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HFY Stories_ The Barbarian War - Peace Failed. War Answers.
We're thrilled to introduce "The Barbarian War" by author u/Hewholooksskyward to our channel, the prequal to 'Barbarians'. We've collaborated to adapt his captivating stories for our channel, and we eagerly anticipate sharing them with you.
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#Stories #HFYStories #SciFiStories #SciFi
We're thrilled to introduce "The Barbarian War" by author u/Hewholooksskyward to our channel, the prequal to 'Barbarians'. We've collaborated to adapt his captivating stories for our channel, and we eagerly anticipate sharing them with you.
#HFY #story #stories
#Stories #HFYStories #SciFiStories #SciFi
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00:00The Barbarian War, Chapters 33 and 34, The Cost of Honor
00:05Chapter 33
00:08There was no way Ji-Aj could have possibly blocked Chugaz Uidan's charge.
00:13With over 100 kilograms of body mass hurtling towards him,
00:17it would take someone far stronger than a Kon-Him warrior to stand firm.
00:21Which is why he simply avoided the attack instead.
00:25Ji-Aj pirouetted out of the way as Chugaz flew past him,
00:28delivering a wicked backslash that left a thin trail of orange blood along his ribcage.
00:34The Diaksh bellowed with pain and anger,
00:37spinning around to face him as danced clear of the follow-up attack.
00:40Ji-Aj's blade found nothing but air before he quickly recovered and returned to his stance.
00:46First blood is mine, he said derisively.
00:50Chugaz's hand went briefly to his side before he snarled and charged forward once again,
00:55whipping his blade back and forth before him like a buzzsaw as he forced Ji-Aj back.
01:01He gave up ground begrudgingly, allowing Chugaz to flail away as they neared the edge of the ring,
01:08then suddenly dropped and rolled forward, coming in under the Diaksh's knife arm for a disemboweling thrust.
01:14Only to realize too late Chugaz's attack had been a feint.
01:19His offhand snapped forward, pointing directly at Ji-Aj's head as a tube concealed within his sleeve coughed,
01:26sending an invisible burst of vapor directly into his eyes.
01:29His arm came up automatically as searing pain stabbed into his brain,
01:34protecting his face as he desperately tried to scrabble away, with Chugaz close on his heels.
01:40Ji-Aj's sudden collapse did not go unnoticed.
01:42Damn it, Musashi cursed as Tango quickly chimed in.
01:47Got him in my sights, she said casually.
01:51Want me to take him out?
01:53Negative, he said tersely.
01:55We kill him now, and we're the ones who interfered.
01:58Remain in counter-sniper mode.
02:01Copy, Tango replied as Ji-Aj lunged back up to his feet.
02:05The pain was excruciating as he fought to clear his eyes.
02:08With his vision blurred, Chugaz's blade struck again and again, stabbing into his arms and chest.
02:14Ji-Aj backpedaled, desperate to put some distance between them as he heard his enemy's mocking laugh.
02:21Surrender, Ji-Aj Gu-Yaz, and I will grant you a quick death, he sneered, before bounding forward once more.
02:29Ji-Aj froze.
02:30His head canted at an odd angle, as Chugaz's booted feet slammed into the earth during his charge.
02:36The Diaksh's blade was held high as he came in for the kill, only to gasp in shock as Ji-Aj's hand blurred, hurling his dagger straight into his chest.
02:46Sergeant Lin's teeth flashed in fierce triumph as Chugaz staggered back, gripping the handle protruding from his ribcage and pulling it free as Ji-Aj turned to face him.
02:56His eyes were red and swollen, but he tracked his opponent's every movement with ease as he strode forward, his empty hands raised in a martial artist's stance.
03:07Chugaz stumbled back in fear as Ji-Aj stalked his prey, and in that moment Lin knew the fight was over.
03:13Chugaz screamed to the heavens as his hands slipped inside his tunic before whipping them out to his sides.
03:19Nasat shielded his eyes as blinding light and thunderous explosions filled the ring, as everyone around him suddenly disappeared from sight.
03:28Flashbangs and smoke!
03:30Musashi shouted, charging forward as he raised his carbine.
03:35Weapons free!
03:36The amphitheater descended into chaos as both sides opened up.
03:40Tango's rifle coughed again and again as she struck with deadly precision.
03:45When suddenly Whisper came bursting up out of the ground and leapt into the enemy horde, his blades flashing as he cut through the ranks like a berserk chainsaw.
03:55Where is Chugaz?
03:57Ji-Aj howled with fury as he staggered out of the choking cloud of smoke.
04:02Does anyone have eyes on?
04:03Musashi demanded, speaking into his mic, when the whine of turbines whipped his head around.
04:09The shuttle lifted off and clawed its way into the sky, disappearing in a flash as he snarled in impotent rage.
04:17Damn it! The bastard escaped!
04:20Chugaz hissed in pain as he slapped a dressing on his wound.
04:24The blade had cut deep into his chest, but had managed to miss the vital organs by mere fractions.
04:30It had not been the killing blow Ji-Aj had hoped for, but even blinded Chugaz knew his opponent had gained the upper hand.
04:36At that point, his death was all but inevitable, except that he had planned for this possibility.
04:42The grenades had camouflaged his getaway, buying enough time to board the shuttle and launch before anyone realized what happened.
04:49Now to finish it once and for all.
04:53Nassat charged through the smoke, firing his sidearm, as they fought to take the amphitheater.
04:58The enemy was starting to falter, but there were several pockets of resistance holding firm, making them pay for every meter of ground.
05:06Sergeant Lynn laid down a base of fire, driving them back, as Nassat leapt over a low wall and breached their defenses.
05:14Forward! he shouted, firing once more before his weapon clicked on an empty chamber.
05:20An explosion knocked him off his feet, leaving him dazed, as a squad of Konim appeared out of nowhere and counter-attacked, driving his allies back.
05:28He struggled to reload, but his movements were disjointed and uncoordinated.
05:33Nassat could only stare blankly as they advanced, though as he watched a warrior's head exploded in a fountain of orange gore, cut down by Tango's sniper rifle.
05:42Another joined his comrade in death as they surged forward, but he was slow to respond, his brain and body numbed by the blast's concussion.
05:52Whisper slashed his way through a cluster of Konhim like a scythe, fighting to get clear, his body spattered with alien blood.
06:02But there was no way he'd get clear in time.
06:05There had been a time, long ago, when he would have meekly submitted to his fate, bowing his head and baring his neck as he waited for the end.
06:13But that individual no longer existed.
06:16Instead, he faced his enemy with open eyes, as death came to claim him at last.
06:22Something slammed into him, knocking him clear as a furious burst of weapons fire echoed nearby.
06:28By sheer happenstance, his fingers closed around a fresh magazine, slapping it into his pistol with practiced ease as he staggered back to his feet, searching for a target.
06:38But as he looked around in amazement, there was none to be found.
06:41Chugaz stormed onto the Bridge of Resolve, throwing himself into his command chair.
06:48Target the amphitheater on the planet's surface and fire, he ordered.
06:52The tactical officer stared blankly at him, as if he did not comprehend his words.
06:58With a wordless scream, he yanked out his sidearm and pointed it at his head.
07:02Do as I command, he howled, as Azum Ganak's face suddenly appeared on the display.
07:08When two combatants enter the field of honor, only one may leave it alive, Azum said coldly.
07:15Yet Jiaj Guiyaz still lives.
07:18His glare was impassive as he gazed at Chugaz.
07:22How can this be, Diaksh? he asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
07:26A detail I am in the process of rectifying, he shot back, only belatedly realizing how it might look with his weapon drawn and pointed at the crew.
07:36Hastily, he slid it back into its holster, but Azum was just getting started.
07:41You would bombard your opponent in a contest where only the steal of a blade is permitted?
07:46Azum sneered in disapproval.
07:48You escaped justice on the planet's surface by violating our most sacred traditions, and in doing so, revealed your true nature.
07:59Raising his hand, he pointed at Chugaz.
08:03I declare you a coward, and unfit to bear the title Diaksh, for only a warrior may claim that authority.
08:10You insignificant insect! Chugaz hissed as he leapt to his feet.
08:14You think to judge me? I, who have given you the victory, Ji-Aj could not.
08:19I should have dealt with you long ago.
08:22Victory! Azum scoffed.
08:24What victory?
08:25The triumvirate worlds lie untouched. Your words are empty and without meaning.
08:31His nostrils flared as he glared at him from the display.
08:34As worthless and threadbare as your honor.
08:37Enough! Chugaz's hands clenched in fists of rage.
08:41You will submit to my authority, or you will die.
08:44Then I die with honor, Azum said in contempt, as his face disappeared from the screen.
08:51In all his years, Chugaz had never known a wrath like he felt at that moment.
08:55He grasped the tactical officer and threw him to the deck, his fist slamming into the console as he triggered a missile launch.
09:03Kill them! All that oppose us! he shrieked, as the fleet began to tear itself apart.
09:08Flames licked the ancient structure as Nasat stumbled over the body of a Konhim warrior.
09:16The survivors of the brief battle looked to one another, exhausted and disoriented, as they struggled to regroup.
09:23Musashi made his way over to join him, shaking his head in resignation as they watched Whisper posing the dead enemy in some sort of twisted tableau.
09:31So, Jiage spotted his actions and advanced on the maniac, with murder in his eyes, as Whisper raised his hands in supplication and backed away, giggling as he did so.
09:43You all right, sir? Musashi asked, tearing his eyes away from the bizarre scene.
09:49Nasat slowly nodded.
09:50I was certain the end had come at last, butâ
09:53He froze for a moment, as a confused expression came over his face.
09:57In fact, I am unsure how I survived.
10:00Musashi didn't respond.
10:02Nasat looked at him curiously.
10:04Are you all right? he asked.
10:07I think I know, he said softly.
10:10Know what? Nasat asked, more confused than ever.
10:13How you survived, he managed to get out as he stepped aside, revealing the body of Sergeant Lynn, his blank eyes staring up at the sky.
10:24Chapter 34
10:25Nasat knelt on the ground, his head bowed, in front of the freshly dug mound of soil.
10:32His eyes closed as he murmured softly, while the others stood a respectful distance apart.
10:38Their heads were also bowed, as they kept vigil alongside the sortuar, as many of them echoed his benediction in their own words, as each said goodbye in their own way to Sergeant Major Jehiel Lynn.
10:51Jiage remained silent, following the lead of the others, though in truth he found the ritual to be a strange one.
10:58For the Konheim, the death of a warrior who fell in battle was an occasion to be celebrated, not mourned.
11:04Many tales of their life would be told, as friends and family came together to honor him, and while perhaps the rites were bittersweet at times, they were never sorrowful.
11:15Finally, Nasat lifted his head and opened his eyes, but showed no interest in moving.
11:21He stared at the simple marker they had erected, lost in his own thoughts, as the others glanced at one another, each unwilling to intrude on his grief.
11:30Perhaps it was unsurprising that Jiage was the one who finally approached him, kneeling down at his side, as they contemplated Sergeant Lynn's final resting place together.
11:42The first time I met him he terrified me, Nasat said quietly, as Jiage regarded him.
11:48I had never really known a human before, and as he screamed at us, I remember fearing for my life.
11:54A brief chuckle escaped his lips, though it was quickly suppressed.
12:00It all seemed so easy for him, so natural.
12:03As he trained us to fight, I knew I could never match his skills in battle.
12:07Speaking as one who has fought both against and alongside you, I would disagree, Jiage said after a moment.
12:14Nasat shrugged off his words.
12:16I was lucky.
12:18Nothing else.
12:18A distant look came to his eyes, as he gazed at something only he could see.
12:24On Uzonks, when your forces bombarded us, he and I were the only survivors of our company.
12:29What we went through together.
12:31His voice trailed off, shaking his head as he tried to banish the ghosts.
12:35I made him a promise that day, that when his time came, I would recite the prayer for the dead.
12:42Nasat sighed, as he turned to face Jiage at last.
12:45He was more to me than a mere advisor.
12:48He became my mentor, and my friend.
12:52Nasat closed his eyes and whispered,
12:54And I shall miss him.
12:56Jiage turned to gaze at the mound of dirt.
12:58If he were here now, what advice would he give you?
13:01He asked gently.
13:04Nasat took a deep breath and opened his eyes.
13:06Do what you have to do, he said grimly, as he rose to his feet at last, taking up Lin's battered rifle.
13:12Scanning the ruined amphitheater, Jiage could only nod, rising as well.
13:18Words of wisdom indeed.
13:20Before he could respond, Nasat spotted Musashi and Greybird approaching.
13:25Sir, you need to see this, Musashi said without preamble, before glancing at Jiage.
13:31You too.
13:32The Konam and the Sortuar shared a look, falling in behind the humans as Greybird led them to his improvised Kamo bunker.
13:40The face of Ajum Ghanak could be seen on the display, stained with soot and dried blood.
13:47Dayaksh, we have little time, he said in a rush.
13:50Chugaz Uidan's dishonorable actions have split the fleet in two.
13:54Many have turned against him, but he still commands most of the fleet.
13:58We waged a bitter battle, but were unable to prevent his escape.
14:01He escaped again, Musashi said in disbelief.
14:04Unfortunately, yes, Ajum replied.
14:09As I said, most of the fleet still stands with him.
14:12The rest have sworn themselves to your banner, Diaksh Jiage Guiyaz, he said with a respectful bow.
14:18Jiage nodded.
14:20Where have they gone? he asked.
14:22Ajum paused for a moment, glancing at the others surrounding him, before finally responding.
14:28He has set a direct course to the triumvirate worlds.
14:31Nassat gritted his teeth.
14:34We must stop him, he said adamantly.
14:37Ajum regarded the sore to our coolly.
14:40You ask much.
14:41Even those of us who have turned our backs to Chugaz Uidan have little love for your kind.
14:46Many of us hope he succeeds.
14:49If Chugaz Uidan attacks, it will mean the end of our race, Jiage predicted, his expression troubled.
14:54Not today nor tomorrow, but it will come to pass.
14:57Their worlds are too vast to destroy quickly, and as he wages his war, the humans will be rearming themselves as quickly as possible, with whatever they can.
15:06They have been wounded, yes, but the wound was not a mortal one, and there is no more dangerous an opponent than one bent on vengeance.
15:14The Konhim rebel looked as if he had bit into a lemon, but he did not refute his words.
15:19What would you ask of us, Diaksh?
15:22Jiage took a deep breath.
15:23We must bring an end to Chugaz Uidan's reign, and to do so, we will require allies.
15:30He regarded the others nearby with a wry expression.
15:33Even if they were once our enemies.
15:36Ajum hissed through his teeth, before lowering his eyes.
15:40It will not be easy, Diaksh, but those of us sworn to you will obey.
15:45Send your shuttles to us, Jiage commanded.
15:48Once aboard, we will set our course and pursue Chugaz Uidan, to the end of the galaxy, if need be.
15:53We will launch immediately, Ajum vowed.
15:57Excellent, he said with a thin smile, for we have much to discuss.
16:02We will be ready, he assured him, before disappearing from the screen.
16:07Space was at a premium aboard the Konhim ship Dauntless, as they struggled to accommodate the new arrivals.
16:13The vessel bore many scars from its battle with Chugaz Uidan's loyalists, but as Jiage scanned her with a practiced eye, he pronounced her fit and ready to serve, if only all his problems were as simple.
16:26The Konhim eyed their new Tetrarchy allies with suspicion, a sentiment that was returned in full measure.
16:32Jiage and Nasat stood side by side as they struggled to contain the more dangerous elements from both camps, but each new and uphill battle awaited them.
16:41Have you pinpointed Chugaz Uidan's target among the triumvirate worlds? Jiage asked.
16:48Ajum shook his head.
16:49The distance is too great, he admitted.
16:52We were able only to determine the general direction.
16:54Even if you had, there's no reason why he couldn't change course at the last minute, Musashi pointed out, especially if he wanted to keep us guessing.
17:05We must contact the Tetrarchy and warn them, Nasat said fiercely.
17:10Without a specific target, a general warning could prove far more dangerous in the long run, Jiage said unhappily.
17:17We need more data.
17:18At this range, more data will be difficult to come by, Ajum replied.
17:24We are already at the limitations of our equipment.
17:27Then we must provide them with our best conjectures and pray we are correct, Nasat said candidly.
17:34Jiage turned to look at the map.
17:36There must be many of those supporting Chugaz Uidan that do so only from inertia, he mused.
17:42He will want victories as soon as possible to maintain their loyalty, as many as he can, as quickly as he can.
17:50If he manages that, there may be many of your own supporters who will be tempted to join him, Ajum admitted reluctantly.
17:57Victory is a powerful narcotic.
18:00Nasat rose to his feet and went to the map, studying it intently before pointing at a section of the display.
18:06Here, he said with sudden confidence, the Chinur Cluster.
18:10A dozen worlds in close proximity to one another.
18:14He could launch strikes on many of them before anyone could respond.
18:18Musashi nodded slowly.
18:20It's only conjecture at this point, but I agree.
18:23If I wanted to rack up as many victories as possible, that's where I'd strike.
18:27It is better than nothing, Nasat replied.
18:30Will there be any difficulties in contacting the Tetrarchy?
18:33I somehow doubt they will listen to anything we have to say, Ajum said pointedly.
18:40Not necessarily, Greybird interjected.
18:43With a few modifications, we should be able to spoof a Tetrarchy signal.
18:47Enough to get our foot in the door, at least.
18:50Even if such a thing were possible, our ships will not be enough to stop Chugaz Uidan,
18:55and he has a significant head start, Ajum said darkly.
18:59If we warn the Tetrarchy, do they have anything left to prevent his assault?
19:04All eyes turned to Nasat.
19:06He returned their gaze for a moment before bowing his head.
19:10I don't know, he whispered.