Song of the Void

”One issue when dealing with people from other races is that their priorities are very different, and they don't carry the same history as your people. The most obvious example of the consequences of the difference come up when your race has spent most of its spacefaring history fighting an endless war with another race. You tend to think of the opposing race as inherently evil. Especially so if you’ve lost family and loved ones to the war. When dealing with other neutral races, it can be hard to understand why they don’t agree with that view. To them, the war in which you’ve suffered such large personal losses, and that has caused your people to suffer, is just another line on diplomatic dispatches or a rumor they heard one night in a bar.

They have no personal stake in your war. They might even see the war more objectively than you do. To them, you might be the instigators of the war as the instigator might not be the one that fires the first shot. In any case, you might end up being the so-called bad guys in the war, even if you think of such details as irrelevant. Who cares about which side started the war when so many atrocities were conducted against your people during the war? It can be hard to remember that both sides likely committed many atrocities, especially when you think of your sides atrocities as heroic acts of resistance.”

- High Ambassador of the Mrrroww

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Selendil’s senses caused her to tingle with some curiosity as Moonshadow led another Panther Mrrroww into her meditation chamber. Moonshadow had asked her to talk to the female Panther known as Kurnau. Officially Kurnau was among the first Deities the Mrrroww had sent to learn from her, but in reality, there was another reason the Panther had come here. A more personal reason that had to do with the Shinzen. Apparently, Kurnau had been present on the world of Shadowdell when the Shinzen had attacked.

Selendil remained in her meditative position and didn’t react as they entered. Moonshadow whispered something to Kurnau and just left the two alone. They sat there for minutes before Kurnau finally couldn’t stop herself from speaking as she knew Selendil’s time was likely limited. “Moonshadow tells me you are one of the Progenitors, or Dhar as you’re truly called.”

"That is correct," Selendil replied. "However, that's not really what you want to ask though, is it?”

“No, no it isn’t.” Kurnau drew a deep breath. “She also told me that your kind met the Shinzen before? That you fought back then?”

“Well, calling it a fight is a bit generous. The Shinzen of that time got a bit bothersome, attacking some of our client races. We dispatched an expedition to take care of the problem. I actually didn’t know they had survived until I heard them mentioned when I came to Haven. I would assume our expedition didn’t bother performing a full annihilation. Or they thought they did, but didn’t bother confirming it thoroughly. Still, it seems the Shinzen lost all their Queens and it took them a long time to evolve a new one, which is why they were quiet for so long. Anyway, they didn’t really put up enough resistance that the whole affair could be called a fight.” Selendil explained.

Kurnau gave a small sigh. “Moonshadow also mentioned that you likely have the power to finish that job with relative ease. Why don’t you?”

“Why would I?” Selendil shot back.

“Excuse me?” Kurnau seemed to become confused by the simple question. It was simply completely outside her expectations.

“Why would I want to do anything to the Shinzen? They were not a threat to us even back then and I don’t carry a grudge against them for past hostilities. We only dealt with them because they were causing trouble to those we protected.” Selendil expanded a bit.

“They are an evil race bent of destroying other innocent species!” Kurnau exclaimed emotionally.

“Are they, though? Moonshadow explained what happened at the world you call Shadowdell. You lost people close to you and had to see the worst warfare has to offer. You carry a very understandable grudge against the Shinzen, and I don’t think any less of you for it. Most in your position would think the same of the enemy they had faced. However, don’t let that grudge blind you. Misjudging your enemy is very dangerous. The Shinzen are not evil, though even before calling them evil, we would have to agree on objective standard on evil that we could share. We do not have such standards currently. But even on most standards, the best you can say is that the Shinzen are amoral. They don’t think in such terms. It would be more accurate to think of them as really advanced and intelligent animals that are just living according to their nature. A carnivore that eats a prey animal is not evil due to its actions. They just are.” Selendil argued.

Kurnau wanted to say something extremely rude, but she also realized that Selendil had a valid point. She was intelligent enough to see that. “Even if we take that entirely as true, and I’d like to point out that I don’t fully agree with you, their amoral nature doesn’t change all the harm they are causing with their actions. Millions of people of various races have died at their hands.”

Selendil was quite pleased with Kurnau’s ability to adjust. She was capable of learning without losing herself and being easy to influence or push around. Still, she wasn’t going to just acquiesce to the Panther’s wishes. “That’s a much better way to think about things, and something you should really consider more deeply, but I’m still not sure why that should matter to me? I’m not some galactic peacekeeper that goes around eradicating races that cause trouble. There are hundreds of races that deserve such treatment if I were to go down that path, and I don’t even want to start on all the ethical implications. Aside from the fact that it would make me no better than the Shinzen, such actions are not my role or even in accordance with my own view of how such things should be handled. Keep in mind, you’re talking to a representative of one of the most prolific warrior races in the history of this universe. We’ve killed more members of other races than any other. I happen to think war is a great catalyst of progress, aside from being something that drives the warrior races to improve. Hard times create great people, while soft times create soft people after all.”

“So you’re not going to do anything while they rampage through the galaxy?” Kurnau demanded.

“Now then, did I really say something like that? You’re not paying attention to my true words, and instead, you're just reacting to your own interpretation of them. I asked, why would I care about the Shinzen? I did not say I would not do anything to them, ever. Think about my earlier words just for a moment.” Selendil urged Kurnau. Emotions were blinding the Panther Deity.

Kurnau calmed down and thought back on Selendil’s words. “Ok, so you consider war a good time to develop. You won’t be fighting our war for us, but you’re not averse to helping us reach a point where we can do it ourselves?” She asked in an uncertain tone.

"That's one way to interpret my words, yes," Selendil confirmed. She didn’t say anything about whether it was a correct interpretation or not. In fact, she had already provided them with some help, such as the idea about ordnance that could pass void shields.

"One way, implying there are several," Kurnau stated, coming to a realization.

“Correct. There is no single right answer. Besides, even I don’t have a firm decision on what I will or won’t do that can never change. I’m open to changing my mind just like any other person.” Selendil hinted.

“Right. You did ask ‘why would I care?’ which implies that if I came with a proper answer, you might care enough to take part.” Kurnau stated the realization she had come to.

“That would be another interpretation, yes. However, I’d also add that you personally don’t have to be the one to come up with that reason.” Selendil added. “In fact, at this moment it’s quite unlikely you even can. There are other people much more likely to succeed at that task.”

"I…understand," Kurnau said slowly.

“Do you? Because I don’t think you do entirely just yet. That doesn’t matter though. Understanding is not something that comes easily and when you want it. Now, if I were in your paws, I’d ask more about your enemy. Perhaps the ancient being in front of you can provide you with information that is useful and doesn’t require you to convince her of anything.” Selendil commented a little amused.

“Ah. Right. Of course.” Kurnau agreed a bit abashed and settled down to asking as many questions as she could think of. Of course, Selendil didn't have all the answers either, but she had a better idea than most.

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“So, how did it go?” Moonshadow asked as Kurnau finally returned from her meeting with Selendil. She was currently introducing Prince Hazeem and Clawsome to some of the other notable people on the ship that were currently in the cantina. The Head Chef Zzz’tak had once again created quite a feast that worked as a great introduction to the benefits of their ship.

“Hard to say. You were right when you said it would be hard to convince her to do what I wanted. She’s not a simple person.” Kurnau replied. She had not gotten exactly what she wanted from the conversation, but that did not mean she came out empty-pawed. She also had something to think about.

At the same time Amaterasu entered the room, which meant that now the cantina held quite a few Deities. Especially since some of Amaterasu’s handmaidens had benefitted greatly from the training with Selendil and she was followed in by a pair of handmaidens with the tell-tale halos behind their head. That fact was not missed by the other people present.

"That's a whole lot of halos in one room, even considering two people are hiding theirs," Lilly commented in her usual tactful way. Her lack of tact was one of the reasons people liked her though. It made her kind of cute and it was fun to deal with someone so direct.

Clawsome turned to look at Moonshadow. “This ship feels like it’s full of Deities. Lilly told us a bit of it, but she didn’t mention there were so many Illum Deities present.”

“That would likely be because they are new. I think they broke through in the last few days. The benefits of being trained by Selenedil.” Moonshadow replied with a smile. “Amaterasu, welcome back. How was your trip back home?”

The Empress of the Illum had gone back to the Illum homeworld for a short visit. “It was productive. Our war is progressing well. I see we have new people on board.”

“Ah yes, may I introduce Deities Kurnau, Clawsome, and Hazeem. This is the First-Officer, as well as the Empress of the Illum Amaterasu.” Moonshadow made the introductions, and some of the people in the cantina only now figured out that Amaterasu was the Dread Empress.

“Empress Amaterasu, it is a pleasure. I’m Prince Hazeem of the Lion Clans.” Hazeem was the first to move forward and he placed some emphasis on his rank.

“The pleasure is all mine. On this ship I’m the First-Officer, so you may address me as ‘sir’ or ‘ma’am’ as you see fit.” Despite maintaining a diplomatic façade, Amaterasu was less than pleased with the presence of the Mrrroww Deities, and just a bit of that feeling leaked through. Normally Deities were not subject to military rankings on ships, but these Deities would be while they were on this ship.

Her slight antagonism didn’t go unnoticed by the prince who carefully pulled back. Moonshadow decided to interject before things got worse. “Now, now, Amaterasu. We talked about this and even you agreed on the suggestion. Since the decision has been made, we should make them feel welcome.”

Amaterasu turned her eyes towards Moonshadow. “I said the idea had some merit, but I did not give my approval, Selendil did. Hers is the final word, so my approval became irrelevant. The idea really does have some merit, but I still question the wisdom of picking people that will be more loyal to their own interests instead of the good of the crew.” She looked towards the new arrivals. “This is not personal, and I will be happy to give you the opportunity to prove me wrong. However, you are now aware of the situation and can act accordingly.”

She moved past the Mrrroww and brought her handmaidens to enjoy the offerings of the cantina. "I'm sensing some hostility there," Kurnau commented, to the slight amusement of the other felines.

Moonshadow made a placating gesture. She knew this could become a problem if handled badly. “Hostility is the wrong word. Wariness is more accurate. The Illum are quite dedicated to the Dhar, for reasons that I do not fully understand. To her, you are potentially untrustworthy since you have your own goals in coming here, instead of being here to benefit the ship and the crew.”

“A fanatic?” Clawsome asked warily.

“That’s a strong way of putting it, but not incorrect. She’s not entirely wrong either. You do all have your own agendas in coming here. How much you will gain from this experience is dependent on how hard you’re willing to work for it, and how willing you are to integrate with the crew. Keep that in mind. If all you want is a simple power-up or a chance to push Selendil to strike at the Shinzen, then your stay here will be a short one and you will not be able to gain the real benefits.” Moonshadow replied firmly. She especially looked at Kurnau, who looked a bit chastised.

“So the master of this ship expects loyalty?” Hazeem asked in confirmation.

"In return for gaining the best benefits? Yes. Wouldn’t you expect the same?” Moonshadow countered, to which Hazeem nodded. He wouldn’t reveal all his secrets to just anyone either, and loyalty was something that should be rewarded. That was one of the most important yet most simple tenets he had learned when dealing with the Lion court with its intricate power plays.

On the other side of the room, Xiaoli sat down opposite Amaterasu. “That was quite blunt. Not exactly the usual style of Illum.”

Amaterasu shrugged. "I thought it would be better, in the long run, to just put everything on the table. If they understand their place, then they can act accordingly."

“So this has nothing to do with the Mrrroww gaining more power on the ship?” Xiaoli asked with a grin.

“Well, I can’t say it has nothing to do with it. I think it might be a bad thing for the future of the ship if most of the people with power, aside from Selendil that is, come from our two camps. That will eventually polarize the crew. The Guardians could be a third group, but they don’t really care about anything outside their own domain. We might need powerful people of other races on the ship, just to keep this from turning into a struggle between us and the Mrrroww.” Amaterasu speculated. This was the downside of a multi-racial crew. Racial lines were often drawn early. And once the lines had been drawn, they would be hard to break.

Xiaoli frowned a bit. “And I don’t think Cybrans will be different enough from the Illum in this case. It might even cause more problems than it would solve.”

“Something to think about.” Amaterasu agreed with a nod. This was something that had been on her mind before. Yet she couldn’t really think of an appropriate group that could become the third party. They could always pick up people from other galaxies that they would be visiting, but she’d rather deal with the problem now than hope for some future solution.