The audience couldn't believe their ears.
Ambassadors often negotiated secret deals and secured personal advantages. The Global Army turned a blind eye to the matter as long as no problems arose. That was basically the norm when individuals dealt with alien species.
However, that practice had unwritten rules. The Global Army couldn't feign ignorance if those secret deals became public. Moreover, the Thilku Empire's military planet was no small matter. Humankind's safety was at stake there, but Khan had traded it away for personal gains.
The nobles and Nognes Excellencies could remain outside that topic. They would love to use that leverage, but that public environment wasn't suitable. They couldn't be seen pursuing personal gains while admonishing Khan of the same sin.
