Eric Peter Brown
In the J’hanctum (ja nock tum) galaxy, far beyond ours, a highly communicable contagion called the Wehtiko (wet ti co) Influence has inexplicably escalated in its infection rate that is normally manageable by the unwavering vigilances of an alien military Corp. known as the Qi-Tahh (chi tahhh) Supremacy. This outbreak began thousands of years ago, but its origin remains unknown, its actions are unpredictable and the cure is still as elusive as the contagion itself. This insidious strain does not affect all who are exposed, it cannot be eradicated, and once Influenced neither the host nor their planet can ever be completely cleansed of its barbarous effects. The Wehtiko is not an organism or a viral-based pathogen, it is an affliction of evil-an Influence that unleashes one’s most violent and hateful nature. To combat the threat, the Ohdens (odens), the Governing Council Authority of J’hanctum, has mobilized their Supremacy, who must fight to maintain order over the populists’ gone mad, and unravel the mystery behind the escalation. Planet Argen is discovered to be ground zero, and is home to two peaceful species, the Dir-nays (der nays), a pigmy race, and the Eanois (e noys), humanoids with whom they have shared friendship and trade for decades. The Zahnobein Qi-Tahh, the Wyld (wild) Kards (cards) of the Supremacy, who are as good as the flagship, are sent to inoculate the Influenced, and prevent the Wehtiko from becoming a full-blown contagion, that if not stopped here, will engulf their galaxy and spread beyond unchecked. However, during a skirmish with the Pygmies (pigmies), the Elphah and eight Pridesmen are mysteriously whisked away, leaving the remaining Pride to cope with the Dir-nays, and an unforeseen circumstance that jeopardizes the success of their mission. They must delay searching for their missing family, and complete the inoculation assignment within the allotted time, or the Life Protectors will be forced to destroy the planet, and kill everyone on it-including their own Pride, to keep the Wehtiko from unleashing its Influence on an unsuspecting universe.
