They Defy Nature

r/HFY
/lm_yor_boi

The report room on the alien warship Xel'Thara was bathed in cold, green light. Holographic maps flashed on, marking positions of enemy fleets across the galaxy. Commander Ral'Zhur stood transfixed, his multiple eyes on the trembling officer before him.

"Explain," he growled, voice echoing in the high hall. "You said we had the advantage on 5-1-18-20-8. Why are we losing?"

Lieutenant Vrek inclined his head. His mandibles clicked nervously.

"Commander, we… we do not understand these creatures. Our scans suggested primitive technology. They are biologically vulnerable—carbon-based, no exoskeleton, low regenerative properties. And still… they persist in attacking."

Ral'Zhur narrowed his eyes. "Now speak plainly, Vrek. Explain."

"They don't obey the laws," Vrek said. "The laws of nature. All the species we've seen, when they get hurt, they back off. When they witness their own kind die, they run away. Pain instills fear. Fear instills survival. But these things."

He stopped, his voice shaking.

"They do the direct opposite. We blow off legs, heads. and they still fight. They crawl towards us with half of the body gone. They shout in anger, not fear. They don't break. They charge."

Ral'Zhur's eyes were wide with horror.

"That's… impossible," he clarified. "Which animal fights when it knows that it will die?"