The Answer to Survival

"Trade?"

"Yes. We Dessans wish to purchase faster-than-light technology from you Amiba."

That was the reply given by the Dessans who had established contact with the Collectors. As a diplomatic envoy, the Dessan was extremely uneasy. This exchange could be said to directly concern the future of the entire Dessan people.

He could always feel countless Dessans watching from behind him, hoping he would bring good news back to their civilization.

The Collectors' response to trading faster-than-light technology was as consistent as ever. Before encountering the Dessans, they had refused every other species that wished to purchase faster-than-light travel. Naturally, the Dessans would be no exception.

"Unfortunately, the Supreme Will of the collective has decreed that it is not for sale, so we cannot sell it to you."

"Then may we negotiate with the Supreme Will?"

The Dessan diplomatic envoy asked impatiently. Since the Collector currently speaking with him could not make that decision, perhaps he could communicate with the "Supreme Will" that truly had the authority to trade faster-than-light technology within the Amiba.

He would not give up until the last possible moment. That was precisely the state the Dessan diplomatic envoy was in. This diplomatic mission carried a heavy burden on his shoulders.

"That cannot be done. The isolation of information brought about by faster-than-light travel has wrapped every cluster in an information cocoon. The Supreme Will of the collective is the same. We currently cannot establish contact with them," the Collector replied.

"I see. That is truly regrettable."

The Dessan diplomatic envoy was somewhat dejected, but not hysterical. As an outstanding diplomat chosen by his civilization, he had to calm down and find that sliver of hope for the Dessans through diplomacy with the Amiba.

"Besides wishing to conduct some trade with you, there is another matter