Shadows of the Deep Space

"No need to thank me. From now on, we are family. I have something I need you to do."

Su Ming said straightforwardly to Onite.

"Sir, just say the word. If it's something I can do, I'll get right on it."

Onite said eagerly.

"Do you see that Level 5 transport ship, the Fish Ocean?"

"I see it."

"Its rear thruster was hit and is severely damaged. But I need to hurry to the Abyss of Descent. Find a way to coordinate the fastest repair on the Fish Ocean. It doesn't have to be completely fixed, but at least it needs to make the journey to the Abyss of Descent without failing halfway."

Su Ming instructed Onite.

"That's easy. You don't need to worry about it, leave it to me! Give me five days, and I guarantee I'll have it sorted for you."

Onite responded confidently.

"Good!"

Su Ming was very satisfied upon hearing Onite's reply.

He hadn't misjudged him; under normal circumstances, repairing the thruster of such a large transport ship would take at least half a month, maybe even a month.

This guy can actually get it done in five days. Just for that skill, getting him on board was worth all the effort.

"Sir, I'll go coordinate now."

Onite quickly said.

"Go!"

Su Ming nodded in response.

Onite immediately rushed towards the distant lift platform, constantly raising his wristband to send messages to the maintenance and logistics staff.

...

Seeing his task arranged, Su Ming turned and returned to the ship.

...

The next day, Sunshine's residential area.

Su Ming changed into casual clothes and walked out of the room, heading towards the exit channel.

Unexpectedly, he ran into Rhein, who saw Su Ming in casual attire and asked curiously.

"Boss, where are you headed?"

"Well, since the Fish Ocean will take five days to repair and I'm not doing anything, I figure I might as well visit a friend while we're here."

"Oh."

"Keep an eye on the ship, don't let anything unexpected happen."

"Boss, don't worry!"

"Mm!"

Su Ming nodded slightly, then left.

...

Soon after, at the entrance of the Cosmic Army Headquarters' Special Warfare Department.

Su Ming swiped his Xi Guang Laboratory card and walked in unobstructed.

He quickly reached the special warfare hangar, where numerous special warfare personnel were methodically conducting Biological Mecha training.

Su Ming turned his head to look around, searching for Lin Chuyu and An Ruoxue.

After searching for a long time without seeing them, and noting that their Biological Mechas were also not activated,

Su Ming suddenly spotted Tiger and walked over to call out.

"Tiger!"

Tiger glanced at Su Ming upon hearing him, then pretended not to recognize him and walked towards the corner of the hangar.

Seeing Tiger ignoring him, Su Ming's smile faded, replaced by a contemplative expression, and he followed him.

Soon, Su Ming caught up with Tiger in the corner.

"Tiger, how long has it been, and you're already ignoring me?"

Su Ming teased with a smile.

Tiger, upon hearing Su Ming, looked around warily, tightly tense, and said in a low voice,

"You need to leave, don't stay here, get out of here quickly."

Su Ming frowned slightly at Tiger's words and asked,

"What's going on? And why haven't I seen Lin Chuyu and An Ruoxue?"

"Ah, forget it, I'll tell you. An Ruoxue defected."

Tiger glanced around again, then whispered to Su Ming.

"What? She defected? What on earth happened?"

Su Ming was shocked to hear Tiger's words.

"Here's what happened: the curvature interference device of the wormhole time-space defense line was sabotaged, right?"

"Yes, and then?"

"The Federation was naturally furious and, to root out the traitor, they activated a very clever operative within the Heavenly Revelation Divine Country. That operative sent back a list of infiltrated personnel, among whom was An Ruoxue's father. And he wasn't just any ordinary JD; his identity is very special! An Ruoxue, realizing she couldn't keep it secret, defected. Now the Night Owl Department is searching everywhere for her! Anyone with close ties to An Ruoxue is under suspicion. Lin Chuyu has already been taken away by the Night Owl Department! You're also close to An Ruoxue, so you should leave here quickly. If someone reports you to the Night Owl Department, they'll round you up too."

Tiger whispered urgently to Su Ming.

"I'm not a JD, there's nothing to be afraid of."

Su Ming's heart surged like a stormy sea upon hearing Tiger's words.

"No, how do you not get it? You're in a prime position now, with a bright future ahead. If you get involved with a JD now, you'll be finished."

Tiger said, exasperated.

"I don't care about that. Do you know where the Night Owl Department is?"

"How would I know where the Night Owl Department is? Those guys are always so secretive, hiding and elusive! And didn't I tell you to stay away from them? Why are you still thinking of diving headlong into trouble?"

"Got it, I'm leaving."

Su Ming replied calmly.

"Hurry up and go! Don't linger at the Cosmic Army Headquarters. Night Owl people are everywhere here."

Tiger urged Su Ming to leave.

"Sigh!"

Su Ming sighed, turned, and left.

...

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

Not long after.

Su Ming walked out alone from the Cosmic Army Headquarters, strolling the bustling streets.

Looking at the passersby walking together, laughing and talking, and the ceaseless flow of vehicles, he felt a bit emotional.

He hadn't expected that in less than half a year since he left, everything here would have changed so much.