Chapter 1145: You Choose to Stand By?

Kewake responded calmly.

"We have some understanding of the Quiet Corridor Incident.

But according to the information we have obtained, the development of the situation may... be more complex than you have described."

"Complex?"

Valken's voice rose sharply.

"Commissioner, the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance has already occupied three of our star sectors! Slaughtered countless civilians! Destroyed our fleet! What is complex about this? This is naked aggression!"

"The information we have received indicates,"

Deputy Commissioner Yilina interjected.

"During the negotiations, some of your military personnel launched a coup against the delegations of both sides.

The Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance claims their reaction was to 'protect diplomatic personnel from harm'."

Suppressed breathing sounds came from the other end of the communication.

A few seconds later, Valken replied.

"That was the individual act of mutineers and does not represent the official stance of the Feng Qi Xing Alliance! The actions of Admiral Olaf and Colonel Sele'en are condemned by all the people of Fengqi!"

Trade Representative Vitas said softly.

"Then is the fact that Admiral Olaf's final speech recording is being widely circulated within your side also part of the 'condemnation'?"

This silence lasted even longer, and Valken finally said.

"We are dealing with the issue of internal information leaks. But this has nothing to do with the current crisis.

What is important is that a highly aggressive emerging power is expanding in this region, threatening the stability and security of all existing civilizations. According to the Mutual Protection Agreement..."

"The agreement requires both parties to consult when encountering 'unforeseen major external threats'."

Kewake took over the conversation.

"But likewise, Article 3, Section 2 of the agreement clearly stipulates: if the threat 'originates from the active provocation or foreseeable conflict escalation of a signatory party', the other party has no obligation to take coordinated action."

"You think this is a 'foreseeable conflict escalation'?"

Valken's voice carried disbelief.

"A barbaric civilization that rose from a gladiator planet, expanding within three years to the point of being able to defeat our capital ships—is this foreseeable?"

Doctor Tailanisi could not help but speak up.

"General, our technical analysis of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance shows that their level of military technology exceeds both yours and ours in at least some areas.

Such a civilization could not have 'suddenly appeared'; there must have been a long process of development. Did your intelligence department not have any early warnings?"

"We... did indeed have intelligence failures."

Valken admitted, the exhaustion in his voice no longer concealable.

"The serious dereliction of duty by the 'Heavenly Flow Entertainment Group' led to our failure to detect the abnormal development of the Xiuluo Holy Star in time.

But the mistake has already occurred, and what is important now is to deal with the current threat."

Military Representative Serafen finally spoke.

"General Valken, let me be direct. What does the Feng Qi Xing Alliance want the Daikong Star Alliance to do? Join the war? Provide military aid? Open borders to let your fleet pass through to launch a surprise attack on the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance? What are your specific demands?"

Another silence.

Then Valken said.

"We hope to receive support in the following areas: First, diplomatic solidarity to jointly condemn the aggressive acts of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance;

Second, intelligence sharing, especially information regarding the technical weaknesses and strategic intentions of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance;

Third... limited military cooperation, including but not limited to joint exercises, technical exchanges, and possible joint defense arrangements."

"Possible joint defense arrangements."

Serafen repeated.

"In other words, if the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance continues to attack, you want our fleet to join the war."

"If the situation deteriorates to that point... yes. According to the spirit of the Mutual Protection Agreement..."

"According to the spirit of the agreement, we have an obligation to 'consider'."

Kewake interrupted Valken.

"And we have already considered it, General Valken. After careful assessment, the Supreme Diplomatic Committee of the Daikong Star Alliance believes that the current situation does not meet the conditions for triggering the joint defense clause in the agreement."

A sound of something being knocked over came from the other end of the communication. One could imagine Valken's shock and anger.

"Commissioner... are you saying that the Daikong Star Alliance is prepared to abandon a thirty-two-year alliance? At the moment when your ally needs you most?"

"We are not abandoning the alliance; we are exercising our rights in accordance with the terms of the alliance."

Deputy Commissioner Yilina's voice sounded.

"Furthermore, the Daikong Star Alliance itself faces a complex diplomatic situation.

Our senior diplomat, Ms. Aolana, and the entire delegation are currently being detained by the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance.

Before ensuring their safe release, we must maintain an extremely cautious diplomatic posture."

"So you have already made contact with the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance?"

Valken's voice turned cold abruptly.

"We sent a diplomatic note requesting an explanation and negotiations regarding the detention of the delegation."

Vitas stated frankly.

"This is standard procedure for any civilization when diplomatic personnel are detained."

"Standard procedure... ha."

Valken's laughter was bitter.

"So while we are bleeding and sacrificing on the front lines, you are already negotiating with the enemy."

"A truly loyal ally."

The military representative Serafen slammed the table.

"Watch your language, General! The Daikong Star Alliance has no obligation to pay for Fengqi's intelligence failures and military defeats!

The Aolana delegation was detained at a starport under your control because of your defense failure! We have yet to hold you accountable!"

The atmosphere inside the Conference Hall suddenly grew tense.

The other committee members exchanged uneasy glances.

Kewake raised a hand to signal for calm, then spoke into the microphone.

"General Valken, emotional accusations do not help solve the problem.

The position of the Daikong Star Alliance is as follows: First, we will continue to seek the release of the Aolana delegation through diplomatic channels;

Second, we are willing to share intelligence with the Feng Qi Xing Alliance on a limited basis, provided that you offer information of equal value;

Third, regarding military cooperation... at the current stage, we are not considering any arrangements that could lead to direct conflict."

"In other words, you choose to stand by."

Valken's tone became low.

"We choose caution."

Kewake corrected.

"The primary responsibility of the Daikong Star Alliance is to protect its own citizens and interests.

Getting involved in a conflict that we do not fully understand and which has complex origins does not align with this responsibility."

A long Silence.

In the background of the communication channel, faint alarm sounds and the noise of people running could be heard; the Fengqi command center was clearly not at peace.

Valken finally said.

"I understand. Then, please allow me to convey the final proposal from Speaker Ravenna:

If the Daikong Star Alliance is unwilling to fulfill the alliance treaty, the Feng Qi Xing Alliance will have to re-evaluate all of our diplomatic relations and trade agreements.

Including... the usage rights for trade corridors leading to other star alliances, one-third of which pass through Fengqi Territory."