To say that the Huntress' insinuation that the humans could defeat their forces and confiscate their ships intact did not go over well was possibly the understatement of the year.historical

Everyone in the room other than the human delegation was glaring at her. At the same time, the golden mask that all Huntresses wore hid her placid expression from them, making her look even more unconcerned about the repercussions of that action than she actually was.

"I am sure it wouldn't have come to violence. I know how the Alliance feels about interstellar combat. The human species has likewise been working to eliminate the rogue elements and hostile species that perpetuate such foolishness in this Galaxy." Max offered in an attempt to soothe their egos.

"Can a primitive species really say they could end an interstellar war?" The Volga representative asked.

"If it comes down to it, we can just destroy the planets and stars of any system that refuses to stop causing interstellar incidents. We might be behind the curve in many ways, but our weapons technology is more than capable of destroying a planet in a single attack." Max replied with a shrug.

"To be clear, that is the very last case scenario, when all other attempts to curtail the continued attacks have failed, and the destruction has been deemed to have a significantly lower casualty rate than containment of the threat." The Illithid added.

Max noticed at this point that the Dryad representative was totally tuned out to their conversation, communicating silently with the Shin about the world tree and the gardens they were working on in the front of the vessel.

The Dryads had made their choice, and if the humans didn't like the limited terms that they offered, they were willing to walk away from the negotiating table. It was no loss to them, but since the humans had made friends with the Shin and were willing to host many species on board their ships, with accommodations for differing bodies, they would at least entertain some basic alterations to the agreement.

"So it is more of a peace through strength type of society, where the strong keep the weak in line?" The Valkia asked.

"No. It is a peace through unity type of society. We form agreements by localized groups to assist and support each other in the case of hostilities. Once we have enough of us in one group, we will be too great of a threat for any other in the Galaxy to willingly attack us, leading to a state of relative peace, lacking active external threats.

Given their free will, there might still be planets that stage civil wars against unfit leaders, or for a variety of other reasons, and we allow that as their right to representation."

For the first time, the man in the plain white environmental suit spoke. "You value autonomy enough that you forsake a central government and leave matters of governance to local leaders?"

Max nodded. "Within reason. As long as they aren't violating the basic standards we have set for the rights of citizens, they are free to do as they please. Humans have tried having a single leader before, but the sheer scope of such an endeavour proved to be a bureaucratic nightmare. Too many layers of leadership led to embedded corruption. Now we operate with only a single layer of leadership above local, and it has proven much more efficient."

"Fascinating. We also value autonomy above all else. But it is to do with the nature of our culture. Our leaders are divine beings created from pure energy to lead us through the most trying of times. Compared to that, no other form of leadership could compare, so we have opted not to join the Alliance, though we do maintain a close relationship with them." He explained.

"If each of your Divine Leaders commanded a few planets and a fleet of travelling ships, it would be the same type of governance as the Commander of a Reaver Company. When we need to do things on a larger scale, the Commanders appoint someone who they trust and who is available to represent them. Usually, it is another Commander or a respected Elder." Max added while the blue-skinned envoy nodded along and made notes on his data tablet.

"You don't elect your leaders? Or is it a short-term position? I am not understanding the nature of your top level of leadership." The Giant asked.

"I lead the Terminus Trading Company, which primarily consists of this small fleet with assets on a handful of planets. Today, I represent the Reavers as a whole because I am here, and I have the strongest relationship with your Alliance. The other Commanders have agreed to trust my judgement, and I am responsible for looking after their interests and making a deal in their best interests.

Before I sign, the agreements will be sent to a group of respected leaders of other Companies to see if they have any objections that I missed. If there are none, the deal will get signed. If there are objections, the negotiations continue.

It is the respect that our leaders have earned that makes the system function. If they should betray that trust, they will be eliminated or removed from their position."

The Giant's look brightened with understanding. "Like Nagash at Morkai. He betrayed his people and was publicly executed while attempting to sign a deal that would have made them slaves in exchange for his own wealth."

"A long walk out of a short airlock." The envoy in white agreed.

Nico chuckled at that. "Funny enough, that is a preferred answer to corruption among our people as well. Simple, safe and efficient."

"Who would choose an end like that?" The Volga envoy asked.

"The man who knows that the options are much slower and more painful." The Valkia answered, then picked up their data tablet and replaced it with one from their assistant.

"Look this over and tell me what you think of the offer. It is somewhat similar to the deal we have with the Hunters since your people and theirs seem to be on a similar path, and you have already shown a capability for easy intergalactic travel while you poached over a hundred top educators for your Academy."

[Oh, he's the big mad about that. Even Nico can tell.] The Illithid laughed through the mental link.

[Check the records and see if we have one of his relatives or ex-girlfriends on the payroll. It might be relevant very soon.]