The universe is a vast, awesome place. One look at the infinite ocean of stars is enough to affirm that somewhere... out there... on other worlds, life (and intelligence) exist beyond Earth. With the right combination of elements, evolutionary factors or divine will, and the persistence of time, the right world can become the cradle for what will become a thoughtful and productive civilization.

...and when it goes horribly, embarrassingly, wrong and becomes a big mess you get the Thoolians!

Unlucky enough to take every wrong path in their development, and lucky enough to survive every attempt by the universe to render them extinct, the Thoolian Empire functions despite itself. Under the rulership of the Benevolent Oppressor, adhering to the philosophy of "Burafacism", and with many of it's already disturbed members hopelessly mad, the Empire's own astounding inertia simply will not permit itself to fly apart. Some Thoolians are potential self-serving psychopaths, others are destructively-obsessed sycophants, and many are simply BOTH. Failure is not an option, but self-destruction and replacement by your designated hatchling is. Unquestioned loyalty to one's superior (irregardless of trivial matters like the possibility that one's superior is a complete fool) is largely accepted by any Thoolians not dangerously devious enough to exploit the system for their own means. Technically superior, unwavering in their fanatic duties, and with weapons that make mankind's best arsenal look like cheap fireworks, they arrive in their "Ship of Thooles" to bring an end to Earth and all that stands in the way is... which is Harold and Streek.

... It's an even match.