by Jo Zebedee
“Sonly, this is what’s on the table. If you can get Kare to take the Emperorship, we will accept that outcome. But he must take it formally– a coronation, a true commitment. Otherwise, your daughter succeeds. We will not support a presidency– and we, the great families, hold the army.”
Hiactol were still holding out, damn them. They’d never given their support to Kare’s faction. That Phelps was part of their family, that he’d returned to them from Belaudii, had only strengthened their resolve. And Peiret was right– without Hiactol, the army would never be held.
Sonly glanced at Lichio and saw his knuckles had whitened as he’d clenched his hands. Kare– a coronation? But Kerra... she couldn’t give her up to the families and their scheming. She’d be a target everywhere she went, even more than now. She looked down at the document again and it was swimming under her eyes. She picked it up and scrunched it.
“This is Kare’s empire,” she said. “No one else’s.”
Lichio turned to her, his mouth open, but she shook her head. If she didn’t do this, Kare would lose everything he’d fought for. If she didn’t do this, Kerra would be forced to it, and she knew Kare wouldn’t want that. Not if he was thinking straight. Please let him forgive me. “I’ll see that he takes the Emperorship. You’ll have your coronation. I promise.”
She got up and left, turning in to the corridor that led to the personal suite she’d taken with Kerra. Halfway down, she had to stop and lean against the wall. She’d done what she’d promised she’d never do, and forced Kare into the position of Emperor. She hadn’t been strong enough to fight for him, she’d put their daughter first. She stood, head swimming, and knew he’d never forgive her. That this would stand between them, a betrayal of all they’d been to each other, and she hated herself for it.
THE END
The Last War by Alex Davis
This book is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents, and dialog are products of the author’s imagination, and any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.
Copyright © 2015 Alex Davis
Published by Tickety Boo Press
www.ticketyboopress.co.uk
Edited by Gary Compton
Cover Art by Tickety Boo Covers
Book Design by Big River Press Ltd
PROLOGUE- A Birth in the Stars
Sejurus had grown used to many things about space. He was accustomed to the faint and endless sensation of movement around him, the limited chance to converse with his fellows, the hours of scientific analysis and research required of him.
The one thing he had never grown used to was the darkness.
Broken only be the intermittent light of distant stars, the shadows enveloped everything beyond the harsh glare of the ship. On the whole, he preferred not to look beyond the viewscreen, being much more comfortable in the small confines of his quarters or studying within his laboratory. But this was a momentous occasion, and one that he was determined not to miss.
Hiss.
Whoosh.
The sound had become familiar, but he had never cared about the cargo like this before. Creeping into view, sending blazing contrails into the infinite dark, went the phalanx of seeding pods. He tried to count them, but quickly lost track as they made their way towards the surface of the virgin planet.
Within their metallic flesh lay the core of new life, the beginnings of a race previously unseen to the universe. Sejurus had been involved from the very earliest days of this burgeoning experiment, and now he would finally see his efforts bear fruit. By now the seeding pods had disappeared so far into the distance that they must be breaking the atmosphere, preparing for descent and landing.
And dispersal.
'Sad to see them go, Sejurus?'
The voice from behind him is bold and clear. The voice of a leader, and one who had earned that title many times over.
'Sad is the wrong word, Canturus. It is a... mixture of emotions.'
'I hope that none of them are negative, Sejurus. You should be most proud of your work.'
'It is too soon to start swelling with pride. There is no knowing yet if this experiment will be a success.'
'The measure of success is to create life, Sejurus. What that life decides to do once we have seeded it... well, that is beyond our control.'
'Perhaps. The pressure here is...'
'Greater than anywhere else? Of course it is. That is precisely why you were chosen. You are one of the most intelligent among us, an intellectual titan among mental giants.'
'I appreciate your words, Canturus. They mean much coming from you.'
'Do not speak to placate me. I would like to know what troubles you.'
Sejurus turns to face Canturus for the first time. His superior is dressed simply, a marker of both modesty and confidence. To look at them, you could consider them equals, but nothing could be further from the truth. Canturus's authority does not come from trinkets or garments, but emerges from within him.
'What troubles me is how much lies at stake on this new race. What goes on here will determine much of not only our own future, but perhaps what lies ahead for all Ensium.'
'Of course.'
'What if... what if I have made some fatal miscalculation? An error in my workings?'
'I have the greatest of belief in you, my friend. I doubt that any such thing has happened.'
'Even if it has not, even if all the equations were perfect, what of it? The seeding pods will already have landed on the surface. As we speak, the simplest forms of life will be vented from the pods. The evolution will be starting shortly, and ending soon enough. That is when the imponderables begin!'
'Why do you worry about things beyond your control? Your role is complete – you have given them every chance to take the right path, to be the greatest of the races that we have birthed.'
'But what if they do not, Canturus? So much will be lost!'
'Nothing will be lost. All that we can do in this venture is gain. We may have to begin again, and we are not afraid to do so. If that time comes – and I hope it does not – you will once again be the man to lead the efforts.'
'After such a failure?'
'Failure is much of what enables us to learn. We have learned many lessons in our time, and no doubt there will be many more to come. The wise seek to avoid repeating these errors again. To fail does not make you a failure.'
Sejurus turns away from his ally, his disagreement tacit. Canturus steps alongside him, his eyes seeing the same darkness. The Animex have always sought to bring light to these shadowy wastes.
'Would you stay, Sejurus? Would you watch over them as a custodian, a guardian?'
'Given the choice? Yes, I would.'
'They are not your children, old friend. Admittedly you are their creator, but they are no part of you.'
'I do not seek to care for them. I feel... I feel like my work is not complete until they have settled, until I have seen them grow. What I have done so far is worth no acclaim.'
'If I could give you the chance to stay?'
'Down there? On Noukaria?'
'Ha! I have told you already you are not their father. They do not need you there. It is imperative we let them develop their own way. But... perhaps I could spare you a vessel?'
'You can do such a thing?'
'I can do much, Sejurus. Admittedly, it is an unusual request. But there may be value in it. There is much yet to discuss, of course. Such a decision cannot be made lightly. It would mean the loss of a great mind, but of course you would not remain here permanently.'
'No, I merely wish to see them on the right path.'
'Very well. I shall take it to the Council. Until then, you are welcome to remain here. The first days of the Noukari, eh, my friend?'
'Thank you, Canturus. I shall not forget what you have done for me.'
'It is not done yet. Take a moment here before getting back to your duties – there i
s much recording yet to be done.'
Sejurus nods, looking once more down at the sphere of Noukaria, wondering what the life he has placed there will bring.
The Book of Apius
Apius sits at his simply constructed table, a sheet of papyrus laid before him. He smiles at the simplicity of what lays before him, a triumph in its own way. Just sunups ago no such thing existed, and now it is here before him.
At this very table, he shall create. He will create the book that will guide his race forwards.
Slowly, tentatively, he reaches for his quill, dips the end into the ink with a flourish and writes his first words.
The Noukari are the closest to holiness, the closest to purity. From the very heart and mind of the Animex they rose, the simplest of life-forms, born into the wilderness. But quickly they grew, and quickly they learned. The primordial gave way to the civilised, to the learned, to a growing intellect and society. The mastery of the distant gods
Apius pauses at his first use of this word. Gods. A defining moment in this ode to the Animex. Despite his momentary hesitation, the word feels right to him. Creators, those who gave life.
Gods.
The mastery of the distant gods made it so. In their sacred vessels the Noukari arrived, broken down to its simplest form. By the hands of the Animex we were crafted to resemble a God in both physical and mental form.
Apius places down the quill, the ink already beginning to run dry. Yes, that will suffice as a start. He knows that his words must be carefully chosen, and it will not pay to commit too much to the page at once. Satisfied, he places the scrawled page carefully to one side.
***
Across the settlement, known among its people as Genem, there is a welter of activity. The streets that intersect the huts see many at their designated duties in developing the settlement further. The activity is slow, steady in the stifling heat of the sun. Its denizens take on their duties willingly, knowing that each of them has a key role to play.
Just outside the town, there is a new vision coming slowly to completion. The jungles of Noukaria have been cut back further and further, making way for the new inhabitants of this planet. The Noukari call it their own, interlopers in a place that was once untamed.
The boundaries of this new construction stretch wide, and on two sides wooden walls are almost constructed. They reach almost half a mile already, but have yet to reach their apex. At the heart of this semi-complete building ten pale and tall figures move. Some of them work carrying wood, shifting planks to where they are needed. Elsewhere Noukari can be seen mixing Adipus, a soft substance from the Astipo plant that hardens once applied to any substance. Before its discovery, the Noukari lived in the simplest of huts and shelters, taking cover from the brutal heat and thunderstorms as best they could. Now the homes and huts of Genem are better equipped to deal with the conditions the jungles can offer.
Apius sees all of this from the edge of the settlement, watching his loyal followers as they edge closer to their mighty goal. The ultimate symbol of the power of the Gods!
The Temple of the Animex.
'How goes it, brothers?' he says as he emerges into the clearing. Immediately the building process stops as his followers blink, wide-eyed, at the sight of him. Apius waves away their amazement.
'Do not let me stop your important work. I wish only to speak with Viarus.'
Uncertainly, young and old return to their construction and Viarus leaves the shell of the temple. He attempts a bow, which is waved away.
'Please, Viarus. I have told you not to bow.'
'My apologies, Apius.'
'How goes the temple? Are things on schedule?'
'I believe so.'
'Excellent. We shall hold a ceremony four sunups from now.'
'A ceremony, Apius?'
'Such a thing would only be fitting. To mark not only the completion of this temple, but the gods who put us here.'
'Gods?'
'Yes, Viarus. You have a problem with this word?'
'Of course not. In fact, I am pleased to hear you use it.'
'Why should that be so?'
'We talk. In fact, it is something we have much discussed. We spoke just this morning of whether the Animex were truly gods.'
'Interesting. What did you conclude?'
'That it was the only logical answer.'
Apius smiles. Placing a hand on Viarus's shoulder, he says, 'I am glad you and I agree on this. I will tell you something, Viarus. But I should like to tell you in confidence.'
'Of course.'
'Today I have undertaken a great venture, perhaps the equal of this temple. I have started to write a book, a volume to tell of the power of the Animex and the early days of our race, their children.'
'Such a book sounds... remarkable.'
'I believe it will be so. A chronicle, something we can pass to our children and they to theirs. But there is of course much to be done. The time will come for everyone to know, but that must wait.'
'I shall guard the secret with my life.'
'I know, Viarus. Now, I shall let you return to work.'
As Apius turns to leave, Viarus speaks again, summoning him back.
'There is one more thing, Apius.'
'Of course, brother.'
'We have been speaking much of... religious matters of late. You have led us in this path, showed us the way, been the guiding hand behind this construct.'
'I do only as I see necessary.'
'Modesty does not suit you, Apius. So many times you have proven yourself to be... something more than us. You speak, and we follow.'
'Your faith compels you, Viarus.'
'Faith is wasted if there is no one to lead that belief. We should like to bestow you with a title.'
'A title? That is rather contrary to how our society functions.'
'Perhaps, but it would befit what you mean to us.'
'And what did you have in mind?
'We would dub you Re'Nuck. He who communicates with gods.'
'I had never considered myself the holder of any position, brother.'
'Will you accept this title?'
'If you wish to address me as such, I shall consider it to the highest of honours.'
'Thank you, Re'Nuck.'
Apius smiles warmly before leaving Viarus to his task.
***
Once back within the confines of his simple hut, Apius considers the name. Re'Nuck. He who communicates with the gods. Perhaps he is not worthy of such a title, for the Animex have never spoken directly to him. And none of this fellow Noukari carry a title – he will be the first to rise above the equality of their society. Even those greatest experts in every respect hold no position, no marker of power.
But perhaps there is more to the moniker than that. Could it be that the Animex have somehow chosen to communicate through him, making him the instrument of their will? Apius is sharply aware of just the importance of these early days of their existence, the vital impact they will have on the development of their society. He sees his responsibilities, and seeks to carry them out each day.
With that in mind, he takes up his quill once more and begins to write.
The Temple Rises
In Genem, there is little to life but survival. The Noukari are a new race growing used to life in their previously undisturbed home. At first, they lived in harmony with the planet, but as their intelligence and vision has grown they have sought to create ways to make their lives easier. Homes have sprouted seemingly from the ground, made from the solid wood of the trees around them. Paths allow citizens to wander freely from one place to the next. More buildings are coming along – schools, social spaces, places of study. There is much pride at the development of Genem among a township that remembers with shame its earliest days.
Genem is a place with no absolute ruler – there are a few individuals who are looked up to as the wisest in certain respects. Among the builders, Ex
olos oversees and dispenses sage advice. When it comes to hunting, Lerusus offers his expertise and indeed his physical prowess to ensure success. In the fields, Ajerus watches over the crops with eyes that see more than the rest of the Noukari. But they have no true power – they are figureheads, nothing more. The Noukari have no true concept of power, or hierarchy. Each is content with their lot.
Among its people, each works in his or her own simple way – growing plants with a range of uses from food to medicine, hunting the more placid life in the forests of Noukaria, the Saren and the Lichuk and the Vopal, building houses, homes and communal establishments. Everyone strives to make it from one day to another, without any higher goal other than the completion of duty.
But something is changing within Genem. Many can see it, and some are willing to invest their time and their hearts in it. The Temple of the Animex is now a swarm of activity, with fifty of the pale denizens of the village working feverishly towards its completion. Viarus stands on the ground as his fellows climb unsteady constructs of twig and branch, doing his best to direct the process in a manner to please the Re'Nuck.
Viarus takes a brief look away from the burgeoning temple to look at Apius, standing at the entrance to the clearing. His voice is lost beneath the din of chatter and construction, but before the Re'Nuck stands a crowd of thirty or more Noukari. The last twelve sunups have seen an incredible shift in feeling within Genem. Once Viarus had felt like an outsider because of his beliefs, but now many have flocked to become followers of the Re'Nuck. Viarus takes a little pride in creating the title that Apius now fills so admirably. The honorific has given Apius a new confidence, planted the final seeds of belief in his cause. And it is a belief that has become irresistible to many. As the sunups have passed, Viarus has found himself managing more workers, more labourers wanting to see the temple completed and willing to lend their energies. His role as overseer of the temple has grown into one that now takes up almost all his time, to the point that he has now started to sleep beneath the stars in the ever-expanding foundations of the temple. Even Exolos could not have done a better job.