81: The negotiating table of the people behind the scenes

Emerald Principality, Mandala.

Nova United States Secretary of State Williams’ special plane landed at Mandalay International Airport under the cover of night. Through the porthole, he could see the squad of Titan Industries security personnel in black uniforms on the tarmac. They stood as straight as javelins, and the optical lenses under their face masks glowed faintly blue in the night.

"Mr. Secretary of State, welcome to Mandala." Titan Industries Executive Ains greeted him with a smile. His suit was impeccably tailored, and a small Titan Industries emblem was pinned to his tie. "It must have been tiring to fly so late at night."

Williams shook the dry, warm hand: "For world peace, this little hardship is nothing."

The bulletproof car carrying the two silently drove into the night.

"The purpose of the Secretary of State's visit?" Ains got straight to the point.

Williams took out a stack of photos from his briefcase, clearly showing the North Steel People special forces disguised as Titan Industries mercenaries, and their exposed mechanical limbs.

"The North Steel People stole your technology." Williams looked directly into Ains' eyes. "They used these technologies to arm the Golden Buddha Federation rebels, causing thousands of civilian casualties."

Ains took the photos, his expression unwavering: "This reasoning is very appealing, but Titan Industries has never sold any military technology to North Steel."

"We are not accusing." Williams slowed his speech. "We just want to understand, through what channels might the North Steel People have obtained these technologies? Uranium trade? Oil pipelines? Or... the Siam Strait?"

The atmosphere in the car suddenly became tense.

Ains suddenly laughed: "Haha, Mr. Secretary of State is truly direct. How about we discuss this in more detail in the conference room?"

Titan Industries Headquarters, top floor conference room.

A holographic projector displayed a map of the southern Golden Buddha Federation in the center of the conference table. Ains waved his hand lightly, and the image switched to a 3D model of the Siam Strait.

"Titan Industries' goal for the Golden Buddha Federation is simple." His finger traced the virtual canal route. "It can save global shipping 40 billion eagle dollars in costs annually, while shortening the Indian Ocean route by 15%."

Williams narrowed his eyes: "So what's the North Steel People's asking price?"

The projection screen suddenly switched, displaying an encrypted transaction record. Although key information was blurred, Williams could still discern the words 'bionic organs'.

"Three months ago, North Steel purchased a batch of production equipment for nano-medical robots from Titan Industries through a third-party company in their country." Ains said lightly. "We didn't know the purpose at the time."

"You should also be aware that it was only production equipment. Titan Industries does not care about their purpose, nor does it care if they reverse engineer it, if they are capable of doing so." Ains' tone remained calm, only looking meaningfully at Williams when he mentioned 'reverse engineering' and 'they'.

"But obviously, our North Steel friends seem to have had some unexpected gains with the maintenance fluid for bionic organs – 'nerve stabilizing fluid' – and have also thought of new manufacturing methods."

Williams' fingers tightened slightly under the table. Ains' seemingly frank explanation actually contained hidden barbs. It both absolved Titan Industries of direct responsibility and hinted at the source of North Steel's technology.

"We need the complete data for these technologies." Williams was direct. "In exchange, the Nova United States can tacitly allow Titan Industries'… special operational authority in the Southern Four Provinces."

Ains leaned slightly forward, his hands clasped on the table. The smart glass in the conference room instantly fogged up, completely isolating the inside from the outside.

"Sounds good." His voice dropped an octave. "But Titan Industries needs more. For example, exclusive development rights for the Siam Strait."

Williams' face instantly darkened: "That's impossible. The canal will change the entire geopolitical landscape of the Emerald Ocean."

"Then there's nothing more to discuss." Ains made to stand up. "I wish you good luck dealing with North Steel's bionic warriors."

Just at this tense moment, Williams' private communicator suddenly vibrated. He frowned, checked it, and his expression suddenly became serious.

"Just received news." Williams put down his communicator, a hint of unnaturalness in his voice. "The Eastern Federation Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned our ambassador to the Eastern Federation."

Ains' lips curved upward almost imperceptibly: "Oh?"

"They threatened to push for a peacekeeping force to be stationed in the Golden Buddha Federation at the Ten Thousand Nations Roundtable." Williams stared into Ains' eyes. "This timing is too coincidental."

"This has nothing to do with us; Titan Industries is merely a commercial group. Moreover, the Eastern Federation's 'Azure Phoenix Medical' has indeed taken a lot of our market." Ains tapped the table lightly, and the projection switched to a voting prediction map for the Ten Thousand Nations Roundtable Council. "It seems the canal's appeal is truly extraordinary; some people are more anxious than us."

Imperial Capital, Nova United States Embassy.

Ambassador Carlson's forehead was covered in fine beads of sweat. In the Eastern Federation Ministry of Foreign Affairs conference room, Deputy Minister Zhang Mingyuan's voice was as sharp as an ice blade:

"The situation in the Golden Buddha Federation has threatened regional stability. If the Nova United States cannot control the situation within a week..." He deliberately paused, pushing over a document titled "Special Contingency Plan for Ten Thousand Nations Roundtable Peacekeeping Operations." "Our country will have no choice but to consider other options."

Carlson noticed the signature of the North Steel Foreign Minister prominently listed at the joint signatory section on the last page of the document.

"Mr. Deputy Minister," Carlson tried to maintain his composure, "the Nova United States is fully assisting the Golden Buddha Confederation Government in restoring order. But North Steel's intervention..."

"We have received very interesting intelligence," Zhang Mingyuan interrupted him, his gaze sharp behind his glasses. "North Steel seems to possess some bionic organ technology, and this technology seems to have been stolen from a multinational enterprise." He paused meaningfully. "If this situation is confirmed, I'm afraid your country's position in the Emerald Ocean will become even more awkward."

The temperature in the conference room seemed to drop ten degrees. Carlson understood that this was a naked threat.

The Eastern Federation was implying that they had evidence of the Titan Industries-North Steel transaction, and North Steel would inevitably hand over the Siam Strait to the Eastern Federation in exchange for the Eastern Federation's stance on the 'technology theft' issue.

After all, in the eyes of the international community, the Eastern Federation's relationship with Titan Industries regarding nano-medical robots was by no means as harmonious as publicly portrayed. And North Steel's theft of secrets was a very good gift to mend relations.

Mandala, Titan Industries Headquarters.

After receiving Carlson's urgent report, Williams' face was clouded with uncertainty.

"We have reconsidered your terms." The Secretary of State finally spoke. "The canal can be discussed, but it must be operated internationally and not monopolized by a single enterprise."

Ains showed a triumphant smile: "51% equity, priority operating rights, a thirty-year concession period."

"That's impossible!" Williams slammed his hand on the table.

"Then please return." Ains calmly sorted his documents. "But let me remind you, I believe the Eastern Federation's peacekeeping proposal will be submitted to the Security Council within forty-eight hours at the earliest."

"A unanimous resolution from two global powers in a neighboring region... even your veto would only have verbal value."

The conference room fell silent. The numbers on the holographic clock on the wall kept ticking, each second like a heavy hammer striking Williams' heart.

Finally, the Secretary of State's shoulders slumped slightly: "I need to consult the President."

"Of course." Ains leaned back in his chair, elegantly raising his left hand, pointing to the lounge.

Washington, Roman Palace War Room.

The President remained silent for a long time after hearing the report.

"Agree to their terms," he finally ordered, "but add a secret clause: Titan must ensure the North Steel People withdraw from the Southern Golden Buddha Federation, which is also in their interest."

"What about the Eastern Federation? They would never miss an opportunity to control this canal, would they?" Williams questioned.

"I don't think Titan is completely unconcerned about the Eastern Federation's imitation. With some preferential policies, I imagine Titan would be happy to remain silent."

Williams, having ended the video call, returned to the conference room and sat back opposite Ains: "The President has agreed. Over half of the shares are impossible, but other terms can be negotiated."

Ains smiled and nodded: "My boss has authorized me to handle everything." He pressed a hidden button on the table, and a company staff member placed a metal box in front of Williams. "This is the complete analysis report of North Steel's bionic technology, and..."

He took out a silver USB drive: "The original formula for the neural stabilizing fluid."

Williams took the chip, his fingers trembling slightly. This was not only key to ending the chaos in the Golden Buddha Federation but also new technical data almost equivalent to a nanomedical center.

"Pleasure doing business, Mr. Secretary of State," Ains said, rising to see him off. "Oh, and please give my regards to Ambassador Carlson."

The next day, New Village, Ten Thousand Nations Roundtable Headquarters.

Johnson, the Nova United States Ambassador to the United Nations, slammed the "Golden Buddha Federation Situation Mediation Plan" onto the circular conference table of the Council.

"Gentlemen, this is the only viable solution to the Golden Buddha Federation crisis," Johnson's voice echoed through the hall, "including the development of the Siam Strait under the supervision of the Ten Thousand Nations Roundtable, achieving regional stability and economic win-win."

Petrov, the North Steel Ambassador, opened the temporary document he had received only minutes before the meeting. When he turned to the share distribution clause, his brows furrowed: "This share distribution plan... seems a bit imbalanced."

Zhou Zhengyang, the Eastern Federation representative, unhurriedly put on his glasses: "As the region's largest trading nation, the Eastern Federation should have a reasonable say in the Canal Management Committee." His long fingers lightly traced the key clauses on the document. "I propose a readjustment of the share structure."

Ambassador William of the Fog City Islands immediately interjected: "We support market-oriented operation principles, but freedom of navigation and international rules must be ensured."

Claire, the Champs Elysees Federation representative, cleared her throat: "The European Union is concerned with environmental assessment and human rights guarantees."

The atmosphere in the conference hall suddenly tensed. Johnson noticed Zhou Zhengyang tapping his fingertips rhythmically on the table, a pre-arranged signal.

"Gentlemen," Johnson suddenly changed his tone, "the Nova United States is willing to reconsider the share distribution, but on the condition that all parties must jointly ensure an immediate ceasefire in the Southern Golden Buddha Federation."

Zhou Zhengyang interjected at the opportune moment: "I propose the establishment of a special committee, with the joint participation of the Ten Thousand Nations Roundtable Council, representatives of the Emerald Ring Alliance, and the Golden Buddha Confederation Government." He pushed over an amendment: "The specific share distribution could be as follows: New Union and Eastern Federation each 20%, North Steel 15%, Europa collectively 10%, Titan 20%, Golden Buddha Confederation Government 5%, with the remaining 10% supervised by representatives of the Emerald Ring Alliance."

The representative of the Ganges Republic suddenly raised his hand: "I notice that Titan, as a commercial entity, has received a share equivalent to or even higher than sovereign states. Is this reasonable?"

The representative of the Rainwood Jungle Nation echoed: "Indeed, this sets a dangerous precedent."

Just then, Petrov, the North Steel Ambassador, unexpectedly spoke: "Considering the medical technology provided by Titan has saved millions of lives, I believe this distribution is reasonable." He looked meaningfully at the representatives of the other permanent member states. "After all, we have all benefited greatly from Titan's technology."

Johnson noticed that when Petrov said this, he touched his left arm with his right hand.

The representatives of several major powers present understood that this was a reminder of the technology they had obtained from Titan. Apart from them, other countries had received almost nothing beyond commodities.

Especially the Ganges Republic; it was said that Titan's people didn't even let him in the door.

"The Fog City Islands support this distribution plan," Ambassador William suddenly declared. "Titan's technological contribution is worthy of affirmation."

"The Champs Elysees Federation also supports it," Ambassador Claire added. "In the fields of counter-terrorism and humanitarian aid, Titan's technology is irreplaceable."

Zhou Zhengyang's lips curved into a slight smile: "Then, the Eastern Federation also agrees to this distribution plan."

Johnson secretly breathed a sigh of relief. The joint endorsement of the five permanent members was enough to quell the doubts of other countries.

During the recess, Johnson and Zhou Zhengyang "accidentally met" in the corridor outside the restroom.

"20%?" Johnson whispered, "This is not what we agreed upon."

Zhou Zhengyang turned on the faucet, the sound of running water covering their conversation: "North Steel must get a sufficient share, otherwise, with their greedy nature, they will veto the entire plan, even if they are the retreating party in this incident." He turned off the faucet. "Moreover, the special tranquilizer has already arrived in Golden Summit Holy City and will incapacitate all Serum Warriors in 48 hours."

Johnson's pupils constricted. So the Eastern Federation had already reached an agreement with Titan.

"Don't look at me like that. Titan is, after all, a commercial entity. As long as your price is sincere enough, they are very reasonable."

Only then did Johnson realize that the Eastern Federation had likely already negotiated an exchange of interests with Titan. The Eastern Federation would help Titan secure equity, and Titan would, in turn, provide convenience for the Eastern Federation in the construction and operation of the Siam Strait. At the very least, it would not help the Nova United States against the Eastern Federation in the Siam Strait.

"A clever scheme! Even the Gemini Islands might get a piece of the pie," Johnson said bluntly. "Everyone will agree, except for Libra Free Port and the Golden Buddha Confederation Government."

"You're too kind. We always prefer win-win and multi-win situations," Zhou Zhengyang adjusted his tie. "At the canal's groundbreaking ceremony, the Eastern Federation's flag will hang alongside that of the Nova United States."

When the Security Council reconvened, the revised plan was unanimously approved. On the projection screen, the new share structure was clearly displayed:

Eastern Federation: 20%

Nova United States: 20%

North Steel: 15%

Fog City Islands: 3%

Champs Elysees Federation: 7%

Titan Industries: 20%

Golden Buddha Confederation Government: 10%

ASEAN: 5% (jointly supervised by all member countries)

After signing, Petrov said meaningfully to Johnson: "I hope the Nova United States remembers today's 'generosity.'"

Johnson returned a formal smile: "Pleasure working with you, Mr. Ambassador."

Meanwhile, at a military airport on the outskirts of Golden Summit Holy City, the first batch of transport planes loaded with special tranquilizers was being unloaded. These inhibitors, secretly developed by Titan, could quickly neutralize the active components in the Serum Warriors, restoring them to normal.

"Testing complete, ready for deployment," the technical personnel reported to the Commander of the Thai army.

The Commander looked at his watch: "Wait until the canal agreement is officially signed before acting. Politics is always more complex than war."

In the distance, the setting sun dyed the skyline of Golden Summit Holy City crimson. This crisis, which had strained the nerves of many parties, seemed to be drawing to a close. But everyone knew that under the influence of the Siam Strait project, the undercurrents were only just beginning to stir.