Shadows of the Deep Space Chapter 1667: 534: Return Voyage_6
Previously on Shadows of the Deep Space...
“Thanks for your help with the Curvature Ring previously.”
“Oh, honestly, don’t even mention it. There’s no need to be so formal.”
“Fine then. The reason I’ve come to see you today is to request access to a more secluded spaceport. I am in need of a location where my ships can dock for an extended duration without being bothered!”
Su Ming stated his intentions directly to Shadler.
“That is a simple request! There is no need to borrow one; the Dark Moon Space Port, which used to be property of the Dark Star Empire, is yours to keep. I will ensure that not a single soul outside of your own people is permitted to enter the vicinity.”
Shadler agreed without a moment of hesitation.
“I appreciate it!”
“Big brother, you’re being much too stiff. If there is anything else you require, just give me a word!”
“Actually, there is a certain matter I am hoping for your assistance with, though it is quite a significant favor.”
Su Ming mentioned, perhaps a bit self-consciously.
“State whatever it is. If it is within my power, consider it done. If it falls outside my capabilities, I will find a solution by consulting my father.”
Shadler’s response was instantaneous.
He kept his father’s advice locked firmly in his mind.
“Your talent is limited and your social instincts are lacking. Therefore, stick close to Su Ming. As long as he remains safe, your position on the throne is guaranteed.”
“The thing is, I require a substantial output of energy.”
Su Ming spoke with a hint of uncertainty.
“Is that all? I figured it was something major. Energy is something our Shabask Kingdom has in abundance.”
Shadler dismissed the concern completely.
“Ahem, I’m not talking about a small amount. I need quite a massive supply.”
Su Ming cleared his throat to underscore the point.
“Just how much do you consider a massive supply?”
Shadler asked, looking plainly confused.
“I need every bit of energy produced at the Heart of Sky Base, excluding what you require for your own standard necessities.”
Su Ming admitted, feeling his face warm with embarrassment.
“What?”
Shadler was noticeably stunned; he had not imagined Su Ming demanded such a vast quantity of power.
“This is clearly excessive, isn’t it? Perhaps I should request a smaller amount?”
Su Ming felt somewhat uneasy.
“No, big brother, that is not what I meant. I just hadn’t anticipated you would need so much. Regardless, I’ll simply have my father cancel the pending energy agreement with the Federation.”
Shadler explained.
“The Federation is attempting to strike an energy deal with your kingdom?”
Su Ming was taken by surprise.
“Indeed. Their massive industrial expansion caused their energy demands to spike. They approached us shortly after our relocation, but we never reached terms due to pricing disputes. Well, we certainly do not need to negotiate anything now.”
Shadler said with a grin.
“In that case, how much debt will I owe you for this?”
Su Ming asked, his expression twitching slightly.
“No charge is necessary. My father told me that whatever you need, you shall have gratis!”
Shadler beamed.
Rhein, standing nearby, was floored by this display of generosity.
This boy is outrageously lavish, treating spaceports and massive energy supplies as if they were mere trinkets.
“Very well, I won’t decline such a generous offer.”
Su Ming was somewhat amused by Shadler’s attitude. While the lad was transparently repeating his father’s instruction, Su Ming felt the sincerity behind it.
“Big brother, since you have finally returned, allow me to host a banquet in your honor!”
Shadler suggested.
“That won’t be necessary. There are urgent matters that require my immediate attention. Once everything is stabilized, we can arrange a gathering with Su Yuan.”
Su Ming declined with a shake of his head.
“Very well, I will take care of the energy arrangements then.”
“Agreed.”
“Farewell!”
Shadler took his leave alongside Lum and the others.
Su Ming turned his attention to Rhein.
“Rhein, secure the Dark Moon Space Port. Remove any unauthorized personnel immediately. No outsiders are permitted to remain.”
“Understood!”
Rhein saluted and moved out.
Hours afterwards, Rhein and his crew had fully secured the Dark Moon Space Port, disabling its auxiliary internal gravity systems.
The Sunshine and Grey Angel ships drifted into the facility, locked firmly into their designated docking bays.
Onite’s crew immediately began the logistics of unloading the recovered shipwrecks, transporting them into the massive storage hangars within the port.
The scale of the Dark Moon Space Port was immense, providing enough room for Su Ming’s squad to conduct repairs and maintenance with ease.
Su Ming eventually gathered Rhein, Onite, and the core members of his inner circle.
“Let us hold a brief strategy meeting.”
Su Ming announced.
“Understood!”
Rhein and the others answered with anticipation.
“Celeste, the energy agreement with the Shabask Kingdom has been confirmed. Have the engineers begin laying the power lines as soon as possible.”
Su Ming turned to Celeste.
“That is fantastic news. I knew you could strike a deal.”
Celeste replied, excited.
“Do not celebrate yet. Energy is only part of the solution; you still need to focus on repairing the Grey Angel.”
“Understood.”
“Additionally, you are responsible for the restoration of those mecha remnants.”
Su Ming added.
“Wait, you want me to handle that as well?”
“Of course. Those Fake V Generation and V Generation Mechas are too complex for anyone else. Outsourcing that work would be far too expensive and present a massive security risk.”
“Fine, I understand.”
Celeste conceded, resigned to her task.
“Rhein, you are in command of security for this station from this moment forward.”
Su Ming commanded.
“Consider it done,” Rhein replied with a sharp nod.
“Onite, your focus is logistics. Whatever Celeste needs, provide it without delay. If a request is beyond your means, bring the matter to me directly.”
Su Ming instructed Onite.
“Understood!”
“Also, ensure that Ames’ belongings are properly processed and sent to the Seventh Legion.”
“That is already on my priority list,” Onite promised.
“Ankaga, Zhang Yi, you both are to accompany me toward the Federation to handle some pending affairs.”
Su Ming directed.
“Understood!”
Both warriors acknowledged.
“One final point. Keep this in mind: the wreckage we brought here must never be leaked or listed for sale. I am being entirely serious. While this is our salvaging, officially it falls under the purview of United Army spoils. If word of this gets out, we will have every opportunistic faction in the sector trying to claim their share.”
Su Ming’s tone was gravely serious as he warned the group.
Though he possessed the backing of Long Bai, even a figure like that would find it cumbersome to resolve such legal entanglements, which would likely result in the loss of their hard-earned spoils.
“We understand!”
Rhein and the others replied with solemn nods.
“The meeting is adjourned. Everyone has performed admirably, and I have instructed Onite to issue your bonuses.”
Su Ming transferred 50 billion Federation Coins to Onite’s terminal.
“Incredible!”
The team erupted in excitement.
“Return to your posts, everyone,” Su Ming said with a parting smile.