The Nature of Predators 158 (Patreon)

Memory transcription subject: Chief Hunter Isif, Arxur Rebellion Command

Date [standardized human time]: March 17, 2137

Knowing how unbeloved my species was on Kalqua, there was no offer extended to the Duerten Homogeneity to help with rebuilding and search-and-rescue; that had been a courtesy to humanity that I couldn’t imagine my kind going along with for prey. The avians didn’t attempt to drive us and the humans from the system, but they only sent a formal thank you to the Yotul. I wasn’t sure whether the Terrans felt slighted, though I sure did. The Duerten were fortunate that my request for temporary aid in restocking munitions, to tide us over until we could contact the United Nations, wasn’t phrased as a demand. My lack of diplomatic aplomb meant it was best that I left the leaf-licking primates to deal with the fallout, especially after how the Shield-allied races behaved seeing me at the Summit.

A cryptic communication from Jones pointed us to a repair outpost within a day’s travel, repaying our expenditures without me asking. It was strange to have our fleet congregated so far away from the Central Sector, since the rebellion’s early focus had been pestering agents within Wriss’ territory. I was aware of the fact that we’d devoted an inordinate amount of attention to the Federation, after the surprising partnership between Giznel and Nikonus was revealed. Protecting Kalqua thwarted the Kolshians’ primary target, and now, the crux of the war hinged upon whether the Terrans’ single-minded push toward Aafa could succeed. That was Zhao’s third phase of the war, and rumor had it that stage two, cutting the conspiracy off from hundreds of allies, had been achieved through the Federation’s staggering lack of cybersecurity.

If humanity can get the Kolshian dynasty to surrender, then they’ll be able to fight against the Dominion. Giznel knows that he is weaker than the Federation, by his own admission, which is why Betterment avoided their ire.

I narrowed my eyes in the briefing room. “The Dominion has not been trying to win a war, yes? I think they do not know how. They have not been active since Shaza’s failure at Sillis, which brought shame upon the Chief Hunter’s repute. It may be possible to dismantle their operations enough that it is decided not to fight humanity at all.”

“Do you really believe that Giznel would just surrender? I’m pretty sure he wishes to keep power at all costs,” Lisa responded.

“I think if he believes there is no choice, and sees a way to bargain for some control, it may be possible. I am committed to a peaceful future for our people, and in this instance, I imagine your little SC buddies will not stand for Betterment’s survival. With our rebellion left outside the organization, I am concerned with ensuring our continued existence as an independent entity. So the more we can reduce Dominion control, the more bargaining power we have over the Prophet-Descendant if Aafa falls.”

Kaisal heaved a weary sigh. “Survival. I see why you have been focused on co-existing with prey. What we’ve done, returning cattle, trying to communicate, and saving the Duerten, might temper the calls for our race’s genocide.”

“Indeed. I do not think humanity would allow us to be attacked, given how they seek to end this forever war. However, I am concerned over how much free reign we will have and how we would move forward toward a better future through the galaxy’s mistrust. And I want Wriss under our control, not some other world with no history. Giznel must not take our home with him.”

Olek adjusted his glasses. “So you’re looking for ways to reduce Betterment’s authority. What could leave Giznel more paranoid than stripping him of yet another Chief Hunter who’s seen as loyal to the cause? We’re in the neighborhood anyways.”

“Ilthiss? All our intelligence suggests he will stop at nothing to prove himself to Betterment. Young, hot-headed, a true believer. What on Earth would convince him to jump ship?” Lisa countered.

“Well, we did hand him the Malti and Drezjin homeworlds on a silver platter. If he accepted a tip he knew came from us, then it can’t be any more treasonous for him to accept a parlay.”

I lashed my tail. “That was a different circumstance; a raiding opportunity proves his fierceness to Giznel. Ilthiss will not respond to talking. He responds to open strength and personal rewards, and the idea of a world without violence would disgust him.”

“Then show him that the Dominion is weak, Chief Hunter.” Kaisal’s eyes glowed with new confidence, and his maw parted with eagerness. “Show Ilthiss the footage of the Dominion, and how they negotiate with the Kolshians because they cannot best them. How they do not wish to win the war or hunt well.”

“That’s not a bad idea. Perhaps we can show humanity’s strength to Ilthiss. If humans have the power going forward, rewards from Giznel are empty. He’s proving himself to the wrong team. True strength isn’t staying within your role to avoid being crushed by calamari, yes?”

Olek chuckled. “I’m surprised you learned that word.”

“I listen to the babbling of you humans when it serves me. If the Yotul are calling the Kolshians a human food delicacy, I would be remiss not to adopt this term. The calamari are responsible for the starvation of my people with the cure, regardless of whether Betterment released the cattle virus, so I have few moral quandaries about anything done to Aafa.”

“I hate those leaf-lickers. I hope the Kolshians are burned alive in their homes, for how miserable they have made my life!” Kaisal growled. “Convince Ilthiss that true strength is joining the fight at Aafa, for his personal glory across and beyond the Dominion.”

“Well, the humans are en route to Aafa as we speak. All they must do is get past the border stations and systems in between. So while I can support bringing Ilthiss into the fold, we should craft a plan for how to establish contact with him at once, if you want him to arrive in time.”

I drummed my claws on the table in deep thought; Ilthiss’ location was a given, with him likely trying to bloody the Drezjin and Malti’s nose. Unlike Kalsim’s fleet, the duo had retreated some of its ships even without the stark warning that Krakotl captain had been given. It was my sincere hope that, among the young Chief Hunter’s attempts to grab easy cattle…especially with the egg-laying Malti offering scrumptious delicacies in the form of their unhatched young…I hoped that he had the foresight to take out their shipyards and bases. Coupled with the human cyberattack, that should ensure those loyalists didn’t ever come kicking around again. Even if Aafa was defeated, the true cultists of the Federation, like the Drezjin and the predator-sacrificing Yulpa, would be unlikely to drop out of the fight.

“Alright, Kaisal, I imagine your plan is for us to head to Drezjin and Malti space and offer assistance? I do not particularly wish to preside over raids myself, especially with the harm that would do to our image. This rebellion is about proving that the Arxur are capable of being more than brutal, senseless beasts,” I growled.

The runt flared his nostrils. “I merely wish for you to travel close enough to pinpoint Ilthiss’ command ship. It won’t be engaged at the center of the battle, though someone as cruelty-proficient as this Chief Hunter will be trying to get some kills himself. You can extend a hail from there.”

“If I may, why don’t we contact UN intelligence and see if they’ve tapped the Arxur comms enough to connect us via FTL channels? There’s no need to put ourselves in the line of fire,” Lisa said.

“Very well,” I acknowledged. “Zhao is the ideal figure to bargain with, though—”

“Jones is your go-to contact for intelligence. With respect, sir, I’ll attempt to go through her, as long as I have your blessing; I can keep her from pushing anything.”

“Fine, but if that plotting human tries to pull some shenanigans, I want us dialing Zhao and only Zhao.”

“Of course. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure this is quick and to the point.”

I watched in silence, along with the rest of my advisors, as the primate dialed General Jones. The American intelligence guru had a knowing gleam in her eyes, something which never sat right with me; it was as if she knew what we wanted to ask before any words were said. Terrans could certainly have prying eyes and ears in unexpected places, using technological infrastructure as a weapon. I didn’t quite believe her claim that her agencies weren’t spying on my people. My guess was that the humans listened in even on Tarva’s governorship activities, despite the close alliance. It was fortunate for Earth that they had such a devoted friend in Skalga’s highest office.

Let’s see if Jones gets any ideas about how to use me to her advantage. If Lisa can’t get the spymaster to help the rebellion out of decency, then I’ll never work with her again. I’m not being pushed into doing things outside of my agenda by manipulative means.

General Jones raised her hands placatingly. “Isif, no need to look so skeptical. All we wanted was to split the Dominion, and tilt the scales of this war. It was in my national and planetary interests to spur you to action at a few key places, but now, there’s no need for subterfuge. I can see you doubt my intentions, but know I’m happy to advance your rebellion’s aims.”

“Lisa, I believe you said you would handle the chatter. I do not feel like chatting; you know how Arxur tire of socializing.”

Lisa snorted. “Yes, I’ve heard most Arxur do. Uh, ma’am, we were hoping you could patch us through to Chief Hunter Ilthiss. Speaking to him could provide a key opportunity to siphon away Giznel’s allies, or that’s the plan.”

“Yes, I definitely support attempts to weaken them without direct engagements. Let me consult my database…ah, what a coincidence!” the general exclaimed, wagging a finger. “I happened to be looking at Ilthiss’ file when you called. I’ll transmit his coordinates, and with this access code, you should be able to communicate with his ship.”

I stifled a sigh as Jones made a few swipes with her fingers. Olek gave me a nod to signify that he received the data, and Lisa disconnected the call after a formal thanks. I was pleased that we’d been able to attain the information with minimal back-and-forth, and that it wasn’t a conditional offering. My eyes narrowed, before I gestured for the two humans and scrawny Kaisal to exit the picture. We couldn’t afford to have any sapients nearby that Ilthiss would see as a sign of weakness. The mask of cruelty that I’d perfected for my facade around Betterment returned, an unwelcome reminder of my own bloody past. I bared my teeth to signify ferocity, and signaled for Olek to initiate the call to the fiery Chief Hunter.

Ilthiss responded, after a long stretch of our entreaty going unanswered, as a proper holographic avatar; the Chief Hunter had taken the time to send the full image of his toned form onto my projector, rather than the basic 2D visual. I suppressed a huff, realizing that I should’ve done the same. That was how the highest-ranking Dominion officers communicated, so out of the gate, my status seemed inferior to him. The hot-headed Arxur had scars sliced across his muzzle that seemed artificially inflicted, perhaps to signify his toughness. His gray skin had a bit of a green pallor to it, and his features were locked in a permanent scowl. This commander had the swagger of someone who’d fought a thousand battles.

It’s apparent he’s trying to compensate for his lack of experience through intimidation. Does Ilthiss know what it is to command enough to hold up to the Kolshians?

“Well, if it is not the traitor to the dominance of our people. The filth that bargains with prey, consorting with our enemies,” Ilthiss sneered. “What is it that you want?”

I raised my maw in defiance. “For starters, I would like some gratitude for the easy hunt I gave you. I know many things about the state of the galaxy. I also know how to position Arxur for survival and strength. You forget the first item, is that not so?”

“I would not pass up prey and a chance to showcase my hunting ability. My raids are much crueler than yours; the best you could do was gassing Venlil schools and a few movie reels.”

“Your raid, I’m sure, is quite impressive. That is why I wish to speak with you about more opportunities to demonstrate your talent, and make a name for yourself as you seize power with the utmost prowess. Once you hear my reasons for joining our hunt, and what I can offer you, you will have no doubts about which side is weak and which side is beneficial to your agenda.”

“I have no reason to listen to your prattling, and I tire of this conversation. Words mean very little, when I do not have any reason to believe you are anything but past your prime and defectively weak. This groveling to the feats of my raid acknowledges my superior cruelty with no resistance. You must prove that you are a better Chief Hunter than me, if I am to listen to this at all. The softened up worlds you placed in my jaws are the sole reason I took your call; in the interest of more feasts you may know about.”

“A contest of strength is one I can handle. I have seen many battles and am certain that I can outmaneuver the likes of you. One thousand of your ships versus one thousand of mine. No tricks or subterfuge, no reinforcements for a coward’s win, just a direct confrontation in space. If you best my people, Giznel will be delighted that you defeated the pesky rebels, and lured us into the open.”

Ilthiss snorted with a dismissive tone. “I’ll gain no satisfaction by crushing your ragtag force. It is you, the very head of power, that I doubt. I have a separate proposal; an honorable one. You come to my base, without any army or backup, and we engage in ritual swordfighting, tliskis. Unless you’ve forsaken your weapon ornaments.”

“Why would I be foolish enough to come alone, to your territory, for a tliskis duel?”

“I want to show my worth by defeating the supposedly great Isif. Sending your memory to the prey pastures where it belongs. I am no coward that would back down from a fight, especially an easy one against a weak defective.”

“Fine. I trust that you are not so petrified of your betters that you would seek a cheap victory.” I noticed that the humans looked horrified at my swift agreement, as if they believed it was folly. Whatever the leaf-lickers thought, I had pride left over, and I could tell Ilthiss had too much arrogant confidence to backtrack on his challenge. “I will see you humiliated at my blade, and we will speak about why you should join me afterward.”

“Empty words, like all of this talking you adore. When I win, I will execute you. Giznel will know who has slain the traitor from our ranks, and that it was through my superiority!” Ilthiss hissed.

The Chief Hunter pounded away at his console, forwarding the coordinates to his base; given that I wished to recruit him to our side, I was not going to take the opportunity to strike the clandestine facility. There were more important enemies than one overly proud Arxur. The less Dominion ships I needed to slaughter to complete my rebellion’s aims, the better. Ilthiss disconnected from the call after a threatening roar, as disdain swirled in his eye slits. I surveyed my advisor’s expressions, and noticed that Kaisal seemed a bit jealous. The Arxur runt must envy how respectable and powerful a soldier slightly older than him had become through the merits of his strength.

If Ilthiss thinks I’ve lost a step, he’ll be in for a rude awakening; I can be calculating and patient. Too much eagerness to prove himself will mean his judgment is clouded by his anger…that doesn’t mean I can’t physically prepare myself.

Without any discussion with my advisors, as the matter was settled, I stood from the table. This was not up for debate, since we needed to strike at the Dominion’s very foundation. It was time for me to prepare for the confrontation with Ilthiss. I intended to sharpen my sword and retrain myself in the art of tliskis. Achieving maximum readiness for our duel would ensure that the probability of victory was turned in my favor as much as possible.

A/N - Chapter 158 is here! Isif contacts Chief Hunter Ilthiss in the hopes of turning him against Betterment, but the young, violent Arxur will only listen if he's bested in ritual sword-fighting. In the interest of siphoning resources from Betterment so that Giznel may be forced to consider surrendering to humanity, Isif agrees to the tliskis duel. What do you think about this Arxur way of settling disputes? Do you think Ilthiss will be convinced to head to Aafa, and if he is, will he be helpful to humanity's final push?

As always, thank you for reading and supporting! We're so close to the grand finale, with the Battle of Aafa nearly upon us!