Claude sat at his office desk with Shadow seated across from him.
"Mr. Chairman, when I entered the building earlier, I saw a large group of people protesting at the entrance. It seems like they're demanding the government's unconditional surrender to the imperial fleet," Shadow remarked, appearing interested.
Claude, however, was preoccupied with the issue at hand. He knew that if he didn't handle it correctly, the internal divisions in Wu Mu Xing would worsen. He was also curious about Shadow's visit and suspected there was a purpose behind it. "Ying, let's not beat around the bush. I believe you're here with a solution to this crisis. Please, tell me what it is."
"Chairman Claude, the solution to Wu Muxing's internal crisis is quite simple, and it's on the disc I hold," Shadow said, producing a disc and handing it to Claude.
Claude inserted the disc into his terminal, and a video played, featuring the voice of Gore Baseman, who denounced the deserters among the Imperial officers. These deserters were the same ones who had fled from the high-energy mine.
"This is exactly what I needed!" Claude exclaimed after viewing the video. He now had a plan to address the differing opinions within Wu Mu Star.
"So, Mr. Chairman, the solution is straightforward," Shadow stated.
"Yes, Shadow. I don't know how you obtained this video, but it's powerful evidence that will rally support to our cause," Claude replied, his mood visibly lifted.
"Chairman, giving you the video isn't my main purpose for being here. I'm here to convey one more thing. Our organization has decided to assist the Free Alliance one more time. We will force the Empire into a temporary ceasefire. However, this will be the last time we offer our support. Your future survival in the Free Alliance depends on your own abilities. Whether we remain allies will also be up to you," Shadow stated before vanishing as mysteriously as he'd arrived.
Claude pondered Shadow's words carefully, realizing he had the confidence to resolve the current crisis.
An hour later, Claude Fan, the chairman of the Wu Mu Planet Free Alliance Government, broadcast a video to the planet's population. He presented the video he had received and assured them of its authenticity, honoring the intelligence officers who had sacrificed their lives to obtain it. Claude recounted the brutal actions of General Gore Baseman, emphasizing the need to resist the Empire. His words infused the people with confidence and resolve.
Bill now lived with Sarah, a barmaid he'd fallen for. Despite the chaos, he had found some solace in the recent events. The videos he had seen on the Star Network had confirmed the ruthlessness of the Empire. Bill had initially contemplated surrender, but after watching the civilian spacecraft's destruction, he abandoned that thought. He joined the Free Army, ready to resist the Imperial forces.
Gore Baseman grew increasingly frustrated with the slow progress of his fleet in subduing Wu Mu Planet. He considered the planet's persistent resistance and the losses his forces had suffered, including the destruction of his flagship. However, he received a sudden order from the Imperial Military to return to the capital. His father, Duke John, urged him to obey this order due to the Emperor's assassination.
Gore reluctantly complied and, before departing, ordered the indiscriminate bombardment of Wu Mu Planet, firing thousands of high-energy bombs. The planet's surface was left in ruins, but the people's spirit remained unbroken.
Claude returned to the surface and observed the destruction. He felt thankful that the Empire had targeted them before, as it allowed them precious time to prepare. He vowed that within a year, they would be ready to confront the Imperial army.
As the Empire grappled with its internal turmoil following the Emperor's assassination, Wu Mu Xing had a respite. While the Empire eventually returned to attack, the Free Army had grown into a formidable force. A tacit understanding seemed to develop between the Empire and Wu Mu Xing. Wu Mu Xing didn't push its democratic ideas further within the Empire, and the Empire didn't launch any full-scale offensives.
Six years passed, and Sylvan Eagle transitioned from a child to a teenager during this time.