"We'll act according to the situation. If the Alliance and the Empire become locked in a prolonged military standoff on Fermo, that would be most beneficial to us."
"Both great powers are the source of all evil in the universe. May their prolonged standoff bring about their decline."
"This secret operation may be rash, but it isn't without a chance of success. Even if we fail, we'll still have a way out."
The two lords played off one another so well that they nearly managed to convince Yu Lian.
"So, do we have your permission?" Within the swarm network, 1234 raised her head and looked at Yu Lian. Her expression was utterly impassive, like a classic emotionless beauty, but her eyes shone with unmistakable anticipation.
After they'd gone this far, what else could Yu Lian say? He didn't even need to weigh the risks against the benefits. He simply said, "Go ahead."
At that moment, the swarm network's emotions immediately eased. Even the lords' usually wooden voices sounded almost jubilant.
"Connection protocols initiated. The hive ship is preparing to depart. The data stream will be disguised as ordinary cosmic background radiation."
"The operation is underway! Four thousand elite ground troops have landed, including eight psychics."
"We can begin coordinating with the high-ranking psychics now. During the operation, we can grant them command authority over the warrior bugs."
"This requires approval from Your Eminence and the Overmind."
"I have no objections," Yu Lian said casually.
"Your Eminence's trust is moving! We will begin reorganizing the warrior bugs' data interfaces."
"Your Eminence's trust is exhilarating! We will contact the psychics at once and begin formulating an exercise strategy."
Uh, so my orders alone were enough after all? But since Shali was already busy taking the Glory Fist Fortress, there was no need