Read Sentience 1: Storm Clouds Gathering for Free Online Page B

live, but now we live to hunt. Those that live for the hunt, shall die by the hunt.”
    “Will our people turn upon each other then?” asked Drik.
    “Raknii will always fight Raknii,” replied Varq. “Nature compels competition amongst ourselves for hunting grounds and breeding rights. But we forget that in ancient days, we were not the only predators on Raku, merely the most successful. This ignorance breeds arrogance among our people, an arrogance that assures us that because we have not yet encountered another, then by default, we must be the ultimate predators in the universe.
    “But there are others … inconceivable raptors so magnificent in their prowess, they routinely cull their own numbers for little more than sport. Even now, Dol is preparing these aliens as punishment for our arrogance and foolishness, bringing a new test of fire and steel to our people. Our attempts to hunt these fearsome predators will begin an ordeal, a scourge that will shatter our arrogant belief of holding the predominant position over all creation — our foolish illusions that we have somehow risen above fulfilling our intended role in nature. Dol will examine us indeed to see whether our ambitions can stand in violation of his ancient precepts.
    “Avoiding this trial leads only to extinction. If we fail this second test, annihilation is also a possibility. But if somehow our people can find the wisdom to endure this trial and overcome this disease of narcissism that poisons the mind, only then can the balance of life be restored. Only in passing this test, may the Raknii mature and discover the concept of morality, in how we relate to the rest of the universe and become civilized enough to remain part of it.”

    The imperial guards stationed outside Drik’s door notified him when it was time to depart for the ship that would carry him to Raku, and his judgment date with Supreme-Master Xior. Quadrant-Master Raan met him at the access ramp to the fast scout vessel that could travel 50 percent faster than a warship. Although the scout carried only minimal armament, none would dare interfere with an imperial messenger ship. That would be tantamount to attacking the supreme-master himself.
    Raan's insistence on personally escorting Drik to meet with the supreme-master astounded him. This scout was Raan’s personal ship, commanded by a member of Raan’s pride — ScoutShip-Master Yaal, the offspring of Raan’s younger littermate, OverFleet-Master Maaz. Perhaps it was merely Raan’s wish to personally brief Supreme-Master Xior on the details and extent of the disaster and what was now known of the change in Trakaan tactics that caused it. But then, perhaps not.

    Four hours after departure, Raan summoned Drik to his quarters for continued discussions about Drik’s premonition about the incredible increase in Trakaan resistance. In the privacy of Raan’s cabin, Drik sought Raan’s wisdom concerning another premonition… Varq’s grim prophecy. As another student of the ancient ways, perhaps Raan would not simply dismiss it as superstitious nonsense.
    After sharing the ghastly prophecy with Raan, the quadrant-master gazed down, holding his muzzle in his paw, as he contemplated the implications.
    “Instinctively, I agree with virtually all of it,” said Raan. “We are not what we were even two generations ago. Modern Rak society rarely even pays lip service to Dol, or the ancient ways anymore. We have all seen it — the struggle for promotion, attaining status and honors predominates all other thoughts and goals. Hunting prey is thought to be fastest way to achieve recognition, so all of our warriors want to kill, regardless of physical need, or lack of it... merely for recognition.
    “How is it, I wonder, that you have apparently managed to escape this curse that so ravages our young… the slavery of peer pressure to conform to their philosophy of exaltation of self?”
    Drik sighed, “As a fosterling, I was never actually