NoP: Rise of The eagle

Chapter 5: Confrontation

Outskirts of Nexus-9, February 21st, 2570

The patrol ship glided quietly along the Federation border, its sleek form navigating through the vast emptiness of space. Marcel, seated at the helm under Slanek's watchful eye, harbored a somber demeanor. Unbeknownst to Venlil Command, humans like Marcel had experienced some real-world flying back on Earth, dealing with skirmishes both actual and simulated. The decision to deploy them into an interstellar war seemed hasty, an act born out of desperation in Slanek's mind.

Slanek, overseeing the operation, couldn't shake the implications of the experiments. The humans had proven capable of empathy, a revelation that held the potential to reshape inter-species relations. While Marcel took some time to collect himself after the intense psychological testing, Slanek received an AI analysis of all human subjects, offering a glimpse into their emotional responses.

'We have proof that humans feel empathy,' Slanek thought, a mix of relief and curiosity filling his mind.

The recorded reactions of humans to distressing footage, juxtaposed with their baseline pleasures, provided valuable insights. The fear of triggering predatory instincts had prompted the use of restraints during the experiments, but they proved unnecessary. Slanek pondered the implications of these discoveries as he observed Marcel, who seemed lost in thought.

The recent experiments conducted on the humans lingered heavily in Slanek's thoughts. Marcel, still grappling with the aftermath of the psychological tests, had retreated to gather his bearings. Meanwhile, Slanek received an AI analysis of all human subjects, shedding light on their emotional responses. The revelation that humans were capable of empathy held the potential to reshape the perception of their species.

In the quiet aftermath of the experiments, Slanek couldn't resist asking Marcel about his reservations. "If I may ask—what frightened you about our scientists, Marcel? Did you really think they would hurt you? We don't have the same disposition as you."

Marcel, caught off guard, revealed his concerns. "You're going to laugh but...most of our very old myths about aliens...um..."

Slanek encouraged him to continue, and Marcel confessed, "Well, they involve us getting abducted and experimented on. Hey, for all I knew, you were testing how humans react to torture."

An incredulous Slanek responded, "You think we're that barbaric?! Our scientists just want to help you fit in. We need conclusive evidence of your empathetic capacity. Else, we'll never silence the doubters."

Their conversation unfolded, delving into the complexities of human history and the choices that led them to evolve from prey animals to predators. Marcel's revelations painted a nuanced picture of human nature, expressing a genuine desire for justice and a revulsion toward the Arxur's cruelty.

as the patrol ship drifting near the Federation border. The weight of impending danger pressed down on Slanek as alarms blared from the ship's computer, signaling the arrival of nine Arxur bombers. The urgency of the situation escalated, and the mission shifted from diplomacy to survival.

Switching on the comms link, Slanek conveyed the distressing news to Venlil Command. General Kam's response mirrored the gravity of the situation. The fate of the mission, the first large transport of humans, and the fragile alliance hung in the balance.

As the story unfolded, the tension heightened. The imminent threat of Arxur bombers prompted Slanek and Marcel to engage in a perilous confrontation. The memory of Slanek's brother's demise haunted his thoughts, adding a personal layer to the impending danger.

Amidst the escalating tension, Marcel's unexpected reaction added a layer of complexity. The once composed human unleashed a torrent of aggression, steering the ship directly toward the Arxur fleet. Slanek's attempts to reason with Marcel fell on deaf ears, and the human's actions defied all logic.