The Constellation, Earth’s most advanced interstellar warship, drifted silently through the void of deep space. Captain Lynn Williams stood on the bridge, hands behind her back, surveying the stars with a practiced calm. They had been traveling for months now, responding to the first major challenge humanity had faced since venturing into the cosmos: the Xorathians. A species that seemed built for war, with a relentless military structure and a reputation for wiping out anyone who dared stand in their way.
The Constellation was the spearhead of humanity’s defense, but they were outgunned, outnumbered, and facing a species that had conquered far more advanced civilizations than Earth. And yet, Williams wasn’t deterred. If history had taught her one thing, it was that humanity had a habit of surviving when all logic said they shouldn’t.
“Captain, we’re approaching the Xorathian sector,” Commander Erikson reported, his voice breaking through her thoughts.
Williams nodded. “Good. Get the crew ready. They’ve been expecting us.”
The Xorathians had sent an ultimatum: Submit or face annihilation. It was the standard opening move of a galactic bully, but Williams had no intention of bending the knee. If anything, this was the chance for humanity to prove itself. Every other species in this sector had bowed to the Xorathians. Now it was Earth’s turn to respond, and Williams was determined to make sure the Xorathians regretted ever issuing their challenge.
“How long until we’re in their communication range?” Williams asked.
“Ten minutes,” Erikson replied, glancing at the tactical display. “They’ll probably hail us as soon as we’re close enough.”
Williams smiled faintly. “Let them.”
She paced across the bridge, watching her crew work efficiently at their stations. Every member of this team had been hand-picked for this mission, the best Earth had to offer. And though the odds were overwhelmingly against them, Williams trusted in one simple truth: Humans didn’t give up easily. They were survivors, and sometimes, that was all that mattered.
As the Constellation slid closer to Xorathian territory, a palpable tension filled the air. Everyone knew the stakes. This wasn’t just another mission. It was the moment that would decide whether humanity could hold its own in the vast, hostile universe, or be crushed like so many others.
The bridge fell silent as the countdown ticked down to zero, and then the Xorathian warlord appeared on the screen.
Vrek’Taal was as imposing as the rumors had suggested—towering, insectoid, with a hulking frame covered in thick, glistening armour. His mandibles clicked together, and his eight eyes blinked in unison, giving him an unsettlingly alien appearance. The translation software instantly converted his harsh, clicking language into human speech.
“Humans,” Vrek’Taal hissed, his voice dripping with disdain. “You are foolish to come here. We have destroyed species far greater than yours. Your time is at an end.”
Williams stepped forward, her expression calm and composed. “Warlord Vrek’Taal, I appreciate the introduction, but humanity isn’t exactly in the habit of surrendering to bullies. We’re here to make sure you understand that.”
Vrek’Taal’s mandibles twitched in amusement. “Your arrogance will be your downfall.”
Williams crossed her arms. “Funny. We were just thinking the same about you.”
Erikson, standing next to her, couldn’t help but smirk at the exchange. He had seen Williams in action before—she wasn’t one to be intimidated, even by a species that could squash a human like a bug. But even as he admired her resolve, a distracting thought crept into his mind.
She had a certain quality about her. Something about the way her large breasts just seemed to be heavier than typical breasts. Every time she leaned forward, in his mind he just wanted to grab those titties and take the weight of them off her thin frame. For whatever reason, that just did it for him.
Erikson mentally shook himself. C’mon, focus, man! We’re in the middle of an intergalactic standoff. Not the time for… that shit.
Williams didn’t seem to notice, her attention remained fully on Vrek’Taal, who now looked far less amused.
“We gave you a chance to join us,” Vrek’Taal continued, his tone growing darker. “You refused. Now, you will be annihilated like all the others.”
Williams’ smile didn’t falter. “I think you’ll find we’re a bit harder to wipe out than you think. You see, humans have this annoying habit of surviving. We’re not the biggest, or the strongest, or even the smartest, but we always adapt. That’s what makes us fuckin dangerous.”
The warlord leaned in closer to the screen, his many eyes studying Williams as though trying to see the threat she represented. “Adapt all you like. It won’t save you.”