Hybrid

by Ballan, Greg

  “My friends, my peers, this world is at war with us as we are at war with the Seelak. This is a war we cannot win. We cannot defeat a planet, we can only find a small secluded place in the middle of nowhere where our contamination will be kept to a minimum. We must let this world and its species evolve and develop. It is the way of things. We came here as guests thousands of years ago when, in ignorance, we destroyed our world. Now, we war again with the Seelak and we take another world to a course of doom. This cannot happen twice.” Seenek heard both audible vocal and telepathic voices of amazement and panic.

  “Order! There will be order in this chamber,” a Senior Councilman shouted.

  His cries were unheard. Jakor suddenly stood and faced the crowd. His hand fell toward the pouch that carried his Sentient Staff. He touched the liquid metal and it took its basic shape as a seven-foot staff according to its master's mental command. Jakor banged the staff against the floor and stared into the crowd with a war-like expression. The crowd was quickly silenced.

  “Thank you, Jakor,” the elder whispered as the massive soldier took his seat. “What you say, Sennek, is disturbing. Your sect has verified this?”

  “Yes, Elder, all data and evidence have been provided to the Council through formal political channels, the data and conclusions are beyond reproach. It is regrettable, but what I say is truth,” Sennek answered sadly.

  “The Council will need time to review your data, Sennek. We do not doubt your words, we only wish to review all information.”

  “I understand, Elder,” Sennek said with a bow.

  “Jakor, you will address us,” the Elder instructed.

  Jakor took his place under the amplification light and spoke his news. “I have spent several suns under the banner of peace with our enemy, discussing much of what Sennek has brought to light along with our territorial disputes. The Seelak care not for honoring the truce we made, which allowed us to construct our Worldship and bring us here so many years ago. They wish to go back to the ways of conquest. They feel that we should simply eradicate the primate infection. They feel that it has spread too far. They are angered over the death of their comrades from plague upon plague from diseases that are spread as the primates spread into other areas. They still believe that by eradicating them they will eliminate the diseases.

  “This species covers the lands of this globe everywhere. The Seelak wish to commit genocide on an entire race of sentient beings—murder on an unprecedented scale. We must carry Sennek's research to them and hope that they can see for themselves the error in this course of action. With this new research to accompany what has already been presented, we have more than enough evidence to make our case. I will do this, Elder Council, upon your examination of data and with your permission.”

  “It shall be as you say, Jakor,” the Elder replied. “We will send scientists to accompany you as well. No disrespect intended, but there may be technical questions above your level of understanding.”

  “Your words are wise, Elder. I see no disrespect; I will be guided by you,” Jakor answered in the ceremonial form.

  The elder nodded in approval. “It is you who honor us by your actions. We will reconvene in two suns.”

  A chime sounded, and the Esper population departed back to the day-to-day chores of their lives, each knowing that the next few cycles would bring about a drastic change to their small civilization.

  * * * *

  Jakor spent the two days in the soldiers’ compound, training and discussing battle strategy. The Seelak were a vicious enemy; they utilized the forbidden Netherspace technology, allowing them to traverse the inter-dimensional tunnels in this universe and seemingly pop out unexpectedly anywhere.

  The tunnels between real space were, however, very narrow and hazardous. The dark matter that occupied that type of space readily spilled out into true space, disrupting the very physical nature of real space itself while the portal remained open. Small groups could traverse only small distances at one time. If not for this fact, the entire Seelak military force could simply materialize inside their small city and eradicate everything in a single surprise attack. The only thing that announced their presence was the spillage of dark Nether matter into this universe while the porthole opened. It was as if the sun itself blinked out during the Seelak sneak attacks.

  Fortunately, Esper soldiers were trained to combat in these dark conditions. Their eyes adapted to see in all spectrums from the highest violet spectrum to the lowest red spectrum. Netherspace portholes served, usually, to allow the inferior Seelak army to ambush Esper soldiers and gain the advantage of a first strike. However, the Esper warriors were better trained than the enemy, and quickly turned the tables upon their attackers. Netherspace also served the Seelak as a quick, safe escape from combat.

  * * * *

  Jakor reported back to the council after two days. There were several other reports given as he waited patiently for his turn. When his turn came, he approached the council floor and waited for instructions. The Council had selected three scientists to accompany Jakor. He was glad to hear that Sennek would accompany him. Something told him that this upcoming meeting would be pivotal to the future of both races.

  “We have consulted with our enemy and they have agreed to hear our scientists’ evidence regarding the plagues that have decimated both our populations. We hold great hope for these talks; it is the last hope for our kind. We must make preparations to evacuate these settlements and resettle on a remote island away from the native species of this world.”

  “We will not fail you, Elder,” Jakor pledged.

  “May our Gods go with you,” the Elder replied.

  * * * *

  The small party of Espers made their way toward the Seelak encampment. Jakor carried the large statue of peace that advertised that their party came with only peaceful intentions.

  After a five-mile walk, they were met by several Seelak. The Seelak were midnight black in appearance, in direct contrast to the silvery Espers.

  “We greet you in peace under the statue of tranquility.” Sennek extended his hand toward the leader of the Seelak delegation.

  “We receive you in peace,” the Seelak leader replied. “I am told that you have scientific information that you wish to present to us regarding the plagues brought on by these accursed ape-like creatures.”

  “We have,” Sennek answered. “I am Sennek, of the Scientific clan of Esper. With whom do I have the honor of addressing?”

  “I am Kaalak, also of the Scientific clan. Please present your evidence,” the Seelak instructed, cutting across any dialogue the Esper scientist tried to establish.

  “As you wish,” Sennek replied, handing over several data crystals.

  Kaalak took the crystals and placed them into his processing core. He studied the data and conclusions with several of the other members of their party. The Seelak team walked a small distance away after several minutes of reviewing the provided information. Both Jakor and Sennek could see animated discussions occurring from several of the enemy party.

  “They're arguing over our conclusions,” Sennek replied to Jakor.

  The large Esper soldier grinned at his friend's statement of the obvious. “They will not accept your hypothesis.” He looked down into his older friend's eyes.

  “They must. There can be no other conclusion, the data can only be interpreted one way,” the scientist insisted.

  Jakor nodded, but he knew that the data could also possibly increase the enemy's position of mass extermination. “No one can know what the enemy thinks, old friend. Wait, one of them is coming back.” The soldier gestured to the scientist.

  The Seelak spokesman walked back toward the Espers. “We have reviewed your data, and considered your conclusions. We agree with your data, and your analysis is well thought. However, we do not agree with your conclusions. Evacuation and isolation is not the answer. We must wipe out the primate infestation, totally and completely. A mere cleansing of our territories is no l
onger enough, we must unite and use our combined resources to wipe out the seed this world has planted everywhere. Then we can take over and make this world our own,” the Seelak replied emphatically.

  “No! No!” Sennek angrily disagreed, becoming emotionally distraught. “We cannot, we have no right to commit genocide against an entire species. It is not just the primates, it is every living thing on this planet that we are infecting and that is infecting our races. Destruction is not the answer. Killing one species will not save our people, you would have to kill every living thing on this planet,” the Esper scientist pleaded. “Right down to the very core plants and fish that we use as a food source. Even the food we eat as nourishment will contain elements toxic to our people. If you waged the type of war you propose, you would sentence our species to starvation and eventual death as well.”

  Kalaak had folded his arms and shook his head. “You're proposing that we simply admit defeat and run away after a thousand of this planet's years? Abandon all that we have accomplished and isolate ourselves until this world eventually kills us? You ask the absurd, Esper. I cannot bring that kind of decision back to my people; our Council would hang my head on a pole outside of our gates for even suggesting such foolishness.” Kalaak paused, briefly looking back at his party before continuing. “Consider this: these apes are weak, even your scholars are many times stronger than this upstart race that has no real technology. Your genetically enhanced soldier over there.” He pointed toward the titanic Jakor. “Could probably defeat thousands of them alone. Is he not engineered to be the strongest and most powerful of your race? Our soldiers and your soldiers could easily conquer this planet and eradicate this planet's infection. We could be the rulers of this world.”

  “Did you not carefully study the data?” Sennek pleaded. “Did you not see that there are no other possible conclusions! We cannot murder an entire population, let alone several populations and different species. It is the planet waging this war, not the primates, nor the flying creatures or the crawling creatures. The ecological make-up of this world is rejecting us. You must see that truth; why do you deny it?” Sennek asked, his emotional state becoming even more agitated. “We are the infection, not them!”

  “You Espers are too emotional; that is your weakness and will be your downfall,” Kalaak remarked, gesturing. “Our only problem now, as we see it, is you. And we have finally found a way to rid ourselves of that problem.”

  From behind the Esper party, a portal from Netherspace opened. Darkness spilled into the area blanketing out the natural sunlight. Two creatures emerged from the opening; the first was a formidable-looking Seelak, taller even than Jakor. The second was a monstrous creature that was like some cross between a native panther and a slaka dragon from their now extinct world. The creature was almost fifteen feet in height and over twenty-five feet in length.

  “Meet the products of our scientific technology,” Kalaak announced proudly. “Genetically engineered from our best scientist, me. Programmed to hate Espers and designed to feed on emotion, the same types of emotion you Espers emit so readily. Prey.” He gestured to the Esper party. “Meet your new predators, our key to winning this war, and exterminating the species of homosapiens. Destroy them all!”

  The creatures attacked, ripping two of the Esper scientists to shreds, gleefully feeding off their powerful emotions of stark terror and shock. The Esper emotion fed the genetically engineered monstrosities, making them even stronger. Jakor was struck by the larger creature, the powerful blow propelled the Esper warrior over a dozen feet. Jakor, however, was no normal Esper; his strength, speed, reflexes, and aggressiveness were far beyond normal. He reached inside his tunic and grabbed his Sentient Staff. The weapon expanded and responded to his mental commands. He was now enraged; the Seelak had broken a sacred truce and slaughtered members of their party.

  Jakor attacked the large enhanced Seelak. His staff clanged on the skin of the creature. Sparks flew as the sentient metallic weapon impacted with the creature's enhanced metallic shell. The shell cracked, and the creature retreated, and then turned to face him.

  Jakor pressed his attack on the huge mutant Seelak. His silvery fists pummeled the armored creature in wave upon wave of sheer ferocity. The Seelak struck back, the power of its own blows were staggering. Its power was enough to kill an ordinary Esper.

  Jakor withdrew slightly. He struggled to see where the rest of his party was. He was horrified to see the giant cat like creature gnawing on what was once Sennek. Jakor howled with rage, his genetically enhanced aggressiveness and anger pushed him to attack. He leapt at the large cat, covering several meters with one bound, his fists raining dreadful blows upon its huge body. The feline roared with distress, and swiped at him with massive paws. Jakor was struck by one of the paws, huge claws leaving a large gash in his silvery metallic flesh. He responded by slamming his Sentient Staff down upon the creature's front leg and was rewarded with a loud snap as its leg broke from the blow. The creature shrieked with agony and limped away from Jakor. Jakor never saw the boulder that struck him from behind. The enhanced Seelak hurled it from a great distance. The force of the impact caused the Esper soldier to fall and lose consciousness. The Seelak was about to finish him when it was ordered by its creators to withdraw. Both monsters re-entered the portal and it closed behind them.

  Kalaak knelt over the fallen Esper soldier and checked his vital signs. “He will live; let him return to his colony, a disgrace, defeated. We have dishonored ourselves enough with this slaughter. I'll not kill a warrior like this. He deserves a better death. We will return to our people and prepare for the final battle of this war. We will not go quietly—we will conquer this planet and wipe out the ape-like species that grows here like a plague, spreading across this world like a diseased fungus.”

  * * * *

  Several minutes passed, and Jakor slowly regained his senses. The boulder that hit him still lay perched upon his shoulders. He hefted his arms, propelling his massive frame up and tossed the 800-pound stone on to the ground. He walked over to where the lacerated body of Sennek lay. As he studied the mutilated body of his friend, he let out a shriek of rage that was easily heard for miles.

  “My dear friend, how could we have been deceived so, under the Statue of Peace?” he whispered. “They will pay for this atrocity, I promise you. They will all pay dearly,” he added in a lethal whisper.

  He recited the traditional burial prayer for the dead over each fallen body. He wanted to carry his old friend back and bury him properly, but he knew time was of the utmost importance and the time he had left was limited. He knew that his arrival, and the news that the sacred truce had been violated, would be the trigger for the Espers to arm for a final assault. He realized the preparation for an attack on his settlement was probably already underway. His people needed to be rallied and forces marshaled immediately.

  Jakor's anger ran through his body unchecked; he looked back over at the body of his friend and screamed a shout so loud that its echoes reverberated for miles. The massive silver figure walked over to the boulder that had struck him and pulverized it to powder with his fists. His anger slowly faded, only to be placed with a deep remorse. He knew that the days ahead would be filled with the horrors of war.

  Jakor pondered the possible reasons that the enemy had allowed him to live. They must surely know that he would return home and report the atrocities carried out against their party under the Statue of Peace. Jakor turned and headed home. He ran, faster than the fastest cat. He leapt over boulders and chasms, ignoring everything but the desperate urging in his mind to return home and report, to give his people time to prepare for the upcoming attack.

  Jakor spotted the settlement in the distance and he urged his limbs to carry him faster. He sprinted by the armed guards, yelling to them to prepare for attack as he passed by. The sentries sounded a general alarm as he made his way into the Elders’ chambers. The door to their meeting room was barred shut from the other side, Jakor drove his
fist through the thick wood, forcing the doorway off of its hinges, propelling the splintered wooden barrier into the conference chambers. He did not waste time with the usual formalities, his words were simple as he faced the High Council.

  "The Seelak have broken the Statue of Peace, our party has been murdered. Attack is imminent. We must prepare ourselves,” he shouted telepathically, then turned away.

  “Wait!” one of the Elders yelled, using his voice instead of telepathy, which was always used inside the chambers. “How can this be?”

  “We were lied to,” Jakor answered. “This agreement to hear our data was nothing more than a prelude to a trap. They have created monsters to do their fighting for them, these creatures killed our scientists, nearly killed me. We were nothing more than an experiment to see if their creatures functioned properly.” Jakor looked back at the Council members who sat in stunned disbelief. “We must prepare to attack our enemy, before they can attack us. We already are at a disadvantage. They are most assuredly marching as we speak.” Jakor turned to leave the chamber.

  Jakor was conferring with other members of his Soldier clan, preparing strategy and tactics, when the news came.

  A Scout came into his shelter and reported. “They are coming, Jakor.”

  “How many?” he asked, still looking at a map of the area.

  “All of them,” the scout whispered.

  Jakor looked up from his map in shock. “Not just the soldiers?”

  “No, my liege. There were soldiers, scholars, and scientists from what I could make out. Their soldiers are larger, like us, so they are easy to spot. There are several soldiers in each group, but it appears that the entire colony is marching out to do battle, plus some things that are larger than soldiers, unlike anything I have ever seen before.”