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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 Stories_ The Barbarian War - Book 2 - Chapters 4, 5 _ 6 _ Peace Failed. War Answers.
#scifistories1977 #hfy #scifi
HFY Stories_ The Barbarian War - Book 2 - Chapters 4, 5 _ 6 _ Peace Failed. War Answers.
#scifistories1977 #hfy #scifi
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00:00The Barbarian War. Chapters 4, 5, and 6. The Breaking of Silence.
00:06Chapter 4
00:07Marshal Antima started to rise as Prime Minister Singh entered the chamber,
00:13but she waved him back down as she took her seat. Her jaw was clenched in a hard line as
00:18she looked around the room, at both her fellow ministers and the military contingent. She took
00:23a moment to steal her resolve before giving the marshal a nod.
00:26All right, tell me. What happened at Persephone? she said in measured tones,
00:32though her outwardly calm demeanor fooled no one.
00:35Kwasi took a deep breath and met her gaze. Prime Minister at approximately 1750 hours local time,
00:42Persephone was struck by what appears to have been a relativistic kinetic kill vehicle.
00:46We're still in the process of gathering data, and we have only a single image of the vehicle itself,
00:51taken a split second before impact. But I can tell you this much.
00:55The device was most definitely artificial, and that this was no accident.
01:00I'm sorry. A relativistic kinetic kill vehicle? the new Sorotar Minister Thrasath interjected,
01:06before Leandra could respond. What exactly is that?
01:11In layman's terms, it is a spacecraft that has been accelerated near the speed of light,
01:16Antuma replied. Though in this case the vehicle in question seems to have been little more than
01:21a propulsion system and reactor, with just enough computer control to guide it to its target.
01:27We have examined the evidence closely, and the numbers are staggering. Given our best estimates,
01:32the energy discharge was in the neighborhood of 30,000 gigatons of explosive force.
01:37The silence following that pronouncement was deafening. The other ministers stared at him in shock,
01:43struggling to make sense of it.
01:44Survivors? Leandra asked softly.
01:48Ah, none, he replied. Perhaps some microbes, on the far side from the impact, which means over
01:55one hundred million people were wiped out of existence.
01:59Quasi's professional mask was firmly in place, leaving him wooden and stiff. To the uninitiated,
02:04it might seem as if he didn't care about those deaths. But in fact, the opposite was true.
02:08It was only by clinging to his professionalism he was able to cope at all. There were a number of
02:14ships in the system, which is where we've drawn most of our data from, but all ships in orbit at
02:19the time of the blast were completely destroyed. Dear God, she whispered, do we have any idea who
02:26might have done this? I think that's obvious, Prime Minister, Admiral Fujimoto said grimly.
02:32It has to be the Konhim, unless someone here has any other suggestions. She glared at them,
02:37daring them to disagree. But why now? The Ronin Minister Omega,
02:44445 Intersect Gamma asked aloud, and why a human world? I do not disagree with you, Admiral,
02:51for I cannot imagine another party being involved. But the Konhim showed no interest in attacking human
02:57worlds during the previous war. Because we intervened, she shot back. If we hadn't stepped
03:04in when we did, the Konhim horde would have destroyed the Triumvirate. If they've decided
03:09to try again, it only makes sense to eliminate the biggest threat first.
03:13But Persephone was not a military target, the Ophiptra Minister Bezagab said in confusion.
03:19There was no fleet based there, no critical industry, no obvious reason for it to be attacked.
03:24I believe there was, Minster, Nasat said evenly, and Admiral Fujimoto has put her finger on the
03:31reason. His inclusion in this meeting was almost an afterthought, but given his ascending star,
03:37he was a welcome addition. Persephone was almost certainly attacked solely because it was a human
03:43world. Whether it was what we would consider a military target was most likely immaterial in the
03:48eyes of the Konhim. Even now, I believe they consider humanity to be as dangerous as they view
03:54themselves, whereas the other races of the Tetrarchy are still considered to be little more than
04:00cannon fodder, Helene finished, before giving Nasat an apologetic look. No offense. None taken, he agreed
04:09easily. Fine. We're all in agreement it must be the Konhim who attacked Persephone, absent any conflicting
04:16data, Leandra interjected as she steered the discussion back to its roots. The more important
04:22questions are these. Is there any way of knowing when and where they'll strike again? And can we
04:28stop another attack once it has been launched? The Marshal and the Admiral shared an uncomfortable
04:34look before Kwasi finally answered. No, Prime Minister, there is not. Not easily, at any rate.
04:40Do you mean to tell me there is nothing we can do? she growled in return. That the Konhim can
04:46simple fire one missile after another at us until Earth itself is destroyed? Because that answer is
04:51unacceptable. If, and I stress if, we manage to locate the launch vehicle before an attack,
04:58then we have an excellent chance of preventing it from taking its place. Short of that? Antima shook
05:04his head sadly. We could try deflecting it somehow, but considering how large an area we would have to
05:09cover, and the very brief window we would have in which to work with, ma'am, preventing another attack
05:15will require a great deal of luck. What about planetary shields? Leandra asked,
05:21desperately. We never placed them around our own worlds, after seeing how easily the Konhim
05:26defeated them. But is it possible they would shield us? No, Prime Minister, Kwasi said reluctantly.
05:33It would take months to build and emplace the generators needed for the shields, months that we
05:38likely do not have. And as you said, the Konhim already know how to defeat them. We can and will do
05:43everything in our power to hunt down the ship or ships responsible for this attack. But at the
05:48moment, we are at a loss as to how. He took a deep breath and said softly, I am sorry, ma'am.
05:55For a moment, it looked as if the Prime Minister was launched into a tirade of truly epic proportions.
06:02But instead, she rose to her feet and turned away, looking at something only she could see,
06:07the seconds stretched out into minutes, until she finally began to speak.
06:11If we are unable to prevent another attack, then at the very least we can ensure the Konhim live to
06:17regret their decision, she said coldly. Leandra turned and faced the others, her eyes as hard
06:23as stone. Assemble your forces, Marshal. You are hereby authorized to do whatever it takes to wreck
06:29their ability to make war. The look on his face was unreadable. Meaning? Meaning I want them broken,
06:36Field Marshal. You will send a punitive fleet to the Konhim worlds and shatter them. You will use any
06:41and all means at your disposal to see that they never, ever threaten anyone ever again.
06:47She leaned forward, her eyes boring into his. Do I make myself clear?
06:52Yes, Prime Minister, he said softly, crystal clear.
06:55The next day, a small shuttle entered the orbit of a remote Tetrarchy world. The planet itself was
07:02wholly unremarkable, save that it was one of the few examples where its moon was capable of
07:07supporting life. Even so, the satellite was sparsely populated, due to its poor soil and
07:12unpredictable weather. The shuttle landed near the foothills of the moon's largest mountain ranges,
07:17far from the beaten path. A small cottage lay nestled in the shadow of a snowy peak,
07:22requiring the lone sorter who had emerged from the craft to journey by foot up a narrow and treacherous
07:29path. He took his time navigating the rocky track before finally arriving at the door of the humble
07:35dwelling. He hesitated for a moment, as if even after the long journey he had reached his destination,
07:42only to consider turning back at the last second. Making his decision at last, he reached out to
07:47knock on the thick wooden door, only to have it swing open before making contact.
07:52The resident of the cottage stepped out to greet his visitor, saying nothing as he regarded the
07:57sorter who shifted his weight uncomfortably from one foot to another.
08:02Hello, Nasat, Jiaj Guiyaz said resignedly. I was wondering when our paths would cross again.
08:09Greetings, Diaksh, he began awkwardly, only to be waved off.
08:12I am no longer Diaksh, the Konhim sighed. That part of my life is behind me.
08:19He folded his arms as he took in the sorter's uncomfortable stance and chagrined expression.
08:25I take it this is not a social call, he continued, as a wintry smile appeared on his face.
08:32No, Nasat replied. You once asked for my help to help negotiate an end to the war.
08:38Yes, I did, Jiaj acknowledged, and for that I am in your debt.
08:41I know, he said sadly. I have come to collect.
08:48Chapter 5
08:49The human colony of Thule was far from a garden paradise.
08:55Its many glaciers and fjords were quite spectacular, to be sure.
08:59But except for a narrow band at the equator, the bulk of the planet was a frozen wasteland.
09:04Blizzard conditions were the norm on much of the surface, and outside of the hardiest of
09:08adventurers, it was far from a popular destination.
09:12What made it valuable, however, was its location. Its many moons were rich in minerals, from titanium
09:18and phosphorus to fissionables such as uranium and plutonium. It had become one of the major
09:23fabricating facilities of the Tetrarchy, and much of the new fleet had been constructed in one of
09:28Thule's many shipyards. Most of the colony's residents resided in orbital structures, allowing
09:34them to live near where they worked. Needless to say, such an important location was heavily
09:39guarded and monitored, and when the alarms began to sound the population headed immediately to the
09:44shelters, while the naval garrison sought to train their guns on the attacker. Only the RKKV traveled
09:51at relativistic speeds, and 37.2 seconds was not enough time to react between first sighting
09:57and impact.
09:59Marshal Antuma was ashen as he relayed the news. Helene Fujimoto could only stare in shock,
10:05her head in her hands as Kwasi slumped into his chair.
10:08Nassat looked at the humans, first one, then the other, before gently clearing his throat,
10:13as he had so often seen them do under similar circumstances.
10:17Marshal, what are your orders? he asked softly.
10:21Kwasi slowly turned to him, as if even that simple movement took every gram of strength he had.
10:27The Prime Minister's directive was quite clear, Colonel, he replied. The attack on the
10:32Konheim homeworlds goes as planned, with one slight alteration.
10:36And what would that be? Helene asked finally, still stunned by the tragedy.
10:42That I will not be taking charge of the fleet, he said gravely. You will.
10:47The Admiral started to protest, but was cut off with a wave of his hand.
10:51Don't tell me you're not up to the challenge because I know better, he informed her.
10:55No one knows how to employ those ships better than you do.
10:59Other than you, Fujimoto said sharply. And just what will you be doing in our absence?
11:05Trying to find a way to stop these attacks, he said quietly.
11:08What good does it do to pound the Konheim into paste if there's nothing left to come back to?
11:14Marshal, Nassat said carefully. You said there was no way to stop them,
11:18not without a great deal of luck.
11:19Then let us hope I am lucky, Kwasi said with a half-smile.
11:25In the meantime, Admiral Fujimoto will be relying on you even more than before.
11:30Of course, sir, Nassat said quietly. I will not let you or her down.
11:36I know you won't, said after a moment, as an odd expression played across his face.
11:42Once again I must ask the impossible from you, Nassat.
11:45I would apologize for that, except... He shrugged helplessly, unable to finish.
11:50I understand, the Sartor nodded. After all, humanity came to our aid when it was most needed.
11:56It is only fitting that we return the favor.
11:59I hope you still feel that way in a moment, Helene informed him with a trace of levity,
12:04because I must tell you that I have no need for a colonel.
12:08Nassat blinked in surprise. I do not understand.
12:11If you do not require my services, I will of course stand down, but...
12:15He froze, the words dying in his throat.
12:19Dear Creator, not again.
12:21I am afraid so, General, she said with a smirk.
12:25Morale will be especially important now, and with you commanding one of the divisions,
12:30it could make all the difference.
12:33Ten years ago I'd never touched a weapon, he protested.
12:36I am not qualified to lead a company, let alone a division.
12:40By human standards.
12:42As you have pointed out so many times before, you aren't human, Antima said brusquely, interrupting him.
12:48You have risen to the challenge time and again, and I have no doubt you will do so now.
12:53Nassat started to speak, but the marshal shook his head.
12:56The debate is closed, General.
12:58Yes, sir, he said at last.
13:00I'll give you the attack transport, Gabriel, Helene informed him,
13:05though the actual piloting will be handled by Navy personnel, of course.
13:09She's a good ship with a good crew.
13:11I'm sure she is, Nassat said with some trepidation.
13:15He paused for a moment, struck by a sudden thought.
13:18I do have one request, Admiral.
13:20I suspect I already know what it is, she nodded.
13:24Raycrit is slated to command the medical detachment on the Clara Barton, if memory serves.
13:28I'll see to it that your ship and hers are assigned to the same task force.
13:33Thank you, Admiral, he said quietly.
13:37You're welcome, she replied.
13:39As it happens, I have a request for you.
13:42Of course, Nassat answered.
13:45Her face softened.
13:46Go home, Nassat.
13:47Spend time with your family.
13:49Hug your children.
13:50She suddenly found it hard to meet his gaze, because we are scheduled to depart in thirty-six hours.
13:55But why do you have to leave?
13:58Tychist asked, as he clutched his mother's hand.
14:02Please don't go, Chechla sobbed as she buried her head in her father's chest.
14:07Nassat and Raycaret both struggled to fight back their own tears as they sat their children down.
14:13We don't want to go, Nassat said softly, holding his family close.
14:17But there is something important we must do.
14:19It's the Konheim, isn't it?
14:22Their son said, with sudden vehemence.
14:25I heard people talking.
14:26They want to kill us.
14:28Their daughter lifted her head, her eyes wide.
14:31Is that true?
14:32She whispered.
14:33I had hoped we would never need have this conversation, Raycaret said to her husband,
14:38as heartache stained her every word.
14:41Nor I, Nassat replied, as she laid her head on his shoulder.
14:45With a heavy sigh, he looked at his children.
14:48The Konheim have attacked the human worlds, he told them, so we must go and stop them.
14:53But I promise you, we will be back before you know we are gone.
14:58He forced a smile on his face, but his children saw right through it.
15:02But what if something happens?
15:04Chechla wailed.
15:06Raycaret took a deep breath and lifted her children's heads.
15:08Now listen to me, she said in firm tones.
15:12We will have none of that.
15:13Your father and I have both fought the Konheim before, and nothing happened.
15:17The two of them shared a brief glance, as they pointedly ignored the lie.
15:22Your mother is right, Nassat said smoothly.
15:25So I need the both of you to be very brave.
15:28The twins looked at him, still unmollified.
15:31Aunt Pellet will look after you, but she'll need you to keep her from being frightened.
15:36Can you do that for me?
15:37Please?
15:38The twins looked at one another, and then solemnly nodded their heads.
15:43We promise, they vowed.
15:45Emotion threatened to strangle the words in his throat.
15:48I'm so proud of you, he said hoarsely, as Raycret bit down on her lip to fight back the tears.
15:54Chapter 6
15:57During the last war, Marshal Antuma had found himself in the unenviable position of sending others off to fight,
16:06and all too often die, while he himself stayed behind in relative safety.
16:11Relative being the operative word, since the Konheim had intended to attack every triumvirate world eventually,
16:17but thankfully the war ended before they were able to complete that goal.
16:22Not being able to share in the danger with those under his command had been the hardest thing he'd ever done.
16:28Much harder than suddenly discovering the war he'd be fighting would be for real.
16:33Part of him longed to be part of the mission to the Konheim homeworlds,
16:37but what he'd told Helene had been absolutely correct.
16:40If there were no human wolds to come back to when they finished their job,
16:44then all they would have achieved was mutual destruction.
16:48A less than ideal outcome to say the least.
16:51The problem was that there were eleven human worlds,
16:54nine now, that were potential targets.
16:58At best he could cover two with the forces he had,
17:00and that was stretching his units to the absolute limit.
17:03Not to mention the fact they still hadn't come up with a way to actually find the attackers.
17:08Preferably before they launched another RKKV.
17:12One location was a no-brainer, Saul.
17:14With both Earth and Mars as potential targets,
17:18not to mention being the homeworld and the most populated planets by far,
17:22that system had to be covered.
17:24A mission that he had taken on himself.
17:27The other colony, however.
17:28Which did he choose?
17:29Endymion?
17:30Zion?
17:31ParaĂso?
17:32Where would the Konheim strike next?
17:34And what would happen if he chose wrong?
17:36According to our intel,
17:39the journey to the nearest Konheim homeworld will take approximately two months,
17:43Admiral Fujimoto informed her commanders.
17:46During that time, I expect each officer and NCO to train their people to a razor's edge.
17:51Many of you have fought them before,
17:53and you know they will throw everything they have at us to defend their homes,
17:57just as we would.
17:58I can assure you,
18:00they will not just roll over without a fight.
18:02The officers nodded in agreement.
18:04Most were not actually present.
18:06Instead, they were represented by a holographic projection.
18:09It was an upgrade that she heartily approved of.
18:12Having her commanders flying around in a shuttle for a staff meeting struck her as patently absurd.
18:16She touched a key on her console.
18:19Bring up an image on her display.
18:21This is our first objective, Zach.
18:23Our best information describes this planet as being sparsely populated.
18:27Almost an outpost, in fact.
18:29I was seriously tempted to bypass it completely for one of the other targets.
18:33But I believe it will give us the chance to learn what new tactics and weapons the Konheim have in store for us,
18:39at relatively little cost.
18:40That's my hope, at least.
18:42The Admiral looked around the room, gauging their response.
18:45So far it was encouraging,
18:47but many of them had yet to face the Konheim in battle.
18:50She knew she could count on the veterans,
18:52but the ones who were still unblooded were an unknown quantity.
18:55It was perhaps an even bigger reason for her choice of Zach as their first objective,
19:00to give the rookies a chance to test themselves at relatively little cost.
19:04The confidence and experience they gained from this first battle
19:08would pay dividends when it came to the next objective.
19:11We are still in the process of gathering information, she continued.
19:15And as we learn more, we will pass that on.
19:18Study what you have, and we will reconvene at 0800 tomorrow for a more in-depth analysis.
19:24Dismissed.
19:25One by one, the officers either left the briefing room
19:28or disconnected their holographic avatars,
19:31until only the image of Nasat remained.
19:33Where are we on the intel side of things?
19:37She asked, coming straight to the point.
19:39I am making progress,
19:41but I am afraid that Giaj is growing increasingly uncomfortable in his role,
19:46Nasat reported.
19:47Unsurprisingly, he still feels a sense of loyalty towards his people,
19:51despite his disagreement with their current tactics.
19:54I see, Helene said carefully.
19:58Is this going to become a problem?
20:00I am unsure, the Sartor admitted.
20:04He is growing increasingly reluctant,
20:06but so far has not yet refused to answer questions.
20:09That, however, could change.
20:11Then you need to explain to him the consequences,
20:14the Admiral said coldly.
20:16His people broke the ceasefire and are systematically destroying the human worlds.
20:20We absolutely will not tolerate either prevarication or reticence on his part.
20:25Make him understand that.
20:27Admiral, Nasat began, suddenly uncomfortable.
20:30Giaj willingly accompanied me because he believes he still owes me a debt of honor.
20:35However, he is also a patriot, despite his self-imposed exile.
20:39It is my opinion that sooner or later he will come to a line he will refuse to cross.
20:43When that happens...
20:45When that happens, the kid gloves come off, Helene growled.
20:48I don't think you fully appreciate what the Konhume have done, Nasat.
20:52Not the weapon they used on us, but how it has affected humanity.
20:56Her dark eyes flashed dangerously.
20:59He will tell us what we want to know, one way or another.
21:02Is that understood?
21:03Yes, ma'am, he said quietly.
21:06Good, she said curtly.
21:08And to that end, I believe the time has come for some introductions, don't you?
21:14Nasat closed his eyes.
21:16I will see to it, Admiral.
21:17Excellent, she smiled thinly.
21:20Giaj is a warrior, not to mention smart.
21:23He'll figure it out, assuming he hasn't already.
21:25I'll expect your report after tomorrow's briefing.
21:28Dismissed.
21:29Yes, ma'am, he repeated softly, as his image disappeared from sight.
21:35Nasat's shoulders slumped as he turned away from the imager.
21:39I warned you this was coming, sir, Sergeant Major Lin said gently.
21:43I had hoped you were wrong, he said, defeated.
21:47Lin nodded in understanding.
21:49Do you recall the first time we met?
21:52Despite himself, Nasat barked out a laugh.
21:54I'm not likely to forget it.
21:56I was absolutely terrified of you.
21:58That was the idea, Lin chuckled.
22:01But I was actually thinking about something you told me about that day.
22:05How you thought I was sizing you and the other trainees up for their nutritional value.
22:10He cocked his head, regarding him.
22:13I wasn't, of course, but that primal fear you felt, coming face to face with a predator in all his martial glory.
22:20Hold on to that memory, because that is exactly what the Konheim have unleashed.
22:25I understand, the Sartor began, only for the human to cut him off.
22:30No, you don't, Lin said darkly.
22:32Your people were right about one thing.
22:34Inside each human lies a monster.
22:37We try to keep it chained up, and mostly we succeed.
22:39But when something like this happens, somehow Nasat managed to repress a shudder.
22:45Then it is up to us to try and keep that monster at bay, he said quietly.
22:49Send in Jiage, Sergeant Major, he directed, reverting back to formality.
22:53And then invite our guests to join us.
22:57Yes, sir, Lin nodded as he exited the room.
23:00Moments later, the door opened once more, as the former Dayaksh entered,
23:04regarding Nasat curiously as he took a seat across from him.
23:08So, more questions?
23:10He asked evenly.
23:12Later, Nasat replied.
23:14I have just finished speaking with Admiral Fujimoto,
23:17and she is most emphatic about your cooperation.
23:20I am afraid she has given meâand youâlittle choice in the matter.
23:25It was suddenly difficult to meet his gaze.
23:27I am sorry, Jiage, he said with regret.
23:31The Konheim's nostrils flared for a moment before he nodded.
23:34I have always known this day would come, he said at last.
23:38I could, of course, refuse to cooperate, or ensure I am unable to be questioned.
23:43The last was uttered calmly, despite the implication.
23:47You could try, yes, Nasat agreed sadly, but it is unlikely you will be allowed either choice.
23:54Perhaps you underestimate me, Jiage replied, as a mocking smile played across his face.
23:59No, I do not.
24:02Nasat took a deep breath.
24:03I am afraid there is more.
24:05The Admiral also wishes for you to take a more active role.
24:09Specifically, there are certain missions where she feels your participation would be indispensable.
24:14I see.
24:15The smile disappeared.
24:17And just how is she planning on enforcing that?
24:20A chime sounded at the door, before Nasat could respond.
24:23She has thought of that as well, he said reluctantly, as the door slid open, revealing a small group of humans.
24:32Well, hello there, Whisper smirked.
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