"Extreme?" Beta's laughter was shrill and cold. "Nothing is too extreme when dealing with enemies who threaten the Alliance's existence!"
"But that region still contains countless innocent civilizations and lives." The eighth Creator, Theta, tried to block the resolution. "We cannot sacrifice every life in an entire starfield just to eliminate one target."
"Innocent?" Black light flickered in Delta's eyes. "Any being connected to the Alliance's enemies is a potential threat. Eliminating them is a necessary precaution."
This reasoning shocked the Moderate Faction members present. They began to realize that their colleagues' thinking was undergoing a terrifying change.
"I oppose this proposal," Epsilon declared firmly. "The Alliance exists to maintain order, not to bring destruction."
"I oppose it as well," Zeta and Theta declared in unison. "This completely violates the principles on which the Alliance was founded."
Yet the voices of its supporters rang louder. Under the influence of the Consciousness Seed, the radical faction held an overwhelming advantage.
"We will put it to a vote," Alpha announced. "All in favor of activating the Ultimate Purification Protocol, raise your hands."
Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, the ninth Creator Iota, the tenth Creator Kappa, the eleventh Creator Lambda, and the twelfth Creator Mu raised their hands in favor-seven votes.
"Those opposed, raise your hands."
Epsilon, Zeta, Eta, and Theta raised their hands against it.
"Seven in favor, four opposed," Alpha announced the result. "The Ultimate Purification Protocol is approved."
The passage of this resolution marked a formal split within the Alliance. Although the Moderate Faction members outwardly complied, they had begun to seriously question the organization's direction.
"Now that the resolution has passed, we need to draw up a concrete plan of action." Beta began assigning tasks. "First, mobilize every available Creator."
"Including those ancient beings living in seclusion?" Iota asked.
"Everyone,