Chapter 445: A Silent Group

Chapter 445: Chapter 445: A Silent Group

"Alright! Let’s hope you’re right!"

Luoxue nodded and composed herself.

"So what do we do next?"

"Next, we head to Guangxiao Planet to begin mining. The higher-ups are really breathing down our necks."

"Alright, let’s go!"

Long Ming nodded in agreement.

"Okay, let’s get on board!"

Luoxue led the group toward the small transport ship.

...

「A moment later.」

The small transport ship flew out from a docking bay of Blacktan Fortress.

In the ship’s control room.

Long Ming gazed out at the vast, starry expanse. Countless small transport ships were swarming forward.

Vice Legion Commander Bassaf’s steady voice came over the public channel.

"All personnel, proceed to the area at coordinates 1451, 3266, 5222, and await orders!"

"Yes, sir!"

...

A chorus of acknowledgements rang out.

Hearing Vice Legion Commander Bassaf’s order, Fu Fuqing turned to look at Luoxue.

"Execute the order."

Luoxue gave a slight nod.

Fu Fuqing piloted the ship toward the designated coordinates.

Long Ming found a chair and sat down. He raised his wristband and opened a status screen to check if Hilic had woken up yet.

Unfortunately, the little guy was still fast asleep.

Just then, however, Long Ming noticed that his Second Legion officer group chat had over 9999 new messages.

’This active?’

Muttering to himself, Long Ming opened the Second Legion’s officer group chat.

Major Ikard: Man, being on leave is so boring.

Captain Zhao Wushuang: That’s a bit of a humble-brag, Major Ikard. We’re all going crazy with work over here.

Major Fakenan: I’m heading back to Spine Fortress from the front lines tomorrow. Let’s grab a drink!

Major Ikard: No problem. But how come you’re back so early?

Major Fakenan: Wrapped things up, that’s why!

Major Aileira: Sir, what’s the situation on the front lines? Is it relatively stable near Mukete Planet?

Major Fakenan: The front lines are alright, but the sector around Mukete Planet isn’t too stable. There are quite a few straggler bugs roaming around. Be careful when you’re out on missions.

Major Aileira: Thanks, sir. I’ll treat you to a seafood feast when you’re back.

...

Long Ming watched the lively chat, noticing it was full of spirited conversation and even some real-time intel.

Suddenly, a new message popped up.

Colonel Hopka: Mission A-minus, codename T17. Anyone free to lend a hand?

The once-lively chat fell silent in an instant.

Long Ming was a little surprised. ’I didn’t expect to see Colonel Hopka posting in here,’ he thought. ’Is that guy always this intense?’

’Hasn’t it only been a few days? And he’s already taking on another mission?’

Colonel Hopka: Anyone free?!

Colonel Hopka: Hello? I’m talking to you! Why’s everyone so quiet!

Colonel Hopka: What, are you all mute?

Colonel Hopka: Don’t play dead!

...

The officer chat, with over a thousand members, was as quiet as a graveyard. Only Colonel Hopka was there, spamming messages.

A puzzled look crossed Long Ming’s face.

Seeing that no one had said a word after all that, an irritated Hopka went offline.

His profile picture immediately went dark.

Major Fakenan: Ikard, I’ll be there tomorrow. Don’t forget to pick me up!

Major Ikard: No problem. What’s your docking port number?

Captain Biru: Can I come along, too?

Major Fakenan: Sure, the more the merrier.

...

The corner of Long Ming’s mouth twitched as he watched the chat spring back to life.

’Just how much do people dislike this Colonel Hopka?’ he wondered.

...

「A little over ten minutes later.」

The small transport ship arrived at the designated coordinates.

Long Ming and the others immediately saw a 260-kilometer-long Class-5 transport ship that looked very similar to the Kunpeng.

The only difference was that this ship was brand new.

Right now, numerous small transport ships were in the process of orderly docking with the Kunyu’s massive hull.

"What ship is this?"

Long Ming asked, slightly surprised.

"The Class-5 transport, the Kunyu. This ship originally belonged to Legion Commander Kefamo. Vice Legion Commander Bassaf specifically borrowed it for this mining operation."

Luoxue explained to Long Ming.

"Vice Legion Commander Bassaf really spared no expense."

Long Ming replied thoughtfully.

Fu Fuqing then piloted their small transport toward the Kunyu.

CLANK!

Soon, their ship had successfully docked.

...

On the Kunyu’s bridge.

Operators reported in one after another.

"Small transport T223, docking complete!"

...

On the holographic screen, the gray docking indicators on the Kunyu’s surface turned green one by one.

With a worried expression, Du Meier reported to Bassaf.

"Lord Bassaf, isn’t this too risky?"

"My life is almost over. You think I care about risk? So what if we lose every last miner on this run? They’re just livestock; we can always get more. All I want are the profits!"

Bassaf’s expression was glacial.

"Yes, sir!"

Du Meier didn’t dare press the issue.

Just then, an operator reported with trepidation.

"Sir, all preparations are complete!"

"Engage the FTL drive! Target: Guangxiao Planet!"

Bassaf commanded coldly.

"Yes, sir!"

The operator immediately carried out the order.

The Class-5 transport, the Kunyu, immediately engaged its FTL drive. Space rippled around the massive vessel before it vanished into sub-space.

...

「A little over two hours later.」

In the space above Guangxiao Planet.

With a ripple in space, the Class-5 transport, the Kunyu, emerged from sub-space.

Inside their small transport ship.

Long Ming, Luoxue, and the others looked out toward Guangxiao Planet.

A Class-5 battleship led a fleet, guarding the space around Guangxiao Planet. Starluster fighters could be seen periodically flying to and from the planet’s surface.

Just then, Major Du Mei’er’s voice came over the public channel.

"Attention, everyone. We have arrived in orbit of Guangxiao Planet. Before we commence, I will reiterate the rules for this joint operation. This operation will use a zoned mining system. Each team may only mine within its assigned sector. All mined resources must be transported to the Kunyu for processing and storage. Furthermore, no small transport is permitted to leave Guangxiao Planet and return home without authorization. The payout for this operation is a ten-percent cut, so I hope none of you miss this rare opportunity! Most importantly, personal hoarding is strictly forbidden. Anyone caught will be punished severely!"

"Understood!"

"The operation begins now! All ships, detach from the Kunyu and proceed to your designated sectors!"

Major Du Mei’er commanded.

Upon hearing the command, Fu Fuqing began piloting the ship to detach from the Kunyu.

Long Ming turned to Luoxue.

"Looks like Vice Legion Commander Bassaf learned his lesson. He’s adopting the strictest possible control measures this time."

"No sane person makes the same mistake twice. Vice Legion Commander Bassaf will never trust us again."

Luoxue responded, her eyes on the Kunyu.

"Yeah."

Long Ming nodded.

Soon, their small transport ship successfully detached from the Kunyu and headed toward Guangxiao Planet.

RUMBLE~

As the small transport entered the atmosphere, it instantly began to shake violently.