Shadows of the Deep Space-Chapter 760 - 377: Divergence (Six-in-One)_7

"What’s the reason?"

Su Ming asked curiously.

"In recent years, the Council’s funds have been very tight, and they’re really stingy with allocations. Even the funding for the Cosmic Army Headquarters is limited, and they’re struggling over there."

Okens said with a sigh.

Upon hearing this, Su Ming gave Okens a peculiar look, realizing that, after all this, the issue was actually with the Council.

Not enough money, how could Alekde not try to find his own solution?

As for the Council’s funding being tight, Su Ming didn’t believe it at all; they probably pocketed the funds.

Seeing Su Ming looking at him with a strange expression, Okens scowled and said immediately.

"Why are you looking at me like that? You don’t suspect us of withholding funds, do you?"

"No."

Su Ming replied awkwardly.

"Seriously, I’m not joking with you; we really haven’t held back any money from the Military Department. It’s just the Council’s funds—I don’t know where they’ve gone."

Okens appeared quite aggrieved, as if he was being accused of embezzling funds and then standing on moral high ground to criticize Commander Alekde.

"Sir, I believe you."

Su Ming replied insincerely, truth be told, he was somewhat skeptical of Okens’ words; how could money just disappear? But he wasn’t that socially ignorant.

Seeing Su Ming believe his words, Okens eased his expression and then stood up from his chair.

"What’s going on?"

Su Ming looked at the standing Okens, confused.

Okens calmly replied.

"No, I can’t let Alekde make a mistake; I was impulsive earlier and didn’t explain properly. I need to talk to him again."

"Huh?"

Su Ming was taken aback upon hearing this.

Okens then left the room, and Su Ming hurried to follow.

Shortly, Vice City Lord Okens entered Commander Alekde’s room again.

Su Ming gently closed the door, then leaned against the wall next to the door, listening to the sounds inside.

Before long, the room erupted in another argument, and it’s unclear what Alekde said that agitated Okens, driving him into a fury.

"Is your brain eaten by a dog? I’ve explained so many times that guy’s just an untrustworthy scoundrel!"

"My brain’s been eaten by a dog, I see you’re blind! Ignoring the easy path and choosing the hard one!"

...

Su Ming sighed helplessly upon hearing this.

"Alas!"

He felt quite exhausted, then prepared to leave. freewёbnoνel.com

Just then, Su Ming suddenly saw Su Yuan looking dejected, holding a gift box and walking past him.

Su Ming quickly approached him, curious.

"Why are you back so early? Haven’t delivered the gift?"

"Don’t mention it, no chance."

Su Yuan replied, deeply saddened.

"What happened? What did she say?"

Su Ming asked with concern.

"She said I’m a good person."

Su Yuan said, looking immensely pained.

"Wow, you’re incredible, got a ’good person’ card for 20 billion."

Su Ming’s expression turned quite colorful upon hearing Su Yuan’s words, giving him a thumbs up.

"Brother, don’t mock me, I’m feeling really down."

Su Yuan said, feeling deeply sad.

"Alright, I won’t mention it, just go and sleep."

Su Ming sighed helplessly in response.

After listening, Su Yuan walked away dejectedly.

Su Ming shook his head as he watched his back, then turned towards his own room.

....

The next morning.

Su Ming was sleeping soundly on his bed when suddenly his bracelet started vibrating.

He immediately opened his eyes and raised his wrist to take a look.

"Respected Major General Su Ming, please proceed immediately to the Twin Hotel, 12th floor · Conference Hall for assembly."

Seeing this, Su Ming quickly got up and changed, did a simple wash, and hurriedly left the room.

Upon reaching the conference hall on the 12th floor, he saw Gabres and other generals neatly lined up, all looking very tense.

Commander Alekde and Vice City Lord Okens were standing in front of the many generals, glaring at each other.

The atmosphere at the scene was exceedingly tense, like a powder keg about to blow.

Su Ming quickly moved next to Su Yuan and stood there.

Then, seeing that everyone was present, Okens spoke to Commander Alekde in annoyance.

"You speak, or should I speak."

"You messed up, you speak."

Alekde replied irritably.

"You’re the one who messed up, how many times have I told you, the Third Prince is totally unreliable."

"I know his situation better than you do, even if you give him ten nerves, he wouldn’t dare act foolishly in front of me."

"Alright, no point in arguing! Now with all generals present, let’s make things clear to everyone. Listen up, Commander Alekde and I disagree and can’t reach an agreement! So for this Star Storage event, we’ll send out two ships, each taking half of the 100 slots!"

Okens said angrily.

Su Ming and the others were stunned upon hearing this; with only 100 people operating one ship, manpower was already scarce.

Now, even worse, splitting into two groups and causing an internal conflict.

However, since Okens and Alekde were both in a furious state, Su Ming and the others very wisely kept their mouths shut, with no one voicing opposition.

Then Okens spoke to Alekde.

"Alekde, I remind you again, we agreed, whoever wins this Star Storage competition, the other side must unconditionally obey the winner. Don’t act dishonestly when the time comes, everyone is watching."

"I keep my promises, but you need to win first. With everyone here, choose your team, see who wants to go with you!"

Alekde retorted rudely.

"You! Fine! Su Ming, Su Yuan, Zhou Mu, Keku, Harter step out!"

Okens sounded furious hearing Alekde’s words, but he suppressed his anger and began calling out names.

Su Ming and the five others immediately stepped out of the line and stood beside Okens.

Upon closely observing, you could see that all five people called by Okens were generals participating in advanced studies. And they were all from the noble faction, meaning the orthodox faction’s generals, Okens couldn’t touch them.

Actually, Admiral Taitak, seeing his students called out, wanted to step out and help Su Ming and his colleagues.

But he couldn’t do so, although Commander Alekde wouldn’t stop them. It was evidently a conflict between the Commander and Deputy City Lord, stepping out risks offending the Commander.

On the other hand, Su Ming and his group were ready to leave Headquarters.

Moreover, given their good relationship with the Commander, backstabbing him now would be unreasonable both practically and emotionally.

Okens glanced at the other generals present, having no confidence he could summon them, then backed away and said.

"Let’s go!"

Su Ming and the five others then followed Vice City Lord Okens as they departed.

Before long, they arrived at Vice City Lord Okens’ room.

"Let’s discuss this Star Storage competition."

Okens restrained his anger, speaking as calmly as possible.

Su Ming heard this and asked worriedly.

"Commander, is it just the five of us?"

"How could it be only five? Lord Blakes also has ten experts."

"Who will helm the ship and lead then?"

"You don’t need to worry about the ship and command issues, I’ll arrange for ten people from the Imperial Court Academy to help."

Okens said solemnly.

"That still won’t make fifty! And is it alright to assemble such a team this way? I don’t know the situation on Lord Blakes’ end, but for now, we don’t even have a Fake V Generation Mecha. On the other hand, Commander Alekde has two genuine V Generation Mechas!"

Su Ming reminded with some concern.