Storm' Fury: The Shenkar War

by Seth Libby

  “Do you feel the Shenkar are gods?” Liam asked.

  That low variable growl was back again as Granshianka obviously found amusement by the question.

  “Gods? No, they are very powerful and are formiable warriors but I do not suffer from soft brains as some of my people do.”

  “Soft brains?” Callen asked.

  Granshianka seemed to think this over for a few moments as if trying to think of a better explanation before he spoke.

  “Those who believe anything they are told.”

  “Ah, I get it…you mean gullible,” Callen explained.

  “I do not know this word but if it means what I just said then yes.”

  Rarely did the nanobots within him encounter words they could not translate into a word another would understand but Liam wasn’t surprised by this. To be honest he was more surprised they had not encountered it more often. Instead of going into it more Liam chose to continue on with the conversation.

  “We are humans, we come from a planet far from yours and far from this area of space where the Shenkar Federation rules. Last year my people encountered the Shenkar and a war began. The Shenkar attempted to attack our planet not once but twice and we defeated them. I will not lie to you, many among my people were killed in the battles but needless to say the Shenkar lost far many more warriors. I am part of an advanced team that has entered Shenkar space to seek out potential allies. We have already found one such ally that has joined us, forgive me if I do not divulge who they are as it is for their own safety, but I can assure you that many among the Shenkar Federation are tired of their rule and wish to be freed to govern their worlds as they see fit.”

  Granshianka seemed to think over Liam’s words carefully, taking his time with his response.

  “What would this mean for my people if they joined your people in your war against the Shenkar?”

  This was the one question Liam had dreaded as he knew his answer would not sit well with anyone. Needless to say he knew there was no way around it and knew his only response would have to be the truth.

  “I won’t lie to you, you joining us will bring the war directly to your planet. You see, believe it or not, your world is key to the Shenkar war machine. Separating your world, from the Shenkar’s grasp, will most likely result in the Shenkar landing troops upon your world and attempting to take the planet from you. Any who do not submit to their rule will be executed along with their families. I cannot promise military support from my people as I do not have the authority but it would be in our best interests that we give you all the help we can possibly lend. To tell you the truth joining us will be harder on your people than not joining us…at least not until we defeat the Shenkar once and for all. I firmly believe that without your planet we can defeat the Shenkar and liberate those worlds that wish to govern themselves.”

  Granshianka once again thought over what Liam had said for several long moments before he responded.

  “I have always had a great skill for judging the honor of those around me and I judge you to being one who would not mislead me and has great honor. You have already demonstrated that your people are more than capable of combat by how quickly you dispatched the Korgo beasts. I also know the Shenkar would never have done what you did, not because they could not but because they feel it is beneath them to intervene. If you had been a Shenkar then my son would be dead right now. I owe you a blood oath for the life of my son that you saved. Blood oaths are sacred; this is something that is very important to my people. If it was purely my decision I would follow you into battle at your word but it is not my decision alone. This is something that would need to be brought to our tribal council, only the elders can make a decision like this.”

  Liam had known this would be the answer but a small part of him had hoped it would be easier.

  “How would I go about bringing my case to the council? From what I understand of your people I would need a sect leader to sponsor me just to be able be recognized by your people. Once I am sponsored then I would be allowed to compete in the trials that your people conduct once every ten years.”

  “You know of my people’s customs? You humans are definitely full of surprises. How did you learn of my customs?” Granshianka asked, surprised and curiosity clear within his voice but Liam also thought he detected a hint of displeasure there as well.

  “One of the races that have joined us in overthrowing the current Shenkar regime explained this to us,” Liam explained, feeling it would be better to omit that most of the information he received had been from their two Shenkar advisors.

  Granshianka studied Liam for a few moments, clearly curious to who had explained his people’s customs to the humans.

  “Interesting, I only know of one other race besides my own that has sworn allegiance to the Shenkar and I would bet my life they do not know of our customs, at least not to the degree you possess. The Cathergons are cowards and lack the spine to disobey the Shenkar, at least that is my impression of the ones I have met. I apologize but I must insist on who told you of our customs. They are very sacred to us and we do not take kindly to those who share this information with outsiders.”

  Liam knew he would offend Granshianka and perhaps destroy any chances of the alliance if he did not tell him the truth. Although Liam did take exception to Granshianka’s labeling the Cathergons as cowards and he found he just could not let this pass.

  “I understand, I did not mean any offense, you are correct it is not the Cathergons. It was in fact a Shenkar that told us of your customs, one who has joined my people. Even within the Shenkar there are those who wish to see the government changed. You see, the Shenkar do not typically negotiate with races to bring them into the Federation. Typically what they want is taken by force, lives sacrificed needlessly to ensure the Shenkar rule. It is firmly believed among many of their own people that the Shelecore is insane and unfit to rule.

  I have a question for you, if your people went to war with the Shenkar, how well do you honestly feel your people would do against them? You have seen their skill in combat, the armor they wear, the weapons they wield. Do you feel you could best such a race? How well do you think those spears you carry will work when combating such a race? Sure you have the advantage of knowing the terrain but they would eventually flush out your people. So before you condemn the Cathergons for being cowards maybe you should look at it from their point of view. They do not have the physical strength you do and the Shenkar ensure they do not acquire weapons. Just because they do not disobey the Shenkar does not make them cowards.”

  Granshianka’s face shown with slight offense and displeasure at being questioned in such a manner but soon his face softened.

  “You are correct, we would fight and we would lose. My people are very skilled at hunting but we could not hope to stop the Shenkar alone. I also admit I do not know the Cathergons situation so therefore I should not condemn them the way I did. It was just that….”

  Granshianka stopped suddenly and his eyes narrowed at Liam. Soon the variable growl that indicated he was laughing sounded from his throat as he clapped a hand on Liam’s shoulder. It was meant as a friendly gesture but Liam could not help but notice how strong the Lykaan was as his body shook under the massive clawed hand.

  “Did I say something that was amusing?” Liam asked.

  “No, I do know now that it is the Cathergons who have joined your people in the fight against the Shenkar.”

  Liam had to fight to keep the surprise from showing upon his face.

  “And why would you assume they are the race that joined our cause?” asked Liam, keeping his voice as neutral as possible.

  “Only one who saw another as an ally would defend their character after I labeled them as cowards. You truly are a loyal and honorable race, this pleases me greatly. Knowing how you view your allies indicates just how trustworthy you would be. If you race to the defense of one who was only insulted verbally I imagine you would go to great lengths to protect your allies fr
om harm.”

  “There is nothing I would not do to protect those I see as my friends,” Liam stated.

  “Yeah, you would not want to see him pissed,” Callen said from beside him.

  Liam shot him a sidelong glance that clearly stated not to elaborate any further. Liam did not like to speak of his time as a captive aboard the Tryliene. He also knew just how much his abilities had increased and it frightened him of what could happen if he lost control. He had managed to control his emotions but when it came to Leah he knew he could lose control if she was ever injured. This was the main reason he had assigned her to stay aboard the Poseidon, the more he could keep her from immediate danger the better he felt.

  Catching Liam’s glance Callen quickly moved to change the subject.

  “What were those creatures that were attacking you anyways? What did you call them? Korgo beasts? Are they common to this area?”

  Granshianka hesitated before speaking, clearly he wanted to inquire about what Callen had meant but he evidently had detected this was a sensitive subject and chose to not bring it up. Instead, he turned to look in the direction the rest of his people were gathered in. The group had moved together in a tighter group about halfway between them and the trees from which they had been harvesting the fruit from. Granshianka’s son and his friends had moved to join the group and it looked as if one of the female Lykaans was administering to his wound. The youngest of the Lykaans stood close by but their attention was clearly fixed on the meeting that was taking place between the humans and some of the Lykaan hunters.

  “The Korgo beast is very dangerous and very uncommon to see in these parts. Typically, they are found in the dark depths and occasionally one will surface closer to these parts but I do not ever remember hearing of a pack of them ever being spotted. Clearly something has disturbed their area or food has become scarce which has driven them to extend their hunting grounds. This very well may have been an isolated incident but either way this will be something I will need to report to the elders as others may be in danger. Although thanks to you two we do not need to go hunting for one.”

  As he finished speaking Granshianka turned to indicate the direction the battle had taken place. Liam looked over at the dead Korgos for the first time since the battle and saw that the remainder of the Lykaan hunters that had not accompanied Granshianka had dressed the beasts, like one would a deer, and were tying them up to posts that would allow them to carry the beasts from the area.

  “You normally hunt these creatures?” Callen asked, not bothering to hide the incredulity that shown upon his face.

  “Yes, they are a symbol of a hunter’s skill when they can take down a Korgo beast in single combat. Your companion has already gained much respect by the hunters of my group,” indicating Liam, “Although I do not know how he created that blue crackling fire seemingly out of nowhere. This is something I would like to learn if possible,” Granshianka stated as he turned to Liam.

  “Sorry, but so far it seems to be a unique skill I possess, no others have been able to duplicate it. Also I would not imagine you would want to go through what I had to to be able to duplicate it.” Liam explained grimly.

  Granshianka looked curiously at Liam but didn’t inquire further, instead he returned to the Korgo beast.

  “As I was saying before, the Korgo beast is a symbol of hunting prowess but they are also a very good source of meat. They may be unpleasant to look upon but they taste very good. The meat is very tender and juicy when prepared with the juices of the Grooba fruit,” explained Granshianka, indicating the trees the female Lykaans had been harvesting fruit from.

  “Sorry to change the subject, but back to the subject of the tribal elders, do you know a sect leader that we could speak with that would sponsor me so I might be able to speak with the elders?”

  Granshianka’s furry brow rose slightly in surprise then changed to that of confusion before he spoke.

  “I do not understand, are you seeking another sect leader to sponsor you?”

  “Another sect leader? What do you mean? I am just seeking one sect leader,” Liam explained, clearly confused.

  “Ah, but you have a sect leader that will sponsor you already. Did I not tell you I was sect leader for my tribe?” Granshianka explained, looking quizzically at Liam.

  Now it was Liam’s turn to be surprised, he hadn’t expected it to be this easy.

  “No, you failed to mention that but it is good to know.”

  “Well that turned out easier than I expected,” Callen said from beside him.

  Granshianka nodded in confirmation and turned to look back at the main group once more.

  “It looks as if my son has been bandaged up and the Korgo beasts are ready for transportation. Will you join us at my village, we have much to discuss before we bring you before the elder council,” Granshianka explained.

  “Okay but we left the rest of our group in the tunnel. Could they come with us or should I have them return to our ship? To be honest there is one in my group that you shoud speak with as well. I am just a soldier, this man is one of our military leaders that has accompanied us to negotiate with other races.” asked Liam, indicating the tunneling opening that he and Callen had emerged from.

  Granshianka looked over Liam and Callen’s heads to the tunnel opening they had emerged from. Not seeing anyone there he turned his attention back to Liam.

  “If they are like you two then I would be honored to share a feast with them. Although I think this military leader would be better suited to speak with the elders than I in regards to negotiating anything between our two races. This cannot happen until you are presented as my sect’s champion.”

  “Understood, I will contact the rest of my group and let them know what has transpired. They should be able to join us relatively quickly.”

  Granshianka nodded and then moved off towards the rest of the Lykaan group to wait.

  Reaching up Liam touched his earpiece to activate his comm unit.

  “Admiral Kelvin, this is Commander Brennan, do you copy?”

  Frank Kelvin’s voice immediately filled Liam’s ear as he spoke.

  “Commander, I was starting to worry you might have found trouble and was about to send a search party for you. What is your status?”

  “Admiral, I know it wasn’t the plan but we have made contact with the Lykaans. It is a long story but we have succeeded in our mission to locate a sect leader to sponsor one of us. I will explain later but the sect leader has invited our group to partake in a feast of sorts. Did you want to bring the entire group or would you prefer to send some back to the ship? I do not believe we are in any danger from the Lykaans so it is your call, sir.”

  “That is good to know and I definitely would like to hear the details later. As for the group I think we all should remain together, while the Lykaans you have encountered may seem trustworthy I cannot say we will not encounter others that may cause us harm. Also I would rather not split the group as we do not know what they may encounter on the trip back to the Poseidon. We should be able to rendezvous with you in about ten minutes.”

  “Acknowledged, we will wait for you here, Brennan out,” Liam said then terminated the connection.

  “They should be here in about ten minutes,” Liam said to Callen.

  Callen nodded but otherwise said nothing else for several minutes as he and Liam watched the Lykaan group that sat not to far off.

  “You know I think Steve and Evan are right about you,” Callen said, offhandedly.

  “Right about what exactly?” Liam asked suspiciously.

  “You need a theme song.”

  “A what?”

  “A theme song, they feel you deserve a theme song. I think they came up with a couple ideas but the one Steve has been pushing fits you the best.”

  Liam was almost afraid to ask but he couldn’t help but find himself asking.

  “And what song would that be?”

  “The Touch, by Stan Bush.....they said it was
from cartoon movie from the eighties, personally I never saw it but sounded interesting. Either way they played me the song and I have to say it fits you. Have you heard it? One line in it sang something like…..You got the touch, you got the power, when all hells breaking loose you will be riding the eye of the storm. Quite the catchy song if you ask me and it does reference a storm which it seems the Shenkar have already given you.”

  Liam just sighed heavily and shook his head side to side. Trust Steve and Evan to come up with something so silly.

  “Do you know it? I think I can access it in my computer,” Callen said as he lifted his right arm to show the small touch screen of his mobile tactical computer, or MTC, that was built into his suit’s arm.

  “No, I know the song.” Liam said, as he waved Callen to put his arm down.

  “Evan agreed with him but felt it wasn’t heavy enough and said they would need to find a band to cover it. I know you like Powerman 5000 although they could be too heavy for a rock-type song. Guess it depends on how it is remade.”

  “What do you mean how it is remade? They are not seriously asking musicians, are they?” Liam asked, a bit apprehensive that the pair might be doing just that.

  Callen looked sidelong at Liam, a small smile forming on his face. Catching the meaning Liam knew that Callen had been joking with him. Callen could not help but laugh at this point as the look of consternation that had been forming on Liam’s face.