Shadows of the Deep Space Chapter 1850 - 569: Reunion
Previously on Shadows of the Deep Space...
Rhein suddenly exclaimed in surprise to Su Ming at this moment.
"Boss, quickly check the Star Cluster Forum. The mass evacuation has caused near pandemonium."
Heeding Rhein’s words, Su Ming raised his wristband to access the Star Cluster Forum and immediately noticed a cascade of highlighted protest posts.
Upon opening the most popular protest, Su Ming saw the prominent message at the top:
"We vehemently protest the evacuation order issued by Dragon White Council Chairman. This directive needlessly surrenders Cui Lan Star and Moon Star, completely disregarding the sacrifices made by our soldiers!"
"I fail to comprehend why, with the Black Flame Star Defense Line breached, we are retreating instead of planning a counter-offensive!"
"You are absolutely right; those are Federation territories. We cannot yield even an inch! If we succumb to fear and retreat now, there will be no place left to retreat to eventually!"
"This is a grave misjudgment, everyone must unite and demand the withdrawal of the mass evacuation order!"
"Withdraw the evacuation order! Reclaim the broken defense line!"
...
Su Ming scrolled through the posts, his expression becoming increasingly somber.
It appeared the Federation citizens were mounting significant resistance against the mass evacuation.
However, this reaction was understandable given the circumstances. After all, contracting the defense line essentially meant the enemy was nearing the core territories. Beyond the apprehension of the Earth Flame Star citizens, even those on the Third Planet felt a profound sense of unease.
...
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The outer expanse of Earth Flame Star’s orbit.
The previously desolate void had transformed dramatically.
A multitude of defensive weapon systems, in various models, were being meticulously positioned by professional technicians.
A fleet of returning vessels was visible approaching from a distance.
Patrolling soldier squads, piloting their mechas, conducted systematic inspections of the newly reinforced defense line.
Conversations echoed continuously through the public communication channels.
"S21 area configuration finalized!"
"This is the Flying Bat Squad, escorting the Malik transport ship to the designated checkpoint for inspection."
....
At this precise moment, in the sky that had been preemptively cleared, widespread spatial distortions began to manifest.
Warning signals blared from the scanning devices of nearby returning ships, prompting them to veer away from the anomalous region.
Moments later, the colossal Sea God Fortress, towing the heavily damaged Black Tide Fortress, emerged first from subspace.
In quick succession, the Nether Moon Star Headquarters, the Star Destroyer Deep Blue, and other vessels materialized.
The numerous ships that had shifted course witnessed this grand arrival, exclaiming in surprise over the public communication channels.
"Quick, look, isn't that the Sea God Fortress?"
"And the Black Tide Fortress! It appears to be heavily damaged!"
"I recognize the Nether Moon Star Headquarters! It's the Nether Moon Star Defense Line forces returning!"
"Isn't that the Star Destroyer Thunder Extreme? Admiral Su Ming is back too!"
"If that’s the case, then the main Star Destroyer should have returned as well. Where is it?"
"Over there!"
"Whoa, that vessel looks absolutely formidable; its imposing presence can be felt even from afar!"
"Indeed, but it seems somewhat dilapidated, as if it hasn't been maintained."
...
For a moment, many ships abruptly halted, and countless eyes turned towards the Ancient Legendary Level Star Destroyer, the Grey Angel.
Inside the Thunder Extreme Central Control Room.
Timi reported to Su Ming.
"Master Su Ming, we have arrived at Earth Flame Star’s outer defense line."
"Understood. Merge with the main fleet for entry."
Su Ming stated gravely.
"Yes!"
Timi replied with utmost respect.
At this juncture, notifications began to appear on the virtual operations screen.
"Friendly reminder: We are approaching the Earth Flame Star Defense Line. Upon passing through, all ships are to proceed to the designated area and await further instructions!"
...
Timi acknowledged the prompt and immediately instructed his subordinates to follow the fleet into the defense perimeter in an orderly fashion.
More than three hours elapsed.
The retreating fleet from Nether Moon Star successfully entered the Earth Flame Star Defense Line.
Rhein inquired with curiosity.
"Boss, what's our next move?"
"Await orders?"
Su Ming casually responded.
Bzz Bzz~.
Just then, the wristbands of Su Ming, Rhein, and the others began to vibrate.
Su Ming glanced down at the incoming notification.
"Esteemed Admiral Su Ming, you are requested to report to the Cosmic Army Headquarters, Blackthorn Fortress, for a plenary meeting."
"Boss, we just got here and we're already summoned for a meeting!"
Rhein voiced in astonishment.
"It's standard procedure. Timi, set a course for Blackthorn Fortress!"
Su Ming commanded Timi.
"Affirmative!"
Timi immediately maneuvered the Star Destroyer Thunder Extreme, altering its trajectory.
Meanwhile, in the vast expanse of the outer cosmos.
A battlefield reporter, piloting the Green Wing Mecha, directed their camera towards the retreating forces from the Nether Moon Star Defense Line, their voice brimming with excitement.
"Everyone, look! The final contingent of the Nether Moon Star Defense Line has successfully returned. The combined forces from the three major defense lines have now converged at Earth Flame Star. This is a truly historic moment! I will continue to bring you further updates as events unfold."
...
Blackthorn Fortress, Dock Number 9.
The Star Destroyer Thunder Extreme glided in smoothly, its docking clamps engaging precisely with the fixed apparatus.
Instantly, a section of the dock wall slid open, extending a metallic walkway that connected seamlessly with the Thunder Extreme's entry hatch.
*Clack!*
The boarding entrance hissed open.
Su Ming, clad in his Grand General uniform, emerged alongside Rhein, Ankaga, and the others.
As they proceeded, soldiers clad in Exoskeleton Armor stood at rigid attention, snapping salutes as Su Ming and his group passed by.
"General!"
Su Ming offered a slight nod in acknowledgment, continuing his advance towards the mobile platform.
They swiftly boarded the platform, en route to the Cosmic Army Headquarters.
Gazing out through the panoramic windows at the familiar cityscape, Su Ming felt a momentary sense of detachment; it had been several years since his initial arrival at Cosmic Army Headquarters.
In that instant, Su Ming mused on the subtle shifts brought about by the passage of time.
....
Within the conference room of the Cosmic Army Headquarters.