Zerg: I ​​was picked up by the cold and beautiful Major General at the start of the game.

He stood there, enduring the uncomfortable performance of the male insect before him, ultimately because of his fear of death.

He had seen too many comrades-in-arms on the edge of the galaxy, who were full of energy one second and turned into cosmic dust the next under the claws of alien beasts or the bombardment of energy weapons.

He knew all too well the fragility of life, which is why he cherished it so much, even at the cost of getting caught up in the power struggle, just to have a chance to survive.

but……

His gaze swept over Carlos's profile, which was bearing a fake smile.

...Is a life without freedom and dignity still worth cherishing?

Like the female servant in the document who died "accidentally," living is like a bird with broken wings, trapped in a magnificent cage, slowly having all pride and backbone tormented away. What difference is there between such a life and death? It is even more tragic than dying a quick death on the battlefield.

----------

Lin Luo's Study

Lin Luo sat alone at his desk, his fingertips tapping unconsciously. He needed some space to calm down; otherwise, the urge to get closer to Ailand would always surface uncontrollably when he was around.

He took a deep breath and connected with Hawke.

Hawke's respectful face immediately appeared on the screen.

"Good day, Your Excellency."

Lin Luo nodded and got straight to the point: "Hawk, you should have already seen the official statement. There are indeed signs that Ailand's mental state is improving."

Hawke's face immediately lit up with barely suppressed excitement, and his voice rose slightly:

"Yes, Your Excellency! We all saw it! This...this is truly wonderful news! We owe it all to you! You brought a miracle to the Major General!"

Lin Luo waved his hand:

"No need to thank me. Although there has been some improvement, the extent of recovery and how long it will take to fully wake up are still unknown."

He abruptly changed the subject and asked the question he was most concerned about:

"I'd like to know, given that Ayland's condition has improved somewhat, is it possible for the military to... apply for an extension of Ayland's position retention period?"

Hawke shook his head upon hearing this:

"Your Excellency, the military's regulations... are very strict, especially regarding the retention of positions for senior officers; there are almost no precedents for extensions."

"Unless a marshal-level commander provides a guarantee based on a major strategic need, but such a guarantee would involve extremely high risks for the insect..."

Looking at Hawke's expression, Lin Luo already knew the answer.

He paused for a moment, then continued, "I understand. So, who are the candidates vying for this position? What stage is the competition at?"

Hawke gathered his thoughts and said:

"Currently, there are three possibilities: First, Akto, who received personal instruction from the Rear Admiral and has a certain foundation within the Seventh Fleet;"

"Second is Ross, a combat-experienced officer transferred back from the outer star systems; third is... Terman, the commander of the Second Fleet."

He paused, then added, "However, the military high command, especially Field Marshal Arnold, doesn't seem to have made a final decision yet. The Field Marshal's meaning is..."

"Hopefully we can hold out until the very last moment, and if the major general really can't wake up, then we'll announce the final choice."

As Lin Luo listened, he knew that this was just the last bit of time the Marshal could buy for Ailand within the rules, and countless insects were eyeing this "fat piece of meat".

"I understand." Lin Luo pondered for a moment, then asked, "Within the Seventh Fleet, whose side are they currently more inclined to support?"

Hawke paused for a moment, but still answered truthfully, "Judging from personal relationships and familiarity... most of the brothers favor Akto. After all, he served in the fleet, and everyone knows him better, so..."

"But! Your Excellency, please believe me, what all of us insects desire most is for the Rear Admiral to awaken! No insect can replace the Rear Admiral in the Seventh Fleet! Not even Akto!"

Hearing this, Lin Luo smiled and said, "Alright, Ailand will know. I thank you on Ailand's behalf."

"You flatter me, this is what we should do."

"Okay, you go ahead and do your thing, I'll hang up now."

"Yes, sir."

The communication ended, and the study returned to silence. Lin Luo leaned back in his chair, processing the information he had just received.