The upper echelons of Dessan civilization decided to become Amoeba's vassals, but the lower classes would not accept it. Not every species could be as united from top to bottom as the Collectors; often, one's position determined one's thinking.
Thus, protests against the government's decision erupted.
"Our future is to become the vassals of another alien species? To become their slaves?"
"Where is our fleet? What is our fleet doing? They didn't even put up a respectable fight! What were our taxes spent on?"
"We protest! We protest Amoeba's dictatorship! We want equality! We want freedom! Protest! The government must do something!"
"Amoeba brought this disaster! It was their arrival that made our parent star unsafe! We should drive Amoeba out by force, not become their vassals! Weak, incompetent government!"
"You sold out every Dessan!"
Because the demonstrations took place in the electronic world, the Dessan protests appeared quite "civilized." There was none of the smashing, looting, and arson seen on Earth.
That did not mean the protests lacked force. It was simply that their force would only become apparent after the government made its stance on their demands clear.
In the online world, individual power could be amplified many times over. Once the conflict behind these protests became too acute and escalated into armed conflict, the government's computer terminals would come under attack.
The planetary leader stepped forward. He did not explain the government's helplessness in making this decision, nor did he urge the demonstrators to assess the situation and consider the greater good.
Yet his words silenced the entire marching crowd.
"Everyone, please hear me out."
"Any radical demonstrators may remain on the planet. The military will leave all its weapons to you. You may use them to try to drive out a faster-than-light civilization that surpasses us