Chapter 1118: The Planning of the Diplomatic Escort Fleet (3)

The "Amethyst Insight".

The delegation members are making final preparations for the upcoming negotiations.

Kalaier is reviewing documents in his cabin.

The desktop is piled high with Data Pads: the historical evolution, military composition, economic data, and cultural characteristics of the Feng Qi Xing Alliance... He must ensure he is prepared for any questions the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance might raise during the negotiations.

A knock sounds at the door.

"Come in."

Liana walks in, her expression more serious than usual.

"Leader, the latest intelligence analysis."

Liana hands over a Data Pad.

"The Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance delegation has arrived at the Ningjing Huilang Kongjian Zhan, twelve hours ahead of schedule.

Their fleet size... exceeds expectations."

Kalaier takes the Data Pad.

The holographic image shows more than thirty Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance warships surrounding the Ningjing Huilang Kongjian Zhan.

"This is not the scale of a diplomatic escort."

Kalaier says with a frown.

"This is a small combat fleet."

"Yes. And according to energy reading analysis, these warships are all in combat status, shields fully raised, and weapon systems on standby.

Although nominally for 'security assurance,' this is clearly a show of force."

Kalaier says after a few seconds of contemplation.

"Guilliman wants to give us a warning.

By demonstrating the Star Alliance's military superiority before the negotiations begin, they want to put us at a psychological disadvantage."

"Do we need to adjust our strategy?"

Liana asks.

"Perhaps we should demand reciprocal security guarantees, or at least protest this obvious threat of force."

Kalaier shakes his head in refusal.

"No. That is exactly what they want us to do.

If we protest, they can accuse us of being 'suspicious' or 'lacking sincerity.' A better approach is... to ignore it."

"Ignore it?"

Kalaier nods and says.

"Yes. We proceed according to the original plan. When they display force, we display civilization.

When they emphasize military superiority, we emphasize the depth of our culture and history.

Remember, negotiation is not only a contest of strength, but also a contest of image.

We must let all Observers see that the Feng Qi Xing Alliance is a mature, rational, and profound civilization, while compared to us, the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance is just an upstart relying on brute force to expand.

Even if we have some conflicts with certain powers right now, at least we can still communicate.

But the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance is not so easy to talk to."

Liana nods and replies.

"I understand. Then regarding the specific topics of the negotiation..."

"Proceed as planned. In the first phase, we listen carefully to all the Star Alliance's demands without making an immediate response.

In the second phase, we propose our own conditions, focusing on cultural protection, political autonomy, and gradual integration.

In the third phase, when the negotiations reach a deadlock, we request an adjournment to contact the parliament to 'widely solicit opinions'."

Kalaier pauses and continues.

"Every phase must be extended as much as possible. Every issue must be discussed in depth. Every clause must be deliberated repeatedly. Our goal is to make the negotiations last at least one month, preferably two."

"But the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance's military actions..."

"They should have some reservations during the negotiations."

Kalaier says.

"At least large-scale public offensives will be suspended. Small-scale friction may still occur, but we can lodge protests through diplomatic channels, which in itself can consume their time and energy."

"Understood."

Liana says.

"Then I will go prepare the negotiation materials."

"Wait."

Kalaier calls out to Liana.

"Liana, do you think... we have a chance? A real chance for peace?"

Liana is silent for a moment, her three eyes flickering slightly.

"From a rational analysis, the probability is very low. The Star Alliance's ideology and strategic goals dictate that they cannot accept true, equal coexistence.

But emotionally... I hope there is. My daughter is only five years old, and I hope the world she grows up in has no war."

Kalaier nods.

"Me too."

Ningjing Huilang Kongjian Zhan

The Ningjing Huilang Kongjian Zhan floats in the void, a neutral facility used for diplomatic meetings.

The Fengqi diplomatic fleet stops at a distance of five thousand kilometers from the space station.

According to diplomatic protocol, the "Amethyst Insight" will proceed to docking alone, while the frigate fleet remains on standby at a safe distance.

Through the observation window, Kalaier could see those Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance warships, those war machines with rigid lines and menacing gun muzzles.

"Commander, docking procedures have been initiated."

The Bridge Communications Officer reported.

"The Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance side confirms the docking bay is ready."

Kalaier adjusted his deep purple formal attire, ensuring every fold was flawless.

Beside him, the main members of the delegation were all in position: Weilan, Tal, Liana, Doctor Lundengke, Moreno, and Lasiweisi.

Everyone was wearing formal attire, their expressions solemn.

"Remember our strategy."

Kalaier gave a final instruction.

"Elegant, rational, and showcasing the three-thousand-year civilizational foundation of the Feng Qi Xing Alliance. The Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance can flaunt their military force; we shall flaunt our civilization."

"Understood."

The group responded in unison.

The docking tunnel opened, the air pressure balanced, and the door slid open.

Opposite them, a Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance delegation was already waiting. At the lead was none other than Roboute Guilliman.

It was the first time Kalaier had seen this Primarch with his own eyes.

Holographic images could not fully convey that sense of presence; Guilliman was even taller than he had imagined, his height of over three meters, approaching four, being extremely imposing.

He wore ceremonial Power Armor in blue and gold, the surface as smooth as a mirror, and the Ultramarines emblem on his chest shone brilliantly under the lights.

Behind Guilliman were Star Alliance Foreign Minister Donatus, Third Company Captain Kenlai—whose blue and white Power Armor still bore traces of dust from the front lines—and over a dozen experts and advisors from various fields.

"Councilor Kalaier."

Guilliman spoke first, his voice echoing in the docking tunnel.

"On behalf of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance, I welcome the arrival of the Fengqi diplomatic delegation."

But Kalaier keenly noted that Guilliman had said "welcome the arrival," rather than "welcome to the peace negotiations."

A subtle choice of words, a subtle stance.

"Archon Roboute Guilliman."

Kalaier responded with equally standard etiquette.

"Thank you for the arrangements the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance has made for this meeting. We come with a sincere desire for peace."

The two men's hands clasped together.

Kalaier felt the strength of the other's palm; it was a purely physiological advantage.

The Primarch's hand almost completely enveloped his own.

After brief pleasantries, Guilliman turned to the side to gesture.

"The negotiation hall is ready. If you are willing, we can begin immediately."

"We follow the host's convenience."

Kalaier replied with a smile.