Chapter 1121: Guilliman is Too Cooperative

"Then what is the Fengqi position regarding the sovereignty claims over the border Triangle Star System?"

Guilliman asked in return.

"Are you demanding that the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance withdraw from these star systems?"

The Third Eye on Kalaier's forehead narrowed slightly.

This Guilliman—if he said "yes," the negotiations would collapse immediately. If he said "no," it would be equivalent to tacitly accepting the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance's occupation.

Kalaier raised the corners of his mouth and spoke.

"We believe that territorial issues should be discussed under the framework of a comprehensive peace agreement, rather than as a prerequisite."

"Perhaps we can first discuss ceasefire arrangements, build mutual trust, and then handle the complex issue of sovereignty."

"Mutual trust is built on the foundation of acknowledging reality. If Fengqi is unwilling to even acknowledge the territory it has already lost, how can we believe in your sincerity regarding other issues?"

Twenty minutes into the negotiations, they had already reached a stalemate.

Kalaier took a deep breath and changed his strategy.

"Then let us temporarily set aside the first article and discuss the second. Your side demands that Fengqi 'disband the Border Defense Fleet'."

"May I ask which fleets specifically? The timetable for disbandment? How will the crew and equipment be handled?"

Guilliman nodded and gave his requirements.

"It refers to all military vessels deployed within fifty light-years of the border between the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance and Fengqi."

"Disbandment should be completed within thirty days after the agreement is signed."

"The crew may retire or be transferred to other defense zones; the equipment shall be destroyed or sealed under the supervision of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance Verification Team."

Liana said while calculating.

"Fifty light-years... this includes our defensive forces. Furthermore, if we disband these fleets, how are we to respond to other potential threats?"

"The Canaan Star Alliance and the Ash Star Alliance both have a military presence at the border."

"The Star Alliance is willing to sign a Joint Defense Treaty with Fengqi."

Guilliman threw out a seemingly concessionary proposal.

"Once Fengqi accepts the Star Alliance's governance framework, the Star Alliance will assume responsibility for Fengqi's defense."

Moreno pointed out.

"In other words, Fengqi must abandon its own military and rely entirely on Star Alliance protection. This is equivalent to handing over our final security guarantee."

Guilliman crossed his hands.

"Security guarantees do not rely on the number of troops, but on correct political choices. Fengqi chose to confront the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance, so it needed a massive army. If it chooses to join the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance's peaceful order, the army becomes redundant."

Circular reasoning.

Kalaier felt a wave of a headache.

Guilliman's closed-loop logic was almost impeccable: you have threats, so we need you to disarm; after you disarm, you will be safer because there will no longer be threats.

"Let us move to the technical details."

Doctor Lundengke spoke up suddenly; this scientist was clearly impatient with political debates.

"The second article mentions 'opening all military facilities for inspection by the Star Alliance Verification Team.' What is the composition of the Verification Team? Inspection authority? Duration of stay? If 'violations' are discovered during inspection, what is the disposal procedure?"

Guilliman looked toward the technology advisory group.

An Adeptus Mechanicus representative replied: "The Verification Team is composed of Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance military experts, technical experts, and legal experts, in a 1:1:1 ratio."

"Inspection authority includes all areas, without restriction. The duration of stay depends on necessity and may continue until the agreement is fully implemented."

"As for the disposal of violations... they will be tried by the Star Alliance Military Tribunal."

Moreno's voice rose.

"The Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance Military Tribunal trying Fengqi personnel? This violates judicial sovereignty!"

Guilliman replied calmly.

"In major issues involving Xiuluo interstellar security, interstellar jurisdiction is the convention."

"If Fengqi has no intention of violating the rules, there is no need to worry about the issue of trials."

The negotiations reached the second hour.

Kalaier looked at the timer; according to the plan, he should request the first recess at this time.

"Archon Guilliman, I think we have discussed enough details. I suggest a one-hour recess for both sides to organize the discussion points."

"Very well."

Guilliman agreed.

"But I hope the subsequent discussions can be more constructive. The Star Alliance's patience is not infinite."

Another psychological pressure.

During the recess, the Fengqi delegation gathered in a small Meeting Room.

Tal said angrily.

"He is playing us. Every question has a prepared answer, and every answer leads us into a deeper trap."

Liana said worriedly.

"But his patience may indeed be limited. If he thinks we are deliberately stalling, he might adopt a tougher stance."

Kalaier said after a few seconds of contemplation.

"We need to give him the illusion of some 'progress'."

"In a moment, we can pretend to show flexibility on some minor clauses in exchange for his 'concessions' on major clauses, even if those concessions are illusory."

Weilan asked.

"How specifically?"

"For example, we can express a willingness to 'consider' adjustments regarding cultural education, but demand a longer transition period and more autonomy."

"Use the discussion of secondary clauses to consume the time for the primary clauses."

"Will he agree?"

"He will see through it, but he might cooperate."

Kalaier analyzed.

"Because he is also stalling. The key is that we must make the stalling look like genuine progress in the negotiations."

After the recess ended, Kalaier changed the strategy.

Kalaier began by saying.

"Archon Guilliman, after the morning's discussion, we recognize that the Star Alliance indeed has reasonable concerns regarding certain issues.

For example, in terms of culture and education, mutual understanding and learning between interstellar civilizations are indeed necessary."

Guilliman raised an eyebrow slightly, clearly surprised by this turn.

"I am very glad to hear such an understanding."

Kalaier began to speak.

"But we hope this process is gradual and respectful.

For instance, we could pilot the introduction of Human Civilization courses in some schools, but the teaching materials must be jointly compiled by experts from both sides, and the teaching must be led by Fengqi teachers.

The transition period will require at least... ten years."

"Ten years is too long. The Star Alliance's experience is that three years is enough to complete the reform of the basic education system."

Kalaier began to explain.

"The number of schools in Fengqi is a hundred times that of the Star Alliance's pilot areas. Moreover, translating teaching materials, training teachers, communicating with parents... these all take time. We can accept five years; this is the bottom line."

Guilliman fell into Silence, seemingly weighing the options.

Then he said: "If Fengqi shows the same flexibility on other clauses, the Star Alliance can consider a five-year transition period."

Using "concessions" on cultural clauses to trade for a "compromise" on the timetable from the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance.

Although this compromise was inconsequential to the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance, for Kalaier, it was precious stalling.

The subsequent negotiations all proceeded according to this pattern.

The Fengqi delegation showed "flexibility" on a certain secondary clause, and the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance delegation made a corresponding "concession." Each

concession was accompanied by more detailed discussions: how to implement, how to supervise, how to evaluate...

The negotiation records became thicker and thicker, and more and more "consensus" was reached, but all consensus came with countless conditions and exceptions.

Kalaier looked at this "progress" and felt a deep sense of unease.

Guilliman was too cooperative, so cooperative that it was unnatural.