Now, I grant you freedom. Lead your people and make those interstellar slavers pay for their blood debts!
-The Supreme King's instructions to the Luopeng Resistance
"All Luopeng, give thanks for His Highness the Supreme King's mercy!"
The beautiful bird people immediately rose and bowed respectfully toward Xi Yan's image.
"Your Excellency, we imagined many ways to reach freedom, but we never imagined His Highness the Supreme King would return it to our people."
Jahuda, chairman of the Luopeng Resistance, spoke with deep emotion.
"Every empire capable of faster-than-light travel is cold-blooded and merciless. Minamar Specialized Industries is one of them," the human ambassador replied coldly.
"That is not all the Supreme King meant, Luopeng. The Human Empire is no benevolent power either."
Jahuda's expression grew solemn.
"Regardless, it is an indisputable fact that we Luopeng have gained our freedom. We will repay your kindness. Now, please tell me what we need to do for His Highness the Supreme King."
The ambassador's expression softened. With a slight smile, he drew a rolled-up chart from his sleeve and spread it across the table. It was a physical star map.
The human ambassador pointed to the center of the map. "Including Norg's Flame, these three systems-here, here, and here-will also fall within the Luopeng Resistance's territory. You are now an interstellar empire."
"Likewise, His Highness the Supreme King's aid will soon arrive on your world of Norg. It includes large quantities of basic supplies, a complete set of infrastructure technologies, and the full range of military technologies below destroyer level."
"That much! Are you running a charity?" Jahuda exclaimed.
Compared with their former slave masters' treatment, the humans' nearly unconditional aid was worlds apart.
"It is not charity. It is an investment."
The human ambassador extended a finger and drew a