human
I have come, the alien said,
gpt
I see, Cercy replied.
human
Some of the scientists got the impression that participation was compulsory.
gpt
You will join,
human
How did you find us?
gpt
We ambassadors-at-large are each assigned an unexplored section of space, the alien said.
human
We examine each star-system in that region for planets, and each planet for intelligent life. Intelligent life is rare in the Galaxy, you know.
gpt
When we find such a planet, we land, as I did, and prepare the inhabitants for their part in our organization.
human
How will your people know that you have found intelligent life?
gpt
There is a sending mechanism that is part of our structure, the Ambassador answered.
human
It is triggered when we reach an inhabited planet. This signal is beamed continually into space, to an effective range of several thousand light-years. Follow-up crews are continually sweeping through the limits of the reception area of each Ambassador, listening for such messages. Detecting one, a colonizing team follows it to the planet.
gpt
This method has definite advantages over sending combined colonization and exploration teams obviously. It avoids the necessity of equipping large forces for what may be decades of searching.
human
Sure. Cercy's face was expressionless.
gpt
Would you tell me more about this message?
human
There isn't much more you need know. The beam is not detectable by your methods and, therefore, cannot be jammed. The message continues as long as I am alive.
gpt
If you stopped broadcasting, Cercy said casually,
human
Not until this section of space was resurveyed,
gpt
Very well. As a duly appointed representative of the President of the United States, I ask you to stop transmitting. We don't choose to become part of your empire.
human
I'm sorry,
gpt
There's really nothing I can do.
human
Then you won't stop?
gpt
I can't. I have no control over the sending, once it's activated. The diplomat turned and walked to the window.
human
However, I have prepared a philosophy for you. It is my duty, as your Ambassador, to ease the shock of transition as much as possible. This philosophy will make it instantly apparent that--