Chapter 1119: Kalaier

The negotiation hall is located in the core ring area of the space station, a circular hall with a diameter of fifty meters.

In the center of the hall is a massive round table, its surface as smooth as a mirror.

The ceiling is a fully transparent observation dome, through which one can see the Star Alliance fleet slowly rotating in the void outside.

There are twelve seats on each side, with data terminals and translation equipment in front of every seat.

Kalaier notices a detail: the seats on the Star Alliance side are noticeably higher.

Kalaier sits down without changing expression, adjusting his posture to make himself appear equally upright. The war of etiquette has already begun.

Guilliman sits down in the main seat, the only position at the round table with a slightly higher backrest.

"Then, let us begin. According to diplomatic protocol, please allow me to first state the position and expectations of the Star Alliance."

A small alarm bell rings in Kalaier's heart; this efficiency does not fit the typical diplomatic rhythm.

Usually, major negotiations of this kind would have lengthy opening remarks, mutual compliments, and a gradual buildup.

Guilliman skipped all those steps.

"Please proceed."

Kalaier maintains a smile.

Guilliman opens the data terminal in front of him, and a document is projected above the round table.

It is a draft of terms written in both the official Star Alliance language and the Fengqi language, dense and filled with numerous articles.

Guilliman says in a serious tone.

"The basic requirements of the Star Alliance for the Feng Qi Xing Alliance are as follows. First, the Feng Qi Xing Alliance shall formally recognize the sovereignty of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance over the already liberated regions and sign legally binding cession documents."

The first article is so direct.

Kalaier maintains his composure, but he feels Tal's breathing beside him grow slightly heavier.

"Second, the Feng Qi Xing Alliance shall immediately cease all military actions and hostile propaganda against the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance, disband the Border Defense Fleet, and open all military facilities for inspection by the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance Verification Team."

"Third, the Feng Qi Xing Alliance shall accept the governance framework of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance, reorganize the current political system, and establish a transitional government, with work guided by an administrative advisory group dispatched by the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance."

"Fourth, the Fengqi cultural and educational system must incorporate Human Civilization general knowledge courses, and Alien religious activities such as Three-Eye Worship must be conducted in designated locations and may not be publicly propagated."

"Fifth..."

Guilliman reads them out one by one, totaling twenty-seven articles.

Each one touches upon the sovereignty and independence of the Feng Qi Xing Alliance, and each one strikes the Fengqi delegation like a heavy hammer.

When Guilliman finishes reading, there is dead silence around the round table.

Kalaier takes a deep breath.

He knew the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance would propose harsh conditions, but he did not expect them to be so naked.

These are not negotiation terms at all; these are terms of surrender.

"Archon Guilliman."

Kalaier calms his emotions and speaks calmly.

"Thank you for your side's... clear statement of position. Please allow our side some time to digest this content."

"Of course."

Guilliman nods.

"We can adjourn for thirty minutes to allow your side to discuss internally."

"Thirty minutes is likely not enough."

Kalaier says.

"These terms involve the fundamentals of the Feng Qi Xing Alliance; we need to carefully study the legal basis, historical background, and practical impact of each one.

I suggest we adjourn first and continue after we have finished our deliberations."

Guilliman looks at Kalaier, the corners of his mouth rising as he says.

"Councilor Kalaier, the position of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance is clear and unshakeable. No matter how long the discussion lasts, the core terms will not change. Delaying will not change the outcome."

Kalaier feels a sense of helplessness; with the other party not playing by the rules, the contingency plans he had prepared in advance have been of no use at all.

But Kalaier maintains his smile.

"Archon Guilliman, the meaning of diplomatic negotiation lies in finding a solution acceptable to both sides through dialogue. If everything is already 'unshakeable,' then what is the point of us sitting here?"

"The point is to allow the Feng Qi Xing Alliance to complete the necessary transformation at the minimum cost. If the war continues, the cost will be greater. The rational choice is to accept reality and begin a new chapter."

"The reality is,"

Tal cannot help but interject, his arm trembling slightly.

"The Feng Qi Xing Alliance still controls over two million planets, hundreds of billions of troops, and tens of millions of warships! We are not the weak who are unable to resist!"

Guilliman turns to Tal, his gaze sweeping over this Fengqi military advisor.

"General Tal. According to Star Alliance intelligence, you were transferred from the front line two weeks before the fall of K-77 because your 'radical defense suggestions' did not align with the mainstream opinion of the council."

Tal's body stiffens noticeably.

This is a public humiliation, extremely rude in a diplomatic setting.

"Personal resumes are irrelevant to this negotiation."

Kalaier immediately smooths things over.

"Let us return to the main topic.

Archon Guilliman, I formally propose: adjourn today and continue tomorrow morning at nine o'clock.

We need time to study your side's draft of terms."

Guilliman is silent for five seconds; in a negotiation, this is a long time.

However, it is exactly what I intended!

Guilliman nods in agreement.

"Very well. Nine o'clock tomorrow. I hope the Fengqi delegation can provide a substantive response by then, rather than continuing to stall."

"We will provide a responsible response."

Kalaier stood up.

"Then, see you tomorrow."

Returning to the delegation's temporary quarters on the space station, Kalaier closed the door, loosened the collar of his formal attire, sat on the sofa, and closed all three of his eyes.

Weilan poured him a glass of water.

An electrolyte drink specially made by the Fengqi, used to relieve stress.

"Team Leader, their conditions... are simply an outrageous demand."

"It is not an outrageous demand,"

Kalaier opened his eyes and said slowly.

"It is asking us to kneel, stretch our necks under the guillotine, and thank them for their clean strike."

Tal punched the wall, and the wall emitted a dull echo.

"That high and mighty attitude of Guilliman! He isn't negotiating at all; he is reading out a verdict!"

"Calm down, Tal."

Kalaier said.

"This is precisely their strategy: to pressure us with extreme conditions, disrupt our rhythm, and make us Out of Control emotionally. If we are angry, protesting, or arguing now, we are playing right into their hands."

Liana pulled up the recording from just now.

"Every word Guilliman chose was meticulously designed. 'Unshakable,' 'reality,' 'rational choice'..."

"He is establishing a discourse framework where complying with his conditions is rational, and resisting is irrational. This is eroding the legitimacy of our stance."

"He has succeeded."

Moreno said with a bitter smile.

"I am now doubting whether our insistence on sovereignty and independence is truly 'irrational'."

"This is the power of discourse."

Lasiweisi said in a gentle tone.

"Language does not just express thoughts; it shapes them. Guilliman is attempting to reshape our perception of reality."

Doctor Lundengke frowned.

"But the problem is, he is speaking the truth. From a pure comparison of strength, the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance indeed holds the advantage. The Primarch, the combat power of the soldiers has already been proven. If we continue the war, our chances of winning are slim."