When Rowan returned to the hotel, Silvermoon was already waiting in the room. Judging by her expression, she had gathered some valuable information as well.
"How did things go on your end?" Rowan asked.
"Very productive, but also deeply concerning," Silvermoon replied as she sat down on the sofa. "I heard a lot of interesting things at the marketplace."
"For example?"
"For one thing, the ordinary citizens' true attitude toward this war," Silvermoon said thoughtfully. "On the surface, everyone supports the government's policies. But privately, almost everyone wants a peaceful resolution."
"I found something similar," Rowan said, sharing what he had overheard in the tavern. "And I also learned that Planet Tana II really did initiate peace negotiations."
"That completely contradicts what the government told us yesterday," Silvermoon frowned. "They clearly claimed that Planet Tana II had rejected all peace talks."
"It seems both governments have been lying to their own people," Rowan analyzed. "The truth behind this conflict is far more complicated than we imagined."
"So what do we do next?" Silvermoon asked. "The government-sponsored tour starts soon."
"We follow the schedule as planned, but stay alert," Rowan decided. "At the same time, we need to find a way to obtain more reliable information. Tonight, we may have to conduct some unofficial investigations."
"You mean infiltrating government facilities?" Silvermoon immediately understood.
"If necessary," Rowan nodded. "We need to see the original peace proposals and understand what really happened during the negotiations."
At that moment, someone knocked on the door.
"Mediators, we're here to escort you to today's official tour," a government staff member called from outside.
"Coming," Rowan answered. Then he turned to Silvermoon. "Remember, we have to act as though we completely believe their story. We can't let them notice our suspicions."
"Understood," Silvermoon replied with a nod. "We'll finalize our plan tonight."
The morning's official tour proceeded exactly as scheduled. Minister Carlisle personally accompanied Rowan and Silvermoon through military installations and economic development zones. Throughout the visit, Rowan behaved as though he fully accepted Planet Tana I's version of events, occasionally nodding in agreement. The performance left an excellent impression on the government officials.
"Mediator Rowan, your professionalism is truly impressive," the military general praised during their visit to a military base. "Your understanding of defense strategy far exceeds that of ordinary diplomats."
"Thank you," Rowan replied modestly. "All mediators in the Galactic Peace Organization receive comprehensive training. Only by understanding every aspect of a conflict can we make fair judgments."
Standing beside him, Silvermoon skillfully expressed sympathy for Planet Tana I.
"Seeing the sacrifices you've made to defend your legitimate rights is deeply moving," she said. "Planet Tana II's actions truly have gone too far."
The officials were clearly pleased by her statement. Carlisle smiled with obvious satisfaction.
During the tour, Rowan carefully demonstrated a strong interest in government operations, occasionally asking questions about administration.
"Minister Carlisle," Rowan asked casually while touring the government complex, "where do you normally store important diplomatic documents? Our organization has been studying ways to improve archival management."
"Oh, we have a dedicated archive center," Carlisle replied proudly. "It's located on the third underground level of this building. All important diplomatic, military, and economic records are stored there. Security is extremely strict."
"That's very impressive," Rowan said with genuine interest. "Would it be possible to visit it? Our organization is considering building a similar system."
Carlisle hesitated.
"Well, it does contain confidential materials. Normally, it's not open to outsiders..."
"I completely understand the importance of confidentiality," Rowan replied sincerely. "If it's inconvenient, that's perfectly fine. I'm simply interested in your advanced management system."
"It's not entirely impossible," Carlisle said after some thought. "After all, you're here to help us, and trust between us is important."
The general nodded in agreement.
"The minister is right. Mediators need access to comprehensive information in order to make fair judgments."
"That would be wonderful," Rowan said gratefully. "Though I hope this doesn't create any inconvenience for you."
"Not at all. I'll arrange for an archivist to guide you tomorrow," Carlisle agreed. "Of course, some of the highest-level classified areas will remain off-limits."
"That's completely understandable," Rowan replied. "I'm mainly interested in the organizational system and document management process."
Silvermoon added at just the right moment, "Our work requires us to examine large numbers of historical records and diplomatic archives. Learning from your methods would be very beneficial."
After the tour, Carlisle arranged a formal luncheon. Throughout the meal, the government officials repeatedly praised Rowan and Silvermoon for their professionalism, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere.
"Mediator Rowan, you've gained a deep understanding of our situation," the Minister of Economy said during a toast. "With your help, I'm certain Planet Tana II will eventually recognize its mistakes."
"We will do our utmost to achieve a peaceful resolution," Rowan replied, raising his glass. "However, that requires sincerity from both sides."
"Our sincerity is beyond question," Carlisle emphasized. "The real issue is whether Planet Tana II is willing to admit its wrongdoing and provide compensation."
Halfway through the luncheon, Carlisle suddenly received an urgent call. His expression immediately became serious, and he quickly stepped away.
"What happened?" the general asked with concern.
When Carlisle returned, his face was grim.
"Planet Tana II has sent another envoy. They want to begin a new round of negotiations."
"Again?" the Minister of Economy scoffed. "They always do this. Whenever we're preparing to retaliate, they suddenly pretend they want peace."
"Is there anything different this time?" Silvermoon asked.
"They claim they're willing to make major concessions, including sharing mining rights to the asteroid," Carlisle said with a bitter smile. "But we've seen this trick too many times."
Rowan immediately seized the opportunity.
"If they've taken the initiative to negotiate, shouldn't we at least hear their proposal?"
"Because they're never sincere," the general snapped angrily. "Every negotiation is merely a delay tactic while they prepare an even larger conspiracy."
"But," Rowan suggested carefully, "if we refuse even to listen, wouldn't that be inappropriate? After all, we're supposed to be seeking peace."
Carlisle considered this for a moment.
"You have a point. But we can't trust them so easily."
"I have a suggestion," Rowan said. "Since the Galactic Peace Organization is a neutral third party, perhaps we could meet with Planet Tana II's envoys first and determine their true intentions."
The suggestion immediately caught everyone's attention.
"That's an excellent idea," the Minister of Economy agreed. "A neutral party can assess them without creating direct political risks."
"And if they're truly sincere, your evaluation will help us judge the situation more accurately," the general added.
Carlisle nodded.
"Very well. But I hope you'll carefully determine their real motives."
"That is precisely our responsibility," Rowan replied seriously. "We will objectively evaluate their proposal and report our findings."
"Excellent. I'll make the arrangements immediately," Carlisle said, already taking action. "Their envoys will arrive tonight. You can meet them tomorrow."
After the luncheon, Rowan and Silvermoon returned to the hotel.
The day's results had exceeded all expectations. Not only had they gained the government's complete trust, but they had also secured access to the archives and even an opportunity to meet directly with Planet Tana II's representatives.
"Your performance was flawless," Silvermoon said admiringly. "They completely consider us allies now."
"The key is making them believe we're on their side," Rowan explained. "Only then will they lower their guard and allow us access to critical information."
"The archive room is especially important," Silvermoon reminded him. "We have to find a way to read the original peace proposals."
"Tomorrow's visit will definitely be supervised. We won't be allowed to examine anything freely," Rowan said thoughtfully. "We'll have to act tonight."
"Tonight?" Silvermoon asked with some concern. "The security there must be extremely tight."
"Ordinary security systems aren't a problem for us," Rowan replied confidently. "The important thing is leaving no trace whatsoever."
"Do you have a plan?"
"Based on today's observations, the government building relies mainly on electronic security systems and human patrols," Rowan recalled. "The archives on the third underground level are undoubtedly heavily protected, but not beyond our capabilities."
"So when do we move?"
"Two o'clock in the morning," Rowan decided. "That's when patrol shifts change and security is weakest. We'll enter through the ventilation system and avoid all surveillance cameras."
Silvermoon nodded.
"I'll handle the electronic security systems. You deal with the physical obstacles."
"One more thing," Rowan added. "We only look at documents related to the peace negotiations. We don't touch any other classified material. If we're discovered, we can claim we were simply trying to better understand the conflict's historical background."
"Understood," Silvermoon agreed. "Our objective is clear: uncover the truth."
That evening, the two rested early in preparation for their operation.
At one-thirty in the morning, they quietly left the hotel and headed toward the government complex.
At night, the government building appeared even more imposing. Under the moonlight, the massive structure cast long shadows across the surrounding streets. Security was indeed tight, with surveillance cameras placed at regular intervals and guards conducting constant patrols.
"We'll enter there," Rowan whispered, pointing toward a ventilation shaft on the side of the building. "That location happens to be outside the cameras' line of sight."
Using the agility of powerful warriors, they effortlessly avoided every patrol and surveillance system before reaching the vent. Rowan easily removed the grate, and the two slipped inside.
The ventilation ducts were wide enough for a person to crawl through. Using the building layout he had memorized during the day, Rowan accurately found the path leading to the third underground level.
"The archives are just ahead," Silvermoon whispered through their private communicator. "I'm detecting an extremely powerful electronic signal."
"Be careful," Rowan warned. "There may be infrared sensors."
Sure enough, when they approached the archive entrance, they discovered a sophisticated security network, including infrared detectors, pressure sensors, and sound-detection systems.
"Leave it to me."
Silvermoon demonstrated her specialty. Using precise telekinetic control, she disabled each electronic device one by one.
A few minutes later, every security system had been temporarily neutralized without leaving any trace of tampering.
"It's done. We have twenty minutes," she said.
The two quietly entered the archives.
Just as Carlisle had claimed, the room contained a vast collection of important documents. Everything was organized by category and date, with diplomatic records occupying an entire wall of filing cabinets.
"Look for diplomatic correspondence from the last three months," Rowan said as he began searching. "There should be peace proposals from Planet Tana II."
Silvermoon searched another section.
"There's an entire category labeled 'Planet Tana II.' This looks promising."
Sure enough, they quickly found numerous documents related to the conflict. The most striking among them were several files marked "Peace Proposal."
"Found one," Rowan said as he opened the first file. "This was submitted by Planet Tana II two months ago."
"This proposal is incredibly reasonable," Silvermoon said in surprise. "They practically accepted every condition that disadvantaged them."
"Let's see Planet Tana I's response."
Rowan turned to the next page.
"This isn't a negotiation," Silvermoon said angrily. "These are surrender terms. No nation with any dignity could accept them."
"Let's look at the next proposal."
The second proposal had been submitted one month earlier. In it, Planet Tana II had made even greater concessions.
Yet Planet Tana I's response remained a rejection, citing "Planet Tana II's lack of sincere remorse."
"The third one is even worse," Silvermoon said as she opened the latest file. "They're practically begging for peace."
Even under such humiliating conditions, Planet Tana I had still refused, arguing that "Planet Tana II must demonstrate genuine action rather than offer empty promises."
After reading all the documents, Rowan felt a surge of anger.
"This is outrageous," he said quietly. "Planet Tana I never intended to negotiate. What they want is complete conquest."
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