For some reason, I been reading lots of the reddit sci-fi about first contact and high alien civilizations and the interactions between humans and the galactic community. Well...I decided to make up something small and short. Nothing that's gonna be stellar or win a Bradbury award. Nevertheless, have a good read.
We saw the true face of humanity...and it horrified us.
When the humans of Earth arrived on the galactic scene, it was totally by happenstance. The Benldi were the first race to encounter the humans. The humans barely colonized any worlds outside their own home world when the Benldi met them. It was the first extraterrestrial race that the humans met. While there was apprehension from both sides, there became a bit of understanding and eventually a bond of friendship formed. The humans received technology from the Benldi in exchange of granting one of the worlds in their solar system to call their home after the race called the Trulax nearly destroyed their world and wiped out their entire civilization. Humanity gladly accepted and offered the planet they called Saturn to call their own. Being that the gas giant was almost identical to their planet, the Benldi settled quickly.
Over the decades, each race learned much from the other. Humanity did learn how to achieve faster-then-light technology; as well as learn about the Intergalactic Federation. Eventually, the Benldi took several of the human representatives to the Intergalactic Federation Central Planet of Gordaus IV to formally introduce them to the galactic stage. Many of the other races were suspicious of the humans. Mostly because Earth was on furthest part of the Milky Way and there was very few worlds in that part of the galaxy, more that were even populated. But eventually, the humans were accepted into their community. The Federation were quickly impressed in how humans were so versatile in skills and politics. The humans rose in respect within the Federation, especially in commerce and humanitarian aid. To see human medical vessels during conflicts or the massive commercial trade ships were welcomed in almost every system.
While the humans were welcomed and considered one of the more even-tempered races, many of the member worlds were concerned with the race as a whole. Looking at their history, they saw that the humans were war-like and capable of savage acts. When the Troduk Ambassador asked the Human Representative about their history of wars and bloodshed, the Human Representative smiled and said, while humanity almost fell into extinction in the sixth world war, they were able to set aside such violence and turn towards peace. We don’t like how we are when we are at war.
Many of the member worlds scoffed at her answer. The Gundgee, one of the most savage members of the Federation insulted the humans time again saying their youngest pouchling can defeat any human. The Human Representative always smiled and laughed saying pray for the day you ever truly fight one of the humans.
The Federation would quickly learn the prophetic words of the Representative. The Trulax made a return to attack several of the Federation worlds. They targeted many of the human colonies. The Trulax enslaved many humans in their conquests. Any types of peaceful resolutions were ignored. Only war was the language the Trulax would speak. After one of the medical ship was destroyed during a peaceful mission to render aid to the Zeulua, Humanity knew they was only one response.
When the Human Representative called for a special session of the council, she informed them that they tried to be peaceful and find a way to resolve this without bloodshed. Now there was only one response for such useless slaughter. War was the be declared. Many of the other races laughed and stated human never liked to fight. You were peacemakers and traders. What do you know of the arts of warfare. She said just because we don’t like to fight does not mean we not capable.
When the Trulax sent their First Pride Fleets to the Sol system, they destroyed several colonies and stations. When they reached the outer orbit of Uranus, the Trulax were met with the Human response fleet. Hundreds of battleships of different classes opened fire on the Trulax vessels. In a matter of minutes the Trulax ships fled the system. But the humans, set a final message to the Trulax Empire to cease their attacks or they will face something called The Totality of War. The Federation while impressed with the defense of the human’s territory, it was only one battle. The Trulax would quickly respond with virus-bombing a colony world at the edge of human space.
The revenge fleets of Earth would travel to the Trulax system in a campaign of revenge. Several observation ships were dispatched to observe the humans in war. What they saw sent chills to their core. The first world of the Trulax Empire was destroyed by planetary bombardment. Mass driver bombs rained down onto the planet that caused tectonic collapse to the world. Void cannons tore the atmosphere of the planet caused the skies to turn into nuclear fire, wiping out the whole population in a matter of minutes. The Trulax defense ships were all but annihilated in one massive battle above the Trulax throne world. It was said that the destruction of the ships were so horrid, that bodies of the Trulax were in orbit around the planet that would remain for decades. The Trulax, never known to surrender attempted to communicate with the human for terms. The pleas were ignored. The commander of the revenge fleet sent a response, “You wanted to see the true face of war, you not have it. You will now see the war in totality.” Words that were broadcasted to the whole Federation to hear.
Thousands of human solders landed onto the surface of Trulax Prime to lay waste to the population. And that was when the true meaning of horror was displayed and the face of humanity was revealed: Tanks that fired thermonuclear energy that vaporized bunkers, atomizing the defenders inside. Guns that fired beams that caused alterations of gravity around their targets, making them nothing more than mounds of condensed materials. Grenades that possessed the powers of a mini black hole that caused such devastation that to even describe it would be unbelievable.
The destruction of Trulax lasted for only three standard days and the number of causalities on both sides were enormous. The final bastion of Trulax fell after three hours of fighting when an orbital strike of rail cannons destroyed the place, wiping out the Trulax Royal family. It was then the attacks ceased and the humans pulled back their attacks. Federation observers witnessed the aftermath of the attack with sickening horror. Reports came in stating that nearly ninety-seven percent of the Trulax race was simply eradicated which was over eleven billion inhabitants. The planet itself suffered so much damage and destruction, that it would take generations for any restoration efforts show any significant progress.
And of course, the humans, who caused all this genocidal destruction were the first with relief ships to help restore some sense of stability to Trulax Prime. The human representative was called before the Federation council to give account on the ruthlessness of Humanity. Many of the member races would research the complete history of Earth and the armed conflicts of this race endured. The Gundgee, who loved war as much as any other race were appalled by how the Humans waged the attack on the Trulax.
When asked how could a race that was so diplomatic and willing to aid others without any hesitation can be so ruthless and so blood-thirsty. The Human representative simply answered. “We abhor war because we are very good at it. We don’t want to fight but when we are pushed to it, we shall fight and make sure those we fight never wish to strike up arms against us. When total war is called, we do not hold back and as you can see from the results. The price is a steep one.”
“There is an old Human proverb. War is the last defense of peace. Fight to restore that peace.”
It was then we saw that humans are capable of doing whatever it takes, even genocide to preserve the peace in the galaxy. Behind the face of charity and goodwill lies a heart and mind that could very destroy us all. If anything, the Trulax Genocide has taught us. Never push the humans to war.
