Kriegans are by definition of the Human lexicon "Dragon Elves with many redundant organs that it's a wonder if they were natural or genetically bred"
But one visit to their homeworld easily proves they evolved such necessities.
I considered their description of my race quite complimentary, that even the great Humans, the Sun Eaters, Ocean Drinkers, and War Enders could find our race so perplexing.
One thing I share with Humans is their very open way of accepting people into their fold.
Most species just trade, it took a long time and a few centuries for society to be so open to mixed species living.
Sadly a good portion of my people would rather we shy away from the Federation, that our cohabitation with other species and even interbreeding would weaken our people.
So the warlords of the exiles constantly challenge us "Fed-Bred" Kriegans to constant duels over territory.
We'd go to war and blast each other everytime but if they hit a non-Kriegan ship the entire Federation army breathes down their neck with a hand cannon aimed at their heart.
They respect us that way, Kriegans solve Kriegan problems, Humans solve Human problems.
This tale is a simple example of one of the times the "Pure-Bred" and Humans joined in on a scuffle.
It was one of our moons in the home system, a Pure-Bred Warlord wanted to claim it through a duel, but it was already ceceded a month ago after a pure only Federation Kriegan force claimed it from it's previous owner.
By Kriegan law it must be the property of it's rightful victor for at least 5 system cycles.
The Warlord was brash, freshly killed the previous warlord and demanded the land.
I was interrim mediator, the Human next to me was the Military Training Sergeant of the entire Kriegan task force.
I remember the conversation as clearly as I drink Krikalic Sludge.
The human stood silent, his veteran Kriegan Marines stood at attention.
The two Warbands were having discussion.
"It is not a proper takeover, those Fed-Breds were not a proper Kriegan force" the Pure-bred said with an insulting sneer.
I and some older Kriegans chuckle, the Human joins in, understanding how this looks like how a hatchling complains when the toy they throw away is taken by someone else.
"Far as I can tell, the previous owner before us lost fair and square, each warrior who fell did so with honor, and to keep it that way, this moon is rightfully to our clan"
Seeing that he could not shake the words of the one who currently claimed the moon, he turned to the Human.
"Ever since my race has mixed into your Federation, you've been making nothing but trouble for us, dragging us into pointless conflicts"
The Human fixed his hat that nearly blew off from his heavy breathing "Far as I can tell you, sonny, is that my boys and girls who have been fighting bigger battles than mere "reputation" have been bringing more honor to your race than you pure-breds who spend more time infighting and losing territory"
The Pure-bred rested his horns on the sides of the human's forehead, staring daggers into his face.
The Human scoffed and simply headbutted him, took off his hat before he did it too.
Struck the Pure-bred so hard in the head he literally fell on his back, which he knew is humiliating to lose a staredown against someone viewed as lesser.
The Human then looked at him "Next time you intimidate a human, remember it was one of us that knocked you on your keister, son"
The entire elder court laughed their ass off as that Pure-bred left the room in utter shame.
The Kriegans who remained congratulated the Human, who put his hat back on and fixed his moustache.
"He can disrespect me all he wants, he can't disrespect the work my boys and girls do for your clans, the Federation knows it cannot solve all your problems for you, and knows that doing that would insult your culture, your honor, your very survival.
But all I need now is an ice pack, you have very hard foreheads"
The clans all erupted into boisterous laughter, I didn't have an ice pack but I had cold alcohol bottles for him if he liked, he took one and that was the end of the conflict.
Humans are an enjoyable lot to work with, They'll learn our culture and headbutt you if you look at them funny.
I am Bortl, I am a Paravaxian, humans compare my race to a "Amazonian Ogre in Tribal Tattoos in space armor" and I am quite popular in the dating circle.
Moreso I am a noblewoman, since birth I had a silver blade in my hand and a blaster on my hip.
I was given special education in conflict as our mostly female race in terms of combat, strategy, and of course the ability to afford the best luxuries.
I had a successful career in the military, over 20 campaigns in my 200 years of service.
My mansions across the galaxy could house the most pristine blades and blasters forged by master smiths of the highest pedigree.
I could dine on rare delicacies even drink often a beverage made by humans called Root Beer.
It was another campaign, the lifestyle from mansion to barracks is easy for me, easier for my human friend Vic.
But then I was invited to his home during shoreleave, my transport back home to the Empire I served was delayed by a month, annoying bureaucracy, nothing I could do.
So I came to his home, it was...quaint, yet warm.
Unlike the cold floors and walls of my home, his simple house was warm, the house slippers that were given to me were comfortable, his small pet cat was easily charmed by me, resting it's body on my lap.
His son was amazed by my size, I enjoyed telling him stories of my campaigns, for some reason telling a small child with genuine interest, gave me more pride than comparing my feats with other warriors in those fancy balls.
The root beer he gave me from a simple cooler, tasted sweeter and more satisfying than my stasis cooled root beer I could have delivered to me in under a minute.
The food his wife cooked for me was still hot and warm, not cold after taste testers confirmed there was no poison.
The bed and blanket kept me warmer than my master crafted bed and synth-blanket of the latest tech.
The sunrays that hit me at sunrise felt more warming to my very soul than my normal morning of exercise before the morning dew recedes.
With Vic I learned that true wealth was not money, but a home you felt truly belonging too.
That month was the most fun I've had.
Some days we lazed at home, some days we went to the city, some days we worked out, some days I had to get the cat out of a tree.
A month passed and I came back home.
It felt...cold, the ivory halls, the bed, everything.
So I decided to...contact my mother.
She retired, honorable discharge, due to her heavy injuries.
I let her live with me, she was surprised.
She told me that Humans made me soft, and that it was a good thing.
She instructs me on my morning routine, we eat, we talk.
I live in a large mansion but the cold halls feel warmer now.
I understand how having a home feels like.
Then color me surprised that our high queen has decided to have um...amicable relationships with a human delegate named Machio...