Knapp # 39: Erson.

KNAPP #39.ERSON.
Science fiction novel written by Alfredo Francisco Umberto Juillet Frascara.
Written :3 August 2013 to 3 November 2013.
Typed: 11 December 2013 to Friday, February 21, 2014



EPOCH =5690 .
PLACES=First trip: Brana 1, star HD 32147 (NGC 3628).

CHARACTERS
Erson Wollenrubias; Ladia Singoria (Ersons wife); Salustio (His son.)
Landgord and Kennan, parents of Ladia Singoria.
Crew at the Sphere: EDARA (EDAR85A),EDAR43C, EDBL32, EDBL15 (DAREL), ED781, ED672,
ED227, ED772, ED707, ED711, ED171.
Clients: Espertine Foren, Gudolf Selerne, Arista Salcaborko Foren (Manager of an expedition).
Mr. Ottoker (Merchant carrying goods to Aurea 2).
Spaceship Sphere - Model Wonorb 16700 . (Without the space folder generator as it is a copy
made in Rixiaberg circa the year 5640).
The Force Organization: Mr. Shukulan (High priest), Pudala; Mother: Kubota.

1.-
CHAPTER 1.
ERSON DEPARTS FROM AUREA VII- 3.

Bye, darling! I will be back before than you think!-Erson said to his wife, with a pain in his
chest.
While flying to the spatial field, Edara said: Guess she will get accustomed to this kind of
farewells in due time.
Erson passed a hand over his face, saying: I told her I will be staying for just a short while
flying far from home. Next voyages will be only locally.
She processed the new information and smiled, saying: All right! Lets each minute of this
long voyage counts!- And pressed his hand.
At the Sphere, all was in turmoil: bags of merchandise, plenty of workers carrying goods, and
among them, a well-dressed group of people, seeing that things go smoothly.
Good morning, Captain! I am Yellobar, General Assistant to Mr. Espertine Foren: glad to be
aboard.
He was tall and with a nice smile.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

Good to have you here. Where is Mr. Salcaborko Foren, the chief of you expedition?- Erson
asked, remembering that somber guy.
2.
He will be here later. Mr. Espertine is finishing some business downtown, helped by Mr.
Foren.- The large man informed.
Oh, very well! Carry on, friend.- Erson said, continuing to the main cabin in the company of
Edara.
Seated at the pilots seat was EDBL15, who said:Welcome to the control center, Sir.
Wow! A new improvement?- Erson asked of Edara.
Some of our Assistants were remodeled- sorry to say, their memory also was renewed,
because the time of use was too large for their original intentions. Remember the long flights
of old? We didnt slept much during stellar flights.- Edara said.
But you remain the same?- He asked.
Because I clean up my most important files, erasing what is irrelevant. So, always new for
you. As you see, I defeat the synthetic Alzheimer!- Edara announced.
Funny remark!- Erson said that with age was still far from that disease of degradation on the
memory axons.
3
At 21 hours, the job was done and Edara sounds the alarm- every crew member and
passengers knew already what to do: to strap unto their seats.
The Sphere hovered over the granitic stone slab and soon it was gaining altitude- the space
field was left behind and the entire continent was soon under view. From the control tower,
the indication about their course to leave the planet arrives.
We will depart immediately. No need to orbit Aurea 7-3! -Edara commented.
You are the commander in here! Erson said, feeling it as the owner of the spaceship.
Excuse me! Can I seat in here?A female voice said from behind. Erson recognize the figure
of Arista Salcaborko, the so-called manager of the expedition.
Yes, just strap to you seat and do not touch the controls!- - Erson recommended.
Oh, how beautiful scene! You have a wonderful view from here!- Arista said, looking at the
frontal pane- not holography but a screen.
Yes, very useful to see our path. Erson remembered her, with a pint of sarcasm. Edara said:
We will accept you just for this instance no more, lady. Very dangerous to have ignoramus on
this central cabin. You could see our advance through the holographic sets at the Stargazer
room.- Edara said.
Arista made a grimace and said: As you wish, lady.
I am the commander, lady. You could address me as such or just and simply by my
aggregated name: Edara.
Understood, Edara. Arista replied, obviously not happy to be patronized by a synthetic
woman
Forty minutes later, the Orb that was Aurea 7-3 was only a pinpoint of light in the sky.
Where do you pretend to enter Brana One?- Arista asked.
At the standard place, lady.- Edara replied, and Erson smiled. The standard entrance was
generally defined by the government of the nearest planet, and by default it was ten A. U. from
the mother (Or most important) planet in the system. In this case, there rest only seconds for
the traversing moment.
The transition uses lots of energy from the batteries and generators- for an onlooker it was
like a false heartbeat, and for the molecules like the passing of a strong flow of electric
current
Knapp # 39: Erson.

Rigel star is shining in the sky as furnace!- Edara said.Seems this will take a lot more time
than suspected- the pull of Rigel is going to plunge this spacecraft unto HD 32147 with such a
force, that our waiting will be minimal
Perhaps you will have to brake somehow.- Arista said.
Yes, that thing we will do with the help of HD 32147.- Edara replied.
I am going to see my companions now. Could I?- Arista asked.
Yes, no special change of course in the next hundred hours.- Edara said to her, who then
leaves the room.
So, now how many months are we skipping?- Erson asked.
Four, dear. So its just fourteen months to wait.- She answered.
Guess we naturals are going straight for the hibernation chambers?- Erson asked.
Yes, dear. No need to get mad walking down corridors through months on end.- Edara
commented.
Erson was sure he was in good hands; Edara and the crew of synthetics was a very fine and
hardened group of skilled astronautsor so he think.
That evening they have a dinner with plenty of food and beverages, where Erson said: After
this night, we will be set to sleep until our arrival to HD 32147.
Yes, we heard we are making good time in this travel; this is my second visit to the planet
three, and you will find it very agreeable: a lot better than Aurea 7-3- Mr. Espertine Foren
said.
6
Talk to me about that planet.- Erson asked.
Oh, there is a lot to talk about! There are lots of fish in the sea and in the rivers- I get a four
kilo corvine once- delicious food.- The man said, smacking his fat lips... Erson was not
satisfied with that flimsy information about a full planet- but something in the face of Mr.
Espertine was telling him he was not a man to trust.
Arista said.- Wish we could arrive soonerwhen technology could catch up with these
delays?
Espertine, his uncle, said: Patience, my nephew! As we are now its better for everyone!
There are persons with means that would enslave whole constellations if they could!
She looks at him not moving a muscle- certainly, Erson think, a secret was shared between
those two persons!
Erson went to bed, thinking he was going to sleep a larger dream in the morning..
He gets asleep, looking the soft blue light above his magnetic bed
Wake up! We are under attack!- Edara was saying, while she touches him.
Who could it be? Piratesthey are not! Hurry!- She said, walking out of his bedroom.
At the central corridor there was nobody- he assumes the good Edara has not time to tell the
others about it.
At the main cabin everything was tinted with an amber color. He seats near Edara, who said:
We are under a tracking beam- nothing to do, actually, to get free. We used every means
available, to not avail.
Erson was now looking at their captor ship. A huge mass of a metallic Behemoth was half in
sight. The rest occupying space was dwindling rapidly.
Its enormous!- He gasped for air.
3000 kilometers long, five hundred kilometer wide, and five hundred kilometers thick:
Unknown origin.- Edara said.
A city spaceship! I thought I would never be able to see one in my existence.- Erson
mumbled out.
Now you are seeing it- and sure thing you will be visiting it very soon.- Edara said.
But why to us? So tinynot much of service to them?- Erson said.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

Dont underestimate your Sphere, your possessions and your natural clientsthey will
become, in all probabilityslaves. Edara said.
Perhaps we could use our canons! Erson said, not willing to end working for ever under a
whip.
No use of it, this huge spaceship have wonderful powerful force field- our weapons are
useless against them._ Edara said.
8
Metallic clamps resounds- the Sphere was locked in place.
What do you recommend? Fight or to hide somewhere?Erson asked, standing up.
I recommend not fighting: just give upor you will suffer a horrible death!- Edara said,
remembering the telltale of deep space. And so, the Sphere opens the gate to the invaders, and
the crew and passengers were taken inside the city spaceship by the guards.
Erson saw they were humans like him- dressed in leather garments; using magnetic
boots...their faces has little expression- as if they were mere zombies.
The synthetics were taken away by other corridors- the Naturals were chained and put to
work on a steaming hot place, separating organic pieces from a meat machine- bags and
baskets were sent away through a pneumatic tube.
Fine voyage that you give us!- Arista said, putting herself next to Erson.
Not my fault! I was in bed. Erson said, handling the slippery meat.
See? An irresponsible captain! If I ever walk out of here, I will sue you!- Arista said, very mad
at him.
9
SLAVERY.
Erson looks around- no need of guards-the place was huge and the doors shut- closed.
The only way out was the pneumotube- too thin for a human body to be of any use. He was
sure the captors knew the weakness that every human has- the need of sleep- the labor was to
be finished when the time comes.
Ten hours later, the machines stopped, and a single door opens- the slaves walked out without
any hurry: they were dead tired.
The corridor ends on a big room, and in rows the people lay on the metallic floor- no beds of
any kind. At least, Erson thinks, there was no need of covers- the heat was near the 25
Centigrade.
He gets asleep among those people, that were filthy and covered with sweat but it was no
time to be choosy
Three days later, porridge was served in bowls that were anything but clean- everyone eats
without a second thought- it was the first meal in three days!
From there, to work; now Erson had talked with a few others who spoke interlingua- because
not everyone comes from the known civilizations. They were green and red humans-
hermaphrodites, leathery bodies, soft bodies; he was amazed to look upon so he learns
what little those slaves knew from the captors: they were humans, but totally indifferent to
the suffering of others.
They are inhuman by the inside!-An old man said to him. I had seen very sick persons
begging for a medical treatment, but no response they had got.
They worked for thirteen days, and then the porridge and the hall where they slept. This time
another person was around- a big man with a black beard and hawk eyes.
You are stout! You will survive as I had survived. The bearded man said. They were lying
side by side, in the rows of exhausted bodies.
If you think this is livingfrom where are you?- Erson asked.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

From Aurea 2. But what meaning has to know from where I comeor you, for the matter?
From here, any day, we could be sent to work at the fields. I had heard many stories- we are
not sure what they do to us when not able to work.- The man said.
At the next day, Erson founds Miss Arista- she was looking pale, underweight, and troubled.
Three days here without doing a thing! No food- they are killing us!- She said, when
recognizing him.
We should try to escape.-Erson said.
11
WORKING AS SLAVES.
I guess you are daydreaming. Do you see any door opening to freedom? We are doomed!-
She exclaimed, lying on the floor.
Erson walked to the closed door. As the walls, it was made of metal.
No way to escape by there, son!- An old man said.
Wish we could open it!- Erson remarked.
There had been more than a dozen desperadoes trying to dent the door with their fists. Hope
you dont end up doing the same. The only way to leave this place is when they took you
away.- The old man informed him.
Erson nodded, annoyed. It rests only the pneumatic tube- so slim it could not be used to
escape in one piece. Arista approaches, saying: Hard to think you could be staying here like a
lamb!
I dont see what could be donned! They treat us as slaves. Many of us are becoming weaker
and weaker because of the scant food they are providing! Soon deaths will be sweeping the
place. Erson said, looking at her dusty face- no water to clean faces were to be found at the
hall.
They seat close to each other at the floor. The room was full of people standing, crouching or
lying asleep. The rumor of voices was like waves reaching the shorea sad rumor indeed.
Erson said: We prepare their food or part of it. We could poison the food- and provoke a state
of pandemic; I will ask if that thing had been donned before!
12
He walks to the old man near the door, and talk about it. The old man cracked a smile and
said: We had proved that: no results. Seems that they boil this meat to the extreme- any
bacteria or virus in it is killed- atomized.
Seems we must die waiting.
There is always hope while you live! I am waiting for the day when this punishment is over.
Perhaps we are paying for all the evil things our race commits on virginal worlds- who knows
if there is some truth in this words?- The old man said.
That night, Erson and Arista slept side by side- she smiled at him and he was attached to her
now, forgetting her harsh previous behavior.
Hours later, they heard explosions one, two and with the third the entrance door was busted
out, maiming a dozen sleepers with metallic splinters. A pair of men enters, and the slaves
keep staring while others- the injured- bawled on the floor.
Who is Mr. Erson?- One of those men asked, and Erson now recognized him as ED 781.
Here!- He said, jumping over half standing people- Arista and the others followed.
Lets try to escape! Edara is fighting them!- ED 781 said, taking Erson from the hand and
guiding him out to the corridor, where the fumes of the explosion were now dissipating.
13
RESCUE OPERATION.
ED BL32 , the other synthetic present, said: We get to hurry! Soon more guards will appear!
They run after him, while the rest of the slaves begin to pour out of the room, yelling and
cursing, jamming the door with struggling bodies
Knapp # 39: Erson.

The corridor was endless, and from far away some people appears watching at them- they
turn several times to adjacent narrower corridors: in some of those there were humans
looking at them in surprise, but close their doors when noticing the many of them wear ill
clothes.
Shouts of rage from the liberated slaves were resounding louder and louder.
At last and descending by a steep staircase, they arrive to one of the many hangars. The
Sphere was at the left of them, with many other spaceships lined against the walls.
When Erson seats at his main cabin preferred chair, ED Bl32 and ED 781 were already
starting the engines.
There are some escapees entering the ship, Sir. Did I shut the outer doors?- EDBL32 asked.
No! I will see to it. But you just do whatever it must be donned in order to get out of here!-
Erson said, walking out of that chamber.
At the airlock, several dozen people were milling around, not sure if the spaceship was a good
way to escape from slavery.
14
We are about to depart! Follow me to a safe place!- Erson said, gesturing to the people.
Are you the pilot?- One man asked, dubiously.
I am the captain! Follow me before it takes off!- He repeated and then everyone follows him
to a desert hold.
Here you must wait until my return! I got to be at the main cabin!- He said, hurriedly.
When at the door lock, he saw Edara and the rest of the EDs running up the ramp.
Hello, dear! Grab on to something! We are leaving.- She said, closing the door lock.
The Sphere begins firing the anti-meteorite cannon, so the spaceships parked there begin
bursting into flames. The gate was hard to destroy- it takes more than half the missiles in
stock- the fire and smoke swooshed out with the rest of the gate, when the vacuum of space
enters by the hole. Everything inside that hold begin to fly out, included the Sphere, who
missing the frame for just a few centimeters.
Warp drives its the only thing it could save us!- The voice of Edara resounds through
corridors and chambers- the Sphere speeded up and gets away at Warp 8.4.
15
At breaking neck velocity, she maintains the impulse for 20 minutes- then she slowed down to
standard velocity, and calculates where they were.
Near F- Eridani star! Its a straight line to where we were. If we wish to comply with your
patrons, we should give a detour and beg whoever commands City spaceships, that the one
we just visited is far and away of our next plotted course!- Edara said to Erson.
This delay takes me far from my first desire: to get home in a couple of years. Erson said,
seeing how Arista comes in.
Hi!- She said, smeared all over.
Welcome back!- Erson said, approaching her.
Are we safe now? She asked, looking at Edara.
55% sure we will be not slaves anymore. She said, smiling: she was now seeing a tamed
Arista, and wondered how much more time will be needing to see the old proud Arista again
Mr. Espertine, Mr. Gudolf, Mr. Yellobar enters the room with staring eyes.
Well, captain? Have you any other surprise for us in stock?- Espertine asked arms akimbo
What are you implying, Sir? Erson asked, looking pale.
The captors! Have you no long radar system on board, to detect such a giant dangerous
spaceship before you?- Espertine said, real angry for what he had already transpired.
16
Knapp # 39: Erson.

Captain Erson wasnt in command at the time he was, as everyone else, sleeping the night
away. I was in command and we didnt detect the giant vessel because they were cloaking
their ship. Edara said.
You, the big synthetic pilot! I am sure you are one of the outdated models that still are
running! Captain Erson: I refuse to keep on traveling in your spaceship! I demand that you
turn around and let us land on Aurea 7-3, where I will sue you! You will see how every sopes
we so naively gives you, are returned! Because you, and your crew, and also your spaceship,
are a complete fraud!- Espertine brawled.
I remember you I am still the captain, Sir, and you are in a forbidden sector. Please return to
your old designed cabin and waits there for the end of your journey.- Erson said.
I warn you: the trip to HD 32147- 3 is over! Set course to Aurea! Espertine said, and
departed with his retinue.
Sorry about my uncle! The man has suffered much and he is accustomed to a life of comfort!-
Arista said.
You are really changed.- Edara said to her, and receives a smile in return.
We will keep on going! I cannot return money! I am out of funds. Edara: prepare a voyage to
the next civilized world! We will leave our new passengers there!
My uncle too?- Arista asked.
No, of course not. He will be going to HD 32147 in due time; you see, we cannot feed every
person on board for as long as it is needed! And our hibernation pods are too few to house
them all! So it is a need.- Erson explains her resolution based in logic.
32 light years, Erson! It is star Eri, planet four. A tranquil community, as the star map
magazine reads. Edara announced, after making a quick recognition of the area.
Time for arrival?
Six days! Warp is required: 47 light years to go.
Set warps engines to the task! Every second counts.- Erson commented, remembering his far
away family members
18
When maximum velocity was acquired, Erson and three EDs went to the hold #1, where the
refugees were expecting.
Dear friends, we are out of reach now! He proclaimed, and they all shout in a
demonstration of joy.
We will be traveling at top speed to the next civilized world. As you know, this is just a small
spaceship that cannot handle too many people, and there are no hibernation chambers for so
many of you... Also, the food required will almost consume all our provisions so stay calm and
patient, that with your cooperation we will reach Eridana Rana planets in nine days more.
They all applauded and an old man said: Wish we could pay what you are doing for us, but we
have no money to do so.
Do not worry about that: we are all one team here.- Erson said.
Later, ED 772 said: They are 81 persons including our clients. There is enough spray food for
everyone but we have a problem.
And which is it?- Erson asked.
Mr. Espertine wishes natural food for him and the rest of his group. To comply with it, he
should eat at his cabin- every one of the clients should eat in secret. Humans dislike special
treatments for a minority.
I will talk with him about it. Just leave this problem in my hands. Erson said, and walks
immediately to M. Espertine cabin, but he was not there.
19
ED 772: look for Mr. Espertine and bring him up to me: I will be on the bridge.- Erson
commanded.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

Some minutes later, Mr. Espertine come in dressed in what were the standard clothes aboard-
green one piece uniform and magnetic shoes.
Captain? You sent for me? What for?- The man asked.
I heard you want natural food- is that true?- Erson asked. The millionaire raise his already
bush brows and said: Of course! I paid for nice food, no gas!
Perfect. We have a limited amount of natural fruits and vegetables. We cannot give natural
food for everyone. People now on board is here just for and because humanitarian purposed.
I understand that, but we are paying and they do not. Espertine said.
All right! You will get your meals on a private room- not a word about consuming extra food
must be produced by your group. If someone of you speaks about having more food than the
rest, the special dining room will be cancelled for your people!- Erson said. The face of
Espertine glows and said: I am well accustomed to have secrets buried in my chest, and I
know how to make my assistants be as silent as a clam.
20
Very well: a crewman will guide you to your new dining room, when next lunch hour
arrives.- Erson said.
I see you understand there are higher and lower levels. Good for you.- Espertine said,
leaving the room.
Are you for real in this?- Edara asked him.
Quite serious. See to it: natural food for our clients. Erson said: he was set on the idea of to
end the mission no matter how many hindrances he could find in his path.
The voyage was full of incidents. A pair of men fighting for a site where to sleep; two cancer
afflicted persons that were needing medical attention; venereal diseases, three cases of
mental disorientation, people screaming at night.
At last we are achieving our goal! People are beginning to suffer from claustrophobia. Erson
said, while having lunch with his clients.
We had our own inferno in this damn voyage! Look at us now: reversing direction instead of
to plunge in the right direction.
No way could we dump refugees to the void, Mr. Espertine!- Erson reminded him: the man
moves his right arm in a sweeping movement, saying: I know we are humanitarians! Are you
in contact with our friends at Rana Star system?
21
Yes, we already told them some of our adventures. Or shall I call it misadventures?- Erson
replied.
Misadventures! Of course! Part of my goods I will try to sell here- you see, one of the
advantages I was trying to achieve, it was to arrive at HD 32147- 3 first than my competitors! I
can think without error, that my competitors are already landing there- selling first. Mr.
Espertine said.
The hand of Miss Arista lands slowly on Ersons forearm, saying: But our captain will burn
fuses trying to make amends with our first scheduled delay, is it not?-
Erson reddened and give some gentle pat on his white hand approving her words.
22
ARRIVING TO RANA 3 HD 32147-3.
At the next day, they locked at the Orbital Station, and Erson walked by the pneumotube
connection . Several persons were waiting for them- among them, Mr. Oshtowad, the general
Administrator.
Welcome to the orbital station. I am Oshtowad, the administrator.
Thanks you, Sir. I am captain Erson; as we already said by radio and holoset, we were
attacked by a city spaceship of unknown origin. Thanks to my assistants, we could escape, not
before taken other imprisoned people out.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

And how many of them have you aboard, captain- Oshtowadasked him.
78 persons, sir.
And where do you pretend to disembark them?- The Administrator asked.
Here or at the surface, Sir. I am not fully aware of your culture and quantity of cities
available.- Erson said, under the smile of the now comprehensive Mr. Oshtowad.
Very well, captain! You are generous, and I am sure our government will also be very
generous with the rescued persons. I offer you hospitality here while the government decides
where to locate these persons.- Oshtowad said.
I thanks you very much, Sir.- Erson replied.
I recommend you to accept some persons of my team, aboard your vessel. They will
interview the rescued and the rescuers- I am sure this news will cloud any other news the
people are consuming today.- Oshtowad said. Erson saw that three men were already
prepared to record the interviews, and said: I accept. Only with much good will this case will
be solved happily.
O course, captain. Nice to meet you. The Administrator said departing to his more urgent
occupations
23
The reporters had their day aboard the Sphere: they make people cry, remembering their past
days in slavery. They found knappians, Aureanos, mollians among them. Each one told his
personal experiences- none of them were happy ones.
With their treasure trove of tears and sweat they run out to the orbital stationwhere they
used the holographic sets to send down to the cities the news about the ship who brought ex
slaves to the planet.
Great turmoil it was, wide and large in scant ten hours- everyone wished to know more- they
were eager for more interviews, more tears and agony from those people. But the
Administrator said: No more interviews! I need someone from the government saying that
they could go down to the planet!
The pressure for to know more pushed the government to act: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
Mr. Unchurhil, appears at the orbital station aboard a grey shuttle that locks near to the
Sphere.
Mr. Oshtowad! I see you have a problem in here?- He asked of the Administrator.
24
Well, Sir, it is imperative that you accept these poor people in some of our cities: in here there
is no more natural food to offer.- The Administrator Mr. Oshtowad said. Unchurhill growls
and said: I will be looking for their welfare. Guide me to the Sphere.
Captain Erson? I am here to take these people down to one of our cities. Ministry Unchurhil
said.
Good to know it! I had spent almost my entire provision of spray food on them. I expect
something more than mere words, Ministry: I expect help.
The ministry of Foreign Affairs looks at him with distaste: here was a captain asking for help
at the first minutes of talk.
I will see to it, Captain! Allow me to visit the refugees in their actual state.- He said, stiffly;
Erson knew he was not happy with his request; but he also knew that to those politicians a
man must state the truth from the beginning, or begin to forget about any help.
The rescued people begin to ask for a better place to stay, enumerating their present state of
affairs: a fat man said: You get to receive us in one or all of your cities! We were passengers of
spaceship liners others are former crews of cargo vessels, but do you know what we have now
in common?-
The desire of a better life?- The Ministry suggested.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

Yes, and the fact we have no money at all. We want help but first, take us out of this tin can.-
The man said, grabbing Mr. Unchurhils hand and walking with him up and down that hold.
The members of the government tried to release that grip, but others from the refugees
impeded it.
25
After half an hour of to be smelling the stench now it was stronger at that hold, the fat man
release the Ministry, saying Excuse my rudeness, Sir, but it was very necessary that you felt
our environs for a while.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr. Unchurhill gets hurry going down to the surface of the planet-
in ten hours after that, a freighter arrives to take the 78 persons to Auricias, the town where
the government wishes to have the refugees.
It was a small town, far from the curiosity of the populace of other cities.
Captain Erson looks on the toilettes and holds, finding several reasons to descend to the
planet just to clean with enough water all the filth those rescued people had left behind. At the
main cabin he said: Ask permission to land.
Edara did so, and from the Orbital station they said: You can land anywhere you like but bear
in mind that every space field will ask a fee for to stay on them.
Understood. We will land in the wilderness. Captain Erson replied, laughing. Edara
chooses a place near a wide river, where it was easy to search for water.
Our provision of water it is almost wasted. Now we will replenish the tanks. Edara
announced. Erson looks at the main star saying: That sun looks very big and angry.
She stared at Rana star and then said: Its a sub giant at the end of its hydrogen burning cycle.
Its consuming helium.
2 6
Wish it would not expand too much while we are here. Erson said.
Dont worry: it will expand after thousands of years had passed. Nor you or I will be there to
see it.- Edara commented.
They left the Sphere walking down the ramp- the river borders were two hundred meters
away. A hose was already in place, sucking water for the Sphere to carry.
Look! Your clients are taking a swim by the river bank. She announced, thanks to her more
capable eyes.
In fact, the Naturals were taking a bath, using soaps.
At last I could really take the filth out of my body! Captain! Take off your boots and come here
to join us!- Arista called.
All right. There is not always a chance to swim in a river! He said, taking off his clothes- she
admired his muscular body for a second, and Edara smiled of it. In her mind she was saying:
oh, THESE NATURALS ARE SO PREDICTABLE!
Mr. Espertine coughed and said: I heard somewhere that we are closer to the solar system.
Its that true?- And he was looking at Edara, who then replied:- Certainly: just 29 light years
from Sol. Nine parsecs away. Reachable in ten days.- Edara promptly replied.
Dont tell me you want to go there now?- Erson asked.
By all means, no!- Espertine said: My goods are no news for them! But in here, who
knows? Captain: you get to handle me one of your Fliers! I must to test the local commerce
system! I am sure I could sell some of my goods here- I mean, if they worked with our
currency, of course.
27
Sopes are accepted here.- Edara informed him, Espertines face brightens up and repeat:
Could I use one of your Fliers, captain? Its only for business matters!
Of course, Sir! But permits me to tell you that one of my assistants will be there, in charge of
the steerage.- Erson replied.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

Fine by me! I need my team intact at the hour to do business.- And he splashed some water
towards his nephew (Arista).
At the next day, the Flier takes them to see the nearest city, Gofie that has a port.
ED BL15 was the pilot, and it makes the landing on a private parking lot, with a view of the
city from the hill it was located.
Wait here! This will be hard work, so we will be back in six or seven hours more.- Mr.
Espertine said.
I will be back here in a period of seven hours.- ED BL15 said, as it was useless to wait there
for so long period of time.
At the Sphere, Erson said: Hope they have a good days sell, so perhaps we will be not
returning to our former path.
They have tons of goods! I doubt they could sell much around here! - Edara said, sniffing.
At dinner time, ED BL15 returns with the clients very exhausted.
I wont eat! I am dead tired.- Was AristaS SALUTE; THE MEN DID HAVE THEIR dinner, after
a brief shower.
28
We have some appointments for tomorrow! Yes. I understand them all right! We are new in
town, with unknown (for them) brand new names.- Mr. Espertine said.
Did they ask for invoices?- Erson asked.
They could get our invoices if they want! I have invoices legally accepted- but from Aurea VII-
2! Really I doubt they will make sense with them!- Mr. Espertine said, laughing.
You just keep out of trouble, Mr. Espertine! Remember you are part of my responsibilities as
long as our little contract is on.- Erson commented.
Well said!- Arista applauded.
You stay out of this! - Espertine said to her nephew, adding: Captain Erson: I know how to
handle my business! And the name is Espertine!- He finished saying while walking to his
cabin
All right!- Erson replied, very amused. Arista takes his hand, saying: Come to my cabin,
Erson! I must show you something!
What that could it be?- Edara said.
At her cabin, she undressed in front of him, and said: What do you say about this body of
mine?
I am out of words!- He said, embracing her with care.
At the next day, Mr. Espertine Gudolf and Yellobar departed without Miss Arista, who stays
with Erson.
Sorry you are a married man! We could have enchained our destines forever!- Arista said
with her arms around his neck, because they were floating.
Yes, the Destiny is a big word. Same with For Ever, are two difficult things to understand.-
Erson commented.
29
Hope your heart could not trouble your mind, after this trip. She said, smiling.
He takes her for a raid on the second Flier, piloting ED 772. They went to Pobel city; it was at
the bottom of a wide gulf that stretched for hundreds of kilometers due north. Several sea
ships were seeing traversing its blue waters.
A nice view! This is something I almost forgot!- Arista said, embracing him.
Oh, there are surprises in this planet we must discovertogether.- Erson said, feeling
elated.
They landed in a private aerial station, and leaving ED 772 in charge of the Flier, they visit the
city on foot- the people goes to their different destinations using moving ways that had
cashiers- that they could not use because of the lack of sopes.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

I forget to see to it! But we could just see things first- later we could return to buy, if so
wished.- Erson said, embarrassed.
Dont worry, Erson! I am happy to be here with you.- Arista said, kissing him.
Later, they saw people playing musical instruments on a park- she said:- Seems this people
enjoy freedom.
Freedom, the most valuable thing- we know what was slavery- they very denegation of
freedom. Sometimes I think on them- the owners of city-sized spaceships- and how unjust
they are with the poor people that crossed with them in space. It should be a spatial police or
something similar, to regulate this. Erson said.
City spaceships are powerfully armed- cannons, missiles, nobody wants them as enemies!-
Arista commented.
30
That evening, at their return to the Sphere, they saw several people taking goods to a big
truck.
Ah, there you are! We sell half the cargo!- Mr. Espertine said, smiling to Arista.
Fine, uncle! I congratulate you- She said, looking how the crates were being lifted to the
huge car.
I have work to do! Excuse me!- He said when another wagon Flier begins to land near the
Sphere.
Wish he is paying taxes, not to commit illegalities!- Erson commented.
I have no idea about that, Erson.- Arista said, kissing him. Edara approaches and Erson
repeats his question.
Yes, but dont you worry: he is selling the goods to the government: Ministry Healgober is the
one buying- products for the military. Edara replied.
Oh, my uncle did know how to contact important people!- Arista said, looking how Mr.
Espertine was approaching a couple of persons who had descended from the Flier wagon.
He is the personal Secretary of the Ministry- Mr. Ogalver.- Edara said, who can hear a
conversation from more than five hundred meters away.
All right! Seems to me he will be a lot more sociable and happy from now on.- Erson said,
climbing up the ramp.
At the main cabin, Edara said:- Half of the cargo is out now, Erson. Perhaps he will decide to
end this trip.
Not my uncle! He is a very stubborn person, and seeing him having a moderate success here,
he will be wanting to keep on.- Arista commented.
31.
As in fact Mr. Espertine said he was going on with the trip as the contract stipulates, Erson
said: We have not enough natural food and our gas food is also gone. Perhaps you could buy
some food for your group too.
Espertine makes a grimace, and said: I would buy some food with what I earn from my recent
sells. But I assure you it will be only for our own group.
I understand, and that will be enough.- Erson declared, to the general surprise.
In silence, Erson walked to the main cabin, and Edara said: At last you told them whats
happening?
In that moment, Arista comes in, saying: My uncle was very rude unto you! And had a lot of
money.
Yes, but I assume I should do something better than to give explanations. There is just one
alternative, and its that your uncle must get into a pod when in flight.- Erson said.
I told him that he should buy food at least for his team, or get into the pod. - Arista said,
approaching some more to him.
And what did he said?- Edara asked.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

He just stared back. He is very stubborn.- Arista said.
Edara announced:- We are ready to depart.
All right, the new course must be set avoiding the menace.-
Theres no way to be sure, as the city spaceships are pointless than perfect. I assume its
already far from where we found her: the perfect path is the same old one. No bullet hits twice
at the same spot.- Edara explained.
All right; time for the arrival?- Erson wanted to know.
Two months and seven days.- Edara said.
Then, it is all set: depart when Espertine brings some food for his team. Later you just stun
the stubborn if necessary: all souls to the pods in this trek.- Erson ordered.
33
Espertine, who was giving orders to depart from the Sphere and begin buying groceries and
possibly meat for his consumption, was out on the city for two days; then he returns with
several hundred kilos of groceries and said to Erson: I had expend more than the count! But
here were I am, true to my word. When did we set sails, captain Erson?
Tomorrow! I will give you time to have a nice dinner with your own vegetables.- Erson said.
Later, and after dinner, Edara moves the Sphere up to the sky and leaves the planet for ever.
At his cabin, Espertine was playing cards with his friends, and noticing the sway below his
feet, he said: Whats happening? Are we moving away?
Seems that captain Erson is acting without our consent, Sir!- Yellobar said.
Accompany me to the Command deck, where that man usually is seated!- Espertine said, in a
very bad mood.
When at the last corridor, Edara appeared in front of him, spraying the place with a gas that
stunned the three of them that stumbled to the floor. Coming from different parts of the
spaceship, EDs takes the bodies and carried, in stretchers, to the awaiting pods. Half an hour
later, they were in stasis.
They will be mad at their wake up. Arista said, when hearing of this action.
Dont be trouble by that, lady. They will have a headache no bad humor could flip its tail.-
Edara said, smiling.
Hope you will be not spraying me, afterwards.- She said, staring at the e-woman, who
appears as not hearing his comment
You can be awake as long as you wish, darling. But its not commendable, for your health.-
Erson said.
And whats the limit? A week?- Arista asked, although she knew it was a month.
A month its the end of the green line. Beyond that, its dangerous.- He patiently said, mildly
aware that she should know about it beforehand.
She leaned on him, saying:- I will be doing it when you do: I know our time together will be
short lived. I cannot compete with a wife.
Erson felt a pain in his chest when hearing those words, because it was the truth.
Leaving the planetary system, captain. Achieving Warp 8.4 in half an hour. No need to heat
those engines.- Edara said, sensing that Erson was suffering by his own choice.
Fine. I will be in the engine room.- Erson said, walking out. Arista remains there for a couple
of minutes and then left.
Erson arrives to the engine room- several EDs were there, looking at things running smoothly;
Erson understands the function of almost everything there, but was totally unable to run
things, and less than that if to repair something was needed. He was there to reassure by
himself about the good condition of those magical machines and perhaps not to keep on
talking with Arista. He visited the pods, not seeing Mr. Espertine and his Assistants, because
the lids were shut, to permit the dormant a perfect night.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

Arista, seeing herself alone in a big spaceship and with synthetic people that, to her, werent
really living beings, fill her heart of afraid and searched for Erson, not finding him, she takes
refuge in her own assigned cabin. Hours later, Erson appears there inviting her to dine
together.
Why do you disappear from me? Dont do it again! I felt so lonely and defenseless! She said,
mad at him.
Oh, I was looking on mechanical systems! Sorry.- He said, feeling himself needed
Well, dont do it again!- She said, now a bit more at ease
They eat from the hydroponic garden. Two EDs were working there four hours per day, seeing
that the proper light and nutrients were being provided to the welfare of those plants.
Now we really dont have much vegetables to eat, but soon there will be more and more.-
Erson said, and she laughed, saying: Please! The plants are slow to grow and produce food: or
are your Assistants providing special nutrients to those plants?
35.
Not special! You must know there is danger for the human health to eat from modified food.
]1 No, we will eat naturally , darling. With 24 hours light on those plants, the growing of cells
gets accelerated.- Erson commented.
In reality, special nutriments indeed were working at the hydroponic room but as Edara has
told him many times, the special ingredients on the solution represent just a fraction of a one
per cent of toxicity for the human cells.
If we take in consideration the risks in space, this small quantity of toxicity is absolutely
negligible. Edara told him repeatedly.
Days later, an asteroid was seen moving in subspace, and Edara take several calculations on it,
and prolonging its course, saw it was directed naturally and casually, or intelligently moved,
towards HD 32147 .
When Erson knew about it, he said: Strange! An asteroid traveling alone a wandering
object, it could be manned.
Possibly not.It is far from its destiny point: 360 years to reach HD 32147 planetary system, at
its present velocity. Edara calculated on the spot.
We will tell whoever is in charge there, that there is an object traveling towards their planet
in a collision course.- Erson said, worriedly.
Sure. Perhaps we could blow it at our return.- Edara said, and Erson looks at her, asking:
With what? No missiles left.
LASER cannon will always be available. Edara said, confidently, and was asking from the
main computer everything known about the human populace on HD 32147 planetary
system
Soon she was saying: Star HD 32147 only habitable planet is the third, named Algoba, and
they had a small military orbital station at planet _Four. The system of government is a
democratic republic. President was Mr. Marjulot, but that information its seven years old. Get
to be someone other by now.
Originally from Earth?
Yes, as you should know, Earth government has been providing to the surplus of populace an
easy means to abandon the system and helping them when at some other location. This is the
case here, a spaceship come from Earth every month, with more colonists and hardware,
machines and medicines. This has been going on for 304 years.
It is an expensive way to help.- Erson commented.
Nowadays the HD 32147 government is paying for everything.- Edara informed.
Erson also receives a map of the planet, city names, amount of populace, and economic charts.
Mr. Espertine receives copies of it all, and he thanks for it when reawakened.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

This will serve me a lot. There is still goods to sell- and I know of two or three enterprises at
Algoba (the name of HD 32147-3 planet) that will be of much help. By the way, my nephew
is very attached to you. What are you going to do with this relation?- Espertine asked of
Erson.
Our affaire is only temporarily. She is alone, sentimentally speaking, and I am very far from
my family, a spouse and a son one year old.- Erson explained. Espertine snorted and said: You
just watch your steps. I would be very grieved if you produce any pain to my nephew.
And departed down the corridor. Erson keeps on watching there, thinking in how the destiny
thwarted the best of schemes. He knew how lives could be ruined just because a broken love
affair and he was almost decided to end there and then his romance with Arista.
37
What are you doing here like a statue, Erson?- Edara asked, coming from the end of that
corridor.
I cannot say I was expecting to see you coming.- He replied.
So, I am not desired?- Edara asked, standing in front of him.
I dont mean that. Mr. Espertine is worried about my romance with her niece. Perhaps he is
right and she will suffer when we walk different ways. As you know I should not be doing this
with a recently married person back at home.- Erson explained, while she walks to a chair at
the main cabin.
Well, as it is a rule on my program, I cannot say much on this mammal affair! You see, a
person interested in another person as you are, just cannot reason straight. What else do you
want me to say?- Edara smiled comprehensively to him.
Just tell me what I should do.
Yes, I will tell you what to do and you will do whatever fits your fancy! Well, here are my
words to the wind: when landing at Algoba planet, you mend your ways. That is all I could
recommend.- Edara said. Erson meditated in this and bowed with his head, seating at a
console where he gets busy under the ironical stare of the synthetic woman.
But that night all his decisions for to left the woman vanished while enjoying her love.
Afterwards , looking at the green lights on his cabin, he mused about fidelity in a mans heart.
He realizes it was like a small bean in an empty sac
In the morning, she takes a real bath (using water) and said: Certainly we are one of kind.
Pity there are people waiting for you.
Please , Arista! You know I love you now- but I have responsibilities.- He moaned.
38
The Sphere flown to the surface in a curve, manned both by the G and the skilled hands of
Edara. It stops 20 centimeters above the landing site, where some others were already
standing. Using the retractable legs, that protruded now from its hidden chambers, the Sphere
finally cut engines with what could appears as a sigh.
You can release your safety belts! We have landed. - Edara said by the loudspeakers to the
naturals on board. The Synthetics were already on the know through their positions of control
of by the in-built radio receivers.
Later, Mr. Espertine and his Assistants went to the city of Facher to offer their goods- Arista
stays with Erson, who worked at the holds, looking that the cargo could be released easily
when the right time come- and that was very quick as Mr. Espertine appears that night with a
big smile on his face, announcing: Complete success! All the cargo is already sold! Or at least,
will be sold tomorrow, after some people come to see it with their own eyes.
And he talked at the mess hall, drinking beverages he had brought from the city of Facher.
Several days later, all this cargo was downloaded and Mr. Espertine, with the money of his
earnings in his cabin, begins to ask for departure.
We need to let go from here, Captain! My earnings are over here.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

There is no food for you and your assistants on board.
You have a nice hydroponic laboratory here, captain! I saw it and there are food in there.
Espertine pointed out, who had no remaining of the previous food he had bought.
Not enough!
Well, tell me about it! And, how if I buy the food, and later you offer to pay me? =I assume
you had some money left at home?- Espertine said, not willing to expend sopes in food.
Not a single sopes.- Erson said, thinking that his wife had already expended every sopes she
had received and more.
Well, I will wait until you make a couple of trips and get enough money to reimburse me! But
here in this planet I cannot stay any longer! Espertine said, and after a talk with Edara, who
give him a list of what was needed, he departs with his aids in the Flier.
Hope he buy what is on that list! He is a stubborn man. Edara commented but yes, the man
returns with the items required and some more.
There! Now you steer away, lady!- Espertine said to Edara, at his return.
Go to your place and strap to the chair, Mr. Espertine! We will take off in twenty more
minutes.- She replied, while the EDs were securing everything inside the Sphere.
Erson and Arista were at his cabin, kissing each other, when the order comes through the
loudspeaker: Departure in four minutes! Every one strap to your seats!
All right: here or at the main cabin?- Erson asked her.
Of course here!- Arista replied laughing, so they stay inside the zero gravity bed, using the
force field to stay in place.
This is cozy! He said, embraced with the young woman.
Oh, I could be like this for the rest of my life!- Arista said, with his head on her chest. And
there was no real need to be so prepared as the Sphere hovers a fraction of a second before its
departure, speeding in a wide arc. Edara saw the darkness of space surrounding the vehicle,
when attaining thirty kilometers over the surface of Algoba planet. She avoids planet Fourth
and then set course for the distant star Rana, one of the many stations in her way back to
Aurea VII, Brana II.
40/ 187
That night they all were at the dining room having a meal. Mr. Espertine said:- I assume
Aurea Seven is your goal now, Mr. Erson?
Of course, but first I must leave you at Rana star.- He replied.
No, no! You just follow to Aurea VII! No need to waste my time at Rana Star! Goods must be
bought! Perhaps I will take you for another raid.- Petrasie said, smiling.
Edara receives the news, and said:- Very well, everyone to the hibernation chambers!
In two days, all five of the natural beings were in deep sleep, each for the two months journey.
Edara and the rest of Synthetics were in charge of the Sphere that jumps the Branas four days
later, as she was looking for a close approach to star Aurea Seven, but instead of it, and due to
fluctuations in the energy between the two Branas, they appear 80 light years far from the
desired point.
41
Edara said by radio:- A small delay for our naturals, this have no meaning now they are
dormant.
Four months later, the Naturals were awaken and realizing they were near the planet, nobody
complains for the delay. Erson asked: And how much were we in outer space?
Half a year, but among planets and waiting for the seller, another eighteen months.
That is two years!
Yes, your child is now two years old. Want to see him?
What? Are you in connection already?
Since three days ago.- Edara informed him.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

All right, lets see it.- And Erson saw two recorded communications- at the last one, he saw
Ladia saying: And tell my husband I miss him!
That was like a blow in the chest for Erson; he begins to be sure he must return to his family
as an honest Captain!
We are to land in some hours only.- Edara said, taking him out of his reveries.
Yes, home sweet home! Pity I must leave my new love, Arista!- He said, remembering her
soft and firm flesh. As a spell becoming true, she come into the main cabin- she was dressed in
a pale green garment, with dark green shoes- ready to walk by any city street.
Well, dear, guess our love affair is over! Arista murmured.
I could not dishonor my wife that has been waiting for me. My son has one year already- they
are my family.- Erson commented.
Yea, your family and I was your whore. I will never again believe in a mans words!- Arista
said, going out of the room; Erson was going to follow her, but Edara said: Let her be free,
Erson! You asked for this. Hope you will get happiness with Ladia, because if you dont your
days in suffering will be endless!
42/ 187
At Domicium city they landed. Mr. Espertine and his team goes out without saying good bye,
perhaps because of Aristas eyes, that were red because of her too much weep.
Erson takes the Flier to go home- the apartment looks to him as tiny and stuffed with old
furniture- Ladia Singoria receives him with cries of joy and showing the robust creature her
son Salustio had become: He is strong and healthy! Say hello to daddy.- She kept on
repeating.
Mr. Langford was there too, Handshaking him with scrutinizing eyes; Miss Kennan said:- Do
you see? We had taken good care of your wife and son: my daughter and my grandson!
And after lunch, Mr. Langford farthed and his wife complained: nothing had changed there.
Our son had been sleeping with me- now we will need a bed for his own. Ladia said.
Of course, no problem with the money.- Erson replied and that night the son slept in
between both of them. They had a sexual intercourse on the side, she was hot with so many
months alone, and he was there feeling guilty of betrayalbut time erases pain and remorse
to a small size, and in the weeks he was there, the silhouette of Arista begin to get dizzy and
distant.
So you earn more than thirty million sopes and lost everything?- Mr. Langford asked, after
knowing about it through Ladia.
Yes, perhaps I should make another trip or two, to recover that money.- Erson said, under
the incredulous stare of that man.
But you promise my daughter not to keep on making dangerous trips!- Miss Kennan
remembered.
Ladia, who was also there and possibly promoting the scene, said:- You promise me to stay
with me, Erson! Just sell that spaceship! With that money you could open a store or something
you like!
Erson felt he was a slave of his word, and nodded, saying: Of course, I will sell the Sphere.
After a minute of silence, Mr. Langford said: Well said, my boy! Now, stay as good as your
word!
Erson went to the Sphere alone and while seated in gloom at the main cabin, Edara touched
his head, saying: Three months here and you already are the shadow of the proud captain I
knew! What is this time?
I give my word to Ladia about retiring. But I feel it is beyond my forces to comply.- Erson
said.
Ah, what happens to the worried father of a child?- Edara asked without mercy.
He is still here! Penniless. Waiting for an auction.- He smiled.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

Forget it! You are the man in that relationship! Tell her you are prone to work, but in your
own trade! Let me search for another client! There is a strike on several cargo-ship
organizations, so it will be easy to get another commission. Who knows? Perhaps you could be
back here soon, to your family and with big money.- Edara said, and the idea clings to Erson.
Erson clings to that idea from then on. He stayed three days at home, while Edara put
advertisements, and at the fourth day, she calls on him, saying:- You are a millionaire again,
Erson!
What? Did we have another trip to make?- Erson said, much to the dismay of Ladia , who
was near-by and heard the cry.
Another trip, yes! And as it is hazardous, I asked fifty million sopes.- Edara informed.
Where we must go?- Erson asked, feeling dizzy.
Cannot tell by holographic means! Suffice is to say you get a new job! And a lot of money.-
Edara said, hanging up.
44
But Ladia wants him home.
Erson turns his head towards Ladia, saying: It is a lot of money! And although she hasnt told
me all , I am sure this trip will be short in time- I had talked about it previously with her
and
No!- Ladia Singoria interrupted him: You said you were going to sell that thing, then, why
dont you do it?
Buta few trips and we will have a lot of money!- Erson said, staring at her. He wish he
could have a magic wand to turn her into a docile woman!
Do you remember all what I told you about your absence here? How I was looking at that
door, afraid somebody knocks the door and say you were lost in space, or worst? Very much
worse than that?- Ladia said. Miss Kennan shows her head by a door and said:- Please be
quiet! Your father is trying to sleep the siesta!
All right, mama! Erson wants to depart again. She informed her mother that turns a blazing
pair of eyes towards Erson, saying: OH, THE LITTLE GENTLEMAN WISHED TO GO AGAIN?
And I suppose he will be back empty handed again? Be strong, my daughter. This man just
wants to depart once and again. I dont know why he gets married in the first place!
And she shut the door silentlyErson walks away, feeling guilty. In fact, Ladia was not going
to accept his absence, and he was not going to remain working on land. Erson was now sure
he had committed a mistake in searching for a woman of her house.
45
He gets into a bar, and takes a few drinks before going out. He saw not one, but many a man
doing the same thing at that early morning hour.
At the street, swaying and stomping, he managed to arrive at the Sphere, where he dumps on
an armchair.
I see you were having fun. Trouble at home?- Edara asked him, when passing by.
Ladia wants me home.- He mumbled.
Yes, I know that. Listen: there is a merchant trying to reach Aurea 3 in hurry- he paid me 21
million sopes- not much but also, the distance its not great. What do you decide?- Edara
asked.
Say yes. In a couple of months we will be here.- Erson said; footsteps were heard coming by
the corridor and at the threshold the figure of Arista, dressed in a green garment, was
showing.
Hi!- She said, smiling. A fiery pang reach Ersons chest- all the fuzziness of his memory
related to her vanished in a split second.
Hi, Arista ! You look fine. Excuse me: I had work to do. Edara said, walking out of that room.
And how are you? Arista asked, approaching.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

Not so well.- He confided, wishing to be 100 kilometers apart. She passed a sweet hand over
his cheek, saying: My poor love! Are you suffering for me?
Yes!- He almost yelled, standing up from his armchair, kissing her with hunger- she was now
sighing and soon they were also moaning with desire.
Oh, I was so lonely and despair! My uncle told me to forget about you. I just could not do it!-
Arista said, between kisses.
46
ARISTA IS BACK.
I have a new flight- a short one to Aurea 3 planetary system.- He said, embracing that fine
body.
Oh, take me with you! Take me!- She said, clinging to the man, who carried her to his cabin.
Hours later, they were taking coffee at the dining room, while Edara was saying: The client
will arrive tomorrow at first hour. The cargo consist of machinary for the agriculture- a big
firm it is. Edara said.
Nice. - Arista said, smiling to Erson.
So we could be departing soon? The cargo, when did it come?- Erson asked.
The client wished to bring the cargo before paying, but I told him no; that he must pay in full
before departure or there is no deal. Plenty of trouble nowadays with the merchants- many of
them cheats when paying.- Edara commented.
Well donned. I must to give money at my house, before the takeoff.- Erson declares, and
Arista seems not to hearshe was not to get into trouble about his family
That night, she went his home to prepare her valises, and his uncle looks at her in amazement.
What Are you no more crying for that rascal?
That rascal invites me to another spatial trip, uncle.- She said, with her valises opened over
her bed.
Oh, no!- Espertine said, touching his own head with both hands- This is terrible!
47
Not so, dear uncle! This time is only to Aurea Three! A matter of a month or two.- She
informs him.
Mr. Espertine growled and went to his bedroom, shutting the door. Arista raises her
shoulders, not caring much about his uncle inclinations
At Ersons home, the women were complaining while Mr. Langford ends by saying: Let a
sailor be at sea! This man is like a sailor: he got to be traveling on his ship! And how much
money are you earning this time, Erson?- And his eyes were shinning with greed.
More than twenty million sopes; of course, half of it must be used in that round trip.- Erson
informs him.
Mr. Langford clapped his hands, saying: Hear, hear! You see, my daughter? This man surely
knows better! A single trip, and look how much he is gaining!
As in the precedent time, Erson gives Ladia two million sopes, and to her parents he also gives
them one million sopes, to be sure they were going to stay helping LADIA IN WHATEVER
TROUBLE IT COULD ARISE
Erson departed from the apartment at the next day, without being talked by his wife, who was
very upset.
The cargo is arriving, Erson. The client is already at a cabin.- Edara informed, when he
arrives to the Sphere.
Just one person?. Erson asked, not sure he was hearing well.
Just one. Or do you prefer a lot pestering the corridors?- Edara said, perhaps remembering
the refugees
One is good for me. I will talk with him right away.- Erson said.
Wait: he told me not to intrude into his cabin until out in space. Edara said.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

All right, I will wait.- Erson said, obediently, and looking around, he asked: Where is Arista?
She told me she was willing to make this trip with me.
She hasnt arrived- do you want me to go and search for her in the city?- Edara asked him.
No, let her make her decisions by herself, but is any way you could call on her to say we are
departing soon?- Erson said.
I already call on her phone, but nobody is answering- I will keep on calling, if you want.-
Edara said.
Yes, please. That woman is something I wish to have in this trip.- Erson vehemently said.
48
AT THE MAIN CABIN.

Hours later, Edara said: We must depart now, Erson! The control tower is asking me to do
so.
No Arista yet?- Erson asked.
No signs of her. Perhaps she just change of idea.- Edara replied.
All right, take off. Women! You cannot trust in any of them!- Erson said, banging at the
console. The vessel fly up and away, and the planet was diminishing rapidly in Ersons
monitor, while he stared at it with glazy eyes.
Hours later, Edara said:- I will bring the client here, Erson.
All right, wish he could be a nice guy.- Erson replied, absorb in the contemplation of the
stars in the quadrant; many of them were already ignored as there were not so many
spaceships to visit them all.
Hello!- A well-known voice said, and Arista was again at the threshold of the entrance door.
The green custom and her same smile. Erson rubbed his eyes, while his heart begins to beat
stronger.
You here? I am astonished.- He said, a she approaches saying; I couldnt let you travel alone,
Erson! So here am I..- And she leaned to kiss him. He kissed her back but then he said: I am
really happy you are here! But wait: Edara will return in any minute: she will bring the client
to talk with me.
Arista laughed, and said: You silly! Are you ashamed of me?
Erson stared at her as if not understanding. She seats on his legs, adding: Yes, dear! My uncle
gives me this commission. Some money after I told I was invited to Aurea 2. So, I have some
goods aboard, too!
The client arrives- he was an old looking man, perhaps in his sixties; when seeing Arista on his
lap, he reddened and said: Excuse me, captain! Perhaps I could come later.
Oh, no! We are happy to see you. Arista said, smiling.
She is Miss Aristamy fiance. I hope you find your cabin comfortable?- Erson asked him.
49
OTTOKER THE MERCHANT.

Edara approaches them, saying: Mr. Ottoker has a very nice cabin: we decorate it using some
furniture bought at Aurea 7-3.
Yes, very nice. I love antique mattresses- the new anti-gravitational beds are for the young
people.- Dr. Ottoker said.
Oh, then I am happy you are comfortable there. As you know, we natural beings must to sleep
while traveling from star to star, so the hibernation procedures will start tomorrow
morning.- Erson announced.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

OH, wellthis is my second voyage to Aurea Two! Usually, one of my vendors went there, but
in this trip I am investing more than half of my money. Thats why I am taking care of it
myself.- Mr. Ottoker explains.
You must not feel worry about your cargo, Sir.- Erson said.
Mike. Just call me Mike.- The man asked.
Well, Mike, I have traveled five hundred times farther, so this is , in fact, a small jump for me
and my crew.- Erson declares.
And for me too, dear! I remember I was on board, the last time you leave Aurea Seven.-
Arista commented.
Of course.- Erson admitted, feeling the heat of her buttocks on his legs.
Fine. Now you met our captain, Sir, I will show you some of the sections of this spaceship, and
where are your crates in safe.- Edara announced.
50
DINNING AT THE MESS HALL.
After Mr. Ottoker left the main cabin, Arista laughed and kiss Erson, saying: The poor man
was very embarrassed seeing us together.
Oh, yes! Its not every days occurrence to meet a captain with a beautiful woman on his lap-!
Erson said: she stared at him AND THEN SHE KISSED HIM HARD.
That is because you find me beautiful!- She said on his hear- Erson was more than happy
and elated, having her on board.
That night, they dined with Mr. Ottoker at the mess hall, where the client explains much of his
merchant life.
Oh, I begin working at a small shop, where I and two other clerks were the only vendors! But
with sacrifice and hard labor, I become an important seller! Now I am selling machinery for
the Agriculture , but in those days I was only selling seeds and pesticides!
I am happy you had succeeded in your business! Tell me something, Mr. Ottoker: Are you
married, had some sons to help you in these matters- Erson asked him.
Oh, no! Its a real pity: my old wife Miss Rethia, cannot have child no matter what medical
treatment she uses! And I was devoted to my work, so you see; I have none to give my
heritage. But my wife had decided for me: we will donate our patrimony to an orphanage- you
cannot imagine how many fatherless children are in Aurea Seven!- Mr. Ottoker said.
Certainly you have a nice idea, a generous project.- Arista said.
Thanks you, lady, but think again: once I and my wife departed, who could enjoy our money
better than children? And really I am not feeling too much of a philanthropist, because I will
leave the money on their hands after my death!- Mr. Ottoker commented.
Erson sees no motive to be sad, so he asked Edara to produce some music- soon a soft music
was being produced by the main computer and delivered through the loudspeakers. Mr.
Ottoker excuses himself, saying he was tired, and then Arista danced with Erson for a while.
This trip we must enjoy, dear! At least for some days.- She urged him.
Of course.- He said, embracing her and tasting the honey of her lips
Fourteen days later, they keep being much interested in each other, but of course, there was a
cloud before Ersons face every time he remembers the son he left behind. Edara reminds him
every too often that he was going to come back, and then he was more at ease.
When approaching the Aurea 3 planetary system Edara said: Well, you two surpass my
expectative: you are arriving to our destination point without being a single day at the
hibernation cameras!
52
Love could move mountains.- Erson said, embracing her by the slim waist. She leaned back,
laughing, and said: - You look better now you are with less weight.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

He smiles - she was looking superb or was his attachment to her that puts a pink veil over
her entire person?
He looks at the small dots that were the planets of Aurea 3: they were six of them, being the
third the principal of them, with huge and now ancient cupolas.
This is Aurea gamma Anice star.- He said to none in particular. He remembers old maps,
saying that Aurea 3 has only eight planets but that was an error due to the rustic instruments
the first humans appears there 260 years ago.
They were hailed by several warships that were patrolling the fringes of the planetary system
of Aurea 3; scanned from the distance, they were told to keep on, but with one obliged stop at
the orbital station number seven, the one that must to do with private spaceships visiting
planet 3 , the one Edara said was their final destination.
53
Data on planet Aurea 3-3.
Cities: Dunkel (capital city); Ballen, Dutale, Makacoc, Furtkor.
West hemisphere: Echinus continent, Patens Ocean.
East hemisphere: Eboreus continent, Ceronia continent, Tonsa Ocean.
Government:
King Redimio. Queen Cymba.
Princes and Princesses: Consulo, Lodix- Glebela, Frista.
Lords= 7 . Justice & Law: Lord Braten. Health care, Medicine: Lord Pelle. Mines, Commerce: Lord
Hobel. Army, Navy, Spatial &Ground forces: Lord Gering.
Space fleet: 32 warships, 17 battle cruisers, 2000 Hunter vessels.
Populace: 306 millions-
Stock: Humans.
Animals: Imported from several sources.
Vegetation: Native.
Major products: Fishery, mining, engine production.
Other planets: Planet Two=half populated (under Cupolas).
Planet 4: Mining operations.
Planet 5: Gas production plants.

They were received at the control office- the officers wants only a payment for to enter the
planet, and once the 130.000 sopes were paid, they were allowed to stay as long as they want-
no more questions asked.
54
SHOPPING AT MAKACOC CITY.
Mr. Ottoker said: I must land on the city of Eboreos Makacoc.
You mean, Makacoc on Eboreus continent.- Edara said, and he stared at her, nodding.
Very well, lets get down, Edara. Erson urged her, and in scant 20 minutes the Sphere was
already landed on Makacoc Space Field- there were fine spaceship models, much of them of a
high price.
I will be renting where to left my merchandise- must be two or three days more, captain
Erson.- Ottoker said.
Theres no problem in that, Mr. Ottoker. I will wait seven days for you to download.- Erson
conceded.
Ottoker left the spaceship one hour later, nervous now he was at his destination point.
Our assistants said that its needed a little work on your Sphere. Also, some materials are
needed to buy.- Edara said.
Fine. We will be going down to buy it.- He said, embracing Arista by the slim waist.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

She said:- Oh, dear, lets see if there is a beauty shop for me! You could buy while Im at it.
Here, on a civilized world, I cannot look as it is!
He saw her as beautiful as ever, and said: You look wonderful to me. But he did left her at a
beauty salon, and with Edara and EDBL15, he bought the necessary items for the Sphere.
In an hour, you will have your request at your address. The Vendor said, handling him a
receipt.
Fine. I will be looking around by the meantime.- Erson commented, but one hour was too
little time to see the numerous charms the city of Makacoc has to offer.
55
There are many new things I will be looking for in the days ahead!- Erson said, when
arriving to the Sphere.
Theres no hurry at all, because our client hasnt taken the cargo out of the hold.- Edara
replied, while telling the others by radio- to be waiting for the spare parts to arrive.
Erson calls to the beauty parlor, and talked with Arista, who said: Oh, dear! I am beginning to
look better, but wait! Seems I will be here for some hours more.
No rush, darling! I am at the Sphere, waiting for the delivery of the merchandise, so have no
worry about time. Erson commented. In that moment, the delivery truck appears, so he went
out the door lock to receive it.
Mr. Erson, our Company always delivers a gift for the first buy- there is your parcel, totally
free. The deliverer said, handling him a box.
Well- happy to have business with your Company, then.- Erson said, surprised- later he
discovered it was a nice vacuum set, and specially designed to clean corridors of any dust it
could appear.
The EDs begins to work at the outer hull where meteorites had left their imprints.
Funny to see this damage! The force field should maintain objects out of the way. Erson said.
And it does; but once in a while one of them comes with such a force, that hits the hull.
Remember the millions of kilometers we had been crossing. Edara reminds him of.
He saw how some sheets of metals were repaired with the metals he had bought. Edara said:
By the end of this afternoon, you will see everything ready even with a coat of paint.
56
I am glad to know it, but I will be not around- I get to be with Arista soon- Erson said.
Of course- have no worry- I will be here looking at things. I will call a Flier taxi when she is
ready. Edara said, so he remains at the Sphere, looking at items the vendors of Makacoc has
to offer, and it was an enormous quantity of things, such as Personal Transporters, memory
pills, spray food of every flavor imaginable, clothes, shoes, weapons, lenses, communicators,
etc.
He went, four hours later, to find Arista at the beauty Parlor, and what he sees there fill his
heart with joy and some proud- the woman was finally looking as a costly doll, with her hair
combed with swirls and buckles, her face shimming softly pale pink, her eyes sparkling, and
her hands and nails properly taking care of.
How do I look?- Arista asked him, knowing already he has approved the improvement.
You look just perfect, darling! Beautiful, a gorgeous woman. He said in rapture. She beamed
a smile, saying: Hope you dont scream when they give you the bill.
Of course not! You deserve the best of things, and I am here to see that you receive it, as long
as I could. He said, and paid bravely
They stayed at a good hotel; from there they visited nice places for a week. Then Edara visited
them, saying:- Mr. Ottoker has taken his goods out of the Sphere- at last. Next time we will
make Contracts, asking them for money extra, so we could take their goods to rented holds on
the city; in that way, we will be free to go at any time.
57
Knapp # 39: Erson.

Approved! Erson said, seating on the balcony in front of a coffee table.
You look nice- Edara said to Arista.
Thanks you- I am visiting Beauty Parlors each two days- it relaxes me, and they make me
look prettywhy dont you go, too?- Arista said.
Shes different.- Erson remarked.
Yes, different but also I can visit different locations. Do you know that we have special places,
too? Edara asked.
No idea! Erson said, looking at her.
Well- now you know. Edara said, smiling.
I am prone to do whatever necessary to help my people. Why dont you visit such a place-
carrying our female crew?- Erson offered.
Yes, it could be donnedbut I must ask you to come with us- this town seems a safe place,
but things also happen. Edara said.
Bad things? Arista asked, seeing that she had been so relaxed in its midst.
Yes.- Edara confirmed, not willing to scare that natural woman beyond the safe point.
Erson stands up, saying: All right! No problem! In here, we could arm ourselves without the
law coming in between. Bring our females here, and from this place we will visit those
synthetic related Beauty Parlors.
Oh, I want to be there, too! I am dying to see how it is!- Arista said, clapping her hands.
Edara leaves, and in half an hour later, she was back with ED781, ED672, ED711 and saying:
Sorry I am not here with ED 227 and ED171! They must see about the Sphere.
No problem! Tomorrow we will carry them to that place.- Erson said, and in a short walk by
the moving ways, they arrive to a very common looking Beauty parlor, and the only difference
was that from outside, there was a green and yellow sign.
58
Do you see that sign? It means this place is for usSynthetics!- Edara announced.
The interior was quite different than the beauty shops devoted to Natural beings; the people
were carried to individual rooms, connected by the opposite side- to a well provided set of
stands, that housed new nails, hair eyelashes, dyers, removers; several people worked there
using fine instruments. A person said to Erson: First, we will make some tests over your
ladies. Then, we will proceed to work on them, provided you approve our emoluments.
The attendant was a natural woman of distinguished look.
Of course, do as its necessary. I will wait. Erson said, seating in a comfortable armchair-
next to him, Arista seats in another fancy chair.
I WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH BEVERAGES AND PERSONAL HOLOSETS.- Another woman
attendant said, and in doing so, she added. It will take a little while- have some patience,
please.
We have plenty of time to wait.- Erson said, smiling- he had a stun gun in his pocket, and
Arista had another at a pouch. Fifteen minutes later, another woman brings Erson with a
detailed list, saying:- Here we have our evaluation, Sir. For each of your models. Let me say
you had an exquisite set of persons.
Thanks you. Lets see- Erson murmured, and with Arista they read on that list- some of the
E-females needed a lot of improvements, while others just a few thingsthe amount of money
requested was not much.
59
Approved, young lady. Tell me how much in time it would take.- He asked.
Forty eight minutes, Sir.
Very well: proceed!-
Here is the machine where to make the deposit; sorry, but house regulations ask of us to be
paid in advance.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

No problem.- Erson said, making the deposit with his mnemonic pencil Bank Account.
Very well. You will be satisfied of our work when you will see them coming out. That lady
said, smiling and walking away by a corridor.
Half an hour later, a couple of persons come in- the man was big and rude, and she was a
Synthetic e-woman, with a pink handkerchief around her head, leaving half her face free to be
seen.
Who is in charge here?- The man asked.
Wait a minute! They will attend you soon.- Erson said, noticing that the man has a tattoo on
his right arm, resembling a spaceship.
Hello, hello? - The space sailor called down a corridor. A natural female attendant appears,
saying:- Good morning, Sir. We are here to attend you.
Good. See this e-female? She suffered a silly accident. She bumps on a door.- The sailor said,
signaling the synthetic woman, with a fat finger.
Understood. What do you want to make of it?- The natural woman said, blushing with
indignation; she does not believe that stupid explanation that was evidently a lie, in order to
cover that mans ill behavior towards the synthetic being.
See that she is properly restored. I dont mind the cost! The space sailor said, spreading an
insolent stare around him that included Erson and Arista.
60
Wait a minute here. We will see what we could do, and state the cost. The damsel said,
carrying that e-woman with her.
Hope this guys dont abuse with the costs. They are all the same. The man said to the air.
Ten minutes later, the attendant returns, and she was very pale
She had an awful scar and as our specialists said, provoked by a metallic object.
The space sailor shrugged his shoulders and said: I ignore how she did it: when coming
home, she was like that.
Certainly its not what she told us!- The Attendant said, blushing.
And what did that bag of screws told you? Perhaps she has brain damaged too!- The man
said, looking defiantly around him.
We cannot mend her here! The damage reaches the synthetic engrams: you get to take her to
some repair shop.
its a lie! Put her some hair on her skull and thats it!- The space sailor said.
No, its not possibly to do such a thing. Soon she will be failing if you dont sent her to a repair
shop.- The attendant said.
All right, Im going! Sent her back to me.- The man said, and while the Attendant went to
fetch the e-woman, he turns towards the couple, saying: I will dump her if the repair costs too
much for me to afford!
Sell it, then!- Arista said. The man coughed and said:- The wench, as it is, is almost
worthless!
The synthetic woman arrives and looked to whom her master was addressing. Erson saw
sadness in her eyes. Not difficult to find that feeling in her, looking at the brute it was his
owner.
60
Sell her to me! I can pay for her repairs. Erson said to the spaceman, who looked at him
with a greedy look, saying: Sorry, mate, but shes so attached to me that I could not sell for less
than a million sopes!
I can pay you that amount, but I need papers- not only your saying that is yours. -legal papers
make a clean acquisition.- Erson said, and the man faked a grievous stare, saying: Do you
think I robbed the girl? I bought it, by Kirk!
Probe it to me with papers and I will pay you.- Erson repeats.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

Oh, forget it! The space sailor said, taking the synthetic by a hand and left the Beauty parlor.
THE IMPROVED E-FEMALES
Minutes later, the synthetics come back from their treatments, and it was a delight to see such
beauties smiling and speaking with melodious voices.
O, they are so beautiful1 I would feel jealous if these persons could be naturals!- Arista
assured him.
Yes, they had donned a nice work! All the money I spent its justified tenfold!- Erson said,
excited in front of so many beauties smiling and speaking with melodious voices.
They get back to the Sphere in two Flier taxis and at the mess hall of the Sphere they talk
about the recent experiences.
It was all made by machines! Our voices were improved as well as our eyes- now they
consume a lot less of energy that is occupied in some other tasks.- EDBL15 explained.
They improved our skins and offered us new developed creams for to maintain the glossy
appearance.- ED 707 said.
Our lips and our teeth were improved- now the lips are a tint redder and our teeth look white
as porcelain our breath its perfumed.- ED 672 commented.
Other improvements were not told then, because THEY WERE more intimate- suffice is to say
that now they could make love as the most skillful of the natural woman.
61
Erson said: Tomorrow we will bring there the last group to get the same treatment.
Oh, I prefer not to go again there! I was very afraid when that man brought her damaged
mistress.- Arista said.
He was an evil man. We heard AB 616 speak about him.- ED 711 informed.
Some of the details are very shocking; she was abused in a daily basis by that man; one day
that she refused , she was beaten and the man cracked her skull. As you may know, our
conscientious center is not on our heads but in our chest; in her case, that difference saves her
life.- ED 711 said.
And did she ask for help?
She begged to the technicians at the Beauty Parlor for Synthetic people to call on the police-
but they refuse to do so on ethical issues. But we know it was only to protect the prestige of
their shop. -ED BL15 said.
Yes, it is illegal to maim a synthetic being in this society. ED 781 added.
In Knapp and Aurea 2-3 the Synthetic are particulars and they have civil rights. A pity here
they still are struggling to do the same.- Edara said.
He refuses my offer to buy its property: I assume he gets her from a crook. Erson said.
Wrong assumption. He is the owner.- Edara said.
And why does that he refuse to show the dominion papers?- Erson asked.
He bought her with his own name- a name that nowadays he refuses to have because is
searched by the police murder he commits. Now he is using the name of Richard Palm, and
he is working at a ship research laboratory. EDBL15 informed.
So he is traceable?- Erson asked.
63
Totally. In fact, we could talk at any time we need, with her acquisition, by radio.-Edara said.
Right now, too?
If you so require.
I require it: I must save her from his tortured.- Erson said, under the scrutinizing eyes of
Arista, who said: This conversation has gone far more out of line for my taste! I will be at my
cabin, Erson- I will sleep for a course of hours.
As you wish, darling.- Erson said, shrugging his shoulders.
Ready: speak.- EDBL15 said to him.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

Hi! I am that client you already saw at the Beauty parlor. I am interested in you as a person. I
come from a very friendly society, where we respect the stranger as well as the native; we also
respect the man or the synthetic woman, we respect the factory-made child, and we have
respect to minds that handles our machines. This I say to you, who are mistreated. Erson
said.
She is saying you are an honorable man, a man to be respected too. She knows about you
through us your Assistants and asks you and begs of you, not to be involved in her sufferings,
because Richard Palm could hurt you as he had hurt so many other people.- EDBL15 said.
How are you?- Erson asked promptly.
Somewhat dizzy. The damage section is causing problems so why dont you forget about this
case? Soon I will get so mixed up that my owner probably will dump me in some cheap
repairing store, for spare parts. EDBL15 said, speaking as the damaged e-woman, from whom
she was receiving the radio messages.
63
Very well,. Ask her address- perhaps I could by her.- Erson said to EDBL15.
All right. Address received.- EDBL15 said.
Do you really want to acquire her? Because a million sopes for a damaged Synthetic person is
too much to pay.- EBL15 announced.
And how much do you think it really cost?- Erson asked, bored with this monetized aspect of
the problem.
400K sopes maximum.- Edara said.
I will be going there- perhaps the guy could lower the price. Dont tell Arista where I went.
Edara: you stay in charge here. ED 127 and 772 will accompany me- with stun guns. See to it,
Edara.- Erson commanded.
Later, in a taxi Flier, they went to the address given by the damaged synthetic it was an
apartment in a cheap neighborhood. The place was at the third floor. Erson rings the bell
pressing a square of red plastic on the door.
Yes? Mr. Palm is absent now. The same synthetic e-female said, after opening the entrance
door.
Hi! My name is Erson. Are you alone?
Yes. Sorry I cannot let you come in- orders from Mr. Palm.
Its all right. But I am here to try and buy you- of course, not in the ridiculous price your boss
is asking. Have you any inkling about which could be his answer if I offer him 400K sopes?-
Erson asked her.
I suppose he could accept, but he is clever and seeing you here, interestedin mewell, he
will ask for more. She said.
Very well. ED 227; you and 772 will say you are here to buy her in 350K sopes In case he
accepts; you just sign in my name whatever necessary papers, or let my signature for a later
time. Here is my Credit Card. I will wait you at the Sphere.
64
Go in peace, Sir! We will manage this in your sake.- ED 227 said.
Erson returns to the Sphere, where Edara said: Arista asked for you and when not informed,
she gets very angry and left the Sphere.
Oh, well, this is bad.- Erson said, feeling that for any good action; soon befall another with
the opposite sign.
Half an hour later of this, ED227 come in with ED 772 and the damaged synthetic woman.
Bought, sir. No need for you to sign. I, being your property, can buy and by projection the
thing or things bought are yours.- ED 227 explains.
And how do you feel? Erson asked of AB 616.
Fine, except a little dizziness- also, happy to have been rescued.- She said.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

Edara: search where to carry her to make the necessary repairs. I will pay the bill.- He said,
looking at the recently bought e-woman.
Edara sent her with ED 781, 672 and 227 with authorization to pay if all was checked out first.
Wish she is well repaired. Erson commented.
Sorry about Arista.- Edara said, looking at a clock- six hours had passed, and the woman
hasnt arrived back.
She will be back: she has no money on her purse.- Erson remarked, and went to his cabin,
smelling her perfume he was very attached to her.
Unbeknownst to him, Edara moves the Sphere of location, landing at a private space field, and
it was so sweet the flight, that Erson didnt notice the movements.
Edara to ED 772: moved to other location. Search for us at the Bellsic Landing Park . How
much it rest for the release of the damaged E-WOMAN AB 616?
65
190 minutes more, Edara. ED 781 said by the radio.
When ready, come to our destination.- Edara said, seeing how Erson was coming into the
main cabin.
Hi! I sensed a movement. Do you take off?- He asked.
Yes, we are at a cheapest place- dont worry, the EDs already know where we are and they
will carry the damaged e-woman here.- Edara said.
Erson seats at an armchair, scratching her head- then he said: Theres something I DONT
understands. Why do you move my Sphere from the original place without permission?
Its not the first time I take initiative, why are you so surprised?- Edara asked him.
Well, its curious- Arista could come back to our original position and if we are not there I
will lose her forever.- Erson said. She smiled, saying: Are you sure she will come back? She
leaves in a rage!
But she had no money!-
A woman knows how to earn it! In all cases, the Sphere could be moved back there at any
time.- She said.
Do it now. Next time, ask me about everything before doing it. Erson said, mad at her. She
raises her shoulders a bit- a habit taken from natural people; and in minutes they were
already landing at the Makacoc Spatial Field.
There! See that woman coming? She is Arista!- Erson said, enthusiastically.
Edara looked that way and said: Wrong! She is some other woman.
And so she was- a taller, thinner one, asking for Erson. He walks down the ramp, saying: I am
Erson, and who are you, lady?
66
ARISTA ASK FOR MONEY.
Ah, so you are Erson!- She said, looking at him from head to shoed; then she smiled ruefully
and added: Arista send me here- to ask for money: she said she is staying at this city where
she found a new lover.
Erson paled horribly and gasped.
And how much is what she needs?- Edara asked.
A million and a half sopes- small quantity, she said, for to have been in that .ball for so many
days.- That woman informed.
Erson keeps on being mute. Edara said: No problem. But we cannot bring money to the first
foreigner that appears here without Arista. Tell her to come in person.
The woman insisted on being paid right now, but Erson gets inside the Sphere and Edara just
stare back at that woman, who finally said: Al l right! He leaves me with a machine! But I will
be back with my friend. You will see!- And with that and other phrases, she went her way.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

Edara leaves with the ED on guard and jump up to the main cabin, where she knew Erson
would be.
Did she leave?- He said when she appears at the main cabin.
Yes, she said she will be back and with Arista. But seriously, are you going to pay her a
million?- Edara asks of him.
Pay? I debt her nothing. I all case, it would be a giftand for a lesser sum500K would be
more adequate. It would serve her while she finds a proper job.- Erson said, while he thought
about seeing her for the last time.
Edara touches his hand, saying: Let me handle this, dear Erson- I see you hurt enough not to
sustain more blows from that woman.
67
Erson nodded. Edara moves the Sphere again to another site, and sent the renewed ABQ632
(the-once-damaged e-lady) to console him at his cabin
May I come in?- A nice womanly voice said, and Erson looks at the door: he recognizes the
abused womanbut indeed, no traces of her past life was showing: blond curly hair, a very
beautiful face with a porcelain looking skin, perfect and red- tinted lips, and big and profound
eyes, now of a deep green color. Her body was perfect, and she was now approaching,
saying:- I knew your natural woman departs: perhaps because of me.
Why, you?-
Yes! When you were deciding about my future, she gets jealous and departed from the room-
as Edara had told me. So, you see, I own you a lot more than mere money.- She said, kissing
her forehead. It was a wet, soft and fresh impression he gets with it.
Wow! That wasa fine thing to do.- He said.
And there is more for you. I am a thankful lady. She said, looking him in the eyes. A fiery
pang appears at his heart, and his reaction was to reject anything related with love and
affection. He looks on her- certainly she was a very attractive e-woman
Are you thinking on me as somebody elses mistress? Think no more about the past; it was
erased at the Repair Laboratory! My body was changed for you: my sexual intercourses
should be with parts never used before- my lips had known no other mans lips...- She said
softly while stroking his hair. Suddenly, he embraces her, kissing those pink lips; that tasted
sweet and after a while, like fire.
68
I will make you forget.- ABQ632 said, sensing the surge of desire in that rejected man.
You only deserve a proper name.- He said, kissing her neck.
I am ABQ632 , and I am proud of it- its a powerful model , ABQ, and my serial number is
632, much of my kind had fulfilled honorable feats. She said, kissing his lips.
Is that what it is? Very wellABQ.
Yes- the numbers will be not necessary between you and IErson.- She said, smiling.
Edara, who secretly was looking and hearing the conversation through microscopic monitors,
smiled because she had been right. Erson needed love, and his heart could replace a face when
needed the most and without scruples.
Edara puts advertisements for to get another cargo- Erson said: See that you get a long voyage
this time.
What for, Erson? Trying to escape from yourself?- Edara asked.
Leave him alone! I am the one who will entertain him in the long voyage he is seeking!-
ABQ632 said.
Much to the chagrin of Edara, who spoke no moreand concentrate in replying the offers
some possible clients were sending , requiring the fare she was going to set for their different
goals. Hours later, she said to Erson:- There are three clients for the same destination.
Choose the one who pays the most!- Erson said, bedded now with ABQ632.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

Wait! The cargo hold could house the goods of them three.- Edara said.
No problem, then! Say yes to all of them. And where did they want to go?
Aurea 2-3. Edara informed him.
69
Thats around the corner! Didnt I told you I wish to go far from here?
Yes, but there arent clients for those far corners of the Galaxy, Erson! Remember this is
Aurea Seven, a forgotten corner of the Aurea conundrum! . Edara explained with a bored
intonation.
All right, see that they could be housed on the existing pods. I dont want to be awake
because of them.
I will tell them about that.- Edara said, turning to leave his cabin, but he retained her with
another question: And what about money?
Seeing what they are trying to carry and the distance I only asked a million by each one of
them.- Edara said, looking at him with half of her body turned towards him and ABQ.
Fine, good work!- Erson said, envisioning those millions on his Bank account
Thanks. I will use one million sopes for repairs and some food.- Edara said, leaving the room.
Oh, its nice to have good assistants.- He said, turning towards ABQ632, who gives him a kiss
in reward for his kind words
At the dining room he saw six persons: three males and three females, one of the women was
very tall, at least three meters high. The other two were nice looking and smiling, probably
happy to go seeing a much interesting place than what Aurea 7-3 could offer.
Good afternoon, I am Erson, your future captain: glad you are here! So you want to travel
towards Aurea 2?
A fat man in his sixties said: Hello, my name is Rudolf, and I wish to say to you that you have a
wonderful ship- Wish it could fly fluently towards Aurea 2, where I pretend to sell my big
collection of knives and swords made of extremely fine steel.
Thanks for your fine words, Mr. Rudolf. I see you are a weapon maker?
Not so! My knives are for the household kitchenware, and my swords are pure ornamental.
Nowadays, wars could be fought only with LASER weapons, didnt it?- Mr. Rudolf asked.
Certainly. And you, lady? Are you happy to travel to Aurea 2?- Erson asked of the giant
woman.
Yes, of course. To travel to Aurea 2 is a good experience for me. Hope I could get into one of
your pods?- She replied. Erson realize there was a big problem there, and looked at Edara,
who said: I already talked with her Company: the general manager, Mr. Gudor, says he could
provide us with a pod for her trip.
Good!- Erson said, smiling and feeling relieved.
But Mr.Gudor is not going to give us that pod: he says the pod must be retired from the
Sphere at our destination point, so she could use in any other necessary trip she could need.-
Edara clarified, adding: In this voyage, the Company Gudor Associated is sending 40.000
pieces of cloth to one of its branch at Aurea 2-3. Fine cloths that its very expensive.
We intend to start a new fashion there; I am an expert in that. The tall woman informs.
I congratulate you for such a gift you have.- Erson said, very politely, but thinking how a so
much taller person could definite what was good for smaller people.
He is Mr. Wutuco, and he has a degree on arithmetic: traveling to Aurea 2, in charge of a small
but scientific delivery.- Edara said, signaling to a man that was tall and with a brown beard.
71
THE TRAVELERS.
That man sniffed and said: Yes, I am here because I get tired of my homeland: I pretend to
teach at some University at Aurea City; the fact I am carrying goods is just a job on the side
that entitles me to travel for free.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

Welcome to our spaceship again, Mr. Wutuco; nice to have a sage in our midst.- Erson
praised him.
Yes, my field of expertise is also Paleobiology- dinosaurs and its life is an open book for
me. Thanks to zoological institutions, I will see dinosaurs at Aurea 2-3, where more
than 30 of them are living nowadays.- Wutuco informed them
Good to know you all! When are you given them assigned cabins?- Erson asked of
Edara.
Next to this presentation, captain.- Edara said, smiling.
Good. Hope your stay on board will be a pleasant one. - Erson said, turning to leave
the room.
Captain! Are we going to be cryiogenized soon afterwards our departure? Because I
would feel horribly at a pod!Fanala said.
Dont you worry! You will fell nothing because our pods have lights inside, and you
could see out of them through the monitor.- Erson informed her, who had more
questions to ask:- Oh, but I will be inside it- just the same!- And she seems very
troubled.
Edara said:The one who does not want to accept to be inside a pod just and simply
cannot travel through space.
With that phrase, Miss Fanala stops in her whining.
When the cargo was hauled and secured, Edara said: Our clients had been going in and
out the Sphere, but now we will depart and if any of them didnt appear at 20.00 hours
of today, I will leave without him- or her.
Most logical thing to do.- Erson approved, caressing ABQ632.
You seem more absent now that you have ABQ.- Edara stated the obvious.
yes, but you are so capable of to do everything that is needed, that I bestow on you the
burden that I had carried since the beginning. I am dedicated to love and to be loved.- Erson
said. Edara just smiled and walk away from him.
At 20.00 hours, everyone was on board.
Prepare ship to take off! Everyone must attach to their seats, or to a special harness you will
find on corridor walls! Captain: deploying spaceship in three minutes and counting!- Edara
said by the inner loudspeakers. The EDs were at their place, except ABQ632, who hasnt a
working place as she was now Ersons e-girl friend!
The Sphere raise easily from the ground and glides to the west, gaining speed as it goes.
Reaching outer space. Please dont leave your places now. We will be maneuvering to get the
best course.- Edara said by the microphone.
Certainly, she is the captain now! But dont tell anyone!- Erson said to ABQ632, while kissing
her.
73/ 186
Edara guided the Sphere past the IV planet of Aurea VII and then reaches the Warp 8 towards
Aurea II- 2 .
Two more months and we will be at Aurea II, Captain.- Edara said to Erson, who was in bed.
Fine, get the naturals to the pods. We must economize our fruits and vegetables.- Erson
ordered.
Some of them will cause problems, especially the Fanala woman.- Edara said.
Drug her. She will wake up at our destination point.- Erson suggested.
And you? Are you going to be in a pod, or not?- Edara asked.
I dont know yet.- He said, embracing ABQ632.
Right.- Edara said, walking out of his cabin.
How many days before cryogenization, lady?- Lurdok asked to Edara, while walking by a
corridor.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

In three more days.
Three days only? Why not some more days? Its simply fantastic to be here, on the middle of
nowhere, but looking at so many constellations!- Lurdok commented.
Of course, you can choose any date.- Edara said, leaving him behind. Lurdok looks at her in
disbelief but then shrugged his shoulders, smiling: he had been expecting a rebuttal but
instead, his request was granted on the spot.
Edara make some readjustments: the dinner food was changed- and at 21.00 hours (spaceship
time) the Natural passengers were all in the arms of Morpheus.
Nice picture you have there. Erson said to Edara, arriving to the main deck after walking
past the dining table.
The passengers are now being carried to the cryogenic pods. Any other worry in your mind
to solve?- Edara said, smiling gently not to challenge him.
Oh, no, of course not! So I have total privacy on board?- Erson asked.
As much as you deserve.- She replied, and then ABQ632 appears, saying:- Oh, here you are!
Do you like a milkshake?
Yes, thanks you.- Erson said, taking the glass from her hand.
We are improving our velocity: 8.2 warp right now. A flow of ions are traveling in our same
direction. Edara said.
Yes, this is good!- Erson said, looking at the long range radar. He saw an object gaining on
them.
Edara- what is on this long range radar? She looks on it, murmuring: An intelligent
controlled vehicle. No asteroid could be warping.
Yes, so you better raise shields.- Erson said, and ED 781 obeyed.
Distance 380.000 kilometers.- Edara announced, adding later:- We are hailing it, but still
not response.
Erson was now looking the object as a vehicle, through the aft telescope. It has a strange
design, as if a mad engineer had been putting different spaceship hulls together.
They are responding. On screen.- Edara said, and a strange face appears there- it looks like
human, but at the sides of his head strange circles appears in brown color.
Arkar here. Do you have any problems? The person said.
Not at all, but we were worried about you coming from behind.- Edara said- she was also
seen at the other vehicle too, through the holographic system.
Dont you worry about us Reyniax! Just traveling to Aurea 2-3trading.- The person said.
What is a Reyniax?- Erson asked of ABQ 632.
Humanoids from Reynix planet- as old as the Natural humans, but related to a species with
molusc inferencesnot able to give offspring if mating with T-humans.- ABQ 632 replied,
reading from the MC data bank.
75
The fast spaceship soon was way ahead, thanks to the power of its engines ; Warp 8.2 was
easily measured with the Sphere indicators.
Wish we could travel as fast as them. Erson said.
Dont worry, well arrive in time.- ABQ 632 said.
I mean, less time - more charters for us. Erson said, looking at Edara.
Dont be greedy! With a modest inversion you are earning as much as them. Think in spare
parts- they have machinery way up costly! That you could not afford if client dwindles. Edara
recommended.
Erson grumbled something and stared for a long time at the main screen. ABQ 632 smiled; she
believe to understand him. Possibly, she thought, every man wants what they dont have.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

It was routine from then on- Erson walks with ABQ 632 by the corridors, descended to the
engine room, ascended to the main cabin, revised the LASER cannonseven talk endlessly
about him, seated at the auxiliary Flier, there on hold #4.
In Aurea 2 planetary system there are planets K, M, J and D. Do you know what that
nomenclature signifies?- Erson asked.
ABQ 632 smiled and said: Of course: K is adaptable for humanoid race with pressure domes;
M are oxygen nitrogen atmosphere; J are gas giants and D are hot, airy and rocky. But there
are some more: H has oxygen and argon in the atmosphere; Y has toxic atmosphere with
thermionic radiation: surface temperature over 500 K and 9, supergas giants.
Erson nodded: she has refreshed his memory.
76
Two days before the arrival to Aurea 2-5, a group of battleship appears suddenly, requesting
then to identify.
Sphere spaceship, charter to Aurea 3. Requesting permission to proceed. Edara said, while
some instruments detected the fact that they were scanned by the patrol.
Permission to go aboard.- The officer form that group said.
We will open the gate for you. Edara said, sending orders to the EDs. Erson puts on a green
uniform, and said: Stay at this cabin, ABQ 632. I dont know what they really want.
Do you want me to hide?- She asked. Erson stared at her, saying: Where? They would find
you easily: they have fabulous scanners.
Oh, Erson! You dont know what you really have! This Sphere has lots of hiding places,
specially designed not to be detected anyway!
Well, do as you want! I must be at the airlock right now.- He said, leaving that room.

MILITARY RECEPTION AT AUREA 2-3

At the airlock the visits were already at the first chamber- once closed the gate to the space,
the air whistled in and the inner door opens, the visits had armored space suits, but they
removed their helmets, showing their human heads.
Welcome to my Sphere, Sirs! I am Erson traveling from Aurea 7-3 with goods and some
merchants at the moment in hibernation .
Thanks, I am Golluber Toronj, second officer of the Aurea Space fleet. He is Tombir, auxiliary
assistant.- The taller of them said.
We are at your disposal. As you see, I have synthetic assistants to help you if technical
questions are required to explain.- Erson said.
77
Yes, we need names and ages of your clients, to see them they are traveling safely, and also to
see your cargo.- Golluber Toronj said.
Edara ask of ED 672 and ED 772 to show those men what they had requested to inspect; both
military men had scanners and using them all the time was their motto. They revised the
names with their wanted list, not finding any illegality attached; the goods were also
scanned. At their return to the airlock, where Erson waited patiently, Officer Golluber Toronj
said: We find dangerous objects in some of those containers: knives. Explain that to us.
Mr. Rudolf cargo represents what his Factory produces: forks, spoons and many kinds of
cutlery. If you find knives they are to serve at dinner tables, or to be used on barbecues and at
the kitchen: no harm intended.- Erson explains. Golluber stared at him for some while, and
said: I will take your word for it, and I expect not to be wrong.
You will be not.- Edara said; he looks unto her softening the stare and replied: I see you
backed up what Mr. Erson is saying.
I always speak truth: I am an ED. Edara remarked.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

I see. Very well, I will let you proceed into our planetary system. Another thing I must to
warn you: obey our regulations and stay out of trouble.- Golluber Toronj said, and putting his
helmet on he walked into the airlock chamber followed by his Assistant Tombir.
78
Bureaucracy! Erson said, making a gesture of impatience. ABQ 632 returns and embraces
him, saying:- Oh, dont you despair, my love! Soon we will be landing at Aurea Cosmodrome!
Yes, good to have you here: a breeze among hot irons.- He said, kissing her.
Four days later, they get the permission to land on Pole 1944lots of other spaceships
literally made a forest of vehicles parked there under the sun Aurea 2.
Mr. Wutuco and his friends were awakening.
What? Are we there yet? I meanAurea 2?- He asked, when fully recovered.
Yes, we decided it was the best for you and your assistants- no stress at all, in this way.-
Erson said.
Wutuco turns red, saying: You should had told me this beforehand! I always call my clients
and associates when approaching a planet!
You could call them now, Sir. Edara interrupted- the guy looks at them and said. BAD, BAD
service you have in here! Forget about future charters with us!
It is your privilege, Sir.- Erson said, shrugging his shoulders. Fanala dressed and departed
with the rest, without saying goodbye.
Later, several wagon Fliers arrives, taking the cargo out of the hold.
Ready for another voyage? Edara asked him.
Of course. But I guess tonight I will visit this city and slept on a standard bed- no anti- gravity
bed for me right now. I must feel gravity in a natural way, staying some days here, not to affect
my body. Erson said.
Biologically, our artificial gravity on board it is the same as in this planet. Edara said.
Of course, but I had been always sensing a difference between the two.- Erson said.
They call for a taxi flier, and departed; at the Matheson Hotel, they landed and booked for a
week.
79
The suite was superb, with every appliance imaginable; he takes a long time on the bathtub,
playing with ABQ632, who reassured him she was watertight
During his abscense, Edara and the EDs refubished the Sphere, throw away wastes, replenish
the refrigerator with food; replaced the damaged plants at the hidroponic gardens, patched
the exterior hull. She also selected offers. She chooses a client that needs to send minning
equipment badly needed at Aurea 7-4.
But I like to speak with naturals, lady.- The client demanded.
No problem. The Captain its lodged at the Matheson Hotel.- Edara said.
Call him: tell about my interest in renting your vessel for a short voyage.-The client asked of
her.
Of course. I will call you when I get an answer.- She said, ending the conversation.
ABQ632 receives the message and told Erson about it.
Just in time! Four days elapsed, and when beginning to get bored, souds the bell! I will be
there first thing in the morning.- Erson commented.
I will be there too1 So wait for me at the hotel, and we will be going to visit your client.
Edara replied.
Fine. ABQ632 goes with me.- Erson said.
Of course. I am well aware that she is your woman.- Edara replied.
How much money did you ask him for his voyage?- Erson asked.
Three million sopes, to carry his machines to Aurea 7-4.- Edara said.
I find it insufficient.- Erson replied, getting mad.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

Its the standard price, Erson! And we will be carrying just one person: his daughter.- Edara
informed.
We will talk about this tomorrow morning.- Erson said, ending the conversation and looking
at ABQ632 , adding: I am very dissapointed.
Why? Its three million sopes altogether: not to sniff much on it.- She said, smiling.
80
it is supposed that Edara must ask for big money no matter if whe had to wait! There are
always people who are in dear necesity and pays whatever the price in order to get away. I
know those in that position could be running from their wives, associates or from the Law, but
to me, I dont care about problems my clients could have in their tiny little lives!- Erson
commented, and she nodded in accordance- obviously, Edara was bypassing Ersons desires.
She is bypassing your desires.- ABQ632 said.
Yes! She must be malfunctioning. I will see that person , but I will ask him eight million sopes
for the trip.- Erson said, resoluted.
Or twelve million sopes.- ABQ632 suggested.
Or twelve million sopes, yes! If the guy is in some sort of a problem, he will pay.- Erson said.
At the next day, Edara arrives at 8.00 hours, saying: Good day, Erson and ABQ632! Nice day
to make a deal.
Erson looks at her through the hair of ABQ632, asking: At which hour is our appointment?
At 11:20 hours. Plenty of time, eh?- Edara replied.
You should had come at 10:20 hours, then!- Erson grumbled.
Dont be lazy! The man lives at a penthosue, in the Van Vogt Building: hes Mr. Hercules
Arcos, from a family of eathmen related people.- Edara said, and Erson stand up from the bed
and takes a shower together with beautiful ABQ632.
81

THE MEETING WITH THE TYCOON.

Edara prepares a healthy breakfast, and after eating, Erson looks with a better mood.
Well! Two hours left, and how much I had in the Bank, Edara?
38 million sopes.- She replied.
Good, and my EDs?- Erson said, looking to the corridor.
All are in good shape.- Edara said, with a bored look.
The only critic I can made against you its the scarce money you are dealing for a trip-
certainly we cannot set our fares looking at Cruisers- they can ask a lot less money because
their holds are immense in comparison.- Erson said.
Half an hour earlier, they left the hotel and traveled by the moving ways to the Van Vogt
Building- and arrives to the Penthouse just in time. A Synthetic lady receives them, saying:
Good day, Sir, ladies! Mr. Ercules Arcos will receive you immediately.
Thanks. Edara replied; they were guided through a corridor, past a hall and into a dark and
well air conditioned bed room. A man was in bed near a wide window, at that time curtained
with half transparent materials.
Good morning, ladies and gentleman! Sorry to receive you in bed.- Arcos said.
Hope you are not too ill to talk about business. Erson said, looking at the fat and white
haired man.
Oh, dont you worry about that! Its my rheumatism and my age. So you are captain Erson-
quite young, I must admit.- Mr. Arcos said.
yes, I receive the Sphere spaceship in heritage, but I assure you that I had spent years
voyaging between stars, without any mishap thanks to my assistants.- Erson said, with
conviction.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

82

MR. HERCULES ARCOS EXPLAINS HIS MOTIVES.

Oh, quite sure! I am not questioning your skills, captain! I have , among other things, a factory
producing fine herbicides and machines for the agriculture. There are 80 tons of merchandise.
I have a nice dealer at Aurea 7-4, but in this flight, my niece is going along. She is young and
has an entire life ahead of her, so I would be very dissapointed if something bad could occur to
her. Mr. Hercules Arcos said.
Dont you worry about her safety aboard my Sphere. We have nice cabins to lodge her and
state of the art cryogenic pods. Although it is a short voyage.- Erson said.
Yes, your commander Edara had shown me , using the holographic set, all what I need to
know about your spaceship.- Mr. Arcos said, and when Erson was going to raise the fare,
another person enters the bedroom
Hi, grandpa! Oh, I see you have visitors! The young woman said, leaning over the old man for
to kiss his cheek.
Yes, the captain Erson and some of his crew have come to see me.- He said. The young
woman turns towards them, saying: Oh, what exciting! Captain: I am going to be a passenger
in your spaceship.
Yes, but the fare cannot be so low, Mr. Arcos. Three million sopes for a special trip its too low
for my calculations. Eight million sopes its fair price, and I presume you are in accordance
with it.- Erson finally said.
Oh, but captain! Three millions is the adequate fee- eight millions is way out of line. In this
condition I must tell you that I cannot make the deal: there are plenty of other spaceships to
satisfy my needs.- Mr. Arcos explains, turning red as a tulip.
83
Very well. Sorry for the inconveniences. - Erson said, departing. Edara and ABQ632 followed
him.
When walking out by the corridor, the young woman followed them, saying:- Wait, captain ! I
have something to tell you!
Erson looks unto the lady, saying: If your grandpa is calling me, it is too late!
No! Its me who is going to satisfy youre asking! I will put the difference with my own
money! I will tell grandpa I convince you to stay for the first sum of money!
Erson scratched his chin, saying: Are you going to tell me you will pay me five million sopes
on your own accord?
Of course! I have plenty of money, more than I expect to spend in my entire life! Well, what
do you say?- She asked.
Whats the catch?- He asked.
Ah, you clever guy! - She laughed, adding: I will take my boyfriend with mebut this is a
secret, do you understand?
Erson rubbed his hands and said:- I am tempted! But first of all, you must give me the
money.
Dont you worry! I will put the dug on your Bank account- give me the numbers!- She
demanded, and Edara gives it on a piece of paper.
All right! You will have the money soon! The departure date must be in seven days elapsed
time.- She signaled with a finger.
Edara said: We are at pole 1944 at the space field. Meet us there.
All right, bye!- She said, running back to his grandfathers room.
At the street, Edara said: You look blushed, Erson. Why dont you take refreshment? It will
cool you down!
Knapp # 39: Erson.

Erson was smiling now- he had a promise of 8 million sopes- of course, and until he did not
see the money in his Bank account, it was uncertain but a promise is better than nothing.
At a Drugstore, he seats at a tale with his two beautiful e-women, and asked for a beverage.
I had some information about her (Blunny Arcos) and she did possess money enough for to
pay you those extra five million sopes. Sorry to say, I have not a clue about who his boyfriend
could it be.- Edara said.
Erson drinks of his refreshment and said: Their honeymoon will not last as much as she could
think. We will get them into cryogenic pods. ABQ632 laughed and Edara said. We will have
to sedate them both.
From there, he went to a store to buy them new clothes, and of course, shoes and garments for
himself.They also went to the Sphere, where Erson looks on sensors.
I see we have plenty of everything we need! And call on Miss Blunny Arcos, to know the cargo
she is going to have in this trip.- Erson said to Edara, but lady Arcos wasnt on line.
At 22.00 hours, Erson receives a message from Blunny Arcos, saying:- Captain: My
grandfather accepts your excuses and makes a deposit unto your account for three million
sopes.
Erson looks unto her Bank account and yes, the 3 millions were there. And he gets worried:
what if she ignores her proposal?
That nigth was the last one at the Matheson Hotel. They spent hours at the luxurious bath,
having pleasant moments at the bathtub
I wish to have similar appliances at the Sphere: warm water and nice environs.- He said,
ABQ632 calls on Edara, who said: No problem! A small change at his bathroom and his wish
will be fullfilled.
Of this actions, ABQ632 didnt say a thing to Erson, because it was going to be a surprise.
85
The cargo pertaining to Mr. Arcos was received and storage properly; two holds were now full
of small containers and some very resistant bags.
Miss Blunny Arcos arrives three days later, with several suitcases and her fiance, a small half
aged
Man, fat and with a broad smile.
I present to you my fiance, Laurentius Fogordal.- Said she, and Erson gives the man a
handshake: Laurentius had a bland hand.
Welcome to the Sphere- both of you! Now that we are ready to depart, I will show you the
cabin I had reserved for you. Erson said, and when there, Blunny said:- All its nice, thanks
you. I have your money, in jewels- my inheritance received from my mother.- And she
produces a small red leather bag, and several amazing rings sparkling in different colors.
Erson looks on it and realize the girl was making a sacrifice for love towards her fat and old
fiance.
Well, now you change those jewels in sopes! When do we depart towards Aurea 7- 4?- She
asked.
We could depart today. Erson said.
Oh, but I have a farewell party tonight with my friends! Lets depart tomorrow?
Of course, no problem. Erson said, smiling: he was looking at a rich young woman, making
her will through life
When the evening comes, Erson went with ABQ632 to a nice saloon, where there were a
musical show; the theme was called The 2000 Stars, and it consist on a lot of women dancers
in customes, dancing and singing about the stars on Brana 2.
From there, to a Restaurant, where Erson asked for a good menu- he begin with s shrimp
salad, an assorted vegetable plate, a peach pie, a butterscotch sundae, and a Earl grey tea
Knapp # 39: Erson.

(double). Of course, both damsels didnt eat, but seats one at each side of the table, with him in
between, talking about nice things.
Beautiful place, here. Those shrimps looks good.- ABQ632 commented.
Yes, but pity you dont taste them.
No need! We enjoy your company.- ABQ632 said.
We will be in the Sphere for days! Pity we cannot be here for more time.- Erson said.
If you want, you and ABQ632 stays here- and I will carry the Sphere to Aurea 7-4 and back.
No big deal!- Edara said. Erson scratched his head, thinking for a couple of seconds, and said:
No, cannot do a thing like that! But I cannot deny its tempting!
From there, they went to see a play and then back to the Sphere.
Its a two month voyage. Guess I will sleep half that time. Erson said to ABQ632, who
replied: Getting bored of me?
Never in my life!- He laughed, and Edara call on him by the intercom: Theres another
client, same destination.
Very interesting. Who is him?
Ewner Yuforben; its an arm dealer: said he knows we can smuggle from an airpin to a Flier
inside our vessel. Ewner is offering a big sum of money, but first he must come here for
inspection.- Edara said.
Inspection?
Yes: secret passages and the like.
Funny thing! We know all about this Sphere.- Erson said, smiling.
Edara shows him all the secret chambers and corridors already cheked out.
87
43 chambers and 12 corridors that are disguised throughout the vessel. I am sure we know
more than the 95% of it all.- Edara suggested.
Hours later, the new client arrives; he was using a red jacket with pale yellow stripes and
sandals.
Hello, captain! I had been talking with your Miss Edara here, and all it rests for to make
business with you its to take a look at your Sphere. Do you know which model is this?- The
man asked.
88.

Ewner Yuforben, weapon dealer.

I do not know- Erson was saying, but Edara interrupted by saying: Its a Wonorb 16700.
Oh, wellthe Wonorb Orb Industries make this kind of vessels a lot of years ago, in Earth
planet. Guess this is only a copy. But to be sure, I must see the engine room- you see, engines
do not lie.- Ewner Yugorben said.
At the engine room, he sniffed when seeing the controls and the impulse generators, and said:
Well, this was not made in Earth, or Mars. Seems to me is one of the good copies made in
Rixiaberg, Knapp planet, not 50 years ago.
Erson asked: And this is bad?
Oh, no!- Mr. Ewner Yugorben said, moving his head towards him- this machine was
produced by the book! Pity, it has not the fabulous and now forbidden space folder generator.
The one that opens places not in this dimension.- Edara explains to Erson, who barely
understand that notion.
But dont you worry! The hidding places will sufise. People ignore this nowadays. It was
different in the times when Mundifico was using these machines in his fleet.- Mr. Yugorben
said, and soon he was visiting the known secret corridors and chambers. At the end of the
visit, he said: Well, you already know the secrets of this Sphere. Or not?
Knapp # 39: Erson.

Seems we did.- Erson replied.
What about the second steering room?- Ewner asked.
No idea.- Erson said, looking at Edara.
Well, follow me! Its a very intelligent idea, to put in place a diminished main controller room
in this Sphere- it helps when at the main deck the controls are failing or in bad hands.- Mr.
Ewner said, and walking by a secret corridor, touched one of the many protruding half
spheres on the side of the ceiling. A door opens and lights flickered on in a small room. It has
four seats and control pannels in front.
You see? A replica of your bigger main control cabin. You could override controls at the main
control cabin, and steer the spaceship from here. Yugorben explains.
Edara looks on those control pannels, seeing it was working.
Thanks for your advice, Mr. Yugorben. Most appreciate.- Erson said, seating at one of the
armchairs.
My cargo is dangerous for us: if spotted here, its a five years in jail. The government at Aurea
7-4 is very paranoic, but I guess the secret passages and rooms we got here are more than
enough to cheat on their scanners. Mr. Yugorben explains.
How much are you going to offer me? Because I am carrying another client, with machinary
for the agriculture.- Erson said.
Seven million sopes. Yugorben said. Erson looks at Edara, who nodded slightly.
Accepted! Must be paid before our departure. Erson said, and Yugorben patted on his
shoulder, saying:- Oh, dont you worry by that! First thing, I must put my cargo on to your
spaceship in hidden, because you have other clients- must be when they arent around.
Perfectly understood.- Erson said.
And when my things are stowed properly, I will pay your money. No problems there.- Mr.
Yugorgen said.
Its there some danger here: when cargoing the vessel, I mean?- Erson asked.
Not at all! Nor in space. These guys still has no problem with what we , merchants, are taking
away from them. Mr. Yugorben said, laughing.
90
Edara turns his gaze towards Yugorben and said: We sign a contract, then you pay our fee,
and only then you can bring us your cargo.
Yugorben looks disgusted, and said:- Why this sudden distrust of my word? I ussually cargo
the goods, and then I pay: who knows if you dont wait for me?
Ridiculous, man! You could stay aboard until your merchandise is stowed properly inside our
Sphere!- Erson said, feeling elated.
Yugorben turns his mood: from happy heated man to a somber guy- he went out the Sphere
almost without words. Erson looked at him as he goes, saying: A rare kind of guy! Wish he
doesntcome back : he will put us in danger with his damn cargo!
ABQ632 said: He is risking a lot of money in his future trip.
Erson goes back to the secret control cabin, and tried to learn as Edara was teaching about the
controls.
We have in here a very edited and abridged way to man this vessel. Almost every command
here means two orders given at the main deck; so its easy to command while making quick
decisions.
But Mr. Yugorben was not a man to be discouraged and at 19.20 hours, he calls on Erson
saying: Captain: you have my money already on your Bank Account.
Let me see- Erson said, looking at his credit card and yes, the seven million sopes were
there.
Do you see it?- Urged Mr. Yugorben.
Yes, its there. Guess now you want your cargo inside?
Knapp # 39: Erson.

Of course! Tonight, if its possibly, so we could depart tomorrow.- The weapon smuggler
said.
91
Very well, well be waiting for you. Erson said, still thinking in those seven million sopes at
his Bank account.
The clients soon had their cargo on the holds and Edara departed, after securing the Naturals
in their seats.
At her cabin, Miss Blunny said to her fiance: Oh, how very exciting! The beginning of our
honey moon!
Yes, darling! Let me kiss you eternally!- The fat man said, grabbing her slender body- they
certainly made an odd couple: a beautiful young woman, and a middle aged man, that has a
broken marriage and four kids somewhere on Aurea 3-2. She loves the man because he
worshipped her and makes her happy as no other male had very done before- as she, with
scant 22 years old, many a previous romance were made with teenager boys.
The spaceship arrives to the Orbital Station for a special request of that administration. Mr.
Ewner Yugorben appears at the main cabin, and he was very upset.
Is this a common occurrence, captain? Why are they calling on us?
I dont possibly know, Sir! And now calm down, and go to your cabin- we dont want people
around when officers come!
Mr. Yugorben looks around and departed, rubbing one hand against the other.
The officers gets inside the spaceship using the new (at least in Brana 2) space suits that in
fact were power grids that maintains the atmosphere inside a kind of bubble; the air was
provided by a small oxygen tank at their backs.
92
They were five persons; one of them was dressed with a different uniform, was older than the
rest, and said: Your Sphere is an old machine. Have you documents saying or stating it
represents no danger for others?
Edara said: Here it is a holographic set. Now you are seeing our documentation; not the
diagrams, the real photos taken, and of course, you could visit our installations, provided you
know what you are being shown.
The man reddened in front of the assumption he was an ignorant and said: I see you have
your papers! As I knew when asking at the departure point, you are heading towards Aurea 7-
4. I imagine you still have that destination in mind?
Edara replied:- If you could correlate our present position in space, you could also calculate
our future lines- Aurea 7-4 is directly in front of those calculations.
Good. One more thing: we have an elder member of our space fleet that needs to travel there,
Aurea 7-4. He is able to pay for his trip.- The officer said.
Sorry to say, we have a limited quantity of hibernator pods! Our client, passengers all, and the
number of pods are in equilibrium. No way we can house another man.- Edara said. The
officer reddened again and after some instructions about safety while voyaging, he departed
with his men.
All right! Lets keep on with our journey!- Edara said, and started again at full speed-
reaching Warp 8.4 in minutes. Erson stayed at the main cabin until he was sure the space fleet
form Aurea 2 was not following them.
What an idea! To stop us only for to let one of them on board towards Aurea 7! I see this like
an abuse.- Erson commented.
93
I had been looking on similar occasions at the databank; its perfectly legal if they first stop
spaceships to revise the structure or the cargo and then they begin to ask for not related
services. Most of the time, they offer to pay but afterwards they didnt do it. Edara said.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

The natural Mr. Ewner Yugorben was very happy and relieved.
What a thing, eh, captain Erson? I was afraid that military detachment could begin revising
the cargo! Hope we will be not troubled during the rest of our trip!- And he was perspiring.
Everyone doing wrong things had to suffer while performing wrongdoings. Erson said.
Yugorben looks outraged and said: Well, captain seems you think I stole those weapons! I
honestly acquired it; I paid dearly, but no more! I refuse to pay taxes in and out of the planets!-
And he left.
He is a tough guy!- Edara said, and Erson nodded: the atmosphere feels something sticky
and crooked when Mr. Yugorben was around.
At night, Edara sent every natural man (Except Erson) to the pods, using narcoleptics in their
food.
They look happy there- Erson commented, hours later, while looking at them through the
lids.
And when do you want to be cryiogenized dear? - ABQ asked.
Later. I trembled when thinking I will be in stasis like a corpse.- Erson said.
You will be never a corpse for me. ABQ said, embracing him.
Again Erson enjoyed her during the voyage, and at Aurea 7-4 they landed at the only space
field available.
A nice trip: I will recommend your solicitude in every aspect.- Miss Arcos said.
94

At Aurea 7- 4.

The city was under the cold winter, and soon Blunny Arcos realize the Sphere was not taking
off soon- and returns to it saying: Captain. I would prefer to stay here for a while! I am
accustomed to the pure air, the nice bathroom and the holographic set that never fails.
Of course, my fee its 25 sopes per day. Erson said.
I accept.- She said, happily.
Per person.- Erson added.
No problem! She reaffirmed, smiling.
By my guest! ED 781 will be receiving your requests, if any. Erson said, seeing how she
takes Laurentius by the hand as in support.
ED 781 helps them relocate their luggage and meanwhile, Mr. Ewner Yugorben takes his hot
merchandise out of the spaceship, saying: It has been a quick voyage , captain! The only bad
thing was that you freeze me without any warning.
We did that in order not to trouble your, Sir. As with the rest of the passengers. - Erson
replied, under the glazy stare of the arms dealer, who finally said: No bad feelings, captain!
But next time, if ever, you just ask me when to be cryiogenized!
As you say. Erson said, nonchalantly
When that man was out of sight, ABQ asked him about a second time with Mr. Ewner
Yugorben.
Erson visited the city, but apart from nice cabarets and restaurants, there was little thing he
could enjoy there.
In a dinner table, six days after the landing, he was at the mess hall with both Blunny Arcos
and her aged Laurentius, when she said: Hope I could visit the interior! I am beginning to be
bored in this city!
I assume they make tours in here?- Erson asked.
95.-
Oh, yes! But it would be better to travel in a private Flier, dont you think?- Blunny
commented.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

And more dangerous! You could get lost in this planet.- Erson said.
Oh, forget it! I have GPS; they could track me down in a minute!- Blunny laughed.
Who?- Erson asked, making a grimace.
The Police! They say it is a special squadron in charge of the security.- Blunny said.
And what do you expect to find? Aliens?- Erson asked, half smiling.
No aliens- I read they are extinct.- Blunny replied.
May be here, but I doubt they are all gone at their home planet, the fifth. Erson said.
Aliens or not, I will go scouting with this man who is not scared of anything!- Blunny said,
confident on his fiance and his skills.
96.-
Erson looks at the man- he seems so soft and bland, with a perennial and beatific smile, that
makes him think that Laurentius was only a dilettante, a man who loves to be a womans pet
You could hire me your Flier, captain: I know how to fly one of those. Blunny Arcos said.
No, as it is from the spaceship and it will be occupied, but I guess you can rent one at the
city. Erson said. She looks pensively, and then said: I was going to pay you dearly, captain!
But if you say no, its no.
Of course. Erson said, not too happy letting down a fare
Using the holographic set, Blunny begin researching for interesting places, and it was still at it
when Erson went to sleep at his cabin.

CHAPTER 3
BLUNNY ON THE MOVE.

Dear, wake up! I find a taxi Flier that will take us to explore!
I wonder what is that you want to explore! Why dont we stay here and see your fathers
business?
At that shop? Oh, I will grow fat and you will keep on feeding that belly of yours!- She said,
becoming angry- he yields to her whims as the cockroach he was, saying: Thinking again,
sweetheart, you are right! Lets go hiking!
She laughed and when going out of the Sphere, the Flier taxi was already there.
Hi! Do you call for a taxi, madam?- The fat greasy man asked of her.
Yes, lets see the fields; do you know where we could see the landscape from high ground?
Asked she.
Well, of course! 300 sopes per hour.- The driver said.
97.-
No problem!- She said, jumping inside the taxi Flier, followed by Laurentius.
Once in the air, they saw the sparkling lights of the sea; the driver goes up north, following the
coast line. White rocks and translucent sea was a lovable thing to see.
But she was kissing Laurentius like a hungry Velociraptor- and the driver was looking with
envy. He decided to stop it, and descended right there- on a hill!
Well, you really know how to search for a good spot! What a landscape! - Blunny said,
dancing over soft strange grass- her slender figure seems to shine under the sun. Laurentius
looks around, seeing the blue sea to the west; clouds were coming from the horizon
Looks nice.- The taxi driver said, approaching him.
Yes, a nice day.- Laurentius said, sensing a hidden menace coming from that driver: perhaps
it wasnt a good idea to come so far from the city with a total stranger.
I mean, your girlfriend. She is quite a dish!- The driver said.
Beg your pardon, mate? How dare to speak about her like this?- Laurentius said in a lame
way. The taxi driver coughed, saying: Dont tell me you find her un-attractive! And quite
younger than you, clever boy!
Knapp # 39: Erson.

Laurentius see a leeway in that phrase and said: Well, some charm must have she seen in
me!- The driver spit to the ground, saying: You dont look rich, pal!
Of course not; but she is!- He informed uneasily. He does not want to be kidnapped just
because the guy thinks he could be a rich person
98.-
Whats happening, dear?- Blunny Arcos asked, when looking the tough taxi driver speaking
to her boyfriend so close one another.
Nothing of importance!- Laurentius said, wishing they were back at the city of Gorburg.
Nothing, lady! We were commenting on the wind- taking force and all that.- The driver said
with a manly voice.
Oh, wellguess I will go to the beach- Blunny said, pointing to the distant sea.
Why? Dont like up here? Plenty of grass and rocks to see.- The driver said, in an ironic way.
Blunny looks at him with knitted brows, saying. Look, driver, I say beach, and beach it will be!
Now get on that Flier and drive us there!- And she pointed with an extended finger to the
seaside. The driver smiled and said: All right, boss, you give the orders around here! And by
the way, my name is Thomas.
Laurentius takes her by a hand, saying:Lets climb to the Flier, darling! Its getting cool here.-
All that he was doing was marked with the sign of fear, and it was notorious to everyone
except himself, who wants to rush over the landscape and back to the Sphere.
During the short flight down, Thomas said:- A nice day indeed! But look on those dark clouds:
Soon they will be here, to spoil this picnic.- And he chuckled.
They are far away- no problem for us.- Blunny said, looking at those grey clouds. The taxi
Flier touches the ground: white, creamy, sand all overthe sea was delimited by a line of
foam.
Oh, guess I will take a swim in here! - Blunny commented, walking to the sea.
No, darling! Dont do that! You have no swimming suit! - Laurentius said, worried because
Thomas was now looking at her with watery eyes
99.-
She looks puzzled but for a short while. She said: I have my underwear! - And taking her
blouse, pants and shoes off, she walked intently to the water- waves come and go, and the big
ones were crashing some hundred meters from where she was- the sound was a soothing
thing for her after her spatial trip.
The driver said: Go and keep an eye on your girlfriend, buddy! Really! I dont know what did
she see in you, guy!- Laurentius reddened and without a word, he takes his pants and shoes
off and with his underpants and his shirt, approaches her that embraces the man laughing,
while Thomas walks to his taxi Flier and takes off, leaving them there.
Look! He is taking the Flier away! - Laurentius said, pointing with an outstretched arm to the
sky.
Oh, perhaps he will get back soon!- Blunny said, not giving much importance to it.
Two hours later, they were lying on the sand, when the Flier comes back and Thomas offered
them beverages and sandwiches.
Oh, thanks! We thought you had deserted us!- She said.
Not in my life! I am a professional: never to abandon my clients- especially with such a
beautiful lady like you.- Thomas said passionately, a thing was noted by Blunny that stared at
him (fat, old and poor) with distaste- Laurentius become as mute as a log.
Thomas sensed the reject from the lady, and just turns his eyes to the sea, thinking that he was
able to change her sentiments towards him, if he like.
100
Knapp # 39: Erson.

Laurentius urged her to return to the Flier, and she said: You had been so adamant into our
return to the city, that next time I will leave you there and come alone!- He looked at her and
said: But you are unjust to me! I enjoy this raid, but I guess its already time to goes back!
They climb the Flier and Thomas drives in silence until near the landing camp, when he said:
Miss Arcos, I will be able to fly you any time you want.
She looks at the window and replied: I dont know if I ever be flying again- my fiance looks
very troubled when doing it.
Thomas landed the vehicle and as he was already paid, he leaves the clients on the ground,
and goes to mind his other business. Laurentius looked at the receding Flier saying. That man
was evil: he looks unto you as a wild animal sees a prey.
Blunny shrugged her shoulders and said: I dont notice it, but if he does, he is not the only one
that looks on me like a hungry Velociraptor!
You must not hire him again! Dangerous! - Laurentius said, still trembling of repressed
feelings.
At the Sphere, Erson said: And how it was your excursion of today?
Fine! But I am hungry.- Blunny said, walking towards the mess hall, where she eats a lot of
porridge. Laurentius went to his cabin and undressing he gets under the shower, trying to
take off the salt from his body. Then he dried his hair with a towel and puts on a kaki dress.
When he was putting on his shoes, Blunny returns from the mess hall, saying: Oh, you take a
shower and dont waited for me?
Oh, sorry, darling! But the sea water wrinkles my skin a lot and I had an itch all over my
back.- The man explains.
101
She jumped into the bathroom and takes a long shower, then, she dress with fresh clothes and
stared at him.
What?- He said, nervously.
Do you want to get out of here and go to dance with me?- Blunny asked.
Dance? Are you not tired of a day in the wilderness?- Laurentius asked in return.
Oh, please! That was no exercise at all! I am full of energy! If you dont go with me, I will be
going alone!- She said, in a complaining tone.
Laurentius accepted the invitation. He was very jealous and desires not to lose her- and her
economic help. But when dancing, he did it in a lousy way, while Blunny was an expert dancer;
soon she was dancing with other men, some of them as good dander as her.
In between songs, she always approached Laurentius table, asking for a dance. But after the
third time he did dance, Laurentius sensed people were laughing on him, so he refuses to keep
on dancing.
At three o clock, they leave the dancing hall- the humiliated Laurentius was enraged, sensing
she could have departed from there two or three hours earlier.
If you didnt dance, why do you force me not to dance?- Blunny asked, feeling he was being
unjust towards her.
At the Sphere, perhaps being a closed environ, she felt the need of more air and when the ED
doctor, seeing her troubled, said: You are beginning to suffer of claustrophobia. I recommend
you to live in an ample house, big windows and air flowing in.
She obeyed and rented a nice place where she could not felt the anguishing and entombed
man could feel.
102
Laurentius was now an object of despise; she rejects being his woman and begin living alone.
Although she kept on dancing by night.
I beg of you a place in your spaceship! My girlBlunnyaffected by a mental disorder, had
deserted me, and rejected our shared love. Now I am old and poor and in a strange land...
Knapp # 39: Erson.

Erson looks on him as a father, saying: I understand you perfectly. Of course you could help
here. What knowledge has you about spaceships?
Laurentius raise his shoulders, saying: Sorry to say, captain, I am ignoring of any science
related to spaceships and their work.
Erson whispered:- But a simple chip and you will learn everything you need! Or do you feel
its dangerous?
Laurentius was pale but decided, and said: Do whatever you need to do- but I cannot land
here, where possibly I would end being a beggar!
Erson talks with Edara about it, and she said: A simple task will be to let him in charge of the
cryogenic pods.
Butis that not a very important and delicate job? - Erson asked.
Of course, but I had studied him while here, and I assure you the man is nothing but a stupid!
See where he arrives just flirting with a young millionaire (Blunny Arcos). Now he will be
useful.- And saying that, she inserted a very small implant near Mr. Laurentius spinal cord,
and soon he had lots of knowledge without any big effort.
103
After a week of practice, Mr. Laurentius feel himself confident in his new job, and at dinner
time he said to Erson. Now I am feeling like a new man with knowledge and skill to serves
you here.
Good to hear this from your mouth I had being heard of your progress, and I congratulate
you.- Erson said looking him in the eye. Also, he realizes Mr. Laurentius was now thinner
than before.
Yes, and I thanks you.- Laurentius added. ABQ632 said:- Perhaps you want to tell the captain
something else?
Laurentius reddened and said: Yes, but perhaps you could felt offended because of my
boldness in what I need to say.- Erson smiled and replied: I am sure I will be not offended:
speak up freely, please.
I need some money! I know I have no merits yet to ask for it but the truth it is that I need
some personal belongings- you see, Miss Arcos takes everything I had with her. Laurentius
said.
But you can ask her those things back! A gift its a gift and there is no turn back.- Erson said,
remembering a law about it.
Do you think it so? Laurentius said, thinking in that perhaps the captain was refusing
money to him.
Of course! I know Miss Arcos has nothing to blame you. ABQ632 commented.
If you want, I could send someone to talk her about this. - Erson said.
Yes, do it, if it is not much bothering you! Laurentius said, turning to leave, but the voice of
Erson stopped him when saying:
104
Wait! In here I have a machine- I will give you 30.000 sopes; this is only an advance.- Erson
said to him. Laurentius sighed, because he had plans with that money.
Later, he saw that quantity appearing at his account and left the Sphere in order to go
shopping at the city of Lugorbura.
Laurentius walked by the streets, looking at new and used appliances to buy. While at a
corner, he saw Blunny inside a vehicle passing by, and he felt a fiery pang in his heart. Later,
he was at the docks, looking ships stationed there, moving up and down with the waves; a
man approaches him and said: Bored, friend?
On, no, I am new in town.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

You look sad. Miserable, I guessheartaches?- The man questioned him, with a smile of
comprehension. Laurentius said: You should wary about your own problems! I cannot open
myself to strangers.
Have it your own way, buddy, but remember. The sea is very cold in this time of the year, and
before you drown, you will swallow a lot of garbage. Bye.- The man said, walking away with a
chuckle.
Laurentius walks back to the concurred streets, looking at females- many of them were fake
(Synthetic beings) and to those he had a ban on his mind: they were mimicking reality, and in
the end, the person who gets one of those to be loved, it was committing a horrible mistake.
He bought several things for his daily use, also new shoes and clothes; he returns at 21 hours
to the Sphere, and in his cabin he takes stock of what he had already bought. The items seems
to shine on the floortwo shoes, three pair of socks, ten underwear pants, three pants, five
shirts, tobacco and a pipe (a luxury he could afford onboard) a music box, a lantern, a knife,
and two jackets.
105
He felt he was able to begin a new life without Blunny- the one that takes everything his own
(but bought by her). He puts everything on a metallic drawer and slept on his null gravity bed.
We are ready for another trip, sir.-Edara said to Erson, who knitted his brow, saying. Why do
you treat me like that? I am plain Erson to you.
Well, I suppose you wished to be treated in a more formal way, Erson.
No way! I am the same for you, always. Remember that once I loved you.
And me too.
See? What about a new trip?
Several clients in line- I wait until some of them offer me double pay.
Oh, you know how to run business!
Do you want long trips or shorter ones?
Now I am indifferent to it. Now I just go into Deep Sleep and think no more of the subject-
only long trips make the Sphere to pay more in reparations. He said.
But we will earn enough to pay for it and with a profit! These are the three options we have:
Option 1: Mr. Dorchor, who is opting for to spread domestic animals, cattle included, in a
desert planet where to raise them and then to sell meat, using Transporters.
Option 2: Is Mr. Trungoll, who wishes to come back to a planet where his father was
dethroned and wish to pay the trip with promises of future payments.
Option 3: Religious community trying to get more adepts from Aurea V in order to place
churches there.
Erson asked: And in what did they believe?
The Force, which encompasses everything in the Cosmos._ Edara said, extending his arms.
Like to worship electromagnetic fields?- Erson asked.
You must choose, Erson, who is to gain access to your vessel. Edara eluded the question.
Yes, I understand it. Call them to a reunion of course, one at a time. He said.
The first arriving wasnt Mr. Dorchor, but an envoy of him, a certain Doctor Melegen; he was
tall and powerfully built. He seats in front of Erson at his office, saying:- Sorry: Mr. Dorson is
not here but me, as he is very ill.
Oh, and how is he?- Erson asked.
Not well. My name is Dr. Kurt Melegen. I am his general assistant.- The man said. We are
entrepreneurs: now the worlds all around us are becoming populated, not in every one of
them are fruits, vegetables and meat! Many of those are rocks floating around, circling a star,
where men dig for minerals and has to feed themselves only with spray food. Have you feed
your body with food gas?- He asked.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

Yes, and very often.- Erson said, but he was not going to admit that he avoids it anytime a
fruit or a vegetable was at hand.
Wellhope you have been feeding on it for just a limited amount of time: it shrinks the body,
making it as a cardboard puppet! Meatits a mans food!- Melegen said.
I had heard of it.- Erson said.
We are able to pay 30 Million sopes for this trip. Several tons of cargo must be carry there- a
whole laboratory and samples. We truly want to reassemble our laboratory out there. - And
he signaled with his outstretched hand up to heavens.
Of course I accept your team and cargo. Be here tomorrow at eight hours. Payment must be
donned before cargo arrives. Erson said, seeing how Dr. Melegen eyes shone.
Money is no problem for Mr. Dorchor. And I already told your assistant, Miss Edara, where
our planet is located. - Dr. Melegen said.
107
Of course. You just come as soon as you could- our spaceship is at your service. Erson said.
Edara guided the client out of the Sphere and returns to talk.
So you decided on the spot?
Yes, but keep on calling the rest of our clients.- He recommended.
At the next morning, Mr. Melegen arrives with two trucks full of cargo.
Good morning, captain! Early in the morning you said?
Yes, fine you arrive early: work begins early, best of the workers that will find the job an easy
one.
What? Are you using natural people to cargo your vessel?
No, but I am convinced the synthetics do feel like us, dont you think?
I reserve my opinion. Well, lets start working!- Mr. Melegen said, and soon the crates begin
to enter the Sphere in an adequate way.
Half of the empty space reserved for the cargo was occupied and Mr. Melegen said: I had
sweated as a pig. Now, captain, Ill be finishing certain aspects of my private life, and then I
WILL BE BOARDING YOUR VESSEL.
Tomorrow, perhaps?- Erson suggested.
Ah? Oh, yes. Tomorrow will be. Good bye. Mr. Melegen said, leaving the Cosmodrome in a
personal Flier.
Mr. Trungoll will arrive at 20 hours.- Edara said, approaching him.
Good. I will be waiting at my office. Erson said, and when arriving there, ABQ was waiting
for him.
108
Are you happy, dear? I wish you were.-
Oh, yes! I am taking clients on board. I will say yes to them all- and you will help me, if
necessary.
You know I am here to serve you.- ABQ632 said.
The idea is to make them believe that each one is carrying goods at the Sphere without others
doing the same.
Ah, then they must not see each other.- ABQ632 said.
Exactly.- Erson said, laughing.
Mr. Trungoll appears half an hour late (20:30) and Erson receives him and four persons more,
in company of ABQ632.
Welcome to my spaceship, ladies and gentlemen! Hope you arrive easily? He welcomes them
with a bow.
Oh, yes. A little misunderstanding about the Pole, but knowing it was a Sphere, soon we
spotted it.- A man said.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

Very well, I am here to serve you. Where did you want to go?- Erson asked them. The same
man who later he knew it was Mr. Trungoll, said: We need to travel to the star Aurea III; as
you should know, Aurea 3 has six planets and I am interested in the second only.
Aurea Gamma.- ABQ632 remembered.
Yes, I am a descendant of the great hero, Mundifico: by the side of my mother. The worlds are
names ; the second is Mundifico, the third is called Lout, the fourth is Holly, the fifth is
Cornejio. - Mr. Trungoll said. He was a burly man with stiff black hair and fiery green eyes.
Of course.- Erson said.
109
My father was dethroned 40 years ago, and with his family he arrives here, to prepare for a
comeback that unfortunately, never comes. But I had worked hard and using all of my
investments now I am prepared to go to those and take the government back to our family: I
have two sons and a daughter that you could see here in front of you Lisistrat, Homergol, and
my daughter Circena.
They smiled to Erson, who bowed in their direction: the males were tall and strong, and the
girl was a beauty with big green eyes.
I see. How many of you are going in this trip? I have only four hibernator pods available of
the seven that this Sphere have.- Erson said, looking sternly at Mr. Trungoll, who reddened
and looked around as a fish out of its bowl of water.
BUTI assumed you have more room for passengers! My team is composed of fourteen
important persons.
Edara said to Erson in his hear:- We could freeze them opening a hatch. Tell them we could
hire more pods for one million sopes each person above three that is usually allowed in long
voyages.
Erson said to Mr. Trungoll: My assistant is saying that we could resolve this problem by
hiring pods.
Trungoll stared at him, and said moving both his hands. Then, do it! If that is the solution,
why the delay?
It has an extra cost for you, Mr. Trungoll! One million sopes each extra passenger.- Edara
said.
Trungoll keeps on staring as if he was a fiery bull and said: And what do you mean by extra
passenger?
Everyone above the tree you are entitled to have for the standard price.- Erson said.
110
After some struggle, the client decided to pay for three other persons, adding: I will
personally survey what kind of a pod you are renting. I dont want any cheap artifact that later
could develop in a tragedy.
And left.
Edara said: Dont be angry with him, Erson; I will personally supersede every aspect related
with him.
Of course. You always do.- He said, caressing her synthetic hair.
At the next day, the last client appears; he was accompanied by a wonderful lady, clothed in a
glossy brilliant green uniform. They both bowed in front of Erson, at his desk that offered
them to seat in front of the desk; then he said: Glad you are here, Sir. My name is Erson, and
yours?
The man in his sixties said: Thanks you for your hospitality. My name is Shukulan and this is
my secretary, Miss Pudala.
Glad to meet you both. I am at your service.- He said, looking at the man- he was sure this
one was a religious man with a godsend mission- or so he think. His clothes were very
common, and he uses a pale yellow shirt, paler than originally, because it was old and worn.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

His shoes were also old, with yellow rubber soles, perhaps a repair made some months ago. In
his lap he has a very old satchel with two straps ending in a bronze colored belt or buckles,
and it houses a laptop or papers in profusion- the later was true.
I am here representing our Congregation, an old congregation that has 130.000 adherents in
this world. We want to spread the word, and reach the very sky, that is why we are here, to
rent your spaceship, and travel to a world where we are sure they are waiting for us to begin
spreading our message.- That man said.
We are prone to pay your fare. The destiny point is Erinaor it is too far for yourSphere?-
Pudala asked.
Erson moves in his chair- this woman was young and lovable- not to be entombed in a
spaceship for months on end like a corpsehe was brooding about this subject and the
seconds were passingMr. Shukulan looks at her Secretary, and said: Of course, Mr. Erson,
we dont doubt of your space ship capacity but perhaps its not possibly a trip to planet
Erina?
Erson smiled and said. Completely possible, of course. Some four or six months it will take
this travel. The fare will be high, of course. But tell me about your cargo.
Shukulan looks at Miss Pudala, saying:- Oh, very scant, of course. Just the indispensable- and
the personal belongings each of our 37 volunteers must carry there.
Erson freeze for a moment, and then he stand up, saying: Wait for me! Please I must to check
up something with one of my Assistants. And walked out of the room. Shukulan coughed and
said to her: Very sympathetic person, this captain, eh?
Yes, its amiable.- She said, intrigued why Erson dont call the Assistants instead of to walk
out the door and, also, leaving them alone and waiting.
Erson arrives to the main cabin, where Edara and ABQ632 were ready to receive orders.
The man wants to travel to Erina planet! And no cargo except some suitcases of his 37
volunteers plus himself, I suppose.- He said.
Must be the freezing system that he is asking for.- ABQ632 said, smiling.
Do you tell him we havent so many hibernating chambers?- Edara asked.
112
Of course not. I want to set a price for them all- a large and perilous voyage must get a high
fee. Erson said, while both Synthetics were computing a sizeable price, comparing with fees
for other competitorsEdara said: 83 million sopes sounds good to you? With a forty per
cent of profits?
A nice sum. He stared at her, thinking how Edara could have dreamed Mr. Shukulan could
pay that enormous sum of money.
Or you could ask to borrow moneyif they are so interestedperhaps they will get the
necessary to do the trip. ABQ632 said.
Right.- Erson said, returning to the office; he seats at his desk and looking at Mr. Shukulan in
the eye, he said: All set! I talked with my assistants and yes, we could get you and friends to
Erina. The price is 83 million sopes.
Both Mr. Shukulan and Miss Pudala turns into stone when hearing this. Pudala swallowed her
surprise and said: why so much, Sir? We arent carrying goods in this voyage.
Mr. Shukulan grumbled as an old earthquake. Erson said. The voyage for three its only 43
million. The excess of passengers raise the price to 83 million sopes.
Mr. Shukulan produces an old vintage electronic calculator and after several miss and errors
said: You mean, each extra passenger means 1.176.470 sopes?
Exactly 39.999,98 sopes, yes: forty million sopes. But of course, you can minimize the corpus
you are carrying to Erina. Half that quantity equals half the quantity of those 40 million
sopes.- Erson said, while Mr. Shukulan finds his tongue again and said: But I cannot do this!
They are young and with faith in the future- their goal is to help.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

Well, then go to them and tell that the fares are big- 37 perhaps 2 or 3 persons at Erina will
also makes the call?- Erson asked.
113
Our Congregation does not sell things, or ideas, Captain We know the job is much and that
perhaps our efforts to awaken spirits to the light of Truth will only begin a long road to
success; perhaps we will be not seeing fruits in our lifetime- but in some point we must to
start, dont you agree with me?- Miss Pudala said, vehemently. Erson had been looking her
while speaking- he was admiring her looks the charm of an impeccable face, those big green
eyes sparkling, the fine line of her mouth.
Mr. Erson, have you been listening to what I had already said? She asked, intrigued by this
second absent appearance of her host.
Oh, yes, yes! I was wondering in the implicacy of what you said- excuse me- in my trade, you
often dont see persons like youand Mr. Shukulan.
What are we for you, Captain? Day dreamers?- Shukulan asked, seemingly feeling grieved.
No, I mean you are altruists! The good for the people goes first.- Erson said, receiving
another sparkling smile from Miss Pudala.
Mr. Shukulan stands up from his chair, saying: Well, captain, we have been informed! I will let
you know about our trip- for a yes or a no.-
Erson escorted them to the airlock, aiding her to walk out the ramp, and he sees them going
with a stupid smile on his face.
You had been bewitched! Certainly, Miss Pudala is quite pretty and young.- A voice said
behind him. He turns around, seeing it was ABQ632 and said: You are quite pretty yourself,
too! Lets get inside.
114
And they climb the ladder, hand in hand.
Later in that day, Mr. Dorchor appears with four other persons, saying: Well, captain, hope all
is ready for our trip?
All ready and set, Sir!- Erson said.
Very well! Here am I with my associates: Mr. Kurt Melegen, who is already known of you, and
Mr. Rudlen and Mr. Oxobor; with us its enough for the beginning of our little project.
Erson looked on them, and they were well-to-do people, fat and happy with themselves.
Be welcomed, gentlemen! My Assistant will indicate the location of your cabins onboard. -
Captain Erson communicates to them.
Wish you permit us the use of a Holoset, we must discuss our project looking at the maps of
Aurea 3-3 , if you dont mind.- Mr. Dorchor said.
Of course! We have several places with fine holoset onboard. My assistants will lead you to
the nearer one.- Erson said, signaling to the ED in charge.
When they were out of sight, Edara said: We will sedate tonight all this passengers, using
drugs in their meals. They will be in the pods very soon.
Explanations of our behavior will be given at their disembark!- Erson said, laughing his own
phrase.
That night the captain Erson offered them a celebration, with fine dishes and good wines; one
hour later, they were all being positioned inside pods.
Five persons inside the pods! Only two place left: one its for me.- Erson resumed.
Yes, dear. Theres only one pod left now.- ABQ632 said.
Mr. Trungoll appears at the next day with several crated full of weapons and accompanied by
18 persons.
You are welcome. Tonight we will depart after a small dinner celebration.- Erson said to Mr.
Trungoll.
115
Knapp # 39: Erson.

Of course! And dont forget: I want to see the pods before the take off!- Mr. Trungoll said.
Theres no problem with that. Now my assistants will show your cabins. Erson said and with
that he borrows some time, to prepare the scenario: Edara had a fine menu for their dinner, all
with sprinkled soporific powders, doing exactly the same as with the previous group (of Dr.
Melegen): everyone fell to the floor after dinner.
This time we have only one pod left! We must freeze them right away.- Edara urged him.
Very well: take us up and away! Mr. Shukulan will have to wait until we are ready.- Erson
commented.
The Sphere raise from the ground and soon it was speeding up to the sky. Erson was seated on
his post, looking at the radar; no sooner than expected, another spaceship was alongside
them, almost colliding.
What the heck?- Erson said, while Edara maneuvered the Sphere away.
Its a military ship! They have no care for private spaceships._ Edara said, reaching the point
of null gravity.
Floating in orbit (or maintained there in an eternal fall) Edara carried the ones to be put in
stasis, and opened the airlock- their bodies went stiff and fragile as crystals and before their
bodies exploded with the zero pressure , she returns the pressure inside that camera.
The EDs takes those bodies into a frigorific camera and closed the door.
116
They will be safe in there, nobody will disturb their sleep!- Edara said to Erson. When she
saw a line crossing Ersons forehead.
It is this or to lose money, isnt it?- Edara replied, with a mechanical tone of voice that makes
him tremble.
Later, they descended to the same spot, and half an hour later, Miss Pudala appeared on
board.
Hi! Mr. Shukulan had sent me to ask for a discount. We wish you could lower your fare. There
are too many people involved and our movement could resent, heavily resent, if this trip its
not accomplished. She said.
A very sad story. Sorry: I am dead broke and I need much money. Your force isnt going to by
me Dilithium crystals, so if you please, go tell your boss that captain Erson will deploy in one
more day from here, and if he doesnt get hurry , his beautiful project will fall into pieces.-
Erson said, seeing how that woman blushed with anger.
Lookperhaps we could lower our number of passengers, yes Originally 40, now 20 or 25.
And a discount is expected. She said, and her breasts were going up and down with his
nervous breathing. Erson told himself it was a nice viewin fact, to have her in the Sphere
was now looking as a good idea.
ABQ, please come here! - He said at the intercom. In seconds, the door opens and
ABQ632enters, dressed in a green blue one-piece garment with sandals to match.
Yes, dear?-
Here we have an option to think on: Miss Erson was saying.
Pudala?- Pudala said.
Yes, Miss Pudala is telling me that only 20 or 25 passengers from the original 37 are going
with us in this trip. How much they had to pay now?- He asked ABQ632.
117
23.529.400 sopes for 20 extra passengers and as the trip cost 43 million sopes, with three
passengers the total amount would be of 63.529.400 sopes.- ABQ632 said with neutral
intonation voice.
Sixty three millions?
Yes, 23 passengers, their valises and secure trip to Erina planet.- ABQ632 replied.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

Our Organization has 17 million sopes already. Much of our associates had been selling their
furniture and vehicles for this trip. We had the firm conviction that we will get there in a very
short time: our community have cohesion.- She said.
I understand your tribulation, but as a captain of a spaceship, once I became soft and
generous, sure thing my spaceship will seat somewhere for ever more- or at least, while I am
alive.- Erson said, looking at the young woman.
I see! Well, perhaps I am wasting your time here, captain. I will leave, and perhaps
I will take off in five days more, lady. If in that lapse of time you or your chief didnt appear
here, I will leave the planet.- Erson interrupted her, and she grew pale and left.
You are being rude to her.- ABQ632 said, placing a hand on his shoulder.
Well, she is where nobody forced her to be; let her receive the lesson.- He said.
A lesson on rudeness?
A lesson on how the world turns!- He said, walking out of the office.
Hours later, he decided to visit the city again, and went to a pub with ABQ632.
Nice place we found here.- She said, looking at the small tables and the dim light.
Yes, the human society at ease- nice to see it for a change.- He said, asking for a drink.
118

FIRST STOP: AUREA III -3

So, where are you going first?- ABQ632 asked, placing a tender hand over one of his.
To Aurea III planetary system. Mr. Melegen and Mr. Trungoll needs to go there- so we
accomplish two voyages in one trip.- Erson said, smiling.
And then to the Erina planet?- ABQ632 asked.
Yes, to Erina will be a long trip an nothing to laugh on. Erson said, thinking in the months it
will take to accomplish his trek.
At the next day, Miss Pudala arrives again at the Sphere. Edara receives them: Welcome to
our spaceship, Miss Pudala. What I can do for you?
Oh, plenty of help is what we need! Is it the captain on board?- Miss Pudala said, reaching
the ramp.
Yes, come inside, you look nice today. Edara said: Pudala was using a green blouse, a skirt
and shoes to matchher superior health state and fine features makes her look gorgeous.
Erson was asleep, so ABQ 632 calls on him by saying: Dear. The lady from the Force come
here to talk with you.
He open one eye and said: Oh, yes? Tell her to come later.
ABQ632 calls Edara by radio, saying: He wants to keep on sleeping.
All right. Ill tell her to come back later.- Edara said, and doing so, heard Miss Pudala saying:
Oh, what a pity! I was expecting to have a meeting with him.
You can return later, but please call on us first: I will give you the number where to call.-
Edara said, handling her a ticket with the spaceship holographic signature.
Well, yesits no other way to deal with this.- Miss Pudala said, taking the card and leaving
the ship down the ramp.
119
ABQ632 said: He is gone, now.
Good. But my dream was spoiled. Come here, to make a rosy one. Erson said, and she
embraced him tenderly
That evening, Erson went to by her some jewels and new clothes, Edara prepared the Sphere
to take off and the EDs were busy attaching every item in their sockets or drawers, just in case
the artificial gravity fails in space.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

At his home, Miss Pudala was preparing her valise- Mr. Shukulan had abandoned the idea to
send a mission to Aurea 3.3, so she was mind set in a mission of just one person mission, come
what may. Her mother enters her room, and after looking what Pudala was doing, she said:
So Mr. Shukulan is going , after all?
It seems so, mother. And I am going, too.- Pudala said.
Butits so dangerous for you! A young woman risking her future in a long trip! Mr.
Shukulan should have chosen a man!Her mother said with a troubled voice.
What are you saying? That I am a bad choice, per chance?- Pudala asked her, knitting her
brows.
Oh, no! I mean- he should go with a male! They are stronger.- Her mother said.
She ends by putting her clothes inside the suitcase, and looks at her mother. It was a long
look- she knew this evening could be the last time together or at least in a very long time.
And how many days are you going to stay out there? - Her mother asked her, as if in line with
her daughters thinking processes.
Perhaps more than a year, mother.- She said.
But they said the trip only takes two months!- Miss Kubota said.
120
Well, yes, so Mr. Shukulan said! But I cannot come back as soon as I arrive to Erina! We must
work there first.- Pudala said, smiling
Of course. Well, a year passes as in flightI guess I must accept the idea of this long
separation.- Miss Kubota sniffed, gravely.
In that moment, the doorbell resounds, startling her mother, who asked:- Who could it be at
this late hour?- And went to open the door. Mr. Shukulan was there, twisting his old hat and
saying: Good evening, Miss Kubota! Sorry to interrupt your resting place at this hour! But I
need to talk with your daughter. Is she at home, per chance?-
Yes, she is preparing her valises for the trip. Please, come in! Miss Kubota said.
An intrigued Mr. Shukulan walks in and seeing Miss Pudala, who was coming from an interior
room, he said:- So you heard about that mysterious donation?
Why, Mr. Shukulan?- The reddened woman asked, not quite believing that gentleman was
there, risking the whole trip she was meant to do by herself.
The donation permits us to carry 25 persons to Erina! Now we are fulfilling our dream: to go
and preach the value of the Force in that planet! You see? Its the Force that is willing us to go
there!- Mr. Shukulan said, vehemently.
Well, that is wonderful!- Miss Pudala said, smiling in a relieved way.
First thing in the morning we must be at the captain Ersons spaceship! I already talked with
his first officer, Miss Edara.- Mr. Shukulan said.
I hope you take good care of my daughter, honorable. She is my only daughter and I love her
so much. Miss Kubota said, weeping again.
121
Mr. Shukulan placed a hand over her shoulders, saying:- Dont be afraid, madam! I will bring
her here after a year had passed! You have my word because I must return here to keep on
looking to my group.
Oh, I would appreciate it.- The mother said.
Very well.- Mr. Shukulan said, ogling at Miss Pudala who was blushed- now he vaguely
understand the young woman : she had been ready to go by her own to Erina planet. He
decided not to dig into the matter, so he said: Good night and have a nice dream! -And he
departed, full of optimism.
At the Sphere, Edara was smiling: she had heard everything they had said and this because
she had stamped on Mr. Shukulan a small device, radio controlled, that heard and see what he
does. Also she was the magnanimous donator that makes that group able to travel towards
Knapp # 39: Erson.

Erina planet: she was relieved when, after receiving the money, Mr. Shukulan almost runs
towards the Sphere, for to pay cash for their desired trip.
Erson, of course, was never informed of this little trick- so, when the new passengers arrive at
the next day, Erson was very surprised.
What? New passengers? Edara! You havent informed me of this!- He said.
No need to disturb you in your sleep! Furthermore, you knew that at the moment they get the
money in full, you will accept them as passengers!- She replied, looking at ABQ632, who was
in the mood.
Certainly I can see that they believe we have enough pods for every one of them.- Erson said,
adding: And the payment ?
122
At your Bank account.- Edara said, showing his funds using the holographic set.
A good cipher!- He said, smiling: this new trip has made of him a rich person
We can depart at any time you want. Edara announced.
Tell our passengers to get readydeparture is in one hour.- Erson said, staring at the green
eyes of ABQ 632.
Attention to all passengers! Departure in one hour! Please pay attention to our crew
members, who will assist you in this procedure!- Edara said by the loudspeakers.
The passengers were very excited- none of them had been in a starship before, and although
more than one mocks of the strange figure the Sphere did on the Cosmodrome in their inner
self hosted a big respect for the spaceship.
Mr. Shukulan founds Erson at a corridor and said: So we depart! This is a dream fulfilled for
us, members of the Force!
Yes, I imaging it is so- for you. Erson said, disdainfully.
I remember some lines: L me de lhomme est bien de telle qualit, q elle retient en soy
aucune dit. And he looks for a reaction. Erson said: And which kind of language is that?
An ancient tongue from Earth! It lingers in my mind for moments like this.- Mr. Shukulan
said. And he was going to translate it for Ersons benefit, but the alarm rings interrupting him
to do so.
What would be happening?- Erson asked, walking towards the control room.
What was that?- He asked of Edara.
A spaceship is approaching and asking of us to open the hatch!- She replied.
And what is the problem? Open it!- Erson said.
But dear, its that woman Blunny. The one who walks over Laurentius.- Edara said.
Where is Laurentius?
-At the rear compartment. Hydroponics! ABQ632 replied.
Let him stay there while I talk with Blunny- at my office! Stop the countdown!- Erson
commanded.
When she walked in , Erson stands up from the seat behind the desk to salute her- she smelled
of flowers.
Hi, captain Erson! Remember me? Im Blunny.- She murmured.
Yes, the fiance that runs away from Laurentius.- Erson said. She stared at him, and said:
Why do you connect me with him?
I can tell you one more thing: he is with us- as a crewmember.- Erson commented, while she
yawned and said: I dont come here because of him! I want a place in your spaceship.
Erson was intrigued and said: But you dont know where we are heading!
You bet I know! I asked at the control tower about it, and they told me you are traveling
towards Aurea 3-3. You are carrying someone with the name of Melegen.- She said, staring at
him.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

Oh, yes! A cattle raiser of sorts! And what do you have to do with him?- He asked drumming
with his fingers over the table.
Nothing at all! Now I wish you could set a price for my ticket out of this planet that bored
me. She said intently.
Erson looked at her- she was finely dressed, and have an ideal body- perhaps better now than
when he saw her for the first time. She felt his stare and looks back without showing any
emotion at all: like a poker player.
A million will suffice. Of course, you should be set in hibernation.- He said, firmly.
Oh- and why is that? Its a two months trip! I detest being in a coffin-like reservoir.- She
complained. ABQ 632 enters the office then, and said:- Sorry to interrupt, but there is a man
asking for her, outside.
What? For me? Nobody knows I am here! Or at least, they shouldnt know!- Blunny said in
haste.
Erson stared at her, and said: Seems you dont want interruptions
Of course not! Whoever he is, I dont want to see him.- Blunny said, pressing her purse
against her waist, as if protecting something of value.
Very well, ABQ632! You just tell them that Miss Blunny was here, but departed not five
minutes ago. No more comments. Erson said, to the e-woman, who walks out of the office
with a nod of approval.
125
Case solved! Erson said, stretching his arms to the sidesshe impulsively stands up and
hugged him briefly, saying: Thanks, captain! Perhaps I will explain later some things that are
happening in this planet.- And seating again at the chair in front of the desk, she produces her
Credit Card, handling it to Erson, while saying:- Here! Take the million sopes you asked
before!
Erson was so enchanted with her there, in front of him that he was tempted not to take that
million sopes and carried her to Aurea 3 for sex, but he controlled his testosterone born
impulse, and used the machine with connection with the Trans world Bank to take that money
and make the transference to his own account- Blunny stare was on him, and she noticed the
short hesitance he had for a secondand realize that Erson was enchanted with her
appearance.
Blunny smiled to herself- which same behavior she had seen in many males, urged by their
instincts to mate with her in order to get access to her genes and so gets fine specimens of
humans. All of it of course, coated with a male proud that they call love.
Knowing he was head over heels for her, she renewed the stares and half smiles until Erson
was really reddened with desireBlunny was not to make things easy for the man, so she
said: And which cabin are you going to give me, Captain? I need a big one!
126
Erson nodded in the affirmative, because he was very interested in her, and willing to please
Blunny as much as it was possibly, and said: I have plenty of big cabins, but nowadays there
are some other passengers occupying them.
Oh, what a pity!- Blunny exclaimed.
But dont worry! I will send them to the hibernating chambers on the double! You will get a
nice and big cabin for tonight! Could you wait until 22 hours?- Erson asked, walking pass his
desk and approaching her.
Yes, but only until 22 hours, captain! After that hour, you will need to give me your own
cabin!- She said, giving a short laugh to ease the tension- but the message was clear: She
could be visiting his cabin! And that Erson understood without much thinking
That will represent no problem, Blunny. I am at your service.- Erson commented.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

But she remembered that he had grabbed her million sopes without problems, and said: I am
sure there will be no need for me to abuse of your generosity.
Of course. I will leave you at a small cabin while we work in this problem. Dont worry: your
ex fiance is located at another level.- Erson said, touching her shoulder in a fatherly way, but
burning for her body.
Yes, guide me, captain. I will be your obedient child.- And laughing, both of them walked out
of the office and into the corridor.
You look gorgeous. To be uncompromised makes you a most beautiful lady. Erson said to
her.
Oh, yes? And before I was ugly?- She asked.
Of course not! But I respect the woman of another man. He said, reddened to the neck.
127
This spaceship is so huge! You never knew it, looking by the outside._ She said, as the
corridor grew dim when looking ahead.
This is your cabin: A34! Erson announced. She glared at him, saying:- But you promised
me a bigger one!
He walks into that cabin, and when she was inside, he closed the door and tried to kiss her,
but she refused him gently but firmly.
No, captain! What other people will think of me? Calm down, we must to know each other a
little better!- Blunny said, opening the door for him to go.
When he gets out, she closed the door and laughed- she was still laughing when she begin to
takes a shower.
At the main cabin, Erson arrives and said to ABQ632, who was there:- See that the Force
freaks gets freeze before 22 hours.
ABQ632 smiled and asked: Whats happening at 22 hours?
Erson, who didnt expect a question, glared at her and said: Never mind, just take the
spaceship upwards and do as I told you.
Yes, Erson.- ABQ said, erasing the gentle smile from her lips, understanding- he had changed
the moment that woman Blunny steps into his office.
Soon the Sphere hovered above ground and raise up to the heavens like a shiny balloon
Blunny, who was unaware at her bed, bumps the side of her head against a bar, it was of no
serious consequence, but it grows a bump on the back side of her head. Edara, who was
looking at her through a camera, laughed and said to ABQ632, who was near her:- See? You
are already revenged!
Yes, she bewitches our man!- ABQ632 said, with a screeching tone of voice.
Erson was at the radar room, looking worried. Edara enters the room and he said: Look!
Patrol ships! We cannot just freeze people opening a hatch! They could spot us and I dare not
think in which infringement of the law they could charge me with.
Calm down! I will accelerate to leave this planetary system quickly away. I am sure you could
get them freeze before 22 hours.- She said, smiling. Erson stared at her and asked:- You
already knew about it? Have you microphones all around the ship? Of course!
And what do you expect? I am at your service, and the best way to help you its to know
everything related with what you do or want it to do.- Edara said.
Yes, right. I will be patient.- He said forgetful of everything except that precious woman he
wants for himself.
Erson was walking towards cabin A 34 when he saw Laurentius coming from the other side of
the corridor. He said to him: Oh, here you are! How is going with the hydroponic farm?
Just fine, captain! Want to get a look at our groceries? There are fine tomatoes growing from
the tanks.- Laurentius said, still thankful for the job Erson had given him aboard the
spaceship.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

All right, lets go there to look on those vegetables!- Erson said, eager to take him away from
the nearness of cabin A 34.
129
Once at the hydroponic laboratory, he makes sure the man was going to be very busy with
new orders he was giving him, so to nail him to the hydroponic tanks instead of to give him
ample time to rummage along the corridors.
When finally he walks out of the laboratory, he grabs an intercom and said to Edara, at the
main cabin: See that Laurentius gets freeze as soon as possible.
Of course, Erson: I will take him out of your way at the next shift.- Edara said.
And how many hours is going to be that?- Erson asked.
Two and a half hours, Erson. Relax! You will blow a vein if you keep on acting as a teenager!-.
Edara said, ending the communication,.
Erson knitted his brows but then he laughed. He was well protected with those expensive and
fine machines the genius of man has invented
At 17 hours, Edara awakes him saying:_ We will be starting the warp engine, Erson! You
better strap to something.
He opened his eyes and said: What time is it?. He was afraid ti was past 22 hours
17.10 hours, and now you could strap here for safety, or come with me to the main cabin, its
your choice.
I go.- He said, pulling out of the null gravity resting place. He puts on his shoes and using an
overcoat, went with her to the main cabin.
131
Proceed.- He said, and soon afterwards they leave the Aurea 7 planetary system, with the
cargo consisting on weapons and dinosaur samples.
The vessel changes direction until facing the helicoidally flight that will make the rendezvous
with planetary system Aurea 3 a success.
Now we wait.- Edara said.
Two or five months?
Two months; the sky is in calm. She said, implying there were no waves of electromagnetic
fields flowing around.
Fine. Now proceed to hibernation. Just leave me and you know who on our feet. He said,
with mixed feeling- he knew very well he was acting impulsively, perhaps not as an ethical
captain, but the need to have Miss Blunny under his wings was tantamount.
Im giving orders to the Assistants. We must put everyone in a chamber and make the
proceedings for them all at a time. Edara explained.
Except Blunny.
Well sedate her for a while. You can visit her while she is sedated, if you want.-
I want.
But wait until our clients are frozen. You dont want nasty gossips, are you?- Edara asked
him.
Of course Ill wait. Not that I will do something nasty.- He said, very serious.
At the hold #7 the Naturals begin to gather, while the EDs try not to let them go out, because
some of them begin to fear something crocked.
Its necessary to wait here.- The captain could talk to us in the mess hall. Shukulan said.
Orders! Perhaps he is going to show something to you. ED 1927 said.
When the last Force-inclined believer gets inside, the EDs close the inner door, and opens the
air lock for some seconds and the whole lot gets frozen instantaneously.
Set temperature at 0.5 Centigrade only. We will let them here until our arrival to our
destination point.- Edara said by radio to the rest of the Synthetic crew, and turning her stare
to Erson, she said: Now you can go to see your beloved.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

On my way.- Erson said, bumping at the corridor with ABQ632.
You really are in a hurry!- She said, sarcastically.
Dont you worry about that.- He said, marching along the corridor.
Beautiful Blunny was floating in her bed, chastely robbed in a thick one piece garment, with
legs and arms covered. He looks unto her face, not finding a single wrinkle or a single moll;
her face was like sculpted in a frozen piece of milk.
He gasped. He has never been so close to inspect her with calm- he had being cautious not to
look so intent of her, but of course, in that he had failed when trying to kiss her at the cabin.
He touches her hand, and to his surprise she opens her eyes and seeing him there, staring at
her, she asked. What are you doing here?
He felt himself embarrassed and said: I come to tell you that everyone on board is already
under hibernation.
She was staring at him, amused of the fact she had so much control over this man that makes
him reel.
Oh. Well, must be a surprise to me?
I dont knowcertainly you told me not to be hibernated yet.
Yes, I abhor of those machines and the coffin.- Blunny said, referring to the Pod of
hibernation.
He walked to the door, saying: Of course. I will be at the dinner table if you want
conversation. She nodded, shyly with her head, but when he went out and close the door, she
laughed.
At the dining room, Erson asks for coffee and biscuits. Edara seats in front of him, saying: I see
you are eating alone. Want some company?
Yes, it seems Blunny is not coming. Erson said, sipping his ersatz coffee. Edara sighed,
saying: Well, it seems she is not hands over heels about you.
Seems so.- He said, eating a biscuit.
You can force her do whatever your wishes demands! We have drugs to tame her and burnt
her heart with desire- not finding another male around here, you will be chosen.
Erson looked unto those crystal clear eyes of the synthetic machine and said: Ethics tell me
not to abuse of my host.
She puts a hand over his left arm, saying: Do not stay put, Erson. You have two months of
agony, or if you put aside your ethics, it would be two months of pleasure. She leaves him
alone, in order to let him think about his unsolved problem.
That evening she visits the main cabin when Erson was present, with a disdainful stare
towards ED 781 and Edara.
Oh, I see your assistants are running the spaceship for you.- Blunny said.
Of course! They are very efficient.- Erson replied.
And you, what are your functions here?- Blunny asked, looking at the console in front of him.
133
I am in charge of the long range radar- it must be observed at all times, in case some meteor
comes our way or cross our path.- Erson said, perspiring- Blunny was using a tight shirt, that
shows the roundness of her breasts; a thin waist and a powerful hips and derriere- that at that
hour were covered by a short pant, in a cream color- down to the shoes there was that fine,
perfect legs that provokes him to cough. A faint smile appears on Blunnys lips- then she
yawned and said: Oh, it has been a long day for me! Sorry, I am very sleepy. See you next
morning!
And departed. Erson touches his cheeks, and they were burning. Edara said: You should rest,
Erson! You have been working here for several hours now. ED 781 will replace you.
He yawned and do as told- soon he was asleep in his own bed.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

At the main cabin, ABQ632 was at the long range radar monitor, and Edara said: Erson is a
foul.
Why do you said that?
She is in love with a woman that ignores him completely.- Edara said, shrugging her
shoulders.
And he was very fond of me. What happened to him? What did I do wrong?- ABQ632 asked.
You havent donned anything wrong. The man is a slave of his feelings, and he could leave a
whole family , even a throne, to get the woman he likes.- Edara assured her.
Help him. You already know how.- ABQ632 said, staring at her.
134
Why? He hasnt told me to do it! I talked to him, offering to drug her and so resolve his
problem but he hasnt said a word about it.- Edara said.
Remember ethics? Perhaps he is enchained to it.- ABQ632 said.
Yes, a chain I will cut right away. Go and sedate the woman; I will send the doctor to inject a
strong aphrodisiac she will never be able to fight back.- Edara commented.
ABQ632 went to the Infirmary, where ED BL15, the doctor, was busy preparing a drug.
Edara told me to sedate Blunny. Give me something to do it.- ABQ632 said.
Just a spray a little gas inside her chamber- it acts in five seconds. Doctor ED BL15 said,
handling her a can.
And the Aphrodisiac?- ABQ632 pressed on.
Wait! Its not ready yet! These ingredients must be mixed in a certain order and in
sequences; I cannot just pour everything in a jar.- Doctor EDBL15 said, sniffing as a human
could need
ABQ163 walked by the corridors, and opening her door, sprayed some of the gas inside, at
cabin A34.
One minute later, she walks in- the lady was staring at her.
I see you are not dormant!- She murmured, but Blunny didnt answer- then she realized that
Blunny was sedated with eyes wide open. ABQ632 closed those lids with a swift movement of
her hands, and looked unto her face- she was able to see in a very much high definition than a
human, and saw the pores, holes of mall size on the chin and cheeks of Blunnyshe also saw
the different tones of her skin- whiter on legs, darker in forearms and the face, due to infrared
light that Blunny uses to look great
135
She injected her in the back, so she cannot see the puncture, and leaves the room.
Donned!- Now she will search for a male the minute she awakes.- ABQ632 said.
She will notice she was drugged.- Edara said.
Possibly if she had heard about it, but no if she does not. Its a risk well be having but of little
consequence: she has no power over us.- ABQ632 said, raising her shoulders a bit.
Edara looks at Erson, who appears at the bridge- he was looking at the controls, saying: I
dreamt of a fire in here. Is it all normal?
No fire on the bridge, captain. Perhaps you should moderate the heat in your cabin._- Edara
said.
22centigrades its my idea of a warm cabin. In here it seems never goes above
14Centigrades.- Erson replied.
That is because the instruments must be in a cool environment, Sir.- ABQ632 said using for
the first time in days that surname instead of to call him by his name. He noticed it, gives a
quick glance at her, but said nothing.
Blunny appears at the threshold of the door that opens to the main corridor, she smiled when
seeing Erson was there, and saluted.
Hi, everyone! I assume its morning on board I slept a lot, I presume.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

Yes, its 10.30 hours. And good morning to you.- Erson said, standing to see her better.
Thanks. Oh, its hot in here! I am feeling as in the equator of a planet!- Blunny said, with
brilliant eyes.
Oh, its cool in here. Recently, Edara told me that this temperature is good for the
instruments not to fail.- Erson said. Blunny takes one of his hands, and said: Really that you
are cold as a fish!- And she laughed.
Im usually like this. Thats why I prefer my cabin, its warmer there.- Erson said.
Oh, yes? Well, lets go there to see if you feel more comfortable in there.- Blunny said,
walking out of the main cabin- Erson follows her anticipating some phrases.
Oh, the life in this vessel has changed since you arrive!- Erson said.
Why? Am I bothering you too much? - She asked in a sweet tone.
Of course not! At the opposite! You are so beautiful- He said, almost panting.
They arrive to his cabin and indeed it was hotter there than in the corridors or in the main
deck. She seats at a stool and said: Well, this is the equator heat! Pardon me; I will take my
sweater off for a while. And she made a show out of it, showing her breast in the process.
Oh, my blouse was opened! She complained, while Erson was in the verge of to kiss her
breasts
I could lower the heat. He said, walking to a panel and said: 17Centigrades is good for
you?
Yes, but come here to talk a little.- Blunny said, staring at him with a nice smile.
Erson returns at her side, and seats in another stool.
Now that I know you better, I can tell you are the nicest captain I had met.- She said,
fluttering her eyelids.
And you the most beautiful woman that had stepped on my sphere.- Erson said, leaning
towards her.
137

BLUNNY ROMANCING THE CAPTAIN.

She stared at him and he kissed her lips softly- she surrenders to the caress, and stand up- he
takes her by the waist, sensing it was slender but firm. They kissed passionately and all the
while he was looking at her not quite believing what was happening.
She was with him for two days and both becoming in love, a thing not easy to understand by
the two e-females.
By radio, at a couple of days later, Edara said: Incredible! The potion wears out, and she
clings to him as in the first hour.
Perhaps the potion started some inner wish in her and now the attachment is natural.
ABQ632 said.
Hope you dont resent this affair, after being his mistress.- Edara said.
ABQ632 moves her head sidewise and replied: Of course not! For me is just a labor
accomplished- I serves him when he most needed it, and now that he finds other person to
satisfy himself, I am out of the equation for good.
Blunny could be in love, but she begin asking for money
I will need a lot of money when returning to civilization: my nose.- And she signaled to her
facial appendicle.
I see no flaws in it.- Erson said, because she really sees nothing wrong with it.
My dear! She laughed- Fashion! We, modern women, need to be always up to date! Each
year, fashion changes. Noses, mouths, eyes, every can change. And you dont want me to be
outdated, are you?- She said, pressing him to accept her views.
138
Knapp # 39: Erson.

ERSON WITH BLUNNY IN OUTER SPACE.

Of course not! I mean I will provide with as much money as you may need.
She caressed him a lot from that moment and Erson was in Heaven- the woman was an expert
in love making, and all he asks for was that his heart could withstand so much passion.
Days later, while Blunny was sleeping, Erson went to the main cabin. Edara looks at him,
saying. You look happy.- He smiled and replied:- Of course, a nice natural and young female,
with fire in her veinsnot rejecting a good moment and never angry.
One month to go.- She said, rather ironically. He looks at her, saying: Seems too small
period of time. Look! We had traveled one month, and it has been as a week for me!
Erson was envisioning her pink legs, soft to touch, and the for ever smile on Blunnys face.
We can fake a malfunction. We could stop the warp drive, with only the gravitons working,
you will have years to squeeze pleasure from that young nice natural female- Edara
proposed. Erson tastes the idea for a while, modified it a bit, and said: Yes! Perhaps an extra
month could be satisfying.
-As you wish. Warp drive out. Edara said, giving the order through a switch.
Yes, this will be good. Erson said, leaving the main cabin. Edara said to the crew: We will
say there is a malfunction to Miss Blunny, nothing to worry about.
Understood. The synthetic crew said, using the same system of communication (the radio).
Blunny keeps on showing herself as the expensive doll she was, until two and a half months
later. Then she realizes they should have arrived to Aurea.
Why we are still voyaging?- She asked.
There is a malfunction- nothing to worry about. Soon we will be at Aurea 3 planetary
system.- Erson said, caressing her. Blunny looks at his face, saying: Strange. You are not
worried at all.
Oh, but it is because this failures are common occurrence in this Sphere! But worry not! This
artifact has always finished their trips.- Erson told her.
She half believed his words- with a man in loveor perhaps, sexually aroused all a woman
could think were tricks to keep the man under control.
Erson was happy- she was seemingly believing his tale but soon he understand that she was
keeping for herself her doubts but not her actions. Sexual relations beguine to dwindle each
time more and more, until it was a constant denial.
Seems our little trick on Blunny has ended. Edara said to him, after another ten days.
Yes! Her fire is absent.- Erson said with sadness.
See? The same thing was to occur when reaching a city! But instead of no cost, you would
had been spending your fortune on her whimsical desires.- Edara said firmly.
Erson realizes that Edara was telling him that Blunny was only interested in his money, so he
didnt persist on the subject.
That night Blunny did satisfy him, so Erson was happy again. But in the morning, she dump a
glass of cold water over him by saying: That was our last intercourse in this trip1_ So if you
want more of me, go and tell your crew to fasten the pace!
Erson obeyed- it was no use to spend days with a woman who refuses to give satisfactions.
No need to awake the ones who does not come directly here.- Edara said. Erson smiled and
nodded, saying: Yes, let me spare their complains.
The Warp engines working again, in seventeen days they were landing on Aurea 3-3.
AUREA 3-3.
Doctor Kurt Melegen was awakening with his associates. They visit the city of Aurea 3-3
Zahne city, and after some days they return to the Sphere, saying:- We have found a nice
place, captain Erson. A place where we could work peacefully and without interruptions.
Melegen said.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

Erson smiled their secrecy was not for him, because Edara and the spy microphones had
revealed the mystery. Melegen, as so many others, in his field, was obsessed with prolonging
human life: no matter what wrongs in the process. Many governments had laws against
unethical proceedings. Kurt Melegen and his colleagues flee from regulations and lands on
Aurea 3-3, where the government was putting the blind eye in this and other fields because
they want to attract scientific and also investors.
You must move the spaceship, captain: the place its forty nine kilometers from here: we will
pay for the raid.- Mr. Melegen said.
141
30.000sopes.- Erson said, thinking in 3 days in a good hotel.
Done.- Mr. Melegen said, adding the address. The Sphere raise from the space field and
glides to the site in seven minutes.
It looks rather deserted..- Erson said, looking the rocky site.
No problem! We will get the water from the air, the energy from the sun and the meal from
spray food cans: problems resolved!- Mr. Dorchor said.
They ask for help. Erson send his EDs to carry so many boxes- soon the place around the
Sphere was full of material. Mr. Dorchor said:- Dont worry, captain! I will set a force field
over this place and then I will mimic the ground and well be practically unnoticed.
You will need a vehicle, if you want to go towards the city.- Erson commented.
yes, when you leave here, I am going with you to the city, where I will buy a pair of vehicles.
Mr. Dorchor said.
At the next day, Erson returns to the space port, carrying Mr. Dorchor, that departs with a
handshake.
Good bye, captain Erson! Dont forget to visit us if you return here someday. Dorchor said.
I will.- Captain Erson reply. Blunny said: Lets visit the city? I am starving for nice food, nice
baths and nice clothes!
Of course. We will leave Edara in charge here. He said, walking to the main deck, where he
told the synthetic about it.
She heard him say what he was going to do, and said: Of course, both of you need a different
place, to stay for just a while. I will see that your Sphere is repaired.
142.
Too many damages during our last flight?- Erson asked.
Not much! But I know you like it as new, doesnt it? Edara asked.
Of course. . Erson said, while Blunny arrives there, saying. Are we going to be out or not,
dear? Im bored to be waiting for you.
Right now!- He replied, walking towards the hatch; they descended by the ramp, and Erson
asked ED 772 to accompany them, for safety precautions.
The city, as most modern cities, offers lots of distractions, shows, most of them performed by
natural human, because the long centuries of technology were left behind except in the
diffusion of the sound and sight.
Fake natural food! It tastes as nice as the real one.- Blunny said, with sparkling eyes- she was
using a pink dress, almost vaporous but with small thermal dispositive that could maintain
her draped on a warm temperature, no matter the cold ambient.
Erson dance with her afterwards, and they finally slept at a no artificial gravity bed,
surrounded by rugs and veils in a large hotel room.
As most beautiful women, Blunny slept late until the afternoon- the first two days he enjoyed
the sight of her asleep but from the third day on, he just take a shower at seven, eat some
fruits and depart to the street: he loves to buy small objects, curious clothes, new shoes: there
was no poverty in the city- food and clothes were so very cheap everyone looks fine and
wealthy.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

143
Erson enters a Bar and while drinking; Mr. Dorchor enters there with another man; when
seeing him, he salutes and seats at the stool next to him.
Hi! Taking a drink alone?
My woman is still sleeping.- Erson commented.
Good for her; it keeps her beauty going. Let me present to you Mr. Yalum; he is a good sailor,
and helps me finding a Wagon Flier. There is lots of merchandise to carry; and as Mr. Dorchor
said, soon there will be cattle to carry.- Mr. Yalum said.
Erson smile. Mr. Yalum, a tall and able man, seems to be an honest worker. He finished his
drink and returns to the Sphere.
Where had you been? I search for you all around the Sphere. Blunny said, who was now
waiting at the main deck, where Edara was at a corner.
I was out shopping.- He said; Blunny stared at him and finally asked: Well? Do you bought
something to me?
No, but only a few appliances, nothing fancy.- Erson said, looking at her- with disheveled
hair and a night gown, she was not looking attractive.
Right. And another thing: I saw Laurentius while you were outI wonder what he is doing
here.- And her eyes were cold as iron.
Working. He asks for a job, and I give it to him.- Erson said, raising his brows.
Fire him now! He looks at me in a derisive way. Out!- Blunny said, leaving the main cabin.
144

LAURENTIUS GETS FIRED FROM HIS POST AT THE SPHERE.

Erson looks at Edara, who said: She is in a bad mood, now.
What do you say? Did I fire the guy?- Erson asks her advice.
Yes, or do you want her to be furious? I will tell the guy. Perhaps you could give him some
more money- hes new in town. Edara said.
Yes, give him an extra payment as compensation. If he asks for me, tell him I am busy, I dont
want to see his eyes. Erson said, walking towards his cabin.
Laurentius heard Edara with open eyes, perhaps surprised- received the money in his Bank
account, and taking his clothes and things, leaves the Sphere in the afternoon, leaving a
message:
Mr. Erson: I am thankful of you because you help me in a moment of trouble, I knew about
your romance with the one that dumped me some while ago. Now I leave this Sphere believing
that it was her who really fired me. Laurentius.
Erson saw the message and said: And honest man, but in our present circumstances, his
presence is unacceptable here.
Blunny was beginning to work at a fancy ballroom, as a hostess, receiving the clients and in
charge of the welfare , solving any discomfort the clients could begin to suffer.
While she works, Erson visited the genetic farm of Mr. Melegen- as they considered him a
trusty fellow, he could see how the cloning of animals were in full way. Hundreds of
Galliminus were soon replenishing the wards and, afterwards, the pens.
In that moment Edara calls on Erson using a cell phone.
145
Blunny hasnt returned to the Sphere, nor is on the hotel Verne. What are you going to do?-
She asked.
Call on hospitals! Perhaps she had an accident.- Erson replied.
Hours later, an ED locates her in a Beauty Parlor, where Erson arrives, aided by Edara.
Hi! What are you doing here?- Blunny asked, staring at her unbelieving her eyes.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

Searching for you! I was at your hotel, and you werent there!- Erson said, looking at her
dress- a one piece garment, green color, with apertures at the sides, showing her pink legs.
Oh, you must not worry about that hotel anymore! I booked out. I am living with a friend
now!- Blunny said.
A woman?- Erson questioned her.
Of course! What do you think I am? A good friend- half the price you were paying at that
cheap hotel.- Blunny said.
Introduce me to your friend! I will pay whatever you offered her. Also, I must see where you
are staying- possibly you should- Was saying Erson, but she puts an ugly face and said:
Stop it, Erson! Please! Dont you see we are in a public place? Go away and let me be attended
here! You are putting my attendant very nervous!
Wellthen we will talk at the Sphere! I will wait you there.- Erson said, turning red.
Yes, go away!- Blunny said, and when Erson was reaching the exit door, he heard Blunny
laughter.
At the street, his ears were burning. Edara was walking at his side, in a very silent way.
146
Blunny didnt appear that day, nor the next. Edara was summoned to his cabin- he was seated
in a stool, half drunk and with an incipient beard.
You see? That woman bumped me out of her life!
-Perhaps she will think it over and come back. Give her time to reconsider. Edara said,
while he was moving his head in the negative: No, she will never come back! Possibly she has
another man, I am sure of it! I should have never stayed here for so long!
She was a bird with wings to fly.- Edara sentenced.
Yes, well, find me another bottle- this seems to be empty. Erson said, after giving it his last
gulp.
Edara calls for ABQ 362, who come to that cabin, with a bottle of liquor and a smile. When he
saw her, smiled and said: My former lover! Seems like I shouldnt have dumped you.
Yes, it seems like that.- She said, filling his glass with the amber liquor. He takes the glass
and sips a little, and then he handled back, saying: Enough! Tomorrow we will leave this
planet. Edara: see we keep on serving our clients as it should!- And gets into the null G bed,
where he went asleep.
He is very upset. ABQ 362 said.
He is a looser.- Edara laughed. Humans never learn! Women cheats on them, and they weep
and run to the next one!-
ABQ362 stared unto Erson, and said:- He is a good fellow, and his wish is to travel from one
planet to the other with a profit!
147
The Sphere took off at 04.20 hours local time, guided by the expert hands of Edara, who
settled course to Aurea 3-2 at mid speed.
Plenty of traffic here, imagine how it would be without the Transporters. Erson said.
72 % worst.- Edara said.
I will be at my bed. Call me when we land on Aurea 3-2. He asked, yawning uproariously.
Edara nodded and while he was asleep, the Sphere race towards the third planet, with every
synthetic being on the alert- many smaller spaceships were lurking around now. The midget
ships are affordable for almost anyone with a medium sized income, thanks to the credits the
big shopping centers offered every month.
Hours later, the third planet was only like a bright star and looking to the prow of the
spaceship, another star was slowly looking brighter, and that was the third planet they wished
to visit.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

Mr. Trungoll must be awake: he must make the necessary preparations for his dangerous
enterprise. - Erson asked.
Right. In half an hour Mr. Trungoll and his group will be de-hibernated. Ten hours for our
arrival to Aurea 3-2.- Edara informed.
ABQ632 approaches him, saying. Lets talk with them: perhaps they could use your spaceship
in more ways they had already donned- and that could mean money.
148

AUREA 3-2

Erson laughed and said: How, carrying troops or fighting the Aurea 3-2 Army forces? In the
last case, we are sitting ducks.
Well, I guess its useful for you now to know against what kind of forces he is dealing with.
ABQ632 said.
Erson smiled and said: Even with one battle cruiser under his command he will be defeated- I
had seen nothing on his hands to fight an Army.
ABQ632 said: The government its a dictatorship. There are three main leaders each one in a
different city. They had split the Army Forces in three different sections, so each of them has
equal power than its fellow. There are three battle cruisers, 38 hunters, and two bow ships
something similar to a destroyer, but with only reduced speed available, as they are almost
obsolete by today standards.
Impressive. Perhaps Mr. Trungoll has an ace up his sleeve?- That is supposedly the case. We
ignore it for sure.- ABQ632 informed.
At the next day, the team of Mr. Trungoll was on their cabins, using the holographic sets and
communicating with people on the third planet that was nearing.
When orbiting, Mr. Trungoll said: Ask for permission to land, captain: you will have no
problems arising.
They landed on a prairie and soon afterwards the owner arrives, asking for some money.
A thousand sopes and you can stay as long as you want.- The man said, and Mr. Trungoll
pays him, saying: Not a word about us, mate! We will be leaving in two weeks.
Very well, Sir.- The man said, pocketing the money.
149
The place was located at Arvenia Island, close to the Equator, and with warm temperature
thought out the year.
Trungoll calls on Erson and his family to say: Now I will beguine by seizing this island:
Arvenia. My supporters are working hard, trying to convince the generals about the
convenience of a change in the government: three dictators are ruling the world. Let us see if
one king could rule instead of them.
Hope you succeed. I cannot stay here any longer. I have clients waiting to complete their
journey. Erina planet is very far from here.- Erson try to excuse him of any commitment
Trungoll could offer him in the near future.
Mr. Trungoll takes him by an arm, saying: Please captain Erson! You are an intelligent man:
your clients are just a bunch of idealists in a ridiculous quest. I am not saying you dump them
here or in some other place, but just keep them where they are now, while you serve me.
150
Erson stared at him and said: Sorry to say, I am not enthusiastic about warfare, my spaceship
is old and inadequate to
Wait! I hadnt say for which purpose I need you here.
Yes? Tell me.- Erson said, smiling in front of Mr. Trungolls vehemence.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

If all goes wrong I want a door of escape. Your Sphere. All you get to do is waiting. If things go
awry, I come here and you speed out of the planet. Get it?- Trungoll asked.
I get it. So you arent at all so sure about your quest!- Erson said.
I am certain of just one thing, Captain Erson: I will put all my strength and will on this
project: if I fail it will be because the ones who said: Come and get our concourse are lying,
defeating or too scare to put their face on the open.- Trungoll said.
A question: how much are you going to pay me?
A million sopes! I have no more to offer- and take this in mind: I am a generous man, and I
know how to compensate favors. Trungoll said, looking at Erson without blinking.
Right. Count with me. Erson said, and they seal their pact by a handshake.
Edara was informed of it, and said While we appear as tourists all will be fine for us.
Perhaps Mr. Trungoll gets what he wants for a while- People search changes to probe- if they
didnt like what they get, they usually dump their ideas together with the ones who are in the
new posts.- ABQ632 said.
Mr. Trungoll calls again to their friends and acquaintances: Admiral Quapong was his strong
arm in this plot, and come to the Sphere to talk; he arrives in a small Flier, with two other
men, but those waited outside Mr. Trungolls cabin.
Good to see you, majesty. You look as your deceased father when young.- Admiral Quapong
said.
Good to see you too, Admiral. These are my two sons and my daughter Circena- they are
entitled to represent me in every way possibly- even if I am killed in this quest. Trungoll said.
I am sure we will succeed your majesty. Admiral Quapong said, not liking the idea of the
defeat.
Of course. Tell me in which are you counting to seize power. Trungoll asked.
I have the full space fleet under Lord Desaltos forces: one battle cruiser, one destroyer, and
twelve Hunters, plus an Army of thirteen thousand soldiers.
Loyal soldiers to you or to lord Desalto? We must be sure of this.- Mr. Trungoll asked.
I am their commander in chief. I am sure they arent loyal to the Usurper.- Admiral Quapong
assured him.
Very well, what about the other armies?- Mr. Trungoll asked.
Cant say for sure, your Majesty- I cannot ask the other generals about this! It would be like to
put the rope around my own neck, so to speak.- Admiral Quapong said.
Mr. Trungoll stared at him, saying afterwards: I see a lot of trouble in this way. I will send
emissaries to them, asking to join us before a terrible war begins.
152
Admiral Quapong looks around and said:- We have a plan: to kill Lord Desalto; and then goes
against the others. Desalto have the best and more efficient Army in this planet. If we gain
control of his land, Praefigus , we will get the upper hand.- Trungoll stared at him, saying:-
Really? An assassination will certainly stain my hands with blood. A blemish on my record.
Quapong moves his head in the negative, replying: But you will be out of this! I will never say
we were the perpetrators!
Trungoll thinks about it for some time and said: Very well, if we must act in this manner
because we are outnumbered, so be it!
Quapong calls three very clever and indoctrinated of his soldiers and said: its all accounted
for! Lord Desalto needs more guards in his inner circle: you will be replacing some of his lost
ones.
We are ready to serves you, Admiral, but why in this manner?- - One of them asked.
You are going to kill Desalto: Its a need, if we can unite the people of this world: King
Trungoll was killed by Desalto; now his heir, his own son, has arrived and we are going to gain
Knapp # 39: Erson.

his crown again and for you , great rewards are waiting if you succeed.- Admiral Quapong
promised them.
The men approved what he just said, and in a Flier were flown to the city of Adre, towers 130
meters high were seen from the sea, shinning in the night. The Flier left them on the beach
from where they walked to a certain prefixed address.
We come from Mr. Quapong orders.- Andros said.
A lady looked at the three of them plus their bags of a green dark color, and said: Come in.
Doctor Sorsang will attend you in a moment.
153
Andros looks at Fedemund and Masroputo, saying:_- Seems we are in the right track.
Nice place, indeed.- Fedemund said, looking around- the plastic was all around: walls were
covered by green plastic reeds, armchairs of transparent material, even the floor was made of
slabs in green color; the list comes from tiny lamps imbibed on those slabs: Good evening,
Sirs! Sorry my delay; I was attending a holographic call.
Dont worry, Sir: we are there in a mission.2 Fedemund said.
Yes, the dictator must die, isnt it?- You say it.
Very well, Weapons?
A plenty- we come ready for the action.
Yes, I understand: there are three soldiers, that will be replaced by you: we had paid them
greatly- they are chosen after exhaustive proofs- hope you could sustain suffering, if a t the
Dictators mansion he wants to torture you.
Did he torture menhis own men?
He pays offering to a god he claims that talks to him in dreams.
Too much drugs?
Could be .Secretary!- Doctor Sorsang asks, and the same woman pops her head from a
window on the wall.
Yes, doctor?
Bring me the dossiers! These men must memorize certain things if they want to supplant the
soldiers!- Dr. Sorsang asked.
The secretary brings them three electronic tablets, and Dr. Sorsang said: There you have all
you need to know about the persons that you will impersonate and all about your future
duties. Bear in mind that those duties could change.
154
We understand. Masroputo said, looking at the Doctor, who said: I will leave you alone-
soon those three will come, and if you have any question about your mission, ask them.
The three men were left alone, and they use the half hour in reading and looking at the photos
on those tablets. After a while, Andros said: It looks rather simple. Nothing that we hadnt
donned before.
Yes, this guy, Swimber, has a simple record: from the Orphan to the Military Institute, with
mention about LASER missiles.-Fedemund said. In that moment, doctor Sorsang enters the
room with three other men.
Here we are! These are the three persons that you must to impersonate. Lets talk a little, to
see if theres some imperfections.- Doctor Sorsang said.
Masroputo asked: Do you know someone at the mansion that could discover our imposture?
We had never been there! So its hardly difficult that someone could realize that you are not
us.- Swimber said.
Doctor Sorsang looks at his wristwatch and said: We better start moving! In exactly two
hours you must be present at the mansion.
We are ready.- Fedemund said, handling him the electronic tablet. This doctor looks at him
saying:- Hope you memorize all what is in it!-
Knapp # 39: Erson.

Completely, Doctor!- Fedemund said, seriously.
155
As told, they went to the governmental palace, and they present to lieutenant Forjeto, who
receives them at his desk.
Swimber Anetshib; Cujol Lendor; Endor Tantrecommended by colonel Granjer. Very well.
Tell me about what you know of our Palace.
Fedemund (Swimber) was ready to answer questions related to what he reads at the affidavit
about Swimber itself, but he has no knowledge about the building. The lieutenant drummed
with his fingers on the desk, waiting.
I dont have knowledge about this building, Sir.- Fedemund said, perspiring. Lieutenant
Forjeto turns his gaze towards the other two that equally professed their ignorance about it.
Surprisingly bad! None of you knows about the place you are about to protect! Incredible.-
The officer yelled.
We could learn, Sir. Andros said.
Not while I am in command! Return to your quarters! I will summon people who know what
they are going to protect!- Lieutenant Forjeto said.
They leave the building and once at the street, Andros said:- So much for our mission!
Lets take a drink before we get back with the bad news!- Fedemund said and after walking
three blocks they enter to a Bar, where they choose a table to seat in front of.
156
This is cheer bad luck.- Fedemund said.
They told us practically nothing about the building.- Masroputo said, inserting some coins
into the dispenser machine.
Now, to our old jobs, with a blemish in our records._ Andros said, taking his glass of beer.
After a third round of beer, they return to Admiral Quapong headquarters, where a secretary
leaves them waiting for three solid hours; then they were summoned to Quapongs office.
What are you doing here? You supposedly should be at the Palace, at this hour!- Admiral
Quapong said.
Sorry to say, Sir, we were rejected when we knew not how to describe the Palace.
Masroputo said. Quapong stared at him for a while and then said: Well? You were supposed
to know all about your mission!
But the blueprints werent at the memo pads you give us! Andros said, Quapong turns red
and banged on the desk, saying: Enough! Oh, but how could I choose so poorly?
The three soldiers stood there as statues, until Quapong reacted and said: Out! Out you three!
The mission fails!
Andros Masroputo and Fedemund walked out of the office, and at the Secretary office they
return their bags, saying: Here is the weaponry we received for our mission.
Why do you return it to me? Carry it to your quarters!- The secretary said, with a shrill
voice. (Obviously, she had been hearing what happened at the office of her boss)
157
Erson told to Mr. Trungoll of this, and he said: Its a wise advise. I am the future head of
state: I must survive this upheaval time of darkness and terror.
Edara chooses a high mountain at the Cognominir Continent to wait. Erson seats in front of a
holographic set, to see the news. When the new day was dawning, he receives another
message from Admiral Quapong, saying: We are not proceeding with phase One as I told you
before, but we will wait for a similar action as the one we try before. Send me your actual
situation: I need our three messengers.
Of course; we are at mountain ER 244.- Erson replied, and one hour later, a small crystalline
aerial vehicle was parking near his craft.
Two persons are coming.- Edara said, looking at a monitor.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

Let them come. Send a pair of EDs to welcome them. And scan our visitors. Must be the
envoys, of our Admiral.- Erson said.
After the scanning, Edara disarmed both men, and presented them to Erson and Mr. Trungoll.
We come here by orders of Admiral Quapong: there are three soldiers of him that are needed
at Tukutan headquarters.- One of the men said.
What are they going to perform?- Trungoll asked in a hollow tone.
Dictator Cognominus must be eliminated, Sir. The man replied; Erson calls Andros and the
two others, explaining them the situation. Fedemund said: It is strange. Have they not skilled
men at Admiral Quapong headquarters that he sends for us?
160
I am not informed of it, Sir. My orders are to carry you three to general Tukutan
headquarters- there you are going to receive more specific orders!- The man said. Trungoll
shrugged and raised his shoulders saying. Seems theres nothing else to ask about! Prepare to
leave at once!
Andros bowed slightly and said: We are prepared, Sir.- And they walked out the room after
the two emissaries from Admiral Quapong.
Once in flight, Andros said: Hope this time our briefing could be better.- But both emissaries
didnt reply.
They landed on a big military compound, under a thick and dark layer of clouds. One of the
pilots guided them to a building, and at a close room another officer was waiting near a
holographic set.
Present yourselves. The officer said.
Sergeant Andros.
Sergeant Masroputo.
Sergeant Fedemund.
I am lieutenant Mamocar. Here (and he set a map on the holographic set) is where you are
going to be- the second corridor next to our Lord Lorum.
Weapons?
The ones allowed there: this!- The officer Mamocar said, showing a standard RCh 13 on
the holoset; and it was well know by the three soldiers.
When?
In four hours elapsed time- you will be posted there. Lord Lorum will attend a reunion before
his departure, so you will have just this one option.
Understood, Sir.- Andros said.
161
And our way out?- Fedemund asked.
You will be provided: dont you worry about that.- Lieutenant Mamocar said, and keeps
talking about the traditional sketched procedures at the governmental palace. The face of
Lord Lorum was shown at the holographic set, dressed in several suits, so the three soldiers
could identify him with ease.
Half an hour later, they were carried to the palace: this one was not as luxurious as the Lord
Desalto- walls were without finishing and the floor was made of rude concrete. Four other
guards were posted at that corridor- at the exact moment, Andros, Masroputo and Fedemund
were posted there, plus another they just dont knew beforehand.. The place was not much
concurred, and the difference was evident when lord Lorum approaches seven soldiers
walks first by the corridor. Two stands at the middle of the passage, and the rest keep on
walking round the corner, walking through the next corridor that ends on the hall of reunion.
Lord Lorum begin to walk by the corridor- Andros moves quickly towards him, raising his
laser rifle- the extra guard fired against him, and then all was a furious interchange of fire,
while the Lord Lorum retraces his steps , going out of that corridor in haste.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

Masroputo and Fedemund were carried to tie Infirmary, with several wounds, while Andros
was taken into the Morgue, as his head was damaged beyond repair.
Four days later, Fedemund open his eyes, and looks on a white ceiling. Around him, blankets
were hanging from steel bars. He was on a stretcher.
162
When he tries to move, he realizes he was tied to the bed by strong hands of plastic. He close
his eyes, feeling dizzy.
He was awake for a second time, now because a doctor was revising his wounds.
Stay calm. I am your doctor.- The man said, and Fedemund saw three nurses attending
doctor orders, who change the bandage and finally the doctor look at Fedemund eyes, saying:
You have four more days to be here. Lie still- you are not recovered yet.
What about the others? My companions?- Fedemund asked, but the doctor ignores his
question, leaving the place. He stared at a nurse, who remains there, but she just smiled and
didnt answer when he repeats the question. Soon he was asleep again.
Fedemund awakes when he heard voices. He saw the doctor and strong lights over them. The
doctor said: He is coming back. Assistant! Sedate him again!
And Fedemund felt a wave of nothingness that swept over him, losing his conscience all of a
sudden. The doctor said: Sorry to remove his lungs, but the implant just does not stick.- And
after removing it, they inserted him a synthetic lung machine.
Two days later, and Fedemund awakes again, sensing a hot sensation in his chest and back. A
nurse, who was seated next to his bed, stands up and said:- Are you awake?
Seems like it. Who are you?
Just a nurse. Stay calm: the doctor will come to see you soon.
Am Iin bad condition?
Not anymore. But just relax. - The nurse asked. For hours he was lying there, and he saw
some tubes inserted on his arms, probably feeding him somehow.
163
He moves his feet and hands- they werent tied, but the nurse was looking at him so he cannot
begin to show his intentions to flee right now.
He dozed, and hours later the doctor arrives with some others; he asks some technical
questions and looking at monitors he said: well, its time that you know how you get here and
what happened with your body.
I assume I am entitled to know it, doctor.- Fedemund said, with half his voice.
Yes, but try not to use your vocal cords too much. The legs and anus are already cured of the
burns you receive through your battle using laser rifles. The worst part you receive was at
your lungs- fortunately for you, the heart wasnt compromised.
Nice talk, doctor. Go to the point now.- Fedemund said, realizing the operation was no joke.
Very well- the lungs were repaired, but the stitching didnt stand. So now you have a
synthetic filtering blood set, plus an air pump you could use to talk.- The doctor said.
Fedemund knew about synthetic lungs for natural people, but in all of his readings, the
comments were good.
Hope you will tell me they stick.- Fedemund said.
Oh, yes. The system sticks just nice. Eight more days of rest is all you must observe.- The
doctor said.
Thanks you, doctor. Guess now I could be interrogated in full.- Fedemund said, referring to
the military men from Lord Cognominus. But the doctor does not have to do with it, now he
was interested in it- for him, Fedemund was just an injured man in ways to be cured, and said
so.
Thanks , doctor!- Fedemund said, after the doctor goes out. The nurse said: You can eat now,
but take care you dont cough. - in this first stage, we must go slowly.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

Of course, sister. Fedemund said, throwing her a smile, as she was young and pretty- the
nurse ignores his smiles and seats at a stool, keeping guard on him.
Fedemund felt a need to pee, and said so. The nurse uncovers the sheets, saying: I will help
you to the bathroom- you are still weak.
Fedemund accepted to please her, but when walking, he felt the lack of air was troubling him
more of the count. At the return to his bed, he said: Really, I am feeling out of air.
Didnt I tell you? You must rest.- The nurse said, helping him lie on the stretcher. Fedemund
knew that soon the military men will seize him and his option to escape would be gone. So he
set his mind to escape that same night. When he sensed the light grew dim outside the room,
he knew, night had come. He pretends to sleep but the nurse gets replaced by other fresh for
the night.
Fedemund waits hours before that new nurse gets asleep- he wrap a sheet around his arms
and walked out of the room- as expected, the corridors were deserted. He walks until finding
the door to the street, but two sleepy guards were there, chatting from time to time.
He went out to side street using the borrowed sheet- his only clothes were an underpants and
a pair of black socks. He often rests, out of air, until he reach a square- he crosses it, and then
the first light of dawn begin to cross the sky. A man looks at him from a threshold of a house,
and calls him close.
What?
Are you mad? Walking like that?
Perhaps I was robbed.
Or perhaps a husband finds you where you should have never be!
No, it is not the case! But perhaps- Fedemund was saying, when he felt dizzy and stumbled
to the ground. Carried inside the house, he found himself laying over a rug in a half lit room.
There were women around, and the same man who stood at the front door was near him with
a glass of water.
Seems you are very weak, man! Drink this- I put some drops of liquor in it!-
He seats, and look on those people. They looked back.
Sorry to disturb your family, Sir. I will be going now.
But you are almost naked!- One of those women said.
Yes, Dalia! Bring him some of my old clothes to put on! Or else, he will end in jail!- The man
said. Fedemund waits and when the clothes arrive, he puts it on.
And shoes! Seems he has bigger feet than mine. Search some sandals for him. The man said,
and while waiting, Fedemund said: I am most grateful to you, Sir.
Dont mention it! I am sure you will get a way to repay me afterwards!- The man said,
diminishing, by saying so, the sense of gratitude Fedemund was feeling towards him.
166
He walks to the door and one of the women follows him and put on his hands some coins,
saying: Hope you could find sanity. Fedemund thanks him and searched for a place where to
use a Holographic set for some money..
Hello, Lariella?
Yes, who is this?
Im Fedemund. I am in a big trouble, here on Bohren site. Send me money.
At your bank account?
Yes, where else? I am in danger, if someone asks you about me, say you dont know a thing.-
Fedemund said.
All right- it will be not much- I had been paying debts, lately. Lariella said.
Of course. Bye.- Fedemund said, and after the call, he hurriedly moves away from the place
just in case the Lariella Holoset could be tampered by the Secret Forces of Lord Lorum. He
walked until late, and uses his Credit Card to see how much Lariella could have deposited at
Knapp # 39: Erson.

his name.: 5.400 sopes shines in the monitor: he asked for every sopes available, and with the
money in his pocket, he rent a small room at a low priced hotel, to rest- he was exhausted and
his chest was a furnace.
At midnight he awoke, startled by sounds outside his room- by the window he saw streaks of
light and the resounding of distant explosions. Someone run by the corridor.
He puts on the borrowed clothes and the sandals and went to the first floor, where some
people were gathered just like him: to know what was going on
He puts on the borrowed clothes and the sandals and went to the first floor, where some
people were gathered just like him: to know what was going on
They are attacking the city! Its awful what is happening!- An elderly woman was saying. At
the central holographic set, news were pouring fort, and most of the clients were paying
attention to it- Fedemund among them he stayed there for three lapse of one hour, as
167
In the first moments the reporters had little or no information, but with the passing minutes
the case been to be clarified.
Our aerial vehicles are trying to stop an invasion! Paratroopers ad been seen falling around
the Presidential palace! Nobody knows where lord Lorumat is at this hour!
Fedemund abandoned the hotel and walks by the streets the shells were falling near the
presidential palace- flashes of light were seen on the sky, and of course they were laser
cannons fiing volleys of rays, trying to damage enemy ships!
As his intention was to leave the city, he was now searching for any aerial vehicle, landed by
its owner in view of the danger it represents to fly in the present circumstances- he finds
several taxi fliers , but when he saw a medium sized wagon _Flier, he chooses it- because its
best performances - he broke inside and by passed the codes when disconnecting the safety
controls, that includes the life support inside the cabin- he was not going to travel too high in
any case.
Soon he was traveling near the rooftops, trying to pass inadvertently of the men in battle- the
batteries were now spitting fire upwards and to be traveling in a bulky wagon Flier was not a
good idea- but he was adamant in leaving the city as far as he could, and kept traveling for
many hours, until every hint of an aerial fight was long gone
168.
He stop at a mound and cut engines to sleep. But a radio call startled him- it was a beacon:
using the computer guidance system, he pinpointed the source, 200 kilometers North West.
Altitude: 1.390 meters .
He went there, thinking it was some mining settlement where perhaps he could get something
to eat, and when nearing the top of that machine that was parked there, and not a mining field.
169
Suddenly, a tractor beam engulfed the wagon Flier, forcing it to land 150 meters away from
that aerial vehicle, from where a group of persons run to his Flier carrying stun rifles
What do you want here?- A Synthetic e-female said, not pointing her weapon against him,
but also, with it on her right hand.
I am a traveler. I am fleeing from the battle above Agatob city.- Fedemund said, standing at
the threshold of the entrance door of the wagon.
You will be walking with us! A human must see you.- The same E-woman said.
All right, but bear in mind, I am a free citizen: you cannot detain me!- Fedemund said, closing
the door and following that group of Synthetic persons. The ship was an old model, battered
by time and possibly the use of it among the planets- he climbs a ladder and inside he finds a
man, who said. Do you know who is fighting Lord Cognominus?
No idea.- Fedemund said, looking at the man: he has no uniform, so he must be some kind of
a merchant.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

Seems Desalto is fighting against Loruminis.- The man said, walking into a room- Fedemund
follows him, and saw some other persons there.
You are a guest here, Sir. You can leave whenever you wish.- A big elderly man said, seated
next to a holographic set, where a news reporter was talking about the battle over Agatob.
170.
Fedemund smiled, saying: You are King Trungoll! Sorry I couldnt accomplish the second
mission; I lost my lungs trying to accomplish it.
Trungoll sighed, and said: Pity to hear this! And of course, sorry about your companions- now
we are fighting the three Dictators with what Admiral Quapong could get! We are fighting
Lorum first- I guess we will be winning strongholds very soon.
Permits me to serves you in any way you wish, Your Majesty.- Fedemund said. Trungoll
looks on him, remembering now that this brave man has no lungs of his own, and said:
Thanks; you will stay in this spaceship by the time being: your Wagon Flier it is a bit
defenseless to risk another trip.
A Synthetic person guides him to a nice cabin, with a food dispenser, a Holographic set, a null
G bed and some pop-up appliances- Fedemund was rather tired, and the minute he gets into
bed, he was profoundly asleep.
At his own cabin, Trungoll was listening to reports- the fight over the city of Agatob was
ending by now. Paratroopers had descended over the palaces of the Dictator, not finding him
but indeed some of his Ministries that were put under the scrutiny of the Intelligence
Department.
The people, by contrast, were not too happy with the liberation and many of them resented
being bombarded plus the fall of many Fliers and Hunters over their homes- that makes them
very angry.
They will accept me as a king, I am sure of it! I am waiting for Quapong to call on me there- I
will address the people of Agatob through the holoset!- Trungoll said.
Hope all goes well!- Lisistrat said, from a corner of the room- he was busy hearing reports.
171
Homergol enters the room, saying: I already revise the Wagon flier Fedemund brought here.
It seems he stole it from a School Board.
Not very strange, taking on account he was a prisoner.- Trungoll said.
Are you going to decorate him with some medal?-
These are not the best times for celebrations, but certainly I will promote him to the rank of
Captain: by now, he is only a Sergeant.- Trungoll said.
At the next day, a shinny vessel approaches, and landed near the Sphere, and four people
enter that spaceship.
Good day, captain Erson. Very tranquil in here, isnt it? Admiral Quapong asked, walking
by the main corridor.
Yes, as it must be with our disguised guest.- Erson said, not happy with the implications he
saw on the Admiral remark.
Trungoll receives the Admiral, saying: Take a seat, Admiral! I assume that you hadnt sleep at
all!
You are right, Your Majesty (a title they were using now that they were fighting for him as a
king.) I am on pills. But not for too long, as we have complete control over the city of Bohren,
and I am giving a respite to my men, before we go for Londyor- the second main city there.
I hope we get lucky.- Trungoll commented.
Me, too! They say Bohren is preparing its defenses against our strike! But I assume they are
dead scared, and that soon after our first attack, they will surrender.- Admiral Quapong said.
172.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

Trungoll rubbed his hands and said: I assume I could go to Bohren and make that city my
stronghold.
Not so soon, your majesty! Let me pacify the minds and soften their resistance to this change
of government. Admiral Quapong recommended.
You disappoint me! I thought you know me better! I am not a coward, and I certainly am not
afraid to be in a conquered city! I pretend to give my first speech there! And the sooner the
better!- Trungoll said.
Admiral Quapong raises his shoulders, saying: You can do as you please, Your majesty! I was
just looking for your safety only.
Yes. Well, you just tell me where to land there- I assume the governmental palace has where
to land? Trungoll asked.
Of course, Your Majesty. I will prepare your arrival without delay.- Admiral Quapong said,
adding: We have thirty four dead pilots, and twenty five wounded crewmen. Those we have
being attended medically at the Bohren Hospital.
Sorry about the deaths. Trungoll murmured, but he knew beforehand that the missing
people will be counted by the dozen.
We have spy satellites all around the globe and drones flying around both cities (Agatob and
Londyor.)
Good measures. You know how to do things the correct way. Keep on with the good work.
Trungoll said.
Quapong made a swift reverence to him and said:- We need more money, Your Majesty.
Perhaps you could help us in this.
Of course. My personal fortune is at your disposition. But, have you not found any sopes at
the Banks?- Trungoll asked.
173.
Only minimal quantities, Your Majesty! It seems that Cognominus takes all the cash out of the
city! Londyor city will fall on our hands, and certainly well secure the Banks as the first
option!- Admiral Quapong said.
They talked some more about money and resources, and then the Admiral leave the room,
saying: Please wait for my signal to arrive there, as I am sure youll get the proper
ceremonies your rank deserves!
Yes, see to it.- Trungoll said, dismissing him with a wave of his hand.
Lisistrat said: Are you going to travel in this Sphere, father?
Yes, its something the matter with it?- Trungoll asked.
Nothing! Is that I must tell about our next move to the captain.- Lisistrat commented.
Oh, very well, son. Go and tell him about our future trip to Bohren city.- Trungoll said, not
because he cannot tell Erson about it by the Intercom, but to let his son feel himself of use
aboard ship.
Erson heard him and then reply:- Very well, we are always ready to depart.
The trip was performed four hours later, not waiting in full the call of Admiral Quapong.
174
The place was already secured.
Nice day! I always dreamt of a day like this.- Trungoll said.
The military men guided him to a wide room where Admiral Quapong was waiting.
Here you could speak to your people, Your Majesty.- He said.
Of course. I have all in my mind. No need of documents.- Trungoll said, and half an hour
later, he was ready in front of the cameras (in fact, surrounded by cameras, as the holographic
sets were going to show him in perfect third dimension and not only by the front.)
The presentation team is warming the audience at another room. But when ready, they will
tell you in advance.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

I understand. Trungoll said, and seventeen minutes later it was his turn. His image was
present at the holographic sets, and he said: I am Trungoll, son of your last king who was
dethroned by the rebels that afterwards divided his world in four parts. I am here to call on
you for support. We are fighting the usurpers of the throne I am here to be your future king. I
promise you a real change, for scarcity to welfare. Well-being and happiness. I will change
laws; you will help me with it. I will ask your opinion once and again. Each time a plebiscite
exists, you will be paid. Under Desalto, who now has ceased to be your dictator, laws were
restrictive and personal gains graved with taxes and regulations. That I will change. Many
things will be for free. Give me time- the opportunity to serve, and you will see the difference!
And Trungoll made the gesture to end his appearance.
Well said.- General Admiral Quapong said: Yes, time will be for other longer appearances.
People had seen me, Knows who I am and what I am going to do.- Trungoll commented.
Do you want to see how the Dictator Lorum lived?- Admiral Quapong asked him.
Trungoll walks inside the palace. Noticing that luxury was not absent while in some rooms the
signs of resistance was plain, with seared rugs or broken furniture.
This is where Lord Lorum abides- now could be your headquarters, Your Majesty.- Quapong
recommended.
Yes, I must demonstrate I am here to stay, with no fear of retaliations.- Trungoll said,
understanding the concept that people must see visible signs of dominion.
Quapong smiled- he was happy to see that the incipient king has valor.
Erson receives the order of to carry the two sons and daughter of Trungoll away from him.
Dont you worry! I will be protected by our loyal forces! Quapong has 1.200 men at the city ,
patrolling every street!- Trungoll said to them.
Lisistrat and his brother werent happy with the order, but as they were obedient to his
father, they climb Ersons Sphere to go.
Cheer you up! I am sure your father has this planet in his pocket!- Erson said to them, and fly
away from the city of Bohren.
176.
King Trungoll was having many civilians offering themselves to help administrate the city of
Bohrenk, money begin appearing as the taxes begin coming to Trungolls hands.
Two months of relative peace makes Trungoll think the enemy was afraid of Admiral Quapong
battleship and the Hunters, but instead of it, the three Dictators were installing hundreds of
missiles on their battleships, and joining three Armies into just one striking force.
The 66
th
day of the seizure of Bohren city by Trungoll was chosen to deploy an all air and
ground attack.
Admiral Quapong saw the enemy battleships hawking its way from the north; soon he was
busy trying not to be taken by the sides, but after forty five minutes of fight the nacelles were
set on fire and radiation eats deck by deck until Quapong saw his own flesh oozing blood to
the carpeted floor of his main cabin- eyes bleeding, he pushed the destruction button, and
seconds later his battered warship explode, bringing death to an enemy battleship that was
approaching too much.
In land, things were worst- Hunter Space ships were fighting the scant soldiers general Fantho
had retained from the land of Preafigus.
Your majesty! Admiral Quapong flagship has been destroyed; we cannot stand the enemy
forces anymore. Please, call for your spaceship and flee the city. General Fantho said to
Trungoll through a holographic communication.
Trungoll realize that his kingdom had been short lived and tears of impotence run down his
cheeks.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

I ASSUME YOU ARE ABOUT TO SURRENDER?- He asked to the General Fantho.
I had offered a truce, a surrender and they havent replied to my message. Theres nothing
else tan to die with a weapon on my hands, Your Majesty.- Fantho said.
And I should do the same.- King Trungoll said, somberly.
Long life to your memory, Your Majesty. Good bye.- General Fantho said, ending the
communication.
01:30 hours later, a soldier enters the Kings chamber, saying: An emissary brought us this,
Your Majesty.- And gives him a metallic cone. Trungoll pushes a button on it, and a military
man appears on a holo-projection, saying: Surrender! You are totally cornered by our mighty
forces! Stop the shedding of lives! We give you one hour to surrender the city and handle us
the delinquent named Trungoll, to be judged!
Who sent this?- Trungoll asked.
General Elenfis.- The messenger replied.
Ignore this message.- Trungoll ordered.
No response, Your majesty?
Ignore the message.- Trungoll repeats. Later he walked to the upper balcony, and saw fires
to the north of the city. His men were trying to stop the invasion, but it was impossible to
achieve forever, mainly because the extra ammunition was not arriving.
178.
A Hunter vessel soared above the Administration building , deploying a sub atomic bomb. The
radiation kills hundred os men and women, and Trungoll receives the radiation poisoning.
Two EDs brought him to the Infirmary, where a Synthetic doctor cleans him with special
liquids.
To not avail! My tongue is bleeding!- Trungoll said to the doctor.
Yes, you were bathed in radiation: you have three hours more to live.- The Synthetic medic
said. Trungoll paled and said: Call on captain Erson! I want to see my sons for the last time!
Erson receives the message and appears over the city coming from the south-. Dense smoke as
seen to the north of Bohren city.
When landing, he set the force field and walked inside the Palace. Edara was with him, and as
she was in radio contact with the palace designed synthetic guards , she announces:- King
Trungoll receives a lethal dose of radioactivity. Two more hours of agony is all he has to live.
I will be in danger!- Erson said, looking worried.
Not so- but you get to leave the premises as soon as possible. The enemy is approaching here,
and its not certain if they will refrain to send another radiation missile again.- Edara said.
Erson finds not only Mr. Trungoll in really bad shape, but more than 20 soldiers dying on
armchairs or in the floor of the palace.
179.
How are my sons?- Was the first phrase Trungoll asked when seeing captain Erson.
Waiting for you, Your Majesty. Please accompany us. This is a much contaminated area to
keep on staying.
Oh, well.. I feel awful. Hope the doctors could ease my pain.
Of course.- Edara and ED 1928 helped him walk and when at the Sphere, Edara makes it flew
away as fast they could, and then the second nuclear bomb hits the city: at that moment, they
werent even near it.
A second nuclear explosion! Damn people! Now the city will be radioactive and nobody will be
able to stay there.- Erson commented.
The Synthetic doctor puts the four rescued behind a force field, so Mr. Trungoll could only
speak to them through a microphone- it was a pitiful sight, which Erson doesnt want to see,
so he went to the main cabin.
The whole planet returns to their former owners: the Dictators!- Erson commented.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

Theres nothing for us here. Admiral Quapong is dead, also his assistants and with them the
people who thought they could have a king ruling all. - Edara said.
Yes. Soon they will have no king to inherit the crown, either. Erson said.
He is dying.- Edara announced, as she was receiving messages from the Infirmary.
Throw them out to the heavens they irradiate poisoning elements enough to kill a bull..
Erson said.
180.
Some hours later, the coffins with Mr. Trungoll and his closest aides were out in space, drifting
away in a trip of a million years.
His son Lisistrat was the one who pulls the button to expel the coffins and said: Dear father,
wish you were a king in Aurea 3.3, but certainly you will be a king in heavens.
So be it.- Homergol said, while over Circena cheeks fiery teardrops were scurrying to the
floor.
A very pessimistic Erson said: Wish he could have fulfilled his dreams of monarchy! Now we
must search for a secure planet for the three of you. The enemies of your deceased father will
not rest until- And he dares not to finish his sentence, looking the grievous stare of
Homergol at him.
A day later, Lisistrat calls on him to his cabin. Erson saw the two other Trungoll sons waiting
there, and said: You called me: here I am at your service.
You had been loyal to our father and with us you had been serviceable. We had no riches nor
a sustain- the loyal to our father died fighting. Lisistrat said.
It was my duty, Sir. Your father hired me, paid me for my services. The less I could do is to
take you out of trouble. That raises a question: where do you want to go from here? The
enemies of your father will hunt you everywhere you go: they know there will be people sick
and tired of their dictatorships and you are a legal way to make them free.- Erson said.
We thanks you. We need to make us strong, with terrible weapons nobody here could
withstand. We need to travel towards Brana One.
Earth?
Solar system.
Of course. Yes, I could travel there. About the payment, dont worry: you could pay me later.
You are very generous a real friend. If some day we are in a post of importance, we will not
forget your help in our dark moments.- Homergol said.
Circena was there but not a word goes out of her mouth- the figure of her father, horribly
swollen and almost in raw flesh was still lingering in her memory. Where they take her was of
no significance for her at the present time.
Erson gives orders and Edara prepare the Brana Jumper- the machine soon takes them from
Aurea Constellation to the Solar system.
Almost to the minute of their presence there, three shinning spaceships appears nearing
them, while someone begin trailing the ship.
Solar patrol here! Respond.- A man appears saying through the holographic set.
Sphere spaceship; owner Mr. Erson Wollenrubias. Four humans on board, 22 synthetic
assistants working as the crew.- Edara replied.
Let the captain speak!
Erson here. I am a captain from Brana 2, we come as tourists.
The man at the patrol spaceship looks on them and said: Data corroborated. (Through
scanners). We are going on board.
Well open the hatch for you to come.- Erson replied.
Have you not Transporter system?- The officer asked, half in surprise.
Not in this spaceship.
Knapp # 39: Erson.

All right, there we go.- The officer said, understanding the lack of transporters inside that
old model of spaceship.
182.
When they passed the airlock and takes off their transparent spaces suits, the three officers
smiled and one of them said: Welcome to the solar system. I am Obeid, they are Tibirt and
Dumuzi.
Welcome to my Sphere. I am captain Erson; they are Lisistrat, Homergol and lady Circena,
tourists.
Very well. This is going to be short: have you any hazardous cargo, dangerous materials on
board No other human in stasis?- And the face of Obeid was telling him that they already
scanned the people on the pods. So Erson said. Yes, there are clients in the cryogenic pods, but
they are not going to land here- they have another destination.
How many of them?
Thirty religious people without haste for their arrival to Erina planet.- Erson said.
Erina? Never heard of it.
But existent! At the far corner of the Second Brana : you can look on the Holographic maps.-.
Erson said, and Obeid looks at his companion with doubt and said. Curious situation. Why did
you come here first? Instead to Erina?
They pay me extra.- Erson said, signaling the sons of Trungoll.
Yes, we paid extremely well.- Lisistrat backed him up.
All right, let me see the pods.2- I assume they are in good conditions?- Obeid asked,
following captain Erson down the corridor.
The pods were changed before this trip, and they are costly.- Erson said, half mad with so
many questions.

183
Dumuzi, Obeid and Tibir looks at the dials and indicators of each pod, finding they were
working in fine conditions. They return to the airlock, where Obeid said:- I had found it all
acceptable. You can stay as long as you need in our midst. Have a pleasant time.
Thanks you, officer.- Erson replied, and saw them crossing the airlock and up to one of those
patrol spaceships using their spatial gear.
Shall we continues our journey, captain?- Edara asked, with a slight smile on her beautiful
face.
Whats going to be: Mars or Earth?- Erson asked of the sons of Trungoll.
Earth.- Circena replied, without hesitation.
Earth it is.- Edara said and soon afterwards they were nearing to that distant planet, through
one of the indicated traffic lines.
A day later, they were in an orbit called stationary or synchronous (at the same velocity with
which the planet rotates around it axe). Below them Chicago city was spreading its lights
through the night.
Wondrous vista.- Circena said, at the Observation room. A whole panel was made
transparent for her to see the planet directly in front of the Sphere.
Lisistrat was counting sopes while Homergol was preparing their valises to go down to the
surface of Earth.
184.
Circena approaches Erson at the main cabin, saying: I come to say good bye. I appreciate
what you had donned for us, and seeing you have more work to do, we had decided to leave
the ship as soon as possible.
Erson smiles and said: Theres no need to haste things! I could stay here until you find a good
place to stay, and of course, have you thought in which to earn a living?
Knapp # 39: Erson.

She moves her head as in doubt and said:- Possibly as commercial assistants, perhaps as
consulters.
Fine job.- Erson commented.
Yes, anything will be good after what we had been passing through.- Circena commented,
staring at him pensively. In that moment Mr. Homergol arrives and said: - Oh, here you are,
Sister! Captain: thanks you again for your help! Please make us another service: send us down
in a shuttle craft.
Of course. - Erson said, and commanded Edara to comply with the order, so she departs with
the three brothers down to the surface of Earth planet. Erson saw how the shuttlecraft went
down to Chicago, becoming smaller and smaller until it was not discernible from where he
was standing. He murmured to himself:- Chicago is a good city to live on. They will be all right
in there.
When Edara comes back, she said: I have their address and Lisistrat gives me their thanks in
a very honest way. They are good people.
185.
I assume they are. Mr. Trungoll was a gentleman.- Erson remembers him as such.
Pity his ambition makes him walk by the wrong path. I guess he wished to awake a phantom
and destiny forbids.- Edara commented, smiled and added:- The one who lives in the past
awakes to see how his future is gone.
Well, now I will visit the place.
Populace sixty three million inhabitants. Sixty per cent are women. They are saying its the
way nature controls the birth rate.- Edara commented.
Then perhaps I will find my special person?- Erson said, aroused by the news.
In Chicago? Dont make me laugh!- Edara said, staring at him.
Why not? Some special reason?- Erson asked.
they love to dump bored men. They say they change of boyfriends at every week-end!- She
said, smiling broadly.
Are you joking at me?- Erson asked, not quite sure of it.
Of course not! Im only repeating whats on the news!- Edara said, adding: did I prepare you
the Flier?
Yes, prepare it. Booked me in a fine hotel, put 2 synthetics to act as my body guards, and Ill
be there for six days, not counting the one I will arrive.
Very well, Ill make a deposit of one million sopes at a new account under your name: here
they dont recognize II Brana Credit Cards.- Edara informed him.
Oh, yes? And why is that?- Erson asked.
Second Brana Bankers had some problems some years ago and they just dont invest here.-
Edara said, raising her shoulders a bit.
All right, well be in contact. I will take my cell phone, plus our EDs radio to call on you.- He
said.
Of course. I will put one antenna pointing over your head.- Edara laughed.
Four hours later, the Flier leave him at the upper platform of Michel Antoine Hotel, a middle
class place where nobody cares of their neighbors.
A black lady said:Welcome to our hotel, Sir. Come with me: you had a suite all for yourself.
Thanks. Its nice in here.
Yes, we have a nice temperature inside, no matter if its winter or summer, our thermometer
always is stuck on the 20 Centigrade.- The attendant said.
When at the suite, Erson was greatly impressed: natural wood panels in rich dark oak,
yellowish dark floors, drapery, old and robust furniture, and a faint pine smell everywhere.
Just great! I like in here.- He said to the black maid.

Knapp # 39: Erson.

THE END.

3 November 2013 04:35 hours.
EM. Chile. AJF. Typed Friday, February 21, 2014


Personages:
Erson Wollenrubias
Mr. Langford- Miss Kennan: his foster parents.
Miss Ladia Singoria (wife) Salustio (son).
Miss Arista (lover)
Edara (Synthetic crewmember from the Sphere spaceship.)Mr. Ottoker (Merchant carrying
goods to Aurea 2).
Mr. Hercules Arcos. Mining equipment to Aurea 7-4
Miss Blunny Arcos and his boyfriend Mr. Laurentius Fogordal.
EWNER YUFORBEN, WEAPON DEALER. To Aurea 7-4
ABQ632, Pilot, Ersons lover.