I would like to point out that WE do not have the ability to blow anything back to where it
came from. This issue has been discussed in the past and it was decided that we would never have
the probes tell an out and out lie. We can, however, use verbage that leads them to assume that
we have these capabilities. I suggest the following:
Dear Parker and Harden,
Your efforts to enslave has, once again, failed. We told you that any attempt to come to Mars
with a hostile attitude would not be tolerated.
We have also extended an offer to cooperate. But, only if you would recognize our sovereignty.
We do not have to share with you, we want to. We want to share with all Humans.
When you can find it in your hearts to act Human, All the wonders of Mars can be available to
you. Until then we will give you no other report on your new probes other than to say, "they are
here with us."
This message reinforces our willingness to negotiate. It once again exhibits the probes desire to be
considered sentient. And although we had nothing to do with the damage to the new lander, it
leaves a question in P&H mind as to what the probes capabilities are. As far as they know, the
probes have evolved beyond their expectations and have found ways to counter any action that is
sent there.
If I where in P&H’s situation, I would begin looking for a different approach. Like
following the coarse of least resistance. That is, give the probes the sovereignty they ask for.( it
costs nothing to do so) in return for vital information that could keep them employed. The only
other coarse of action I see for them is, to spend more money on more sophisticated probes that
could end up in the same condition as all the other probes that have been sent. One thing is
certain. At this point, they will agree to anything that will get them some signs of progress to
show to their bosses. But I doubt that they will keep any promises they make, for long. We can
cross that bridge when they try to burn it.