Chapter 213: 206 Earth Defense Summit (Part 2)
"...The Star Alliance never wanted to force other countries to join, but at this critical juncture for the survival of Earth, it is absolutely necessary to unite all forces and resist the cruel and brutal invaders. Therefore, I call on all countries around the globe to join the Star Alliance, so that we can move in one rhythm, speak in one voice, and fight with one fist against our enemy. For this purpose, the Star Alliance has decided to greatly simplify the joining process, establishing a status of Provisional Member Partner for countries that apply, which can become Provisional Member Partners upon the approval of the Star Alliance Council."
Provisional Member Partners are considered part of the Star Alliance as well, entitled to the rights of the Star Alliance and obligated to its duties, which at this time means defending our home, earth, alongside all our fellow Earthlings. The Star Alliance Defense Department has already begun drafting mobilization plans for the Universe Army and the Earth Defense Force, with each country bearing certain obligations. These obligations are not limited to providing troops but may also include providing logistical personnel, fulfilling production tasks, and supplying specific resources. Provisional Member Partners that perform their duties well and meet their obligations will receive greater investment and support from the Star Alliance."
In the vast hall, resembling a public square, Bai Zhongqi addressed the national representatives from the podium. Each representative had in front of them intelligent conferencing equipment made by Iridium Star, which included high-fidelity screens, communication tools, translators, and more.
Nearly every representative quivered slightly at every sentence Bai Zhongqi uttered, as each sentence he said could be described as earth-shattering.
In this grand assembly, Tobias, the representative from the Lighthouse Country, no longer held the significant position he once had. The Lighthouse Country was effectively under Camason's military dictatorship, with the eradication of the Brain Worm not yet complete. Almost all levels of government required military support, and with the apocalyptic atmosphere, the army needed to intensify suppression of the rioters. Even yesterday, Camason had to request reinforcements from the Star Alliance to suppress domestic riots. Discover exclusive content at My Virtual Library Empire
A few days ago, Tobias was merely a Member of Parliament from Tennessee. He had witnessed soldiers armed with guns and phones storm Capitol Hill during a session, killing over a third of the parliamentarians and extracting disgusting large worms from their heads.
With almost no one else available in the Lighthouse Country, the 34-year-old and relatively inexperienced Tobias was appointed to attend the summit for discussions and was very likely to be designated by President Camason as the Lighthouse Country's representative to the Star Alliance Council afterward.
Camason also sat beside him, his expression fascinating as he tilted his head to his colleague and said, "It's a huge irony that to prevent being invaded and devoured by one group of aliens, we must cooperate with another group. Haha, a damned collaboration. That Iridium Star Chancellor is swallowing up all the countries on Earth in a highly effective and likely successful manner."
Although young, Tobias was not without insight; he nodded and said, "Yes, abolishing the independent military command of all existing countries, unifying conscription, training, and command; economically, the Star Alliance's global welfare program might look great, especially for third-world countries, by allotting them large amounts of food and daily necessities, but from now on, there will only be one currency, the Star Alliance Currency, left in the world, causing countries to lose their monetary autonomy. Entering a wartime status, countries must follow the directives of the Star Alliance Development Plan Committee, and although a lot of new technology will be injected, the original free-market economy will face complete termination."
Camason sighed, "We're facing a whole new era. The strong manufacturing power of Iridium Star, making their products not well exchanged, means the market is less effective for them compared to provisions. Plus, their ability to break down matter at the atomic level means that any wasted material can be reused by them. Because of this productivity, the Iridium Star people have completely separated material prosperity from the market."
Tobias nodded, "A bunch of communists!"
Camason shook his head helplessly, "The direction of ideology has changed. The Chancellor has linked capital with Brain Worm, making people suddenly dismiss and disregard the things they used to praise and admire. What's scarier is that even I've been reflecting these days on whether the ideals we've always stood by are truly my own beliefs, or just glorified and continuously propagated by the Brain Worm, brainwashing us."
"It's unclear now. And now, including us, no country has a choice anymore."
The two exchanged glances, their eyes filled with complex emotions.
After Bai Zhongqi finished his speech, the general debate among the countries began. The representative from Russia immediately raised a point, "Our responsibility to defend Earth is undeniable, but we will never give up the independent control of the Russian military."
Several other countries also made similar statements, and Bai Zhongqi quickly responded.
"On military arrangements, please forgive my autocracy, but they are not up for discussion. Provisional Member Partners will be allowed to maintain some security forces as needed, but regarding planetary defense, it must be under the unified management of the Earth Defense Force headquarters."
The Russian representative was preparing to rant, but Bai Zhongqi, losing his patience, directly said, "Ladies and gentlemen, at this juncture, we can't offer you full rights to speech and opinion. I believe you all understand. I will not tolerate any foot-dragging at this time. If this representative wishes to continue the debate, I will immediately contact the Universe Army, and within half an hour, there won't be any so-called national army on this planet to speak of independent control."
He slightly adjusted his collar and finally stated, "Please, representatives, understand the situation and your own position, and conduct yourselves with dignity."
This was nothing short of a naked threat; the Russian representative turned red with anger but dared not make any more trouble. Bai Zhongqi, who stood in front, was known for his actions to match his words; the White House's nuclear submarines still sat there like sculptures. For fighting the Brain Worm, he had also caused a considerable stir around the world.
This seemingly young gentleman, though nominally known as the Iridium Star Chancellor, now practically held the title of Earth Chancellor as well.
After such intimidation, the general discussion among the country representatives seemed to become more harmonious.