Gamma Mutants

A Story by Cylis Derrens

The beginning of race who would one day share our world

By Cylis Dark

Gamma Mutants

Chapter 1

Long ago there was a world with people not unlike our own. Using technology they sought to master their destiny and the world around them. After a series of wars the many nations of this planet made peace focusing their collective knowledge on improving technology that they used in everyday life.

The byproduct of these technological advancements was pollution which destroyed the ozone layer as well as damaging the environment. As the deadly rays of radiation began to affect their planet three microorganisms believed to be merely a nuisance joined together and infected a large number of the population.

Using their advanced medicine the people of this distant world fought this outbreak and began to eradicate it. To save themselves these viruses formed yet another symbiotic relationship this time with the unborn fetuses of those that sought to destroy them.

Adding their DNA to this emerging generation they aided the already existent immune systems to hunt down and destroy any foreign matter that might harm their hosts. Reflexes, senses, strength and healing ability were improved as well further distinguishing their hosts. From this mutation a new race was born and was an improvement on the old.

Feeling a greater connection to the environment the Quini, as they called themselves tried to turn their parents from their chosen path of self-destruction. This venture proved unsuccessful and the radiation entering through their atmosphere only increased beginning the second mutation. The children of the Quini who were affected by what was then gamma radiation proved far more hardier than their parents or grandparents.

Unfortunately for the parent race of the Quini and the Gamma Mutants, the later of the two new races did not feel a strong connection with the original inhabitants and gave them an ultimatum: If they did not give up their technology which was destroying their shared planet then the Gamma Mutants would rise up against them.

Foolishly the parent race of the two mutant races refused and prepared for battle.

War had broken out immediately after the Dafi had refused to listen to the ultimatum of the Gamma Mutants and their allies.

Taking arms against them there was an armed revolt as the new generation brought forth their army. Nerem Tu, a young captain had been given command over a unit and was the first into battle.

It was a spring day Nerem breathed in the morning air looking at the trees that were already dieing in this part of the forest.

Looking at them he felt a surge of anger swell through him. As a child he had walked through this grove of trees and he had them green and healthy.

Even now he heard no birds singing in their tree tops, they had long ago moved onto healthier parts of the forest where deadly radiation wasn’t killing everything. Hearing movement below he moved to the edge of the cliff crouching down to remain unseen.

Below he saw the Dafi as they called them in their radiation suits. While he and his kind could survive here without their suits the Dafi would soon die.

Taking out a knife he flashed his blade and reflected it at the trees below, an answering signal came back as the trap was set. It was not a high cliff from what Nerem judged. Rising from his crouch he leapt off falling towards the enemy below.

Most of the impact was taken by a few men he fell on. Rolling to his feet he roared a battlecry charging into the Dafi ranks slicing and stabbing.

This was the signal as the rest of his unit charged out of the woods armed with close range weapons and bayonets.

The Dafi had assumed that no one else could survive here because they were the only ones who had suits. Their weapons were strapped to their backs and their cumbersome radiation suits only served to frustrate them as they tried to fight back.

The unhampered Gamma Mutants made quick work of them without them firing a shot. Their bodies were dragged away before Nerem led his men behind enemy lines.

This group had been a patrol and they knew no more were nearby. It would take their enemy some time to realize there was a hole in their line and Nerem wanted to make the most of it. Intelligence said that there was a supply base not far ahead. He knew they could make it by nightfall if they hurried.

With ears peeled he moved forward leading his troops conscious of any danger that might exist out there. Moving quickly they made good progress, far faster than the enemy ever could.

His unit arrived ahead of schedule and he ordered them to rest, until they could approach under cover of night. Unlike their enemy Nerem and his people didn’t need night vision goggles.

Night for them was just as good as day. The eyes simply adjusted on their own adapting to their changing surroundings. It was just one of the benefits of being who they were.

As night fell campfires and night patrols started in the enemy camp. Moving in they killed the guards one by one quietly. Dragging their bodies away they hid them in available cover before moving on. Ordering his men to set the charges they had captured from the Dafi they left the place after the timers were set.

They were already far away by the time the explosions lit up the sky and smoke rose from the site.

Chapter 2

Onen Ven had trained with Nerem Tu. Each had received their own commands, showing the leadership requirements in order to carry the war to the Dafi.

Moving through the streets of the capital his unit connected up with Tu’s unit after entering the city. Nerem greeted his brother in arms smiling at him warmly.

“It is good to see you again my friend.” Nerem said.

“And you too Nerem. I hear you are responsible for making a hole in Dafi lines.” Onen replied clapping his friend on the back.

“Which I never would have been able to do without your intelligence. It was you who broke into one of their key intelligence outposts.” Nerem said.

“These Dafi are far too arrogant. I expect this war to be over soon enough.” Onen said showing a cocky smile.

“Be careful brother, lest we too become overconfident and share in their fate.” Nerem said with a straight face.

“You’ve always been far too serious. Even the older veterans call you “grandpa”.” Onen said teasingly.

Nerem refused to rise to the bait.

“I look forward to it someday. My first born; a girl was born yesterday.” Nerem said with both pride and sadness.

“You didn’t have to be on this mission. You’ve done more than enough already. I could have finished this on my own.” Onen said sympathetically.

“As a father I have a duty to provide a better world for my child. The Dafi threaten that. If we defeat them here we have a chance to end this war quickly.” Nerem said.

Onen and the others could not help but admire Nerem. For him there was no end to duty and honor.

The man lived and breathed in every breath and heartbeat. Onen trusted the man with his life.

“It is an honor to be here with again my friend, fighting side by side. Come on. Let’s finish this.” Onen said.

“Besides.” Nerem added, “Someone has to keep you out of trouble.”

“Who me?” Onen said in mock shock.

“Like it was in training, you always seemed to get yourself into trouble.” Nerem said jokingly.

“And like a good big brother you are always there to get me out again. My future children thank you.” Onen said with a confident smile.

“Just don’t do anything stupid, or incredibly brave. I don’t want to get shot again.” Nerem said motioning for them to move out.

“What? You healed!” Onen said.

“Of course I healed, but it still hurt like hell. Do it again and you and I will have a few “things” to work out.” Nerem said shooting his friend a glare over his shoulder.

All of their troops could barely hold back their laughter. For the two sworn brothers this was getting along with each other and all of them knew it.

Moving through alleys and streets the two elite units moved efficiently. Nerem and Onen knew the other man well enough to predict their movements.

The Dafi however had trouble tracking them in their own city. When one struck, the other hid sometimes using the sewer system to disappear until they were ready to strike again.

Popping up somewhere else they would attack a surprised Dafi patrol before moving on.

When the main Gamma Mutant force attacked the city they faced a confused and demoralized enemy. Only then did they realize that they had been fooled and all was lost.

In a matter of hours the capital was taken, and the Dafi not captured already having fled.

Nerem and Onen were named the greatest heroes of the war. The Dafi were soon forced from the planet bit by bit.

Thousands of Dafi ships left their homeworld seeking life elsewhere and the victors watched them go before rebuilding civilization.

While Onen stayed in the military Nerem retired now happy to see the war was over. All he wanted to do was be left in peace and raise a family.

Had destiny been kind it would have left the two men in peace, but this was not to be so.

With the birth of twin sons by the Emperor the succession was in jeopardy following his untimely demise. As the last Dafi on their world he died months after their birth without naming a successor.

Both children were Quani, making the choice all the more important: They wouldn’t die as easily meaning they could rule longer than any Dafi.

While Onen sided with one brother Nerem sided with the other which split the still growing civilization in two. Both friends tried to keep the peace but Inec Onen’s candidate grew impatient.

Failing to listen to his protector’s council he encouraged dissention among worlds where the general population was loyal to him. Speaking lies against his brother he fanned the flames of civil violence threatening the peace.

“You may have signed our death warrant. By old comrade will not sit still for this. You should end this before it gets out of hand. Perhaps your brother Dehen will be merciful.” Onen said.

But Inec did not listen and Nerem spoke against his accusations. Nerem’s sense of honor and his heroism during was Inec’s worst enemy. Onen refused to speak against his friend despite the orders of Inec.

“I will fight for you and I will die for you, but I will not lie against a man I consider a brother.” Onen said.

When public opinion turned against Inec Nerem raised an army announcing that Inec was a traitor and should be defeated.

Leading the rebel forces Onen faced superior numbers and was soon defeated. Facing capture Inec fled and Onen followed.

Nerem as a loyal soldier of the new emperor was sent after them. The chase was long and hard as Onen for a time kept out of reach of his pursuers, but Nerem soon organized local governments against the rebels.

With nowhere to run Onen said, “My prince I have served you the best I could, and I will follow you into death.”

With a sweep of his sword he took his master’s head. For him death would not be so quick.

When Nerem found him they spoke alone.

“I tell you the truth my old friend I find myself for the first time hesitant to do my duty. Capture means disgrace for you and all your kin. I cannot do that to you. I will return and accept the consequences for my failure.” Nerem said.

Shaking his head Onen said, “Even now you seek to protect me. Now it is my turn.”

Walking away for a distance Onen stared at his last sunrise. It was most beautiful one he had ever seen.

“Life is a precious thing my friend, but I have run too long. I feel old and tired. Give my love to your family.” Onen said.

Only too late did Nerem realize what Onen was doing. By the time he turned around Onen was already falling on his sword.

Rushing to his side he held Onen as he died.

“I will hide your body so none can find you. You will be my only secret and I and my line shall keep it for all time. None shall desecrate your body even in death.” Nerem promised.

Burying him Nerem said his last goodbyes and told no one what really happened.

“You have served me and our people well. I ask that you and all of your line continue to do so. Yours will be a sacred trust to ensure that no emperor or leader threatens the peace that we have fought so hard for.” Dehen said regal and saddened by the loss of his brother and so many others.

In the face of all that had happened the new emperor brought his people together ensuring a golden age where his people prospered.

All except Onen’s family believed the story but he could not tell them the truth.

Accusing him of murdering their patriarch they swore blood vengeance against him and his line for all time. It would mark the beginning of the Gamma Mutant wars.