Diplomacy question

[icecoldblood (OP)]

In my current game i have  found a tiny little NPR which i believe has just discovered Trans-Newtonian technology(They appear to be using nuclear thermal engines).   Their space navy consisted of 8 ships, max speed observed was ~1000km/s compared to my 45000km/s magneto plasma drive ships of which i have 23.   I was initially going to do the friendship routine and such when I realised their species tolerance was ideal for a certain few planets i had discovered.   My question is, can I simply force them to peacefully submit to my will or do I have to nuke them into submission?

EDIT:Peacefully

[Havear]

If by "peacefully" you mean "assault landers" and by "submit" you mean "ground invasion", then yes.

[Redshirt]

Hope you've been researching ground troop strength. It would be a little embarassing to discover that although you can nuke them back to the stone age, they can rip through your puny power armor bare-handed.

[icecoldblood (OP)]

I was thinking more of politely asking them if they would like to join the Great Terran Federation in a passive-aggressive voice while some of my 22kton battleships wait in orbit of their planet. . .

So there's no way they will join me without a fight? Well then, time to get those divisions moving. . .

[Redshirt]

Be warned, an invasion can take years, even if you have a vastly superior force.

[Rabid_Cog]

Try nuking them just a little, targeting ground troops and PDC's. It is possible (although not likely I guess, considering this is their homeworld) that they will surrender. But even if it doesn't work, you will have made your job of invading them a little bit easier.