She makes a low hum, then asks another question. "What about now? Is it just the braceaaer and genali who are the biggest threats?"
"Recently, murmurs have started about an unmarked species rapidly expanding its reach in the Zedill galaxy. There was a bit of evidence a few cycles back to support the claim of their expansionist efforts. Nothing very revealing. Just feeds of the few probe ships that have been sent out to explore the galaxy, but apart from blurry images of ominous-looking orbital weapons unleashing attacks on different planets, not muchmedia makes it back before the probes are destroyed by unseen elements. We can assume someone is making a move toward being a new overlord in the galaxy, but no one knows who that someone is or if they plan to expand."
Kira shudders. "I don't think I'm prepared for the types of wars that involve orbital weapons. I prefer knives and guns, but that makes me adinosaurby Earth standards too, so I recognize I'm deluding myself."
"Well, at least you recognize it."
She flicks her middle digit at me but keeps walking. "They've mostly left you alone, or what?"
I let out a rumble. "They pick at the edges. The braceaaer were the first to be bold enough to take a swipe at us. The more radical clans of draks decided to band together to end the madness. It wasn't long before they backed away with apologies alongside a generous convoy of interstellar carriers filled with gifts and innovative tech."
"Fiery pit in the ground, yes. Way to be,man."
From the sound of her voice, I think that was a compliment toward my species, but the words make no sense. As usual.
I haven't asked why depressions in the earth seem to have some sort of special meaning for her, but I'm still not interested enough to inquire.
"Another millennium and the genali started their own war, but unlike the braceaaer they employed pirate-like techniquesto target choice, relatively isolated worlds. They never attack in force, just as bandits, and as you'd expect, any official communique for a cease and desist is moot given the certainty that all you'll get in return is a wet pile of lies."
"That tracks," she says, as opaque in her meaning as always.
Tracks what? I don't get a chance to ask before she continues.
"The genali seem particularly driven by greed."
"You are correct. When I was younger, I read a lot about the varying histories and philosophies of the different species we mapped back in the glory days. The one concept I have never really understood is the point of bloodletting over currency."
"What's not to understand, Drasuk?"
"Let me finish. I understand the concept of greed well enough. It is quantifiable as many concepts are, manifesting itself in different ways and to different severities across all sentient and sapient species."
"Alright, I'll bite."
"Bite what?"
"Forget it. You are being too literal again. I meant I'm ready to debate. What about food? How does it not make sense to be greedy about that?"
Do humans bite people they plan to debate? I eye her teeth, but they are just as blunt as always.
No threat there.
"It does make sense," I concede. "When in short supply of essentials, the need to preserve oneself can manifest as greed. It might be obstinate, but at least it is understandable."
"How about greed over land? Surely that is exactly what all your clans were when they claimed planets."
"This too I can appreciate. Your territory equals the area you can control. The subjugation of one's immediate environment is part and parcel of being a member of the intelligent species. It might be cruel, but it fits in with the way of things."
"Then you are contradicting yourself."
I scoff. "Don't be so limited. I am talking about currency. A literal fluid concept that is only as stable as your civilization. That is what makes little sense."
"I can't say I disagree."
"Exactly. Madness. Madness and then some."
"Well. Currency-related greed is pretty much the basis of every war I served in."
"Then your species likely has more insight into the actions of the genali than we do."
