u/albadellasera

Avete il contatto di qualcuno che ripara tapparelle? Che con il caldo attuale non è il massimo averla incastrata....

This fic is a group effort between myself, u/temporary11117, u/Loud-Drama-1092 and u/NPC-3174

And credit to Spacepaladin15 for making Nature of predators.

Synopsis: if after BoE not everyone was on board with the UN plan? What if some wanted a stronger reaction?

first -previous- next -
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Mirta Novak Martínez, President of EU Commision.

Date [Standardized Human Time] October 25, 2136

The last few days have seemed an endless stream of horror, I don’t know how I haven’t yet broken apart. How my tears haven’t run out when I saw the crushed bunkers, the ruins of Barcelona, Paris and Rome, when I heard that my dear Cherith was missing. Missing. I’m desperately trying not to think what that might mean.

I wear my suit mechanically, like it was armor, trying to find my strength, the icy calm that guided and helped me for so many years, since I was a young lawyer fresh out of the Sorbonne. That memory brings me another wave of sadness, all the places that shaped me in my young years are nothing but broken bricks and dust now.

Publicly I can only condemn those who killed Meier but, deep in my soul, a part of me agrees with them, I feel only rage for how he and his acolytes brought us to disaster. From not having a basic dark forest protocol, to putting unverified information in front of the general public and asking them to take an extremely delicate decision. Something straight out of the worst populist playbook.

I quietly enter the car and as we progress on the devastated roads of NY, I study the folder that was hastily put together by various member states' intelligence agencies. The more I read the worse it gets. From the immense fleet the Arxur have in orbit to the resurgence of some of the worst criminal organizations.

“Madam, there is something else you need to know,” says one of the security officers as he passes me his tablet.

I look at the screen and frown.

“Is this verified? Is he coming to Earth?”

He nods. “We had confirmation from a solid source.”

Strugatsky. The old Lunar fox. I met him twice in the past at formal events, on the surface a nice grandfatherly figure, but beyond that you could see a wise and cunning politician. Probably the smartest person I will face in that room. Gallas is intelligent but too insecure, Jones is too busy scheming for her own ends to be really as all knowing and sly as she thinks she is, Zhao is likely on the way out, his rivals in Beijing are probably already sharpening the knives, and as for the new British PM… well, let’s just say he is not the brightest lightbulb in the ruins of Downing Street.

I walk down the corridor and enter the dimly lit Security Council room, exchange the usual boring pleasantries and dodge the usual low level jabs from Wells about my Scottish wife. Does he have a shred of sensibility?

As I repress the urge to stab him with a pen, the door opens again and there he is. The rogue governor. Like me, dressed head to toe in black. We trade a look of comprehension, suspicion and study. Game is on.

I let Gallas blab a bit about the hard times we have in front of us and the necessity of maintaining a united front, looking straight at a certain person that looks unimpressed, before I cut her off by asking about the meeting between the late Secretary-General and Chief Hunter Isif.

“Madam, I would really like to know why in our darkest hour, instead of negotiating some kind of military help, we bet on the rationality of a fanatic,” I say with icy coldness.

“And why during the battle weren’t the FTL disruptors lowered?” I hear an old voice pipe in, and out of the corner of my eye, I see him look at Jones with deep suspicion. He notices and moves the same mistrusting look onto me, I repay in kind before adding: “And why exactly did we negotiate a merely pro Venlil deal? One that they cannot hope to pay for. Let me be very clear, I have no intention of increasing rationing to help you pay for such an ill conceived endeavor.”

I see the old fox once again agree, and once again we eye each other with deep mistrust. Strange times make for strange bedfellows, I guess.

“We couldn't risk creating a stampede among our Venlil allies, who have been trusted and stable friends every single time,” inserts Jones with an icy tone.

It takes me a ton of effort to repress the instinct to visibly snort. Sure, trusted and stable. It's not like they told us a bunch of lies and are always three seconds from panic.

“So let me get this straight. In the last hours, when we had absolutely no chance of winning, you prioritized public relations over survival?” I hear the British PM say with an incredulous tone somewhere between disgust and light hysteria.

If being called idiots by the village fool doesn't make them think, they are beyond hope, I think, saddened and exhausted, but I cannot allow myself to flinch.

“And there is no other reason?” says Strugatsky. The tone is calm and neutral but I can feel the deep skepticism in the air. With the corner of my eye I notice Zhao whiten a bit. Interesting.

“And the Venlil deal? How exactly are you planning to pay? Because I really hope that you are not planning on deadbeating them. If you haven't noticed, we are essentially at Chief Hunter Isif's mercy. Our combined fleet is tattered and people are still getting pulled out of the rubble, we are in no condition to oppose them.”

“And what exactly are you proposing, Martínez, that we surrender to baby eating cannibals?” rumbles Zhao.

“I am proposing that we avoid needlessly confrontational gestures, stop making promises we cannot keep and actually learn as much as we can about all the people involved. What you should have done since the beginning.”

I cannot hide the acidity in my voice, if they weren't so high on their own supposed morals my wife wouldn't possibly be dead.

“Talking about needlessly confrontational gestures, I really want to signal my opposition to any UN attempt to stop the Arxur from attacking the planets responsible for this disaster. It would needlessly provoke a clearly stronger partner and possibly increase violence both on Earth and on the extrasolar colonies,” I hear Strugatsky say sharply.

“We are an organization created to prevent genocide and war and you want us to sit idly by while they glass multiple species,” says the Secretary-General with an outraged tone.

“You are an organization created to protect humanity. And that should be your first and foremost goal. Besides, it wouldn't be the first time you sat idly by while a genocide took place. One more wouldn't change much.”

After that Gallas, Jones, Zhao and Wells erupt all at the same time, transforming the meeting into a squabble.

I wait silently for the commotion to end. Children. The exhaustion of the last few days weighs on my shoulders. I am starting to wonder if the Lunar governors weren't correct in wanting to leave this zoo.

No, it's too late for that now. Our existence is out in the open. We must muster enough strength to prevent future attacks and find allies, because if you live next to a crazy cult, a no trespassing sign isn't enough.

I need to find a way to talk to Chief Hunter Isif… privately.

As I contemplate my options the meeting drags on in a sea of depressing statistics, from death counts to destroyed infrastructure, but I see very few concrete plans aside from using the help of our new “friends”. I must say though that the Yotul efforts have been impressive considering that they are the newest species on the galactic stage and, quite frankly, an oppressed colony. I take a mental note to reach out to them.

“We should take a break,” I hear the SecGen say. Never were words more welcome.

As my colleagues head for lunch I slip away in search of something I remember from my youth when I was an intern here. And here it is, a service door.

I walk down the dark corridor trying to remember my way and avoid the larger rooms where I might be spotted. Everything has changed a bit since those times, but I guess some things never change, I chuckle.

In front of me there is an emergency exit propped open with a bin. And the smell is unmistakable. They still go to smoke here.

I am about to giggle until a voice freezes me in my tracks.

“Are you lost, Commissar Martínez?”

¡Joder!

Jones is right behind me. That woman is a fucking vampire, that's what she is.

“I was trying to smoke a cig, you know how us Europeans are,” I answer sarcastically.

“Really? As far as I am aware you only ever smoke weed. It's a nasty habit that might… turn dangerous.”

“I am flattered by so much concern about me.”

“We all care here. Both about you and whomever you wanted to smoke with. It's important to keep good company,” she says coldly.

With a shiver down my neck I ask harshly: “What are you implying?”

She pulls out some photos, from five years ago, of me with Astrid.

“I wonder what your people would think about you and one of the leaders of the Nordic branch of HF… or your wife for that matter.”

That bitch.

As I repress the instinct to punch her in the face I smile and say with a sweet tone:

“My wife and Astrid are longtime friends, she actually introduced us. As for the public… go ahead, publish those photos. Considering how angry most Europeans are right now, you might really boost my numbers in the polls.”

I leave that incompetent scheming bitch behind as I head back toward the Security Council room, thinking about which other way I can use to reach the croc.

++++

Yuri Natanovich Strugatsky, Governor of Lunar nation Laika and President of the Russian Federation

Date [Standardized Human Time] October 25, 2136

As I enter the Chief Hunter tent, admiring the lavishly decorated swords and spears adorning it, I hear a shriek.

“WHOA! AAAHHH!”

I go through fear, perplexity, landing on something akin to tenderness as I realize that Chief Hunter Isif was on the ground with his head spinning around in circles. Upon closer inspection, the Arxur had his teeth gripping a Gojid child’s scruff.

The kid was definitely having the time of their life in the crocodilian mouth. As I watch, amused, the chief hunter then stops moving his paws and sets the child down on the floor. The Gojid giggles, bouncing on her haunches.

“Again, Siffy!! Faster this time!” she cheers.

At that, I see with amusement the Arxur growl exasperated: “My name is not Siffy. Siffy is harder to say than Isif!”

The little one reminds me of one of my nephews when he was very little, and with that thought I am once again reminded how much I miss them and the Moon.

“But Siffy is a better name. It’s super cute!”

“Cute? Why, you leaf-licking demon… take it back.”

“No! I don’t listen to you!”

“You came into my cabin, so you will listen to me. Don’t make me roar at you, Nulia!”

“Yes, roar! Roar at that human! It’ll be funny!”

The Arxur whips around, noticing my presence for the first time. As I introduce myself, something akin to recognition blinks in his eyes.

“Strugatsky? One of the rebel human governors?” Isif growls, his voice laced with surprise. “Come in, please. I… need help with the brat.”

Nulia pokes her claws against his fangs. “See, Siffy is nice, Yuewy. He looks like the bad monsters, but he rescued us. He’s not gonna eat anyone.”

“Quit sticking your grubby claws in my mouth! How would you like someone doing that to you?”

“I don’t have the snarling teeth. You do. Mawsle doesn’t care at all.”

“If Marcel is happy to be poked and prodded, that’s his business. It’s obvious he doesn’t discipline you at all.”

At that, my eyes widen as I realize who that kid is. It's the one that the late SecGen allowed to be adopted by that unruly pilot whose stunt led him to be captured and tortured, and humanity’s survival to be out in the open.

As I reach this realization, the Arxur flares his nostrils and picks Nulia up by the scruff. Then, he walks past me, returning to a bipedal stance.

Another human has limped up the stairs. He is looking around with panic in his eyes, worry creasing his scar-covered face. Panic that quickly turns into shock as he sees the Arxur carrying the Gojid. He quickly grabs her, holding her close with shaking hands.

“I’ve been looking everywhere for you! What were you thinking, wandering into an Arxur’s lodgings?! You’re lucky that… ugh, I’ll tell you later.”

He then looks at me with first confusion and then anger. He starts calling me a coward for pulling out of the UN and seeking an isolationist policy. Great, that's what I needed today: a sermon by an idiotic Westerner.

“Mr Fraser, I don't answer to random grunts, especially those whose actions are more a liability than a resource. Why don't you take better care of your daughter and let me and the Chief Hunter speak?”

“You think I am a negligent father?”

“I think that facts speak for themselves. You adopted a child on a whim and later left her with your former fiancée. And now you cannot even prevent her from going around a military camp unsupervised.”

“You seem well informed about my life.”

“I am well informed about all the former Secretary General's questionable decisions, yes,” I say with acidity. With the corner of my eye, I notice a calculating look in the Chief Hunter's eyes. I steady myself; it's not the right moment to get distracted by an idiot.

“What are you doing here anyway? Didn't you and the other traitors decide that you were too good for Earth?” says the redhead, fuming.

“Unfortunately, your heroes did such a bad job that I was recalled to serve my motherland,” I say coldly. Then I add, looking at the Chief Hunter straight in the eyes for a split second: “So now there is someone willing to take the pragmatic decisions.”

Luckily the innuendo seems to escape the idiot, but not the lizard.

“I guess your pragmatic approach would have left my daughter to die.”

The guy doesn't know when it's time to quit, does he?

I sigh internally and say carefully, “The difference between a grunt and a leader lies in the burden of responsibility. One of those responsibilities is knowing when to take the unpleasant decision, even if costly, because the other options are even more expensive. So, no, I wouldn't have left you and your comrades on the Cradle as long as you did. And I would have never authorized a second battle. Because protecting one's people is our first duty,” with the corner of my eye I notice that Isif is listening attentively. Good. “As for your personal situation, has it ever crossed your mind that the best interest of that child might be to be raised by her own people and not a wandering soldier?”

“No! Mawsle, no! I don't want to lose him!”

I smile sadly at the child while the redhead rushes to comfort her before storming out.

I sigh in relief and the Chief Hunter and I start to talk business when he puts one claw to his mouth, in the human gesture for silence. Soon after, a rushed Kumpeter bursts in without even knocking.

“Mr Strugatsky, they are waiting for you in the Security Council.”

I follow her while cursing internally. Looking at me with barely disguised irritation, she asks: “What were you doing there talking with the Nazi crocodile?”

I see that they hire them for their professionalism. Fine.

“Me? I got lost in this maze of a building and Chief Hunter Isif was kindly giving me directions to the men's room.”

I laugh internally as I see her open and close her mouth multiple times, repressing the insults she wants to throw at me.

This fic is a group effort between myself, u/temporary11117, u/Loud-Drama-1092 and u/NPC-3174

And credit to Spacepaladin15 for making Nature of predators.

Synopsis: if after BoE not everyone was on board with the UN plan? What if some wanted a stronger reaction?

first -previous- next-
+++++

Memory transcription subject: Zhao Yichen, PLA General.
Date[Standardised human time] 25th October 2136

The hum of the wheels against the road and the grind whenever they roll over a piece of some building is the only thing that I hear, as we pass by Zurulian, Human, Yotul, and Arxur digging through rubble, on the way to the headquarters. I informed Gallas that I was on my way before I left, I didn't mention what Cixin told me, and I don't plan on mentioning it during the meeting, even if I had no interest in proving Cixin wrong. The only thing that would achieve if I said anything would be more tension between the Lunar Governors and us. That isn't what Gallas wants and neither do I, logically the rest shouldn't either. I could spot the UN headquarters between the skeletons of buildings in mid repair, the morning sun cresting over, bathing it in a yellow light, after a gentle stop from my driver I step out.

The air is still carrying dust from the destruction brought by the fleet and from the current rebuilding effort's construction, and the silence of the car is replaced by the hum of machinery. I wipe my hand over my eyes after a gust blows some directly into them, and I try to get in as quickly as possible. Inside, there's still noise bleeding in from outside, but made up of people walking and talking in office level volume. The air blowing in from the vent is nice, compared to the powdered building material outside. I make my way over to where the General Assembly would be. 

Seeing two guards at the room's entrance, I pause to show my credentials before entering.

“Oh, funny you're one of the first ones.” mumbles Gallas, she looks… Not well, if I had to be honest.

“What do you mean?”

She sighs and shakes her head dismissively, “N-nothing, I might've been annoyed, but it's been hours, and I understand you thought you could get through to Cixin. Did you?”

“Yes, as in he let me speak to him, but I wasn't able to convince him, and he didn't say anything we didn't already know.”

“Real shame… Still, better than what the others managed, you can sit if you want, I know one of the members is on his way but they're still trying to resuscitate the Russian, debris… Pierced her right lung, meanwhile, her second, along with most directly below him, are confirmed dead, they're still trying to decide who should take over.” 

“So, so far the Russian Federation has no one controlling it?”

“So far, they will have an acting leader, but hopefully sooner rather than later. I've barely slept last night.”

“I can see that… You-”

“Anything we should be aware of in China?” Ask's Jones, taking a step forward closer.

‘You haven't said anything until now…’

I try to get my bearings after being interrupted without any warning or reason.

“Nothing, at least no security risk. Xenophobic sentiment has increased, that should be a given with what happened however.”

Jones nods before continuing, “I've sent you a copy of what we've compiled so far, so you are caught up.”

[Fast forwarding transcription 90 mins]

The British member enters, walking as if he were running late, before he notices the missing Russian and immediately loses the urgency in his steps. He pulls back a chair and sits, grunting as he adjusts his body before looking over at us.

“I would apologise, but the time of my arrival was completely out of my control. Since we've made Manchester the new Capital the people, of all things they've decided to worry themselves over, are asking us if more work will be put into reducing the deficit in the city. Of all the…” He pauses mumbling something before going on. “Problems we are facing, like possible extinction, they are pressing us over the wealth gap, surrounding my car so I couldn't get in. Of course I tried to explain that it wasn't a high priority, it couldn't be a high priority, emphasis on tried, I couldn't hear myself speak with the music they were blaring. Another fun thing that happened to me, my jet was tampered with apparently, no clue who it was, so that was another few hours I had to sit through while they fixed it.”

I just nod, ‘You did promise that gap would be reduced for years now, of course people will take advantage of being able to speak to you in person about it.’

“That does sound annoying.” ‘Moreso for the people.’ I can hear Jones walking away to get water from the cooler.

‘I never thought I would see her not caring to know about somebody's activities.’

He nods back, with more energy than I can pretend to have, “I know, can't imagine what it's like for you however, it's a proper shit storm with your country.” 

“I am aware.” ‘Unprofessional choice of words aside.’ “When London is rebuilt, are you-”

“Oh, no, I already know what you are going to ask, I think for the foreseeable future Manchester will be the capital.” He sighs, like as if he spilled coffee instead of thinking back on peoples destroyed homes, livelihoods, and the cultural buildings that are now gone. “There's just not enough left of old London to even really still consider it the same in my opinion. Have you heard of… I think it's the ship of Thaysis? You change some planks, replace the mast, and eventually none of the original parts remain, in my opinion that's not the same ship.”

“I think it's Theseus Wells, but I understand your sentiment.” ‘Though I doubt it will be a popular choice.’ “Have you made this public?”

“No, not yet.”

“Expect people to react poorly in that case when you do.” 

“They react poorly to everything I do, I don't care too much at this point.”

A ringing interrupts us, coming from Gallas. Fishing out her phone for a moment too long for it to go unnoticed she answers it.

‘She wasn't exaggerating about being tired.’

“Yes?” She creaks out.

I notice her eyes quiver once and after a moment more they get a bit more light in them. I am not really sure what I'm doing, trying to decipher what she's being told by her expression, realistically could be anything.

She nods slightly, and puts her phone back in her pocket.

“Latynina has passed.” She pauses. “And I've just been told that Strugatsky is the most suitable to be acting president.”

“One of the lunar cunts?” Wells asks, looking at me.

“I'd prefer if we keep this professional Wells.” The light Gallas had dies back to tired annoyance.

“My apologies.”

“But yes, he is one of the Lunar Governors.” Gallas clasps her hand on the table.

“With all due respect to Latynina, I would argue this is more favourable. I think we should inform Strugastaky of this, he will likely come to take the opportunity to have a foot on Earth and on Luna, which means he'll have come here, on his own volition.” Adds Jones

“And we arrest him?” Asks Wells

“No.”

“What?” 

“Strugatsky is very popular. An honest, fair family man with grandkids, supports workers' rights, came from a less than well off background, there would be too much opposition from the public if we arrest him. Especially from Russia, given we would be robbing them of an almost guaranteed good leader.”

“I agree with Jones, if we want Luna to be cooperative again, arresting Strugatsky is only going to antagonise them even more.” I say.

Wells’ eyes shift down to the table and his face scrunches up in confusion before looking at us. “But, he's-they've effectively betrayed us, they haven't gone through the proper procedures, they've just up and told us in the middle of a war ‘were leaving’. What they've done is illegal and we should act accordingly, there will be a similar backlash if we just ignore this. People think the UN is full of doormats as it is. Senators, Generals, anyone with authority who isn't a member, sharks like that will start to make their own decisions behind our backs if they think we are too passive to do anything about it, if they haven't already.”

“I have a good eye on things in the US and on others, what happens in the EU is the responsibility of Martìnez, who I think is very capable. Zhao, are you confident you have no sharks swimming under you?” Jones asks.

“Yes.” I say with a nod.

“...Good.” 

‘Why did it take so long for you to say that?’

Glancing over at Wells I can see him squinting, either still not agreeing with Jones or annoyed at her implication he doesn't know what's happening in the UK.

I look over back in the direction of Gallas and Jones

“And to add to your argument, what of radicals? Humanity first might get spurred on if we arrest Strugatsky, or we might unintentionally create a new radical group in Russia.”

“Agh please Zhao, they're terrorists, they are going to do what they do regardless, hence why I did not include them. And as for creating new ones, that is inevitable.”

Gallas sighs. “I think I agree with Jones on this, I want to shake hands with the Governors not keep them under my boot, allowing Strugatsky to represent Russia would be massive step towards amicability with them again, he will be sitting right here with us and we can have a civil discussion about what we can do to solve both of our grievances.”

Wells opens his mouth but shuts it, thinking for a couple of seconds before opening it again. “But… You don't know that, what if he uses this to sell equipment to Humanity First?”

“Why would he do that?” Jones asks, in a tone that was more bored than confused, despite the question.

“Because the Governors are against our involvement in this war, and HF is aswell, HF would be a perfect scapegoat for them to enact any assassinations on anyone who supports pursuing relations with the Federation.”

“That is not what Humanity First wants, not the minority that killed Meier, their goal is to convince the world to fight the Federation. How they think we can do that,  I don't know, but they do not want us to just back out of this, unlike Luna.”

“I second that, the entirety of their motive is based on not wanting anymore people to die, if anything he could help us with them.” I answer. 

“You stand with your decision?” Asks Jones, looking back at Gallas

“... Yes.”

I hear Gallas sigh out a ‘Thank god, another one’ to herself and by the time I look up to see which member has arrived she is already sitting down as far away as possible from Wells.

+++

[Memory Transcription paused]

[Loading Transcription…]

Memory transcription subject: Yuri Natanovich Strugatsky, Governor of Lunar nation Laika.

Date[Standardised human time] 25th October 2136

I pick up my phone and hit one on my speed dial, after a few beeps I hear the tone of my call being answered.

“Uh, what's happening dad? How are you doing?”

‘Now to… Put on the mask.’

“Hello! I am doing good, just checking in, how are you?”

“You know, Aria is still sleeping, Arkady has not for the whole cycle, I have no clue what to make for breakfast, but I'll figure something out as usual. Is there something you want to tell or are you just checking in?”

“No I just wanted to see how each of you are doing, with what's been happening recently I am up to my hair in meetings and I was starting to go crazy.” I chuckle.

“Mmh, I know how you feel, even with working home I feel like I'm in my old job at some points. Atleast I don't need a commute at four anymore. And about the things happening, Kit had nothing to do with what happened at the yards.”

“I would not care even if he did, I'd encourage him even.”

I hear her let out a sigh of relief, making me smile slightly, I try to hold it, maybe it can make what I am about to say more unassuming.

“Oh, I also want to let you and the little fish know that I will be on a trip, I won't be available.”
The words have difficulty exiting through my forced smile.
“Can you please-”

“W-wait, what do you mean? Where are you going?” Her tone tells me she is already worried.

‘I could lie… But that feels wrong, I mean, I am trying to lie by omission, but more than that feels much worse.’

“I'm filling in for Latynina-”

“You're going to Earth!?” She whispers loudly.

‘Please don't make this any harder than it already is.’

“I have to because I don't trust anyone else to, if anything happens it will be because of me.”

For a moment she doesn't respond.

“You always do this.”

“Do what?”

“Remember when I was nine? We were flying to New Caledonia, mother was asleep and you had the window? You saw one of the engines fall, it took a piece of the wing and another engine with it… And-” Her voice cracks. “And you said nothing, you just shut the blind and asked me if I wanted to eat.” She says with a faint laugh

“I didn't want you to worry, we landed fine-”

“But you didn't know! I read the news article a week later, the pilots themselves said we were lucky we landed some place dry! They weren't even fucking sure! If I'm going to die, I want to be thinking of all the people I love, not if I want a croissant!” At this point, she's forgotten about being quiet, She sighs “And that was only one of the times. If I didn't say anything, you wouldn't have told me where you were going, no?”

“...No.”

Again, another moment, but this one feels longer

“... I want you to say goodbye to them, but I want you to tell them everything.”

“I understand.”

I hear the phone being put down and sigh to myself.

‘I don't see the point. They're eight, they don't have the mind to ‘make peace’ with the thought of death. Neither of them have even experienced it before.’

“I have both of them here, putting you on loudspeaker.”

“Hi Deda!” I hear Arkady cheerfully say. “Morning…” Aria is more reserved, she always is.

‘No use walking around and nearby.’

“I need to go to Earth, I won't be able to see you for… I am not sure.”

“You're not sure?” Asks Arkady, I can tell in his voice he knows what I mean, I don't think he wants to believe it however.

“Well, there is a chance I might not come back, but there's that chance in alot of things, please don't torment yourselves for my sake, whenever I can I will call you.”

“Ok…” Aria manages, she's somehow quieter than before. I can hear Arkady arguing with their mother, and it grips at my heart.

“Alright, goodbye little fish.” I say softly, I hope both of them can hear me. I hang up and go to one of my closets, picking out a full black suit meant for funerals. I go to the bathroom to look in the mirror, and wash my face one last time before leaving.

Because I can only think of one in the other sub and apex but there is more maternal love. Realistically there would be more than a few similar couples.

I am even thinking about writing something myself.

Dear hissingmaw users I am here to answer all you questions from our day to day work to the current situation involving Captain Solymàr and his crew.

​

[Date: November 1158, ama inspired by my story Born a Crime].

Important: on RoyalRoad it will only be updated in a few hours because I out of town. I apologize for the inconvenience.

And sorry for keeping everyone waiting but between work and vacation I got behind schedule.

First - previous

+++

Ssak, “legal attaché” at the Arxur Collective Embassy, Earth, standardized human time October 30, 2158

“Protests keep erupting inside the Farsul and Kolshian refugee communities as videos and messages documenting widespread abuse inside the exclusion zones keep circulating on the coalition internet.

On The Cradle a group of Farsul women were attacked by members of the Thafki community allegedly taking inspiration from the so-called ‘Spoils of War'. A military unit that, according to the disputed emails circulating on the internet, has attacked hundreds in the occupied territories…”

I close the connection, as I prepare for the incoming meeting. I feel a rare hint of satisfaction, albeit a sick one, for all of this. I managed to pull it off, for once our threats weren't just empty words, for once the old human bitch had to eat some Sivkit shit.

It wasn't easy, mind you, but over the years has grown through our ranks the number of people that, like me, want a less kind approach to the SC and their human clawlickers.

So with a bit of push I managed to convince enough higher ups to respond at the attempt on the Captain's life.

The selection was incendiary enough to create trouble for them, but small prey enough to be manageable and…to leave them wondering what else we have.

Going up the stairs I am greeted by Cluedo, my counterpart at the Lerninan Embassy. He greets me with a tail wave and chuckles:

“Happy to see you mate, I see you also have been called to the headmistress's office”.

I let out a low laugh and say: “it seems we are bad hatchlings”

“Terrible joeys indeed…want to drink something afterwards?”

I nod while being almost physically pushed by the UN guards, not amused at all by our exchange. I am about to open my maw and say what I think when the marsupial beats me to it:

“Do you think this is an appropriate behavior for a diplomatic escort officer?”

“I will treat them as I see fit, sir”

“Let's see if you will have the same idea after I make a formal complaint officer…Bradley” I roar while I read his name tag.

“Like they will listen to an Arxur”

“They will with my testimony as well…you might enjoy a few years near Aafa, I hear quite a few spots are opening up” spits the Yotul.

This leads the guards to assume a marginally more professional stance. We then walk in silence as I try to hide my claws trembling in rage and humiliation.

The door finally opens and we find ourselves facing the old human woman, as always wearing sunglasses inside. After greetings that are icier than a wandering planet she goes straight into business: “So you decided to play with fire and, as your elders know, it's a deadly game”.

“I have no idea what you are alluding to, madam, but if I did I would say that in our last meeting a clear deal was made and choices have consequences”.

“Indeed they do. Aren't you afraid that your only protection might be lost if you pull the rope too much?”

Yes. That's why I do the job I do. “Are you implying that the SC hasn't moved on from Federation ideology, madam? That they will once again start burning predators to hide their scandals?” I say coldly, “if so you should be worried”.

I see Cluedo repress a chuckle, before adding: “isn't it you humans that say that sunlight is the best disinfectant?”

“So were you caring for our health when you allowed baseless propaganda to spread from your planet?”

“Lerninan citizens have a right to freedom of expression, madam, which while it might be an unfamiliar concept to you, we hold in great value considering our past”, he says coldly.

“So you are going to spread lies until you get your way?”

“If it's lies or not, that is for the courts to decide. And I thought that the UN and SC were unwavering in respect for the law. Albeit I heard some of those videos might involve Kolshian pups and some individuals your government might not be too eager to investigate”.

I see the old general's jaw clench and her next words are sharp: “You should be very careful Sir, not everyone is as understanding of your kind. It would be unfortunate if my government were to deem you a persona non grata and if some would start questioning your lawyer credentials”.

A shiver goes down my tail, but I keep steady and answer stiffly: “That's your right and, while it would be unfortunate, until then I will do my best to keep serving my people to the fullest extent. All of my people independently of their species”.

After drawing a breath: “On that account I would like to press my government's insistence for a speedy settlement of the border issue and the return of Captain Solymàr and his crew”.

“The Lerninan government would like once again to press the issue of border dispute settlement, the delay is putting into serious question the accused's rights for a fair trial”.

The old general grimaced: “As the Yotul government was clearly informed, it takes time to procure the necessary evidence to determine both ships' positions. As for the Captain and his people, they will remain safely in prison until the courts determine their destiny”. He looks straight at me while saying the latter part, and I slightly nod.

“Now if you would excuse me, I have a meeting to attend. Officer Bradley will show you the way out”. We shake paws and we leave.

It's not until we are in the Yotul embassy garden that me and Cluedo compliment each other.

“Great work there, it's always a pleasure bringing them down a notch”.

“It won't last, they like the sensation of power they have over us”.

“Indeed, because they don't stand their ground with anyone else these days. Aside from when it's time to propose terrible ideas, that is”.

“They still want to uplift that new predatory species, won't they?” I say tiredly, knowing how hard we and the Yotul worked behind the scenes to prevent it.

“Indeed they do. They are convinced they can save them from environmental collapse and avoid Federation mistakes”, he says bitterly.

“Sure, they won't die of environmental collapse if their prey friends glass them or they call the Federation remnants to do their dirty work for them”. At that moment I realize that I used the P word with him and I want to kick my tail, but he sees my discomfort and laughs away my concerns. I draw a breath.

He then looks at me more seriously and adds: “That would provoke another war, wouldn't it?”.

“Yes, we would try to protect them”. He quietly nods and says in a low voice:

“One more reason to stop this foolishness”.

After that the day progresses more casually and while we were talking about families and mates, I am hit by a thought, something I read about our human Captain, and I start laughing uncontrollably. Cluedo looks at me perplexed and worried. Between laughs I manage to explain: “If they dislike him now… wait… until… they see with whom he sleeps with”.

++++

Vresza, hidden claw soldier, Pasko [planetoid in the Arxur exclusion zone], standardized human time November 5, 2158

The smell of gun powder and leaf licker blood is deafening, it bends my focus, something I cannot afford right now. I filter the assault coming toward my nose, and there it is, faint but clear enough.

“Straight ahead, behind the bistok bushes, [one km ahead approximately], one Gojid, a Thafki and the Krakotl. The bird is wounded.” I whisper into my radio.

I hear some confirmation clicks in response, I gesture to my team so we can ambush those bastards. They wanted to come here and start shit? Let's give them our finest hospitality, I sneer.

Hunting trance is weird, if before the world is a cacophony of smells and sounds, suddenly it all goes quiet. The world gets empty, it's only you and your quarry. There is a beauty in it that prey will never experience. Well, aside from being on the wrong end of it, I chuckle.

They had burrowed in pretty well, thermal scans revealed a decent sized network of tunnels connected partially with the river. So first we collapsed the connection with the water and then flooded the tunnels with tear gas. And now they are out there running and hiding in the forest, exactly where we want them. They have no chance and deep down they know it, but that doesn't stop them from trying.

I set my eyes on the Gojid, I sneak behind him and jump, he sees me at the last second and dodges. It results in a melee, I feel his claws slashing my arms and belly, I manage to flip him, but now I have his quills in my chest, I repress the instinct of just biting his head off and press him to the ground using my mass to stop him.

Soon my squad has either killed or captured the others and they help me bind the thrashing omnivore.

“Madam, I have analyzed their devices and it was as we suspected, they planned to plant bombs in civilian areas and to stage false flag attacks on the SC fleet”, I hear one of the Yotul accompanying us say.

“The scum wanted to cause another war”, I say tiredly.

She flicks her tail in confirmation: “Also…their equipment is a bit too sophisticated for a bunch of losers with revenge fantasies”.

We exchange a look, nothing else needs to be said, I direct my squad to deliver the captives to the Yotul and to help them collect evidence. After that we destroy everything, including every trace of our passage. Because we don't exist and we cannot exist even as a rumor.

I go back to our ship, I try to compose a message to my mate for the hundredth time, but what can you really say in this situation? And after a month of forced radio silence?

A knock on the door breaks my mental rumblings. It's Pinga, the Yotul technical officer attached to our ship. Well, if there was a ship or a hush hush alliance, I chuckle.

“Fancy a drink? They had some nice Gojid wine in their burrow” she says happily.

“Why not? I guess it would help me a bit.”

She sees my saddened look and guesses what I was thinking: “If it's any comfort, me and most people I know are on your side, what happened to your mate is an insane political travesty” she says with an angry tone and puts a paw on my shoulder. “You need to be strong for yourself and for him now. And if you need anything, and I mean anything, don't be afraid to ask”. I can feel a determination in her tone that would impress a Chief Hunter of old.

We start chatting, about the mission, Leirn, our favorite Arxur and Yotul plays, her weird love for our throat metal and mine for their puppet shows. The night starts flowing away one glass at a time, the tension starts to melt, when I see a priority message. I leave Pinga for a moment and when I don't return she comes looking for me. I'm stuck in a state of shock, she almost goes to fetch the medic when I manage to mumble:

“They…they have accepted our adoption request”.

She looks at me perplexed for a long moment before asking tentatively: “You're not happy about it? I mean considering the situation…”

“No, it's that. I mean in part it is Levente's imprisonment, but that's not it. It's…it's simply impossible” I say incredulously.

“Why are you so shocked?” she asks curiously.

“Do you know who me and the other guys are?”

“From what I heard, hatchlings of old regime loyalists…or that's what was implied in our briefing at least”, she shakes her tail.

“Yeah, I guess you could describe it that way…we are the hatchlings of old Chief Hunters” I say almost fearfully, I don't want to lose her friendship even if she is a leaf licker, but Yotuls are only technically that anyway.

“And I guess not the ones dear to the current regime. Who was your parent?” she asks with a hint of curiosity.

The question I hoped she didn't ask. I draw a breath while I wait for her reaction. “Shaza”, I say simply, while preparing for a storm that doesn't come. She looks at me for a long time, she opens her maw once, then twice, then a third time, before asking:

“How are you even alive?”

“I was a young hatchling when it all happened, when I suddenly became trash. I guess they hoped that if I died of malnutrition and neglect it would have been better optics than killing a child. Also some of the former defectives had grudges that they loved lashing out on us.

I knew that with my parentage I had no chance for higher education or a decent civilian career so I enlisted. The military will take any warm body, besides there are a few officers that would low-key protect someone like me”.

She nods and I ask tentatively:

“Why are you not running away?”

“When I began this mission I accepted that I might meet someone with a complex past”. She raises her tail. “Besides, no Arxur ever called me a primitive, I know who our real enemies are.”

We stay in silence for a long moment before she asks:

“How did you two meet each other? And does he know?”

“He knows…telling him was the hardest thing I ever did. I feared I would lose him…but he just hugged me and thanked me for trusting him”.

I start crying and she puts a paw on my shoulder again.

“We met at the academy, we used to go to the same wood to stay alone with our thoughts. At a certain point we simply started talking, two lonely souls seeking comfort”.

She nods, and then something flickers in her eyes. I squint and she says:

“You know what? I think I know why you got this good news now. Someone back on Wriss wants to step on the UN’s tail. And what better way to do it than Shaza's hatchling raising a kid with a certain wayward captain?”

I hiss. “So it's all a political game?”

“Yes, but for once it works in your favor. So I would say, snatch it and run, hunter. You deserve it”.

+++

Kolian Flower Fang, inmate and member of Renewed Old Humanity First, Earth, standardized human time October 20, 2158

I find him hidden in a corner, with him there is that weird Venlil guard I saw before. He seems to be teaching her to read Arxur from a copy of the Quran. I have so many questions, but if my life taught me something it's that it's better not ask too many, besides I have a task.

He raises his head quizzically, I silently gesture to him and we squeeze tight into the cameras’ blind spot.

I hand him a folded piece of paper, and I say shyly: “Stan told me to give you this and say: ‘Congrats, it's a girl’”.

He opens it slowly and mumbles more to himself than to us:

“Drágáim, nemsokára újra veletek leszek”

[My dears, I will be with you again soon]

He then hugs me with tears in his eyes.

Important: on RoyalRoad it will only be updated in a few hours because I out of town. I apologize for the inconvenience.

And sorry for keeping everyone waiting but between work and vacation I got behind schedule.

This story is set in the nop universe as always thanks to space paladin

First - previous

CW: violence and mentions of assault.

+++

Ssak, “legal attaché” at the Arxur Collective Embassy, Earth, standardized human time October 30, 2158

“Protests keep erupting inside the Farsul and Kolshian refugee communities as videos and messages documenting widespread abuse inside the exclusion zones keep circulating on the coalition internet.

On The Cradle a group of Farsul women were attacked by members of the Thafki community allegedly taking inspiration from the so-called ‘Spoils of War'. A military unit that, according to the disputed emails circulating on the internet, has attacked hundreds in the occupied territories…”

I close the connection, as I prepare for the incoming meeting. I feel a rare hint of satisfaction, albeit a sick one, for all of this. I managed to pull it off, for once our threats weren't just empty words, for once the old human bitch had to eat some Sivkit shit.

It wasn't easy, mind you, but over the years has grown through our ranks the number of people that, like me, want a less kind approach to the SC and their human clawlickers.

So with a bit of push I managed to convince enough higher ups to respond at the attempt on the Captain's life.

The selection was incendiary enough to create trouble for them, but small prey enough to be manageable and…to leave them wondering what else we have.

Going up the stairs I am greeted by Cluedo, my counterpart at the Lerninan Embassy. He greets me with a tail wave and chuckles:

“Happy to see you mate, I see you also have been called to the headmistress's office”.

I let out a low laugh and say: “it seems we are bad hatchlings”

“Terrible joeys indeed…want to drink something afterwards?”

I nod while being almost physically pushed by the UN guards, not amused at all by our exchange. I am about to open my maw and say what I think when the marsupial beats me to it:

“Do you think this is an appropriate behavior for a diplomatic escort officer?”

“I will treat them as I see fit, sir”

“Let's see if you will have the same idea after I make a formal complaint officer…Bradley” I roar while I read his name tag.

“Like they will listen to an Arxur”

“They will with my testimony as well…you might enjoy a few years near Aafa, I hear quite a few spots are opening up” spits the Yotul.

This leads the guards to assume a marginally more professional stance. We then walk in silence as I try to hide my claws trembling in rage and humiliation.

The door finally opens and we find ourselves facing the old human woman, as always wearing sunglasses inside. After greetings that are icier than a wandering planet she goes straight into business: “So you decided to play with fire and, as your elders know, it's a deadly game”.

“I have no idea what you are alluding to, madam, but if I did I would say that in our last meeting a clear deal was made and choices have consequences”.

“Indeed they do. Aren't you afraid that your only protection might be lost if you pull the rope too much?”

Yes. That's why I do the job I do. “Are you implying that the SC hasn't moved on from Federation ideology, madam? That they will once again start burning predators to hide their scandals?” I say coldly, “if so you should be worried”.

I see Cluedo repress a chuckle, before adding: “isn't it you humans that say that sunlight is the best disinfectant?”

“So were you caring for our health when you allowed baseless propaganda to spread from your planet?”

“Lerninan citizens have a right to freedom of expression, madam, which while it might be an unfamiliar concept to you, we hold in great value considering our past”, he says coldly.

“So you are going to spread lies until you get your way?”

“If it's lies or not, that is for the courts to decide. And I thought that the UN and SC were unwavering in respect for the law. Albeit I heard some of those videos might involve Kolshian pups and some individuals your government might not be too eager to investigate”.

I see the old general's jaw clench and her next words are sharp: “You should be very careful Sir, not everyone is as understanding of your kind. It would be unfortunate if my government were to deem you a persona non grata and if some would start questioning your lawyer credentials”.

A shiver goes down my tail, but I keep steady and answer stiffly: “That's your right and, while it would be unfortunate, until then I will do my best to keep serving my people to the fullest extent. All of my people independently of their species”.

After drawing a breath: “On that account I would like to press my government's insistence for a speedy settlement of the border issue and the return of Captain Solymàr and his crew”.

“The Lerninan government would like once again to press the issue of border dispute settlement, the delay is putting into serious question the accused's rights for a fair trial”.

The old general grimaced: “As the Yotul government was clearly informed, it takes time to procure the necessary evidence to determine both ships' positions. As for the Captain and his people, they will remain safely in prison until the courts determine their destiny”. He looks straight at me while saying the latter part, and I slightly nod.

“Now if you would excuse me, I have a meeting to attend. Officer Bradley will show you the way out”. We shake paws and we leave.

It's not until we are in the Yotul embassy garden that me and Cluedo compliment each other.

“Great work there, it's always a pleasure bringing them down a notch”.

“It won't last, they like the sensation of power they have over us”.

“Indeed, because they don't stand their ground with anyone else these days. Aside from when it's time to propose terrible ideas, that is”.

“They still want to uplift that new predatory species, won't they?” I say tiredly, knowing how hard we and the Yotul worked behind the scenes to prevent it.

“Indeed they do. They are convinced they can save them from environmental collapse and avoid Federation mistakes”, he says bitterly.

“Sure, they won't die of environmental collapse if their prey friends glass them or they call the Federation remnants to do their dirty work for them”. At that moment I realize that I used the P word with him and I want to kick my tail, but he sees my discomfort and laughs away my concerns. I draw a breath.

He then looks at me more seriously and adds: “That would provoke another war, wouldn't it?”.

“Yes, we would try to protect them”. He quietly nods and says in a low voice:

“One more reason to stop this foolishness”.

After that the day progresses more casually and while we were talking about families and mates, I am hit by a thought, something I read about our human Captain, and I start laughing uncontrollably. Cluedo looks at me perplexed and worried. Between laughs I manage to explain: “If they dislike him now… wait… until… they see with whom he sleeps with”.

++++

Vresza, hidden claw soldier, Pasko [planetoid in the Arxur exclusion zone], standardized human time November 5, 2158

The smell of gun powder and leaf licker blood is deafening, it bends my focus, something I cannot afford right now. I filter the assault coming toward my nose, and there it is, faint but clear enough.

“Straight ahead, behind the bistok bushes, [one km ahead approximately], one Gojid, a Thafki and the Krakotl. The bird is wounded.” I whisper into my radio.

I hear some confirmation clicks in response, I gesture to my team so we can ambush those bastards. They wanted to come here and start shit? Let's give them our finest hospitality, I sneer.

Hunting trance is weird, if before the world is a cacophony of smells and sounds, suddenly it all goes quiet. The world gets empty, it's only you and your quarry. There is a beauty in it that prey will never experience. Well, aside from being on the wrong end of it, I chuckle.

They had burrowed in pretty well, thermal scans revealed a decent sized network of tunnels connected partially with the river. So first we collapsed the connection with the water and then flooded the tunnels with tear gas. And now they are out there running and hiding in the forest, exactly where we want them. They have no chance and deep down they know it, but that doesn't stop them from trying.

I set my eyes on the Gojid, I sneak behind him and jump, he sees me at the last second and dodges. It results in a melee, I feel his claws slashing my arms and belly, I manage to flip him, but now I have his quills in my chest, I repress the instinct of just biting his head off and press him to the ground using my mass to stop him.

Soon my squad has either killed or captured the others and they help me bind the thrashing omnivore.

“Madam, I have analyzed their devices and it was as we suspected, they planned to plant bombs in civilian areas and to stage false flag attacks on the SC fleet”, I hear one of the Yotul accompanying us say.

“The scum wanted to cause another war”, I say tiredly.

She flicks her tail in confirmation: “Also…their equipment is a bit too sophisticated for a bunch of losers with revenge fantasies”.

We exchange a look, nothing else needs to be said, I direct my squad to deliver the captives to the Yotul and to help them collect evidence. After that we destroy everything, including every trace of our passage. Because we don't exist and we cannot exist even as a rumor.

I go back to our ship, I try to compose a message to my mate for the hundredth time, but what can you really say in this situation? And after a month of forced radio silence?

A knock on the door breaks my mental rumblings. It's Pinga, the Yotul technical officer attached to our ship. Well, if there was a ship or a hush hush alliance, I chuckle.

“Fancy a drink? They had some nice Gojid wine in their burrow” she says happily.

“Why not? I guess it would help me a bit.”

She sees my saddened look and guesses what I was thinking: “If it's any comfort, me and most people I know are on your side, what happened to your mate is an insane political travesty” she says with an angry tone and puts a paw on my shoulder. “You need to be strong for yourself and for him now. And if you need anything, and I mean anything, don't be afraid to ask”. I can feel a determination in her tone that would impress a Chief Hunter of old.

We start chatting, about the mission, Leirn, our favorite Arxur and Yotul plays, her weird love for our throat metal and mine for their puppet shows. The night starts flowing away one glass at a time, the tension starts to melt, when I see a priority message. I leave Pinga for a moment and when I don't return she comes looking for me. I'm stuck in a state of shock, she almost goes to fetch the medic when I manage to mumble:

“They…they have accepted our adoption request”.

She looks at me perplexed for a long moment before asking tentatively: “You're not happy about it? I mean considering the situation…”

“No, it's that. I mean in part it is Levente's imprisonment, but that's not it. It's…it's simply impossible” I say incredulously.

“Why are you so shocked?” she asks curiously.

“Do you know who me and the other guys are?”

“From what I heard, hatchlings of old regime loyalists…or that's what was implied in our briefing at least”, she shakes her tail.

“Yeah, I guess you could describe it that way…we are the hatchlings of old Chief Hunters” I say almost fearfully, I don't want to lose her friendship even if she is a leaf licker, but Yotuls are only technically that anyway.

“And I guess not the ones dear to the current regime. Who was your parent?” she asks with a hint of curiosity.

The question I hoped she didn't ask. I draw a breath while I wait for her reaction. “Shaza”, I say simply, while preparing for a storm that doesn't come. She looks at me for a long time, she opens her maw once, then twice, then a third time, before asking:

“How are you even alive?”

“I was a young hatchling when it all happened, when I suddenly became trash. I guess they hoped that if I died of malnutrition and neglect it would have been better optics than killing a child. Also some of the former defectives had grudges that they loved lashing out on us.

I knew that with my parentage I had no chance for higher education or a decent civilian career so I enlisted. The military will take any warm body, besides there are a few officers that would low-key protect someone like me”.

She nods and I ask tentatively:

“Why are you not running away?”

“When I began this mission I accepted that I might meet someone with a complex past”. She raises her tail. “Besides, no Arxur ever called me a primitive, I know who our real enemies are.”

We stay in silence for a long moment before she asks:

“How did you two meet each other? And does he know?”

“He knows…telling him was the hardest thing I ever did. I feared I would lose him…but he just hugged me and thanked me for trusting him”.

I start crying and she puts a paw on my shoulder again.

“We met at the academy, we used to go to the same wood to stay alone with our thoughts. At a certain point we simply started talking, two lonely souls seeking comfort”.

She nods, and then something flickers in her eyes. I squint and she says:

“You know what? I think I know why you got this good news now. Someone back on Wriss wants to step on the UN’s tail. And what better way to do it than Shaza's hatchling raising a kid with a certain wayward captain?”

I hiss. “So it's all a political game?”

“Yes, but for once it works in your favor. So I would say, snatch it and run, hunter. You deserve it”.

+++

~~Kolian Flower~~ Fang, inmate and member of ~~Renewed~~ Old Humanity First, Earth, standardized human time October 20, 2158

I find him hidden in a corner, with him there is that weird Venlil guard I saw before. He seems to be teaching her to read Arxur from a copy of the Quran. I have so many questions, but if my life taught me something it's that it's better not ask too many, besides I have a task.

He raises his head quizzically, I silently gesture to him and we squeeze tight into the cameras’ blind spot.

I hand him a folded piece of paper, and I say shyly: “Stan told me to give you this and say: ‘Congrats, it's a girl’”.

He opens it slowly and mumbles more to himself than to us:

“Drágáim, nemsokára újra veletek leszek”

[My dears, I will be with you again soon]

He then hugs me with tears in his eyes.

Does anyone remembers a story in which the SC has lost the war and the surviving humans Arxur and yotul form a unified society and human becomes the generic name for member of the people?

This story is set in the nop universe as always thanks to [u/SpacePaladin15](https://www.reddit.com/user/SpacePaladin15/) for it. 

+++

Silent snow falls outside the ancient walls, as the children sit quietly and impatiently. The old man looks at them, undecided about what to tell them, what to teach them today.

He barely remembers a time in which paper, stones, and machines could tell a story, but those days are long gone, and even if they weren't, that would be too risky. Their survival lies in being as quiet as the endless night and as invisible as a snow runner.

“Uncle, can you tell us about our ancestors, why they arrived here?”

He sighs. He knew this day would come, that he would need to tame that shadestalker, but he had hoped for some more time. Alas, the Goddess wasn't merciful with him.

“Once upon a time, when the grandfather of your grandfather was a young hunter, two brave scouts decided to explore uncharted territory and reached the land of the eternal sun.”

“But the demons are there!” interrupts a child, causing all of the kids to start speaking to each other. The old man says nothing, he just waits. When silence is restored, he continues.

“The demons did not exist at the time, not yet. Or at least not as we know them. When they were there, the two young warriors forgot two lessons that you always need to keep in mind: that the most beautiful things are often the most dangerous, and that the Goddess doesn't allow imbalance. You cannot get life as a payment for death and honesty from lies.”

“But everyone knows that! How could they forget that?”

The old man now just smiles at the young girl before continuing: “Those were different times, better times. People lived without fear and enjoyed their own noise. But even so, they got scared.

They were told that there were monsters out there who rejoiced in violence and death, who fed on the blood of the young. Their spirits were filled with rage, and they promised to hunt them to the end of the skies.

The people of the sun lands were skeptical. As you know, they fear us, and to them we looked like those beasts, but they were desperate, so they took the offer.

Soon after, they made the same proposal to the masters of the silver ones, who accepted to work with them.”

The kids gasp at that, and the elder knows why. The first lesson they learn after they leave their mothers’ bellies is: “Don't let those who carry fire catch you.” He gestures for silence and explains: “In those times our ancestors were powerful hunters. They couldn't touch them, not yet. Therefore, in the years that passed, our fighters chased the blood eaters from land to land.

They were loyal to the daysiders, so they wanted to destroy with utmost fury anything that scared them. And they did. Many valiant warriors died in the quest, but in their fury and righteousness they condemned themselves.

They taught the silver ones everything they knew and, along with them, killed the monsters down to the last young, ignoring any pleas for peace and any mother asking for mercy for her little ones.

The last egg of the evil ones was finally brought back to the land of the eternal sun and smashed by the daysider beloved by one of the scouts that first reached those lands.

Years passed, and everything seemed to go well. But you cannot escape forever the price of blood, the Goddess always asks for what is due.

First, it was fear. Free from the monsters, those who had lived under their spectre started to distrust their liberators. It started slowly, with modest requests: cover your eyes, speak in peaceful tones, and only eat what grows out of the land. In those times that was possible. Other places have plants that feed you plenty, unlike here.

Then the demons started to be born from honest women, but they weren't obvious as they are today. Some only had the deformed eyes, others were killed by flesh, and a few had short breath.

People started to ask questions, but those questions were left unanswered. They were told not to trouble themselves and that it was for the best, so their friends would not tremble in front of them. And that satisfied many, some even welcomed the change, but not everyone.

And then the time of fire and ash began. Those were terrible times. The silver ones and the demons destroyed clans down to the last infant and erased most of the knowledge and beauty our ancestors possessed.

Our ancestral lands belong to them now. However, some say that some of us still hide among them.”

“I heard some warriors ran to the end of the stars, promising that one day they would return and reclaim what was lost,” says softly a little girl.

“I heard that story as well when I was your age. In all these years I haven't seen a single snow print of them, but I admit that doesn't mean much. The sky is far larger than the widest tundra, and our kind's numbers have dwindled. It will take many rotations before enough hunters are born to chase that prey. May the Goddess shine her light on you and bless you with that day.”

A breath passes. “In the dark times, the first of our clan decided to hide here in the dark. They travelled long and wide through the snow lands before finding this place. It was long abandoned. There were only faded images on the walls then, vaguely resembling daysiders, but impossibly tall and strong. They accepted this place for what it was: a gift from the Goddess in their moment of fear and need.

On that day they created our laws, laws that you all need to follow until the Goddess calls you into her warm embrace. Always protect the weak, never shine in the dark, and always walk in silence.

And so will your children and your children's children. Until our clan is ash or the demons and the silvers are called by the stars above.”

Now the elder is quiet, a quiet smile on his lips. The story is finally over. The only sound in the room is the crackle of the fire and the children's slow breaths.

This story is set in the nop universe as always thanks to [u/SpacePaladin15](https://www.reddit.com/user/SpacePaladin15/) for it. 

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Silent snow falls outside the ancient walls, as the children sit quietly and impatiently. The old man looks at them, undecided about what to tell them, what to teach them today.

He barely remembers a time in which paper, stones, and machines could tell a story, but those days are long gone, and even if they weren't, that would be too risky. Their survival lies in being as quiet as the endless night and as invisible as a snow runner.

“Uncle, can you tell us about our ancestors, why they arrived here?”

He sighs. He knew this day would come, that he would need to tame that shadestalker, but he had hoped for some more time. Alas, the Goddess wasn't merciful with him.

“Once upon a time, when the grandfather of your grandfather was a young hunter, two brave scouts decided to explore uncharted territory and reached the land of the eternal sun.”

“But the demons are there!” interrupts a child, causing all of the kids to start speaking to each other. The old man says nothing, he just waits. When silence is restored, he continues.

“The demons did not exist at the time, not yet. Or at least not as we know them. When they were there, the two young warriors forgot two lessons that you always need to keep in mind: that the most beautiful things are often the most dangerous, and that the Goddess doesn't allow imbalance. You cannot get life as a payment for death and honesty from lies.”

“But everyone knows that! How could they forget that?”

The old man now just smiles at the young girl before continuing: “Those were different times, better times. People lived without fear and enjoyed their own noise. But even so, they got scared.

They were told that there were monsters out there who rejoiced in violence and death, who fed on the blood of the young. Their spirits were filled with rage, and they promised to hunt them to the end of the skies.

The people of the sun lands were skeptical. As you know, they fear us, and to them we looked like those beasts, but they were desperate, so they took the offer.

Soon after, they made the same proposal to the masters of the silver ones, who accepted to work with them.”

The kids gasp at that, and the elder knows why. The first lesson they learn after they leave their mothers’ bellies is: “Don't let those who carry fire catch you.” He gestures for silence and explains: “In those times our ancestors were powerful hunters. They couldn't touch them, not yet. Therefore, in the years that passed, our fighters chased the blood eaters from land to land.

They were loyal to the daysiders, so they wanted to destroy with utmost fury anything that scared them. And they did. Many valiant warriors died in the quest, but in their fury and righteousness they condemned themselves.

They taught the silver ones everything they knew and, along with them, killed the monsters down to the last young, ignoring any pleas for peace and any mother asking for mercy for her little ones.

The last egg of the evil ones was finally brought back to the land of the eternal sun and smashed by the daysider beloved by one of the scouts that first reached those lands.

Years passed, and everything seemed to go well. But you cannot escape forever the price of blood, the Goddess always asks for what is due.

First, it was fear. Free from the monsters, those who had lived under their spectre started to distrust their liberators. It started slowly, with modest requests: cover your eyes, speak in peaceful tones, and only eat what grows out of the land. In those times that was possible. Other places have plants that feed you plenty, unlike here.

Then the demons started to be born from honest women, but they weren't obvious as they are today. Some only had the deformed eyes, others were consumed by flesh, and a few had short breath.

People started to ask questions, but those questions were left unanswered. They were told not to trouble themselves and that it was for the best, so their friends would not tremble in front of them. And that satisfied many, some even welcomed the change, but not everyone.

And then the time of fire and ash began. Those were terrible times. The silver ones and the demons destroyed clans down to the last infant and erased most of the knowledge and beauty our ancestors possessed.

Our ancestral lands belong to them now. However, some say that some of us still hide among them.”

“I heard some warriors ran to the end of the stars, promising that one day they would return and reclaim what was lost,” says softly a little girl.

“I heard that story as well when I was your age. In all these years I haven't seen a single snow print of them, but I admit that doesn't mean much. The sky is far larger than the widest tundra, and our kind's numbers have dwindled. It will take many rotations before enough hunters are born to chase that prey. May the Goddess shine her light on you and bless you with that day.”

A breath passes. “In the dark times, the first of our clan decided to hide here in the dark. They travelled long and wide through the snow lands before finding this place. It was long abandoned. There were only faded images on the walls then, vaguely resembling daysiders, but impossibly tall and strong. They accepted this place for what it was: a gift from the Goddess in their moment of fear and need.

On that day they created our laws, laws that you all need to follow until the Goddess calls you into her warm embrace. Always protect the weak, never shine in the dark, and always walk in silence.

And so will your children and your children's children. Until our clan is ash or the demons and the silvers are called by the stars above.”

Now the elder is quiet, a quiet smile on his lips. The story is finally over. The only sound in the room is the crackle of the fire and the children's slow breaths.