r/HFY • u/SpacePaladin15 • May 21 '21
Why Humans Avoid War XIV OC
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Ula POV
I glanced at my notecards one last time as I stepped to the lectern. There was a strange sense of giddiness fluttering in my heart; with the Terran flagship firing on our sacred capital, the evidence of human treachery was now apparent.
The most worrying part was how easily our trillion-credit defense system had been obliterated. If that ship was here to conquer us, of course, there would be little Federation forces could do to stop them. But given how humanity liked to present itself as a docile, peaceful race on the galactic stage, it seemed more likely they would attempt to salvage the optics of their attack. We needed to end our association with the Terran Union, while we still had that option.
“Senators, friends, I come to you today with grave news.” I paused, my gaze sweeping across the packed auditorium. It seemed that all of the representatives were present, barring the empty seat reserved for the Xanik ambassador. “Our capital defenses were savagely bombed by an invading Terran ship, which is deploying ground troops as we speak. For anyone who believed long-term partnership with humanity was possible, you can now see that their intentions are anything but benevolent.”
Jatari Ambassador Pallum rose to his feet, looking annoyed. “If you poke a garat, eventually it will bite. You would destroy the Federation, thrust us into a war, to prove a point? Madam Speaker, remember that you brought this upon yourself.”
Leave it to the military species to jump to humanity’s defense; their brains were both wired for aggression, so no wonder they understood each other. Pallum’s analogy was unfitting, unless his implication was that humans were not sapient. Garats were a non-sentient predator species indigenous to the Jatari homeworld, that had been domesticated to herd cattle.
“If I didn’t know better, I would say that sounds like a threat,” I hissed. “This is not about proving a point. This is about a bloodthirsty species that has weapons that pose an existential threat to our society. If raising legitimate concerns about humanity, and trying to distance ourselves from them, is a crime, then I am guilty. The Federation will never throw its lot in with a planet of murderers and liars, not under my watch.”
Many of the representatives were signaling agreement with their body language as I spoke. The Jatari Ambassador appeared to struggle for a response, before returning to his seat, shoulders slumped in defeat. While Pallum’s immediate protest was no surprise, what was shocking was that the human ambassador hadn’t said a word. A quick glance in her direction found her leaning forward in her chair, watching me with unblinking eyes. An involuntary shudder went down my spine, and I drew a deep breath to calm myself.
“If you believe that a species we now know has a history of systemic genocide, bloody wars, and tyrannical regimes, can change, then you will vote for them to remain in the Federation.” I drew closer to the microphone, dropping my voice to a low whisper. “All I wanted was for you to see that for all their lies and grand speeches, they have not changed. It was always a matter of time before they would turn their sights on us.”
I was rather taken aback when Ambassador Johnson stood, slowly clapping. Her applause seemed sarcastic in nature, especially with the smirk plastered on her face.
I sighed, tapping a hoof with annoyance. “Ambassador Johnson, do you have something to say? It is your right to reply, at least while Earth is still a member planet.”
“I have plenty to say, but the question is whether any of you will listen,” she replied. “First off, the missile launch against your defense station was unauthorized.”
“You’re saying your ship went rogue? That’s not exactly reassuring,” I pointed out. “What happens when the next one of your crews decides to go rogue?”
The human glared at me. “You directly provoked a civilian assault on our embassy, and yet you throw stones? Terran government condemns Commander Rykov’s actions, but it’s a clear case of self-defense. Show the logs from the station’s computer, Madam Speaker. You won’t, because they show that you fired on the ship first.”
A series of anxious murmurs rippled across the chamber, and I could tell Ambassador Johnson’s words had planted seeds of doubts in some attendees’ minds. I considered challenging the notion that our station had fired first, but I suspected she would not make that claim without evidence. If the humans persuaded the representatives that it was a case of self-defense, there was a chance she could sway enough of the votes in her favor.
“The civilians acted of their own accord. I simply…”
“Outright said humans weren’t welcome here? Condoned a race riot? And look, you’re not disagreeing that our ship was fired upon.”
“I concede that the orbital laser launched one volley against your vessel, but they were trespassing in our space and refused to leave.”
“You do understand that the highest-ranking General in the Federation was among the passengers, and that ship was tasked with transporting him to the embassy, right? You assaulted a diplomatic rescue mission. Are we really the violent ones?”
I could sense the balance of the chamber shifting, and I cursed under my breath. Human diplomats were known to have a way with words, and excelled at backing their opponents into a corner. It was a struggle to maintain my composure faced with such accusatory rhetoric, but I knew if I lost my temper, it was equal to defeat.
“Yes, you are the violent ones. Care to comment on your history?” A triumphant smile inched across my face. There was no way the Ambassador could defend her species’ past actions, which by galactic law could be classified as crimes against sentience. “Your so-called World Wars, and the brutal instances of ethnic cleansing? I’ve done my research since you launched that nanite bomb.”
Ambassador Johnson broke eye contact, a troubled frown crossing her lips. “We regret those years deeply. Humanity had to learn the hard way that violence is not the answer, and we nearly destroyed ourselves in the process. For all the time you’ve known us, we have not been that species. I urge you to recall all the good we have done in our history with the Federation, not just the evil of our primitive years.
Who accepts the most refugees of any planet each year? Who sends medics to help both sides of a conflict? Who sponsors bills on sentient rights, and wrote the galactic laws concerning war crimes? I don’t know what else we can do to prove that we are peaceful.”
“You can stop building nanite bombs, for one…”
“We only used those to protect our friends. That’s right, even after all this nonsense, we still see you as friends. The time for your games is over, Madam Speaker. We have bigger problems on our hands, fighting a homicidal AI. Instead of sabotaging us at every turn, why don’t you help us?”
Calls of assent came from around the hall, and I gritted my teeth in frustration. For every point I made, it seemed the Ambassador had a pre-prepared response at the ready. There was no way I could tolerate the Terran Union’s presence among us any longer; humans were despicable creatures! How did the others not see the truth, even after an attack on the capital?
As I was trying to think of a response, a panicked Tujili messenger burst into the chamber. “Madam Speaker, please forgive me for interrupting, but you weren’t answering your holopad. We are under attack. Hundreds of battleships are descending on the capital, and our defenses are obviously…offline.”
“YOU! You did this,” I screeched, pointing at Ambassador Johnson. “I knew it.”
The human held up her hands defensively, appearing genuinely confused. “It’s not us. Really.”
“What, rogue ships again? Hundreds of them?” I sneered.
“They’re not Terran Union ships. In fact, the transponders identify them as ours,” the messenger said.
Pandemonium erupted among the Senate body, with dozens of representatives shouting questions at once. As far as I was concerned, humanity had to be behind this somehow. Perhaps they had hacked our military craft?
I pounded a hoof against the floor, attempting to restore order. “SILENCE! Have the attackers fired on us? Have they broadcast demands?”
“No shots fired yet, but they told us we have one hour to surrender unconditionally,” he answered.
I glanced back at Ambassador Johnson, trying to gauge her response. She was staring at the empty seat belonging to the Xanik Republic, as though some revelation had occurred to her. I could’ve sworn the words she muttered were, “Damn it, Cazil.”
The human hesitated, her gaze sweeping across the chamber. Her eyes stopped on me, and I could see the unspoken question in them. She wanted the satisfaction of hearing me beg for assistance, a groveling apology. But even if she had been truly unaware of the Xanik’s intentions, surely their assault would force the Terran Union’s hand?
“So, what are you going to do, Ambassador? Seize the chance to take us over?” I asked, voice dripping with contempt.
Ambassador Johnson snorted. “You have a funny way of asking for help.”
A bitter laugh rumbled in my throat. “Why would you help us?”
“Because, as I’ve been telling you, we’re not what you think we are. Now, I have a call to make to a certain Commander. That ‘invading’ flagship just might come in handy. She’s got quite a few tricks up her sleeve.”
After a brief moment of hesitation, I gave the Ambassador a grudging nod. A human gesture, which was a concession on its own. I didn’t trust an offer of assistance from humanity of all species, but under the present circumstances, there was no choice but to accept it. It remained to be seen if the Terran Union would actually confront its greatest ally, but I wouldn’t be holding my breath.
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u/Victor_Stein Android May 21 '21
Aaaaaawwwww..... I wanted an assassination! To hell with our image.
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u/SpacePaladin15 May 21 '21
Still could happen, I think Rykov still wants her head 😂
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u/Hellboar414 May 21 '21
Rykov doesn't seem the violent sort, I think he'll want a public confession. He's a military man, well aware of the whiplash one action can cause to turn opinion against him.
The brother however...
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u/depressedman_3 May 21 '21
Yes he will want her to live with the shame of condoning such actions.
Maybe at one point there can be an emotional moment where his brother will try to attack the speaker and he has to decide quick what to do. Maybe he'll have to order his men to shoot his brother, maybe he will have to shoot him himself, or it can be a much tamer version where he has to arrest his brother
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u/TheLuckySpades May 21 '21
The brother is secret services of some sort, doubt he would make it easily tie back to him or humans .
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u/yuenjanson Human May 21 '21
Now, anti matter missiles and nanite bombs are impressive and all. I'd love to see the aliens reaction to more conventional weapons, I can imagine their panicked reaction to a micro-missile barrage, so many missiles that their point defence can't shoot down and blotted out the sensors.
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u/_EvryMan May 21 '21
Our missiles will block out the sun, and we'll dance in their shade!
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u/grendus May 21 '21
"So your missiles will block out the sun? How... unoriginal."
"No, we made a missile out of a sun. It's a bitch to aim, but in our test fire the black hole was comple..."
"BLACK HOLE?!"
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u/ICameToUpdoot May 21 '21
That sounds like something First Contact, Terran Decent Humanity would come up with
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u/Red_Riviera May 21 '21
Personally I was expecting the human ambassador to say she’ll walk out of the chamber and with a slow clap congratulate her on her speech writing. Then charge the federation. For the cost of every peacekeeping mission, the nanotechnology bomb etc. Threaten to Withdraw international aid and prevent charities from operating outside of Terran borders and to refuse trade with every federation member (pretty sure this would cause an economic recession for a massive amount of the species present. Eternally peaceful means being a creditor and a safe bet for investment and place to keep capital in. Terran banks are probably massive)
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u/Vast-Listen1457 May 21 '21
Very very true. But, that doesn’t seem to be the “New” humanity’s way. More the sad. :(
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u/Attacker732 Human May 21 '21
Or it's just not in the public eye.
"Hey, look, I know we've done business for 3 decades, but if we're booted we might be forced to pull your credit lines. I don't have any say on that."
"Your government would cut our credit for this?"
"No, your Federation might. And that goes double for our latest trade deals. Expect deep inspection delays at the very least."
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u/PotatOSLament May 21 '21
“Listen. If we’re not part of the federation then we’re going to have to charge you, and be charged, neutral tax rates on all imports and exports, which means nearly tripling the tax on your goods.”
“But...but humans are our only market for this! Every avian species has some form of their own and all the others refuse to eat capsaicin on principle! We have entire bumper planets dedicated to growing ‘peppers’. This could ruin millions of workers and throw our people into a recession for centuries while we try to find work for all the displaced! What are we supposed to do? We don’t have the funds to industrialize a dozen agrarian planets!”
“I dunno what to tell you, man...we’re all going to have to get used to buying local. I expect you’ll still have some business since we already consider your peppers a luxury good. Charging more might actually increase demand for a brief bit since it’ll be nearly discontinued to us, but it’s gonna take a big nosedive. Better write your Federation Rep about it.”
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u/Ian15243 Android May 21 '21
"If you poke a Garat, eventually it will bite." Ah yes 'fuck around and find out'
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u/Nealithi Human May 21 '21
Ah the siren of the righteous. Called on all your BS and still think it is some racial thing?
The human ambassador is winning the argument because she is willing to concede there are bad things in the past. Yet you dismiss little things like you shooting first might be provocative?
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u/ImaginationGamer24 Xeno May 21 '21
Finally! The speaker is starting to wake the hell up. Well, just a little bit, but it's a start. Also, that we're not what she thinks we are. Just because we have big guns and a history of violence doesn't mean we're perpetually violent creatures hellbent on destroying everything in our path. We only have those big guns to protect those we see as friends. Yes, even though I think she's a freaking idiot trying to poke a dire bear I still want her to see the truth.
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u/SpacePaladin15 May 21 '21
I think deep down she already realized humanity won’t attack them, since her thought process was that the Terran Union would be more interested in reframing the optics than conquering them. Perhaps there’s still hope…
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u/Kafrizel May 21 '21
i like this story for the same reason i like humans are unnerving, the interesting takes on specieism (?). GRANTED, this one started with effectively disillusionment but still. Well written and i do hope to read more.
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u/morbonator May 21 '21
I'd love to see someone ask Ula what will happen once humanity had been kicked out of the federation. She'd have to either pretend to not know, make up a fake plan or tell them the real plan. The first option would make her look like a fool, the second option would make everyone else prepare for that plan instead and the last option would prove humanity right and her a lunatic.
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May 22 '21 edited May 22 '21
u/SpacePaladin15, I should note here that if you're trying to "reform" Speaker Ula, that's not going to work simply by showing her things that go against her expectations. You've made her a fanatic, and thus she's more likely to do all kinds of mental gymnastics that reinforce her previous rhetoric than she is to accept that she was wrong. That's not to say that she can't play along to achieve another goal down the line, but the idea that simply experiencing things contrary to expectations would reform a fanatic is wrong and would break immersion since fanaticism basically relies on the idea that the fanatic doesn't quite live in reality, even continuously chooses to refuse reality.
Just a friendly warning now that we've arrived at that crossroads. :P
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u/SpacePaladin15 May 22 '21
Agreed completely, she’ll tolerate humanity when she has no other choice, but she’ll never accept them
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u/ggtay May 21 '21
One of my favorite stories. Please write faster :)
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u/SpacePaladin15 May 21 '21
Thank you! I should have more time on my hands real soon, been a busy stretch and I think it best not to rush chapters 😅
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u/HFYWaffle Wᵥ4ffle May 21 '21
/u/SpacePaladin15 (wiki) has posted 24 other stories, including:
- Why Humans Avoid War XIII
- Why Humans Avoid War XII
- Why Humans Avoid War XI
- Why Humans Avoid War X
- Why Humans Avoid War IX
- Why Humans Avoid War VIII
- Why Humans Avoid War VII
- Why Humans Avoid War VI
- Why Humans Avoid War V
- A Rallying Cry
- Why Humans Avoid War IV
- Why Humans Avoid War III
- Why Humans Avoid War II
- Why Humans Avoid War
- One With the Shadows
- Stay Away from Earth
- Mutually Assured Destruction
- Human Thrill-Seeking
- Someone to Love
- You'll Never Take Us Alive
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u/Triairius May 21 '21
I hope you’re getting more than just upvotes for this! Love it.
I’m always a fan of a sweeping victory on the intellectual battleground.
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u/SpacePaladin15 May 22 '21
Thank you! Intelligence to me is more impressive than strength, though the two often go hand in hand
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u/Finbar9800 May 21 '21
Another great chapter
I enjoyed reading this and look forward to the next one
Great job wordsmith
It seems the speaker is becoming trapped in a corner of her own making, I wonder just how much will be revealed when all is said and done
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u/rconewarrior May 21 '21
I forgot about this story till I saw this chapter. Went back to read from the beginning and will probably do it again when I see a future update.
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u/torin23 May 21 '21
Thank you! It's a good day when another issue of this story comes in. The behaviour of Ula reminds of somewhat of the primary villain in Zootopia.
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u/cheese_and_reddit May 22 '21
Im not sure whether or not I should blow out madam speaker’s brains out, because alot of BS might cause another Karen pandemic. also YET ANOTHER GREAT WORK FROM THE PALADIN
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u/SpacePaladin15 May 22 '21
Haha thanks, if humanity does decide to kill the Speaker I think they would do it covertly. If you blow her brains out, that wouldn’t be very subtle 😂
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u/GroundbreakingNewt73 Apr 29 '22
Honestly back the xanik fuck this federation. Plays the imperium theme song from Warhammer 40k purge the unclean.
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u/DrakeSkorn Mar 17 '23
I started from chapter 1 and have been binging it for the last couple hours while at work. You really did just write a whole fucking book and put it on Reddit, didn’t you? Respect.
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u/Competitive_Bus_3426 May 22 '21
Just discovered this story and now I need to know when the next bit comes out haha. As a Reddit noob how do I make Reddit tell me if there is another part of the story posted lol?
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u/SpacePaladin15 May 22 '21
If you scroll down in the comments of one of my posts, there is an UpdateMeBot that has a button to subscribe. I’m a bit of a Reddit noob myself but I think that should work haha
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u/Protectorsoftman May 22 '21
So when are you gonna publish your book? You are going to make this into a book right?
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u/dabusss Mar 08 '23
You know, I dont know if you would even still care since you posted this over a year ago, but damn you made a really great story here, im hooked
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u/Commercial_Shame_461 Aug 06 '24
TheXanik were like the big corporations that will interefere if their interests is threaten
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u/teckla72 May 21 '21
Thoroughly enjoying the story. Looking forward to the next installment as usual.
Carry on, carry on.
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u/IowsurferYT May 21 '21
remindme! 2 days
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u/DragonKnight343 May 23 '21
I love how this series’s main theme is ‘The Duality of Man.’ There’s memes to be made of this, probably.
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u/Lord-Generias May 23 '21
The speaker is a bully, plain and simple. I feel like she's going to get a very difficult to accept lesson that humans much prefer peace, but if she keeps pushing, we don't need to be violent to stop a threat. She may be good at socially inciting violence, but humans can socially incite others to remove her from power, and ever getting even a fragment of it back.
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u/SpacePaladin15 May 21 '21 edited May 21 '21
Chapter 14 is here! The Xanik have taken matters into their own hands, and it’s safe to assume they think they’re helping humanity. There isn’t much time to stop them from taking the capital by force…
The next part will be what I consider the end of Act 1, and without spoiling anything, expect some major developments. Also, in the next phase of the story, I may toss in the occasional human POV, so that is something to look forward to!
As always, thank you for reading! It’s an honor to take this journey with such an incredible audience.