Storm' Fury: The Shenkar War

by Seth Libby

  The eight Shenkar warriors nodded in unison they understood.

  “Cut her head off and bring me the body,” Viero commanded.

  The eight Shenkar saluted, turned and left the room. As soon as they left he heard a voice speak from behind him. Turning he saw the human male looking up at him.

  “What did you say?”

  “Execute me if you have to but leave the woman alone, please! I beg of you!”

  Viero smiled as he looked at the human with disgust.

  “Beg? You humans are too soft, it is a wonder you have been able to give us any trouble at all. Warriors die all the time, this is a quick death and she will not suffer. I could have had her tortured to death but instead I am merciful.”

  The human looked as if he was going to say something else but Viero backhanded him which sent him sprawling back onto the floor. Once he was sure the human had nothing further to say he turned to the device situationed on his forearm. Keying in a few commands the screen on the device quickly lit up to reveal the holding cell where the two female prisoners were being detained. Both females stood as the eight Shenkar warriors entered the cell. They stood side by side, clearly wondering what was happening. The Shenkar in command looked at the two females, searching for the name tag. Once he located the name he was looking for he pointed to her. Three guards quickly moved forward to detain her. What happened next did not surprise Viero much. The female moved quickly lashing out at the nearest warrior, catching him across the jaw with a fist which snapped his head back. The other female also moved, attacking the closest Shenkar to her. The fight was short but Viero could not help but admire the female’s tenacity. They had left more than one Shenkar warriors badly bruised and bleeding. The females possibly could have won and escaped had Viero not sent eight warriors but in the end the numbers won. One female lay upon the floor, unconscious from a blow to the head while the other was forced to her knees, each arm held twisted to hold her in place. A Shenkar stepped forward, his plasma sword igniting as he held it aloft. The female’s face came up, she was saying something but Viero did not have the sound on so he could not hear her words…probably begging for her life. The female struggled fiercely as the Shenkar came closer and it took a third Shenkar to push her forward so her neck was visable. As soon as the opportunity was available the Shenkar warrior struck, severing the head from the body.

  Viero shut down the monitoring device and waited for the body to be brought to him.

  February 1st, 2014 6:25am EST

  Lykaa

  Tim became aware of someone approaching and kneeling next to him. His head swam from the blown he had received by Viero but it was when his head had struck the solid floor that been the reason for him being rendered unconscious. He was roughly shaken but he ignored the perpetrator.

  “I know you are awake so quit with the masquerade, I have something to show you,” came Viero’s voice from close to his ear.

  “Lieutenant Wellmo, you are going to want to see this.”

  Another voice said from not far off and it took a few moments for Tim to identify it…Shizta. It wasn’t because Shizta had said it but the tone of his voice that made him look up.

  Shizta was looking off at something out of Tim’s view, a severely distraught look upon his face. Tim wormed his way around until he was able to get himself into the seated position and looking in the same direct as Shizta. What he saw immediately formed a heavy ball within his stomach. Nearby lay the decapitated form of a human female but that was not the part that filled Tim with despair. On the breast was a name badge of the owner of the body…it read Aecrin.

  February 1st, 2014 6:54 am EST

  Lykaa

  General Leonid paced back and forth infront of the monitor. He was only one of a handful of people currently in the command center. Luckily he had managed to convince Admiral Kelvin and Commander Brennan to get some rest and he would contact them if anything new occurred.

  Over four hours had passed and there had still been no word from Overlord Viero. Relief filled him, as while he had felt Viero had been bluffing, he still had not been sure and the gamble had been on human lives.

  During this time he had taken the opportunity to move his forces in closer to the facility so now they were positioned to strike. He still did not have the numbers he had hoped for but he had received reinforcements of which he had not expected. One thousand Lykaan’s had arrived to lend their help in the assault. Admiral Kelvin had said they had won the Lykaan’s to their side but Leonid had thought that merely meant they would not interfere with his assault. What was even more surprising is when shown how to use the energy rifles, used by his Praetorian Guard, the Lykaan’s proved quite adept with the weapons. It had taken some time but he had managed to arm every Lykaan that had arrived with something better than the spears they arrived with. As an added bonus the Lykaan leader, Granshianka, has stated he knew of two tunnels that led into the facilities that the Shenkar did not know of. This essentially would allow his forces to hit the Shenkar from behind. The only drawback is the tunnels were very narrow and one could only traverse them in single file. This was hazardous as the tunnels exited directly behind the facilities. If they were spotted before the bulk of his forces could exit then they could be trapped inside or picked off as they exited. Leonid had finally decided that those forces would wait in the tunnels, until the frontal assault began, this would insure the Shenkar’s attention was elsewhere.

  The monitor suddenly activated and Viero’s face filled the screen. The Shenkar wore a wicked grin that instantly filled Leonid with dread.

  “Ah, General Leonid, just the human I wished to speak with. You did not do as I asked; perhaps you thought I was bluffing?”

  “You asked me to sacrifice one of our best soldiers; I do not respond well to threats.”

  “Yes, I can see that and I am also aware of the troops you have moved into position to assault my facilities. I told you to deliver Commander Brennan to me but you have failed to do so and for this one of you soldiers has paid the price.”

  Leonid immediately felt sick at hearing this…the sick bastard had actually executed one of the knights? Could Viero still be bluffing? Leonid opened his mouth to question this when the view changed on the screen and a body became visible. While the body was headless it was clear by the form it was a human female. The screen held there for several long moments before it moved to show Lieutenant Wellmo and Shizta, both kneeling with their hands bound behind their backs. The restraints also ran from their hands to bind their feet together, effectively preventing them from standing.

  “Lieutenant Wellmo, just so your general knows this is not some sort of ruse. Would you tell him whose body lay there upon the floor?” Viero said from somewhere outside of the view of the camera.

  Tim looked up at the camera, his face shown with deep despair as he looked again at the body. His mouth moved but no noise came out at first. After several moments he finally found his voice and his eyes seemed too filled with fire.

  “It’s Lieutenant Aecrin…the bastard killed Leah! You need to tell Commander Brennan that it was Viero who gave the order to kill her!” Tim said, his eyes flicking to the side to what Leonid could only assume was Viero.

  A Shenkar warrior quickly moved in and knocked Tim across the head with the butt of his energy rifle which knocked him to the floor. The view once again swung to bring Viero into view.

  “I told you I would execute one of your people and now I have done so. If you do not want either of the two remaining prisoners to die then I suggest you send Commander Brennan to me.”

  General Leonid was furious but before he could say anything he felt himself being lifted off his feet and being spun around. Once the spin had completed he saw Commander Brennan standing just inside the doorway to the command center, his face a masque of pure anger. A blue nimbus glow surrounded him, pulsating as he stood there.

  “I wanted to go and you ordered me not too and now she is dead!” stated Liam, his voice oddl
y calm considering the look upon his face.

  “I did not think he would…” Leonid choked out as he clawed at the pressure around his throat that made it hard to breath.

  “That is your problem, you do not think!” said Liam fiercely as he walked closer to Leonid.

  “What is going on there? General Leonid will you comply with my demands or will you risk the death of another of your people?” came Viero’s voice from the monitor.

  Liam stepped into view of the camera so Viero could see him.

  “I will comply with your demand for me to come to you but I will not be coming to surrender…I am coming for you! Tell the rest of your people, if they wish to live, then do not get in my way!” Liam stated before turning away from the monitor to face two Praetorian guard members who had just rushed in, rifles raised.

  As Liam stepped away, Viero looked as if he was going to say something but he never got the chance as the monitor and every piece of electrical equipment nearby erupted in sparks. Both of the guard members looked to the general as the rifles wavered infront of them.

  “What are you waiting for? Take him into custody!” demanded Leonid as he dangled in midair.

  The guards never had a chance to act as both were hit by an unseen force that sent them flying backwards through the doorway. Liam followed soon after them. As soon as he left the command center, Leonid fell heavily to the floor, hitting his head on a nearby console.

  Some of his staff rushed forward to help him to his feet but otherwise said nothing. Once he was able to clear the stars from his eyes and get his bearings he keyed his comm unit.

  “To all forces, Commander Brennan is to be placed under arrest and taken into custody! He is not to be allowed out of this camp! I repeat Commander Brennan is to be placed under arrest and taken into custody!”

  “You fool, do you want to get your men killed?” came a voice from behind him.

  Turning he saw Admiral Kelvin standing just inside the doorway to the command center.

  “He attacked me! I will not stand by and let this go and I sure as hell will not let him throw his life away by attacking the Shenkar by himself,” stated Leonid, hotly.

  “Then I suggest you launch the attack now and assist the commander because there is no stopping him now! You do not know what has happened? Commander Brennan and Lieutenant Aecrin were involved with each other, do you know how much love that man had for that girl? That man is out for blood and I would rather it not be any human blood that gets on his hands on his way to exact his revenge upon Overlord Viero.”

  Leonid seemed to think this over for a few short moments before he activated his comm unit again.

  “This is General Leonid, disregard the order to arrest Commander Brennan. To all units, commence operations against the Shenkar forces; I repeat you have the go ahead to begin Operation: Lykaa Freedom.”

  February 1st, 2014 6:59 am EST

  Lykaa

  Viero stared at the dark screen, clearly unsure of what had just happened. One moment he had been speaking with the human military leader then he saw the human suddenly lifted off his feet by something he could not see. There had been some commotion out of view then the human he had been seeking stepped into view. What was disturbing was what he saw when he looked at Commander Brennan. The human shown with anger but he also thought he saw a blue fire burning within his eyes which unnerved Viero. Could the stories of this human be true? Viero shook his head and silently berated himself for thinking so. It had probably been staged to try and rattle him. He would not fall for such tricks.

  “You still do not know what you have done,” came a voice from behind him.

  Turning he saw that Shizta was looking at him, clearly the one who had addressed him.

  “Excuse me?” he asked Shizta, forcing an amused smile to his face which came harder than it should have.

  “You clearly do not understand what you have done. I was aboard the Tryliene and I witnessed the aftermath. That is one human I would not want to anger.”

  “There are four thousand Shenkar warriors out there! Do you really believe one human can defeat all of them?”

  “Under normal conditions, I would say no but if that one human is supported by the rest of the growing army you have seen reports of, then what do you think?”

  Viero opened his mouth to retort but then what Shizta said hit him. He had not considered this but it just could not be possible the stories of this human were true…could they?

  February 1st, 2014 7:59am EST

  Lykaa

  A blaze of internal turmoil roared furiously throughout Liam as he made his way through the tunnel. Only one thought on his mind…kill them all! Shenkar warriors moved to block his way but the result was always the same.

  At first he simply burned them down with electrical assaults that left their bodies smoldering ruins. But as he moved the anger intensified, and in turn, so did his assaults. Anyone following would soon find the tunnel walls slick with Shenkar blood and gore of Liam’s passing.

  He would see the reason for her death screaming in pain as he ripped the flesh from his bones. They will all die and only then would it be over for him. Without her there was no reason to go on, he had lost his wife to the avian flu and now he had lost Leah to a vicious Shenkar overlord.

  Liam paused as he spied Shenkar moving about up ahead near the exit to the tunnel. He moved closer, the surge of electricity building within him as he prepared to unleash destruction upon them. Liam smiled a wicked smile as he saw the Shenkar look up at him. They did not wear the confident look of Shenkar warriors, instead they wore only fear. It did not matter to Liam either way, fear him or not, they would all die.

  He raised his hands, to once again unleash death upon all within sight, when he was met with a titanic explosion. Up ahead, the tunnel collapsed, from explosives that had been placed along the ceiling. Dust and fire ran down the tunnel towards Liam but he did not waver. He focused upon the lose stones around him, using his mind to pull them up to form a barrier infront of him. The last stone locked into place as the fire and dust engulfed his position only to dissipate just as quickly, leaving Liam unharmed.

  As his makeshift barrier fell away he looked ahead to inspect the tunnel. The entire tunnel had collapsed up ahead, completely making the way unpassable. There were certainly other pathes he could take but he would most certainly encounter human forces at this point. He wished to avoid this as he was not sure if he could control the anger within. Liam needed to find another way in, another way that would lead him to Viero. A thought suddenly came to him, something Steve had told him. Turning he set off, nothing would get in his way…he would have his vengeance.

  February 1st, 2014 8:22 am EST

  Lykaa

  Steve maneuvered into place to look through the opening in the tunnel. He saw the back of one of the facilities but instead of an empty area, several hundred Shenkar warriors milled about. Steve guessed the rest of them were on the perimeter awaiting the impending attack from the General Leonid’s forces.

  Once the order had been given, men and woman had rushed to their positions in hopes of supporting Liam when he arrived. Steve knew his commander, and friend was extremely angry and he hoped no one would get in his way. This was exactly what Steve, Tim and Leah had been worried could happen. Leah’s death may very well have sent Liam over the edge.

  Overlord Viero might have unknowingly accomplished what he wanted without realizing it. The overlord had wanted Liam turned over to him, when that had not happened he had executed Leah. This had sent Liam into a rage like Steve had never seen before. Many men and women had been hurt for the brief time they had been ordered to apprehend Liam. While some of the injuries were serious, none were life-threatening which relieved him slightly. Steve felt that was an indication Liam was still somewhat in control and therefore there was still a chance to save him. However, for this to happen, the first thing they had to do is find him. He had disappeared up the tunnels and so far had not emerged at any
of the tunnels where the human and Lykaan forces had gathered.

  Steve listened for any sound of fighting but heard none. This would be the signal for Steve and his Lykaan forces to exit the tunnel, form up and assault the Shenkar from behind. Unfortunately, even with the diminished numbers present, there was still too many present for Steve to get all his forces out of the tunnel without suffering devastating losses. If he was going to get his forces out of this tunnel safely then General Leonid’s assault would need to be heavy enough to draw all Shenkar forces to the front line.

  February 1st, 2014 8:29 am EST

  Lykaa

  Sub-commander Vort stood atop the battlement as he looked through his field glasses at the surrounding cavern. All the forward observation posts had failed to check in on their last scheduled times so it was safe to say the humans had captured or killed them. He knew human forces were out there but he had yet to see any lurking about. Originally Overlord Viero had wanted to collapse all the tunnels leading into the cavern but this could prevent his forces from restocking foodstuffs from the nearby caverns. They only had one gunship and with the Shenkar battle group destroyed there is no telling when they might be resupplied.

  “Sub commander, do you think it is wise to stand in the open like that?” came a voice from behind and below him.

  Lowering his field glasses he looked back and saw his subordinate standing there.

  “We have seen no sign of the humans; I seriously doubt I have anything to worry about at the moment.”

  The subordinate looked as if he wanted to say something more but instead nodded his head and returned to his work. Turning back, Vort once again lifted his field glasses and scanned the area, not expecting to find anything. So when he did spot something moving it took him longer than it should have to react. At the opposite end of the cavern he saw humans and much to his surprise, Lykaans, spilling out of the tunnels and moving into cover. While they were too far away to be a threat the sight still unnerved him slightly. If the Lykaans had joined the humans then this would be something to worry about. This would increase the numbers brought against his forces and even though he had armored support this would present difficulties.