Enforcer

by Kevin Ikenberry

  Graa’vaa smiled, her paw still in his as she clicked a digit on the slate.

  “Then what are we waiting for?”

  * * *

  Lupta

  Peacemaker Regional Barracks

  The alarm chimed on Hr’ent’s slate. He sighed once and set the Koduzai’Vahsh aside. He was two-thirds of the way through it, and the more he read the more it resonated with him. It’s not like he was ready to chuck everything and go running through the forests of Uuwato, but the underlying philosophy and much of the Feral combat practices contained within would be very useful to him in his role as an Enforcer.

  But it would have to wait.

  He’d called a meeting with Hak-Chet under the pretense of a celebratory drink of something Hak called bourbon. It was a Human libation, and Hr’ent had to admit, he was curious. But that’s not why he had called the meeting. There was something that had been bothering him ever since he’d awakened from his last stint with the sedatives. A memory…voices as he’d succumbed to the tranquilizer back on Uuwato…just before his enhancement.

  “You want to strap him down here? Because he can’t handle the procedure or because of what he did to those Oogar?”

  The doctor’s questions echoed in Hr’ent’s memory.

  “Yes and no. Their injuries were well compensated. Each of them knew the risk before doing what I required of them. Their accounts are fresh with the credits they’d earn from several missions for a night’s work. If you’re worried about them pressing charges, don’t be.”

  And that had been Hak-Chet.

  Hr’ent rose from his bunk, adjusted the Enforcer badge on his vest, and settled the PK-40 on his hip. He left his quarters with slow, steady footsteps. He wasn’t sure how the conversation was going to go, but it was possible he might end up killing Hak for what he’d done.

  He entered a small salon of sorts just down the hall from the officer’s lounge. As he entered the room, he found Hak sitting in one of the half-dozen chairs that faced a wide window opening out onto an inner garden and pond built into the facility. Hak had a tumbler of amber liquid in his hand, and he raised it to Hr’ent. There was a similar, larger tumbler on the table in front of a massive, Oogar-sized chair. The tumbler was Oogar-sized as well, and the newly opened liter bottle of bourbon was half-empty because of it.

  “I got started without you,” Hak said, taking a sip. “How are you feeling?”

  “A hundred percent,” Hr’ent said in a neutral tone. He moved around the chairs and stood before Hak, staring down at him with stern eyes for a few heartbeats. “You know, it’s funny.”

  “What is?”

  “When you first tried to rope me in on Ocono, I told you I didn’t care…that your problems weren’t mine.”

  “And you feel that’s changed?”

  Hr’ent had been thinking about it since Emonk had first lifted them off of Godannii 2. He’d come to the conclusion that he’d taken up the mantle of a galactic enforcer not only because he did care, but because he cared enough to put his life on the line and end those who broke the law.

  “Yes, Hak, it has,” he said. He found himself calculating the permutations of what he had to say next, as if he were trying to win a game of strategy in as few moves as possible. There was no way to dance around it. “There’s something you and I need to get straight, Deputy Selector,” he finally said, and there was no mistaking his tone.

  Hak raised a leathery eyebrow. Obviously, this was not how he’d anticipated the evening beginning, and he was too good a spy to miss the underlying warning in Hr’ent’s voice. The fact that Hr’ent had used his title made this an official meeting.

  Hak put down his drink and leaned back. He seemed to focus on Hr’ent’s posture—his eyes flitted from Hr’ent’s shoulders, to the rise of fur running over the top of Hr’ent’s head and down his back. He took in the bulging biceps and wide stance. And then he let out a long breath.

  “What would that be?” Hak said calmly. He had created Hr’ent…he knew what the newly anointed Enforcer was capable of, and he realized he had good reason to be concerned about what happened in the next few moments.

  “You told Raw’wna and the others about my parentage, and I’m betting you got Tyl’sharn to put on that little play. You paid them to do what they did.” It wasn’t a question. “I nearly killed my best friend because of you.”

  For a moment, Hak considered denying it. But he’d promised Hr’ent he’d never lie to him. The truth was, Hak had chosen Hr’ent not only for his parentage and his instincts, but for the big Oogar’s insights as well. Hr’ent was as smart as he was dangerous. A denial now would not only be dishonorable but a mistake—probably a mortal one.

  “I needed to push you in the right direction,” Hak said. He offered it without explanation or excuse or even the slightest hint that there would be.

  “I know,” Hr’ent replied without skipping a beat.

  Hak let out another long breath and clasped his hands in his lap.

  “Yes, you almost killed Raw’wna,” he said. “Yes, I paid them to do what they did. And yes, I was manipulating the entire situation from the beginning. I think you should bear in mind that they accepted my offer—including Raw’wna and Tyl’sharn—and without any hesitation…although, deep down I think Raw’wna was mostly following Kor’shi’s orders. Don’t be too hard on him if your paths cross someday. I recorded it all, if you’d like to see it. I don’t offer that as an excuse or even a reason. I’m saying it because that’s the galaxy we live in. You would do well to remember how easy it is to manipulate people. I did it for a good reason, and it worked out. Some do it for very, very bad reasons, as we found out recently, and it works out for them. What I did was a means to an end, Hr’ent, and I’d suggest you keep in mind that part of the reason you exist is to make sure others don’t do it to do harm to the galaxy at large.”

  Hr’ent narrowed his eyes, and his muzzle drew back a fraction of an inch. “Your plan worked. I’m here. And, in hindsight, I even see the logic of it. But let me make this perfectly clear, for there can be no misunderstanding between us from here on out.” His tone was as dire as any Hak had ever heard. “If you manipulate me, my family, or my friends like that ever again—” Hr’ent paused, and there was a deadly fire in his eyes, “—you’ll never see me coming.”

  Hak had no doubt Hr’ent meant what he said. And he knew the Enforcer he had created would kill him as quickly and easily as a regular Peacemaker sneezed.

  Hak smiled.

  It wasn’t a smile of sarcasm, disbelief, or even warning. It was one of satisfaction and pride. In that moment, he knew with absolute certainty that his selection of Hr’ent for the Enforcer program had been perfect. Flawless. Here stood a being who would serve justice, above all, no matter who or what stood between him and the facts. Hr’ent served no master save the truth. He’d already proven it. Hr’ent would be Hak’s greatest accomplishment, and that idea eased his mind about the cost he continued to pay in conscience when it came to doing the right thing.

  “Understood,” Hak said, and he’d never spoken that word with more sincerity in his entire life.

  Hr’ent took his seat slowly, and the frame groaned under his weight. He picked up his giant tumbler, seemingly small in his paw, and held it out to Hak-Chet.

  Hak-Chet picked up his own, and they clinked them together.

  “Then let’s get to work,” Hr’ent said. “I want Breka,” he said through clenched teeth.

  “He’s yours,” Hak said.

  The door opened, and a large, black Equiri filled the frame. He stepped into the space and nodded at Hr’ent before looking at Hak.

  “Deputy Selector? I understood you asked to see me?”

  Hak nodded and looked at Hr’ent. “I’d like you to meet your partner. I say that because trainee doesn’t sound right for a prospective Enforcer.”

  Hr’ent stood, a surprised look on his face. He shot Hak a curious look, then played it off as the most natural thin
g in the world.

  “I’m Enforcer Hr’ent. Well met.”

  “Well met, Enforcer Hr’ent. My name is Kr’et’Socae.”

  # # # # #

  Enforcer Hr’ent Golramm and his team will return in Scourge.

  Glossary of Terms

  Astrada Tree

  Native to Uuwato, it is a tall, hearty tree with a sturdy trunk and heavy boughs. It is also the tree Hr’ent selected as the symbol on his Peacemaker badge.

  BAMF

  The BAMF platform was designed as a singular platform of combat armor with a modular design allowing for components and levels of armor to be added and removed on base and in the field. The Hi’Tomi Corporation initially made basic models for Standard Infantry (SI), Fast Attack (FA), Heavy Weapons (HW), and Battlefield Communications (BC). Over the years, Hi’Tomi-created and after-market mods for the platform became available, including everything from a Tank model with heavy plating and explosive-reactive surfaces to a lightweight stealth mod that could be set to contend with various detection suppression scenarios and enhance battlefield movement tactics.

  Bismiuth Sandwich

  A favorite among Jivool cognoscente. The outer layers are thin wafers made of a purple grain indigenous to the Jivool homeworld, and the interior is a combination of fish-egg paste and a rare tuber found only in the forests ringing the Arctic Circle.

  Connection

  It is the Oogar version of “true love” or that spark two entities feel upon meeting. Connections can supersede all manner of other Oogar traditions, caste constraints, and social morays. It is also referred to as “The Fire of Hearts.”

  Fire of Hearts

  It is the Oogar version of “true love” or that spark two entities feel upon meeting. The Fire of Hearts can supersede all manner of other Oogar traditions, caste constraints, and social morays. It is also referred to as “The Connection.”

  Five Elementals

  The foundation of civilized Oogar spirituality. There are five elemental deities: Flame, Stone, Wind, Water, and Light.

  Grilka

  A medium-sized, mammalian herd animal used by the Jeha in ancient sacrificial rites to an elder god of fertility and farming.

  Hi’Tomi Corporation

  Manufacturer of BAMF modular armor.

  IGS Unlimited

  A galactic resourcing firm that is capable of providing large-scale labor forces in any number of vertical markets.

  Izlian Shit

  The Human equivalent is the phrase “bull shit.” Used to describe something that is hard to believe or an outright lie.

  Koduzai’Vahsh

  A spiritual and philosophical tome embraced by the Feral Oogar of Uuwato. From a Human perspective, it could be considered a combination of the Tao Te Ching, The Art of War, and the ancient Chinese texts surrounding the various styles of the Martial Arts. At its core, it is intended to give Ferals a philosophical center amid the rugged and often dangerous living in the forests of Uuwato. The indigenous life forms of that world are often dangerous and even deadly, with a varied ecosystem heavily populated by predators of every size that prey on each other as much as they do the less dangerous species that fill the role of ready food sources.

  The Opening:

  At the dawn of the world, when the moon was fresh from the womb, the great clan lord, Korvokai, rose from the mists of Aldra’Tur, whole and hungry…

  Aldra’Tur

  In Human terms, Aldra’Tur is a cross between the Bible’s Eden and King Arthur’s Avalon. It is the first place and the most sacred. From Aldra’Tur all Feral Oogar are said to have been drawn, like waters from a spring.

  B’nar

  One of the four First Clans of the Oogar, said to have found balance between the philosophies of peace and those of war.

  Korvokai

  The first Clan Lord of the Feral Oogar.

  Kro’muth

  Kro’muth, the Third Forest Lord of B’nar, was a fierce warrior and brave leader of the B’nar clan. Kro’muth was a wise and peaceful leader of his people as well as a ferocious warrior and hunter. He found a balance between the necessities of existing in such a harsh and dangerous environment while having to build a society around him.

  Kurka

  Kurka, a massive, fatty, and semi-aquatic quadruped of Uuwato. They are the equivalent of Human cattle in use and economy. However, they are more of a cross between a manatee and a water-buffalo.

  Kroka

  A large and very dangerous winged reptile indigenous to Uuwato. Humans would describe them as dragons or wyrms. The smaller members of the genus are capable of flight, while the larger versions are flightless or have evolved without the presence of wings.

  Kulmar sin’Bariat

  A Besquith and the very first Enforcer.

  Marsupui

  A long-lived, deep-rooted tree of Uuwato not unlike the redwoods of earth, but with a deep reddish bark and wood. It is a common building material in most Oogar domiciles.

  Nanites

  Generally applied to injured parties via a syringe or IV. Nanites suspended in a sterile solution flood a body with microscopic mechanisms that increase the rate of healing, provide an immuno-boost, and can reverse some poisons.

  PK-40 Marauder Pistol

  The Marauder line is the finest example of a heavy-duty pistol the Oogar have to offer, and the PK-40 is the top-of-the-line in every category. The Oogar consider the weapon’s slim frame and light—to them—weight to be superior to all of its closest competitors. It’s modular design and incredibly compact 15-round power cells also make it a versatile weapon, with interchangeable barrels for increased range, and an attachable stock for increased stability. It also has an off-angle scope mod that allows for open-sight firing and long-range sniping. To any race save the Lumar, it would be considered a heavy-weapon platform, but for an Oogar, it is a dependable weapon that hits like a meteor strike.

  QuippaVauer K7 Heavy Repeater

  The Veetanho-made QuippaVauer K-7 Heavy Repeater is considered vehicle-mount ordnance only. At nearly three meters long and weighing at least 77 kilos with the extended power cell, it is an ideal vehicle- or tripod-mounted infantry support weapon capable of 90 rounds of mercury-based chemical laser bursts a minute due to an advanced capacitor-recharge unit built into the stock.

  Rumiar

  ISMC Corporate Headquarters’ Starship. The presiding director is Dolamiir Ka Shien, who has held that title for just over eight years.

  Rwalgia

  A wild-growing tree that bears large, grapefruit-like fruit but with a purple skin and pink meat within.

  Seven Hells

  The Seven Hells are from the primary Jivool religious doctrine. There are three versions of their Heaven or afterlife as well as the Seven Hells, where different sorts of transgressors spend eternity in agony.

  Silver Blade

  The first of the Peacemaker Apex Achievement Awards, it is a meter-long, titanium combat sword with a double edge, a tanto tip, and a forward-curving hilt of simple design.

  Skinseal

  A dermal sealant and regenerator applied via tube or syringe to cuts and lacerations. The material immediately sterilizes the area, seeps into the tissues, and seals over in seconds to provide an instant bandage that stops bleeding.

  Syrn’ma Blossoms

  A delicate mountain blossom native to the mountainous forests of Uuwato. They have a tangy-sweet scent favored among all nectar-thriving organisms and are a frequent scent utilized by Oogar females in their perfumes and other olfactory applications.

  Tango Squemera

  The starship Hr’ent returned to Ocono on after his Pushtal mission.

  Travok

  The major deity of the Sumatozou. Think Ganesh, but with two arms, a bifurcated trunk, and a stone tablet cradled in the right arm. A map of the galaxy sits cradled in its left arm.

  Tsialle

  A distilled spirit of considerable potency made from a pulpy, indigenous fruit on Uuwato. It is the Human equi
valent of scotch but tastes more like a cross between brandy and scotch.

  * * * * *

  About the Authors

  Kevin Ikenberry is a life-long space geek and retired Army officer. A former manager of the world-renowned U.S. Space Camp program and space operations officer, Kevin has a broad background in space and space science education. His 2016 debut science fiction novel Sleeper Protocol was a Finalist for the Colorado Book Award and was heralded as “an emotionally powerful debut” by Publisher’s Weekly. Kevin is the author of the military science fiction / thriller novels Runs In The Family, Vendetta Protocol, and Super-Sync. Kevin is a core author in the Four Horsemen Universe where his novels include Peacemaker, Honor The Threat, Stand Or Fall, Deathangel, and Redacted Affairs (with Kevin Steverson). He is an Active Member of SFWA, and a member of International Thriller Writers. He lives in Colorado with his family – his home is seldom a boring place.

  Nationally Bestselling Author Quincy J. Allen is a cross-genre author with numerous novels under his belt. His media tie-in novel Colt the Outlander: Shadow of Ruin was a Scribe Award finalist in 2019, and his noir novel Chemical Burn was a Colorado Gold Award finalist in 2010. Blood Oath, book 3 of the Blood War Chronicles, was released in February of 2019, and he is working on the fourth book in that six-book fantasy steampunk series, due out early in 2020.

  He has co-authored Reclaiming Honor with Marc Alan Edelheit in their Way of Legend series, published November 1st of 2019. He is currently working on a novel for Kevin Steverson in his Salvage universe based on the short story Vorwhol Dishonnor.

  His short story publications are numerous, including a pro sale appearing in Larry Correia’s Monster Hunter: Files from Baen, published in October of 2017 entitled “Sons of the Father,” as well as a number of other stories appearing in Chris Kennedy Publishing’s mil-sci-fi anthologies in and out of the Four Horsemen Universe.