“Allen, my friend,” said Fearless Leader, looking down at his emissary through his catlike eyes. “How goes your mission to this primitive world?”
“In some ways they are more advanced than we surmised, and in some ways not so much,” Allen said.
“Let’s begin with the good news, then,” said Fearless Leader. “How are they more advanced?”
“They were welcoming and eager to make friends, even after learning we are from another planet,” said Allen. “As you know, most species are very wary and consider us scary at first.”
“That is a good sign,” Fearless Leader agreed.
“And for the most part they were trusting and honest with us,” added TriSight.
“Hmmm,” said their leader. “You said, ‘for the most part,’ which means they weren’t entirely trusting and honest.”
“Their leader seems to have an agenda she is reluctant to share,” Allen admitted.
“Oh, really?” said Fearless Leader.
“I believe she wants our help to defeat her political adversaries,” Allen said.
“And of course you told her we don’t do that,” the leader emphasized.
“Of course,” TriSight said. “Her aide did say she has good intentions and seeks peace.”
“Peace on her terms,” Fearless Leader scoffed. “This suggests this planet has not yet advanced much beyond amoebas.”
“So far, we’ve only encountered one such native,” Allen said. “Unfortunately, she is in a position of respect and power.”
“Unfortunate indeed. We have seen what disasters ensue on worlds where such so-called leaders are allowed to thrive. We may have to consider nipping this is in the bud.”
“If I may, I believe it’s too early to draw any conclusions,” said Allen. “Let me interact with them for time to get a better understanding of their civilization.”
“You may for now. But we don’t have a great deal of time to make a decision. We have three choices.”
“Three? Either they join the federation or they don’t. What’s the third choice?”
“If there is a proclivity towards violence, they present an eventual danger to the galaxy. The planet must not be allowed to become a danger.”
“You can’t mean —” Allen sputtered.
“I mean exactly what I said,” said Fearless Leader.
TriSight looked at his emissary friend and back to his leader. What passed through the aide’s mind was indeed troubling.
