[ WP ] A peaceful alien race is besieged by another race in the same galaxy . As their last planets fall and their home-world comes under threat they do the unthinkable . They ask for aid from the only known creatures more brutal than their foes in exchange for FTL technology . Humans accept the deal .

“ That ’ s the last of their blockade, Admiral Gainey. We are clear to push our troops to landing positions. ” 
 
 “ Move forward. As soon as our dropships cross the atmosphere the operation is in General Adams ’ hands. ” The stern faced Admiral turned from the Lieutenant to look back out the bridge viewport. At the sprawling metropolis of a planet slowly rotating before them. 
 
 “ Yes sir. I will send the orders through. ” 
 
 Captain Baker stepped forward as the subordinate left. The usual signs of rank were made. “ That was it? ” The question was directed at Admiral Gainey, still looking out at the targeted planet. His face an emotionless mask. “ These creatures have blown over dozens of Caragin colonies. We just wiped a blockade in less than an hour. Did we even lose anyone? ” 
 
 “ No. ” It was the only response given. The only one Baker could expect. In contrast to perfect regimental respect Baker continued, 
 “ Always stoic with you. Can ’ t even revel in a victory as important as this one. We have declared ourselves the superior beings in the galaxy. If this invasion stays on track we can- “ 
 
 “ Expand until we are weak? ” The response caught Baker off guard. Any other Captain spoke as casually to the Admiral as Baker did and there would be an unusual use of the airlock, but he and the Admiral had a mutual respect. They had served together for years and had become close in that time. Well, as close as the Admiral grew to anyone. But there was a cutting tone of anger in this curt, taunt response. 
 
 “ I ’ m sorry I didn ’ t think- “ 
 
 “ No, you didn ’ t think. It doesn ’ t seem like anyone has. ” He finally turned his gaze away from the world before him to look at the Captain dead in the eye. “ This does not end well for us, it can ’ t. ” 
 
 Baker was truly confused, “ How can this be a bad deal? We get the FTL cores, and assert ourselves as dominant in the process. Whatever we want is ours for the taking. Hell, there ’ s barely any resistance left down there after the bombardment we sent down earlier, during a ship to ship battle none the less. We are hammering them at every turn. ” 
 
 “ This war will stretch us. Farther than we can easily see, and farther than we are ready to go. What happens when the Caragin decide they don ’ t like us in their space anymore? No way they will stay disarmed after this. Do you want to exterminate them too? Pull out fleets from one side of the galaxy to another leaving whatever we settle alone and defenseless? ” 
 
 “ We will only expand as far as we can- “ 
 
 “ No we want. We were asked for help for a reason. We are selfish, violent, and greedy. It is exactly what the Caragin need, and what will destroy us. ” The Admiral ’ s eyes showed more emotion than Baker had ever seen in them. Not the good kind of emotions either. An unholy mixture of passion and anger. “ This is the day that humanities fall starts. In glorious victory. ” With that the Admiral turned back to the world, ending the conversation. Baker turned to leave, stunned, when another Lieutenant came forward and saluted. 
 
 “ Admiral, Captain, the first troop waves have landed and met great success! General Adams is already declaring this a victory! ” 
 
 The works rang in Bakers head over and over, “ In glorious victory. ” 

