Barbarians

I raise my flag, and dye my clothes

It's a revolution, I suppose

We're painted red to fit right in

I'm breaking in and shaping up

Then checking out on the prison bus

This is it, the Apocalypse

I'm waking up

I feel it in my bones

Enough to make my system blow

Welcome to the new age, to the new age

Welcome to the new age, to the new age

I'm radioactive, radioactive

Imagine Dragons - “Radioactive”

Jiyazh entered the captured communication center and looked at the others. “We have just received word from Azhum Ganakh,” he informed them. “It is almost time.”

“Very good,” Nassat nodded. “Are we ready on this end?”

Graybird crawled out from underneath a console. “I’ve got everything wired back together,” he said, wiping off his hands. “Next time, try not to shoot up the actual objective, please?”

The others looked somewhat chagrined. To broadcast Jiyazh’s message they needed a transmission site with enough power to reach the Khonhim fleet, and after scouring the maps of the area they’d found a suitable location. Unfortunately, it was a military installation, and the warriors guarded with its protection had not been inclined to listen to reason. They’d fought to the last, in true Khonhim fashion, and the battle had damaged the very equipment they’d hoped to use. Much of it had been repaired easily, but one of the key components had required replacement. No spares were to be found anywhere, forcing Graybird to cannibalize what he needed from other systems and jury rig the contraption together. It seemed to be holding...for now.

Nassat acknowledged the rebuke with a nod, before turning his attention to Jiyazh. “Your words must inspire the warriors now sworn to Chugaz Uydan to turn and betray him. Have you prepared a speech, something that declares how he has failed them?”

Jiyazh shook his head. “That is not our way. A true leader speaks from the heart, not the head when he is calling them to battle. I am sure the words will come to me as I need them.”

Lin and Musashi both looked askance. “It takes someone with a rare talent to pull that off,” the Sergeant said. “You sure you don’t want Musashi to whip something up? Maybe ‘Blood, toil, tears and sweat’, or ‘Give me Liberty, or give me death’?”

“I have done this before,” Jiyazh said with a smirk. “I will be fine. Besides, there is no more time.”

“Right,” Nassat agreed. “We will be just outside, listening in. Good luck, Dhyaksh,” he said with a wry smile, as he ushered the others out.

Jiyazh managed not to roll his eyes as he took his place. Less than a minute later, an image appeared on his display. “All is in readiness, Dhyaksh,” Azhum Ganakh informed him. “I am unsure how long I can prevent Chugaz Uydan from interrupting the signal, so speak quickly,” he said.

“I am ready,” Jiyazh said. “Establish the link.”

“...broadcasting to all units…now,” Azhum Ganakh said with determination.

The Khonhim warrior took a moment, allowing those watching to recognize his face. “I am Jiyazh Ghuuyaz,” he said in preface. “Once you called me Dhyaksh, as we sailed from our homeworlds on the Great Crusade. We struck a blow in memory of our forebears, but a final victory over the Triumvirate was not meant to be. In my shame I stepped aside, choosing exile, to allow the Khonhim a choice. I had hoped my successor would lead our people to greatness...but to my great sorrow he has only led you to your deaths.”

He paused, letting that sink in. “Yes, he has claimed victory over the humans, but that is a lie. Those of you who fought at my side know just how cunning and resourceful an enemy they are, and most their race lives still...their hearts now filled with righteous fury. Just as we have not forgotten the wounds we suffered, so long ago, neither have the humans. They will stop at nothing to avenge their dead, and Chugaz Uydan knew this. Knew it, and used that knowledge to lure their fleet in, sacrificing the worlds of Dzach, Zhis, and Gzuj on the altar of his lies. Billions of Khonhim dead...and for what?”

He shook his head, as both hands gripped he console. “Chugaz Uydan has betrayed the Khonhim by his very deeds. He soils the title he wears by his actions...and I can stand by no longer.”

Jiyazh rose to his feet and pointed a finger at the camera. “I accuse you, Chugaz Uydan, of treachery, and avow you are unworthy of both your title and position. I challenge you to face me on the field of honor...unless you fear my blade.” His lip curled up in a sneer as his eyes blazed with anger. “Let the Khonhim see what sort of leader you are...once and for all,” he snarled, as his hand came down to end the transmission himself.

The others could only stare in shock. “...did he just challenge him to a duel?” Lin got out.

Nassat barged into the communication center and glared at Jiyazh, who returned his gaze with aplomb. “I thought you planned to convince your people to rise against Chugaz Uydan...not demand he face you in single combat,” he said with quiet anger.

“It is our way, Nassat,” Jiyazh said. “By challenging him I have forced his hand. Either he agrees to face my blade, or they will brand him a coward and strip him of his title...perhaps even his life.” He smiled at the Saurotaur, who could only shake his head in disgust.

“And if he kills you?” Nassat demanded. “What then?”

“Chugaz Uydan is no warrior,” Jiyazh scoffed. “A politician, an assassin...but not a warrior. On the field of honor, he will taste my steel.”

“Uh-huh,” Lin said. “I think you’re overlooking one minor detail.”

“And what is that, Sergeant Lin?” Jiyazh replied.

“...that he’ll cheat,” Lin shot back. “I can think of a dozen ways for him to game the match without even trying. If he’s the man you say he is, I guarantee he’ll ensure you never walk off that field alive.”

“He wouldn’t dare,” Jiyazh growled, “not with our people watching. To do so would violate our most sacred traditions...not to mention it would be an admission of cowardice. He would never keep the title Dhyaksh were he to attempt such a thing.”

Lin just stared at him. “You can’t be that naive,” he said.

“I am inclined to agree with the sergeant,” Nassat said quietly. “In warfare, I have learned to trust his instincts. Besides, you described him as an assassin. Why would he not use those talents now, with so much at stake?”

That gave the Khonhim pause. “...then it will be up to the rest of you to watch him,” he said at last. “Should he make the attempt, you must prevent it from happening.”

“You could still lose anyway,” Nassat pointed out. “It may be unlikely...but we have known such things to happen.”

“Should I fall in honorable combat, it would mean I was unworthy,” Jiyazh said gently. “It is our way. If we are to succeed, then this is how it must be.”

Lin groaned and turned to Musashi. “You talk some sense into him.”

Musashi just shrugged. “You’re wasting your time,” he explained. “This is a cultural institution so ingrained in their psyche, they can’t think about it rationally. My advice? Start planning how we’ll keep this on the up-and-up.”

“Easier said than done, I would imagine,” Nassat said.

“Have faith,” Jiyazh smiled. “Once I have defeated Chugaz Uydan, our struggles will be at an end.”

“Get your team ready,” Lin hissed to Musashi, “...especially Whisper. He might be crazy...but he’s the kind of crazy we’re gonna need.”