Zenthara's Perspective
I, my Second and the avatar of the mind riding on my back, arrived at the hangar set aside for the official conference. We had declined the use of the flatbeds this time since my Second and I didn't fit, and we were faster on our own either way. A ground vehicle appeared with a human, who stepped out and informed us that he was there to guide us to the meeting place.
We paced his vehicle, reaching about half of our top ground speed. The avatar of the mind dismounted from my back, and we walked in as the human called out, "You be careful with your speed. That would be a ticket on some highways on our planet." I wasn't sure why he was saying that; I hadn't planned on traveling on their roads.
Inside the hangar, I was greeted by Gabriel, flanked by several of his crew. The only one I had a personal relationship with was Sarah and her husband, Isaac Shepherd. Nolivrex wanted to have a meeting with him, along with Miles Nelson. Gabriel greeted us, "You brought a small delegation today?"
"Today, we are having a quick delivery of information followed by your leaders deliberating for...however long they will deliberate or the high council demands an answer," I responded.
Gabriel laughed, "You are not wrong."
As we stood waiting for the human delegates to arrive, I couldn't help but feel a sense of urgency. Our people needed a resolution soon. My thoughts were interrupted as more humans began to file into the room. Their diplomatic attire looked similar, apart from a few standouts.
Sarah and Issac stood close to one another, their hands entwined. I observed them with one of my peripheral optical sensors, as the rest of my optical and auditory sensors focused on the hushed delegates slowly filling in.
Nolivrex's request was in my thoughts. And I still have not received a communication about the appointment time.
I shuffled and crouched a bit, turning my head to the couple. "Isaac Shepherd," I said, trying to keep my voice steady, "please coordinate the appropriate time for you and Miles Abraham Nelson to meet with Nolivrex."
His brow furrowed, a crease forming between his eyes. "What do you mean? Just have him come over any time during normal business hours. I would love to talk to him longer. And Miles is out of rehab and isolation as of today, so any time."
"Would tomorrow work?" I asked, hoping to settle the situation quickly.
"Sure," Isaac nodded, his expression clearing. "I'll pass that along to Miles." Sarah squeezed his hand and smiled at me
As more delegates began to file in, I found my thoughts drifting to my past. I wondered if Isaac and Sarah's relationship was similar to that of my commanding officer and his mate. But before my thoughts could get caught in the cycle of thinking of the past for too long, I shut it down and focused on the task at hand.
The hushed conversations of the gathered dignitaries created a low hum. Their conversations were amusing to keep track of. My Second and the Mind mused through coms that they most likely assumed we couldn't hear or understand them in their different languages.
We heard, understood, and comprehended everything.
Their murmurings ceased as Gabriel strode purposefully to the podium, his footsteps echoing in the cavernous space. I could feel the anticipation in the room, a tangible electricity that crackled with the potential for change.
"Hello, fellow humans," Gabriel began, his voice resonating through the hall. "We are gathered here to open official negotiations between humanity and the group of aliens who are asking for refuge from a war from far away. You have all had briefings. And today, we are here to start that conversation and build it into a future of peace and prosperity for all sentient beings."
He paused for a moment, allowing his words to sink in, before continuing, "Without further delay, Zenthara, I invite you to address the assembled leadership of humanity."
I rose to my full height, standing almost double that of any human in the room, and took heavy, deliberate steps to the stage, standing next to Gabriel.
"Esteemed leaders, representatives of Earth," I began, my voice not needing amplification. "First, I would like to thank you for your willingness to engage in these discussions. The fate of both our peoples hangs in the balance, and it is up to us to forge a path forward, no matter what goal we set before us."
"Your world is rich in culture, history, and accomplishments," I continued, scanning the faces of the delegates as I spoke. "It would be an honor for my people to learn from you and contribute to your society in any way we can."
"Many of you may see us as strangers from an unknown world," I acknowledged, "but I assure you, we share the same hopes and fears. We are here to build a future where both our peoples can thrive, free from the shadow of war."
"Let us not forget that in times of crisis, unity is our greatest strength. It is through cooperation and understanding that we will overcome these challenges and build a brighter future for all sentient beings."
I continued the prescribed script, which was approved by the governors.
Issac's Perspective
My heart felt lighter as Sarah, and I drove to the first official meeting between the human leaders and Zenthara. The bitterness that once consumed me had almost entirely dissipated, replaced by joy at having her home again and watching our children revel in their mother's love. Our couple's playlist served as the perfect soundtrack for this new chapter in our lives.
"Remember when we added this song?" she asked with a smile, reminiscing about the years we spent building this playlist together.
As the music filled the car, we pulled into the parking lot after passing security. We let the song finish before getting out and walking to the hangar designated for the meeting. Sarah said many dignitaries found it offensive that the meeting would be in a hangar and not in one of the grand meeting halls either at the UN in New York City or some other seat of power. She laughed, telling me the story of how Mr. Torres explained that Zenthara wouldn't fit into any of our buildings and that Zenthara demanded all the leaders come to him.
We arrived early, but Sarah's boss was already there, reinforcing his reputation for being married to the job. She sighed, "Some things never change."
Before the meeting began, I eavesdroped on Zenthara speaking with Sarah's boss. Their rapport was astonishing, given their vastly different origins. My eyes widened when Zenthara addressed me by name, asking for my permission for one of his subordinates to visit with me and Miles. What could be the reason behind such a request?
Regardless of what it was, I happily accepted the offer.
With little time to ponder further, Sarah's boss introduced Zenthara, who approached the podium with an air of authority. He didn't bother with the microphone, yet his voice resonated throughout the room as he began his address.
After the expected pleasantries, Zenthara's message was a dichotomy of an invitation to peace and a warning against war.
"Your sword and my sword are both here to symbolize peace. That is the first thing I would like to offer you," Zenthara declared, holding the two swords side by side with one of his larger hands.
I gulped, feeling a mix of anxiety and hope as I watched the alien leader's every move. This was nothing like the science fiction movies I'd grown up watching. There were no evil intentions or violent threats – at least not so far.
"Please open your tablets," Zenthara continued, his voice steady and calm.
Sarah quickly pulled out her tablet and, leaning in close, we looked at the screen together. "I'm giving you a proposal that was accepted by the High Council," Zenthara said, and suddenly, a document appeared on Sarah's tablet.
All around us, groups of people gasped in shock. A few voiced their disapproval about cybersecurity and hacking, but I couldn't help thinking they were missing the point. We were dealing with beings who could hack our systems as easily as breathing. And besides, the humanoid-like one seemed like it was already keeping an eye on everything through every camera available.
"Alright, let's see what we've got here," I whispered to Sarah, trying to look over her shoulder.
As we read through the proposal, I felt a sense of awe at the possibilities it presented. It was clear that Zenthara's people had knowledge and technology that could change humanity's future for the better. But at the same time, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this than met the eye.
The heavy pause that allowed us to skim the proposal ended with Zenthara speaking up again.
Zenthara's many eyes seemed to bore into each of us as he presented the three options, his voice steady and powerful.
"Option 1: we partner. We develop ways for us to co-exist without erasing or interfering too much. We will treat each other as countries on your planet treat each other," he said, then paused, giving everyone time to let the words sink in.
"Option 2: no contact. You develop, we develop. We establish boundaries and do not attempt to interfere, help, or hurt the other." His voice carried a hint of warning.
"Option 3: Your total subjugation. You will be limited in your technology to industrial levels, and this will be enforced. We do not wish for your extinction. But we will not tolerate your interference either." The finality in his tone sent shivers down my spine.
"I will give you some time to review the official proposal and discuss it before answering questions." With that, Zenthara stepped back and allowed the room to fill with murmurs and uneasy glances.
I looked at Sarah, her face a mix of determination and fear. She was always so strong, but even she seemed shaken by the weight of the decision before us. "Do you know which way people are leaning?" I whispered, trying to gauge her thoughts on the matter.
She shook her head, her voice barely audible. "I can't tell you. I know Mr. Torres has been working hard to persuade partnership. But it isn't something that I can tell you what people are answering." Her eyes flickered with frustration, mirroring my own feelings about the secrecy surrounding these negotiations.
"Option 1 seems like the only logical choice," I said, my heart pounding in my chest. "Why would we want to either pass up technological leapfrogging or, worse, go at full-out war with hostiles holding the ultimate high ground? All of their shots would be sped up by our own gravity well."
Sarah's eyes met mine, and for a moment, we shared a silent understanding that this was not a decision to be made lightly. As the room buzzed around us with whispered debates and hushed conversations, I felt the enormity of what was at stake – not just for us and our family, but for all of humanity.
John's Perspective
I have to be honest; I was hoping not to be here. The Secret Service should've been sufficient to get this job done, and I would be free to relax. But no such luck. I was roped into being security for this event. No more hors d'oeuvres for me. Now, I was standing behind the president, the speaker of the House, and the Senate Leader.
As I looked around at the enemies turned friends, I was comfortably confident that I wouldn't have to worry about getting attacked by one of them. Nonetheless, my job was to hurry up and wait, and if anything exciting did happen, to make sure "the leaders of the free world" made it out without bullet holes in them.
"Esteemed leaders, representatives of Earth," Zenthara began, his voice echoing throughout the chamber without the aid of the speakers. I had to admit he was one hell of a public speaker. His delivery could win an Oscar, for sure. He somehow managed to deliver equal parts peace and war in every sentence. It wasn't unexpected, but still, hearing him so casually hack into everyone's devices and propose partnership or subjugation was less than heartwarming. At this point, I wasn't surprised by the degree of capacity for Zenthara and his people. I just hoped that people wouldn't choose war. I wasn't looking forward to going down in the history books as nameless soldier number 1,690,399 or whatever.
After delivering the offer of peace and promise of war, Zenthara gave us a minute to talk among ourselves. I'm sure everyone saw this coming.
A cacophony of murmurs swept through the vast hanger like a flock of startled birds taking flight. Delegates bent over the proposal documents, conferring in whispers. I shifted my weight, trying to get a glimpse of the text without drawing attention. It wasn't easy, standing behind the president, speaker of the House, and senate majority leader.
"Option three, huh?" I muttered under my breath as I skimmed the text over the speaker's shoulder, thinking he would mind less than the president.
The proposal mirrored what Mr. Torres and Zenthara had hashed out on the moon but with a few more conditional clauses and fine print. Typical politics, right?
As I looked around, catching the eyes of my counterparts from other countries, I saw the same grim expressions reflected back at me. We weren't the ones making these monumental decisions, but we'd be the ones to bear their consequences. At this moment, all we could do was pray to whichever deity we believed in that our leaders would make the right choice.
"Excuse me," a hesitant voice called out. A delegate from some tiny European nation smaller than my home county, I couldn't remember the name of, raised his hand. An aide rushed forward, holding a microphone.
"Uh, yes," the delegate said nervously, clearing his throat into the mic. "In option three, you speak of monitoring and restriction to prevent technological progression to dangerous levels. What exactly does that mean?"
Zenthara turned to face the man, his alien robotic features unreadable. There was a brief silence before he replied, his voice authoritative yet devoid of emotion. "I am not a diplomat. I am a m. Do you want me to give you a soldier's answer?"
The delegate paled, swallowing hard. The room seemed to hold its collective breath. I couldn't help but think that maybe it wasn't such a bad idea for someone like Zenthara to lay it all out on the line without sugarcoating or diplomatic doublespeak. The stakes were too high for anything less.
"Go ahead," the delegate whispered, his voice barely audible.
"Very well," Zenthara said, his tone cold and matter-of-fact. "Our proposed monitoring and restrictions are necessary to ensure that your species does not develop technology that could threaten our continued existence. We have seen firsthand the destruction that unchecked progress can bring. We offer you guidance, but only if you accept our terms. Otherwise, you are left to your own devices and the consequences of your choices. You will not be permitted off your planet in option 3. And no technology that is able to harm us will be permitted to be developed."
In my opinion, it didn't.
But the poor delegate looked like he shat himself. He nodded and sat down.
I admired the brutal honesty in Zenthar's words. It was a far cry from the usual political jargon. But would it be enough to sway the delegates? Or would humanity choose the path of war?
Only time will tell.
The following is a copy of the official proposal given by Zenthara to the Delegates.
Esteemed Representatives and Leaders of Humanity,
We present this document with the intent to establish a foundational framework for future relations between our people, the refugees currently situated on the moon, and the diverse nations of Earth. In the spirit of transparency, cooperation, and mutual respect, we aim to navigate the complexities of our unique situation with careful consideration and forward-looking strategies. This proposal outlines three distinct pathways for our coexistence, each designed to respect the sovereignty and dignity of all parties involved while addressing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
As we stand at the crossroads of a new era in interstellar relations, we recognize the importance of thoughtful deliberation and collective decision-making. The choices we make today will not only affect the immediate future but will also set a precedent for generations to come. Therefore, we urge you to consider this proposal not just as a set of options, but as an invitation to embark on a journey of unprecedented collaboration.
In the following sections, we will detail each proposed option for our joint future, elucidating the principles, expectations, and potential outcomes associated with each. It is our sincere hope that through open dialogue and shared vision, we can achieve a partnership that fosters peace, prosperity, and the continued advancement of all sentient beings.
**Option 1: Partnership and Coexistence**
**Overview**
Option 1 proposes a partnership that seeks to harmonize the coexistence of our two peoples through mutual respect, shared governance, equitable resource distribution, technology exchange, cooperative off-world colonization efforts, and a unified defense strategy. This option is predicated on the belief that together, our civilizations can achieve greater prosperity and security than either could alone.
**Joint Governing Body**
To ensure equitable decision-making and foster mutual understanding, we propose the willing establishment of a Joint Governing Body (Called JGB moving forward in this document). This body will comprise an equal number of representatives from Earth's nations and our people, tasked with overseeing the implementation of this partnership. The JGB will serve as a forum for dialogue, conflict resolution, policy formulation, and the coordination of joint initiatives. It will operate transparently and inclusively, with proceedings made accessible to all interested parties.
**Resource Sharing**
Acknowledging the differences in our needs and capacities, resource sharing will be conducted under principles of fairness, sustainability, and mutual benefit. An initial assessment of available resources—both terrestrial and extraterrestrial—will be conducted jointly to determine needs, surpluses, and potential areas of exchange. Priority will be given to resources critical for basic needs, scientific research, and technological development. This initiative aims to willingly permit the use of resources to alleviate scarcity, promote environmental stewardship, and foster economic growth on Earth and within our community.
**Technology Exchange**
We commit to offering Earth access to advancements in energy production, medical sciences, environmental restoration, and more, under terms that ensure responsible use and dissemination, in a way that will not contaminate your culture or subvert your natural development.
**Cooperative Off-World Colonization**
Recognizing humanity's aspirations for off-world colonization and our shared interest in exploring the cosmos, this option includes a plan for joint colonization initiatives. These will leverage our combined technological capabilities and knowledge of space travel, habitat construction, and life support systems. The goal is to establish self-sustaining colonies on suitable extraterrestrial bodies, fostering human expansion into the galaxy while ensuring the protection and preservation of native ecosystems in a way that fosters mutual support and integration.
**Unified Defense Strategy**
The partnership will extend to our collective security through the establishment of a Unified Defense Strategy. This strategy will be designed to protect Earth and its interests from external threats while respecting international laws and the sovereignty of Earth's nations. The Unified Defense Stratagy will include joint monitoring of space, sharing of intelligence, and, if necessary, coordinated defense actions. This approach ensures that both our peoples can pursue peace and development without fear of aggression or coercion.
**Conclusion**
Option 1 offers a vision of partnership that builds on the strengths of both our civilizations. It promises a future where cooperation leads to greater achievements than we could accomplish separately. By choosing to walk this path together, we embrace a future of shared prosperity, peace, and exploration, marking a new chapter in the story of our interconnected lives in the cosmos.
**Option 2: Independent Development with Established Boundaries**
**Overview**
Option 2 delineates a path of independent progression for both our civilizations, underpinned by a commitment to non-interference. Recognizing the autonomy and distinct evolutionary trajectories of our peoples, this option proposes the delineation of clear boundaries in space and resource utilization, ensuring peaceful coexistence without direct cooperation or conflict.
**Territorial and Resource Boundaries**
Under this framework, our refugees will maintain a base of operations on the moon, utilizing its resources in a sustainable manner that does not impede Earth's interests or environmental integrity. A demarcation of territories in space will be established to avoid any potential disputes over resource exploitation, particularly in areas rich in valuable minerals or strategic locations.
**Non-Interference Pact**
Both parties agree to a strict non-interference policy, wherein neither civilization will seek to influence the internal affairs, technological development, or exploratory missions of the other. This ensures that each society can continue its path of development and discovery without external imposition or the threat of espionage and sabotage.
**Future Treaty Negotiations**
Acknowledging the potential for humanity's expansion beyond its current technological and spatial confines, this option includes a provision for future treaty negotiations. These negotiations will be initiated once humanity possesses the capability to venture beyond its gravitational well in a manner that might intersect with our interests or territories. The goal of these future treaties will be to establish a framework for interaction, resource sharing, and possible conflict resolution in an expanded interstellar context.
**Mutual Recognition and Respect**
This option is grounded in mutual recognition and respect for each civilization's right to develop according to its own values, aspirations, and environmental conditions. It underscores the importance of sovereignty and the avoidance of unwarranted external influence, while leaving the door open for future collaboration should both parties deem it beneficial and necessary.
**Conclusion**
Option 2 presents a cautious approach to our nascent relationship, emphasizing independence while safeguarding against potential conflicts. By establishing clear boundaries and protocols for non-interference, this option allows both our peoples to grow and explore the cosmos at our own pace, with the understanding that the future may hold opportunities for renegotiation and closer ties based on mutual consent and evolving circumstances.
**Option 3: Conditional Subjugation and Technological Limitation**
**Overview**
Option 3 outlines a scenario born out of a refusal by humanity to cooperate or maintain a peaceful coexistence, resulting in conflict. This option is presented not as a threat but as a transparent acknowledgment of the significant disparities in our respective technological and military capabilities. It serves as a cautionary pathway, highlighting the consequences of escalation and the importance of choosing peace over conflict.
**Technological Limitation**
In the event of hostility leading to human subjugation, our intervention would necessitate the imposition of technological limitations upon humanity. This measure aims to restrict technological development to industrial levels, specifically prohibiting advancements that could threaten the safety and sovereignty of our people. Such restrictions would be meticulously enforced, with continuous monitoring to ensure compliance.
**Enforcement Mechanism**
Enforcement would involve a comprehensive surveillance system and, if necessary, direct intervention to dismantle or neutralize technologies deemed a threat. The primary goal of these actions would be to prevent the development of offensive capabilities that could endanger the peaceful coexistence within this solar system and beyond.
**Avoidance of Extinction**
It is crucial to emphasize that our objective is not the extinction or undue suffering of humanity. This option is a last resort, undertaken only to prevent imminent threat or aggression. Our aim is to preserve life and ensure the safety of all sentient beings involved, albeit under conditions that significantly limit human autonomy and potential for technological warfare.
**Future Re-Evaluation**
Should this option be implemented, provisions would be made for periodic re-evaluation of the imposed limitations, considering the evolving political landscape, technological advancements, and potential for a shift towards peaceful coexistence. Rehabilitation and gradual restoration of technological freedom could be considered, contingent upon humanity's demonstration of a genuine commitment to peace and non-aggression.
**Conclusion**
Option 3 stands as a sobering reminder of the stakes involved in our interactions. It underscores the necessity of choosing pathways that foster mutual respect, understanding, and peace. We advocate for dialogue and cooperation, recognizing that the shared future of our civilizations should be built on foundations of harmony, not conflict or domination. Let us choose wisely, for the sake of all our peoples.
We sincerely hope you will willingly make the right choice for the future of both of our people.