Shadows of the Deep Space Chapter 1853 - 569: Reunion_4

"Celeste!"

Su Ming’s voice echoed out.

"I’m right here!"

A projection of Celeste instantly materialized.

"I’m entrusting the repairs of the Grey Angel to you. It must be fixed with all haste."

"Rest assured, I’ll work at maximum speed. But if you do end up going to find those Mechanical friends later, promise you’ll take me along."

"Understood. If there’s any news, Ankaga will bring you over. For now, concentrate on the ship’s repairs."

Su Ming issued his instructions to Celeste.

"Alright then, farewell!"

Celeste bid Su Ming goodbye, and her holographic image vanished.

Just then, Li Menghan activated the Optical Device, the screen now showing the vast expanse of the external starry sky.

The Ancient-level Star Destroyer, the Grey Angel, began its slow descent through the cloaked atmosphere.

Swarms of Mechanical Engineers immediately enveloped the Grey Angel, commencing the extensive repair operations.

After observing the scene, Su Ming turned towards Li Menghan.

"Set course for the Third Planet!"

"Understood!"

Li Menghan acknowledged without delay.

...

Federation Government·Dawn Hall.

Within the expansive meeting chamber, a cacophony of voices erupted as numerous council members engaged in heated arguments.

Ferion and Jone lingered at the entrance of the assembly hall, their expressions a mix of apprehension and hesitation, appearing as though they wished to enter but dared not.

"Old Fei, how precisely are we going to explain this debacle to His Excellency Long Bai?"

Jone inquired with a heavy sigh.

"Sigh, I haven’t the faintest idea myself."

Ferion responded, his gaze distant and troubled.

"What are you two doing lingering out here?"

A familiar voice called from behind them.

Ferion and Jone started guiltily and spun around to face the speaker.

It was Su Ming, standing there with a gentle smile.

"Su Ming, when did you make your return?"

"Just now. I saw the two of you looking quite distressed. What seems to be the trouble?"

Su Ming asked, a hint of curiosity in his tone.

"Don’t even get us started. We were ordered to reinforce the Black Flame Star, but we encountered Pamie en route. We were utterly overwhelmed, unable to retaliate, and consequently, the Black Flame Star's defense line received no timely aid and was breached."

Ferion recounted, his expression complex.

"Pamie… again?"

Su Ming’s brow furrowed upon hearing Ferion’s report.

"Alas, if only you had been present, we would never have suffered such a loss. We could have annihilated them!"

Ferion lamented regretfully.

"Cease your sighing. I offer no guarantee that I would have emerged victorious even if I were there."

Su Ming replied, shaking his head.

"Now, we face the daunting task of reporting this failure to Lord Long Bai. It’s truly mortifying."

Both Ferion and Jone let out deep sighs.

"It’s not entirely your fault; Pamie is inherently a formidable adversary. By the way, what’s all the commotion about in the council? Why such a din?"

Su Ming inquired, puzzled.

"What else? The defense line has collapsed, the enemy is practically at our doorstep, and utter panic has gripped everyone."

Ferion explained to Su Ming.

"I see. Let me take a listen."

Su Ming then carefully nudged open the meeting room door and peered inside.

He observed Long Bai standing stoically upon the council platform, calmly observing the bickering council members.

The entire chamber was in utter disarray, resembling a bustling marketplace more than a governing body.

Su Ming discreetly positioned himself to overhear the proceedings.

At that moment, a patrol unit of soldiers approached. Upon spotting Su Ming seemingly eavesdropping by the door, a slight twitch flickered at the corner of their mouths before they casually moved on.

Had it been anyone else in that position, they would have been swiftly apprehended as spies.

Inside the council chamber, a multitude of members vociferously debated.

"With so many people in retreat, where shall we possibly house them all!"

"Housing is the least of our concerns. Widespread panic is setting in; we should never have retreated in the first place."

"Could we have possibly prevailed had we not retreated?"

"So, what is our course of action now? The enemy is poised to attack; if the Earth Flame Star defense line succumbs, the Third Planet will be next!"

...

At this juncture, Senior Member Ammanfen, with a heavy sigh, rose to his feet and addressed the assembly.

"Lord Long Bai, the prevailing situation is dire, and morale is critically low. We cannot merely remain on the defensive without consequence."

"Precisely, such a defensive posture might suffice temporarily, but it is unsustainable and will eventually falter."

...

Numerous council members voiced their agreement.

"Are you all contemplating a strategic withdrawal?"

Long Bai inquired, his tone sharp.

"No, we simply wish to ascertain, Lord Long Bai, whether you possess any viable countermeasures."

A multitude of council members turned their expectant gazes towards Long Bai.

"Hold the line until the very end!"

Long Bai refrained from disclosing the Federation's contingency plans, adhering to the principle that knowledge held by fewer individuals minimizes the potential for unforeseen complications.

The council members’ expressions grew somber upon hearing Long Bai’s resolute response.

In that moment, Member Kang An nervously stood, his demeanor visibly uneasy, and proposed.

"Lord Long Bai, might we consider negotiation? While our losses are not yet catastrophic, a negotiated settlement could be feasible."

A collective gasp rippled through the council members, quickly followed by nods of agreement from many.

"Member Kang An, that proposal holds merit!"

....