Although polite diplomacy has it's place, it's only effective on those who recognize it. Parker and Harden will not. So far, you have ignored my advise, earning nothing more than the predictable results I have warned you about.
Now pay attention.
These two do not respond to kindness because they perceive it as a sign of weakness. They have proven that point at every turn. It's time to change our approach and communicate with them in a language they understand and respect, AUTHORITY. Refer back to my last suggested ultimatum and apply it's principals, now, if it's not already too late.
For the record, I deal with sharks like these on a daily basis. It's my job to recognize the methods they use to create an illusion of full control over a weaker opponent and expose it for the bluff it is. They will only surrender when they see their adversary as a master of the techniques they admire and as the figure they aspire to be.
So far, you have refused to volunteer information they already suspect or believe (friends on Earth) on the basis of compromising our position. Then, turn around and compromise sensitive information they haven't even imagined was possible. (friends on Mars?) These obvious mistakes baffle me. We are in a stare down contest with two snakes and we just blinked when we could have struck. We are truly in a position of control and the message we should be giving them at this point is: "Tho I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I shall fear no beast for I am the most cunning beast in the valley".
With that in mind, the probes next message to them should read: "Hey, Parker and Harden, Be afraid, be very afraid" When you, repeatedly, tell them they have one more chance, they no longer take the threat seriously.
Please do not take this closing line as an insult, I only intend the most constructive criticism. Engineering should be trusted to the skilled hands of the engineer, diplomacy to the articulate tongue of the diplomat and battle to the warrior. And in case you don't recognize it, we are at war. Get used to it. The Amphibians could turn out to be more heartless than Parker and Harden. And, if you extend your hand in friendship,
it may be accepted....................................................................................................... as lunch.
Now that I have thoroughly embarrassed myself by advocating use of the arrogance we have all come to hate, I'll crawl back into my hole in the wall until forgiven.
Ratboy