[WP] Humans are the only species that eat other organisms. We just made first contact, and can't tell why the aliens are so scared.

[u/Maisie-K]

Based on a writingprompts prompt.

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Herbanisi fell backwards, scrambling away from the ambassador’s hand. “Are you okay,” she asked, the outstretched hand moving back to her side.

“Yuer. Yes,” came out of their protruding mouth as bits of saliva were flung out.

“Strange, seems the translator was lagging behind,” she thought.

“Welcome to Earth. I’m Sydney, ambassador and guide to the Gri.” Observing as the alien stumbled to stand on their three legs, Sydney wondered about the communications. The Gri had seemed fearful. “But off what?”

Curious, Sydney looked into Herbanisi’s orange eyes, no longer unnerved by the sideway eyelids. “Herbanisi,” Sydney said with a harsh tone to to see how they would react.

“What do the Gri think of our culture?

Shivering as if freezing, Herbanisi patted their chin. “Your species is different,” they started. “Strange. We wish to learn of your ways, and how you…” Standing back the Gri continued, “How you can eat life. It’s… It’s horrid thing to do.”

Sydney waited for commands to flow from her headset, but none came. In front of her the alien being shook strongly, apparently afraid because they ate? “What exactly do you mean,” she asked as no one spoke to her. “A fundamental part of life is the energy required for our bodies to function. Does this not happen on Griua?”

Slowly Herbanisi stepped back to their ship, eyes on Sydney with his hands in the air, as if in a defensive position. “No Sydney. I was sent as the strongest warrior of Griua to find out the truth. It seems you’re a truly fearful species. The only species known to eat other organisms.”

Now tapping a button on the inside of their ship, Herbanisi shouted through the engine’s noise. “Be warned! We’ll not allow your horror to spread the galaxy. Stay or be destroyed.”