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The Nature of Predators 2-41
🕑 Added 2024-05-27 11:00:08 +0000 UTCMemory Transcription Subject: Tassi, Bissem Alien Liaison
Date [standardized human time]: July 27, 2160
The Sivkit fleet accompanying me on my journey back to Ivrana didn’t prove talkative. I became lonely enough that Loxsel’s check-ins were the highlight of my day, with his flamboyance and wild theories. He was more entertaining than remotely calling in to Sapient Coalition meetings, as they tracked the progress of the war; news of Tinsas’ presumed locale gave way to wild potential theories. I thought someone should suggest to the Grand Herd that they might be fighting their own people: Sivkits who had outlasted the Federation. Regardless, the humans were placing walls of disruptors to slow the attack fleet down, and considered the Kolshians, Farsul, and Krakotl to be likely targets. Each day of new sensor data seemed to align with that notion, making it evident that this attack was pointed at the Federation.
The perceived opposition to Fed dogma made the matter of the Osirs’ annihilation even stranger, since it occurred well after the conspiracy ventured past Sivkit and Paltan borders. Perhaps the Tinsas-dwellers clung to the idea that predators were evil, while faulting the Federation for their homeworld’s devastation and the relocation of their species at the same time. The ideas weren’t mutually-exclusive; this could also answer the question of who had backed the ghost exterminators, with every possible lead drying up. Zalk and the Tseia had been growing restless, so I floated that theory in the hopes it’d settle their feathers. The Nomads were getting their tails kicked in back on Ivrana, as the other Bissem powers caught up technologically. The gifted Arxur ships had changed the tide.
Lassmin has stayed neutral, though I’m not sure if Naltor still wants us to get called on for assistance and wrangle something out of the Nomads. We’re prepping Nelmin for the Sivkit refugees, since they’ll need somewhere to start a settlement.
I fiddled with a notes application on my holopad, as Loxsel called for his daily check-in. Somewhere among his accusations and scraping tally marks on the wall behind him, of the days since the Grand Herd was “tyrannized,” I could try to acquire useful information. There was a shortage of data on what they needed to survive and maintain their culture, as well as how they structured their cities. Once the wandering herbivores noticed how pleasant their accommodations were, I was hopeful we could become friends. This was technically one more party that had opened diplomatic relations with Bissemkind; we just needed to finesse them into something more dignified. Trying to form some personal connection with their ambassador would be a good start.
“Good morning,” I greeted the Sivkit.
Loxsel’s eyes turned manic. “There are no good mornings, not anymore! Perchance the edacious simians WOULD have freed Tinsas, but now, they truly rest on their haunches. Our fate lies betwixt two predators, and I had to select our executioner. Alack, it is a sad day. A hopeless, atramentous day!”
“I don’t think it’s hopeless. Your people will be away from the front lines of the war, in a brand new land. I know you like to wander, so perhaps you’ll find a kindred spirit in the Tseia. They’re nomadic as well, with seasonal settlements. Would Sivkits be interested in something similar? We could seek the Nomads’ input.”
“We vacate our commorancy not on celestial whims, like befouled beasts of the earth, but to slake our palates on the resources of the land. Until we can have Tinsas, the planet whence Sivkits derived our origin, we’ll devour any pastures we descry! There must be no repose!”
“Loxsel, I believe you’re…smarter than me,” I offered diplomatically. “Could you try to use simpler words, for a primitive like myself?”
The Sivkit’s ears pinned back with irritation. “You aren’t that primigenial…and I like my words! Have you not muzzled us hapless prey creatures enough?”
“I like your words too. I just don’t understand them, because like you said, I lack…erudition. I’m uncultured, right?”
“Fie, you are impossible to conversate with! Are any Bissems literate?!”
“I guess not.” This is a chance to bond over something he says he likes. “Maybe you can teach me, Loxsel?”
The Sivkit ambassador’s tail slowly lowered from where it was raised with rage. “Hmph. I’ll think about it. I do have my plays…peradventure you could learn something. Though tragedies might give you ideas about novel suffering.”
“You’re a playwright? I mean, that’s awesome; I’d love to see them!”
“I haven’t let anyone read my plays.”
“Why not? You have a fine control of language; I’m sure they’d hold up well to your contemporaries.”
“My endings are predator-diseased, Tassi. Killing characters—they say it’s a violent fantasy. All I do is make my fictional creations rue the day they were born! If the audience feels melancholy, then I feel jubilation!”
“Perhaps…” I hesitated, not sure if this was a proper suggestion for the Sivkit. “Perhaps you’d find better audiences with us predators.”
Loxsel’s eyes lit up, fitful excitement shining from inside. “Of course! It’s obvious; flesh-eaters love suffering! Maybe I could be entertainment cattle, making the humans growl and cackle at the demise of my characters. The soldiers, here at the base. That’s brilliant! I bid you adieu, reaver of fish!”
The Sivkit hung up without expending another second on the call, concerns about the state of the refugees thrown aside. Amusement flickered in my mind, as I weighed how the ambassador might go about being “entertainment cattle.” The humans on that Paltan-Terran base weren’t ready for what was about to hit them. I was a bit curious just how tragic Loxsel’s endings were, if they were the root of most of his predator disease accusations. Literature was never my field, but alien media was the exception; I’d love to devour anything created from another culture, and it might give me small insights into Sivkit customs. Engaging with the material and providing thoughtful feedback might spark some personal connections with the dramatic herbivore.
What is Loxsel going to do if the people that attacked him were Sivkits? Someone will have to raise that topic with the Grand Herd, especially since they want to purge the “intruders” and reclaim Tinsas. It’s a shame the enemy won’t communicate with us; the SC needs to get creative.
My eyes drifted over to a timekeeping device, sighing as I saw there were still a few hours to kill before the day’s SC proceedings. The Osirs’ day of rebirth ticked closer, with their gestational period under way. I wondered how the humans would go about finding homes for them; that was another item that we could volunteer for. As carnivores ourselves, Bissems were more qualified to raise a “predatory” species than Federation-tampered herbivores. Beyond the political benefits, I believed it was a noble purpose—bringing a slaughtered race back from extinction. If it was my kind that had been annihilated for our diet, I would want someone to care enough to do the same. It almost was Bissems, wiped out by ghost exterminators.
“Bissem diplomatic vessel, this is the patrol vessel UNS Audacity. Please acknowledge,” a hail buzzed over the speaker, jolting me from my thoughts. A dot flashed onto the sensors, following an intercept course.
Finally. Sane, receptive company to talk to. I could definitely afford to exchange a few pleasantries with humans; let’s hope they’re chatty and let a few cultural fun facts slip.
I leaned over the microphone, accepting the transmission. “UNS Audacity, this is Doctor Tassi. I’m escorting Sivkit refugees back to Ivrana for their safety. My travel plan should’ve been relayed ahead; any deviations aren’t intentional. Is there something I can help you with?”
“We have a sensitive matter we would like to discuss in-person, away from prying ears. Requesting permission to board your vessel,” came the reply. “It’s in Ivrana’s best interests to hear what we have to say. We’d prefer to talk to you, without your generals around.”
“I don’t have the authority to make decisions for my government or about military policy, but I’m happy to talk with our allies. I always have time to cultivate friendship between humans and Bissems.”
“That’s greatly appreciated. Please, just drop into real space for a moment at these coordinates; you can continue along your FTL flight path after that. We’ve become skilled at quick boardings, so it won’t be much of an inconvenience.”
“It’s not a concern. I’ll welcome humanity’s visitors at the specified location with gladness.”
My flippers input the forwarded coordinates to transition to realspace, though I was puzzled by what “sensitive matters” they wished to tackle outside of Naltor and Zalk’s view. I wondered whether I should relay a message back to the Bissem military officers; my chief loyalty was to Ivrana and her people, and I didn’t want to circumvent their authority. What gave me pause was that the Terrans might be looking for a less heavy-handed approach than that duo could offer. If Bissems were to attain any goodwill, I needed to demonstrate that I could act with discretion. It wasn’t like the primates had shown ill intent toward my home; if they wanted to harm us, they’d had ample opportunity. This hushed conversation must be for a noble purpose.
Slipping out of subspace was smooth and barely noticeable, with the autopilot figuring out the subtleties. Cruising around the galaxy in a spaceship and picking up visitors from a friendly alien race had once been my dream. The fact that it was a reality still made a part of me bubble with giddiness, even after all of the horrific occurrences since first contact. If this form of travel was to become commonplace for Bissems, we had to keep our spot in the Sapient Coalition. Humanity weren’t deities or miraculous saviors, but they were a kind-hearted species who hadn’t let persecution defeat them. I wanted to work alongside them as equals. I hoped they could reignite the awe and wonder for the universe I’d felt when their shuttle first landed in the Gray Basin.
The connection of the UNS Audacity was imperceptible, aside from the slightest tremor passing through the floorboards. I waddled over to the upper hatch, and heard three taps against it; the humans wouldn’t blow the door off on a friendly visit. I lowered the ladder for easy access and popped the seal open. A set of primate legs clambered down, revealing an older woman that I recognized from a recent SC briefing. A shiver passed down my spine, remembering how the Thafki ambassador had lobbed an accusation at Bissems over the Arxur’s escapade—one that hadn’t been incorrect. I wasn’t sure how we’d fulfill our pledge to lobby for Kaisal’s people, when suspicions were already upon us.
What is General Jones even doing here? It’s strange for a high-ranking military official to pay me a visit, without Naltor or Zalk around. I don’t see what she’d even want from me, especially if she’s here to share relevant intelligence.
Blue-gray legs straddled the ladder after Jones, taking a cautious approach into the shuttle. With the Thafki’s accusation fresh in my mind, I was worried to see that species among the boarding party; my concerns eased when I recognized the white fur-patch on her chin. Haliska looked as shrewd as she had during our games of Migration. The semi-aquatic herbivore excelled in long-term strategizing, something my intuition told me she had in common with Cora Jones. Hallie’s body language was much less open than it was during our bonding time, and I wondered if she believed the ambassador’s accusation. Could I even deny it to her face, knowing how deeply the Arxur ravaged her people? Hadn’t I betrayed her by helping her oppressors?
The third and final visitor was another familiar face, one that’d been kept away from Ivrana ever since the Tseia shared their story. Nulia—the quiet, observant one who loved to people-watch—maneuvered onto my ship. I was happy to see the Gojid sociologist, since I’d never had the chance to assure her I didn’t hold the Starlight Incident against her, even if the Tseia did. She’d done everything in her power to atone for what members of her race did; Nulia’s return to the Sapient Coalition and shouting the tale of Ivrana’s attack to the galaxy was likely what made Onso reach out at all. We had a lot of catching up to do, given how Dustin had been the one showing us the ropes in our SC trial period.
“Hallie, Nulia. I can’t believe you came all the way out here to visit me!” I chirped, opening my flippers in a hug invitation. “It was getting lonely, after such a long trip. It’s really good to see two friendly faces; I’d welcome the company, if you’d care to hitch a ride.”
The Gojid waggled a claw. “I’d love to hear how you’re adjusting, and what you think of various societies; I have the full context on how they’ve changed since joining the SC, and what they were like before the Federation. However, I’m afraid that’s a topic for another time.”
“Of course. General Jones said you have sensitive matters to discuss, and I’m all ears. I confess, I’m quite curious how both of you wound up tied with…someone I believe deals in intelligence.”
“We want you to tell us everything about your dealings with the Arxur, Tassi,” Jones commented idly. “Your friends pieced together several things that were off about your behavior, and I stitched together the rest. It’s time to come clean. Whatever information you have on their plans, you need to share it with us.”
Haliska’s eyes were cold and impassive, as she inspected me. “As a neuroscientist who knows how your brain works, I thought I’d understand more of how you’re thinking. In a scientific sense, I do, and yet I thought you felt some sympathy for how those fuckers terrorized my species. You’ve heard about the generational trauma—how Thafki were relegated to cattle farms—and you think they should be released?! That we should deal with them and act like nothing happened?”
“Of course not…look, I was morally opposed to dealing with the Arxur at all!” I blurted, cowering under her smoldering glare. The Thafki didn’t look fearful, like she had at the feast; she seemed hateful. “The Yotul put us up to it. They said they’d block us from the SC if we didn’t go along with it. We, um, communicated with the grays, and just like that, we got a trial introduction. It’s the truth!”
Nulia sighed in disappointment. “The Technocracy shouldn’t have put you in that position. Your secrecy about the visit to Leirn, the mysterious benefactor feeding you tech…I understand that Bissems did it for advancement, and a seat at the table. But I don’t understand why you went along with it, Tassi. It’s so unlike you.”
“I…I’m sorry. Kaisal said that the Collective was leaving isolation one way or another, and I figured helping a diplomatic bid was better than war. I never wanted more conflict and death; it broke my heart hearing about your checkered past, on top of seeing global conflict break out among my people. Please believe I only wanted to keep Bissems…and the wider galaxy…safe. Please.”
“Is there a reason you didn’t think humanity should know about this?” Jones asked.
“I didn’t want anyone to know we met, because of optics. We didn’t plan to speak with the Arxur on Leirn; Kaisal was just there, because the Yotul have trading aspirations. If we withdrew, there was no getting into the SC. I confess, I really wanted a chance with the galactic community…to be a part of it all. I see how Hallie and Nulia are looking at me now, but maybe…maybe it is time to at least hear the Arxur out.”
The Gojid’s eyes were also stern. “The Arxur’s crimes are still in living memory. They razed my entire planet, which separated me from my mother; my species is endangered as much as Haliska’s. And that was hardly their first raid against us. It was only a remarkable captain who fended them off earlier, and let me be born at all.”
“That’s horrific, Nulia, and I’m so sorry…but blaming the current Arxur is like blaming you for the ghost exterminators attacking us. If they’re reformed and changed, are they wrong to feel they shouldn’t have those atrocities held against them?”
“Tassi, you don’t know what you’re talking about. Kaisal himself participated in the raid that ended the cradle, and ate Gojids alive during it. He did that. That’s the leader of the Arxur Collective, so forgive me if I don’t trust someone who ate my kind in the past.”
“Kaisal…what?” A shiver ran down my spine, along with an extra lump of guilt forming in my throat. “I had no idea. I only knew that Dustin lied—no, left out a lot of parts of the story. Like the Federation starving the Arxur, their governments colluding, or Earth being saved by the grays and helped in the war by their rebellion. How can I make decisions when you’re not telling me all the facts?!”
Haliska scowled. “Dustin has worked closely with Nulia and I for a decade. He doesn’t sympathize with the species that hurt us, because he cares about our feelings—and he cares about what they did to us. I guess humans rescued the Thafki cattle just so they’ll have to look at Arxur wandering the galaxy, thanks to you.”
“Not thanks to me. That’s not fair, Hallie; the grays wanted out on their own.”
“But you told them about the Osirs, knowing they’d come speeding in. Complicating a situation where we’re already in fucking danger!”
“That’s enough anger. Tassi is going to help us fix this.” General Jones raised a finger for silence, and turned pupils that made me feel like I was being dissected. “The doctor was misled by her military allies, who just wanted those Arxur ships we definitely didn’t notice. Isn’t that right?”
“It’s…not completely wrong,” I replied meekly.
“You have no idea the mess you’ve created. Tassi, you’re aware how angry Zalk is over the Starlight Incident, which was three locations affecting one nation. The Arxur bombed entire planets and shackled races for centuries. There’s billions of Zalks out there with extra reasons to hate the Collective. It’s complicated for humanity to navigate; it’s a battle just to keep the Arxur alive and unoccupied. Our allies would prefer they meet other fates.”
“I know the SC hates them. I thought they were monsters too. I guess I just felt like they hated us because of them, and that’s not a fair comparison.”
“Humanity knows that feeling; we were likened to them, but we didn’t condone their crimes or put them ahead of our allies. You did, whether you meant to or not. If you’re sorry at all over how backstabbed your friends feel, then you should tell us this last bit. Forgiveness must be earned, and the damage you’ve done needs fixing. What is Kaisal’s plan with the Osirs?”
“Kaisal wanted to take back Apep, and to be involved in reinstalling the Osirs there, in person. I think he intends to go after whoever is responsible for their extinction. That’s all I know. I’m sorry, I…I really am. You’re all right about everything. I wish I could go back and walk away from the Yotul and their schemes; the last thing I want is for us to be pitted against each other. I do care about Haliska and Nulia, like Dustin, but I failed to act like it.”
Jones offered an artificial smile. “I’m glad you’ve seen sense, Tassi. We still have a mess to clean up. From now on, you work for me. You’re going to keep me apprised of exactly what Kaisal is up to, and send him whatever I ask.”
I don’t want to be involved with the Arxur at all, let alone be sent to manipulate them. That could make them into Bissems’ enemies, but then again, Jones wants to avoid a wider war. We can’t have him barging into the SC’s space…and I don’t want deaths on my conscience.
“I, er, I’m not sure I can get him to do anything. If I can help, I’ll try to undo the harm I’ve caused,” I murmured.
General Jones’ eyes gleamed. “Excellent. You also report to me on whatever schemes your generals cook up, and any of their plans involving the SC. You’re going to help me ensure Bissems don’t go causing more problems at a time like this. I suspect you have Naltor’s ear.”
“Whoa, I…I wouldn’t betray Lassmin like that. I want to protect Bissems, not…you’re asking me to spy on high-ranking military officials of two nations, and leak sensitive info to the very people they’re talking about. It’s treason, and it would undermine their plans. I love my planet and my country. I want what’s best for them, not to weaken their standing.”
“Naltor and Zalk chasing military gain isn’t what’s best for you. As for treason, there’d be no paper trail for them to find. All you have to do is get regular memory scans; that’s it. Consider it keeping an eye on you—parenting.”
“We don’t need parents, General. I’ll try to push them toward more peaceful, cooperative ideas of my own free will. I’ve already been trying to turn our resources toward more altruistic causes; look at the Sivkits. We can be team players. I can’t do what you’re asking, but I beg for you to give us a second chance.”
The human looked unimpressed. “You can do what I’ve asked of you, or we can share the Bissems’ involvement in this Arxur scheme with the SC. Something tells me Ivrana would wind up almost as isolated as the Arxur…and with as few friends. Humanity can shield you from all of this, of course, but we just need eyes on you to ensure we won’t get circumvented again.”
I froze in place for what felt like an eternity, mortified at potentially being locked out of the galaxy for good. What was scheming with the Yotul for, if we not only lost our spot on the SC, but had the entire organization turn on us? All I’d wanted was to be friends with these aliens, and if the Thafki ambassador had connected the dots…we needed the humans to throw their allies off the scent. Jones covering up our mess might be the last hope of joining the stars; while she hadn’t dangled it over my head, we also were reliant on the Terrans to fix Ivrana’s biosphere. The general was only asking this because we betrayed her trust, forcing her to ensure we wouldn’t ice her people out again.
“Fine,” I relented. “Nothing that outright hurts my people or endangers lives. That’s where I draw the line.”
Victory sparkled in the primate’s binocular eyes. “Excellent. We are on the same side; there’s nothing to worry about. Oh, and since you mentioned those Sivkits…try to get closer to them too. We appreciate the tip about Tinsas, but it’d be useful to know how they found out. Now, I think you three need a chance to talk things through. Enjoy the ride home, ladies.”
The Terran clambered back onto her shuttle, leaving me dumbfounded about what I’d agreed to. If this was the only way to right my inadvertent wrongs, I was resigned to going along with it; Bissems needed humanity in our corner. I had to figure out just how I was going to gather intel on three separate entities, without any of them discovering my intent. However, what mattered right now was making amends with Haliska and Nulia. My alien friends had to know that I did care for them deeply, and that betraying their confidence had never been my intent.
A/N - Chapter 41 is here! Loxsel shares a bit of his backstory as a playwright, and is persuaded to “teach” Tassi literature and share his work with humans. As the Bissem-Sivkit traveling posse continues back to Ivrana, a UN vessel intercepts Tassi and asks for an audience; Jones and ⅔ of the first contact team reveal that they know about her involvement with the Arxur, and accuse Bissems of complicating a delicate situation/almost turning the SC against them. Jones guilts Tassi over betraying her friends, before leveraging her by threatening to tell the SC the truth and doom their prospects with the wider galaxy.
What do you think of Tassi’s efforts to befriend Loxsel, and whether they will succeed…as well as the human “predators” might react to his plays? What are your thoughts about Jones pulling Tassi’s strings, and Haliska and Nulia’s involvement? Will our narrator go through with spying on her own people?
As always, thank you for reading and supporting!
Comments
Some Lvm
Wow! I am seriously disappointed in Jones here... And the UN in general is making things much, much worse! Not only are they completely abusing the Bissems, treating them almost the same way the Federation treated the Yotul, but they are also mishandling the Arxur situation. I am surprised at Nullia though: Didn't she hate her mother for abandoning her in a stampede? And surely she knows the Arxur raid on the Cradle was the result of the Godjids trying to destroy humanity, and getting preemptively attacked. Also, how does Nullia know that Kaizal was on the Cradle? If she did somehow learn his story, than she should know he actually didn't get to eat any Godjids while he was there, and instead wound up helping some humans save a literal school bus full of Godjid children. Honestly, its like in the past 20 years, all my favorite characters went backwards!
StormTheSquid
I couldn't even finish reading it because, as an autistic person, it simply falls outside the realm of suspension of disbelief for me that someone would allow themselves to be threatened, abused, and treated so poorly, all over things that they had no control over. Tassi couldn't very well have said no to Kaisal's face with the information she had, considering that if she did, everything would've gone much worse. She did what she thought was best for her people, without all the facts, while being coerced. She wasn't even the only one responsible, or even the main one responsible, even if you want to throw away the fact that she was under duress. If it were me, my mind in Tassi's body, I'd have told Jones "Go ahead, tell them. In fact, I'll do it myself, and give the full story of how it happened, rather than letting some random spook spin it for your benefit. Or are you going to assassinate or kidnap a high profile diplomat to silence me? You back me into a corner with threats that you know you can't actually back up, and expect me to help you? Nah. That's not how you get people to do what you want. Now if that's all you had to say. either get off my ship or I'll space us all." Edit: I did manage to finish it, but still, just... Unrealistic to me. I can't imagine anyone ever subjecting themselves to this sort of manipulation willingly.
Space Paladin
Tassi was involved with meeting with Kaisal, and the Bissems told him about the Osirs after the SC lost the drone battle by Tellus
EliasArt2Life
@Luiz Henrique Alves Going into “What Ifs” is a poor judgement. Yes, if she hadn’t launched the rebellion when she did, Isif might have been able to kill Giznel and take over the Dominion earlier, saving even MORE lives. Or Isif, who didn’t even finish reading the data on espionage that he was given, could have botched it, gotten tortured and killed, and then the Dominion decided to declare war on humanity. It’s a fallacious argument. Also, you never answered my question. How many died because of Jones? I’m not interested in how many she could have saved; how many died in direct response to what she did?
RaptorRed
I feel like I missed something in a previous chapter what did tassi do at the sc meeting that everyone is all the sudden ganging up on her and they are all upset?
Charming Cobra
I love that, seeing these characters develop in new stories is such a treat!
Space Paladin
We can be ruthless!
Xilacnog
On another note, it just occurred to me that humans are indeed the predators that the Federation feared. Not as carnivores though, but as social and psychological ones. Jones is a good example of that
David Bollinger
Not gonna lie, I really hate Jones. Not from a meta perspective, she's a great character, just damn, she's being cruel to Tassi, ganging up on her with the herbivores like that. I know the Arxur were awful, and the galaxy is traumatized, but if you try to keep an entire civilization in a bubble, you're only going to breed resentment, until they lash out to try and burst that bubble. I think the Bissem have the right idea, trying to extend a flipper of friendship instead of cruel indifference.
David Bollinger
Agreed. I thought the Yotul were better than this, what happened to my bois? They were the sane ones, and now they're the powerhungry and devious ones. I think Humanity has been a bad influence on our Marsupial friends. Although, as much as I'm not a fan of the way they are treating the Bissem, I do actually agree with them on their handling of the Arxur situation. Keeping them oppressed and quarantined, it's like how Germany was treated after WW1, worse even, and if they keep it up, the war with the Arxur is going to get a sequel too. You'd think Humanity would know this.
T___
I liked the Yotul so much in NOP1, especially Onso. I didn't like how they behaved when the Bissem came to Earth. Hearing how Onso took advantage of them, how he forced them to talk with Kaisal I started to dislike them. The clever, happy Onso betraying humanity like this! Yes, general Jones is tightening the vises, but Onso put them on Tassi. I would really like a chapter in Onso's perspective, where he makes excuses to himself for what he has done.
Rick
..........No.......
T___
And what about the torturous life sacrificing maniacs from that one side story? Are they just allowed to continue?
PS1 Hagrid
There’s so much to unpack here 1. Loxsel is a theater kid, that explains a lot. 2. Jones playing a game of chicken with a penguin. 3. Kaisal can smell Jones’ shenanigan from further than he can smell blood.
Mr. Walker
Court Martial is for military personnel. Tassi is not military
Desurtfawks
Bissum should go hard on the SC and create the PC (Predator Coalition) 😂
Yannis Morris
Okay well at least now we can confirm that the “Using big words to make himself sound smarter” and definitely the flair for dramatics is a Loxsel thing and not a Sivkit thing. If we ever get another Sivkit to read then it’s safe to assume they’ll differ wildly in terms of personality
Yannis Morris
@Preisschild I mean Tassi should already know that from A: What she was told of the Sivkits just before Loxsel’s debut and B: Coming face to face with what Loxsel did to his quarters aboard the station. Tassi has the warning about the Sivkit appetite
Space Paladin
He’s the one! Dustin Leo Curtis, son of Callsi 😅
Space Paladin
Avasarala is a fantastic character. One of my favs
Space Paladin
Loxsel ups his reading level with every chapter lol. And ups the sivkit death count at Tellus while he’s at it!
Space Paladin
Jones will be playing on her 5D chessboard until the day she dies!
Space Paladin
Thank you! I enjoy the scheming and conniving of spies, they add a good little flavor 😅
Yannis Morris
I’m still confident on that but I will be referring back to the lore doc to know what the continent is even like. Any Vegetation there is gone but the greenery could take many different forms
extraintelligence
I know I can be very critical of your writing, so I hope you know I really mean it when I say you do a damn fine job writing spies. I love Jones, because she's exactly what a spy should be. I hope we see more spycraft in the future.
Guardian
There's still Yannis' previous hypothesis regarding the orange algae on Ivrana being delicious to Sivkits.
extraintelligence
She's the US Spymaster General, bro. Blackmail and emotional manipulation are probably the nicest things she can do.
Guardian
I don't think Haliska and Nulia can be accused of manipulating Tassi in this instance; I think Jones is using all three of them.
Bas Donders
I want to see a scene where general Jones attemps this shit, but she's not aware she's facing off with a masking neuro-divergent person, for whom it's completely rational to blow up his whole species just as long as it doesn't turn him into a tool. We'll never see it, but it would be pretty fucking funny.
Preisschild
Some ex feds still have concentration camps, while the Arxur at least dont have any official farms. So why are the feds fine and not the Arxur even though their government is currently more liberal than many ex feds?
Preisschild
Also disappointed in Jones and the UN. She didnt even give Tassi a heads up regarding the literal locusts that are about to destroy his planet.
Alekss Žukovskis
or zombie 'shrooms that religiously infect only herbivores. (they only have a gripe with 70% of us)
PhycoKrusk
She didn't nudge it into motion; she had no interest at all in starting a rebellion. She wanted Isif to start in the Dominion and spy for her. _Zhao_ is the one who nudged the rebellion into being.
PhycoKrusk
@Ellis Do you really think Jones will listen to either Kuemper or Meier if they tell her to stop? Let's say they do, and then she doesn't. What are they going to do about it? Fire her? Everyone currently under her command that is in line to replace her is loyal to her; that's how they got to their positions in the first place, because that's how intelligence agencies operate. It would still be Jones in control, just with an extra step. Unless one of them drops the idea that they need to make friends in favor of the idea that they need to end the war and impress upon her that she is an obstacle to that goal that will be "removed," Jones will go right on doing what she's doing because she doesn't respect either of them; that much is clear just from her behavior. (She's not dumb when it comes to picking her targets, though; like you've pointed out elsewhere, she narrowed in on the one Bissem who wouldn't realize that Jones actually has nothing to bargain with)
Michael
Then we are not homies. All my homies love the Iron Bitch General Jones
PhycoKrusk
@Elias Kuemper and Meier are irrelevant in this regard, because it is fait accompli at this point that Zhao was the only one who was ever able to control her. As I've said elsewhere, Jones is the real power behind the throne, because nobody else was willing or able to keep her on a leash.
Michael
That sounds like it would result in extermination fleets being sent against the Arxur (see! They haven't changed!) and Tassi being Court Martialed for treason
PhycoKrusk
At this point, Humanity and the Yotul are the only ones keeping the Coalition from becoming the Federation 2.0 (with new hat!). So that would actually not be a good idea.
Mr. Walker
. . . If Tassi goes public with the fact that Onso surprised them with a meeting with Kaisel, Kaisel threatened war if the Bissem don't help them out of their isolation, and General Jones' back-room intrigues just before resigning with a request for a Bissem to appoint someone with diplomatic training . . . Maybe the rest of the SC will hold Onsoe and Jones accountable for their actions and send independent observers to Arxur Collective Territory to evaluate how much they have reformed and then issue a report and recommendations concerning whether diplomatic contact should be opened or not.
Michael
Ahh yes... Kicking off the Arxur rebellion that was pivotal to the UN victory... Terrible decision
Michael
Jones has seen this post, apologies for the unfortunate accident you're about to experience on your next space flight
Michael
Why would she retire when she hasn't lost a step
Michael
General Jones does the dirty work nobody else is willing to do. She saved the galaxy once by nudging the Arxur rebellion into motion, and she'll do it again
Luiz Henrique Alves
How many more died because she couldnt use him to manipulate the greater dominion because the rebellion where launched prematurely, in the grand scheme we could have infiltrated higher, assassinated Ghiznell, put another decendant that we could blackmail, and use dominion's full power to our biding, making the last fight a lot easier and with far less deaths to our side
Michael
The SC factions already don't want them joining, that probably doesn't get you in. That's also a great way for Tassi to get her clearance revoked for circumventing the chain of command and leaking classified information to a foreign agent. Jones knows what she's doing "Guilt -> scare -> compromise -> convert"
Michael
Jones is CIA, how many times have we been caught for spying on our allies?
Michael
How many were saved because she managed to manipulate Isif into launching his rebellion prematurely
Michael
Let's have this conversation in private... In front of your two friends who you'd feel the most guilty about
Michael
So glad to see General Cora "The Iron Bitch" Jones hasn't lost a step. Definitely in my top 5 favorite characters
Stueymon
Dang Loxel really swallowed a thesaurus! I consider myself pretty erudite but this had me Googling a few words. Say what you like about Jones but she knows how to play the game. Reminds me of Chrisjen Avasalara from The Expanse
Willy
Honestly it was fine until people started having hidden agendas now its potentially started a war
Willy
Then everyone is gonna be like YES JONES when she now prevents shit from inevitably flipping sideaways(Talking about some Yotul and Arxur)
Willy
He is.
Guardian
I'm with Elias on this one. Some of my favorite stories are redemption arcs. Not sure if you can find the IDW Transformers Lost Light stories in hard-copy now, given that Hasbro gave the license to Skybound, but if you can find them, I HIGHLY recommend them. The Dark Cybertron arc is where Megatron's redemption story begins. (I'd rather not argue whether anyone disagrees with my opinion on the later IDW Transformers stories. I know not everyone likes them, but I sure did and no one and nothing is going to change my opinion. If anyone didn't enjoy them, or doesn't care to find them, that's entirely your prerogative and I will not attempt to persuade you otherwise. I don't think this is the place for it.)
Charming Cobra
Sorta unrelated to the current chapter but I've finally been able to read some of the older side stories and since last night I've been wondering if the Dustin from the foster program is the exact same Dustin from the first contact team.
Jackson Urwin
So frustrating seeing Tassi get blackmailed for a completely reasonable and honest move on their part. They want a place in the galaxy and they moved where they could. If the galaxy didn’t want the Arxur rehabilitated they shouldn’t have left them around. So upset for Tassi right now.
PiñaPiloto
Mannnn, FUCK Jones, all my homies hate general Jones. She a bitch for that, God damn. SP why the hell are you so talented at making *good* unlikable characters, it's unnerving.
Greg Gougeon
I am very afraid of the "grand herd" devastating the ecology when they land.
Tobias Sumrall
There is no way that Isif, and then Kaisal, would have allowed ANY sapient farms to continue to exist on Wriss after they won against Betterment, full stop, especially with access to human meat bioreactors.
Space Paladin
Heh, I’m glad you enjoyed the added spice! 😅
Space Paladin
<3
Xilacnog
So Jones is going to use Tassi to give Kaisal info on the Consortium and to get him to contact the Consortium and show what happened to the Federation.
Roscuro
That was kinda hard to read. Feel like Jones could have gone easier on Tassi, but at this point in her career I don't think she even remembers how to use kid gloves, let alone where she left them last.
Elliott
Potential sidestory/one-shot right there.
Alicja
Ugh jones nooooo. Not my sweet Tassi please don’t do this to her
EliasArt2Life
@Willy I’m sorry, but I’ll have to object. A) I do not believe that Jones didn’t already know this stuff. Keeping your eyes on the activities of the new species on the block is just common sense for a spy like her. I think she only pretended no to know so that Nulia and Haliska wouldn’t wonder why humanity hadn’t already called the Bissem out. B) Jones is a member of the UN, and represents the UN with her actions, unless a higher ranking member of the UN disavows her actions. Her actions DON’T only reflect upon her; they reflect upon humanity as a whole. They make humanity look like a species willing to target a new species and blackmail them. Which is a poor choice when, C) What Jones did was IN NO WAY NECESSARY. There are diplomatic ways to address this. Sending a diplomat to sit down with the Bissem and explain, “We know that you’ve been working with the Arxur. Now, I want to explain how complicated a situation you’ve gotten yourself into. After that, we can discuss how we need to proceed to avoid a political death sentence.”, is one way. Do you really mean to tell me that, if confronted peacefully, the Bissem wouldn’t have still given the information? The difference between the two approaches is trust: one way the Bissem see that we trust them and are capable of seeing their side and don’t immediately jump to thinking that they’re traitors, the other way shows them that we do NOT trust them and are willing to extort them to get our way. Considering that long term relations (which humanity wants) are built on trust, and that the Bissem’s secrecy suggests that they DON’T yet trust us, it would make sense to try the diplomatic approach to try to BUILD trust. Jones BROKE trust. D) Jones wasn’t doing this for information. As I previously pointed out, Tassi is the LEAST in the know member of the Bissem Diplomatic team. If Jones wanted information, there were other, BETTER Bissem to target. She wanted a double agent. None of the other diplomats could have been convinced to do that. In conclusion, what’s done may be done, but that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t call it out, or hope for a better resolution. Analyzing these events also helps recognize what went wrong and how they can be avoided.
Rick
All fair points, but I still stand by my mine. Also I'm my eyes Vader is irredeemable. Some things cannot be undone. Just because someone is no longer a threat doesn't mean they get to walk free.
Gumcel
“Humanity knows that feeling; we were likened to them, but we didn’t condone their crimes or put them ahead of our allies. You did, whether you meant to or not. If you’re sorry at all over how backstabbed your friends feel, then you should tell us this last bit. Forgiveness must be earned, and the damage you’ve done needs fixing. What is Kaisal’s plan with the Osirs?” I don’t believe for a second that she genuinely thinks this. Gigachad Jones based blackmailer lol.
Willy
Elias honestly I would agree with you, but. The issue with the Arxur has spanned on for centuries, some species are endangered now. Any new species that learns of everything would probably have the sense to see that allying with gators will destroy their reputation.
AlphaAllNight Gaming
Congratulations! Your now one step closer to becoming a puppet state! Next stop, hand up the ass!
EliasArt2Life
My biggest problem with Jones is that she should not be doing this with our allies. A diplomatic team should have to work with her for these things. Since she’s doing it solo, she keeps trying to make people into tools. Being manipulative, making people into double agents, that’s all what I would expect from a spymaster. However, she forgets her place, and sees everyone as a potential enemy. This issue should have been handled by a diplomat, not Jones, and I suspect that she went over the UN’s head, like she did in NOP1, to do this. I’ve never had a problem with Jones, EXCEPT when she does stuff like this, and exceeds her authority. Authority that has its limits for a reason.
EliasArt2Life
Umm… how many?
EliasArt2Life
Nope. She’s always been this brazen. Remember Isif? She hid information from Zhao so that he’d overreact, and she’d have an opportunity to turn Isif into a spy. If anything, I’d say that this is a bit MORE subtle. I’m hoping Kuemper or Meier finds out. Sooner, rather than later.
Willy
I see your point, but honestly, what’s done is done, and there is a bigger perceived threat on the horizon. What Jones is doing may seem cruel but necessary because, from the in-story viewpoint, humanity has no clue why the Arxur and certain parties are acting strangely, complicating an already uncertain situation. Now they know at this time that the Yotul/Arxur planned this, and it gives a lot of implicit knowledge to understand and piece the rest together. *We now know the purpose of the Arxur and Yotul’s recent behavior. *Why the Bissems were being unforthcoming about any info regarding the visit to Leirn. *Now they know the potential blowback this shit could all have. The potential negatives now are the optics of what Jones has done. This will only hugely affect the Bissems/Humanity if someone snitches (e.g., Haliska, Nulia or Tassi), which someone probably will. Your comment probably comes from the perspective of an emotional omniscient reader than an immersed reader but honestly I appreciate your perspective and insights into the way Jones did Tassi dirty. As for Tassi i feel deeply sorry for her that she let herself be dragged into an unknown situation. Kinda highlights how we can be punished for not knowing, something humanity is partly responsible for. When going into first contact i thought the way they approached it was extremely naive.
EliasArt2Life
@PhycoKrusk Breathe. That’s QUITE a claim, considering the lack of evidence. You’ve claimed that Jones is the secret head of the UN, and the Kuemper is a figurehead. Let’s not forget NOP1. Jones has shown that she overreaches and goes beyond her jurisdiction at times, like she did with Zhao. And there’s a good chance that, like with Zhao, once Kuemper becomes aware of it, Jones will be reminded of her place, and Kuemper will take direct charge of the situation. There’s reason for anger, but not to this degree. Yet. Also, that’s not “audacity” that Jones is showing; that’s manipulation. She’s trying to ensure that Tassi THINKS it’s her fault, because that makes her easy to manipulate. Jones probably knows that it’s not Tassi’s fault, but admitting that doesn’t get the UN an agent on Irvana. I’m frustrated at Jones too, but I’ll stick with my frustration, and withhold my fury, until I see if this gets worse or not. Otherwise, what’ll I have left when that time comes?
Yannis Morris
I would be happy for Loxsel getting an audience that doesn't want him hanged for his plays but I can't because I'm not sure he isn't gonna alter the plays to align with what he foolishly thinks his "predatory" audience wants & likes. I have a reasonable distrust of him, is what I'm saying
EliasArt2Life
I always find the concept of someone or something being “irredeemable” odd. The term suggests that there’s some line that, once you cross it, for whatever reason, you can never be a good person again. It’s strange, then, that so few people ever want to mention what that line is. Plus we’ve seen some pretty big villains get redeemed (Darth Vader; literally slaughtered children and his allies in droves, supported a dictator’s regime as his right hand, and was not against mutilating or torturing others). Villains who have done at LEAST as bad as the Arxur. Yet we still get invested in their redemption arcs… I think to paraphrase something I heard, “if redemption arc are only for people who haven’t really done anything that bad, they aren’t really redemption arcs.” I agree that most of the Arxur are still UNFORGIVABLE, at least by most members of most species. However, irredeemable? I’m not so sure about that one. Besides, “irredeemable” is a permanent thing. Once you’re irredeemable, that lasts for all of time, no matter what. Quite a claim.
John Benjamin Cate
So much happening at once this chapter, and so much drama! I love it!!
Rick
Ya the galaxy outside would not be kind.
Quenten
I think letting Arxur born after the war out is probably fine. They're basically just as innocent as Vysith is. I'd be more worried about them getting murdered by ex-exterminators.
Quenten
Yeah this is pretty much the only option. I don't know how Kaisal plans on breaking out of quarantine. Just force your way onto other people's planets and then expect them to want to be friends?
PhycoKrusk
Everyone is hating on Jones because she's a predator. Not "predator" in the way that the Federation believed, but an actual predator. She conducts herself in such a way as to purposefully isolate those she perceives as weak and then preys upon their idiosyncrasies to get them to things they would not normally do, and into positions they would not normally get into, because she has torn them down as a person and is building in their place a marionette with their face painted on it. What I'm trying to say is that Jones gets a lot of hate, because Cora Jones is a serial killer.
Rick
I still think that the Aruxur at this point are irredeemable. Wait till atleast most of the people that have eaten other people have died off before attempting to reach out. I wouldn't be surprised if there is still some farms operating on wriss to this day.
Rick
Good to see Jones hasn't really changed. Someone has to do the dirty work.
PhycoKrusk
This is going to be short, because I'm not Loxsel; I don't have the vocabulary I need to describe the particular type of anger I am feeling right now. All of this is Kuemper's fault. Not the Coalition's, not the first contact team's, not even Jones'; it's Kuemper's. Every second of it. Jones has the audacity to say that the Bissems put the interests of the Arxur ahead of their allies when she damn well knows the Bissems have no allies. They got into the Coalition to try and get allies, and that was an abject failure. They supported the Arxur because they needed in the Coalition. They needed in the Coalition because they need allies. They need allies because the galaxy is against them in every way that matters. The galaxy is against them because Dustin went galivanting off to Tseian territory and made a bad situation substantially worse. He went galivanting off because Cora Jones did nothing to stop what she had to have known was going to cause problems, and she didn't intervene because she wanted to leverage the opportunity to enhance her own personal position, and she does that because she thinks that _she_ is in charge, and she thinks that she is in charge because _Erin Kuemper_ refuses to keep her fucking dog on a leash. All of it is her fault, and what's more, none of it is within her ability to fix, nor within Meier's, because the plain truth is that Kuemper is only there for looks; Jones is running the United Nations, and in turn is running the Coalition, and without Míngzé Zhao, this state of affairs is unrecoverable. The Coalition isn't any better than the Consortium; they're just better at not getting caught. If a third faction capable of challenging both of them doesn't rise out of this, then it doesn't matter who wins the war; it's the same outcome with different window dressing.
Ron1990
Oh, how I want to punish Jones. Reading this chapter has infuriated me. How dare this b***h to manipulate our weakest member of the bissem party! Betrayal by the hands of newfound friends, which I would have never suspected! Well done, SpacePaladin, i deeply enjoyed the drama :-).
snidramon
Jones is playing a very dangerous gambit. Bissems might be predators, but a simple "we were tricked by the yotul and forced by the arxur to help them. Then as soon as those scary humans found out, they tried to blackmail us instead of rescuing us from those horrible baby eaters!" is close enough to the truth to be very very hard to disprove, and something that would generate a lot of sympathy. I actually really hope this backfires on Jones, it seems she's being a lot less cautious after the time skip.
EliasArt2Life
Ugh. Of course it’s Jones. The Spymaster who should have NOTHING to do with diplomacy. I suspect that she has Machiavellian tendencies; I think that she literally can’t see social interactions as anything other than a subversive attempt to manipulate and control others. She’s great as a spy, since that’s almost a perfect personality to have for it, but she doesn’t seem to recognize when she’s overreaching. I still remember how she treated Isif. Whenever she starts acting like this, alarm bells start going off in my brain. Tassi wasn’t the only one to take part in this collusion; in fact, due to her lack of a major governmental role before this, I’d argue that she’s the least to blame. So why target her? And alone? And with her two friends? Because she’s isolating Tassi as the weak link who can be manipulated. Zalk or Naltor wouldn’t have fallen for it. Humanity can’t actually reveal what the Bissem did because, A) it makes humanity, who advocated so strongly for the Bissem to join, look bad. B) reinforces anti-predator thoughts in the SC, which humanity doesn’t want. So Jones’ threat is an empty one, but Tassi is new to the political game, and can’t recognize that. Also, bringing Haliska and Nulia along… she’s weaponizing Tassi’s friends against her to make her desperate. I note that Jones let those two chew Tassi out until she was desperate, and THEN offered a chance at redemption and an excuse. She COULD have started by defending Tassi with said excuse, but she waited. And why wasn’t Dustin there? Probably because Jones felt that he wouldn’t allow such blatant manipulation. He was alway the best of the three at seeing all sides, and would have deescalated the situation. Jones didn’t tell him because she wanted to manipulate Tassi. While the whole Arxur situation is as complicated as they made out, it’s the SC (and first contact team, no matter how understandable)’s fault for not explaining those complexities beforehand. The Yotul and Arxur took advantage of that, and made it seem like the quarantine was unjust. Now, Jones is letting Haliska and Nulia blame Tassi for her bad call due to her lack of knowledge. I hope that Kuemper or Meier catch wind of this and put a stop to this SOON. Jones needs to be reminded that being spymaster DOESN’T give her the right to manipulate humanity’s allies.
Dookus Maximus
This can only end well for the Bissem!
Luiz Henrique Alves
Every decision she did was bad, every time her name appeared some bad stuff happened because she is stupid, her lack of foresight makes her far to incompetent to hold that position of power, the only thing que could justify that is if she's a nepobaby
Luiz Henrique Alves
Tassi is an idiot for falling into this while aware she was being manipulated, and Jones like always is making everyone else's life worse, just how many had died in the last galaxy war because Jones decided she should know more than everyone else?
Premier Zarkovik
Everyone is hating on Jones like she wasn't instrumental to the human victories in NOP1 and even with the people she manipulated, she still helped ensure that they got the happiest endings that they were gonna get out of it. Jones always seems like a prick when she's doing her job, but she does it well and saves a lot of lives for it. Isif and the Arxur got the best ending they could have and they have a lot to thank Jones for that.
REDemon14
So Loxsel is a fan of tragedies and that's why he's been accused of have PD. Oh he is gonna *love* Shakespeare! I do hope Tassi and Loxsel do become friends. They both need one right now. Wow. Jones at it again. Using Tassi's friends to get her to do her (Jones) bidding. Ever since first contact with the Bissem have been used by just about everyone. I'm convinced the KC handled uplifting better than everyone else. I can understand the view of the former feds, but the Arxur isolation isn't helping anyone. The herbivores don't get use to Arxur presense and the Arxur don't learn how to interact with different species. I'd say a compromise for release. All arxur too young to actively engage in the war may roam SC space. Sovereign worlds may reject or accept Arxur visitors. Arxur who were stationed at cattle farms are NOT permitted to leave Arxur space, as their actions are still in living memory of the victims. We cannot have psychological relapses. Arxur soldiers and raiders may only interact with parties that invited there presence. Arxur diplomats may go where they are needed are invited to. That's what I've come up with off the top of my head. May not be perfect, but it's something. Great chapter. Who thing had me feeling nervous for Tassi
Cartoon dinosaur
Oh.. fuck you Jones, from the bottom of my heart go rot in hell.
Aured
I love that Loxsel really is a playwright. I hope we get to see one of his plays at some point.
Bunten44
Because they are engaging in espionage for the benefit of a foreign power? And any sovereign entity that lets something like that slide is asking for further treason and espionage.
Willy
Why would there be. They already got one scan from Tassi and if anyone reads it they would know she never had ill intentions.
Willy
And they would be even bigger idiots to ignore the even bigger bigger idiots who don’t have the sense to discard their own delusions. Now. This shit has gone outta hand and the Yotul are partly to blame. I wanna see the Arxur get a chance too but it’s not time yet.
Bunten44
I bet there will be no consequences for Tassi for being a traitorous spy. And I mean more than just oh yes you are no longer a diplomate.
LiminalSouthpaw
You aren't going to hear me say this often about a literal CIA ghoul, but Jones is right. Tassi did the worst thing imaginable in colluding with the arxur. She fucked with her own species and with humanity in one fell swoop, validating the very worst fears about the contact program in a way that manages to massively screw over the program's own critics in the yotul as well. Amazingly juicy, in terms of opportunity for Earth - they can pretty much take any line they want towards it, since the yotul are now guilty of the exact thing they were complaining about. A catastrophic clusterfuck for the wellbeing of the galaxy, however.
Willy
Even still, all of this is caused by ignorance and everyone knowing not the full scope of whats happening. Jones JOB is to be manipulative to get information which benefits us by mitigating any unseen threats or motivation. Jerkish, yes, but necessary. Now we know whos responsible for what and that the Yotul were involved and how.
LiminalSouthpaw
No bluff needed - humanity can easily take the role of predator-wranglers in a situation like this. Not ideal, especially because it means a two-front war with the arxur, but reputation-wise it's easily spun in Earth's favor.
NightArcher
Ok, Tassi officially needs herself a strong willed babysitter to protect her from people like Jones. She is such easy prey for manipulative jerks like Jones, Haliska and Nulia.
Elliott
It feels like Loxsel is a parody of me lmao. From the masochistic-cynical writing-style to the utilitarianist bunny aspect, he's probably my favorite character right now. He's very right though, not many appreciate the nuance of a good tragedy or characters' deaths in a story. I love the dynamic between him and Tassi, hope to see it more.
Byron Ritchie
Ngl I think tassi should have hold his ground a bit more Like I understand nulia’s and haliska’s thoughts on the matter but tassi should have explained her reasoning and not cave in as quickly
Willy
Only its for a much greater cause. Jones job is literally to get information no matter what and putting Tassi under as a double agent will ensure that humanity isn’t left in the dark.
DemonVee
Oof, if you put it like that.
Edmund Lam
Fictional spy masters never retire until they meet a fatal end. Real spy masters retire to politics or well paying consulting jobs.
Apogee
I know Jones is playing stellaris here but she did make a good point when she pointed out that Kaisal the leader of the collective has himself eaten people. And I have no doubt that there will be Aruxur pirate factions that hunt people if they are let loose. Too soon, too soon.
Edmund Lam
Nulia…I am your F_A_T_H_E_R!
Mr. Walker
Zod, I hate the way EVERYONE is treating the Bissems. Some of the humans want to help but are too reticent about unpleasant details, humans like Jones are manipulating them so she can feel like the Master Spy forever (retire already!), the Yotul are giving them the stick and the carrot so they can get 💰, the Axur are trying to use them as a back-door to get out of their well-deserved isolation, the anti-carnivores don't trust them on principle, no one has come up with answers about their Gojid attackers, and there is an unexpected war-on that has everyone on edge.
Yannis Morris
I mean... Jones in this chapter seems to be doing what Onso did?
Mr. Walker
Compared to NOP1 . . . This sequel has too many moving parts. This feels like how Jim Butcher piles too much crap on his character Harry Dresden only for him to barely deal with it all and for him to become progressively more burnt out and broken each story.
Hive
The bissems should just double down on joining the Yotul corner. Yes, they were against first-contact with them, but seem to be the only faction that is not treating them as either predators or a social project and instead is honest to them.
Youre a swedekisser arent you
So Jones is back at it again, how precious. She just can't resist getting into a good old scheme with carnivores, can she? But also, I feel like its the Yotul that should get the blame, not the Bissems. They took advantage of a group less developed than them for personal gain in order to get them to integrate... Now where have I heard that before?
Cheesy Power
Jones is bluffing- painting the literal first pure predators in the SC as backstabbing evil arxur-sympathizers in all this chaos? Giving that much ammo to the anti-predator factions and doing that much damage to whatever deprogramming pushes are going on by “proving” that the Feds were right about predators and humans are just an exception… as far as they know? Jones can’t afford to shoot herself in the foot like that. But she knew Tassi wouldn’t realize this, because Haliska did her actual job of psychologically profiling Tassi and handing that over to Jones like the goose-stepping good little fascist she is. And yes yes, she’s a person, fascists are people too, can even be pleasant people to be around, and I’m sure she sees her friendship with Tassi as genuine…. But if you stand aside and do nothing as your friend is blackmailed into committing treason for the crime of doing her GODDAMN JOB as an ambassador for her nation because she happened to make an alliance you don’t personally agree with… you’re not an actual friend you’re a fucking snake- except I won’t insult snakes like that, because snakes are cute beans.
Cheesy Power
Making friends with an alien, then getting mad at them to follow your moral code when you only give vague explanations and refuse to elaborate properly? Being hypocritical? Disappearing for great lengths of time? Covering all of that up by acting all friendly and nice when you aren't tearing into them for having violated your morals that you haven't properly explained to them? Congratulations Nulia- you've turned out just like your father!
Mark Baculna
7th
Thrownawaz
Yeah, I know Onso has just cause for spite against the federation, but he's pushing for this way too fast. There's a real chance people are going to see the exact same faces that traumatized them decades ago, and I'm doubtless there's a sizable chunk of arxur fanatics remaining who would see this as a chance to relapse into the life that was taken from them. They should push for a neutral ground, a planet or system where all parties are welcome so those who truly want to reconcile can do so without exposing ex feds to danger.
Anthony Mears
the fact that they would be picked up by Apple-Disney- Sony would be the proof that they're not...
Conner Deese
It's official I hate Jones eject her into space
Edmund Lam
Director Fury, I mean General Jones, is back! Favorite amoral anti hero of the series. What if Loxsel’s plays are good? What if they get picked up by Apple-Disney-Sony?
Anthony Mears
yes but she made several bad tactical decisions last time.
Willy
Welllll-shit. Knew someone was bound to catch on eventually. as for the Yotul, they are in soup.
Anthony Mears
NOP 1 ran for 184 chapters. how long can we go without the 2 sides speaking? what will the sivkits do when they find out ultimately humans are responsible for their fleets destruction? *suggestion* NOP 3 is about encountering sapient plants that fear and hate herbivores. shoe on the other foot.
Jhon Bustamante
estan siendo injustos con los arxur al menos la.tierra deberia tener una.alianza bajo cuerda con los arxur podrian ser aliados muy utiles y kaisal esta siendo muy impulsivo esta causando muchos problemas
Yannis Morris
Loxsel when the humans are crying at his plays:
Lokyar
She's a head spy. Manipulation is literally her entire job description.
Ella
Especially from what I remember of her in NOP1... Jones is giving me real manipulative vibes. Tassi is at her mercy here, and I think she's definitely taking advantage of it.
Michael Halpern
they are being idiots for not working with the Arxur, giving them a chance to prove themselves
Yannis Morris
*Until we can have Tinsas, the planet whence Sivkits derived our origin, we’ll devour any pastures we descry! There must be no repose* So this is what doubling down looks like. It sucks that now they’re justifying their devastation as a form of revenge. Or like a “We don’t have time for sustainable practices while on the search for our home”. Or maybe they’re holding any habitable world “hostage” until the S.C. wins them Tinsas
Themu 050
2nd
Willy
Gday
print Path
First
