Shadows of the Deep Space Chapter 1614 525: Adding Insult to Injury (Part 2)
Previously on Shadows of the Deep Space...
"Respected General Su Ming, please attend the emergency virtual meeting in fifteen minutes, identification code SDC…."
"What's going on?"
Celeste inquired with evident curiosity.
"Not sure, seems like something's happened!"
Su Ming swiftly donned his uniform and dashed out of the room.
"Wait for me!"
Celeste quickly trailed after him.
Upon exiting the room and entering the hallway, Su Ming spotted Rhein and the rest bursting from their quarters, who then called out upon noticing him.
"Boss, did you get the emergency meeting notification?"
"Got it, let's go to the Doomed Light Central Control Room!"
"Alright!"
Rhein replied to Su Ming.
The pair raced toward the central control room.
They reached the central control room in short order.
Li Menghan caught sight of them and jumped in surprise, rising promptly to inquire.
"Lord Su Ming, why are you here?"
"Meng Han, connect to the online meeting!"
Su Ming lifted his wristband and transmitted the identification code to Li Menghan.
"Understood!"
Li Menghan began the procedure without delay.
Ever since Timi departed, Li Menghan had assumed command of the Doomed Light. Although she started off somewhat green, the numerous conflicts in recent years had honed her skills considerably.
Before long, Li Menghan established the connection to the online meeting.
Swish!
Virtual projections of generals Gabres, Sigurd, and their colleagues materialized on the massive operation screen, each face etched with bewilderment.
Right then, Commander Alekde's virtual image emerged, his countenance grave and unyielding.
"Commander!"
Su Ming and the others saluted.
Alekde surveyed the group, confirming all were assembled, before he commenced speaking.
"I just received news from the scout at the alert, the Mechanical Clan army is pressing towards us, it seems like they are about to launch an attack on us."
"No way, the Mechanical Clan is attacking."
"What should we do?"
...
These words caused every face to darken severely, with certain officers displaying outright alarm, and even Rhein lapsed into quiet contemplation.
Su Ming observed the unfolding tension and let out a quiet sigh; their response was entirely predictable.
The night before last, Su Ming had deliberately reviewed the defensive clash at the wormhole space-time.
That conflict had been utterly devastating, as the First Legion suffered losses nearing a third of its forces.
In particular, the Mechanical Clan Leader Elrosatin possessed terrifying might; the defensive armaments appeared fragile as tissue against him.
Gabres and Sigurd had both come perilously close to death in their efforts to halt him, saved only by the shielding fire from the defensive weapons that enabled their escape, or they might not have survived.
Now, Gabres erupted like an ignited explosive, yelling with eyes red from fury.
"Perfect timing, this time I'm going to kill him, avenge our fallen brothers!"
"Yes, kill them!"
The generals roared in agreement with savage intensity.
"Alright, now is not the time to act recklessly."
Commander Alekde declared in a grave tone.
Gabres reined in his rage and clamped his lips shut.
Alekde continued with a firm, commanding voice.
"Immediately notify everyone to evacuate in advance, let the combat personnel prepare for battle. We must intercept and buy time for the withdrawing troops."
"Understood!"
They affirmed with utmost seriousness.
Just then, a communication request appeared, prompting Alekde to scowl yet accept the link.
A short-haired female officer clad in a major's attire materialized, delivering her report with urgency.
"Commander Alekde, just received a distress call from Mist Star Sea, the Third and Fourth Legions are under attack by the Dark Star Empire, requesting our deployment for support."
These tidings instantly soured Commander Alekde's expression to an extreme degree, his facial muscles spasming.
Numerous leaders on the operation screen burst into uproar, debating heatedly.
"What the hell?"
"A call for help at this moment?"
"How do we provide support, the Mechanical Clan is about to press over."
"We are also in a mass retreat, how can we split our forces now?"
...
Su Ming, learning of the turmoil at Mist Star Sea, knitted his brows tightly, as his worst fears had materialized.
In that instant, Gabres, frustrated beyond measure, swore loudly.
"Damn it, what do we do?"
"Calm down, the more critical the moment, the more we cannot lose our composure."
Sigurd lifted his hand to massage his temple, answering with evident strain.
"Everyone quiet!"
Alekde commanded icily at that point.
All present fell silent, their gazes locked on Alekde.
"If anyone has a good idea, please speak up."
Alekde urged, his features taut with pressure.
Yet the room descended into hush, with no one voicing thoughts; the situation was hopelessly stalemated.
Opting against aid would tarnish their honor, at minimum branding them as abandoners, while the Cosmic Army Headquarters bore a duty to assist.
Nevertheless, diverting troops for reinforcement at this juncture defied sound tactics.
Previously, even at peak capacity, they had fallen to the Mechanical Clan; dividing strength now for support would merely erode their numbers further.
Should they falter in aiding Mist Star Sea, and this front crumble from the division, defeat would be absolute!
The stakes loomed enormous, and none dared shoulder them.
Alekde, noting the persistent quiet, shifted his attention to Su Ming and his team, questioning sharply.
"Do you have any good ideas?"
"I have no ideas."
Gabres snapped in annoyance.
Alekde's eyes then settled on Sigurd.
Sigurd flashed a broad grin in response.