Yaxiu Stein's brows furrowed tightly. He seemed to think the question was premature, perhaps even unnecessary. But in truth, some strange, primal instinct told him that this might be the most serious and sensitive question he would face in his life.
He glanced around, a little awkwardly, then seemed to think of something. With a teasing smile, he looked at Krell, whose expression was just as grave, and said, "It's not like we have to hand it over to Nefi anyway. You can't get it, and there's no need to."
"They are. They are," Krell retorted loudly. "I'm a member of the Red Interstellar now, too!"
"All right, they are, then," Yaxiu readily conceded. "Anyway, Nefi has it. But when exactly did they get it?"
"Of course they've had it for a long time. History remembers that moment."
"Fine, it doesn't matter anymore. Whether the Alliance has it doesn't matter. What matters is making sure the Empire doesn't."
"The Empire still has it. That's actually a strategic consideration, too. A strategic balance can only exist when there's a third party. It's a triangle."
"Then who exactly is the third party?"
"Ahahaha, that depends on how hard we work. Well, anyway, we'll have to encourage one another."
They were, of course, trying to ease the heavy mood in their own way. But then they realized that no matter how they discussed it, they would ultimately have to return to the sensitive question.
The two exchanged awkward looks, then silently agreed to stop talking.
As for everyone else present, they all wished they could bury their faces in the bubbling pot in front of them.
Rozes leaned forward, his keen eyes still fixed on the Lumina, whose body was covered in carapace.
"There's no chain of command between the Red Interstellar and