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The Nature of Predators 2-5
🕑 Added 2024-01-22 12:00:07 +0000 UTCMemory Transcription Subject: Tassi, Bissem Scientist
Date [standardized human time]: March 13, 2160
When General Naltor relayed the news of our visitors to the FAI scientists, their indignance at being held hostage in their workplace evaporated—just as mine had once I was briefed in the convoy. The press had been alerted as well, as the Lassian government prepared an official livestream alongside several broadcasts. How would the aliens respond to a series of questions, if we allowed reporters to corner them? The aliens appeared to want to address the media, though they might not be prepared for provocative queries. Dustin, Nulia, and Haliska didn’t seem unwilling to answer our inquiries, but there was such a thing as too much all at once.
I whispered for Naltor to let the aliens address the populace, before allowing them to initiate a question-and-answer question only if they wanted to; the journalists needed to be advised to proceed with caution. Our visitors were friendly, as far as I could tell, but the last thing we wanted was to scare them off. It was apparent there were some abscesses in their past that they were slow to divulge. It had been my mission to figure out what we hadn’t been told, but I found myself easily distracted by the human’s banter. Dustin regaled us with stories from his society, and images from across the galaxy: all analysis of their food policies evaporated from my mind.
“So that great signal—the mystery frequency that kept showing up, and some people thought it was aliens—that we spent years researching? Hundreds of scientific papers written on it. What we thought were alien signals, were actually microwaves. Like I was saying, we heat our meals. The data points were microwaves from impatient folks forcibly opening the damn oven before it was done,” Dustin chuckled.
Naltor’s eyes twinkled with amusement. “How many years were spent researching this?”
“Seventeen, if I remember. Seventeen years before someone goes: hm, wait a second, this frequency is one that’s really familiar! All because a multitude of people don’t follow instructions, and the oven leak was right by the signal receiver.”
“I would be so frustrated if FAI had spent years analyzing a signal that was from within our lab,” I groaned. “I guess it’s strange to have spent so much time finding ways to analyze the stars, and have first contact just…fall into our beaks.”
“It’s happened to many of us,” Nulia remarked. “Gojids knew about aliens since before I was born—unlike Dustin’s species. Dustin remembers when his kind first found aliens. Then humans…their soldiers landed on my planet. Our entire village panicked, and my mother…abandoned me. A human soldier came and saved me: raised me as his own.”
Haliska lashed her conical tail. “When you talk like that, you make humanity sound like the aggressors. We all know they didn’t want that. I didn’t think we were spelling out the details of the war here and now.”
“The Bissems already know that there was a conflict, and that terrible things happened. I don’t see the point of sugarcoating it, especially when it’s shaped all of our pasts. It’s difficult to explain what Gojid culture was like, before the humans rebuilt the cradle’s bombed-out husk, and Project Chronicle…wrote us a guidemap.”
“Bombed-out husk? You said earlier you lived on ‘Skalga’ since you were a child.” General Naltor’s eyes looked like they were about to pop out of his skull. “Are you telling me that’s because your planet was destroyed in this conflict too?! The humans were fighting you…and they did this?”
“The humans fought with decency, as decent as a war can be, and did everything in their power to avoid civilian casualties. There’s many videos of their sacrifice and valor, protecting innocent lives like mine. The same species that destroyed the Thafki homeworld centuries ago swooped in, while the Terrans—sorry, alternative name for humans—were occupying our planet. Which truth be told, they only did because our generals wanted to wipe them out.”
“What the fuck? This history gets more and more fucked up, the more I hear. Do enlighten me on what motivated your species to wish humans extinct, at what sounds like their first contact. Would you ever get the same idea about us?”
“No. That government is long gone. We’re allies with the humans nowadays, and committed to peaceful exploration of the galaxy alongside them.”
“You skipped my first question. What was the reason you wished for the humans’ extinction?”
Dustin slumped his shoulders. “I…was hoping to touch on happier topics, General Naltor. Let’s just say for now that it was hatred. It’s been coloring every culture we’ve come across, and it’s been a painstaking journey to fix it. As I said, we’ll tell you the…tragedy of our galactic introduction, at some point. I just see cameras outside, and I don’t want our first words to billions of frightened Bissems to be about a war of extinction that happened twenty years ago.”
“The real question isn’t whether you’re ready for us, here on Ivrana. It’s whether we’re ready for you,” Haliska admitted. “Whether we can…avoid making the mistakes of our predecessor organization. Maybe we can pen a new chapter of our history, together.”
“I need to know what is going on,” Naltor fired back. “If there is a threat to Bissems—”
Nulia fiddled with her claws. “We’re not a threat. We’re taking every precaution to avoid causing you inadvertent harm, to culture or to safety. The threat to…divergent societies was averted when the humans exposed centuries of lies and tyranny through their arrival.”
Centuries? I inhaled in slow fashion, trying to process their words. “I’m beginning to suspect I have underestimated just how troubled the galaxy’s history was.”
“You have no idea. Let’s just say your first contact would be quite different, without us,” Dustin sighed. “May I ask for us to enjoy the feast, through a cultural exchange: one with more levity than the current topic? I meant what I said about not wanting to get into this history in depth, yet it keeps coming up. I’m quite excited to meet the FAI scientists, and to speak to the public.”
“I’m nervous,” Haliska grumbled. “Very nervous.”
My flippers rested by the door, observing the crowd of cameras waiting for us. “This is a celebration of the aliens’ arrival. I agree that we should focus on what they are now, and not what they were in recent years…as they’ve forgiven our own contention here. I’m eager for every citizen of every nation to hear their words.”
“As are we. Our team only learned simplified Vrit, but that won’t be a problem for you once we pass along our translators.” Nulia tapped a spot right underneath her tiny ear, suggesting she had some subdermal implant. “May we exit the vehicle?”
“Of course you may. There’s a podium with a microphone where you can address the watching world, before the feast begins,” the Selmer general sighed.
The arctic-subspecies Bissem popped open the door handle, assisting me into the street with a flipper. Gathered FAI scientists looked like children who’d caught their first fish, eager to steal a glimpse of the alien visitors. Military personnel were corralling the media, as well as public spectators who’d torn down the sideswim at the news. PSAs were being broadcasted, warning anyone in the vicinity that their safety could not be guaranteed, and that this was an emergent situation. There was awe, excitement, curiosity, and fear commingling in the crowd. This was the moment Ivrana would be introduced to a galactic community, and we’d be asked to rise to the occasion.
Every Bissem will see how much work and effort the aliens have put into learning about us, and how similar they are to us. For a moment, when the human was talking about those microwave signals, it felt so normal.
Dustin bobbed his head at each of his colleagues, before leading the way out into the open. There was a wave of gasps, from Bissems who hadn’t envisioned an alien looking anything like him: the patchy fur definitely caught them off-guard. The shocked exclamations intensified once the two other visitors emerged with submissive postures. It was rare to see reporters tongue-tied; that effect didn’t last long, though they seemed more subdued and taken aback than usual. The human raised a delicate hand, his palm facing the cameras, in a gesture that was likely some sort of acknowledgment.
General Naltor helped usher the aliens toward the podium, though he seemed a bit leery of outright touching them; that might make it all real. The Selmer shushed the reporters’ questions, and after seeing that the Terran intended to deliver a speech, they obeyed for once. Apart from a few shouts of “Hello!” and “Welcome!” from spectators that were likely science fiction aficionados, everyone was willing to wait in silence. I noticed several FAI colleagues shooting greedy glances at me, wishing they could transfer what I already knew into their minds. Our scientists looked more ready to strap the visitors to a chair and interrogate them than the reporters.
“Wow. Hey there. I’m humbled and honored to be speaking with you: to be here on your beautiful planet! Please, do not fear us.” Dustin waited a moment as a new round of gasps took off; none were more surprised than my fellow scientists, at his perfect Vrit. “I know what you’re all thinking. Really, I do! It was only twenty-three years ago that I sat in an orphanage on my homeworld, listening as our planet’s chief diplomat told all ten billion of us we’d met aliens. Now, I’m here, as that mystical being a sea of cameras are pointing toward, and I know that this feels like a pivotal moment in your history.”
I’d love to hear Dustin describe more of what first contact felt like for humanity. I want to know if his people shared any of those transcendent emotions and wild thoughts that ran through my head today.
“I’m here to tell you that all of this will become a lot easier to process, sooner than you think. Before you know it, Bissems might be up there helping a new generation: some child who listened to my words and felt compelled to explore the stars. It’s a beautiful cycle. I’m also here to tell you that none of us are mystical at all. We’re a handful of species that happened upon warp engines, and formed an organization that ensures cooperation between eighty-two diverse civilizations. We’re called the Sapient Coalition. We are devoted to science, to individual rights, and to peace.”
Warp engines. That answers my question about their mode of traversing those vast distances. Imagine what that technology could do for the Lassmin Space Program!
“I also know that you’re likely feeling self-conscious about how we might judge you for your worst moments. We felt the same: if I stood here and described all of the blunders, the mistakes, the divisiveness or just the plain stupidity of my people’s history, I’d be here for several lifetimes. We fervently believe in your species, and that you share our fundamental drive to explore this universe that we inhabit for only a fleeting time. That you can join us in celebrating new life and new cultures!”
I heard from Dustin earlier that his people were divided before first contact. As much as I wished they’d be perfect, there is something to be said for their flaws: that they haven’t forgotten their past.
“We recognize our immense responsibility, introducing you to new technology. Great minds scattered across many worlds have made fantastic discoveries and creations that can save and better Bissem lives. I’m talking about eliminating the language barriers on Ivrana that hamper communication. I’m talking about curing diseases, advanced prosthetics, genetic knowledge, and life extension technology. Spaceships that can bring you to nearby stars! We want you to share our blessings.”
Several cheers rose up from the crowd, as watching Bissems seemed delighted by the possibilities that the human had laid out. There was so much needless death and suffering that the aliens’ advanced science could conquer; there was a great deal of knowledge the numerous civilizations in the Sapient Coalition must’ve acquired. This altruistic rhetoric should make it evident that they intended to better our society: not to eradicate it like Bissem colonizers on Nelmin, or whatever had been done to the Thafki and the Gojids. If we were the first ones the SC had reached out to as an organization, I wanted to tell them they were doing well. I wanted to play a part in helping them learn, and create something better.
“But we must pass these marvelous things along with care. We wish to avoid their misuse, or for them to be twisted into harmful applications. We don’t favoritize any faction. The last thing we want is to aid death and division, when we’ve become so very fond of all of the cultures…the unique flames of life lit within billions of Bissem souls. We wish for you to retain that beautiful uniqueness, by maintaining your ways and customs. We hope you’ll challenge us with new ways of thinking, and that you’ll one day join our cause, as fellow beings linked by the strange experience of sapience. Thank you.”
Nulia gave Dustin a congratulatory pat on the back, and his binocular eyes swelled with water from deep emotions. It seemed as though the human was moved by the prospect of Bissems hearing his words, and joining humanity’s pacifist cause. The reporters launched into a vigorous set of questions, asking for the Terran to expand on his points—and on other things he hadn’t covered, such as how the SC found Ivrana. Haliska offered a brief comment that they’d take interviews at a later date, while Nulia tacked on that they planned to share their culture and history through data releases. All of their knowledge, dispersed through the internet: to be used by all Bissems for the greater good!
It was almost too good to be true, yet I didn’t doubt their intentions for a second. Despite the seedy past I’d heard about, I found myself swept up in this new era of idealism; what Dustin outlined had been my life’s dream as well. Even if it wasn’t perfect, or the transcendent society my heart desired, I still yearned to learn everything about it. I was glad that an official livestream would be recording the feast that took place inside. The FAI scientists permitted to dine with guests should offer up interesting questions. The public might see the beginning of those answers outlined during our communion.
Dustin turned to face me, a glimmer in his eyes. “Dr. Tassi, one of the data points humanity asked to share is called the Golden Record. We attached it to the first probe that left our solar system: much like Lassmin’s space program did. A collection of our culture and our goodwill. We have so much more to share, but as the galaxy’s sentimental people, we’d love for that to be the first thing you see of us.”
“That sounds delightful! We attached something similar to one of our probes: a codex of greetings in our primary four languages. FAI scientists recorded a message as well…you may have seen our faces before.”
“I suppose we have, then. If I remember correctly, us discovering you caused quite a stir: semi-aquatic flightless birds! All sorts of facts about Bissems made the rounds on the internet. You’re the first pre-FTL civilization humanity has discovered. This is big to us as well.”
“You stated our classification like it was noteworthy. Are birds…there aren’t any other sapient birds?”
“We know two of them. The Duerten and the Krakotl.” The human’s eyes darted back and forth, with jerky movements that seemed to be acknowledging the watching cameras. “I’ll happily provide you with a species codex when we transmit our data for your perusal; that info will probably come tonight. The Duerten are not SC members; they run their own group called ‘The Shield.’ We would’ve brought a Krakotl along with our first contact party—we almost did—but they’re still a bit…fractious. Complicated. We figured you’d have more in common with the water-loving Thafki. You’re both drawn to it, aren’t you?”
“It’s in our nature. It’s why we build our nations on the coastline; it’s the giver of food and comfort. I believe Haliska said you enjoy it too, despite being mammals?”
The Thafki blinked at the sound of her name. “Humans are quite fond of the ocean. They evolved to be arboreal, but they seem to do whatever they want. There isn’t much in nature you won’t find that they’ve turned into some form of entertainment or escapism.”
“Earth is the galaxy’s entertainment capital for a reason. There’s something about their enthusiasm, their willingness to take on anything, that’s singular,” Nulia remarked. “I imagine some of their pastimes might expand your horizons.”
The human chuckled. “Bissems already share our pastime of making meemuhs. I bet my face is being plastered on dozens of them right now.”
“That was a Terran word you just used?” I prompted.
“Pictures with silly captions on the internet? That’s our word for them; I know you have a different one, but I’m blanking. Say, I bet you could make one of us three exiting the vehicle, and everyone staring at us. Some tagline like, ‘How your parents look at you when you flunk a test.’”
“You’re an idiot,” Nulia sighed. “You know millions of people can hear what we’re saying?”
“Then they’ll make the memes just like that. I planted the seed. A little fun and humor wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world. It’s a way of seeing the light in what’s crazy. It’s a very…human thing to do.”
“Did you make memes when Kalsim was bearing down on you?”
“Of course we did, but let’s not talk about that guy now. Dr. Tassi, would you mind showing us to the feast?”
General Naltor ducked away, from where he’d been giving a statement calling for cooperation between the Vritala, Selmer, and Tseia subspecies. “You’re asking the wrong Bissem, but yes, we can show you inside. I think that went exceedingly well. You were quite personable and humble. I don’t know if that’ll resonate with people, but that quality of yours has impressed me, Dustin.”
“Thanks. I respect that you want what’s best for your people, General Naltor. Protecting the vulnerable is the most honorable thing any sapient can do. Attitudes like that are one of the reasons I have high hopes for Bissems, to become a force for good—smashing down any preconceptions.”
“You talk a good game, alien. Let’s eat, shall we?”
I studied the Thafki out of my periphery, noticing her moving closer to the human. “Are you alright, Haliska? I notice the suggestion of the feast seems to spark a reaction from you.”
“I…apologize. I’ll be fine. This just isn’t my favorite…activity,” the blue-gray furred mammal muttered. “I’d much rather be having a swim together, but I’m here to learn and to be a positive influence. That’s right. Positivity.”
Haliska sounded beyond unconfident, though despite my increasing suspicions over her feast anxiety, I couldn’t bring myself to advise Naltor to call it off. If the alien said she was fine, then surely I was worrying about her emotional state for no reason. Thafkis’ demeanor could be more timid than other species, from living in a “commune” without a homeworld; we couldn’t apply Bissem standards to these visitors, no matter how similar to us they acted. Dustin had requested not to delve into the most disquieting issues tonight, and I was willing to respect that. However, it might be worth investing more mental resources into picking up on any clues…just in case the Thafki was in a vulnerable state.
This can’t go wrong, with a livestream of the feast happening; I don’t want it to reflect poorly on Haliska, not without the context of what’s up with her. I’ll keep an eye on her, and I suspect General Naltor will too.
With the entire world watching our shared meal, I led the way into the FAI convention center, and prepared to introduce the aliens to the other scientists who’d spent a lifetime seeking proof of their existence.
A/N - Part 5, back with Tassi! Dustin delivers a speech to the Bissem public, promising altruistic aid, and manages to stave off questions about the war: which Nulia and Haliska both tipped Tassi off to a bit more, including the bit about humans being wished extinct amid a centuries-long war. Haliska continues to exude anxiety about the feast, as cameras watch her every move. How do you expect the feast to go? What do you think of the SC's introductory speech to the Bissem public, and the eager spectators who dropped by to watch?
As always, thank you for reading and supporting!
Comments
Edward ward
I just hope they're still taking.
Yannis Morris
@BXSinclair That is a good point. I guess this is just Tassi not being 100% knowledgeable on the requirements for civilization
BXSinclair
Funnily enough, when humans spread out of Africa and into the rest of the world tens of thousands of years ago, we kept close to the coastlines for a majority of that time IIRC, humans made it to Australia before they got to modern day Mongolia
BXSinclair
That seems like something they'd already be aware of, what with the 10 years of studying their culture
Oh my god lmfao 😂
Bri
Trash bins come standard gear on all sivkit diplomatic missions
Adam Myers
I really want to see a flashback of Nulia and Isif having “that” talk.
th3h4ck3r
Fun fact: one of the signs of behavioral modernity for humanity 50k years ago was the invention of fishing gear, mainly dedicated harpoons and fishing hooks
th3h4ck3r
For sheer practicality, it would make more sense for most of their fish to be dead and frozen. Imagine having to keep fish alive right until they're eaten; the amount of extra infrastructure you'd need to keep them alive and healthy would make them much more expensive than just flash freezing them in a boat. There's a reason why it's mostly the very expensive restaurants that have the crustaceans (lobsters and crabs) alive in tanks rather than frozen.
Some Lvm
@Elias: half? More like 3/4 if the original 200 fed loyalists haven't been dealt with by now. Although, I think the Bissems would drive the Feddies nuts - they have side-facing eyes, yet they hunt an eat living things. Remeber what happened to Rauln's poor mother?
Mike Barth
Check the nearest trasnbin you'll probably find the sivkits.
kindtheking9
If the pingus got booze, it's gonna be before the end of the night
kindtheking9
No way the yulpa are part of SC in just a couple of decades
Apogee
How much you wanna bet that the fish is still alive
REDemon14
First of all: MEMES! Dustin mentioned that the bissem have there own word for it, so we aren't "introducing" meme, we're new competition! Also, I actually like the fact that Earth has become the "Entertainment capital" of the galaxy. I imagine it like a planet wide Disney world. Also wonder if the Sivkit every came around to the SC...
EliasArt2Life
More likely, he’s going to horrified when he realizes that half the galaxy expects the Bissem to be Arxur 2.0.
EliasArt2Life
@Yannis Morris Yeah. I wonder if some of the Federation remnants banded together and became a galactic power. Something too weak to attack, but too strong to conquer without entering into another war no one wants. They might still hate predators. Then, the Bissem’s existence gets out, alongside their diet, and this group is planning to exterminate them, so humanity and the SC has to scramble together a first contact team to convince the Bissem to join the SC to deter an attack. Or maybe I’m going WAY off track. Either way, I suspect some remnants of the Federation are still out there as an independent power(s), though. Most empires don’t fall without leaving remnants behind.
EliasArt2Life
Don’t forget that some of the conquered/surrendered species could be excluded from the count, due to them not being allies, but rather conquered. But I’m expecting to find out some of the former Federation nations managed to regain their footing, and are now a separate power. Too weak to go on the offensive against the SC or Shield, but too strong to conquer without sizable effort and loss of life. Could just be conjecture, though.
Some Lvm
Penguin Ellie after hearing summery of NoP1: "They wanted to genocide you because of your eyes??? That is horrible!" Meanwhile the general: "Antimatter bombs you say? Tell me more..."
Niko15
Oh no. MEMES. The DNA of the soul
PhycoKrusk
The Drezjin make sense, actually; after the end of the... fucking, I don't know, the [placeholder] War, the Coalition *could* have technically bailed them out from Arxur captivity. So even knowing the Coalition of them there in the first place, you could at least spin it as the cost of doing business.
Space Paladin
Hm, I’ll make sure to mention what happens to them before a hypothetical SC meeting! 😅
Diosjenin
Why do I hear the Curb Your Enthusiasm theme slowly getting louder in the background
Apogee
Oh true
Greg Gougeon
Ya that is a intresting thought. Although I would guess the new members are neutral worlds from thr war.
Mike Barth
I want Nulia to eat the hell out of those fish just because she can now.
Yannis Morris
I’m curious abt the how and why of The Shield and the SC growing. If the Yulpa and the Drezjin are now considered “part of the SC”: I worry how heavy the asterisk on “join” is.
Yannis Morris
I assumed it was shorthand. They were referred as that back in NOP 1 if I remember right
Yannis Morris
Yeah it’s be weird if they’re rushing it *now*. They’ve apparently known about the Bissem for like a decade before this point.
Yannis Morris
@Guardian The Dude’s name was “Danny/Daniel Palmer” I think. And more relevantly, he was paired with a Paltan Abductee. The Venlil Abductees have long since died out
Yannis Morris
@Gumcel Yes. And then he said “They’d also go after fish”. Hence me saying that he specified it as separate from scavenging.
Yannis Morris
@Apogee and they’re both fliers! The Bissem are an outlier in that too.
Mr. Walker
Let's see how long before someone suggests Bissem-Human romances. My money is on 1.5 days.
Mr. Walker
Briefly misread this as talking about "Tyler." I was like, "Wait . . . We had a Tyler NOP2 bonus? How did I miss that?"
Greg Gougeon
So it seems like we learned that the SC has grown in thr last 20 or so years. But. The majority of species are still not part of it. So as far as I can tell the known galaxy is the SC the shield and the arxur. Possibly either dozens of small alliances of former fed worlds or the federation remnant is still together and has thr most species of any alliance.
Tazeell
That little Thafki is going to feint at the sight of fish aren't they? Probably shouldn't have brought someone so jumpy along.
Taliesyn
Dustin's behavior shows a compete lack of diplomatic training. I do think them going rogue for some reason would be an interesting twist.
John
I would assume the federation remnants also have a new name? Or do they just march under the banner and name of the federation still?
Space Paladin
Yeah, was wondering if anyone caught that name tweak!
extraintelligence
Dustin is a genius. By specifically pushing for memes to be made of them exiting the ship, he has made it too cringe for anyone to actually meme it, saving their nation from the embarrassment of a viral meme depicting them pointing guns at peaceful aliens. Everyone knows a meme is dead the moment a celebrity tries to get in on it. --- Also, I'm certain something will go wrong regarding Haliska, but whatever happens, she can't blame the Bissem. The SC has been studying them for ten years, so whatever happens, she has no excuse for not expecting it.
Guardian
Personal headcanon: when establishing first contact, the SC must include a member of whatever species was previously contacted. Kinda like how Farsul Abductee (apologies, I can't remember the character's name) was paired with a Venlil abductee; someone who can immediately relate to how they're feeling and what they're now experiencing.
Gumcel
“The Duerten Shield” became just “The Shield”. Guess they couldn’t stay as the dominant power after losing most of their population lol rip bozo.
Gumcel
“And specified it as separate from scavenging” but Nikonus said that the Krakotl were scavengers?
Gumcel
Dustin specifically makes a point that humans heat food, so they probably don’t.
Gumcel
“It’s in our nature. It’s why we build our nations on the coastline; it’s the giver of food and comfort. I believe Haliska said you enjoy it too, despite being mammals?” To me it just sounds like she’s repeating what Haliska said for confirmation. I don’t think that it means they have no aquatic mammals.
Blake S
It would be a interesting twist, that the reason this uplift operarion is so informal seaming is that dustim nulia and halaski have gone rogue, and are not operating under the SC authority.
Blake S
A charitable reading of dustins behavior is that hes concerned about making the bissems feel uncomfortable about thier diet. Imagine if you were the second obligate carnivore in the galaxy, and the first were the warlike nazi childeaters. Dustins factoring that in cause hes gonna have to tell them eventually. Allso moma Callsi probably told him its rude to refuse someones hospitality.
Gumcel
Isn’t he French Canadian? I think meme is derived from the French word même anyways but idk what word French people would use for “meme”.
everything very
Thanks 🙏
EliasArt2Life
I think Haliska needs some stomach relaxants; something to keep her from vomiting during the meal. It strikes me as strange that there are no typical UN diplomats present. I’m guessing that they decided to be more open than usual, and it may harken back to Noah and Sarah’s success. I wonder if other UN diplomats have their hands full, and if this is causing the SC to rush first contact. Regardless of the reasons for the relaxed nature of the three, I’m getting the impression that Haliska was a more recent addition to the team, and may not be fully mentally prepared for everything. She might be better off seated away from the Bissem. Probably next to Nulia, and then Dustin.
Byne
Its more about the fact that they are the most recent uplifted species and many of them still have memories of bad things the feds did. There may be bad stuff the SC will attempt to do without even realizing it. Its just a different perspective.
Guardian
Just because Dustin said he's a xenobiologist doesn't neccessarily mean he isn't also trained in diplomatic affairs. Granted, maybe that's what he should have led with, but people can have knowledge/be trained in/have mastery of multiple disciplines. Although, to be fair, Dustin's mannerisms may need some polishing.
Yannis Morris
Assuming the Yotul would universally know how to avoid being racist is, ironically, a little racist
Sayhoun
I am sure it will, it has been enjoyable to read your work. I just thought it would have been a better transition to the other story after this chapter. So to have first day of fist contact end before transition what happened/happens to other parties in the story development.
Space Paladin
You guys gotta give me a few chapters to set up the ark ships! I promise, by chapter 11, people will be quite invested I believe…just give me til then! The mystery of the Krev…….
Space Paladin
The arcs might seem disconnected at first, but eventually it’ll make sense together!
Space Paladin
Nulia invented the nickname Siffy lol!
Space Paladin
Good things come to those who wait! Poor Tassi
Space Paladin
They both have their merits! Chapter 11 pretty much makes the Taylor/Krev arc 😅 but I do love Tassi, she’s a sweetheart. So passionate!
Space Paladin
Have to build the suspense a bit! Poor Tassi about to get a rug pull
Space Paladin
https://discord.gg/pascap your Patreon account needs to be integrated to discord to access the patron lounge part!
Guardian
I agree. The Yotul may have unique insight in how to avoid such an issue.
print Path
Arxur_happy
Mr. Walker
I mean, different DNA chemistry would stop viruses, but bacteria don't need to interact directly with the host's genes.
TheBlack2007
Counterpoint: Tyler introduced Onso to r/NCD - it's apparently species-wide.
everything very
Sorry for the unrelated comment but could someone give the link to the patron discord please?
TheDudeAbides
Nulia's been living on earth for most of her life
Tyler Ellis
Though that would be a good twist I doubt they’d be that unaware, they’ve been observing them for quite a while, looking at their internet and movies. Then again maybe they do, and all 3 know this and that’s why Haliska is freaking out, then again Nulia seems pretty chill so I doubt that’s a practice.
Tyler Ellis
Dustin my mad man you honestly should consider Haliska rn. It’s not like the penguins are going to riot if you explain that her people are strict herbivore and are often uncomfortable, even repulsed perhaps at the prospect of being around meat eating. You don’t have to call off the feast but at the least she can stay behind and… “run diagnostics on the ship and communications.”
Blake S
One thing to consider, being a tafki, what are the chances Haliska isnt a cattle farm survivor, or directly associated to/related to one. The chances are small since the number of rescues drastically outpaced the number of free tafki before the humans actions. Probably extra built in meat eating hangups. And would allso explain why they have such an almost embarisingly high amount of reverance for humans if your Dustin. One is likely a cattle farm rescue who species ows thier exsistence to the humans, and the other was raised by probably the most bleeding heart human to exist, after being abandoned by thier native gojid parents.
Blake S
Id imagine they probably uplifted the bissem on such a short time frame out of fear for how another galatic power might interact with them. They might try a more federation style of uplifting, conciously or not. Or if thier a federation remenant, probably something much worse.
Apogee
Nice speech for first contact! So full of hope. That Tafiki is gonna have a freak out ain’t she? Then they gotta explain it. Honestly I think bringing a Tafiki was a bad idea despite the aquatic similarities. Also I’ve seen some discussion about not worrying about disease and being able to still eat the food and why. The most plausible I can think of is that the aliens don’t share the same base pairs in their DNA. This would mean no matter how much mutation viruses and bacteria won’t be able to cross interact. But in order for food to safe for all. Everyone must use the same or very very similar proteins and the must all have the same chirality otherwise food couldn’t safely be shared between worlds
1Blaster777
Most diseases don't jump from animal to animal, but some of the worst diseases mankind has ever known came from other animals. The bubonic plague came from fleas, malaria came from mosquitoes, AIDS came from monkeys, rabies comes from mamals, and wasting disease can sometimes be transfered from fish to person.
Wingit98
Oh, SP, you tease. I thought we were gonna finally address the elephant in the room! Still a good chapter nonetheless.
Abby
We're a few hours into first contact and the human's already talking about memes. Accurate
Byron Ritchie
I presume so lol
Byne
Honestly I feel like all first contact missions with pre-FTL species should include at least one yotul thats in charge of making sure we dont destroy their culture while uplifting them.
PhycoKrusk
I've got the first meme template sliced out (mentally) already: Panel 1: Person says or does something foolish and/or poorly thought out, or is preparing to do such. Panel 2: "You're an idiot." Alternatively, video 1 and video 2 stitched together.
Taliesyn
One thing that's really jumping out at me here is that the SC was so incompetent that they failed to send a diplomat. For something like this, you would absolutely want a trained diplomat handling the actual contact and discussions, with the xenobiologists, xenoanthropologists, and the like serving as aides. And everyone involved in first contact would know that. Unless, if course, the scientists initiated contact in their own without orders for some reason, anyway.
PhycoKrusk
It would be very irresponsible of them to not make sure there wouldn't be any issues with food, since that'd likely be one of the first things they'd encounter. So, you know, we probably should be at least a little bit nervous about it.
PhycoKrusk
Microbes *can* adapt, yes, but it generally takes frequent and prolonged contact, otherwise the necessary mutation doesn't get replicated. In the case of the wider galaxy, they have vaccines and antibiotics to deal with problems. In the case of the Bissem, it's just three xenos in contact with a small group of people, and all three xenos were screen for anything that might be an issue before they went down. I wouldn't worry about it.
PhycoKrusk
I don't think it's the eating of fish that's going to be the problem; it seems more the concept of a "feast" itself. She thinks of the Arxur and the orgy of bloodshed that made up a Dominion "feast." She's going to be equal parts relieved and disappointed, I think, when what she gets is basically just a state dinner where people actually want to be there.
PhycoKrusk
I don't think she will ever refer to Isif as "Siffy"; Felra is the only one who ever did that regularly. I believe that Zhao may have once, specifically to take a jab at him. If anything, she'll call him "Snarly," after the "snarly teeth" she had so much fun grabbing.
richfiles
Not even the prions. That was all Kolshian paranoia. They saw the Farsul had a similar disease in the records, though obviously less impactful than theirs, and they just ASSumed it was the same "The Hunger"™️... And proceeded to be ASSholes across the galaxy.
PhycoKrusk
Basically, yes: A meme, at its core, is just an understandable way to communicate information. It doesn't even have to be funny (although that helps by making it more memorable). This is part of why there are certain attempts at memes out there that use the "correct" images, but are not truly memes because they do not successfully communicate information.
PhycoKrusk
Na, she wasn't saying, "There's no way this can go wrong," but "This has to go right and I'm going to make sure it does." Granted, that isn't a lot better, but it is better.
PhycoKrusk
Hey, cut poor Dustin some slack; he's Canadian.
PhycoKrusk
I suspect that's going to change real soon. I don't expect that the Bissem arc will become the less interesting one, just that the Tellus arc will become more interesting.
PhycoKrusk
print is first because print is first. That's just how things are here.
Apogee
So this means among the 300 or so feds only 2 were avian
Apogee
Perhaps the aliens use different base pairs in their DNA, meaning viruses and bacteria can’t cross interact. But they still have the same or similar enough proteins as us and the same chirality
BigSneppy
Dustin, you fool! You introduced memes without warning of their power!
Youre a swedekisser arent you
Are we sure that Dustin isn't somewhat distantly related to Lars? Both of them seem very keen to involve aliens in meme culture.
Almatty
This my favorite POV. I was so sad when we swaped to Taylor from this one.
Yannis Morris
@Mr. Walker And specified it as separate from scavenging. And then in the Archive oneshots we got confirmation that the Duerten were the same
Mr. Walker
"I know, in the universe Space Paladin has created, illnesses don't jump between different aliens (except the prion ones)." -- This has always bothered me a bit. Microbes can adapt to A LOT, surely they would be able to adapt to the biochemistry of an alien. Besides, if their biochemistry were different enough for diseases to not matter, alien food would lack nutritional value. . . Great story overall, but still.
Mr. Walker
Welcome to the "Cult of Meme."
Mr. Walker
I am hoping modern Krakotl are rediscovering their ancestor's love of fish. Nikonis mentioned that they ate them.
Mr. Walker
. . . They said in a previous chapter that it is hard to think of food as "Not fish," but now I am imagining them bringing out a mammalian "delicacy" and Haliska flying into a panic.
Mr. Walker
If they knew about Orcas they would be rightly terrified.
Corporal Chunk
Considering they're basically pinguins... They probably eat fish alive
Corporal Chunk
Lmaoo, these predators with their bloodlust of not wanting to genocide the Farsul
Vladi Vladi
i admire the forethought of the SC to realise that as bad of an idea as sending a near extinct specie to greet a pescivore is, they at least didn't send the Federation's former lapdog to greet the predatory birds
Byron Ritchie
Oh man I wonder how the Bissem are going to react to the average ex-fed’s aversion to carnivorous animals and sapients Also “You stated our classification like it was noteworthy. Are birds…there aren’t any other sapient birds? We know two of them. The Duerten and the Krakotl.” The human’s eyes darted back and forth, with jerky movements that seemed to be acknowledging the watching cameras.” Even in universe people notice how much sp15 hates birds lol
Piittis
Poor Haliska is absolutely going to vomit during the feast, or maybe even faint. Hopefully Dustin and Nulia are already preparing how they're going to explain that to all the people watching.
Blake S
I wonder if the bissim cook thier meat, im sure dustin probably read ahead tho and would know if thiers anything to worry about, probably him and nulias first time eating anything that was alive before. Which probably adds to Haliskas worry. And given the time frame its highly unlikely that Haliska isnt from a cattle farm, or directly associated or related to someone who spent time in one. I think the tafki population was in the thousands before the humans rescued millions from the farms. Given the ex feds tendency to associate themselves with prey animals, this dinner could easily with a nervous breakdown.
Yannis Morris
“Enjoy the water despite being mammals” is very telling. Either Ivrana (that’s the Bissem world, right?) has no secondarily aquatic mammals or Tassi specifically doesn’t know that much about the ecosystem. Which could mean they don’t have orcas, seals, or any of the other swimming mammals that prey on penguins.
Yannis Morris
Hearing that the Shield is still in effect makes me wonder about their state of being. Mayhaps we’ll be hearing about the Shield’s new uplifts if they have them. Or if they don’t: Haha! Should’ve been faster! Good to hear that the SC’s up to 82 species now (tho I’m worried how much of those “joined” if they were dealt with like the Drezjin and Yulpa.). It’d be fun to see the SC and the Shield competing against each other to snatch up the Federation remnants. So that Cold War is either between the Shield or, more likely, the remnants of the Federation. Let’s never forget that they were over 300 species strong before the Cilany Interview. 82 isn’t even a quarter… Or just over a quarter. I’m not too sure on the exact number but I feel like it was in the 320s
Yannis Morris
Human: And so we put the Kessler cage around Talsk to prevent them from interfering in the rest of the war Bissem: Oh my god D: Human: Okay you feel that disgust? That absolute horror of our action there? That’s a very normal feeling. It was very absent at the SC meeting. They complained that we let them live at all. Claimed we were being soft (Addendum: We are the nice ones. And that is terrifying)
TheDudeAbides
This. The bissem plot is already a lot more engaging and fun to read compared to the ark ship people being sorta subjugated.
TheDudeAbides
Also sapient penguins? They're definitely going to eat the fish while they're still alive and Haliska is going to lose her mind.
TheDudeAbides
Nah, they're all going to be eating live fish like penguins do and she won't be able to deal with it.
Charles Michael Santos
More 🐧's!!! I'm guessing the kalsim namedrop would probably spark a few questions among the 🐧 . Hopefully nothing goes wrong during the feast, I'm worried if 🦦 (Haliska) might get a panic attack but hopefully not~ Great chapter SP!
DemonVee
What I kinda meant is that memes (memetics?) are a concept that existed before being associated with Internet images. From what I understand, memes are basically any form of culture, behavior or information that spread and evolve through people naturally. A social equivalent to genes. Internet memes get thier name because they are a perfect example of that at work.
TheDudeAbides
Oh c'mon, I just want to see their response to the story of the federation and the Arxur more than anything lol
Asteis Drakos
I mean... Yeah, at their base, that's what they are. Even meme videos are just a bunch of pictures moved through really fast with a bit of sound
ToddTheSquid
"Free will is a myth. Religion is a joke. We are all pawns, controlled by something greater: Memes. The DNA of the soul. They shape our will. They are the culture. They are everything we pass on."
ToddTheSquid
Gruncle Siffy will definitely come up. "Not all Arxur are bad though! Their leader now, Siffy- I mean, Isif, used to play with me when I was a child when he'd visited Earth!"
Pyroraptor
If the subreddit isn't full of bissem first contact memes after this goes public, I will be disappointed. Thanks, I can't wait to see what is next!
T___
I thought that as well. Sea fish have fewer parasites than lake fish, at least here in Finland. Still, uncooked fish could have parasitic worms in them. I know, in the universe Space Paladin has created, illnesses don't jump between different aliens (except the prion ones). But just the existence of a sustenance thieving worm from uncooked fish would cause problems.
Fever Dream
Bissem: A L I E N S ? ! Aliens: lol, memes, lol.
T___
They don't seem okay to me.
Colin Mackay
I know that language changes and evolves over time, it feels jarring to me. I wonder if they pronounce genes as “jeenuhs” too (meme originally being a portmanteau of “memory”+ “gene” coined by Richard Dawkins in 1973)
pogman
I mean, we haven't really got the indication that Alien cultures like to share feasts. I hope Haliska WAS desensitivized so her reaction is minimal
Corporal Chunk
Alright, now, will the fish be cooked for Dustin or will he be uncomfortable, i know the Japanese doesn't cook fish for shushi.. but dustin is Canadian
T___
Why didn't they desensitize Haliska to seeing people eating fish during the decade of learning the language. They didn't need to participate but just not panic if someone else ate fish. Surely they saw this coming? All cultures love to show their food!
Stellar
As we all know, memes are DNA of the soul. Keep it coming!
Swan
Explaining the hole war/first contact is gonna be real fun for Nulia isn't it? She's probably one of the people who's the most intertwined with it, in the galaxy at her age (Because of what happened to her, who her adoptive dad and uncle are, and she's even played with Isif as a child)
Janne Riihinen
I love these space penguins ♥️
DemonVee
Poor Haliska is going to vomit the moment she sits down at the table isn't she? Also, I love that the entire concept of memes has been reduced to funny pictures 😅
PassengerNo
One of those dead fish is going to “move” and freak Haliska out, isn’t it. (And the the Bissums will cut off all of the heads and tail fins to make Haliska feel better. 😊)
John Benjamin Cate
I love we finally get to see a time when translators aren’t in use. Meemuhs is a fun way to put it! And I am placing a bet that the feast will have a complication!
Sayhoun
Finally it continues, it was a bit weird shift to the other story.
Yonael Blackwood
Seeing as humans mishear other humans' languages all the time, I wouldn't put much faith in that.
Yonael Blackwood
Haliska is gonna vomit at the feast, isn't she?
HiMyNameIsFelipe
"This cannot go wrong" YOU FOOL, YOU ABSOLUTE BOFOON! YOU HAVE DOOMED US ALL!
I know. Tassi heard "meemuhs" when Dustin was talking about memes. Meaning Dustin pronounces it "meemuhs".
TheBlack2007
Remember, it's from Tassi's POV who has no idea how the word is spelled.
In which we discover Dustin pronounces memes as "meemuhs"
TheBlack2007
The decision to livestream the feast is going to backfire, isn't it?
print Path
I am speed!!!!!
I bet someone is gonna puke or something similar at the feast over meat being eaten.
print Path
I am speed!!!
Paperclip
Can we just stay with Tassi's POV? It's more fun than what's happening at Tellus. As for the feast, I bet Haliska is gonna have a panic attack or something, and then people will REALLY be asking questions.
Rusty Deviant
H O W
Billybob
How! It was less than 5 seconds after 7:00 when you commented
Rusty Deviant
First Edit: I am nothing compared to print path’s speed. Also another great chapter SP!
print Path
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