Battleworld's Official Inspection Invitation, an Overt Political Gambit Across Dimensions
Lynn's office was quiet.
The black invitation letter that had been ejected from the port of the former S.P.E.A.R.. site in Chinatown was sealed in an evidence bag by Gwen Stacy and laid flat on the table.
The bright red sealing wax, under the dim light, looked like a small pool of congealed blood.
Gwen Stacy stood across the desk without speaking. She had already finished her report and now it was time for her superiors to process the information.
Lynn didn't look at the invitation immediately; his gaze remained fixed on the screen, on the live photograph.
After a long while, he finally extended two fingers, picked up the evidence bag, and brought it to his eyes.
The letter was made of high-quality material, a stiff paper with a special texture, and you could feel its weight even through the bag.
"Take it apart," Lynn said.
Gwen Stacy handed him a special letter opener.
Lynn didn't take it; instead, she tore open the seal of the evidence bag with her fingers and pulled out the invitation.
A smell mixed with wax and old paper filled the air.
The invitation was printed in an old-fashioned font, with clear handwriting and meticulous layout, conforming to the format of an official document.
The heading reads "Main Responsible Person of the Negative Zone Management Committee".
The signature reads "Battleworld Management Committee".
Lynn scanned the entire text with her eyes, reading very slowly.
The invitation letter was extremely polite, filled with the impeccable formality of official writing. It began by expressing regret for the recent "unpleasantness" caused by "information asymmetry" between the two parties, and highly praised the Negative Zone Management Committee for handling this "unexpected incident" with a "calm and professional" attitude.
Then, the letter shifted its tone, proposing to formally invite the Negative Zone Management Committee to form a high-level delegation to visit Battleworld for "friendly inspection and working exchange" in order to "enhance mutual trust, eliminate misunderstandings, and explore new models of regional cooperation."
The core issue of the investigation was defined as "standardized management of cross-regional Anchor and a comprehensive solution to historical legacy issues".
Lynn's gaze lingered on the words "legacy issues" for a moment.
At the end of the letter, in a seemingly casual tone, a sentence was added.
"Furthermore, Mr. Lehnsherr. Erik Lansher, a former resident of the Krakoa community, is currently receiving professional treatment at our facility due to health issues; his condition is stable."
Lynn gently placed the invitation back on the table.
"Convalescence," he repeated the word, his tone unreadable.
Gwen Stacy adjusted her glasses and said, "Sir, this is a classic case of open conspiracy. They've packaged Erik's disappearance as an internal, compliant 'personnel placement' issue, disguised as a kidnapping. If we publicly criticize them, it would be tantamount to interfering in their 'internal affairs'."
"They invited us to visit, but in reality, they wanted to bring us into their rules and regulations for discussion. Once we went, it would be tantamount to acknowledging their ' Jurisdiction ' over Erik. At that point, the initiative would be entirely in their hands."
Gwen Stacy's analysis was calm and to the point.
This is a meticulously designed political trap.
Refusing the invitation is tantamount to declaring to the outside world that the Negative Zone is powerless to help its comrades who have been detained. This would severely damage morale and the authority of the Management Committee, especially among the Brotherhood, and would immediately trigger even greater turmoil.
Accepting the invitation is tantamount to voluntarily stepping onto the opponent's chessboard, with unknown risks. The name "Battleworld," which has only appeared twice in encrypted messages, remains a mystery; no one knows what lies behind it.
"This is forcing us to the poker table," Lynn said calmly.
He picked up the thermos on the table, unscrewed the lid, and blew on it to cool it down.
"Since they dared to send a letter, it means they're not afraid of us going, and may even want us to go. This letter isn't just for us to see, it's also for those on the 'spectator' side of the Multiversal Coordination Committee. You see, we've done everything we could, actively inviting them to talk, and it's their own fault for not coming."
Lynn spoke calmly, as if he were reviewing a game of chess that had nothing to do with him.
"They've turned the hostage crisis into an official invitation to visit. If we don't handle this well, we'll go from being legal victims to being seen as a troublemaker who lacks common sense and disrupts regional stability."
Gwen Stacy's brow furrowed even more.
She certainly understood the implications. The other party's methods had gone far beyond simple violent confrontation and entered a higher level of Rule Game.
"So you mean... to refuse?" she asked tentatively. "We can delay by saying that 'internal procedures haven't been completed' while continuing to put pressure on the Coordination Committee."
This is the safest approach, and also a typical bureaucratic response.
Lynn took a sip of water and shook his head.
"No."
"They want us to go to the poker table, so we go."
Lynn's answer surprised Gwen Stacy.
"They're playing the political card, so we'll play the political card too." Lynn put down his water glass with a soft "thump." "They invited us to 'inspect' the country, right? Okay, then we'll go with the highest level of protocol, forming a formal official delegation."
"Director Gwen, please draft a reply immediately in the name of the Management Committee Office."
"The letter should first express gratitude for the friendly invitation. Secondly, it should clearly state that we highly value this cross-regional exchange, considering it an important opportunity to resolve historical issues and create a new landscape of cooperation."
Lynn spoke slowly, but every word carried undeniable weight.
"Most importantly, the reply should emphasize that, to reflect the principle of reciprocity and our high regard for this matter, specific details such as the delegation's specifications, itinerary, and agenda items need to be discussed and agreed upon in advance by both sides at the working level."
Gwen Stacy immediately understood Lynn's intention.
This wasn't a passive acceptance of the invitation; rather, it was a case of the guest taking the lead.
The other party wanted to define this visit as a subordinate's "inspection" of a superior, but Lynn, by emphasizing the "principle of equality" and "mutual agreement," directly brought the two sides to the same level, turning a potentially dangerous banquet into a formal diplomatic event on equal footing.
The situation changed in an instant.
"I understand, sir." Gwen Stacy nodded. "I'll get on it right away."
"Wait a minute," Lynn called out to her.
He leaned back in his chair, looking at the black invitation on the table.
"This trip is of great significance. The selection of the delegation members must be made with utmost care."
There won't be many spots available.
Lynn's gaze seemed to casually sweep across Gwen Stacy's face.
"You need to understand the business, and you also need to understand the rules. You need to be able to solve problems, and you also need to be able to... handle unexpected situations."
Gwen Stacy's heart skipped a beat.
She understood Lynn's unspoken message.
The number of delegates this time will be the focus of the next power struggle.
Who can represent Negative Zone to carry out this crucial political task that affects the overall situation?
Who can lead the team and take control of this operation?
The Liaison Office, the Stability Maintenance Office, the Department of Technology, and the Mutants Management Committee that was just reprimanded... Each department has its own reason for being there, and is also the most suitable one to go to.
The final decision rests solely with the person standing in front of you.
"I will come up with a detailed proposal for the composition of the delegation as soon as possible and submit it to the Standing Committee for discussion." Lynn's voice brought Gwen Stacy back to reality.
"Yes, sir," Gwen Stacy replied, turning to leave.
Just as she reached the door, Lynn added another sentence.
"By the way, the preliminary notice regarding the establishment of a delegation to Battleworld for inspection should be sent to the main leaders of each department."
Gwen paused for a moment, then understood.
This is a preliminary warning, bringing the issue to the forefront.
This will encourage everyone with aspirations to start preparing in advance for that limited number of spots.
An unseen power struggle is about to Veil.