{"id":2518,"date":"2018-09-08T07:19:12","date_gmt":"2018-09-08T12:19:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/?p=2518"},"modified":"2018-09-08T07:19:12","modified_gmt":"2018-09-08T12:19:12","slug":"master-of-violence-part-30","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/?p=2518","title":{"rendered":"Master of Violence – Part 30"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

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

Part 30<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Mark looked on as Angie answered questions to the media.\u00a0 She had become a media darling since returning to Earth telling her story over and over, going on several shows and showing support for the military.\u00a0 Jack had gone a few times, and surprisingly it seemed, at least to Mark, that Angie seemed to actually care for him.<\/p>\n

He and Angie were both dealing with the loss of her mother, Mark\u2019s sister.\u00a0 Angie\u2019s father had passed away a few years earlier.\u00a0 Mark learned Jack had lost his parents in the attack as well, and he and Angie leaned on each other for support.<\/p>\n

The others in the group didn\u2019t want the spotlight as much, and for some reason Angie loved it.\u00a0 Mark was fine with it.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s doing quite well today,\u201d another person said standing next to Mark.\u00a0 He recognized him as Charlie.\u00a0 He was the oldest of the group, and Mark learned that he and his son, Ben, had been on a fishing trip when the attack occurred.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, picked it up from her mother,\u201d Mark said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was surprised to learn she had an uncle in the military, and one so high up,\u201d Charlie said.<\/p>\n

\u201cGot lucky,\u201d Mark replied as they fell silent for a few seconds.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, what\u2019s next?\u201d Charlie asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot sure, build up or forces, send out patrols to see about neighboring systems,\u201d Mark replied, knowing they needed more information.<\/p>\n

\u201cReasonable,\u201d Charlie said looking on again.<\/p>\n

\u201cGlad its not you?\u201d Mark asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know the feeling, I was hounded by the press for answers to things I didn\u2019t know, good thing I\u2019ve got a communications officer to handle such things for me,\u201d Mark said looking at the time and realizing the press conference was about to wind down.<\/p>\n

He watched as Angie came off the stage to greet her uncle.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, good job out there,\u201d he told her.<\/p>\n

\u201cIts easy when you tell the truth,\u201d she replied back to him.\u00a0 \u201cAnd I stay away from certain subjects knowing they are traps.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mark nodded, knowing she could but some questions he couldn\u2019t avoid at work, like what were they going to do next.\u00a0 The war wasn\u2019t over and the O\u2019krad were still out there.\u00a0 Looking down at his watch he realized it was time for him to get going.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have another meting coming up, see you later,\u201d he told her.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Angie said.<\/p>\n

Mark nodded towards Charlie before heading off to another meeting which nothing would be accomplished.\u00a0 There were several differing voices going on, from wanting to strike at the O\u2019krad to sitting back and hoping they could have peace with them.\u00a0 Mark had no idea which course of action was the best, only that they were still out there.\u00a0 Of course they were still building up their forces.<\/p>\n

The only other bright spot was the fact the alien relocation on Mars was moving ahead of schedule and appeared to be a success.\u00a0 Even an area where the two groups could mingle was growing.<\/p>\n

He hoped things would continue to be peaceful.<\/p>\n

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

Toncor walked around the surface of the planet which the humans called Mars.\u00a0 Things were being erected rather quickly to house all the aliens.\u00a0 It had been decided to house them all here, not to segregate them away, but to help protect them from the many deadly things on Earth.\u00a0 It was something Toncor had to be aware of when on Earth.<\/p>\n

Even an insect which was completely harmless to a human could be dangerous to one of them until they learned what was, and wasn\u2019t harmful.\u00a0 Toncor had been lucky, most insects stayed away from his race.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, Toncor, how are things?\u201d he heard a familiar voice ask.\u00a0 He turned to see Iccol walking towards him.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot bad, the humans are settling in, trying to figure out what they might do next,\u201d Toncor said.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cIt\u2019s a complex issue facing them all,\u201d Toncor replied.\u00a0 \u201cI can understand that some want to take the fight to the O\u2019Krad, others want to back off.\u00a0 I am conflicted.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn what way?\u201d Iccol asked, his tone indicating confusion.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, they could fight back, retake homeworlds which were conquered,\u201d Toncor said.\u00a0 \u201cBut that brings up other problems, like they are doing all the fighting, and what do they get in return. \u00a0I think many don\u2019t want to be the rulers of the universe, or have the other races indebted to them like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAn interesting situation, it shows they are capable of greatness,\u201d Iccol said.\u00a0 \u201cI admit, the more I learn of them the more complex they are.\u00a0 I understand why you are so enamored with them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a puzzle waiting to be figured out,\u201d Toncor replied.\u00a0 \u201cBut, how are things down here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone\u2019s working hard to make things work,\u201d Iccol said.\u00a0 \u201cIts actually been working quite well.\u00a0 The former slaves tell an interesting tale of their time under O\u2019krad control.\u00a0 Some have never known freedom at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

Toncor shook his head at that.\u00a0 The O\u2019krad had been doing this for that long, that entire generations never knew their homeworld, or their past.\u00a0 How many civilizations had they destroyed in their mad conquest of the universe?\u00a0 It seemed almost unimaginable to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre they settling in?\u201d Toncor asked, knowing that some of the humans had expressed some doubt on their ability to be free after being slaves for so long.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, some better than the others, but it appears to be a species thing as well,\u201d Iccol said.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019re monitoring the situation for any trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

Toncor continued to walk around seeing buildings going up and being constructed.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne thing which has come out, apparently the O\u2019krad are not quick builders,\u201d Iccol said.\u00a0 \u201cBy comparison the humans are almost master builders.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey adapt technology to produce things rather quickly, and more machines to help produce what is produced,\u201d Toncor said.\u00a0 \u201cits really quite amazing at how they are constantly looking to improve.\u00a0 Watching a couple of shows about it I learned its they feel like they are lazy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot sure about that,\u201d Iccol replied as they approached the main building.<\/p>\n

Making their way inside Toncor would eager to see how things were going, and from the looks of things, it appeared things were going well.\u00a0 He would have a positive report to give back to Earth.<\/p>\n

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

Mark returned back to the Enterprise along with his command staff.\u00a0 The recent meeting had done nothing to answer upcoming questions of what the future might hold.\u00a0 Even as he thought about it he noticed Hans making his way towards him.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, anything new?\u201d Hans asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNope, what about up here?\u201d Mark asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe next of the Fletcher class is undergoing trials,\u201d Hans said, something Mark already knew.\u00a0 \u201cWhat about the other ships?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, well, they finally authorized the cruiser class, calling it the Atago,\u201d Mark said.<\/p>\n

\u201cOld Japanese name,\u201d Hans said to which Mark nodded.\u00a0 \u201cAny word on a follow up to the Enterprise?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStill working on it, and the docks are still being built to build them anyways, but designs are almost finalized from what I\u2019ve heard,\u201d Mark replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019ll be glad when they actually start on them,\u201d Hans replied as they made their way down the corridor.\u00a0 \u201cOther than that, we\u2019ve sent out a few ships to explore nearby star systems, so far nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBetter news than we expected,\u201d Mark said.\u00a0 \u201cAnd we\u2019re retrofitting the rebellion\u2019s ships with new weapons.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, heard about that, some discussion about that, still not sure about it myself,\u201d Hans replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we need all the allies we can get right now,\u201d Mark said.<\/p>\n

They walked into Mark\u2019s office and sat down, Mark behind his desk and looked over the reports.<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing new,\u201d Mark stated.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou were expecting something?\u201d Hans said.<\/p>\n

Mark went to reply when alarms sounded.\u00a0 They both looked at each other before Mark pressed the intercom for the bridge.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdmiral Pappas here, what\u2019s the situation?\u201d Mark asked, his mind already racing with what they might have to do, how many incoming O\u2019krad warships and how to defend the planet.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdmiral, incoming ship, identification is unknown,\u201d Yvette replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll be right there, have all squadrons ready to launch, keep the ship in stealth mode,\u201d Mark replied as both he and Hans made their way to the bridge.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne ship?\u201d Hans said.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot their style,\u201d Mark said agreeing that one ship was unusual in their few encounters with the O\u2019krad so far.<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps they are here to talk?\u201d Hans stated.<\/p>\n

Mark wasn\u2019t sure, but he wouldn\u2019t take anything off the table in this encounter, including a trap.\u00a0 They reached the bridge and its bustle of activity as people were working to figure things out.<\/p>\n

\u201cIncoming communications from Earth,\u201d Joaquin stated.<\/p>\n

\u201cPut it though,\u201d Mark said, not surprised upon seeing Greg.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the situation?\u201d Greg asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cAn incoming ship, unknown who it is,\u201d Mark replied.\u00a0 \u201cI was considering it a trap, or perhaps they wish to talk to us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOpen a channel,\u201d Greg stated.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut be aware of a trap,\u201d Mark stated turning to Joaquin and instructed him to open the channel and hail the O\u2019krad in a language they might understand.<\/p>\n

Everyone waited tense to see what type of message might come back.\u00a0 It took a few seconds before the answer came back.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is the Creataesis, we ask for your help.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Toncor made his way down the corridor having been hastily called back from Mars with this newest development.\u00a0 He reviewed the intel on what happened on the way, a ship, the Creataesis had appeared, and they were asking for help.<\/p>\n

The people on board had at least some sort of translation program which understood at least one of their languages.\u00a0 It meant that somewhere along the way the translator program his race had received had encountered this race.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, Toncor, thanks for coming so quickly,\u201d he heard a voice say.\u00a0 He looked up to see Greg making his way towards him.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnother alien race, I would have never expected it,\u201d Toncor said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, we were surprised as well,\u201d Greg said as they made their way to the meeting room where the President waited as well.\u00a0 It didn\u2019t take long before the visitors arrived.<\/p>\n

Toncor took in their appearance, looking very much like wonderers in space, refugees going from planet to planet.\u00a0 Orange uniforms, and looking rather worn, as if they had been wearing them for a long time.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am Kre\u2019eek,\u201d one said, Toncor noticed he had four legs and did a graceful sit at the table not using any chairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am President Natile Carter,\u201d the President replied back.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, we seek help, and a warning,\u201d Kre\u2019eek said.\u00a0 Toncor could almost hear what was going to be coming, something this group had probably rehearsed many times.\u00a0 He looked around seeing the others in the room almost lean back, having been over this before.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will be glad to help,\u201d Natile stated.\u00a0 \u201cAs for your warning, what is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOur world was attacked by a race, we do not know their name, only whispers of a name, the Dark Race,\u201d Kre\u2019eek said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe O\u2019krad, yes we know of them,\u201d Natile replied.<\/p>\n

There were several seconds of silence as the news registered with Kre\u2019eek and the others.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know of them?\u201d Kre\u2019eek asked, and Toncor saw his eyes dart around in surprise.\u00a0 Toncor took pity and spoke up.<\/p>\n

\u201cI sat where you did not long ago saying the same to them,\u201d Toncor replied to him.\u00a0 \u201cI gave them the same warning.\u00a0 Instead of fleeing, they stood and fought for their planet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you are still here,\u201d Kre\u2019eek stated, a bit astonished at this fact.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are warriors,\u201d Natile said.\u00a0 \u201cWe don\u2019t take kindly to others trying to take our home away.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are many other races on a colony of the humans, many are liberated slaves\u201d Toncor stated.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d Kre\u2019eek said, taking a moment to look around.\u00a0 \u201cThen, we ask for asylum.\u201d<\/p>\n

Toncor watched knowing that a new chapter was about to start for the human race and the O\u2019krad.\u00a0 He hoped the universe would survive and peace returns.<\/p>\n

The End.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Master of Violence by AJ Marks Part 30 Mark looked on as Angie answered questions to the media.\u00a0 She had become a media darling since returning to Earth telling her story over and over, going on several shows and showing support for the military.\u00a0 Jack had gone a few times, and surprisingly it seemed, at […]
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