Rise of the Humanaki: Generations of Humanity

By K. Kalor

Centuries ago, the ancient Titans and Annunaki found Olympus, before the great schism. 

Now, Lord Chronos has the known world clutched within his clawed hand. But he feels as though he's losing his grasp on it when a prophecy about his children is foretold. 

Unknown to him, a few of the original Olym

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tea, but with Coffee Media
• Release date: May 30, 2023
• ISBN: 9781957893280

Book preview

Chapter 1

The water rippled away from a ship in the ocean, vast sweeping waves undulated all the way to the horizon. The ship’s sails caught the easterlies as they tacked across the sea, heading northwest. Standing on the bow of the ship was a woman, three meters tall. Her dark hair floated with the wind, cutting across her face, her skin a dark olive from years in the sun, one eye blue and the other brown. The stars twinkled above them with a soft glow as they began to appear in the east.

There was the sound of claws on wood behind her, causing the woman to turn and smile at her friend. He was dressed in body armor from his head to the tip of his tail. The armor glistened purple, black, and green like snakeskin. Embossed over the right side of his chest was his hunter’s mark, identifying him as a hunt leader. His tail twitched slightly as he strode across the deck, sniffing the air despite the apparent lack of nostrils in the suit. On his right hip was a long blade, while a pistol was on the left. The handle of the pistol glowed green with a white liquid meter showing the amount of plasma in the charge.

M’Lady, said the Anunnaki, his voice rumbling in his throat. we are approaching the land of the Denisovans.

The woman gave her friend a warm smile, Papsukkal, so far, we’re sixty-six percent on meeting new tribes and cities. By Anu’s luck, we were able to parlay with them for those maps and food.

The Anunnaki protector shook his head, Rhea, we’ve found three tribes. One wanted to kill us, one was founded by your human Great-Grand-Father, and the other wanted to worship me. Something about being the same as the skeleton of their creator. I’d hardly call that a success.

Well, we at least established a trade route with both, Rhea said as she sat on a rail that wrapped around the hull of the ship.

That is true, said Papsukkal. The pair let the conversation fade, enjoying the pre-dawn air. The Hunter’s head tilted slightly as he took a few slow breaths as the stars faded.

What is it like? Rhea asked suddenly.

Papsukkal blinked a few times before shaking his head, What is what like?

Rhea waved her hand to the sky. To be up there, out in the infinite universe. Seeing the stars with your own eyes.

For Annuki and Anunnaki, our minds fracture if we see the full vastness of space. We used to wear suits for space walks that used radar to generate a grayscale image on the visor. The last suits we had failed before your Grand-Father was born, Papsukkal said.

Have you been on other planets? Rhea asked.

Not in this body. The last time I joined the mortal plane was on the planet An, Papsukkal said as his snout dropped slightly.

An? What is An? That’s not Great-Great-Grand-Father? Rhea asked, her attention fully on her friend.

Your soul doesn’t remember? Papsukkal asked as he looked into Rhea’s eyes.

What are you talking about? My soul remembering what? Rhea asked, her face full of confusion.

Papsukkal blinked a few times before he leaned over the hull of the ship, shaking his head.

By the Great-Mother, one of Anu’s lines not knowing her own soul. He placed one of his clawed hands over his snout, mumbling to himself.

I know my own soul, Rhea protested.

Turning to look at his charge, Papsukkal shook his head.

Did your mother not complete the Nukirizi?

Rhea lifted her hands up, shaking her head.

No, we never did nuk-ritz anything.

No, the Nukirizi. It means Garden of Souls. Gaia should have done this around your fortieth birthday, Papsukkal said, his attention diverted by the momentary flash of green when the sun crested the horizon.

She’s a new soul? he asked the sky.

Mamma talked about the Great-Mother and how we are all part of her. We’ll all return to her until it’s time to learn our next lesson. She gave me really fancy red wine before that ceremony. It tasted like pomegranates with a touch of the smell of cedar. I knelt in a pentagram and there was a lot of chanting, but I saw nothing. Well, there were a few berries in the bottom that looked like they were in the shape of a mountain. After they finished, we then drank and talked until morning. Are you saying she did this wrong? Rhea asked.

It was the same as your Grand-Father, but he found his in the triple helix of DNA that appeared in his wine, well, Anunnaki DNA anyway, Papsukkal said.

Rhea placed her hand on Papsukkal’s shoulder, below his spinal ridge fins, What does that mean, then?

It means that you, like your Grand-Father, are a gift from the Great-Mother. You are first generation. Then there is the blessing of Morimi, turning the mortal into a goddess. The last time so many things happened, we were banished from An within a generation. It seems that it happens before major upheaval within the Aki. Papsukkal said before he sniffed the air, his eyes darting along the horizon.

Aki, meaning superior? Rhea asked, scanning the seas in the morning light. Papsukkal nodded.

But we’re not superior to the natives here, we are just different. We can transmute the extra solar energy. The locals can do it too, Rhea said, her voice carrying shock at the arrogance.

It is a flaw that led to the Annuki and Anunnaki split with Chronos. His clans remained with Annu, Anu’s grand-father and leader of our nation at the time of our departure from An. They refused to recognize their proper Lord as he started reforming us away from being angry gods, to becoming benevolent, Papsukkal said.

Rhea stared out the starboard side, thinking.

If I remember what Mamma said, Chronos took the Titans with him when they split. I take it these are one and the same?

Papsukkal’s nose flared a few times before he spoke, It is likely that after Chronos, the new generation would call themselves Titans.

Mamma said they were Gray Titans, Rhea said as the sail rippled above them.

Titans, Grays, Annuki, all the same faction. They like to throw a lot of names out there to confuse people. This way when they would do something that the rest of us didn’t like, they could cast blame on the sub-group while the others carried on doing the same thing. Papsukkal growled. Regardless of spelling, we all swore to Anu, making us all Anunnaki.

I have not sworn to Anu, Rhea said.

Anu himself called your kind the Humanaki when he claimed your mother as one of his line, Papsukkal said, his gruff voice colored with a touch of pride. Just as my father protected the youngest of the royal line, so I shall protect the youngest.

But you don’t have to. I don’t want to enslave you, Rhea objected.

Papsukkal lifted his clawed hand.

But that is where you’re wrong, M’Lady. I made the choice to swear fealty to join the Royal Guardia. I protect you because I chose to do so.

Rhea pursed her lips as she placed her hands on the bow of the ship, putting the tip of the boat between them. Her head lowered slightly, causing her hair to fall over her shoulders.

I am just me; I know how to make water-going ships. What do I know about living in space? What do I know about being a goddess? I don’t even have powers, other than being able to shrink to the size of the short-lived mortals.

It took Hades meeting his past for him to come into power. Lady Gaia performed a ritual to shortcut gaining her powers. Then again, it was meant to be a simple blood adoption that did it. When they blood bonded to Aamira, the three of them merged and were adopted by the soul of the planet. That is when Aamira became Morimi, and the three of them became the goddess of Three, Trio goddess, and Lady Hekate. You’ll find your own powers, my friend, soon enough. Maybe with all this water you are attracted to, you’ll have powers like Aunt Amphitrite, Papsukkal said as he lifted his hand to block the eastern sun, squinting into the distance.

Sighing, Rhea glanced at her friend, I just want to know, so I can help the young ones.

Some would say that they are not worth our time. They are nothing but a pet to care for. Papsukkal said, his eyes focused on something, as if he was trying to figure out if he was seeing imaginary things in the distance.

They have feelings, they grow, they learn. They have feelings like love, hope, joy, anger, all things that we have. Mamma explained that our role within the great cycle is to help the native souls find their place, to guide them to the Grand-Mother so they can be judged based on what they learned in this life, Rhea said, her eyes trying to find what Papsukkal saw.

Yes, that is our place within the cycle, but others see it as a need to rule with an iron fist. Papsukkal paused, his nostrils flaring. Do you smell that?

No, but I think I see sails in the distance, Rhea said as she leaned over the edge of the ship to see if that would give her a better view.

The Annuki, Papsukkal spat.

They are certainly going to be friendly, right?

Probably not, they were rather put out by the creation of your kind. Then again, it probably was more because you can access the souls from the Great-Mother. Papsukkal growled as he turned. Get ready for combat.

Chapter 2

Rhea stepped onto the bridge of her ship, dressed in leather with chain mail woven over vital areas. Behind the iron rings, there were shallow carved runes with a crimson red line running through the center of each rune. Over her left breast was the mark of Anu’s house. On her left hip she carried her mother’s blade, given to Gaia by her father, Sa-Tan Enki. The hilt of the blade was as black as night with a ruby in the pommel. The cross guard had a slight sheen over the darkness, with a row of clear crystals set under the guard. The blade had a set of cuneiform marks up the spine that read ‘protection’ in the language of the Anunnaki.

M’Lady, we have at least four ships heading directly for us. Three of them appear to be clippers, escorting a carrack. They are not flying the Etruscan flag, nor are they flying the Vrizvir flag, the captain said.

The Vrizvir, those are the giants, like me, correct? Rhea asked.

Yes, M’Lady, the captain said.

They are of the Annuki, Papsukkal said from the rear of the bridge. All but the helmsman turned to the protector. They are flying the mark of Pallas. He is on the carrack.

How do you know? the captain asked.

Papsukkal snorted, I can smell him.

Rhea’s nostrils flared as she shivered with disgust.

That’s what that awful smell is?

What smell? the captain asked.

Yes, that smell is Pallas. We often had to get the hose out and forcibly scrub him while on the Nibiru during our journey to this planet. It is not that surprising that his odor is even worse now, Papsukkal said.

That’s revolting, Rhea said. She shook her head before focusing on her friend. Can we outrun him?

We’ve already turned with the wind, but their clippers are gaining on us. If they are hostile, I’d expect boarders, the captain said.

Agreed. They would not have sent Pallas out if they were seeking casual conversation with us, Papsukkal said.

Rhea frowned as she turned to face the intercepting ships. Do you really think Chronos taught them enough to cast cannons? That he gave them gunpowder?

There was a loud crack followed by a puff of white smoke on the lead clipper. There was a splash of water about a hundred meters behind their ship.

Surprising, but clearly, yes, Papsukkal grunted.

Fire of the gods, the captain gasped. Whatever that is, it made a rather large and noisy splash. Okar, hard to port for a twenty count, then to starboard for a thirty count. Dart back and forth to avoid their fire.

Rhea stumbled as the ship made a sharp turn and the deck tipped to the side. Catching herself, she turned her head to Papsukkal.

Do you have any ideas? I learned how to defend myself, not lead a ship into combat.

Papsukkal shook his head, I am used to three dimensions, unless you designed this ship to dive? he paused while Rhea shook her head. I didn’t think so. On An, the mortals would ask for help from their gods. Lady Amphitrite controls water, perhaps we can ask for her hand to help.

Really? You’re going to send wishes to an invisible sky monster? And you expect it to respond? scoffed the captain. Sure, I saw Morimi create fire, but that was just causing friction in the air.

She is very real, she is like Rhea, Papsukkal said. The captain gave him a look that expressed his disbelief at the comment while the lizard bowed his head, closing his eyes.

Did Gaia teach you how to reach her?

Rhea shook her head. She did not. I don’t know if she even knew how.

Papsukkal narrowed his eyes as he placed his claws on the hull of the ship, that seems irresponsible of Enki, unless he couldn’t do it. He let out a soft sigh, So many new souls. Enlil should have educated Gaia himself, but with everything, I can see why he left that to his son.

There was an explosion behind them, followed by the sound of something hitting the water with a loud splash.

That hit about ten meters behind us, called a lookout.

What are they sending to us? Rhea asked.

It looks metallic, guessing by the way the sun reflected off the surface, said the lookout. I think they are shoving a few things into their boom rod.

Boom rod? asked Rhea.

It looks like a pipe or rod, and it makes booms, thus boom rod, said the lookout, using a spy glass to look at one of the ships. They are shoving a long stick down the center hole of one. They are putting something against the ba …

His voice was cut off by an explosion, followed by the sound of wood splintering. The ship rocked from the impact.

That answers that. Captain, turnabout and ram the big ship. We want to try to spoil their aim, snapped Papsukkal.

The captain nodded. This is a sailing ship, that means we move with the wind. We are already running with it; by turning around, we’ll lose most of our speed.

Papsukkal closed his eyes as he let the wind fill his nostrils. His head tilted as several scents permeated his senses. He smelled the burnt taste of saltpeter, the sweat of the crews manning the four ships, then he smelled him.

Shamash! he spat. Then slow down a little, Captain, let them catch us. At the last moment before they come into range, we dart to port and side swipe one of them.

The captain raised an eyebrow before giving his orders.

Wasn’t he a fusion worker? Rhea asked.

"Shamash? Yes, but he also loved to play Stratigikés Polémou with Pallas. Thought themselves versed in war. Didn’t even understand that the pointy end of a blade goes into the attacker’s flesh. If they are leading this, I think we’ll defend the ship. We will have to act quickly to capture Shamash and get him to surrender," Papsukkal said.

War Strategies? What kind of game is it? Rhea asked.

You place figures on a map, use a dial to move, and then roll dice for the attacks. It’s nothing like real war. The hunters laughed at them when they tried to give advice on how to practice hunting, Papsukkal said.

They seem to be …

Rhea started before there was another boom. The ship shook as the cannonball impacted the ship, near the bow. The Humanaki looked at her friend and protector.

Do something, she demanded.

What do you want me to do, little one? I am an ambush hunter, not a water god, Papsukkal said.

Open all sails, ordered the captain. Even the mooring sails. We need every bit of speed we can muster.

Captain, the lookout called out. The smaller ships are changing their course. They will pass on both sides in less than five minutes.

Full speed ahead, hissed the captain.

Papsukkal’s tongue flicked out, tasting the air as his eyes darted from ship to ship.

Captain, drift us closer to one of the ships. Have the men ready to leap across and onto the other deck. This ship isn’t designed for war. Our hull is too soft for their weapons. The end result will be that we sink due to broadsides from both ships. Their ships are designed for war, so we’ll have to take theirs.

The captain ran a hand through his dark hair as he sighed, his lips moving with his breath. We’re sailors, not swordsmen. What do you expect us to do?

Die when the ship sinks or fight for a chance to live. Personally, I’d like to have a chance to live, Papsukkal growled.

You’ll be reborn if you die, so what does it matter to you? spat the captain.

Lowering his head so Papsukkal could look the other man in the eye.

That does not mean I should throw my life away. Doing nothing and letting them trap us like that will mean death. Either going down with the ship or when the cannonballs rip through your flesh. I’d rather not experience that kind of pain before I die, would you?

The captain looked away, shaking his head.

Helm, drift slightly to port. When we’re a hundred meters away, turn hard to port. Bos’n, get the crew up here.

Aye, Captain, the boatswain said before he put a whistle to his lips and gave three fast bursts. The crew members that weren’t manning the sails lined up, facing the command deck.

Crew is assembled.

Slowly, the captain walked down to his crew. He closed his eyes as he took a cleansing breath.

I’m not going to sugarcoat this, we’re in trouble. This ship is built to sail, not to fight their boom sticks. We can’t outrun them, nor can we keep getting …

He was cut off by another boom as a cannon ball tore through two sails. He shook his head and said, We can’t keep getting hit like that. We do have a plan. It’s not a good plan, but it’s better than certain death.

The captain started to pace in front of his crew. We will use grappling hooks to grab one of the attacking ships and leap across to their decks. We are going to capture it for ourselves. I want everyone to gather something to fight with. Miles, Kath, Lang, and Ishima, I want you four to toss the grapples.

Yes, sir, the four said at once.

I’ll be the first across, came the gravelly voice of Papsukkal as he joined the crew. My armor can handle their boom sticks and swords, so I want them focused on me.

Several faces looked relieved at the statement.

Wait, you think the big rods will be pointed at us? a woman asked.

Papsukkal shook his head, I am expecting them to have hand versions. We had something like it on the Nibiru as part of the security forces.

What are they? came a crackling male voice.

Think arrows that are faster than you can see, and more painful, Papsukkal explained. The crew glanced at each other, several swallowing hard. My armor stops the weapon by not letting the fast arrow through.

The crew glanced at each other as another boom echoed through the air, another hole in the sails appearing.

Do or die time, said Ishima.

Should we furl the sails? Let them catch us? asked Miles.

Papsukkal shook his head, We have to look like we’re trying to escape, or it will give the ruse away.

We could just surrender, someone said.

Turning sharply, Papsukkal lifted a clawed finger when Rhea stepped down from the quarterdeck.

Perhaps that will work. They don’t know who we are, so perhaps just surrendering and allowing them to take our cargo will be enough.

I must protect you, M’Lady, Papsukkal said as he turned to look at Rhea.

Rhea placed her hand on her friend’s shoulder, This will, she said before turning, Captain, heave to and prepare for inspection. We will pay whatever toll they wish. Things can be replaced, people can’t.

I protest this course of action. They will not be kind to you, nor the rest of the crew, Papsukkal said.

Yes, but they will be alive. Captain, heave to. Let them catch us and run up a flag of surrender, Rhea ordered.

The captain swallowed before nodding. A few orders were barked out and a white flag was run up the mast. The sails were furled, causing the ship to slow before coming to a halt. The sound of waves lapped against the hull as the crew lined up, waiting to greet the attacking crew.

Shrink, little one. You should try to blend in with the rest of the crew, Papsukkal said to Rhea.

They know that there is a giant on board. If they are as bad as you suggest, they will rip the ship apart looking for me and then will hurt the crew to find out where I went. I will be one of the first they meet as they come onboard, Rhea said.

Please … Papsukkal began before he was interrupted by Rhea.

No, I will not place my life above others, Rhea said. Papsukkal huffed before joining the rest of the crew in their preparations. The two smaller Annuki ships came alongside their ship. Ropes were thrown out from their attackers and tied to the bow and stern of their ship before gangplanks were dropped across the gaps.

Chapter 3

P apsukkal, hissed a Titan as he stood on the deck of the Explorer Aspis. The Lizard had a deep scar across his gray snout, several teeth missing, eyes the color of charcoal, a sword in his navy-blue hand with a purple aura around the edges of the blade, with yellow lines that went up into his shoulder.

Finally figured out how to connect your blade to the suit? Papsukkal asked across the water.

I am third in command of Chronos’ navy. I will not tolerate such insolence, hissed the Titan.

Shamash, you finally did it. After all, you’ve been trying to get your radiation suit to power that blade for seven thousand cycles. Anu himself had to step in to get you to stop stealing parts, Papsukkal said.

Snarling, Shamash pointed the blade at Papsukkal, I want him in irons! The Giant, too. Then transfer the cargo to our ships.

Rhea narrowed her eyes, What have we done, m’lord? she called across.

Shamash curled a lip in disgust, That thing should know better than to speak.

My name is Rhea Gaiasdotter, my mother is also known to you as Gaia Enkisdotter, the Humanaki said, her head lifted.

Oh, you’re one of them. The Abominations that Enki and his followers made, Shamash said with a shudder. Whose soul did you steal? he spat.

Uh, no one? Rhea said, glancing at Papsukkal.

She is a new soul. Unblemished by our past sins, Papsukkal said.

The Grand-Mother rejects those things, Shamash spat.

Tilting his head slightly, Papsukkal said, But the Grand-Father blessed us with her new soul.

Take them, kill the Adama, Shamash ordered.

No, yelled Rhea, fear crossing her face. We surrendered to you so you wouldn’t kill them.

Shamash narrowed his eyes, Put Adama in the brig, they might be useful in keeping Rhea and Papsy under control. Tell Pallas that we have prisoners and he will probably want to come talk to them.

The man who moved to comply had a thick brow ridge, dark hair, tanned skin, with blue eyes. He ducked as Shamash swung his tail at the man’s head. Show some respect, Adama, he snarled.

Yes, M’Lord, the Neanderthal said in hushed tones before scurrying across the gangplank. He stopped before Papsukkal and held up a set of iron cuffs. Growling softly, the Annunaki let his wrists be bound and followed another sailor back across to Shamash’s ship.

I will follow, you don’t need to do anything, Rhea said.

I’m sorry, but I need to bind your hands, said the Neanderthal.

Rhea held her hands out, frowning slightly, What is your name?

Deckhand Four Four Seven, said the Neanderthal.

The Humanaki looked confused as she watched him screw the shackles closed.

That’s your job number. What is your name? What do your friends call you?

It was the Neanderthal's turn to look confused, fr-fri-friends? he asked.

Yes, friends, Rhea said as she was led from her ship.

What is this word? the Neanderthal deckhand asked.

Rhea frowned, glancing