The question caught the envoys off guard, and they exchanged glances, debating whether to reveal their true intentions. One of envoys responded, "We were tasked with exploring the newly joined solar system."
The diplomat, sensing a hint of secrecy in the envoy's response, pressed for more information. "Exploring for what purpose?"
He smiled sinisterly and decided to reveal a portion of the truth. "We were sent to explore the planet and see which one of us will this new planet submit to."
The diplomat's eyebrows raised at the envoy's words. The implications of this revelation were significant. It seemed that the envoys were not merely exploring, but rather eyeing this new planet for potential conquest.
The diplomat, trying to comprehend the motivations behind the envoys' actions, asked, "So you're saying you came here with the intention of claiming this planet for your civilization?"
The leading envoy nodded, confirming the diplomat's suspicion. "Yes, that's correct. We believe that the strong should dominate, and the weak should submit"
The diplomat, taken aback by the envoys' mindset. It was clear that their civilizations had vastly differing philosophies and approaches to power. The idea of a planet being claimed and dominated by the strong was a stark contrast to the diplomats' principles of democracy and checks and balances.
The diplomat took a moment to process the information before continuing, "So, you believe that a planet should be governed by a strong ruling class, and the weaker groups should surrender to that power?"
The leading envoy nodded, reiterating their beliefs. "Yes, that's correct. We believe in the rule of the strong. The weak have two options: to submit and serve, or to be crushed if they resist."
The diplomat observed the envoys' firm stance on power and dominance. It seemed that their civilization prioritized strength and control above all else, viewing weaker groups as mere pawns or resources to be exploited.
Diplomat asked "What do you do with the civilization that submit?"
The envoy answered "It depends on who you submit to. There is 1 thing everyone will take. After taking it, what happens next will depend on their mood, whether its to kill, make slave or eat."
Diplomat's were shocked to core but still continued to ask "Whats the thing that all of you want to take."
Envoy said "That's a secret"
Then an envoy said arrogantly "So which one of us will you surrender to or when 10 year protection period ends, we start a game to see who conquer your civilization."
The diplomat heard the arrogance in the envoys' words, and a frown creased his forehead. The envoys' perceived their superior power as a license to dominate, even implying that they would use the diplomat's planet as a playground for their conquest game.
The diplomat's jaw clenched as he listened to the envoy, his patience wearing thin. The envoys' arrogance and nonchalant approach to his civilization's well-being made his blood boil. He took a deep breath, trying to maintain his composure, before responding calmly, "You should watch your words, envoy. We are here to seek solutions, not to engage in games of conquest."
The envoys chuckled at the diplomat's words, their arrogance growing. "Oh, but it's not just a game for us," the leading envoy replied with a smirk, "It's a way of life. The strong take what they want, and the weak obey. We've conquered numerous planets, and your civilization will be no different."
The diplomat bristled at the envoy's dismissive tone, but he knew he had to keep his cool. He couldn't show weakness in the face of such blatant aggression. "Just because your civilization is strong doesn't mean we will bend to your will," the diplomat retorted, standing his ground. "Our civilization holds democratic ideals, and we won't simply submit to your dominance."
The leading envoy let out a loud, mocking laugh. "Democracies are destined to fall to the strongest," he sneered. "Your ideals are weak. We will tear them down and impose order through sheer force."
The diplomat seethed, his frustration mounting at the envoy's condescending tone. "Our civilization may be weaker in terms of physical strength, but our spirit is strong," he countered. "We will not let our beliefs and values be trampled by your brute force."
The leading envoy smirked, clearly amused by the diplomat's defiance. "You are cute," he condescended, "But your beliefs won't save you. The strong always prevail, and the weak eventually surrender. We've seen it happen time and time again. It's the natural order of things."
Another envoy said "With how small your planet is just 1 attack of strong players of our civilization will destroy it, your civilization don't even have planetory level defence system like most civilizations."
The diplomat's heart skipped a beat at the envoy's chilling words. The mention of a single attack potentially destroying their entire planet sent shivers down his spine. He couldn't deny the truth in their statement - their civilization was relatively small and lacked the planetary defense systems many others possessed.
Another envoy said "Do You know out of 1000 of civilization only 1 civilization is able to remain independent in this star cluster."
The diplomat's eyes widened at the envoy's revelation. Only 1 out of thousands of civilizations had managed to maintain independence amidst a star cluster dominated by other powerful civilizations. The odds suddenly seemed even more stacked against their own civilization.
The diplomat felt a mix of fear and determination. He knew that their civilization was facing a daunting challenge. The knowledge that so many other civilizations had fallen before them only heightened the stakes. He couldn't shake the feeling of helplessness that came with knowing their planet could be wiped out by a single attack.
"And how is that 1 in 1000 civilization still independent then," asked the diplomat, his voice tinged with both desperation for hope and skepticism.
Envoy answered "They just escape with planet from solar system and managed to hide in vast space until they become powerful enough to appear in front of everybody."
The diplomat's jaw clenched tight as he listened to the envoy's explanation. The thought of their civilization being forced to flee their home planet, hiding in the vastness of space until they could become strong enough to challenge their rivals, was a bitter pill to swallow. It was an admission of weakness, something the diplomat found almost unbearable.
Thinking that they had talked enough, one of the envoys stepped forward to crush the diplomats like an ant.
Just as envoy was about to attack diplomat suddenly his head seprated from his body.
The room fell into a stunned silence as surprise replaced the building tension. All eyes were on the leading envoy, or rather, what was left of him. His headless body stood for a few seconds before floating in space, the once arrogant face now frozen in surprise. It was a shocking and unexpected development that stunned both the diplomats and the remaining envoys.
Then a voice came "Diplomats come back in the barrier. All those who try to attack them will die."
The diplomats exchanged glances, they recognized the voice. It was Keshav's.
The remaining envoys, stunned by the sudden turn of events, hesitated. Their earlier arrogance had vanished, replaced by a mix of confusion and fear. They looked at the dead envoy floating beside them, its lifeless eyes staring into the void.
The diplomat from Earth, who had been afraid of the envoys, suddenly smiled. It was a smug smile that conveyed his satisfaction not just at the turn of events but also at the presence of Keshav.
The surviving envoys, still shaken by the incident, finally decided to retreat. They knew they were no match for the power displayed and were left with no choice but to leave. As they began to back away, the Earth diplomat called out to them. "Remember our words. Our civilization stands strong and unconquerable."
The envoys, their earlier arrogance gone. The sudden power demonstration by Keshav had stunned them. But while retreating they said "So what if you killed one of us. We are weak ones of our civilization tasked to come to this backward new civilization. After 10 years when our strong ones come to concure you, you will die."
The envoys, still retreating, continued. "Your overconfidence will be your downfall," one of them retorted. "We have seen countless civilizations crumble before our might."