Chain Of Command
The warriors stood in silence, awaiting their overlord and master, in the great throne room. Although one would not know by gazing at them outwardly, most of their hearts beat with equal parts anticipation and dread. For a meeting had been called, and a matter that had been in question for some time now would finally be attended to.
Just who would become the new head General of the armies of the lord Shao Kahn.
Anticipation, for how could anyone not leap at the chance to hold a hallowed position of such power, one that signified not only superior battle prowess, but a measure of the Emperor's own trust? And dread, for only a fool would expect to take such a position in rank and not face serious consequences for any mistakes he or she could make whilst in command. Many before had paid that price.
Sheeva's eyes swept the room, regarding each of her fellow 'comrades'. She sneered openly. As the highest-ranking Shokan, the four-armed human-dragon hybrids of the Edenian province of Kuatan, now part of Outworld, this position was hers for the taking. None of them had a chance, she was certain of it. Least of all, the individual to her left: Rain, the pathetic pacifist. He was a weakling, and Kahn knew it. Next to him was the Lady Jade, one of Kahn's top assassins. Strong-willed, perhaps, but at the moment, under scrutiny by the Council, for possibly aiding the princess Kitana in the murder of her sister, Mileena. No possibility of a promotion under such circumstances. Opposite her, standing at the tongue of the large dragon emblem carved into the floor, was Noob Saibot. The dark ninja was Kahn's freelance spy, having offered his own services. As such, he was not a full member of Kahn's army, and was ineligible to command any squadron of soldiers whatsoever. Standing to her right was Amvhir, officer first class. A cross-breed of sorts, his head was insect-like and repulsive, bulbous green eyes over twitching, drooling mandibles that clicked when he talked. Below that, he was humanoid, dressed in a simple black bodysuit with white trim around the shoulders, elbows, and chest. He was a good officer, but Kahn's mistrust of halfbreeds was well known. He wouldn't be promoted anytime soon, either.
Missing from the room was Baraka, the commander of the nomadic tribes, on a mission for Kahn elsewhere. It didn't matter. Kahn placed him in charge of his fellow nomad troops for the sole reason that they respect him, Sheeva mused. Without him, they might leave us, and despite their lack of finesse they do their job well. No, Baraka is content where he is, and he is too unstable to be trusted with anything else. She smiled wickedly, folding her lower two arms as she did so. Besides that, he's stupid. His idea of a grand strategy would be to attack head-on. Backup plans? Attack also from the rear. He and his troops deserve each other. They make good fodder.
Also absent from the room was Shang Tsung. He was already head of the Sorcerer's Guild, and high Arch-mage. He had his own duties to attend to. A pity, she thought sarcastically. I do enjoy the way he discredits the rest of us before our Emperor. That was a nasty habit Tsung had, second-guessing every opinion or suggestion uttered at meetings such as this. He should be one to talk. He can't even defeat a simple mortal.
And if the high Arch-mage was not present, then neither would be his own personal bodyguard. She gritted her teeth together. I despise that hideous serpent. Fawning and flattering the Emperor at every opportunity. He disgusts me.
But not as much as him…
She openly glared to the right for the third time in as many minutes to the last person present, standing some six feet away from her, just past Amvhir. The impulse to reach across and tear his throat out was overwhelming.
Well over eight feet tall, and more than that long, counting his tail. Four cloven hooves on well-muscled equestrian legs, Motaro was a general too, but of the lowest rank. This was only natural, based on his race. The Centaurs of Outworld were renowned for their amazing strength. However, so were the Shokans. Millennia ago, when life had first begun to form and evolve on Edenia, the strongest reigned. And so it was inevitable that the two most powerful beings should come to blows, become natural enemies. And they had. As time had passed on, and civilization developed, so did the enmity between the Centaurs and Shokans, from brutish battles over food and territory, into vicious wars over racial supremacy. But with the coming of the Emperor, a stalemate had been brought to an end, and the Shokan relished their newfound support, finding favor with their new ruler.
But this was not to say that the destruction of the Centaur race was at hand. Kahn also acknowledged the Centaurs' hunting potential, and kept a good deal of them around the palace as scouts and trackers. Though he favored the Shokan, he tolerated the Centaurs enough to allow them to live, commanding an end to ages of war and strife. Even so, the two races still fought bloody battles that ravaged the distant plains of Outworld for days on end.
Motaro was no mere scout, though. The first and only Centaur to ever become a commander in Kahn's armies, he had more than once demonstrated intelligence and cunning on the battlefield. Moreover, he had suggested plans for increased battlement defenses, and had presented plans for them. This pleased Kahn, who had kept a close eye on him, and to Sheeva's befuddlement, eventually promoted him to General sixth class.
She had been furious. But the Emperor's will was absolute, and she did not bother to try dissuading him. Instead, she did the best she could to tolerate his presence. Unfortunately, they had passed each other in the hallway on two separate occasions, and screaming arguments had ensued. The fear of debasing themselves to the level of savages before their master had kept them each in check up until now, but neither was certain of how long that could last.
Rain broke the silence. "Who do you suppose he has chosen?"
Sheeva was frustrated already. "Certainly not you, you weak willed pacifist. Be silent."
If Rain was upset, he said nothing. Jade spoke next.
"Are any of us worthy enough to fill the position of the late General Kintaro?"
"Clk-clk-hsk---one of us, Kahn finds suitable, clk--tkk-else he would not have summoned us---tk-tk-kkk."
Amvhir's dry voice sickened her. She was saved from having to comment on it by Jade's response.
"Indeed. But where is Shang Tsung? Surely, he should be here now."
"Clk-clk-hsk---failures many, clk-promotion for him impossible----hssk—kk-k-duties attend to--clk-clk."
"And Baraka is away," said Motaro. She narrowed her eyes at him. "That leaves only us."
"Your capacity for stating the obvious is impressive," she remarked.
"As is yours for aggressiveness. A pity there is little brain to match," he spat back, adding a fierce lowering head gesture that suggested intent to gore her with his horns.
"If any of the Shokan lack a mind, they make up for it in strength. The Centaurs have neither."
That did it for Motaro. He snorted, and might have done something rash, had he not been distracted by an audible chuckle from Rain's direction. He bared his teeth. "What do you find so amusing, pacifist?" He uttered the last word as an insult.
"You. The both of you. Pretending to have some quiet dignity one moment, foaming at the mouth the next. You're no more fit to command than I, Jade or any of us here."
Jade nodded. "He is right. Who will command our armies, that is for the Emperor to decide, in his wisdom."
Sheeva cracked her knuckles – all of them. "She, at the very least, has a point, and a capacity for bloodshed. You are sorely lacking in that latter department, Rain. That is why you shall not be the one."
"We shall see," was his only reply.
"Clk-clk-hsk-viewpoints different,many---clk-kk-clk—an opinion, Saibot? Silent, always—clk-hsk-clk."
All eyes turned to the black-clad ninja, who said nothing, simply standing with folded arms.
"You'll get no response from him," said Sheeva. "He can't be promoted, he's a freelance operator, remember? I do not blame him for his silence. This is of no concern to him."
She had hoped for some affirmative response from Saibot, but received nothing. She was not surprised. Saibot rarely spoke, only when addressing Kahn, and Sheeva had never heard his voice. The few who had, though, had commented on it, calling it a blood-chilling thing to hear. She expected that much. Fear was not an emotion Sheeva had ever experienced, but she could admit to herself that she felt a surge of uneasiness whenever Saibot was near. No one, not even Motaro himself, made her feel that – in his case, it was just rage. But looking into his pale, simmering blue-green eyes, Sheeva knew something instinctively. He shouldn't be here, she thought. Not here, or anywhere…
Her thoughts were interrupted by the noise of the immense iron doors of the chamber slowly opening. She craned her head around enough to see the black shape of the Emperor enter the room, bodyguards ever at his side. She bent low, one knee to the ground, head bowed, upper right arm to her chest. The other warriors followed suit, Motaro on both forelegs rather than the one. She wondered idly whether he was just sucking up, or whether he had to because of his multi-legged form. Probably both, she decided.
Kahn strode through the circle, and up the steps leading to his throne. Once seated, his head nodded almost imperceptibly, the signal for his generals to rise.
"You are all aware of the reason for your presence."
It was not a question. He continued.
"Since Kintaro's unfortunate destruction at the hands of the thunder god, I have been in need of a new supreme general to take command of my armies. That one is among you."
Reverent silence. He continued.
"The one that I have chosen has excelled in all duties, performed that which I have demanded without quarrel or hesitation, without anything but thoroughness, and surest loyalty. That one has exceeded all my expectations, and I have watched as that one has risen through the ranks to become a respected member of my forces."
Sheeva's heart beat so ferociously, she feared the others might hear it. From personal protector to Queen Sindel ages ago, to a ruthless and thorough officer, and finally to a top-ranking second-class general. She was the closest among them to the rank to which she so aspired. Surely, she was speaking of her.
"Step forth, and claim your command…General Motaro."
Sheeva's face betrayed nothing of what she felt. It was perfectly neutral. In fact, for a period of five seconds she subconsciously refused to allow what had just been uttered to seep through. Finally, reality forced itself upon her, and her eyes twitched as Motaro arose from his position to walk over to Kahn's feet, and again kneeled, head bowed low.
"I hereby grant you the rank of supreme general and commander of all my armies. You have labored tirelessly to accomplish my will, and I am pleased. I expect you will make an excellent commander. Become a beacon unto your fellow Centaurs, and relish your newfound power…but take care not to fail me."
Her toes dug into the stone floor, and her fingers clenched involuntarily.
"My lord Kahn…I accept these duties with a proud heart. You shall not be disappointed. I will die before I fail you."
Every muscle in her body was tensed, and she had to force herself not to scream. She accomplished this by giving her teeth a ruminative focus.
"Let us hope neither occurs. There has been far too much of that, as of late. That is why I have chosen you. Now rise."
As Motaro did so, and turned to stand at his Emperor's side, Sheeva was biting the inside of her lip so hard, it bled. What is the meaning of this? The Shokan have ever held this hallowed position! This is an insult to us!
Kahn was still speaking, something about loyalty to their new Supreme General, but Sheeva heard none of it. She spared brief glances over at the others present. Saibot and Amvhir were unreadable, and Rain did not seem the least bit surprised, strangely enough. Jade however, looked confused. She had been among Kahn's elite for some time now, and no doubt was used to seeing a Shokan occupy that position. This was news to her, as well.
But what did he mean…there has been too much failure? Was he referring to his soldiers as a group…or could he be referring to the Shokan race themselves? She knew that the disappearance and seeming demise of Goro, and the recent passing of Kintaro would not bode well for the Shokan in Kahn's eyes. The Emperor was of the type to punish the many for the deeds of the few. Those who hold a coveted position in my ranks, he had long ago said, hold also my estimation for their kind.
Could that be it? she wondered. Is this a slap to the face of the Shokan, for Kintaro and Goro's losses? Her teeth ground together. If so…what will happen if Motaro actually…performs well? Will Kahn's favor shift towards them?
Or has it already?
She forced herself to concentrate on the present, doing her best to push up through the waves of hatred, jealousy and suspicion that threatened to tear away her self-control. She was before her Emperor, after all, and as much as she may not have approved of his decision, it was still absolute. She wouldn't bother to question him…and surely, he knew already how she might react. Perhaps keeping her obvious rage in check would boost his estimation of her abilities. She focused on Kahn's words.
"…now that this has been finally accomplished, you are all hereby dismissed. However, before you all return to your duties, there is one small, almost trivial matter to attend to. One of you here, who has also risen through my ranks, that I have deemed worthy to stand in my presence, and trusted with duties of crucial importance, is not content with my esteem, and status, and has seen fit to betray me."
There was a sharp intake of breath from Jade's direction, barely audible, but a Shokan's ears were keen, and Sheeva would have smiled had she not been in a murderous mood. This should be good.
"Difficult to believe, I am aware. But we live in troubling times, and trust and loyalty are commodities, as easily available for purchase as a loaf of grainbread. How fortunate that we have here among us a highly efficient spy. Saibot?"
The dark one stepped forward, and bowed at the waist.
"Show us the one."
His footfalls absolutely silent on the floor, Saibot began to walk the perimeter of the semicircle composed of Rain, Jade, Amvhir and Sheeva. He was slow, taking his time to cross from one individual to the next. Kahn probably had him do that intentionally, to see if anyone else sweats, she thought. I wonder who will take Jade's place?
Slowly, Saibot moved towards Rain's position. Walked behind him, and kept going, past Jade, behind Amvhir, and finally behind her. He then began to make a second round.
She became aware of Motaro's eyes upon her from the side of Kahn's throne, his lips stretched in a bloodless gash of mirth that some would call a smile.
You'd like that, wouldn't you? She mentally spat at him. Take my rightful position, and then watch as my life is taken. But this time, the disappointment is yours. I have not betrayed him. She actually allowed herself to smirk slightly.
Saibot continued past Rain a second time, walked behind Jade…and stopped.
Here it comes…But Saibot continued on, taking three slow steps over to Amvhir, stopping again behind him…and remaining there.
That was a warning, she realized. Kahn is keeping an eye on Jade. But Amvhir?
Kahn spoke again. "I am afraid Saibot personally witnessed you delivering copies of plans for the new battalion positions to a representative of the southern renegade movement, not three days ago."
Amvhir's mandibles were clicking into overdrive, and his bulbous eyes widened. He staggered back a step.
"No…clk-clk-hsssk…mistake, there is…hsssk..clllk-hk-hk-hk-tsss-loyal, I have-"
He was cut off. "No, Amvhir, the mistake is yours. However, with inconvenience comes opportunity. Motaro, here is my first command to you as general supreme of my armies…"
"…Kill him."
Sheeva watched, impressed despite herself as the spectacle took place. Amvhir reacted quickly, sprouting beetle-like wings from his back, and leaping through the air towards the room's exit in a feeble attempt at escape. Instantly her gaze turned back to Motaro, and her jaw dropped slightly as she witnessed him shimmer and disappear-
-only to reappear before the throne room's doors, fist headed on a collision course with Amvhir's chest.
Teleportation, she realized, swallowing the blood which had filled her mouth. I did not believe any Centaur capable of it.
There was a crunch, and Amvhir went flying back across the room, to impact upon one of the room's pillars. But before he had hit the floor, Motaro had teleported again, and caught him by the collar. The second smash was worse than the first, and Sheeva was certain that she saw a mandible break off and fly across the room, into shadow. Motaro had not released him, however. Rather, he held him high for Kahn and the others to witness. Amvhir's head lolled back and forth on his shoulders. Sheeva would have bet he couldn't even see properly.
".pleashhhe…I..gll..hk-hs-emferur…I…"
Evidently he couldn't speak properly either, but the point was made moot. Motaro first wrapped that obscenely long steel tail of his around Amvhir's waist, then moved it up to his neck. It found a firm grip there, and tugged hard. The crack was wet and loud in the hollow chamber.
Motaro tossed the heap of broken flesh and bones that had once been Amvhir towards the warriors, and they scattered as it landed atop the symbol, belly touching the ground, but head facing up.
I've underestimated him, thought Sheeva. He is good for something after all.
The silence was broken by Kahn, as Motaro returned to his side. "Well. I believe we understand now the reasons for my choice, do we not?"
Reverent silence again.
"Let that be a reminder. To any foolish enough to defy my will…"
His eyes swept over the room, and paused on her.
"or question it."
"Understood, my lord," was the chorus uttered by all present save Saibot, who bowed.
"He has already been replaced…which is a matter for another time. You will be summoned back here at a later date. Now, begone."
Sheeva departed ahead of the rest, the image of Amvhir's corpse already having disappeared from her mind, replaced by the possible messages implied within Kahn's glance, and by the echo of Motaro's low chuckle, barely audible.
She had done remarkably well, she thought. Having not only suppressed her rage in Kahn's throne room, but all the way up to the training grounds upon the castle's east tower roof. She was there, now, however…
Days later, Kahn's few accountants discussed it among themselves, and decided that it could have been worse. Although three walls were smashed to bits, twenty spears snapped in half, and a perfectly sturdy iron grate was bent almost double, that had been the extent of the property damage, and nothing overly valuable had been lost. The six or seven guards dismembered and thrown from the tower during Sheeva's rampage had been of low class, at any rate, and were easily replaced.