Frying Pan Meets Fire

“Y-you mean a-apex predator,” a small creature that Noah had thought was a plant said shaking violently.

“No.” Noah took another bite of grain mash, “We may be top of the world, but it was a case of intelligence, rather than power.” Noah got up to grab more fruit. “It’s a case of being strong where others are weak and using that against them. Solo hunter, come in a pack. Pack hunter get them into one on one fights. Better weapons boke them with a stick. Better defenses poke them with a sharp stick,” Noah said eyeing up what looked concerning like baked beans.

“That’s,” the plant like creature started, “Most species out wit their predators. Sure some may have to leave other predators to keep their ecosystems in check, but no sentient predator species has made it to the stars without being the apex.” Noah looked at the little creature which started shaking under his gauze.

“Deathworlds are different,” another crew member that reminded Noah as an elephant, but with tiger stripes, commented. “They operate under different rules. Meaning Humanity could be a middle part of the food web.”

“No we are the top,” Noah said inhaling more fruit. “There’s just a difference between us and the armed and armored creatures that I assume come to mind with the term ‘Apex Predator’. We are defiantly a tool user species.”

“Does this mean you’re a primate?” The elephant said, head swinging around, as if it wasn’t able to focus on Noah.

“Yah, although wouldn’t everyone here be a tool user species?” Noah said, this seemed to cause a stir. “I know I may not know every definition of terms in the Community, yet how different could it be?”

“Tool user species develop the use of tools before sapience.” Grolvoni said. Noah laughed. “Definitively a primate.” Grolvoni commented.

“We have dozens then. Handful of avians, other primates, and I think a few insects,” Noah said, prompting an uproar.

“Silence!” The elephant shouted. “Let the human speak.” The room quieted down. “Please go on Mr.?”

“Mr. Noah Bannon. Human, inventor and I suppose local Earth expert,” Noah said with a flourish. “If there’s this much interest in Earth we could continue this in a more appropriate location. I don’t know where that would be. I’ve been out of quarantine for a handful of hours. Most of it has been spent in medical.”

“I take it you wanted to be checked out after quarantine.” The elephant said speaking for the group.

“No, Noah was attacked by Lt. Nekamormi. I had assumed he’d be still in medical for a few days.” Grolvoni said. The room fell silent.

“If you know of a lecture hall. I can do a ‘Humanity and Earth’ primer course,” Noah offered. Twenty minutes later Noah was standing in front of a full lecture hall.

There was a nervous energy filling the room, the kind only found in academic circles when a new discovery opened up a new field of study. Noah didn't see anyone working there way into the room, not that it could hold many more, so he clapped his hands and his improvised slides.

“Welcome to a primer on Earth and Humanity.” Noah said bringing up the first slide, jumping to the second, “None of these planets are even remotely to scale, we are on the third one from the star. We call it Earth.” Noah paused a moment as there were people taking notes, “Most if not all of this is in the accessible Human database. Such as these numbers, which is Mass, Diameter, Surface Gravity and the likes.” A wave of shock went around the room.

“This must be wrong!” A voice called from the crowd. “There’s no way a species was able to survive in such gravity.”

“Those stats would put Earth at Grade Seven on the Deathworld scale alone! What about the biosphere!” Another cutting through the murmuring of growing concern.

“I think I saw a Roshani in the crowd. I’m sure she can vouch for it.” Noah felt a ping of regret, but she was here and the Roshani were well known enough to be a credible witness.

“Does this mean you recognize me?” She said, standing up to better address the room.

Noah studied her for a moment, she was on the bluer end of the Roshani spectrum, clearly of the ‘Queen’ caste, had brilliant red-orange hair and analyzing green eyes. There was something familiar about her, it was the kind of familiar you get from bumping into someone at the grocery store once or twice. “Nope. I take it I nearly killed you a decade or so ago?” Noah said, attempting to keep a friendly conversational tone. The disconnect confused the room, which seemed to be an improvement over the growing panic.

“You captured me. I assume that sharpens your memory,” The Roshani said. Noah felt understanding spread across his face. “That out of the way; yes the figures listed are correct. For the person concerned about the biosphere I can confirm it is just as aggressively concerning.”

“If you’d like to come down to assure the class that I’m not lying to promote some kind of Human and Earth based scare campaign.” Noah said half joking, he had realized the galactic community was never going to believe Humanity about Earth shortly after meeting the Captain. To his surprise the Roshani made, an oddly Human gesture, fingertip on her lips rest curled under her chin. She then shot him a coy smile and worked her way down the stairs, putting extra hip sway into her steps as if she was trying to shake her skirt off. Once she got closer Noah did recognize her as the Roshani he and Becky had captured, and he had carried back home. The decade had pushed her across the line into adult hood, and was rather kind in doing so.

“Vazhchayvr at your service.” Vazhchayvr cooed, clearly trying to flirt. Noah nodded, doing his best to ignore the advance.

“Well met. As called out, and mentioned by Vazhchavyr, Earth’s biosphere is rather competitive.” Noah said transitioning to a slide of the less openly hostile looking hunters: foxes, small wildcats, a dog, a ferret, and a dolphin. There were some surprised reactions. “Note these are what I decided were the ‘acceptable for general viewing’ of our hunting species. Other than the aquatic most are less than a quarter of my size. I know that may be large for some of you. It’s the best I could do on short notice.”

“Trust me the larger ones are far more dangerous.” Vazhchayvr commented, “Most don’t hunt humans, or those with humans, yet we loose good women every month to wildlife. Generally when outside of their armor. Although some are determined enough to crack it open.”

Noah nodded, he hadn’t decided if that particular knowledge would scare the room too much. Judging by the reaction it hadn’t, yet it was clear that everyone was now recalculating which of the two deathworlders at the front of the room was the bigger threat. “Which is why I’m glad that the Roshani are the only off worlders allowed on Earth. They may only be from a class six, that gives them enough of a reference point to not do anything too dangerous.” Noah paused letting that sink in, “That said we are rather adaptable, meaning trying to find a world we can’t survive on is difficult. Generally speaking this low a gravity, is dangerous to us long term without specialized equipment. The kind of thing I’m going to be wearing around as soon as I get it unpacked.”

“Why weren’t you wearing it now than?” An avian creature that reminded Noah of a cockatiel, at least from the fifth row, said standing to ask their question.

“I had been under the impression that quarantine was going to be done under as close to Earth conditions that could be managed. I was wrong.” Noah said, sending a murmur of understanding across the room. “That is likely because my Galactic common skills are rather poor. I may rely on my new co-presenter to translate.” This got an eyebrow from Vazhchayvr, “I have learned a bit of Rokran, apparently my accent is hot,” Noah said to her in Rokran. This got an interesting reaction from Vazhchayvr, Noah didn’t pay it much mind. “Regardless I’ll be wearing heavier clothing going forward. Will help me with this light gravity.” Noah pressed to the next slide, one of his sister and himself during a pool trip, “Humanity represented by myself and my sister Sarah. I am male, she is female. No that isn’t usual attire, we were at a… lake building.”

“Pool?” Vazhchayvr offered in Rokran, Noah nodded in response. Vazhchayvr than went into an explanation what he had meant by lake building.

“It was the closest to an anatomical picture I had on hand, we are both on the light pink side of humanity although there are various colors from us to deep brown. Generally we all act the same out here; generally suspicious of non-Humans, and with what the Roshani call ‘A strong sense of Justice.’ Not that we follow the local laws.” Noah flipped over to the next slide which contained a picture of himself and Becky after a particularly long and dirty patrol, “Bit about our history, until we found our way into the stars it was full of competitive violence of various flavors. Once we got up there we quieted down a bit until the Roschani attacked,” Noah gestured to Vazhchayvr for effect. “Not only did this destroy what good will towards the universe at large we had, and put us into a fight for survival.” Noah gestured to the slide. “For those wondering that is not my sister, that is Becky. The photo is also a decade old. A few days before I carried Vazhchayvr back to camp,” Vazhchayvr nodded in confirmation, “and a bout an Earth year before the truce. Truce signed, Humanity has been split into three camps. Those who want to find a peaceful way to free Earth, those who are still fighting, and those who are waiting for a chance.”

“Are you saying that Humanity didn't see the peace accords between Earth and as binding?” The elephant like creature said, rising to his feet.

“Frankly, I cannot think of a human who likes the treaty. Even less who see it as legitimate. Those of us who abide by it to minimize the killing, and the dying. I can only assume that those in the colonies are waiting for a sign to declare open war.” The room froze with a mixture of one part calculation and two parts fear. Noah only paused a moment, “I'm here partly because of the Roschani wanting Humanity out here in the Galactic Community; and to attempt to stop and homecoming war. Assuming that’s possible.” Vazhchayvr stared at Noah stunned.

“Humanity would launch a war to free Earth?” The phrase hit as a wall of sound.

“Yes.” Noah said, flipping to the next slide, “Those of you with biology backgrounds will likely understand this better than I on the biological level.” Noah gestured to the two lines Flight or Fight, above Do or Die. “Fight or Flight is something Humanity thinks is universal.”

“Excuse me, Mr. Bannon,” Grolvoni stood up, “Am I correct that every creature on Earth has this kind of response?”

“Outside of the very simple ones,” Noah said.

“That is fascinating,” Grolvoni said, “I take it from the slide that this Do or Die is a more extreme version of either Fight or Flight response?” Noah nodded. “What do these biological responses have to do with a second war for Earth?”

“It’s quite simple. An alien invasion, put Earth’s portion of Humanity into Flight or Fight. As we had no where to go we had to fight. After the first round of bombardment we decided it was win or go extinct. I am fairly confident that the warning, ‘Earth under attack, stay away.’ made it out. When the next communication is one of vassalization, it won’t sit well. Various colonies are now suing to attempt to get the invasion and treaty declared illegal, and force a withdrawal. That is probably the only thing keeping the rebellion on Earth small, and the fleets of the colonies lightly armed.” Noah watched Vazhchayvr, out of the corner of his eye.

Something about her body language hinted that she knew Earth had just started to experiment with FTL technology when the invasion hit, and that the colonies were escaping Humans from one in a chain of long shots. Everyone played along with the story presented to the Galactic Community because it was convenient. The colonies weren't under Roschani control, nor threatened to be so.

“Mr. Bannon,” the elephant said standing up, “How does Humanity wish to interact with the Galatic Community? Humanity is very much an outlier when it comes to the species. A predator omnivore that is a social creature and a primate.” He paused for effect, “From this presentation you are priming us, members of the galactic community, that Humanity is looking to up end everything that currently stands. Do I have you correct?”

Noah had to think about that for a moment. He looked at Vazhchayvr trying to judge how much he could trust her. Noah decided to roll the dice, “We chose to fight and its still Do or Die. Children are trained in survival and combat, the few Human cargo ships that are allowed back home are always armed. From the various news broadcasts Humans are causing problems due to not understanding, or not caring for the customs currently installed. We are going to change everything intentionally or not, thus the question each of you need to ask yourselves and your governments: ‘Will Humanity’s changes help or hurt us?’ If you want to get involved or not isn’t something I can comment on.” Noah gave the room a short time to mull that over. “Regardless on to our maturation cycle.” He flipped over to the next slide with a few pictures of himself across the years.

The rest of his lecture was uninterrupted. After concluding with a rather underwhelming slide showing a scene from various pre-invasion locations highlighting the fact humans weren’t a single culture before, and still weren’t after the invasion. “If there’s a desire I can go over specific cultures to the best of my abilities at a later date. It’s been about a shift and I’d like to get to my own work.” Noah stayed at the front. Vazhchayvr clearly wanted to talk to him, the elephant did too, Grolvoni, and Colsov were obviously not letting him walk away that easily.

Once the five of them were alone the elephant came down from the rows of seats, “Mr. Bannon it has occurred to me that I haven’t introduced myself yet. I am Renopold Harrienford,” Renopold introduced himself. “I will say you are a most interesting person from a most interesting species. I would be most interested in having you join my studies.”

“I’m a guy who grew up fixing things that was taught how to make things. I’m here to work with the tech exchange, and the Captain asked me to be apart of the security away team.” Noah said before wondering if he should have announced the latter. “Maybe keep that security part secret. I don’t know what the Captian’s plans are there. I’m not enlisted and whatnot with the navy.”

“Of course, although the civilian scientists go planet side on expiation from time to time. With you and your species’ history I can only assume the Galatic Community would want a ‘field test’ of those abilities,” Noah was amused that Renopold did air quotes with his trunk, and that he had picked up on that human gesture during the lecture. “Not that we don’t trust the Roshani, there is something worth an independent study.” Renopold said to Vazhchayvr.

“No insult taken. Frankly had I not run into Noah before I’d doubt everything he said. Honestly I still find Humanity hard to believe,” Vazhchayvr said.

“Renopold, do you want to join us in studying this Human?” Colsov said landing on the table Noah had been using as a podium, “Grolvoni is wanting to study his biology apparently he has a quite interesting healing factor. Which could be useful to your field. I’m hoping to see if I can get better high gravity data for my bio-adaption project, although he might be able to help with more than just high gravity…” Colsov trailed off getting lost in thought.

“If he’s willing, Deathworlders have some of the best healing factors in the Galaxy, they have lead to various breakthroughs in medicine. What is so interesting that you’d be drawn to suggest him?” Renopold said hoping to pull Colsov from his thoughts.

It didn’t so Grolvoni answered in Colsov’s stead, “He was sewn back together after a run in with Lt. Nekamormi. Apparently it’s common practice on Earth.” Renopold’s reaction spoke for him.

“Alright, but I need to get my own work done as well. I can’t just be a subject for the three of you.” Noah said cutting off what he assumed would be a series of requests. “Can I have a few days, Earth days, to get settled in. After that we can figure out a schedule.” To Noah’s surprise all three of the excited scientists accepted that without argument. They then left leaving just Noah and Vazhchayvr alone in the room. “Do you have anything to say?” Noah adressed the ever nervous looking Roshani.

“I hate that I’ve fallen for you.” Vazhchayvr said under her breath in Rokran. When Noah gave her a ‘what did you say’ look she spoke again, “I was wondering if you needed anything. I work in operations, same department as Lt. Nekamormi actually. I know with new species we sometimes get it very wrong.”

“Noah, who is this?” Kazhvoyova said from the door way.