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The Nature of Predators - The New Arxur (9/10)
🕑 Added 2024-09-25 11:00:08 +0000 UTCMemory Transcription Subject: Raza, Arxur Collective Operative
Date [standardized human time]: August 20, 2154
The journey back to Collective territory was devoid of issues, thanks to the Arxur truck that camouflaged us as one of theirs. There were a great deal of military vehicles cruising around, with the chaos that we’d wrought throughout Sefturna. So long as we kept Casey and Hossat out of sight, we’d blend in with any of Ilthiss’ men trying to rein in order. The bridge guards didn’t give us a second glance; their numbers were fewer than they would’ve been before our charges lit up the central pathway. The Nevok wiping out an entire camp with neurotoxins resulted in even more soldiers being recalled from the front lines. Based on the radio chatter I overheard through the truck’s audio system, they thought their province was under attack.
Tless burning, a bridge being taken and blown to bits, an entire camp dead via some chemical weapons. Ilthiss rerouted dozens of tanks to secure the province—they think we’re an army! We’re also bringing back a truck that has ears into their communications. Imagine what we’d be capable of if we set out to disrupt Betterment operations!
My first glimpse of Collective territory was through binoculars. Ilthiss’ tanks had run roughshod into border mines, and with their mounted turrets being generations behind our roaring, double-barrel cannons, they’d been outmatched by ours. Without the intended numbers to overrun our sentries, the last remaining hostiles had surrendered. A great humiliation for the insurrectionist troops; while Arxur had the concept, submission was only a path taken in the face of certain death. It was a clear-cut admission that one had been bested, and was weaker than the opposite party. That, coupled with explaining who Casey was, and how much stronger Isif’s military had been—or even that a team of four had generated such havoc against an entire province—would give us ample fuel. I was almost certain the civil war was over in all but name.
It was a great relief, to have certainty that I’d made the right decision in pursuing the Sefturna Sniper, rather than turning back to warn my people about the incoming advance. I knew they could handle whatever the backward fools threw at them, and that our Chief Hunter was as seasoned in warfare as any Arxur; how anyone could call such a proven commander weak was beyond me. Ilthiss himself was maimed to this day from a tliskis duel with Isif. What we’d proven out there was that our team could never be called incapable again, despite being defectives. I would’ve never imagined that our deeds could aid Collective forces in pushing back a wall of tanks—ripple effects that stretched beyond our intended task. There had been a fierce pride burning in my chest, as I radioed our patrols to inform them who we were.
The Chief Hunter waited for us back at his command palace, particularly intrigued after learning a Terran mercenary was behind the fantastical kills. The Nevok assassin had been keen to know what point he’d be paid at, and whether there was a bonus for bringing the target alive; Casey and Hossat had different personalities, but I thought they were made from the same cutlet. I had a grudging amount of respect for the herbivorous sociopath. We couldn’t have done this without him. Even Zefriss’ doubts, about both the weakness of prey and the predatory abilities of humans, seemed quelled. My lingering misgiving was that Isif didn’t respect me or my leadership abilities.
“Why did Hossat climb faster than Casey? Because he sniped her!” Hysran cackled.
The human gave a weary sigh. “Is that even a joke at all? I wasn’t expecting wall-running. Nevoks on Wriss: hell must’ve frozen over. Whatever you’re paying him, I promise I’m more versatile for the same money.”
“Who said that we will be paying you anything?” came the raspy question, as Isif emerged from his skeleton throne. “Take the human below, to the prison cells. Let’s see if the darkness suits her, yes?”
“Sir, I could explain what I have to offer. I’m an asset to any team. I can be useful!”
“Yes, you will be useful. Down there, reminding the other mercenaries not to pick the wrong side.”
Hossat waited until the primate was hauled away, before perking his ears intently. “Chief Hunter, what of the mercenaries that did pick your side? I endured a great deal of suffering and took many risks to bring the Terran here. She was an unforeseen complication. That’s without mentioning that we took every possible opportunity along the way to deal with the enemy.”
“Your exploits have reached my ears. I am also aware that Raza and Zefriss were none too pleased by your addition to their team. Before I determine what rewards to mete out, I should be curious to hear what they have to say of your contributions.”
“The Nevok did not slow us down. His strategies were sounder than I would’ve expected: more courageous than a flighty creature should be. In fact, he…” Zefriss narrowed his eyes with reluctance, lashing the tail that had mostly healed from its gunshot wound. “…impressed me. Unlike Hysran’s jokes.”
“That’s a surprising change of heart from you. As for what I think…” I turned my pupils toward the Nevok for a long moment; his purposeful humiliation of me in front of Isif was still fresh in mind. I would never like the prey sophont. Yet I asked myself, what would a leader do, when served an opportunity for pettiness? “We couldn’t have done the mission without Hossat, sir. His skillset was the key factor in allowing us to instill so much chaos within the province. His ingenuity merits praise. He is the one who stopped the Sefturna Sniper’s escape, where we couldn’t have.”
Hossat pinned his ears back with surprise. “Yes, that’s correct. I’m worth keeping in your employment, Chief Hunter.”
“He’s halfway decent. Don’t send him to share a cell with Casey yet,” Hysran snickered.
“Very well. I am glad that you have learned to work together, yes? You each shall receive two times the standard pay, and a discretionary bonus on top of that for the magnitude of what you’ve accomplished. It will be nice to have this team available in the future.”
More time road tripping with Hossat. I can’t deny his efficacy, but I’m not looking forward to dealing with his winning personality on every mission. My authority will always be eroded with him around.
The Nevok cleared his throat. “If I may, I’m always happy to take solo missions. My best work is alone.”
“I have taken that under advisement, though I do not intend to heed your wish at this time,” Isif growled. “Zefriss, Hossat, and Hysran, you are dismissed. Raza, might we have a word in private?”
“I’d like that, Chief Hunter. I was hoping for some explanations about how we left things off.”
My teammates slunk out of the throne room where this mission had started, with Hossat going his own way. Zefriss acted like he was ignoring Hysran, yet there he was, still walking alongside her and showing his irritation at regular intervals—despite being off the clock. The snarky male could’ve had his solitude if he actually minded her comedy routines; I was onto him. That was what made our unit the best of the best: that we cared for each other. Despite Hossat’s contributions in the field, the Nevok would never bring that most important factor to the table. Why had the Chief Hunter not respected his defective squad? There was a sacred trust that had been broken, as I thought we were special to him.
Does Isif not believe that I can be more than a simple squad leader? Maybe it was my arrogance that had me thinking that he was honing my skills for statesmanship, and saw me as a potential successor for Kaisal’s role. I didn’t think I was a tool.
“Sir, I didn’t feel respected by you in the slightest. It didn’t seem like it mattered at all how we felt, or what we wished for,” I remarked. “We’ve done everything you asked and been loyal to the Collective; you had our gratitude for saving our lives. Why punish us after our success? I thought you might’ve…rewarded my leadership, but I guess I never had any potential to you.”
The Chief Hunter offered a sharp hiss. “Raza, I placed Hossat on your team as a test to see if you could handle more diplomatic tasks.”
“What?! You think he’s a shining example of a Nevok?”
“That’s not the point. If you are to represent the Collective to the rest of the galaxy, you will have to take orders you may not wish to, so that peace can be maintained. You must also bear great insults and rudeness—as the prey species will spit in your face and hold your life with just as little value as that sociopath. They will want nothing to do with you, yet you must be unflinching and unphased, yes?”
I blinked in surprise. “Sir? You mean this was all…what? A way to see if I could keep my cool, in the face of adversity?”
“Hrrr, yes. You are a good leader, Raza, and can be quite clever. I appreciate your more sentimental side, but some of your emotions can be a hindrance to your judgment. You have a temper, and I must trust that a diplomat will not further our sordid reputation. I had to see, would your anger and personal feelings inhibit you from completing the mission?”
“It did not, Your Victoriousness. I’d say we did exceedingly well.”
“Better than I could’ve hoped, it is so. It will not be easy to make the prey accept us, but we do have some tools in our hunting satchel now. Casey Brenner in our custody, Hossat making a living among the Arxur: and you had a paw in all of this. You sought a reward, Raza, so here it is. Do you wish to be placed into a diplomatic occupation?”
“I would, sir!” I exclaimed, elation bubbling in my chest. Exploring new places and meeting properly social aliens sounded like a treat. This was what I had always dreamed of, yet it would mean that I’d be parted from my friends. “But…what about my team?”
“I was going to put Zefriss in charge. He always questions you, yes? If he has his own plans, let him try them out. While I don’t trust Hossat, he’ll be a good strategist to counterbalance Zefriss; the Nevok has clever ideas as well.”
“And Hysran?”
“What of her? Someone on that team must not be dour. She works well with Zefriss and will advise him when it matters. They’ll all be fine, and you can still visit them. It won’t be that far between here and the human embassy.”
Human embassy? I’m getting paired with the social predators, who might actually be friendly toward us? That’s perfect! I always was interested in their species, and Casey excluded, I’d love to be more like them. They run the galaxy: that’s as important of an assignment as I’ll get from Isif!
“The humans? You mean it, sir?” I asked, shock radiating through my voice.
Isif lashed his tail. “I do. We need a proper emissary to send to their embassy, and remain in regular contact with them. You’ll be making regular trips to visit, including for your initial meeting with Ambassador Flynn tomorrow; he’s supposed to be a rather ‘predatory’ human, to impress us. Hunting, special forces training, some killing spree during the war. Do not let this fool you, he is as soft and sociable as any of them.”
“Zefriss warned me. This Terran sounds rather curious to me; I’m sure he has interesting stories to tell. And I, for one, think it’s refreshing to have a person who can embrace predatory pastimes while still caring for others. Both personality aspects can be true.”
“Especially for a pack species. They do not believe in defectiveness or infirmity in emotions. In this, we could afford to learn from them. And we definitely wish to be on Earth’s good side, correct, Ambassador Raza?”
I ducked my head. “Absolutely! I won’t let you down. I’ll do everything I can to improve our relations with Earth, and I’ll be ready tomorrow; you can count on me!”
“This I believe. Why don’t you go and tell your friends the good news? I suspect they’ll be happy for you—and this way, Hysran will have a day to come up with ambassador jokes.”
“Do we want to give her time for that?” I groaned.
“Let her have a little fun. She has a point; we Arxur could afford to practice the concept a bit more.”
“I agree, sir. Thank you so much for this wonderful, delightful chance!”
“You’re welcome, Raza. In many ways, I consider you as my own child. We may not always share the exact same vision, but I do hope that you succeed in all of your dreams. And I will always be proud of you.”
“That means the world to me. I’ve learned everything from you. Everything.”
The Chief Hunter lashed his tail in acknowledgment, before giving a wave of his grizzled snout that encouraged me to leave. My mind buzzed with thoughts of what my new life as an emissary would be like; this was a budding career field, Arxur engaging in diplomacy with aliens! Much like Ambassador Flynn had converted his special ops training into a diplomatic career, I was going to take my knowledge as an operative into our interplanetary relations. We might have a lot in common, and I could see what a social civilization was like up-close-and personal. It was strange to be parting ways from my friends, yet I had faith that they would find success in my absence. We’d still spend time together at the palace.
I had a great deal of newfound hope for the future, on the personal and the macroscopic levels. The mission to capture the Sefturna Sniper, and the unwanted addition to our team, had been Isif’s final test before giving me the promotion I always wanted. After hearing his rationale, I could understand that Hossat was preparation for the unpleasantness I might face when interacting with the Sapient Coalition. No amount of hostility was going to deter me from reaching out on behalf of my government. The new, reformed Arxur were going to find acceptance in the galaxy one day, and I was overjoyed to be playing an instrumental part in shaping that future.
A/N - Part 9! Raza’s team disrupted Sefturna enough that it affected the course of the tank invasion, as Ilthiss recalled troops thinking he was under attack…and suffered a humiliating defeat that has ended the war in all but name, especially with the new propaganda victories. Casey gets thrown in a deep, dark hole, and to Hossat’s surprise, he gets a nod from his Arxur teammates. The operatives learning to work with our Nevok assassin pleases Isif, who tells Raza this was a test to see if she was ready to take a diplomatic role. Our narrator is appointed as a liaison to the human embassy.
What do you think about Raza’s growth as a leader, deciding to commend Hossat? Will she be a good diplomat, and did she earn that promotion in her eyes? How do you feel about Isif’s given reasons for why the test with the Nevok was necessary, as well as his fatherly sentiments toward our narrator? How will Zefriss fare as the squad’s new leader?
As always, thank you for reading and supporting! The main chapter might be delayed to Friday, due to hurricane conditions/potential loss of internet. I’m afraid it’s not ready to preload yet and I’d rather ensure it’s polished and finished than meet Thursday at all costs. My apologies for any inconvenience caused if it’s moved to Friday!
Comments
Aured
Wonderful chapter
kabhes
The best place to ask such things is on the subreddit.
Guardian
Ahh man, I hope his Space Guard buddy's doing okay. Nice callback though, even if I too needed a contextual refresh.
Guardian
You take care of yourself man. Stay as safe as you can. I'd rather have a quick update telling us you're okay but without enough bandwidth to upload.
fastinn
thank you
Jonathan Cardoso Mota
Exchange program there's just And and Artist, which is a bit awkward because the writer is really new. There's Adventure and Adversity but has more of a mixed cast with two tilfish in it. If you just tilfish content there's some set in the sillis arx that are real action packed series and do involved a decent deal of the cultural clash too, Occupational Hazard and Trails of our Hathred.
un_pogaz
@EliasArt2Life Good point, I hadn't considered from this angle that the Axrur are “naive” about the atrocities they committed. It makes me think of Japan, which unlike Germany, still doesn't recognize the atrocities their committed during that period. But it's a problem that can be solved if we take the Arxur on a corner and start explaining strongly what their've done. The real problem that blocking all political advances, including Arxur introspection, is that the “Preys” categorically refuse to acknowledge that Arxur could change, even in a century's time. They're even upset that the UN hasn't authorized them a glassed Wriss, even today. Worse, they threw all their racism and prejudice at a totally different and new species. And it's all the fault of mankind, which has decided to play the compromise card to the hilt, even if it means changing almost nothing.
Roscuro
Man, I'm so bad with names. Didn't realize Ilthiss was the loser Siffy stabbed in the knee to get him to turn on the dominion. Also didn't remember Cedrics name until someone else in the comments pointed out who he was. Just learning what Mallin is up to would be wonderful. Love that little goober.
Sci-fi reader
Explains the "killing spree".
Space Paladin
I’m not familiar with any, though there’s all sorts of content in the fandom: I’m sure it does exist somewhere! I can recommend a super old one shot I wrote about Virnt meeting a human entomologist https://www.patreon.com/posts/nature-of-one-5-80524647
Space Paladin
Just an update, tomorrow’s main chapter is ready and has been queued. I was able to finish up with it before it got too late, and too nasty around here 😅 Hope you enjoy! I’ll give an update on upcoming content soon
EliasArt2Life
Despite my reservations about tests of character, I do appreciate how Isif has learned from his own experiences. He was heckled and insulted by the SC, and almost stormed off in anger. He’s always had difficulty not lashing out or snapping back when others treated him poorly. Now, we see that he’s making sure that Raza CAN keep her head when angry or being demeaned. I’d like to see a day when she ends up outdoing Isif, remaining calm when insulted, and keeping up professionalism. “In fact, he […] …impressed me.” I think that’s one of the best wins for Isif in this miniseries; Zefriss acts the most like a traditional Arxur, with his “defectiveness” being physical, rather than mental. If he can be impressed by an herbivorous alien, that shows the potential in all Arxur to learn to do the same. Well, we have one more chapter to go. Are we going to get Raza’s first day on her new job, or are we getting a chapter dedicated to her farewell. Or maybe a significant amount of each.
Gumcel
“Especially for a pack species. They do not believe in defectiveness or infirmity in emotions.” Lol. Lmao, even.
REDemon14
He is the human PoV from "The Sacrifice" another side story. The one with the Yulpa wanting to Sacrifice him.
Greg Gougeon
Refresh my memory of who Flynn is?
Sci-fi reader
Yes. I like my airliners to keep their doors attached during flight. Incidentally, I was on a Boeing that turned around mid flight.
EliasArt2Life
Because the Arxur’s who saved our species were doing so thinking that we would join them to genocide the Federation (not counting Isif, who understood us by that point). Because they embraced a very WWII Nazi-like belief system and enforced it for half a millennia (and the Kolshians did not directly influence that. They did that to themselves. The Kolshians merely created an environment that allowed them to perpetuate that culture). Because the Arxur see our friends and allies as lesser beings, barely more than animals. Because their treatment of other species was a prime factor why so many species didn’t trust us in the first place (remember, the Kolshians were having trouble keeping up the predator paranoia before the Arxur came along), which is WHY we needed their help in the first place. Because they don’t understand why the atrocities they committed were so bad, and expect the species they literally turned into cattle to forgive them and not hold it against them after a mere 20 years (compared to their 500 year long terrorism). And finally, because details about the Arxur aid is, while not suppressed, probably not brought up as much since aliens get offended when we say anything slightly positive about the Arxur. Not saying I hate the Arxur; I find their species to be pitiable, but with the potential to become better. However, not everyone thinks the way I do, and the people who still hate the Arxur have good reason to do so.
jetpacksuperman
Return of ballin mallin when
REDemon14
For the first time in the story, I don't get the sniper joke Hysran made... Zefriss may act like he doesn't like her jokes, but we're onto him :3 Never underestimate how small actions can change the tides of war. Casey thought she was gonna get off easy. NAH, to the brig with you XD Siffy is right about Raza's short comings, especially when it comes to her pride. I like how he explained why he did what he did. Many prey species are gonna look at her like a child-eating monster and there will be times where she can't do anything about. If she can handle a literal sociopath (Hossat), she can likely handle a social diplomat. (To be fair though, diplomacy on the battlefield is different compared to an office, I'd image. Idk, I'm not a diplomat) Raza moving on up! She can now be social with a social people :D Flynn? THAT Flynn? Hey, glad to see he's doing well. Wonder how Mallin is doing. If only Zefriss knew of what that man went through. Speaking of; with him being the new leader of the squad, he's now probably gonna have someone questioning all his discussions and be like "Is that what I was like with Raza?" Good luck, Ambassador Raza. We'll be watching your career with great interest. Stay safe from the hurricane, SP. Don't do anything dangerous for the funny
Stueymon
How can any human hate an Arxur?! They saved our species!
Logos
Unrelated to this post, but not really sure where else to ask. Is there any good fanfiction about a tilfish exchange program? I was randomly reminded of a character saying it'd be wise to approach entomologists first, people who already lack an aversion to bugs, and I'm really interested in reading about how something like that would go down but I'm not talented enough to write it myself.
PhycoKrusk
I don't see toppling. In part because that isn't really Raza's style. I'm sure she would prefer, and it would overall be much better, if the transfer of power from Kaisal to her was both peaceful and procedural, i.e. the People voted, and they prefer a more tempered approach to the galaxy going forward. Surely, they'd still maintain their military, but it would be more of a Big Stick style of diplomacy; Raza carries that big stick, yes, but it's more so that other parties will try the peaceful road instead of getting ambitious ideas.
PhycoKrusk
The way things are going, Boeing isn't going to last that long. Also, it seems more likely that rather than a merger with Hyundai, it would be with KAI, seeing as how Daewoo is gone and Hyundai and Samsung both divested their aerospace divisions in order to create KAI. If Hyundai is involved with Boeing at all by 2160, it's because Boeing was acquired by HD Hyundai (which likely also acquired KAI by that point).
Mutedmirth
Oh even better!
DDDragoni
DAD ISIF!!!!!
Shajenko
It's not over quite yet! This is 9 of 10.
erickjosemolina
Solo espero que esos humanos no la traten feo
DreamEnvoy
Hossat being a test of diplomacy was fairly obvious. While Raza did struggle to get along with him, I'm glad she passes in the end. If she's still in a diplomatic role, I would love to see her in the main story. Don't worry about a possible delay. It adds further time to brush it up a bit. You just be safe out there!
Swan
He's the main character in "the sacrifice" (The former navy seal who got kidnapped by the Yulpa)
Vincent
Foreign fighting laws are interesting. It's weird that many countries will just allow their citizens to fly to another country and just start killing. Provided they are allowed to by the local government. Casey has messed up. Depending on where she's from she's committed some pretty serious crimes by fighting against instead of for Isif.
Sci-fi reader
Want more stories on Ambassador Raza's adventures and that of her former squad. Will both mercs show up in NOP2, perhaps as arms merchants? One for Hyundai Boeing, the other for Airbus Mitsubishi?
Mutedmirth
Wonderful conclusion!
DemonVee
Stay safe SP. I imagine we'll be seeing Raza in some following chapter when they are finally allowed to have a seat with the rest of the diplomats.
DemonVee
It depends on the successes of Raza, if she can make the Galaxy come around she would be the ideal leader for the next generation, one where they can interact with the rest of the orion arm.
fastinn
who is Cedrick? i cant remember
Logos
I hope the next couple of side stories revolve around the embassies of Humans and perhaps even Yotul on Wriss. Looking forward to the last update on this story as well; I wonder what Flynn's like and if we've seen him before.
un_pogaz
If Raza would make a good ambassador, I'm afraid she won't have the same popularity and support as Kaisal, especially towards those who have known the Dominion. Kaisal is much more the embodiment of a generation angry at having been locked up, aware of their faults but rightly demanding freedom taken away and respect never given. So Kaisal is a far more representative leader of the Collective than the optimistic young Raza. They are complementary, in the same way as the duo Tassi/Naltor.
TheBlack2007
So… Raza toppling Kaisal when?
un_pogaz
>“Yes, you will be useful. Down there, reminding the other mercenaries not to pick the wrong side.” Good Isif. That's exactly what she needed to do, exploit her knowledge but not risk the slightest freedom of action, since she'd already proved unreliable by being easily bought. Nice guess for the ones who say that Hossat was a test for Raza. Personally, I find the success mitigated, but it's because that was an extreme case: Hossat was imposed within her inner circle, so hostility on her part was to be expected. But as an volunteer ambassador, and so interact with foreigners, I'm sure she's more than capable of holding her own. Also, it was very touching to see Isif admit that he considers Rara his daughter.
Anthony Mears
just barely passed but passed as well as any auxur could
Heroman3003
Aaaaaa! Razambassador! Isif being a fatherly figure! Both Raza and Zefriss endorsing and accepting Hossat! The rebellion crushed! Honestly, it was clear he was testing her ability to cooperate with people who may not want to cooperate back, and she only just barely passed it... But she did. And now she gets the job of her dreams, eeeeee! Zefriss and Hossat sharing Raza's responsibility basically will be interesting to see. Very curious to see what the final chapter will feature~ Also stay safe out there in the hurricane. It's fine if chapter's delayed a bit if it means it's fully polished up, I am excited for it nevertheless!
Yonael Blackwood
Mah boy Cedric!?!?!?!
Ron1990
First?
