Chapter 1385: Human Standards

The sightseeing airship landed in front of a complex of temporary buildings on the west side of Central City.

Luojia stepped off the vehicle, with Tailesi and Gaiwusi following behind.

This was an independent complex of buildings, surrounded by neatly trimmed lawns and flower beds, with several large trees swaying gently in the breeze.

In the distance, a squad of Lucifer Black Guard was patrolling.

Luojia said.

"Lord Tailesi, this is the diplomatic delegation rest area. You will stay here until the celebration ends."

Luojia led them into the reception hall of the main building.

The hall was decorated simply, with light-colored sofas, wooden coffee tables, landscape paintings by Fulgrim on the walls, and fresh flowers placed on the windowsills.

Several staff members in uniforms stood behind the reception desk.

Luojia said.

"Each suite has an independent bathroom, communication equipment, and an office area. The dining hall is on the first floor and provides three meals a day. Opening hours are posted at the entrance of the dining hall."

Tailesi said.

"Thank you, that is already very thoughtful."

Luojia walked to the entrance of the hall and stopped.

"One more thing, please pay attention to the security regulations of the diplomatic delegation rest area."

His voice was not loud, but every word was clear.

"The diplomatic delegation rest area is under the perimeter security of the Word Bearers Legion space marines. You are free to move around here, but do not leave this area at will. If you need to go out, please apply to the reception desk in advance and you may only leave after approval. Approval usually takes two hours, so please arrange your time reasonably."

Gaiwusi frowned.

"Two hours? What if we need to go out in an emergency?"

Luojia looked at him.

"In emergencies, the approval process can be expedited. This is for your own safety."

Tailesi said.

"We understand, thank you, Lord Luojia."

Luojia nodded, turned, walked out of the hall, and disappeared outside the door.

Gaiwusi stood in front of the window, watching the squad of black-armored soldiers patrolling outside.

Their pace was uniform, their spacing consistent, like a precision machine.

"Lord Tailesi, who exactly do you think those people are?"

Tailesi walked over and stood beside him.

"I don't know. They should be one of the trump cards of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance. We have never seen them in any intelligence, which means they have never been deployed. For this celebration, the Emperor has put them on display for us to see."

Gaiwusi said.

"For us to see? Why?"

Tailesi said.

"To let us know that the strength of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance far exceeds our assessment. To let us know that what we see is only the tip of the iceberg. To let us know not to have any improper thoughts."

Gaiwusi was silent.

Outside the window, the squad of Lucifer Black Guard walked away and disappeared behind the trees.

Tailesi turned around and walked back to the sofa to sit down.

"Gaiwusi, remember, we are not here to confront, but to cooperate. Do not cause trouble, do not probe, and do not give Luojia any leverage."

Gaiwusi nodded.

"Understood, Lord Tailesi."

Tailesi closed his eyes.

"Rest, and gather your strength."

Xiuluo Holy Star, Central City, Yingzhou's study.

The night was deep. The city lights outside the window were gradually thinning.

Yingzhou sat at his desk, with the third draft of the Civil Law Revision Draft just sent by Guilliman spread out before him.

The door was knocked on lightly.

"Come in."

Luojia walked into the study, wearing the ceremonial robes of the Word Bearers Legion, holding that string of Psionic Crystal Rosary in his hand.

"Father, the Alien delegation from the Canaan Star Alliance has been settled."

Yingzhou nodded.

"Their reaction?"

Luojia sat down on the chair opposite the desk.

"Tailesi is very restrained, does not speak much, and has been observing the whole time. That young Diplomat Gaiwusi is more emotionally expressive."

The corners of Yingzhou's mouth lifted slightly.

"Very normal. Did they mention anything else?"

Luojia said.

"Tailesi mentioned that he wanted to have a private meeting with you. I said the schedule was full during the celebration and we would discuss it after the celebration ends."

Yingzhou leaned back in his chair.

"Tailesi is not here to attend the celebration; he is here to talk about joining."

Luojia nodded.

"Father is wise. The Canaan Star Alliance wanted to join us to seek protection when the Zerg invaded. Now that the Zerg have retreated, they want to join even more. Because they know that without us, they still cannot hold them off."

Yingzhou's fingers tapped lightly on the tabletop.

"Joining, they certainly know how to pick their timing, Guilliman."

Guilliman stood up from a pile of documents in the corner of the study.

"Father, I am here."

Yingzhou looked at him.

"Tomorrow, you go to the Waijiaoqu and talk with the representatives of the Canaan Star Alliance. Listen to what they have to say, and let them hear our conditions as well."

Guilliman nodded.

"Father, what are our requirements?"

Yingzhou said.

"First, the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance does not accept unconditional joining; they must submit to unified command in diplomacy and military affairs.

Second, the existing territory of the Canaan Star Alliance will be retained as an autonomous region, but the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance has the right to station troops on key planets.

Third, regarding the population classification of the Canaan Star Alliance, screening will be conducted according to Human characteristics. Those who belong to Humans will become Formal Citizens of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance. Aliens who do not belong to Humans will become Secondary Citizens."

Guilliman's brows furrowed slightly.

"Secondary Citizens? Not Second-class Citizens?"

Yingzhou looked at him.

"Second-class Citizen is the status for Alien forces that resist stubbornly. The Canaan Star Alliance did not resist stubbornly; they surrendered, asked for help, and are willing to join. The treatment of Secondary Citizens is lower than that of Formal Citizens, but they have basic living guarantees and will not be sent to harsh-environment planets for labor."

Guilliman nodded.

"Understood, I will go and negotiate."

Yingzhou said.

"Tell them, this is the best condition the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance can offer."

Guilliman stood up.

"Yes, Father."

Luojia also stood up.

"Father, I will also go prepare tomorrow's schedule."

Yingzhou nodded.

"Go."

Only Yingzhou remained in the study.

He picked up the Civil Law Revision Draft on the table and opened the first page.

In the margins, Curze had written dense annotations in black ink; the handwriting was neat, and every modification was accompanied by a brief explanation of the reason.

The next morning, Guilliman's office.

Guilliman sat before his desk, with several documents spread out in front of him: the charter of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance, the request for aid from the Canaan Star Alliance, and the chapter on citizenship determination in the Civil Law Revision Draft.

Curze sat opposite him, with several books spread out in front of him as well.

After being appointed as an advisor to the Legal Revision Committee, Curze came to report to Guilliman's office every day, and today was no exception.

"Guilliman, are you going to meet the Canaanites?"

Curze asked.

Guilliman nodded.

"To discuss their joining."

Curze thought for a moment.

"I changed a few more places in the citizenship determination clauses last night. The Alien population of the Canaan Star Alliance accounts for the vast majority; if not handled well, there will be trouble later. A clear standard needs to be given for what kind of person counts as Human and what kind of person counts as Alien. It cannot be vague; vagueness will lead to disagreement and controversy."

Guilliman looked at him.

"How do you think it should be set?"

Curze flipped through the notebook in front of him.

"Based on biological characteristics. Two eyes, no extra limbs, no Alienated organs, and a skull that meets Human standards.

Those who meet these are identified as Human. Those who do not are identified as Alien. The standard must be unified and public so that people can see the rules are fair."

Guilliman nodded.

"Good, I will bring it up during the negotiation."

Curze closed the notebook.

"Guilliman, can I go?"

Guilliman looked at him.

"You want to go?"

Curze said.

"I want to hear what they say so that when I revise the relevant laws later, I will have a better idea."

Guilliman thought for a moment.

"Good."

Guilliman stood up and picked up the documents on the table.

"Let's go."