The story of Kelepar: The first treaty
This is part two of Kelepar’s story, following up on the events in The Invasion.
Prisoners of War — Ema’Nka
The assimilator in front of Ema’Nka spat out another barrel filled with Kelium. Sweat ran down her forehead as she picked the heavy load to put it on the cart. The strong smells of machine oil and sweat didn’t help to make work in the hot Kelium mines more pleasant either. Ever since she had been imprisoned by UHN Marines, this was Ema’Nka’s new reality. Wake up, having marines escorting her to the mines, spending the entire day in this god forsaken hole picking up barrels and loading them on carts, be escorted back to the camp, eat, sleep, repeat. Many of those days Ema’Nka envied her brothers in arms that had fallen in the war. Surely being dead was a more gracious fate than hers. But the gods haven’t granted her that mercy, so there must be something to come for her. The gods had bigger plans than mortals could see, at least that’s what she told herself during these dark days.
The loud noise of a bell ringing brought Ema’Nka’s attention back to reality. Finally her twelve hour shift was over and she started trotting towards the wagon that would bring them back to the camp. Before she was allowed to board the wagon, armed UHN Marines put her in handcuffs. Everything seemed like another tiring and boring ass day in captivity was about to end. But tonight would be different. Back at the camp, she found a little note that one of the Doth’Rin kitchen servants managed to smuggle in her meal. “Hold on. War Chief Drek’Zhar started a resistance movement. We will get you out of here. Be ready to fight! We will need every warrior we can muster.”
Ema’Nka wasn’t who she used to be anymore. The past years in captivity had broken her. Gone was the woman who fearlessly hunted Kroh’Tans equipped with nothing but a katana. Gone was the warrior who bravely fought the human invaders in Sih’Lug. Slaving away day in, day out as a prisoner of war had made her numb. But maybe this moment was the reason she didn’t die in the war. This must be why the gods kept her alive. It was her destiny to rally warriors in the prison. When the day came, they would be ready. The warrior within her awoke again.
The first resolution — Tra’Xina
The Doth’Rin’s lives had changed dramatically since the war outside the prisoner camps too. The ones that weren’t captured during the war had few options. As the humans had conquered all the fertile valleys of Kelepar, Tra’Xina’s people had to choose between a life in the slums of the new human cities or living a nomadic life in the dunes struggling to survive. Even as the overlord of the entire Doth’Rin population, her fate wasn’t any better. Tra’Xina lived in a small hut in the slums of Rhûn, from where she coordinated the political efforts to improve the Doth’Rin’s living conditions for the last couple of years.
“He will ruin all our efforts!” Tra’Xina struggled to keep her composure as she heard about Drek’Zhar’s resistance movement. “We’re slowly making progress in our negotiations. If humans discover his plans, there won’t be any resolutions to improve our lives. Instead they will imprison any Doth’Rin still living in freedom and send them into those terrible camps.”
“I tend to agree. But there is not much we can do. I tried to talk him out of it, but he wouldn’t listen. And now he has cut connections with us.” answered Chief Shaman Ukhu’Lar. “We have to move forward and hope he manages to keep the secret. He himself must know that if humans figure out what he is up to, it won’t end well for any of us.” he continued. Then the two spent the rest of the ride in silence.
The cab stopped in front of the massive palace that served as the government’s council in the center of Rhûn. To Tra’Xina the building’s impressive appearance seemed like a symbol of dominance and an affront against her people. A man dressed in a fine dark red and brown uniform greeted the pair and guided them through the palace to the meeting room. Today was an important day. The human government and military had discussed the proposed resolutions and Tra’Xina was anxious to hear what they had to say.
The delegation of leading human politicians, UHN military and Imperio Dei officials were already awaiting them in the meeting room. Governor Grégory Lavigne, a couple senators, Lord General Elijah Wilkins as well as Grand Scrutator Saturio all were present. Further there was an elderly man and a Doth’Rin woman, both dressed in Imperio Dei garments. They introduced themselves as Scrutator Nicholas Omally and Qan’Tana. Tra’Xina had heard about baptized Doth’Rin, but seeing one here was a bit strange.
“We had lengthy discussions about this situation and your requests.” Governor Lavigne started. “While we agree that enslaving prisoners of war is a medieval and barbaric thing to do, we must stress that the current state of affairs has brought prosperity and peace to Kelepar. Freeing a bunch of radical warriors would endanger security.” he continued. “If we were to grant freedom to your people, we need something in return.”
“What do you have in mind? We can assure you that the Doth’Rin people are willing to contribute to human society and wish to uphold the state of peace. The war and the killing has put a far greater toll on my people than yours. But the current state isn’t bearable either.” Tra’Xina was aware that not all of her people would stand behind these words. All she could do was to hope that the UHN secret service didn’t know about Drek’Zhar plans.
“Humanity struggles to build societies of peaceful coexistence between us and the native population on planets we’ve conquered.” stated the governor.
“No shit? And you’re wondering why? Bombing the living hell out of people, taking away their lands and imprisoning them isn’t exactly a great foundation for peaceful coexistence.” crossed Tra’Xina’s mind, but she managed to keep it to herself.
Grégory Lavigne continued, “Our friends from Imperio Dei believe that we can create a model for a peaceful inter-special society here on Kelepar. Grand Scrutator Saturio brought Scrutator Omally’s program to teach and baptize Doth’Rin people to our attention. Nicholas and Qan’Tana here are a great example of possible friendships and cooperation between our people.”
“From a military point of view, it becomes increasingly difficult to keep our empire together and ensure peace on all planets as it expands. If we can create a model that ensures peace with less military efforts, this will put Kelepar’s government and the UHN military leaders stationed here in a great light in the eyes of the empire’s government on earth. So we’re willing to take a chance if you cooperate.” added Lord General Elijah Wilkins.
“Expanding Imperio Dei’s program to educate and baptize native citizens could be the foundation of a model to build peaceful inter-species societies, that could be copied on other planets too. Adopting our religion would be a strong sign of integration and assimilation. We’re proposing huge festivities in all major cities, during which a great amount of free Doth’Rin — including you as their leader — get publicly baptized, followed by celebrations of our people’s unity. If you find enough Doth’Rin people willing to go this way with you, we will sign a treaty that forbids slavery and sets all the prisoners of war free.” the governor’s words hit Tra’Xina like a bus.
“With all due respect. Our religion, beliefs and culture are as old as our people. We can’t just…” started Chief Shaman Ukhu’Lar, but Tra’Xina cut him off. “Indeed what you’re proposing is a big ask. It won’t be easy. But I can assure you, that I myself am open to learn about your religion and to be publicly baptized, if this is the only way. I’ll talk to my people and see what I can do.”
The end of captivity — Ema’Nka
Today the bell in the mines rang two hours earlier. In the many years of captivity this hasn’t occurred a single time. Something big must be going on, but what? Curious to learn more, Ema’Nka left her workstation and walked towards the wagon that brought her out of the mine. Back in the camp, they were led to the prison yard. Armed guards were overlooking the scenery from the prison walls. Ever since she had received the note about the resistance, she had spread the word among fellow prisoners. It was crucial they were ready to fight, so she wasted no time to recruit resistance fighters. Sadly, not all fellow prisoners were willing to do what would be necessary. Did one of those bastards rat on them in the hope of getting out of prison? Was this the moment they would all get shot?
The balcony door of the main building opened and two people stepped out. One was a elderly man in red and white ropes, used by Imperio Dei, the other one was a young Doth’Rin girl wearing a big cross around her neck. “That piece of shit must have sold out to the humans.” Ema’Nka whispered.
“I’m Scrutator Nicholas Omally, and this is Qan’Tana. We come to you with a unique opportunity.” the man spoke. “In an attempt to foster a peaceful life on Kelepar, where Doth’Rin and humans can live together in unity, we want to give you a possibility to leave this camp. Any Doth’Rin willing to learn about our religion and culture can request to leave this place and will be transferred to an Imperio Dei monastery, where you can study and embark on the way of God.”
Then the young woman continued “I know many of you might be skeptical. I’d be myself. Like all of you, I’ve lost a lot in the war. Both my parents got killed in the bombardments and I got seriously injured myself. It was this man, Nicholas Omally, that saved my life. Imperio Dei has always treated me well and I can assure you that they’re good people. Not all humans are the same. I truly believe that only if we align our cultures and try to learn from each other, we can build a Kelepar where Doth’Rin and humans can prosper. Even if you’re skeptical, I urge you to give this a chance, for the sake of all our people.”
Ema’Nka couldn’t believe what she just heard. Getting out of this concentration camp was surely a compelling offer, but at what cost? Her culture, religion and beliefs were her identity. Giving up on them would mean giving up on who she was. And Drek’Zhar’s resistance was on the horizon. She’d either take her freedom back on her terms or die trying.
That night there were heated discussions among some prisoners. Ema’Nka and the fellow Doth’Rin she had mustered for the resistance argued strongly against accepting the proposal. Humans couldn’t be trusted, and surely this was just a trap. Others were willing to accept the offer. The years in captivity must’ve completely broken them. In Ema’Nka’s eyes they already weren’t Doth’Rin anymore.
The next day the wagon that brought the prisoners into the mines was emptier than usual. It seemed like a good amount of Doth’Rin — or rats in Ema’Nka’s mind — had accepted the offer.
The festivities
Almost a year has passed since the UHN government had accepted the plan to educate and baptize Doth’Rin people. Ever since, Nicholas, Qan’Tana and other scrutators had spent almost every day teaching the ways of God to these Doth’Rin. In the beginning it was a tough task. But kindness and real opportunities for a better life managed to slowly break skepticism and animosity. “Look at what we’ve done. Our program seems to be a real success.” Nicholas said to Qan’Tana as they were standing on Kelepar’s main square, looking over the huge crowd and festively decorated streets. Qan’Tana was smiling. “I’m so happy. This day might be the start to a new age where we can all live in peace together.”
Governor Grégory Lavigne stepped forward to the microphones and spoke to the crowd. “Today is a huge day for Kelepar. For years our people have been in dispute. It’s time to leave the past behind and move forward. We have all taken steps towards one another, we’ve learned and got to know each other over the last year. So, Kelepar’s government is happy to announce that due to the recent developments we will close all prisoner camps. All Doth’Rin on this planet will be free to live their lives where and how they want. Today we’re gathered here to celebrate a new future together.”
Next up, Overlord Tra’Xina stepped forward. “The war took a lot from us. We all have lost family and friends. But time can’t be turned back and holding on to our grief and hatred won’t make our lives better. During the last year, I — and many other Doth’Rin — had the chance to learn from humans and to get to know them. I’ve met many honorable people with the best interest for both our species. Humanity’s arrival has the potential to bring progress to our lives. We can benefit from each other. The Doth’Rin can be a part of this galaxy-wide empire, find great new opportunities here on Kelepar or travel to distant planets and find their luck there. I’m happy that our people get to join forces and even happier that many Doth’Rin decided to join me on this new path forward and get baptized together with me today!”
Somewhere in the crowd War Chief Drek’Zhar looked up to the stage as she spoke. “That traitor bitch. Selling out our people to these invaders. I can’t wait to cut her throat open when this all ends…”
While some of the more progressive Doth’Rin look for a way forward together with humanity, many others decide to join Drek’Zhar and fight the occupants. Follow us here and on Twitter to learn how the story continues and join our Discord to participate in the discussion.
Written by: Lukasinho
