The Signal

A short science fiction story

Vexilon Military Command: Strategic Signal Analysis Report
From: Sub-Commander Zythaar-5, Signal Intelligence Division
To: High Commander Qy-Gurdrex, Overseer of Exospheric Operations
Subject: Invasion Feasibility for Hreta-Prime Based on Broadcast Signal Transmission
Date: Cycle 7392, Quadrant 4

Dear High Commander,

The Signal Intelligence Division has intercepted an audio-visual broadcast transmission from the planet Hreta-Prime in sector 32B of the Ky-Yimwal galaxy. Analysis reveals a species with a unique developmental trajectory: their smallest, newly emerged forms exhibit supreme cognitive prowess, orchestrating complex behaviors, while their larger, physically mature forms display profound intellectual deficiency. This reverse cognitive arc—peak intellect at emergence, degrading to idiocy at physical maturity—renders Hreta-Prime vulnerable to Vexilon conquest. I recommend immediate deployment of the Third Exospheric Fleet to exploit this weakness.

The intercepted transmission depicts a facility on the planet where small, soft-bodied entities—presumably newborns—execute intricate maneuvers. These juveniles navigate complex mazes, manipulate mechanical devices, and coordinate group actions with precision. Their movements suggest advanced spatial reasoning and tactical acumen, far surpassing Vexilon neural baselines for nascent lifeforms.

In contrast, the larger, physically robust entities—mature specimens of the same species—exhibit cognitive failure. These beings, with fully developed limbs and upright postures, stumble through their environments, colliding with objects and failing to counter the juveniles’ actions. The cognitive capacity in this species degrades as physical size increases, reaching its nadir when individuals achieve peak strength.

The strategic implications of this are profound. The juveniles, despite their cognitive superiority, are physically frail, with limited mobility and strength. Their small size—barely a fraction of Vexilon exo-trooper dimensions—ensures they cannot resist direct assault. The mature specimens, while physically formidable, lack the intellect to organize defenses, as evidenced by their chaotic responses to juvenile actions. This creates a dual vulnerability: the juveniles’ brilliance is nullified by their fragility, and the adults’ strength is undermined by their stupidity. Vexilon forces can target juvenile command centers, neutralizing their intellect, while disregarding mature specimens as non-strategic threats.

Recommendation: Initiate “Operation Dominate,” deploying the Third Exospheric Fleet to Hreta-Prime’s orbit within 35 cycles.

Objectives: 1) neutralize juvenile command hubs with precision kinetic strikes, exploiting their physical weakness; 2) bypass mature specimens, as their cognitive deficits render them irrelevant; 3) secure technological and resource nodes, which juveniles currently control.

Projected outcome: Hreta-Prime’s capitulation within 120 cycles, yielding strategic assets for the Vexilon Dominion.

I have forwarded a copy of the Hreta-Prime broadcast transmission, titled “Baby Geniuses,” though we have not yet been able to translate what that phrase means. I eagerly await your authorization to launch the invasion, High Commander.

Respectfully Yours,

Intel Officer Zythaar-5

Vexilon Military Command, Signal Intelligence Division