[0;40;33m
 Part 2 of the Serial: 
[0;5;40;31m
DUROPA[0m[1;40;31m
  by Francis U. Kaltenbaugh
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    In the last issue, we found Eik-bhilo and Bel-onan on a mining 
  asteroid searching for duropa, the serum necessary to purge a 
  virus (QSVD), which had contaminated their ship. There were four
  days left before the QSVD would begin consuming their hosts. Failing 
  to obtain duropa meant suffering a certain cruel and agonizing 
  death. 

    The mining base and asteroid were ruled by Sol-ors, who controlled 
  the inhabitants as if they were on a penal asteroid. They encountered 
  GarThunes, the most peace-loving mortals ever encountered in space -- 
  dead and dying within the mining base -- BUT WHY? These creatures 
  invariably accept death before harming another life form. Read on, 
  as we return -- the ship, jointly owned by Commanders Eik-bhilo and 
  Bel-onan, is held in a quarantine port area!
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CHAPTER 2, CONFRONTATIONS


[0;1;36m  "Oku-pri! Three of the passengers demand to leave the ship. The 
Myrmidon is among them. He's trying to persuade others to join his 
cause. He stated we don't have the right to quarantine him or the others. 
The other passengers are in a very frantic state. He's convincing them, 
he can obtain duropa," reported the subaltern, Esu-perd.

 "We had as much chance as a glacier in a supernova, for this scenario 
to get better instead of worse. When restraining the others, we should've 
secured all the passengers. Come with me and we'll stop this mutinous 
action." 

  "The other passengers are peace loving life forms and four humans. They 
all fear for their lives. The Myrmidon will resist. You know how ferocious 
and savage they are. For them, fighting to the death is more gratifying 
than breathing. He is a huge one too, well over three meters in height and 
weighs at least 250 kilos." 

     "You know what they say. The bigger they are the higher you set the 
phaser," quipped Oku-pri.

     "Do you know of Myrmidons?"

  "A little. They are fierce warriors and dueling to the death is 
their primary interest." 

  "There is much more to their fighting than love of conquest. As a 
warrior race, their primary purpose is to do battle. Their religious 
conviction is that death during battle is the only way they can continue 
assurance of their race. This is true, since it is the only time their 
reproductive systems become active. Detecting the difference between 
males and females is impossible. They only produce sperm and eggs -- 
after dying in battle.

  "The single microscopic male sperm produced, then travels to the 
nearest unfertilized female egg. The body of the dead female Myrmidon 
becomes a giant cocoon. If there is no female found within a few hours, 
the sperm returns to the male that produced it and secretes an enzyme. 
This triggers creation of an egg and then fertilization. The embryo 
obtains sustenance by consuming its mother. Within forty-eight hours, 
the process is complete, which produces a nearly full grown Myrmidon," 
Esu-perd explained.

  "I'm dying for a little sex myself," said Oku-pri.

  Esu-perd followed Oku-pri into the passenger's nacelle, where the 
Myrmidon was arguing his case to any whom would listen. Towering over 
the others near him, he was flailing his massive arms as he spoke 
presenting a terrific spectacle. Standing near him were four others, 
while the remaining passengers occupied lounge-chairs spread about the 
room. 

  The nine seated passengers were quite a distance from each other. With 
only four near the agitator, quick and decisive action by Oku-pri would 
be difficult. Subduing the five grouped closely together would be easy. 
All eyes turned to Oku-pri.

  "Hold. What is the meaning of this dissension, Myrmidon? You are aware 
of our quarantine. The Commander of this vessel, Bel-onan, has further 
ordered us to remain here till his return. Upon his arrival, he will 
process and then dispense the duropa. Take your seats and await the 
Captain's return," Oku-pri ordered, fearlessly. 

  "I, Yag-koro of Myrmidon, have concern for the essences of those aboard 
this vessel and over my impending death without "honor". Unlike you, who 
is a Crasis and afraid to determine his own fate. Little one, you can not 
guarantee return of your Captain, or the duropa." 

  "While a passenger, you are under the command and control of our 
Captains according to U.S.C. laws."

  "I do not abide by the U.S.C. laws. I am a Myrmidon. We have only 
The One Law: `Ensure continuation and passing of our individual essence 
at any cost'," countered Yag-koro.

  "I do not wish to use force. However, if you do not comply, you are 
begging for constraints for your mutinous actions."

  The last word had not left the mouth of Oku-pri. Yag-koro leaped the 
four meters separating the two. He grabbed Oku-pri's neck with both 
hands. Oblivious to anything else, he was intent on paralyzing Oku-pri. 
But he wasn't quick enough. Oku-pri fired the stungun at once. Because 
of the Myrmidon's rage and dense mass, there was little effect. He 
fired four more times in rapid succession. From his enormous weight, 
Yag-koro fell to the deck with a loud thud. The stungun held power for 
only five more bursts. If all attacked at once, Oku-pri knew he may 
face defeat.

  Fortunately, the others backed away, and all were sitting with 
anticipation of what would happen next. Taking down the biggest, quieted 
their rebellious attitudes; they were no longer eager to cause further 
dissension without aid from Yag-koro. A human stood and nervously looked 
at the others, then to Oku-pri.

  "Will your Captains return in time?" asked the earthling. Oku-pri 
nodded affirmatively in his direction, then departed followed by the 
subaltern. They accessed the main computer and secured all exits from 
the compartment holding the passengers. 

  "Perhaps, we could reduce the life-support systems, and soon have 
them enjoying dreamstates," offered Esu-perd.

  "I may accidentally harm one of the aliens. I'll engage the computer 
to refashion a minimum support system. That should be safe enough."

  "I worry for our Captains. I've heard terrible reports about the 
cruelness of Sol-ors, and how he rules the asteroid as though it were 
a penal planet."

  "Sol-ors merely thinks he's a Ruler of a solar system. But I think 
he's a few gigabytes short of a full CPU," retorted Oku-pri.

                              * * *

  Arriving at the approach tunnel for the last rec center, provided a 
very unusual display. I couldn't believe my eyes, virtually the entire 
population of Bohunkia was flooding the tunnel and all were on foot. All 
were traveling in the same direction, toward the last recreation center. 
Standing on the carrier improving my view, I looked for a guard. None were 
in sight.

  "What is happening?" asked Eik-bhilo.

"It has to do with the deaths of the GarThunes. How it relates, I'm 
unsure. But, I have an inkling as to what is transpiring," I said.

  "What thoughts do you have on this?"

  "I'm sure it has to do with black market trade in duropa."

  A GarThune neared the carrier. Jumping down and landing in front of 
him, I extended both arms before me, palms up -- the universal gesture 
of peace. He stopped before me.

  "I am Captain Bel-onan, Commander of KerpO' Peku. May your great-
grandchildren feed you well."

  "Giving is the way. May your great-grandchildren shelter you well and 
speak to you often. I am Bhad-Dens, of the orb Stei-Weik, of GarThune. " 

  "I question the activities taking place. Will you please enlighten us 
to what is occurring here?" I asked.

  "Word is passing by mouth, and may not pass by other means, to all on 
the asteroid to meet at recreation area number three. It is a matter of 
life or death to all whom reside upon Bohunkia. All are to travel by 
their natural locomotion to the recreation area to avoid a horrible 
death. You have received the word and must give it to those without." 

  "Thank you, Bhad-Dens. Passing the word is now our duty. May your 
great-grandchildren shelter you well. Giving is the way."

  I turned to Eik-bhilo, as I thought about this information and what 
it may mean to us. "We better travel on foot. Getting a carrier through 
this mass of entities, will be impossible. From what the GarThune told 
us, Sol-ors is trying to get the populace of Bohunkia to the recreation 
area in a staggered fashion. They are to receive, or do something; then 
return to work."

  "What do you think they are to receive?" Eik-bhilo asked.

  "Would you believe, duropa and the antidote?" I said.

  "What? That means someone introduced QSVD into the life-support systems 
of this planet. Or, they are going to, but why?" she asked.

  "Perhaps I'm being paranoid, but I think there is a new strain of 
QSVD in this galaxy. That would explain how our ship received 
contamination so easily. Of course, a passenger of ours may have 
been a carrier of QSVD. How he received authorization for travel, 
without detection, is beyond my comprehension." 
     
  "We must concern ourselves with saving the mortals on the ship, as 
well as ourselves. Getting duropa to our vessel is our primary goal. 
If you are right, we will find the needed duropa at the recreation hall." 

  "Running should easily get us there ahead of this crowd. They are 
traveling very apprehensively, since they're unsure what'll take place 
at their destination. Upon arrival, we should be able to enter the front 
of the queue, because of our rank. Stay close to me."

  Our running didn't arouse interest in the creatures around us; we 
increased speed. Passage became difficult through the throng of bodies. 
About one-half kilometer from the recreation area, running became imposs-
ible. I thought of a ruse allowing us passage through the mass of beings.

  "Make way for the guards. Make way for the guards," I shouted. I pushed 
on the backs of the creatures directly to my front. They quickly moved to 
one side or the other making a path Eik-bhilo and I could use. I continued 
chanting, "Make way for the guards," as we briskly walked the remaining 
distance. 

  We covered the half kilometer in a few minutes. Arriving at the 
recreation area doorway, we discovered it protected. Ten guards, all 
human, formed a semi-circle standing before the entrance. Behind them 
stood ten SPS-bots. Gaining entry, without causing a turmoil, wouldn't 
be an easy task. There was no queue as I thought there would be, 
instead all were standing in extremely crowded conditions. 

  "What should we do?" whispered Eik-bhilo.

  "I must think a moment. Stay to the right of the doorway. We need to 
create a diversion, which allows us to gain entry without arousing the 
guards. Speaking to one may give us our needed information."

  I noticed four Myrmidons standing a few meters left of the doorway and 
just beyond the guards. With them, I could probably create a distraction 
for the guards. Moving near the closest guard, positioned right of the 
doorway, I studied his face. He looked grim and determined; the type who 
would follow his orders to the letter. I stepped before him. "I am Captain 
Bel-onan, Commander of KerpO' Peku. Report what is taking place, for we 
received the word," I said in a very commanding voice.

  "Captain, we are to secure the entrance until we receive orders from 
Sol-ors, then allow a line entering the room. There is to be no entry 
till then. We're to protect the entrance with battle phasers at full 
power. That is our mission."

  "What is the purpose of the queue?" 

  "Captain, I do not know. However, we're to receive relief and enter 
the line ourselves," replied the guard.

  "Thank you, guard."

  Returning to where Eik-bhilo stood, I explained what the guard had 
said and what I was going to do. I joined the Myrmidons, then milled 
about them attentively. All vehemently complained of the delay they 
were enduring. I spoke with each quietly for a minute or so, starting 
with the largest, then the others in turn. 

  Returning to the largest, I motioned him to bend down so I may speak 
with him alone. I whispered in his three ears, "Your smallest companion 
stated your parents are peace-loving weaklings and they were born on 
GarThune. He also mentioned, you were a lover and never have been a 
warrior." I quickly joined Eik-bhilo.

  "I see results of your handy work already. Look," she said, and 
motioned toward the Myrmidons.

  The biggest Myrmidon was pushing the smallest, and then trumpeted a 
challenge, which echoed through the tunnel. The challenge call commences 
with a very low bass hum. Then increases steadily to an extremely high 
pitched whine lasting over a minute. The high whine is very irritating 
to all beings who can hear it. Unfortunately, it's within the range of 
human hearing. We covered our ears with our hands. The answering call 
erupted. Two of the guards and their SPS-bots moved toward the source 
of the cacophony.

  "The two remaining Myrmidons will chose sides, when the head-butting 
of the ritual begins, then join the fray. If the guards attempt 
intervening, all four Myrmidons will turn on them, and should bring the 
additional guards and SPS-bots into the melee. Thus, creating our 
opportunity to gain entry," I said.

  "Well done," shouted Eik-bhilo.

  I could see gathering Myrmidons, forcing their way down the tunnel 
toward the sounds of the duel. At least thirty, in a tight group, were 
moving to our position. I heard a loud thunk, as the first head butting 
started. The guards commanded them to cease their activity and were 
gesturing frantically to the two engaged in dueling.  

  Touching the smaller Myrmidon, was a terrible mistake for the guard. 
Both Myrmidons ceased their fighting, and then turned on the guard, who 
was interrupting their ceremonial and sacred rite. The guard found 
himself grabbed by his arms, one for each combatant, then flung high 
above the crowd. It happened so quickly, as he sailed through the air, 
the other guards did nothing but stare. The ruse I started quickly 
escalated much beyond my expectations and intentions.

  Recovering quickly, the guards began blasting the Myrmidons with 
battle phasers. A moment before there had been two beings, now there 
were two wisps of billowing vapor and two piles of ash. Now, tightly 
grouped in our immediate vicinity, were over fifty Myrmidons. Seeing 
the denial of their comrades to complete the ceremonial ritual sent them 
into a rage. Their bellowing drowned out all existing sounds and started 
causing us pain. All guards faced the group moving toward them. Raising 
his arms, the senior guard, signaled them to halt.

  The guard's lips moved; hearing his shouted warning was impossible 
over the piercing bellowing. Moving toward the approaching group, the 
other guards and SPS-bots followed his movement. Raising his phaser, he 
aimed center mass at the Myrmidons. All the guards followed suit, so did 
the SPS-bots. He fired, and almost in unison every phaser was blasting the 
oncoming mob.

  The center of the onrushing crowd received a horrific blast. This 
allowed a large number, at the edge of the swarm, to rush the guards. 
The Myrmidons also formed attack lines, several of them following 
directly behind one another. They formed four attack lines. They did 
this, attempting to defeat the phasers. It even takes a battle phaser 
a few seconds to eliminate a mass, as dense as, a Myrmidon.

  During the melee, we seized our opportunity. Racing through the 
doorway, we found the large room deserted. There were forty tables 
arranged to form aisles between them. This was surely where the 
inoculations of the antidote and duropa were to take place.

  "Check the tables on this side. I'll check the other side. There 
should be duropa and the antidote at each table," I said. 

  "There are several satchels under that far table," said Eik-bhilo.

  She ran to the table and checked the satchels. "Just as I hoped, the 
inoculation kits of duropa and the antidote. There are a hundred sets 
in each satchel," she said, joyfully.

  I ran to her and picked up another satchel. "We need to get out of 
here quickly. Let's check the rear for an exit."

  Moving to the back of the room, we discovered a corridor with several 
doors along each side and a cul-de-sac at its end. I feared splitting up, 
but there was no alternative. "Check the doors on the left of the hall 
and I'll inspect the right. If anything looks promising, call out," I said.

  I found three dead-ends in a row and was becoming anxious about finding 
egress from this chamber. Checking the fourth room, I heard a muffled 
cry from Eik-bhilo. Quickly, I retraced my steps to the hallway. 
Listening attentively, I didn't hear a repeat of the call that would 
determine her location. Crossing the hall, I entered a doorway into a 
large room and saw nothing of her.

  "Bel-onan!" shouted Eik-bhilo, in warning. I turned and saw a monster 
sized GarThune rushing toward me. Seeing another six meter tall GarThune, 
made me wonder if there was a special breed. I took only a split-second 
to ponder its lineage. The distance between us closed in two giant 
strides. If I had my phaser drawn and at the ready, this GarThune would 
be space dust. It halted less than a half-meter from me. Instead of 
battling, with the giant before me, I saw four outstretched hands, with 
palms up -- the universal gesture of peace. Shocked, I stood there, my 
mouth agape.

  "Greetings," was all I could stammer, instead of giving the customary 
mention of great-grandchildren. I waited for a reply.     

  "Giving is the way. I am Yag-pes, Commander of the Great Guardians of 
GarThune. May your great-grandchildren feed you well and furnish you with 
many wondrous gifts of life. Our quest will not meet denial. Earthling, I 
can tell you are a human that is benevolent. Your inner-self reveals your 
external actions." 

  Eik-bhilo had joined us and heard the exchange. She looked at me 
with a puzzled expression. Both our faces openly displayed confusion. 
This GarThune was female, evidenced by the small blue circles above 
both her eyes. A female GarThune never reaches four meters in height, 
or so I had thought. We turned to Yag-pes anticipating further explanation.

  "Sol-ors is seeking his death," said Yag-pes.

  We anxiously waited for her to continue. In the excitement, I forgot 
that whenever a GarThune mentions anything of death or loss of essence, 
they silently pray for their ancestors. She gave a barely perceptible nod. 

  "What has he done to seek death?" I asked, breaking the silence.

  "You must be aware of his actions!" vociferated Yag-pes.

  I explained our situation of receiving contamination with QSVD. Also, 
how we had been traveling for three days at hyper-warp to find duropa, 
and could not communicate, because of our older ship. 

  "Upon arrival, our ship entered quarantine restrictions, and we've 
been seeking Sol-ors and duropa. We have not communicated with our base 
port, or U.S.C.  What news have you of Sol-ors?" I asked.

  "Sol-ors is out to conquer this galaxy, in which our home planet 
resides. He has recruited a group of denizens, from his guards and 
workers, who will share in the spoils. He plans to contaminate all 
planets of this galaxy with a new biogenetically engineered strain 
of QSVD, which can penetrate all known closed life-support systems. 

  "Demanding payment for the duropa, has placed a financial strangle 
hold on all beings in this system. If they do not follow his demands 
-- all face complete annihilation. Five of the ten planets are facing 
QSVD contamination already, GarThune is among them. Four can meet the 
demands, while the fifth, JeJune, can not. Multitudes from JeJune have 
banded together and taken to piracy. They are raiding the uncontaminated 
planets to obtain the ransom for their group only. These planets are 
very poor and are unable to afford the duropa. There will be galactic 
war. Sol-ors does not care. His predetermination is extracting riches 
and making himself the most powerful," explained Yag-pes.

  "He is mad," exclaimed Eik-bhilo.

  "Since QSVD affects virtually all intelligent beings, this is merely 
a test of his grand scheme, to rule all universes. Then he claims the 
title, Deiwos-Ayro, Lord Ruler of the lesser gods. The Great Guardians 
of GarThune have made their way here to stop his madness. There were 
forty of us, at last mental union thirty-two survive. We fear further 
telepathic uniting, due to possible discovery. Many have mingled with 
the workers to infiltrate and obtain duropa. Then we are to assassinate 
Sol-ors," said Yag-pes.

  "But . . . ," I stammered, "I thought a GarThune incapable of 
killing another being?" 

  "The Great Guardians of GarThune consumed an ancient mind altering 
palliative, which allows us to accomplish forbidden and unthinkable 
deeds -- not unlike Earthlings. Some of us will not survive the 
dastardly actions we must perform. It will destroy our psyche. Those 
of us, so affected, will wither and return to the Great Guff," 
responded Yag-pes.

  Eik-bhilo and I exchanged glances. Both of us knew, we would help 
Yag-pes. But first, we must insure the safety of our ship's passengers 
and crew. 

  "Yag-pes, the entry we took is under guard. Is there another exit 
we may use?" I asked.

  "Yes. The one I used to gain ingress is farther down this hall. It 
enters an inter-connecting tunnel to a smelting complex. There was no 
one there, when I made my way here."

  "If Sol-ors has such a grand scheme, there must be ships ready to 
deliver the duropa when he receives payment. We can make those ships 
ours," said Eik-bhilo.
========================      ? ? ?     ==============================
Copyright 1993 Francis U. Kaltenbaugh[1;40;37m
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  Get the next issue of RUNE'S RAG for the exciting conclusion of[0;5;40;31m
DUROPA[0m[1;40;37m and the adventures of Bel-onan and Eik-Bhilo.[0;40;33m
======================================================================
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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