Chapter 954: Negotiations with the Daikong Star Alliance (1)

The next day.

At exactly eight o'clock in the morning, Xiuluo Holy Star time, Angron arrived at the diplomatic conference hall.

Selina stood to one side of the conference hall and nodded slightly toward Angron.

Several officials and technical personnel from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were at their stations, ensuring the communication system was operating without error.

"Are you ready, Lord Angron?"

Selina asked in a low voice.

Angron nodded and replied.

"Ready. Let us see what this Daikong Star Alliance actually wants."

The communication was connected on time.

The image of the Daikong Star Alliance delegation appeared in the holographic projection.

At the head was a Daikong person with silver skin and compound eyes.

Vitas spoke politely.

"Greetings to the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance. I am Vitas, the diplomatic representative for this Daikong Star Alliance delegation. It is an honor to conduct this dialogue with your side."

Angron nodded slightly and replied.

"I am Angron. By the order of the Emperor, I am fully responsible for diplomatic matters with you."

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Vitas went straight to the point.

"Lord Angron, we have noted that seventeen members of our diplomatic mission, including Special Envoy Aolana and Academician Tuowake, are currently being detained by your side. As a responsible member of the interstellar community, we expect your side to release them immediately."

Angron's expression did not change in the slightest as he spoke.

"Vitas, please rest assured. Aolana and the members of her mission are currently quite safe. They have received treatment befitting their status."

Vitas's compound eyes flickered slightly.

"In that case, could you arrange for them to return to the Daikong Star Alliance immediately? Their families and colleagues are very worried."

"Regarding this point, you must understand the current situation. What the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance is undertaking is a righteous cause to liberate Humans; we do not wish to see any external forces interfere with this process."

Vitas hurriedly spoke.

"The Daikong Star Alliance has always respected the internal affairs of all civilizations. We are merely concerned for the safety of our personnel."

"I understand your concerns. As long as the Daikong Star Alliance promises not to interfere in matters between us and the Feng Qi Xing Alliance, the safety of your diplomatic personnel will be guaranteed."

A slight commotion broke out in the conference hall as the representatives of the Daikong Star Alliance exchanged glances.

Vitas continued to speak.

"Lord Angron, this sounds like using diplomatic personnel as bargaining chips, which is a very unusual practice in interstellar diplomacy."

Angron looked directly at Vitas's image.

"The Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance values life and freedom. The measures we have taken are only to ensure that the cause of liberation is not obstructed. Once we confirm that the Daikong Star Alliance will not become an obstacle to our cause, your personnel can naturally return safely."

Vitas was silent for a moment, then said.

"I can guarantee on behalf of the Daikong Star Alliance that we will not actively interfere in your conflict with the Feng Qi Xing Alliance. Now, may I ask your side to release our personnel?"

"Vitas, please understand our position. The Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance is a peace-loving interstellar power; we never actively attack other civilizations. Our war with the Feng Qi Xing Alliance is because they invaded our homeland first, and we were forced to conduct a self-defensive counterattack."

Vitas's compound eyes blinked rapidly a few times before he spoke.

"According to our understanding, the activities of the Feng Qi Xing Alliance in the Seventh Star Sector have been ongoing for nearly 3,000 years. What does your side mean by 'homeland'?"

"The distribution of Humans in the galaxy is far more extensive than you understand. The Feng Qi Xing Alliance has occupied many territories that traditionally belong to Humans and has enslaved the Human compatriots in those worlds. We are merely taking back what should have been ours and liberating our oppressed brothers and sisters."

Vitas exchanged a few low words with the advisors behind him, then turned to Angron.

"The Daikong Star Alliance wishes to maintain peaceful relations with all neighbors. We are willing to recognize your sovereignty in the sectors you have already controlled, provided that your side guarantees no further expansion."

"The borders of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance are not for you to decide; our liberation will not end."

Vitas was clearly dissatisfied with this answer and spoke.

"Then, regarding our detained personnel..."

"They will continue to be well cared for," Angron took over the conversation, "As a token of our good faith, I can arrange for Aolana to have a brief conversation with you to confirm their health."

Vitas considered this proposal.

"This would be a beneficial easing of the tense situation. We accept this arrangement."

Angron nodded and signaled to Selina beside him.

Shortly after, Aolana's image appeared on a split screen in the meeting room.

Shortly after, Aolana's image appeared on a split screen in the meeting room.

Her eyes were somewhat panicked; upon seeing Vitas, she was about to speak excitedly, but her expression turned fearful, and she then said with a trembling voice.

"Commissioner Vitas... I and the members of the mission are... are very safe. They... treat us in accordance with basic diplomatic etiquette."

As Aolana spoke, her gaze glanced from time to time toward a direction outside the camera's view.

"Please tell the Supreme Committee that we... we are all fine. There is no need to be overly worried about our safety."