577: He Dong led the team

A few short sentences, yet they exuded an icy and heavy atmosphere.

Li Yang stared at the line that read "Use of force authorized," his brows slowly furrowing as his fingers tapped unconsciously on the desktop.

"It looks like another mission has come up."

He muttered to himself, his tone carrying a hint of imperceptible helplessness.

"I didn't expect that even now, as Speaker and border garrison Division Commander, I'd still be getting missions from time to time, just like before."

Although he was complaining, his eyes quickly became sharp and clear; after all, a smooth and steady life was not what he wanted, and if he wanted to continue rising, he had to accumulate more military merit and political achievements.

Without any hesitation, he immediately raised his hand and operated his smart brain.

"He Dong, come to my office immediately."

The brief order was sent out through an internal encrypted channel.

Before long, the office door was gently knocked upon.

"Knock, knock, knock."

"Come in."

Li Yang's voice was steady and clear.

The door was pushed open, and He Dong walked in quickly.

He was still wearing his crisp military uniform, his steps steady, his gaze sharp.

"Division Commander, did you call for me?"

He Dong stood in front of the desk, bowing slightly; his voice was not loud, but it carried his habitual respect and alertness.

"Sit down first..."

Li Yang pointed to a chair nearby, his tone calm.

"The military headquarters just sent me another order; take a look."

As he finished speaking, he waved his hand, and a light screen appeared in mid-air, slowly drifting in front of He Dong.

The pale blue light shone on He Dong's face, causing his originally calm expression to quickly become serious.

He Dong's gaze swept over every word on the light screen, from "Special Military Order" to "Submit to the Empire," and finally to the last part, "Use of force authorized in necessary situations."

His brows also furrowed, and a hint of gravity flashed in his eyes.

The air in the office seemed to become somewhat heavy at that moment.

"This coordinate..."

He Dong stared at the string of numbers on the light screen, his brows tightly locked.

"It doesn't seem to be near the Empire's border."

Before he finished speaking, he had already quickly raised his hand, swiping through the air, and another light screen unfolded before him.

Star charts, coordinates, flight paths, and curvature route parameters flashed rapidly on it, his fingers flying across the light screen, performing precise calculations.

"Division Commander, this coordinate from the military headquarters is still some distance away from the Empire."

He Dong said in a deep voice while calculating.

"According to our fleet's normal cruising speed, it will take at least half a month to arrive."

His gaze paused on the star chart, and he added another sentence.

"If we encounter spatial fluctuations or other accidents along the way, it might take even longer."

Li Yang listened quietly, his fingers tapping gently on the desktop, producing a rhythmic sound.

The office quieted down briefly, with only the tapping sound remaining.

Half a month...

This number quickly magnified and extended in his mind.

It would take at least half a month to get there, so a round trip would be a month.

Not to mention that this mission clearly wasn't the kind of simple negotiation where you "say a few words and leave."

Since the military headquarters specifically issued a special order and even authorized the "use of force in necessary situations," whatever was behind it certainly wouldn't be a small matter.

When truly calculated, he would likely have to stay away for several months.

Thinking of this, Li Yang's brows furrowed even tighter.

He could safely entrust the troops to someone else, but the Longlan Star Cluster could not do without him.

As the Speaker of the Longlan Star Cluster, being away for a short time—a few days or even a week or two—wouldn't be a major issue.

Administrative affairs could be temporarily shared by Pal and the department heads, and important documents could be signed remotely.

But if it were several months... that would be completely different.

Many policies had to be personally approved by him as Speaker, and many major decisions concerning people's livelihoods and defense required his final say.

If he were away for a long time, the entire administrative system of the Galaxy Cluster would likely fall into a semi-paralyzed state, and various interest groups and factions would seize the opportunity to rise up; it would be a miracle if the Longlan Star Cluster didn't fall into chaos by then.

"Looking at it this way..."

Li Yang spoke slowly, his tone carrying a hint of helplessness.

"I'm afraid I really can't go on this mission."

His voice was not loud, but it conveyed a calm assessment.

He Dong looked up at him, seeming to have vaguely guessed what he was about to say next.

Li Yang's gaze landed on He Dong, his expression serious and firm.

"It seems, Deputy Division Commander He, that I'll have to rely on you for this military mission."

Hearing this, He Dong stood up abruptly from the chair, his back straight as a ramrod, like a spear suddenly erected.

"Yes!"

His voice was resonant and powerful, carrying the crispness and decisiveness peculiar to a soldier.

"Please rest assured, Division Commander, I will definitely complete the mission to Perfection!"

A hint of excitement flashed in his eyes, but it was quickly suppressed by composure.

Being able to lead a team alone to execute a special military order was not just trust; it was an invisible promotion and test.

Li Yang looked at him and nodded slightly, his eyes filled with a mix of anticipation and exhortation.

"Remember, courtesy first, force later. If you can avoid using force, try your best not to; what the Empire needs is a stable civilization, not a Star Domain covered in scorched earth."

"Yes!"

He Dong replied again.

"Alright, go and prepare the troops."

Li Yang raised his hand in a pressing motion, signaling He Dong to stay calm, his tone carrying a touch of gravity.

"It's enough to leave behind the garrison troops to maintain basic border defense; all other combat units are assigned to you."

In Li Yang's view, this mission was definitely not simple.

One could tell from the military headquarters' tone: 'Negotiate peacefully first; if negotiations fail, then use force.'

This indicated that the civilization's strength was enough for the Empire to take a serious attitude, at least a Level 4.5 civilization.

After all, any lower than that, and who would bother negotiating with you? If you don't submit, get ready to eat my Planet Destroyer Cannon.

Li Yang leaned back against his chair, his fingertips unconsciously rubbing the edge of the desk, a flash of realization passing through his eyes.

Come to think of it, a civilization had been safely existing in that Star Domain for who knows how many years, and suddenly a completely unfamiliar civilization popped up and demanded they submit—whoever it was, they probably wouldn't be willing.