PROMPT:  by @BeyondSol   You're protagonist is deep in a part of space never explored by their species before.

"[I disagree with incarcerating every life form we come across. Other species will not view us well with this 'shoot first, ask questions later' policy.]"

"[High command has sent down the orders. We just carry them out.]"

There was silence as the two Xenothons watched the strange carbon-based lifeforms float in their suspension pods. Reams of data went scrolling over a screen to the side.

It was the first time any species quite like them had been encountered.

"[I want to let them go. Look at the activity in that big bulbous thing at the top. That must be their processing cortex. It's fascinating. I want to talk to one,]" said First Xenothon.

Second Xenothon replied, "[I suggest you listen to the recordings, then. I heard with the amount of electricity this species creates, High Command wants to find out where they came from to harvest more. It could solve our power problem. Data Salvage hasn't had any luck getting information about their origin from the damaged ship, though.]"

First Xenothon gave the equivalent of a sigh. "[We need to solve the power problem by changing how we consume energy. Not go and suck the life out of another species.]"

"[You know what really sucks? Latrine patrol. The smells!]" The second Xenothon gave a meaningful wiggle with its tentacles.

The warning wasn't missed or without merit. It wasn't beyond the High Command to places listening devices in unexpected places.

First Xenothon looked out at the stars. Once he got used to the space and starlight, space exploration was infinitely better than being cramped into the tunnels Xenothons lived in.

Pretending to shudder, First Xenothon said,"[Latrine duty? Ugh! These lifeforms are a nonsensical race anyway. They couldn't even communicate with us. Better to just harvest them all. Probably be a mercy for them.]"

A cleaning droid approached. The First Xenothon sent a small gush of slime across the floor. When the droid was close enough, just one little nudge sent it sliding through the slime to crash into the panel that controlled the suspension pods. Luckily its suction tube hit a critical switch that powered off the pods.

Inside First Xenothon crowed with delight, while externally it looked shocked.

"[Oh no!]" cried Second Xenothon and raced over to pull away the droid.

First Xenothon followed and pretended to trip over the droid, sending it into Second Xenothon who turned at the impact. First Xenothon fell against Second Xenothon, sending them both flying into the control panel where First Xenothon craftily pressed the 'emergency evacuate' button when it landed.

The carbon-based lifeforms promptly ejected into space and exploded.

"[All the data is gone!]" Second Xenothon reported.

First Xenothon did an internal victory dance. It put fear in its voice. "[High Command will be upset. Data Salvage better come through.]"

WORD COUNT: 500