Hybrid (33 page)

It was Sennek's turn to speak. He left his seat and approached the podium. The amplification light shone on him, and he began thinking to the representatives of their community of eight thousand, and the council of sects.

“
My brothers and sisters, I have grave news. As we are all aware, over the past thousand years we have been inundated by several new strains of virus that were hitherto unknown on this world. Over this time, diseases of all types have decimated our population. Every time we cure one ailment, a new virus or bacteria appears and we must struggle anew to find cures. We have lost eighty percent of our population to disease, and before this war, we knew that the Seelak were experiencing similar medical problems within their population as well. Our medical resources are taxed beyond our ability to cope. This planet is producing bacteria and viruses specifically engineered to harm us. We now understand why. As in any body, this planet is in fact fighting off an infection, us.
”

Sennek paused as there were telepathic whispers amongst the council members and observers. “
We are an infection to this planet, a virus or bacteria that it is trying to rid itself. We now know why. We are, ourselves, infecting this planet with micro viruses. We are killing the species that this world has mothered and nurtured for hundreds of thousands of years. We are, in fact, interfering with the natural evolution of this planet, as we suspected. We have examined some remains discovered from the last tribe of bodies we encountered. Their blood was contaminated with a virus inherent in our species and the Seelak species. We are killing this world, not just one species, but all species of this planet. We have seen evidence of depopulated forests around our settlement, no native wild life anywhere.

“
My friends, my peers, this world is at war with us as we are at war with the Seelak. This is a war we cannot win. We cannot defeat a planet, we can only find a small secluded place in the middle of nowhere where our contamination will be kept to a minimum. We must let this world and its species evolve and develop. It is the way of things. We came here as guests thousands of years ago when, in ignorance, we destroyed our world. Now, we war again with the Seelak and we take another world to a course of doom. This cannot happen twice
.” Seenek heard both audible vocal and telepathic voices of amazement and panic.

“Order! There will be order in this chamber,” a Senior Councilman shouted.

His cries were unheard. Jakor suddenly stood and faced the crowd. His hand fell toward the pouch that carried his Sentient Staff. He touched the liquid metal and it took its basic shape as a seven-foot staff according to its master's mental command. Jakor banged the staff against the floor and stared into the crowd with a war-like expression. The crowd was quickly silenced.

“Thank you, Jakor,” the elder whispered as the massive soldier took his seat. “What you say, Sennek, is disturbing. Your sect has verified this?”

“Yes, Elder, all data and evidence have been provided to the Council through formal political channels, the data and conclusions are beyond reproach. It is regrettable, but what I say is truth,” Sennek answered sadly.

“The Council will need time to review your data, Sennek. We do not doubt your words, we only wish to review all information.”

“I understand, Elder,” Sennek said with a bow.

“Jakor, you will address us,” the Elder instructed.

Jakor took his place under the amplification light and spoke his news. “I have spent several suns under the banner of peace with our enemy, discussing much of what Sennek has brought to light along with our territorial disputes. The Seelak care not for honoring the truce we made, which allowed us to construct our Worldship and bring us here so many years ago. They wish to go back to the ways of conquest. They feel that we should simply eradicate the primate infection. They feel that it has spread too far. They are angered over the death of their comrades from plague upon plague from diseases that are spread as the primates spread into other areas. They still believe that by eradicating them they will eliminate the diseases.

“This species covers the lands of this globe everywhere. The Seelak wish to commit genocide on an entire race of sentient beings—murder on an unprecedented scale. We must carry Sennek's research to them and hope that they can see for themselves the error in this course of action. With this new research to accompany what has already been presented, we have more than enough evidence to make our case. I will do this, Elder Council, upon your examination of data and with your permission.”

“It shall be as you say, Jakor,” the Elder replied. “We will send scientists to accompany you as well. No disrespect intended, but there may be technical questions above your level of understanding.”

“Your words are wise, Elder. I see no disrespect; I will be guided by you,” Jakor answered in the ceremonial form.

The elder nodded in approval. “It is you who honor us by your actions. We will reconvene in two suns.”

A chime sounded, and the Esper population departed back to the day-to-day chores of their lives, each knowing that the next few cycles would bring about a drastic change to their small civilization.

* * * *

Jakor spent the two days in the soldiers’ compound, training and discussing battle strategy. The Seelak were a vicious enemy; they utilized the forbidden Netherspace technology, allowing them to traverse the inter-dimensional tunnels in this universe and seemingly pop out unexpectedly anywhere.

The tunnels between real space were, however, very narrow and hazardous. The dark matter that occupied that type of space readily spilled out into true space, disrupting the very physical nature of real space itself while the portal remained open. Small groups could traverse only small distances at one time. If not for this fact, the entire Seelak military force could simply materialize inside their small city and eradicate everything in a single surprise attack. The only thing that announced their presence was the spillage of dark Nether matter into this universe while the porthole opened. It was as if the sun itself blinked out during the Seelak sneak attacks.

Fortunately, Esper soldiers were trained to combat in these dark conditions. Their eyes adapted to see in all spectrums from the highest violet spectrum to the lowest red spectrum. Netherspace portholes served, usually, to allow the inferior Seelak army to ambush Esper soldiers and gain the advantage of a first strike. However, the Esper warriors were better trained than the enemy, and quickly turned the tables upon their attackers. Netherspace also served the Seelak as a quick, safe escape from combat.

* * * *

Jakor reported back to the council after two days. There were several other reports given as he waited patiently for his turn. When his turn came, he approached the council floor and waited for instructions. The Council had selected three scientists to accompany Jakor. He was glad to hear that Sennek would accompany him. Something told him that this upcoming meeting would be pivotal to the future of both races.

“We have consulted with our enemy and they have agreed to hear our scientists’ evidence regarding the plagues that have decimated both our populations. We hold great hope for these talks; it is the last hope for our kind. We must make preparations to evacuate these settlements and resettle on a remote island away from the native species of this world.”

“We will not fail you, Elder,” Jakor pledged.

“May our Gods go with you,” the Elder replied.

* * * *

The small party of Espers made their way toward the Seelak encampment. Jakor carried the large statue of peace that advertised that their party came with only peaceful intentions.

After a five-mile walk, they were met by several Seelak. The Seelak were midnight black in appearance, in direct contrast to the silvery Espers.

“We greet you in peace under the statue of tranquility.” Sennek extended his hand toward the leader of the Seelak delegation.

“We receive you in peace,” the Seelak leader replied. “I am told that you have scientific information that you wish to present to us regarding the plagues brought on by these accursed ape-like creatures.”

“We have,” Sennek answered. “I am Sennek, of the Scientific clan of Esper. With whom do I have the honor of addressing?”

“I am Kaalak, also of the Scientific clan. Please present your evidence,” the Seelak instructed, cutting across any dialogue the Esper scientist tried to establish.

“As you wish,” Sennek replied, handing over several data crystals.

Kaalak took the crystals and placed them into his processing core. He studied the data and conclusions with several of the other members of their party. The Seelak team walked a small distance away after several minutes of reviewing the provided information. Both Jakor and Sennek could see animated discussions occurring from several of the enemy party.

“They're arguing over our conclusions,” Sennek replied to Jakor.

The large Esper soldier grinned at his friend's statement of the obvious. “They will not accept your hypothesis.” He looked down into his older friend's eyes.

“They must. There can be no other conclusion, the data can only be interpreted one way,” the scientist insisted.

Jakor nodded, but he knew that the data could also possibly increase the enemy's position of mass extermination. “No one can know what the enemy thinks, old friend. Wait, one of them is coming back.” The soldier gestured to the scientist.

The Seelak spokesman walked back toward the Espers. “We have reviewed your data, and considered your conclusions. We agree with your data, and your analysis is well thought. However, we do not agree with your conclusions. Evacuation and isolation is not the answer. We must wipe out the primate infestation, totally and completely. A mere cleansing of our territories is no longer enough, we must unite and use our combined resources to wipe out the seed this world has planted everywhere. Then we can take over and make this world our own,” the Seelak replied emphatically.

“No! No!” Sennek angrily disagreed, becoming emotionally distraught. “We cannot, we have no right to commit genocide against an entire species. It is not just the primates, it is every living thing on this planet that we are infecting and that is infecting our races. Destruction is not the answer. Killing one species will not save our people, you would have to kill every living thing on this planet,” the Esper scientist pleaded. “Right down to the very core plants and fish that we use as a food source. Even the food we eat as nourishment will contain elements toxic to our people. If you waged the type of war you propose, you would sentence our species to starvation and eventual death as well.”

Kalaak had folded his arms and shook his head. “You're proposing that we simply admit defeat and run away after a thousand of this planet's years? Abandon all that we have accomplished and isolate ourselves until this world eventually kills us? You ask the absurd, Esper. I cannot bring that kind of decision back to my people; our Council would hang my head on a pole outside of our gates for even suggesting such foolishness.” Kalaak paused, briefly looking back at his party before continuing. “Consider this: these apes are weak, even your scholars are many times stronger than this upstart race that has no real technology. Your genetically enhanced soldier over there.” He pointed toward the titanic Jakor. “Could probably defeat thousands of them alone. Is he not engineered to be the strongest and most powerful of your race? Our soldiers and your soldiers could easily conquer this planet and eradicate this planet's infection. We could be the rulers of this world.”

“Did you not carefully study the data?” Sennek pleaded. “Did you not see that there are no other possible conclusions! We cannot murder an entire population, let alone several populations and different species. It is the planet waging this war, not the primates, nor the flying creatures or the crawling creatures. The ecological make-up of this world is rejecting us. You must see that truth; why do you deny it?” Sennek asked, his emotional state becoming even more agitated. “We are the infection, not them!”

“You Espers are too emotional; that is your weakness and will be your downfall,” Kalaak remarked, gesturing. “Our only problem now, as we see it, is you. And we have finally found a way to rid ourselves of that problem.”

From behind the Esper party, a portal from Netherspace opened. Darkness spilled into the area blanketing out the natural sunlight. Two creatures emerged from the opening; the first was a formidable-looking Seelak, taller even than Jakor. The second was a monstrous creature that was like some cross between a native panther and a slaka dragon from their now extinct world. The creature was almost fifteen feet in height and over twenty-five feet in length.

“Meet the products of our scientific technology,” Kalaak announced proudly. “Genetically engineered from our best scientist, me. Programmed to hate Espers and designed to feed on emotion, the same types of emotion you Espers emit so readily. Prey.” He gestured to the Esper party. “Meet your new predators, our key to winning this war, and exterminating the species of homosapiens. Destroy them all!”

The creatures attacked, ripping two of the Esper scientists to shreds, gleefully feeding off their powerful emotions of stark terror and shock. The Esper emotion fed the genetically engineered monstrosities, making them even stronger. Jakor was struck by the larger creature, the powerful blow propelled the Esper warrior over a dozen feet. Jakor, however, was no normal Esper; his strength, speed, reflexes, and aggressiveness were far beyond normal. He reached inside his tunic and grabbed his Sentient Staff. The weapon expanded and responded to his mental commands. He was now enraged; the Seelak had broken a sacred truce and slaughtered members of their party.

Jakor attacked the large enhanced Seelak. His staff clanged on the skin of the creature. Sparks flew as the sentient metallic weapon impacted with the creature's enhanced metallic shell. The shell cracked, and the creature retreated, and then turned to face him.

Jakor pressed his attack on the huge mutant Seelak. His silvery fists pummeled the armored creature in wave upon wave of sheer ferocity. The Seelak struck back, the power of its own blows were staggering. Its power was enough to kill an ordinary Esper.