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We're thrilled to introduce "The Barbarian War" by author u/Hewholooksskyward to our channel, the prequal to 'Barbarians'. We've collaborated to adapt his captivating stories for our channel, and we eagerly anticipate sharing them with you.
HFY Stories_ The Barbarian War - Book 2 - Chapters 13, 14 _ 15 _ Peace Failed. War Answers
We're thrilled to introduce "The Barbarian War" by author u/Hewholooksskyward to our channel, the prequal to 'Barbarians'. We've collaborated to adapt his captivating stories for our channel, and we eagerly anticipate sharing them with you.
HFY Stories_ The Barbarian War - Book 2 - Chapters 13, 14 _ 15 _ Peace Failed. War Answers
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00:00The Barbarian War. Chapters 13, 14, and 15. Ashes of Command.
00:07Chapter 13. Admiral Matavosian's task force exploded with fire,
00:12hurling bolts of antimatter at the Konhim fleet. The enemy had a choice. They could ignore the
00:17incoming fusillade and direct their weapons at Mars itself, or they take up defensive positions
00:22and return fire. Bombarding the planet would leave their flanks vulnerable. And as long as
00:27they were focused on the incoming threat, Mars would be relatively safe. Attempting to do both
00:32would simply buy them the worst of both worlds. They'd get some licks in, but not enough to do
00:37them any good before his own ships tore them apart. Uri almost hoped they'd make the attempt,
00:42but the Konhim commander was far too canny for that. The enemy fleet not only swung around to
00:47face the human ships, but actually charged forward to meet them in battle, a swarm of missiles and
00:52cannon fire arcing away. Chatter between the Tetrarchy ships increased exponentially as they
00:58refined their targets, while gunners and their computer systems fought to swat away as much of
01:03the incoming fire as they could. The Starfires danced and weaved, seeking out their targets with
01:09deadly precision. They didn't pack anywhere near the punch the battlecruisers did, but given their
01:14agility they were also much harder to hit. They raced forward as well, seeking out the Konhim lead
01:20elements, and Admiral Matavozian found himself drumming away on his armrest as he watched the
01:25battle unfold. Because something about enemy's formation was wrong somehow. He couldn't put his
01:32finger on it, but something was nagging him. Had he been in command of the Konhim fleet, he would
01:37have held his range open, counting on his superior numbers to whittle down the humans as they closed in.
01:42It was possible their commander was simply bold, and given what they knew of the Konhim warrior
01:47culture, that was certainly a possibility, but it just didn't feel right.
01:52Why are they coming on so aggressively? he wondered. Sure, closing the distance improved their hit
01:58probabilities, but that sword cut both ways. His odds would increase as well, and given their
02:04respective rates of fire, the closer they got the more the balance would swing in his favor.
02:09So why do it? By all appearances they were still building up speed, and at this rate the engagement
02:14envelope could be tallied in mere seconds. Unless they began decelerating soon, they'd end up blowing
02:20right past them, and... Oh my god, he whispered, as the realization struck home.
02:27His finger mashed down the comm button. This is Matavozian to the fleet. Reverse course immediately.
02:33Mars was just a decoy. The enemy still intends to strike at Earth, using our own momentum against us.
02:39They'd sucked him out of position, and now they were going to charge straight for Earth,
02:44with his task force chasing behind. They wouldn't be able to linger in orbit for a full bombardment,
02:49but they'd get quite a few blows, and even in passing, if they targeted the major population
02:54centers, they could kill billions. The fleet responded immediately to his command,
03:00flipping their ships end over end and burning hard to reverse course. But even with their advanced
03:05drive systems, they were still bound by the laws of Newton. The Delta V required to double back the
03:11way they'd came took time to overcome, time they did not have. And even worse, now their weapons were
03:17pointed away from the enemy. The Konheim commander must have been waiting for this maneuver, and took
03:22full advantage of it, raking the task force in a deadly broadside as it blew through their formation.
03:29The battlecruisers Spatha and Basilard staggered and tumbled out of position, their speed dropping off
03:35dramatically, as their captains struggled to save their ships. The Konheim didn't have to destroy
03:40them. All they had to do was slow them down, and he was forced to leave them behind in the race for
03:46Earth. The engagement hadn't been completely one-sided, watching with grim satisfaction as a
03:53handful of Konheim vessels were hit as well. He could spare no time to deal with the cripples,
03:58instead passing orders for his own wounded ships to deal with enemy left behind.
04:02There was still the possibility they could limp back to Mars and finish what they'd started.
04:08And in the cruel formula of war, Earth had to take priority over the Martian colony.
04:13The Konheim ships were still pulling away from his task force, as they struggled to overcome their
04:18initial disadvantage in momentum as he passed on his orders. All ships are to target the enemy's
04:24propulsion systems. I don't care if they can still fight, as long as they can't run.
04:28A fresh barrage of fire went chasing after the dwindling vessels, with the task force burning
04:35hard on its heels. At least the bulk of the Konheim's weapons systems were now pointed away from the
04:40task force, though at the moment he found it to be small comfort. An angry red icon appeared on his
04:47display, and he winced as he reached out to respond. The Governor General's haggard visage appeared on the
04:53screen. How long do we have? he asked, cutting to the chase.
04:58Not long, Matavosian said quietly. Ten minutes, maybe fifteen if we can slow them down. No more than
05:05that. Understood, Granville replied, his face carved from stone. Planetary defenses are standing by.
05:12We'll try to hold them off until you arrive. By the sound of his voice, it was obvious the Governor
05:17wasn't holding out a great deal of hope that it would be enough. With good reason, unfortunately.
05:23We're no more than four minutes behind them, sir, Admiral Matavosian vowed. If you can target their
05:29weapons, it might be enough. The Governor managed a wan smile. We'll do our best, Admiral, he said gently.
05:37Even though both men knew full well they were just whistling past the graveyard. Good luck, Admiral.
05:42See you soon. And you as well, he said in hushed tones, his words sounding like a prayer as the screen
05:49went dark. Ten minutes. The blink of an eye, really. Barely enough time to wolf down a simple meal. A quick
05:56trip to the nearby market. A brief shower. Not nearly enough time to say goodbye to the ones that you love.
06:03The Tetrarchy ships fought to wring out every last jewel of thrust from their engines, violating every
06:09safety protocol on the books. Matavosian watched as the ETA was continually revised. 3.85 minutes,
06:163.72 minutes, 3.66 minutes. They used every trick they could think of to narrow the gap.
06:23It just wasn't enough. At 3.57 minutes, the Konheim fleet was at last within range of Earth.
06:30The orbital defenses went to automatic fire, splitting their munitions across the entire armada.
06:35They just needed a few lucky hits to slow them down, to buy time for the task force. And several
06:41of the enemy ships did take enough damage to put them out of the fight. The armada sought out and
06:46destroyed the weapon satellites, one by one, the last going offline at 2.26 minutes.
06:53Somehow, the human task force was able to shave a few more seconds off their ETA,
06:59slamming into the Konheim fleet with a ferocity not seen since the days of Genghis Khan.
07:03No quarter was asked and none was given. The ships, under Admiral Matavosian's command,
07:09fought bitterly to save their world, hurling their own vessels into the enemy like the kamikazes of
07:14old, when there was nothing left in their armories to fire. Broken and shattered hulks drifted throughout
07:20the battle zone, dark and lifeless at the end of Matavosian's ride. Through the stubborn tenacity that
07:26had defined humanity since the dawn of time, Earth had managed to survive. Though sadly not unscathed,
07:33Matavosian waved off the corpsman that was trying to tend to his wounds, as Kestrel's crippled computer
07:39systems crashed and rebooted while he fought to survey the damage. The distinctive mushroom-shaped
07:45clouds dotted the landscape, as a list of obliterated cities began to appear on his cracked display.
07:51Beijing, Seoul, Kyoto, Toronto. Chicago, Detroit, Cairo, Benghazi. Algiers, Santiago, Buenos Aires.
07:59Montevideo, Kiev, Vienna, Munich. Geneva. Sir.
08:05Slowly, Admiral Matavosian turned to face the voice. Kestrel's captain, her arm in a crude sling,
08:11her uniform singed and blood-stained, stared at him with hollow eyes.
08:15Sir, who is in charge now? she asked in shock. He could only stare at the cloud over Geneva,
08:24the city chosen long ago as Earth's capital, that had once housed, among other things,
08:30the official residence of the Governor-General. I don't know, he whispered.
08:37Chapter 14
08:38The mood was a somber one aboard the flagship Zoronk as Nassat was escorted to Admiral Fujimoto's
08:45quarters. The news from Earth had hit the humans hard, and now more than ever he feared their
08:50response to this latest calamity. It took little imagination on his part to place himself in their
08:56position. All it required, in fact, was to recall his beloved wife's response when they had discovered
09:02the bodies of her family. The human officer acting as his guide had spoken little during their brief
09:08journey from the shuttle-docking bay, restricting himself to only the barest of formalities.
09:13Nassat desperately wanted to inquire of him the nature of his summons, as the message itself had
09:19been maddeningly cryptic. But the lieutenant might as well have been carved from stone, and the attempt
09:24to engage him further died on his lips. Perhaps he was one of the xenophobic minority, though as this
09:31latest war progressed their ranks seemed to swell with every new attack. What will become of the
09:37Tetrarchy if they begin to view all aliens as a threat, and not merely the Kahnim? He wondered.
09:43It was a disturbing thought, for if the humans decided to break with old triumvirate races.
09:48They came to a halt in front of the admiral's quarters, interrupting his thoughts. The lieutenant
09:53pressed an icon on the keypad, announcing, General Nassat, ma'am. He came to attention as the door slid
09:59silently open, barely acknowledging his nod of gratitude as he warily made his way inside.
10:06The lights were dimmed within, and for a moment Nassat found himself disoriented, until as his
10:12eyes adjusted he was able to make out a dim glow at the far end of the cabin. An unusual scent filled
10:18the air, as if something had been set aflame, and as he moved closer he spotted the admiral kneeling
10:24before a burning candle, a smoldering reed at its side. Nassat, she said quietly, not lifting her head.
10:33Join me. He moved to her side, carefully folding his legs beneath him. As he took a closer look at
10:39the woman beside him, she wore a simple black robe of some form, in a style unfamiliar to him,
10:45though even he could tell it was exquisitely made. It was the first time he had seen her in any attire
10:50other than her uniform, though they had worked well together over the years. Theirs was a
10:55professional relationship, and nothing more. Other than Sergeant Lynn there were few humans he
11:00could call friend, and fewer still that would return the sentiment.
11:05You wish to speak with me, Admiral? he asked gently, not wishing to interrupt the contemplative setting.
11:11I did, she replied, still not looking in his direction. Before the last war you were a priest,
11:16were you not? A kanushi? Nassat blinked at the odd term, though this was not the first time a human
11:22had asked this question of him. I was, yes, an acolyte, to be specific, he replied.
11:29She nodded at the confirmation. Tell me, do you still practice your faith? Do you still believe?
11:35Considering the tone of their previous encounter, this was the last question he would have expected
11:40to hear her ask. I do, he said at last. It has not been easy at times, but I still believe.
11:48Admiral Fujimoto repositioned her body so she could face him, gazing into his eyes. Tell me of it.
11:54Your faith, I mean. What do you believe? How do you express your faith? Few humans had ever asked him
12:00that. We believe that there is a balance in all things, he answered after collecting his thoughts.
12:05A purpose. It is our duty to seek out this purpose and learn what it asks from each of us. For an
12:12acolyte, it means spending much of your time in quiet contemplation, as well as studying the gathered
12:18wisdom of our people. It is a simple life, one that appealed to me when I was, well, before,
12:26he finished with an awkward shrug. She listened silently, cocking her head as she regarded him.
12:32I believe my father would have liked you, she told him, as a ghost of a smile briefly crossed her lips,
12:38only to quickly disappear. He, too, was a man of faith. A faith similar to yours, in fact.
12:45She looked away, staring at something only she could see. His greatest regret was that I did not share it.
12:52Perhaps that was not your path, he said quietly. I cannot speak to your father's beliefs, but if they
12:59are indeed comparable to my own, then possibly he would have understood that each of our journeys
13:03are a solitary one, and that no two are ever exactly alike. Even if you do not share his faith
13:09now, you may come to share it. In time. Helene seemed to consider that for a moment, and then shook
13:16her head. Somehow I doubt that, she said coldly as she snuffed out the candle with her fingers.
13:21But then we will never know. She rose to her feet as Nasat belatedly did the same,
13:28seeing how my father was in Kyoto when the Konim attacked.
13:32Nasat felt his breath catch in his chest as suddenly everything fell into place. He bowed his own head,
13:38crossing his arms. My very deepest condolences, he said sincerely. She barely acknowledged his words,
13:45waving them away as she extinguished the smoldering reed.
13:48I have spent hours trying to find some solace, attempting to embrace the rituals of my youth,
13:54she snapped. But in the end all I feel is rage. She spun on her heel, turning to face him.
14:00At every turn, they have taken something from me, and I for one have had enough.
14:06Her hands clenched and unclenched in her fury, as if she was moments away from taking out her anger on
14:11him. Suddenly Nasat found himself vividly recalling another conversation,
14:17one that now sounded almost prophetic, when Minister Singh and Marshal Antuma had hijacked
14:22his life, and the life of his spouse, all the while claiming that they needed him.
14:28The thing is, we have a lot in common with the Konim. Too much, in fact,
14:32Marshal Antuma said genuinely. Now that we are creating a military again after all these years,
14:37there will be those who will want to use it. And what better enemy to test our mettle against than
14:43them? It wouldn't take much to set us off either. And if that happens, all bets are off.
14:48We could end up destroying everything we've worked so hard to achieve. Unless there is someone who
14:53belongs to neither camp who can act as mediator. A dry chuckle passed his lips. Someone civilized to
15:01keep the two barbarian tribes from slaughtering each other. Nasat felt physically ill as realization
15:06slammed into him. It had been too much to ask of him even then. But for better or worse, that
15:12predicted moment had finally arrived. They had chosen him to be the voice of reason in the dark
15:17times to come. And despite Reichret's warning, he knew he could no longer stand by and let this
15:23abomination go on. He stepped forward, placing his hands on her shoulders. Her dark eyes flashed with
15:30savage violence, but as he once had on the battlefield, Nasat stood his ground.
15:36Admiral Helene, he said desperately, using her given name for the first time in his life,
15:41this is not the way. I understand your anger, for I have felt it as well. But repaying atrocity with
15:48atrocity will only end in the destruction of your own people. Her face contorted in vehemence,
15:53but Nasat plunged ahead nonetheless. And even if humanity does manage to survive,
15:59it will only be as a twisted mutation, a dark mirror to what I know your race can be,
16:05if only you can step back from your hate. But his words fell upon deaf ears.
16:11How dare you! she thundered. You say that to me after what we've suffered?
16:16You are not alone in your agony, he said compassionately.
16:19I know all too well what you are now feeling, butâ He froze, fumbling for the right words,
16:25before finally closing his eyes and bowing his head.
16:29This is not what Kwasi would have wanted, he whispered.
16:33Get out, she hissed as her fire turned to glacial ice. Don't think for a moment you can
16:38dissuade me from seeing justice done. That is not justice, he protested, but vengeance.
16:45Like there's a difference, she snorted derisively, turning her back on him.
16:49By the time I'm done, the only place the Konhim language will be uttered will be in hell.
16:57Chapter 15
16:58Once again Nasat found himself at Rikret's side, as he replayed for her the confrontation with
17:05Admiral Fujimoto. He could sense her growing apprehension as the tale unfolded, and as he
17:10finished, she stood up and faced him.
17:12I begged you not to do this, now obviously distraught. For the sake of our children,
17:18I begged you. Did you not hear my words? Did you not listen?
17:23Nasat winced as he rose to join her. Of course I did, my wife, he said in placating tones.
17:28But you have seen with your own eyes how the Admiral has reacted to all that has happened,
17:33as a healer, as someone who has experienced pain and loss herself.
17:37Tell me, were she your patient? What would be your diagnosis?
17:42Rikret froze, thrown for a moment as he engaged the professional side of her persona instead of
17:48her emotional one.
17:49I would be forced to say, she said hesitantly, that Admiral Fujimoto is exhibiting the classic
17:55symptoms of post-traumatic embitterment disorder, in addition to obvious signs of post-traumatic
18:01stress. She grimaced, and shook her head. But considering what has happened to their
18:07homeworld, I expect that most humans would be exhibiting those same signs.
18:14Unfortunately, most humans are not in command of a fleet of ships, capable of rendering the
18:19Konheim extinct, Nasat replied. But they are not the ones I fear for. If the humans continue down
18:26this path, their very souls could be in peril.
18:29They are barbarians, she said darkly. Both the humans and the Konheim. Let them destroy
18:35each other. The universe will be a far better place without them.
18:39Nasat sighed and reached for his wife's hand. Barbarians they may be, but those same barbarians
18:45came to our aid, in our hour of need. Without their help, neither you nor I would be standing
18:51here today. And our children would never have been born at all. He reached out and stroked
18:57her cheek. How can we turn our backs to them now, in their darkest hour? She grimaced and
19:03looked away. It is a fool's errand, Nasat, she said bitterly. You are but one person. How can
19:09you possibly keep the humans from their path of revenge? Rikret forced herself to turn and
19:15look into his eyes. All you will do is incur their wrath, and only the Creator knows what they will
19:21do to you then. She stepped closer, clutching at him. Please, I beg you, do not do this.
19:27After all that has happened, all that we have suffered, I cannot bear to lose you too.
19:32He bowed his head and pressed it against hers. I must, he said softly.
19:38Rikret shuddered as tears filled her eyes. Of course you must, she whispered. Was there ever a
19:44battle you walked away from? I did not choose this path, my wife, he said gently.
19:51And no one knows better than you how I have struggled against it, at every turn.
19:56He shrugged and shook his head. But it would seem that my fate is not mine to chart.
20:03Nor mine, it seems, she said quietly. So, your path leads you from general to mutineer?
20:09I pray it does not come to that, he replied.
20:12Then how? Rikret demanded. For I can see no other way.
20:18Nassat sighed. I believe the human term for it is calling in a marker.
20:23Prime Minister Singh shook her head in disbelief. You have got to be shitting me.
20:29Nassat managed to look suitably abashed as he stared at her image on the screen.
20:33I can assure you, Prime Minister, that I am not.
20:37Leandra snorted derisively. No kidding. Your sense of humor was strangled at birth.
20:42She sighed, leaning back into her chair. You want me to relieve Admiral Fujimoto for doing what every
20:48single human in the galaxy wants her to do? Well, yes, Prime Minister, Nassat replied.
20:54Surely you must see the danger in letting her continue in her crusade.
20:59Perhaps you should take a moment to consider the danger if I don't, she shot back.
21:03There isn't a single human alive that doesn't want payback for what the Khanhim have done.
21:08Three colonies destroyed. Our homeworld attacked. Governor Granville and Marshal Antuma both dead,
21:14she spat out.
21:15Humanity hasn't been this pissed off since...
21:17She paused for a moment, cocking her head. Actually, I don't think we've ever been this
21:23pissed off. And if you're familiar with our history at all, that should fucking terrify you.
21:28It does, Nassat said quietly. More than you know. He looked at her plaintively.
21:35But I also know that if we do nothing to rein in that impulse, that desire for revenge,
21:40it will only grow stronger and more dangerous with each passing day.
21:44He shrugged helplessly.
21:48Isn't this why you and Marshal Antuma groomed me for this post? To try and prevent your species
21:53from acting out on its darker urges? The Prime Minister blinked in surprise and
21:58then managed a brief chuckle. TouchĂŠ, she said at last, before the smile disappeared.
22:03Here's the problem, Nassat. Even you can't argue that we're the aggrieved party here.
22:08They attacked us, without provocation, using tactics that go beyond the pale.
22:13And in our eyes, there is only one way to balance the books.
22:18The Konhim must pay for their crimes. My orders to you and Admiral Fujimoto still stand.
22:22You want to quibble over tactics? Fine. But you need to recognize I gave that order for a reason.
22:28Unless the Konhim are broken, in another ten years, we'll be forced to do this again.
22:33Sooner, maybe. Do you want that on your conscience?
22:36Nassat shook his head. Of course not, Prime Minister. But there is a right way and a wrong way.
22:41Leandra shook her head. You're dancing on a razor's edge, Nassat. I hope you know what you're doing.
22:48So do I, he admitted uncomfortably.
22:51The Prime Minister steepled her fingers and regarded him thoughtfully.
22:55If I do this, there would be certain conditions attached. Namely, that the fleet continues to carry
23:01out my orders. She fixed him with a hard stare. That is non-negotiable.
23:06Understood, he nodded. There are still many details that would need to be worked out,
23:12of course. Locating a suitable replacement, to begin with.
23:16Her smirk came back with a vengeance. Oh, don't worry, I already have someone in mind.
23:22Nassat marched down the corridor to Zaronk's bridge, with Sergeant Major Lin at his side,
23:27pausing as they reached the guards stationed outside the hatch. The ranking petty officer nodded
23:32at their approach as he thumbed the comm button. General Nassat to see the Admiral, he informed
23:37the bridge, only to earn a scowl from Lin. What's the matter with you, P.O.? he barked.
23:43Have you gone blind or something? The guard blinked in confusion,
23:48his eyes suddenly going wide as he did a double-take.
23:51My apologies, sir, he stuttered, as he hit the button once more.
23:55Correction, Marshal Nassat to see the Admiral.
23:57The hatch slid open, allowing them entrance as the pair approached Admiral Fujimoto,
24:03who stood with her hands on her hips, glaring at the Sour Tower.
24:08What's the meaning of this? she demanded.
24:10And what's this martial nonsense? she stared at his shoulder boards as her eyes narrowed.
24:16Is this some kind of a joke?
24:18I wish it were, Nassat sighed as Sergeant Lin held out a tablet.
24:22Helene snatched it out of his hands, her nostrils flaring in anger as she read the brief message.
24:28By order of Prime Minister Leandra Singh, I am hereby relieving you of your command, Admiral,
24:33Nassat said in firm tones.
24:35Effective immediately.
24:38The Admiral read the message again and then tossed the tablet aside.
24:41Like hell.
24:42This is my command and I don't give a damn what kind of strings you pulled.
24:47Her head snapped around as she called over one of the armed ratings.
24:50Guard! Arrest this traitor!
24:53Admiral, you're making a mistake, Nassat said quietly as the raiding approached.
24:58I beg you to reconsider.
25:00The only one making a mistake is you, she snarled as the raiding withdrew her sidearm.
25:05No one is going to start a mutiny on my ship.
25:08The glint in her eye was full of malicious glee until she felt a gun barrel pressed against her head.
25:15Oops, Tango smirked.
25:16Helene stared at Tango in shock, then suddenly darted away, trying to escape, only to come skidding to a halt when she spotted Whisper blocking her path, also dressed in a naval uniform, casually cleaning his fingernails with a dagger.
25:32Going somewhere?
25:34He giggled.
25:35Her head whipped around like a caged animal, her face contorted in rage.
25:40What are you doing?
25:42She shrieked.
25:43You answer to me!
25:45In fact, we report directly to the senior ranking officer of the Tetrarchy Armed Forces, Musashi said calmly, rising from behind one of the consoles.
25:54And as of two hours ago, that's him, nodding towards Nassat.
25:57Sergeant Lynn was concerned you might not react well, Nassat, after a moment, hence the subterfuge.
26:05You won't get away with this, she growled.
26:09Admiral, believe me, this is the last thing I wanted, he said unhappily before turning to Lynn.
26:15Please escort the Admiral to her quarters.
26:18Aye, sir, Lynn nodded as he took her by the arm.
26:21This way, Admiral.
26:22The former fleet commander looked around the bridge for support, but there was none to be found.
26:27The officers and ratings were all busily looking elsewhere, and once that sank in, the fight seemed to go right out of her.
26:35Lynn and the others escorted her off the bridge without further incident.
26:39Nassat watched her leave, filled with regret.
26:42He had so hoped it would go differently.
26:44Gazing around the bridge, he motioned to the XO.
26:47Your orders, sir?
26:49The captain said stiffly.
26:51The newly minted marshal gazed at the empty command chair and sighed.
26:55Best speed to Gzuj, he said quietly.
26:58We still have a war to fight.
26:59We still have a war to fight.
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