Chapter 10, Marshal

"Even with the existence of the Spike Rock Card," Fashir said, "the war is not over yet. You have also received those reports regarding the Spike Rock Card. I have submitted all progress on the search for the Spike Rock Card to the Military Committee, hoping to draw their attention. Do you know what they said?"

Indeed, if any malicious individual were to obtain the Rayagis, they could go wherever they please and attack any target they desire, leaving us powerless to counteract; furthermore, if an anti-government force were to acquire Rayagis technology, they could easily decimate our conventional fleet and then vanish without a trace before our Rayagis could arrive

Mike saw Yara's spaceship, Fahel simply stated

"Have I not already approved your absence?" Fashir asked, furrowing his brow

"General Ivan Sonovsky reports to you, Marshal Fashal." The giant exhaled a puff of cigar smoke, saluted, and displayed a friendly smile on his face

"Foolish person," Fashal said softly

We can only ascertain one thing: Yara has been provoked by us and is currently hiding in some corner of the universe, harboring deep-seated hatred. In the war against the Stinger and Yara, humanity has also suffered heavy losses. To return to pre-war levels, we will need several decades, or even hundreds of years. However, how much time will Yara, who is at a much higher baseline than us, need to regain its vigor? Ivan, although some people believe I am militaristic, I often feel that time is too pressing. We are racing against time, competing with Yara, and perhaps we have already fallen behind. In the war against the Stinger and Yara, humanity has also suffered heavy losses. To return to pre-war levels, we will need several decades, or even hundreds of years. However, how much time will Yara, who is at a much higher baseline than us, need to regain its vigor? Ivan, although some people believe I am militaristic, I often feel that time is too pressing. We are racing against time, competing with Yara, and perhaps we have already fallen behind. Thinking of this makes me uneasy

"Alright, Fashal," Ivan raised his hands in a gesture of surrender and shrugged his shoulders, "I do not wish to debate such a complex issue; in this regard, you could almost be considered a philosopher."

"Ma Rufeng is someone I personally selected," Fashier said, "I believe he can accomplish the task..." He paused, stopped in his tracks, and looked at Ivan. Ivan also came to a halt.

"Foolishness," Fashir said coldly. "If the Regas fall into their hands, it will be a disaster. Over the years, I have worked hard to keep the Regas technology highly confidential. If a Regas warship or any related quantum technology were to leak out, humanity would face endless calamities. I can hardly imagine what a terrifying scene the battles between the Regas would be like."

"I can hardly imagine, Yala's spaceship..." he murmured, "It feels like a nightmare, that thing... Didn't we completely eliminate Yala?"

"Fashel, I have wanted to do this for a long time," Ivan said as he followed Fashel, walking side by side towards the elevator. "hetushu.com. I often wonder what it would feel like to hold a hand that changes the fate of humanity"

Ivan smiled and made a gesture of invitation. Fashir held his head high and walked into the meeting hall of the Military Committee with a determined gaze

"This is another issue," Ivan said, taking a new cigar out of his pocket. "Many military commissioners believe that there is no longer a need to expand the Reyagas fleet. Many of them have never even seen a Reyagas warship. It is quite normal to have such doubts, I think. At today's meeting, they will propose a motion calling for the military committee to have comprehensive oversight of Reyagas's production"

"Therefore, our war is not over; it has only just begun," Fashir said with a frown. "The war with Yala, and the war with Ciyanka." He paused, looking at the door in front of him, "And the war with them."

After all, Yara has controlled humanity for thousands, even tens of thousands of years. No other race understands humans better than Yara, nor is more aware of their weaknesses

"Ivan?" he said, somewhat surprised

Ivan, there is one thing that makes me even more uneasy

However, they do not think so," Ivan said meaningfully

Fashel lowered his head, pondered for a moment, and then raised it. "Ivan, no one knows about this matter. Mike, out of caution, did not report it to anyone, including you. While he was carrying out the mission to search for Shiyan Ka, he unexpectedly discovered Tang Long."

"The early materials have arrived..." Fashir said softly. Ivan observed Fashir; since the end of the war, the relentless work had been wearing down Fashir's body. Even with a physique as strong as steel, it could not withstand the gradual and unrestrained depletion from the heavy workload. Ivan often thought that if a person's body could be as resilient as their spirit, it would be wonderful. He hoped that Fashir could endure. Over the years, Fashir had become gaunt, even showing a hint of gray hair, and the wrinkles on his forehead had become more pronounced. Yet, his eyes had grown even deeper, sparkling with an inscrutable light. Ivan often thought that if a person's body could be as resilient as their spirit, it would be wonderful. He hoped that Fashir could endure. Over the years, Fashir had become gaunt, even showing a hint of gray hair, and the wrinkles on his forehead had become more pronounced. Yet, his eyes had grown even deeper, sparkling with an inscrutable light.

A figure in uniform appeared at the cabin door, supporting himself on the gangway, and walked down briskly. When he looked up and saw the waiting giant, he was momentarily taken aback and stopped in his tracks

Indeed, the one Ivan was waiting for was Marshal Fashal. Since the end of the war, the comrades who were once closely united had to part ways to deal with various busy matters, making it less frequent for them to meet than before. Ivan also understood why Fashal was so surprised; yesterday, Ivan was still in a distant galaxy, and today, he had already arrived in the capital, Blue Star

"General, the time for the meeting is approaching," his secretary reminded him in a low voice. The man was so tall that his secretary had to look up to speak to him.

The elevator doors opened, and Fashal stepped out of the elevator, coming to a halt.

"You are mistaken, Ivan," Fashal stood before the elevator, holding a pair of snow-white gloves, his brown eyes fixed on Ivan. "No hand can alter the fate of humanity; it is humanity that is changed by its own fate."

Can you confirm it is Tang Long

Therefore, upon seeing that spacecraft, Mike could almost immediately be certain that it was Tang Long, Ivan said

Fashel's gaze deepened, and his voice became serious. "Tang Long has appeared; he is now with the Yala people."

What is the matter

"Their suspicions are not without reason," Ivan said. "Every year, more than half of the new alliance's resources, including funds, equipment, personnel, and raw materials, go missing. This naturally leads them to believe that these resources are quietly flowing to the Dorrus Alliance under the guise of the 'Resource Allocation Act.' They are concerned that over time, the Dorrus Alliance will surpass the Os Alliance both economically and militarily, taking its place."

"It is quite unsatisfactory," Ivan said. "I have spoken with Menteurson, and he is also powerless at this moment," he added, casting a meaningful glance at Fashier. "The situation is unstable..."

He revealed a faint bitter smile, "Humanity has grown accustomed to comfort; can they accept this reality? Even after the war, most people, the majority of human inhabitants still believe we are merely fighting against the Stony Cliffs. In their minds, Yala is a race that fundamentally does not exist. That is fine; I do not wish to frighten them. Let humanity have some confidence, let them live happily in their ignorant dreams and hopes. This is certainly better than living in anxious fear. Rebuilding human confidence after the war is also quite important, as the fragile human spirit can no longer withstand any blows."

The military police saluted the two senior officers and slowly opened the heavy door

How has that matter been handled?" After the elevator doors closed, Fashir directly asked without preamble.

The New Alliance, established on March 30, 5 years ago. Capital: Blue Star

"Leagis, quantum leap technology, these are still quite dangerous toys for humanity and must be controlled by a strong hand"

After the spaceship came to a steady stop on the heavily guarded platform, a tall man nimbly jumped down the gangway. He often wore a thick trench coat that reached his knees, wrapping himself tightly, with a hat on his head. The stars on his shoulders gleamed brightly, and various beautiful medals hung on his chest. His demeanor was relaxed; he merely nodded slightly to the military police saluting him, with his hands in his pockets and a cigar in his mouth. He did not rush to leave the platform, instead looking around as if waiting for someone.

No, he merely saw Tang Long's spaceship, which is capable of quantum leap. You know, due to the confidentiality of quantum leap technology, we have not provided this technology to civilian units; only a few transport ships of senior commanders have adopted the same quantum leap technology as the Reagis warship. Such spaceships are few in number and are under our control. Only one quantum leap spaceship was lost before the war, and you should know that when Tang Long escaped, he was aboard that type of spaceship.

The newly completed headquarters of the Supreme Military Council of the New Alliance covers an area of 10,000 square meters, and the entire building stands 310 stories tall. At its top, there is a spacious and flat landing pad exclusively for the spacecraft of the council members. It is currently noon, the weather is clear, and the sky is cloudless. If someone were to look up, they would see a small, gleaming spacecraft gently descending, resembling a bird returning to its nest.

"It is for the Material Allocation Act," Fashir, "Ivan looked at Fashir and slowly said, 'They want to use this to attack you.'

And now those committee members want to pry open this hand, revealing the truth about Leiyages to the public" Ivan said

The tall general smiled slightly and murmured to himself, "How punctual..." As he spoke, he took large strides forward, and his secretary had to jog all the way just to barely keep up with this giant

Ivan, there is no longer any Dulles Alliance or Os Alliance. Now there is only a new alliance, the Alliance of Humanity

"The battlefield has arrived, Fashir," Ivan said, half-jokingly and half-seriously. "How do you plan to fight this battle, my commander?"

Neither of the two spoke, and they silently walked forward for a while.

What else do they want?" Fashir said somewhat discontentedly, "I have tried my best to meet their demands, yet they are like greedy hyenas, never satisfied.

"Are you referring to the Lancelot?" Fashir did not look at him, asking as he continued walking

Fashel descended the gangway and shook hands with Ivan. Ivan felt that Fashel was still the same, neither warm nor cold, showing neither affection nor indifference, and the handshake was very polite in its firmness. However, Ivan still held tightly to that slender yet strong hand in his grasp

"We have merely destroyed one of Yala's planets," Fashir stated, "Humanity is far from being able to annihilate Yala, that extremely advanced race of which we know nothing. A battle that lasts a single night cannot erase the technology and knowledge that Yala has accumulated over its long history; in this regard, humanity still cannot compare to Yala. Until we have the current *maps* and *books*, we are still unable to fully analyze the captured Yala spacecraft. A battle that lasts a single night cannot erase the technology and knowledge that Yala has accumulated over its long history; in this regard, humanity still cannot compare to Yala. Until we have the current *maps* and *books*, we are still unable to fully analyze the captured Yala spacecraft. To our scientists, Yala's technology resembles a kind of magical sorcery or celestial script, which cannot be accepted or learned. Can you assert that humanity has eradicated this highly developed race?"

Yara..." Ivan sighed, "You have always believed that the greatest threat to humanity is not the Stygian Rock, but Yara.

"Fashier..." Ivan's eyes revealed a look of admiration. "So you are striving to develop the Reagis at all costs. But why not directly express this idea to those in the military committee? Why bear this heavy responsibility alone, facing suspicion and doubt?"

I have made it very clear to those officials that the primary resources are to be used for the expansion of the Reagis fleet, as the war for humanity is not yet over

Fahriel nodded

I hurried back to attend this special meeting of the Military Committee" Ivan explained

At this moment, another spacecraft appeared from the horizon, heading in this direction, and soon the distinct new alliance emblem on the spacecraft became visible. The spacecraft gradually came to a stop on the opposite side of the platform and began to descend steadily.

The elevator has arrived. Two people walked in, and Fashir signaled to speak with Ivan privately, while the other accompanying personnel remained outside the elevator

Ivan looked at Fashir with some surprise

"It's not that simple." Fashir subtly tightened the corners of his mouth, a disdainful expression appearing on his face. "They have underestimated my abilities."

Fashel nodded

Yes, the Lancelot. Its commander is too young; is it too harsh to entrust him with Reagis and expect him to accomplish such a daunting task

However, Yala has already been destroyed by us

I know, he said, his voice unusually loud, as if he were born with a booming voice, with puffs of smoke billowing from that large and wide mouth, "Let them wait for a while, they will wait."

The spacecraft expelled its final surge of scorching heat, and then fell silent. The hatch opened, and the person smiled faintly again

The situation has changed, Fashir," Ivan said, "From Mentelson, I learned that during this military committee meeting, the members of the former Os Alliance may challenge you. In principle, Mentelson supports you, but the current situation is beyond his control.

During the most intense period of the war, most members of the military committee were still unaware of the matters concerning Yala, with only a few core members, such as the retired Marshal Mentersong, understanding the truth. This is why Mentersong has consistently supported you... Those individuals only knew of the existence of Ciyanka, and even so, they believed that the war was over. What remained was merely how to consider their own interests. Human nature is indeed dark... Those individuals only knew of the existence of Ciyanka, and even so, they believed that the war was over. What remained was merely how to consider their own interests. Human nature is indeed dark.

What is the matter with Naya?

"Including the members of those military committees." Ivan gestured forward with his chin; at the end of the corridor in front of them stood a massive door, flanked by two alert gendarmes.

After the war, Fashir presided over the formulation of the "Materials Allocation Act," aimed at enforcing control over humanity's limited resources and distributing them to various important sectors. In the ruins of a devastated society, such strong measures were necessary. However, due to the planned allocation, dissatisfaction gradually arose among some members of the former Os Alliance, who believed that Fashir showed favoritism towards the former Dulles Alliance in the distribution of strategic materials. After all, the hastily established new alliance only temporarily masked the rifts between the two original alliances, without completely eliminating them. This deep-seated divide led to mutual suspicion and distrust. The former Os Alliance, which occupied the majority of star regions, naturally held the majority of seats in the new alliance's military committee. However, Fashir's outstanding achievements allowed him to control the military committee, thus giving rise to conflicts. In times of peace, members of the former Os Alliance began to seek more rights and benefits, unwilling to be constrained by Marshal Fashir.

They said: "It is entirely a case of unnecessary worry." Ivan shrugged his shoulders, "Ignorant people."

"I have never said that, Ivan," Fashir continued as he began to walk forward. "Yara still exists, which is why I will do everything in my power to ensure the production of Reagis. Only Reagis is the sole weapon we can use to confront Yara."

Ivan remained silent.

Fashel stood for a moment without speaking, and after a while, continued walking down the corridor. Ivan followed behind.

"I am just a soldier," Fashir said. Ivan suddenly felt that Fashir seemed somewhat despondent, unsure of what had happened.

"You pinched me, Ivan." Fashal withdrew his palm, removed his gloves, and simultaneously saluted the soldier.

"Speaking of the Rayagis," Ivan suddenly said, "currently all the Rayagis are under the control of the red berets, but only one Rayagis has been dispatched. I am somewhat concerned..."

At this moment, Ivan felt that the situation had become somewhat serious. He squinted his eyes, and he was unaware of when the cigar in his mouth had gone out.

Mike met Tang Long

Ivan was once again shaken

Fashel revealed a hint of a confident smile. "Since Yara, or even the Thorn Rock, cannot stir their sluggish nerves, I will employ another method." As he spoke, he straightened his crisp military uniform and looked at Ivan: "Will you fight alongside me, my chief of staff?"