Shadows of the Deep Space Chapter 1643 530: Eerie (Part 3)

"How is the search and rescue effort going on the battlefield, and how is the process of gathering the spoils?"

Sigurd inquired.

"It requires a bit more time to complete."

Qian Lin answered Sigurd.

"Exactly how much time? Even though we fended off the Dark Star Empire, there is no assurance they won't return with reinforcements, which would cause major issues."

Su Ming cautioned Qian Lin and the rest of the team.

"Su Ming is right. If there are any spoils that we haven't managed to secure yet, just leave them behind."

Sigurd instructed Qian Lin and the others.

"Understood. We have already abandoned the larger items and are currently prioritizing the rescue operations. Quite a few vessels from Sky Dome City have been destroyed, and the presence of survivors trapped within those wrecks has complicated our work. Still, grant us three more hours, and we will certainly finish."

Qian Lin estimated the remaining duration and stated.

"We shall pull out once those three hours have passed!"

Su Ming gave a slight nod before saying.

"It is settled, then."

Sigurd and the others disconnected their feed.

As Su Ming watched the virtual icons fade from his display, he realized that Admiral Ames had been missing from the council.

His expression shifted, and he quickly pulled up the personnel records for the generals, locating Admiral Simanken of the First Legion.

The Cosmic Headquarters had tasked him with spearheading the support mission to the Mist Star Sea.

Su Ming lost no time in requesting a connection.

Before long, an elderly officer with white hair, distinct dark spots on his face, and deep, sunken eyes materialized on the screen.

"General Su Ming, is there something I can assist you with?"

Simanken looked at him with curious eyes.

"General Simanken, may I pose a question?"

Su Ming asked with a polite demeanor.

"Of course, ask whatever you wish."

Simanken answered with a thin smile.

"I recall that Admiral Ames was also involved in the support mission for the Mist Star Sea. Why have I not seen him?"

Su Ming asked with a note of curiosity.

At the mention of Ames, the Admiral's smile vanished completely, and he replied in a grim voice.

"General Su Ming, Admiral Ames has gone missing."

"Missing?"

Su Ming was startled by Simanken's revelation.

He would not have been so taken aback by news of a combat death, but a disappearance was entirely unexpected.

"Indeed. You are likely aware of how brutal the conflict with the Dark Star Empire has been in the Mist Star Sea, where we have been on the defensive for some time. That is the reason the Cosmic Army Headquarters dispatched us as reinforcements. Unfortunately, the situation has not improved since our arrival, with frequent battles breaking out across various mining sectors. Just two months ago, our fleet was surrounded by Imperial forces. While we were attempting to break the siege, Admiral Ames's ship drifted off course to cover the retreat, plunging deep into the heart of the Mist Star Sea, and has not been seen since."

Admiral Simanken sighed heavily.

"I see. General Simanken, could you provide the coordinates of where they vanished and the direction they took during their breakout?"

After hearing this, Su Ming felt a sense of unease; if Admiral Ames was missing, then Lin Chuyu, who was under his command, was undoubtedly missing as well. No wonder she had been absent from the operation.

"Certainly."

General Simanken accessed his data and transmitted it to Su Ming.

"Thank you."

Su Ming expressed his gratitude.

"You are welcome. I will end the call now."

General Simanken severed the link.

Su Ming sighed softly and peered out into the infinite darkness of the starfield, his mood heavy with melancholy.

"Boss, is there a problem?"

Ankaga arrived in the command center at that moment. Watching Su Ming stare pensively from the viewing deck, he walked over to Rhein and whispered the question.

"Admiral Ames has gone missing."

"Huh? Missing? Well, that happens in war, but isn't the boss taking it a bit too seriously?"

Ankaga scratched his scalp as he spoke.

"Are you a fool? Lin Chuyu is under Ames's command."

"Oh!"

"Hush! Keep your voice down."

Rhein hissed in a sharp whisper.

Ankaga snapped his mouth shut instantly.

Time drifted on.

Little Grey let out a lazy yawn while nestled in Su Ming's arms.

Su Ming stroked its head, and a sudden thought struck him.

"Little Grey, does this haze bother you?"

"Squeak, squeak!"

Little Grey gazed toward the distant mist, shook its head, and let out a small chime.

In its perception, the white veil only slightly obscured its vision without any significant hindrance.

Su Ming's eyes brightened as he probed further.

"Little Grey, if I asked you to guide us into the Mist Star Sea to locate Lin Chuyu, could you manage that?"

Su Ming requested confirmation.

"Squeak, squeak!"

Little Grey nodded enthusiastically.

With those words, Su Ming carried the creature off the viewing platform.

Observing this, Rhein and the others looked on with confusion.

"Boss, are we set to head back?"

"No, I intend to strike deep into the Mist Star Sea to retrieve the missing Admiral Ames and Lin Chuyu," Su Ming informed them.

"What? Su Ming, don't joke around—that is the Mist Star Sea!" Celeste cried out in shock.

"I am well aware, but have no fear; Little Grey will lead the way," Su Ming reassured them.

"Squeak, squeak!"

Little Grey pounded its chest in a show of confidence.

"Fine then!" Celeste murmured, clearly conflicted.

Su Ming turned his gaze to Rhein and the crew.

"Rhein, does anyone here harbor fear? If there are those who prefer not to proceed, you have the option to take another ship and return to the Federation first."

"There is nothing to be afraid of, Boss. We go wherever you lead."