Whether a psion from a "Confluence" star ring could really become what they called a source of plague was beyond the dignitaries present to know. They could only take Yu Lian's word as an expert. They knew perfectly well that the Eroan was dead, and that even his torso had been blasted to dust by an atomic lance. Yet looking at the head he held, its eyeless face still frozen in a lingering expression, they couldn't help feeling that it really was a source of plague.
Everyone felt a chill creep through them. Several ladies who had been on the verge of screaming now couldn't even make a sound. As large carbon-based mammals, their fear of viruses was etched into their genes, much like the fear other animals felt toward their natural predators.
Yu Lian was quite satisfied with the dignitaries' reaction. He tossed the Eroan's head into the brazier behind him, then addressed the crowd. "But that's not important. What matters is that an Eroan warship has already made it to New Lushun. That means there are plenty of gaps along the front, and the Marauders must know other routes as well."
He glanced over the members of the observation delegation. Nearly half of them weren't Earthlings, but belonged to the other "allied nations" taking part in the coalition.
"We need more fleets to maintain our supply lines, and we must have hunting fleets of our own. We also need exploration fleets. We need a reserve fleet that doesn't fall under the command of the Expeditionary Fleet Headquarters at the front. Ladies and gentlemen, for the safety of the New World and the broader war effort, I need you to give generously." Yu Lian paused. "Of course, this is also for the safety of New Lushun."
That last phrase,