Eric Peter Brown

In J’hanctum (ja hock tum), a galaxy twice removed from ours, a highly communicable contagion called the Wehtiko (weh tee co) 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. The outbreak began thousands of years ago, but its origin remains unknown, its actions are unpredictable and the cure is elusive as the disease 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), ancient, disembodied brains, who are the ruling Governing Authority of J’hanctum, mobilize their Life Protectors to subdue the Infected until the madness within them can be treated, and help unravel the cause behind the increase of ultra-violence now sweeping the galaxy. It is later discovered, planet Argen is ground zero-the source of the escalation and home to two peaceful species, the Dir-nays (der nays), indigenous furry pigmies, and the Eanois (e noys), humanoid refugee settlers, 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 dispatched to inoculate the Influenced and prevent the evil within them from becoming a full-blown contagion, that if not stopped here, will engulf their galaxy and spread beyond unchecked. During a skirmish with the Infected, the Elphah (alpha) and eight of his Pridesmen are mysteriously whisked away, leaving the remaining Qi-Tahh to cope with the Influenced and an unforeseen circumstance that jeopardizes the assignment. They must delay searching for their family, and complete the medical mission within the allotted time, or the Life Protectors will be forced to destroy the planet and kill everyone-including the Pride, to keep the Wehtiko from unleashing its Influence on an unsuspecting universe.