The Man Who Received a Spaceship: It Turned Out to Be a Star!? - chapter 98

Chapter 98: The Proposal for Intervention

The Japanese and international media widely covered the new government leaders’ visit to the Agilakana Embassy. Official statements described it as a mere courtesy call, but the swift actions of the new administration were met with public approval. The stock market, which had been climbing steadily since the previous government resigned, saw further gains.

It appeared that the Minji Party had prepared extensively for the general election, as other parties struggled to organize their campaigns. Just three days after the Diet’s dissolution, the election date was announced—a mere 18 days away, an exceptionally short period.

Three days had passed since I provided Admiral Marco with data on the Arze Empire’s brewing rebellion. With no response from him, I began to suspect that my efforts might have been in vain.

“Captain, we have an incoming communication from Admiral Marco,” Ain reported.

“Put it through.”

“I’ll display it on your desk monitor.”

Now, let’s see if this is the reaction I hoped for—or just another dead end. If it’s the latter, we’ll simply have to explore other options.

“Representative Yamada, let me get straight to the point. After analyzing the data you provided, we’ve arrived at conclusions that largely align with your findings, though there were minor discrepancies.

While it might be possible to suppress the rebellion temporarily through increased control, we concluded that doing so would merely delay the inevitable. Regarding the potential use of planetary destruction weapons, some within our ranks expressed doubts. However, after further investigation by an independent body, it was deemed plausible, given the current state of our military. I must admit, as a member of the military myself, that our recent string of failures has created a ‘no retreat’ mentality. Thus, the use of such weapons cannot be ruled out.

There are many questions about how Agilakana obtained this internal data, but I’ve reviewed it under my authority.”

“What course of action will the Arze Empire take?”

“Considering that you’ve gone to the trouble of providing us with this information, we suspect Agilakana might offer a solution to resolve the rebellion in exchange for some form of negotiation. Is that correct?”

“I must apologize for using somewhat underhanded tactics. As you may already know, the Solar System faces near-certain destruction by an enormous Xeno collective in the future. We’re seeking a destination to relocate the inhabitants of the third planet.”

“Forgive the interruption, but are you saying there’s a Xeno force even Agilakana cannot handle?”

“Yes. A massive group of over 2.6 billion Xenoi is predicted to approach the Solar System. Despite our willingness to bear heavy casualties, we’ve determined that we cannot save the inner planets, including the third planet.”

“2.6 billion… I see.”

“We’ve been scouting for habitable planets, but all suitable ones are so far away that long-term survival, let alone advancement, seems improbable. Thus, we seek a habitable planet near the Arze Empire, specifically one in the vicinity of the Halmaine star system that hasn’t yet been colonized.

In return, we offer to mediate the current rebellion, provide advance warnings of any Xeno approaches to Arze territory, and prioritize defense against Xenoi for the designated planet and its surrounding systems. What do you think?”

“Considering the potential loss of two mid-sized inhabited planets, we’d be inclined to accept. However, territorial matters require approval beyond my authority. Please give us some time to consult the Privy Council.”

“Understood. I look forward to your positive response.”

“By the way, what specific measures would Agilakana employ to mediate the rebellion?”

“We would deploy our fleet to completely blockade the star system and seize any rebel vessels. Following that, we’d issue a ceasefire ultimatum. If rejected, we’d deploy ground forces to secure the major planets of the Halmaine system under protective occupation. While some social infrastructure might be lost in the process, we’d ensure its restoration. Should the ceasefire be accepted, we propose constructing two orbital elevators for Halmaine’s main planets.”

“Orbital elevators? Understood. I’ll bring this to the Privy Council and provide an answer promptly.”

“Maria, what’s your take on this?”

“I believe they’ll agree to our request. However, the Arze Empire might attach additional conditions, such as requesting Agilakana’s defense for their capital star system, Hamirapiratra, against Xenoi attacks.”

“We can accommodate that within our capabilities, so it’s not an issue.”

“As for the orbital elevators, I wasn’t aware of this proposal, but I think it’s a great idea. Considering Halmaine’s main planets’ scale, such infrastructure should have been built long ago. Political disputes with the central government likely stalled their construction. Offering these elevators could persuade Halmaine to accept the ceasefire.”

“I suggested it offhand, assuming Agilakana could easily construct them. Is it actually feasible?”

“Certainly. With a single construction ship and a transport vessel for raw materials, we could complete the basic structures for two elevators within two weeks each. If we downgrade the technology to match Arze’s standards, they can handle maintenance themselves. Additionally, Arze already has expertise in operating orbital elevators, so they can expand on the platforms as needed.”

“Two weeks? That’s remarkable.”

“While impressive, orbital elevators are inherently cumbersome. Once energy becomes freely available and gravity control is widespread, they’ll likely become obsolete. Still, if it earns their gratitude, it’s worth doing.”

“Agreed. If this plan proceeds, organize two fleets, two ground force regiments, and the construction ships for deployment.”

“Understood.”

The following day, as predicted, a rebellion broke out on Mandulka, Halmaine’s primary planet.

Although local security forces had heightened their vigilance based on prior directives from the central government, rebels had infiltrated these forces, securing large quantities of weapons early on. Centered around retired Halmaine military personnel, they launched urban warfare and quickly gained the upper hand, seizing all security outposts within days.

The rebellion’s flames spread to two other inhabited planets in the system, where the rebels similarly held the advantage.

In response, the central government mobilized an army corps, equipped with landing ships and escort vessels, dispatching them through hyperlane gates to Halmaine.