Shadows of the Deep Space

Vivian simply explained to Su Ming.

“I see, so how are your military ranks distributed?”

Su Ming asked curiously.

“Hehe, the Federation Government allows us to retain our original ranks!”

Xia Lan said with great pride.

“Does that mean you can determine it yourselves, choose whatever rank you want?”

Su Ming asked with interest.

“In theory, yes, but in practice, it’s impossible. There are restrictions on the number of Admirals, Vice Admirals, and Major Generals equipped by a corps.”

Vivian smiled and said to Su Ming.

“Got it.”

Su Ming nodded in response.

At this moment, Xia Lan nudged Su Ming with her elbow and said with a sly smile.

“Su Ming, it’s usually so hard to meet you that we finally bump into you today. Shouldn’t you treat us to dinner?”

“Xia Lan, don’t be ridiculous. It’s a critical time now. Mr. Su Ming is very busy. He doesn’t have time to treat us to a meal.”

Vivian said with great understanding.

“That’s not true, I do have time for a meal.”

Su Ming said with a smile.

Though the current situation is tense, there are still five days before the Imperial Army reaches the Earth Flame Star frontline, so there’s time for a meal.

Additionally, morally and logically, I should indeed treat them to a meal. Just considering their journey to Moon Star for assistance as well as the matter of the crystals and energy, I ought to express my gratitude.

“Just to be clear, we don’t eat at the canteen. We want the best, and the ambiance must be romantic. Don’t tell me you can’t afford it!”

Xia Lan’s eyes lit up and made specific demands to Su Ming.

Vivian looked at Xia Lan with some confusion, wondering what she was up to.

Su Ming said somewhat awkwardly.

“What you mentioned is fine, but the Cosmic Army Headquarters doesn’t have very good restaurants.”

“No problem, we can go to Earth Flame Star; there are great restaurants there.”

Xia Lan said with a chuckle.

“Alright, let’s go then!”

Su Ming was not one to ruin the fun. It’s so close to Earth Flame Star, so the journey won’t take much time.

“You rock, let’s move!”

Xia Lan replied in high spirits.

The three of them then headed to the mobile platform together.

…

Sunshine, at the central control room.

Su Ming walked in with Vivian and Xia Lan.

“Lord Su Ming.”

Li Menghan greeted respectfully.

“Menghan, set course for Earth Flame Star.”

Su Ming said to Li Menghan.

“Yes!”

Li Menghan immediately operated the controls.

Quickly, Sunshine disengaged from Blackthorn Fortress and flew towards Earth Flame Star nearby.

The three stood on the observation deck, gazing at the increasingly closer dark red planet.

The entire Earth Flame Star looked exactly as it did during the initial city appraisal, the only difference now is the absence of Chilami outside Earth Flame Star, only a dense fleet of ships.

Moments later, Sunshine broke through Earth Flame Star’s atmosphere, heading towards Manhavi Military Airport to land.

Su Ming looked at this military airport, its overall layout almost unchanged from memory, with the prominently visible command tower in plain view.

At that point, Sunshine landed at the designated docking spot.

Li Menghan approached Su Ming to report.

“Sir, we have arrived!”

“Alright, wait here for us, Ms. Vivian, let’s go!”

Su Ming said to Vivian and Xia Lan.

“Okay!”

Both nodded in agreement.

Su Ming then left with the two.

…

Earth Flame Star · Manhavi Base City.

The three appeared on bustling streets, skyscrapers lined the way, circles of tracks coiled around in the sky, virtual ads everywhere.

Su Ming looked around at the familiar buildings and streets, momentarily lost in thought.

The city’s layout was the same as during the Earth Flame Star campaign, the only difference now is the absence of any damaged buildings, the area had become affluent, and pedestrians were everywhere.

However, upon closer inspection, it could be noticed that many pedestrians on the streets were officers.

“Su Ming, where are you taking us to eat?”

Xia Lan asked brightly.

“There’s a Flower Sea Restaurant ahead; the ambiance and reputation are particularly good, arguably the best on Earth Flame Star, we’ll eat there.”

Su Ming checked en route.

“That restaurant is quite nice!”

Xia Lan agreed.

The three headed forward and upon passing a square, they saw a huge obelisk monument.

Inscribed on it prominently was a singular word.

“Earth Flame Star Battle Monument, this monument honors all personnel who sacrificed on Earth Flame Star….”

Su Ming glanced at the monument, his mood inexplicably heavy.

But he quickly adjusted his emotions, leading Xia Lan and others forward.

Not long after, Su Ming and the group saw Flower Sea Restaurant, which was a vintage restaurant built with wooden materials, with rows of jacarandas planted outside.

A gentle breeze blew through, the jacaranda’s branches and leaves swayed, scattered petals breezed away.

Su Ming paused to take in the scene, staring at the scattered jacarandas, slightly dazed.

Xia Lan noticed Su Ming pausing, a bit lost in thought herself, then quietly said to Vivian.

“Seventh sister, look at Su Ming, you can tell there’s a story just by looking at him.”

“How do you know there’s a story?”

“You wouldn’t understand this, jacaranda’s floral meaning, love waiting in despair!”

“Really?”

Vivian’s expression shifted slightly after hearing Xia Lan’s words, she looked towards Su Ming.

At this moment, Xia Lan continued talking to Vivian.