“I say no. We Raknii must survive. We must endure. The sheer magnitude of the calamities that have befallen us are supernatural in origin. How else might they be logically explained?
“I now believe it is Dol’s will that we humble ourselves and abide by the dictates of the dominant alphas who have proven themselves our masters in honorable dominance combat. Therefore, after pondering deeply the general trends of the universe and the actual conditions existing within our empire today, I have decided to effect a settlement of the present situation by resorting to an extraordinary measure.
“According to the dictates of time and fate, I am resolved to pave the way for a grand peace for all the generations of Raknii to come. I have therefore resolved to obey the will of our god and submit both myself and the entire Raknii Empire to the authority of these humans, while we continue our search for understanding of morality and ethical behavior, so that we may all prosper in peace beside our interstellar neighbors.
“If needs be, we must find the courage within ourselves to endure the unendurable, and suffer the insufferable. But perhaps the hardships and sufferings to which our Empire is to be subjected hereafter will not be so great as we fear. I have it on good authority that our people are well treated on those of our worlds in Regions-4, 5, 6, and 7, who have already surrendered in submission to the human aliens. Except for lack of trade with the bulk of our empire, life for our people there continues on in much the same manner as before the humans came at all — with most enjoying almost complete autonomy and cordial relations with their human masters. In my discussions with these humans, I found them to be gracious hosts, surprisingly amicable and possessing many admirable qualities. I found myself actually liking the creatures, in spite of my natural inclination to detest them.
“I am therefore ordering that copies of this message to be sent to the governments of the United Stellar Alliance, the independent planet of Sextus, and the Confederate Stellar Accord to communicate that the Raknii Empire accepts their demand for unconditional surrender, in accordance with their joint declaration.”
The camera then switched back to the close-up head shot which again filled the frame, to maximize the hypnotic effect of Drix’ next words.
“My people, be my witnesses now, as I expose belly and throat in formal submission to these humans, who have bested us in honorable dominance combat. From this turn forth, honor my submission to them, as your own. Study and apply the written injunctions found in my Book of Revelations, which has been widely published amongst you, as this will help you to adjust to the shocking reality that is unfolding before you.”
The camera then switched over to a wide-angle shot showing Drix rising and stepping down off of his raised throne to stand before it, as the Raknii version of an Imperial orchestra began playing a rendition of the anthem of the Raknii Empire. The instruments were mostly of the percussion and stringed varieties, as the Raknii muzzle just wasn’t shaped for what humans accepted as “wind” instruments. As the music played, Drix’ mate N’raal joined them at the foot of the throne, carrying their kit, Eryx, where they waited in solemn dignity as the piece finished.
* * * *
Chapter-31
There is nothing left for me to do but to go and see General Grant, and I would rather die a thousand deaths. — Confederate General Robert E. Lee, said before the surrender at Appomattox, April 9, 1865
January 1, 3870
After a few seconds of silence, the musicians began a stringed version of the Alliance national anthem, as the camera switched again to focus on a door to the left side of the throne, which opened to show an incredibly tall being stooping to get through it. When the being straightened, it was reveled to be a human male with dark fur on his face, dressed in a medium-gray double-breasted uniform, with 4-cord gold filigree on the sleeves and three golden stars surrounded by a gold wreath on his upraised collars. As he was also representing the Imperial German government as well as the Confederate Fleet, his standard Confederate admiral’s uniform was augmented with golden epaulets on the shoulders and gold aiguillettes from his left shoulder running to the center of his upper chest, with a wide gold jacquard sash running from right shoulder to left hip. An Iron Cross dangled from his throat, and a large jeweled chest badge denoting his rank as Baron of the German Empire adorned his lower left breast. Gold stripes went down each leg, disappearing into black boots with golden spurs. A wide gold sash with hanging knots on the right hip circled his waist, covering a military sword belt — from which dangled a decorative scabbard on his left hip, containing a razor-sharp light cavalry saber, ornately engraved, with gilding and foliage.
As the ornately dressed human stepped away from the doorway, he was followed by a second human male dressed in the black uniform of the Imperial Germanic Empire, with a bright peacock blue jacquard sash across the chest and matching waist sash, with a chest badge denoting his membership in the royal family on his lower left breast. Behind him came a human female wearing a shimmering gown that seemed to change colors in the light as she moved, carrying a human kit in her arms.
The three humans then moved forward together to stand before the Raknii supreme-master, his mate and his three region-masters flanking him. Their colossal proportions became distressingly apparent, as the human males were fully twice as tall as the Raknii, who appallingly appeared mere cubs by contrast when standing right beside the gigantic aliens.
When the Alliance national anthem was finished, the human male wearing black turned to the camera and spoke in the Raknii language, without the use of a translator:
“My name is Halbert Guderian, and I am a human being who has been held captive by Raknii forces since the unauthorized raid on the human planet of Bavara, in the Imperial Germanic Empire, three and a half cycles ago. During the past three cycles, I have resided within the household of now, Supreme-Master Drix and during that time, I have advised him extensively on many aspects of humanity, but particularly in the many areas of human thought, regarding the topics of morality and ethics. This was not done in any attempt to impose human moral values onto the Raknii people, as that would be no more fitting than any of my clothing might fit any of you.
“My input was given solely for the purpose of familiarizing your supreme-master with the concepts of human moral thought, to help promote understanding between our races, and to assist him in creating a moral code for the Raknii race… a code totally in line with the eternal values found in your own traditions and religious beliefs. The contents of his Book of Revelations are entirely his own thoughts, wisdom he sought earnestly in humble supplication to your god.
“During my time with Supreme-Master Drix, we discovered many areas where your race and mine share values and other similarities in attitude and thought, which were not initially, or readily apparent due to our obvious physical differences. Like the Raknii, humanity also regards family as one of the most sacred aspects of our culture.
“ As my littermate is an admiral in the Confederate Fleet and Commander of Fleet Intelligence, he was among the first humans to be made aware of the location of the Raknii home world when it was first discovered. As he also was previously aware of my location near Supreme-Master Drix, he immediately determined to retrieve me from Raknii captivity.
“As to Supreme-Master Drix’ concerns about how many other of our undetectable warships might also be lurking within the Raku system at this very moment, I will leave it to your own discretion to imagine for yourselves, whether you would land unsupported, in the very heart of human territory with only your mate and kit accompanying you. I will say one thing on the subject,however… my littermate is not stupid.
“We are now here at Supreme-Master Drix’ specific request, to assist in his plans for terminating this unfortunate war that has been raging between our races at the cost of millions of Raknii dead. It was never humanity’s desire to be in armed conflict with the Raknii Empire. While I believe that humanity has adequately demonstrated our prowess in armed combat, let me
assure you that we definitely prefer peace and friendly relations with our neighbors… if those neighbors will only allow it.”
Turning and gesturing towards his brother, Hal said, “Representing the authorities of the combined fleets of humanity in this ceremony is my littermate, Admiral-Baron Dietrich Anton Guderian von und zu Fürt. With him as witnesses are his mate, Baroness Noreen Guderian, who is currently holding her kit, Hans Guderian… and myself.
“Accompanying Supreme-Master Drix and representing the Raknii Empire as witnesses are Region-Master Harf of Region-2, Region-Master Glan of Region-3 and Region-Master Olin of Region-5, along with the supreme-master’s mate N’raal, who is holding their cub Eryx. Unfortunately, Region-Master Tzal of Region-4 and Region-Master Raan of Region-6 could not be here on this solemn occasion, as they are both currently in human military custody.”
With that, Hal turned from the camera and went to stand beside, and just behind his brother.
N’raal was next to move, as she approached Noreen and they exchanged babies, so that N’raal held Hans, while Noreen held Eryx during what was to come. When N’raal had resumed her place, Drix strode forward to stand immediately in front of Diet and, with great dignity, declared:
“I stand before you as the living embodiment of the Raknii people. I and the Raknii people have been defeated in honorable dominance combat, by the military might of humanity. I now formally submit both myself and my people to the authority of humanity.”
Drix then spread his arms wide and tilted his head back, exposing his throat. “As the living embodiment of the human race, strike!” declared Drix loudly. “Or not, as it pleases you. My life and the lives of my people are yours.”
Diet slowly unsheathed his sword, dramatically rotating it slightly, back and forth to catch the light for the cameras, so that everyone watching could not fail to notice that the blade was almost as long as Drix’ entire body. With suspense building, Diet slowly brought the point of his sword to Drix’ throat and held it there for a few seconds. Then, with a sudden flick of his wrist, Diet made a small cut in the side of Drix’ neck… not life-threatening, but deep enough that blood welled quickly, the redness showing rudely in stark contrast to Drix’ snow-white pelt.
“I spare your life, and the lives of your people,” declared Diet, his words interpreted by a human-made translator held by Harf. “Let this be the very last blood spilled in this horrible conflict between your people and mine, and let the scar remaining from this small wound serve always as a reminder of this day, when we ceased being enemies.”
Drix then declared, “I am yours… command me!”
“Let us forsake our weapons and henceforth work together in harmony, to rebuild all that was destroyed during our conflict, that we may both learn to view one another in friendship,” Diet declared loudly. Diet then suddenly snapped the blade of his sword in half across his knee, and then handed the bloodied tip to Drix.
“Keep this bloodied blade as a memorial to the mercy shown to you and your people this day, as I will keep the ruined handle, which wielded it,” Diet said. “May these symbols serve to remind all of us of the pledges made here, that no more should Raknii and humankind strive to kill one another.”
With that, Diet re-sheathed his partial sword and stepped back. Raknaa Imperial troopers then carried in two tables, high for a Raknii, but low to a human, and arranged them between the two sides. After the Raknaa withdrew, black-clad Dolrak females entered carrying large books, which contained the formal surrender documents written in both languages… four copies, one for the Raknii, and one each for the three major combatants comprising the combined fleets of humanity.
Drix and Diet signed first, followed by Hal and the three region-masters. When it became time for Noreen to sign, she handed Eryx off to Diet and N’raal handed Hans to Drix. N’raal didn’t sign, as female liberation hadn’t come to the Raknii yet… something that Noreen intended to talk to N’raal about at her first opportunity. The symbolism of the exchange of offspring was hard to miss, as each side held the other’s most precious treasure, while the process of ending war and restoring peace unfolded.
N’raal and Noreen then reclaimed their own children and N’raal then handed Eryx off to her father while Noreen passed Hans to Hal, as they retired momentarily to fetch food. When they returned, Noreen served Drix, while N’raal served Diet… each stuffing charred, bloody meat into the mouths of both leaders. The symbolism of this carefully choreographed video was rampant, and literally screamed friendship and cooperation between the races.
* * * *
February – November, 3870
The videos of the surrender ceremony were greeted throughout human space with rejoicing. The alien war was over and humanity had won. They were greeted throughout Raknii space with despair, that the war was over and humanity had won. For the most part, the hypnotic commands and exaggerated symbolism of mutual respect within the ceremony itself had the desired effect on the vast majority of both races. Calls for vengeance against their defeated enemy gradually faded throughout human space, as grim resignation and recognition of their submission to the strange, giant aliens slowly arose throughout Raknii space. What few rebellions against Drix’ submission to the humans that occurred were either put down by the remnant of Tzal’s warfleet, or by massive explosions that mysteriously leveled rebellious planet-masters’ palaces with no prior warning.
Other than the seven abandoned worlds taken by the other nations of humanity in retaliation for the unauthorized Raknii raid, which they had every intention of retaining as war reparations, agreements were made concerning the shared human/Raknii sovereignty over virgin worlds that were not yet fully colonized within Region-6 and what had once been known temporarily as Region-7. These worlds would serve as a melting pot, where Raknii and humans could get to know one another as neighbors, and would act as duty-free trade zones, where both races could bring and sell their wares to one another. This minimized friction, while introducing cooperation and promoting understanding.
Eventually, trade would open up, with ships of both races traveling freely to most of the worlds of the other. But that was all several years away, as both races took their time getting to know, and coming to trust, one another… except for the Children, who weren’t exactly sure how to go about canceling a Jihad, and so continued to shoot guns in the air and shout “Death to the Raknii infidels” and “death to…” whoever else had pissed them off that week.
The unbridled and constant expansion the Raknii had been accustomed to, had been driven by their incredible birth rate. This now had to be curtailed, at least along their shared borders with humanity and the Trakaan. Raknii family size was limited to two children each, after which they had the choice between voluntary, reversible sterilization, or usage of human-manufactured birth control drugs, which Hal had already proven safe and effective on Raknii females. Xior’s cancer drugs weren’t the only things that Hal had conjured up in his homemade chemistry lab on Raku.
OverMaster Xior accompanied Diet, Hal, Noreen and little Hans on their long trip back to Waston, with Hal maintaining Xior’s drug regimen religiously. After a short meeting with President McAllister, Xior was escorted aboard Fleet-2 for a private trip to Houstin, on Sextus, where the most advanced cancer research center in human space was located. If anyone could devise a cure, they would.
Having received prior notice of the surrender agreement, Hal had divested most of Diet’s defense industry stocks in favor of major holdings in transport fleets and manufacturers of Raknii translators into the plethora of human languages, video games, pharmaceuticals, chocolate, ice cream, cheese, beef, bacon and beer… all Raknii favorites.
* * * *
Its job completed, Admiral Jim Hunter took the Sextus 1st Fleet home to wildly cheering crowds, with the profound thanks of all humanity for their significant contribution to humanity’s victory over the aggressive aliens.
Admiral Ben Stillman transferred his flag to the attack carrier CSS Ind
ependence, joined by his wife and Chief of Staff, Captain Dorothy Fletcher-Stillman and their daughter Midnight. It was finally time for the remainder of the Confederate 2nd Fleet to join their battered capital ships and go home to Ginia for a well-deserved rest and overhaul. Word had it that the battered CSS Defiant had grounded within the Confederate Fleet Headquarters in Rikmon and awaited only the Stillman family’s arrival for her official retirement ceremony, where she would then assume her new career as a lasting memorial to all who died in the two wars the Confederacy had fought in her short life as an independent nation.
The two remaining asteroid-battleships were each joined by a new flotilla of destroyers, freshly arrived from their detachment from the Confederate 5th Fleet and assigned “show the flag” duties, visiting random Raknii planets to prove mankind’s diligence in maintaining their continued good behavior. The remainder of the combined fleets from both the Confederacy and the Alliance were divided into task force strength to assume similar duties, with crews rotating every six months.
Aging rear admirals and senior captains of suitable temperament from both the Confederate and Alliance Fleets were assigned primarily symbolic duties as military governors to all Raknii worlds to provide guidance, when needed, to the newly subjugated race. Former Confederate President, Alliance Senator and revered statesman Lincoln Collier was appointed as ambassador to the Raknii Empire by Confederate President Patrick Franklin George, who established a Confederate embassy near the Imperial Palace on Raku. In time, most of the governments of humanity would also open embassies there, which would also initially serve as trade missions during the process of “normalizing” relations, which would evolve over the coming years.
Wrath of an Angry God: A Military Space Opera Page 36