Back to the begining of the topic here-I always had a somewhat romantic and simplistic view of FS2 events. Never a fan of the hive mind theory. Not a huge fan of duality either. It's kinda hard to write about this knowing events from BP so forgive me for borrowing or ignoring certain concepts or facts. Also, I won't bother trying to think or reason any other way than we, humans do, because that'd just look like a today's kid trying to play tetris by touching the screen. So it's a much more grounded theory than ones before here, and BP.
So, explaining Shivan behaviour starts from:
1.
Motivation. Whether they're the universe itself or simple, individual beings like ourselves, something must have triggered their appearances. To explain that, one has too observe both incursions. What is the common denominator GT(V)A behaviour in both instances? War ? Hardly, since Bosch believes in the threat of second incursion even before it happens. Did he call them the second time? Seems a cheap way to explain it. For them to behave that way, or any other way, we must have interfered with their interests. Whichever it is, even the young, self-destructive soceties of Terrans and Vasudans realised that Shivans are here to stay. So from a Shivan big picture standpoint, time between the two incursions seems irrelevant. It also doesn't matter how small of a blip on their radar our interference is. Our insignificance would be no reason for them to stay away and that's something we can easily identify in our own behaviour/society. So since their first showing until Capella and beyond, all three parties are of the same thought-GT(V)A existence is in great jeopardy.
The previous passage surely dissapointed those who are of the idea of a greater sense in Shivans, but isn't that the exact anthropocentric argument we're trying to avoid? That we, with our actions and deeds are so important, that the ever present, all dimensional, time bending(for a lack of better term), universe policing "specie" has decided to step in? I choose the other way, that IT is still a lot bigger than all of us, and that we are simply crossing paths with those who wield a bigger axe at the moment.
2.
Execution. I'd split this one into two, individual and group.
As individuals, Shivans do show some similarities. They are fighting for a greater cause and are part of a greater scheme. They don't want to die. They don't have unlimited resources but do have a lot. They have logistical issues of movement through space. They fear their rivals and attempt to defeat them and get rid of them. Here's an interesting one: despite possible advantages, they don't want to hang around and learn too much and cooperate with others, they'd much rather wipe them out and use what they can. Now many might say otherwise but I really don't see us, or Terrans, judging by their actions, as tolerant beings ready and brave enough for cooperation on an even footing level. As masters, yes, probably. As slaves, possibly. Otherwise, no. Shivans take it a step further and don't even try the diplomacy route. Which brings us to the main difference. Unlike humans, they are able to execute their plans for the greater good with great efficiency and reckless abandon. They don't question, second guess or fear. Those traits are at the core of their advanced state, which enabled them to live for so long and be so successful and strong. There's no point in fearing if you're smart enough to blindly follow a good plan, given to you by a higher power on a bigger scale(such as going into a war) and thought out by yourself in moment to moment living (such as dogfighting). Those traits are what enable Shivans not to mourn their fallen comrades. Sadness in that regard is a product of, ultimately, deep personal reasons. It is also very unproductive especially in terms of fighting a war. They don't retaliate when angry, because getting angry is for the stupid. They don't operate on petty feelings humans take a lot of pride in. We can call them machine-like, they would call us stupid. We are unnecessary, stupid and disruptive and they have no problem in killing us all. We're like ants in someone's field wondering why someone is taking that big shovel to our home.
As a group, apart from points already made, Shivans face similar problems to GTVA but are much better equipped to deal with them. Many question their tactics and quickly dismiss traditional explanations, and start going beyond and over these simplistic views. I guess going from 1 to 100 Juggernauts will do that to a person. While frying most of them in a supernova just like that. It's a big challenge to conventional war theories. First of all, it shows Shivans as mystical and impossible to understand, which is agreed upon by all at this point. Second, it clearly says they could annihilate us with ease so why don't they? That's when a strong parallel with our wolrd comes in. How many superpowers today could destroy beyond recognition those who defy them? And why don't they ? The numbers add up. Just take a look at sheer numbers of US Navy for example. Makes the second incursion look like a fair fight.
But there are bigger issues at play, and here we again get to that dreaded topic of anthropocentrism. We are a miniature thorn in a giant's eye. It's not worth sending a quarter of the fleet accross half the galaxy, possibly guarding some of the more important systems in the galaxy, to completely exterminate us. We are either very local(read:small, unimportant) or too big to dispense that easily. Another possible explanation is we're intriguing. There's something potentially useful about us. We're not obeyant but are very intriguing. How does Bosch play into that intrigue of ours? He certainly isn't happy to let his grandkids sit around, living their life with a dark red axe hanging over their head. He wants to reason with the beast, carve a space for us in the universe. Certainly a trait of a great ruler, one who even under some other empire's rule manages to make life manageable to his people. Not everyone can be a Zhukov or Churchill. It's the easy, obvious, and correct explanation for Bosch. Whether he's being used by GTVA is beside the point almost. Personally I'd say GTVA are sitting on two chairs, letting Bosch "slip through" while simultanously trying their luck in a straight fight. He probably knows it as well, and is partly happy, partly annoyed at them for not making it an official top priority.
Capella is one that I struggle to explain. "Here's what we can do" ? A line in the sand? A tactical blowout of an important GTVA system? A future nebula, where they often operate? It's too late and already waaay too long of a post so I'll leave that for another time, cheers.
