"Ahem! It's a pleasure to meet you. Well... I'll get straight to the point.
Tomorrow, we'll be discussing important proposals concerning extraterrestrial civilizations and humanity's future at the United Nations meeting. Would your side be able to send someone to attend?
After all, we actually share the same position on extraterrestrial civilizations, and there are many areas where we could cooperate!" the Secretary of Defense said, choosing his words carefully.
"Certainly! I'll attend the meeting on the captain's behalf!"
Codename's remarkably ready agreement caught the Secretary of Defense off guard.
She... she agreed just like that? I haven't even told her what the proposal is! I prepared a whole arsenal of emotional appeals and logical arguments. At least give me a chance to use them!
Codename's logical judgments followed artificial intelligence's usual principles of simplicity and efficiency. As she currently saw it, pleasantries and diplomatic language were utterly incomprehensible, elementary errors!
Struggling to adjust to her pace, the Secretary of Defense suddenly felt that this diplomat seemed rather different...
The following day, the regular United Nations meeting proceeded as usual. Diplomats from various nations sat around the circular chamber, with reporters from their countries in the back row. Occasionally, someone exchanged a few quiet words. The atmosphere was solemn.
"Hey, did you hear? America really is going to propose an 'Earth Defense Force' today!" In one corner, two reporters were talking.
"Yeah! I heard quite a few other countries are discussing it too. I didn't expect America to move this fast. Their new Secretary of Defense is attending today. Looks like they're going to give their reputation as the world's policeman a boost!"
"Heh! It's not that simple. Can you just announce an 'Earth Defense Force' and create one? It's a thankless job, plain and simple. Who contributes more,