How Do You Say "Goodbye"?

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“Death to the Krogans!” “Death to the Krogans!” “Death to the Krogans!” 

The General of the mighty Qualins looked over the ragged and torn Prokkian soldiers as they shouted their battle cry. They were no match for the task lying before them but he knew their bravery surpassed any army he had ever seen. He had no doubt they would fight until the last man among them perished. After all, this was their planet and for over twenty cycles they had been suppressed under the brutal rule of the evil Krogan Empire. Despite seeing their home world pillaged and plundered by an unstoppable force they valiantly fought on in their never ending quest for freedom from tyranny and slavery. 

He and his Qualin army had supplied them with the arms they needed and had tried to train them, as best they could, to fight the Krogans. Many times he had wished their skill could match their courage. Though fierce and successful at times, the Krogan army considered them as mere pest to be swatted at when they proved too annoying. 

Now word from Intelligence had the Krogan army gathered in the village of Snokkvinna at the peak of Mount Bokk. For a moment the Qualin General let himself wonder at this new development. In the past the Krogans had used Snokkvinna as a fortress, but now to gather their whole army into one city did not make good military sense. Had they made a strategic mistake or was this a ploy to make the freedom fighters show their hand? Either way this was an excellent opportunity to send a small force against them to see how much fight they had left. Was it possible they had grown tired of this planet? After all, they had stripped Prokk of all its natural resources using the Prokkians as slaves for the treacherous and hard work. For a brief second the General allowed himself to imagine the Krogans actually being defeated in battle. Shaking his head to clear his senses he turned to the task before him. 

Peering down from the porch of his command center he barked, “Karf ju slvfgkmo lueiaaon baqqnma, karf!”

“Excuse me General,” interrupted Rokk. “I believe your translator isn’t working.”

The General smiled and adjusted the device attached to his belt before speaking again, “Thank you, Rokk. My dear friends, I know we’ve sent forces against the Krogans in Snokkvinna before, and I’m also aware how no army has returned successful. In fact, it is unfortunate, but the truth is very few soldiers have ever returned. Being strategically located on top of Mount Bokk, it’s a difficult city to capture, especially with the fire power the Krogans have.”

“We’ll take it!” shouted Rokk. His fellow soldiers joined with him in shouting, “Death to the Krogans!”

“I have all the confidence in the world of your abilities,” offered the General. “May the gods guide your steps and protect your souls. Now, gather your belongings. We will start the assault in three hours! Death to the Krogans!!” 

A thunderous roar arose from the troops as they continued to yell, “Death to the Krogans!” Eventually, the men settled down and quietly moved off into small groups to prepare for battle. Rokk took this opportunity to privately approach the General. 

“Sir, may I have a word with you?” asked Rokk as he climbed the steps to the command center.

“Most certainly, dear friend.”

“I just wanted to thank you for all your help you’ve given my people,” offered Rokk. “Without you we would’ve perished a long time ago.”

The General smiled and grasped his outstretched hand, “Rokk, even though we are from two different worlds, I will always cherish your friendship and admire your courage. You and your people have fought long and hard with meager means.”

“Well, it’s our world we fight for and our freedom,” reflected Rokk. “If we must die, we at least have a chance to die as free people.”

“The flames of such spirit, my friend, can never be extinguished,” offered the General as the men entered his office and took their seats.

After reflecting for moment Rokk suggested, “You know, General, there are more things that can be done.”

“Now, are we going to have another discussion about weapons?” asked the General as his attention was diverted to a paper on his desk.

“Well, we both know your arsenal has fire power that we could use to destroy the Krogans in a heartbeat,” offered Rokk as he tried to read the General’s face for any sign of agreement.

Without looking up from reading the General said, “Yes, that’s true, but we have to look at the overall picture.” Placing the paper to the side he looked at Rokk and continued, “We fight this war by matching the Krogans’ weaponry. You know every time they use a more sophisticated weapon, we give you the same to fight them.”

Rokk nodded his head in agreement, “That’s true, sir, but with all due respect, it’s my people who are dying. All we have are guns and rifles. You’ve never given us laser cannons. We don’t even have a blaster pistol. With the right weapons lives could be spared and victory could be obtained in a matter of weeks.”

Leaning back in his chair the General sighed, “My dear friend, my heart is with you, but the leaders on my world are concerned about escalating the war. There is a delicate balance that must be maintained.”

Rokk shook his head in disgust. “There’s no balance between the Krogans and us. It’s either slavery or death. The Krogans have all the advantages.”

The General leaned forward and in a comforting tone said, “My dear friend, please try to understand the bigger picture. The balance that must be maintained is between the Qualins and the Krogan Empire. If we gave you weaponry to completely destroy your enemy, and they discovered what we’d done, they wouldn’t hesitate to seek revenge against us. I’m afraid they would go as far as attacking my home world. And what would you do here on Prokk if we had to withdraw our support and our forces to protect our homeland?”

“But, General you’re already fighting them here,” protested Rokk. Twirling an ink pen between his fingers the General reflected, “Well, actually it’s you and your people who are fighting them. We’re here merely as advisors. Of course, it is true, we have provided you with supplies and weapons, but the Krogans understand we haven’t provided you with weapons of mass destruction. This balance has kept peace between the Krogans and my people.”

The two men sat in silence as they gathered their thoughts. Finally Rokk asked, “Have the Qualins and Krogans ever directly fought each other?”

“No, but we have come close on at least two occasions,” answered the General. “Thankfully cooler heads prevailed and we avoided annihilating each other.”

“It sure would’ve helped my people if you’d destroyed them a long time ago,” offered Rokk with a nervous laugh.

Ignoring Rokk’s implications, the General continued, “At one time we were allies. Our worlds fought together to defeat the terrible Jachwans. But after that war, our different philosophies took us in different directions. We have ventured throughout the galaxy as explorers, while they have traveled as conquerors.”

“That’s where we came in,” reflected Rokk. “They sure conquered this world, that is, until you came to help.”

“Well, we’ve done what we can,” agreed the General. “My leaders have carefully chosen the worlds in which we confront the Krogan tyranny. I’m glad they chose your planet, my friend.”

“I am too,” agreed Rokk as he lowered his head to reflect on the plight of his people. “You know I try to understand. I really do. It’s just that, as far back as I can remember my people have died as slaves or in battle. My heart is weary of death and destruction. If only there was a way to destroy those bastards!”

“My heart weighs heavy, too,” offered the General. “But I do believe our leaders are right in their actions. We could supply you with more and more sophisticated weapons. But where would it end? I’m afraid it would not stop until we were forced to give you the AXX-27.”

“The most devastating weapon ever made,” Rokk breathed as he could only dream of having access to such a device.

“Yes, indeed, my friend,” continued the General. “The only known weapon that can completely destroy a planet.”

“Is it true it breaks a planet into little pieces?” asked an excited Rokk.

“Yes, it is a terrifying weapon,” replied the General. “It causes a molecular structure to collapse, which in turn, releases energy at a violent rate. To look at it you wouldn’t think it was that destructive. It’s actually quite small but it delivers a punch like no other. When I first graduated from the academy many cycles ago my first assignment was helping with a test detonation in the Boron sector. The planets were uninhabited and in an instant they were no more. All that’s left are chunks no more than five miles long.”

Rokk knew he and his Prokkian soldiers would never have a chance at such an apparatus. Still he could not help wishing, “If we had developed such a weapon, the Krogans would have thought long and hard about coming here.”

“Yes, indeed, they would’ve,” agreed the General. “But don’t you see, my dear Rokk, by having such a weapon, you would not only become a threat to the Krogans, but I’m afraid you would also become a threat to me and my people.” 

After some small talk Rokk and the General stepped out of his office onto the porch of the command center. They gathered their thoughts as they silently looked off into the distance toward MountBokk.

Finally Rokk broke the silence, “You know our chances of coming back alive.”

“Yes,” replied the General in a solemn voice. “Between slim and none.”

Rokk took a deep breath, turned and said, “Well, General, I guess this is goodbye.”

The Qualin grabbed him by the shoulders and trying to control his emotions he offered, “Rokk, there will always be a special place in my heart for you. This planet will never see another leader as good and brave as you. I only wish it was within my power to make things turn out different.”

“Me too, General,” replied Rokk as he fought the tears welling in his eyes. “Well, I’m going to go spend the last hour with Mokk and Habakkuk.”

“Please give my regards to your dear wife and son,” requested the General.

“I will, sir.” 

Both men embraced for a moment realizing they would never see each other again. Leaving the General behind Rokk made his way into the heart of the Prokkian camp. It was not long before he came to his tent and found his wife near the campfire. When she turned to see him she rushed to his arms. They hugged each other long and hard. Trying to be brave she controlled her emotions until the tears came bursting through. “I don’t want you to go,” she cried.

“I know, I know,” comforted Rokk. “I wish the gods would provide a way out of this.”

She brushed his hair back and kissed his cheek. Gazing deep into his eyes she reflected, “You’re not coming back, are you?”

He gave a sly grin and then shook his head. “No, I don’t think so. I mean, if there’s a way, I’ll do my best to find it.”

Mokk wiped her eyes on his collar. “It’s just we’ve lost so much,” she moaned. “And now I’m going to lose my husband, too.”

Rokk tenderly stroked her cheek as he tried to reassure her. “You know we’re not the only family that’s been asked to sacrifice. Everyone has given. Death is not far from every Prokkian on this planet.”

“You’re right, Rokk. I know you’re right,” she said while fighting to hold the tears back again. “It’s just I’ve already lost my father to the Krogans, and now I’m going to lose the only other man I’ve ever loved.”

Feeling his control over his own emotions slipping away he declared, “Well, there’s no other way. Look, I need you to be strong. Habakkuk needs you to be strong.”

“I know and I will,” she replied as she attempted to muster any courage she could. “But right now I just want you to hold me.” 

They held each other in a silent embrace. Rokk could not remember wanting any other woman but her. It had been love at first sight. Her father had been the freedom fighter’s greatest hero. She had lived most of her life in the military camp at the base of Mount Bokk. As a young recruit Rokk had caught sight of her shortly after arriving at the camp. He did everything he could to get her attention. She appeared to ignore him and he was about to give up his efforts until one day she walked up and kissed him on the cheek. He stood there not being able to move as he was frozen in disbelief. Finally, her father slapped him on the back and barked, “You just gonna stand there?” Rokk muttered, “Oh, yeah!” and took off after her. From that moment on they were inseparable.

Their life at the camp had been a struggle. Life was hard everywhere on Prokk but it was especially difficult among the freedom fighters. Not only were they warriors but they were continually being chased by Krogan bounty hunters. They could never let their guard down, as to do so would lead to either death or capture. 

Though surrounded by suffering, they found comfort and happiness in each other. Eventually she bore him a beautiful baby boy. Now, holding her and watching his son play in the distance, Rokk was reminded of why he was willing to sacrifice his life against the Krogans. He would be willing to die a thousand deaths if it meant his wife and son would be given a chance at a life of freedom. 

After a few minutes Mokk wiped her eyes and pulled away from him. “Before you go you need to spend some time with our son.” 

Habakkuk was playing in the dirt with toy soldiers as he approached him. Rokk looked at him and swelled with pride. It had been ten cycles since Mokk had given birth to him. They had named him after Mokk’s father Kkuk, who was one of the greatest freedom fighters Prokk had ever seen. He and his ill equipped, ragged army were responsible for destroying over a thousand of the Krogan force before he was captured. 

When they finally had him in their clutches the Krogans decided to make an example of him. They tied him to a pole, just outside the city of Snokkvinna on top of Mount Bokk, for all to see and hear. Then they injected him with the Mukkuk larvae. The larvae were unique in that they would avoid the major organs, especially the brain, as they ate their way from the inside out. This way they kept their host alive as they fed on live tissue. Their victim would endure an excruciating itching and crawling feeling as the larvae spread throughout the body. Eventually severe cramps and pain would take their toll as muscles and nerves were devoured. The last few days would be severe agony as nausea set in resulting in the vomiting of blood squirming with larvae. Finally, as the brain was consumed the victim would hallucinate and scream with delirium. 

The larvae were easily killed if a person would drink Jokkukin juice, but the Krogans sabotaged Kkuk and the pole he was hanging on. Anyone who tried to rescue him would set off an explosion that would kill Kkuk and the would-be rescuer. Day after day all the people in the camp could see him strapped to the pole. Every morning a drunken Krogan soldier would come out and taunt him and invite the freedom fighters to show their courage and “come rescue their hero.” After several days Kkuk began screaming and crying from the pain as the larvae made their way into the brain tissue. Mothers in the camp would hold their hands over the children’s ears as the men stood and helplessly watched the horror taking place at the top of the mountain. One man, out of desperation, grabbed a rifle and shot at Kkuk in an attempt to end his torture. He was too far away and the bullet fell far short. 

 Finally, several soldiers who were left of Kkuk’s army tried to make their way up to him. They wanted to get close enough to shoot and end his pain. But, the Krogans had anticipated such a maneuver and were waiting in ambush. The captured soldiers were placed on poles beside Kkuk and endured the same fate. Eventually the screams and cries were no longer heard, as the skeleton remains slipped from the poles and fell to the ground. 

All in the camp were shaken by these events. A couple families, fearing the same fate, surrendered to the Krogans and became slaves again. Habakkuk was only seven cycles old at the time. Even now on occasion he would speak of hearing his grandfather’s screams and pleas to be put out of his misery. 

Rokk’s thoughts slowly turned back to Habakkuk and the events destined to unfold. He smiled as he watched the playfulness of his son. If only Habakkuk could have known the world before the Krogans arrived. Even though Rokk was a small child when they invaded, he still remembered a world far different than it was today. His memory was filled with the rolling hills lined with green trees and all kinds of inviting foliage. If he closed his eyes he could still see the plowed fields brimming with lush vegetation. The forests were filled with all types of animal life and the farms overflowed with domestic creatures. After centuries of conflict all Prokkians had come to their senses and adopted the ways of peace. The planet had become a world of brotherhood. It was a good life, but it all came crashing down the day the Krogans came. Their whole intent was to use Prokk and its people for their own gratification. They used whatever means necessary to strip the land of value and to strip the people of any dignity. Men were slaughtered in front of their wives, women were raped in front of their husbands, and everyone, including the children, was made slaves to satisfy any whim of the Krogan Empire. After years of their cruelty Prokk was not much more than a rock floating in space populated by desperate and desolate inhabitants. 

It had been a long time since the glory days of Prokk. At times even Rokk found it difficult to remember how great it used to be. This would be when he turned to Mokk and have her relate the planet’s past history. He would close his eyes as he held Habakkuk in his arms and listen to Mokk’s soothing voice as she would bring to life all the greatness of a time long ago. These were the moments when his convictions were renewed. He knew he wanted Prokk restored to the serenity of yesteryear. This was the life he wanted for Mokk and Habakkuk. He was willing to die if it meant giving them that chance. 

His thoughts returned to the present as Habakkuk looked up and saw him. He jumped up and ran to Rokk’s awaiting arms.

“Daddy!” he yelled as he hugged his father’s neck.

“What’s my little man been doing?” coughed Rokk as he struggled against the chokehold.

“I’m making battle plans,” replied Habakkuk. “We’re gonna kill them old Krogans.”

Rokk kissed him on the cheek. “I love you so much. You know you’re still my favorite little soldier.”

“I love you too, Daddy.”

“And I love you more.”

“No, I love you more!”

“I love you to infinity!”

“But I love you to infinity times infinity!” 

With a childish laugh Habakkuk started tickling his father until they both fell to the ground laughing. Finally, Rokk cried out for mercy. He sat up and held his son for a few minutes. They watched in silence as the other soldiers said farewell to their families. Taking a deep breath, Rokk turned his son toward him and said, “Listen, I need to tell you something.”

“What is it, Daddy?”

“In a little while, I’m gonna have to go fight the Krogans,” explained Rokk. “You know they’re a pretty tough bunch.”

“Yes, Daddy.”

“I will do my absolute best to come back to you and Mommy, but I just don’t know if I can,” he choked as he felt the tears welling up in his eyes.

“But I want you to come back,” protested Habakkuk.

“I know you do,” replied Rokk. “But if I can’t, I need you to be a man and help take care of Mommy.”

“I will, Daddy.”

“I know you will,” cried Rokk as he put his arms around him. “You’re the best son a father could have.” 

The two continued hugging each other for the longest time. Finally Rokk pushed him toward a group of children playing. “Now, you go play with the others.”

“Okay.”

As his son retreated to his playmates, Rokk yelled, “Goodbye!”

Habakkuk stopped and turned back toward his father. Waving his hand he shouted, “Bye, Daddy!” 

Mokk approached from behind and slipped her arm into his. “You know he doesn’t fully understand what’s happening.” With tears streaming down his face, all Rokk could do was nod his head in agreement. Kissing him gently on the cheek Mokk promised, “He’ll never forget you. I’ll see to it.” Once again he gathered his wife into his arms. They held each other until a messenger interrupted them. 

“Excuse me, sir, but the men are getting ready to move out.” 

“I’ll be there in a few minutes,” replied Rokk as he looked deep into his wife’s eyes. With a weak smile he declared, “Well, I guess this is it.”

“Oh! Rokk!” his wife gushed as she held onto him as tight as she could.

“I don’t think I can tell you goodbye,” he whispered as he kissed her hand. Their fingers drifted apart as he slowly moved away. She blew him a kiss as he walked toward the waiting soldiers. 

“Speech. Speech. Speech,” shouted the soldiers. After pausing a moment to gather his thoughts, Rokk jumped on top of a tree stump to face his fellow soldiers. 

“Thank you. What can I say? Once again, we are about to fight for this planet. Once again, we fight for freedom and the right to live in peace!”

A shout arose from the soldiers.

“I don’t have to tell you about the Krogans. Most of you have seen firsthand how they are. You know how they have raped our world. You know the power of their army. You know the weapons they have. But no matter how strong they are, no matter how long it takes, no matter what the odds are, we will prevail! We will be free!!” 

“Death to the Krogans! Death to the Krogans! Death to the Krogans!” 

When the crowd had settled down, Rokk continued, “My dear friends, I’ve known most of you all my life. You and I know that some of us will not survive. Our blood will be spilled upon MountBokk. But let’s make this our pledge: For every drop of our blood, we will spill a gallon of Krogan blood! Death to the Krogans!!”

“Death to the Krogans! Death to the Krogans! Death to the Krogans!” 

Once the shouting had stopped, Rokk stepped down from the tree stump and made his way through the troops. The men were busy putting on their armor and checking their weapons. Rokk looked into the distance and saw the General looking his way. He slowly raised his hand to a salute. The General gave a salute back. With that, Rokk and his men turned and headed up Mount Bokk. 

About two hours later, Rokk and his men were about half way up the mountain. The going had been difficult and treacherous. Sometimes they felt brave enough to run, but most of the time they crawled their way up the mountain. Everyone knew they were sitting ducks and the Krogans could open fire on them at anytime. No one wanted to be caught out in the open when the shooting began. Eventually, tired of the slow progress, Rokk gave the command to stand and march. They walked about twenty feet when the shooting started. Everyone fell to the ground and began firing. 

“Cease fire!”

“Captain, has anyone been hit?” yelled Rokk.

“No, sir,” replied the Captain. “In fact, it appears we’re the only ones shooting.”

“You mean one of us started the shooting?”

“Yes, sir. It appears so,” stated the Captain. “One of the soldiers was spooked.”

“My God!” Rokk muttered in disgust. “There goes the element of surprise.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Captain, please make sure everyone knows not to open fire until the order is given,” commanded Rokk.

The word spread through the troops. All rechecked their weapons and headed up the hill again. 

Slowly and deliberately Rokk and his men made their way to the top of Mount Bokk. It was almost morning and the city walls of Snokkvinna were only yards away. Quietly Rokk motioned for his Captain to join him. 

“Captain, has anyone seen or heard any Krogans?” asked Rokk.

“Not to my knowledge, sir.”

“I thought we would have already been fighting,” observed Rokk.

“Me, too, sir.”

“I wonder what they’re up to,” mused Rokk. “It’s got to be a trap. They’re making it too easy.”

“I agree, sir,” replied the Captain. “What are your orders?”

“Take some of the men and place a charge at the gate,” commanded Rokk. “Make sure all the men are ready, cause when that gate blows, all hell’s gonna break loose.”

“Yes, sir.” 

Before long a small group of soldiers painstakingly crawled to the gate in the wall. With quiet precision they set the charges and then made haste back to the line of troops. All the men waited in silent anticipation for the explosion. When it came, it felt as if the whole mountaintop had exploded. The soldiers covered their heads as debris came falling from the sky. 

When the smoke had finally cleared, everyone looked at the wall. Not only was the gate gone but thirty feet of the wall was missing. 

“Captain, do you think they used enough explosives?” asked Rokk.

“I believe they were well prepared, sir.” 

Rokk and his army lay silent waiting for the Krogans to strike back. There was no movement from the other side of the wall. 

“Why haven’t they retaliated, sir?” asked the Captain.

“Your guess is as good as mine,” replied Rokk. “Well, we can’t sit here forever. Captain, gather some volunteers to go with me into the city.”

“Sir, there’s no need for you to go,” objected the Captain. “I’ll be honored to take your place.”

“Thank you, Captain, but no,” commanded Rokk. “Please just get me the men.”

“Yes, sir.” 

Rokk and his small band of soldiers ran to the hole where the gate used to be. Peering around the corner of the wall, he motioned for them to follow him into the city. Crouching and running together they kept going until they came to a small shop. Bursting through the door they found the room empty. They quickly secured their position and settled down with the intent of holding what little real estate they had won. 

“This is starting to be strange,” observed Rokk. “Where are they?” A commotion in the back of the shop made him abruptly turn. One of his men was dragging a Krogan soldier by his collar across the floor. The alien had been hiding in one of the side rooms of the shop and had surrendered without a fight. 

It was quite evident this Krogan was very ill. Even when sick and close to death they were an impressive species. Rokk had forgotten how intimidating they could be. He had not seen one up close in almost five cycles. They stood in excess of seven feet, with large heads and massive frames. Their necks had a dozen feelers, resembling giant thick hair, which moved back and forth without any apparent logic. He never knew why they had them, but it added to their overall menacing appearance. 

Rokk looked with disgust at his enemy lying in the middle of the floor. The Krogan coughed and muttered, “You Prokkian swine. I was hoping to never smell your stench again.”

One of Rokk’s soldiers came forward and taunted, “Well, take a big whiff, cause we’re here, baby.” He then quickly retreated when the Krogan grunted.

Rokk held his hand up to calm the rest of his soldiers. “What’s going on here? Where is everyone?”

“Why should I tell you anything?” replied the Krogan as with great difficulty he pulled himself to a sitting position.

Rokk could not help but smile at the defiance of the dying man. “Well, that’s your choice. You know you’re dying.” The Krogan gave a snort. “We could help it along.”

“The only thing you Prokkian maggots can do is make me sick to my stomach,” sneered the Krogan as he continued to cough.

“Okay, if that’s what you want,” replied Rokk as he turned his attention to his men. “Bring me the Mukkuk larvae.” He could sense the alien’s fear as he muttered, “Wait a minute.”

“Do you have something to say?” sneered Rokk as the Krogan fell back onto the floor. “They left me behind.”

“What do you mean?”

“They’re gone. They’re all gone,” replied the alien. “Occupying this worthless planet is no longer profitable.”

“So they’ve left this city?”

“No, you ignorant piece of slime,” choked the Krogan. “They’ve abandoned this miserable planet.”

“Why?”

“What’s to you, maggot? You’ve won your precious freedom. What do you care ‘why’ they’ve left?” snarled the alien soldier. 

Rokk pulled a pistol out of its holder, pressed it against the Krogan’s temple, and yelled, “I’ve had enough of you and your people! I want answers and I want them now, or I’m gonna blow your bastard brains all over the room!!”

The Krogan bellowed with laughter until he choked and started coughing again. Finally he gathered his breath and replied, “Our fearless leaders have found an easier planet to conquer. You maggots are no longer worth it.” 

Rokk and his men stood in silence as they tried to let what they had heard sink in. No more slavery. No more war. No more killing. No more Krogans. 

With a big smile on his face Rokk ordered, “Let’s tell the rest of the men and secure the city!” As the men ran out of the shop into the street the Krogan wheezed and asked, “What about me?” Rokk emptied all the bullets but one from the handgun and then tossed it across the room. “Why don’t you do us all a favor and crawl over there and use it?” 

As he headed out into the city he stopped momentarily when the handgun fired. Picking up his pace he soon joined his men as word about the Krogans began to spread. 

His army entered the city of Snokkvinna and searched every house and building to make sure the Krogans had really left. The original inhabitants of the city were nowhere to be found. Most had either been killed or taken off as slaves. There was a small number left in the camp at the base of Mount Bokk. Rokk sent a runner to have them brought back to their homes. 

It was not long before people starting streaming into the city from the camp. Shouts of joy and guns fired in celebration could be heard all over the city. After having the dead Krogan removed from the shop Rokk established it as his headquarters. His Captain rushed in carrying several bottles. “Excuse me, sir,” he said.

“Yes?”

“The Krogans appear to have left a tremendous amount of liquor behind,” he replied while handing Rokk a bottle. They both turned a bottle up and drank long and hard.

“Whew! I’ll tell you one thing,” coughed Rokk. “Those bastards sure know how to make alcohol.”

“Yes, sir!” 

The celebration continued into the evening. Men drank, women sang, and the children played in the street. 

“Rokk!!”

He turned and before he could blink an eye Mokk was in his arms. They held each other tight until Mokk started kissing him all over his face. Rokk gave her the bottle of liquor and they drank and yelled together.

“Rokk, I can’t believe they’re gone!” she cried.

“I know.”

Sobbing she started kissing his cheek and stroking his hair. “I thought I’d never see you again.”

“I know! Who in their wildest dreams could’ve ever imagined such an outcome?” beamed Rokk. “Ah, the sweet taste of freedom!”

“Daddy!”

Habakkuk ran as fast as he could and tackled his father. They both fell to the floor laughing, hugging and kissing.

“You beat them, Daddy,” yelled the youngster. “You beat them old Krogans!”

“Yes, we did, son. You bet we did!” 

The celebration continued in the city long after Habakkuk was put to bed. Finally, Rokk and Mokk fell asleep in each other’s arms. They slept the most satisfying sleep that they had ever had. 

“Sir? Excuse me, sir.”

“What is it, Captain?” Rokk said as he tried to rub the sleep out of his eyes.

“The General has sent word that he’d like to see you,” replied the Captain.

“It’s too early,” protested Rokk as he turned over to cuddle against his wife. “Can’t he wait ‘till later in the day?”

“I don’t think so, sir,” answered the Captain. “I believe he’s leaving.”

“What?!?”

“Yes, sir. I believe he and all the Qualins are leaving,” replied the Captain. 

Rokk sat up in his bed as Mokk woke and asked what was happening. He explained to her the news the Captain had just brought. They both were stunned and stared at each other in bewilderment. 

After quickly getting dressed Rokk made his way down Mount Bokk until he reached the General’s camp. He could see the General’s men loading their belongings and supplies into the ships. A Corporal ushered him into the General’s tent. 

“Rokk, my dear friend,” smiled the General as he directed an orderly who was packing his personal effects into several large pieces of luggage. “It is so good to see you.”

“You, too, General.”

“Congratulations on a smashing victory,” beamed the General as he continued his packing. “Of all the people that could have delivered this planet, I am grateful that it was you.”

“It’s going to take awhile to get use to being free,” observed Rokk as he helped the orderly move a bag from the opposite end of the room.

“Ah, but free you are,” smiled the General. “Your future is ahead of you to make as you see fit.”

“General, why are you leaving?”

The Qualin stopped his packing and took a long look at the Prokkian standing before him. “Our work is done here. The Krogans have left and so we must go to wage war against their tyranny in other parts of the galaxy.”

Rokk shook his head in disbelief. “But we still need your help.”

The General laughed at the thought. “Help?!? Why you just defeated the second most powerful species in the universe. My dear friend, you don’t need anyone’s help. From what I’ve observed you have the tenacity to accomplish anything on your own that you desire.”

Fighting a growing anger Rokk blurted out in frustration, “But our planet is devastated. There’s hardly any cities left standing. A harvest is over a cycle away. Without your help anarchy has to be right around the corner. And what if the Krogans come back? What then?”

The General grabbed Rokk’s shoulders in a reassuring manner. “Well, if the Krogans come back, then we’ll come back. But as for the rest, our leaders have determined that our energy and assets are better used in other parts of the galaxy. We have accomplished what we came to accomplish. Now, we must help others.”

Rokk shook his head in disgust and smirked, “It appears to me you’re only interested in us if the Krogans are interested.”

The leader of the Qualin army laughed and turned back to his packing. “Now, now, Rokk, I would think you would be the last person I would have to remind that our assets and resources have limits. We may be the greatest species in the universe, but we just cannot be everything to everyone.”

With a sigh of resigned recognition Rokk made one last plea, “So this is it. Just like that and you’re leaving. Is there nothing I can say or do that would change your mind?”

“I’m afraid not, my dear friend,” replied the General. “I have my orders.” After a few moments he stopped working and gave his attention again to Rokk. “Once again, I’m afraid we are faced with saying goodbye.”

Rokk nodded his head in agreement. “I guess we are. General, this is definitely not the way I thought it would end.”

The Qualin extended his hand and with a weak smile said, “Neither did I. I must admit I’ve never been good at saying goodbye.” Rokk grasped the outstretched arm. “I know the feeling, sir. Over the last few weeks I’ve come to wonder if you can ever truly be prepared to tell someone goodbye?”

The General sighed and turning back to his luggage he observed, “It is a difficult thing to do, and it’s an impossible task to do well. But, who knows, my friend, maybe the gods will smile on us and we will meet again.”

Rokk raised his arm in a salute and said, “I look forward to that day, sir.”

The General returned his salute and Rokk turned to leave the tent. As he made his way toward Mount Bokk he felt as if the weight of his world had been set upon his shoulders. 

That evening from the side of Mount Bokk, Rokk and Mokk watched as the Qualins’ ships lifted off and disappeared into the sky. He knew he had the love of his family and the respect of the men in his army. In fact, his name was being shouted as a hero all over the planet. But as he watched the ships slip into the darkness of deep space, he shuddered as a sudden chill ran down his spine. The people of Prokk were alone. There was no one to suppress them, but there was no one they could turn to for help either. Rokk realized the chill he felt was the fear of the unknown. He knew his people would need guidance and they would look to him. The thought of this made him feel as if he was the loneliest person on the whole planet. 

                        TEN

CYCLES

                                                                                                            LATER. . . . . 

Rokk quietly closed the door behind him as he entered the cabin. His son, Habakkuk, lay sleeping on the sofa. Softly Rokk laid the firewood upon the fire. The silence was interrupted by a knock on the door.

“I’ll get it, Dad,” mumbled Habakkuk as he stumbled to the door. He ushered Sholukk in and closed the door.

“Sholukk! It is so good to see you,” smiled Rokk. “It’s been too long.”

“Yes, Rokk, it’s been way too long,” replied Sholukk as they embraced. “Remember when you used to call me Captain?”

“Yes, indeed,” answered Rokk. “Those were some days, weren’t they?”

“Back when with the help of the Qualins we were able to defeat the mighty Krogans,” mused Sholukk. “What a victory that was.”

“Victory?” smirked Habakkuk. “What victory? People are dying as much now as if we were still at war.”

“But not at the hands of the Krogans,” replied Sholukk.

“No, but at the hands of hunger. At the hands of disease. At the hands of marauder bands, not to mention the people who are dying at the hands of despair.”

“But, your father and the Qualins, . . . .”

“All the Qualins did was use us as pawns,” interrupted Habakkuk. “Not one of their soldiers died in battle against the Krogans. They helped us defeat our enemy, but gave us just enough weapons so we would never be a threat to them.”

“That is enough of that kind of talk, young man.”

“Father, you know I’m right,” protested Habakkuk.

“That is a matter to be discussed later,” counseled Rokk. “For now, we have a guest. Please go outside and bring in some more firewood.”

“Yes, father.” 

Rokk and Sholukk watched as Habakkuk donned his coat and went outside. 

“I must apologize for my son,” offered Rokk. “But since his mother died three cycles ago, his bitterness seems to have no limits.”

“It must be awfully hard on him,” reflected Sholukk.

“Yes, indeed. Especially when he knows she could’ve survived with the right medicine,” replied Rokk.

“Medicine from the Qualins?” asked Sholukk.

“Yes. But unfortunately the last of it was used up two cycles before she became ill,” sighed Rokk. “And of course, no one has heard a word from the Qualins since the war ended ten cycles ago.”

“Nothing could be done?”

“Not on this planet,” scoffed Rokk. “After the way the Krogans raped the land, the only thing left was a few herbs. She was sick for so long. And then without warning, she dies in her sleep.”

“And how are you doing, sir?”

“It’s hard,” reflected Rokk. “Life is as hard as it has ever been. But I know of no place on this planet where life is any easier.”

“Me, either, sir.” 

Habakkuk was busy gathering firewood when he was approached by another youth. 

“Habakkuk, I have some news.”

“Well, Tonukk, I hope it’s good news,” replied Habakkuk.

“I believe it could very well be,” smiled Tonukk.

“What is it?”

“Deep in the city of Snokkvinna our comrades have found a weapon that the Krogans left behind,” whispered Tonukk.

“A weapon. What kind?”

Tonukk looked around to make sure no one else was listening, “The early reports are it is of nuclear origin.”

“Nuclear?!?”

“Yes, comrade, nuclear,” smiled Tonukk. “The Underground is secretly moving it to a lab where it can be confirmed.”

“And if it is can we figure out how to use it?”

“Quite possible,” offered Tonukk. “At the old military camp at the base of Mount Bokk we have found a war manual left behind by the Qualins.”

“I’m listening.”

“It seems this manual goes into detail about the Krogans’ weapons,” declared Tonukk. “It appears it was a manual that was used to train the Qualin army in defense from the Krogans.”

“Tonukk, this could be the answer we’ve been looking for,” reflected Habakkuk. “But for now, this must be kept as quiet as possible.”

“I understand.” 

For a long while, Habakkuk stood alone reflecting on the news that had just been brought to him.  He knew this had the potential to something great. After some time his thoughts drifted to his mother. Habakkuk laid the firewood back on the ground and walked around to the back of the cabin where his mother was buried. He gazed at the beautiful flowers his father had recently put at the head of her grave. Suddenly, overcome with emotion, Habakkuk fell to his knees sobbing. 

“Mother!!!”

Hanging his head in grief he cried out, “It’s hard, mother. It’s so hard.”

Gathering some composure he continued, “It’s hard enough not having you here, but it’s almost unbearable to know you didn’t need to die. To know that there are people who could’ve saved you and did nothing. To know that they treated you no better than the trash they left behind on this planet. And I never even had a chance to tell you goodbye.”

Raising his head Habakkuk swore, “I promise you, mother. I promise you they will pay. They will know what a beautiful person they let die. I will never forget what they’ve done, and by the Gods above, I will use every ounce of strength I have to make sure they remember. They will remember!” 

Habakkuk struggled to his feet and looked at the stars in the heavens. His eyes quickly located a star in the northern hemisphere. With his eyes fixed on the star his face slowly turned a bright red with rage.

“Death to the Qualins!!” 

THE END

Copyright ©2003 by Jerry W. Crews 

Beyond Reason (1st sequel to "How Do You Say 'Goodbye'?")