- 7/8/2025
#scifistories1977 #hfy #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.
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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CreativityTranscript
00:00The Barbarian War, Chapters 19, 20, and 21, The Terms of Extinction
00:05Chapter 19
00:08Admiral Fujimoto ordered the fleet forward as Nassat disappeared from the bridge.
00:15The Konhim responded to their maneuvers in turn, though not as eagerly as they had at the start.
00:21With the loss of their stealthed screening element, they were compelled to fall back on brute force,
00:26and in a straight-up fight, the odds were not in their favor.
00:31Keep them boxed up, Helene growled as the range closed.
00:35I don't want them scattering and hitting our flanks.
00:39Acknowledgements came in from the rest of the task force as her orders went out,
00:43as their displays were suddenly filled with thousands of new targets.
00:48Missile separation, the tactical officer called out.
00:51Currently reading 30,000, repeat 3-0-thousand, enemy-guided projectiles inbound.
00:58Fireplan Sierra, Fujimoto said calmly, as the task force retuned fire.
01:03So far, it seemed that the only new wrinkle the Konhim had come up with were the stealthed fighters,
01:09and with those out of the way, the fight was now a familiar one.
01:13Antimatter rounds reached out to swat the incoming missiles aside, while others raced for the enemy ships.
01:18The battle quickly became a game of speed chess.
01:22Lightning fast fire and counter fire coupled with rapid course adjustments.
01:26The modern naval engagement happened far too rapidly for anything but a computer to follow.
01:31But as the patterns began to emerge, Helene pounced on the opportunities given her like a jaguar.
01:37Holes began to appear in the enemy fleet as ships were damaged or destroyed,
01:42though sadly the engagement was not one-sided.
01:44Zaronk itself shuddered as klaxons began to blare as the enemy missiles found the chinks in her armor.
01:50The battlecruisers Kukri and Wakizashi were brutally hammered, rapidly shedding life pods,
01:56as the rest of the task force shifted position in order to protect them.
02:00But without more ships or some radical new technology, the Konhim fleet was fighting a losing battle.
02:06They were forced back against the planet, fighting for every inch of ground,
02:10but one by one they were pounded into scrap, and yet they still refused to surrender,
02:15despite the continuous messages grudgingly by Admiral Fujimoto,
02:19until finally the remainder of the enemy turned tail and scattered, leaving their fallen brethren behind.
02:26Helene collapsed back into her chair with beads of sweat on her brow.
02:30Damage report!
02:31She managed to get out, feeling the post-combat crash coming on as the adrenaline in her system began to break down.
02:37Hull damage to decks 6 through 9, the engineer reported.
02:43Turret 3 is offline, and drive has been degraded by 19%.
02:47Estimate? 36 hours to complete repairs?
02:50Understood, she nodded.
02:53Expedite the search and rescue teams to recover the life pods,
02:56and I'll want a preliminary report on the status of Kukri and Wakizashi.
03:00We need to know if they can be repaired, or will we be forced to scuttle them?
03:04We should know something within three hours, the engineer replied, as Nassat returned to the bridge with Jiage in tow.
03:12Admiral Fujimoto gritted her teeth.
03:14May I ask what he's doing here?
03:16I asked Jiage to speak to the inhabitants of Juj in the hopes of convincing them to surrender, Nassat replied.
03:24He has agreed to this in order to save lives.
03:26She snorted in distaste.
03:29Considering how the Konheim fleet continued the fight until the bitter end,
03:33I somehow doubt the ones of the surface will act any different, she said in disgust.
03:38But by all means, make the attempt.
03:40Maybe we'll get lucky.
03:42The tone of her voice suggested she was less than enthusiastic on the subject.
03:46Did they die well?
03:49Nassat and Helene turned to face Jiage, who was staring blankly at the display.
03:53Shattered ships and wreckage filled the screen.
03:56Yes, they died well, Fujimoto said at last.
04:00As well as anyone could have asked of them.
04:02There was an odd cast to her eyes as she regarded him, before she turned back to Nassat.
04:08Even if they do surrender, we can't afford to stay here forever,
04:12nor can we spare the troops needed for an occupation force.
04:15They're certain to bring reinforcements, and if we get bogged down, we're done for.
04:20I understand, Nassat said unhappily.
04:23Do we have communications with the planet?
04:25We've been broadcasting continuously since the battle began, Helene replied.
04:31So far, no response.
04:33Jiage took a deep breath, as his jaw set in a hard line.
04:37Then I suppose it is up to me, he said quietly.
04:40If you would patch me in, Admiral.
04:42It was obvious she still harbored doubts about the wisdom of this turn of events.
04:47But after a moment, she gave him a curt nod.
04:50The communications officer tapped an icon on her console and said,
04:54Live mic.
04:55There was a long pause as he marshaled his thoughts.
04:59Finally, he began to speak.
05:00I am Jiage Guiaz, and I once had the honor of leading our people in the Great Crusade.
05:06I speak to you now from the flagship of the enemy and ask you to acknowledge me.
05:11Silence.
05:12He tried again, and again there was no answer.
05:14On the third attempt, however, an image finally flickered to life on the screen.
05:20I am Dozom Asak, and I speak for the people of Gzuj.
05:24His eyes narrowed as he regarded Jiage.
05:27You have no standing among our people, Dayaksh, he said coldly.
05:31Another has taken your place, and he leads us now.
05:35I am not here to lead you, Dozom Asak, he replied.
05:38And while I no longer have standing, I have information you do not.
05:42If you wish to save the people of Gzuj, you would do well to listen.
05:46I do not hear the words of traitors, Dozom hissed.
05:50You stand with our enemy and yet claim the rights of the Konhim?
05:53Why should we listen to anything you have to say?
05:56Because I am trying to save lives, he said simply.
06:00Your warriors are defeated and driven from the field.
06:02The battle is lost.
06:04There is no dishonor in recognizing that.
06:07Others will take their place, he growled.
06:10Perhaps, but not in time, Jiage reasoned.
06:14If you accept the humans' terms, they will do everything possible to spare your planet further bloodshed.
06:20We are not as defenseless as they think, Dozom shot back.
06:24Let them come.
06:25We will show them the error of their ways once our hands are around their throats.
06:30You will never get that chance.
06:32He said quietly.
06:34The will raise the planet from orbit and leave you to die.
06:37There is no honor in a senseless death, and even less for a commander who would willingly inflict one on his own people.
06:44You speak to me of honor?
06:45He snarled.
06:47You?
06:47Who led us into defeat?
06:49Who even now finds his place in the arms of our enemy?
06:52I would rather die than embrace that kind of honor.
06:55That can be arranged, Helene murmured, earning a her a look from Nassat.
07:01Jiage colored, but stood his ground.
07:03And your children?
07:04He asked.
07:05Are you so willing to send them to their deaths?
07:08Better for them to die with honor than live as slaves, Dozom said stiffly, though I would not expect you to understand that, for you have obviously forgotten what honor truly means.
07:19I have not forgotten, Jiage said softly.
07:23I once thought as you did, Dozom Asak.
07:26I was proud to be a warrior of the Konhim from the time I earned my first blade.
07:30But the universe has taught me a harsh lesson, that there is another choice, that there is something besides victory or slavery.
07:38He glanced in Nassat's direction, that there is a way to stand on equal ground with those we once called our enemy.
07:45Never, Dozom seethed.
07:48You may drink their poison, but not I.
07:50If you truly are still Konhim, then show us the honor we deserve.
07:54And with that the screen went dark.
07:56The bridge froze in silence as the crew waited for someone to speak.
08:02Finally, Jiage bowed his head.
08:04Do what you must, he whispered, as he turned away, heading back to his quarters with a heavy heart.
08:10Nassat stood in shocked quiescence until Helene finally cleared her throat.
08:15Your orders, Marshal? she asked carefully.
08:18He gazed at the planet, so teeming with life, and wondered at the strange twists of fate that had brought him to this place.
08:26And carry out the bombardment, he said at last.
08:32Chapter 20
08:33The fleet of ships maneuvered themselves into orbit over Earth, while one of the task forces split off from the main body and headed for Mars.
08:41Yet another flotilla was already beginning its patrol of the system, watching over the steady stream of freighters and liners bringing in much-needed supplies and personnel.
08:50The scars of the Konhim attack were still highly visible from orbit, and Admiral Matavosian was only able to look away with the greatest of effort.
08:58You did all that you could, his new counterpart said gently.
09:03Admiral Beta, 892 sine zeta, wore a vaguely humanoid-shaped metal body, for which he was eternally gratefully.
09:12He wouldn't have known how to interact with a shiny metallic sphere.
09:16Matavosian shrugged.
09:17Perhaps someday I'll be able to believe that, he said quietly, though I'm not sure I'd care to place a wager on it.
09:24He shook his head and faced the ronin.
09:27I'm just glad your task force arrived as soon as it did.
09:30Leaving Earth unprotected was as unacceptable to us as it is to you, Beta-892 sine zeta said evenly.
09:39Your people have suffered greatly in this war, and we are honored to repay the debt we owe humanity in some small way.
09:46Thank you, Matavosian said with a grimace.
09:49I just wish—
09:51He sighed after a moment and gave the ronin admiral a wry look.
09:54I hate the thought of letting someone else do my job.
09:57At the moment, your job is to rebuild Earth Force, Beta-892 sine zeta replied.
10:04Our presence here is merely temporary until the new task force is completed.
10:08And then, the human asked, any idea what your orders will be once we are able to take over security of the system?
10:16Not as of yet, the ronin answered.
10:19Any assumption I made at this time would be pure speculation, given the nature of this new war.
10:24There are simply too many variables.
10:26Isn't there always—
10:28Matavosian said bitterly, frowning as he made a contrite gesture to the ronin admiral.
10:34My apologies.
10:35That came out harsher than I'd intended.
10:37There is nothing to apologize for, Beta-892, sine zeta said considerately.
10:43You have been, though, an indescribable ordeal.
10:46It will take time for you to come to terms with it.
10:48So the counselors tell me, he agreed, before regarding the ronin curiously.
10:53You were at Zaronk, weren't you?
10:56He asked.
10:57I was, the automaton acknowledged.
11:00I piloted an HK in that battle, and before that I wore an armored ground chassis at Uzonk's.
11:07Matavosian nodded.
11:08Must give you a unique perspective.
11:10He softened slightly as he gazed down at Earth once more.
11:14You know what it's like being on the receiving end.
11:17Indeed I do, Beta-892, sine zeta said opaquely.
11:22Admiral, do not be concerned.
11:24Look to rebuilding your fleet, and leave everything else to me.
11:27The meeting took place in a modest dwelling, far from the capital.
11:32Given the clandestine nature of the rendezvous, the home had been leased through a series of
11:37cutouts, leaving no trail that could be traced back to the principles involved.
11:41Or so they hoped, at least.
11:43I do not like this, Komzojcha said nervously.
11:46We have held up our end of the bargain, he told the shadowy figure appearing by hologram.
11:52So I believe it is time for you to show yourself.
11:54I must respectfully disagree, the figure replied.
11:59Where Ministers sing to learn of my identity, it could have devastating consequences for all
12:04of us.
12:05I believe Komzojcha speaks for everyone here, Laswarth chimed in.
12:09We are the ones taking the risks, after all.
12:12I assure you I am risking more than any of you, the figure retorted.
12:17In fact, the very reason I called this meeting was to inform you the first shipments have
12:21arrived on schedule.
12:22Indeed, Sigma-121 Sub-Delta said in surprise, that is good news.
12:30As promised, the figure said cheerfully.
12:33Given the number of freighters traveling to the Sol system, it was a simple task to conceal
12:38our cargo.
12:39Our agent on site is seeing to the necessary arrangements, and the items will be ready when
12:43you require them.
12:45And how will we take possession?
12:47Komzojcha demanded.
12:48We will transmit the coordinates to your envoy when delivery is complete, the figure explained.
12:54Should events require us to move up the timetable, the exchange can be requested sooner, though
13:00I cannot guarantee all items will be available before the agreed-upon deadline.
13:05At this time, we have no reason to alter the schedule, Laswarth assured him.
13:10Though as you say, circumstances can change.
13:12Remember, you must act before the humans rebuild their fleet, the figure warned.
13:18Should you fail to execute the operation before that time, the odds of success are not encouraging.
13:24Have no fear of that, Sigma-121 Sub-Delta said calmly.
13:29We will uphold our end of the bargain.
13:31See to it that you uphold yours.
13:33You have my word, the figure replied.
13:37Soon we will have everything we ever wanted.
13:41Diox Chugaz
13:42Uidan switched off the transmitter and smiled to himself.
13:46The former ministers were so focused on regaining what they had lost, not to mention taking their
13:51revenge on the humans, they had never even considered the possibility they were being
13:56manipulated.
13:57It hadn't been quite as simple a process to procure the discussed items as he had led them
14:01to believe.
14:02But no matter.
14:03There were others among the old triumvirate races that were just as eager to see an end
14:07to the human primacy, and just as easy to beguile.
14:11Being complete neophytes in the ways of treachery, they had made the classic blunder of assuming
14:17they were the ones in control.
14:19Fools!
14:20The plan was moving steadily forward, though not without setbacks.
14:24The losses of Zack and Zuge had been foreseen as possibilities, but that did not make their
14:29loss any less painful.
14:31Still, sacrifices were necessary in war.
14:34They'd salvaged what they could, but their real value was yet to be seen.
14:38The humans were reacting just as predicted, and soon that would cost them dearly.
14:43Once they lay broken and bleeding, the Konhim would deliver the final blow.
14:47And then it would be the triumvirate's turn.
14:51Chapter 21
14:52They didn't give you a choice, Marshal.
14:55Nasat slowly turned to face the person speaking to him.
14:59Admiral Fujimoto stood regarding him, her arms folded across her chest as he stared down at
15:05the planet below.
15:06Zis had fallen to their guns just as Zack and Zuge before, and once again he had brought
15:11Jiage to try and talk them into a peaceful surrender.
15:13There must be some way of getting through to them, he said at last.
15:21How can they choose death over life?
15:24Not even the deaths of those they claim to care about sway them.
15:28Bushido, Elaine said softly.
15:31Nasat stared at her curiously.
15:32I do not know what that means.
15:35Literally translated, it means the way of the warrior, she explained.
15:40It was a code my ancestors once followed, a very long time ago.
15:44The admiral gave him rueful shrug.
15:46It was an attempt to bind the warrior class, samurai, with august virtues, to ennoble them
15:53into something more than mere killers.
15:56Values such as honor and compassion and respect.
15:59He nodded slowly.
16:00Those are admirable traits indeed.
16:02But I do not see the connection.
16:05She sighed, because over time those values became corrupted, perverted into something
16:10sinister.
16:11Bushido came to mean obedience without question.
16:14Instead of showing mercy to those who had surrendered honorably, they were treated with
16:17contempt for the crime of not having died to the last in battle.
16:22The marshal turned back to gaze at the planet, at the dark clouds now dotting the landscape.
16:28The Konhim would understand your ancestors well, I think, Admiral, he said.
16:32And what finally brought an end to this ideology of death?
16:37Helene grimaced as she pointed at the ravaged planet.
16:41That, she said simply.
16:43Nassat shook his head and turned away.
16:45Is genocide the only recourse left to us?
16:48He asked mournfully.
16:50I cannot accept that.
16:52They've spent millennia plotting their revenge against the triumvirate races, she said dispassionately.
16:58Their entire society has been molded to serve that purpose.
17:01It has defined them for so long they are no longer capable of seeing an alternative.
17:05She gave him a hard look.
17:08Not until they're forced to, at least.
17:11We have devastated a third of their worlds and they are showing no signs of capitulation, he shot back.
17:17How many more must we bombard, before they recognize the futility of continuing the fight?
17:22Maybe all of them, the Admiral replied.
17:26You should be prepared for that possibility.
17:28If I were human, perhaps I could, he said quietly.
17:32Were I member of your race, it is possible I could grimly accept the slaughter.
17:37Accept that there were no other options.
17:40A dark cloud crossed Helene's face as Nassat held up a hand.
17:44That was not a slander against your people, Admiral, he explained.
17:49I was merely pointing out how dissimilar our races are.
17:52Our species are adapted for very different roles, which in turn shapes our view of the universe.
17:59She nodded after a moment.
18:01True enough, I suppose.
18:03But it doesn't change a thing.
18:04They still won't surrender to us, their enemy.
18:06Nothing is likely to change that.
18:09Nassat bowed his head and closed his eyes.
18:11She spoke the truth.
18:12There was no denying it.
18:14The only reason the Konhim had surrendered in the last war was because they had captured their leader in battle.
18:20It had paralyzed them at a crucial moment, and...
18:22His eyes flew open as he raised his head.
18:25You are correct, he said slowly.
18:27The Konhim will never surrender to us.
18:30I'm truly sorry, Marshal, Helene said with some sympathy.
18:34At least we can continue the campaign, recognizing the fact they won't listen to reason.
18:39He shook his head as an odd gleam shone from his eyes.
18:42No, you misunderstand, he said carefully.
18:46They will never surrender to us.
18:49Her brow furrowed in confusion.
18:51Now I'm the one in the dark, she said.
18:54Nassat only smiled in reply as he reached for the intercom.
18:57You cannot be serious, Ji-Aj exclaimed, once Nassat explained his sudden brainstorm.
19:05I can assure you that I am, he replied.
19:08I never thought I would hear myself say this, Helene chimed in, but I have to agree with our...
19:14guest.
19:15Nassat briefly wondered what words she originally had in mind as she plunged ahead.
19:20He tried to negotiate the surrender of both Gzuj and Zis, and they refused to listen.
19:26What could possibly make them heed his words now?
19:29Because at the moment they see him as our prisoner, Nassat explained.
19:33But what if they did not?
19:35He is our prisoner, Fujimoto contended, barely giving the Konhim a glance.
19:40But what if he was not, Nassat pressed.
19:43What if he was simply attempting to reclaim the title of Diaksh?
19:47The human and the Konhim both stared at him.
19:50I surrendered that title, Ji-Aj said at last.
19:53Chuga's Uidan is Diaksh now.
19:56But that title is not static, is it?
19:58Nassat asked.
19:59You have explained to me how you originally earned the position,
20:03how you and the other claimants met on the field of battle to prove your worthiness.
20:07Why could you not do so again?
20:08And how would you propose I do that, assuming I was remotely interested in the first place?
20:14Ji-Aj demanded.
20:16Whatever standing I once had, I lost when we lost the war.
20:19My resignation was little more than an acknowledgment of that fact.
20:23He shook his head.
20:24You have seen how my people react to me now.
20:27Trying to reclaim the position of Diaksh would be impossible.
20:30The people would never support me.
20:32He's right, Admiral Fujimoto reluctantly agreed.
20:36We humans have experience with puppet leaders.
20:39And that's exactly how the Konhim would see him.
20:41Without the respect and consent of those he would govern,
20:44the only way he could maintain control would be at gunpoint.
20:48Not exactly a stable form of government.
20:50You are correct.
20:51He could not be a puppet, Nassat agreed.
20:54Which is why it would be necessary for him to earn his position legitimately.
20:58And I ask again how, Ji-Aj said in exasperation.
21:03By leading soldiers into battle, of course, Nassat said matter-of-factly.
21:08And where do you propose I find these warriors?
21:12The Konhim asked, badgering him.
21:14Because I do not see any of my people volunteering to serve under my command.
21:18Nassat smiled.
21:21Ji-Aj, you may not have any warriors at your disposal, but we do.
21:25Are you insane?
21:27Helene snarled in horror.
21:28Are you seriously proposing giving him a commission to fight against his own kind?
21:33She shook her head in disbelief.
21:35There isn't a single one of our soldiers that would willingly serve under a Konhim commander,
21:40assuming for one minute I would actually allow such a thing.
21:44You are not in a position to allow or deny this, Admiral, Nassat said stiffly.
21:49I am in command here.
21:51Not for long if you plan on giving our enemy his own army, she shot back.
21:56No one in this fleet would stand for it.
21:58I'd be forced to place you under arrest, just to keep you from being torn apart.
22:02Nassat rolled his eyes in exasperation.
22:05Admiral, despite all appearances to the contrary, I am not a fool.
22:09We would, of course, have safeguards in place to ensure Ji-Aj did not get... ideas.
22:15He gave the Konhim an apologetic shrug.
22:17You understand, of course.
22:19And why exactly would I do this? Ji-Aj asked.
22:23The Admiral is correct about one thing.
22:25None of your warriors would trust me not to betray them.
22:28You are asking me to do battle with my own race.
22:31What possible incentive could you give me to accept such a ridiculous notion?
22:36The Sortuar Marshal looked back down at the planet below.
22:39Because your only other alternative, Ji-Aj, is that, he said quietly, pointing at the ravaged world.
22:45This is lunacy, Helene hissed.
22:49Nassat closed his eyes.
22:51When genocide becomes tolerable, what is one more act of madness? he asked softly.
22:56and Vijay
22:57and Peaks
22:57and Poest
22:59and Reacts
22:59and Peaks
22:59The Sorte
23:00and Moi level
23:01and Space
23:01and the Empire
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