He ran through predator planets and their roaming areas, food planets and equal distribution, the delivery of plants and a long list of items that bored Star Wolf to the point of nodding off. A firm jab to the ribs from his father, and leader of Lupus, soon woke him up. The scowl on his father’s greyish-white muzzle ensured Star sat upright.
‘Pay attention, Star Wolf,’ his father never called him son, ‘this is what we’re here for.’ He pointed to a dazzling, broad-chested Tiger taking to the podium in the centre of the lowest ring of marble in the coliseum.
The turnout of races had never been higher than at today’s meeting. Rumour of destroyed planets tended to draw out the masses. Seventy-five percent of the animals present were utter cowards, here out of nosiness and nothing more. They wouldn’t lift a finger to pursue justice or discover the truth. They were the well to do of their species, in their fine, heavily perfumed robes, sporting all manner of elaborate clothing. What a bunch of Peacocks. The irony being the Peacock representatives were some of the more subtly attired creatures in attendance. No, these animals would all sit back and allow the strongest species to do all the hard work.
Shame the top of elite list was the Tigers.
Star Wolf despised their smugness. A superiority complex!
For millennia the Apex predator lorded their supremacy over other species, not that anyone referred to them as an Apex predator anymore. To do so dredged up too many memories, of a war thousands of years in duration, one that only ceased twenty years ago. The original war for the universe; the Apex War was between the Lions and Tigers.
From the ashes of that war The Council of Worlds was born and brought in two decades of peace and prosperity. That didn’t mean the longstanding tension and distrust vanished, it just lay dormant.
‘Thank you.’ The Winter Tiger nodded a respectful gesture toward the Goat Master, and in turn the front rows of well to do planet leaders, including Star Wolf’s father, who bristled next to Star Wolf. ‘It saddens me to be stood here before you today, in such circumstances. In an era of extended peace the destruction of one planet, let alone, five is an act that needs addressing and fixing immediately.’ The Winter Tiger’s smooth, soft-spoken voice won over most of the Council.
Everywhere Star Wolf turned obedient nods greeted the imperious Tiger’s words. Lies. Huge rings of cream-coloured marble, with thin grey, white and black tendrils snaked their way through the cold surfaces. They housed the thousands of animals representing their entire world. As Star Wolf craned his neck to scan the subservient animals desperate for the Winter Tiger to outline a plan, and offer to execute it, he noted one creature not nodding.
The grizzle-haired Badger was a strangely familiar creature to Star. One who did not wear the usual burgundy colour of the House of Badger, instead he opted for black leathers and what looked like chainmail, of all things. He was sat in between two younger Badgers, one male and one female, both with lustrous black and white faces and neatly cut burgundy robes. The short, stocky Badger in between them had a face set so rigid he took on a stone visage. He provided a glimmer of hope that not all the animals so gullibly swallowed the Winter Tiger’s speech. The old Badger’s round barrel chest left the diminutive Badgers sat either side of him struggling for space.
It wasn’t difficult to wonder why a Badger would dislike a Tiger, between Tiger, Hound and Wolf they had all but removed Badgers from the galaxy. They now contented themselves with staying on their home planet, afraid to venture across the stars for fear of another cull. The younger Badgers being in attendance made sense, Star Wolf could spot diplomats, here no doubt to secure plants and supplies for their planet but the surly-looking stranger stood out. Why’s he here?
Star Wolf couldn’t stand the diatribe the Winter Tiger laid out against a species, Krakens, long gone from the universe, so he stood, despite his father tugging at his sleeve, to address The Council of Worlds.
‘You wish this Council to believe a beast that’s rumoured to feed every ten thousand years has emerged and consumed five planets in the space of a month?’
All eyes spun from Star Wolf to the Winter Tiger, whose face made granite look like putty, the only sign he was alive the slight twitch of the scar at the edge of his left eye. He broke into the slightest of chuckles, an odd expression of amusement before responding.
‘Our intelligence suggests there’s more than one Space Kraken in existence.’
‘And what intelligence is that exactly?’ demanded Star Wolf as the murmurs erupted in the Council chamber. The palpable tension lifted way up the banks of marble seating.
‘Each planet’s final distress calls were of monstrous beasts devouring their people.’ Answered the Winter Tiger in an easy, aloof tone. ‘That could be any number of predators,’ Star Wolf paused, aware all eyes were fixed upon him, especially his father’s, ‘an Apex perhaps.’
Silence filled the Council at the mention of Apex.
A wry smile fell over the Winter Tiger, his black and white fur looked glorious against his black and gold outfit.
‘That is what we will ascertain, if the Council so wishes.’ The Winter Tiger looked Star dead in the eye. It was a stare that sent a shiver up his spine and caused an involuntary shudder. To his shame, he turned his gaze away.
‘The young Wolf pup,’ the Winter Tiger’s words took on a condescending tone, ‘speaks wise words, who here among us, however, can lay claim to the title of Apex at one point or another in our own race’s unique history. I’m sure the Wolf cub,’ again another subtle dig, ‘does not lay such an accusation before The Council of Worlds lightly. He is right, the perpetrator of these heinous crimes could well reside within this room.’
The Winter Tiger swept a broad, muscular left arm around the room, as he did so a rare ray of sunlight glistened off the elaborate gold metalwork of his armoured black jacket. In fitting with their wealthy status the Tiger race always wore fancy garments, both exquisite and practical. A pair of matching black leather trousers, lined with gold, and a robust pair of black boots with golden laces completed his resplendent attire. The only items missing, weapons on account of the founding rule of no firearms or blades at Council meetings.
As Star Wolf’s daydreaming dissipated, he turned to his glaring father and thousands more eyes pinning him, most with what he deemed shock but a select few with genuine, obvious anger. A Crocodile’s jaw shook as he glared. A Black Bear three rows up bared his teeth. Any creature that could lay claim to the tag of Apex gave Star Wolf death stares.
Murmurs spewed throughout the grand chamber.
All eyes fixed on Star Wolf.
‘Order, order,’ demanded the Goat Master. ‘Do you have any evidence to back these claims up, Sun Wolf?’ He directed the question to Star’s Wolf father, the only Wolf who should be speaking at Council meetings.
Sun Wolf stood, masking to all but Star Wolf the aching joints in his hips, too long Star Wolf noted the failing movements of his father. A proud warrior and leader for nearly five decades now, the longest and most successful reign in known Wolf history. Sun Wolf’s white muzzle and chalky blue eyes showed further signs of old age but still he wore the dark-grey uniform of the House of Wolves well, his every movement seemed to be in defiance against old age.
‘We do not, Master.’ He glanced at his son. ‘Forgive Star Wolf. He is merely eager to help, and protect the galaxy, I’m sure you understand Winter?’
‘It’s quite alright, Sun, that’s all any of us want,’ the Winter Tiger pinned Star Wolf with a hard stare, his face rigid but his eyes wild pools of fire that Star Wolf couldn’t help but gaze into as Goosebumps trickled over his flesh, ‘the safety and future of the galaxy and all those touched by the Universal Beacon is all that matters. Now if it pleases the Council I will depart at once to investigate the rumoured Space Krakens,’ he paused, changing his tone to a playful one, ‘or Apex’s.’
Laughter echoed around the vast marble room.
‘Yes of course, all in agreement for the T
igers to investigate these rumours and report back in two weeks,’ a few audible groans, most likely at the proximity of the next meeting, left a few of the younger animals in attendance, ‘say I.’
‘I’ one word came in unison from the entire Council of Worlds.
‘Very good,’ the Winter Tiger bowed before departing. Followed immediately by his legendary pack of warriors. Though in times of peace Star Wolf couldn’t help but wonder why the Tigers needed a pack of fighters. As the Tigers departed so too did the throng of animals.
Despite everyone else leaving and saying their goodbyes Star Wolf caught another animal staring, the old Badger who, now not surrounded by other animals, he realised was the veteran fighter of legend, the Night Badger. A hero of many a battle, a creature famous enough to have songs based on his endeavours. A great warrior who never succumbed to any foe, or so legend told.
He strode over to where the Night Badger sat.
‘I didn’t see you nodding up there like everyone else, you don’t trust the Winter Tiger?’ Star Wolf hoped his desperation to form allies wasn’t too obvious.
‘Oh aye, he’s a liar that filthy White Tiger make no mistake,’ the scorn all too clear in the Night Badger’s gravelly words.
‘So you agree with what I said? And yet you said nothing?’
‘I didn’t say that, did I? And I said nothing because my granddad taught me to only enter a conversation when someone says something intelligent.’ His words offered no hint of humour.
‘Very good, so you believe in Space Krakens?’
‘I do not, I believe what my eyes show me.’ A wry smile fell across the Night Badger’s silvering face. ‘But you however want to pray to the Universal Beacon that Space Krakens exist.’ He began to walk away.
‘And why is that?’
He turned, his scarred face of black and white alive with intensity, ‘because if it’s not Space Krakens destroying planets you’ve just called out the number one suspect in front of the entire galaxy. Good luck. It was nice knowing you, Star Wolf.’
The Night Badger strolled off, chainmail vest clanking underneath a thick, black leather overcoat. He whistled a slow, methodical tune as he walked, a death march.
2. The Unwelcome Guest
‘I want to go with Winter Tiger.’ Star Wolf slammed his paws harder than he’d intended down onto the Goat Master’s extravagant desk, which wobbled under the blow. The imposing wooden item dwarfed the tiny Goat. Carved by the master builders of the Beavers, it was lined with elaborate Goat figures dancing up the legs. The Goat Master’s disinterested glance over thick-rimmed glasses showed this wasn’t the first time an animal had burst into his private office demanding something.
To heighten Star Wolf’s embarrassment his father surged through the vast oak doors, three times his height, though he struggled against their weight he still managed an entrance of authority.
‘Apologies, Master, Star Wolf doesn’t know his boundaries. His eagerness to learn and lead run away with him at times.’ Sun Wolf stood beside his son, squeezing his son’s wrist firmly three times — their private code, which meant, “trust me”. Star Wolf turned to look upon his father, who met his gaze with widening chalky eyes, raised eyebrows and a tilted head. The faintest of smiles spread over his greyish-white muzzle. A subtle gesture missed by the Goat Master on account of him returning to his quill and ink.
‘Yes, quite alright, Sun. I’m sure he’ll make a fine leader one day. And as for going with the Winter Tiger. Why?’ He stopped writing, peering over his glasses with a stern gaze. ‘What will it achieve, young Wolf?’
The condescension around age and all those younger in years maddened Star Wolf. Every Council meeting was the same. The older generations talked for hours on end while the youngsters had to sit idly by while their “superiors” managed the galaxy. They’re wrong. The Winter Tiger is going to change all our lives.
‘It’ll provide a second opinion.’ Star Wolf straightened his back and spread his broad shoulders ‘Do you not think it foolish to leave the Tigers to their own devices to investigate something that could affect the entire galaxy? Are we really to take the word of a single race in a matter of such importance? Especially an—’
‘Apex race,’ interrupted a voice from the open doorway.
Star Wolf spun as the Winter Tiger entered the room closely followed by a battle-hardened Gorilla, a race small in numbers but revered in fighting circles. The Gorilla towered over Star Wolf’s frame, even though he was considered tall by Wolf standards. Squared up to one another Star would’ve met the Gorilla’s extensive chest.
‘Quite.’ Star Wolf tensed his upper body to stop himself from shaking.
The Winter Tiger chuckled.
The unnamed Gorilla grunted, glaring at Star Wolf. One of his eyes was robotic, the centre shined bright neon blue. A long scar traced its way through thick black hair, from jaw to temple, intersected by the mechanical device, an old war wound no doubt.
‘Apologies, General Winter,’ the Goat Master stammered a little, shuffling to his feet and around to the front of his desk in a flurry, his almost theatrical cream and yellow jacket made it hard for Star not to chuckle. ‘The pup knows not of what he speaks. Your mission was agreed in the great coliseum, you don’t have to take him with you.’
‘No, I think it’s an excellent idea. Wouldn’t you agree, General Modela?’ Winter Tiger turned to his companion. The giant Gorilla’s brown woven trousers, grey leather boots and an olive tunic, paled into insignificant stood next to the Winter Tiger and his magnificent black leather and gold armoured outfit. Star couldn’t help but wonder why the Gorilla wore such shabby attire, perhaps he too didn’t care for the show and pomposity of The Council of Worlds. Still, though, Star expected him to wear the uniform, assuming they had one, of the House of Gorillas.
‘Yes.’ General Modela gritted his teeth.
The Gorilla’s irritation pinned Star Wolf to the spot. Why’s he so angry?
‘Are you sure?’ said the Goat Master, gaping open-mouthed, his diminutive figure left him gawping up at a room full of more powerful predators. In ancient times a Goat would’ve been a meal for anyone of them, not now though, thousands of years after the Universal Beacon The Council of Worlds had delivered peace and prosperity, finally winning out. So much so that a meek creature, like a Goat held the office of Master of the Council. Their astute minds, adept at managing finances, and creation of the farm worlds saw their rise to prominence. Equal distribution of resources throughout the galaxy was their primary goal. The galaxy owed the Goats a lot.
And yet here their elected leader stood, quivering against the might of the most commanding Tiger in the history of the Tigris.
‘A second opinion could prove valuable.’ The Winter Tiger’s words slipped out, smooth as silk. Calm personified. All the while his fiery eyes, yellow with flecks of orange, bore into Star Wolf. The intensity of their gaze kept Star Wolf’s eyes planted to the ostentatious walnut floorboards. ‘Star Wolf needs to know what he is up against.’
Star Wolf flicked his eyes up again the Winter Tiger wore a half-smile, etched across his wide black and white face.
‘Agreed,’ said Sun Wolf, the word came out as a rusty bark. He bit down on his lip, before he continued all aggression gone, ‘It’ll be a useful experience for Star and the Wolves will aid in tackling whatever foe awaits.’
The theatre of sub-text wasn’t lost on anyone in the room.
‘Excellent, it’s wonderful to see two,’ said the Goat Master, his awkward pause and gulp betrayed his sentiment. ‘Fine species cooperating and aiding the galaxy in its hour of need.’
‘Do you wish to put the motion to what members of the Council are still here?’ asked Star Wolf.
As was the norm, a good proportion of The Council of Worlds departed for their home planets the moment the meeting adjourned. So many races across the galaxy craved home whenever parted from their own familiarity. Star Wolf desired the opposite, exploration, discovery and
the chance to lead his planet with a broad knowledge of other races. Too many planets worked with single-minded racism, protect their species and damn the rest of the planets.
The Tigers fit that bill, but no one would ever question them. I will. A potential threat in the galaxy was a threat to them and they would eradicate it, not for The Council of Worlds as they had everyone believe but for themselves.
‘No I don’t think that’ll be necessary,’ said the Winter Tiger. ‘Wouldn’t you agree, Goat Master?’
The Goat Master went wide-eyed, clearly a man born of routine, rule and order. To pass such an order without the Council wasn’t following protocol, and they all knew as such. ‘Agreed.’ He retreated behind his desk. ‘Though I will draw up a memo now and have it delivered to the Council,’ he paused, ‘just so everyone is aware that the Wolf and Tiger are together.’
A subtle gesture of support and protection for Star Wolf, at least he wouldn’t be following the Tigers without the entire Council of Worlds knowing.
The Winter Tiger kept his disconcertingly aloof manner. A slight smile spread across his strong face revealing two rows of glistening, razor-sharp teeth. Star Wolf couldn’t help but catch a whiff of mint.
‘Very well,’ said the Winter Tiger, ‘General Modela, prepare my ship immediately.’
The dismissive wave of the Tiger’s hand bordered on insulting, and yet the enormous Gorilla merely grunted at the order as he marched out of the room without turning back. The wooden doors slammed shut, a prolonged echo dragged out the silence in the Goat Master’s chambers.
‘He’s a pleasant fellow,’ said Sun Wolf, a playful smile spreading across his muzzle. It was Star Wolf’s turn to give a secret message to his father, a hand placed on his father’s shoulder with a subtle scratching of his index finger indicating he wanted his father to be careful.
Star Wolf: A Space Opera Fantasy (Songs of Star & Winter Book 1) Page 2