16 - Never Surrender

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Having just acquired Yoll and its 3 other systems (Yoll Empire becomes Etheric Empire), Bethany Anne (now EMPRESS Bethany Anne) is busy getting acquainted with culture, pronouncing “new ways” (abolishing caste system, etc.) for her people to follow. Riots and rebellion are offered in return (Straiphus Rebellion). Many types of people visit Yoll (bounty hunters, information spies), each with unique incidents to relate.Team BMW makes sure there is Pepsi Cola on Yoll, and Tabitha acquires a friend (Dio, Ashur/Bellatrix' puppy)

Pepsi Caper; Drugs on Yoll

Chapter 07

Nathan, Ecaterina, Christina meet with Illegal drug purchasers (Captain Maek-ven, Pilot Ber’knick, Security Chief Ster-hel), to sell illegal drug (Coriander oil) to Yoll underground for manufacture and sale of Pepsi Cola. Bethany Anne selling it to Yoll to help finance Yoll’s budget. Nathan has location protected by 3 guns aimed at landing site.Christina in wolf form. Ster-hel wanted “animal”, threatened to take it at gunpoint. Nathan changed to wolf, attacked and killed him. Ship took off RAPIDLY!Nathan and Ecaterina discuss dangers of Nathan’s jobs.

Ecaterina afraid of losing him, so insists he considers dangers before he takes off on any job. Nathan agree

Brylen, Rih-benn, two Yollins meet with Nathan. They want information, and presume if he does not sell it they will take it by force, drugging and mugging if they have to. Ecaterina and Christina (wolf) enter bar. Christina overheard conversations, warned Nathan of impending attack. Nathan left. Rih-ben is trying to grow coriander himself, so that he could corner the market (a drug to Yollins - gives them a fantastic high). Nathan and Ecaterina, aboard ship, are reviewing info sent from nanocytes with which they had infected him. He will eventually die from them, and receive medical knowledge from info coming back.

Riot on Yoll

Chapter 09

Pehl-eck, Yollin Newscast reporter. Upper class members refused to accept edicts re caste coming from Etheric Empire, commanded service. Lower caste members refused orders, upper caste ( 2nd level) grabbed, pulled him into street, kicked him, injured him severely. Upper caste members attacked rioters. A big problem for upper caste. Refuse to accept that all Yollins are equal. War! ADAM informs Bethany Anne of event, and that it will probably require force to control. John was sent down to handle it.

Kael-ven is informed of hot-spot, will come to help John talk to them. Reporter, Pehl-eck, will try to get sound. Doesn’t want to get close enough for video-too dangerous. Warns them of John’s actions, asks them to lay down guns and come out. Rioters shoot at Kael-ven, not injured (protected by Jean Duke’s body armor). Kael goes back to ship. Reporter videos shooting, will also video when John comes down. Wants to move back another block or two, for safety. 19 individuals inside building for John to talk to.

Queen’s Bitches get called in when someone has taken a situation beyond the law.

Gry-bek & Tol-bek talking, when door exploded, killing all 4. John goes to 2nd floor, attacked by 2 Yollins, axe, sword and pistols. Killed them. Yollin reinforcements, coming, one in armor. Drk-vaen, + 4 more). John realizes the armored one is just a kid, so just throws him out the 3rd floor window, then goes down and talks to him, tears a small unit from his armor, threw it at him. Suit locked up and powered down. (Will be character in further books). John walked away, goes back into building to find other rebels, 45th floor, rocket launched towards him from down the hallway. John blown from building, stops in mid-air, turns, flies back to 5th floor, kills all seven who had bombed him.

Commanded building be shelled – pushing hands down from the top – causing dust storm, killing all 172 rebels. Left Queen’s message.

Ixtali Trade Delegation

Chapter 24

Ixtelina, Ixtali Trade Legate Representative, enters space around Yoll, is informed that must wait until permission granted before moving toward QBBS Meredith Reynolds. , or will be fired upon and killed. Really a spy ship, out to get information on Humans, sell it. Projected result is that they will either be very rich or very dead.If aliens are transferred to Meredith Reynolds in special pods, will not be allowed to bring harmful items on board (See Technology, Pods, Transport).

Ixtali ship cannot crack communications beams, cannot use micro-spies. Disappear as “space debris” when two lengths frim ship. Two contacts (Ixtalina, Ixgalan will go.) Totally unfamiliar with concepts of cybernetic beings, entity intelligence. Specialist Marilyn has a "gut feeling" about these delegates.

Ixtalis told to remove all metal objects from their bodies if they wished to board the Reynolds. If they did not, they would be returned to their ship. Cannot wear them because Etheric Empire has no knowledge of their use or effect, and will not trust to chance or lies.

Ixtalina and Ixgalan debark, are photoed, identified, and handed a passport, their promise to be honest with the humans. Penalties for breaking the rules were explained (death or banishment). Enter food/ drink mall, 5 stories, arti-sun, All Guns Blazing. Are impressed. Will not have items reviewed, as Ixtalina needs more advice re same from superiors. EI scan reveals possible suicide devices implanted in brains. Marilyn called for help, Dan will take the lead.

Ixtalis find Yollin drink they like (kv-chet), use straws (new idea), buy them to take away to their planet. Cannot get into the space station, not invited, so will try to gain information from their macros (can’t, dead), shop owners, salespeople. Purchased a tablet, tried to negotiate, couldn’t. (Too common an item). Gold price was fair.

Ixtaliana tries to intercept Bethany Anne in Mall, on trip back to Inworld. Bethany Anne accompanied by Darryl, Barnabas, two guards.

Darryl approached her, asked her why she wished to speak to Empress. To reduce friction between peoples when setting up trade agreement. Her alone, nor Ixgalan. Bethany Anne believes Ixtali have negative benefits as trading partners. Could re-trade H’Laxrick gems. No, don’t need them. Two actions, stay in Mall, or go back to ship. Will be allowed nowhere else on Planet, or ships. Not afraid of Ixtali or hired mercenaries Just more target practice. Ixtalia decides to go back home, need more guidance.

Ixtaliana had confirmed the suicide devices implanted, and felt betrayed by her own people. Watched as Yollin ship created Gate close to Planet, with multiple Yollin military ships gating into system.

E'Kolorn in Jail

Chapter 18

E'Kolorn was imprisoned when Yoll taken over by humans. Has spent time in cell remembering how he had really opposed old King’s policies, had convinced him that fighting Bethany Anne was the right thing, etc.

E'Kolorn asked to meet with Etheric Empire’s agent. He goes.

Scott takes responsibility for E’kolorn, going to meet Bethany Anne. Is interviewed as to why he had taken certain actions. Bethany Anne was satisfied he was thinking of the people, not the King, and implied he would do a good job for her.

E'Kolorn accepts position of Defense Minister, will work with humans (are disturbing, exhilarating, frightening). Also, does not know where 3rd missing Capital ship might be.

Shrillex Bounty Hunter

Chapter 23

Shi-tan a Shrillexian bounty hunter comes into Yollin space. Command notices him, send him new Etheric Empire rules. Goes into Mall, buys tablet for translation purposes, finds All Guns Blazing, goes in. Still looking for Aerolyn. Checks that tablet he bought in the store in the Open Court was not sending info back to Yoll Berths at Reynolds

Aerolyn, an alien running from the law, has come to Yoll to ask Empress’ help with his problem (his Father has put a price on his head)

Shi-tan found Aerolyn in Reynolds asteroid (wants to buy a barrel of Coke), on 30 day political asylum visa. Will report to Dad (King), get 50% of bounty. Anticipates starting intergalactic War when Dad hears of where his son is, and comes to get him.

Shi-tan meets with King’s Representative, Surce. Shows him info re aliens (humans), and that Aerolyn is in station shown, Yoll area. Will be there another 22 turns. Has also shown King a good reason for attacking Base providing refuge.

Attacking Yollin system to retrieve son. Not aware Empires Broken to be system. Spy-bot saw Yollin ships heading in, asteroid turning. Turned itself and went back to the King’s Armada to tell King to stop the advance

Straiphus System Revolt

Chapter 21

While on a surveillance shift at a Yollin Bar (Mont’s the Best), Kiel hears aliens planning to attack Bethany Anne from the Straiphus system. Got a photo of the speaker, but he got away before Kiel’s tags (mini spies) could locate him.

Bethany Anne concerned over lack of proper standards for Security system, guards. Discuss Straiphus incident. Kael-ven and Kiel patched in to Bethany Anne. Yollins in system planning externally in Straiphus, and also on Yoll. 3 capital ships in the system, only two could be found. 3rd hiding where? Ask Defense Minister.

Admiral Thlock-nod, Head of the Straiphus Fleet of Yollin Superdreadnought cruisers, all support ships. Captain of the lead ship Bridged-ael, plans how to retake Yollin planet and system.

Have three Capital Ships, superdreadnoughts – Empires Broken, Bridged-ael, (still a Yollin ship, not human ruled), and Deep Space Ship G’Laxix Gunt’eh. Empire Broken missing.(Sent out of the system on purpose)

Will pull main forces away from Yoll, then attack home planet with Empires Broken (Can create own Gate to get to Yoll rapidly.)Deep Space Ship G’Laxix Gunt’eh will close Annex Gate, so that Yoll ships cannot get back to their own system. May have to go through so fast Gate will explode, and be closed. So be it. Puck Defense Destroyer Abraham receives information that something in area, covers front of Gate with defensive pucks, but G’Laxix got too close, closed Gate when Pucks exploded it. Gate back to Yoll was closed.

Empires Broken has to re-open Gate for a short time for it and its support ships to go through to Yoll system. Opened, transfer. Approaches Yollin system to take over Space station and planet.

Etheric Empire will take battle to Straiphus System, rather than risk Yoll. EI ArchAngel talks to Admiral Thomas, indicating she want no humans on board when she attacks superdreadnought. % is that she will be destroyed, and she refuses to take humans with her. Thomas convinces EI that humans are necessary, and will increase chance of survival. Volunteers OK. Kael-ven checking Annex Gate access to Straiphus System.

Human ships started transferring out through the Annex Gate. Julianna Fregin, a Black Eagle pilot on a carrier ship, gets ready. Talks to EI, planning battles. ArchAngel, one ship, goes into battle before other Straiphus System ships in place. Attacks Cossik. Engineer Rodriguez gave EI ArchAngel more power than she had counted on, changing tactics. She had crossed over from EI to AI, and was a sentient being. Bethany Anne tried to get to ArchAngel, but couldn’t. Breaks down in her Suite, John comes in, soothes. Bethany Anne goes out again to fight closer battles. Bethany Anne commanded ArchAngel to attack from the rear, which it did, causing Cossik to explode. Out of the battle! ArchAngel went on to attack other dreadnought. Exploded it. Straiphus System battle won by Humans.

Empires Broken approaching Yoll and Station. Bethany Anne on Meredith Reynolds, commands asteroid to turn around, And hit Empire Broken with ESD beam now developed. ESD beam fired. Felt like a sonic boom in Asteroid. Power loss (lights dimmed, went dark), demolished ship, and a few that hadn’t gotten far enough away- ignored the warnings.

Eudos System-Slave Trading

Chapter 19

Tabitha, as Ranger 2, goes to Eudos system to stop slave trading. System had received Empress’ Memos months before, ignored them. Before she goes, Bethany Anne gives her her own Ranger Ship, the Achronyx, with which to complete the mission. Tabitha takes command of ship, calls meeting, (Plans to cloak immediately upon arrival through Gate), and leaves for Eudos. One of problems - define “slaves”.

Ghy’luck, Space Station Master, makes Gyrm, Captain, aware Yoll conquered, now under Etheric Empire. Notified Gyrm of Memo sent out. Have abolished slavery. Could certainly transport employees, but not slaves. Gyrm searches for Chrillen’s group. Missing. Receives message from another station, showing video of Chrillen’s capture, etc. Angry. Is hailed by Ranger Tabitha to stop engines and prepare to be boarded, charged with acquisition and selling of slaves. Calls Tabitha back. Denies charges, plans to send missiles to kill her ship, recapture Gothwick (Chrillen’s ship)

Station hailed by Humans, request berth. Denigh, Station Master. Tabitha orders Katsu to know what’s in their computer systems before they leave, as well as any other ships docked at Station. (Still under Martial Law, so still legal.)

Tabitha and Station Master go for a drink, find Skaine slavers in bar. Tabitha set up Station Master to sell her and her Tontos to the Skaines, setting them up for action. Skaines started shooting from something concealed in their pockets, so Tabitha & Tontos took them out, took them to jail. Denigh keeping coins, for future historical value –payoff for first Skaine defeat in Eudos System. Tabitha visits Asteroid mine (Charrlock Mining, Eudos system), talks with mine owner (Chan'on). Offers 3 Skaines as workers. (Chrillen Crew.) Keeps Gothwick, Chrillen’s ship.

Tabitha hails Kalifo, Gyrm’s slaver ship, demands engines stopped, and be boarded. Gyrm denies charge, and cannot stop engines (life support). Gyrm plans to capture Gothwick, destroy Ranger. Fires missiles, but Ranger not there. Moved, now watching Slavers take Gothwick. Hirotoshi, Ryu, Shin, Katsu, vampires, on Gothwick. Can lower temp, breathing, heart to match surrounding, so slavers will not find them there through technology. 4 Elites awaken, start through connecting airlock, killing. Gyrm orders disconnect, hatches slam shut. Shin still in cargo bay, dead. 3 Elites on Kalifa get to bridge, engine room, etc. complete job. Tabitha retrieve’s Shin’s body, swears everlasting death on all Skaines. Blasts their ship to pieces.

Christina

Chapter 25

Nathan and Ecaterina catch Christina cursing, and decide that if she's going to do it, she's going to do it right! So, 150 push-ups later, she's still trying!

Tabitha's room mate

Chapter 25

Tabitha gets a new room mate - Dio, one of Ashur's offspring, male. She's OK with it.

Ghyr-lihk

Chapter 03

Friend of Pepsi Captain.

Koll. Yollin King

Chapter 03

Yollin King. Really a Kurtherian, using Yoll body to rule. Using machinations over generations, he encouraged the Yollins to believe they had outgrown their world. Then, he used religious texts, that he had written, to further support efforts to take over other planets and enslave their people

Giannini

Chapter 02

Drinks beer. Likes berry flavor in beer. Lives in 2 bedroom, 2 bath "roommate" plan suite in QBBS Meredith, with Sia.

Anne

Chapter 02

Rooming with Tabitha.