Tale from the Dark Forest

The viewscreen went completely white as the star turned into a supernova. By the time the light reached the Zaar'iks, the little world was already dead. [Eight minutes] was all it took for the star to wash the planet in lethal radiation. Those unlucky enough to somehow survive would later be disintegrated along with the celestial body when the physical shockwave arrives.

It had to be done. Those foolish enough to reach out had to be silenced. The commander signalled the helm to set course home. 

[They] sat back in the [chair], contemplatively spinning a golden disc in [their appendage].