Shadows of the Deep Space Chapter 1854 - 569: The Reunion (5)

"Do you have any suggestions, then?"

"I suggest we enact the Seed Plan, assemble a long-range fleet, and leave behind a beacon of hope for humankind," Bai Kedi declared bravely to Long Bai.

"Indeed, Lord Bai Kedi speaks the truth!"

"That proposal is excellent!"

... Many council members voiced their agreement.

As Bai Kedi spoke, Long Bai's expression grew increasingly stern.

While the Seed Plan sounded noble, it was, in essence, a desperate plan to flee.

However, Long Bai chose not to expose their cowardly intentions, recognizing that some truths are better left unsaid.

The truth was that this faction had long plotted an escape, but Long Bai's command of the defense line prevented their departure. This spurred their proposal of the Seed Plan.

Once Long Bai sanctioned this scheme, they could finally abandon their posts.

At this juncture, Long Bai's voice cut through the air, sharp and cold.

"Your proposal has merit."

"Truly!" Bai Kedi and his faction chirped with excitement.

"However, the current timing is not opportune. We shall table it for the time being."

Long Bai extinguished their hopes with a single sentence.

"Lord Long Bai, we believe the timing is quite suitable. Should we delay further, execution will become impossible later..."

Anxiety flared among the council members.

"Enough. There is no need for further discussion. The matter is decided. You have all labored diligently these past days; let us adjourn and allow everyone to rest," Long Bai declared, abruptly ending the meeting. He offered no room for further debate and turned towards a side exit.

Witnessing the meeting's conclusion, Su Ming addressed Ferion and Jone.

"The meeting has concluded."

"Ah, Su Ming, do you intend to see Lord Long Bai?" Ferion inquired hesitantly.

"Yes," Su Ming affirmed.

"Splendid! Let us all go together then!" Ferion and Jone exclaimed, their faces lighting up as if they had found a savior.

"Certainly, let's head over," Su Ming readily agreed.

The trio then turned and made their way toward Long Bai's office.

Upon reaching the office door, they found Yun Rou standing guard.

"Miss Yun Rou, is Lord Long Bai within?" Su Ming asked respectfully.

"Lord Long Bai has just returned and is currently occupied with reviewing documents," Yun Rou replied deferentially.

"Understood." Su Ming reached out and knocked on the door.

"Enter!" Long Bai's crisp voice echoed from within the office.

Su Ming pushed the door open, ushering Ferion and Jone into the room.

Inside, Long Bai was seated at his desk, immersed in the review of submitted reports.

Observing this scene, Su Ming felt a pang of sympathy, considering the immense burden of being a council chairman.

Long Bai looked up, his gaze falling upon Su Ming and Ferion. He set down his pen and spoke calmly, "What is it?"

Hearing this, Ferion and Jone clenched their jaws and knelt on a single knee, confessing their transgressions.

"Lord Long Bai, we are without merit. We failed to provide timely support to the Black Flame Star Defense Line, resulting in its collapse. We humbly request your judgment!"

Long Bai cast a brief glance at them before replying with measured composure, "This failure does not rest solely on your shoulders. Pamie was never something you could have successfully countered. Furthermore, the failure of your reinforcements may not necessarily be a negative outcome."

"How so?" Ferion and Jone exchanged bewildered glances.

"Even with your timely intervention, the defense line would have held for only a short duration longer before succumbing. It is better to have made an earlier strategic withdrawal," Long Bai reasoned logically.

"We understand." Ferion and Jone privately exhaled in relief and respectfully withdrew.

Soon, only Su Ming and Long Bai remained in the office.

Long Bai turned his attention to Su Ming, his voice tinged with weariness. "Your actions concerning the Heavenly Revelation Divine Country and the Dark Star Empire have been exemplary, effectively crippling their foundations."

"It was merely my duty. Yet, it is regrettable that even after achieving this, they show no signs of retreat; their actions become increasingly desperate," Su Ming expressed with a hint of regret.

"There is an old saying: 'To ensure its destruction, one must first incite madness!' Without further resources, their current frenzy can only last so long before they inevitably collapse," Long Bai stated coolly to Su Ming.

"Indeed." Su Ming nodded in agreement.

Noticing the fatigue etched on Su Ming's face, Long Bai spoke with genuine concern, "You have exerted yourself immensely. The conflicts ahead may prove even more harrowing; take care of yourself."

"Mm, you as well. Speaking of which, I returned specifically to address the matter of Pamie. Pamie represents a significant threat, akin to a ticking time bomb. If we fail to resolve this issue, we will face dire consequences when the full-scale war with the Mechanical Clan commences. Ferion's recent ordeal serves as a stark reminder," Su Ming conveyed to Long Bai.

"I am aware. However, dealing with Pamie is no simple feat. The Federation's decision to initiate the Biological Brain Project was heavily influenced by this very threat," Long Bai replied.

When Su Ming brought up Pamie, Long Bai addressed him with a serious tone.

"You speak the truth, so in the end, we still require assistance from our mechanical companions. I intend to request access to the City Lord Mansion's underground chamber to utilize that machine, hoping to establish contact."

Su Ming then responded to Long Bai.

"It's futile; as you witnessed previously, there was no reaction whatsoever! As the saying goes, 'One is better off relying on oneself than depending on others.' Rather than placing faith in such remote possibilities, it's better to forge our own bloody path!"

Long Bai expressed little optimism.

"Lord Long Bai, your words are wise, but the current situation is critical, which is why I still wish to make an attempt."

Su Ming understood Long Bai's perspective.

Given ample time, Su Ming felt confident that the Federation would eventually reach an unassailable status and would undoubtedly devise a method to confront Pamie. However, time is of the essence now; the enemy could initiate a full-scale assault at any moment.

Long Bai paused in silence for a few moments before speaking.

"Since you are set on trying, then proceed. I grant my approval."

"Mm."

Su Ming acknowledged with a nod.

"You may go; I have numerous matters requiring my attention here."

Long Bai stated, then inclined his head to resume his perusal of documents.

"Understood!"

Su Ming then turned and departed.