Human Weaponry

Chapter 1: The Meeting

We had been passively watching them for some time. They called themselves humanity. We knew they were on the verge of discovering faster than light travel, so we waited for them. We hoped to open trade and such between them and the Federation; even though our space travel technology was significantly more advanced, there was still much they had discovered we were interested in. Especially their advances in genetic engineering.

However, that is not what I am examining. I am the Second Fleet Small Arms Specialist for the Galactic Federation. I am to meet with a Human Ordinance Specialist. An American, right, they're still fractured into multiple countries, curious. I am to meet with him and learn about American small arms, and compare our relative equivalents.

The Human "Cruiser" is due to dock with our station within the next cycle. Strangely, they developed military ships so soon after discovering FTL. I have to download the visitor's language onto my translator, "English" it is called.

I watched as the human ship grew closer to our station. It was long, dark grey and black, and angular. Strange, the ship had a front and back, not unheard of, but rare. As it grew closer I could see why. It appeared that the front of the ship was a large cannon, I'd have to ask the one I'm meeting about it. I could also see multiple point defense turrets, at least I think that's what they were, they look nothing like the pulse laser turrets used on my species's ships. As it began docking, I could see English writing on the side, it said "U.S.S. Indianapolis."

I was to enter the human ship and would be escorted to the armory. I made my way toward the dock, I saw one small problem, the average human was a bit shorter than me, I stood at about seven feet tall.

I made my way toward the hangar connection, which was a relief, the door was designed for small craft, more than tall enough for me. There were many humans, wearing what looked to be formal white military dress, some in more practical combat dress, carrying long, strangely shaped weapons, and what appeared to be a smaller weapon in a case on their waist.

They were vastly different from me. Four limbs, they were bipedal and had long manipulators on the end of each arm. They had two forward-facing eyes, indicating a predator species, but unlike most, they didn't seem to have any natural weaponry. I was in formal military attire, but mine was grey, rather than white. Compared to them, I have two more eyes. I also have two main arms, but I have four additional smaller arms down my abdomen.

I moved toward the two humans that would take me to the armory, one would be giving me the demonstration.

When I got near, the two individuals straightened their bodies and raised one of their arms to their heads, and extended their manipulators straight. This wasn't a surprise however, I had been told this was a standard American military greeting. It showed respect.

One addressed me: "Welcome to the USS Indianapolis, CA-35. It is a pleasure to meet you, I am Sergeant Gerrick, and this is my technician, Mr. Thomas. I apologize but I cannot pronounce the name they gave me for you. How would you like to be addressed?"

"Not a problem, appreciation for the concern. Translated to the English alphabet, my name is heard as Ozis. My rank is Second Fleet Small Arms Specialist."

"Very good, oh, and I am required to ask: Are you personally carrying any weapons on board the ship?"

"No, why would I carry a weapon onto an allied ship?"

"Every human with a military rank you will meet today, which is the majority of them, will have a sidearm holstered on their hip."

"Why would you feel the need to be armed at all times?"