"Tana II Air Traffic Control Center, this is the diplomatic delegation of the Galactic Peace Organization," Marcus transmitted to the planet's control center. "We request permission to land in the capital."
"A diplomatic delegation?" The response sounded genuinely surprised. "We have received no prior notification. Please wait while we verify your identity."
Several minutes later, the control center contacted them again.
"Diplomatic delegation, your landing request has been approved. Please proceed to the International Airport in Steel City, the capital. Our representatives will be there to receive you."
"It seems the planetary government truly knew nothing about the military's actions," Silver Moon analyzed quietly. "That only strengthens our conclusion."
The transport ship began its descent toward Steel City.
Through the viewport, Rowan immediately noticed how different this world was from Tana I. The city's architecture was built primarily from steel and stone, grand and imposing in design, reflecting a civilization that admired strength and resilience.
"We are preparing to land," Marcus announced. "Let's hope the talks ahead proceed smoothly."
"They will," Rowan replied confidently. "The truth will eventually come to light, and peace will eventually prevail."
The transport ship touched down slowly at Steel City's international airport.
The moment they landed, Rowan and Silver Moon saw that a large crowd had already gathered outside. Unlike the formal and carefully orchestrated welcome ceremony on Tana I, this reception felt far warmer and more genuine.
Many ordinary citizens had come voluntarily, holding signs that read:
WELCOME, MESSENGERS OF PEACE
"Welcome to Tana II!"
A broad-shouldered middle-aged man with a determined expression strode toward the ship. He wore a simple formal suit without excessive decoration, yet every movement conveyed the natural authority of a leader.
"I am Derek Morson, Prime Minister of Tana II," he said, extending his hand. "Thank you to the Galactic Peace Organization for sending mediators to our world. Your arrival brings us hope for peace."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Prime Minister," Rowan replied, shaking his hand. "I'm mediator Rowan, and this is my partner, Silver Moon. We hope to contribute to peace between your two worlds."
Regarding the attack you suffered on your journey here, please accept my sincerest apologies on behalf of our government," Prime Minister Morson said, his face filled with genuine regret. "Those responsible were extremists within our military. Their actions do not represent the position of our government."
Silver Moon carefully observed his expression.
"Were you aware of the attack beforehand, Prime Minister?"
"Absolutely not," Morson replied firmly. "We only learned of it afterward. General Raymond issued the attack order without authorization and has already been relieved of command and placed under investigation. His actions were a grave violation of diplomatic protocol."
"You acted quickly," Rowan said. "We believe this does not reflect your government's true intentions."
"It absolutely does not," Morson emphasized. "We desire peace more than anyone. Our people have lived under the shadow of war for far too long. Everyone wants the same things: stable lives, economic development, and a peaceful future for their children."
The surrounding citizens nodded in agreement.
Rowan noticed something important.
Their expressions were sincere.
They did not look like people brought in to perform for visiting diplomats.
"Prime Minister," Silver Moon said, getting straight to the point, "we would like to understand your government's true position regarding this conflict, as well as your specific ideas for achieving peace."
"Of course, of course. We've already prepared a comprehensive briefing," Morson replied enthusiastically. "But first, please allow us to arrange accommodations and rest for both of you. Your journey must have been exhausting."
"We appreciate the gesture," Rowan said, "but we'd prefer to understand the situation as quickly as possible. Time is precious when peace is at stake."
Morson smiled with admiration.
"In that case, let's go directly to the government building. I'll brief you personally."
The delegation boarded government vehicles and headed toward downtown Steel City.
The scenery along the way left a deep impression on Rowan and Silver Moon.
Unlike the ocean-oriented culture of Tana I, this world embodied industrial civilization. Towering steel structures, broad avenues, factories, and research centers stretched in every direction, reflecting a culture built on practicality and innovation.
"Our development philosophy differs greatly from that of Tana I," Morson explained during the drive. "They focus on trade and maritime expansion. We focus on industrial technology and scientific advancement."
"Those differences should have made you natural partners," Silver Moon observed while looking out the window. "How did they become a source of conflict?"
Morson sighed.
"It's a long story. For many years, our relationship was excellent. We provided industrial products and technological expertise, while they provided maritime resources and trade networks. The partnership benefited both worlds."
"What changed?" Rowan asked.
"About ten years ago, the political climate on Tana I shifted," Morson recalled. "Certain politicians began promoting the idea of Tana I superiority. They claimed our industrial civilization was environmentally destructive and represented 'barbarism.'"
Outside the window, Rowan could see green belts and environmental facilities spread throughout the city.
"We've always worked to balance industrial growth with environmental protection," Morson said, pointing outside. "Our environmental indicators are actually no worse than theirs. But their media and politicians consistently distort the facts and portray us as destroyers of nature."
The government building itself was magnificent, combining modern design with the strength of industrial civilization while remaining elegant and welcoming.
Inside the conference room, Morson began his presentation immediately.
"First, I want to correct a major misunderstanding," he said directly. "People often believe we're militaristic conquerors. Nothing could be further from the truth."
He projected a series of charts and statistics.
"These are our military expenditures over the past ten years. As you can see, our military spending as a percentage of GDP has consistently declined. Last year it was only 2.1 percent, far below the galactic average."
Silver Moon examined the figures carefully.
"Those numbers certainly don't resemble the policies of a militaristic nation."
"Our national policy has always been peaceful development," Morson continued. "We seek to improve our people's lives through technological innovation and industrial progress, not through conquest."
"Then what is your position regarding the asteroid conflict?" Rowan asked.
Morson's expression turned weary.
"We never intended to monopolize the asteroid. The moment we discovered its value, we immediately proposed joint development with Tana I."
"Joint development?" Silver Moon asked, pretending ignorance.
"Yes. We proposed distributing profits according to technological contributions and investment ratios," Morson explained. "We possess advanced extraction technology, while they have superior transportation networks. Cooperation would benefit both parties."
"Then why did the situation escalate into military conflict?" Rowan asked.
"Because Tana I rejected our proposal. They claimed that, according to an ancient treaty, the asteroid belonged entirely to them," Morson said bitterly. "But the treaty itself is vague, and it never anticipated circumstances like this."
"And then?"
"We attempted to resolve the dispute through diplomacy. We sent multiple delegations to Tana I and proposed peace negotiations several times."
He produced a stack of documents.
"These are our peace proposals. There were three in total, and each involved enormous concessions."
Rowan accepted the documents and pretended to read them carefully, despite having already seen them the previous night.
"These proposals do appear very sincere," Rowan observed. "How did Tana I respond?"
"They rejected every one of them," Morson replied helplessly. "And their demands became increasingly unreasonable. In the final round, they even demanded that we dissolve half of our military forces. It was an insult to our sovereignty."
"How did the military conflict actually begin?" Silver Moon asked.
"While waiting for negotiations to conclude, we maintained only minimal surveillance around the asteroid," Morson explained. "Then Tana I suddenly deployed a massive fleet, forcibly expelled our patrol vessels, and sank two of our transport ships."
"That differs from the information we received," Silver Moon said deliberately. "Tana I claims your side fired first."
"That's exactly the problem!" Morson said emotionally. "They constantly distort reality. Our patrol vessels carried only light defensive weapons. They posed no threat whatsoever to their warships. And we have complete video records proving they fired first."
"May we see those recordings?" Rowan asked.
"Of course."
Morson immediately instructed technicians to play the footage.
The recordings clearly showed that Tana II's patrol vessels had maintained a safe distance and made no provocative actions. Meanwhile, Tana I's fleet suddenly arrived and launched an attack without any warning.
"These recordings prove our innocence," Morson said. "But Tana I refused to accept them, claiming they were fabricated."
The meeting continued for over two hours.
Prime Minister Morson thoroughly explained Tana II's position and objectives. Compared to the narrative presented by Tana I's officials, his account appeared far more credible and aligned perfectly with the evidence Rowan had discovered the previous night.
"Prime Minister," Silver Moon said, changing the subject, "we'd like to learn more about your world's development plans, especially regarding technological innovation."
At this, Morson's face lit up with pride.
"That's the achievement we're most proud of. We're building the most advanced technology park in this sector of the galaxy. Our goal is to become a center of scientific innovation."
"A technology park?" Rowan asked with interest.
"Yes. We've invested enormous resources into constructing a high-tech industrial complex," Morson explained proudly. "It houses our greatest scientists and engineers, all dedicated to cutting-edge research."
"Could we visit?" Silver Moon asked. "We're very interested in the technological development of different civilizations."
"Of course! That's exactly what I hoped to show you," Morson said enthusiastically. "I want you to see our true nature. We are not conquerors. We are a civilization that loves peace and pursues progress."
That afternoon, Prime Minister Morson personally escorted Rowan and Silver Moon through Steel City's Technology Park.
The complex was enormous and thoroughly modern, containing research institutes, laboratories, and high-tech enterprises.
"This is our New Energy Research Center," Morson explained while pointing at a magnificent building. "We're developing cleaner and more efficient energy technologies to reduce dependence on traditional energy sources."
The environment within the park was beautiful.
Trees lined the walkways, lakes shimmered beneath the sunlight, and nothing resembled the stereotypical image of an industrial zone.
"This is our Biotechnology Institute," Morson continued. "Here, we study how biotechnology can improve agriculture and healthcare."
"This is our Materials Science Laboratory, where we're developing lighter, stronger, and more environmentally friendly materials."
"And this is our Artificial Intelligence Research Center. We hope to create intelligent systems that help people live better lives."
At every stop, Morson carefully explained the goals and applications of their research.
Rowan and Silver Moon quickly realized something important.
None of these projects had military applications.
Every one of them was designed to improve people's lives and promote peaceful development.
"Our philosophy is simple," Morson said during the tour. "Technology should serve human happiness, not warfare. We hope to use scientific innovation to solve humanity's greatest challenges: energy shortages, environmental destruction, disease, and countless other problems."
Inside one exhibition hall, Rowan saw a series of astonishing inventions:
Pollution-free anti-gravity transportation systems.
Construction materials capable of purifying the air.
Medical devices that could cure numerous diseases.
Biotechnologies capable of dramatically increasing agricultural production.
"If these technologies were shared throughout the galaxy," Silver Moon said with admiration, "they could significantly improve the quality of life for everyone."
"That has always been our dream," Morson replied. "We hope to share these technologies with all friendly civilizations, including Tana I. Our goal is not domination."
He paused and looked at them earnestly.
"Our goal is shared prosperity."
"Then why not simply share these technologies with Tana I?" Rowan asked.
"We tried," Morson answered with a bitter smile. "But they accused us of conducting 'technological infiltration' and rejected our offers of cooperation. Their politicians claimed we intended to control them through technology."
"What a tragedy," Silver Moon said softly.
At the final stop of the technology park tour, Morson led them into a special exhibition hall dedicated entirely to one theme:
The Peaceful Application of Technology.
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