. Im Hatton Digger, botanists; and I see you knew what to ask, foreigner. Darude was very surprised, as he can understand that language without any difficulty! AB 0930 was looking at him, very worried. Dont worry! Im all right.- Darude said, but in that strange language; AB 0930 speak to him in Interlingua, saying: Whats happening to you, dear? Cant speak normally? The old Vendor said: Perhaps you cannot speak in your original language by now, Sir, but soon all will be all right; lets wait your brain digest the new information.Right. So this is a Pharmacy?- He asked him. Medicines, spells, gaseous maledictions, virtues no ordinary man could achieve by only wishing to get.The man said, with a bored look. I am new in town- I came from afar. I am here to salute your governor, king or president.- Darude said. He is a king, who came from Alpha Ophiuchi Ras Alhague, a blue white giant class A5, as the rest of us. We came to be in isolation here, to study and live peacefully; until now.- The Vendor laughed in low tones. So you are from Earth? - Darude asked, very surprised. Originals from Earth, with several centuries living at Alpha Ophiuchi Ras Alhague; well, not us but our ascendants. When Ophiuchi was too much populated, with much commerce with the planets of the Solar System, and beginning the increase of tourism with planets from the Federation of Planets, a group of students bought spaceships and leave the planet, searching for a secluded place among the stars. And you arrive here, I believe, as the herald of some group of people?- The Vendor Hatton Digger asked him. Not herald but to colonize a place where people could live peacefully. Wish you could cope with it.Darude said, thinking now the man was more important that first thought. Certainly. Well, I recommend you not to tell everybody you come here to colonize! We are not in good terms with other cities on this continent, because we believe a city per continent its more than enough! The Vendor said.

And those cities, where are they located?- Darude asked him. Far, of course. They are Wudong, Guna, Moshica and Wolfera. In fact, we dont like strangers. The man said, crossing his arms. Not quite polite, Im afraid! My people just want a place where to work and thrive peacefully.- Darude said, speaking for himself. This is Lingnaur city, we certainly are proud of ourselves- we developed ancient knowledge that use very little the electric energy; guess you depend on it?- Vendor Hatton Digger said, smiling crookedly. Yes, we depend on that.- Darude said. Well! If you want that bottle that I guess it will be very important to your colonists, cost forty Tonags.Hatton Digger said. Tonags? Your money? I use Credits.- Darude said to him. No Credits aloud in here. In fact, nobody gives Credits in town.- Hatton Digger said, and showing a coin, repeats This is a Tongan. Darude takes the coin and observed it; it was round but not flat- it was like almond, but round, and it was made of gold. A sword on one side, and a face and signs by the other side. Beautiful coin.- He said, handling back. I assume you have not one of this in your bag! So you cannot buy me a thing!- Hatton said. Not Tongan on my bag, of course. It is gold, of course; guess I have some of it on my spaceship.- Darude said. 17883 The Vendor replaces the bottle to the shelf, and went to a small room at the back; Darude and AB 0930 went out of the shop. Pity this people trade thing with only their coins! - Darude said, in Interlingua. Yes, but we can replicate it easily, dear! Its only gold.- AB 0930 said. They arrive to a small square, where a fountain was there to be used by animals. Several horses drink of it; the cartwheels had enormous wheels two meters high, made on wood, with a metal ring nailed on the edge. They return to the first square, while AB 0930 called the pilot to bring the vehicle down; soon it was placed before them; they jumped inside, and leave the city before the bird could blink. They arrive to the place where the bigger Orb was landed; AB 5063 receives them, saying: Gold coins used as coins! Gold must abound around here. They refuse to have neighbors or visitors in town! Well move away from them; and start in a isolated place; please find a suitable site, darling.- Darude told AB 5063. AB 5063 had the whole continent on her memory, so she just locate places, and choose the best suitable site without delay; the Orbs get unto the air, and fly swiftly East, and soon they were landing near a river- the sea was only 23 kilometers away. We have a river with potable water at hand, and forests all around, for timber and possibly fruits.- AB 5063 explained to Darude, who was at the Control Cabin. Fine, darling; I am sure you know what to do now: awake all colonists, play a tune for them, while I slept on a sound proof cabin.- He said, standing up from the chair. And I will be with you.- AB 0930 said, hanging on his left arm- with a blink of her beautiful eyes. Eight hours later, refreshed, Darude went to the Main Cabin again, finding AB 5063 busy with some controls. Hi, dear! Nice sleep?- AB 5063 asked him. Yes! I wonder if you are awakening the colonists.- He asked, yawning. In the process of it, of course- some of them were already awakening. They all are collecting timber at the woods.- AB 5063 said. Roman houses still are my idea of construction for them.- Darude reminded her. Certainly, they need houses, dear! A house for everyone; a big hotel? In that way, the independent souls will be not encouraged to raise among the populace and provoke revolutions! - AB 0930 said, suddenly. A communal house for eight hundred people?- Darude laughed. Of course not, dear! But your roman houses could be built side by side! Blocks of them, housing all the populace as in a great beehive!- AB 0930 proposes. All right, the people must live happy in here! A great labor is waiting.- Darude said.

Darude finds he could speak in Lingnaurs language, and Interlingua. He teach AB 5063 how to speak that tongue by saying words and phrases in Lingnaur- and then, every Synthetic person gets the data through the radio, and recorded it on their minds. The Synthetics begin making logs and beams. The Generator working, nobody complaining, and Darude 17884 Was happy to see how the first of the communal houses were finished in only a weeks time. While the houses get finished, the people had shelter on the Orbs; the laughs and chatter of them gives warmth to those long metallic corridors, and Darude was happy. Meals were provided by the food processors; Synthetics provides the needed elements basically from the natural products found at the forest. A month later, every colonist had a pair of rooms at the newly communal houses. Thirteen dental treatments and two operations had been made, dear. AB -0930 said to Darude. I wish to be traveling where a treasure is waiting for me.- Darude said, looking at a certain scene on a holographic projector. Five weeks for to prepare things in order to do that, dear! All right, I will wait.- Darude smiled back. Several drone spheres brought to him vistas of places around his site- part of the defense plan made by the soldiers he had under his command. The sightings were very interesting. Features flying day and night above that city; like fog, they could also throw sparks of fire. AB 0930 said: You are intrigued about those people? Yes! They have not technically advanced mechanisms, but 17885 They are capable f to create figures that hovers that city. Darude said. Why dont you sent a Synthetic male to that city? He could gather information?- AB 0930 asked him. Yes! I guess that will be important in the future of our community.- Darude said. Nietzsche Synthetic approaches him, saying: I could go there as a voluntary, Sir. I am certain I could have a nice time studying those people. Guess you and others; I will give you some gold, to sustain you while in town. That would be nice of you. We dont eat but we must stay somewhere under a roof, not to attract much attention to our lack of needs.- Nietzsche Synthetic said. Nixon and Van Gogh also presents as Volunteers; Darude said to them: If you are in any danger, I will sent you help. Just call us- the Soldiers will know how to deal with any threat. I am sure I could get us out of any trouble just talking and dealing with those people - Nixon S. said. Darude commented: I will leave here two 02 Orbs with the smaller 01 Orbs. We will get the treasure in the 03 Orb. AB 0930 said: I will go with you! Yes; I will travel with the original crew of this Orb, plus my closest Assistants.- Darude demanded. Soon several people returns to the O3 Orb; as they were helping in several ways to the colonists. The 03 Orb raise slowly from the ground and soon it was speeding unto the heavens. 17887 AXE 32 said: Five months to arrive there, Commander. I suggest you went into deep sleep. Darude had a dinner first, with AB 5063, AB 0930 and AB500 present. I wonder how our friends are doing at Lingnaur town.- Darude said. Last information says they rented a couple of rooms and were trying to get jobs.- AB 0930 said. There are people with strange knowledge at that city.- Darude remembers. Magic? Of course, Earth people know about Magic, but at your planet it seems not.- AB 0930 said. No, of course. We learn about Magic with the first Earth explorers that arrive to our planet. But it seems to me there are ancient tales without the know how.- Darude said. The knowledge that remains of magic its only tales and happenings of old. Not how, unless you believe a common mirror could show you the past and the future, as well as people far away from the observer.- AB 0930 said.

Perhaps the memories are so old, that the whole machine faded into oblivion, leaving only the screen or mirror as the only object intact. In that case, which is the most probable occurrence, magic is the memories of technologic wonders now recovered through science.- Darude said. Could be that this world of ours could reverse the path of time.- AB 5063 said. 17887 You could know better than me, of course! I can only imagine things; you could use mathematics on it, physics, even chemistry!- Darude said. Physics, most of all.- AB 0930 said, looking at AB 5603, who had more elements to work with, than her. AB 5063 said: Being this our last dinner in a hundred and sixty five days, dear, I will leave explanations for your return from Deep Sleep. Of course, darling. Now, we will go to bed, and tomorrow early, Ill get into the Pod.- Darude said, embracing both damsels. AFTER THE DEEP SLEEP. Darude wake up and saw the face of AB 5063 staring at him. Hi.- He said, with a mouth almost devoid of saliva. At last you wake up! I was afraid this time I will also fail.- She said, caressing his left cheek. I have a terrible headache!- Darude said, touching his head, feeling it was shaved. His vision was returning from an initial blur to normal, in a few moments. Did we arrive to our destiny?- He asked. Yes, dear. We landed and recovered the treasure. Thats good. Nice planet? Not quite. Its a wreck. Radiation poisons the air and the Earth- Rivers and fountains are contaminated.AB 5063 said. 17888 I wonder on which metal my treasure is measured.- Darude laughed softly. It was gold, dear.- She said. Was gold? And what it is now? Engines of a sort, and some ingots of copper.- AB 5063 smiled. Copper, engines? And what about the gold? Gone, dear. When we were arriving there, we were attacked- almost defeated- but your Synthetic soldiers and others, went out on the smaller 01 Orbs and managed to change the tide- only some systems were severely damaged on the 03 Orb.- She explained. And you fixed them? And I fixed it. Axe 32 is gone, dear. Fused by a photon torpedo. Photon torpedo? But then, where are we?- Darude asked, he was out of the Pod now, standing on feeble legs. I reassembled the 03 Orb, dear. We are traveling back to the Solar System.- AB 5063 explained. Earth? Why not to the newly begin colonizing Horcruxe three?- He asked, knitting his brow. Because we already were at Brana 01, dear! This ship is no longer able to made Brana jumps! Not, at least, in the present conditions.- She said. Darude looks at her face, startled. Wrinkles were around her eyes- her hair looked dusty, and one of her hands seem to be not wholly working. Good girl! I wonder how many hardships you could had passed.- He said, kissing her cheek. Thats all right, dear. Now you must 17889 Help me with the slowing down! We are traveling half the velocity of light, now, and the Solar System its only days ahead. I wonder if I could cope with it!- Darude said. Dont you worry? Youll be doing the simplest of tasks! And I will be telling you what to do.- She said, caressing his bald head. Darude seats on a chair at the Main Cabin, and heard her instructions- then she ends by saying: We will begin previous maneuvers in four minutes, dear. Are you ready?

Yes, darling.- He said, looking his own hands- they looked yellow now- perhaps because of some reconstitute drug he gets while going out of Deep Sleep. Two hours of work- she moves from one console to the other- six for her, only one for Darude- and with only one, he was perspiring while pressing buttons or turning knobs when AB 5063 tells him so and to which extent. After that two hours of manual drive, she said: Thats it, dear! Now we are slowing down. I am sending a message, of course- I dont want to think if we encounter some spaceship in our course- we cannot brake or modify the present course.So bad are the mechanism? Almost my invention, dear!- She laughed, producing not the agreeable tones he remembered, but a harsh cackle. How many months are we traveling back, dear?- He said, having a terrible suspicion. 17890 I wonder when you were to ask me that question! But I wonder if you wish to know the answer now or perhaps after a psychological treatment?- AB 5063 asked him. I guess I could prepare myself to hear it! Lets see I have no sons, no relatives, and almost no moneyguess I can hear the answer.- He said, smiling faintly. Three hundred and forty eight years, dear.- She said. He whistles and said: Quite a lot of years! Guess I can forget about the other Orbs, by now! And at that chunk of a planet, a hundred and twenty two more years, as I was repairing the Orb all of that time.- She said. Darude adds inside of his mind those ciphers, and said: Four hundred and seventy years! Quite a lot. I see not why the Orbs 02 could not be waiting for you, dear. They are your property.- AB 5063 said. Of course. And here- are we totally alone?- Darude asked, with a chill. Yes, dear. They all die at the fight. A pity to hear that.- Darude said. Fused. Others fighting on the smaller Orbs- those Orbs are destroyed, too.- AB 5063 said. Darude was sure the fighting should have been a big one- while he was at the pod, ignoring the whole situation. Hours later, the Orb crossed Plutos orbit, and a military Cruiser approaches and throw magnetic grapples unto the 03 Orb, linking with it. 17891 Six officers approach them by the lock, and one of them said: Im Hans Erebus, Sergeant of the XC Cruiser. We heard your messages. This spaceship is in bad shape. Yes, we had an encounter with some pirates on deep space.- AB 5063 said, adding the coordinates. Real far! Well, Sir, guess you were lucky to be in such company .- The Synthetic soldier said, meaning AB 5063. I was with several dozen Synthetic personnel, and she is the last survivor of them all.- Darude said, touching AB 5063s wrinkled face. Your spaceship is not able to comply with approaching planet regulations, Sir, so we will escort you to Neptune Orbital Station IV. From there you will certainly have some other means of transportation to any other world in the Solar System.- The commanding officer said. Yes, of course.- Darude said, as he now understood his position almost totally bankrupted. Hours later, the Orb was docked at the end of a large docking bay; he was astonished to see the enormity in size of those new models- the spherical silhouette was totally forgotten- they were mere fat and long tubes of dull colors, mostly grey. At the Central Office, a man said: Welcome to Neptune Station Four! Coming from a disaster area, as I heard somebody said? The man was a Natural one: white and with green eyes, and a big mouth. Yes, I lost almost everything in that last trip to the outer fringes.- Darude sighed. 17892 I guess you did. Say, that Orb of yours- are you selling it? I havent thought about it.- Darude said. I offer you fifteen million Credits for it! Remember this: every day of docking space here, costs fifteen hundred Credits! So if you dont have cash, youll loose it anyway.- The man said.

Guess I will accept! Not much of a vehicle now, I guess.- Darude commented. Donned! The money goes to our Bank account- give me your hand.- The man said, and Darude thought he wants the traditional earthmens handshake and he extends his hand. No, buddy! I mean your wrist! To let the machine read your number.- The man explains. He has no chip implant yet! But he has a Credit Card number.- AB 5063 explains to that person. All right! Out of fashion, but they say those Credit cards never lost their accounting numbers.- The man said; the Credit card was read and the transaction was made. Darude went to the boarding hall, an bought a pair of tickets to Earth in a passenger spaceship. AB 5063 said: Dear, your Bank account has accumulated interests for the 470 years you were out! 83 million Credits in interests, plus the fifteen the man recently paid; 97 millions in all. Good for me! Forty seven hundred years of interests!- He almost yelled. Calm down! Not exactly the same acquisitive power than in the old times, of course- this 97 million Credits now could only buy what you knew 43 millions did in the past- things are more expensive now, or the Credit devaluates itself with passing time.- AB 5063 explains. Perhaps I could buy some spaceship, after all?- He asked her. Now you could buy some spaceship, if you want, and travel to Horcruxe. You should try to recover your properties, and also, realize if the colony did make it or not.- AB 5063 said. Scan the news, darling! Perhaps our colony is on the news, somehow.- Darude asked of her; but AB 5063 had already donned that, without success. No, dear, no news about them- but of course, the distance is the same they are really way out.- AB 5063 said, encouraging him a bit. 17893 The voyage takes seven hours; the spaceships were not allowed to land on Earth, but to lock on several huge orbital stations at different levels around Earth; from there, the passengers were able to descend through molecular Transporters, who had disintegrators- integrators at both sides of the trip; goods and cargo were transported in the same way. Darude choose Chicago as their landing place. The city was incredible translucent, with high buildings resembling chunks of ice, that reflected the sun rays with bluish colors. People at the street used plastic like garments with brilliant colors; gone were the pantsnow only robes were in sight. The shoes were small leather boots. Everyone had bracelets on their forearms, containing communicating devices. Gone were, also, the Flyer taxis; now there were cabins housing Transporters, with people going in or out of them in a continuous flow; a scene repeated in every corner of Chicago. To Darude it seems the users werent paying for the use of those locomotion services, but in fact they did pay17894 The use was deduced from their monthly allowances. Darude was lucky to have all that money on a Bank account, or else, he should have been in a harsh position. He rented a suite for him and his Assistant, finding smaller artifacts that made marvelous functions faster and without errors. The food dispenser gives food for humans or for 38 other different species; and now there were more different kinds of food for Synthetic models, including alien robotic creations. The 0 gravity fields werent only for beds but for whole rooms; oxygen also could be regulated between certain parameters- security runs first. Nice holographic machines! Now the whole suite, or just one room, became the scenario of a projection!Darude said, admiring the perfection of images- plus the sound, that was regulated by sensors scanning the hearing systems of people involved. At midday, AB 5063 had a list of Companies selling Spaceships at reasonable prices. You can acquire thirty models that are able to arrive without any problem to your Horcruxe three, dear. She said to Darude. 17895 You had donned well; keep working, darling! Buy me a good spaceship, but also see you dont expend all the money in it- we are going to need some extra cash.- Darude said. Of course, dear. Any other requirement?- AB 5063 asked.

Yes, I loose my 03 Orb; but I will remember it always, so perhaps you could find some old but not too shaky model for me, at some auction? I am sure you could fix it if the damage is not too heavy.- Darude asked from her. Possibly so! If not here- that is plainly evident everything its brand new in Earth- we could search at the rest of this planetary system- I am sure somewhere more than one Orb is waiting for a scavenger.- She said, laughing. Could be useful! Also, some Synthetic model to help you steering the spaceship, and talk with me sometimes.- He asked. She could help sometimes, at the labors.- AB 5063 said, blinking an eye. 17896 Four weeks later, Darude was more at home, in Chicago city; he has spent some money in the Casino, and earned 390.303 Credits, risking sometimes a million Credits; AB 5063 was always telling probabilities The Spaceship builders sent a Vendor to his suite- a lady Synthetic- who shows him the interior of the available spaceships in offer. 17896 She said: Hi! My serial Number is AB 63216, and I came from Fran Spaceship Company; I knew you were interested in a fast middle size spaceship capable of Brana Jump as well as Warp drives. Yes, that is so.- Darude replied, smiling. Model APA30 and APA45 could be of service for you; please let me show you, at the Holographic set, how is the product, its behavior at atmospheric environs as well as in deep space.- AB 63216 said. Darude was looking at her with delight- she was thin, white skinned and with a delicate face- her eyes were big and with large eyelashes. Her attitude was crispy and at the same time, feminine. He saw if not luxurious interiors, at least comfortable; the spaceship has big storing rooms, four big cabins and three lesser ones; the in-built pilot was present, and it has meteorite deflectors of the modern kind. And how fast it is?- He asked, vaguely remembering the Orbs warp five. Warp six, Sir. No more is needed, I believe- with the Brana drive, you begin a jump out of this Brana- or any other you was in- and then return, after some seconds- the computer will carry you thousands of parsecs away and then you will be traveling at such a velocity no warp drive could cope.- AB 63216 explained. Darude had heard about that method, that was risky in his time, but now it was a tamed ride. And the price, has any offer attached, or some discount?- He asked her. She leaned on him, saying in a low voice: Please, Sir, dont ask me for a discount! Our Company just takes things apart from the vessel, and gives you the discount- the same amount as the withdrawn artifact they take away! So, please, just ask for an offer. Very funny! Are they not listening to you?- AB 5063 asked her. Yes, but I have a scrambler! Once in a while I made it tick, so they cannot record what is happening in those moments.- She smiled gently. I would gladly buy you, lady! Could that be possible, among the offers your Company could make?Darude asked her. She said: Of course, Sir. My price is 983.000 Credits, cash. The offer, I guess, it could mean a ten percent of a discount over the whole of your buying invoice. Can we risk to pay that amount, dear?- Darude ask AB 5063. All I can told you is this: You have only 2.309.334 Credits left on your Bank Account. Great! Then, lady, tell your boss you are going with me, aboard that nice vessel you are selling me.Darude said, kissing her cheek. Good ! I can tell you another secret: dont let me return there! Or they are going to send you another Synthetic person, not me! And I am sure you will not notice the difference- at least, not at the first glance.She laughed. All right, then tell them I will pay here, and you dont need to return to their office.-Darude said, taking one of her hands in his. She did as told; there was no problem, and the documents were legalized, the name of the buyer went to the Space Administration Office, so any mishap he could produce aboard the newly bought spaceship, will be his own responsibility. I suggest we travel to the spaceship now, and so you will economize some more money- the docking of a spaceship its not cheap, in this day.- AB 63216 said.

Oh, no! I can earn some more at the Casino! And we must have our first nights together, in a beautiful place such as this Hotel!- Darude said, kissing AB 63216 in her mouth for the first time; the lady respond in a timid way, but her lips were as honey to the man. That night they went to gamble money at the Casino, a huge block full of gambling places; the building rise to the sky more than 3.3 kilometers, and the Lake was like a silver platter shining at all times. The Roulette was the novelty for him, so he gambled there, earning more than 400.000 Credits in a week; sometimes he went back to his suite with nothing but looses, but at the end of the fourth week, he was already a winner- then he said: No more gambling for me! Now we are ready to go: the Spaceship is waiting in orbit, and the Synthetic damsel is sleeping at her pod. Yes, dear! I prefer you to awake her inside the vessel! No need to see her around, yet.- AB 5063 said. You are jealous! Synthetic damsels cannot feel that emotion- they said.- Darude said, stroking her hair. No, I am not jealous! _ She said, blushing. Darude was curious; the brain of AB 5063 has been working for several centuries, adding information by the minute- now it was possibly not jealous, but calculating what his attention were being devoted to AB 63216, instead to herself and sensing Darude was going to spend nights without her but with the newly acquired damsel, she was not as happy as before. They leave the Hotel at the next morning, after he paid the bill- 34.000 Credits- and went in a Transporter to the Orbital Station were the new spaceship was docked; at the Custom Office, they ask him 8.000 Credits for the time the vessel was waiting there. But the Fran Spaceship Company should had paid at least for a month!- He said. Dear, only a week its norm!- AB 63216 said, kissing his cheek. All right! Ill pay.- He said, touching the vendor machine with his wrist; the transaction was made in 0.30 seconds, and he was permitted to deploy from Pole 93. AB 5063 seats on a chair, saying: If its not too troublesome for you, AB 63216, it will be nice you could help me move this baby! Of course, darling! I am sure I can do it by myself!- AB 63216 replied, blinking an eye to Darude, who laughed. 17897 Soon the spaceship was ready to depart, and Darude went to sleep at his cabin, seeing the damsels could very well be of help of the in-built pilot, whose model was also an AB, with a serial number 93903. In eight hours, they left the inner planets and were traversing across Neptunes orbit, when Darude arrives to the main cabin again. Heavy traffic? Regulations. You cant warp in here.- AB 5063 replied. Funny girl! Have you our destination plotted already?- Darude asked, collapsing unto his seat. Of course, dear!- AB 5063 blinked one eye in his direction. AB 5603 has treat sense of humor. Dont you think so, dear?- Darude asked the other E-woman. Yes; chip X 3B always was good for that.- AB 63216 replied. Oh, it is so? And nowadays, what are you suing instead?- Darude asked. L-O. A good one! It run by race and age; par example, in your case, white Earthian race (I know you come from Knapp, but the humanoid type is almost the same); age 65, male, merchant, astronaut- with a kick for E-females, you are then classified, and a batch of jokes are immediately targeted inside our memory, to begin telling you- a simple case of organization.- AB 63216 said, and laughed softly. And now why do you laugh?- He asked. All so reasonable and mechanic; by the book, as they say, when us Synthetics makes something! I often wonder what you think of us.- AB 63216 said. Apart than we are good for sex.- AB 5603 pointed out with a smile. Dont worry about what I could think of you! The people that design you are a big team of technocrats, psychologists, computer engineer, medics, you name it! You are the 17898 Ultimate machine- the machine that ends with all the machines! One of you could make a human life worthwhile! Look at me! Despised, hunted, hated- and happy because of your presence, that brings me help, joy, love, sex, assistance!- Darude said, kissing them both. Hours later, they pass the orbit of Pluto- nowhere in sight at the time- and speeded using warp drive. Now, we are going to jump with this spaceship for the first time! AB 63216 : I hope your former boss did give us a fine spaceship!- Darude said.

Regulations pertaining spacecrafts are exhaustive and severe punishment is due if broken! Take heed that this spaceship is as sound as they told you.- AB 63216 said. Darude slept again, this time only five hours- and finds himself in the middle of a Jump inter Branas. He reminds at his cabin and when AB 63216 went to see him, he said: How things are going, darling? Fine, dear! We are traveling as smooth as possible! You should be in deep sleep by now- no planet in sight for a lot of days to come.- AB 63216 recommended. Darude accepted, and soon he was in deep sleep, while his two assistants plus the in-built Pilot runs the vessel the best they could- to Horcruxe planetary system. The spaceship was not as tough as the Orb was- the outer hull receives mild damage, notwithstanding the fact the force field was on at all times- except when the damsels went out to spacewalk while repairing the damages. When arriving to the Horcruxe planetary system, Darude come out of Deep Sleep- he was attended by both damsels immediately 17899 He opened his eyes, and then he saw both E-women cleaning his body with sponges soaked with a special liquid. We are removing the dead tissue, my dear.- AB5063 said. How do you feel, honey?- AB 63216 asked. Fine! Glad to see you both. And how is the spaceship going?- He asked, drinking some pineapple (ersatz) juice. Almost as good as an Orb!- AB 5063 said. Orbs! And we did not buy another of those, at the Solar System! Why?- He asked, remembering now he told AB 5063 about it. I decided not, dear! It would had taken too much time repairing one.- AB 5063 replied. Certainly that could had been the case. Perhaps we will find the 02 Orbs at their landing sites, when descending on Horcruxe.- Darude said. We are about to descend- waiting for us to wipe your skin first.- AB 5063 said. Later, he saw the planet through the monitors, and also the other planets, white balls hanging on a blackboard- the telescopes permits him to see them on their different paths with a crystal clear degree. AB 63216 approaches him, smiling; he said: We will explore those giants, some day! Must be spectacular landscapes in there. We have three drones ready to survey any planet you wish to visit in the future, dear. Want me to send a probe to some of those planets?- AB 63216 asked. Send one of them! But, did the machine come back here?- He reply. Yes, dear! Fine strong mechanisms! They use the anti gravitation system to travel; they can return and find us anywhere we cold be, with the radio tracking system.- She said, and soon the drone vessel begins its trek at full speed. We are above your city, dear.- AB 63216 said, making the Holographic machine projects a vista of the colony from space. Darude saw the radial design of the city was there, like a spider web. Enhancing the picture, he could see vehicles running, people moving, and he was now looking a middle sized city- so he asked: Tell me how many people lives in that city! 632.000 persons, dear._ AB 63216 replied. Locate for me the Space Station._ He asked, and the scene changed to the west part of the city- just two objects were standing there. The same Orbs I left!_ He said, half in surprise not to see more of them. I am communicating with AB 5603, dear. We better went to the main cabin for the descent.- She said, standing. At the main cabin, AB 5603 said: I am in communication with somebody at the city, dear! They know you are aboard; I told them to be ready. Good girl! Ask them about their system of government! Something of their History- and if they remember who am I._ Darude said. 17901 AB 5603 spent some time talking by the radio, and then said: They are excited to know we came back! They say the Orbs are in not working order- that only airplanes are capable of atmospheric flight- several attacks were suffered from neighboring cities- and they are preparing now to receive you as you deserve!

Very good! And our Synthetics? All of them are damaged, dear! Seems to me this is very strange- stout machines, made to last- damaged?AB 5603 remarked. Perhaps they suffered some attack.- AB 63216 said. Must be that. We will be knowing more later, I presume. And, whos administrating the city?- Darude asked her. A President, elected once and he could remain in office until Senators ask for a plebiscite, to end his term. The Senators has a ten years term in office, then they elect others. - AB 5603 explained. I should be elected something on the Administration- I dont want to be out of the organization.- Darude said. If you want that, dear, they must permit it! You created this community and have a right to rule it.- AB 63216 said. But I take too long in this trip of mine._ Darude said. First thing you must tell them is that! And ask them to change their Republic into a Monarchy!- AB 63216 said. I wonder if the President could accept that happily! People get attached to positions of power!- Darude said, including himself in that phrase. They descended at the Space Field, after some evolutions over the city, for all to see the powerful spaceship he was bringing back. AB 5603 and AB 63216 said: We will descend first- dont expose you before we are sure this people has the right mental disposition towards you. 17902 All right! See if they have any weapons with them.- Darude said, suddenly apprehensive- he was not sensing a peaceful atmosphere- yet. The lock opens, and both E-females descended rapidly by the ramp- that touched the ground for meters below. A group of humans were witnessing their arrival under some flags; another group to the right of them were dressed in green uniforms and have rifles- twenty meters after them, a big crowd was present, behind a metal barrier and some policemen in a lighter uniform- this used only clubs. AB 5603 approaches the group, seeing they were twelve women and twenty four men, all of them Naturals; they were dressed in different colors and garments- the pants were used by males, the females using blouses and skirts, as the weather was hot. You are welcomed to our city! I am President Gordon, your host!- A tall man, with some overweight, said with a booming voice. Glad to be back after so many years! The founder of this city, Mr. Darude Bean, will soon come here.- AB 5603 informed. We have a nice reception to our founder father, to whom we and our ancestors owe so much! Please tell him theres nothing to be worried about.- Another person- this time a female- speaks clearly in Interlingua. AB 5603 returns to the Spaceship, telling Darude about what was going on, adding: They seem to be harmless towards you. Just the same, dear, use your LASER pistol on a holster. 17903 Darude did as told, and descended, dressed in a metallic outfit, capable to produce a small force field around him, if needed be. The military personnel stood at attention: people cheered him, and the President with the Ministers bowed at him, when he approaches. I am happy to be here again! You are my people, and I will be helping you from now on!- Darude said, using a loudspeaker in-built on his wonderful suit. I am Gordon, President of Darudia! Your city, Sir, that we had preserved in your memory!- Gordons aid, when the cheering of the crowd diminished. Glad to know you, President Gordon! And you too, Senators of the Republic! I must tell you all that my delay in coming was not of my entire fault! I had some serious accidents on my voyage through space! My Orb, the biggest your ancestors could had seen, must be know melted into silverware! The one you are seeing now was recently bought, after a return to Earth in a Rescue Spaceship. This person you see here saves my life, repairing that ancient Orb with skill!- Darude said, and his voice was heard by everyone

now, through the loudspeaker in-built on the special suit. People roared in return, cheering the Synthetic servant. 17904 President Gordon said: Sir: we had a vehicle to carry you to our principal house! There, we have ready a meeting of reception for you. Do not be alarmed by the people: they are happy you come back! Thanks for the advice. AB 5603: go back to the spaceship, and stay there while I visit the city.- Darude commanded. All right, Sir. Ill be in touch.- She said, as from then on, she was in radio contact with AB 63216. Darude saw happiness in the faces of the crowd- they cheered him until he enters the Administration House, where the President and Senators usually worked. He was shown the General Assembly Hall, and while he was there, the rumor of the people on the street was heard, muffled or not. Please, Sir, show you to the people! _ President Gordon asks, and he appears on a balcony facing the street, provoking more cheers and roars of excited welcome. He was invited to a lunch with the personalities present: at a big long table, he was at the post of honor, with President Gordon at his right side. Along the table, Senators and their wives seats and talk among themselves. After lunch, could you address us once more, Sir? It will be very important for us all.- The President Gordon said. Of course- it will be my pleasure.- Darude replied, smiling- the meal was half alien food and half known vegetables as onions, potatoes and lettuce. The meat tastes like chicken: so probably was dinosaurs meat. The President Gordon said; I assume you come from Earth? 17905 Yes, President Gordon; I visited it first thing after my awakening- my Assistant AB 5603 takes the precaution to let me sleep all the time she was unable go fly the 03 Orb, and more- throughout our voyage back to Earth, I was always in Deep Sleep.- He said. So you was very surprised when looking at a shall we say- a Earth you didnt know?- A lady Senator (at his left) asked. I was sure to see marvels, after those centuries I was on black out! And indeed they are a very advanced civilization: Orbs are non existent there, and the use of pants had returned!- Darude commented; the ladys name was Rose Mardon, 40 years old, who laughed and said: That will be news to our fashion modelers! We heard, Sir, that when you first arrive here, the use of Synthetic persons was common; we hadnt seen Synthetic persons moving around in all of our lives! For us, to see your female Assistants, is a continuous case of marvel. I left some Synthetics here- And they were in full operational status.- Darude said. Really? Theres no evidence in the old records of such a thing- perhaps they didnt considered important. Some people spread rumors of Synthetics living in the forest, but I am sure its only folklore.- President Gordon said. In Earth, they seem to be majority! They look so natural, that now the eye cannot distinguish a normal person from a synthetic one.- Darude informed him. But its that so by the interior of the body, too?- Another dame asked, with a fine nose. By the interior the difference is great, of course. Not a drop of blood its in there, and it seems there are not organic components inside.- Darude commented what he really dont know for sure. And with how many people do you travel to our planet, Sir?- Another Senator asked him. Sorry, but I cannot answer that question- apart than say the strictly necessary is a good number.- Darude replied. After dinner, they went to a balcony, to salute again at the crowd- this time Darude didnt speak, but only waved his hand in reply to the cheers he was receiving. AB 63216 said: Dear, we better went back to the spaceship now! Sir! We have hoping you could rest with us, at this building! Certainly not with the luxury or comfort you surely have on your spaceship, but we intended well in your behalf.- President Gordon said, reddening. I thanks you just the same, Mr. President; but I prefer to be back at the Spaceship. I promise You that tomorrow we will be here visiting you again.- Darude said, and then President Gordon ordered a caravan of vehicles to escort Darude and his Assistants to the spaceship. When inside of it, AB 5063 moved the vehicle five hundred kilometers to the East, resting among mountains, and Darude said: Well, ladies, tell me what do you think about the people we just met.

They looked astonished by your coming back- they just werent waiting for you anymore. They are in a practical shock!- AB 63216 said. 17907 Weaponry, dear: mostly bullets impulse by gunpowder; LASER they also had. Aerial vehicles only goes atmospheric- lost seems the secret of the warp drive or Brana Jumps.- AB 5603 said. No other Synthetics around?- He asked. Not here, dear- but we heard of several at another city- they talked with us invite you to visit Lingnaur city.- AB 5603 said. The magic city- yes! I remember a team who went there- some team! Painter and a Philosopher, among them.- Darude said, smiling. They are well posted there, dear. I guess we could pay them a visit.- AB 5603 said. A visit, only? Remember that Darude is their owner!- AB 63216 said. They believe him dead. Until they dont see him personally, they will be in doubt.- AB 5603 said. How could I possibly become a king in this city? This people must love to vote and pretend they are governing themselves!- Darude said. Thats why I find it so fine when they ask you how many people were on this spaceship! They could act differently, if you say there are no more than three people in all.- AB 63216 said. Guess that if I am going to become a king here, I must learn a lot of things about this people- and I should have an Army backing me up!- Darude said. First, we must know how people feel being governed as they are now. If they are too happy, our work will be a difficult one.- AB 5603 said. We must give them something to think about- gifts for all could attract poor people as well as curious people. Lets give food for free! Could our food processor cope with it?- Darude asked them. 17908 No problem, dear! The machine could produce five hundred kilos of edible matter per hour- we must keep the income of vegetables and meat replenished every morning.- AB 5603 said. The problem is how we deliver the meals! Or are you going to permit them free access to the mess hall?Asked AB 5603 laughing. Of course not! Perhaps a nice table, with the food served beforehand their arrival? We dont need to be there, also. We just say: Free meal in such and such a place.- Darude said. AB 5603 applauded and said: Fine! Lets do it!- And she moves the vehicle to a near-by wood- they went for leaves, weeds and insects- and when the food processor was fed up with it, Darude said: We only need a large table and bowls to serve this free meal. They landed near the city, and both Synthetics made a decent table using LASER rays over the tree trunksthe table ready, they LASER carved rocks to made bowls- then AB 63216 said by the loudspeakers: Your founder father Darude Bean is giving a free lunch to day at the south side of the city! A table is served for the first hundred persons who arrive there! And she repeats it until they say a real mob that were running to that table; they say how the food was being eaten, while lots of them were saluting with their arms at the Spaceship, that was hovering at 100 meters over the table. Dear: we better leave this place, before the food is over- or else, they will be asking you for more, and we really cannot think they are going to wait in peace without trying to get into this vessel.- AB 5603 said. 17909 That night, they landed on a large hill, and while AB 5603 stood at the Main Cabin, while AB 63216 went with Darude to help him sleep. Later, AB 5603 calls on the Synthetic at Lingnaur City. Nixon Beta here! Where are you now?At a hill. Our patron is sleeping; he gives a free meal for some citizens of Darudia.- AB 5603 informed him. I am sure they will love him for that! Is he trying to be elected the next President?- Nixon B asked. Certainly yes! He wants to be proclaimed the King.The King! Guess its the same Darude Bean we knew some centuries ago.- Nixon B said. Of course he is! Soon he will be traveling there- perhaps he wants to be the king of Lingnaur city.- AB 5603 said.

In here the people are not from Earth and they dont know him- the only record here is of a balloon with people, who fly over the city in remote times!- Nixon B said. But you- hadnt you make aware people with your speeches? They are a Republic and arent you the President there, to find a way to make him King before he dies?- AB 5603 asked him. I suppose I made a good campaign here- I have several Ministry offices working specially for my future reelection- number a hundred and two, to be precise- and perhaps I could do campaign for your boss, if he is who you say he is.- Nixon B said. You really must be out of your positron mind! I am AB 5603 and you know I cannot lie about Darude being Darude Bean!- AB 5603 said. Nixon B didnt talk anymore that night, so AB 5603 stops transmitting. At the next morning, she said: Dear: you need power. At Lingnaur City theres a President Nixon B, waiting to see you. Ah! The one who puts in doubt I am who I am!- Darude yawned. Yes! He is the President, there. He told me so, by radio waves that he will abstain to be reelected, and promote you as a Candidate- if only he could see you in person.- AB 5603 said, blushing. Are you sure his mind is working in a proper order? I had never heard of a Synthetic person calling for his mater like this!- Darude said, reddening. Mr. Nixon B is quite a different Synthetic! He is a mimic of a human being in special! Not like the rest of us, that are just simply the best human our designers could make at some certain dates! In real life, Nixon was a very distrusting man, among other things that go into History due to a scandal he produces.- AB 5603 explains. Prepare the voyage there! I will use my special suit- and beware with those people! Last time I went there, they sent a Dragon after me!- Darude said, shivering while doing memories. This time we had a better spaceship, dear! We will cut those teeth to the root, if he appears again.- AB 5603 assured him. But it was not necessary: AB 5603 asked Nixon B for instructions, and he said: Just land at the central Square: I will have them warned about your descent on a tower of smoke! My legionnaires will take care of the order. There! Soon they were landing, looking at the deserted square. Three men approach the Spaceship, with avid eyes looking at the scene from the adjacent streets and edifices. Welcome to Lingnaur! You certainly are Mr. Darude Bean, the tycoon who brought humans to this planet in order to raise a civilization!- Nixon B said, after a brief scan 17911 At the old man he has in front. Long time I hadnt seen you! Of course, I was in a practical stasis for me, those centuries out of this planet just never happened!- Darude explains, looking at the replicas of President Nixon, Frederic Nietzsche and Van Gogh. For us they were real, Mr. Darude! Real and wearisome. We had improved life in this town, but without fiddling with science- they use what its called Magic, and we left it at that. We only takes control, and from then on, we steer the people through rough or peaceful waters until to day.- Nixon B explained. Very well donned! I enjoy administering cities; youll proclaim me your Perpetual President- and of course, keeps on working exactly as since today.- Darude said. Of course, Sir. Here they vote- and certainly, they will vote for you- that I assure you. But permits me some remarks, boss Darude Bean: how much time do you think its left for you to live? Perpetual President is a thing you cannot achieve- no matter how we all could try.- Nixon B said, with half a smile. I am sure you could calculate it for me! How old you think I am?- Darude questioned President Nixon B. You have several centuries old, but biologically you have seventy two years. And if we judge for what I am scanning of your body- only three years more, Sir. Nixon B said. Three years! A very small expanse of time, really! AB 5603, do you back up his words or you see some difference in his calculus?- Darude asked her. 17912 He is right, dear.- AB 5603 said. All right! I have little time to make me a name here! Appoint me for President here- later we will change that title to something more heraldic! And at Darudia, same thing Ill plan to do it! Now lets acquire a large garrison to show at Darudia city. I cannot force them without an Army.

Yes, Dictators always are fond of Armies.- Nixon B said. Can you lend me a battalion? I will present myself with it. They must obey me, of course; I need them to look loyal._ Darude explains. Of course, Sir! I can provide you with that! I will give the necessary orders!- Nixon B said, departing immediately. Darude was worried- three years! He was certain it was less than that- infirmity will be present before the end- perhaps only a year of good health was all he had for himself. In the next days, he shows at Darudia with his new battalion- people with black robes and blandishing magic wands of all sorts. He boasted of them, saying the city of Lingnaur elected him their King almost at first sight, and asked President Gordon the same reconnaissance by Darudia city. But, Sir! We cannot do that! I am in the middle of my term! Elections are two more years in the future!Boomed Gordon, looking very distressed- the shock of Darudes return to the planet was almost gone in him- specially when he sense his post was in stake. Resign, then! Call for new elections! I am your founder father, and I deserve this homage while I am still able to administrate a city.- Darude explains. Resign? I have so many projects going on! I certainly ignore if you could cope with them all!- Gordon said, half forgetting his precedent respect unto him. Call for a plebiscite! Let the people decide!- Darude commanded. 17913 I am certain you have rights to ask me that, but honestly I am telling you I refuse to do as told! I am the elected President of Darudia, and I will not resign!- President Gordon said. AB 5603 takes him by the neck, and fasten him on her grip- the scant guards freeze on their posts. AB 63216 call on the Witch Battalion, while Darude said: Tie the prisoner! Dont let him escape! Yes, Sir!- The commander of the Witch Battalion said- he was a middle aged man, named Geonfrey. AB 5603: call on the Senators- I will announce myself as the brand new King of Darudia.- Darude said. They will ask for President Gordons whereabouts!- AB 5603 said. I will call him a traitor! Think in some reasons to sustain my claim! I am sure you will find something at your Database.- Darude chuckled. When the Senators of Darudia arrives to the Hall of Sessions, Darude, AB 5603 and AB 63216 were already seated in front of the rows of seats at both sides of the Hall; Darude said, using his loudspeaker, after listening the recommendations AB 5603 just told him: Dear ladies and fine gentlemen; Senators of Darudia! It is with great sorrow that I am here in front of you in this fateful day! President Gordon tries to assassinate me this morning! People roared in surprise- some were horrified, others disbelieve the claim. My guards prevent his action! He was afraid I could take his post as President! I beg him to make a plebiscite to see if people want me as the new King, or prefer him as the elected President for the next two years of his term! But he unsheathed a knife and if not defended by my guards, he would had killed me in the spot.- Darude said to the Assembly of Senators and important people. 17914 Same Senators asked for to be heard- Darude accepted them to speak- also, he appoints AB 5603 to speak in his behalf- and she used everything she finds best on her files, to convince the Senate to believe in Darudes words, and to call for a plebiscite where people will choose to live on a Republic, or in a Kingdom under Darudes command. Two days later, a plebiscite was granted. Thirty days waiting for the plebiscite! I can hardly wait a pair of hours!- Darude yelled to his Assistants. They were seated on chairs at the Council Hall; AB 5603 said: Dont think youll be waiting with nothing to do, dear! They will try to convince the people that a kingdom is no near as good as a democracy! Who are they, to act in such a way?- Darude asked her. The friends and associated people that President Gordon has on the government and clients! He was not ruling alone, you know.- She said. I guess no.- He mumbled. I am worry about your health! Ministers and important people will loose money, if you win the polls!- AB 5603 remarked. Yes, I understand your point of view. But I cannot wait for years on end! I have not an eternity more to live; I was told I am already an old person! I cannot wait.- Darude said.

I recommend you to keep on giving free meals, and perhaps some speeches in between! Tell the people that their troubles are about to end under your rule! Tell them you will be in touch with the rest of civilizations meaning the Federation of Planets, of course. Huge commercial interchanges are around the corner for them all! The possibility of to visit Earth by certain number of people each year, as a gift, could be instituted. AB 5603, who knew one of the reasons why kingdoms ends, was precisely because the royalty takes and takes, and gives nothing to the people. Darude reacted immediately, and said: Well have Dinner Houses around the city; exquisite plates will be served at no cost for them! Wine must be added, to produce the happiness that liquid could instill on humans hearts. And perhaps some gifts, too.- AB 5603 added. Presents, promises! I will promise the happiness for everyone, if necessary, to became King!- Darude said, with a dangerous glint in his eyes. 17915 The Election Day arrives- from the moment the ballots begin to be opened and names read, Darude was almost the only name selected. In the evening, the counting of the ballots ends (just males could vote in Darudia City); Darude was elected the King with the eighty six percent of the votes. He gives a long speech, thanking the people for their support; and assuring them that his future government will be one full of happiness and prosperity for all. That night, he went to the Spaceship with his two Synthetic Assistants, and closing the lock, he said: Now, I must make their dream come true! Call the Federation of Planets, and tell them that the King of planet III HORCRUXE, star Horcruxe, wants to make his planetary system a member of the Federation. I cant do that, dear! There is no transponder in sixty parsecs around us!- AB 5603 said. And did you have alternative B?- Darude asked her. A fast travel to Knapp, I suppose. They had means to call on Federation headquarters! Pity we had only one spaceship here, to make the errand myself.- AB 5603 said. No way! A trip to Knapp means ten months- plus two or three more waiting for an answer- who knows if they are interested in our solicitude of a membership!- Darude said. Call on somebody else, then! Send a natural person from here, in your representation.- AB 5603 proposes. 17916 But- I will be devoid of the Spaceship!- Darude said. Dont be afraid, dear! I will be with you.- AB 63216 said, kissing him. Of course! How could I forget that?- He laughed. With the Witch Battalion in here, you will be safe, dear. But first, see how many money there is at the Treasure chambers! I can buy ships and goods, make alliances, with gold and silver greasing the ball bearings!- AB 5603 said, and then Darude realizes he was going to let her part- for the sake of himself. The Treasurer arrives one hour later; he was summoned by some Witch warlords. Yes, Mr. President? You call on me?- The old man said, trembling with his ninety kilos of weight. I am your King, stupid! Tell me: how much gold and silver you get on those chambers?- Darude asked him. I assume several hundred kilos, Your Majesty!_ The Treasurer said, moping his forehead with a white handkerchief. AB 5603! Go with him and several of my guards, to see how much we had in stock!- Darude grumbled. Yes, dear! Lets go, Mr. Erifaldo!- She said to the Treasurer, who was very afraid of the situation. In his way to the vaults, he call on several more Witch guards, and with them securing the corridor at the Financial Building, she enters to the chamber with treasurer Erifaldo, who was fumbling with some keys. 17917 From the beginning, the old but cunning Treasurer finds objections to open vaults, boxes and doors; he didnt say no, but fumbled for keys, broke keys on locks, throw coins to the floor, until AB 5603 takes him by the neck, tied him to a beam, an with his LASER pistol, unlocks doors, vaults and boxes and even uses her radar on walls and floor, discovering more hidden secret chambers where anyone else would had never dreamt to find a pin. AB 5603 moved boxes, count gold in bars, coins, medal and chains; same thing she did with silver and platinum. Four hours of hard work at top speed throws end results: two thousand four hundred kilos of gold,

seven thousand two hundred kilos of silver, three hundred kilos of copper and bronze, this last mostly in statuettes. When finished, she sent notice of it to AB 63216, saying: Tell Darude we could buy a small new spaceship. Heres only two thousand four hundred of gold and seven thousand two hundred kilos in silver. Good work! I will tell him so. Please come back soon; hes rather nervous.- AB 63216 said. AB 5603 sent the Treasurer to prison; she locks the principal door to the Treasure Chamber, and walked fast towards Darude, who said, when at his presence: Pity you dont find more valuables, dear! Yes! This city has no real treasures in gold or silver, but certainly they dont need it much to feel happy.AB 5603 said. Perhaps we will have more luck at Lingnaur city! Prepare a Darudia battalion for me! I must impress them, also! I cannot send you back to Knapp with so little money!- Darude said, meaning she could not buy a fine spaceship with what she found at the Treasure chamber. But, dear! We have 128.690.000 Credits in here! Do you find this is little money?- AB 5603 said, knowing that he could buy a fine spacecraft if he wants. I prefer to go myself; lets see if we can make some more money. Call General Garbonko, and tell him I want a garrison with me in a trip to Lingnaur. 17918 She calls on the general staff at Darudia, and said to the commander in chief, General Garbonko: General: our King Darude needs a special unit capable of great sacrifices, for a trip to Lingnaur. He needs a special guard of honor, to make those people tremble at his sight. General Garbonko said: Oh! He is going to that land of magic and witchcraft! Certainly he needs an experienced battalion! I will provide him with the best I get! And with haste, he choose the soldiers among the Army of Darudia; Darude went to Lingnaur seven days later, Nixon receives him at the foot of the ladder, with a group of Sorcerers chanting incantations of good will, while fumes raise to the sky from magic cauldrons. I welcome you, Leader of Lingnaur! I create that title for you, Sir. Now theres nobody above you; even I am under your command! I expect to be complying with your former wishes!- Nixon B said, cunningly. You had read my mind! Also, as I see it, you dont loose your post or your prestige!- Darude smiled, acknowledging and understanding the fact that Nixon Beta was very clever. At your service, Leader! All my offices will be open for revision, any time you want.- Nixon said. They arrive to a tower, where huge saloons were occupied with people working in their different crafts. A big office in the second floor was given to Darude the Leader. Do you like it? Formerly a chemical room for students on Filters and Spells. We take all of them to the third floor, in this same building. Perhaps a faint odor of chemical components still lingers in here, but I am sure you will get accustomed to it!- Nixon B said, and Darude walked by the rooms, looking at shelves full of books, written in ancient signs of native origin. I find this very interesting. I also want a suite where to sleep next to this office, to rest if I choose to rest.Darude said. Of course, Leader! By now, you have four rooms next to this chamber! Five servants will be attending youno food dispensers on town- and no magic food neither! But you will find our cook is good enough! By the way, Leader, you should attend a gala dinner tonight! I will come here to accompany you there- so please dont dine too much beforehand.- Nixon B recommended him. Darude seats at the desk and said: I need more soldiers! I must begin my Empire! How many soldiers have you in the Army? Nixon leaned on the desk, saying: We have an Army here- composed of witches and magicians only! And how do they fight? Sending clouds of perfume, or perhaps enraged bats unto the enemy ranks?Darude questioned him. BY doing magic! And dont think its a joke! There are different kinds of magicians! The powerful ones summoned electricity from the atmosphere, and hurled against the enemy as balls of fire, birds or simply bolts 30.000 Watts of potency! There are others that could produce rainstorms, showers of stones, fumes so horrible to the nose that the enemy men die coughing! Others produce chilled winds that freeze eyes on their sockets, provoking mass blindness!- Nixon B explains. 17921 I see its no joke. But, have you seen these portents with your own eyes?- Darude asked him.

Well, not in person exactly! But it is what this folks told me! I have no doubt they somehow have some mastery on spells and the like! I had seen strange things while being here- some of these magicians tried their skills on me, at first.- Nixon B said. And were you in danger because of it?- Darude asked, interested in that theme. No, and the reason is because I am a Synthetic person. No organic material to corrupt in me.- Nixon B laughed spasmodically. The female natural servants appeared- they used long robes and carried a lot of boxes and utensils to the interior rooms. What are they doing? Darude asked. Their personal possessions, Leader they will live in here. And of course, some other maids are coming to serve you- I assure you that you will not miss your Synthetic Assistants while being here.- Nixon B said. That is a thing I put on doubt! They are far superior to any maid you could send me.- Darude replied. Of course, Leader of Lingnaur. Now I must go. Remember: Ill be back!- Nixon B said, and walked out, followed by his own retinue of six natural male Witch doctors. Darude sighed- that Synthetic person with his special personality was wearing him out. Dear: I can revise everything here, specially the maids- I am not sure they are so humble as they look.- AB 63216 said. Do it! You have my complete support! And find out about my battalion! Those people must eat and have a place to rest- better in here and somewhere else.- Darude said. Of course, dear.- AB 63216 said, and hurried out of the room. Darude looked on the shelves- books about Magic- and Magic trying to replace true Science, by mixing chemical compounds with incantations to beings of the netherworld. Some drawings always accompanied by explanations and recipes: a large copper cauldron was always on the list. At the desk, some pens, ink and papers- the rest of the drawers were emptied before he arrives to those rooms. AB 63216 come back- half an hour later- and said: You can sleep and rest here now without fears, my love! I clean and move evil things out of the way. Evil things- like what?- He asked, knitting his brows. Spiders and two rattlesnakes, dear. Perhaps the cleaning team didnt make their best effort at cleaning.She said, caressing his temples. All right! And about the servants, are they trustworthy?- He asked her. I would trust nobody, yet! Being humans, everything could be expected from them- no offense intended. No offense taken, darling! I know from what stuff we are made of!- Darude smiled bitterly. Yes: of microscopic egotistic cells!- She laughed back. 17922 He was with his retinue waiting at the corridor, and said: We are going out! I will walk among you, by the streets! I want populace to know me! Pity we had no music band, dear!- She smiled. But we should! Are there not bands at Lingnaur?- Darude asked Rargonfordion, the commanding officer of his personal guards. Only flutes, Sir. A pair of flute musicians marches before us, and we just walked behind. Nothing showy, I guess- but it marks the ascetic behavior we like to use in all of our daily chores.- Rargonfordion said. Guess that must be changed! I want banners fluttering on the air, a band playing, people cheering!- He said. Nothing of the sort was ever seen in this city, Sir.- Rargonfordion said, with a twist of his mustache. It is really a somber situation! But I will try to make some noise, just the same! Can you play a flute, darling?- Darude ask AB 63216. I better dont reveal my true self among this people, dear! While they believe I am human as they are, we will have great advantage.- AB 63216 said in his right hears. Forget the flute, then! Perhaps this people could chant some incantation while we march?- He said, looking at the commanding officer of his private guard. Of course, Sir, but I would stick to the flute! I have a good musician at hand: he will play for you.Rargonfordion said. When the man appears with his instrument, they marched by the cobbled streets with the musician playing tunes in front; people at the street looked at them in groups of surprised faces; but nobody cheers.

Two hours later, they return to Darudes quarters, and AB 63216 asked the maids to prepare rooms for the Guard, with beds and some tables to play cards or throw the dice, as she knew they liked to do. 17923 Nixon appeared and said: We have dinner ready! Please come with me. I will present you to the higher powers in town. As the Leader, I must have command of the Army Forces: I want them in full regalia for tomorrow at eight hundred hours.- Darude said. Of course, Leader. I will see they do that, and another thing, Sir: wish you could use a long robe tonight! To show you can adapt to their customs- the shock of you becoming the Supreme Commander and virtual Kaiser, could be diminished and accepted if you look some more like a native.- Nixon asked. Certainly true. Bring me traditional clothes for me and my woman; perhaps for five of my Darudia soldiers, too.- Darude said. Very smart of you, Sir.- Nixon said, and gives some orders; soon several maids come, and dressed them a la Lingnaur Style. The dinning room, at the Presidential Palace, was huge and well lit- several spheres of light, inside vacuum lamps, give sparkling rays while they lasted- from one to two hours- renewed and alight again by servants. The table had some seventy guests; males and females in equal numbers- Darude and AB 63216 on one extreme, President Nixon B on the other, and the rest in between. Each six persons near Darudes place presented themselves to him- he try to remember their names, while saluting. President Nixon B said: It is a great honor to me this evening to present the Leader 17924 Of our city and King of Darudia City, Mr. Darude Bean. He has come back from the remote past, being himself the founder of Darudia city. He has come to rule us. A silence of stone befell upon the people they were now shifting his glances from Nixon B to Darude, trying to know if it was a joke or not. Darude said: Good evening, guests. My spaceship has cannons capable of to make a channel eight meters wide and forty meters deep in any direction I command. The ray is so hot, that surrounding buildings catch fire over a distance of twelve meters each side of the channel. My vessel could fly day and night for ever. I can crisscross this city for ever, making a great cauldron out of it. Any questions? The visitors were fear stricken, so they didnt utter a word. Darude said: I am the King of Darudia, and now youre Leader. Anyone who opposed me faces death. My people are no ordinary people you can kill easily. President Nixon B here is my servant. A lady laughed out of mental tension. Darude blushed and said: President Nixon, come here. Nixon approaches, and Darude said: now you kneel before me. But, Leader!- He said, not willing to obey- or his prestige will be ruined for ever. Obey or you will be disconnected for ever!- Darude said, pointing at him with a LASER gun that was hidden until then on the ample clothes he was using. Nixon kneeled and Darude, sensing the Synthetic eman was going to be more of a nuisance for him in the future, shoot at his head and chest; a black acrid smoke begin, sparks of burn material flying around- the guests run to the door and disappear in the blackness of the night like crows. The Guards from Darudia who were present looked at the thing they 17925 Believed, until then, it was a man. Guess I spoil this dinner, darling. Lets get back to our chambers.- Darude said, taking AB 63216 by the hand. At the next day, several Masters of Witchcraft appears at his office, offering to serve him right; Darude accepted their offers, saying: I am happy that you decided to help me! I want a powerful reign where everyone cooperates with each other! We will have a meeting in the Dark House- here in the city. Some of us want you present, there. Dont worry of us anymore: we are your obedient serfs.- Master Lohen said, bowing in accordance. I have nothing against magic, if you produce gold.- Darude said, thinking he has now the best chance to become powerful. The Master of Magic Lohen smiled, and said: gold we can reproduce, but only for a few hours- then it corrupts into the previous matter involved.

Master Fofadion, a fat man in his sixties, said: We are Lingnaur people: not everyone is a witch or a magician. Common people are the most of us. We teach at the House of Magic; only thirty students are allowed every year to begin their learning lessons on the secret arts. The apprentice finishes their studies after three years- working at the Defense or at the Legendary Legion Ministry are their two options to serve right. Beyond that, of course, is Medicine for the Body and the Mind- several Students choose that career. 17926 I will end that tradition! I will appoint a garrison to defend the city.- Darude said. You cant possibly finish it!- Shuangor, a fine tall man said, caressing his gold medal that was hanging around his neck by a black leather cord. And why not? Magic scares people- but can stop an Army?- Darude asked him. Of course, Sir!- Shuangor replied, and Lohen said: Our enemies could attack us with magic- diseases coming on yellow clouds could wipe your garrison as a swarm of flies! You must blend: you cannot finish. Darude rubbed his chin and said; So be it! Possibly I misunderstand the situation. I will bring a garrisonyou will keep your traditions.- Darude promised. If they come here, we could go there.- Shuangor said. Possibly yes. As medics?- Darude asked him. And Magicians too! To protect the city of Darudia from spells! The rest of the cities on this world are now aware of your presence and know about your plans.- Shuangor said, with a rare inflection of his voice. I have no objections. I will provide you with a castle or two, there. I want harmony among my people.Darude said, smiling. Master Lohen produce a bottle of green liquor, and said: this is a strong repellent for evil potions, Sir. A drop of this and you will be freed from Black Spells for life. Darude saw how Lohen drops three gouts on a silver spoon, and then handled it for him to swallow. Darude said: I will take this trusting in you, that its not poison. Of course.- Lohen said. The drops in his mouth produces a chill, and Darude feels how is mouth turns into something solid like a stone- when follows his throat- then he blacks out. 17927 Shuangor the Magician looked how the flesh and bone of Darudes body turns itself in grey stone, and said: His statue will be erected at the Tower of Remembrance, with the others who come to rule us in the past. A fine memory of a fleeting reign. The rest of the Magicians smiled, and departed to run their daily business. AB 63216 caressed the stone head, while sending a radio message to the rest of the Synthetic people: Our master is dead; we no longer belongs to anybody. Disconnection is needed, but the place and time is for each one of us to choose. General Garbonko was intrigued. The King didnt return from Lingnaur city and their men were with him. Prepare an airplane! We will visit Lingnaur in haste!- He said, sensing something evil had happened- three hours later, he arrived to Lingnaur and the pilot managed to land on a stretch of flat land, near the south wall. At the gates, a delegation of Witch Masters appears. I am General Garbonko, from Darudia city! Our King Darude Bean comes here and we are worried about him and a garrison of Darudia he brought along.- Garbonko said in a strong voice, looking straight at the robbed men in front. Master Lohen said: I am Lohen, Guardian of the city of Lingnaur! Welcome to our humble abode. Our Leader Darude Bean was with us at a reunion, but suddenly he feels a pain and died; he was entombed. A statue of him pays respect to his person on our Tower of Remembrance. Please come inside our city and see for yourself. And my men?- General Garbonko said, swallowing hard at the bad news. They are lodged at tower sixty six. You can come in and have your stay in there, General Garbonko. We are your friends. General Garbonko was not happy to be among terrible magicians, but tried hard not to show it; with his retinue of six soldiers went inside the city of Lingnaur, visited both places and after a small reception offered by the Masters, went to sleep at a bed on Tower 66- he was sure those magicians killed the newly selfelected King of Darudia, but there was no way to probe it- specially, when his two maid Assistants were missing. The End.

Wednesday 5.8.2009 7.8.2009 ends typing of this tale. AJF at EMRM. Adendum.

Apatosaurus obsolete synonym Brontosaurus, is a genus of sauropod dinosaur that lived about 150 million years ago in Earth Planewt, Solar System, during the Jurassic Period (Kimmeridgian and Tithonian ages). It was one of the largest land animals that ever existed there, with an average length of 23 meters and a mass of at least 23 metric tons (25 short tons). The name Apatosaurus means 'deceptive lizard', so-given because the chevron bones were similar to those of a prehistoric marine lizard, Mosasaurus. The composite term Apatosaurus comes from the Greek names apate ()/apatelos () meaning 'deception'/'deceptive' and sauros () meaning 'lizard'. The cervical vertebrae were less elongated and more heavily constructed than those of Diplodocus and the bones of the leg were much stockier (despite being longer), implying a more robust animal. The tail was held above the ground during normal locomotion. Like most sauropods, Apatosaurus had only a single large claw on each forelimb, with the first three toes on the hind limb possessing claws.
Dinosaurs abound out of the Solar System; their species are remarkable similar to the Earth extinct animals, reinforcing the theory that says Earth suffered a terrible cataclysm in ancient times, that ends with the life of that beautiful race of beings- perhaps the best organic mechanism Nature had ever developed. Knapp XII Vorbeugen Company Spaceship builder and reseller. Copper. 1 ton = 1.179.542 Credits. 70 tons = ABT621 ABT320, Translucent Synthetic persons (mining at Lubinas). Doctor Fegina from Rixiaberg Hospital, together with 3 other Natural Nurses. Siriana, the Michigan ballet dancer who went to Lubina. Canaca Stores, Used & New Synthetic Assistants, Rixiaberg. Gorent, Delegate of Lubina Town Rakron de Elder, from the tribe who arrives to Lubina to stay. Others; Gockrin and Telal. Hucine, in-built pilot at the Orb. Gorjan, vendor of the Orb to Darude. Bleta, second officer at the Police Station of Lubina town. Captain Nefrate of the military (Royal Army of Oredloro) airship Darude Bean, farmer, Chamberlain, Governor (III) Substitute, Dahlia Fore, wife of Darude, IV Governor of Lubina. Ospero, 40, farmer Garina, Wife of Ospero. Lemont, 48, farmer, thin. Olson Fordin, Secretary Farmers Asoc. Korb, Treasurer Farmers Asoc. Sir Borondio, first Gov. of Lubina Town Miss Lucila, Secretary to Sir Borondio. Cucional, Warehouse chief King Lugner of Knapp.

Lubina town, 1230 pop. 840 km north of Rixiaberg. Lady Shurvana, II Gov of Lubina. Afrenios, Mountain ridge to the north. Simpbour, Gral Manager Bank of Lubina Farmer Asoc of Lubina Lord Alviano, Minister of Colonies (Oredloro) Frascoli, Sub Minister of Colonies, (Oredloro) Honey AB6566 E-woman, Assist to Darude Bean AB3432, Manager Copper Mines AB6342 E-female Eurotapalos, Chief Architect at Lubina Fatualer, mercenary, Chief of Police Lubina Station Nineton, Sgt. Major of Lubina Police Station (dead in action) Kingle, Policeman, Chief Police Station at Copper mines. Prof Moe, from Oredloro University Prof Larry and Curly, from Oredloro University (disappeared). Prince Garach, 24, Oredloro. Sir Vasquin, Chief Royal Hangar, Oredloro. Count Oxigarbio, chief Acquisitions Department of Defense Oredloro. Lady Eighfor, Wife to Lord Alviano. Tovailed, people at the second Continent. Joina, Synthetic E-woman, Asist. To Darude. Daina, idem Lord Iactatus, Com of Frigate Direptio. Facfactor, first officer at the Frigate Direptio. Continent Zvei , or East.

Force field XI Knapp: Knappian Synthetic persons E-people made at Oredloro: Names of Class AA806: Shuleter, metallic AA806 342 730 (Architect). Sinerber, metallic AA806 342 830 Askarber, metallic AA806 392 392 Atisinerer, metallic AA806 392 100 Costonoker, metallic AA806 392 123 Umsteiger, metallic AA806 322 230 Carbaser metallic AA806 302 102 JG model. Similar to a human being. Workers Class made in Knapp: Under Governor Shurvanas : X30 0033 X20 0934 X03 d9s X02 s9 AB-0000 series.

Addendum & Data: Characters of the tale and other information: Captain Lucho Urrutia of the Poderoso space freighter. Crew: Pinto, Bope and Diaz. Three were the kidnapped, minus one who is doctor Mauvan; now her niece Nicole Covarrubias deserted (to be helping the two at the walled city). The remaining crew is: Commander: Mundifico First Officer: Lulu, Second Officer: Belone, Pilots: Reggie; Technical Advisors: Kette, Gosse. Chief Engineer Alberto Oyarce, Mechanic: Gayuba Inscite. Doctor: Jaime Mauvan. Crew: Brandon Cornejian, Chuan Despero, Dango Etenim, Dolobre Yalus, Ebonita Inaures, Hunabku Limax, Fernan Salvatierra, Inocencia Gomez. The kidnapped are: Jorge Alvarez, Ignacio Gutierrez, Liliana Nadir. Rescuer: Nicole Covarrubias. Queen Ester of Malehn (The anuk is their language). Chancellor Fagadon- Friends: Gofrend (farthing); Chilin, Sikabon- bald Tarken, Princess Dhaleng, Esters niece. Sobrina - governed the walled city of Firnuca, and the queen usually abides in there. Lord Flurd, chief officer of Dhalengs Army. Lord Buchon , officer of Dhalengs Army. Larconian, Keymaster of the Dungeons Brandon Cornejian, student. The man of the maps. Crew of the Orb: Jaime Mauvan, Doctor- Nicole Covarrubias, Doctor- Chuan Despero, Dango Etenim, Dolobre Yalus, Ebonita Inaures, Gayuba Inscite, Hunabku Limax, Ignacio Gutierrez, Fernan Salvatierra, Inocencia Gomez, Jorge Alvarez, Liliana Nadir, Alberto Oyarce. Ribardo, guide from the Perico Hotel. Earth. CROVAILOBA the golden Robot of Professor Rubosa (Both killed in an explosion) Professor Rubosae, owner of an Orb Spaceship (diameter 40 meters.) MALE MODEL Class AA3... Belone SERIAL NUMBER... BL 19568 FEMALE MODEL. Class AA3...Reggie SERIAL NUMBER...BL18303 MALE MODEL. Class AA3...Lulu SERIAL NUMBER...BL19303... FEMALE MODEL. Class AA3....Kette SERIAL NUMBER...BL 19322... FEMALE MODEL. Class AA3....Gosse SERIAL NUMBER...BL 19393... Four Mining male models, Class ARTO3. Serial Number ML 393, Serial number ML 330, Serial Number ML 390, Serial Number 391. Two Mining male models Class CA, Serial Number CA 20, Serial Number CA 29. 4.304.000 million Credits the six mining Series. Bought at Epeople from the Knapp 10: Hand kit, to be used at hard labor. Brains Class AB-CXO, similar to model CX. Names of Class AA806: Shuleta, metallic AA806 340 730 Sinerbio, metallic AA806 340 830 Askarbio, metallic AA806 390 392 Atisinerio, metallic AA806 393 100 Costonokio, metallic AA806 393 123 Umsteigen, metallic AA806 320 230 Carbasus, metallic AA806 300 102 JG model. Ronaxa, model AA4 number 93 Knapp 11 (Earth made.) Knappian people: King Lugner of Knapp Isildur: Prime Minister of Lugner.

Seiten, scientific; Vorrang Emontecinos, helper. Seiten (desde): tourist Vorrang (primacia) assistant to Seiten 250.000 Rolos (price of the first mechabot) Easypeople Company, etc. 1.000.000 Rolos model JG Model BA 35 350.000 Rolos Battery life span: 182 years, 6.000 Credits. Workable In, 14 model AB 35 no software 1 million Credits each. AB 35 series 63 400 Yasuri. Mechamen model 29 OD . AB 35 Brunilde, Lirian, Yasuri. WKR03, paralyzing weapon 2 M Credits. BA 35 model, price 350.000 Rolos - Easypeople Company. Model AA806. Metallic. Correlate = 125.000 credits = 17.500 Rolos 62.500 credits = 8.750 Rolos 31.250 credits = 4.375 Rolos 1 million credits = 140056.02 Rolos 7, 14 credits - 1 Rolos 1 Rolos = 7.14 credits Note about speedways: The concept of a megalopolis based on high-speed walkways is common in science fiction. The first works set in such a location are A Story of the Days To Come (1897) and When The Sleeper Wakes (1899) (also republished as The Sleeper Awakes) written by H. G. Wells, which take place in a future London. Thirty years later, the silent film Metropolis (1927) depicted several scenes showing moving sidewalks and escalators between skyscrapers at high levels. Later the Roads Must Roll (1940), written by Robert A. Heinlein, depicts the risk of a transportation strike in a society based on similar-speed sidewalks. The novel is part of the Future History saga, and takes place in 1976. Isaac Asimov, in the novel The Caves of Steel (1954) and its sequels in the Robot Series, uses similar enormous underground cities with a similar sidewalk system. The period described is about the year 3000. In each of these cases, there is a massive network of parallel moving belts, the inner ones faster. Passengers are screened from wind, and there are chairs and even shops on the belt. In the Robert Anson Heinlein work, the fast lane runs at 180 km/h, and the first mechanical road was built in 1960 between Cincinnati and Cleveland. The relative speed of two adjacent belts is an unrealistic 20 km/h (in the book the fast lane stops, and the second lane keeps running at 160 km/h). In the Wells and Asimov, works there are more steps in the speed scale and the speeds are less extreme. In Arthur C. Clarkes novel, Against the Fall of Night (later rewritten as The City and the Stars) the Mega city of Diaspar is interwoven with moving ways which, unlike Heinleins conveyor belts, are solid floors that can mysteriously move as a fluid. On pages 11-13 of the novel, Clarke writes, An engineer of the ancient world would have gone slowly mad trying to understand how a solid roadway could be fixed at both ends while its center traveled at a hundred miles an hour... The corridor still inclined upwards, and in a few hundred feet had curved through a complete right angle. Only logic knew this: to the senses, it was now as if one were being hurried along a level corridor. The fact that he was in reality traveling up a vertical shaft thousands of feet deep gave Alvin no sense of insecurity, for a failure of the polarizing field was unthinkable. In Strygatsky brothers Noon universe the worldwide network of moving roads is the one of the first mega projects undertaken on newly united Earth before the advent of FTL starships and its consequences turned everybodys attention to the stars. These roads there are quasi-living organisms close to Clarkes description and were used for both local commuting and long-distance non-urgent transport until their eclipse in form of instant teleportation network. The animated TV series The Jetsons depicts moving walkways everywhere, even in private homes.

Music: http://www.seeqpod.com/search/?plid=77ad52bf14 *1 Immortal - (Deutschland). *2 Sobretasa CHART OF DISTANCES AT THE SECOND BRANA. In Spaceship Standard Model : Knapp to Aurean 2 months Knapp to Suyam 3 months Knapp to @ Eridani 20 months Knapp to Reticule B 12 months Knapp to @ Centaury 10 months Aurean to Knapp Aurean to Suyam Aurean to Earth Aurean to @ Eridani Aurean to Reticule B Aurean to @ Centaury Aurean to M23 2 months 2 months 2 months 2 months 2 months 2 months 5 months

AUREAN PLANETARY SYSTEM Aurean2 to First Planet 1 day Aurean2 to Third Planet 3 days Aurean 2 to Fourth Planet 6 days Aurean 2 to Fifth Planet 9 days Distances between cities. Oredloro to Oxiborion Oredloro to Rixiaberg Oredloro to Lubina Oxiborion to Lubina Rixiaberg to Oxiborion Rixiaberg to Lubina Rixiaberg to Canae River 20 Kilometers 800 Kilometers 1640 Kilometers 1660 Kilometers 1100 Kilometers 840 Kilometers 600 Kilometers

BREVIARIUM KNAPIANUS XI 1 Mundifico booked at Hotel Varela, downtown Oredloro 6 He receives secret information by Lalita at the War Ministry, that Gertrude could help him get the 7 Information he wants 8 Then he sold it to Tallius 9 He went to Oxiborion 10 Seatown 11 Then to 12 Shekik 13 Town, where he 14 Sensed the peoples 15 Nervous about the 16 Possibility of spies 17 Lurking their streets.

18 Enemies of Knapp Kingdom begin 19 An attack 20 Falans they are 21 From Carina star 22 Who wages war 23 On the neighbor 24 Planetary 25 Systems 26 And 27 Now 28 Its the 29 Turn for 30 To seize Knappian 31 Kingdom, but 32 As the King was finishing the 33 Signatures 34 With The 35 Federation of Planets 36 He was 37 Defended by them. 38 So the Falans were defeated 16511 And Mundifico attends a celebration at the Royal Gardens. The keel of the Ship Argos is the location of Beta Carinae, home to the Falans. 16514 He moves to Rixiaberg after buying 2 E-males and 3 E-females. There he stayed living in luxury. 57 Doctor Rubeose exchange his Orb for the Mundifico Wagon Flyer for a time 58 He made a trip 59 From Knapp to 60 Earth in two hours by a jump into Hyperspace- Chile. He bought batteries for the Synthetics while on Earth Planet. 61 He also danced and has a good time on Earth. 62 Back to Knapp. 63 He visits 64 Dr. Rubeose 65 As he want to offer money for his Orb spaceship. 66 Rubeose refused but then he died in a fire. Mundifico returns to Earth in order to repair some minor malfunctions on the Orb, at 67 The Wonorb Orb Industries68 Two months waiting for the repairs to be made. 69 Brandon Cornejian 70 Presents himself as an able Student, capable for the replacement of any other crew members- he had worked in the Government Mass Manipulation Center. 71 He visits Antarctica. 72 They give it back the Orb, so he takes off with the Synthetics, the doctor and the Student. 73 Dr. Jaime Mauvan 74 Is hired as a doctor; he had worked at the Gob. In the manipulation of masses through electronic means. 16710 Queen Ester of Mahlen, Princess Dhaleng. His niece Lord Flurd, chief officer at Dhalengs Army. Domes. Lord Edoin, Minister of Agriculture, Count Drajul, Walled site, city castle, Lord Bucho, Chancellor Fagadon, kingdom of Barkisan, Larconian Keymaster of the Dungeons were there. 16712 Prince Dhaleng with her guards attacked the crew of the Orb in a swift movement they capture doctor Mauvan, Lemueldo Murita, and others. 16747 Doctor Mauvan Learns Their Language. Priests Chili and Tarken say is the Princess Dhaleng is a dangerous person.

Doctor Mauvan talks with Chancellor Fagadon 16748 And gives info about himself and his civilization 16749 The Aurean 16750 show him some god given items- he discovered in them old artifacts of his own civilization. 16751 Priests talks about this- they fear truth and not religion could reign if Doctor Mauvan explain publicly his knowledge. 16752 The priests decide Mauvan must work for them in secret. 6 16756 At the Orb, the kidnapping troubles Mundifico; he sent Belone and Nicole Covarrubias to that city. However, they failed and Nicole is wounded .They return to the Orb. 16757 Mundifico moved the Orb to a place where to dig for metals. 16758 They dig. 16759 They find some gold, silver and copper. 16770 Nicole is recovered and returns to the Walled city with Belone to the rescue. 16773 Searching for the prisoners at the city. 16774 They are at the Tower of the Princess Dhaleng 16775 They fight to rescue Dr. Mauvan 16780 Nicole goes back to rescue the rest who are: Chuan Despero, Dango Etenim, Dolobre Yalus, Ebonita Inaures, Gayuna Inscite, Hunakbu Limax, Fernan Salvatierra, Inocencia Gomez, Alberto Oyarce. 16787 A the digging place 16788 Attack of the Pinacosaur 16792 They dig at the mine 16800 The big asteroid 16806 Glass is found at the asteroid 16810 They went to Earth to sell the gold at Chicago city. 16818 The gold is sold 16819 Bargaining 16820 They went to Santiago Chile Cosmodrome 16830 Pachanga Restaurant 16832 Tourism at Santiago 16835 Visiting Orb vessels. Mundifico bought 4 mining models Class ARTO3 Serial numbers ML393, ML330, ML390, ML391 and 2 mining models Class CA Serial number CA20, CA29, plus sets. At the Cullin Works Org. 16840 Mundifico at a Resort Hotel at a beach with his E-women. 16849 Mundifico hired mining drills and machines from the Cobra Corporation. Captain Urrutia of the cargo vessel Poderoso, crew officers Pinto Bope and Diaz. 16856 On the way to the golden planet 16869 They all arrived and with Shuttlecrafts, the machines are lowered to the ground .The captain Urrutia returns to Earth. 16871 The miners are called ERBO834, ERBU040, DEK 0300, DEK0322, UNT0425, UNT0302, or Erbo ,Deko, Dektu, Untfive, Untwo. 16872 They went to work at the mine. 16878 The work begin 16880 Mundifico returns to the walled city, and hit several buildings with missiles and rescued the kidnapped ,firing LASER beams. 16887 They think another digging place could be better than the first. 16888 Arriving to a new place of digging, among the mountains. Gold is found. Mundifico set course to Earth, with 8 kg of gold, 12 kg of silver, 65 tons of copper. 16895 At the solar system 16899 They arrive to Chicago and sold the metals. Brando Cornejian called his daughters, but he is not welcomed. 16903 Cornejian bought clothes 16911 Cornejian had date with a woman : Lia 16920 Cornejian went to visit Lia. 16921 Out to dance with Lia

16922 At a Restaurant Lia- Cornejian; small dance 16926 Lia returns to her place in a hurry. 16932 With Lia shopping. Later Cornejian meets Professor Wormbur, who owns some Sumerian Clay Tablets. 16947 At professor Wormburs place, a nice daughter. He shows his cuneiform writings. Mundifico stole a tablet and sold it at a Pawn Shop. 16952 Miss Wormbur calls the Police when his father died of an earth attack, blaming Cornejian of it, as he stole an important Tablet from the deceased one. Cornejian returns to the Orb. 16965 Mundifico bought more Miners from the Oredlorian Cyborg Industries. 16966 Five miners bought. Gosse is sold. 16970 Cornejian at a luxury Hotel with 2 E-women. 16983 Cornejian escapes from the Hotel with the Police on his heels- helped by the two E-females. 16984 Cornejian at the Orb, scared. Mundifico rents two E-females for the use of him and Cornejian .Holly pb 2983, Marlene. They travel back to the Golden planet, miners set to work; Cornejian on a scientific travel, lost Marlene and come back on foot and with some apes. 16999 Cornejian informed how she was smashed her head and is not working but the body was saved. 17000 Cornejian mourns about Marlene the Synthetic female; Mundifico sees about the Apes Cornejian brought. He decides to sell them to some Earthian Zoology. Mundifico rented two Efemales at Cullin Works- another for himself and the other to Cornejian (Model AB35) to replace the one drowned at the river. Mundifico sold the Simians. They visit the city of Chicago (Earth). They also visit Santiago Chile. NBooked at the Alfredonius Hotel, there, Mr. Uriangobo told them he knew where to find the ones who shaped the human race. The Nigerian Uriangobo gets a place on the Orb, together with his daughter. Later, Uriangobo tried to steer the Orb directly to the Anunnaki whereabouts, but was discovered and put to sleep, together with his daughter. 17001 Back to the Aurean Planet, Lulu and Belone saluted them back. Lots of gold, Pteranousaurs, 380 kgs. Gold, 103 kg. Silver, 3902 kg pure copper. The Uriangobo couple is dumped on an island, in order not to take cryiogenized people to the Anunnaki realm. 17002 Chapter 7. In search of Nibiru at Chi1ORI. 17003 They found deserted ruins at V. At II planet, they find spacecraft- someone called Saracen authorized them to land near the Equator, speaking in Interlingua. When disembarking, several small beings directed them by deserted but guarded corridors to a hall where five Giants were seated on high chairs. Mundifico presents himself as Knappian- a giant said they only know about Earth humanoids. Cornejian (as an Earthling) thanks them for the granting of intelligence. 17003. Kirio (Anunnaki) asked if humans are not satisfied with the life they get. Another giant said 9.000 years had passed since his race abandoned the Earth. Another said life is the ultimate goal to be enjoyed. Then they were dismissed. 17004. Chapter 8. Colonization of Aurean planet. Reggie said two months takes the trip to the Aurean planet from there. Mundifico and Cornejian put to hibernation - a small Grey went out of a compartment- the Anunnaki wants to know where the Knappian lives, in order to watch them too! Reggie explains they accepted to take him on board, or else the Orb would have been retained forever at Chi1OR-2. Then she killed the Grey with a LASER beam. 17005. They take the naturals before the entrance to the Aurean Planetary system. At the mine, some workers were in bad shape, with the excess of work. 17006. At Earth, where they replaced the Workers for others in working order. Mundifico went to speak with Mr. Peacock who receives his application to be Administrator of the Aurean Planetary System. 17009. Peacock writes it down- a sun class 1, places at Branas 2, Coordinates jdi00ks- xis29029 at 932 parsecs from Earth (plus Jump). Five planets. 17019 Peacock finds him acceptable, after revising his affidavit. 17020 The name was Star System Aurean, II planet, Aureo, he obtained the Mandate and its obligations. 17024 They bought some more spaceships and returns to Aurean Planetary System. 17025 They had five hunters and a Cruiser around planet V- orbital Stations on every planet. 17036 Mining operations at the Third planet. Detected were seven strange spaceships. Kette informed that at the next Planetary system (nine inhabitable planets) are dangerous neighbors.

17037 Mutiny at the orbital Station around planet 3- reduced with the help of captain Eforn and several Hunter spaceships. 17038 Admiral Marlo Foss. 17040 Kette explained the enemy tampered the Synthetics at the Orbital Station. 17041 At the new Cruiser, Mundifico is worried. 17042 Admiral Marlo says forty Synthetics were infected. 17044 Three fighters at Aurean III, the rest with the Cruiser to the Second planet. 17045. Two enemy vessels incoming. The bigger one is hit by a C Beam from the Cruiser and exploded. 17046 C Rays destroyed another big alien spaceship, the last is boarded and the crew captured - they are aliens of three eyes, no head, stump instead of legs.16 prisoners, Energy and figures of the alien vessel differs from known artifacts of flight. 17049 Mundifico talked with Reggie- Lulu is calling. 17050 Lulu show him new buildings and mines. 17051 Cornejian said he is working hard administering Banks and Firefighters Stations. 17052 Cornejian believe more in Naturals than in Synthetics to organize the System. Mundifico gives him the title of Minister of Foreign affairs. Cornejian prefers to be the major of Aurean Town. 17053 Cornejian accepts the title, for a while. Mundifico also nominate him Governor of Aurean Town. Cornejian believe in Socialism. 17054 Cornejian is building a Capitol Building. 17055 Cornejian talks about Hitler plans- he had a memory chi[p in his brain. Mundifico said he was not going to be an avenger but an Administrator. 17056 Cornejian urges him to visit the neighboring planetary system and take revenge. 17057 Mundifico want to appoint Kings in his hew Empire. General Mervio, Admiral Marlo is astonished. Kings by planets: Fifth planet = Lulu; Fourth = Belone; Third = Reggie; Second = Cornejian; First = Kette. In addition, Mundifico is the Emperor with the seat of Government at the Second planet (the only with breathable atmosphere). 17061 Aurean City on planet 2. Admiral Marlo to Fifth planet. 17062 Mundifico asks for two more Cruisers. The first to appear in a week. 17063 4.000 people on the Fifth planet (2200 Naturals). 17064 Other sites are being tested for ores. 17065 Mundifico want more Orb spaceships. Lulu is in charge of Acquisitions. 17069 Lulu informs that there are Natural females in the staff. 17070. Lulu presents Technicians to Mundifico. 17071. Blueprints. 17073 Miss Arandula (Chief Architect) and some other Natural females present. 17074 Dinne with Arandula . 17075 She cannot be a virgin... 17076 Mundifico flirted with Arandula. 17077 Mundifico dance with Arandula. 17078 Mundifico and Arandula visiting the Second mining field in the Orb- they kissed each other. 17080 Enemy ship approaching. The Cruiser sounds the alert. 17081 The enemy fired upon them. 17082 One lesser alien vessel destroyed. The Cruiser was hit and exploded. The Hunter vessels arrive- six Hunters. 17084 Captain Masados want to fight but Mundifico ordered the retreat to the Second planet. Lady Arandula is on the Orb. 17085 King Belone of the Fourth planet. 17086 Civil administrators Wallak of the Orbital Station at IV planet. Aurean planet, Aurean city, Arandula want to go, but Mundifico find it hard to obey. 17087 In orbit of IV planet. 17088 Fighters in orbit of the IV planet awaits the new cruiser in four days elapsed time. Esfran, captain, said enemy is plundering the V planet. 17089 Captain Rodriguez said they must prevent the new Cruiser about the presence of the alien fleet at V planet - four days to the arrival of the Cruiser. 17092 Mundifico went to planet V, where they saw enemy ships.

17093 Mundifico defeats them. Then, at the surface of V. 17094 Several damages at the Mundifico space fleet. But enemy reinforces appears, and Mundifico flies from there. 17096 Mundifico lands with the Orb on the planet and waits for a clearance in the sky. 17097 They take off at full speed, after some hours. 17098 They departed to Knapp Oredloro city. 17100 King Lugner refuses to sell spaceships if not to subjects of his. 17101 Fogonder, ship builder, says he cannot sell without royal orders. 17102 Mundifico is contacted with ship smugglers (ACER290), a synthetic entity who provides him with smuggled war ships from the Royal Knappian shipyards: 2 cruisers, 5 destroyers, 2 hunters. 17106 They arrive to Aurean Planetary system and the enemy attacks. With the Neutron Beam and missiles, Alliance Starfleet defeats those enemy ships. 17108 Admiral Salter is appointed as such. 17109 Back to Aurean planet. 17110 Mundifico calls to a reunion, stating more gold from the mines are needed. 17111 Reggis and Kette have no gold on their worlds. 17115 A cargo trip is devised. 17118 A gold convoy to Knapp- Mundifico at its command. 17120 Orb and 2 cargo vessels on route to Knapp 17124 In deep space. 17128 Again begging for more spaceships to the king Lugner. 17129 Minister Olbog repeats: no serfs of King Lugner, no sells. However, other Administrators are asking for vessels. 17130 Olbog said: Administrators of planetary systems, appointed by people at other Branas, must be under their rule. 17131 The Requesters refused and organized a small fleet with every battle ship they own. Administrators: Jorge Masir, Colus (star 368-20, no Terraformed planets, 18 mining fields, 1 Cruiser, several armed Freighters. The Alliance of Planets is born. Elected President: Mundifico. War Ministry: Jorge Masir; Administrator Salter: commander of the Fleet. 17143 Administrator Covarrubias, over Delta Spoon, one planet, 18 big satellites, with mining operations going on- mineral exported to Knapp. 17145 Administrator Covarrubias has several female Synthetics at his service, on subterranean palace. 17146 His synthetic females attend Mundifico and other visits. 17147 Mundifico made plans. 17149 Administrator Covarrubias has great ideas for the future. 17150 Adm. Covarrubias show his installations through a holographic projector. 17151 Adm. Covarrubias is wealthier than he shows. 17153 Commander Salter made plans to attack the Pirates of Space. 17154 The Alliance Fleet nearing Delta Spoon whereabouts. 17155 Spoon B inhabited by Rumanians. 17157 Commander Salter and the Fleet patrol the area around Spoon B. 17158 The Fleet is in waiting for several days. 17160 Tired of to wait; Mundifico offers himself and the Orb to go scouting near other stars. 17161 Bored, Mundifico learns about Genetics- soon afterwards, the pirates appear. 17163 Enemy ships closing up against the scout Orb commanded by Mundifico. Admiral Salter goes to the rescue. 17164 Pirates crossing mining fields planted by the Allied Starfleet. Orb spaceship fires missiles against the pirates, but to not avail- force fields stronger than supposed. 17165 Admiral Salter in battle; pirates are captured, others dead. They said their base it is at a moon. B2m603 star system. 17166 At the moon, Faroden continent has the pirate base. Its guarded by several warships. 17170 Admiral Salter when nearing the pirate planetary system is aware of 17171 pirate fleet in waiting. War plans are devised. 17172 Pirates on sight. Forty vessels different sizes. 17173 Mundifico on his Orb, Lulu at the guns. The pirates hit an Alliance Cruiser.

17174 Another Hunter is hit. Admiral Salter is killed when his Cruiser is hit. Mundifico runs out. 17177 Mundifico set course to Aurean P.S.; Alliance Starfleet is destroyed. 17178 Arrival to Aurean; King Cornejian cannot believe the defeat. 17180 Miss Arandula welcomes his former lover Mundifico, believing he defeats the pirates. 17181 Mundifico is jealous of Arandula, who dances with others and has too many friends. 17182 Lulu made inquiries: Arandula is innocent and loyal to Mundifico, but has many friends. 17183 Mundifico stops a dancing party and told Arandula to behave, as he wants. 17184 King Cornejian gives all the gold he gets from his gold mines, for to buy warships. 17185 The jealous Mundifico rejects Arandula. Holly takes her place. 17186 Finally, the news spread among the people: the defeat of the Alliance Fleet is known. Alliance Administrators called on Mundifico asking his renounce to the post. 17205 Administrator Colus is enraged by the loss of the Fleet; Jorge Masir defends Mundifico, Administrator Seredon ask for the removal of Mundifico as President, Administrator Johanson ask for names to elect a new President. 17206 Jorge Masir is the new elected President of the Alliance Space fleet. He appoints Mundifico as his second in command (no official title ascribed). 17207 New battleships are bought, this time at Earth. 17208 New battleships are 3 Cruisers, 4 Frigates, 17 Hunters, 1 Orb. They set prow to Alpha Moll, where Administrator Seredon is asking for help. 17209 Asked, Mundifico says Replicants are not to be built in numbers, or they are going to replace humankind. Arrival to Alpha Moll star. 17212 Administrator Seredon at Alpha Moll, planet 3 in terraforming progress, not habitable yet. 17213 Enemy ships appear, and they are seven Frigates, four Battle ships, eight Hunters, three Orbs. 17214 Two Alliance Hunters downed, three Frigates damaged on the first encounter; at the second encounter, another Hunter is damaged, but the enemy lost a Frigate; a Cruiser from the Alliance is hit. Jorge Masir, who was at the satellite, is rescued by the Mundificos orb. From there, to the Cruiser Mefaga. 17221 President Masir went to the surface of the satellite at the Cruiser Mefaga. 17222 A ground enemy battery opens fire against the Mefaga, severing it in two pieces. 17224 From the Orb, Lulu gunned the enemy battery with LASER rays, and fused the C Beam Cannon out of action, but his brain is burnt when the First Law is disobeyed. 17225 Alliance Fleet orbiting the satellite at Alpha Moll 3 amounts to three Frigates badly damaged and four Hunters. Mundifico calls captains to a virtual reunion, taking the command of the Space Fleet without resistance, due to the disappearance of the President Masir and his staff aboard the Mefaga. 17226 Mundifico sent troops to the mining fields and towns, appeasing the incoming revolt. 17227 The old Majors keep their post, provided they work loyally to the new administration. 17228 Months later, economy is recovered at the satellite, under Mundifico administration. He appoints a Frigate and two Hunters to guard the space around the satellite. and went to Aurean planet. 17229 They arrive to Aurean planet; king Cornejian receives him with great ceremony; this time he is a victor. The End. BREVIARIUM KNAPIANUS XII 1 17447 Darude Bean arrives with his wife Dahlia Fore to Lubina in the planet Knapp from Oredloro city. Colonists received lands at Lubina for a start. 17448 They lodged on communal buildings 17452 Darude elected President of the Assembly of Farmers in Lubina town 17453 They will ask more help from the Governor 17455 But they are not received by Governor Sir Borondio 17457 They return home at the fields 17458 He returns to the Administration Building, and talks with Mr. Cucional for more seeds. 17460 A month elapsed 17462 The Farmers complains of their situation. 17463 Omeisaurs eats crops

17465 Farmers decide to sell crops at the streets. 17468 Farmers told people in town about their misfortunes in the fields. 17470 Back and forth from the fields to town produces an accident on the road. 17472 Finding a missing truck on the road. 17473 Selling goods at the street. 17476 They sold a lot of groceries 17477 Sir Borondio is removed as Governor of Lubina 17479 Lady Shurvana is the new Governor. 17480 Darude and farmers asks seeds to the Governor. 17482 Governor Shurvana give the seeds and begin building a tower 17484 Materials to build the tower are needed 17485 Governor asks money and materials to Ministry of Colonization 17488 Mr. Cucional went to Oredloro asking for money 17488 Governor Shurvana supervising works at the Tower 17489 Cucional gets drunk at Oredloro. 17490 Eight months later, the Tower is finished. 17491 Governor Shurvana receives the Tower. 17492 Darude organizes a team to visit Governor S. at her new tower 17493 Darude travels alone- the rest quits before the start 17494 Darude presents his congratulations to Governor S. 17495 Governor Shurvana accepts congratulations. 17496 Darude appoints the new Chamberlain. 17498 Darude begin his work after a row with his wife. 17499 Darude is sent to Rixiaberg for more materials or money. 17500 Darude receives a Synthetic for help (AB 6363) 17501 Administrator Frascoli from Min. of Colonization gives help. 17502 Governor Shurvana begin the building of a big wall. 17503 Darude at Rixiaberg waiting for the materials 17504 1000 iron tons shipped to Lubina by Mr. Frascoli 17505 Darude shopping at Rixiaberg 17506 AB attending Darude in Rixiaberg 17507 Return to Lubina in a truck. Governor complains for the delay. 17508 At Lubina, Bank Manager Mr. Simpbour says no money on the vaults. 17509 Opening a copper mining operation, Darude solves the lack of money. 17510 Bank of Lubina lends money to buy a Flyer 17511 84 hours in the truck to Rixiaberg 17512 Pisanosaurs on the road. AB 6363 badly damaged. 17513 AB6566 Efemale helps Darude 17514 AB3432 repairs the truck 17515 Ten hours after truck failure, Darude arrives to Rixiaberg 17516 Darude slept on a Hotel. 17517 The truck is sent to repairs. 17518 Darude goes gambling. Earns a lot. With AB 6566 to a bull fight. 17520 He bets at the full fight 17521 Darude earns money at the bull fights 17522 Darude hire some mercenaries 17524 Darude rents a bus 17525 AB 6566 and Darude start romance; the truck is ready; returns to Lubina 17525 Dahlia Fore gets the divorce 17530 Copper mine keeps producing money 17531 Darude promises more money to the Bank 17532 Delays- AB 6566 call for clients from the mining camp 17533 Darude sold more copper 17534 Lady Shurvana gets sick. 17535 Governor Shurvana sent to Oredloro Hospital- Darude replace her.

17536 Bank of Lubina receiving more money from the mining camp 17537 Darude raise a Police Station: mercenaries as Policemen 17538 First delinquent in jail 17539 Dinosaurs attacks mining camp 17540 Darude raise Police Station at the Mining Camp 17541 Lady Shurvana keeps being at Oredloro State Hospital 17542 Prince Garach as Lord Alviano to help 3 teachers in their exploration north 17543 Darude is confirmed as Governor Substitute by the Queen 17550 Darude works hard mining copper for Lubina town 17554 A Poekilopleuron attacks at the Mining camp when Darude was there 17556 Darude hides at an upturned truck 17557 Darude returns on foot to the mining camp 17558 Darude slept on the forest 17559 Policemen finds Darude on the forest 17560 Synthetic people were repaired and sent back to the mining camp 17563 The University teachers arrives to Lubina 17564 Repaired Synthetic people has a virus telling the repair shop everything about the Governor 17565 KAO spying on Governor Darude. 17567 Chief of Police recommends Darude to sent every Synthetic to the mining fields 17568 AB 6566 wishes not to be at the mining camp 17569 The 3 professors at Lubina town 17570 Darude show them maps of the region to explore 17571 Darude told the teachers about the virus on the Synthetics 17572 Teacher Curly says Synthetics are always destroyed trying to find viruses on them 17573 Teacher Curly says he could block or erase the virus on the Synthetics 17575 Technicians called by Teacher Curly arrives and begin working on the Synthetics 17578 Darude and the Technicians on the mining camp 17579 Darude is aware things at the Mining camp had improved 17581 Coelophysis pack attacks at the Mining camp. Aerial ship escape flying 17583 The Synthetic people are being repaired. AB 6566 returns to Darude clean 17585 The Technicians ends their work and depart 17586 The Policeman killed by Coelophysis is buried on a ceremony. 17586 New quarters are dig on the hill for the personnel 17588 At Lubina town, people is attacked by Troodons 17589 A palisade must be set around Lubina 17590 Policemen are posted around town 17591 Policemen out on the streets 17592 Injured man at the mine 17593 News of the teachers stop. A search begin. 17594 In a Flyer, Darude explores the north of the continent 17595 Exploring the river Abu 17597 Brachiosaurs in sight 17598 They found a cupola on the woods 17599 Darude told Chief Fatualer about the cupola by radio 17600 They get inside smashing locks 17601 Teacher Moe is tied up inside the cupola 17603 A Deinonichus attacks and kill two Policemen 17604 They return to Lubina 17605 Professor Moe recuperating at Lubina Hospital 17606 Police Graften is buried in a ceremony 17607 Planning a new force field 17608 Lubina Hospital lacks medicines and equipment 17609 Medical supplies arrives from Oredloro 17611 Two new Flyers are bought for Lubina 17613 At Rixiaberg, Darude gets invited to a gala party

17614 Daina and Jorna went with Darude and Mr. Frascoly to a party 17617 Lord Alviano gala party 17618 Darude saw important people at the party 17619 Lord Alviano in his 81th. Birthday party 17620 Dance is for everyone at the Gala party. 17621 Frascoli, Darude and the ladies to Frascolis apartment 17622 Hugh is the buttler at Frascolis apartment 17623 Everybody wakes up early for work 17624 Darude back at the Hotel and Honey 17625 Later, Darude went to see Daina 17626 Darude and Daina to a Resort Hotel 17627 Up to the dinning room 17628 He booked for a sea tour 17629 On the tour 17630 On sea bikes 17631 Game playing at the ships casino 17632 Ekorna the Synthetic Assistant is asked by Darude to be his mate instead of a wearisome Daina 17633 Ekorna makes Darude happy for three days 17634 Darude bought presents for some people of Lubina and gets back there 17635 Policemen also works at the mines 17636 Honey bought a Flyer vehicle for Darude 17637 Searching for a good model 17638 On the new Flyer vehicle, Darude goes back to Lubina 17639 Moe visits the mining field 17640 Professor Moe says he needs a force field on the mining camp 17641 Professor Moe explains they were kidnapped by robbers 17642 Professor Moe pays Darude for a trip to the cupola 17643 They traveled on a big military vessel 17644 Captain Nefrate driving 17645 Professor Moe excited to be where he was left to die 17646 They find several eaten bodies and one badly injured. 17646 The airship of Cap. Nefrate takes him to Rixiaberg Hospital 17647 Moe, Darude and others will wait for the return of Cap Nefrates airship 17648 Darude tells chief of police where he stands 17649 They wait but the military vessel isnt coming 17650 Darude asks for the Flyer 17651 Captain Nefrate is missing 17652 They found that spaceship crashed on a rocky site 17653 Air Force arrives to the site of the crash 17655 Darude goes back to Lubina- Prof. Moe stays with the Air Force airship 17656 The new airship waits at Rixiaberg 17657 Darude and Honey went to Rixiaberg 17658 Darude finds its an Orb spaceship what Honey bought 17659 Darude is happy 17660 They explain them how the Orb works and how many wonders are inside it 17662 The interior of the Orb has all the modern appliances 17663 First flight aboard the Orb 17664 Back to Lubina- certain new people arrives asking to get lands 17665 Honey visits the newcomers at the outskirts of town 17666 A chief explains they are looking for a place to settle down 17667 Honey informs Darude that those people needs medicines 17668 Rakron the Elder visits Governor Darude 17669 Darude gives them the land where they were at the moment 17670 Not everybody of the newcomers like that spot 17671 Second flight on the Orb

17672 Landing on a sandy beach 17674 Night alone 17676 They get lunch in the outside of the ship 17677 A heard of Phylodons makes them fly up 17678 A call from Lubina saying the newcomers had a very dangerous illness. 17679 People of Lubina dont want the newcomers 17680 Doctor Moe works on the Hospital and said the place lacks medicines and instruments 17681 More dinosaurs herds are seeing from the Orb 17683 Darude at the mining fields 17684 Honey ask Darude not to spend so much 17685 Darude want to buy big Synthetic Workers to drill at the mine 17686 Honey said there is another deposit of minerals where to start digging. 17687 They traveled to the Oceanum Congelatum 17688 They descend on a frigid prairie 17689 5 days exploring no new riches are found 17690 Copper table prices. Copper is sold 17691 Darude bought translucent E-men 17692 Darude buying Synthetic people 17693 Darude and Honey goes to Brana 1 on the Orb 17694 Landing at Chicago space port 17695 Out to dance 17696 Dancer Siriana is invited to Lubina town 17698 Darude bought another big Synthetic miner 17699 They return to Lubina with three new workers 17700 New Administrator at the mines is AB 3432 17701 Policemen wants a leave on Rixiaberg 17702 Works keeps on 17703 The Farmers demands more seeds 17704 On the Orb to the beach- Darude wants peace 17705 Exploring on the Orb 17706 They found gems on a hill 17707 Darude brought miners to the new site 17708 Darude at the copper mines copper is being refined for sell 17712 Captain of the Police asks for duly payment for his men 17713 Darude hires a flying bus and sent every policemen at the copper mine to Rixiaberg, wages paid 17714 Darude sent money to Lubina for to pay the rest of the Policemen salary. 17715 Drude wants a vehicle running twice a week among Rixiaberg and Lubina 17716 Darude is going to Rixiaberg again 17717 Drude sold gems at Rixiaberg 17719 A Flyer bus is bought for the use of Lubina townsfolk 17720 Teachers are hired to teach at Lubina school 17721 Teachers gets a place to sleep 17722 Dahlia Fore arrives to Lubina 17723 Some teachers are lodging at peoples homes 17724 Drude slept at the mining camp 17725 Back to Lubina: Dahlia Fore shows papers saying she is the new Governor of Lubina 17726 Darude refuses to tell where the mines are 17727 Dahlia Fore threatens him 17728 Darude left for the mines 17729 Darude working at the Gems mine 17730 They bought the gems at Rixiaberg 17731 432.000 Credits for the reparation of a very special AB 17732 More synthetic people are bought at Rixiaberg 17733 AB 6363 is repaired and improved 17736 They visit Chief Fatualer and give him a big piece of dinosaurs meat they chase

17737 Chief Fatualer says Governor Fore is living at the tower 17738 King Lugner didnt like Darudes presence on Lubina and send a Frigate to chase him 17739 Commander Iactatus about Darude misdeeds 17741 Iactatus begin the chase 17742 Darude set force fields over mining sites 17743 Darude still wants to administrate a city of his own 17744 Darude visits Continent Zvei 17745 They explore several sites at Zvei 17746 They find to baileds native humans of planet Knapp 17747 Tobaleids refuse friendship 17748 Honey told AB 6363 that Darudes live didnt last 17749 AB 6363 told Darude he could have clones on his future city 17751 Darude went back to the mines, and were told the Frigate was lurking in the sky 17752 Honey said there is some risk while buyers come for copper to the mine. 17753 Darude calls the clients 17754 After selling the copper production, Darude went to Earth 17755 They visit shops bought women clothes and more workers 17759 Darude bought 13 new Synthetics at Easy People Co. with discounts 17760 Back to work at Knappian mine sites 17761 A big amount in gems are ready to be sold 17762 To Earth, to sell the gems 17763 They offer the gems 17764 Darude saw the new personal Flyers- cheap and portable 17765 They buy personal Flyers and at Rixiaberg Darude rents a place where to sell them 17766 People begin buying personal Flyers 17767 In scant days, all the personal Flyers are sold 17768 Money is counted 17769 For ten months Darude keeps traveling to Earth and bringing back to Rixiaberg more flyers 17770 Trip to Earth 17771 In- built pilot of an Orb asks for a automaton to repair the hull using it as a body 17772 Darude bought that body, and a dinosaur model 17773 Honey keeps on being a spectacular E-female as well as a powerful machine 17774 At Restaurants, Synthetic people are often seen drinking hydraulic beverages 17776 AB 6565 told Darude he could be a Governor as well as a merchant 17777 Hucine- built- in pilot of an Orb- receives the automaton body 17778 Ready to get back to Knapp with more personal Flyers 17780 At Rixiaberg they learn King Lugner is dead. 17781 Darude calls on Professor Moe 17782 Professor Moe went to the burial of the King Lugner with Darude 17783 Professor Moe accepts helping Darude to clean his name 17785 Prince Garach is the new King of Knapp 17786 Professor Moe shows Darude a special sound Generator 17787 Capable of to tame the most dangerous beast- or human being 17788 Darude goes again to the Royal Palace with professor Moe 17789 The Wave Generator is shown at the Royal Palace 17790 Advisor Sufernes receives them. The machine shows it works. 17791 Darude reminds Professor Moe about his problem with the Law 17792 Honey said not to confide much in a royal pardon 17794 King Garach sent for Professor Moe 17795 King Garach offers a million Credits for one Wave Generator 17796 King Garach asks Professor Moe how the Generator tames people 17797 Rumors of Governor Dahlia Fore are mentioned at King Garachs table 17798 Count Garniaso says Darude is a thief on the run 17799 Professor Moe told the King that Darude is innocent 17800 King Garach asked Professor Moe to deliver Mr. Darude unto him

17801 King Garach goes to bed and not alone 17802 Professor Moe brought Darude to the Royal Palace, where he is jailed by Advisor Sufernes 17804 Professor Moe said the King Garach asked to see Darude before him, but not in prison. 17805 Advisor Sufernes goes to Lubina town 17806 After several days, Sufernes is back and P. Moe press him for the liberation of Darude 17807 Sufernes said the charges are robbery of mines pertaining to the Kingdom 17808 Judge Drungar presides the trial 17809 Judge Drungar reads the charges against Darude 17810 Judge Drungar condemns Darude to 30 years in jail 17811 King Garach asked Professor Moe for three more Wave Generators 17812 Professor Moe asked first to talk with King Garach 17813 After some days, King Garach talks with Professor Moe 17814 King Garach gives Darude under the custody of Professor Moe 17817 Darude worked hard under Professor Moes laboratory. 17819 Professor Moe makes Darude his partner on the factory 17820 Professor Moe invented the Egernal Paint 17821 Darude went to Earth to promote the sell of the new paint 17822 Darude sells the Franchise of the Eternal Paint 17823 Darude went to see spaceships for sell 17824 Vorbeugen Company has the best spaceships models 17825 Vendor E-female AB 5063 shows him several spaceships for sell 17826 Darude keeps on looking for Spaceships 17827 Ditto 17828 Darude bought a 03 Orb model 17829 Darude bought Vendor E-female AB 5063 17830 AB 5063 said she is only a Standard Model 17832 Darude bought a crew at Easy People Co. 17833 Darude bought 13 Synthetic people 17834 Darude bought brand new Synthetic Models 17835 Darude talks with the driver of an Orb 17836 At Orb 02 643 CC- 21 Darude revise cabins 17837 AB 621 (E-female) shows him the interior of an Orb 02 model 17838 Darude went to Chicago to sell the Gems 17839 AB 5063 goes to receive maintenance 17840 Darude heard about how many improvements he is paying in behalf of AB 5063 and accepted it 17841 Darude visits the people who bought the franchises for the Eternal paint 17842 Professor Moe asks for exotic materials, saying King Garach is ill. Sufernes has the power now 17843 AB 5063 (E-female) and AB 0930 (E-female) are delivered to Darude. 17844 Darude and the E-ladies goes back to his Orb in Orbit 17845 Darude asks AB 5063 to study P. Moes message- she discovered an encrypted message in it. 17846 Darude was told of the secret message: it says: Do Not Come Back! 17847 Darude realizes that while Sufernes replace King Garach, his hopes for a pardon will be Zero 17848 Darude wonders if life on an asteroid could be bearable 17849 Darude wonders if life on an asteroid could be bereable 17850 The city has everything for an agreeable life 17851 Darude went to Asteroid CC 2800 but soon others arrives and danger makes him leave the place 17852 Lacking weapons, Darude leaves the asteroid 17853 They visit Mars city on Mars 17854 Darude finds a section fo a synthetic soldier on one of his Orbs and sent it to be repair 17855 42.000 Credits for to repair a military Synthetic 17856 New models are shown to Darude 17857 Darude bought Synthetic replicas of famous Earth persons at cheap price: 450.000 each. 17858 He bought four of it. 17859 Out and at a Restaurant, Darude was amazed to see the new models with definite personality around 17860 AXE 32, in-built pilot, said there is a treasure in a distant planet- and he knew how to get there.

17863 Darude gets interested. 17864 AB 5063 activates the new Soldiers found at the Orb. 17865 The soldiers went to revise any weapon the Orb could have on board. 17866 They went to spaceport Mars City 17867 Darude starts buying weapons. 17868 Weapons arrive and are located inside the Orbs 17869 The repaired Soldier is a female 17870 A new person I am, said the female Soldier 17871 AB 0930 finds volunteers for to colonize a city under Darudes administration 17872 Running out of Freezing pods, people are freeze with the cold of Space 17873 Darude is freezed 17874 Map of the new planet 17875 Landing 17876 A city is detected- humans are there. 17877 Darude designs his future city 17878 Darude hovers on the Orb over the alien walled city 17879 A dragon attacked them, summoned by a robed man 17880 AB 0930 and Darude descend on the Alien City 17881 Darude enters unto a shop and learns the language 17882 The city is called Lingnaur of the Sorcerers 17883 The Orb takes them out of Lingnaur 17884 The first houses are built on Darudia city 17885 The Synthetic ones with a personality goes voluntarily to Lingnaur 17886 Darude departs to the Treasure planet in the biggest Orb 17887 AXE 32 pilot says five months takes the travel to the Treasure planet 17888 Darude is awakened of his Deep Sleep 17889 They approached the Solar System 17890 Too many years in stasis 17891 Arrival to the Solar System 17892 Darude sold the damaged 03 Orb 17893 Darude lands in Chicago Space Port 17894 His Bank Account has great gains 17895 Darude wants a new spaceship 17896 Darude bought AB 63216 e-female 17897 Darude wins at the Roulette 17898 Darude bought a spaceship and departed 17899 They left Pluto behind. Descending on Horcruxe III 17900 632.000 people on Darudia city 17901 AB 5063 tell colonists Darude has come back 17902 People is amazed and waits for Darude 17903 Gordon is the President of Darudia and welcomes Darude 17904 People cheered Darude on the streets 17905 Darude explains why he takes so long in his return 17906 Darude refuses to sleep in town- goes to his spaceship 17907 AB 5603 said those people has only airplanes available 17908 Darude gives free meals with his food processor 17909 AB 5603 calls on Lingnaur City- Nixon is the President 17910 Darude on Lingnaur- Nixon welcomes him 17911 Nixon, Van Gogh and Nietzsche receives him 17912 Darude ask Nixon to make him President of Lingnaur 17913 Nixon gives him a personal guard 17914 Darude ask President Gordon to resign to his post as he want to be the new one 17915 Gordon refuses to quit. 17916 Darude became King and have access to the Treasure chambers 17917 128 million Credits in gold and silver are found

17918 Darude pleads innocence of a crime and goes to Lingnaur city 17919 Darude is proclaimed Leader of Lingnaur by President Nixon 17920 Soldiers at Lingnaur are magicians 17921 A tower is given to Darude at Lingnaur 17922 Darude march along the streets of Lingnaur 17923 Nixon gives a gala dinner 17924 Darude believes Nixon is a nuisance for his administration and terminates him. 17925 Lohen master of magic invites Darude to a meeting with ruling Sorcerers 17926 Darude drinks a potion of salvation 17927 General Garbonko of Darudia arrives to Lingnaur and finds a statue The End.

Overhaul- rehaul. Both. Maintenance. Repair. Parabajar de 4shared mi lugar: http://www.4shared.com/account/file/118417155/b22c348/02_Cass__slide_-_Perception.html