Shadows of the Deep Space Chapter 1610 - 524: The Great Migration (Part 3)
Previously on Shadows of the Deep Space...
Right at that instant, a fresh knock echoed at the door.
"Enter!"
Su Ming commanded.
Rhein swiftly pushed the door open and stepped inside, grinning while he talked.
"Boss, you're eating right now."
"What's up?"
"The Cosmic Army Headquarters is summoning us for a meeting. You in?"
"Got it. I'll join you once I've eaten."
Su Ming pondered briefly before responding.
"Great!"
Rhein answered with delight.
...
Hangar at Cosmic Army Headquarters.
A enormous metal crate was being carefully transported by a robotic arm to its assigned spot.
"Handle it gently when lowering!"
...
The laborers called out anxiously.
BANG!
The huge metal crate landed steadily in the parking area.
Just then, Gabres and Sigurd approached the crate, and Gabres eagerly instructed the workers.
"Unlock it!"
"Affirmative!"
The workers advanced to activate the mechanism and reveal the contents.
CRACK!
The enormous metal crate parted, exposing the colossal frame of the VI Generation Pure Mechanical Mecha – Dark Annihilation Apostle.
"Incredible, a VI Generation Dark Matter Mecha!"
Sigurd voiced his awe.
"Haha, this belongs to my father. Since this withdrawal might hit snags, I borrowed it specially to steady our lineup!"
Gabres declared with excitement,
"So jealous."
Sigurd nearly salivated in envy.
"Don't worry, you'll get yours soon enough."
Gabres assured Sigurd.
"Who can tell when that might happen."
Sigurd shook his head in mild frustration.
At that point, a sergeant approached to update the pair.
"Lord Gabres, Lord Sigurd, Commander Alekde has convened a complete assembly. Kindly head to the conference room."
"Acknowledged."
Gabres and Sigurd acknowledged with nods, then departed the hangar toward the conference room.
...
Cosmic Army Headquarters Building.
Outside the conference room entrance, several officers gathered, engaging in lively chatter and jests.
"Cao Ke, what's the sudden reason for Commander Alekde summoning everyone?"
A lieutenant colonel garbed in uniform, marked by faint blemishes on his face, queried the burly, dark-skinned individual beside him.
"What else? It's clearly the major evacuation plan. At last, we're heading back home."
Cao Ke replied to Zhao Qiong without hesitation.
"I hope this major evacuation proceeds without hitches. If we make it home by year's end, we can share a festive meal with our loved ones."
"Relax, it'll go smoothly with General Gabres and his team handling it."
"You're right. Oh, have you caught that trending clip on the net lately?"
"The one showing General Su Ming battling three foes?"
"Exactly!"
Zhao Qiong confirmed with a nod.
"That clip is totally bogus. Not that I'm doubting General Su Ming's skills, but consider his opponents! Captain Sakari and Captain Asya rank among the elite globally; no chance he defeats them. Now, if General Gabres in a VI Generation Mecha faced three, that would ring true."
Cao Ke remarked with deep respect.
Suddenly, a voice sounded from nearby.
"No chance of victory."
"Nonsense! You claim it's impossible, so it must be?"
Cao Ke whirled around in irritation, only to stand speechless upon recognizing the speaker—none other than General Gabres.
"Forgive me, Lord Gabres."
Cao Ke offered a timid apology.
"No issue, proceed inside!"
Gabres dismissed him with a wave, face serious.
"Yes, sir."
Cao Ke and his companions hurried away.
Meanwhile, Sigurd next to Gabres was clutching his sides in laughter.
"Haha, battling three—you're a riot!"
"Quiet!"
Gabres snapped irritably.
Few might grasp the prowess of those two, but he understood all too well: one was manageable, but three proved excessive.
Right away, a recognizable voice hailed them.
"Lord Gabres, Lord Sigurd, morning."
"Hmm!"
Gabres and Sigurd instinctively replied, then halted in surprise.
There stood Su Ming, offering greetings as he passed with Rhein, heading straight into the conference room.
"Whoa, is that really him? The guy's actually present."
Sigurd showed astonishment too.
"What's odd about it? The Saint Joex event occurred ages ago; his visit to Cosmic Army Headquarters makes sense."
Gabres commented, looking a bit uneasy.
"Fair point, but it's positive. Having him on the front lines bolsters our major evacuation's safety."
Sigurd assessed the timeline and found it fitting.
"Indeed."
Gabres agreed with a subtle nod.
...
The conference room at Cosmic Army Headquarters spanned vastly, designed in a T-shape, able to host thousands of officers at once.
Currently, the room buzzed with energy, packed with personnel from diverse ranks.
Su Ming guided Rhein and the team ahead, making for the Thirteenth Legion's seating.
The attending officers, spotting Su Ming, reacted with shock and began murmuring.
"Am I seeing straight? That's General Su Ming leading General Rhein, isn't it?"
"It sure is!"
"Since when did he reach Cosmic Army Headquarters?"
"Beats me!"
...
At that juncture, Tiger from the front row rose and beckoned to Su Ming.
"Su Ming, this way!"
Spotting Tiger's signal, Su Ming approached with Rhein, beaming as he said hello.
"Tiger, it's been ages!"
"When did you get here? You didn't notify me."
Tiger extended a hand to clap Su Ming's shoulder, but his face stiffened mid-motion; he recalled Su Ming now held Admiral rank, outranking him.