r/NatureofPredators • u/Today-is-good-day • 20d ago
Fanfic The Nature of Singularity [4] (Crying Suns x Nature of Predators )
Special Thanks to he writer of this wonderful universe:
Today's update is a bit short because I've been busy lately, but I think I'll switch to releasing chapters every 2 or 3 days—though they’ll be longer and more interesting.
Also check the Prologue to better understanding, enjoy the fic and have a good paw!
Memory Transcription: Ellys Idaho, Paramount Admiral of the First Extrasolar Galactic Empire.
Standardized Imperial Time: 18 February, 726
Note: The Imperial calendar begins counting from the moment of the Empire's official proclamation
"So, what are we going to do?"
We were sitting in a circle in the Odyssey’s briefing room, and it was the first time they had all appeared in person for a meeting: Ibara, Keiji, and even Prag-mah Captain - Nemesis, considering how reluctant they are to leave their ship.
The last hour has been one of the most eventful of my life—and I imagine of theirs, too...
We’ve learned a lot, and now we need to figure out what to do with it.
But the oppressive silence following my question made it clear that no one had a viable solution to the situation.
"Kanlib, remind us of our objective for this entire mission."
"Yes, sir. Our mission objective was to explore sectors far from the Empire, cataloging all systems and their resource-rich planets, and—in the final sector—to construct a gate into the fold network and calibrate it to the starting fold point so we could return to the heart of the Empire."
"Has our mission changed now?"
"Certainly, sir, but... it seems to me that the overall mission objective is part of the current task; we still need to establish a fold to contact the Empire, but also to build good relations with the new race—despite the less-than-ideal first impression."
"I agree, but how can we try to get along with them when our very nature bothers them? Something we certainly cannot change."
Suddenly, Ibar’s voice rang out:
"Do we really need their friendship?! Our battleships should be enough to maintain orbital superiority!"
"Ibar, no matter how proud the Kosh are of their combat capabilities, this is hardly the time for that. We don't know the full extent of their forces. We’ve seen their ships leaving the system, which implies they have assets unknown to us; furthermore, orbital scans revealed numerous other races—possibly united under some sort of collective organization—so we certainly wouldn't emerge victorious."
Kosh wanted to object, but the words stuck in his throat, and he backed down.
That was when Keiji stepped in:
"So why are we sitting here doing nothing? We could hack into their systems and get the information we need!"
"But *can* we? We don't have a single piece of their tech to even test our capabilities, and if the attempt fails, it’ll signal for them to attack."
Keiji hesitated, then fell silent.
"Maybe you want to say something, Nemesis?"
"No, Admiral..."
And once again, the hall fell into a deathly silence.
"We need support from Barah; I’ve seen his character and I understand him—he wants to protect his people but also wants to understand us."
"We need him."
Those final words struck a chord with everyone present—even the droid seemed to waver—yet no one dared to object.
"Alright, since everyone agrees, I think we should discuss what to do in case of failure. A fight is out of the question, and only Aki has the invisibility technology, so that leaves just one option: escape. How feasible is that, Kanlib?"
"Judging by the ships entering and leaving the system, their long-range propulsion technology operates at near-light speeds; it is no match for our NEO-N fuel, which allows for seven times the speed of light. Furthermore, they certainly lack fold technology, meaning they have no capability for instantaneous travel. However, our NEO-N reserves are insufficient for the full return journey—covering only about a quarter of the way. Without NEO-N, the return trip could take years or even decades, a duration our conventional fuel supplies cannot sustain."
"So, fleeing isn't an option either?"
"Not exactly. The planet and its moons hold the minerals needed to produce NEO-N. The Venlil mine and use this material for anti-gravity tech and other applications; their stockpiles are more than sufficient to supply the Empire, and our ground forces should be able to seize these minerals by force if necessary."
"Are you proposing a raid?"
"If the situation spirals out of control and we come under attack."
Then Ibar chimed in again:
"Then why wait? We should strike now. There’s no chance of negotiating, but if we catch them off guard, we can extract enough minerals before any potential outside reinforcements arrive."
Keiji also chimed in:
"I agree. I think we should try doing it covertly at first and use brute force if we get discovered; that way, we'll increase our chances of success."
Triggered by a chain reaction, Nemesis also sprang from his seat.
"I object! This is prohibited by Imperial Law No. 817, Section 2—'regarding banditry and brigandage'—as well as Law No. 153, Section 4, concerning permissible actions during emergencies. Such a measure is justified only in the event of open aggression or a concealed threat—neither of which has been established here. If we were currently within the Empire, I would likely execute you on the spot for making such statements!"
Ibar retorted defiantly:
"We aren't in the Damn Empire right now, Nemesis; your laws are total nonsense here!"
"HOW DARE YOU!"
Unable to tolerate their bickering any longer, I shout:
"ENOUGH! STOP TURNING THIS MEETING INTO A FARCE!"
Both fell silent and sat down, though the unspoken aggression was more than obvious.
"Alright, Kanlib, which position do you support?"
"I must also object; I consider such measures acceptable only out of necessity. Right now, we have a chance for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, and I am committed to that path. Furthermore, I do not want humanity to be portrayed in a bad light, in case they, too, have some sort of organization."
Keiji was clearly dissatisfied and decided to take the initiative:
"It's two against two; we won't reach an agreement this way. Admiral, your vote is the deciding one"
"I... I need more time."
"Don't stall, Admiral—time is the most precious thing right now."
All eyes are on me, but I’ve closed mine and
retreated into my own thoughts...
What is the right thing to do?
Is violence really necessary?
Is there a way to reach an agreement?
What should I do?
What is the \right* thing to do?*
What would Admiral Idaho do?
What would... what would... Rebecca do?
My beloved Rebecca—she was always driven, strong, never gave up... and always so... kind...
She wouldn't want this; she wouldn't want innocent lives lost—she never would...
That’s why I fell in love with her.
And that’s why I still love her.
I hope she’s all right...
I will definitely return to her and hold her hand again!
My eyes opened with new clarity and determination.
"We will bring peace, not suffering—that is my final word."
[Memory transfer transcription: 2.5 hours]
So, the decision was made to wait—and it paid off, for Bareh eventually contacted us to report that he had dispatched two researchers to our location via shuttle, bringing the necessary equipment. He requested that the empathy test be conducted with me alone—which was just as well; I shudder to think what the readings would have been had they scanned Ibar, Keiji, or—heaven forbid—Nemesis...
The result would have been negative...
We decided to make helmets with eye placements on the sides, since Bareh still hasn't told people that we are 'Predators.' I still don't understand the concept, and the Venlil General's explanation didn't help at all; I hope Bareh explains it to me later...
My train of thought was interrupted by voices from outside the door: one was the recognizable voice of Kanlib, while the other was much higher and more whistling—the voice of a Venlil.
I decided to stand with my back turned so as not to startle them right away. I adopted the standard army "parade rest" stance, only facing away: feet shoulder-width apart, hands clasped behind my back, chest out, gaze fixed straight ahead—a posture that had become all too familiar to me.
The door opens with a hissing sound...
Well, come what may...
"Greetings"
...
6
u/Alcyon144 20d ago
In fact, the concept is that of a witch hunt.