Shadows of the Deep Space Chapter 1685 538: The Beginning

Evidently, certain individuals are growing restless, ready to resort to desperate measures.

A brutal confrontation is sure to follow.

Human greed, ever fickle and boundless, drives many onward. How few can actually halt when victory is within grasp?

Su Ming then lifted his eyes to the starry expanse, his mind wandering into the cosmic void.

----------

Next morning.

Federation Government·Dawn Hall Meeting Room.

Commander Alekai, Commander Soraya, General Gabres, Admiral Su Ming, and many council members occupied the seats at the council table.

Those present buzzed with quiet chatter.

"Totally fed up—it's those guys' fault for dragging us to a meeting on New Year's Day!"

"My vacation's wrecked!"

"Damn it, I let my team off yesterday, only to haul them back overnight!"

...

Su Ming cast a sidelong look at General Gabres and the rest; grim expressions marked every face.

Dragon Bai, clad in a Starry Robe, stepped through the side entrance and approached the council podium.

All rose to their feet, offering respectful salutes.

"Council Chairman."

"Be seated. We're holding an emergency session right now!"

Dragon Bai stated concisely.

Su Ming and others resumed their seats, eyes fixed on Council Chairman Dragon Bai.

"I trust you've all heard: the Dark Star Empire and Heavenly Revelation Divine Country have mobilized their forces. Intel from our spies reveals an assembly of troops on a scale never seen before—geared for all-out war! We're not intimidated, yet our foes extend beyond them to the Mechanical Clan and Chilami Clan primarily. Thus, minimize losses at all costs; don't let provocations lure you into rash assaults. Hold firm at the three key defense lines!"

Council Chairman Dragon Bai addressed the assembly.

"Yes!"

The response rang out in unison.

Vice Chairman Long Chen then inquired gravely.

"Council Chairman, what about the flood of refugees from Neutral Countries?"

"Stick to the pact: citizens from Neutral Countries allied with or joined to the Federation may enter designated zones. No one else gets through!"

Dragon Bai ruled decisively.

"Yes."

Vice Chairman Long Chen acknowledged with a nod.

"Meeting's over. Prepare yourselves."

Dragon Bai wrapped it up abruptly and departed without further ado.

General Gabres and the others rose and exited.

Su Ming lingered briefly in his seat before standing and departing the hall toward Dragon Bai's office.

He soon reached the hallway outside Dragon Bai's office.

A crowd of officials and officers queued there.

"General Su Ming!"

They hailed him warmly.

Su Ming nodded faintly, proceeded to the office doorway, and peered in to see Dragon Bai rapidly signing documents passed by Yun Rou.

She had clearly paused her workload for the session.

Su Ming tapped on the open door.

Knock knock~

Dragon Bai looked up, spotted Su Ming, and beckoned.

"Enter!"

Su Ming stepped inside, grabbed a ready application, presented it, and spoke.

"Council Chairman, I'd like approval for a weapons shipment."

Dragon Bai scanned the form.

SIL-05 type sub-light-speed antimatter missile·Dark Meteor (mecha type) *2

AKS-05 type sub-light-speed antimatter missile·Death's Lament (ship type) *3

HXC-01 type sub-light-speed nuclear bomb missile·Wind Sunflower *20

...

Noting the quantities suited an admiral's requisition, Dragon Bai signed it and returned the form to Su Ming.

"Head to logistics; they'll outfit you."

"Thanks. One more report."

Su Ming pocketed the form and continued to Dragon Bai.

"Go on!"

"I must head to Danube Star Sea; my forces are stationed in Crimson Country."

"Stay cautious—your position draws eyes from all sides now."

Dragon Bai cautioned him.

"Got it. I'm off."

Su Ming turned and exited the office.

Dragon Bai eyed his retreating figure for a moment before diving back into her tasks.

...

Hours later.

Su Ming guided Rhein's V Generation Mecha·Grey Hunting Messenger out from Starlight City.

A vast red rocky plain stretched below.

He sped across the undulating landscape, pushing toward Rain Capital.

...

Dusk fell.

Su Ming, in Grey Hunting Messenger, hovered over Luoye Base by Rain Capital, eyeing the Ninth Legion's drill grounds.

Soldiers had wrapped up training; only Timi remained, briefing a handful of officers.

Su Ming checked the hour—Timi was due off soon—then sought clearance to land at Luoye Base.

Approval came swiftly.

Su Ming brought Grey Hunting Messenger down from above.

Bang!

The mecha touched down steadily.

Female soldiers nearby gasped at the sight of Grey Hunting Messenger.

"A V Generation Mecha!"

"What VIP has come?"

"Beats me!"

...

Su Ming then popped the cockpit and descended lightly.

The women stared, murmuring in bewilderment.

"Who's that? He looks familiar."

...

"General Su Ming!"

One soldier spotted him and cried out in thrill.

The call ignited the training field; excited female soldiers surged forward.

"General Su Ming!"

"It's him for real!"

"He's so handsome!"

...

Before Su Ming could respond, the swarm of female soldiers encircled him, pinning him in place.

He stood stunned—what was happening?

"General Su Ming, autograph please?"

"Me too!"