The Genius System-Chapter 55: The Power Games

The negotiation room was plunged into a heavy silence, the announcement of American sanctions hanging like a sword of Damocles over the table. The Chinese and Russian delegations, though rivals, seemed to share a common sentiment: Macro had just lost some of its advantage.

The king and the prime minister, however, remained unflappable, their faces masking any trace of concern. Screens displayed complex economic data, while engineers and diplomats exchanged calculated glances.

Zhao Liang, the Chinese Minister of Technology, was the first to break the silence. "The American sanctions complicate things," he admitted, his hands clasped on the table. "But China remains open to collaboration. We propose a strengthened partnership, with direct investments in your infrastructure, in exchange for increased participation in the development of NOVA-1."

He gestured toward one of his engineers, who projected a diagram detailing the economic benefits of an alliance with China.

"Our state-of-the-art factories can produce NOVA-1 components on a large scale, reducing your production costs by nearly 40%. In return, we request exclusive access to Asian markets for products derived from this technology."

Dmitri Ivanov, representing Russia, was not to be outdone. "Russia, for its part, can offer protection against these sanctions. Our diplomatic networks and military alliances are at your disposal. In return, we simply request exclusivity over the military applications of NOVA-1."

He signaled to one of his generals, who presented a detailed plan for military cooperation. "Our S-500 missile defense systems can be deployed at Macro’s borders, providing protection against any external threat. In exchange, we wish to integrate NOVA-1 into our command and control systems."

The prime minister of Macro nodded, his expression remaining neutral. "Your proposals are interesting, but Macro cannot sacrifice its technological independence. What we propose is a balanced collaboration: limited production licenses in exchange for investments and diplomatic guarantees. We are open to joint ventures for specific projects, but only under joint supervision."

The discussions quickly grew heated, with each delegation trying to gain the upper hand. Chinese engineers emphasized the economic benefits of an alliance with China, while the Russians highlighted their ability to shield Macro from external pressures. But Macro stood firm, refusing to compromise its technological independence.

The Chinese proposal was enticing: cutting-edge factories capable of producing NOVA-1 components on a large scale, reducing production costs by nearly 40%. In return, China demanded exclusive access to Asian markets for products derived from this technology. Chinese engineers presented a detailed plan to integrate NOVA-1 into their 6G communication networks, promising unparalleled transmission speeds.

Russia, on the other hand, offered military protection with its S-500 missile defense systems, capable of intercepting any projectile within a 600-kilometer range. In exchange, they requested exclusivity over the military applications of NOVA-1, including its integration into command and control systems. Additionally, Russia proposed preferential rates for natural resources, such as gas and oil, to support Macro’s economy.

Macro, however, remained steadfast. The prime minister proposed limited production licenses, allowing China and Russia to produce NOVA-1 under joint supervision. In return, Macro demanded massive investments in its infrastructure, including the construction of new factories and research centers. Furthermore, Macro insisted on diplomatic guarantees of non-aggression and support in the event of conflict.

The discussions grew increasingly tense, with each delegation trying to maximize its gains. Chinese and Russian engineers exchanged technical arguments, while diplomats sought common ground. The king and prime minister of Macro held their ground, refusing to cede control of NOVA-1.

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At one point, Zhao Liang leaned forward, his piercing eyes focused. "You must understand that without China, Macro will not be able to develop NOVA-1 on a large scale. Our factories and markets are essential for your success."

Dmitri Ivanov, representing Russia, added, "And without Russia’s protection, Macro will be vulnerable to external pressures. The American sanctions are just the beginning."

The prime minister of Macro smiled, though the smile did not reach his eyes.

"We are not afraid of external threats.

We appreciate your offers, but Macro will not relinquish control of NOVA-1. What we propose is a balanced collaboration, a partnership where we are all equals. Otherwise, why take the risk of going against the United States and its allies? We could simply hand over our technology to them."

He paused briefly and added,

"Gentlemen, you know as well as we do how difficult it is to break free from the United States’ technological monopoly. And you know better than we do that they use it as leverage in negotiations or to sanction others. Your respective countries have already experienced this embargo."

Zhao and Ivanov both nodded. The United States had often used this strategy against their countries.

The prime minister continued:

"This partnership between us is just the beginning, and as I said earlier, all parties must be equal. We propose: limited production licenses in exchange for investments and diplomatic guarantees."

Finally, after hours of tense negotiations, a preliminary agreement was reached. China and Russia would obtain limited production licenses in exchange for massive investments in Macro’s infrastructure and diplomatic guarantees. But everyone knew this was only a temporary truce in a much larger power game.

---

As the delegations left the negotiation room, the king and prime minister of Macro retreated to an adjacent room to discuss the next steps. The smaller, more intimate room was illuminated by the soft glow of a crystal chandelier, casting golden reflections on the walls adorned with ancient tapestries. The king, standing near the large window overlooking the palace gardens, gazed thoughtfully at the horizon. His usually impassive face betrayed a slight tension.

The prime minister, seated in a leather chair near the table, broke the silence. "They thought they had us in a weak position," he murmured, his hands clasped on the table. "But we showed them that Macro is not so easily manipulated. They underestimate our resilience."

The king turned slowly, meeting his prime minister’s gaze. "We must remain vigilant," he said in a calm but firm voice. "This game is far from over. The American sanctions are just the first move. Others will follow, and we must be ready."

The prime minister nodded, his expression serious. "The American sanctions are a real threat. They aim to isolate Macro economically and diplomatically. We cannot ignore these external pressures, but we must find a way to counter them without compromising our independence."

The king approached the table, placing a hand on the back of a chair. "We must seek allies elsewhere. Perhaps we can approach other nations or organizations that share our interests. The European Union, for example, could be a potential partner. Or even certain global tech companies seeking to break free from American influence."

The prime minister thought for a moment, then agreed. "It’s a lead worth exploring. But we must act quickly. Every day that passes strengthens our enemies’ position. If we don’t find a solution, the sanctions could cripple our economy and weaken our standing on the international stage."

The king nodded, his expression becoming impassive once more. "We must anticipate their moves and prepare our counterattack. Macro will not yield, no matter the cost."

---

Meanwhile, in the palace corridors, away from prying eyes, members of the delegations gathered for private discussions. Zhao Liang, the Chinese Minister of Technology, stood in a discreet corner, surrounded by his engineers. Rapid whispers in Mandarin echoed through the hallway, their voices low but intense. "They won’t budge," said one of the engineers, a man with thick glasses and a serious demeanor. "Their position is too firm. We need to find another angle, perhaps by leveraging their economic needs."

Zhao Liang, arms crossed, was deep in thought. "We cannot afford to lose this opportunity. NOVA-1 is a revolutionary technology, and China must capitalize on it. If Macro refuses to yield, we may have to consider more... persuasive measures."

On the other side of the corridor, Dmitri Ivanov, the Russian representative, was speaking in hushed tones with his generals. Their exchanges in Russian were punctuated by energetic gestures. "Macro is stronger than we thought," admitted one of the generals, a burly man with a scar across his cheek. "But they can’t hold out indefinitely. The American sanctions will weaken them, and we must be ready to act when they are on their knees."

Dmitri Ivanov, a sly smile on his lips, replied, "Russia has always known how to play its cards at the right moment. We must remain patient and ready to strike when the opportunity arises."

---

As the delegations left the palace, a messenger arrived in haste, carrying urgent news. He stopped before the king and prime minister, out of breath but determined. "Your Majesty," he said, handing over a sealed document, "it appears the United States is preparing a new wave of sanctions, specifically targeting Macro’s partners. They are threatening to block all access to international markets for companies that collaborate with us."

The king took the document, his face betraying a slight tension. The prime minister, at his side, clenched his fists. "They will give us no respite," he murmured.

The king nodded, his expression becoming impassive once more. "We must anticipate their moves and prepare our counterattack. Macro will not yield, no matter the cost."

The king’s gaze hardened as he handed the document back to the messenger. "Prepare a meeting with our economic advisors and the heads of our major industries," he ordered. "We need to assess the full impact of these sanctions and develop a contingency plan. Macro cannot afford to be caught off guard."

The messenger bowed and hurried off, leaving the king and prime minister alone once more. The prime minister leaned back in his chair, his fingers drumming lightly on the table. "The Americans are playing a dangerous game," he said, his voice low. "They think they can isolate us, but they underestimate our resolve. We have resources they don’t fully understand, and alliances they can’t easily break."

The king nodded, his expression thoughtful. "True, but we must tread carefully. If we push too hard, we risk uniting our enemies against us. We need to balance strength with diplomacy. Perhaps it’s time to reach out to other nations who feel the weight of American dominance. India, for example, or even some of the smaller but technologically advanced nations in Southeast Asia. They may be willing to collaborate if we offer them a share in NOVA-1’s potential."

The prime minister considered this, his eyes narrowing slightly. "It’s a risky move. The more players we bring into this, the harder it will be to maintain control. But you’re right—we need allies. And if we can position NOVA-1 as a tool for global progress rather than a weapon, we might be able to sway public opinion in our favor."

The king walked over to the window, staring out at the sprawling palace gardens. The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the manicured lawns. "We also need to think about our people," he said quietly. "The sanctions will hit them hardest. Rising prices, shortages, unemployment—these are the things that could destabilize us from within. We must ensure that our citizens understand the stakes and stand with us."

The prime minister rose from his chair and joined the king at the window. "I’ll address the nation tomorrow," he said. "We’ll explain the situation and outline the steps we’re taking to protect our economy. But we’ll also remind them of what’s at stake—our independence, our future, and our ability to shape our own destiny."

The king turned to face him, a faint smile playing on his lips. "You always know what to say, Prime Minister. But remember, words alone won’t be enough. We need action. We need results."