Heeeeey! I'm back, and apologize for the long while it took to update this. I am on vacation, you see, and typing this in the back of our motor home. Might I give a shout out to my loyal reviewer, who has come back for this one! I feel like I am being united with an old friend (wipes away tear). To answer a question: no, this is not in any way a sequel to "DO", and is meant to be a completely different side project.

Anyway, off we go!

Chapter 4 - Resolution

Another silence, longer and more profound than the first followed the revelation for Qymaen, and he looked to T'lit'co with sympathy. "General...I am so sorry, but may I be so bold as to ask, why have you not taken action? Have there been no rescue attempts?"

T'lit'co's weathered face showed his desolation. "No, son, there have not, it would be suicide to send troops onto the planet at this time. I would go myself, but seeing as there have already been substantial threats to their wellbeing, I simply cannot."

The other generals around indicated their silent agreement.

"I see..." mused the civilian, contemplating the circle of faces before him. He then motioned to Rahkah, gesturing to the door without words.

Rahkah received the message. "Excuse me, gentlemen, I must speak to him alone for a moment."

No one seemed to mind, either that or they were too immersed in the solemn atmosphere the resurfacing of their brother's predicament had brought about. Rahkah followed Qymaen out the open doorway, into a disconnected room, where the stood facing each other.

"I do not understand..." the younger man said in a low voice, keeping the impending exchange quiet, "If this continues they can do nothing for our people. It is already obvious that this settlement in which we make our homes has met its ruin, and when the enemy is done, they will only move on to another, less fortified village."

Rahkah looked away, shame evident. He let the mass of dreadlocks atop his head fall in his face, hiding what he felt. "I know this to be true, my friend, but I, myself can't act upon it. We've been put into a dangerous spot, here. Csilvitor can't lose his family, not after all he's done for the cause. Who am I to argue with grounds like that?"

It was true, what he said. The great generals' families were symbols of their accomplishments; their ranks. One's family was one's life. Those who were loners were looked down upon with great scorn, shunned even. The only individuals who were free from this harsh fact of life were those on the high ladder of the social hierarchy, those like Qymaen, whose father's family had been, in a word, extensive. The ties that bonded the Kaleesh people were strong, but noble blood was hard to come by, considering that over half of the populace on the planet consisted of impoverished, ravenous nomads who scrounged for food through the deep, dark jungles. The lucky ones lived in their wealth, surrounded by the highest pinnacle of comfort attainable, and the satisfaction of being held above the rest. Family heritage and legacy were everything to a Kaleesh.

"I understand this." Qymaen acknowledged, "Though I think you, as distinguished generals, can afford, to do better."

It was then that Rahkah clenched his fists at his sides and leaned forward contemptuously. "What more do you want of us, kid?" He spat. "Hm? What more do you think that we can do in this situation?" His one hand raised to point accusingly. "If it bothers you so much, you do somethin' about it!"

Scowling, Qymaen took a deep breath through his teeth, eyes alight, and growled slowly and consciously, "I will."

He did not go back into the room with the others, instead going out the door without looking back, irate. Rahkah followed him to the doorway, pausing there. From his place he shouted after, "Where are you goin'?"

Without stopping, he replied loudly, "I am going to kill some of the invaders. Tell your other generals that after I am through, I will go for T'lit'co's family."

Rahkah watched him disappear into the night with a newfound opinion on him.

He might just make something good yet...

Reviews are most welcome!

A note for my most recent reviewer: your PM is disabled again so I can't reply to your reviews! Can you enable it, please? Thanks!