"Nobody move! Make a move, and we'll kill you!"
What the hell? The commander was utterly baffled.
"Commander, they've sent a second message. It's about the Ninth Prince!"
"Hm? Then read it already!"
"'The Ninth Prince was arrested by us for attacking civilian Federation vessels several days ago. Considering that he is a member of your empire's royal family, we hereby permit your side to dispatch relevant personnel to the following coordinates to discuss how this criminal should be handled. Coordinates...'"
As the commander listened to his deputy read the message, his red face nearly turned black.
He understood the content. There was nothing wrong with it.
But why did the wording sound so damn smug?
"Sigh, so the Ninth Prince really has fallen into human hands? Send this intelligence to headquarters immediately. Also reply to them that we are contacting headquarters and tell them to wait."
"Yes!"
In the flagship of the Oakes Empire's Third Imperial Guard Legion, in Jupiter's orbit.
"Commander, we've received the latest intelligence from a reconnaissance fleet. It concerns the Ninth Prince."
"Hm? Then speak!"
"Yes! Today, Reconnaissance Team 031 encountered a human fleet during its mission. The human fleet then sent a message claiming that the Ninth Prince is in their custody and demanding that we send people to designated coordinates for negotiations."
"As long as the Ninth Prince is alive, that's good. But this is a troublesome matter. There's no need to guess what the humans will demand. They'll definitely want us to withdraw from the Solar System."
Adams frowned. This matter was indeed troublesome.
Moreover, judging by the humans' actions, they had likely learned of the Ninth Prince's importance.
If negotiations took place, the humans would certainly seize upon that point and exploit it to the fullest. The most likely demand would be for them to withdraw.
The key was that if he agreed to withdraw, even if he rescued the Ninth Prince, the Emperor would still execute him for pulling back the troops.
There had to be a way to satisfy both sides.
"Deputy, where is the Fourth Imperial Guard Legion?"
"Commander, according to the latest report, they have only just withdrawn from the Kabart Empire front. To reach us, they need to pass through seven Star Paths. It will take at least another ten years."
"Ten years? I have it! Arrange an escort fleet. I'll go negotiate personally."
"Commander, wouldn't it be too risky for you to go in person?"
"What are you thinking? Besides the escort fleet, can't you arrange for other fleets to follow at a distance? Besides, I don't think the humans went through all this trouble just to kill someone coming to negotiate."
"Yes, Commander. I'll make the arrangements immediately!"
Asteroid Belt, Sector 498, Oakes Empire reconnaissance fleet.
"Commander, headquarters has replied!"
"Read it!"
"'In two days, the Commander will personally arrive at your location to preside over the negotiations. However, no one is to reveal the Commander's identity. You may relay this information to the humans.'"
The Commander was coming personally? Wasn't that too risky?
The news left the commander somewhat stunned. Normally, they should have sent negotiation experts.
If anything went wrong, he would definitely be finished.
"Request a video call with them for me."
"Yes!"
Inside the flagship of the 101st Task Force Fleet.
"Commander, they're requesting a video call!"
"They've probably gotten their answer. Put them through!"
"Yes!"
Soon, a virtual screen lit up in front of the captain's seat, displaying a red demon-like humanoid.
"I am Los, commander of Reconnaissance Team 031 under the Oakes Empire's Third Imperial Guard Legion!"
"You may speak now. How has your headquarters responded to our demands?"
Clearly, Los was very dissatisfied with Lin Fan's attitude.
I've introduced myself. The proper etiquette would be for you to introduce yourself as well, wouldn't it?
But circumstances were stronger than he was, and Los did not dare lose his temper.
Everyone knew that if anything happened to the Ninth Prince, the entire legion might end up buried alongside him.
"Headquarters has dispatched negotiators. They will arrive here in two days. How does your side intend to arrange the negotiation site?"
"Simple. We brought materials with us. In two days, we can build a simple space station here. At that time, both sides may only use shuttles to send a maximum of six people up for the negotiations."
"Agreed. However, after you construct the space station, we need to inspect it for any threats."
"I can agree to that, but the inspection must be conducted under the accompaniment of our personnel."
"Fine, I agree."
"Then that's settled. Once we're ready, I'll notify your side!"
Lin Fan immediately cut off the connection.
"Deputy Liang, aren't you afraid of demon-like people? Girls are usually afraid of demons, aren't they?"
"Boring!"
Liang Xue had no desire to answer Lin Fan's pointless question. She simply rolled her eyes and snapped back.
"Actually, you look pretty when you roll your eyes too!"
"Commander, please conduct yourself with dignity during the mission!"
"Oh? So after the mission is over, I can do whatever I want?"
Seeing Lin Fan smile at her, Liang Xue gritted her teeth in frustration and turned away, unwilling to pay any attention to him.
"Deputy Liang, we're on a mission. As my deputy, what do you think you're doing by turning your back on me?"
"You—"
"Enough. Go make the arrangements. Take out the simple space station modules we brought and assemble them!"
"Fine, I'll arrange it immediately!"
Liang Xue practically ground out those words through clenched teeth, one word at a time.
With the assistance of a large number of mechs, a temporary space station was built several hours later. It even had an artificial gravity system installed.
Afterward, accompanied by fleet personnel, several Oakes people entered the station and inspected it thoroughly inside and out, ensuring that there was no danger.
Two days later, a medium-sized Oakes Empire fleet arrived. Naturally, Adams did not come aboard his massive Titan battleship. Instead, he traveled on a Battlecruiser.
At that moment, he had already removed his Commander's uniform and changed into civilian official attire.
"Is that the negotiation venue they built?"
"Yes, Commander. Los said that after it was completed, he sent people aboard to inspect it inside and out to ensure it was safe."
"Alright, let's go!"
After speaking, Adams glanced at the five negotiation experts beside him. The five of them then obediently followed Adams out of the bridge.
More than ten minutes later, shuttles from both sides arrived at the space station.
The Oakes Empire's six representatives were Adams and five negotiation experts.
The Federation's side consisted of a negotiation team led by Ed, along with Lin Fan.
Originally, Lin Fan did not need to participate. However, two days earlier, the system had issued him a mission.
Mission 3: Participate in the entire negotiation process and meet your primary short-term opponent, Commander Adams. (Completion reward: Mech Piloting ability raised to A)
So Lin Fan shamelessly called Ed "Uncle Ed" countless times and thoroughly abandoned all dignity.
Only then did he finally obtain the right to participate and observe.
Before you continue