Chapter 1301 - Negotiation (1/2)
At the Mechanical Race territory’s defense circle, the three Universal Civilizations’ joint fleet and the Beyond Grade A Association had been standing opposite each other for quite some time, and the atmosphere was very intense.
At the edge of their fleets, spaceships with symbols of differing galactic media groups were broadcasting the situation live. None of the sides banished the battlefield reporters.
As this place might become a battlefield, these media groups only sent unmanned spaceships to carry out remote broadcasting. This place had become the eye of the storm, and the entire universe’s attention was focused there, so the audience count had already broken records.
“The three Universal Civilizations’ fleet has been stopped. The two sides have not fired… though the reason is unknown, a battle did not break out. We sincerely hope things will come to change…”
In the broadcast channel of a galactic media, the host spoke with a serious expression. Countless viewers watched the images nervously and anxiously. With all the comments online, the majority of people already knew that what was about to happen would be the turning point. If the two sides started a battle, it might lead to an all-out war between the three Universal Civilizations and the Beyond Grade A Association, and countless people were terrified of that.
At this time, two streams of light appeared in the broadcast, dashing quickly from inside the defense circle toward the middle area, showing themselves in front of everyone.
“The center of all this, the Mechanic Emperor has finally appeared. The person beside him is the Beyond Grade A Association’s president, Black Star. Did he come personally to stop the three Universal Civilizations?”
Hearing the host’s introduction, the eyes of the countless galactic residents focused on the two of them. Many felt complicated toward these two people who caused the situation of the entire universe to become like this.
Han Xiao stepped out of the association fleet’s formation, came to between the two armies, and hovered in the center, instantly becoming the focus of everyone’s attention. The battleships of both sides all focused their cameras on him and displayed his enlarged image on their screens.
He glanced at the enormous fleet of the three Universal Civilizations, opened the public channel, and said to everyone,
“You’re neither fighting nor retreating. Bring out someone who’s in charge. I believe no one wanted to see things escalate to this point. If we can come up with a plan we can all accept, no one will want to solve problems with violence.”
As he said that, the battlefield became silent for some time. Then, three beams shot out from the main ship, forming the remote projections of the three Universal Civilizations in front of Han Xiao, entering the public channel at the same time.
As soon as the communication was picked up, Louis cut to the chase and said with a deep voice, “Black Star, are you going to hold on to the Virtual Mutiny Virus that might endanger the entire explored universe and protect the malicious Mechanic Emperor?”
Han Xiao shook his head. “The Virtual Mutiny Virus was destroyed long ago. The Mechanic Emperor only studied it and achieved some results. It’s his innovation to begin with. Although this technology is dangerous, we have no obligation to submit it to the three Universal Civilizations, nor did it ever endanger the galactic society. How is it malicious? On the other hand, attempting to threaten the Mechanic Emperor to give up his technology by sending an army to surround the Mechanical Race territory isn’t all that honorable.”
“Judging from past experiences, the Mechanic Emperor’s motive to study this technology is suspicious. Out of safety reasons, we need to obtain this technology, as well as control the Mechanic Emperor himself. This is all to protect the galactic society. That’s where the duty of the three Universal Civilizations lies,” Marbruce said with a serious expression.
With the same calm expression, Han Xiao said, “Back during the Intelligent Plague, multiple Beyond Grade A Mechanics worked together to defuse the disaster, which proved that the association is also protecting the safety of the universe. We will ensure that this technology won’t endanger the galactic society all the same. This is the internal matter for the association to handle; we won’t accept the three Universal Civilizations’ interference.”
The church’s pope said seriously, “The Beyond Grade A Development Union is only a civilian organization. Its promise doesn’t mean anything. The three Universal Civilizations have the authority to carry out needed measures and monitor anything that might endanger the galactic society. This is within the boundaries of the law. The Mechanic Emperor must submit the Virtual Mutiny Virus!”
“Impossible.” Han Xiao rejected it instantly. “The association has already stated its stance in the announcement. Its members have the freedom to research what they want, and we won’t accept forceful measures. The association will restrain the application range of the technology. We hope the three Universal Civilizations will retreat immediately!”
Louis paused and said with a louder and more serious voice, “We will pull our army back as soon as the Mechanic Emperor submits the technology. Before that, we won’t terminate this operation for any reason. You have ten days. We hope the association will think carefully in this time and not make the wrong decision.”
“There’s no need to talk further then?”
“You have ten days.”
Han Xiao nodded and said with a serious voice, “Since that’s the case, I’ll stay here from now on, and if you want to force the association to submit the technology, you’ll have to get past me!”
Then, he crossed his legs and hovered in the center between the two armies. Although he was alone, it was like he had drawn an invisible line that extended out infinitely.
The three Universal Civilizations leaders gave him a deep look before their remote projections disappeared.
The two sides had spoken in the public channel, so everyone present had heard it, including the media.
The expressions of countless galactic residents changed.
“Does this mean the negotiation failed?”
“Neither side is willing to take a step back. Looks like they’re really going to fight!” “There’s still ten days. I wonder if I have enough time to take refuge.”
The galactic society was in fear.
Han Xiao looked around at the three Universal Civilizations’ fleet. Seeing that they were still on standby, he shook his head.
As the president, he represented the association. There was no way he was going to step back and submit the technology. It was the same for the three Universal Civilizations; they were not going to retreat before achieving their goal.
“Ten days…” Han Xiao mumbled. This was the time the three Universal Civilizations had given him. In ten days, if they still could not come to an agreement, a fight might really break out. The three Universal Civilizations probably made up their minds this time and were willing to accept the consequences of starting a war.
He glanced at the interface. In his mission list, a new mission was pinned to the top. It was the mission he had triggered from Manison. The requirement was to defuse the danger the Mechanical Race was in by any means necessary. As long as he could make the three Universal Civilizations retreat, the mission would be considered complete.
Maybe because Manison personally ‘asked him to help’, other than the high experience, the reward also included one chance to draw an ability from Manison.