Shadows of the Deep Space Chapter 1642 530: Eerie_2

Geteri recalled this, a sudden notion striking him, and he promptly initiated his accusations.

"Lord Sakari, the failure of this mission rests entirely on the shoulders of Aus. It was his dim-witted tactical decisions that prevented us from wiping out the Third Legion when we had the chance."

Upon hearing these words, Aus immediately grasped that Geteri intended to use him as a scapegoat. While they had certainly erred in failing to capture Mo Xiu and his group promptly, the ultimate responsibility lay at the feet of Lord Sakari. However, since Geteri lacked the courage to confront Sakari, he chose instead to shift the blame, prompting an enraged retort from Aus.

"Nonsense! Lord Sakari, this debacle is squarely on Geteri. His hesitation and utter inactivity are the reasons these targets escaped our grasp."

"How dare you spout such lies! If I had followed your pathetic strategy, the enemy would have ambushed us, and our ends would have been far more gruesome."

Geteri snarled back.

"Silence!"

Sakari cut through their squabbling with a frigid reprimand.

In truth, he was well aware that while both Aus and Geteri held some measure of blame, their failure was merely a footnote. The true issue was his own misjudgment; he had overestimated these fools, never suspecting that even with so many legions surrounding Mo Xiu, they would prove incapable of taking them down.

Geteri and Aus exchanged hostile glares, then lapsed into a tense silence.

Sakari then turned his gaze toward them and declared.

"Let me be crystal clear. If this situation isn't rectified and the Emperor finds himself enraged, having your heads removed will be the least of your concerns."

"My lord, please find a way to spare us!"

The hearts of Geteri and his companions jolted, and they beseeched Sakari for mercy.

They were not merely fearing death, but the prospect of defying the Emperor meant that a quick demise would be a luxury they could no longer afford.

"I can preserve you, provided you execute my instructions precisely!"

Sakari fixed them with a piercing look.

"My lord, we shall follow your every command without reservation!"

The group echoed in unison.

"First, Aus, send an immediate communiqué to the Dark Star Imperial Defense Line. Authorize a detachment to deploy via the Curvature Ring to our location. Second, Geteri, contact your Legion Commander and demand immediate reinforcements."

Sakari commanded.

"Yes!"

The pair started slightly, then snapped to attention.

"The Federation cannot guard this battlefield indefinitely, nor will they be able to haul away all the spoils. Once our forces congregate, we shall launch a counter-assault to reclaim every remnant of the battlefield! Furthermore, issue orders at once to seize the Federation's mining outposts; I want round-the-clock production."

Sakari continued.

"Understood!"

Aus and his subordinates moved with haste.

"Now, it is time for you to pay your share. Surrender all the assets you have hoarded over the years. Especially you, Geteri—your First Legion has been mining here for quite some time, so your coffers must be bulging, correct?"

Sakari regarded them with icy suspicion.

"My lord, we have nothing left."

Geteri and the others stood dumbfounded.

"I have no patience for arguments. Decide if you value your wealth or your necks. Let me be blunt: under normal circumstances, failing this mission and invoking the Emperor's rage would not only cost you your lives, but your entire families would be reduced to lowly slaves."

Sakari offered a sinister warning.

"My lord, if we hand over everything, will we truly be spared?"

Geteri and his men gritted their teeth as they inquired.

"I shall inform the Emperor that you dealt a staggering blow to the Third Legion, but suffered the interference of the Federation First Legion as you moved to finish them off. You secured substantial resources and spoils in the exchange! As long as the tribute is sufficient, the Emperor will not be too severe."

Sakari understood that the Emperor's obsession with Sky Dome City and Rain Capital was driven by a need for resources. So long as the tribute appeared adequate, the Emperor’s fury would be tempered.

"Very well..."

Faced with this, Geteri and his comrades surrendered with bitter reluctance.

"Remember, ensure the stories of your subordinates align perfectly. If any soul proves to be an loose end, you know the consequences, do you not?"

Sakari’s gaze was heavy with murderous intent.

"Yes!"

They pledged quickly.

...

Twelve hours passed.

Aboard the Level 5 Battleship Fallen Light, on the observation deck.

Su Ming cradled Little Grey, watching aimlessly as soldiers carried out their cleanup operations.

Sigurd’s digital avatar materialized beside him, wearing a thin, inquisitive smile.

"What occupies your thoughts?"

"Nothing of note; has Mo Xiu regained consciousness yet?"

Su Ming shook his head, shifting the topic.

"Not yet, but the medical staff suggests he is merely suffering from extreme mental exhaustion. Now that he has been evacuated, his life is no longer in danger."

Sigurd explained.

"He is remarkably resilient, considering he piloted a VI Generation Mecha through such a grueling conflict."

"Indeed, though he remains no match for you. Even Captain Sakari finds the prospect of engaging you to be a significant headache."

"Cough, cough. Let us not dwell on that."

Su Ming replied, shifting uncomfortably.

"Regardless, I am inviting you to join the joint conference."

Sigurd smiled gently.

"Very well!"

Su Ming nodded.

Whoosh!

A projection screen flickered to life before them, revealing the faces of Qian Lin, Hayes, and several other senior commanders.

"The gathering is complete. Let us keep this brief, shall we?"

Sigurd addressed the assembly.

"Certainly!"

Qian Lin and the others acknowledged in succession.