Primarch Gesh slammed his front appendages on the table and shouted, “We are dying! There is no answer to the violence of this species! Our only options are exodus or extinction!”

The previous cacophony of arguing voices fell completely silent. He took a moment to regain his composure after his outburst. Smoothing his bristled fur, he took a deep breath to calm himself.

All eyes were on him as he continued, “I apologize for my outburst. The simple fact is that the Krador have been invading our worlds and consuming entire populations. None of our species possess the ability to stop them. The purpose of this council is to discuss the construction of a fleet of ships to carry our people to new planets far outside their reach.”

The room remained silent as the truth of his words set in. Every ambassador in the room sat around the council chambers steeping in the horrible reality they faced. All save one.

Herdlord Va’roo tapped his three giant hoof-tipped fingers on the table in front of him in deep contemplation. After a few moments, he realized it was the only sound in the room. He stopped and looked up. Everyone was staring at him.

He leaned forward in his chair and looking at Gesh he said, “What if there was another option?”

Gesh was taken aback. The Broda had been by far the hardest hit species by the Krador and had begun the discussion of exodus years ago. None of the other races had listened to them until their own colonies had been attacked and they saw firsthand the savagery the insectoids promised to any they found. This was completely out of the void. He became quite curious.

Sitting up with interest he said, “Please Herdlord, speak your thoughts.”

Va’roo adjusted himself slightly in his chair and scratched his side before he began. “Many of you have heard of the invasion of Oom Three by the Krador.”

The Cheech ambassador ruffled her feathers in their expression of distress and exclaimed, “A tragedy. We all mourn the loss of our dear Broda friends.”

Va’roo tilted his head toward her in thanks and continued, “What you do not know is that the colony was not completely lost.”

A rumble of confusion rippled through the room as this new information was digested.

The representative of the Grend people spoke next, “Have the Krador changed their tactics? Are they leaving survivors behind to repopulate?”

Va’roo looked at him with large Broda eyes and said, “No. It was not the will of the Krador to stop the killing. They were destroyed.”

Total silence eclipsed the room. Each species stared in their own expressions of confusion and shock at him.

Primarch Gesh broke the silence by whispering, “H…how? Why didn’t you tell us about this sooner? The invasion of Oom three was two months ago.”

Va’roo began to explain, “We kept it a secret because we knew you would not understand. We still do not fully understand it ourselves. Please keep an open mind to what I am about to tell you.”

Va’roo stood up and started slowly walking around the room as he explained, “A little over a year ago, one of our trade captains navigated a course into the deep periphery of known space in an attempt to circumvent Krador hunting zones. He jumped into an uncharted system we now know to be called Sol. The third planet from that star is a water covered deathworld unsuitable for any civilized species. We found out later that in addition to its large temperature fluctuations and high gravity, it has a terrifying ecological system. The fauna of that world is composed of whole chains of predator species that all eat each other. These chains end in predators that nothing else eats called Apex predators.”

Whispers of disbelief and wonder filtered around the room as Va’roo continued, “Of course, the captain did not know any of this on his visit or he never would have landed.”

The Grend representative interjected, “Was it something you found there that was able to destroy the Krador?”

Va’roo looked over and him and went on, “The reason the captain visited the planet was because he was contacted by the species that lives on that world. They used primitive radio communications, and invited him to land. Upon doing so, he discovered them to be an intelligent tool making species. Their level of technological development was impressive and innovative. They have no computing crystal components on their world, yet through other means they were able to build cities, and even harness the power of the atom.”

Now it was the Cheech ambassador that spoke up, “Impressive! Clearly they must have discovered some way to survive on a world with so many predators. Did you acquire this craft from them?”

Va’roo paused in his slow walk around the room and said, “Not exactly. Please, let me continue.”

Gesh was enraptured by the story the Broda was telling and exclaimed, “Yes, go on!” looking around the room he chided the gathered delegates, “Keep silent! No more interruptions!”

Va’roo gestured in thanks to him and recounted, “As I mentioned, we had no idea of the nature of this world. We discovered very quickly that it was rich in high quality foodstuffs, so we began making regular trade runs between Earth and our colonies. Earth is the local name for Sol three.

We found them to be fair and honest traders, and their foodstuffs were quickly becoming highly sought after by the herdmothers on our worlds.

That is where I enter this particular story. I was in the past as some of you know the captain of a medium freighter. On visiting Earth to trade for foodstuffs, I was asked to take on two of its inhabitants to learn about us and the universe outside their system. Apparently I was not the first this offer was made to, and other captains had already agreed. They offered to give cargo in exchange for their passage. The deal was too good to pass so I agreed.

They were fine companions on the voyage, and other than their alarming speed they seemed to be a pleasant and intelligent but otherwise unremarkable species.

On jumping into the Raz’sa system our ship was intercepted and disabled by a Krador hunting vessel.”

An audible gasp went around the room.

Va’roo paused a moment to let the gravity or his words sink in then proceeded, “We were as good as meat. The Earth passengers on the other hand showed none of the classic fear responses to this. If I could categorize their reaction to their impending consumption I would call it, ‘Violent defiance.’

They proceeded to the galley and improvised weapons from various food preparation utensils. They then intercepted the Krador in the docking collar and killed the harvesting group. Afterward they invaded and captured the Krador vessel.

I can tell you from firsthand knowledge that the aftermath of the conflict was disturbing to behold. Never had I been exposed to such savage and terrifying acts as they unleashed on the Krador. The darkest tales from a thousand worlds could not begin to describe the ferocious violence these beings are capable of.

In the following conversations with them I learned about the nature of their world and the predators there. It was in this exchange that I discovered the most disturbing thing about their species. They did not learn how to avoid or defend themselves against these ‘apex predators’ on their world. They are the apex predators on their world.”

The room was so quiet you could hear one of the Cheech ambassador’s feathers drop. Va’roo sympathized with them. He hadn’t handled it half this well when he was presented with all this.

He pushed on, “I kept this information to myself and a handful of my crew at first. Over the remainder of the trade run I processed this information much like you are being forced to do now. Eventually I realized that these creatures, ‘Humans’ they call themselves, may be the answer to the Krador threat. My suspicions were confirmed in their reaction to the invasion of Oom Three.

When news and holo-images reached Earth of the devastation of our people it made a global impact. With no treaty obligation or reason beyond justice, the enraged Humans mobilized all the military personnel on their planet. The trade disruptions you noticed from our fleet two months ago were not localized phenomenon caused by the invasion as we said. Our entire trade network was repurposed to transporting the humans to our Oom Three colony.

The humans destroyed the majority of the Krador in a matter of hours. The planet was free of their infestation within two days.

After the rescue of Oom Three the Humans unexpectedly volunteered their soldiers for the defense of Broda planets and ships. They have been accompanying us since.

Now you understand why we didn’t tell you sooner.”

It was a long time before anyone said anything. The magnitude and implications of this information was overwhelming. The fact that a horrifyingly violent and capable species like this even existed was disturbing. To find out they may not act like all the predators the galaxy had ever known was almost beyond belief. If everything the Broda had said was true, it could mean salvation for hundreds of billions of lives.

“This is all fascinating and disturbing Herdlord. What do you propose we do?” Gesh asked.

Va’roo walked back to his chair and sat down. He looked around at the gathered leaders and said, “They have not asked for it, but they could greatly benefit from our help. The resource toll on them to send so many soldiers to Oom Three and the following distribution of their forces in our defense has taken its toll on their economy. Let us divert some resources to building up their infrastructure and technology. The cost of this sacrifice they endure for our sake, albeit willingly, is unacceptable. I am convinced that the moment they meet you, they will want to protect your ships and planets as well. It is in their nature. We must not abuse this. It is too precious a trait to harm, especially when it belongs to beings such as they are.”

Va’roo looked around at the room and took a deep breath before continuing, “Also, we need to give them full access to all our proprietary technologies.”

At this the room broke into exclamations of disbelief, denial, questions of sanity, and other less mentionable sentiments. Va’roo just sat staring ahead.

Amidst the noise Gesh sat quietly studying him. After a minute or so of berating and argument Gesh silenced the room by saying, “That is enough. Be silent now. I want to hear the Herdlord’s justification for this proposal.”

Va’roo turned his head and nodded thanks at Gesh and explained, “Compared to the Krador, none of us are fighters. Compared to the Humans, the Krador are not even fighters. We may have developed technologies that with some minor modifications could be used to defend our ships and planets against those who would harm us.”

On my ship they defeated all the Krador with two kitchen knives, two pot lids, and a soup ladle. On Oom Three we have recordings of Humans who ran out of ammunition for their weapons only to pick up antiquated farming implements and use them to devastating effect on the Krador. Their first use of splitting the atom was to build devices that caused uncontrolled catastrophic reactions that they used to destroy the cities of their enemies. They think in ways we do not. We need that if we are going to survive.”

Contemplative quiet filled the room as what Va’roo said was processed. Murmurs of discussion rumbled for a long time.

Gesh was the first to speak up. Using official language indicating a legal oath he said, “I now speak on behalf of my tribe, forest, and planet. We will commit all available resources, including proprietary technologies, to the Humans of Earth.”

Va’roo quickly rose and spoke next, “The Great Herd commits all available resources, including proprietary technologies, to our friends the Humans of Earth.”

The Cheech ambassador stood up and spread her wings out wide in a beautiful display of iridescent colors and said, “By all who dwell in cloud and sky, we will commit all available resources, including our secrets, to the Humans of Earth.”

Each of the other gathered ambassadors stood and made similar commitments. All delegates stood united behind Earth. When all official business was concluded, everyone talked excitedly amongst themselves. There was something in the air they had not felt ever since the Krador first appeared: hope.

The conversations had dwindled to a low buzz when Gesh called to Va’roo from across the room, “Herdlord, something occurs to me. Did you say humans were deployed to all your ships?”

Va’roo and the ambassador he was speaking with both turned their heads toward Gesh. “Yes, there are two on my ship. Would you like to meet one?” Va’roo offered with just a hint of something in his voice. Pride maybe? It was the moment he was looking forward to.

Gesh excitedly returned to stand in front of his seat and smoothing his fur, said, “Yes, I very much would!”

All the delegates went and stood in front of their seats nervously preening and making every effort to create a good first impression. The Cheech ambassador even spread her wings out in the magnificent way of her people.

Va’roo waited until everyone had composed themselves completely and then keyed his communicator, “Moh’ree, bring her in.”

Regally, Va’roo announced, “May I present to you Ambassador Vanessa Smith, who also holds the rank of Captain in the Space Corps Marines.”

Technically she was not an ambassador. She was a First Contact Specialist. When she discussed this error with Va’roo later he simply replied that other species, “Did not make such distinctions.”

Vanessa was filled with anxiety mixed with huge amounts of excitement. She had been chosen to represent Humanity for the first time with a room full of various species. It was such an honor! Finally, all the intensive training and study were paying off. She would remember this moment the rest of her life!

The giant double doors to the chamber opened as Moh’ree leaned her weight into them. Once they had gathered some momentum, she stepped to the side to reveal the representative from Earth.

Gesh began in official tones, “On behalf of the gathered leaders of our many peoples, I would like to welcome the…distinguished…ambas…”

His words faded out as everyone looked into the doorway. The Cheech’s wings dropped a handful of centimeters.

One of the ambassadors of the less influential races muttered, “She so smol!”

Gesh, regaining some shred of composure looked around and stammered, “F...forgive us, we thought you would be…bigger.”

At that, Va’roo could no longer contain himself. His deep laugh reverberated through the halls in the unique Broda, “Haaaaw! Haaaaw! Haaaaw!”

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Two weeks had passed since the council meeting. Va’roo and Captain Smith stood together on the bridge of the Broda ship, “Peaceful Grazing,” as it orbited Earth.

Staring straight ahead and looking at the view screen she muttered, “I still haven’t forgiven you for that little stunt you pulled with the Council. That was messed up.”

Va’roo got a little twinkle in his eye and said, “Yes, I don’t expect you have yet. It was very funny though. I think you will forgive me any moment now.”

She sent a sidelong glance at him and in a low voice said, “I doubt that very…”

She lost what she was going to say. The view screen started erupting with pale blue flashes of light. FTL jumps, hundreds of them. The space around Earth started filling up with ships from every species, and it wasn’t stopping. For the next two hours freighters full of raw materials, transports full of technicians, Zero-G construction barges, and every other kind of ship you could think of, transited into Earth space.

The galactic community was uniting to equip their champions for war.

After a few minutes of taking it in, a tear rolled down Vanessa’s cheek and she quietly said, “Big V, this is unbelievable…”

The giant Broda turned to her and said, “We all recognize the future Humanity offers. The Galaxy needs you. All of us need you. It is time you took your place among the stars.”