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THE ELDERS OF PENDAR
ByA. L. Kjeldgaard
PROLOGUE
The Old Ones were afraid of what might be waiting for them out in the darkness. Sothey ventured off Home World with timid steps. But soon the mystery was clear. Theywere alone. To the utter astonishment of their scientists, the galaxy was devoid of life,not even a virus. So with great energy, they burst forth into the empty galaxy.Scores and scores of worlds were colonized, as everyone wanted to be god of his ownworld. But it wasn't that simple. Life was not so easily transplanted in the garden of space. They couldn't entirely leave mother earth behind. So the Old Ones organized aloose federation of worlds and called it "The Republic." The capital of The Republic wasback on Home World. It gave mankind an excuse to come home and stock up onnecessities once in a while.The Republic created a Navy to ensure free trade among worlds and suppress piracy.Young people volunteering for service with the Navy were guaranteed a lifetime of unrestricted travel between worlds upon discharge.
© 2001 by A.L. Kjeldgaard1
 
CHAPTER 1
 "I got a bogie on our six and another one on the screen coming from behind the largestasteroid," yelled the weapons master."Pilot," yelled the navigator, "there are too many asteroids, we have no clear path toopen space, it's either the rocks or the pirates!"The weapons master now yelled out that he had four more pirate ships on his screen.The pilot was filled with rage and his rage was bubbling over. The navigator thoughtthe pilot was speaking then he realized the pilot was growling."What are you doing, pilot!" the weapons master called out as the ship decelerated."I going to ram the lead ship," he said, "want to get off?" The pilot began to scream ashe headed for the pirate ship.Then there was an explosion, flying pieces of metal, a deafening sound, and fire. Hewas screamingSuddenly he was awake. His heart was pounding and he was perspiring. Severalpeople in the starliner looked at him with concern. Another nightmare, he thought. Theflight attendant asked him if he was okay.Later, he looked out the window and saw nothing but darkness. The thought of itdepressed him. He felt so alone. He took his wallet out and stared a picture of ayoung woman and a small child. His eyes filled with tears. He didn't say a word, but hetook off his wedding ring and put it in his pocket."I don't know what you're expecting to find in Pendar, but taking off your wedding ringisn't the answer, young fella," said a middle aged man sitting across from him.
© 2001 by A.L. Kjeldgaard2
 
The young man looked up, his eyes flashed, "I'm a widower," he said. Who is thisclown, the young man wondered?"Oh, I'm sorry,” the older man said.The young man bit his tongue, and scowled."No, truly, I didn't mean to offend", the man replied. He stuck out his hand and said,"my name is Torge."The younger man, softened, "Eric, Eric Hunn," he said and they shook hands."What brings you to Pendar, Eric?"“I finished my tour in the Navy. Now, I am just trying to make a new start," Eric said."Enlisted?" Torge asked."No, officer," Eric replied as he looked out the window."Pendar can be a place of opportunity. I came as a young man and did well in thewheat business," Torge said matter of factly. "Do you have a worker's visa and a joblined up?""No, I came based on my veteran's status.""What's your education in?" Torge asked.""My basic degree is in astrophysics and my professional degree is in publicadministration," Eric answered.Torge took note of this fellow. Perhaps he could be useful. "Here's my card, Eric. Iknow a lot of people in the Ministry of Agriculture. I'll put in a word for you. In a coupleof days when your feet are on the ground, stop by and see what they have for you."
© 2001 by A.L. Kjeldgaard3
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