Shadows of the Deep Space Chapter 1852 - 569: The Gathering_3

"Next up is special deployment, Admiral Su Ming!"

Alekde turned his gaze toward Su Ming.

"Present!"

Su Ming promptly rose to his feet.

"You will take command of your forces and garrison the Earth Flame Star,"

Alekde issued the directive to Su Ming without delay.

"Understood."

Upon receiving Alekde's command, a slight twitch touched Su Ming's lips.

He hadn't anticipated being assigned to the Earth Flame Star defense line. While breaching the three defensive lines could lead to a direct assault on the Third Planet, Earth Flame Star itself served as the most crucial stepping stone.

Consequently, this defense line was the most probable target for a fierce assault and would bear the heaviest defensive burden, which explained Commander Alekde's decision to transfer Su Ming there.

"Wonderful!"

Gabres and the others expressed their delight upon hearing of Su Ming's reassignment.

Legion Commander Qian Lin and his associates felt a pang of anxiety, but seeing Long Chen and Commander Flaya remain silent, they found themselves unable to voice any objections.

Just then, General Helagar stood and addressed Commander Alekde in a resonant voice.

"Commander, I have a matter to raise."

"Proceed,"

Commander Alekde acknowledged General Helagar, gesturing for him to speak.

"As you are likely aware, here in Sky Dome City, we seldom request reinforcements. However, our forces have sustained significant damage. Mo Xiu remains hospitalized and utterly incapable of participating in combat. Furthermore, few defensive armaments from the Black Flame Star defense line have been withdrawn. Might we transfer General Su Ming and the Thirteenth Legion to our command?"

General Helagar directed his plea to Commander Alekde.

The commanders of Sky Dome City listened intently, their hopes fixed on Alekde's decision.

Indeed, their desire to secure Su Ming’s involvement was not solely for defensive purposes but, more importantly, to confront the Dark Star Emperor and avenge their fallen comrades!

The Council's earlier proposal for Su Ming to lead the charge in reclaiming the Black Flame Star defense line had been under their consideration.

Alekde's brow furrowed, and he responded to Helagar in a deep tone.

"Helagar, you need not concern yourself with defensive armaments; the Federation will provide them. Additionally, reserve units will be deployed to bolster your defenses! As for General Su Ming, his presence is required at Earth Flame Star, where the likelihood of a major engagement is highest."

"Commander Alekde..."

General Helagar attempted to continue his negotiation.

Commander Alekde cut him off directly, stating with unwavering resolve,

"It is settled."

"Very well, then."

General Helagar conceded with a note of regret.

"The meeting is adjourned!"

Commander Alekde declared, gesturing with his hand.

Numerous generals rose and departed the chamber.

General Sigurd turned towards Su Ming with a smile.

"It appears we will have the opportunity to fight side-by-side once more."

"Indeed, I shall rely on your support moving forward,"

Su Ming replied with humility.

"No need for such formalities. We shall advance and retreat as one. Should I falter even slightly, I shall write my name in reverse! Come, allow me to offer you a drink!"

General Gabres exclaimed with hearty enthusiasm.

"Perhaps another time; I have a few matters to attend to first and need to confer with Commander Alekde,"

Su Ming responded with a smile.

"Very well, we shall arrange a future meeting then,"

Sigurd agreed, nodding in accord with Gabres.

Su Ming then rose and approached Commander Alekde, offering his respects.

"Commander Alekde!"

"Su Ming, is there something you require?"

Alekde regarded Su Ming and inquired in a friendly manner.

"Yes, my starship sustained significant damage and requires repairs; additionally, I wish to make a visit to the Third Planet,"

Su Ming informed Commander Alekde.

"No issue at all; there is no immediate threat to the Earth Flame Star defense line. Simply maintain open communication channels, and any urgent matters will be relayed promptly for your swift return."

Commander Alekde readily granted his approval.

"Thank you, I shall depart now."

Su Ming then turned and made his exit.

...

Within the command center of the Star Destroyer Thunder Extreme.

Su Ming entered, clapping his hands together.

"Everyone, please gather around!"

Celeste, Timi, Li Menghan, Rhein, and Shu’en responded, converging together.

"I shall conduct a brief meeting to discuss our current situation,"

Su Ming announced to the assembled group.

"Understood!"

"We have been assigned to the Earth Flame Star defense line, placing us in a more forward position than Steel Rock Star to the left and Guangqi Star to the right. This makes it the most probable target for attack and entails the greatest defensive pressure."

"We understand!"

Timi and the others nodded in agreement.

"What about the Grey Angel? Surely it cannot remain idle here?"

Celeste inquired of Su Ming.

"The Grey Angel will not remain; it is to continue its repairs in the Shabask Kingdom,"

Su Ming replied to Celeste.

"Understood!"

Celeste nodded, her approval evident.

"Furthermore, a journey to the Third Planet is necessary, so I've made some arrangements. Our fleet will hold the defense line at the Earth Flame Star. While I am absent, Timi and Rhein shall assume command!"

Su Ming turned his gaze toward Timi and Rhein.

"Understood!"

The two responded in unison.

"Meng Han, you will pilot the Sunshine to escort me back. Ankaga will accompany me on this journey."

Su Ming instructed Li Menghan and Ankaga.

"Acknowledged!"

Li Menghan and Ankaga nodded in agreement.

"All matters now concluded. This meeting is adjourned!"

Su Ming declared to the assembled group.

"Very well!"

...

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

Several hours passed.

Beyond the World Eye, disturbances appeared in the vast, dark expanse of the cosmos.

The Ancient Legendary Level Star Destroyer, Grey Angel, and the Sunshine emerged from subspace.

Within the Sunshine's central control room.

Su Ming occupied the command chair, one hand supporting his cheek as he contemplated.

At this juncture, Li Menghan approached Su Ming, reporting with deference.

"Sir, we have reached World Eye·Dark Moon Port."