Vengeance, Freedom and Expansion - Three Fleets Full Audiobook| HFY | Humans Are Space Orcs

[@Mushed_Brain_No_thoughts]

That last part really encapsulates the phrase “ I will spit in the face of god and walk backwards into hell”

[@loganshaw4527]

Mean while Kratos stabs the face of god.

[@Elusivearth]

@@loganshaw4527 what are you talking about?

[@Elusivearth]

@@loganshaw4527 Kratos isn't real bro, I'm sorry to break this to you bit he's not real

[@loganshaw4527]

@@Elusivearth you sure about that? "human wrath incarnate" is not something even the gods want to face.

[@michaeldriggers7681]

​@@Elusivearth God and hell aren't real either.

[@doggo6517]

Damn, that story had some SUBSTANCE in the plot

[@NaomeK40]

"Oh crap! It's the humans !" best religion ever

[@loganshaw4527]

I think that was made after the union fell.

[@ryandow6953]

Helluva way to make him remember...... ripping out his eyes by hand, personally sure will leave an impression

[@ShiKageMaru]

Spoilers for anyone reading the comments on the final part before listening to it: The actual nuance this story shows is head and shoulders above most HFY stories. 7 out of 10 of them are like "the aliens did awful things to us so we eradicated them from existence." Another 2/10 seem much to quick to assume humanity would or could just forgive and forget. This is that last one out of 10.

[@explodoboyv2]

I've always hated the HFY stories that end in humanity genociding aliens or magically going from being a single-system society to dominating the galaxy by just fighting some aliens. It's a real breath of fresh air, seeing an HFY story that feels so grounded.

[@noway8259]

This review is more a condemnation of the genre than praise of the story.

[@raptor22o90]

TERRA INVICTA! AD VICTORIAN!

[@ravenouself4181]

@@explodoboyv2 Yes, Yes, but have You heard of the GalaxyBuster9000? Can't be a genocide if there is nothing left :P

[@ANGRYWOLVERINE2060-ft2nc]

@@explodoboyv2 Those are my favorite ones actually. If that doesn't happen mankind will just be prey for the next aggressor.

[@colin1115]

I absolutely love these stories. This one hits hard. It made me laugh, and at one point, my eyes watered. I started listening to these stories as an end-of-day ritual. It's an excellent way to wind down at the end of the day. Thank you for the narration.

[@edelta88]

"You left us to die a slow, miserable death... this is just us returning the favor, really."

[@loganshaw4527]

They killed the main and then 50/50 killed the co-conspirators.

[@noway8259]

The way this story treats the issue of complicity is shit.

[@trite4654]

​@@noway8259from an objective viewpoint, yes. But I am sure the billions of humans that were enslaved for decades have a very different feeling about it. Obviously they're not being fair here, they're getting vengeance. That's the point

[@ianharrison5758]

@@noway8259I don’t think the point was to represent a morally and ethically sound take on it. There’s a reason vengeance and justice are only occasionally synonymous.

[@Asriel_Dremr]

1:20:30 To be fair if she’d explained instead of just saying “mister you’re an idiot.” Her husband likely wouldn’t have been shot.

[@Elusivearth]

Seriously! I was fucking screaming at her to just explain!

[@andyknolls8735]

well they probably all died too due to the disease

[@channingdeadnight]

If you don't mind. How did you include that link.

[@longbow3082]

@@channingdeadnight just type a time and it automatically links to that place in the video example: 0:00

[@midnightfenrir]

Yeah instead of the whole arrogant "You don't know anything, I'm just gonna walk away" bull. Like lady, your species was enslaved by your husbands. You might want to tell this human, who you've never met, screaming about saving you, "hey bro, it's cool, we're all free here." Honestly your husband could've chosen better, but alas many human males make these mistakes.

[@BlueStarr86]

Before I die alone, I will have VENGEANCE. I will have vengeance. I WILL HAVE VENGEANCE! I! WILL! HAVE! VENGEANCE!

[@ghostreaper100100]

He was the commander of vengeance after all.

[@Mephiston]

good song, that.

[@omega5179]

That end almost feels like a real human ending where we really just say fuck it see you in hell

[@noway8259]

Yes a conspiracy of nutters that decided to escalate even after obtaining their war goals is very human.

[@clark2501]

@@noway8259 a “conspiracy of nutters” whom were enslaved and killed for years with no guarantee of continued survival even after they excised the very race that forced them into the galactic stage. Not to mention said race was part of a union that was at least mostly either complicit or even supportive (as denoted by the alien called to trial) of their actions. Even if the story itself showed that there are some members of the species that don’t agree with the enslavers actions, they’re in a minority to the point that it doesn’t stop them from continuing to abduct species. Humanity doesn’t have the manpower, nor resources and time to defend themselves from the entire union. This was their best plan given the situation. But it’s a story at the end of the day and a relatively short one given the potential here.

[@Bannedchan]

When it started to focus on him coughing i was thinking, he didnt. That glorious bastard 😂

[@mladensosic2280]

Also...

[@cecollins68]

The story was pretty good and well written didn't feel cheese or contrived the side plot with wex didn't necessarily work for me but I know it was necessary to establish that not all of the enemies were unforgivable , I could almost feel the concentrated fury of humanity just in the description of the battle above the "tirluuk" homeworld. And the ending was pretty good, and felt like genuine human response to decades of injustice. swift, deadly all while pushing the ball foreward.

[@Argon1115]

I just wish there were at least a couple more voice talents but this story and he others are most enjoyable. I especially appropriate of the Andre Norton 'esque universe building with different story lines still employing the same universe

[@OGanKeffplz]

This is by far my favorite story told so far that I have listened to. great writing and that ending. TRUE human tenacity and we do not go silent into the night.

[@kyle18934]

the narrator makes a story no matter how good or bad the writing is. your narrarations bring these stories to life. thankyou

[@glockfanboy4635]

The ending is amazing, but my favorite part is about the welsh aliens, and Mr Dollar Nigel. 😂

[@KyleHargis]

The story was good, solid plot, emotional, decent character development, but that ending. The ending took this story from a solid 7/10 all the way to a strong 9/10. Definitely worth the listen.

[@sasanaorungroj4155]

The story was written 5 years ago... When COVID isn't a thing.. I just wow 👌

[@astrogeek1230]

Damn it! After listening to this story, I'm proud to be human!

[@noway8259]

I'm not, the captain took the most shameful path he could.

[@Nuclearbomb-lw4ri]

@@noway8259 they stood by while humanity was enslaved as well as other planets and species, they just didnt expect one to be as persistent as humanity

[@kyle18934]

where she says she has seem 68 out of 89 species on the planet makes so much more sense at the end... it started as a thought of wonder, and changed to a change of statistics of genocide

[@joshmcdonald5520]

That is such a beautiful layer of depth... *chef's kiss

[@TheRandyWanker]

Never underestimate an enemy who has nothing to lose.

[@Hellfire918]

Also, always question why a Senior Officer of an Enemy Military...willing through themselves at you to stand for trail....where all you world leaders would be in attendance

[@ericlondon2663]

...not nothing to lose..... ...no sh*ts left to give. When you no longer fear....you are free. That's when the darkness blossoms full. Take it from a combat veteran.

[@kingoftheearth2149]

More dangerous yet, one who is not allowed to win...

[@mikkelnpetersen]

We have nothing to lose, but the shackles that binds us.

[@rukia6532]

The Admiral was the embodiment of his fleet, Vengeance!

[@davidedbrooke9324]

Great story. Fantastic twist at the end. Well done all that contributed.

[@andyknolls8735]

that story took a hell of a turn at the end.

[@colincampbell767]

A turn that was telegraphed at the very beginning of the story.

[@sgtsplice9643]

"from hell’s heart I stab at thee; for hate’s sake I spit my last breath at thee" was on my mind as I heard the ending.

[@maxxcarver5502]

if my chest were a cannon, I'd fire my heart at thee ! even though it kills me ! now That's HATE!

[@rukia6532]

This was truly a brilliant story. Loved it! Humanity survives and thrives!!

[@Odd_Interaction]

I am not sure about who or where this quote came from “I will spit in the face of god and walk backwards into hell" but I will remember it. I have always liked this qoute from H. L. Mencken, it seems to fit here as well. “There comes a time in every man’s life when he’s consumed by the desire to spit on his palms, hoist the black flag and start cutting throats.”

[@cletusmartin4628]

Really like the new format, keeps nap time simple

[@Sleepy_zzzzz]

This was beautiful! Thanks for telling the story.

[@donaldscholand4617]

Picard: Ah, dammit! 3rd Space Jesus this month!

[@dans864]

This is exactly what humanity would actually do 100% and that is the best facking part XD

[@Iamkcs2c]

Spoilers, but I like that Cheung's plot was foreshadowed with Moore's briefing, then the author let me forget that point, then hit me in the face with it at the end. Well done.

[@Kaiju-Driver]

What an amazing story! A distinctive study in alien politics!

[@patrickmcabee123]

Absolutely loved this story!!! Thank you very much for an outstanding episode 😎 …BeWell,BeSafe…

[@BigBinky_Gaming]

This was an amazing story. What a plot twist! Like check mate and a half.

[@pipes9878]

This would make an epic film or TV series (providing its not politicised) really good story 🤘😎👍

[@iceebuffalo5130]

An extremely politically charged story not politicized? Lmao are you on drugs?

[@christopherbravo1813]

one could argue that the story is demonizing "cultural acceptance" and thus promotes bigotry. I would then argue that the people making that arguments are either trying to push an agenda themselves or are gullible individuals duped into pushing that agenda. still, I see what you mean.

[@atmosquake3090]

Well, I was wondering where the Humans are Space Orcs bit was. Like, the Exterminatus was pretty extreme but I’m guessing all those pre invasion liberal democracies that may have been interested in peace and cooperation didn’t survive thirty years of slavery, torture and murder. That ending makes the humans far more vile than their enemies. An entire culture that had mercy and compassion beat out of it, set loose as a true psychopath

[@aidandruck2423]

Demons fear when a good man goes to war. Truth be told though, I don't think that humanity has cut loose like a psychopath because they are still allowing for surrender. I would argue that there's a strong justification for such action as necessary self defense given that a) humanity was attacked unprovoked, b) the threat is credible, immediate, and existential, and c) the overwhelming odds make any lesser action unlikely to succeed. Moreover, to paraphrase Carl Benjamin, a victim acting in self defense is morally justified in stacking bodies like doom guy until the attackers either stop coming or are no more. Although, in the case of the ending of this story, it left off before that, with humanity brandishing the metaphorical gun and the ball in the aliens' court of whether it'd go to that extreme or not.

[@atmosquake3090]

@@aidandruck2423 I disagree. Defending your individual self from a group of attackers is one thing, but being attacked and then secretly placing bombs in the homes of not just your attackers but even people completely unrelated to the attack and saying, “You work for me or you all die” is 100% evil and unjustified. The galactic community was willing to offer a harsh but non-existentially threatening punishment for our war crime to which we replied, “We don’t think we did anything wrong and we’re okay with adding all of you to the body count”. To use the Templin Institute’s logic, imagine this happened on Earth. So hypothetically, the Uyghur people, who have been oppressed and brutalized, rise up and defeat their Chinese overlords. After a long bloody war they arrive outside of Beijing and after having slaughtered entire cities of civilians, a force from the international community intervenes and protects the city. They, in response, nuke the city. The UN is understandably pissed about the wanton slaughter and brings the war criminal general who ordered the attack in which culminates in the Uyghurs being offered a deal to return to their borders and be effectively restricted and protected by an international force. The Uyghurs decide that the excessive slaughter of civilians was justified and that the entire international community is just as guilty for their suffering as the Chinese. Therefore they release a bio weapon that will kill all non-Uyghur or Uyghur allies unless those people recognize them as their new overlords. After all, they need to defend themselves, and if that means killing 90% of the population, it’s okay. However unrealistic this scenario might seem, it is effectively the story that was presented to us. But I believe this recontextualized version demonstrates the excessive response in the story. While MAYBE you could justify the humans actions up to the destruction of the Tiluuk empires home world, threatening to, and developing the capability to, drive everyone else to extinction, for the crime of complacency, is wrong. Honestly, with such a disgusting power play humanity is going to have to watch its back. Everyone left alive is going to have huge incentives to develop bio weapons to kill their new overlords, after all, they need to defend themselves…

[@Amoth_oth_ras_shash]

@@atmosquake3090 hmm... cant help to feel its a bit flawed analogue though at least the start part , since in a ''if demographic x made successful liberation war vs nation etc'' ....if the analogue be made to match in size of the galactic situation it be more like the UN intersecting having a battalion of U.N troops bump down at the town built right next to occupied territory with resources stolen from the natives where a bunch of government agencies used them as slave labour trying to run in and rip the weapons out of the former slaves hands to stop the bloodbath despite having been aware of what was happening earlier.... all while the slavers media still is declaring ther intentions to exploit the natives as soon they are strong enough to force them once agen..... aka... you cant complain on a enslaved or worse cultures or peoples personal judgement on those that did it to them... and the ones of ther 'faction' that where fully conscious about that ther wealth was built on exploiting others... after all the alien slavers intel showed it it not was limited to ther leaders but a ''might makes right' moral for ther society.. if you place yourself between those kinds of 'factions' ..specially if you knew about the situation beforehand you cant complain when the ones thats 'returning' the favors takes you as a new ...variable... into the tactical theater.. on the other hand if the retribution craving resurgent forces is starting to stomp towards other nations beyond the one that attacked and enslaved them directly ,thats when you can step in and try interject diplomacy to calm things down.. basicly , an group cannot expect internal rules etc to apply to the actions of an outsider that a member of thers attacked ,it be like said outsider expecting ther group to act according to said outsiders rules or vaules ;)

[@atmosquake3090]

@Random Platypus with Internet You can try to justify Genocide all you like, but it does not make you the good guy. The story states that humanity attacked and destroyed multiple colonies of the Tirluuk, exterminating most of the population as they went. Then they reached the Tirluuk home world and stripped the planets biosphere, indiscriminately killing all slaver and innocent and abolitionist alike. Finally, humanity met with the galactic community after the Third Fleet negotiated surrender. They did so not to argue their case and accept responsibility for their own wrongdoing, however justified it may have been, but to spread a bio weapon to kill everyone from the Space Pope to Jimmy the Seaweed Farmer if they don’t agree to be enslaved to the Terran Imperium. Are these actions defensible, no. The story even pointed out that not even all Tirluuk were on board with the plan. The galactic community gave humanity a chance to justify their actions and win sympathy and support. Humanity went too far. Want an analogy? Here’s an easy one. After Germany’s defeat in WW2 the Allies decide that the genocide, murder, slavery and other crimes against humanity are so great that the answer is to exterminate 90% of ALL German peoples, regardless of their involvement in said crimes. How noble. How just. Complacency is not a crime. Most people are unconcerned about the people getting murdered halfway round the world, hell they can hardly be bothered unless it’s in their own country. We have only so much care to give about things we feel powerless to stop. It only gets worse if society supports that behavior. Tons of Germans didn’t like the Nazis but those who fought against them tended to end up dead, most people decided that as long as they were good little workers and soldiers they could continue to live decent lives and provide for their families. Did they know about the camps, maybe, but, with exceptions of course, most people would rather live as cowards than die as heroes. Should these people be punished for not dying heroically? Evil triumphs when good men do nothing. Good men don’t commit the same acts as evil men.

[@Sanquinity]

@@atmosquake3090 You are indeed right of course. While the other races deserved heavy punishment for being so complacent in one of their union's members enslaving countless worlds and only stepping in when one of those worlds started fighting back, going "We either become your overlords or you all die" is too much. That's just evil. Punishing the innocent many for what a guilty few have done. But I feel like this is exactly what humanity would do in this situation. Probably only a handful or two would even know about the bioweapon plan, and the majority of humanity would probably agree this was going way too far. But it would probably still happen. After all, all you need is a handful of people in the right places to agree to this plan for it to come to fruition.

[@ErrolFOFoor]

I listened to this twice. Very well written and narrated.

[@talon24]

The religion of 'oh shit, it's the humans' had me rolling.

[@sthavoc8]

Damn good story! never saw the end coming, Fan Fucking Tastic!! Many Thanks, Keep it coming !!!!!!!!!!

[@loganshaw4527]

The greatest weapons of the humans was one ship and one man.

[@Amoth_oth_ras_shash]

chapter 11...doctor..in her first few sentences shows the whole ''doctor patient confidentiality'' part....moments later in the conversation with the advocate... talks about him hoarding info and herself sharing as much she can.... riiiight.... and that jams with her earlier words of ''if you want to know that you have to ask him yourself'' XD hmm.... wonder if someone forgot the logic in ther conversation/proffesions for a moment or if i missed something ^^

[@jaredkay6970]

SAVAGE! OH YEAH! Was not expecting that ending!

[@rongray8416]

Holy shit that ending!!! It's like a reverse version of Star Trek's Wrath of Khan where the aliens are Kirk and the humans are Khan in the ultimate act of defiance...to the guy who wrote this.... nice job

[@robkitchen]

Really enjoyed this story. And the ending was great and very much unexpected.

[@cedric3973]

Another great story, quite the we win the end. For the algorithm.

[@daveretash9153]

It's always better to not become a murderer. It's also good to save life whenever we are strong enough to do that, and that take more strength than most understand.

[@steel8231]

The Thumbnail for this video is from a game called "Star Conflict" which is Warthunder's older brother (Literally, same company and mostly the same flight system but with much less simulation).

[@FrostyListens]

That first chapters SLAPS!

[@midnightfenrir]

Did you order the code red? Did you order the code red?! YOU'RE GOD DAMN RIGHT I DID!

[@TheLegacyDan]

2 1/2 hours well spent. This story was cool in the beginning then became GOATed at the end.

[@akildas]

The union sat by and watched as one of their member races CREATED the monster that would destroy them all. 🤷‍♂️

[@chrisleach4245]

I imagine that the narrator has a 🧐 and a pipe in his smoking jacket reading the books. I just know that when you do see what they look like you have a different person in mind. Always a little disappointed like radio DJs.

[@cedric3973]

I think the narrator is south African. But I may be mistaken, we talked about it 2 years ago. Regardless the guy that narrates these is a great narrator and a genuine guy that really likes our input. That being said.... I think he seriously may be wearing a read smoking jacket, with his porn stash and pipe reading us some epic stories. Whatever he looks like it won't stop me from listening because it's all about his epic voice.

[@patrickmcabee123]

He’s …, just great..! 👍🏼😎👍🏼

[@tylerkruse3338]

Blood for God Emperor! Skulls for the Golden Throne!

[@Obligate.Carnivore]

WOW!! I didn’t see that coming!! Can not blame them/us!!’

[@ComradeCommissarYuri]

I really thought that Wex was going to be asked what was this rumour of a new religion called “oh crap it’s humans!!”

[@davidmalkin4241]

Awesome story, fantastic from start to finish I was hooked thank you.

[@ServantOfOdin]

Wow, that ending has beef on it. Beef and bacon....

[@markletts8802]

For the Emperor and the Algorithm..

[@r.hursepuny6360]

by any means necessary ... INDEED !!!! What a twist at the end 🤯

[@fonzdevries4575]

The best part... Involuntary conscription (end of chapter 7)

[@MrGoesBoom]

Just finishing chapter 12....and surely the Mayor has to realize that if Wex never reports back that the Fleet is gonna check up on his last reported position. No matter what they do to him, the rest of Humanity is gonna rock up and knock on their door. Maybe this will get addressed as I listen further

[@yomogami4561]

damn that was a wild ride thanks for the story and narration

[@jordandumpert7352]

I would love to see a years after story.

[@TheProdigalCat]

Wholesome 40k Crusades are dope

[@EvoXoverdrive]

That twist at the end tho

[@rurirotaru516]

This was very good. There was one question asked that set the whole scene. "Where were you." The answer to this question was what the catalist for the end. I loved every saying people brought up and agree with them all such good points. But "Where were you?" By far the most important thing said in the whole story. And he did warn them to answer wisely. But they didn't. And what they got was in my opinion justified. Crule but just.

[@regulardadgaming]

Do not go gentle into that good night.

[@steveblevins9018]

I loved the twist end.

[@rossdavies8250]

Very much enjoyed this..

[@kamrynsikes]

I am at 2:09:02 and I am literally on the edge of my seat. This is about to POP OFF.

[@morgandavis9542]

At one point, “a long time ago in a galaxy far far away” could refer to Earth, when we expand past our own galaxy cluster thingy

[@Fortressofironblood1776]

Dang ch2 would be an awesome movie or series

[@BrianAustin1]

This wold be a great TV show.

[@escgoogle3865]

This is a step up from the norm. Dust podcast season 3 "Chrysalis HFY" level.

[@richardbeng8461]

ngl fleet admiral was a chad

[@awkwardautist3729]

Based Fleet Admiral/Emperor is based.

[@heyjoe1416]

Great narration, young man!

[@mrpizzacat8273]

2:10:12 book mark

[@terryturnerjr8271]

The fleet admiral isn’t a patriot, he is a crusader. Locked in on one mission, one outcome. There will be no compromises. There will be no concessions. Aloof Complacency is tantamount to accessory and therefore the verdict is the same. By any means possible. This is humanity at its hardest and least humane.

[@talonsclaw9058]

FOR THE EMPEROR!! FOR MANKIND!!!

[@marvinyean5]

Most human ending ever

[@Evarakeus]

Wex's conversation with the Mayor is dumb as hell. The entire argument could've been avoided if Wex just offered to help Jericho become an officially recognized and supported human colony

[@Gilhelmi]

It would never have happened. Too many god dammed Janks were there. And the humans of Earth...... we were not that "forgiving". Though, I must also admit that I do sympathize with them a bit. I am a spiritual descendant of the American Abolitionists. They might be innocent, but their race was guilty. Though, Diety above can judge them for their next life.

[@ryanhampson673]

Humanity: Allow us to introduce a part of our culture unto you. We don’t practice it as much anymore but over the centuries we have become exceedingly efficient at it. Aliens: What is that? Humanity:…..GENOCIDE

[@uktenatsila9168]

Good story. Thank you. Merry Christmas.

[@arl4422]

i love the star wars part

[@billymiles6870]

I really like this one. Prolly my favorite one.

[@russtsy7957]

That was great but I was wandering why some of the text was as missing in your reading?

[@okamizero1459]

KZbin things they get very touchy about certain words

[@damionhiggins4515]

This is movie/show level stuff

[@regardlessrampage]

[SPOILER ALERT] Overall I liked this story but I have to say I'm pretty disappointed in the ending. The subject of the Tirluuk doomsday weapon was introduced but never resolved, and it was never even revealed to the Union court as a potential justification for the total war waged against the Tirluuk. The plague could still be released and the implications of doing so would have been the same, but it would have been more satisfying if it was done after the Union showed they didn't care about the Tirluuk plan to exterminate humanity.

[@antitriangular2828]

Chekhov's gun. but bigger

[@davidturner4824]

Great stories.

[@TheAmbex]

Kinda figured they'd go that route 😅

[@anileator7343]

holy shist, i did not see that coming when the admiral asked the fleets to retreat

[@hdcandela5697]

Outstanding Story

[@loofus453]

Oh sh!t! Its the humans

[@jddunebuggy]

Vengeance incarnate.

[@Amoth_oth_ras_shash]

hehehe...delicious! and yes... the end was henious ,but in a pragmatic way ,it was after all no worse then what ther galatic union dident already 'facilitate' so to speak.

[@seanc.cooper4669]

Fun story. I enjoyed it.

[@isaacibbotson4632]

That was absolutely amazing

[@andrewjarvis2678]

first for the random squirrel!

[@ASNRandomSHtuff]

:) noice

[@chrisleach4245]

🥜

[@cdroberto1598]

At 11:55, you missed a paragraph ❤

[@WS-kk2iz]

Oh I loved this one!!!!

[@jimwainwright5725]

GREAT THANK YOU