Chapter 817: Canaan Star Alliance

Bode Star System, Canaan Star Alliance, "Snake Eye" intelligence analysis center.

In the dim center, a massive circular star map hangs suspended, with dense data streams surging across its surface.

The star map is clearly divided into several regions: the deep blue of the Feng Qi Xing Alliance, the dark red of the Ash Star Alliance, and the emerald green of Canaan itself; the three interlock near the FQ-95 Star Region, and the boundary line between the blue and red is flashing with a glaring red warning light.

Intelligence Director Ella Venus stands at the edge of the star map, the silver snake emblem on her dark green uniform gleaming with a cold light.

Her fingers trace precisely through the void, pulling out several key information streams.

Fengqi side: Fleet Commander Suolun's encrypted combat readiness directive level has been raised (keyword: Maximum Alert), the K-78 regional patrol fleet is gathering abnormally (quantity and frequency significantly increased), "Dark Eye" array detection computing power is clearly tilting toward the disputed area, and internal communication volume among high-level Star Alliance officials has surged (intercepted keywords: Ashes, war preparations, diplomatic failure).

Ashes side: Active signals from the Seventh and Ninth Assault Fleets have collectively vanished (highly suspected to have initiated the "Shadow Flame" silent stealth system), activity indices at multiple logistics nodes (fuel, ammunition, maintenance) have spiked abnormally, records of "intense exchanges" between Diplomat Crag and Fengqi Ambassador Morris have been fully captured and decrypted, and the engine core energy readings of the Seventh Fleet Commander Hal Jinhun's flagship, "Molten Fury," are showing regular jump-preheating fluctuations.

The Lie Kong Chamber of Commerce has recently transferred a massive amount of Bode Coin to "Stardust Logistics," a shell company registered in Canaan, and multiple core Warehouse Areas of the Lie Kong Chamber of Commerce are efficiently sealing cargo labeled as "heavy engineering equipment."

The transport fleet's scheduled route... hugs the "Grey Corridor," a poorly regulated strip along the edge of the FQ-95 Star Region.

"Conclusion?"

Ella's voice is calm, waiting for a reply.

Behind her, analyst Tuoke pushes up his glasses, the lenses reflecting the red light pulsing on the star map.

"Director Ella, after cross-verifying all signal sources, the probability of conflict outbreak has exceeded the 92% threshold. The Ash Star Alliance is the active initiator, with targets locked on the FQ-95 core resource belt. Although the Feng Qi Xing Alliance has raised its alert level, its attention is significantly diverted by the K-78 asteroid belt incident, leaving exploitable weaknesses in its defensive deployment at FQ-95. Estimated conflict outbreak time window: 12-18 standard hours."

"92%..."

A satisfied smile curls the corner of Ella's mouth.

"For us, that is equivalent to certainty. Tuoke, the first phase of the 'Tar Pit' plan is complete; the second phase, 'Gleaner,' is to enter maximum readiness immediately."

"Understood!"

A sharp glint flashes in Tuoke's eyes as he pulls up an energy data pad.

"The 'Stardust Logistics' cargo ships have finished loading, fully stocked with 'Defender' Power Armor, 'Bee Stinger' Missile platforms, and 'Bone-Eroding' interference mines provided by the Lie Kong Chamber of Commerce, enough to arm three Fengqi marine battalions. All cargo packaging is printed with prominent 'Humanitarian Aid' labels and the Canaan Star Alliance emblem."

"Very good."

Ella nods slightly and continues.

"Activate our 'Trade Wind' network inside Fengqi, ensuring these 'relief supplies' are delivered with maximum speed and via the most 'coincidental' routes, precisely into the hands of the Fengqi Garrison on the FQ-95 front line that is under the most pressure. Make every attack by the Ash People crash against a sturdier Canaan alloy shield, and make them bleed more."

She pauses, her gaze becoming sharp.

"At the same time, initiate the 'Mist' program.

Our diplomats stationed in Fengqi and Ashes must maintain an attitude of 'deep concern' in public, calling on both sides to exercise maximum restraint.

Privately... notify the Lie Kong Chamber of Commerce to prepare the second batch of 'special orders.' Those 'old customers' on the Ashes side must surely be in urgent need of updating their 'security equipment' to cope with the 'increasingly tense situation.'

Prices are to be executed according to 'wartime supply' standards."

Tuoke understands perfectly and says.

"Yes! Make Fengqi's defensive lines harder, make the Ashes' offensive fiercer, and make this destined war burn brighter and longer. Only then can we... harvest more."

Silent Valley Stardust Mineral Belt.

On the outskirts of the "Prism" asteroid cluster, three "Sentinel"-class stealth destroyers with sleek lines and deep-space radar-absorbent camouflage paint float silently.

Their engines are in an ultra-low power state, sensors are only performing passive reception, and the hulls are perfectly integrated into the cosmic background radiation.

Behind them, the landing pod doors on the bellies of the massive, heavily armored "Fortress"-class landing ships are tightly shut, filled inside with elite soldiers of the "Rock" marine battalion, all well-equipped and at Level 1 standby status.

Inside the bridge of the Sentinel-class destroyer, Fleet Commander Major Kael Valen looks at the full view of the "Prism" asteroid cluster on the tactical screen, as well as those few light points representing the Fengqi garrison forces.

Kael's voice sounds through the encrypted channel within the task force.

"Attention everyone, maintain maximum silence, stand by in position. Await the final activation command for Operation 'Gleaner'."

"Yes!"

Lie Kong Chamber of Commerce headquarters, "Profit Tower" top-floor office.

Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, the chaotic and bustling Starport scenery of Free Port is in full view.

Vice President Arcad Solos, wearing a deep purple velvet robe, has just finished an encrypted communication with the Canaan Special Envoy, and the light of the holographic projector slowly fades.

He turns around, a smile typical of a businessman on his face, and looks at Lina Walker, the Chamber's Chief Financial Officer, who is sitting on a luxurious sofa.

Lina is elegantly sipping an amber-colored spirit, and data streams flow silently on the floating screen in front of her.

"Cargo confirmed, the fleet sets sail in one standard hour."

Arcad's voice is steady as he looks at Lina's toned physique beneath her furs.

"The Canaanites pay promptly; the final payment has already arrived."

Lina puts down her glass, her fingertips sliding across the floating screen to pull up another encrypted list; the cargo descriptions on it are more obscure, but the quantities and prices are equally staggering.

"The 'bread' has been sent, and is the 'firefighting equipment' ready?"

She raises an eyebrow slightly, implying something.

Arcad walks to the viewing window, looking down at the "Stardust Logistics" transport ships below.

"Of course. The Lie Kong Chamber of Commerce has always had an excellent reputation, fair to all.

Fengqi needs 'bread' to resist the 'wildfire,' and the Ashes side... naturally also needs to upgrade their 'firefighting equipment' to deal with the 'out-of-control fire.'

We are merely providing necessary... 'security services'."

He pauses, the corners of his mouth curling into a deeper arc.

"Moreover, the price Canaan is offering the old customers in Ashes... is twice the price of the 'bread.' After all, 'firefighting' is always more urgent than 'being full,' and the cost is higher, isn't it?"

Lina chuckles, a laugh without a shred of warmth.

"Very reasonable. Risk premium. The Canaanites play this 'adding fuel to the fire' game beautifully, and it is only right that we follow along to earn some 'high-temperature subsidies.' However... how are the 'prospecting equipment' preparations going over at the 'Stardust Mineral Belt'?"

Arcad walks back from the window and taps his fingers on the control panel of his desk.

A list labeled "Stardust Mineral Belt - Emergency Geological Prospecting Support Package" is projected, filled with high-strength engineering mechs, rapidly deployable refining modules, and even a few sets of "miner security systems."

"Already sealed in the 'Firm Shield' warehouse, ready to depart at any time. Just waiting for the signal from 'Gleaner.' Once Canaan's 'Gardener' begins to 'prune the garden,' our 'prospecting team' can enter at the first opportunity to 'assist' them in evaluating the value of the 'newly discovered' mineral veins."

He specifically emphasizes the three words "newly discovered."

Lina nodded and downed the strong liquor in one gulp.

"How much blood Feng Qi and the Ashes shed is their choice. But the Bode Coins flowing in that blood... we must catch them, not a single drop can be wasted.

Canaan wants to be a chess player? Fine, as long as they can afford the price of the chess pieces."

Akade straightened his velvet robe and spoke.

"This is precisely the survival philosophy of the Lie Kong Chamber of Commerce, Director Lina. Finding profit in the flames of war, establishing order in chaos... our order."

Lie Kong Chamber of Commerce, Free Port "Boundless Market".

Blanco watched as the last container bearing the Canaan emblem was steadily delivered into the belly of the "Stardust" Transport Ship.

He shouted one last time into the Communication Device: "'Stardust' fleet, loading complete! You can get the hell out of here! Safe travels, and don't crumble the 'bread'!"

A confirmation signal came from the Shipyard control tower.

The engines of several "Stardust Logistics" Transport Ships began to preheat, emitting a low hum, slowly detaching from their berths, adjusting their orientation, and preparing to enter the shipping lane leading to the "Grey Corridor" at the edge of the FQ-95 Star Region.

Blanco looked up at the departing Transport Ships, and after a few seconds of Silence.

"Tsk, 'bread'..."

He muttered under his breath, shook his head, and turned to walk toward another old armed cargo ship waiting to be unloaded, its hull covered in battle scars; the ship's destination vaguely pointed toward the edge of the Ash Star Alliance controlled territory.

He switched channels on the Communication Device, and his tone changed as well.

"'Black Stone', it's your turn! Look alive! This batch of 'industrial lubricant' and 'precision parts' is urgent cargo! The 'big factory' over at the Ashes is waiting to start production! Be quick about it!"