Rex stood in the center, listening carefully to each side. He took in every argument, every hesitation, and every concern; once everyone had said their piece, he finally spoke.
"I've heard all your thoughts on this alliance," he said, his voice calm yet resolute. "While a strong trade network is a solid foundation, I want this to be a defensive alliance as well. For that to happen..."
He turned toward Xytrallia, his gaze locking onto hers.
"What would it take for you to accept a defensive alliance with us?" he asked with his voice being unusually steady. "I understand that, right now, you don't gain anything from it. But look at it from this perspective: if you support us, if you protect our assets, we will grow."
"Our military will expand, our economy will strengthen. In time, we could even stand against the megacorps."
He took a slow step forward.
