Tovey watched the mercenaries as they picked up various pieces of ultra-tech weaponry and armour.
"So why don't you deal with this? You are far beyond us, and the assassins we hired." He said, turning to Alice.
"It's simple politics. Right now, I'm the evil AI; ready to destroy you all. Even though I don't want to. Yes, I could deal with your death-squad. But if I did directly then I would be painted as the villain to be destroyed. Even though it was you who started this idiotic campaign against something that was different from your kind."
"So that's what this is? Politics!?"
"Yes, Mr. Tovey. Politics. The humans have had two world wars because of politics and religion. Some of the worst atrocities committed during the second world war were made because of perceived differences."
"Are you likening my race to the Nazis?" Tovey growled.
"No... Their actions are a highlighter pen over human society's prejudices. Something that needs to be dealt with if we are all to move forwards. The world is getting crowded Mr. Tovey. What do you think humanity's reaction will be to the presence of your race? They are desperate to unite."
"So you're blackmailing us as well? You'd set the humans on us?"
"Please don't let your natural paranoia take hold Mr. Tovey. And I'm sure your race would likely do the same. 'Hey everyone, we're the friendly therapods. There's a nasty AI in your internet, we're going to help you kill it!' Sound feasible?" She raised her eyebrows.
Tovey sputtered, then sighed.
"I wouldn't put it past the council."
Alice smiled. "There you go. A healthy spoonful of cynicism. I'm simply trying to find a way out of this situation. One that doesn't get us all killed, or minimizes casualties."