Why Humans Avoid War

Ula POV

Were the humans actually getting a reward for the genocide of an entire species? The Federation might as well remove the words "peace" and "equality" from its mission statement, if the Speaker was putting those savages in charge of the military.

An abominable race like theirs did not belong positions of power, and it never would've happened under my leadership. I had done everything I could to expose their nature, and just when I thought I was getting somewhere, the narrative shifted. The humans framed me as the villain, and the Federation bought it hook, line and sinker. One moment, I was their beloved Speaker, champion of democracy, protector of the innocent; the next, they kicked me to the curb. All on the basis of a few unsavory memos from years ago.

Where had I gone wrong? Was there anything I could've done differently?

There would be plenty of time to think after I cleared out my office. I rummaged through the final drawer of my desk, searching for anything worth bringing home. Beneath a stack of documents, there was a single framed photo. It was turned upside down, and covered by a thick coating of dust.

This picture clearly hadn't been touched in years. Curiosity sparked in my chest, and I flipped it over.

A younger version of myself was standing side-by-side with Ambassador Johnson, holding a document. I remembered that day; we had been at the signing of a war crimes treaty, which the humans sponsored. They said they wanted to mitigate suffering, and they had seemed so genuine in their commitment to peace. At the time, I wanted to be just like them.

A growl rumbled in my chest, and I hurled the picture to the floor. The frame shattered, sending shards glass everywhere.

"Careful. You wouldn't want to step on that while you're leaving this office, for the last time at that."

A curse escaped my lips as I glanced behind me, and saw Ambassador Johnson leaning against the doorframe. She was the last person I wanted to speak to. I had no idea how long she had been there, but her smirk suggested she had seen enough.

"Come to gloat? You got what you wanted, just leave me be," I spat.

The human disappeared, and for a brief moment, I thought she might actually leave me alone. Instead, she returned with a broom and a dustpan, and began mopping up the glass shards.

I clenched my teeth, repulsed by her proximity. "You and your...filthy species ruined everything. My life, my government, my job..."

"It's not that bad. Lots of positions out there to fill," she chirped. "You know, I heard they're hiring at Galaxymart. I could see it, you in a nice green vest stocking shelves. The look would really suit you."

"Oh, fuck off. GET OUT OF HERE!" I screeched.

Ambassador Johnson snickered, and then, at last, departed from my office. I picked my box up off the floor and looked around the room a final time. This was supposed to be my life, but somehow, it had been taken away.

It didn't matter though. I would earn back the fickle citizens' support, by spreading the truth about the humans to anyone who would listen. Maybe I could make a blog, or float around as a guest on the talk shows. Whatever it took to get the message across.

There was a knock on the door, and my skin prickled with annoyance. That was a human gesture to request entry, which meant Ambassador Johnson had come back. Wonderful.

"Stupid human. You've had enough fun, I'm on my way now," I muttered.

A male voice, cold as ice, answered back. "I'm not human, and you're not going anywhere."

Something smooth and metallic pressed into the back of my neck, which felt like a gun. Fear surged through my body as it dawned on me what was happening. The humans had sent an assassin after me, hadn't they? I couldn't say I was surprised, but I couldn't fathom why he didn't just pull the trigger.