- 7/8/2025
#scifistories1977 #hfy #scifi
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.
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.
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FunTranscript
00:00The Barbarian War, Chapters 16, 17, and 18, Ashes and Oaths
00:05Chapter 16
00:08Prime Minister, of course we'll send assistance to Earth, Minister Thrasoth said solemnly.
00:15We owe humanity a great debt for our own survival, and if we are able to repay your
00:19kindness in even the smallest way, we are honored to do so.
00:23Indeed, Minister Omega, 445 Intersect Gamma said in agreement.
00:28Preparations to provide aid to your homeworld are already underway.
00:32We are gathering together a relief fleet as we speak, and they should be departing shortly.
00:38In addition, Minister Bizagab continued, another task force has completed its trials
00:43and has been rerouted to the Sol system to provide security.
00:47The Dreadnought P-17, the Carrier Osprey, Hospital Ship Marie Curie, as well as a number of battle
00:54cruisers and various other craft.
00:55They will keep your people safe.
00:57Leandra looked at the other ministers and felt nothing but profound relief.
01:02Humanity was doing all it could to deal with the damage inflicted on Earth, but even with
01:07the resources of both it and Mars, it was still a Herculean task, and security situation
01:13was even worse.
01:14Admiral Matavosian's surviving ships were badly damaged, and if there were another enemy
01:19armada out there somewhere...
01:20On behalf of my people and my planet, I humbly thank you, she said quietly.
01:25It was never easy asking for help.
01:29Avoiding any appearance of weakness was deeply ingrained in her both personally and professionally,
01:35but there comes a time when ego and hubris must be cast aside for the greater good.
01:40The one nagging concern in the back of her mind was that the task force Bizagob was speaking
01:45of was almost entirely crewed by the old, triumvirate races.
01:49It was something of an experiment, in fact, an attempt to prove just how far they'd come
01:54in the last ten years.
01:55At least the key command positions were crewed by individuals who had served in the last war,
02:00so they all brought practical experience with them that should serve them well.
02:04She wasn't sure why it was bothering her, other than concerns regarding their experience.
02:10Though it's not like we had any combat veterans in the ranks when we first charged into battle,
02:15she thought wryly.
02:16Maybe it was because she still had concerns in regards to their still-prominent pacifistic
02:21tendencies.
02:22Ten years simply wasn't enough time to instill the warrior spirit into races that had no martial
02:27tradition, in her opinion.
02:29Hopefully she was wrong about that.
02:30Or perhaps it was simply the notion of letting others guard Earth.
02:34By tradition, Earth Force was almost exclusively human, though much of that was due to the
02:39latent xenophobia many individuals were still plagued with.
02:43Finding volunteers had never been a problem, but building the necessary ships from scratch
02:48would take time, and time they did not have.
02:51For now, by necessity, the Sol system would be guarded by individuals who had evolved under
02:56distant suns.
02:57But as soon as the replacement ships could be constructed, mankind could begin relieving
03:02the task force.
03:03It's only temporary, she thought to herself, an emergency measure, nothing more.
03:09Sergeant Major Lynn came to a halt outside the compartment as Nassat prepared to open the
03:14hatch.
03:15Are you certain you don't want me in there with you?
03:17He asked.
03:19Not for this conversation, the newly promoted marshal replied.
03:23As much as I have come to rely on your guidance and expertise, this is something that I must
03:28do myself, I think.
03:31Probably, Lynn agreed reluctantly, but I'd still feel better if I was watching your back.
03:36You are, Nassat smiled, and I have no doubt you will set new records gaining entrance should
03:42I require your assistance.
03:44Count on it, the sergeant said grimly.
03:47You see?
03:49There is nothing to fear, Nassat said, as he clapped the human on his back, as the hatch
03:54opened and he stepped inside.
03:57The hatch slid closed behind him as he entered the compartment.
04:01Its sole occupant gazed up at him from a comfortable-looking chair as she waved a glass around.
04:06Come to gloat, Nassat?
04:07Admiral Fujimoto asked scathingly.
04:10You could have at least knocked.
04:11I feared you would not allow me entrance, and I needed to speak with you, Admiral, Nassat
04:17replied.
04:18Well then, by all means, she scowled, taking a drink from her tumbler.
04:23Invade what little privacy I still have left.
04:27Nassat grimaced as he seated himself across from her.
04:30I regret the necessity of my actions, Admiral, he said uncomfortably.
04:34But I can assure you, I would not have gone to such great lengths.
04:38Did I believe in my heart not doing so would have led to tragedy?
04:43Helene took another swig of her drink before setting it aside.
04:46So tell me, Marshal, she said sarcastically, what brings you to my little corner of the
04:51universe?
04:52Come to tell me you changed your mind?
04:54Or did you discover you bit off more than you could chew?
04:57Admiral, in just a few days we will arrive at Xuz'h, he informed her, coming straight
05:02to the point.
05:03We have no idea what awaits us there.
05:04But I suspect the Konhim will have at least some ships waiting for us.
05:08That sort of battle is not part of my skill set, and I fear my handling of such an engagement
05:13would lead to many pointless deaths.
05:16Deaths that could have been avoided.
05:18She froze suddenly as she gave him an appraising eye.
05:21Unless they turn tail and run at first sight of the task force, I can guarantee you'll be
05:26out of your league.
05:27So I'll ask again, why?
05:29Are you here?
05:31Nassat took a deep breath.
05:33Because I would like you to be in tactical command of the task force when our fleets meet in
05:37battle.
05:39Ha!
05:40Fujimoto barked out a laugh.
05:42Not even 48 hours, and you've already come crawling back to me.
05:46Her face twisted into a cruel parody of itself.
05:50You wanted command?
05:52Well now you've got it, and I hope you choke on it.
05:55The Sartor sighed.
05:57Helene, those are your people out there.
05:59People that you trained, are you really so filled with anger towards me that you would
06:04let them die needlessly, merely to prove a point?
06:07She snarled and turned away.
06:10Damn you!
06:11She cursed.
06:12Ten years ago you were just a recruit.
06:14You are completely out of your depth.
06:17Hell, you should still be a sergeant.
06:18Believe me, I wish that I were, he said quietly.
06:22And yet you yourself promoted me to general, as you may recall.
06:26That was a political decision, she snapped.
06:29You had trained subordinates that would handle the actual fighting.
06:33Helene sneered as she glared at his uniform.
06:36Marshal, she hissed.
06:37Quasi was a marshal, back when you were still a private and a damn good one.
06:42You, on the other hand.
06:43You're not fit to shine his boots.
06:46He earned that right, by having the best strategic and tactical mind of our generation.
06:51Can you make that claim?
06:52Nassat chose not to take the bait, which Helene saw as a scent.
06:56Damn right you can't, she sniffed as she rose to refill her glass.
07:01And now he's dead, and you're alive.
07:03Tell me, where's the justice in that?
07:06Marshal Antumar was an honorable man, Nassat answered evenly.
07:11And you are correct.
07:11My skills pale in comparison to his.
07:15He sighed and shrugged his shoulders.
07:18But there is more to command than tactical expertise, Admiral.
07:21Quasi understood that.
07:23There was brief moment of silence before he fixed her with a hard look.
07:27And you, unfortunately, do not.
07:30Fujimoto whirled around, drink in hand.
07:33How dare you, she snarled.
07:35What gives you the right to judge me?
07:37This is not about rights, he said firmly.
07:41Except, perhaps, for what your people call human rights.
07:45And by that I do not mean whatever privileges you believe your species is owed.
07:50When the enemy is defeated in battle, the conflict ends there.
07:53Or at least, it should.
07:56He rose as well as they squared off.
07:58Not be subject to reprisal.
08:00She snarled one more, ready to hurl another insulter into his face.
08:04But Nassat was having none of it.
08:06I have read the histories of your world, Admiral.
08:08And there have been others who have acted as you did.
08:12Warriors who acted out of hate or fear or pain.
08:15And history did not judge them kindly.
08:18That seemed to give her pause.
08:20You and Quasi saved my people.
08:22And in the process created something more.
08:24Something to be proud of.
08:25He said quietly.
08:27Do not let what has happened tarnish that legacy, Helene.
08:30Now you may stay here, in your quarters.
08:33But before you make your choice, allow me to tell you what others have told me.
08:38The Admiral turned and looked away.
08:40And what is that?
08:41She asked in uncertain tones.
08:44That we need you, he said simply.
08:46That this fleet needs you.
08:48And that there is no one else who can do what needs to be done, as well as you can.
08:52The silence seemed to draw out forever before she finally responded.
08:58Will I be given full autonomy?
08:59She asked.
09:01In tactical matters, yes, he nodded.
09:03But you will be supervised at all times.
09:06That I cannot change?
09:08Helene slowly turned back to face him.
09:10I'll think about it, she said at last.
09:13That is all I can ask, he answered, as he sketched a formal bow,
09:18retreating to leave her alone with her thoughts.
09:20Chapter 17
09:24The Tetrarchy had absorbed most of its military traditions from humanity,
09:30which only made sense, since the other races had no such background.
09:34By necessity, some had required alteration.
09:37But a human from Earth's past would have felt comfortable on the bridge of Zaronk,
09:41named for the last battle of the previous war.
09:44Naval protocol was strictly enforced,
09:46and when a higher-ranking officer visited, their arrival was announced.
09:49The tradition of coming to attention had been disposed with, however,
09:54if the individual was at a console or workstation,
09:57since the flagship was a working vessel.
10:00Interrupting the crew in the midst of their duties merely to acknowledge the appearance of a superior officer
10:05was deemed an unnecessary distraction.
10:08A superfluous embellishment.
10:11However, a senior officer was not announced when one of a higher rank was already present.
10:16That, too, was tradition, one that had been left unchanged.
10:20It was seen as an insult, a slap in the face to the officer in question,
10:23and that convention was also enforced.
10:27Unless said officer made the announcement themselves.
10:30As Admiral Fujimoto arrived on the bridge,
10:32Nassat was already on his feet.
10:34Attention on deck!
10:36He barked, catching the crew by surprise.
10:39They quickly recovered, however,
10:40once they spotted her making her entrance,
10:43and no one could have asked for a better display.
10:45Helene hesitated briefly,
10:47obviously not expected the honor,
10:49but she recovered quickly,
10:50making her way to the command chair with confidant strides.
10:54She came to a halt a comfortable distance apart from Nassat,
10:58while Sergeant Lin stood by his side,
11:01his eyes missing nothing.
11:03The admiral gave him a brief glance,
11:05tarrying for a moment at the sidearm at his waist,
11:08before returning her attention to her commander.
11:11Marshal Nassat, she said gravely.
11:14Admiral Fujimoto, he replied in equally subdued tones.
11:17We are approximately thirty minutes out from Gzooj orbit,
11:21and sensors are indicating the presence of a number of Konhim vessels.
11:25He took an exaggerated step to one side,
11:28away from the chair.
11:30Tactical command is yours, Admiral.
11:32She inclined her head in acknowledgement,
11:35carefully seating herself on the chair.
11:37Her back was as ramrod straight as ever,
11:40but there was also a wariness in her eyes,
11:43as if she wondered how long she would be allowed
11:45to remain in this place of power.
11:48She took a moment to study the tactical display,
11:50still somewhat vague in details this far out,
11:53before turning her attention back to Nassat.
11:56Thank you for that, she said softly,
11:58though it was not necessary.
12:00Smartly done.
12:02I believe it was necessary, he disagreed.
12:05The crew needed to know you have my support.
12:07As for the announcement itself,
12:09Sergeant Lin has been coaching me.
12:12Lin himself smirked,
12:13though Nassat seemed unaware of the gesture.
12:17Helene chuckled at that,
12:18before turning her attention back to the display.
12:21What are my operational parameters?
12:22She asked.
12:24Prime Minister Singh's orders still stand,
12:27Nassat replied.
12:28If the planet itself surrenders,
12:30we will cease any and all attacks
12:31and negotiate an immediate ceasefire.
12:34And if they violate said ceasefire?
12:36She asked carefully.
12:38Nassat sighed.
12:40That would depend on the specifics, I'm afraid.
12:42We will still do everything reasonable
12:44to avoid civilian casualties,
12:46but to put it in terms you are familiar with,
12:48the gloves come off.
12:50He looked decidedly uncomfortable with that statement,
12:53yet recognized the necessity.
12:56Admiral Fujimoto nodded slowly,
12:58taking that in.
13:00I can live with that,
13:02she said after a moment,
13:03though it is not what I would prefer.
13:05Your species were the ones
13:07that created the rules of warfare, Admiral,
13:10Nassat replied.
13:11And I believe the reasoning is as valid now as it was then,
13:15possibly even more so.
13:19Perhaps, she answered,
13:21still not entirely convinced,
13:22as the tactical officer turned to face her.
13:25Admiral, the plot is clearing up.
13:27I am reading over three dozen point targets,
13:30though we're having difficulties locking on
13:31to some of the smaller ones,
13:33some sort of electronic countermeasures.
13:35Helene's eyes narrowed.
13:37The same type that were reported
13:38during the RKKV strike on Earth?
13:41She asked.
13:42The attack that killed Marshal Antuma
13:44was left unsaid,
13:45though everyone on the bridge heard it.
13:48It's difficult to say, ma'am,
13:49the officer replied.
13:51The surviving ships of that battle
13:53all suffered damage to some extent,
13:55and many of the data recordings were corrupted.
13:58But it's possible.
13:58Order the carriers to flush their birds,
14:02she ordered,
14:03and tell them to go to active sensors
14:04the instant they're in formation.
14:07She leaned back in her chair,
14:09regarding the plot thoughtfully,
14:11as Nassat raised an eyebrow.
14:14If they've developed some sort of stealth technology,
14:17then they'll want to get in as close as they can,
14:19she informed him.
14:20That kind of screen takes power,
14:23and it's unlikely any of their missiles
14:24would be equipped with it.
14:25If they can get in close,
14:27cut down on our reaction time.
14:29I understand, he said quietly.
14:32But why only the smaller ships?
14:34Why are the larger vessels
14:35not also equipped with this technology?
14:38I don't know, she admitted.
14:40Maybe there's a limit to the size
14:42of the field they can create.
14:44Admiral, fighters are clear of their bays,
14:46and sensors are active,
14:48the tactical officer reported,
14:50forwarding the data to your display.
14:53Helene watched the plot update
14:54and nodded to herself.
14:56Fujimoto to all ships, she barked.
14:58Tactical formation, bravo.
15:00Watch your flanks.
15:01The task force began to shift its pattern
15:04as the ships took up new positions,
15:06darting forward as the Konhim fleet
15:07came out to meet them.
15:09Ma'am, the Starfires are reporting
15:11they are still unable to get a target lock
15:13on the enemy fighters,
15:14the tactical officer informed her.
15:17All attempts at breaking through their ECM
15:19have been unsuccessful.
15:21Damn it, Admiral Fujimoto cursed.
15:23We've got to find a way
15:25to burn through their stealth technology.
15:27She stroked her chin
15:28as she thought furiously.
15:30Is there anything within range
15:31of the Starfires,
15:33other than the enemy ships?
15:34Anything at all?
15:36Checking, the officer replied
15:38as he pulled up a new screen.
15:40Other than two minor asteroid bodies,
15:42there appears to be nothing else
15:43within the designated target area.
15:46The grin that appeared on Helene's face
15:48was positively feral.
15:50Target the asteroids,
15:51but wait for my signal.
15:52Inform the Starfires to watch their displays.
15:55We're only going to get one shot at this.
15:57Nasat looked curiously at her.
15:59What are you thinking, Admiral?
16:01That we need to disrupt their ECM,
16:04she replied,
16:05not looking up from her screen.
16:07If we can't burn through
16:08with our onboard systems,
16:10then we require something else
16:11to do the job.
16:13Something like a large
16:14matter-antimatter explosion,
16:16Nasat said in sudden understanding.
16:18Exactly, she nodded.
16:22That's why the bigger ships
16:23are hanging back.
16:24I'm certain of it.
16:25It won't disrupt their jamming for long,
16:27just long enough.
16:28I hope.
16:29She raised her arm,
16:30pointing a finger skyward.
16:32Tell the Starfires to get ready.
16:34On my mark,
16:35three, two, one, fire!
16:37Her arm came down with a slash,
16:39as if she were firing
16:40the cannons herself.
16:42The task force belched out
16:44a barrage of projectiles,
16:46sending them screaming
16:47towards the planetoids,
16:48Fujimoto gripped the armrests
16:50of her chair tightly
16:51as she watched the display,
16:53as the time-to-impact clock
16:54raced down to zero.
16:56The monitors automatically
16:57filtered the explosions
16:59to less-than-blinding levels,
17:01as dozens of icons
17:02suddenly appeared on the screen.
17:04Got you!
17:05She snarled in triumph
17:07as the Starfires swooped in
17:09on their targets.
17:10The disruption didn't last long,
17:12but just as she'd predicted,
17:13it had been enough
17:14for the fighters to get a lock.
17:15The enemy ships
17:16fought back valiantly,
17:18but with the element
17:19of surprise lost,
17:20they were now badly outmatched,
17:22and the Tetrarchy forces
17:23took deadly advantage of it.
17:25Konim fighters died
17:27by the handfuls,
17:28as the agile craft
17:29showed them no mercy.
17:30In the space of minutes,
17:31the way had been cleared
17:32to the remainder
17:33of the enemy fleet.
17:35Well done,
17:36Nassat smiled.
17:37It's not over yet,
17:39Helene growled hungrily.
17:41Flagship to all units,
17:43time to take
17:43the rest of them down.
17:45Nassat turned
17:46and faced the Admiral.
17:48I will return shortly.
17:50There is one last detail
17:51I must see to.
17:53Fujimoto barely noticed
17:55his departure from the bridge,
17:56her mind already focused
17:57on what was to come.
18:01Chapter 18
18:02Jiage didn't bother looking up
18:06as the hatch
18:06to his quarters opened.
18:08There was little point.
18:09By his calculations,
18:10they must be nearing Zouj,
18:12which meant Admiral Fujimoto
18:13was preparing to show him
18:14its destruction,
18:15and the thought sickened him.
18:17She was not the same person
18:19he had met all those years ago,
18:20as he recovered from his wounds.
18:22Then she was every inch
18:24the warrior,
18:25with no hint of the madness
18:26that filled her now.
18:27He had turned his back
18:28to the path of war
18:29after the fleet was broken,
18:31no longer worthy
18:32to carry the title Diaksh,
18:34but there was more to it
18:35than that.
18:36He was tired.
18:38Tired of the constant,
18:39never-ending fighting.
18:41Tired of watching
18:41brother warriors die
18:42to no purpose.
18:44Tired of trying to fulfill
18:45an eons-old promise,
18:47the pretext for which
18:48no longer seeming valid.
18:50Just tired.
18:51But no one can escape
18:52the fate their ancestors
18:53have laid out for them,
18:55no matter how hard
18:56they may try.
18:57Jiage.
18:59His head snapped around
19:00in surprise,
19:02at the sound of Nassat's voice.
19:03So,
19:04you are here to do
19:05the Admiral's bidding,
19:06he said scornfully.
19:08Somehow I thought
19:09better of you.
19:10The sword tower
19:11stepped forward,
19:12and Jiage realized
19:13there was something
19:14different about him,
19:15his bearing,
19:16the cast of his eyes,
19:17his apparel.
19:18He cocked his head
19:19as he scrutinized
19:20his visitor more closely.
19:22The last time
19:23I saw that uniform,
19:24a human was wearing it,
19:25Jiage said thoughtfully.
19:27It would seem
19:28you have made a name
19:29for yourself.
19:31Nassat sighed.
19:32At every turn,
19:33someone always seems intent
19:34on adding to my burdens,
19:36he replied,
19:36his voice tinged with regret.
19:38This time,
19:39at least,
19:39it allows me
19:40to redress a wrong.
19:42Indeed?
19:43Jiage rose to his feet
19:44and folded both sets of arms.
19:47Are you preparing
19:48to end the war?
19:49No,
19:50he said quietly,
19:51but perhaps you can.
19:53The former Diaksh
19:54threw back his head
19:55and laughed,
19:56a bitter,
19:56caustic laugh.
19:58That would seem unlikely,
19:59given my current status.
20:01As I have learned
20:02to my own dismay,
20:04status can change,
20:05he shrugged
20:06and gave the Konhim warrior
20:07an apologetic look.
20:09What was done to you
20:10at Zak was unconscionable,
20:12Jiage,
20:13but surely you must recognize
20:14the storm your people
20:16have conjured
20:16by attacking the humans
20:18in this way.
20:20It is possible
20:21that Diaksh Uydan
20:22misread their probable response,
20:24he admitted,
20:25before fixing Nassat
20:26with a look.
20:27It is also possible
20:28that he did not.
20:30What could he possibly
20:31hope to gain?
20:32he asked in puzzlement.
20:34You have attacked
20:35a predator in its den
20:36without provocation
20:37or warning,
20:38bereft of any trace
20:39of the honor
20:40I had come to expect
20:41of the Konhim.
20:43His eyes pleaded
20:44for understanding.
20:45In the name
20:46of the Creator,
20:47why?
20:48Because we lost,
20:49Nassat,
20:50he said cheerlessly.
20:51For millennia
20:52we had prepared
20:53for the Great Crusade,
20:54only to see it
20:55disintegrate before our eyes.
20:57It shook my people
20:58down to their very core,
20:59leaving us
21:00without direction
21:01or purpose.
21:02He grimaced
21:03and looked away.
21:05Chugaz seized
21:06on that sense
21:07of despair,
21:08grasping it
21:09with both hands,
21:10and vowed to my people
21:11that he could lead
21:12them to victory.
21:14He has led them
21:15to be slaughtered,
21:16Nassat grimaced.
21:18I do not believe
21:18you realize
21:19the nature
21:19of what you have unleashed
21:21in the humans.
21:23Perhaps that was true
21:24before Zack Marshall,
21:25he said curtly,
21:26but I can assure you,
21:28I certainly recognize it now.
21:29His face showed
21:31the discomfort
21:32he was feeling.
21:33When we first met them
21:34in battle,
21:35they were ill-prepared
21:36and untested.
21:37We swept them aside
21:38with ease,
21:39but that soon changed
21:40as the war progressed.
21:42Now?
21:42They have had ten years
21:43to plan for this day,
21:44and they have not rested
21:46on their victories.
21:47He shook his head
21:48and looked away.
21:49I wish they had.
21:51Then perhaps there is
21:52a way for you
21:53to save your people,
21:54Jiaj,
21:55Nassat said.
21:56We are preparing
21:57to launch our forces
21:58against those
21:59defending Zuj,
22:00and I must tell you,
22:01the odds are not
22:02in your favor.
22:03I have every confidence
22:04that we will defeat
22:05the Konhim fleet,
22:06and when we do,
22:08the Admiral will once again
22:10leave our world barren,
22:11he said quietly.
22:13It is my hope
22:14that will not be necessary,
22:16Nassat replied,
22:17though a great deal
22:18of that depends on you.
22:20The Konhim turned
22:21to face him.
22:22You expect me
22:23to betray my people?
22:24He shot back.
22:25How little you must
22:26think of me?
22:27And how much less
22:28you must understand me?
22:30Nassat stepped forward.
22:32Chugaz betrayed your people,
22:34he said firmly.
22:35Even with my current position,
22:37I am not certain
22:37I can contain
22:38the humans' wrath.
22:40They want your people
22:40dead, Jiaj.
22:42They wish to visit upon you
22:43the same fate
22:44as my ancestors once did.
22:46Only this time
22:47they will ensure
22:48that no one survives.
22:50Admiral Fujimoto
22:51made that abundantly clear,
22:53he said darkly.
22:55Yes, she did,
22:56Nassat agreed.
22:57So answer me this.
22:58When the fleet
22:59defending Zuj
23:00is defeated
23:00and our forces
23:01call upon the planet
23:02to surrender,
23:04what will be their response?
23:06It was several moments
23:07before Jiaj finally answered.
23:10I don't know,
23:11he said quietly.
23:13Nassat nodded in agreement.
23:14Neither do I.
23:16Perhaps they will accept
23:17the reality of their situation.
23:19Perhaps they will not.
23:20Perhaps.
23:21They would not believe
23:22the humans would be
23:23so quick to destroy them.
23:24Unless, of course,
23:25you explained to them
23:26what you witnessed at Zack.
23:27You, they would believe.
23:29His laugh was even more harsh
23:31this time.
23:32You truly do not know my people,
23:34Jiaj said pointedly.
23:35I am disgraced,
23:37a false and fallen leader,
23:38and one who comes to them
23:40aboard a ship
23:40commanded by their enemies.
23:42He shook his head.
23:43No, they will not listen to me.
23:46We must try,
23:48Nassat pleaded with him,
23:49for the only other alternative
23:50will be their destruction.
23:51And you would willingly
23:53order this, Nassat?
23:55Jiaj said in disbelief.
23:57You the pacifist?
23:59Did you not tell me
24:00you would always choose
24:01life over death?
24:02Nassat suddenly found it
24:04difficult to meet his gaze,
24:05but stood his ground nonetheless.
24:07I would,
24:08he admitted reluctantly.
24:10Chugaz has seemingly done
24:11everything in his power
24:12to enrage the humans.
24:14If there is a psychological trigger
24:16he has somehow managed
24:17to overlook,
24:18I am certain
24:18it was only by accident.
24:19He sighed heavily
24:21and shook his head.
24:23The fates of all our races
24:24hang by a thread, Jiaj.
24:26If we cannot find a way
24:27to make your people
24:28see reason,
24:29then the humans
24:30will do everything
24:31in their power
24:31to ensure the Konhim
24:33will never be able
24:33to threaten anyone
24:34ever again.
24:37Not so easily done,
24:39Jiaj said
24:39with growing confidence.
24:41Your own race
24:42attempted the same
24:42long ago
24:43and failed.
24:44They are not us,
24:46he pressed,
24:47and I assure you
24:48the humans
24:48will not fail.
24:50They will make it
24:50their life's work
24:51to see your race
24:52destroyed,
24:53and they will
24:53never ever forget.
24:55If it takes them
24:55another ten millennia
24:56they will hunt you
24:57to the ends of the galaxy
24:58and dance on your graves.
25:00I beg you,
25:01help me, Jiaj,
25:02he whispered,
25:03for without your intercession
25:04your race will be
25:05condemned to oblivion.
25:07Why?
25:08Jiaj suddenly snarled,
25:10filled with anger.
25:11Why do you care
25:11what happens to us?
25:13Certainly your wife
25:14would not argue
25:14so hard
25:15for our survival.
25:16She would happily
25:17assist the humans,
25:18so why are you
25:19risking everything
25:19to save my race?
25:21Because if they do this,
25:23if the humans
25:24take that final step
25:25of madness,
25:26there will be
25:26no turning back,
25:28Nasat said quietly.
25:29And who do you
25:30think will be next?
25:33Jiaj froze
25:34and then slowly
25:35began to nod.
25:36Finally,
25:37a motive I can
25:38understand,
25:39he said at last.
25:40I make no promises,
25:41but I will try.
25:43For both our peoples.
25:44Then come with me now,
25:46Nasat urged,
25:47guiding him to the door,
25:48and pray the people
25:49of Gzuj will listen.
25:50I will try to
25:52thank you.
25:54I will try to
25:56go for it.
25:58You're right.
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