{"id":2433,"date":"2018-04-28T07:18:29","date_gmt":"2018-04-28T12:18:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/?p=2433"},"modified":"2018-05-05T09:36:53","modified_gmt":"2018-05-05T14:36:53","slug":"master-of-violence-part-13","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/?p=2433","title":{"rendered":"Master of Violence – Part 13"},"content":{"rendered":"

Master of Violence<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

by AJ Marks<\/span><\/p>\n

Part 13<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Mark bolted up out of bed as the alarms went off.\u00a0 He made his way to the bridge as people rushed to their battlestations.\u00a0 Racing onto the bridge he noticed everyone looking on and the atmosphere was tense.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s up?\u201d Mark asked looking around knowing there was no drill scheduled unless Hans had done so without his knowledge.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne ship, just appeared on the scanners,\u201d the reply came back.<\/p>\n

\u201cIdentification?\u201d Mark asked wondering if they were going into battle.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoesn\u2019t match any known ships, either ours or the Simian database.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mark turned to look at the scanners.<\/p>\n

\u201cBattle scanner,\u201d he said, watching for a second before the holo projection scanner came to life, it was rarely used but he wanted to see what was going on and not looking over the scanner officer\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

He looked on seeing several ships, including the Enterprise.<\/p>\n

\u201cOpen a channel to the fleet, and to HQ,\u201d Mark said.<\/p>\n

\u201cOpen,\u201d Joaquin stated.<\/p>\n

Mark waited hearing as stations all over the ship responded to the red alert even as Hans stood beside him looking on at the scanner.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think?\u201d Hans asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t know, shouldn\u2019t take any chances, launch one of the fighter squadrons to intercept,\u201d Mark said.<\/p>\n

\u201cLaunching squadron,\u201d Hans said as he relayed the order to the proper area of the bridge.<\/p>\n

\u201cTell them to hold their fire, we don\u2019t want attack an innocent race,\u201d Mark said thinking about that.<\/p>\n

\u201cHQ is on the line,\u201d Joaquin said.\u00a0 Mark made his way over to a screen and brought up the image not surprised to see Richard.<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

Joe watched as his fighter swung down and launched.\u00a0 Forming up he heard the instructions coming in from the commanders, they were to investigate an unknown ship approaching Earth.\u00a0 He thought it was a bit ironic that he was once more headed out to investigate an unknown ship considering he had been on patrol when the last one was spotted.<\/p>\n

\u201cOrders are, not to engage unless fired upon,\u201d the squadron leader said.<\/p>\n

\u201cGreat,\u201d Joe heard Carl say, his wingmate.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey might be friendly,\u201d the squad leader said.<\/p>\n

Joe understood the order even if he didn\u2019t quite agree with it.\u00a0 Turning his fighter towards the unknown ship he closed in on it along with some twenty-four other fighters which made up his squadron.<\/p>\n

The ship still had yet to be identified on the scanners which worried Joe and he kept his communications open for anything which he might hear.\u00a0 It didn\u2019t take long before he heard something coming over the communications which he didn\u2019t understand at all.\u00a0 It was a lot of gibberish which reminded him a lot of the communications last time.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, this is familiar,\u201d Carl said.\u00a0 \u201cWonder if they are saying hi, or surrender.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe their saying we surrender,\u201d another pilot replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll take fly by, scan the ship for any signs of weapons,\u201d the captain said.\u00a0 \u201cJoe, you and Carl do it, the rest will keep watch of your backs.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Joe said, pulling out ahead along with Carl headed for the most dangerous part of the entire mission.\u00a0 He would be the first to know if they were friendly, or enemies.<\/p>\n

Keeping a close eye on the scanners he waited as he continued to fly closer and closer.\u00a0 So far nothing appeared on the scanner at all.\u00a0 He did noticed a similar energy reading to the one from the Simian spaceship.\u00a0 There were slight differences, but similar.\u00a0 He figured they were built along the same principles and theories which went above his head.<\/p>\n

What he didn\u2019t find was any weapon systems of any kind.<\/p>\n

\u201cShip appears to be unarmed,\u201d Joe finally said even as the communications continued.<\/p>\n

\u201cHang on VF-4, pull back a bit to sector six,\u201d the order came.<\/p>\n

\u201cRoger Enterprise,\u201d the squadron commander said.<\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t argue as he pulled back and away from the ship but he took a moment to look at it again.\u00a0 It seemed a bit smaller than the Simian ship, but in other wise good condition from what he could tell.<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

Mark looked down at the screen where HQ was waiting.<\/p>\n

\u201cFighters did a fly by, nothing, and they are trying to communicate,\u201d Mark said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re already in touch with the Simians to see if they can make contact with them,\u201d Richard said to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d Mark said.\u00a0 \u201cWe need to know who we\u2019re dealing with.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust stay on alert,\u201d Richard said.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo problem,\u201d Mark replied<\/p>\n

\u201cCaptain, um, admiral, incoming message from the Pakkara,\u201d Joaquin said.<\/p>\n

\u201cPut it though,\u201d Mark replied before realizing he had no way to translate the message.<\/p>\n

\u201cEnterprise, we have translated the hail, they are asking for help,\u201d the Pakkara said in a more mechanical voice which Mark recognized as the translator.<\/p>\n

\u201cUnderstood, inform them to follow the fighters in front of them, we\u2019ll take them close to your position,\u201d Mark said.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll need your help for translating, if you\u2019ll help us?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can,\u201d the Pakkara replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, we appreciate it,\u201d Mark said.\u00a0 \u201cRelay the information to VF-4, they are to lead the ship to the Pakkara\u2019s position.\u201d<\/p>\n

He watched as Hans relayed the information to the squadron before Mark turned to look back down at Richard.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt appears we have another refugee ship,\u201d Mark said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s very possible,\u201d Richard said.\u00a0 \u201cEspecially considering they are asking for help.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it was a good exercise for seeing how prepared we are for an invasion fleet,\u201d Mark finally said turning to Hans.\u00a0 \u201cPut us on yellow alert, secure from red alert, inform the rest of the fleet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d Hans said.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow did it go?\u2019 Richard asked.<\/p>\n

Mark gave it some thought before answering.\u00a0 \u201cNot bad, I think considering it all went well.\u00a0 Could use some work but I think we have a good idea of where we need work and what went well,\u201d Mark replied back to him.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll have to talk with the other ship captains, see if they have any suggestions for improvements.\u00a0 We\u2019ll be ready if they really do come.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI await the report admiral,\u201d Richard said before ending the conversation.<\/p>\n

Mark now had to figure to what they might do next, and how to improve their reaction times.<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

Toncor looked on as the shuttle landed.\u00a0 He received the news from Hakkas about what happened.\u00a0 Things had been tense on board the Pakkara for a bit until they realized this unknown race was also running from the Dark Race.\u00a0 It seemed their ship was suffering problems making Toncor wonder how long they had been on the run.<\/p>\n

The doors opened allowing a humanoid race to step out, they were even shorter than Toncor was, coming to his shoulder and humans towering over them.\u00a0 It made Toncor wonder if all intelligent life formed the same way, standing on two legs, arms and head on top.\u00a0 Perhaps some quirk of evolution in the universe.<\/p>\n

Toncor stepped forward to greet the Volor.<\/p>\n

\u201cGreetings,\u201d Toncor said wondering if their translator technology was as good as theirs, or was it better?<\/p>\n

\u201cGreetings, I am Yissffer,\u201d the Volor said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI welcome you to Earth,\u201d Toncor said.\u00a0 \u201cThis is Jeff Cerial, a human, who is part of the governing body of this planet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWelcome,\u201d Jeff said to them.<\/p>\n

\u201cEarth, we were unaware this planet would have life on it,\u201d Yissffer said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is our home,\u201d Jeff said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt has nice colors,\u201d Yissffer said taking a look around.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t let the looks fool you, there are many dangerous things on this planet,\u201d Toncor said.<\/p>\n

\u201cDangerous?\u201d Yissffer asked suddenly appearing cautious.\u00a0 \u201cDark Race?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, we were fleeing them as well when we came across this planet and the humans,\u201d Toncor replied back to him.\u00a0 \u201cThe humans are, unique among the races we\u2019ve encountered.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know of this Dark Race as well?\u201d Jeff asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cToo well,\u201d Yissffer replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen you have information on them?\u201d Jeff asked, and Toncor understood the thirst for knowledge about the enemy.<\/p>\n

Toncor watched as Yissffer seemed to look at Jeff for several seconds before he finally replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy do you want to know about that evil race?\u201d Yissffer asked.\u00a0 \u201cYou seek to understand one of the evils of the universe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, only when we can understand them, can we know how to fight them,\u201d Jeff replied back to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cA disturbing thing to do, challenge the Dark Race,\u201d Yissffer said.\u00a0 \u201cFew who do survive.\u201d<\/p>\n

Toncor had a feeling such information wouldn\u2019t ease Jeff, or the humans, thirst for knowledge of the Dark Race.\u00a0 They asked many question from Toncor and his race.\u00a0 However, he knew very little, if anything, about the race.\u00a0 He only knew that they attacked.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd those who survive?\u201d Jeff asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe do not speak of them,\u201d Yissffer said suddenly.\u00a0 \u201cThey know not what they do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhich is?\u201d Jeff asked.<\/p>\n

Yissffer looked around before speaking again.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe ask for help before continuing our journey, will you help?\u201d Yissffer asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will do what we can,\u201d Jeff replied, motioning for them to head inside.\u00a0 \u201cLet us get more comfortable inside.\u201d<\/p>\n

The group headed inside and Toncor had a different look at how humans treated guests.\u00a0 They actually were trying to be nice, while gaining information.\u00a0 Moving inside they continued on in with Toncor walking with Yissffer.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are Simian, are you not?\u201d Yissffer asked as they walked along.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes I am,\u201d Toncor replied unsure how they might have known that.\u00a0 \u201cHow did you know?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe ran across a ship of your people not long ago,\u201d Yissffer said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d Toncor said.\u00a0 \u201cIt explains how you were able to get the translators working so quickly.\u00a0 How were they?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs we all are, and those who have encountered the Dark Race,\u201d Yissffer said.<\/p>\n

Toncor considered that, then wondered if they really were doing well, or just thought they were doing well.\u00a0 He paused with that thought wondering where it came from.\u00a0 Perhaps he had been hanging out with the humans for too long now, considering this freedom which they spoke of so much.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho is this race again?\u201d Yissffer asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHumans,\u201d Toncor replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre they dangerous?\u201d Yissffer asked in a whisper.\u00a0 \u201cYou mentioned some things are dangerous.\u201d<\/p>\n

Toncor gave that some consideration as they approached the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes and no,\u201d Toncor finally said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou speak in riddles.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause they are a riddle,\u201d Toncor answered as they moved inside the room and sat down.\u00a0 He would allow Yissffer to discover the complexities of the human race for himself, and with that information do with what he wished.<\/p>\n

It took only a few moments before several others entered the room, including Richard of the military followed by President Natile Carter.\u00a0 Toncor knew she was a woman who cared deeply for her people and would do anything do defend them.\u00a0 He heard her called mother bear for her position and had to look that up.\u00a0 A bear was a wild animal who fiercely defends her cubs from danger.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, I\u2019m President Natile Carter,\u201d she said greeting Yissffer.\u00a0 \u201cYou could consider me the leader of the human people.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you make all decisions for your people?\u201d Yissffer asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, we have a Congress, its where the laws are created, I represent a figurehead and the top ambassador for humanity,\u201d Natile said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d Yissffer said.\u00a0 \u201cI represent all on board the Resyal.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how many are on board?\u201d Jeff asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have six hundred and thirty one souls on board,\u201d Yissffer said.<\/p>\n

Toncor noticed he said souls, which indicated that perhaps there was more than one race on board the ship.\u00a0 Was this what was in store in his future?\u00a0 If so, it didn\u2019t look at promising as he once thought it might be.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it you need?\u201d Natile asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWater, our water production plants have broken down,\u201d Yissffer said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think we can help you,\u201d Natile said.\u00a0 \u201cIt would be dishonorable to turn you away.\u201d<\/p>\n

Toncor looked back at Yissffer.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen we thank you for your help.\u201d<\/p>\n

Toncor had a feeling that the humans would help, but would Yissffer give up any new information about the Dark Race?<\/p>\n

End part 13<\/p>\n

Continued in part 14<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Master of Violence by AJ Marks Part 13 Mark bolted up out of bed as the alarms went off.\u00a0 He made his way to the bridge as people rushed to their battlestations.\u00a0 Racing onto the bridge he noticed everyone looking on and the atmosphere was tense. \u201cWhat\u2019s up?\u201d Mark asked looking around knowing there was […]
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