Storm' Fury: The Shenkar War

by Seth Libby

  The theory behind these new ships would be the EDF could produce ten frigates for every one battlecruiser. The recent battle had left many of the warships heavily damaged and under manned. The problem was the EDF couldn’t train and replace the lost men and women as fast as it would take to repair and build new heavy warships. So until they had enough replacements, the council felt they would take existing crews and place them on the new frigates therefore they would be able to field a sizable fleet in the event of another invasion. Another benefit to the new frigates was they were designed to dock with the Kraken. The Kraken housed three docking platforms designed to lock the frigates in place to allow them to fold at the same time as the larger warship. The addition of three frigates weaponry would augment the already impressive array of weaponry the Kraken possessed.

  “So they stole one of our new warships and left? How is that possible? I thought we had contingencies in place in case of infiltration.”

  Recently some group within the military pointed out the need to create overlapping security measures to prevent infiltrations and sabotage. The measures had actually created more problems than solved them but they did in fact make it almost impossible for someone who doesn’t have the authorization to access any of the Earth Defense Force bases or ships.

  “There is, sir, but it seems the Meshtrell knew all the security measures. They were able to hack in and create all the passcodes they needed to bypass our security.”

  “All the unmanned warships are locked into the docking clamps, the security overrides would have to have been disengaged. Last I knew those could only be disengaged from here.”

  At this point Liam noticed the young ensign’s face turn a bright crimson as she averted her gaze away from Liam and to her feet. Before the lieutenant could elaborate Liam spoke.

  “Ah, I see how but the question is why?

  “The ensign claims that the Meshtrell had all the necessary security codes and followed all the proper protocols. I have already sent for the MPs to take her into custody until formal charges can be authorized.”

  At this point the ensign found her voice as her head shot up, anger clearly registering on face.

  “They did have all the necessary security codes as well as followed all the necessary protocols. I followed standard procedures to the letter, I made no mistakes. The lieutenant should be the………..”

  “I am not being questioned here, you are! So save your breath for the inquiry board,” interrupted the lieutenant.

  “That is quite enough lieutenant,” Liam commanded, cutting off the irritating man.

  The man looked as if he wanted to argue but one flat look from Liam shut him up. Liam continued to stare at the man until he averted his eyes and suddenly became interested at his shoes.

  “Now, as you were trying to say ensign?” asked Liam, turning back to face the young woman.

  “Thank you sir, as I was trying to say, the lieutenant should be the one being held responsible. When the Meshtrell uploaded the necessary security codes, I still thought it was odd that they were given clearance to take out one of the new frigates. When I attempted to bring this to my superior’s attention, he didn’t have the time. He simply cut me off asking if they provided all the codes and followed the protocols. When I acknowledged they had then he told me to stop bothering him with such ridiculous questions.”

  Liam turned to look at the lieutenant and the man withered under Liam’s gaze.

  “Inform Admiral Kelvin of the situation. I don’t think I need to emphasize that you will report exactly what happened here and not the farce you tried to pass off on an ensign.”

  The man gave a shaky salute then withdrew to do as he was commanded.

  Liam didn’t watch the man go, he was more concerned to the reason the Meshtrell took a warship and left. Their choice of warships also made him think. A Poseidon frigates maximum crew complement was forty. With one hundred Meshtrell aboard they would be in for an uncomfortable journey, no matter where they were headed.

  Whatever the reason, it wouldn’t change the job Liam had. Without another word to anyone, Liam turned and walked from the control center. He had a group of men and women to get in line and a Shenkar to try and understand…he didn’t know which would be harder to do.

  December 30th, 2013 2:45pm

  Shenkar Home World, Shryka

  The smelled of burned flesh assailed his nostrils as Overlord Darta entered the Shelecore’s private chambers. The source of the smell permeated from the decapitated corpse of a Shenkar warrior which lay upon the floor, his head a short distance away. The Shelecore lay upon a bench as his personal medics hurried to repair a large slash through his side. One medic worked to hold the wound closed, in an attempt to prevent his organs from spilling out, as another applied a sealant.

  Other Shenkar warriors surrounded the chambers, each scanning for any further assassins. From the scene it was clear the dead Shenkar had attempted to assassinate the Shelecore and failed.

  “Overlord Darta, I hope you bring me some good news. I am not in the mood for anything other than that,” the Shelecore said as he grimaced in pain.

  “Shelecore, what has happened here? How have you sustained such injuries? That looks to be the result of s plasma sword.”

  “It is you idiot, the fool that lay dead upon the floor is the perpetrator, as to why I cannot say…and neither can he.”

  Darta studied the scene and a sudden realization dawned upon him. He recognized the assassin, it was an Elite. Looking around he saw that there were no other elites present…the guards that have always stood guard over the Shelecore were nowhere to be seen.

  “An elite did this? What of the other elites, where have they gone?” Darta said with disbelief in his voice.

  “I have ordered all elites to be detained but it seems they have all left the capital and gone into hiding. Just as a precaution, I want all dwellings within the capital thoroughly searched. See to it immediately!”

  Darta thought of what had transpired, and wondered if it related to the news he had come to inform the Shelecore off. He highly doubted this was just a coincidence and held more dire repercussions if they related. Darta’s thoughts were interrupted as the Shelecore noticed him still standing there.

  “Darta, why are you still here? I gave you an order!”

  “Forgive me, Shelecore but I bring news, news that you will not like to hear at the moment.”

  The Shelecore narrowed his eyes at Darta’s statement but otherwise said nothing. Taking this as a silent order for him to continue Darta spoke on.

  “Overlord Gyliene’s fleet has been defeated; almost his entire fleet was destroyed. A handful of warships were able to retreat to report the news.”

  “And Overlord Gyliene? What of him?” the Shelecore asked in a low dangerous voice.

  “The survivors report he is dead, along with Overlord Shizta. It seems the humans have a new weapon, a warship of intense power. This warship destroyed two command bases and is reported to be bigger than our former flagship, the Krazeen. From reports, it sounds as if Overlord Gyliene unnecessarily sacrificed a large amount of his forces. If he had retreated and regrouped he then might have been able to turn the tides of battle.”

  The Shelecore gazed upon Darta through narrowed eyes for several long moments before he spoke.

  “Perhaps my council should have listened to Shizta as he was pushing to hold the attack until we had a larger force. I will have to address this with the council and issues punishments for their failure.”

  Darta, for once in his life, was glad he had not been promoted yet to the advisory council for he imagined that many on the council would not live to see another day.

  “As for you Darta, I have another task; you will conduct a quiet investigation throughout our entire fleet. I want you to locate any of our elites that are stationed within the Federation. Have them detain and returned to homeworld to answer for the crimes of their brothers. I suspect you will not find any of them, ev
en as far out as the furthest outposts but try anyway. If you cannot locate any then arrest any family member that is related to our elites and detain them. Once the family members are all detained you will send a broadband transmission to all elites in hiding. They are to surrender themselves for questioning. Failure to do so will result in their extended family members suffering the punishment.”

  Darta’s blood ran cold at hearing this; he knew this would not sit well among the civilian population. Many looked to the elites as great warriors who deserved respect, not to be treated as common criminals. But that was not the one thought that disturbed him the most, a thought he would need to address with the Shelecore.

  “My Shelecore, what of the Blood Fleet? They are mostly comprised of elites, if word reaches them of what transpires it could create trouble.”

  The Shelecore thought this over for several moments before answering.

  “You might be correct in this assessment, better we do not openly arrest any elites family members. Instead put out word that the elites are wanted for crimes against the government and offer a substantial reward for information that leads to the arrest of any elite but do not threaten any of their family members.”

  Darta felt relief wash through him; he did not look forward to the backlash of arresting family members of the elites would cause. Not because he felt anything for the innocent families but because he would the main target for retaliation. However, his relief was short lived as the Shelecore spoke once more.

  “Instead I want you to assemble groups of your most trustworthy and skilled warriors. I want them to hunt down and kill any member of an elite’s family. We will broadcast that the elites have gone mad and are murdering their own families to protect their own safety. This should drive support up from the civilian population.”

  Darta saluted and withdrew from the Shelecore’s private chambers. He knew this would certainly drive up support for the Shelecore but he worried what the elites would do. If they organized and assaulted in force they could possibly kill thousands before they are put down. If word ever got out that he was responsible for the deaths of so many innocent civilians he would not live long. He vowed to himself he would need to take extra steps to insure his own safety, even if it meant pinning all the blame on the Shelecore.

  A sudden thought occurred to him, perhaps he could benefit from such atrocities. If he could insure that all information was traced back to the Shelecore and only the Shelecore then perhaps he could save this information for the right time. With that right time he could perhaps elevate himself to a much higher stature, maybe even Shelecore himself. He could be bring forth this information at the right time and be considered the hero of the federation.

  With that last thought he smiled a wicked smile to himself and quickened his pace to begin his planning.

  January 3rd, 2014 5:05pm

  EDF Kraken, Terran system, high Earth orbit

  Liam looked through the door at Shizta with growing annoyance. At the request of Admiral Kelvin, Liam had been coming up to spend time speaking with Shizta. Unfortunately, the meetings had not been going as well as he had hoped. Shizta was incredibly stubborn and refused to accept anything Liam told him. Liam had explained to him on several occasions that the human race, while capable of waging war, was not naturally a warlike race. They only fought the Shenkar to protect themselves from being destroyed or enslaved. Shizta always countered this with no race that is capable of such destructive capabilities would ever settle for peace. For days this seemed to be the only thing they ever spoke of, neither willing to relent to others views on the subject.

  Today looked to be much like the same and Liam was about to leave. The only reason he hadn’t left yet was his own stubbornness that was driving him. Neither Shizta nor Liam had spoken for several minutes when a sound made them both look up. A groan came from behind Liam, from the cell where the other Shenkar prisoner lay comatose. Only now it seemed the prisoner had awoken.

  The Shenkar struggled to sit up and after several tries he succeeded. At first the Shenkar seemed confused at his surroundings. First, examining his bandages, then he looked around his holding cell before finally noticing Liam sitting just outside. Curiosity crossed his face as he examined Liam in turn. When the Shenkar spoke it was in a croaking raspy voice, vocal cords that hadn’t been used in awhile.

  “You are human? How did I get here? Where is here?”

  Liam thought this over for a few moments and decided if wouldn’t cause any harm to answer his questions.

  “I am Commander Liam Brennan; you are aboard the Kraken, flagship to Earth defense force expeditionary fleet. Before I answer how you got here, will you answer a few things for me? What is your name and what do you remember of the battle?”

  The Shenkar thought this over before he nodded an affirmative.

  “My name is Cryta and the last thing I remember is I was aboard the Xxeata. We had retreated from battle but something went wrong. I am not sure what happened as I had just entered the command deck when I overheard the communications officer shouting that the human warship had followed us. Explosions shook the ship and the command deck was thrown into chaos. I was making my way towards Gyliene when the holo table exploded. I must have been knocked unconscious as the next thing I know I was waking up here. How I got here I still do not know.”

  “You were found aboard a drifting shuttle after the battle. In case you are wondering, your fleet has been destroyed. I cannot say if anyone else survived but I wouldn’t be surprised if some had. As for wondering who pulled you from your burning warship? The Shenkar in the cell behind me is responsible for saving your life.”

  At this point Cryta leaned a bit to the side to see around Liam. His surprise was evident on his face as his eyes grew wide at the site of Shizta. However, it was Shizta that spoke first.

  “Yes, the hand of the Shelecore saved the life of an elite,” Shizta said, dryly.

  “Why would you? You know the Shelecore has been slowly exterminating the elite, why would you help?”

  Liam was surprised to hear that there was discord between the Shenkar military. They had always struck him as the type to follow orders unfailingly. Never questioning what was asked of them or the superior officer who gave them the order.

  “Call it a moment of weakness. I will make sure I won’t make that mistake again, and the rumors of the exterminations are just that…rumors,” Shizta retorted testily.

  Fire burned in Cryta’s eyes as he stared at Shizta. Liam half expected Cryta to attempt to break through the plasti-steel door but instead he just remained seated. Again to Liam’s surprise it was Shizta who spoke up.

  “Now that we are on the subject of when I saved you, would you like to explain what you were doing on the command deck? You are of the elite which should have put you in a fighter.”

  Cryta smiled maliciously at Shizta.

  “I see no harm in telling you, especially since I now recognize the human in front of me,” looking away from Shizta he turned his attention to Liam.

  “It is you who I came to see, Ghost.”

  Now it was Liam’s turn to let the surprise show on his face at hearing this. Why would a Shenkar seek out Liam other than to try and kill him? It is possible Cryta planned to invoke Sheeata, the Shenkar version of one on one combat to the death, but for some reason Liam doubted this.

  “You were seeking me out? Why?”

  “You are Dala Dvierik; you are the one we seek. For a long time there has been unrest within the population of our world. Recently, many of my people have been silenced for their open opinions of how our people must change. A growing movement has begun to work against our government. Many no longer believe we should enslave others to our wills. Many believe we should work through diplomatic channels to create bonds with other sentient races. When the Shelecore finds anyone that may be part of this movement, he silences them. Many of my brothers and sisters have died for our cause. We have searched for longer than I can say for someone who
can help us over throw the Shelecore and his underlings.”

  Liam couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Could this opportunity be as good as it seems? A chance to take down the Shenkar government from within?

  “How do I know I can trust you? This is all too great an opportunity to fall into our proverbial laps. Also, you still haven’t explained why you were on the command deck instead of in a fighter. In one of your Shenkar fighters you would have had a better chance of safely defecting to our side. Only by Shizta’s intervention did you end up here.”

  “What you say is all true but I owed a debt to one of my brothers before I defected. I learned it was Gyliene who was responsible for the death of a fellow elite. Vrik was one of the guards who were stationed outside the Shelecore’s meeting chambers. He learned of what had happened to Supreme overlord Krailsha and confronted Gyliene on the subject. He has never been heard from since.”

  “Why would he confront Gyliene about it?” Liam asked curiously.

  But it was Shizta that responded to the question and not Cryta.

  “It is the duty of an elite to report when the Shelecore is not taking the best interests of the people into consideration. The Shelecore withheld the information from the people of how Krailsha and the third fleet were destroyed. Gyliene was the most likely candidate to report to as he was thought to be loyal to the federation and the people.”

  Liam looked from Cryta to Shizta and then back again before he spoke again.

  “I take it Gyliene reported this to your Shelecore?”

  “Either that or he simply removed Vrik himself. Either way he is protecting the Shelecore as are you Shizta!” Cryta said angrily as he pointed at Shizta.

  Something was obviously not being said between the two which peaked Liam’s interest.

  “How is Shizta protecting the Shelecore?” asked Liam.