This revelation left the assembled group dumbfounded. The unforeseen nature of this revelation caught them off guard, leaving Robin and the others at a loss for words.
"So, even those with wealth might be denied access to this elixir of prolonged life?" Robin ventured to inquire, seeking to unravel the intricacies.
"Not precisely. The Zorian monarchy employs two avenues for distributing the procedure. The affluent can indeed purchase it, while another method involves a lottery system. These lotteries are stratified based on sections of society, contingent on their galactic credit earnings. Yet, the percentages vary significantly. For instance, a planet that displays unwavering loyalty to the Luminary Collective could boast an unusually high life-prolonging procedure quota, reaching even up to 80% in certain instances—albeit a rarity. On the other hand, for entities like the Zorians, who seemingly heed the Luminary Collective's counsel one moment and disregard it the next, their allocation hovers around 60-40. They avoid a balanced 50-50 distribution to stave off potential unrest. The Luminary Collective seeks division, not chaos, as it serves their interests."
"So it's the galactic version of Democrats vs Republicans?" Cathrin mused, drawing parallels between the Zorian divide and the American political dichotomy.
"An apt comparison, indeed. The monarchy endeavors to bridge the gap, yet success remains elusive. Animosity festers among the non-prolonged populace, harboring resentment towards the privileged class. It's a complex dynamic. Take the corporate realm, for instance. Companies tend to favor individuals with elongated lifespans, extending favorable contracts, given the anticipation of their prolonged tenure and accumulated experience. The Zorians are relatively nascent on the galactic stage, having only emerged within the past few centuries. Hence, their societal impact hasn't rippled as profoundly as on other planets," Edmund expounded.
"Humankind, through quantum computing projections, might extend lifespan to roughly a millennium, barring exceptions such as yourself, Supreme Commander. Nonetheless, one must acknowledge that human maturation occurs swiftly, and in terms of knowledge assimilation, humanity outpaces all other galactic species. Even species require upwards of a century to attain cognitive proficiency. Prolonged lifespans would proportionately elongate their developmental stages. This doesn't apply to humans; our cognitive development adheres to a standard timeline, followed by a protracted phase of maturity. Our genetic adaptability is unparalleled, making us an anomaly within the galactic tapestry," Edmund continued.
"Our existence may be fleeting, yet our brilliance shines with unparalleled radiance across the galaxy," Edmund concluded with a pause.
"Human physiology defies conventional norms, distinguishing you from other species—a true marvel. Unlike us, the Protoss, humans possess the ability to reshape their bodies, adapting to diverse environments and demands. Your plasticity is awe-inspiring, in stark contrast to our static abilities. We are born with predetermined capabilities, unalterable throughout our existence," Artanis offered, sharing his perspective.
A profound silence befell the room as the weight of their discoveries sank in. The realization that they were not only distinct from the rest of the galaxy but also that the pursuit of extended life was entwined with intricate politics left the group contemplative and pensive.
All eyes turned to Robin, expecting his insights to guide their course. After a momentary pause that seemed to stretch indefinitely, Robin spoke.
"Foremost, we must endeavor to establish an alliance with the Luminary Collective. This conflict is founded upon misunderstanding, a needless war that we should quell. Escalation would only bring further bloodshed, and if the situation spirals out of control, we might find ourselves compelled to address the Luminary Collective directly—a prospect fraught with challenges." Robin's focus was primarily on ending the violence rather than delving into the political quagmire of the galaxy.
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Nods of agreement rippled through the group, echoing their shared desire to halt the cycle of violence.
"I propose we initiate discussions with the Zorians on their home turf. Additionally, we can approach the Luminary Collective through Miss Selena as an intermediary," Cathrin suggested. Her concern for her boyfriend's safety mingled with her determination to minimize conflict, even if it meant grappling with the complexities of galaxy-spanning politics. While she held faith in Robin's capabilities, she also recognized the disparity in scale between humanity and the distributed power of the Luminary Collective.
The consensus coalesced around this plan, a crucial first step to address the immediate crisis. Armed with newfound knowledge, they felt empowered to approach the situation with a more calculated perspective.
Sigret seized the moment, initiating a communication link with King Lumis, a leader they had previously interacted with, albeit on different terms. The Zorians' unease prompted them to accept the call, and the holographic projection of King Lumis materialized before them, an unspoken deference apparent.
"King Lumis of Planet Zora." The King appeared in the holographic image and bowed to them. It was the first respect he showed unlike the other time they called. Power did demand command.
"This is Robin from Planet Earth. I am no King nor any kind of prince and just a leader of a country on Earth." Robin said. This made King Lumis shudder. He had seen the videos of how Robin was able to move in space without any suit which implied that he was a High Elder. His words indicated that there might be more High Elders and this made him fear this 'Earth' more.
"I am sorry for the rude behavior before and we hope that the High Elder doesn't take it to heart. It's just we are still loyal to the Luminary Collective and can't entertain guest from a far off galaxy."
"Sigh! King Lumis, I know what politics you are playing and I don't blame you for that. The Battleship of ours would like to land on your planet and let's have a proper conversation." Robin said.
"Uhhh!! Landing on our surface. Sure.. Sure.." King Lumis was really scared. Not because of himself but because of his people. His monarchy had only come in place his grandfather brought the whole of Zorians under his rule, it was because he had the help of the Luminary Collective.
Somehow with the budding technology of the Zorians which was much behind at that time, he got in touch with the Luminary Collective and the rest was history. His great grandfather went on to be a monarch of the planet with the help of the technology sent by Luminary and became the King. It was later when the 60-40 of prolonged life system was forced upon them, did his ancestors became extremely upset and wanted to cut off the relations but this didn't go down well with the Luminary Collective.
For that reason they sent people to manipulate and soon got them inside the military and the politics of the monarchy. And thus when the first attack came from the Earthlings he used his own political power to let the people from Luminary Collective face the invaders.
He expected them to kill each other and get some respite, but who knew that these people even brought an High Elder. An High Elder was someone, whom he himself haven't laid his eyes upon and only heard of legends.
Today he saw one and was feeling quite scared that he didn't actually greet him for the first time. But more so he felt fear for his people and High Elders were known to destroy planets just to conserve their ego and prestige.
Robin could tell that King Lumis was now very fearful of him but he didn't care. He had seen pictures of Zora and felt like he should be getting a real glimpse of the a different world. He also wanted to see if the games of this world could also be replicated.
Now that would be where his true power would lie. The Earthlings could already make such epic games, he wondered what kind of games the galactic empire could make. Soon the massive Keldable class battleship descended from the cosmic void and entered the atmosphere of the planet, a hush fell upon the bustling metropolis below. The city, a fusion of ethereal architecture and advanced technology, seemed to pause in awe at the sight of this alien vessel. The battleship's gleaming hull reflected the light of the planet's three moons, casting an otherworldly glow across the landscape.
Beneath the towering spires and intricate networks of transportation, the people of the planet watched as the battleship slowly descended, its thrusters kicking up dust and debris in a swirling dance. The ship was lowering in the heart of the city where King Lumis had one of his palaces.
Though the ship was big enough to tower most of the cities of Earth, but the scale of the current city was much larger than any city of Earth. The battleship's engines powered down, a ramp descended from its side.
King Lumis, flanked by his courtiers and advisors, descended from the palace to greet the visitors. His footsteps echoed on the polished stone. As he approached the delegation, he raised his hand in a gesture of welcome, a mix of respect and apprehension in his eyes.