[ 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 .

`` Please...'' The request was weak and desperate. Her ruddy eyebrows peaked in the middle and framed her dull, moist eyes. She was a leader whose only concern was the survival of a great civilization that had turned to her to save them. 
 
 `` No.'' My reply was deliberately cold and succinct. Her eyes shifted from a point, to the abyss as dread quickly glazed her face. I felt I should have continued, but I remained silent, like a wall. 
 
 `` Why not? You saved Guarthien... and Jeautaw Number Eight... and even... even Aeris!'' Her jawline quivered in uncontrollable anger, the kind of anger only injustice or betrayal can induce. `` Why will you not aid us in our time of need!?'' She seemed as though she would continue in her rant, but her voice settled in her pause. She spoke, barely above a whisper, which only served to deepen the rage. `` We have always defended you. The Council sought to exterminate you. They did not respect you; they feared you! Well... now, The Council is gone!'' She was shouting now. `` And here we stand, asking for your aid. Sisueron will destroy us as we are; will you look upon our helpless planet and let us die?'' The last word trembled as she spoke it. 
 
 `` Yes.'' I do not know whether or not she was more offended or shocked by my response. I did not care. 
 
 A single tear rolled down her jagged, dark brown cheek. Her nearly imperceptible gills flared as a deep and long breath trembled through her. `` Why?'' 
 
 I held up a sleek, black remote. She stared, awestruck. As I tucked it back away in my pocket, she uttered, `` You found it... But how?'' The voice trailed off, not expecting an answer. Nonetheless, she continued, mostly thinking aloud to make sense of that small, sleek remote. `` You would n't use it, would you? You've always helped the helpless, defended the defenseless, saved the...'' her voice trailed off, slowly consumed by tears... `` Fuck you!'' 
 
 `` Sisueron made the better offer.'' I knew my explanation would not make her feel better. It would n't prevent the destruction of her civilization... everything she fought for. Instead, it was curt and comfortless. I attempted to offer even a brief reprieve of comfort. `` Do n't worry, Sisueron is next.'' I tried not to smile as I pressed the center green button.
