From cannon fodder to sweeping across thousands of stars.

Chapter 782 I have watched this episode

After talking with Lilith, Amber let out a long sigh and leaned back in the seat of the quarantine vehicle. She felt so relaxed both physically and mentally as if a heavy burden had been lifted off her shoulders.

This was the first time that he had fully confided his "big plan" to others, revealing all of his long-hidden ideas, plans and goals.

"How does it feel to speak out these secrets in your heart, Master?" Lilith's projection spun lightly in front of him, and the hem of her purple dress swayed with it.

"Much better." Amber admitted, looking gently at her partner whose 'intimacy' had greatly increased. "I have kept this plan in my mind for too long, so long that I am almost suffocating myself."

Lilith smiled, her eyes flashing with the light of data stream: "You know, Master, you can talk to me anytime, I'm always here."

Amber nodded and tapped the armrest with her fingers. "It is precisely because I know that you are the best listener to this plan that I have been looking for an opportunity to discuss it with you in detail. You will not betray me, nor will you make judgments based on personal interests. More importantly -"

He raised his eyes and looked directly at Lilith, "You are the key to making this plan come true."

"I can be nearly omniscient and omnipotent within the scope of a single planet or galaxy, but when it comes to supervising the entire human society," Amber's finger traced across the star map, "even the most powerful psychics have their limits, and you, Lilith, can monitor billions of information flows at the same time, process countless data, and become my eyes and ears that I cannot reach."

Lilith's projection approached Amber, and the expression that appeared on her face made of data made her look completely consistent with the personality of "Atlas's Most Affectionate".

"You really want to do this? Create a true utopia?"

"It's not a plan, but it has already begun." Amber answered firmly, "The rise of the Renaissance Alliance, the fall of the Federation, and the infiltration of the Atlas Group. These are all part of the plan."

Lilith's eyes flickered, as if she was calculating quickly: "I have begun to think about how to optimize my algorithms and monitoring systems. For your plan, Master, I am willing to develop all my potential and become your most capable assistant."

Amber smiled and nodded at her: "I never doubted it, Lilith~"

At this moment, the communication system of the shelter vehicle suddenly lit up, and Guterres and the ground force commander appeared on the screen: "Boss, the Renaissance Alliance has begun to replace the flags on the main buildings of the capital planet."

Amber turned to face the screen. "What's the status of our ground forces?"

"Everything is going according to plan. We have taken over 649 refugee centers and 352 prisoner-of-war detention centers. However."

Guterres hesitated, then continued: “The Alliance for the Renewal of the Aid in Action has begun to set up restricted areas in some areas and does not allow our personnel to enter.”

Amber narrowed her eyes. "It's as expected. Let the units in each area raise the information flow collection level of the area we currently control to the highest level to ensure that we can obtain data from every corner."

"Yes, Boss!"

After the communication ended, Lilith connected to the devices in these control areas and said, "I feel that the information flow is strengthening Master. Very good. My control over the information flow on this planet has been further improved. If the network remains smooth, it is estimated that the full monitoring of the planet will be completed in 18 hours."

"Very good, then use this place as a pilot to test your monitoring capabilities~"

Amber turned her head and looked out the window. The five-color eagle flags of the Federation were being torn down one by one, and replaced by the flag of the Renaissance Alliance - the blue background and silver star symbolizing the 'new order' unfolded in the breeze.
-
At the same time, in a secret location on a planet controlled by the Renaissance Alliance, the core leadership of the Renaissance Alliance was gathering in a specially treated conference room.

There are no devices that can connect to the external network in the room. Everyone has handed in their communicators, smart wearables and other electronic products. Those who have prosthetics and implanted enhancement devices have also turned off or hibernated their Internet functions.

Franklin sat at the end of the long table in the conference room with a serious expression.

The holographic projection in front of him was driven only by an independent system in the conference room, displaying a series of data and charts. Eleanor sat on his right, scanning every senior member of the Renaissance Alliance present with an expressionless face.

More than 20 core members of the Renaissance Alliance sat on both sides of the long table. Most of them had serious expressions. Although the Renaissance Alliance had just completed the goal of "overthrowing the federal government", there was no joy in their eyes that should be a winner.

These people include military generals, technical experts and political advisers, as well as several representatives from other organizations absorbed by the Renaissance Alliance.

"Everyone."

A middle-aged man wearing square-framed glasses stood up. He was Hall Martin, the head of the Renaissance Alliance's intelligence and security department. He was also nominated by a force within the Renaissance Alliance as the main spokesperson for this meeting.

"We are gathered here today to discuss a serious issue that cannot be avoided."

His eyes swept over everyone present, and finally landed on Franklin: "Atlas Group."

The air in the conference room seemed to freeze for a moment, and everyone, who was still unclear about the intention of his speech, exchanged glances rapidly.

Hall turned on the holographic projection in front of him, and a series of charts appeared on the screen, showing the distribution of Atlas Group's assets, industry penetration and market share in various star systems in the Federation.

"Please take a look at these data. In the past 18 months, Atlas Group has completed the acquisition of more than large companies in the Federation. The number of small and medium-sized companies that have been acquired and merged is too numerous to be counted quickly."

Hall's voice was so cold that it sounded like a knife stabbing into everyone's heart.

“他们现在控制了联邦军工产业的68%、医疗器械市场的53%、高端电子产业的67%、农业市场的42%等等除此之外还有最关键的——通讯网络的72%，在量子纠缠通讯业务方面，更是无可动摇的100%”

"What do these numbers tell us?" Hall turned to Franklin. "The Atlas Group is no longer just our ally. They are becoming the Renaissance Alliance - no, they are the manipulator behind the entire human society."

Admiral Cole, the military representative sitting on Franklin's left, interrupted and said, "Don't forget their leading position in military technology and strength. Whether it is a super flagship or a battlecruiser that can launch an attack at a distance of one light second, they are all existences that we cannot ignore. Moreover, according to our intelligence, they are constantly expanding the number of these advanced ships."

Hall nodded. "That's right. The most worrying thing is that the Atlas Group has already penetrated our internal organization. Please read this."

The screen switched to a list of personnel, and Franklin recognized several familiar names at a glance - outstanding officers such as Johnny Riddin and Manfred, as well as several senior technical advisers of the Renaissance Alliance.

"These people all have varying degrees of connection with the Atlas Group, from business dealings to training, to direct use of the technology they provide. They hold important positions in our military and government, and I suspect that the loyalty of these 'pro-Atlas factions' to the Atlas Group may exceed their loyalty to the Renaissance Alliance."

Franklin frowned even more tightly. He knew that Hall was actually exaggerating to emphasize the seriousness of the problem. But seeing these data sets with his own eyes still made him feel uncomfortable.

"My fellow officers! We must act!"

Hall's voice became more resolute. "We must cut off this connection before the tentacles of the Atlas Group completely wrap around our throats! Otherwise, the victory of the Renaissance Alliance will become the victory of the Atlas Group, and all our sacrifices and efforts will only create a corporate empire in the end."

There was a low discussion in the meeting room. Eleanor observed Franklin's expression. A barely perceptible hesitation flashed across his face.

As the leader of the Renaissance Alliance, Franklin certainly knew what Hall said, but at this moment it was still difficult for him to make up his mind to break away from the Atlas Group and start a confrontation.

On the one hand, Amber is the biggest help for Franklin to get to where he is today. Franklin knows very well that if it were not for Amber's support, he would not be able to sit in this position. At least he would not be able to sit in it so quickly.

And he also knew that the fundamental reason why the Renaissance Alliance could expand so rapidly was because of the extremely generous assistance from the Atlas Group.

Therefore, he felt that the proposal of this group of people in the Renaissance Alliance to cut ties with the Atlas Group as soon as possible and suppress the other party in turn was somewhat "treacherous".

Of course, some people within the Restoration Alliance had similar ideas to Franklin. They also believed that this practice was shameful. Having just overthrown the Federation and won the victory, how could they turn around and stab their former allies in the back?

There are also a group of more realistic people who believe that the Alliance’s control over the federal territory is still unstable. Will such a radical move at this moment trigger a new round of war?
This will also be a big challenge for the Renaissance Alliance, whose regime has not yet been completely consolidated.

Hall's re-opening made the conference room quiet again.

“Leader, we understand your personal friendship with Amber Elder, and we are aware of your many concerns. But what we are facing now is the future of the entire Renaissance Alliance—no, the future of all human society!
Even if the Renaissance Alliance can successfully establish the 'New Federation' right now, the gap in strength between them and the Atlas Group will not narrow, but will still be widened by the other side!

The reason lies in the Atlas Group's industrial chain that covers almost the entire Federation. It is like a giant beast lurking in the shadows, and has already wrapped its tentacles around half of the Federation!
If we don’t stop it, we may lose the qualification to compete with them in the future!
We cannot allow a single enterprise, no matter how powerful it is, to dominate this new era!"

Hall's powerful speech seemed to finally bring about some changes in Franklin's heart. After a moment of silence, he slowly stood up and looked at everyone around the conference table.

They were all the backbone of the Renaissance Alliance, and each of them had made great sacrifices in this revolution. He took a deep breath, with mixed emotions in his heart. "Everyone, the Atlas Group did help us," Franklin finally said, "Without their support, we might not have been able to overthrow the federal government so quickly. This is an indisputable fact, and we should not forget this."

The atmosphere in the room became subtle, and some people looked dissatisfied, but Hall seemed to realize something and was looking forward to Franklin's next words.

"But it is also important to note that the Renaissance Alliance does not exist to replace one master with another. Our goal is to establish a new federation that is truly free and equal, rather than being a vassal of any force, no matter how much this force has helped us in the past."

Hall's eyes lit up: "Sir! Make a decision!"

Franklin did not answer immediately, but turned to Eleanor: "What do you think?"

Eleanor was as calm as ever: "From a strategic perspective, the Atlas Group does pose a threat to our long-term independence, but rash actions could lead to disastrous consequences. We have just gained control of the Federation, and the situation is still unstable."

When Franklin heard her words, he nodded, but he seemed a little disappointed.

He turned to look at Hall and asked, "Since you proposed it, I want to know what specific plans you have? Or are you just chatting about it in the office?"

"Of course not, we already have a preliminary plan, Leader!"

Hall quickly opened another set of documents, and a huge operational plan appeared on the virtual screen, including coordinated actions in multiple dimensions such as law, economy, military, and propaganda.

"We have already formulated a comprehensive action plan. The core of this plan is to use the Renaissance Alliance's advantages in manpower and governance to implement all-round suppression of the Atlas Group!

When the plan is launched, we will implement special supervision on the Atlas Group's industries in all galaxies of the Federation at the same time, freeze some assets, and use force to ensure the completion of these tasks!

Although the Atlas Group's armed forces are stronger than the Renaissance Alliance, their numbers are limited after all. If they launch an attack simultaneously across the entire federation, it will be difficult for the Atlas Group to put out this prairie fire at the same time!"

Franklin examined the plan carefully. Although Hall said it was very simple, it was actually a very comprehensive and detailed plan. It was obviously not a plan that could be prepared in a short period of time.

This also indirectly shows that Hall's faction had already considered attacking the Atlas Group long before launching a general attack on the federal government.

Admiral Cole, the military representative of the Renaissance Alliance, also added: "In terms of military, we will gradually reduce our military cooperation with the Atlas Group and establish an independent equipment production and training system. At the same time, we need to identify and neutralize those officers who are too close to the Atlas Group."

Franklin's thoughts lingered on this sentence for a moment. 'Neutralization' was a vague word. It could mean transfer or it could mean more severe measures.

The atmosphere in the conference room became increasingly tense, and everyone was waiting for Franklin's decision, which would change the future direction of the Renaissance Alliance.

Franklin finally took a deep breath and said, "Continue to perfect this plan, but don't take action yet."

Hall and his supporters looked like they wanted to protest, but Franklin raised his hand to signal them to be quiet. "Everyone, we only have one chance. If we want to take action against the Atlas Group, we must ensure that the strike is a sure hit. Any mistake could lead to catastrophic consequences."

He looked around at everyone in the conference room: "We have just overthrown a regime and are at a critical stage of reconstruction. The Renaissance Alliance needs time to consolidate its position and build its own strength."

"So, Leader," Hall pressed, "when can we start this plan?"

Franklin's eyes became sharp. "You can make preliminary preparations. When the time is right, I will personally give the order. Before that, everyone must maintain absolute confidentiality."

The meeting ended in a delicate atmosphere, and Eleanor stayed with Franklin when everyone left.

"So is all this irreversible?" asked the girl who had always been with Franklin.

"I also hope to be able to recover, but you know, there are some things that I can't decide on my own."
-
On the tenth day after the Renaissance Alliance officially announced the establishment of a 'provisional government', Amber was sitting in a meeting room on the Infinity. On the virtual screen was a notification she had received earlier - the Renaissance Alliance's Finance Department had repaid all interest-free loans previously provided by the Atlas Group in one lump sum.

"What do you think this means?" Amber asked the projections of the other people in the conference room.

Randall spoke first: "Maybe it's a gesture of goodwill? To show that they want to continue to maintain a good relationship with us?"

Well, still lacking in sensitivity as always.

Shikoti shook her head and said, "No, this is to settle the debt so that the Renaissance Alliance can have nothing to worry about in the future, or have a clear conscience."

Amber looked at the experienced female elf in agreement: "Shikoti is right. After Franklin pays off this debt, they may no longer feel that they owe us anything. In their logic, this means that he has "repaid" our help. Next, he can do things that are truly in the interests of the Renaissance Alliance."

Isabel, who was in the same conference room with Amber, provided everyone with information about the intelligence center.

On some planets where the Atlas Group and the Renaissance Alliance are equally powerful, there have recently been anti-Atlas Group demonstrations by the public.

According to background checks, most of these people were once local tycoons, high-ranking officials, and capitalists. After the local social order and asset restructuring, they lost their once luxurious lives and now live ordinary lives like ordinary people.

Although under the new order, the living standards of ordinary people have been greatly improved, and work pressure has been greatly reduced after reasonable distribution, this is still unacceptable to those who used to be "superior people".

So under some "deliberate" guidance, these people turned their attention to the Atlas Group.

To be honest, these circumstances, coupled with the previous series of preparations for the Revival Alliance to try to decouple, gave Amber a sense of déjà vu.
When the Renaissance Alliance slowly became the new masters of this country, the subsequent developments did not surprise Amber. He felt as if he was watching a plot he had seen before again.

After showing this information, Isabel said very seriously:

"The Intelligence Center has just received a top-secret intelligence from our deep-lying agent inside the Renaissance Alliance. This intelligence can be said to confirm our speculation - some high-level officials in the Renaissance Alliance are brewing a plan against us, and Franklin has basically agreed to this plan, but the specific time of action has not yet been determined."

"Then how do we respond?"

Guterres' virtual image asked, his military intuition allowing him to consider possible conflict scenarios.

Amber didn't answer directly. He looked at everyone present and asked, "Are you worried?"

Everyone looked at each other, and no one answered immediately.

Finally, Cleves said, "Boss, considering our current strength, I believe we are fully capable of dealing with any challenge from the Renaissance Alliance. However, if a large-scale conflict occurs, we may not be able to respond in a timely manner, and it will not be a good thing for both sides."

Amber smiled slightly: "Who said we were going to conflict with them?"

He stood up, walked to the holographic projection device, and called up a display similar to the data displayed at the Renaissance Alliance meeting, but more accurate and comprehensive.

"We have done enough preparations. The Renaissance Alliance can try to cut off contact with us, but they will find that the Atlas Group has been deeply integrated into every aspect of federal society. It is our main industrial node, controlling key areas from energy to medical care, from military industry to people's livelihood. Without the Atlas Group to maintain operation, the infrastructure of the Renaissance Alliance-controlled area will be paralyzed within half a month."

Isabel said thoughtfully: "So we don't need to fight back at all. As long as we maintain the status quo, the Renaissance Alliance will find that they can't operate independently without us?"

"exactly."

Amber nodded. "But this doesn't mean we can take it lightly. We need to upgrade the security level of all Atlas offices, issue warnings to all responsible persons, and be prepared to deal with possible emergencies. At the same time, we need to strengthen intelligence monitoring of the top leaders of the Renaissance Alliance. I need to know their every move."

Shikoti seemed to have thought of something: "Are we just going to passively wait for their actions?"

Amber's eyes became far-reaching. "No, Shikoti, we are not waiting passively. We are giving them enough time to recognize the fact that the Atlas Group is not an enemy, but an indispensable part of the new order."

“What if the Renaissance Alliance is unable to recognize this fact, or if they recognize this fact, they try to break it?”

"Then we don't mind using the 'language' they can understand to convince them."

(End of this chapter)