Barbarians

(War) Good God y'all

(What is it good for?) Absolutely nothing, say it

(War, what is it good for?) Absolutely nothing

Listen to me

(War) It ain't nothing but a heartbreaker

(War) Friend only to the undertaker

Peace, love and understanding

Tell me, is there no place for them today?

They say we must fight to keep our freedom

But Lord knows there's gotta be a better way

Edwin Starr - "War"

“I don’t like this.”

Nassat could only shrug at Admiral Fujimoto’s statement. “Perhaps the Khonhim have pulled back their forces.”

“And left an entire planet exposed?” She spun her chair to face him, shaking her head. “That’s out of character for them, and any time the enemy does something different, I expect the worst.”

“Prudent, but that does not alter the circumstances we find ourselves in.” He nodded at the world on their view screens. “We are here. The Khonhim fleet is not. What course of action would you suggest?”

Hélène grumbled, drumming her fingers on the armrest as she considered their options. Their arrival at the planet Ghakh had been an anticlimax. There were indications the Khonhim forces had pulled out of the system, leaving it undefended, though there was still a sizable population on the surface.

Which gave them...options.

“You already know what my position is,” Fujimoto retorted. “Bombard the planet like we did the others and move on.” She scowled at Nassat’s placid expression, her nostrils flaring with hostility. “But I’m guessing you have other ideas, don’t you?”

“I do,” Nassat agreed. “Based on our observations, Ghakh is an excellent site to learn if we can give the Khonhim an alternative to the current Dhyaksh...and an end to this war.”

“My way is more definitive,” Hélène growled. “Less risk for us, and a swifter resolution.”

“My ancestors thought the same, once,” Nassat said. “It did not end well for anyone. Violence begets violence. Even your own race came to that conclusion.”

“Marshal, there is a time for peace, and there is a time for war,” she shot back, “and this is not the time for peace.”

“Nor am I suggesting that,” he replied, “merely a strategy that is less...final.”

“Fine,” she said, “do as you will.” She leaned forward, stabbing a finger into his chest. “But every death we suffer because of this strategy is on your head, not mine. My way would have saved lives…our lives, which is where your focus should be on. Not some vague notion of turning enemies into allies.”

There had been a time when a confrontation with an angry human would have left him a trembling wreck, but those days were far behind him. Nassat weathered the storm without flinching, waiting until she finished venting her spleen before responding.

“The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting,” he intoned, earning him a confused look from the Admiral. “Sun Tzu,” he smiled. “I have found his words most illuminating.”

“Remind me to have a long talk with Sergeant Lin about your reading material,” she grumbled, before waving a hand in defeat. “Very well,” she said at last, “do it your way.”

The smile on his face disappeared. “Admiral...in case you have forgotten, I am in command of this fleet. While I value your input and expertise, when I have made my decision, the time for debate is over. ”His voice grew cold. “Overstep your authority again at your peril.”

The retort she was preparing to fling back in his face died on her lips. “...Aye, Sir,” she said at last.

“This is a bad idea,” Sergeant Lin said. “Marshals have no business in the trenches. You should remain aboard Zaaronq, where it’s safe.”

Nassat raised an eyebrow. “Fine…safer,” Lin amended.

“Under normal circumstances, I would agree,” Nassat replied, “but given the unusual situation we find ourselves in, my presence on the ground could prove crucial. If for no other reason, to reassure our forces they are not marching into a trap. Besides, the fleet is in good hands, and since I have no training in Naval tactics, at least on the ground I can be useful.”

“Just promise me you won’t be leading any rescue missions or cavalry charges,” Lin sighed. “I’ll bet Raichret went ballistic when you told her what you’re planning.”

Nassat looked embarrassed. “...well...” he mumbled.

Lin rolled his eyes. “You didn’t tell her?”

He sighed in defeat. “I was planning on informing her when I arrived on the surface.”

“You mean when you were out of her reach,” Lin smirked. “She’s gonna be pissed.”

“My wife can be very…passionate,” Nassat said.

“...that’s one way of putting it...” Lin muttered under his breath.

Nassat ignored the remark. “May I assume all is in readiness?”

“We’re on schedule...more or less,” the sergeant replied. “The assault forces should be ready by the deadline.” A wry smile appeared on his face. “Just like the old days, right Sir?”

“As I recall, the last time we were in combat I was forced to drag your broken body back to friendly lines,” Nassat said.

A beatific smile appeared on Lin’s face. “Yeah...good times,” he grinned.

Nassat blinked, before shaking his head. “Have I mentioned how strange your species is?” he asked.

“Once or twice,” Lin smirked.

He was struggling to find a suitable response, when Jiyazh appeared in the corridor, flanked by four humans in combat gear. “Dhyaksh,” he said, inclining his head.

“...when you said safeguards, I did not realize you had this in mind,” Jiyazh said in preamble, casting a glance at Whisper. “Would it not be simpler to just slit my throat, and be done with it?”

Whisper seemed to perk up at the notion, as Nassat sighed. “I assure you, they are for your protection,” he said.

“This entire strategy is doomed to failure,” Jiyazh argued. “No Khonhim worthy of the name will believe for an instant I am not acting as your vassal. They will kill me the moment I am spotted.”

“They can try,” Tango snorted, hefting her sniper rifle.

“We will find a way,” Nassat said quietly. “We must.”

Jiyazh gave the Saurotaur a long look. “There are times I wonder if you live in the same universe as the rest of us,” he said at last. “You seem almost untouched by the storm surrounding you.”

“...appearances can deceive,” he replied, with a distant look in his eyes.

There was a long silence before Jiyazh squared both sets of shoulders. “Well then…this brings back memories,” he said.

Nassat grimaced. “The last time we were in battle, we shot each other,” he said in exasperation.

“Yes…glorious times,” Jiyazh chuckled, as he headed for the shuttle.

“...there is something very wrong with the both of you,” he complained to Lin, as they followed in his wake.