[0;40;31m     
DUROPA
  by Francis U. Kaltenbaugh


[0;1;36m     This flight was monotonous, detested by the crew, because 
of four weeks continuous travel and no stops. I never expected
this boring milk-run of passengers and cargo between space 
stations to be anything except boring. Routine maintenance was 
our only distraction, until today, which marked the beginning 
of the fourth week and an end to our boredom. 

     Running into the master control room of the mining base, 
I discovered he was gone. So were our expectations. "I am 
Captain Bel-onan, Commander of the vessel KerpO' Peku. May 
your great-grandchildren feed you well. Obtaining duropa is a 
requisite and our purpose for porting here." The male being 
I addressed was a Crasis. Their origins, always diluted by 
race and species mingling, made determining proper etiquette 
for interaction nearly impossible.

     "I am Adjutant Commander Meg-kwon, brevet to the base
Commander. Only the base Commander, our leader, Sol-ors, may
authorize issuance of duropa. He is within the base complex,
but, refuses to reveal his exact location due to assassins. 
The responsibility of locating him rests upon your brow," he 
said, with finality. 

     We left the control center that governed the entire 
mining base operations and all its complexes. If we couldn't 
find Sol-ors, there would be hades to pay. Only he could 
supply the needed duropa in time, or at least where to locate 
it on this privately owned asteroid.

     To acquire money to finalize payment for our space vessel, 
about a year ago, I offered my body for medical tests. During 
those early experiments, I was among the first to receive an 
inoculation with the antidote for QSVD, then treatment with 
duropa. This furnished me additional resistance against initial 
symptoms of QSVD (Quadral-Schistosomatic-Viral-Dementation), 
a mutated virus that immediately affects your brain's motor 
responses.  

     When ingested, you normally have five to ten minutes 
before becoming unable to walk, even crawl -- catatonic. After 
we became contaminated, my increased resistance allowed time 
to administer the antidote to the crew. They then inoculated 
all passengers with the antibody. However, all aboard our craft
required duropa for eradication measures to purge QSVD from our 
systems, or suffer a prolonged and agonizing death -- myself 
included.

     Four distinct organisms comprise the mutant QSVD. If one 
organism does not maintain constant chemical contact with the 
other three, all four go dormant. An entities' circulatory
system serves as the needed communications link between the 
multiple organisms of QSVD. The antidote disrupts the chemical 
transfer between the organisms for at least four, and up to 
seven days for most humans and many creatures. After that time, 
they alter their chemical communications link and the antitoxin 
fails. Therefore, the need to obtain duropa immediately.

     "Detouring here, we have already expended three days 
travel time since our contamination. If we do not find Sol-ors 
soon, what shall we do?" asked my partner, Eik-bhilo. 

     Numerous times in perilous combat situations, we had saved 
each others lives. Long time friend, co-owner, and co-captain 
of our vessel, we had spent many years together in the U.S.C.M. 
(Unification Space Counsel Marines), which had created an 
everlasting covenant between us. 

     "There is duropa here! All we need do is find Sol-ors, if 
not him, then the duropa; we've no other choice." I added, 
"This far from major space lanes Sol-ors feels safe attempting 
anything he likes. He oversees this asteroid with its expansive 
mining base operations, and for personal gain runs an extensive 
black market ring." 

     She was acting very agitated; this was unlike her, 
Eik-bhilo was always cool and calculating under the most trying 
circumstances. I feared she may be experiencing some of the 
nasty side effects that can accompany the antidote. I would 
watch her closely, but required her assistance in finding the 
cure.

     I admired her for her outstanding performance and
expertise, while an officer serving the Marines. She is an 
intelligent, quick-witted, and strong-willed woman. I preferred 
her as a comrade in arms, over many of my contemporaries, 
especially in combat environs.

     Within a few days of each other, several years ago, both 
of us were due for separation from the Marines. We talked of 
our futures extensively, and decided to become masters of our 
own destinies.  After leaving the Marines, we purchased a used 
but sound and reliable space craft. We started a passenger and 
freight business, but it looked as though our profitable and 
thriving business may end abruptly -- *along with our lives*.

      The U.S.C. (Unification Space Counsel) mandated help for
those whom expected or had received contamination: "Upon 
request, dissemination of QSVD antidote and duropa shall take 
place for any vessel or base in need. Those failing to comply 
with this directive, shall receive immense fines, life 
imprisonment, or if adjudicated -- death." Sol-ors illegally 
blackmarkets the life saving drug and antidote.

     Sol-ors was well known for hanging about the recreation 
areas, and participating in gambling with the freighter crews, 
extracting credits from their computerized bank accounts. On 
Bohunkia, there are only three recreation areas. Accessing them 
should be relatively effortless. All complexes connected by 
tunnels, eliminates the need for life support suits within the 
20 square kilometer main base. With only three primary locations 
to search, the odds of locating him were favorable.

     The main control center, seated at the hub of this wheel-
like structure, has several radiating tunnels to all other 
chambers. Many of the spokes have interlacing tunnels at 
irregular intervals allowing quick passage to various 
complexes. There is an outer tunnel connecting all radiating 
spokes that completes the wheel-like appearance. 

     Finding a personnel carrier would be our first step. We 
departed for the nearest recreation suite. After traveling a
short distance, we were in luck. Sitting near a tunnel exit, 
an unsecured carrier begged us to make use of it, so we did. 
As we were racing through a corridor, I expressed concern for 
the passengers and crew who remained on our vessel. At the
same time, giving Eik-bhilo an opportunity to reveal if she
were in distress.

     "You know, the earliest serum caused so much physical and 
emotional pain most killed themselves before treatment with 
duropa. The latest antidote allows you to maintain control of 
your motor skills, but you still might endure periods of 
excruciating pain along with other side effects. Because of 
these side effects, I have an uneasiness about what the 
passengers may attempt to do." 

     "The passengers all know the results from QSVD are death.
That alone could cause panic, but I doubt if they know the 
side effects from the treatment. I have seen the effects of the 
QSVD toxins and what they do. It is similar to venom from a 
mutated Earth spider. The victim's muscular-skeletal structure 
turns into a mush and over a two to three day period. The skin
then becomes a molko, a container, that retains the processed 
contents. Then the QSVD, at their leisure, consume the host. 
Worse than torture, it is a grotesque way to die!" exclaimed 
Eik-bhilo.

     The antitoxin provides the necessary time to obtain the 
essential duropa, which immolates then expulses the QSVD from
the body. When in deep space this isn't a simple task because 
of travel time. It was becoming the most dangerous aspect of 
normal space travel.

     Many intelligent life forms were using the preferred 
DDST traveling method. This travel is a combination of 
telekinesis, teleporting, telepathy, and also prolonged 
REM sleep. Scientifically referred to as telekinpaporthy, 
most translate it to, and simply call it DDST (deep dream 
sleep travel). This affords them complete safety from the 
hazards encountered during conventional space travel, while 
freeing extensive travel-times. But, not all beings can use 
this ancient method of travel. 

     Some travelers get to their destination, however, since 
their natural body remains at the point of departure, they are 
unable to materialize an aggregate concretion. This lack of 
total mass disallows the desired interaction, with materials 
and inhabitants, when reaching their destination. A master of 
DDST can interact completely at his terminus. However, an 
accomplished virtuoso can transfer matter, not only from his 
point of origin, including himself, but from their destination 
and back. All use some form of inner-energy amplification. Of
course, for most, if relocation is permanent, or for long 
periods, relegation to conventional space travel is mandatory, 
as with our passengers.

     Arriving at the first recreation entryway, we parked the 
carrier. A guard came running in our direction. The guard had 
his hand weapon drawn! Authorization for drawn weapons is 
during life protecting crises only -- under penalty of death 
to abusers of this Unification Space Counsel Law. A feeling 
of relief washed over me as he ran by. Following him was his 
companion SPS-bot (Security, Protection, and Surveillance - 
robot). They quickly disappeared through an entrance two doors 
beyond us. 

     We entered the recreation hall; there were only six 
beings, three of them earthlings. All the humans were sitting 
at a table together, so we enjoined the earthlings first. "I 
am Captain Bel-onan, Commander of the vessel KerpO' Peku. 
Can you aid us in locating Sol-ors?" I asked.

     Punctuating my question was the unmistakable sound of 
a phaser firing at full power. All jerked their heads toward 
the doorway and then stared in anticipation. I ran to the exit 
followed by Eik-bhilo and looked down the hallway. A wisp of 
vapor trailed from the entrance the guard had taken.

     "Follow me," I said. 

     While hugging the wall, we stole our way to the entrance.
I halted just before the doorway and listened. No unusual 
sounds came from within, except the hum of machinery. I 
crouched low and peered inside. There was no sign of the guard
or the SPS-bot. A gut wrenching stench was emanating from the 
large room. Several sizable machines and control panels blocked 
my view. Cautiously, we entered 

     We approached the first machine, a large apparatus, 15 
meters long and 6 meters high. On the floor, at the furthest 
corner of the machine, I detected a pool of vibrant green 
liquid; it was spreading. Retracing my steps, I then circled 
behind the machine. Eik-bhilo covered me from her position near 
the front. Attaining the far end, I realized the green liquid 
was the source of the abominable smell. A GarThune lay sprawled 
out to its full impressive length, nearly five meters. It had a 
gaping hole blasted in its midsection.

     These creatures averaged three to four meters tall, and 
you could find them wherever there were laboring tasks. Finding 
a female much over three meters in height was a rarity and the 
males always averaged four meters to a bit taller. A GarThune's 
strength, dexterity, and endurance are legendary, as is their 
exceptionally gentle disposition. 

     The most peace-loving mortals ever encountered in space, 
they invariably accept death before harming another life form. 
Many races accept them, because of their bipedal shape. They 
have similarities to humans, but are strikingly different: 
extremely pointed heads, long torsos, short very thick legs, 
and a snake-like scaled skin. Demand for them, in filling 
low-tech positions and as drudges, is high because of their 
four arms and hands. 

     This was the first I had seen one wounded, let alone
devoid of essence, and had no idea their blood could smell so 
foul. I conceived it odd, the guard killed such a gentle 
creature for no apparent reason. For their immense size, 
because there is so little water in their physical makeup, they 
are extremely light in weight, averaging only 115 kilos. I was 
eager to investigate the motivation behind such peculiar 
actions.

     I motioned for Eik-bhilo to come to my position. As she
approached me, she asked, "A GarThune killed! -- what do you 
feel is taking place?" 

     "I am unsure. We need to check the other recreation sites 
and find Sol-ors. This situation will have to wait."

     "I saw no movement and did not hear anything while 
overwatching your advance. The guard must have retreated 
through a rear exit." 

     As we left the room, others were gathering at the entrance
and peeking inside. We strode past them and mounted the carrier 
destined for the next rec area. There was little activity in 
the tunnel we used. This was very unusual for a mining base 
this size, population near six-thousand, usually the tunnels 
and rec areas are a madhouse of activity.

     Reaching the site, we eagerly dismounted and entered. 
This was the main recreation complex and it had several rooms 
off the main hall; all rooms appeared deserted. There were no 
signs of fighting or commotion. Our situation was becoming more 
intriguing by the minute. Where were all the off-duty workers, 
freighter crews, and support personnel?

     Before leaving for the last recreation site I used my 
communicator to speak with Oku-pri, our ship's co-pilot and 
third in command. "Do you have anything to report? How are the 
rest of the crew and the passengers?" I asked.

     "Everything is under control. We've had to place six of 
the twenty passengers under restraints and one crew member. 
They were running around screaming and acting crazy. I feared 
they might endanger the others, or harm themselves," Oku-pri 
said. 

     "We're still searching for Sol-ors. Arm yourself with a
stungun; you may need it if the situation gets worse. Secure 
the weapons room and check the remaining crew members freq-
uently. Have the ship's medic sedate the restrained crew member 
and passengers. I'll report within five hours, if not, you 
must attempt to locate the duropa; out."

     "Sir, the ship's medic is who we restrained."

     "If you know how, sedate them yourself. You may have to 
do the same for the remaining passengers; out."

     As we were leaving the room, I heard a barely perceptible 
groan. I turned toward the sound. There was a service counter, 
holding food and drink dispensers, with an aisle behind it. I 
leaped over the counter, and upon landing, discovered my feet 
a few centimeters from the head of a monster sized GarThune. 
His vibrant red body was quivering uncontrollably. 

     The eyes of a GarThune are unlike a humans'. Their eyes 
are a solid saffron, no visible iris or pupil, and ellipsoid 
in shape. The narrower conic sections are at the top, giving
a teardrop appearance and they don't have eyelids. Conversing 
with one for long periods can become unnerving, because of 
their rapt attention and desire to maintain eye contact when 
engaged in communication with another life form. As he weakly 
moved his head in my direction, I felt his stare.

     He reached both of his right hands toward me. Kneeling 
close to him, I offered my hand. He grasped my hand and arm 
with his right hands rather fiercely. Green blood dribbled 
between his thin lips, as he attempted to speak. The stench 
of his blood assailed my nostrils, and my head abruptly jerked 
to one side quite involuntarily.  

     "Stop Sol . . . ohhh mus . . . not con . . . ahhh," the 
GarThune gurgled.

     "A practitioner of KDK may have caused the departing of 
his essence, because there are no phaser wounds on his body. 
He is the largest I've ever seen, nearly six meters in 
height," I said.

     "I wonder what he was trying to tell us about Sol-ors?"

      "We better find him as quickly as we can. Something very 
strange is afoot. It sounded like he said, `Must not conquer' 
as he spoke of Sol-ors. If that is of whom, he spoke. Knowing 
Sol-ors as I do, since there is trouble involved, so is he." 

     "Did he have the strength to transfer anything to you?" 
asked Eik-bhilo.

     "I perceived no telepathic transfer from him. His essence
had left -- even before attempting to speak. He couldn't have
been suffering the last stages of QSVD; the duropa is here."

     I pondered the meaning of what the GarThune had attempted 
to tell us and if he succumbed to QSVD. There was so little 
activity in the recreation areas it aroused my suspicion. The 
deaths of GarThunes caused me much consternation, and I could
not determine a connection, but there certainly was a link.

     "We need to check the last rec area. I have a feeling 
we'll not find him there, but  . . . questioning a guard may 
help solve these riddles," I said.

     "What of the duropa, where can we find it? What shall we 
do? If Sol-ors is gone, so are our hopes."  

     "Never give up hope. Those without hope blur their 
essence. We shall prevail; we'll surely survive the remaining 
four days. There are nearly four hours before the fourth day 
begins. That gives us ample time to find the duropa -- even 
without the aid of Sol-ors. We have time to complete our quest," 
I assured her. She was certainly not acting like herself --
always level-headed and decisive.[0m [1;40;37m
======================         ============================
  Get the next issue of RUNE'S RAG for the continuation of
DUROPA and the adventures of Bel-onan and Eik-Bhilo by Francis
U. Kaltenbaugh.
===========================================================[0m
Francis U. Kaltenbaugh is a 40 something computer enthusiast,
who enjoys video stimulations. Two children keep things interesting,
one an 18 year-old Marine, and a ten year-old girl, whose only 
response is, Why? Francis, who has two books in progress and articles 
out everywhere, feels fiction is a mainstay of life for everyone.
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