Chapter 1199: She Will Not Have Died in Vain

Alan stood up and scanned the scene.

"Collect all evidence that can be collected: shell casings, energy residues, footprints, vehicle fragments. Then send Lina... send the young lady's remains back to the official residence. Notify the family and prepare the funeral."

"Yes."

Ketuo saluted.

Alan took one last look at Lina's figure being lifted onto the medical stretcher.

Then he turned and walked toward the waiting vehicle.

Saladin Family temporary official residence, 6:00 AM.

Usually, the residence would still be quiet at this time, but today it was already brightly lit.

After learning of the attack, all family members and senior employees on the planet were urgently summoned.

When Alan returned to the residence, he was met with faces full of shock, grief, and anger.

The butler, old Mo Lun, an old man who had served the Saladin Family for sixty years, was the first to come forward, saying with a sobbing voice.

"Major... Miss Lina, she..."

"It's true."

Alan confirmed briefly, then walked through the hall toward the family Meeting Room.

A dozen people were already sitting in the Meeting Room: several elders from the collateral branches, corporate executives, legal advisors, and several senior officials from the Intelligence Department, Lina's colleagues.

When Alan entered, everyone stood up.

"Sit."

Alan walked to the head of the table and stood facing everyone.

"Everyone knows what happened. Three hours ago, on the way back from General Geke's banquet, we were subjected to an armed attack. Eight professional mercenaries, well-equipped, with clear tactics. Lina..."

He paused for a second, as if suppressing his emotions.

"Lina sacrificed herself to cover me. Corporal Kelan and the driver were wounded while repelling some of the attackers, but failed to eliminate the enemy entirely."

The room was deathly silent.

"Two attackers' corpses were left at the scene."

Alan continued.

"Implanted chips were found on the corpses. Captain Ketuo is analyzing them. But based on the attackers' equipment and tactical style, as well as... the recent political situation, I have reason to suspect this was not a random event."

A family elder spoke up.

"You think it's a political assassination? Because of tomorrow's parliamentary testimony?"

"The Pure Eye project involves huge funds and the interests of many parties."

Alan said.

"My testimony could affect the redistribution of resources and harm certain people's interests. As my primary assistant, Lina held a large amount of analytical data and was also a target."

"But why kill her? Why not kill you directly?"

Another person asked.

"It was Lina who saved me; the one who should have died was me!"

Alan said, his emotions somewhat Out of Control.

The legal advisor asked.

"Major, what do you intend to do? Cancel the testimony?"

"No. I will testify. And I will add content. Not only will I talk about the safety hazards of Pure Eye, but also about political corruption, about the mercenary problem, and about why some people feel they can kill Saladin Family members at will without punishment."

His three eyes scanned everyone present in turn.

"Lina will not have died in vain. Her blood will become the fuel to change this Star Alliance."

Everyone present was stunned.

"The family will fully support you."

The eldest elder stated.

"Funds, connections, legal resources—whatever you need, we will provide."

"I need two things."

Alan said.

"First, the funeral is to be held in three days; it must be grand, so the entire Star Alliance can see that the Saladin Family will not yield. Second, establish an independent investigation team composed of the people the family trusts most to thoroughly investigate this matter. Do not rely entirely on the official investigation; I do not trust it."

"Agreed."

The elder nodded.

"Any other requests?"

Alan was silent for a moment, then said.

"I want to be alone for a while. Let's end the meeting."

Everyone stood up and left understandingly.

The last to leave was Lina's Adjutant, that young woman.

She stopped at the door, turned, and said to Alan.

"Major... Officer Lina often said she was very proud to have a brother like you. She said the changes in you since you returned gave her hope."

Alan looked at her and nodded.

"Thank you. She was my pride as well."

8:00 AM.

Alan treated his wounds simply in his room and changed into a clean uniform.

A knock sounded at the door.

"Enter."

The door opened, and it was not a family member who entered, but a middle-aged officer in military uniform.

Alan recognized him, General Geke's Adjutant, Lieutenant Colonel Kainluoke, a veteran who had followed the general for twenty years.

"Major."

Kainluoke saluted, his expression serious.

"The general sent me. First, please accept the general's deepest condolences. Regarding Miss Lina... the general is very saddened.

He says that losing such an outstanding young person is a loss for the entire Star Alliance."

"Thank the general."

Alan bowed slightly.

"Secondly,"

Kainluoke stepped closer and lowered his voice.

"The general wants to know the detailed situation. Not the official statement, but the real situation. You were at the scene; what did you see?"

Alan invited Kainluoke to sit down, then described the attack process.

"Eight mercenaries, standard three-man team tactics, but with tacit coordination; they were clearly a long-term cooperative team."

Alan summarized.

"Their goal was clear: first disable the vehicle, then attempt to capture alive or eliminate the personnel inside. If it weren't for Corporal Kelan's quick reaction, we might all be dead."

"What about the chips on the corpses?"

Kainluoke asked.

"Captain Ketuo is currently analyzing them. But I don't hold much hope; the real mastermind behind the scenes won't leave direct evidence. The chips might point to some scapegoat, or simply be a misdirection."

Kainluoke nodded.

"The general has the same judgment. He believes this is a political attack, with the goal of stopping you from testifying. The waters of the Pure Eye project are very deep, and too many interest groups are involved."

He took an encrypted Data Pad from his bosom and handed it to Alan.

"This is the general's personal investigation result. Although incomplete, it might be useful to you."

Alan took the Data Pad and activated it.

Displayed on it were several names and a relationship diagram: Councilman Marcus, his family business, several middlemen, and finally pointing to a mercenary organization named "Gray Blade."

"Councilman Marcus."

Alan looked at that name.

"He is in fierce opposition with Councilman Torres on the Resource Allocation Committee. If the Pure Eye project has its funding cut, he loses the most."

"Not only that."

Kainluoke said.

"One of Marcus's nephews works in middle management at the Pure Eye project, responsible for equipment procurement. If the project is audited, he might be implicated."

Motive, means, and opportunity were all there.

"What is the general's meaning?"

Alan asked.

"The general will not intervene directly."

Kainluoke said.

"His status is sensitive; he cannot be openly involved in this kind of struggle. But he will provide... indirect support. For example, in the committee, he and his people will ensure you have a fair opportunity to speak. For another example, certain investigative channels will remain open and will not be artificially blocked."

"That is enough."

Alan said.

"I only need a fair platform. The truth will speak for itself."

Kainluoke stood up.

"Finally, the general asked me to convey: your sister will not have died in vain. Sometimes, one person's sacrifice can awaken more people. Make good use of this opportunity, but also be careful. You are now an obvious target."