“Well, nearly all members of the Federation would welcome this new species. Sheep only care about grazing and living their long, pathetic lives. But those in power want to stay there. Meaning the Zetas. And you can’t blame them. Evolution works by pitting a species against all others for the prize of survival. Kind of fosters an every species for itself mentality in the victors.”
She paused. “Which is where humanity comes in. There is no Swarm, but the Zetas are panicked over this approaching new kid on the block—which they’ve named the Intruders. Because they’re a wolf species, one now immune from self-destruction, and beyond Zeta control. An untamable wolf in the wild, if you will.”
She allowed me some time to think about this and then continued. “So the Zetas’ plan is simple. Adopt a wolf pup—humanity—that they can bond with. That will grow up to be their wolf. One they can bend to do their will.”
She raised her eyebrows. “Like in the movie The Lion King. Timon and Pumbaa find a dying lion cub, their natural enemy, and nurse him to health. Why? In the hope that someday he’ll grow up and be on their side.
“Same thing here. Except with epic levels of deception, manipulation, and control thrown in so humanity has no choice in the matter.”
“That’s pretty horrific,” I said.
“Not at all. It’s simply the Zetas looking out for number one. Humanity just has to find a way to bide our time until we can turn the tables. If that means I have to help them subjugate our species for a few thousand years, so be it.”
I shook my head in disgust. “And you’re certain that Nari plans to turn humanity into the Zetas’ own private army—under false pretenses?”
“I am.”
“And Brad Schoenfeld? Does he know any of this?”
“Of course not. He’s just a useful idiot. No Earthborn human was supposed to know any of this. Ever.”
“Can I assume this army will be used for defensive purposes only?”
“That’s cute,” said Tessa, rolling her eyes. “You never stop showing off just how idealistic and na?ve you are. But were you even listening? The Intruders are peaceful. The Federation doesn’t need to be defended from them. But the Zetas don’t care. There’s no way they’ll let themselves be replaced and obsoleted by a wolf species, peaceful or otherwise. So it’s offense only.”
She shook her head. “The poor Intruders won’t have any idea what hit them. They won’t be prepared for a focused and well-armed humanity, tweaked into a frenzy by the Zetas, who will have convinced us that we’re fighting the ultimate predator, a relentless, uncaring swarm that can’t be reasoned with. The Federation’s tech, combined with our military savvy and savagery, will allow us to win the day.”
“So we’ll be used to wipe out an innocent race?” I said in disgust. “One that has more potential than any other race in the galaxy? And you’re actually helping this come about?”
“I am. We need to realize where our bread is buttered. There is no right and wrong, only pragmatism. The ends justify the means. The Zetas may not be pure, may want to turn us into veritable slaves, but we do need them to survive the next hundred years. It would be different if this weren’t the case.
“But I have no doubt they’ll ultimately prevail against the Intruders. So I’m just making sure humanity sides with the winners. If we have to use the survival strategy of dogs, so be it.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“Primitive humans killed every animal species on the planet for food, pelts, and so on. None were spared. But our early ancestors learned that wolves could extend human senses, help them hunt, and warn them of danger. So tamer wolf pups that were adopted made themselves indispensable, worth far more to mankind alive than dead.
“And then they began sucking up to us for all they were worth, turning themselves into dogs, our adoring pets, as evolution knew a great survival strategy when it saw it and exploited the situation for all it was worth.
“So dogs became our best friends,” continued Tessa. “Our subservient little buddies. But look at what they gained in return. Fast-forward to modern times and wolf populations are hanging on by a thread. But dog populations are larger than ever. Worldwide, almost a billion strong. And while wolves suffer in the cold and rain, dogs sleep on padded beds inside heated homes.”
“So in this analogy,” I said, “you’re suggesting the Zetas are us, and we’re the lapdogs. And you think humanity should just hold our noses and help these contemptible aliens commit genocide, become their best friends, in exchange for survival?”
“Yes, but there’s an important difference between us and dogs. Dogs are now wired to be subservient. We’d just be pretending to be. Eventually, when we’ve destroyed the Intruders, we’ll turn against the Zetas and the Federation. Transform once again into the alpha-species we’ve always been and bite the hand that feeds us. Hard!”
She sighed. “Think what you want of me, but our best strategy is to submit to this galactic game of chess—for now—with Nari and the Zetas pushing all the pieces.”
“So I’m nothing more than a lowly pawn? Soon to be a fallen one.”
“If only,” said Tessa callously. “You’re more like a queen who’s about to fall. And I’ll be held responsible.”
“Sorry that my death will be such an inconvenience for you,” I said bitterly.
“You’re a queen in this game,” continued Tessa as if I hadn’t spoken, “because you have the potential to be pivotal on both sides of the equation. Nari and his AI may not be sure why you’re so damned important, but they’re convinced you’re a double-edged sword. You could add huge value to Nari’s efforts, for a variety of reasons. But he and his fellow Zetas are also worried that you could learn what I’m telling you now and pit yourself against them. Tell the world the truth. Galvanize humanity to initiate an uprising, and ruin the best laid plans of mice and aliens.”
I thought about this. “And Michelle?” I said finally. “How does she fit in?”