The ancient alien sighed as he collected the data. That's the third sensor that they've tripped on the most direct path to Earth. Should I warn them?
This was not an easy question for him to answer. First, any sort of involvement could potentially lead to his own discovery and may lead to his own species' extinction, if highly unlikely. Still, a vast chasm existed between the words "improbable" and "impossible." Second, any investment taken to give humanity a chance at survival could either prove to be fruitless or even detrimental.
The Merciless Horde, what his alien race called the aliens bent on galactic sterilization, had become the very thing that had nearly wiped them out. In order to survive they had adopted "A Compound Eye For A Compound Eye" philosophy which eventually evolved into a "Blind All Eyes That Are Not Our Own" philosophy. In this Galaxy, you either hid or you fought. Most that fought died or became what they fought against.
The ancient alien knew that initially the humans would have to hide, but eventually they would fight. It was not in their nature to remain meek. He had witnessed nearly 700 of their years' history. While they could be gentle, they also showed a propensity for savagery.
Humanity's ruthlessness was a double-edged sword. Without it his decision would be easy. Why risk my life for a species that wouldn't amount to anything anyway? Glory and Gore are conjoined twins. The potential reward must be worth the risk. Humanity had enough potential for him to at least contemplate the risk.
The reward would hopefully be them overthrowing The Merciless Horde and finally giving a spark of hope that would allow the hidden and war-torn races like his own to exist in freedom and peace. Granted, it was a slim chance and one that would take millennia to bear fruit, but millennia was but a brief moment in galactic terms and slim chances weren't to be casually disregarded.
Compassion is essential. One of the things that astounded the ancient alien was when he came across a program extravaganza called Shark Week. "They EAT you!!!!" He had shouted at his display at the time. "You are caring for an animal that sees you as potential sustenance! Heck! While baby sharks are still in their mother's body they are eating their own SIBLINGS!!!!" While he questioned humanities' rationality, he couldn't dispute their ability to show compassion. He did, however, have questions on IF they would display that compassion to aliens.
They are industrious and inventive. Also, they have shown adaptability. Some of them take great pride in surviving in the harshest climates of their world, and have already taken their first steps in preparation to settle on another.
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He had watched the moon landings. When they put their minds to it, they can make great technological strides in an amazingly short amount of time! He thought back to when the bicycle was invented, and then how that had been part of the impetus for the Wright brothers in their successful endeavor of powered flight, eventually leading to space flight. With just the correct little nudge...
But, Aye! There's the rub! His dreams could twist into a nightmare quite easily if he made a mistake. Humans were...weird. Or insane! He chided himself with a slight guffaw. Any attempt I make at predicting their behavior only illuminates my own idiocy!
The ancient alien smiled. And that is why I've continued to keep abreast of their little foibles. It's hard to keep someone entertained who's been alive since the Roman Empire.
He shook his head ruefully. I've made my decision, haven't I? It may be a foolish decision, one I'll regret, but at least I won't regret watching them die without doing SOMETHING!
The ancient alien started to ponder... But... What should I ACTUALLY do...? Honestly... I don't know...
He could feel time starting to slip away. Okay, simple rules: First, no direct involvement. Avatar use only. Something that they can relate to but conveys power. Second, don't rely on their politicians. What a den of scum and villainy! Third, humans can't keep secrets. While The Merciless Horde won't travel down to Earth for a nice chat along with a generous spread of tea and crumpets to discuss the topic in person, I need to lay down a false trail or trails so that my species or others aren't implicated. The Merciless Horde isn't without intelligence and will no doubt stop at intervals upon approach to witness recent preparations! Light speed equals free spying. Ugh!
Light, while incredibly fast, still took time to travel and was also a known constant. It took roughly eight minutes for light spewed from the sun's surface to reach the Earth. If anyone wanted to take a peak at the planet they were planning on destroying a month in the past, they simply had to stop at the proper spot in space and take out an adequately advanced telescope and, well...look. The Merciless Horde did this consistently. They also had an adage nearly identical to "forewarned is forearmed."
If I use an avatar similar in design to my own proportions, that would implicate my race. I need to implicate a race that they've already eradicated...or...one of legend that they would fear...
Thoughts that had laid dormant inside the ancient alien's cognition organ began to percolate. Ya know, humans do kinda look like the tales of...AND humans themselves have tales of powerful beings shaped like them as well...
A laugh erupted from the alien. A lie is best ingested with a kernel of truth. Though, it HAS to be a coincidence! They themselves were slaughtered before MY species even slithered out of the mud! Anyway, this is perfect! Who would look for the plausible when they can agitate themselves over the impossible! Fear blinds reality. Illusions makes morons of us all!
The task before him became more and more intricately complex. However, while a perfect plan failed to avail itself to the ancient alien, one that MIGHT survive implementation began to form...