The Multi-eyed arrived.
This was a momentous occasion for the Kate civilization.
The Light Chasers were only the second intelligent civilization they had contacted. And, according to the emissary from the galactic federation, this civilization had always been relatively close—only a few light-years away.
All Kate awaited the arrival of the transmission, hoping to see this species on their networks.
Silver, dart-like ships pierced the atmosphere and entered the designated zone.
The Multi-eyed were astonished.
Having been connected to Divine Revelation for nearly 2000 years, they were familiar with such scenes.
Beautiful!
Vast!
Calming to the soul.
Was there a more beautiful world in the universe than this ocean of green?
Landing on a levitating platform (100 meters in diameter and over 5 kilometers across), the Multi-eyed disembarked.
They were greeted by two prominent figures from the Kate civilization—though not Aini and Fleming; they had long since passed.
Standing with the new leaders was Luna's clone.
Despite a lifespan of only 70 years, Ayla could easily replace her; the moment one aged, a new clone could be created.
Therefore, Luna's clone looked as young as she had years ago.
"Welcome, special envoy of the Light Chasers."
The Kate leaders were initially surprised but then warmly greeted the newcomers.
They had anticipated differences in appearance but hadn't expected them to be so extreme.
When they extended their tentacles, they realized the Multi-eyed lacked hands.
Ayla's robot stepped forward to translate.
"Please, don't be so formal."
"We, the Light Chasers, are here to strengthen our cooperation under the auspices of the galactic federation's emissary."
"Under the federation's guidance, we will unite and grow stronger."
"Of course, our civilization is far less advanced than yours, but we come with sincerity."
"..."
Both parties boarded a 30-meter levitating vehicle and descended to the ground.
Since this environment wasn't naturally suitable for either species, both civilizations used personal environmental devices—about the size of a smartphone—that used electromagnetic fields to modify the surrounding atmosphere, creating a familiar environment.
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They reached a conference room.
The two civilizations began an in-depth discussion.
The Multi-eyed explained that they originated in interstellar darkness, surviving on geothermal energy, and that their planet was moving toward Proxima Centauri.
This astonished the Kate leaders, who had assumed that civilizations could only arise within a star system.
The Kate civilization, having shed its Dark Forest mentality, readily welcomed this new neighbor, though they naturally negotiated terms regarding resource allocation and non-interference once the Multi-eyed planet arrived.
The Multi-eyed, as the weaker party, showed considerable respect and made concessions, readily agreeing to most requests. When the weaker party concedes, the stronger party is less likely to be aggressive.
Under Luna's clone's guidance, the negotiations went smoothly.
Towards the end of the meeting, the Multi-eyed revealed their true intentions.
"To further our cooperation, we wish to share a technology with your civilization."
The Kate leaders asked, "What technology?"
"This technology is called virtual reality!"
"It directly interfaces with the nervous system, immersing consciousness into a simulated world."
"This world is vast, its rules indistinguishable from reality. It can be used for entertainment and relaxation."
The Multi-eyed then transmitted information, which was translated and projected into the minds of the Kate leaders.
The Kate leaders were stunned.
This was something they had never conceived of.
They quickly grasped the technology's potential and its profound impact on biology.
"Impossible!"
They immediately dismissed the technology as a fabrication.
If this technology were introduced, the Multi-eyed might subtly manipulate the Kate civilization.
If the Multi-eyed used the virtual world to implant false beliefs into the Kate population, the entire civilization could collapse.
But this was all part of the plan.
"We understand your concerns."
"We will open-source the virtual reality technology, allowing you to set up your own servers."
"All data management and maintenance will be your responsibility. Of course, we're not doing this for free; we'll take 50% of the revenue."
The Kate leaders' eyes lit up.
But they quickly retorted, "Impossible! 50%? You might as well just take the money directly!"
"5% at most."
"5%? You won't even get a single coin!"
"At least 49%!"
After intense negotiations, they settled on 22.375%, precise to three decimal places.
But both sides were ultimately satisfied.
This was because Ayla was in control. The Multi-eyed's arrival was intended to stabilize the Kate civilization, proving the existence and diversity of the galactic federation.
Achieving this outcome justified any losses.
Moreover, Ayla would retain control of the virtual world.
"Now that we have reached an agreement, I, on behalf of the galactic federation, along with the federation, the Light Chasers, and the Kate civilization, will establish some guidelines."
Luna's clone began to speak, his words calming both parties, who turned their attention to him.
"The universe is vast; we shouldn't be confined to a single star system."
"For both your civilizations, the maximum exploration range is likely less than a light-year."
"This is a limitation for advanced civilizations. A narrow perspective hinders technological advancement."
Both sides readily agreed with this assessment.
"Therefore, I propose, on behalf of the galactic federation, the establishment of an Interstellar Explorers Guild on both your territories!"
"This guild will allow military forces, organizations, and individuals to participate in exploring the vast cosmos."
"The federation will provide spacecraft technology and energy support. Information and discoveries will be shared with the federation, with substantial rewards for individuals, including, but not limited to, genetic modification, material rewards, and territorial expansion..."
"Additionally, for every piece of useful information or valuable material submitted by an explorer, we will credit the contribution to their civilization, granting contribution points usable for trade within the federation."
This was an ambitious plan.
Not only would the Kate and Light Chaser civilizations explore the cosmos, but this also marked humanity's—under Luna's leadership—first step towards expanding the galactic federation into the vastness of space!