Chapter 1193: A Visit

Alan's room had also been pre-equipped with anti-surveillance devices by Lina.

As an intelligence officer, she was very professional about this.

Yingzhou sat on the sofa in the room, holding a glass of water in his hand.

When Alan entered, he looked up and asked.

"How did the talk go?"

"Very well. Lina believes the 'accident' narrative and has taken the initiative to offer to help me contact some members of the Supreme Council. She analyzed the situation of the councilors and provided a detailed strategy. She will submit a special report today to arrange a testimony opportunity for me."

"Her efficiency is high."

"Yes. And she is very smart; she almost saw through our disguise. She noticed that Lost's injuries were not typical of a Psionic Accident, and there were issues with how the guards died."

Yingzhou's expression did not change.

"As expected. She is a professional. But as long as we keep our stories consistent, it won't matter even if she is suspicious. Once you make contact with the councilors, take care of her."

"Understood. She mentioned General Geke, my former superior in my old unit. This is a very good entry point."

Yingzhou nodded: "Make good use of this connection. But at the same time, maintain contact with other councilors. Do not put all your chips on one person."

"Understood."

Three days later, in the core region of the Feng Qi Xing, Huojin Star.

A private shuttle of the Saladin Family was adjusting its attitude in the orbit of the system's main planet, preparing to descend to the surface.

Inside the Bridge, Alan Saladin Weike was wearing his formal family officer uniform, standing before the observation window, watching the planetary surface below gradually enlarge.

"Councilor Torres's territory."

Lina walked to Alan's side, holding a Data Pad in her hand.

"Population of 80 million, 300 million slaves; the main industry is rare ore mining and refining. He belongs to the 'Pragmatist' faction in the council, does not take any extreme positions, but has great influence in the finance and resource allocation committees."

Alan nodded.

"Why choose him as the first target for contact?"

"Three reasons."

Lina held up three fingers.

"First, he has a historical connection with our family. Thirty years ago, Saladin Mining funded the expansion of his family's mines; he owes us a favor. Second, he is currently in conflict with a faction in the council over resource quotas and is in urgent need of new allies. Third..."

She paused, her Third Eye narrowing slightly.

"He is a gambler. He likes to invest in 'potential stocks' and likes to place bets when others dare not. A 'political rising star' like you fits his taste perfectly."

Alan took the Data Pad and browsed Councilor Torres's detailed file.

Age 120, three political marriages, five children—two serving in the government, three running family businesses.

"His weakness?" Alan asked.

"Greed, but not stupidity. He wants more resource quotas, wants to obtain a higher position in the next council, and wants to get his family into the core circle."

"So by supporting me, he can indirectly strike at hostile factions without having to take the field himself."

"Exactly."

Lina smiled.

"Moreover, the Pure Eye accident has given you the perfect admission ticket. You are the exposer of 'security risks,' a hero 'brave enough to fight corruption,' at least on the surface. Torres supporting you can both demonstrate his 'sense of justice' and practically damage Valken's sphere of influence—killing two birds with one stone."

The ship began to enter the atmosphere, and slight vibrations were felt.

Yingzhou stood up from the seat behind them and walked to their side to report.

"Landing procedures will be completed within five minutes. Reception has been arranged on the ground; Councilor Torres's senior assistant will meet us at the Starport."

Lina glanced at Yingzhou but said nothing.

She had always had some misgivings about this "Corporal Kelan," but her brother trusted him, and she chose to respect that.

"Remember the script. You are not going to complain, nor are you going to beg for help. You are going to 'share information' and 'seek advice.' Maintain a proper posture; you are an officer of the Saladin Family, not a beggar."

"Understood." Alan nodded.

The ship broke through the clouds, and the city below was clearly visible.

The Starport's navigation lights flickered, guiding them to land at the designated berth.

The landing process was smooth.

After the ship came to a stop, the hatch slid open, and the boarding ramp extended.

The three of them walked off the ship.

A middle-aged Feng Qi male wearing a formal government uniform was already waiting by the berth. Seeing Alan and the others descend, he walked up with a smile.

"Major Alan Saladin Weike, I am Councilor Torres's administrative assistant, Kailuo. The Councilor is waiting at the official residence; please follow me."

A hovercar was already prepared.

It was not a luxury model, but a practical and well-maintained government vehicle, displaying the owner's pragmatic style.

On the way to the official residence, Kailuo briefly introduced the situation of the planet, mainly economic data and recent development plans.

Alan responded cooperatively, occasionally asking one or two appropriate questions.

Lina, meanwhile, quietly observed outside the window, assessing the city's defense levels, economic vitality, and political atmosphere.

Yingzhou sat in the front passenger seat, his psionic perception already extended, scanning the entire city.

There were no abnormal psionic fluctuations, no hidden threats; everything looked... normal to the point of being bland.

Twenty minutes later, the vehicle drove into the official residence area.

Councilor Torres's official residence was a sturdy, Fortress-style building that integrated office and residential functions.

The outer walls were built from locally quarried Grey Rock, thick and heavy, with narrow windows fitted with reinforced glass.

The surroundings had complete defensive fortifications: Automatic Cannon turrets, sensor fences, and patrolling private guards.

"The Councilor's style."

Lina whispered to Alan.

"Practical, conservative, safety-focused."

Entering the interior of the building, the decor was equally practical: stone floors, metal furniture, and star charts and mineral distribution maps hanging on the walls.

Kailuo led them to a Meeting Room.

Beside the long conference table, several people were already waiting.

Torres sat at the head of the table, with two people sitting on each side: on the left were a man and a woman, looking like family members or senior advisors; on the right were two people wearing military uniforms, both holding the rank of Colonel.

"Major Alan Saladin Weike-si,"

Torres spoke, his voice low and hoarse.

"Welcome to the Ash Ring. Welcome also to Miss Lina, and this..."

"Corporal Kolan Weike, my Adjutant."

Alan introduced.

Torres nodded, not asking further.

He made a gesture, signaling them to sit down.

"Kailuo has already briefly reported the purpose of your visit."

Torres cut straight to the topic.

"Regarding the 'security risks' of the Pure Eye project, and your request to testify before the relevant committee of the council. But I need to hear more details."

Alan was well prepared.

He took out a data storage device and placed it on the table.

"Councilor, before we begin, please allow me to express the Saladin Family's respect for you and your family. My father often mentioned during his lifetime that during the mining crisis thirty years ago, it was the firm cooperation of the Torres Family that allowed our mines to weather the difficulties."