Preparing for Negotiations

"Don't move, or I'll kill you!"

What the hell? The commander was utterly bewildered.

"Commander, the other side has sent a second message, regarding the Ninth Prince!"

"What? Read it quickly!"

"The Ninth Prince was captured by us for attacking our Federation civilians a few days ago. Considering he is a member of your Empire's royal family, we have approved your side sending personnel to the following coordinates to discuss the handling of this offender. Coordinates."

As the commander listened to his deputy read the message, his flushed face nearly turned black.

He understood the content perfectly, there was no issue with that.

But the way it was phrased, how could it sound so… obnoxious?

"Alas, so the Ninth Prince has indeed fallen into human hands? Immediately send the intelligence to headquarters, and also send a reply message stating that we are contacting headquarters and they should wait."

"Yes!"

Inside the flagship of the Oakes Empire's Third Imperial Guard Legion, in Jupiter's orbit.

"Supreme Commander, we've received the latest intelligence from a reconnaissance fleet, concerning the Ninth Prince."

"What? Speak quickly!"

"Yes! Today, our reconnaissance team designated 031 encountered a human fleet during a mission. Subsequently, the human fleet sent a message saying the Ninth Prince is in their hands and asked us to send someone to a designated coordinate for negotiations."

"It's good that the Ninth Prince is fine, but this is quite troublesome. We don't need to guess what demands the humans will make; they'll definitely want us to withdraw from the Solar System."

Adams frowned. This matter was indeed very troublesome.

Moreover, judging by the humans' actions, they must already know the Ninth Prince's significant status.

Therefore, during negotiations, the humans would definitely leverage this point to their maximum advantage. The most likely outcome would be them demanding our withdrawal.

The critical issue is, if I agree to their withdrawal terms, even if I rescue the Ninth Prince, I'll be executed by the Emperor for retreating.

A solution that satisfies both sides is necessary.

"Deputy, where is the Fourth Imperial Guard Legion?"

"Supreme Commander, according to the last report, they just withdrew from the Kabat Empire's front line. To reach us, they need to pass through seven Star Paths, which will take at least 10 years."

"10 years? Got it! Arrange the escort fleet, I'll personally go for the negotiations."

"Supreme Commander, isn't it too risky for you to go personally?"

"What are you thinking? Besides the escort fleet, won't you arrange for other fleets to follow at a distance? And I don't believe humans would go through all this trouble just to eliminate one person going for negotiations."

"Yes, Supreme Commander, I'll arrange it immediately!"

Asteroid Belt, Sector 498, Oakes Empire Reconnaissance Fleet.

"Commander, headquarters has replied!"

"Read it!"

"The Supreme Commander will personally arrive here in 2 days to preside over the negotiations, but no one is allowed to reveal the Supreme Commander's identity. This information can be conveyed to the humans."

The Supreme Commander himself is coming? Isn't that too risky?

This news made the commander a bit stunned. Normally, they should send negotiation specialists.

If anything went wrong, he'd definitely be finished.

"Help me request video communication with the other party."

"Yes!"

Inside the flagship of the 101st Task Force Fleet.

"Commander, the other side is requesting video communication!"

"It seems they've reached a conclusion. Connect it!"

"Yes!"

Soon, a virtual screen lit up in front of the captain's seat, displaying a demonic-looking man in red.

"I am Loss, Commander of the 031 Reconnaissance Team, belonging to the Oakes Empire's Third Imperial Guard Legion!"

"You can speak now. What are your demands? How did your headquarters reply?"

Clearly, Loss was dissatisfied with Lin Fan's attitude.

I've already introduced myself; it's only proper etiquette for you to do the same.

However, the situation was beyond his control, so Loss didn't dare to get angry.

Everyone understood that if anything happened to the Ninth Prince, the entire legion might have to pay with their lives.

"Headquarters has dispatched negotiation personnel, and they will arrive here in 2 days. How do you plan to arrange the negotiation location?"

"Simple, we've brought materials. We can build a temporary space station here in 2 days. At that time, both sides can only use shuttle craft to send a maximum of 6 people up for negotiations."

"Agreed, but after you've set up the space station, we will need to inspect it for any threats."

"I can agree to that, but the inspection must be done under the escort of our personnel."

"Okay, I agree."

"Then it's settled. I'll notify your side when we're ready!"

With that, Lin Fan cut off the communication.

"Demon Liang, aren't you scared? Girls are usually afraid of demons, right!"

"Boring!"

Liang Xue didn't want to answer Lin Fan's pointless question and just rolled her eyes and retorted.

"Actually, you look quite pretty when you roll your eyes!"

"Commander, please conduct yourself properly during the mission!"

"Oh, so after the mission, I can do as I please?"

Seeing Lin Fan looking at her with a smile, Liang Xue gritted her teeth in annoyance and turned her head away, refusing to deal with him.

"Deputy Liang, it's currently mission time. As my deputy, what are you doing turning your back to me?"

"You–"

"Enough of that. Go make arrangements to assemble the simple space station module we brought!"

"Okay, I'll arrange it immediately!"

Liang Xue spat out each word as if she were grinding her teeth.

With the assistance of a large number of mechs, a temporary space station was erected within a few hours, even equipped with an artificial gravity device.

Subsequently, accompanied by fleet personnel, several Oakes people entered the space station and inspected it thoroughly to ensure there were no dangers.

Two days later, a medium-sized fleet from the Oakes Empire arrived. Of course, Adams did not use his massive Titan battlecruiser when he came; he traveled on a battlecruiser.

At this moment, he had already changed out of his commander's uniform and into civilian attire.

"Is that the temporary negotiation venue they set up?"

"Yes, Commander. Loss said that after it was assembled, he had people inspect it inside and out to ensure its safety."

"Alright, let's go then!"

After speaking, Adams glanced at the five negotiation experts beside him, and the five of them consciously followed Adams out of the bridge.

More than ten minutes later, the shuttlecrafts from both sides arrived at the space station.

The Oakes Empire side consisted of six people: Adams and five negotiation experts.

The Federation side was led by Ade's negotiation team and Lin Fan.

Lin Fan was not supposed to participate, but just two days prior, the System had issued him a mission.

Mission 3: Participate in the entire negotiation process and meet with your short-term main opponent, Commander Adams. (Completion rewards: Mech Piloting ability upgraded to A.)

Therefore, Lin Fan shamelessly called Ade "Uncle" countless times and completely threw his dignity out the window.

He finally managed to secure a qualification to participate and observe.