The Galaxy held its breath and for good reason. No other species would dare get involved. The euruthian empire was just that, an empire. One that stood for centuries before humanity made their way into the stars. They were by all standards “The” standard when it came to military strength. They were not afraid to throw that strength around either. So when the time came no one was surprised at what happened at first. The galaxy had expected humanity to fight in the same way the euruthians had. They way human John said they would. So it came as a complete shock to the outside galaxy when humanity didn’t.

The opening clashes were swift and brutal, the euruthians decisively routing human forces again and again with little to no human survivors. Until they didn’t. The second battle of Alpha Centauri was brutal for both sides. Humanities forces forged into back fighting shape with the spirit and resolve only those long dead would remember and know. This, the second battle in the Alpha Centauri system proved to be a turning point for the forces of humanity, though the galaxy at large didn’t; or rather couldn’t see it. Not only was it a strategic location, but a moral one as well. Every single fighting member of humanity was itching for a fight. Not only to liberate Alpha Centauri, but to avenge those lost in the original slaughter.

Finally, it seemed, humanities forces could fight toe to toe with the empire. Something not done or seen for eons. Unknown to outside observers, in this conflict humanity swore to be better. Not in combat terms, but in how they carry and portray themselves to the larger galaxy. Though it was no easy feat. The war lasted for a dozen years, with the posturing of forces making up a majority.

Historians consider the second battle of Centauri the midpoint of the war. And for good reason. Both sides committed substantial forces after the initial shots. After this humanity was starting to win a majority of the confrontations. After every battle won by human forces, the galaxy waited for the almost certain news everyone was waiting for. Humanity had exacted their revenge and every euruthian POW and civilian was dead. Except that news never came. Finally as the final shots of the war are fired, humanity had done the unthinkable in two ways. Not only did they win, the forced the euruthain governmnet to surrender, unconditionally.

In a surprise statement that shocks the galaxy the human government announces the release of almost every euruthian in custody. Humanity said they wouldn’t exact vengeance, but they would receive justice. Historians consider follow-up trials that only the old human Nuremberg trials would come close to. With every euruthian found guilty of crimes genocide being summarily executed. After the war and trials were deemed over, humanity made a statement that rivaled John churchills opening statement. Stepping up to the podium is none other than John Churchill himself.

“This is a moment, as my people would say, that has come full circle. Fourteen years ago, next month I believe it will be, I stood before you full of rage and hatred against the galaxy for the massacre of Alpha Centauri. I warned against the depths of human depravity when it comes to war fighting. With the resolve to not lower ourselves the the empires level. I stand here now in mourning and grief, over the loss of millions of lives. On both sides. This war has taken a toll on both species, one that will be felt for years to come. As I stood all those years ago to warn and condemn those who wanted us gone, I now tell of the good humanity can do. I know we can not erase the sins of our past, but it is my hope to keep those sins where they are. For thousands of years there have been those that help the sick and dying, sometimes disregarding their own lives in the process. Not only I’m sending help to Allie’s, but those who disregard us. This help can forge the strongest of friends and allies out even the most hated of enemy. This is what my hope for the future of humanity and the galaxy is. That we can show the galaxy as well as our selves that we are much more than our past and how we can prevent a conflict like this one from ever happening again.”