Shadows of the Deep Space Chapter 1846 - 568: The Great Retreat (Part 2)

Alicia calmly addressed the Farren City Lord.

"I comprehend."

Farren City Lord managed to suppress his inner rage.

Currently, a multitude of council members were engaged in anxious deliberation.

"The Black Flame Star Defense Line has been breached; what is our next move?"

"What other recourse do we possess? We must fall back to Earth Flame Star."

"I propose we summon Admiral Su Ming back. Let him reorganize the Sky Dome City forces and lead them to retake the Black Flame Star Defense Line!"

"That is a viable strategy! Admiral Su Ming is not only formidable, but his subordinate troops are exceptionally elite. Particularly his flagship, its power is truly astounding!"

"Precisely!"

...The more the council members discussed, the more they found the idea to be sound.

Long Bai listened to the ongoing discussions, meticulously appraising the feasibility and the potential advantages and disadvantages.

At this juncture, Senior Member Bai Kedi stepped forward and presented a proposal to Long Bai.

"President Long Bai, the fall of Black Flame Star is a critical emergency. We must recall Admiral Su Ming to lead the charge in reclaiming the Black Flame Star Defense Line!"

Long Bai's brow furrowed upon hearing this suggestion, and he promptly and coldly rejected it.

"No. I decree that we shall consolidate our defense lines. All troops from the Cui Lan Star Defense Line and the Nether Moon Star Defense Line will withdraw to reinforce the inner defense perimeters."

"What? We are to abandon the Nether Moon Star Defense Line and the Cui Lan Star Defense Line?"

"Why would we do such a thing?"

...Alicia and the others were equally taken aback and perplexed.

"Silence!"

Long Bai's voice cut through the hall with cold authority.

The previously boisterous council hall immediately fell into a hush.

Long Bai surveyed the assembled individuals and spoke with chilling finality.

"The rationale behind my refusal to recall Su Ming stems from careful consideration. Firstly, while Su Ming possesses considerable strength, and there is a degree of probability he could reclaim Black Flame Star, it remains merely a probability! Secondly, should Su Ming be recalled, the Heavenly Revelation Divine Country and Chilami forces will inevitably advance. The Nether Moon Star Defense Line will undoubtedly buckle under the pressure and collapse! Furthermore, though the Cui Lan Star Defense Line appears stable for now, unforeseen circumstances could arise. Remember, the Mechanical Clan has yet to commit its full strength; it is plausible all three lines could fall."

As Long Bai articulated his reasoning, the councilors exchanged glances, each lost in thought.

"Regarding the abandonment of the Cui Lan Star Defense Line and Nether Moon Star Defense Line to shorten our perimeter, it is necessitated by the breach at Black Flame Star, which has created a vulnerability in our established strategic layout. The enemy can now easily circumvent our positions behind these two major defense lines, effectively trapping us. Moreover, consolidating our forces will significantly bolster our defenses. Do any of you have objections?"

Long Bai elaborated further, seeking concurrence.

"None."

The council members responded with reluctant agreement.

"Then it is decided. Transmit orders immediately to Long Chen and Commander Alekde!"

Long Bai decisively concluded the meeting.

....

Nether Moon Star Defense Line.

Within the command quarters of the Star Destroyer·Thunder Extreme.

Buzz buzz~

Su Ming lay in his bunk, the alarm on his wristband emitting a persistent vibration.

Little Grey tilted its head, observing Su Ming with curiosity.

At this moment, Su Ming groggily opened his eyes. He raised his wristband to check the time; he had been asleep for twelve hours.

Despite the long rest, Su Ming still felt a profound heaviness in his head.

With considerable effort, Su Ming pushed himself to sit up in bed, leaning against the headrest.

Little Grey unfurled its wings and landed on Su Ming, nuzzling its small head against him.

Su Ming gently patted Little Grey's head before accessing his wristband to log into the Star Cluster Forum, seeking the latest updates.

He immediately noticed a prominently displayed pinned post.

"Grave news: Black Flame Star has fallen! Sixth Legion's Parekente Corps Commander has been martyred, Lord Rosaga captured, and Black Flame Star was detonated from within..."

A jolt coursed through Su Ming, his entire body instantly snapping to high alert.

He swiftly opened the post, his eyes immediately falling upon a video depicting the self-destruction of Black Flame Star and the subsequent retreat from Sky Dome City.

The comment section below the post was a torrent of rapidly scrolling messages.

"Sky Dome City's loss in this engagement was unjust!"

"Damn it, I still cannot fathom how those defensive armaments malfunctioned."

"Sigh, I am at a loss for words. Black Flame Star has fallen once more! Of course, I am not assigning blame to the soldiers of Sky Dome City, but does it not strike you as peculiar? Throughout Federation history, only Black Flame Star has suffered this fate, and it has happened twice!"

"Indeed, it seems only Black Flame Star bears this curse."

"Therefore, do you not believe the designation 'Black Flame Star' is inherently unlucky?"

"That makes a great deal of sense!"

...Su Ming read through the numerous comments, his own brow furrowing in contemplation.

Buzz!

At that precise moment, a message notification appeared.

"Esteemed Admiral Su Ming, you are requested to report to the Nether Moon Star Headquarters meeting room immediately for an urgent session...."

Upon reading the directive, Su Ming promptly rose from his bunk.

...

Within the imposing conference hall of the Nether Moon Star Defense Headquarters, a palpable gloom had settled amongst the assembled generals. Their faces were etched with grim expressions, and many bore the physical marks of recent battles, with bandages starkly visible against their uniforms. The air itself felt heavy, charged with an unspoken sorrow, punctuated by the faint, suppressed sobs of female officers weeping in secluded corners.

A burly general, his temper flaring like a dying ember, finally broke the strained silence. "What's the meaning of this? We're in the midst of critical rescue operations, why are we urgently called away for a meeting now?"

Another officer, his voice laced with weariness, responded, "No idea. Perhaps the enemy is making another move."

"Blast it! If those scum dare to show their faces again, I swear I'll annihilate every last one of them this time!" a third general declared, his fists clenched in suppressed fury.

...

Precisely then, the entrance doors to the conference room were pushed open. Heads turned in unison, their gazes falling upon Su Ming as he entered.

Su Ming paused momentarily, a flicker of surprise crossing his features as he registered the unusually somber and oppressive atmosphere permeating the room. Nevertheless, he continued his advance.

The commanding officers lining his path managed strained greetings, forcing themselves to acknowledge his presence. "General!"

"Mm," Su Ming replied, offering a subtle nod.

At that precise moment, Hayes, spotting Su Ming, extended a welcoming hand. "Su Ming, over here!"

Acknowledging Hayes's gesture, Su Ming moved towards him and took a seat beside his comrade. Hayes then nudged Su Ming with his elbow, a hushed word passing between them.