Of course, these two high-ranking officers, who did not play by the rules, did not take Captain Yu Lian and Feifei directly to the military meeting as soon as they disembarked—doing so would have been too deliberate—but rather naturally took them to have a good meal.
This was considered a welcoming feast.
Naturally, they did not accompany them during the meal—doing so would also have been too deliberate—but instead found a logistics non-commissioned officer and then excused themselves. Before leaving, Brigadier General Luben once again solemnly reminded Captain Yu Lian that someone would pick him up at the hotel at 8 AM the next day for the meeting, and he must attend.
New Seville is a water world where ninety percent of the surface is covered by ocean, and its specialty is naturally seafood dishes. The main course was a thousand-layer fish, which greatly opened the eyes of Captain Yu Lian, who considered himself well-traveled. The main course looked like the New Seville specialty, the Overlord Giant Blade Fish, but its belly actually contained a Golden Salmon; inside the Golden Salmon’s belly was a Green Barracuda; inside the Green Barracuda’s belly was a White Scale Fish; and finally, inside the White Scale Fish’s belly were drunken shrimp, which had been soaked in fine wine long beforehand.
The entire dish was steamed with a high-heat laser, and it truly had a taste not found on Earth.
Although Captain Yu Lian felt that this dish should actually be called “Ecosystem,” and its core was quite cruel, the taste was indeed very good.
The next day, the logistics non-commissioned officer, whose name was not very important, picked up Captain Yu Lian and Feifei early in the morning and brought them to the Command HQ to prepare for the military meeting.
The Command HQ meeting room was terraced, very large, capable of accommodating two to three hundred people, and fully equipped, at least much better than the Tulon Command on New Yumen.
At this time, only the first three rows of the meeting room were occupied, all by officers of colonel rank.
“This is Captain Yu Lian, Central Special Envoy from Command HQ, responsible for supervising and guiding our current operation,” Brigadier General Luben introduced.
This is the awkwardness of the job of an Imperial Censor, as the so-called “supervision” and “guidance” are truly open to interpretation. Whether it will lead to mutual restraint or concerted effort truly depends on the individual.
Everyone started applauding, and although it was a routine gesture, they were at least applauding with friendly smiles.
“This is Lieutenant Fina Li, a specialist from the Command HQ Propaganda Department. I hope everyone can display the demeanor and courage expected of Commonwealth soldiers, so that Lieutenant Li can write an excellent report for us!” the Brigadier General introduced again.
This time, everyone’s applause seemed a bit more sincere, and their smiles were a bit brighter.
In short, perhaps because someone was, after all, a Central Special Envoy, after all, a Moon People, after all, from the Tiger Amulet Group, and moreover, after all, a spiritual energy user; therefore, apart from necessary military courtesies, Brigadier General Luben and Colonel Hesa never put on airs of superiority in front of Captain Yu Lian from beginning to end, and they were also very polite and friendly to Feifei.
Their attitude could be described as very proper and sincere.
With the two of them leading the way, the other officers also showed no negative emotions, and no traditional dramatic plot, which everyone would have enjoyed, occurred throughout the military meeting. At least on the surface, the meeting began in a positive atmosphere.
Then, as the theoretically second-highest-ranking person Present, Colonel Sahe began to introduce: “After Command HQ’s order came down, we began larger-scale pre-war reconnaissance. With three large orbital exploration vessels requested from the Far Shore Fleet, combined with ground search teams, we conducted nearly a month of Explore. Currently, all new settlements on Lumina Planet not registered with the Star District Government are located in the following positions.”
He scanned everyone, and seeing no reaction from Captain Yu Lian and Fina Li, he continued: “These are naturally potential supporters of separatists, but they are not our focus today. The current problem is here…”
He pointed to a spot on the holographic map, enlarging it into a holographic image, which directly displayed a large complex of buildings nestled among mountains and forests. Those ancient Lumina buildings, faintly visible amidst the misty forest valleys and ridges, were like an elven city from a mythological story.
“This is Sero Ancient City, nearly ten thousand years old, located within the Sero Great Forest, and also the holy land of the Lumina People…” He said, adjusting the image: “This place had been uninhabited for nearly twenty years, but now a large number of heat sources have been discovered, indicating a considerable number of Lumina People have gathered there.”
He paused, looking at Captain Yu Lian: “Under the guidance of the spiritual energy user consultant sent by the Far Shore Fleet, our side conducted… uh, some reconnaissance, confirming the existence of subtle, yet abnormal, spiritual energy fluctuations.”
The spiritual energy user’s method of reconnaissance was too grand (and made up), Colonel Sahe said he didn’t understand it at all, but he could only believe it.
“Based on the above, we can basically confirm that the remnants of The Myriad Souls Heresy and the main force of the Lumina Rebels should be gathering there…” Colonel Sahe paused, then added: “Of course, this is just the current situation!”
“As you can all see, Sero Ancient City is deep within the mountain jungle. What is currently shown are the surface buildings, but there are also many buildings deep within the mountain itself, making the situation very complex. If the enemy truly entrenches themselves here, we will have some trouble with a frontal assault!” Brigadier General Luben explained, a hint of distress flashing across his face.
“Then why not use orbital bombardment?” a Lieutenant Colonel asked.
Captain Yu Lian looked at the questioning Lieutenant Colonel, confirming that this guy should be new, just like him. Of course, unlike him, the other party must not have done his homework properly.
Sero Ancient City is considered the oldest and largest ancient architectural complex on this planet, and it has a certain reputation even within the Milky Way. Before Earth scientists discovered this planet, over two hundred thousand Lumina People lived in this ancient city, making it their most prosperous city.
Of course, this was hundreds of years ago.
As the Empire incorporated this place into its territory, Tangheisser Duke, who was in charge, felt that so many Lumina People who were unwilling to submit to imperial rule staying in the dense jungle was very ominous, and if they didn’t come out to work, what would he, the lord, eat? So he half-coerced and half-lured them out of the forest.
The Empire were never gentlemen who possessed all seven virtues, and in this process, they indeed committed many cruel and despicable acts.
The Lumina People now dislike Earth People and the Blue Star Commonwealth Government, but at least at that time, they truly hated the Empire. For a long time, because they shared a common enemy, Earth People and Lumina People actually had quite a bit of camaraderie.
“We were forced to leave our holy land, our spiritual and soulful home; we betrayed our ancestors and the sky god!” Lumina elders would recount this period of history.
However, so-called traditions are irrelevant when faced with practical problems. Moreover, the Lumina People’s own civilization had only just developed to the level of primitive polytheism, and there was actually no ideological unity.
In short, after centuries of development, most Lumina People learned to settle in valleys and hilly areas where transportation was relatively convenient. Although Sero Ancient City was still regarded by them as their ancestral home and spiritual sanctuary, apart from a few priests, no one else settled there anymore.
However, it must be admitted that that vast complex of buildings, surrounded by dense forests and sandy ridges, was a natural fortress-like city. It is truly difficult to imagine how the Lumina People, who were still in a tribal alliance system back then, managed to construct buildings of such scale.
This was simply too unscientific!
“Orbital bombardment is not allowed! Sero Ancient City is a treasure of the Commonwealth, and also a cultural heritage belonging to the All-Galaxy. It is an Interstellar First-Class Relic recorded by the Galactic Civilization Council! If it is damaged, none of us can bear that responsibility!” Brigadier General Luben said.
Though it sounded a bit frustrating, this was the current state of the universe. The existence of this massive ancient city was unscientific, so it was naturally quite mystical. The Lumina People's own chaotic records were more like myths than historical accounts.
As a result, some academics even proposed that this ancient city was likely a legacy of the Enlightener… even if not, it must be somewhat related.
Whether Yu Lian believed it or not, many important figures certainly did. It was said that the Alliance was currently in a dispute with the Commonwealth Government, hoping to jointly research it.
As for the Commonwealth Government, it seemed genuinely tempted.
All of this was told to Yu Lian by his current superior, Azhisha Malowen.
Even during the Empire's rule, Tangheisser Duke had put a lot of effort into this massive ancient city, but after spending so much money, he didn't research anything significant. Yet, everyone was still unwilling to give up!
At this point, Brigadier General Luben paused and then said, “Additionally… if that place were truly destroyed, the Lumina People would genuinely become estranged and disloyal.”
As the Brigadier General spoke, he gave Yu Lian a very subtle glance. The latter knew that this was meant specifically for him, but it was indeed a rare and mature piece of advice, and he fully agreed with it.
“So… not only orbital bombardment, but heavy weapons probably can’t be used casually either,” Colonel Sahe continued to introduce the combat plan.
The Command HQ’s combat plan was actually quite simple. The Marine Corps’ 141st Brigade would be the main force, supported by warships in orbit and aircraft within the atmosphere, to complete the blockade of the entire Sero Ancient City and Great Forest, and to launch a probing attack on the ancient city to ascertain the enemy’s combat strength as much as possible.
Additionally, the Command HQ would cooperate with the operation to “sweep” all Lumina People settlements that did not cooperate with the government’s work…
Yes, Colonel Sahe indeed used that word, which almost made Yu Lian want to twitch his mouth.
“Colonel, could you explain the meaning of ‘sweep’?” Feifei asked.
“Of course, it’s to identify who are loyal Commonwealth citizens and who are supporters of the Lumina Rebels. Don’t worry, Lieutenant, many of the Command HQ and Marine Corps members grew up here; they won’t act recklessly. All our actions will be carried out within the bounds of Commonwealth law.” The Colonel explained amiably, “Our main goal is to find a secret passage into that ancient city… I’m not sure if it exists. However, we’ve already blockaded that city for some time, yet they are still holding out. So, we can only consider it from this aspect.”
Feifei nodded expressionlessly.
“That concludes the entire combat plan. Does anyone have any questions?” Colonel Sahe swept his sharp gaze across the conference room, and seeing all the mid-level officers looking spirited, he nodded with satisfaction, then looked at Yu Lian.
His eyebrow seemed to twitch unnaturally, but he still forced out a humble and sincere smile: “Then, Captain, your opinion…”
The so-called Central Special Envoy was, in essence, a military advisor sent by Military Command Headquarters to local troops. Yu Lian indeed had the right to suggest, and even the right to comment on and revise all combat plans.
“Your combat plan is already perfect! This subordinate has no special opinions!” Yu Lian said with a smile.
Brigadier General Luben and Colonel Sahe were a little stunned, probably because they had never seen such a reasonable special envoy in their decades in the military.
At this moment, Yu Lian continued: “Of course, I do have a small, somewhat immature suggestion.”
The two seemed to relax again, thinking, “Here it comes, it’s finally here.”
“The probing attack on Sero Ancient City must be handled with caution; there’s no need to force any results! In comparison, the sweep… er, of the surrounding Lumina People settlements, can also be handled with caution as much as possible. Even if it takes longer, please try your best not to wrong any innocent person.” Yu Lian smiled and looked at everyone: “This time, this subordinate indeed came with a mission, but the biggest mission is to reassure everyone. Since the enemy’s location has been determined, resolving them is only a matter of time. So, there’s no need for everyone to be anxious; just proceed steadily and cautiously.”
“Steady, steady? Cautious?”
“Yes, after all, the lives of our soldiers are also very precious. If we can force the enemy to surrender through a long siege, defeating them without fighting, that is the highest form of military strategy!” Yu Lian said earnestly, then deliberately lowered his voice slightly, as if sharing a secret: “Everyone here is a high-ranking officer of our army, so I’ll just say it… According to the Earth Headquarters’ opinion, even for The Myriad Souls Heresy, besides their leader Flores Wanda, their bishops and high priests can all be negotiated with. So, everyone understands, right?”
After nearly half a minute of dazed silence, Brigadier General Luben finally broke into a knowing smile: “Understood, Captain, we can also start the persuasion work simultaneously.”
“Then, what you said before…” Colonel Sahe was still a bit hard to accept.
“Before what?”
“Just what you said during the Blue Son’s interview, about fighting tigers, not catching flies and so on…”
“Oh, Flores Wanda isn’t the biggest tiger? Compared to him, aren’t the others just flies?”
“What about fairness, fairness, and still fairness…”
“Not letting ordinary Lumina People be wronged, that is fairness! Not letting our soldiers die in vain, that is also fairness! More importantly, not forcing anyone’s hand or pushing everyone to advance rashly. We must respect everyone’s command authority and everyone’s judgment of the situation; that is the greater fairness!”
So that’s how it was explained!
“Besides, who tells the truth to reporters?”
As Yu Lian spoke, he felt a sharp gaze on his back and realized that Feifei was also a reporter. But he could only widen his big, bright eyes, which looked particularly approachable, and said sincerely: “In short, everyone should proceed at their own pace, step by step. No need to be nervous, really!”
As soon as he said this, the officers Present looked at Yu Lian with increasingly friendly, even somewhat moved, gazes. If all Central Special Envoys were like this, the Milky Way Civilization would have achieved great harmony long ago!
However, Brigadier General Luben and Colonel Sahe were not fools after all. Although they kept nodding gratefully, the smiles on their faces looked awkward no matter how one saw them, clearly indicating they didn’t quite believe him.
Yu Lian continued: “…As for the war, I’ll leave it completely to you all. Since this subordinate is new here, I’ll need to do some research later and will probably wander around.”
Everyone’s expressions stiffened again, and the atmosphere in the meeting room seemed to become tense once more.
“Heh heh, don’t worry everyone, I’m mainly going to check on the situation at Red Maple Factory… Heh heh, it’s about time this factory got back on track!” Yu Lian showed an embarrassed expression: “Just so you all know, there are quite a few people still interested in Red Maple Factory.”
Brigadier General Luben and Colonel Sahe exchanged glances, completely at a loss as to the current situation. So, they could only continue to smile.
This time, the smiles seemed a bit more sincere.
Yesterday was a full day out with the kid, and this morning was a medical check-up for the kid. I just finished typing this out, so I really have no more drafts saved. Hahahahaha… I might have to take leave in the future, hahahahaha!