Shadows of the Deep Space Chapter 1851 - 569: The Rendezvous (Part 2)
Previously on Shadows of the Deep Space...
The commanders representing Cui Lan Star, Moon Star, and Black Flame Star convened for a crucial meeting.
"Simanken."
A burly man, his face rugged and adorned with a beard, surged forward with a shout of excitement.
"Aliku. It’s been too long!"
Simanken responded with a warm smile as he regarded the man before him.
"It’s been nearly two years since our last encounter. To run into you here is unexpected. We absolutely must reconnect later."
"Certainly. How fares the conflict on your front?"
Simanken inquired, his smile unwavering.
"Let’s not even discuss it. This war has been incredibly taxing. We secured the defense line on Moon Star, yet orders came down to withdraw. What was the purpose of our fierce defense then?"
"Cease your lamenting. Victory grants the privilege of retreat; otherwise, no such option would exist. Have you witnessed the commanders from Sky Dome City? They retreated bearing wounds, and many perished while being pursued by the Dark Star Empire. Had reinforcements not arrived in time, who knows how many more would have fallen."
"A grave tragedy. I heard Mo Xiu sustained severe injuries. Is this accurate?"
"It is indeed. Did you not observe his absence from this very meeting?"
"Indeed. And how is the Cui Lan Star Defense Line faring against the Mechanical Clan?"
"Their resilience is notable, though they don't match the ferocity we encountered during our retreat from the Shabask Kingdom."
"Ah, speaking of which! Rumor has it Admiral Hayes successfully captured a VI-type Heroic Level Chilami. Is this true?"
"Undeniably true."
"Astonishing. Some had whispered that Hayes achieved his rank through dubious means, yet he has proven to be exceptionally capable."
"Ahem, is that how one speaks?"
"Haha, a mere slip of the tongue!"
"However, this time, the true standout performance belongs not to Admiral Hayes, but to Admiral Su Ming! Without his intervention, the Moon Star Defense Line would not have achieved its success."
"I am aware of that. His subordinate mechas are truly state-of-the-art. Over a dozen V Generation Mechas were deployed, and the sheer number of Fake V Generation and IV Generation Mechas is simply astounding!"
"That’s merely the beginning. The truly impressive element was the Star Destroyer that emerged later. Despite its somewhat weathered appearance, its combat prowess was overwhelmingly formidable. I daresay it surpasses even the World-purifying Flower!"
"Precisely. I saw the video circulating online. With a single blast, the Mechanical Gem of the Divine Authority Star was obliterated. Had the VI-type fortress Chilami not intervened at that critical juncture, the Divine Authority Star would have faced complete annihilation!"
...
As the discussions unfolded amongst the attendees.
The doors to the conference room swung open.
Long Chen made his entrance, accompanied by Long Ying, Angulat, Hayes, Su Ming, and several others.
"Lord Long Chen and his contingent have arrived!"
...
The assembled commanders, upon witnessing their arrival, were visibly taken aback and began murmuring amongst themselves.
Commander Alekde approached and engaged in conversation with Long Chen.
"You have endured much!"
"It was nothing significant."
Long Chen responded with a smile.
At this juncture, Gabres and General Sigurd stepped towards Su Ming and addressed him.
"Su Ming!"
"Gabres, Sigurd!"
Su Ming greeted them, a smile gracing his lips.
"You truly are remarkable!"
Gabres playfully tapped Su Ming’s chest, offering a teasing remark.
"Huh? Whatever did I do?"
Su Ming appeared surprised and inquired with curiosity.
"It’s nothing, Gabres merely feels you weren’t as considerate as you could have been. You commanded such a substantial force of elite troops, yet you chose to reinforce the flanks instead of supporting the Cui Lan Star Defense Line. It seems you’ve become somewhat detached."
Sigurd remarked with a lighthearted smile.
"Don't put it that way. You serve as the central guardians; what need would you have for my presence there?"
Su Ming responded with a chuckle.
"Who says we didn't need you? If you had been present, would I have been compelled to remain behind the defense line? The three of us could have handled Aliku directly."
Gabres's frustration seemed to grow as he reflected on the situation.
"Haha, perhaps next time we have the opportunity!"
Su Ming agreed somewhat awkwardly.
"Alright, it’s settled then!"
Gabres declared directly to Su Ming.
"Uh, but..."
Su Ming found himself at a loss for words, feeling cornered by their exchange.
At this moment, having concluded his conversation with Long Chen, Commander Alekde proceeded towards the conference table.
Observing this, all attendees moved to take their assigned seats.
Su Ming and his companions also proceeded to the front row and settled into their seats.
Commander Alekde then ascended the council platform, his demeanor grave, and commenced his address.
"Now that everyone is present, the meeting shall officially commence. I understand that many of you are displeased with this tactical withdrawal, but I implore you to overcome this sentiment and adapt. Do not allow it to influence our future strategies! We are currently facing an extremely critical situation, do you understand?"
"Understood!"
A unified response echoed from everyone present.
"Excellent. Allow me to illuminate our present predicament. The defensive perimeter we are consolidating encompasses Earth Flame Star, Steel Rock Star, and Guangqi Star, establishing our inner bulwark. This represents our final sanctuary. Should the adversary breach any single point, they gain an immediate staging ground to assault the Third Planet. Consequently, retreat is impossible; we must fight until the very end!" Alekde declared with utmost seriousness. "Understood!" Su Ming and the others responded with equal gravity. Indeed, Commander Alekde's assessment held true. If this defensive cordon were to falter once more, the subsequent confrontation would inevitably involve the defense of the Third Planet itself. "Very well, let us proceed with the deployment of our defensive contingents. Firstly, the units from the Moon Star Defense Line will withdraw to secure the Guangqi Star Defense Line! Those returning from Sky Dome City shall garrison the Steel Rock Star Defense Line, and Earth Flame Star will be under my personal command, leading the First Legion!" Commander Alekde elucidated the broad strategic distribution. "No objections!" Long Chen and General Helagar affirmed with solemnity. This overall arrangement was largely in line with their expectations.