Quoted By:
"The Hegemony currently rules over many worlds, each with enough resources that, had we only need to maintain a population equal to yours, we would have eliminated scarcity for millennia on end. Our people live far beyond the age that their ancestors did and even our lowliest workers live what one may see the life of a king. And it is in this prosperity that we invite you to join, because you, the Swall have the potential to rise above the facade of your self-destructing philosophies and rise like us into greatness. It is for this reason we invite you to join The Hegemony and mold that wasted potential into <span class="mu-i">real</span> growth."
While speaking to their instincts to survive is an important aspect, making sure these aliens understand the benefits of living under the Hegemonic system feels like a more rewarding topic. Appealing to their desire for a higher quality of life for their citizens is a strong motivator- especially considering these are democratically elected leaders.
Of the leaders, it seems only the Industrial Chairman and General Secretary find appeal in it. The science lead is unmoved, and the general is naturally suspicious.
“Every dirty commie revolutionary claims the same. Less work hours, more access to medical care... and then everyone starves, and dissidents are put up against the wall!”
“While I disagree with his choice of wording, our military administrator has a point. Our species is well aware of colonialism, and within living memory have powerful nations tricked and stolen the valuable natural resources of smaller, less advanced ones by offering them shiny trinkets and tech.”
Given their somewhat conservative culture and rapid scientific development, the Swall seem to find the prospect of increased life quality not as moving as you would have hoped. Perhaps because they've gained so much in the past few decades, or perhaps because their ideology prefers freedom over comfort. Then again, even if you did try to convince them to change their ideology, there would always be stubborn holdouts, like this military general and his nuclear missiles.
“While we do not wish to be adopted by the Hegemony, Supreme Ruler, we do have a counter offer. In exchange for you colonizing our star system and our dismantling of our nuclear weapons, you will grant us an <span class="mu-i">Autonomous Zone</span>. Our homeworld and moons would be off limits to the Hegemony. We will be protected from outside threats as you already exist around us, but will continue as a micronation within your empire's borders. This compromise would give both of us the best of both worlds, wouldn't you agree?”
“...I can't believe you idiots are giving up the nukes. Fucking unbelievable...”
