The Tantalus Death

Give us water, or we perish! But the Conclave of Nations denied the Red Planet's frantic plea. So began the Reign of Terror ... a Martian judgement that plunged the Earth into hideous chaos.
The Master Conclave of the Sectional Governors of the World State was in its first day of session. The Speaker, about to call for a motion of adjournment, rose, looked about the packed tiers of seats as if searching for someone. Relief came to his face—and was replaced by annoyance as the huge, double doors swung open.
A being, resplendent in colorful uniform, of human shape but twelve feet tall, entered.
In the resigned silence that followed, the doorman announced,
Olduk, the Martian ambassador!
All eyes followed the massive, wrinkled old form as it made its way slowly through the aisles.
The Speaker bit his lip. He said, The Conclave welcomes you, Olduk. We had feared that you would not be present.
Olduk paused and bowed. He said, in his guttural, unnatural tones, Olduk thanks you.
You wished to speak before the assembly?
Yes, please. The rostrum may I use?
Yes, said the Speaker, the rostrum you may use.
A titter of laughter spread through the tiered seats.