And you can see the coming battle

You pray the drums will never cease

And you may win this war that's coming

But would you tolerate the peace?

Sting - “This War”

During the last war, Marshal Antuma had found himself in the unenviable position of sending others off to fight...and all too often die...while he himself stayed behind in relative safety. “Relative” being the operative word since the Khonhim had intended to attack all the Triumvirate worlds, but the war ended before they could complete that goal. Not being able to share in the danger with those under his command had been the hardest thing he’d ever done, much harder than discovering the war he’d be fighting would be for real. Part of him longed to be part of the mission to the Khonhim homeworlds, but what he’d told Hélène had been correct.

If there were no human worlds to come back to when they finished their job...then all they would have achieved was mutual destruction. A less than ideal outcome.

The problem was that there were eleven human worlds…nine, now...that were potential targets. He could cover two with the forces he had, and that was stretching his units to the absolute limit. Not to mention the fact they still hadn’t come up with a way to find the attackers...preferably before they launched another RKKV.

One location was an easy decision...Sol. With both Earth and Mars as potential targets, not to mention being the homeworld and the most populated planets by far, that system had to be covered...a mission that he had taken on himself. The other colony, however...which did he choose? Endymion? Zion? Paraíso? Where would the Khonhim strike next?

And what would happen if he chose wrong?

“According to our intel, the journey to the nearest Khonhim homeworld will take approximately two months,” Admiral Fujimoto informed her commanders. “During that time, I expect each officer and NCO to train their people to a razor’s edge. Many of you have fought them before, and you know they will throw everything they have at us to defend their homes, just as we would. I can assure you; they will not just roll over without a fight.”

The officers nodded in agreement. Most were not present, instead represented by a holographic projection. It was an upgrade that she heartily approved of, having her commanders flying around for a staff meeting struck her as absurd.

She touched a key on her console, bring up an image on her display. “This is our first objective…Dzach. Our best information describes this planet as being sparsely populated...almost an outpost, in fact. I was tempted to bypass it for one of the other targets, but I believe it will give us the chance to learn what new tactics and weapons the Khonhim have in store for us. That’s my hope, at least.”

The Admiral looked around the room, gauging their response. So far it was encouraging, but many of them had yet to face the Khonhim in battle. She knew she could count on the veterans, but the ones who were still unblooded were an unknown quantity. It was perhaps an even bigger reason for her choice of Dzach as their first objective, to give the rookies a chance to test themselves at little cost. The confidence and experience they gained from this first battle would pay dividends for the next objective.

“We are still gathering information,” she continued, “and as we learn more, we will pass that on. Study what you have, and we will reconvene at 0800 tomorrow for a more in-depth analysis. Dismissed.”

One by one, the officers either left the briefing room or disconnected their holographic avatars...until only the image of Nassat remained. “Where are we on the Intel side of things?” she asked, coming straight to the point.

“I am making progress, but I am afraid that Jiyazh is growing uncomfortable in his role,” Nassat reported. “Unsurprisingly, he still feels a sense of loyalty towards his people, despite his disagreement with their current tactics.”

“I see,” Hélène said. “Is this going to become a problem?”

“I am...unsure,” the Saurotaur admitted. “He is growing reluctant, but so far has not yet refused to answer questions. That, however, could change.”

“Then you need to explain to him the consequences,” the Admiral said. “His people broke the ceasefire and are systematically destroying human worlds. We will not tolerate either prevarication or reticence on his part. Make him understand that.”

“Admiral,” Nassat began, uncomfortable, “Jiyazh accompanied me because he believes he still owes me a debt of honor. However, he is also a patriot, despite his self-imposed exile. It is my opinion that eventually, he will come to a line he will refuse to cross. When that happens…”

“...when that happens...the kid gloves come off,” Hélène growled. “I don’t think you appreciate what the Khonhim have done, Nassat. Not the weapon they used on us...but how it has affected humanity.” Her dark eyes flashed. “He will tell us what we want to know...one way or another. Is that understood?”

“Yes ma’am,” he said.

“Good,” she said. “And...I believe the time has come for some introductions, don’t you?”

Nassat closed his eyes. “...I will see to it, Admiral.”

“Excellent,” she smiled. “Jiyazh is a warrior, not to mention smart. He’ll figure it out...assuming he hasn’t already. I’ll expect your report after tomorrow’s briefing. Dismissed.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he repeated...as his image disappeared from sight.

Nassat’s shoulders slumped as he turned away from the imager.

“I warned you this was coming, Sir,” Sergeant Major Lin murmured.

“I had hoped you were wrong,” he said, defeated.

Lin nodded in understanding. “Do you recall the first time we met?”

Despite himself, Nassat barked out a laugh. “I’m not likely to forget. I was terrified of you.”

“That was the idea,” Lin chuckled. “But I was thinking about something you told me about that day...how you thought I was sizing you and the other trainees up for their nutritional value.” He cocked his head regarding him. “I wasn’t, but that primal fear you felt, coming face to face with a predator in all his martial glory? Hold on to that memory...because that is what the Khonhim have unleashed.”

“I understand…” the Saurotaur began, only for the human to cut him off.

“...no, you don’t,” Lin said. “Your people were right about one thing...inside each human, lies a monster. We try to keep it chained up, and mostly we succeed. But when something like this happens…”

Somehow, Nassat repressed a shudder. “Then it is up to us to keep that monster at bay,” he said quietly. “Send in Jiyazh, Sergeant Major,” he directed, reverting to formality, “and then invite our guests to join us.”

“Yes Sir,” Lin nodded as he exited the room. Moments later, the door opened once more, as the former Dhyaksh entered, regarding Nassat as he took a seat across from him.

“So...more questions?” he asked.

“Later,” Nassat replied. “I have just finished speaking with Admiral Fujimoto, and she is most emphatic about your cooperation. I am afraid she has given me...and you...little choice in the matter.” It was difficult to meet his gaze. “I am sorry, Jiyazh,” he said with regret.

The Khonhim’s nostrils flared for a moment before he nodded. “I have always known this day would come,” he said at last. “I could refuse to cooperate...or ensure they cannot question me.”

“You could try, yes,” Nassat agreed, “but it is unlikely they will allow you either choice.”

“Perhaps you underestimate me,” Jiyazh replied, as a mocking smile played across his face.

“No...I do not.” Nassat took a deep breath. “I am afraid there is more. The Admiral also wishes for you to take a more…active role. There are certain missions where she feels your participation would be indispensable.”

“I see.” The smile disappeared. “And just how is she planning on enforcing her wishes?”

A chime sounded at the door before Nassat could respond. “She has thought of that,” he said, as the door slid open...revealing a small group of humans.

“Well hello there,” Whisper smirked.