Chapter 1114: The Reactions of Nearby Powers (1)

"Then let him see through it."

Kalaier said with a smile.

"The best lies are nine parts true and one part false. We truly need time; that is true. We truly desire peace; that is also true, although our definition of peace differs from the Star Alliance. What we must do is not pretend to be eager to reach an agreement, but to display an attitude of 'seriously considering but needing caution'."

Kalaier elaborated in detail.

"In the first stage, we show our importance and open attitude toward the negotiations. We listen seriously to the Star Alliance's conditions, raise questions, and demand clarification.

In the second stage, we propose our own conditions—conditions reasonable enough that the Star Alliance cannot directly refuse them, yet complex and time-consuming to implement.

In the third stage, when the negotiations become entangled in details, we request an adjournment to return home to 'seek opinions' or 'conduct further research'."

Lasiweisi said thoughtfully.

"'Trading time for space' strategy."

"Exactly. We must make the negotiation process itself long and complex. Every clause must be discussed, every term must be defined, and every execution detail must be planned.

We must let Guilliman and his team be drowned in documents and meetings."

Tal frowned.

"But the Star Alliance's military operations will not stop. What if they attack while negotiating?"

"Then we lodge a protest. Every time the Star Alliance takes military action, we raise a formal protest at the negotiating table, demanding explanations and guarantees.

This will consume their time and energy. If there are enough protests, they might temporarily slow their offensive to avoid being accused of 'destroying the atmosphere of the negotiations'."

Liana nodded in agreement.

"Furthermore, the negotiation process will be observed by third parties. Canaan, Ashes, Daikong, and other star alliances are watching.

If the Star Alliance launches a large-scale attack during the negotiations, it will be seen as lacking sincerity and may affect the attitudes of these powers."

"So what is the specific strategy?" Weilan asked, "What conditions will Guilliman propose? How will we respond?"

Kalaier looked at Moreno: "Moreno, your opinion?"

Moreno pulled up a document.

"According to interstellar war law and diplomatic practice, the victorious side usually proposes the following demands: territorial cession, war reparations, armament limitations, and political concessions.

Considering the Star Alliance's ideology, they may also demand cultural assimilation and changes to the political system."

"How much territory will they demand?"

Tal asked.

"The Southern Theater has fallen, and the border worlds of the core region have already begun to be lost; the Star Alliance will very likely demand formal recognition of their sovereignty over these areas."

Moreno said.

"In addition, as a 'security guarantee', they may demand that we establish a demilitarized zone in the border region, or allow the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance to station troops on key planets."

Weilan sneered.

"That is equivalent to opening the gates to let them drive straight in."

Kalaier said.

"That is why we must negotiate. We will not refuse directly, but bargain instead. For example, we can agree to recognize the Star Alliance's control over the occupied areas, but demand they promise not to expand further.

We can agree to establish a demilitarized zone, but demand it be reciprocal, with the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance also withdrawing troops from the corresponding areas."

"They will not agree."

Tal said.

"Of course they won't, but the process of discussing this takes time. Every proposal and counter-proposal, every modification of clauses, every consultation of domestic opinion... is time."

Doctor Lundengke suddenly spoke up.

"Regarding the mirror rift... do we need to mention it in the negotiations? As a 'potential area of cooperation'?"

Kalaier thought for a moment.

"Mention it cautiously. You can say the Feng Qi Xing Alliance is researching 'advanced energy phenomena' and is willing to share research results within an 'appropriate framework' to promote 'mutual understanding and trust'.

But do not reveal specific content, and do not show too much interest.

We must let the Star Alliance know we have chips, but not know the specific value of those chips."

"What if they press for details?" Liana asked.

"Just say it involves national security and requires higher-level authorization to discuss," Kalaier said, "or propose establishing a joint research committee—another mechanism that can drag out time."

The meeting lasted for three hours.

The seven Fengqi diplomats detailed every step of the negotiations, anticipated various possible reactions from the Star Alliance, and prepared corresponding strategies.

When the meeting ended, Kalaier gave a final summary.

"Remember, we are not going to beg for peace; we are going to fight, fighting with pens and tongues. Every minute of negotiation is one more minute for our scientists, engineers, and soldiers to prepare.

Every delayed issue is one more opportunity for our diplomats to strive for. We may lose some things at the negotiating table, but we are fighting for the most precious thing: time."

Kalaier looked around at everyone.

"The Feng Qi Xing Alliance has experienced countless internal crises. We have survived, and we have grown strong. The Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance is the most powerful enemy we have ever encountered, but it is not an invincible enemy. As long as we buy enough time and find the right method..."

He did not finish, but everyone understood.

"Then," Weilan said, "let us go perform this play. For the Feng Qi Xing Alliance."

"For the Feng Qi Xing Alliance," everyone responded in unison.

Just as the Fengqi diplomatic mission was formulating its strategy, in several other corners of the Bode Star System, other powers were also watching the upcoming negotiations.

The capital of the Canaan Star Alliance, Crystal City.

In the diplomatic observation hall, three senior Canaan observers were analyzing intelligence.

"The probability that the negotiations between Fengqi and the Star Alliance will reach a substantive agreement is 87.6%."

Chief Observer Aiselan said, his crystalline body emitting a steady blue light.

"The strategic goals of both sides are in complete conflict: the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance wants to expand, and Fengqi wants to survive."

"The expansion of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance will eventually threaten us."

The Second Observer Selina said, her light veins displaying a cautious yellow.

"According to model predictions, if the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance defeats Fengqi within the next two years, they have a 73.2% probability of making the Canaan Star Alliance their next target within five years."

"Then should we cease hostilities and support Fengqi?"

The Third Observer Kailong asked.

"No."

Aiselan said.

"Supporting Fengqi means directly opposing the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance. The Primarch of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance has already proven their military capability. The defensive forces of the Canaan Star Alliance are insufficient to contend with them."

"Then we..."

"Observe, wait, prepare."

Aiselan's light veins turned to a calm purple.

"If Fengqi can buy time during the negotiations and develop a method to counter the Primarch within that period, the situation might change."

"If the Star Alliance continues to advance rapidly during the negotiations, showing an unstoppable momentum... we may need to consider another option."

"Contacting the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance?"

"Either strengthen our defenses, or find allies."

Aiselan said.

"But for now, we are just Observers. Record the details of every round of negotiations, analyze the true intentions of both sides, and assess the threat level of the Star Alliance. Information is the key right now."