Wrath of an Angry God: A Military Space Opera

by Michaels, Gibson

  Fraznal turned to Raan and asked, “Region-Master, would you care to comment on whether you’d be agreeable to including the contents of these unconfirmable reports that Admiral Kalis has in his possession, into the permanent record of these proceedings?”

  “I’m sure that from the way that Admiral Kalis noted that the information might tend to weaken my position, they undoubtedly contain details of yet more battles lost and Raknii planets taken by human forces,” replied Raan. “After what I have already seen of humanity’s remarkable military prowess, I seriously doubt that I’d truly find much of anything contained within those reports to be overly surprising. Admiral Kalis has no need to exaggerate the extent of his victories, so by all means, let them be entered. I am most intrigued to hear what they might contain.”

  Fraznal turned to Kalis and said, “With Region-Master Raan’s permission granted, please continue, Admiral Kalis.”

  Kalis put on his reading glasses and proceeded to extrapolate from the pile of documents in his hand, “First, I will begin with events not affiliated with the Combined Fleets of the United Stellar Alliance, the independent planet of Sextus or the Confederate Stellar Accord, and therefore not under my jurisdiction. I have received reports that fleet units of the human nations of the German, British and Japanese Empires, cooperative efforts by the Italians, Australians and Brazilians, as well as the combined fleets of the Russians, Chinese and the Central European Compact have recently located and occupied seven planets, from where it is believed that Raknii forces launched attacks upon those nations two of our years ago. Very few Raknii vessels or citizens were found remaining in these systems, although there was ample evidence of significant Raknii installations, which appeared to have been purposely abandoned and their inhabitants mostly evacuated.”

  Raan nodded. “Yes, the quadrant-master in charge of that portion of Region-7 took it upon his own initiative to launch those attacks on those other human nations, in retaliation for our losses at Golgathal and those six other Raknii planets your forces took somewhat later. News traveled somewhat slower in those days, as that was before regular spaceliner service had been established throughout our empire.”

  “Are you saying that this… quadrant-master, was it?” asked Eileen Thorn. “Launched those attacks without obtaining prior authorization from the region-master commanding your Region-7?”

  “Yes,” Raan replied. “The region-master over Region-7 was away in consultations with Supreme-Master Xior at the time and that quadrant-master authorized those attacks solely on his own authority — an authority he no longer possesses, I might add.”

  “You mean he was disciplined for his actions afterwards?” asked Kalis.

  “Yes,” Raan responded. “Drix was highly upset by that individual’s rashness. He realized those attacks would trigger a search for where they had originated. He also realized they would all be found by human forces before too long, and that the losses we sustained during those unauthorized attacks meant those worlds could no longer be held, so Drix ordered those worlds evacuated.

  “Evacuating perfectly good worlds was unprecedented in our entire history. Drix probably would have torn the perpetrator’s throat out, but merely ordered him reduced four levels in rank, after discovering that the perpetrator brought a High-Human prisoner with him, when Drix had called for him to come to his capital to account for his actions.”

  Kalis and Thorn looked at one another questioningly, but neither said anything.

  “Drix? Are you saying that at the time, Drix was region-master over your Region-7?” asked Fraznal.

  “Yes, Drix had only recently ascended to that rank and had not yet arrived to assume personal control over that region.”

  “Region-Master Raan,” replied Fraznal. “You used a term to describe this human prisoner that you mentioned, which I am unfamiliar with… High-Human, I believe it was. I don’t believe that I’ve ever heard that term before. Can you please tell me what it means?”

  Kalis and Thorn again stole knowing — or in this case, unknowing glances towards one another. They both wanted to know what the hell a “High-Human” supposedly was, too.

  “I’m not entirely sure myself, Planetary Administrator,” replied Raan. “Reports are that this particular human voluntarily surrendered himself to Raknaa assault troops on the human world of Bavara, and reportedly was in possession of rank-stones similar to those worn by High-Rak masters. As difficult as I initially found it to believe, I’m told this individual simply walked up to a Raknaa warrior, displayed his rank-stones and ordered him in the Raknii language — without the use of an electronic translator — ordered our warrior to take him to the highest ranking Rak master in the area.”

  Thorn leaned close to Kalis and whispered softly, “Whoever the hell it was, he’s got balls the size of grapefruits to have purposely done something like that.” Kalis nodded in agreement.

  “I’m told he is fully conversant in the Raknii language,” Raan continued, “but finds it difficult to speak it for extended periods, do to the strain it places on his vocal cords. Also, he reportedly displayed many other abilities far beyond what was noted in other human prisoners taken from Minnos.”

  “What sort of abilities, Region-Master?” asked Fraznal.

  “First of all,” replied Raan, “He claims to have played a pivotal role in discovering how our Raknii/English translators actually work, internally. This was evidenced by his prior knowledge that our translators essentially converted Raknii into Trakaan, and then from Trakaan into English and vice versa. He also claims to have personally designed an entirely new translator which totally eliminates Trakaan as an intermediary language, and translates directly between Raknii and English… very much like the ones that Admirals Kalis and Thorn are using right now.”

  Fraznal turned and looked at the two human admirals who were sitting quietly, listening to Raan’s story.

  “Admiral Kalis,” asked Fraznal. “Can you shed any light on the development of your miniaturized translators, as it might apply to this so-called High-Human the Raknii appear to have in their possession?”

  “I will make enquiries, Planetary Administrator,” Kalis answered. “But it may take some time for me to get a response back.”

  “Understandable, Admiral Kalis,” said Fraznal. “As Supreme Allied Commander over the militaries of three separate nation-states, it cannot be expected for you to be familiar with the intricate details of how your new translators came into being. Interrogatories sent back to your governments will suffice and will be greatly appreciated.”

  “Thank you, Planetary Administrator,” said Kalis. As it happened, Kalis did know exactly “who” had discovered the secret to how the Raknii translators worked and had then gone on to design the new translators they were using now. What puzzled him about this supposed “High-Human” who was trying to take credit for it, was that the discovery and its resulting new equipment design, were all achieved by a fantastic computer, not a human being.

  “This would seem to indicate that this High-Human person is an electronics design engineer, of the highest order,” remarked Fraznal.

  “Yes, but he also appears to excel in many other areas at similarly high levels,” replied Raan. “Upon discovering that Drix desired to build himself a personal home on the frontier world he had chosen as his regional capital, I’m told that this High-Human quickly produced intricately detailed free-paw drawings of a human-style log mansion, and produced full sets of comprehensive construction drawings for its construction, that were almost indistinguishable from computer-generated drawings… indicating master level talents in both architecture and artistry.”

  “Amazing,” said Fraznal. “Please go on, Region-Master.”

  “I am also told this human is literally a walking library, capable of master-level discussions on virtually any topic within the realm of human knowledge.”

  Thorn again leaned in close to Kalis’ ear and whispered softly, “Sounds like another Leonardo da Vinci.” Kali
s again nodded in agreement, wondering where Eileen had even heard about da Vinci.

  “That’s absolutely astounding. I can see where this person might be described as a High-Human, indeed,” said Fraznal. “Admiral Kalis, are these types of abilities common attributes among these High-Humans within your society?”

  Kalis was startled by the question. “Ah… I’m afraid that I’m not at liberty to discuss the subject of High-Humans at this time, Planetary Administrator. I really don’t see how that subject is truly germane to the goals of these discussions.”

  Fraznal nodded in agreement. “Very well, Admiral. I can understand that. Now, we appear to have gotten off on a bit of a tangent. Admiral Kalis, would you like to proceed with informing us of the details contained in those reports you mentioned receiving earlier?”

  “Yes,” said Kalis, relieved at having dodged a bullet in trying to explain something he really knew nothing about. “Approximately three months ago… by my order, the Confederate 2nd Fleet attacked Raknii space forces and forced the capitulation of the Raknii planet Slithin.”

  Raan’s ears perked up at that name. “Slithin, did you say?”

  “Yes, Region-Master… Slithin. I take it that you’re familiar with it?”

  “I have heard of it, though I have never been there personally.”

  Thank Dol, Drix’ ploy of planting those doctored star-charts in hopes of diverting human attacks towards Region-4 appears to have worked.

  “It appears that the Battle of Slithin introduced an entirely new dynamic to our current conflict, as our forces were confronted by many new types of Raknii weaponry, not seen previously.”

  “What kinds of new weapons, Admiral Kalis?” asked Fraznal.

  “Heavy cruisers, cruisers, destroyers, carriers, fighters, heavy anti-ship missiles and anti-fighter missiles — all in significant numbers, I might add,” replied Kalis. “It was estimated that upon their arrival in the Slithin system, 2nd Fleet was confronted by 35,000 warships of the old design, plus approximately 10,000 new, heavier warships, including a thousand light carriers fielding upwards of 50,000 fighters.”

  Raan was stunned by this news.

  Xior must have sent everything new that we’d completed to have achieved those numbers. How is it possible that a single human fleet of merely 60 warships managed to destroy such a force?

  Kalis paused in his narrative and Fraznal looked towards Raan, as if expecting a comment or question to come from the Raknii Region-Master. When none was forthcoming, Fraznal decided to ask the obvious question himself:

  “Admiral Kalis, if memory serves, I seem to remember that your human fleets generally consist of approximately 60 warships of various classes. How is it possible that a single human fleet managed to defeat such a incredibly massive space-borne force, such as you just described?”

  Kalis began to answer but Admiral Eileen Thorn jumped in ahead of him, “We added a new dynamic of our own, which we are currently not at liberty to discuss, Planetary Administrator. A girl has to have some secrets, you know.”

  “Quite,” said Kalis. “Suffice it to say that approximately 60% of all Raknii forces within the Slithin system were destroyed, prior to the remainder being driven off into hyperspace, where they escaped immediate destruction. Unfortunately, by utmost necessity, the planetary infrastructure was severely damaged during the battle, and 2nd Fleet is currently rendering all aid to the Raknii people, with every asset at its disposal.”

  Raan was aghast.

  Over a million more of our people dead. How is it possible? How could such a calamity have happened, yet again? Drix was right, these humans are truly the ultimate predators of Varq’s dire prophecy, and if we do not submit, they will, indeed, exterminate us.

  “Is that all, Admiral Kalis?” asked Fraznal somberly.

  “Not quite, Planetary Administrator,” replied Kalis. “Subsequent to the Battle of Slithin, human forces under my command, consisting of the Sextus 1st Fleet, the Confederate 4th Fleet and the Alliance 3rd, 8th and 17th Fleets attacked and captured the Raknii planets of Vlisnal, Klognin, Blenthna, Yegraia and Umviil. Each was defended by approximately 10,000 Raknii warships of the old design, but were driven off after each sustained over 50% casualties.

  Raan groaned inwardly.

  Another 1.2 million dead. Will it never end?

  “It also appears that we now know where the surviving Raknii warships that were driven off at Slithin went,” continued Kalis. “Approximately seven weeks after departing Slithin, they emerged in the Yegraia system, where they were immediately engaged by the Alliance 17th Fleet.”

  “I take it that your 17th Fleet was destroyed then?” asked Fraznal soberly.

  “Almost, it was a very near thing… very. Fortunately 17th Fleet had been fully re-supplied with missiles after their initial victory there, and Vice Admiral Turner, in command of the Alliance 17th Fleet, utilized an old, but highly effective tactic of mine by interspersing his fleet into highly defensible positions within the asteroid belt at Yegraia, which is even more extensive than the one at Slithin. The battle lasted three full days, but after sustaining over 50% casualties, the Rak fleet eventually withdrew from the Yegraia system. Percentage-wise, our losses were equally heavy, if not more so, but we managed to retain control of the planet. I’m told that Vice Admiral Turner was, himself, severely wounded during the battle, and is not expected to live.”

  Raan was surprised that Kalis admitted to having one of his fleets nearly destroyed. If anything, that fact made his incredible tale even more credible.

  Tzal is one of our best. It’s certainly not his fault these demons are blessed of Dol. 60% of his fleet lost at Slithin and half of what was left, lost at Yegraia. More than 80% of all we were able to build since Golgathal, destroyed in less than three subcycles.

  I’d really hate to be the one tasked with the impossible job of opposing both the humans and our god at the same time, as Tzal has been asked to do. He deserves a better legacy than defeat after defeat.

  “I see,” said Fraznal. “It appears that copious amounts of blood have been spilled recently in this terrible conflict. I believe that it behooves us all to rededicate ourselves to finding a solution — a way to bring this horrible war to an end, before even one more drop of blood is spilled, unnecessarily.”

  “I don’t believe that will be necessary, my friend,” Raan said to Fraznal softly. Fraznal was startled to hear Raan drop back into informal tones.

  “Admiral Kalis, Planet-Master Mraz has advised me of the formal surrender ceremony that was required of him at Golgathal,” said Raan. “Please make similar arrangements to accept my formal surrender of Region-6 of the Raknii Empire, in its entirety. That is the full extent of my authority.”

  With that, Raan dropped to his knees before a startled Kalis and exposed his throat in total submission.

  * * * *

  The Raknii Imperial Planet of Raku

  August, 3868

  Tzal finally herded the remnants of his battered fleet to a Raknii planet that humans hadn’t gotten around to taking as yet, and immediately boarded the first available spaceliner destined for the Imperial capital on Raku. He left instructions for his fleet to make what repairs they could, and to follow him to Raku at the more sedate pace of warships, as soon as possible, but his report to Supreme-Master Xior couldn’t wait.

  Tzal mentally prepared himself to be stripped of his rank and executed in disgrace for his failures. He’d been honored to lead the most powerful fleets in Raknii history into three great battles against the human aliens and lost all of them. Worse yet, he’d lost over 80% of all those magnificent new weapons their empire had needed three cycles to design, build and make ready for battle. Defeat just wasn’t permissible within their culture, but Tzal was determined to do his duty to the last and bravely face his impending death with dignity, even if he would never be quite sure of what he might have done differently that might have altered any of those horrific outcomes.

  Upon his arriva
l at Raku, Tzal was called to an audience with the supreme-master with amazingly swift dispatch, as Xior’s schedule was normally so tight, even urgent messages usually took turns to get through to him. When Tzal was escorted into the throne room, Xior’s back was to him, but Tzal got the shock of his life —the very last thing he’d ever expected to see. Standing unguarded next to the Raknii supreme-master was a human. A human… unguarded… right next to Xior! Tzal was stupefied.

  When the royal Protocol-Master who had entered with him announced, “Ultimate-FleetMaster Tzal to see the supreme-master!” Tzal received yet another shock. No one had informed Tzal of the change in the supreme-mastery, which occurred while he was away in Region-4, so when Xior looked up and turned, Xior wasn’t Xior.

  Xior is Drix!

  There in the flesh, stood Tzal’s friend Drix, now wearing the imperial rank-stones of the supreme-master of the Raknii Empire. Tzal’s felt his head beginning to swim in circles and he almost staggered in sheer vertigo from two such intense and unexpected shocks in a row.

  I really need to eat something… I don’t feel at all well.

  * * * *

  Drix immediately saw that his old friend had been fully expecting to see his sire, and was visibly staggered by the sheer surprise of who it was actually standing before him, wearing the rank-stones of the supreme-mastery. Drix ran to his friend and physically grabbed Tzal in a powerful hug, roaring his pleasure at seeing him whole and safe.

  Tzal was so startled by this unexpected display of affection, he momentarily forgot about the dominance combat roiling in his stomach. After releasing Tzal from his enthusiastic embrace, Drix then introduced him to the equally unexpected human, who had been watching Drix’ antics with poorly disguised humor. Tzal didn’t know what a High-Human was, but Drix obviously had no fear of the beast, but equally queer was the high esteem in which Drix obviously held it… him.