The Wrong Side of History
25 Jul 2022Lily Flemmon
"We don't even know what started this war."A phrase that has been said in many forms throughout human history, and one that has always marked abuse of power.
I read the Galnet article quoting Azimuth's statement regarding the successes of Operation Wych Hunt. And when I read the final statement, saying that those who oppose Salvation- not necessarily pro-Thargoid- are on the wrong side of history, I felt the need to say that the wrong side of history is that of the oppressor. And they will say things like this, things that make it very clear how corrupt they are, in the waning stages of their time.
The only thing that gives humanity the right to exist, to take up space and resources, is our capacity for empathy. Our ability to care not only for other humans, but for everything around us. And if the Thargoids didn't also think we have a right to exist, we'd be dead. Interceptors leave humans alone unless they're a threat, right? So while Thargoids are likely hive-minds, they understand that humans are individuals. It can't be said for sure whether or not Thargoids are capable of empathy, but they seem to have a basic respect for human life. Something that not even all humans have.
And all of this hits home for me. CTAC's root origins happen to be in a genocide. CTAC was born from descendants of the last remnants of a once thriving myriad of indigenous peoples of North America- primarily the Anishinaabeg. During the time of the colonial genocide, colonizers who questioned or recognized the wrongs of their kin were often told that they were on the wrong side of history, that they opposed their own destiny. Statements much like the one from Azimuth were made frequently. And it was the colonizers who supported the genocide who lit the spark that would become the Federation. I am proud to be directly supporting the remnants of the Anishinaabeg and other First Nations and indigenous peoples, those who escaped the first senseless wrath of the Federation we know today, in part because it's no coincidence that President Hudson is the only superpower to express no skepticism of Caleb Wycherley, but mark my words:
Your galactic Manifest Destiny will not succeed, because this time, those who came before us are ancient and eldritch.
History will not repeat itself this time, and it is both in solidarity and common sense that I am proud to be "on the wrong side."
-Ambassador Lily Flemmon