Shadows of the Deep Space Chapter 1848 - 568: The Great Retreat (Part 4)

"Very well, I respect your decision. The Federation’s doors will always welcome you." Su Ming conveyed to Limi.

"My thanks." Limi offered a slight bow to Su Ming.

"Farewell! Travel safely." Su Ming bid his goodbyes.

"Understood, farewell!" Limi acknowledged with a nod.

...

-------------------

The entirety of the Nether Moon Star Defense Line was now in a state of high alert.

Numerous personnel were observed urgently dismantling and retrieving defensive armaments.

Shouts intermittently echoed through the public communication channels.

"Emergency directive: Commence preparations for immediate retreat. Secure all portable assets; abandon the rest!"

"What? Abandon the defense line?"

"The populace has not yet been completely evacuated!"

"I refuse to leave!"

"Cease the protests. Any individual holding a military rank who disobeys this order will be charged with dereliction of duty! Unranked personnel refusing will be left behind!"

"Damn it all!"

...

On Moon Star.

An immense throng of citizens, burdened with their belongings, ascended the colossal, top-shaped fortress via the cloud ladders.

Gazing upon their forsaken homeworld, many found themselves unable to suppress their tears.

Weep~ Weep~

Even the soldiers tasked with maintaining order displayed eyes reddened from held-back emotion.

Commander Fulaya stood upon the star platform, a somber observer of the unfolding scene, a hint of sorrow gracing her aged features.

Gwen stood alongside Commander Fulaya, his voice tinged with a heavy heart.

"Lord Fulaya, the evacuation proceeds with utmost efficiency. All personnel will be transferred within seven hours."

"I am aware."

"Lord Fulaya, must we truly forsake Moon Star?"

"Gwen, sometimes, to secure a future gain, one must first relinquish the present. Moon Star holds significance, but lives are paramount." Commander Fulaya sighed deeply.

"I understand." Gwen replied, his spirit subdued.

...

Several hours later.

The colossal, top-shaped fortress began to disengage from Moon Star.

Rescue vessels, one after another, concluded their operations and initiated the retrieval of search and rescue teams.

Within the headquarters' central command chamber.

General Angulat, General Morigke, Admiral Su Ming, and other high-ranking officers stood arrayed.

Long Chen inquired with a deep tone, his voice resonating, "Are all preparations complete?"

"We are nearly prepared. The majority of personnel have returned, and all salvageable weaponry has been secured," Gwen responded, her heart heavy.

"Excellent. Issue the decree. Upon the appointed hour, effectuate a prompt withdrawal!" Long Chen immediately gave the command.

At that precise moment, a cacophony of urgent sounds erupted from beyond the central command room.

Long Chen’s brow furrowed at the disturbance. "What is occurring outside?" he demanded in a deep voice.

"Lord Long Chen, numerous Generals seek an audience with you," Gwen replied, a trace of hesitation in her voice.

Hearing this, Long Chen’s expression grew increasingly somber.

General Angulat, with decisive resolve, interjected, "I will address this matter!"

"Proceed," Long Chen nodded.

General Angulat strode directly towards the hallway outside the central command room.

Observing this, Su Ming followed closely behind.

As Angulat opened the door and emerged, a multitude of officers surged forward, imploring him earnestly.

"Lord Angulat, we beg you, grant us more time!"

"The rescue of the remaining populace is not yet complete!"

"We cannot abandon them!"

...

"Silence! This is a direct order; disobedience will not be tolerated and will result in the imposition of martial law!" General Angulat reprimanded sternly.

Every officer present felt a crushing weight of despair, their pleas met with unyielding authority.

"Lord Angulat, are we to simply stand by and witness their hopeless demise in the darkness?"

"They still await our desperate rescue!"

....

"Your words are unnecessary. When the time arrives, we depart without further delay!" General Angulat stated with unwavering finality.

A palpable sense of hopelessness permeated the assembled officers.

At this juncture, Su Ming stepped forward, let out a sigh, and addressed the gathering crowd.

"Enough. Cease your protests. Since your desire is to remain and conduct rescues, then so be it."

"Su Ming, you…" General Angulat exclaimed in shock, turning his gaze towards Su Ming.

Su Ming raised a hand, signaling for Angulat to hold.

The assembled officers, upon hearing Su Ming’s words, reacted with palpable excitement.

"Is this true?"

"Indeed, but understand this clearly: those who choose to remain do so entirely at their own peril. The Federation will offer no further assistance!"

"Understood! Thank you, Lord Su Ming!" Many officers responded with utmost sincerity.

"Ensure your safety, and depart now!" Su Ming gestured dismissively.

The crowd dispersed immediately, hastening away.

General Angulat then turned to Su Ming, his voice laced with anger. "Su Ming, is this not incredibly reckless? How could you permit them to stay?"

"Angulat, heed my words. People are governed by their emotions. Forcing their compliance now will only breed deeper resentment!"

"Yet, you should not allow them to remain and face certain sacrifice!"

"Rest assured, those remaining are but minor detachments. Chilami and the Fanluo God Emperor will not expend significant resources on them; thus, there remains a glimmer of hope," Su Ming stated with a composed demeanor.“Alas, but this action breaks military regulations!” General Angulat’s stern features relaxed considerably. “It doesn’t matter, the consequences will rest on my shoulders!” Su Ming offered a pat to General Angulat’s shoulder before turning to depart. ... Shortly thereafter, within the Thunder Extreme Central Control Room. Su Ming stood upon the observation deck, his gaze fixed on the departing divisions, a faint sigh escaping his lips. Timi approached with deference and addressed Su Ming. “My Lord Su Ming, all preparations are complete!” “Very well, let us commence our departure,” Su Ming replied with a slight nod. “Yes!” Timi inclined her head in acknowledgment. Amidst the celestial expanse. The gargantuan fortress and its accompanying fleet commenced their voyage back, each vessel initiating its Superluminal Flight Device to breach the veil of Subspace.