Chapter 1292: The Daikong Star Alliance and the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance Discuss the Detained Diplomatic Mission

Daikong Star Alliance Capital Star, Supreme Diplomatic Committee Building.

Kewake sat before his desk, the holographic projection in front of him displaying the political situation map of the Bode Star System.

Ever since the Feng Qi Xing Alliance was annihilated, he had been working for countless days and nights in a row.

The door was knocked on lightly.

"Come in."

The door pushed open, and Minister of Intelligence Zuola walked in.

She held an encrypted Data Pad in her hand, her expression serious.

"Commissioner, there is news from the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance."

Kewake raised his head.

"Did Guilliman reply?"

Zuola nodded and placed the Data Pad on the table.

"He agreed to hold an online meeting regarding the issue of the diplomatic mission. The time is set for nine o'clock tomorrow morning, Xiuluo Holy Star standard time."

Kewake was in Silence for a few seconds.

"Just him alone? No one else?"

Zuola shook her head.

"Currently, only Guilliman. He is one of the diplomatic leads for the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance and just returned from the front lines of the Feng Qi Xing Alliance. Luojia has retreated behind the scenes, and now Guilliman has taken over external affairs."

Kewake leaned back in his chair, his three eyes staring at the ceiling.

"Guilliman. The Primarch of the Ultramarines. It is said that this person is extremely methodical, does things by the book, and is not easy to deal with."

Zuola nodded.

"The Intelligence Department's assessment is: Guilliman is rational, pragmatic, and focuses on efficiency. He will not be swayed by emotions, nor will he be moved by small favors. To negotiate with him, one needs solid bargaining chips."

Kewake gave a bitter smile.

"Bargaining chips? What bargaining chips do we have? Our mission is in their hands, they lack nothing, and we have nothing to give."

"Commissioner, we are not without anything. We have the Non-Aggression Treaty, a neutral stance, and trade routes. These things are not without value to the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance."

Kewake looked at her.

"Do you think they will release people for these?"

Zuola shook her head.

"No. But we can use these to trade for a better starting point for negotiations."

Kewake stood up and walked to the window.

The rain outside was still falling, and the gray-blue water mist made the entire city look like a faded oil painting.

"Zuola, tell me, how is our mission faring over at the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance?"

"According to feedback from limited channels, they are being held in a facility on the Xiuluo Holy Star. The conditions are not considered harsh; they have basic food and shelter, but their movements are restricted and communications have been cut off."

Kewake nodded.

"At least they are still alive. As long as they are alive, that is good."

He turned around and walked back to the table.

"Notify military representative Serafen, scientific research representative Tailanisi, and Trade Representative Vitas to hold a meeting here tomorrow at eight-thirty in the morning. For an online meeting, I need them to provide professional advice."

Zuola asked.

"What about Aolana? Do we need to notify her?"

Kewake was in Silence for a second.

"Aolana is in the mission. She is currently on the Xiuluo Holy Star. Notify her? How do I notify her?"

Zuola lowered her head.

"I spoke out of turn."

Kewake waved his hand.

"It wasn't speaking out of turn. It's just that I also want to tell her that we are working hard. But we cannot make contact. So, we can only work hard ourselves."

He sat down and opened the Data Pad.

"Go prepare. Tomorrow, we need to have a good talk with Guilliman."

The next day at eight-thirty in the morning, Daikong Star Alliance Supreme Diplomatic Committee Building, Meeting Room.

Beside the oval long table sat the five core figures of the Daikong Star Alliance.

Kewake sat in the main seat, a thick stack of negotiation proposals spread out before him.

Zuola sat opposite Kewake, responsible for intelligence support and recording.

"Everyone is here."

Kewake spoke, his voice hoarse.

"Today's agenda has only one item: how to bring our mission back from the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance."

Serafen was the first to speak.

"Commissioner, does the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance have any specific demands?"

Kewake shook his head.

"Not yet. Guilliman only said he agreed to the meeting; he did not mention any conditions."

Tailanisi asked.

"Then what is our bottom line? What conditions can we agree to, and what conditions can we not agree to?"

Kewake looked at him.

"The bottom line is: the members of the mission must return alive. Everything else can be negotiated."

"Commissioner, according to intelligence analysis, the current main focus of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance is on absorbing the territories of the Feng Qi Xing Alliance and dealing with the situation regarding the Ashes. It is unlikely they would propose a request for a military base at this time. That would over-stimulate us and prove counterproductive."

Kewake nodded.

"You are right. But we must prepare for the worst."

He looked at Tailanisi.

"Doctor, is there anything on your end that requires special attention?"

Tailanisi thought for a moment.

"The Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance has always been very attentive to our scientific research projects. Especially research regarding Psionic Physics."

Kewake asked.

"Technical exchange? You mean they would want our research data?"

Tailanisi nodded.

"It is possible. We have had some technical cooperation with the Feng Qi Xing Alliance; although they were all civilian projects, if the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance links these to military applications, they might use it as a pretext to make trouble."

Vitas interjected.

"Regarding trade, they might demand most-favored-nation status or lower tariffs. These can be negotiated, but we must leave ourselves some room."

Kewake nodded.

"Good. As for the rest, we will play it by ear."

He looked at Zuola.

"Is the communication ready?"

Zuola nodded.

"It is ready. At nine o'clock sharp, Guilliman will come online on time."