novelaction Chapter 1477 Agree to Talk!
Chapter 1477 Agree to Talk!
Just as the suffocating silence and dilemma were unfolding, a slightly hurried voice broke the stillness.
"Report to the commander!"
A young communications officer, his forehead glistening with sweat!
But his eyes held a subtle hint of discovery as he quickly manipulated the instrument in front of him, pulling up a data stream.
"We've just completed a deep scan analysis of the residual signal channel! We've made a major discovery!"
All eyes immediately focused on him!
Strucker's eyes narrowed: "Speak!"
"Yes! Commander!"
The communications officer said excitedly:
"Although Xiao Ce has actively cut off the active signal transmission channel, the 'lighthouse' function of the Star Network Hub has failed, causing the navigation and positioning accuracy to drop to level E."
However... however, the basic spatial coordinate anchor point feedback mechanism is still working!
This means that we are not completely 'out of contact' with the XZ-07 galaxy!
An extremely weak passive feedback signal channel, used solely to confirm the stability of the target galaxy's spatial coordinates, still exists!
It's like...like an extremely thin spider silk, lacking active communication capabilities and unable to transmit complex information, but allowing us to confirm that the spatial coordinates 'anchor point' of the target galaxy itself has not disappeared or been moved!
Moreover, this channel seems... seems capable of carrying only the bare minimum of directional, one-way information transmission! It's an extremely low-bandwidth signal!
They were very excited, but what they didn't know was...
This scene was a deliberate act left for them by Xiao Ce...
After all, Xiao Ce wanted to negotiate as thoroughly as possible, given the possibility of such a discussion...
"what?!"
Strucker abruptly stood up from his command chair, strode to the communications officer's console, and stared intently at the faint but undeniably present signal indicator on the screen.
"Confirmed! What information can be transmitted? Can you contact Xiao Ce?"
The communications officer operates quickly and speaks at lightning speed:
"Confirmed, Commander! This passive feedback channel is extremely primitive, with very narrow bandwidth, making real-time communication or data exchange impossible, let alone establishing a dialogue."
However… in theory, we can send extremely short, specially encoded packets to this anchor point using specific, pre-set high-priority encrypted pulse signals.
It's like... like firing a signal flare at a fixed location in the dark. If the other party is willing to receive and decode it, they will know that we 'came' and expressed some kind of intention.
However, this requires the other party to actively listen to the feedback channel at this specific frequency and be willing to decipher our code.
Success rate...cannot be guaranteed, and the content must be extremely concise, unable to express complex meanings or facilitate negotiation.
The briefing room fell silent once again!
But within this deathly silence, a new and subtle hope and calculation were stirring.
Commander Model's eyes flashed with a fierce light, and he immediately roared, "Commander! It's good that there's a passage! This means that the traitor's shielding wasn't completely effective!"
We can immediately organize our technical resources to try to forcefully crack it, or use maximum power to blast this channel and paralyze it!
Or simply…
"Enough, Model!"
Strucker's reprimand was even harsher this time, but a glint of shrewdness flashed deep in his eyes.
The communications officer's discovery was like a faint candlelight, illuminating his thoughts as he found himself in a stalemate.
We can't launch a direct attack, but we're not completely cut off from communication!
This gave him room to maneuver, a fulcrum to try and turn the tide when he was at a significant disadvantage.
He took a deep breath, suppressed the turmoil in his heart, and quickly made a decision, his voice regaining the calm and authority befitting the fleet's supreme commander:
"Communications officer, execute the following commands immediately!"
"First, we must closely monitor and protect this remaining passive feedback channel to ensure it is not completely cut off or interfered with by the other side. This is our only 'line' now!"
"Second, immediately send a highest-priority encrypted pulse packet through this channel to the Starlink Hub anchor point in the XZ-07 system. The message content is encoded as follows:" Strucker spoke slowly, but every word carried undeniable weight:
[Strucker, Commander of the Seventh Fleet of the Yangxing Federation, to Xiao Ce of the XZ-07 System:]
To sever the connection between the stars and one's mother and betray one's mother's kindness is utterly unwise!
The Yang Star bestowed upon you the Star Pivot, helping you to establish yourself; its kindness remains. Those who understand the times should reopen the Star Pivot channel, grant access, and respectfully welcome the royal army; thus, the purge can be avoided.
To resist stubbornly and cut off all hope in the vast universe!
The message was still strongly worded, with a condescending and commanding tone, accusing Xiao Ce of "betraying his mother's kindness"!
However, the core demand has quietly changed: it is no longer a forced demand for "takeover", but a demand for Xiao Ce to "reopen the Star Pivot Channel, open up permissions, and welcome the royal army!"
It also implied that the liquidation could be avoided if the liquidation was carried out as instructed.
Compared to the previous response, which was almost a declaration of war, this is a significant softening, offering a way out.
"Packet encoding complete, countdown to transmission... 3... 2... 1... Transmission successful!"
The communications officer reported.
Strucker nodded slightly, turning his gaze to Commander Lin Wei and Dr. Sorenson, who had been advocating for reporting the matter: "Commander Lin Wei, Dr. Sorenson."
"Yes, Commander!" the two replied immediately.
"Your concerns are valid."
Therefore, the second order is: Submit all relevant materials regarding this incident, including Xiao Ce's declaration of sovereignty, our response, evidence of the Star Network's severance mechanism, discovery of the passive feedback channel, the minutes of this meeting, Dr. Sorenson's risk assessment report, Commander Lin Wei's strategic simulation summary, and my personal analysis and recommendations…
All items were organized and packaged, and immediately reported to the Yangxing Supreme Council via the highest-level encrypted hyperspace communication array!
Requesting instructions from the highest authority!
"Yes, Commander-in-Chief!"
A hint of agreement flashed in both Lin Wei's and Sorenson's eyes. They should report this hot potato and enormous risk to the highest levels for a decision!
This aligns with their claims and the procedures.
"Commander Model!"
Strucker's gaze fell on the bald Marine commander, who still looked unwilling.
"exist!"
Model straightened his body.
"The fleet is on high alert!"
All combat personnel are canceled from leave and are placed on shifts to maintain a state of readiness for combat at any time!
The engineering department is working tirelessly to maintain the ship, especially the warp drive and shield system!
The logistics department took stock of all strategic reserves!
We'll stay put for now, but we need to be... fully prepared! Understand?
"Yes, Commander! The Marines are ready to crush traitors at any moment!"
Although Model wanted to leave immediately, an order was an order, and he could only loudly accept it.
"very good."
Strucker surveyed the room one last time, his voice carrying a weighty resolve as he spoke:
"Until the Supreme Council issues new instructions, the fleet suspends its planned jump and remains at its current coordinates. Closely monitor any signal fluctuations in the direction of the XZ-07 system, especially that passive feedback channel! Meeting adjourned!"
Yangxing Federation, home planet!
Tianquan Star, the domed hall of the Supreme Council.
The enormous circular dome simulates an endless starry sea, with specks of "starlight" reflecting off the solemn-faced, impeccably dressed members of parliament below.
This place is where the true power core of the Yangxing Federation gathers, determining the fate of countless star systems.
The urgent hyperspace communication packet sent back by the Structural Fleet, after being decrypted and quickly summarized, is now being read aloud by the Speaker in an extremely solemn tone.
The hall was silent, with only the speaker's calm voice, tinged with barely perceptible anger, echoing through it.
"...In conclusion, after successfully driving out the interstellar hyena legion in the XZ-07 star system using the Star Network Hub granted by the Federation, the pioneer Xiao Ce brazenly declared independence and proclaimed himself 'Lord of the Planet'!"
They established the so-called 'Xiao Kingdom'.
It refused federal takeover and unilaterally cut off the active communication and navigation positioning functions of the StarNet hub, retaining only a minimal passive feedback channel for space anchors.
Commander-in-Chief Strucker of the Seventh Squadron has attempted to send an ultimatum demanding repentance and the granting of access, but has received no response so far.
A forced expedition would be extremely risky, anticipated to be lengthy and costly, and Strucker requested the Supreme Council to make a decision.
After the speaker finished reading, he gently set down the data board and glanced across the room:
"Fellow councilors, the situation is urgent. Please share your opinions. How should we handle Xiao Ce's rebellion and the XZ-07 system issue?"
After a brief silence, the hall erupted into chaos, like a powder keg that had been ignited.
But unlike within the fleet, the core of the debate here quickly focused on one point: resources!
"Arrogant! Shameless! They must be severely punished!"
An obese congressman, dressed in a glamorous suit and representing the interests of the traditional military-industrial complex, roared first, his spittle almost spraying onto the front row!
"Everything Xiao Ce has was given to him by the Federation! The Star Network Hub, the initial technology, and even the legitimacy of his pioneering work!"
Without the Federation, he would have died on that barbaric planet long ago! And now he dares to declare himself king?
This is not just a rebellion, but a plunder of all investors in the Federation!
I propose that once the Strucker fleet arrives, we immediately launch an orbital bombardment to destroy all of its resistance forces!
The Federation must acquire 100% of the planet's resources, especially the massive spiritual marrow veins! At least 80%!
This is the punishment a traitor deserves, and the only way to recover the losses suffered by the Federation!
“Congressman Carlton, your anger is understandable, but your proposal is far too reckless!”
A sharp-looking female senator representing the Interstellar Trade and Energy Group immediately retorted, her voice calm and sharp!
"Strucker's report makes it clear that a forced expedition would take decades, or even centuries!"
There are too many variables during this period!
Moreover, Xiao Ce has mastered the core technology of the Abyss Roar and the Star Network Hub!
In a desperate situation, he was fully capable of destroying the mine on a large scale before being defeated!
By then, what we will have is a wasteland with plummeted value or even completely useless wasteland!
Don't forget, our goal is resources! It's spiritual essence! Not a wasteland where we can only display our strength!
Moreover, according to the letter from the commander-in-chief, they have already cut off the tracking, and our warships will need decades, or even centuries, to recover.
By then, that planet will probably have been hollowed out by Xiao Ce!
I advocate negotiation! Backed by the power of the federal government, we should force him to hand over the resource extraction rights!
"The share... is negotiable. I think 40% to 50% is more realistic. It would guarantee huge profits for the federal government while also allowing him to reluctantly accept it under pressure, avoiding a lose-lose situation!"
"Fifty percent? Congresswoman Marian, you're condoning a traitor!"
Another hawkish congressman slammed his fist on the table and pointed at the blue planet on the holographic star map!
"Take a look at the assessment report on the spiritual essence reserves contained in this planet!"
This is a strategic resource sufficient to support the development of the Federation's core star system for a century!
What right does Xiao Ce, a mere usurper, have to negotiate with us?
70%! At least 70%!
Furthermore, the mining must be entirely led by the Federal Mining Corporation!
He only received a token 'management fee'! If it weren't for the Federation's initial support, he wouldn't have been able to extract even a single gram of spirit essence! He needs to understand that the price of betrayal is losing everything!
"Seventy percent? Ha!"
A tall, thin legislator representing the Finance and Budget Department let out a sneer and adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses!
"Everyone, please stay calm! The initiative is now in Xiao Ce's hands, not ours!"
Strucker's report made it crystal clear that he severed the Starlink hub, effectively closing the door to our rapid arrival!
He knew exactly what our weaknesses were: time costs and unknown risks!
He is now a local tyrant who has the advantage of location, possesses armed forces, and controls resources!
We're sending a fleet there—a powerful dragon on a long and arduous journey! And this powerful dragon might get lost or even crash and die en route!
In this situation, you still want 70% or 80%?
Is Xiao Ce a fool?
He'd rather blow up the mine than let us profit from it!
I support Representative Marian's negotiating approach, but the share should be lower!
Thirty percent! At most 30%!
Leave him a little something sweet, so he feels he can still maintain his ridiculous kingdom and prevent him from going to extremes!
What we need is a continuous and stable influx of resources, not a mutually destructive interstellar war!
"Thirty percent?! This is tantamount to aiding the enemy! It's a disgrace to the Federation!"
The military-industrial complex members of Congress were outraged.
"Are we really going to gamble away our fleet and decades or even centuries for a mere illusion of prestige? Where will the funding come from? Who will guarantee the security of other star systems?" the pragmatic congressman retorted sharply.
"He must pay a heavy price! Otherwise, if everyone follows suit, how can the Federation survive?"
"The cost? The cost could be getting nothing at all, or even suffering losses! Let's be realistic, ladies and gentlemen! Negotiation, securing tangible resources, is the best strategy! We can discuss the share, but we must not make exorbitant demands and corner him!"
The argument escalated!
Although everyone on his side felt that it was necessary to talk.
However, they were also divided into two factions regarding the bargaining chips!
The hardliners advocate for military suppression plus high-value resource plunder, demanding 70% to 80%!
As for the pragmatists, they advocated negotiation and pressure combined with appropriate resource acquisition, suggesting a clear division between 30% and 50%, with each side accusing the other of short-sightedness or cowardice. The centrists, on the other hand, wavered, trying to find a compromise, but ended up pleasing neither side.
The domed hall was filled with heated debates, table-pounding, and angry accusations; the elegance and order of the past had vanished.