- 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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FunTranscript
00:00The Barbarian War, Chapters 22, 23, and 24
00:04The Shattering of Certainty
00:05Chapter 22
00:08I don't like this.
00:11Nassat could only shrug at Admiral Fujimoto's statement.
00:15Perhaps the Konim have pulled back their forces.
00:18And left an entire planet exposed?
00:20She spun her chair to face him, shaking her head.
00:23That's out of character for them,
00:25and any time the enemy does something different, I expect the worst.
00:28Prudent, certainly, but that does not alter the circumstances we find ourselves in.
00:35He nodded at the world on their viewscreens.
00:38We are here.
00:39The Konim fleet is not.
00:41What course of action would you suggest?
00:43Helene grumbled, drumming her fingers on the armrest as she considered their options.
00:48Their arrival at the planet Gok had been something of an anti-climax.
00:52There were indications the Konim forces had recently pulled out of the system,
00:55leaving it undefended, though there was still a sizable population on the surface.
01:01Which possibly gave them options.
01:04You already know what my position is, Fujimoto retorted.
01:07Bombard the planet like we did the others and move on.
01:10She scowled at Nassat's placid expression, her nostrils flaring with hostility.
01:15But I'm guessing you have other ideas, don't you?
01:18I do, Nassat agreed.
01:21Based on our observations, Gok is an excellent sight to learn if we can give the Konim an alternative
01:26to the current Diaksh, and a possible end to this war.
01:31My way is just a bit more definitive, Helene growled.
01:35Less risk for us, and a swifter resolution.
01:38My ancestors thought the same once, Nassat said quietly.
01:42It did not end well for anyone.
01:44Violence merely begets violence.
01:46Even your own race came to that conclusion.
01:50Marshal, there is a time for peace, and there is a time for war, she shot back.
01:54And this is not the time for peace.
01:57Nor am I suggesting that, he replied, merely a strategy that is somewhat less final.
02:04Fine, she said hotly.
02:06Do as you will.
02:07She leaned forward, stabbing a finger into his chest.
02:09But every death we suffer because of this strategy is on your head, not mine.
02:14My way would have saved lives.
02:17Our lives.
02:18Which is where your focus should be on.
02:19Not some vague notion of turning enemies into allies.
02:23There had been a time when a confrontation with an angry human would have left him a trembling wreck.
02:28But those days were far behind him.
02:31Nassat weathered the storm without flinching,
02:33waiting until she finished venting her spleen before responding.
02:36The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting, he intoned, earning him a confused look from the admiral.
02:45Sun Tzu, he smiled.
02:47I have found his words most illuminating.
02:50Remind me to have a long talk with Sergeant Lin about your reading material, she grumbled, before waving a hand in defeat.
02:57Very well, she said at last.
02:59Do it your way.
03:01The smile on his face disappeared.
03:03Admiral, in case you have forgotten, I am in command of this fleet.
03:07While I value your input and expertise, when I have made my decision, the time for debate is over.
03:13His voice grew cold.
03:15Overstep your authority again at your peril.
03:17The retort she was preparing to fling back in his face died on her lips.
03:21Aye, sir, she said at last.
03:23This is a bad idea, Sergeant Lin said unhappily.
03:28Marshals have no business in the trenches.
03:30You should remain aboard Zaronk, where it's safe.
03:33Nassat raised an eyebrow.
03:35Fine, safer, Lin amended.
03:37Under normal circumstances, I would agree, Nassat replied.
03:41But given the unusual situation we find ourselves in, my presence on the ground could prove crucial.
03:47If for no other reason to reassure our forces they are not marching into a trap.
03:52Besides, the fleet is in good hands, and since I have no training in naval tactics, at least on the ground I can be useful.
04:00Just promise me you won't be leading any rescue missions or cavalry charges, Lin sighed.
04:06I'll bet Rekret went ballistic when you told her what you're planning.
04:09Nassat suddenly looked embarrassed.
04:11Well, as it happens, he mumbled awkwardly.
04:15Lin rolled his eyes.
04:16Seriously? You didn't tell her?
04:19He sighed in defeat.
04:21I was planning on informing her when I arrived on the surface.
04:24You mean when you were safely out of reach?
04:26Lin smirked.
04:28She's gonna be pissed.
04:30My wife can be very passionate at times, Nassat said carefully.
04:35That's one way of putting it, Lin muttered under his breath.
04:39Nassat chose to ignore the remark.
04:41May I assume all is in readiness?
04:43We're on schedule, more or less, the sergeant replied.
04:48The assault forces should be ready by the deadline.
04:51A wry smile appeared on his face.
04:54Just like the old days, right, sir?
04:56As I recall the last time we were in combat, I was forced to drag your broken body back to friendly lines, Nassat said dryly.
05:04A beatific smile appeared on Lin's face.
05:08Yeah, good times, he grinned.
05:10Nassat blinked before shaking his head.
05:13Have I mentioned how strange your species is? he asked.
05:16Once or twice, Lin smirked.
05:19He was struggling to find a suitable response when Jiage suddenly appeared in the corridor, flanked by four humans in combat gear.
05:28Diaksh, he said respectfully, inclining his head.
05:31When you said safeguards, I did not realize you had this in mind, Jiage said in preamble, casting a glance at Whisper.
05:38Would it not be simpler to just slit my throat and be done with it?
05:42Whisper seemed to perk up at the notion as Nassat sighed.
05:46I assure you, they are for your protection, he said calmly.
05:51This entire strategy is doomed to failure, Jiage argued.
05:55No con him worthy of the name will believe for an instant I am not acting as your vassal.
06:00They will kill me the moment I am spotted.
06:02They can try, Tango snorted, hefting her sniper rifle.
06:07We will find a way, Nassat said quietly.
06:10We must.
06:12Jiage gave the Sartar a long look.
06:14There are times I wonder if you reside in the same universe as the rest of us, he said at last.
06:20You seem almost untouched by the storm surrounding you.
06:24Appearances can be deceiving, he replied woodenly, a distant look in his eyes.
06:29There was a long silence before Jiage squared both sets of shoulders.
06:34Well then, this brings back memories, he said wryly.
06:37Nassat grimaced.
06:39The last time we were in battle we shot each other, he said in exasperation.
06:44Yes, glorious times, Jiage chuckled as he headed for the shuttle.
06:50There's something very wrong with the both of you, he complained to Lin as they followed in his wake.
06:55Chapter 23
06:58The Archangel-class assault craft were a far cry from the crude transports Nassat had ridden into battle as a young recruit.
07:06Like the rest of the Tetrarchies' new navy, they were state-of-the-art, mounting both offensive and defensive systems.
07:13But the biggest difference Nassat was struck by was the viewscreens.
07:17As he and the others dove for the surface aboard the transport Michael, watching incoming fire reaching for them, he couldn't help but wonder if they counted as an actual improvement.
07:29Admiral Fujimoto had done a commendable job in neutralizing the worst of Gok's military capabilities, but he had specifically ordered her to use a lighter touch than they had in the past.
07:40There was no point in landing forces if all they found upon their arrival was ashes.
07:45And yet her words were coming back to haunt him.
07:48Many more would die because of this strategy.
07:50The blame was his and his alone.
07:52The transport jerked hard, avoiding a brace of missiles, as they raced for the relative safety of the planet's surface.
07:59Once they were on the ground and had secured a perimeter, they could put his plan into action.
08:04Whether or not it would work was another matter entirely.
08:07Sergeant Lin leaned over and shouted into his ear,
08:11Thirty seconds to the LZ, sir!
08:13The other soldiers were readying their weapons in anticipation.
08:17As Nassat glanced over at Giaj, he seemed almost calm, as if he had accepted his fate for good or ill.
08:24And there was a part of him that envied that.
08:26But then the former Diaksh had trained since childhood to become a warrior, whereas he had not.
08:32The thrusters screamed in sudden protest as the assault boats came in hard, slamming onto the surface as the hatchways were flung open.
08:41Thousands of Tetrarchy soldiers boiled out of the transports, charging into battle only to be met with heavy fire.
08:47Nassat and Sergeant Lin were right on their heels, barely managing to get clear before the craft roared away, tearing back up to orbit to reload for the second wave.
08:58Lin grabbed him by the arm and dragged him to a small depression in the dirt, just barely large enough to provide some small measure of protection.
09:06Resistance is heavier than anticipated, the sergeant reported, as he monitored the traffic between units.
09:12Be a while before we're locked down tight.
09:15Securing the perimeter has absolute priority, Nassat ordered as he scanned the horizon.
09:21Unless we can hold this position for the next wave, our situation will quickly become untenable.
09:27A massive explosion rocked them back on their heels, sending a huge fireball into the sky.
09:33The two shared a look, as Lin checked his weapon.
09:36Tell them to expedite, the human said grimly.
09:39Those who have not experienced combat in space firsthand often have wildly unrealistic ideas about how it's waged.
09:48Even with the advanced ships and weapons used by both sides, the physical laws that shape the universe still hold sway.
09:55Over the years, engineers and designers have found a number of ways to tweak the odds in their favor, even a few outright cheats.
10:02But at the end of the day, there are some things they simply cannot change.
10:06The tactics used by both the Tetrarchy and the Konhim recognize that, and are planned accordingly.
10:12Which is why you never hear of one side ambushing the other.
10:16In space, there is simply no place to hide.
10:18Any force lying in wait is bound to be detected as the enemy approaches, despite the immenseness of the battlefield.
10:25You have to get close enough to fire your weapons, and to do that, your ship must have its reactors and engines online.
10:31Which is the first thing your opponent scans for.
10:34Sure, you can hide behind a planet or an asteroid, only now you have a massive chunk of rock between you.
10:40If you can't see them, you can't shoot them, and vice versa.
10:44Sneaking up on the enemy isn't an option either.
10:46You will be spotted long before you are in weapons range, with predictable results.
10:51In the end, it becomes a brutal slugging match, until finally one side surrenders or flees.
10:56It's not pretty. It's not elegant. It just is.
11:01But, if you can somehow misdirect your opponent, lull them into a false sense of security, make them think they have nothing to fear,
11:10then suddenly, all bets are off.
11:13Admiral Fujimoto had diligently scanned Gok and the surrounding region as they entered the system.
11:18When no enemy was found, she scoured the area much more closely, suspicious of a trap.
11:24When still no Konhim were found, she'd finally scaled back her efforts.
11:29You couldn't keep your entire crew at battle stations forever, if for no other reason that they had to sleep every now and then.
11:36In theory, this did not hold true for the Ronin.
11:38Being artificial lifeforms, sleep was something that technically did not apply to them.
11:44They did, however, have to power down on a regular basis.
11:47Otherwise, they risked degradation to their hardware, so it was something of a wash.
11:51Dayaksh Chugaz Uydan had carefully prepared the battlefield long before the Tetrarchy forces had arrived.
11:59Zak, Juz, and Zis had been cold-bloodedly sacrificed to draw Helene deep within Konhim space,
12:04to allow her to fall into a pattern of behavior.
12:07When she arrived at Gok, she had diligently searched for the enemy and found none.
12:12Technicians still monitored deep space in case the Konhim attempted a counterattack.
12:16But it was a skeleton crew at best.
12:19After all, they had all the time in the world to go on alert when they spotted the enemy fleet approaching.
12:24Until suddenly, they didn't.
12:27Isaac Newton's first law states,
12:29A body tends to be in a state of rest or motion unless acted upon by an external force.
12:35This especially holds true in space.
12:37Throw a rock in microgravity, and it will continue traveling forever, just as the Konhim fleet was doing now.
12:43They'd shut down their engines days before, coming in on a purely ballistic trajectory,
12:49having calculated the arrival of the Tetrarchy task force by means of frantic communications from each of the doomed worlds.
12:56Life support and other necessary functions were held to a bare minimum,
13:00and to mask their approach, they'd slingshot it in from behind Gok's sun, using its intense glare as cover.
13:07Like sharks, they swam closer to the unsuspecting vessels, holding their fire until the very last second as they awaited the final command.
13:17Admiral Fujimoto scowled as she monitored the communications from the surface.
13:21To no one's surprise, except possibly their illustrious marshals, they'd run into stiff resistance from the Konhim forces.
13:29They were holding their own for now, but the situation was far too fluid to be considered resolved.
13:34Fool! She cursed silently yet again.
13:38If he'd listened to me, we'd be done by now and without casualties.
13:41Despite humanity's best efforts, the old triumvirate races were still far too squeamish when it came to combat,
13:47and Nassat was no exception.
13:49How he'd managed to convince Singh to make him marshal boggled the mind,
13:53and she'd happily ascribe darker motivations for his coup d'etat if he wasn't such a damn choir boy.
13:59Maybe he had the best of intentions.
14:01Helene was willing to grant him that much, at least.
14:03But unlike him, she knew what the road to Hel was paved with.
14:08Outwardly, however, she forced an expression of calm on her face.
14:11Let him have his moment.
14:13She could afford to bide her time, and once the casualty report started coming in,
14:17a copy routed to the Prime Minister's desk would shatter what credibility he had with her.
14:22Nassat would quickly find himself out of favor, and they could get back to the business of winning this damn war.
14:28She managed to stifle a sigh of resignation when her tactical officer suddenly jolted upright.
14:34Admiral, I'm getting some odd readings, he said in confusion, as he began tapping commands on his console.
14:41What kind of readings?
14:43Fujimoto demanded, leaning forward.
14:44I'm not sure, the officer replied.
14:48For a moment I thought I'd spotted—
14:51He froze in horror, spinning in his chair to face her as he shouted out a warning.
14:57Ah!
14:57Incoming!
15:00Chapter 24
15:01There's an old earth legend that tells it best.
15:05A horse, having a wolf as a powerful and dangerous enemy, lived in constant fear of his life.
15:11Being driven to desperation, it occurred to him to seek a strong ally.
15:14Whereupon he approached a man, and offered an alliance pointing out that the wolf was likewise an enemy of the man.
15:21The man accepted the partnership at once, and offered to kill the wolf immediately, if his new partner would only cooperate by placing his greater speed at the man's disposal.
15:31The horse was willing, and allowed the man to place bridle and saddle upon him.
15:36The man mounted, hunted down the wolf, and killed him.
15:39The horse, joyful and relieved, thanked the man, and said,
15:42Now that our enemy is dead, remove the bridle and saddle and restore my freedom.
15:47Whereupon the man laughed loudly and replied,
15:49The hell you say?
15:51Giddy up, Dobbin!
15:52And applied the spurs with a will.
15:55One.
15:56After ten years, the triumvirate horse had come to despise its rider.
16:00Not all of them, of course.
16:02There were many that looked upon the humans as saviors, while others shrugged and accepted them as a necessary evil.
16:08But there were those that chafed at the changes mankind had wrought on their perfect society, longing to see them put back in their rightful place.
16:16In the quiet places of the Tetrarchy they spoke in hushed tones, far from human ears, debating one idea after another how to retake their civilization from the upstart usurpers.
16:27Only there was one small problem they kept running into.
16:31The usurpers had all the guns, not to mention the proven will to use them.
16:35When the Konheim returned for round two, this time focusing their attacks on the humans, the old guard rejoiced as if delivered mana from heaven.
16:44With the upstart apes suitably hobbled, life could once again return to the idyllic perfection they had known before the barbarians had stormed the gates.
16:52The fleet sent to Seoul after the destruction of Earth Force, with the assistance of a highly placed anonymous donor, was the culmination of their plans.
17:01All they needed was the final signal to kick things off.
17:04After all, timing is everything.
17:07Admiral Fujimoto stared in horror as thousands of red icons suddenly appeared on the display.
17:13The shouted alarm from Tactical had given her only a few seconds' warning, not nearly enough time to mount an effective defense.
17:19Her fist smashed the emergency icon mounted on her armrest as she shouted,
17:24Red alert! All ships! Weapons free!
17:27She had honed their skills for years, overseen their training, turned the fledgling Tetrarchy Navy into a professional service worthy of the name.
17:35Their ships and weapons were best they could design, manned by crew that had taken her lessons to heart.
17:40Helene would have happily stacked them up against any foe, past or present.
17:45If only they'd had time to prepare.
17:47Her universe exploded as dozens of missiles detonated against Zaronk's hull, tearing away great gouges of metal and exposing entire decks to the vacuum of space.
17:57Desperately, they fought to bring their guns to bear against the enemy, only to have them blasted into debris.
18:03The fleet began to break apart, scattering in the desperate hope to stay alive, only to have the hunters run them to ground.
18:10It was a slaughter.
18:12They didn't go down without a fight.
18:14Despite the incredible odds against them, they clawed back with everything they had.
18:19Several ships of the Konheim fleet joined the Tetrarchy in death, while many more were grievously wounded.
18:25It was only because of the damage inflicted by the doomed task force that allowed any of their brethren to escape,
18:31their survival bordering on the miraculous.
18:33But as any veteran will tell you, miracles come with a price.
18:39Nassat could only listen to the screams and shouted orders coming over the comm, often cut off in mid-sentence, unable to intervene.
18:46The perimeter was holding for now, barely, but that was the least of his worries.
18:51Without the fleet, there was no way to return home, and without its protection, the Konheim could take them at will.
18:57They had no ships, limited weapons and supplies, outmanned and outgunned at every turn.
19:03But even that was not his greatest fear.
19:05Rikret was aboard one of those ships.
19:07He had no idea if she was alive or dead, and he hadn't even had the courage to say goodbye when he'd snuck off like a thief in the night.
19:15And there was now the strong possibility he'd never get the chance again.
19:19Lynn was at his side, steadying him without saying a word.
19:22He could see the desperation in the eyes of every soldier who had followed him on his fool's crusade.
19:28Thankful to be alive, but recognizing it was only a momentary reprieve.
19:33Their turn would come, as certain as the sunrise.
19:37Nassat
19:37It took several moments to register, as he slowly turned towards the voice.
19:43Jiage gazed at him, his expression unreadable, while his human guards hovered in the background.
19:48He looked at the Konheim warrior, as desolation filled his soul.
19:53We cannot stay here, the former Dayaksh said quietly.
19:57By maintaining the perimeter, we are a target for fleet above our heads.
20:01His words were grim confirmation of the hopelessness of their situation.
20:05What do you suggest?
20:07He managed somehow to ask in return.
20:09We must disappear into the terrain, Jiage said firmly.
20:13Break up into smaller groups, and scatter in all directions.
20:17Infiltrate the nearby cities and villages, and use their presence to shield us from Chugaz Uidan's forces.
20:23This is the only way we will survive.
20:25Lynn nodded slowly in agreement.
20:28Guerilla warfare, he chimed in, giving the strategy a name.
20:32Nassat took a deep breath.
20:34They will hunt for us, he said without emotion.
20:37Yes, they will, Jiage concurred.
20:40But for the clever warrior, there are ways to turn the enemy's advantages against him.
20:45A cold smile appeared on Sergeant Lynn's face.
20:48Damn right there are, he said, hefting his rifle.
20:52And humanity has spent thousands of years learning every dirty trick in the book.
20:56It wasn't much.
20:58In fact, it was almost nothing at all.
20:59But for a desperate man, a candle can seem like a raging inferno.
21:04Very well, he said at last.
21:07Do it.
21:08Admiral Beta, 892 Sina Zeta, had grown tired of the charade, of playing the smiling lackey to the barbarians.
21:17But his superiors, the former ministers cast aside by Leandra Singh, had insisted he stand by until all was in place.
21:25Surprise was the key to their strategy.
21:28And though they had convinced the humans they were their staunch allies, the ministers had ordered him to hold until they gave the command.
21:36It was obvious they were waiting for something, but waiting for what?
21:39It made no sense to him, but it was obvious he was not privy to all their plans.
21:44There were still the triumvirate worlds to be reclaimed, so perhaps they were delaying until other preparations had been completed.
21:51Whatever the reason, finally the moment had come.
21:55The Admiral's metal form lacked the ability to express emotion.
21:59In fact, even the concept was poorly defined in his race.
22:03They knew happiness and sorrow, hate and fear, but somehow they seemed diluted in the ronin compared to the biological species.
22:11Now, however, he could have danced with joy.
22:13He settled into his chair, gazing at the displays.
22:16It is time, he informed his crew, as they readied themselves for battle.
22:20The cone hematack of Earth had been as thorough as it had been brief, all but wiping out the various satellites and installations orbiting the planet.
22:29They few that had survived had been hastily repaired, forming the nucleus of the shipyards now housing the skeletons of Earth's replacement fleet.
22:37In fact, it would be the work of many months before they were completed, except they would never be given that chance.
22:43This is Admiral Beta 892 Sine Zeta to all ships in the task force, he said with great satisfaction.
22:50Target the shipyards, and fire.
22:53Order over there.
22:564 major
22:579 Wet
22:599 囃ик
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