Chapter 51: Resolution and Shackles

Inside the Federal Assembly Hall, the chaos caused by the quantum interference was swiftly quelled.

The menacing spatial rift hissed and closed under the forcible suppression of the emergency energy field, leaving behind a faint smell of burning in the air and a scene of utter devastation.

Nanobots surged like a silver tide toward the damaged equipment and twisted metal, initiating repairs.

The shaken councilors and scholars were invited back to their seats, but lingering shock and apprehension remained etched on every face.

Redeem’s frantic strike acted like a basin of icy water, extinguishing most purely theoretical debates and slamming the starkest reality—the impending external threat—right in front of everyone.

General Mu Chengshu stood before the podium, his figure appearing all the more rock-solid beneath the yet-to-stabilize lighting.

His gaze swept across the hall, and his voice, deep and slow yet carrying the weight of a thousand jun, cut straight to the core:

"Ladies and gentlemen, the attack just now has demonstrated our situation far more powerfully than any eloquence."

He paused, letting his gaze linger deliberately on the faces of a few hesitant ethicists and security officials. "While we were here debating the philosophical boundaries of the symbiosis concept and the theoretical risks of technology leakage, our enemies already had a blade at our throats, daring even to detonate a spacetime bomb in the very heart of the Federation!"

He raised a hand, pointing toward the "Stellar Pillar Fragment" in Xu Yan's hand, which appeared utterly peaceful at that moment.

"To accurately understand the concept of symbiosis, we must not bog ourselves down in whether individual consciousnesses fuse or not—that is the entanglement of the ego."

"What we must understand is the macroscopic symbiosis of the universe! It is the rare opportunity for ideological collision and technological exchange when different civilizations meet in the vast sea of stars, the potential catalyst for civilizational ascension!"

"How long this 'Stellar Pillar Fragment' can endure, and how long it can sustain communication with this 'guest' from the Ram star system, we do not know."

"It could fail in the next moment, or it could last for a century. But can we abandon a critical opportunity that might lead Blue Star to break through technological barriers—and even unravel Redeem's conspiracy—simply because of its uncertainty?"

A senior ethics scholar struggled to stand up. Despite a pale complexion, he insisted, "General, I understand the gravity of the external threat. But precisely for that reason, we cannot be blind! Could this allow the Ram star system to peer into and replicate Blue Star's unique technological system through this unique symbiotic conscious exchange?"

"Is this not simply another form of heightened risk?"

"Are we not being far too naive in welcoming a potentially higher civilization as a confidant?"

"Risk?" The Chairman of the Security Council, a middle-aged man with a stern face and eyes as sharp as an eagle's, spoke slowly. His voice was cold to the point of ruthlessness, yet it carried a pragmatic, piercing force:

"If the Ram star system is as real as it has demonstrated, and has long mastered mature stargate technology, then given the technological level they have displayed, Blue Star's existing defense systems are likely as good as non-existent to them."

"If they harbored malice, they would have no need to employ such a circuitous and inefficient method of espionage."

"Rather than shrinking back in fear of the unknown, it is better to make this existence rational, controllable, and supervisable. Incorporating uncertainty into a management framework is the very essence of security work. Blockade and refusal often only breed greater rashness and danger."

Mu Chengshu cast an approving look at the Chairman, took over the conversation, and finally let his gaze fall on Xu Yan, his tone carrying unquestionable trust:

"I trust Xu Yan. First and foremost, he is a son of Blue Star; his roots are here, his comrades are here, and the unfulfilled wills of his parents remain. His interests are tightly bound with the destiny of Blue Star. Furthermore, let us not forget—"

His voice rose again, carrying a warning tone, "The ones truly hiding in the shadows, constantly causing destruction, manufacturing disasters, and threatening the safety of every Blue Star citizen are Redeem! They engineered the tragedy of the 'Pioneer' exploration team, they attempted to induce the collapse of the wormhole, and they are the ones who just launched an attack right here!"

"Our spearheads should not be pointed at a 'guest' who has currently demonstrated sincerity in cooperation and can bring about tangible technological breakthroughs, but rather at the vermin hiding within our ranks and the public enemies of human civilization!"

A prolonged silence ensued.

Councilors whispered among themselves, scientists rapidly calculated the pros and cons, and security officials evaluated various proposals.

Finally, after another round of intense and efficient closed-door consultations, the Supreme Council reached a resolution.

The parliamentary leadership officially announced: "Following deliberation, the Federal Supreme Council has unanimously passed a resolution: approving Xu Yan and his special advisor 'Covet' to deeply participate in and lead the core technological research and development of the 'Stargate Project.' The Interstellar Command and all relevant departments must provide this project with the highest priority resources, clearance, and personnel support to ensure the smooth advancement of the plan."

However, following the resolution, the leadership's tone shifted slightly, and their gaze turned extremely stern:

"However, based on a security consensus, preventive measures must be established for the 'Stellar Pillar Fragment.' Outside of research periods, the 'Stellar Pillar Fragment' must be stored in a specially crafted encrypted vault jointly managed by the Security Council and the Interstellar Command. This vault shall be placed within an absolutely secure isolation room, subject to twenty-four-hour uninterrupted multi-layer monitoring."

"Access and retrieval shall require simultaneous authorization from more than half of the members of the highest executive committee and General Mu Chengshu or his designated proxy."

This was both protection and an invisible shackle, a necessary balance.

The meeting concluded.

The crowd gradually dispersed, and the hall grew empty once more.

Mu Chengshu walked over to Xu Yan, patted him on the shoulder, and said with a complex tone, "This is the best outcome we could secure for now. Trust takes time, and they," he pointed upward, referring to the decision-makers, "first consider overall stability and controllability. Can you understand?"

Xu Yan tightened his grip on the "Stellar Pillar Fragment" in his hand, intentionally feeling the flow of Covet's consciousness within the still-active monitoring frame, and nodded. "I understand, General. This is already enough."

With official recognition and resources, he could finally unleash his full potential.

"Good." A flash of admiration crossed Mu Chengshu's eyes. "Go. Armed with this resolution, there are still many hard battles to fight. Redeem will not resign themselves to defeat, and technological hurdles still lie ahead. Remember, you carry not just the hope of the stargate, but many people's trust and... scrutiny."

Xu Yan straightened his back and gave a military salute. "I will never let down your trust, nor will I let down Blue Star."

He solemnly handed the "Stellar Pillar Fragment" into General Mu Chengshu's hands, turned, and strode out of the hall with firm steps.

Holding the "Stellar Pillar Fragment" that originally belonged to him, feeling the lingering warmth passed on from Xu Yan, Mu Chengshu wore a satisfied smile.

This pre-arranged move was based on an old general's intuition and trust in Xu Yan.

Meanwhile, Covet, which had returned to the depths of Xu Yan's consciousness, transmitted a calm stream of information: 'Political logic: seeking dynamic equilibrium between risks and rewards. This outcome meets expected ROI. The existence of shackles conversely reduces unpredictable political resistance. Acceptable.'

Xu Yan responded silently in his heart: "This is Blue Star. But we will eventually shatter the shackles—whether technological ones or... others."

His gaze cast into the distance, as if he could already see that arduous yet infinitely possible path leading deep into the sea of stars.

And this resolution of the Federal Assembly was both a starting point and the establishment of a complex tone filled with opportunities and constraints for his upcoming journey.