Earth Time, A.D. 20,109.
After nearly twenty thousand years of cosmic exploration, humanity finally encountered its first intelligent alien species.
Admittedly, they looked grotesque, their civilization primitive, and their intellect little better than that of early hominids. In truth, they were unimpressive — two soldiers could have exterminated them with ease.
Yet, the discovery shattered the belief that "humanity is the sole intelligent species in the universe."
Though hardly a worthy opponent, the encounter reignited humanity's awareness of external threats. Defense budgets swelled, and research into military technology surged.
---
Earth Time, A.D. 20,177.
That first contact opened a floodgate.
With the aid of the Life-Bearing World Coordinate Prediction Algorithm, one after another, alien species and habitable planets were discovered.
Humanity realized, for the first time, just how many life-rich worlds existed.
Countless articles and reports filled the networks:
"Shocking! This species actually sprays urine as a weapon!"
"Major Discovery! An alien species with intelligence beyond early humans!"
"The Ultimate Catalog of Alien Appearances!"
"In-Depth: Can Humans and the Krayu Interbreed?"
Alien life was no longer abstract; it was catalogued, dissected, and sensationalized for the masses.
---
Earth Time, A.D. 20,254.
Humanity met its first interstellar-level civilization: a race resembling humanoid crickets, piloting bullet-shaped ships.
The meeting was cautious but peaceful. After brief exchanges, both sides left communication links and withdrew. No grudges, no overlapping interests, no reason to fight.
But peace was fleeting.
Decades later, conflict arose with another species — this time over resources. For the first time, humanity found itself at war with a true interstellar civilization.
Unseasoned in such matters, the Federal leadership took the threat seriously. Tens of thousands of advanced warships were mobilized, and strategic weapons were kept at near-activation, ready to unleash mutual destruction.
Even so, inexperience cost humanity dearly in the war's opening phase. Losses mounted.
But with their vast numbers and resources, humans quickly adapted, learning from their mistakes and from the enemy's tactics. Slowly, they turned the tide.
The alien civilization, however, proved no pushover. They unveiled unfamiliar technologies and strategies, broadening humanity's understanding of interstellar warfare.
Thus began a brutal conflict, dragging on for decades.
---
Earth Time, A.D. 20,291.
On one of humanity's colony worlds, the garrison soldiers lounged in the port, casually snacking on fruit.
"Looks like the war with the Huain is about to end…"
The garrison captain, chewing leisurely, spoke to his comrades as if discussing the weather.
A soldier replied:
"After all these decades, it's about time. The news says we're winning, right?"
The captain nodded proudly.
"Of course. We've been on the offensive for years now — nearly broke into their core system!"
Another officer, less optimistic, added:
"Even if we win, the spoils won't be much. They still have fight left, and Command won't dare press them too far."
The men agreed, but before the conversation could drift further, the captain noticed an alert on the monitoring console.
A fleet was emerging from Warp Jump Transit.
At first, he paid it little mind. After all, this was a starport — ships came and went every day.
But then he froze.
The readings showed not just a few ships… but many. Far too many. A swarm of signals, filling the scopes.
"A fleet…?!"
Cold sweat trickled down the captain's temple.
If not for the transponder codes identifying them as Federation vessels, he would have sounded the planetary invasion alarm on the spot.
Even so, the sheer scale of the sudden arrival made his chest tighten with unease. Without hesitation, he triggered the emergency line to the planetary governor.
The governor, roused from his bed by the news of "thousands of inbound warships," leapt up in alarm.
Thoughts of blitzkrieg, alien treachery, and flanking maneuvers flooded his mind. He wasted no time activating the planet's full alert.
Chaos swept the colony. Civilians fled into underground shelters, while militias armed themselves, assembling at emergency stations as drills had long instructed.
Moments later, shimmering warp portals opened above the atmosphere.
One by one, massive starships emerged, energy shields aglow, moving in perfect formation.
At first glance, the governor sighed in relief. The ships flew Federation colors. This was no alien ambush.
But as his eyes focused on the lead vessel, relief turned to dread.
He knew that ship. Everyone did.
It was the flagship of the First Fleet, humanity's vanguard in the war against the Huain. He had even watched its commander deliver a stirring address on the broadcast only days before.
Now, the once-proud battleship drifted into port, its hull torn open by gaping wounds. Around it limped the tattered remnants of the fleet — broken, scorched, battered. Few ships remained intact.
The governor scratched his bald head, stunned.
"What is this supposed to mean? Did we… lose? But only days ago, the reports claimed we were winning…"
The sight before him left no room for denial. Humanity's "victorious" fleet had returned — in ruins.
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T/N:
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