Marvel: The other side of the double-passing door is Devouring the Stars

Chapter 396 Our goal is not to dominate, but to achieve common development.
"Air Traffic Control Center of Planet Tana II, this is the Galactic Peace Organization Diplomatic Mission," Marcus contacted the planet's control center, "requesting permission to land in the capital."

"A diplomatic mission?" The control center's reply sounded surprised. "We haven't received any relevant notification. Please wait, we need to verify."

A few minutes later, air traffic control contacted them again: "Diplomatic mission, your landing request has been approved. Please land at the international airport in the capital, Steel City. Our representative will be there to meet you."

“It seems the planetary government truly was unaware of the military's actions,” Silvermoon analyzed. “This further confirms our judgment.”

The spaceship began its descent, preparing to land in Steel City. Through the porthole, it was clear that the city's architectural style was completely different from that of Seatop City. The buildings here were mostly constructed of metal and stone, with magnificent and imposing designs, reflecting this civilization's reverence for power.

“Landing imminent,” Marcus announced. “Hopefully, the remaining talks will proceed smoothly.”

“Yes,” Rowan said confidently. “The truth will eventually come out, and peace will eventually prevail.”

The transport ship slowly landed at the international airport in Steel City.

As soon as the transport ship landed, Rowan and Silvermoon saw a large crowd already gathered at the airport. Unlike the relatively formal welcoming ceremony on Planet Tana I, the welcome here was much more enthusiastic and sincere. Many ordinary citizens had spontaneously come to the airport, holding signs that read "Welcome the Messengers of Peace."

Welcome to Planet Tana II!

A burly, resolute-looking middle-aged man strode towards the spaceship. He was dressed in a simple suit without much adornment, but his demeanor exuded a natural leadership quality.

“I am Derek Mosen, Prime Minister of Tana II,” he extended his hand, “and thank you to the Galactic Peace Organization for sending a mediator here. Your arrival brings us hope for peace.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Prime Minister,” Rowan shook his hand. “I am Rowan, the mediator, and this is my partner, Silvermoon. We hope to contribute to peace between our two planets.”

“On behalf of the government, I extend my sincerest apologies for the attack you suffered on the road,” Prime Minister Mohsen said with a look of remorse. “It was the individual act of certain radical elements within our military and does not represent the government’s position.”

Silvermoon noticed that the Prime Minister's expression was very sincere, not like he was acting: "Prime Minister, were you aware of the attack beforehand?"

“We had absolutely no idea,” Mosen shook his head. “We only learned about it afterward. General Raymond has been dismissed and is under investigation for issuing the attack order without authorization. This is a serious breach of diplomatic protocol.”

“The response was timely,” Rowan said understandingly. “We believe this does not represent your government’s true intentions.”

“Absolutely not,” Mosen emphasized. “We crave peace more than anyone else. Our people have lived under the shadow of war for far too long, and everyone wants to live in peace, develop the economy, and allow their children to grow up in a peaceful environment.”

The people present nodded in agreement upon hearing this. Rowan noticed that their expressions were genuine, not like they were being organized to perform.

“Mr. Prime Minister, we would like to know your true views on the current conflict,” Silvermoon cut straight to the point, “and your specific ideas on a peaceful resolution.”

“Of course, of course, we have already arranged a detailed briefing,” Mosen said enthusiastically. “But first, please allow us to arrange accommodation and rest for the two mediators. The long journey must have been tiring.”

“We are grateful, but we are even more eager to understand the situation as soon as possible,” Rowan said. “Time is precious for peace.”

Mosen expressed his admiration for this dedication: "Then let's go to the government building now, and I will personally report the situation to you."

The group traveled to downtown Steel City in a government vehicle. The sights along the way left a deep impression on Rowan and Silvermoon. Unlike the marine-style architecture of Planet Tana I, the city's buildings reflected the characteristics of industrial civilization. Towering steel structures, wide streets, and factories and research centers everywhere displayed the pragmatic nature of this civilization.

“Our civilization’s development philosophy differs from that of Planet Tana 1,” Mosen explained in the vehicle. “They focus on trade and ocean development, while we concentrate more on industrial technology and scientific innovation.”

“These differences should have been complementary strengths,” Silvermoon observed the scene on both sides of the street, “so why did they turn into conflict?”

“It’s a long story,” Morsen sighed. “Actually, for a long time, our two planets had a very good relationship. We provided industrial products and technology, and they provided marine resources and trade routes. This cooperation was beneficial to both sides.”

“What changed this relationship?” Rowan asked.

“About ten years ago, the political climate on Tana I shifted,” Mosen recalled. “Some politicians began to promote the ‘Tana I superiority theory,’ claiming that our industrial civilization was a destruction of the environment and a symbol of ‘savagery.’”

Outside the car window, you can see many green belts and environmental protection facilities, which shows that Planet Tana 2 is also very dedicated to environmental protection.

“We’ve been working hard to balance industrial development and environmental protection,” Mosen said, pointing to the green space outside the window. “Our environmental metrics are actually no worse than those of Tana I. But their media and politicians always distort the facts, portraying us as environmental destroyers.”

The government building is a magnificent structure with a modern design that combines the power of industrial civilization with aesthetics and a human touch. In the building's conference room, Prime Minister Mohsen arranged a detailed briefing.

“First, I want to clarify a misconception,” Mosen said bluntly. “The outside world always thinks we are warlike and like to conquer. This is completely untrue.”

He pulled up a series of data and charts: "This is our military spending statistics for the past decade. You can see that our military spending as a percentage of GDP has been declining, reaching only 2.1% last year, far below the global average."

Silvermoon carefully examined the data: "This certainly doesn't seem like the behavior of a belligerent nation."

“Our national policy has always been peaceful development,” Mohsen continued, “We hope to improve people’s living standards through technological innovation and industrial development, not through war and conquest.”

"So what is your position on this asteroid conflict?" Rowan inquired.

Mosen's expression turned somewhat helpless: "We never intended to monopolize that asteroid. As soon as we discovered its value, we immediately proposed joint development with Tana I."

"Joint development?" Yin Yue pretended to be unaware.

“Yes, we proposed distributing the profits according to each party’s technological contribution and investment ratio,” Mosen explained in detail. “We have advanced mining technology, and they have a convenient transportation network; cooperative development is beneficial to both parties.”

Rowan asked, "Then why did it eventually escalate into a military conflict?" "Because Tana I rejected our offer. They claimed that according to an ancient agreement, the asteroid belonged entirely to them," Mosen said with a wry smile. "But the terms of that agreement were vague, and this situation wasn't taken into account at all when it was drafted."

"Then what?"

“We attempted to resolve the dispute through diplomatic channels, sending delegations to Planet Tana I multiple times for negotiations,” Mosen said, pulling out a stack of documents. “These are our proposed peace talks, three in total, each representing significant concessions.”

Rowan took the document and pretended to read it carefully, even though he had already seen it last night.

“Your proposal is indeed very sincere,” Rowan commented. “What is the response from Planet Natana I?”

“They refused every time, and their counter-conditions became increasingly harsh,” Mosen said helplessly. “The last time, they even demanded that we disband half of our army, which was a complete humiliation of our sovereignty.”

"How did the military conflict begin?" Silvermoon asked.

“We maintained minimal surveillance of the asteroid while awaiting the outcome of the negotiations,” Mosen explained. “But then Tana I suddenly dispatched a large fleet, forcibly expelled our patrol ships, and sank two transport ships.”

“This is different from what we know,” Silvermoon said deliberately. “Planet Tana I claims you attacked first.”

“That’s the problem,” Mosen said excitedly. “They always distort the facts. Our patrol boats are armed with light weapons and pose no threat to their warships whatsoever. And we have complete video footage proving they fired first.”

“Can we see these records?” Rowan asked.

“Of course,” Mosen immediately arranged for technicians to play the video recording from that time.

The video clearly shows that the patrol ships from Tana II were indeed only monitoring from a distance and did not engage in any provocative actions. Meanwhile, the fleet from Tana I suddenly appeared and launched an attack without any warning.

“These videos can prove our innocence,” Mosen said, “but Tana I refuses to acknowledge this evidence, claiming it is fabricated.”

The talks lasted two hours, during which Prime Minister Mohsen detailed the position and demands of Tana II. Compared to the accounts given by officials from Tana I, the statements here were clearly more credible and more consistent with the facts Rowan discovered the previous night.

“Mr. Prime Minister, we would like to learn about your planet’s development plans,” Silvermoon raised a new topic, “especially in terms of technological innovation.”

“This is precisely what we’re most proud of,” Morsen said, his face beaming with excitement. “We’re building the most advanced technology park in the galaxy, aiming to become the galaxy’s technological hub.”

"A science and technology park?" Rowan asked with interest.

“Yes, we have invested a huge amount of money in building this high-tech industrial park,” Mosen proudly introduced. “It is home to our best scientists and engineers, who specialize in researching various cutting-edge technologies.”

"May we have a tour?" Silvermoon requested. "We are very interested in the technological development of various civilizations."

“Of course, that’s exactly what I wanted to show you,” Morsen said enthusiastically. “I hope you can see our true nature. We are not warlike conquerors; we are a peace-loving civilization that strives for progress.”

In the afternoon, Prime Minister Mohsen personally accompanied Rowan and Silver Moon on a tour of the Steel City Science and Technology Park. This is a vast, modern park containing various research institutions, laboratories, and high-tech enterprises.

“This is our new energy research center,” Mosen explained, pointing to a magnificent building. “We are researching cleaner and more efficient energy technologies, hoping to reduce our dependence on traditional energy sources.”

The park has a very beautiful environment, with shady trees and clear lake water, which is completely unlike the traditional impression of an industrial area.

“This is the Biotechnology Research Institute,” Mosen continued. “Here we study how to use biotechnology to improve agricultural production and healthcare.”

"This is the materials science lab, where we are developing new materials that are lighter, stronger, and more environmentally friendly."

"This is an artificial intelligence research center. We hope to develop intelligent systems that will help people live better lives."

At each stop, Mosen would provide a detailed explanation of the research content and objectives. Rowan and Silver Moon could tell that these studies were aimed at improving people's livelihoods and promoting peaceful development, and had no military purpose whatsoever.

“Our philosophy is simple,” Mosen said during the visit, “technology should serve human well-being, not war. We hope to solve various problems facing humanity through technological innovation, such as energy shortages, environmental pollution, and disease.”

In a showroom, Rowan saw many impressive inventions:

Pollution-free hovercraft, building materials that can purify the air, medical devices that can cure a variety of diseases, and biotechnology that can significantly increase crop yields, etc.

“If these technologies could be rolled out across the entire galaxy, they would greatly improve the quality of life for everyone,” Silvermoon exclaimed.

“This is precisely our wish,” Mosen said. “We hope to share these technologies with all friendly civilizations, including Tana I. Our goal is not domination, but mutual development.”

"Why not just share these technologies with Planet Tana I?" Rowan asked.

“We tried,” Mosen said with a wry smile, “but they thought we were engaging in ‘technological infiltration’ and rejected our cooperation proposals. Their politicians claimed we wanted to control them through technology.”

“That’s really a shame,” Silvermoon sighed.

At the last stop in the science park, Mo Sen led them to a special exhibition hall that showcased various cases of "peaceful use of technology".

(End of this chapter)