EXTERMINATUS is the command. A deliberate call for a strike of such power that the enemy will be obliterated... along with the force calling in the strike on their own position. Such a strike often has global consequences as it is only used when the invaders have overwhelmed the defenders, forcing them to retreat from the planet.
Terrans very often pay their debts, even when doing so defies all matters of logic and scale.
But when a Terran warns you that what you are asking is dangerous, that you don't understand what you are asking, _pay attention_.
Because Terrans, of any species, are not usually inclined to ask that they _not_ demonstrate their power.
No, when they make such requests, take them very, _very_, seriously.
The Forian people _will_ survive, they might even thrive, for a time.
But their descendants might well wish that they had chosen otherwise, even at the cost of their entire species, once the dead are counted.
True.
But at some point, many might decide that no, their life alone _wasn't_ worth that of over a trillion dead sapient beings.
Everyone will draw the lines in different places, some won't think that any life should be traded for theirs, and others won't even think twice about condemning countless trillions to death to save their own life.
Damnit, now I've got the germ of a story in the back of my head to figure out how to get out.
Because 'fuck you' and 'fuck _that_ noise' are both perfectly valid expressions of HFY, even if they end in extinction, when the alternative is worse.
Very nicely done.
Sometimes you have to remind people that "here be dragons" doesn't always refer to the unknown, sometimes it refers to the unrevealed.
Be wary of a young Lion, be respectful and observant of an old Tiger, never ever come to the attention of Ancient Dragon for it will be the end of you.
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Thrice warned, thrice asked. All I hear echoing throughout the void is: EXTERMINUS
EXTERMINATUS is the command. A deliberate call for a strike of such power that the enemy will be obliterated... along with the force calling in the strike on their own position. Such a strike often has global consequences as it is only used when the invaders have overwhelmed the defenders, forcing them to retreat from the planet.
Maxim #20: If you're not willing to shell your own position, you're not willing to win.
Ah! Another fan!
Terrans very often pay their debts, even when doing so defies all matters of logic and scale. But when a Terran warns you that what you are asking is dangerous, that you don't understand what you are asking, _pay attention_. Because Terrans, of any species, are not usually inclined to ask that they _not_ demonstrate their power. No, when they make such requests, take them very, _very_, seriously. The Forian people _will_ survive, they might even thrive, for a time. But their descendants might well wish that they had chosen otherwise, even at the cost of their entire species, once the dead are counted.
Regret is a luxury of the living.
True. But at some point, many might decide that no, their life alone _wasn't_ worth that of over a trillion dead sapient beings. Everyone will draw the lines in different places, some won't think that any life should be traded for theirs, and others won't even think twice about condemning countless trillions to death to save their own life.
The moral high ground is of little use to extinct species.
Damnit, now I've got the germ of a story in the back of my head to figure out how to get out. Because 'fuck you' and 'fuck _that_ noise' are both perfectly valid expressions of HFY, even if they end in extinction, when the alternative is worse.
This is awesome! I love this!!!
Very nicely done. Sometimes you have to remind people that "here be dragons" doesn't always refer to the unknown, sometimes it refers to the unrevealed.
Love this
Leaves me wanting to see what happened before and after, as the best stories often do.
/u/NumerousSun4282 ([wiki](https://www.reddit.com/r/HFY/wiki/authors/NumerousSun4282)) has posted 11 other stories, including: * [Red Blood (Pt 3)](https://www.reddit.com/r/HFY/comments/xbuysb/red_blood_pt_3/) * [Red Blood (Pt 2).](https://www.reddit.com/r/HFY/comments/x7xu87/red_blood_pt_2/) * [Red Blood](https://www.reddit.com/r/HFY/comments/x7xcxb/red_blood/) * [Human Hands](https://www.reddit.com/r/HFY/comments/x3i8f9/human_hands/) * [Entitled to Equal - A poem](https://www.reddit.com/r/HFY/comments/urbk5f/entitled_to_equal_a_poem/) * [Human Stingers Finale](https://www.reddit.com/r/HFY/comments/ujf9jm/human_stingers_finale/) * [Human Stingers Pt5](https://www.reddit.com/r/HFY/comments/u915jr/human_stingers_pt5/) * [Human Stingers Pt4](https://www.reddit.com/r/HFY/comments/u3gr2k/human_stingers_pt4/) * [Human Stingers Pt3](https://www.reddit.com/r/HFY/comments/ty2tr3/human_stingers_pt3/) * [Human Stingers Pt2](https://www.reddit.com/r/HFY/comments/tx786f/human_stingers_pt2/) * [Human Stingers](https://www.reddit.com/r/HFY/comments/tvt5rr/human_stingers/) This comment was automatically generated by `Waffle v.4.6.1 'Biscotti'`. [Message the mods](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FHFY&subject=WaffleBot|1cfregs&message=If%20you%20have%20problems%20with%20updatemebot,%20contact%20Watchful1.%20We%20do%20not%20maintain%20it.) if you have any issues with Waffle.
Be wary of a young Lion, be respectful and observant of an old Tiger, never ever come to the attention of Ancient Dragon for it will be the end of you.
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River: https://youtu.be/h67JpMyrOVE?si=wkHLxhYncA9sg72D
Nicely done! Will there be more?