Zhao Chen and the others arrived at the Quicksand City Starship Fortress, and their starship had only been docked at the Military Starport for a few hours when someone came to relay a message: the senior officials of Quicksand City wanted to meet with them.
As representatives of the three fleets, Zhao Chen, Shen Bing, and Uncle Zheng Xiong took a flycar within the Military Starport to the meeting location.
"I didn't expect them to agree to see us so quickly. I thought they'd drag it out for at least three to five days," Uncle Zheng Xiong said, sitting in his chair with his legs crossed.
Shen Bing sat in a corner, visibly tense and nervous.
Zhao Chen, however, was completely relaxed. He even joked with Uncle Zheng Xiong, "Uncle, we're just going to meet them like this. Aren't you worried the Imperial Army might just silence us? That would be the most convenient way."
Uncle Zheng Xiong rolled his eyes. "Kid, after all these years I've spent in the stars, do you think I haven't considered that? Actually, demanding an explanation this time is precisely for that reason." As he spoke, he rubbed his fingers together.
"Although it might seem unfair to our fallen brothers, what could be better than providing their families with sufficient compensation payments? For the Imperial Army, anything that can be settled with money isn't a problem. In comparison, silencing us could lead to the mission scandal leaking out—that would be the least efficient way to handle things. The Imperial Army officers aren't foolish enough to do that."
Zhao Chen and Uncle Zheng Xiong exchanged knowing smiles.
"But kid, your starships are no ordinary vessels. I suspect the Imperial Army will take a keen interest in you," Uncle Zheng Xiong suddenly said seriously, lowering his voice.
Zhao Chen nodded. "I know."
He was well aware that the star shield technology of the T2 Queen Bee-class Heavy Carrier Starship would inevitably attract attention once exposed.
"I can guarantee my fleet brothers won't leak the information anytime soon, but there were also starships from the Imperial Interstellar Transport Ship Fleet present at the scene. If they leak it, many will take notice of you. The scent of blood attracts beasts that will stop at nothing," Uncle Zheng Xiong warned gravely.
"I'll handle this matter. Thank you for your concern, Uncle," Zhao Chen said gratefully.
The longer he spent with this uncle, the more he realized that despite his rough exterior, he was warm-hearted and loyal.
Just then, the vehicle stopped.
The door opened, revealing the entrance to a luxurious, high-end restaurant.
Surprisingly, standing at the door to greet them weren't soldiers or sergeants, but an officer with a single golden star on his shoulder epaulette, smiling at Zhao Chen and the others.
"Wow, a One-Star Brigadier General! In all my years roaming the stars, this is the first time I've seen someone with a star," Uncle Zheng Xiong exclaimed in awe.
As they got out of the vehicle, Uncle Zheng Xiong straightened his attire, trying to appear solemn.
"Kid, this is a One-Star Brigadier General. When you speak later, be careful—"
Before Uncle Zheng Xiong could finish his reminder, Zhao Chen had already stepped forward.
Damn, this kid is even bolder than I am!
"Captain, it's been a while," the Brigadier General greeted Zhao Chen with a smile.
"You're that little..." Zhao Chen stared at the familiar face before him.
"Just call me Xiao Song," the Brigadier General officer said.
Xiao Song?
If Uncle Zheng Xiong had a cigarette in his mouth right now, it would probably fall to the ground.
A One-Star Brigadier General introducing himself and telling you to call him Xiao Song!
Zhao Chen naturally wouldn't be so impolite. Even if someone introduced themselves that way, you couldn't actually address them like that.
"Brigadier General Song, why are you here? Weren't you with Miss Chu Xuan?" Zhao Chen asked curiously.
That's right, the Brigadier General who called himself Xiao Song was the One-Star Brigadier General who had been following Miss Chu Xuan during the Cosmic Insect Nest incident.
"Miss was summoned back to the family by the master due to the previous incident. I'm afraid she won't be able to leave for quite some time. Since Miss returned to the family, there was no need for me to follow her anymore. The master assigned me to serve at this Quicksand City Starship Fortress," Brigadier General Song explained.
Master?
Don't underestimate this title.
The person behind this "master" was the Governor of the Chu River Star Sector—that Five-Star Marshal old master.
"I happened to learn that you, Captain, were in charge of this escort mission, so I took the initiative to handle the reception. Please, follow me inside," Brigadier General Song invited Zhao Chen and the others into the upscale restaurant behind him.
Although this was a military starport, high-ranking officers also needed places to enjoy themselves, so establishments like this were naturally present.
Zhao Chen walked beside Brigadier General Song, while Shen Bing and Uncle Zheng Xiong followed somewhat awkwardly behind.
Shen Bing watched Zhao Chen chatting casually with the One-Star Brigadier General as if they were ordinary friends.
This surprised her even more. This classmate, who had only buried himself in books for three years at the Academy, actually knew a One-Star Brigadier General from the Imperial Army!
A One-Star Brigadier General, after retiring, would undoubtedly be granted a noble title!
Coupled with the connections built within the Imperial Army, their influence was absolutely incomparable to that of Zhao Chen, a down-and-out Baron.
Yet here were two people with such vastly different statuses, chatting and laughing together.
"You two, please proceed straight ahead to a private room I've reserved. Go ahead and rest and dine. I have some matters to discuss with Mr. Zhao Chen," Brigadier General Song stopped and smiled at Shen Bing and Uncle Zheng Xiong behind him.
Although both were smiles, it was clear that the Brigadier General's smile toward them was professional—cold and detached!
"Alright, alright. You two talk, don't mind us," Uncle Zheng Xiong couldn't wait to get away from the Brigadier General. If it weren't for needing to handle matters related to the previous escort mission, he'd want to leave right now.
Being around a Brigadier General made him feel like he was accompanying a tiger!
Shen Bing, on the other hand, looked at Zhao Chen, her eyes seeking his opinion.
Unconsciously, Zhao Chen had become her pillar of support.
"You go ahead first. We'll join you shortly," Zhao Chen said.
"Okay," Shen Bing nodded.
Shen Bing and Uncle Zheng Xiong headed down the corridor in the other direction.
"Mr. Zhao Chen, this way, please," Brigadier General Song invited Zhao Chen down another corridor. With a turn, they arrived at a small private room.
Inside, some tea and snacks were already prepared.
Although not as luxurious as those on Zhao Chen's starship, for ordinary people, this was still an unattainable level.
"Please," Brigadier General Song invited Zhao Chen to take a seat.
Zhao Chen sat down, looking at Brigadier General Song across from him. "Brigadier General Song, you specifically sent them away. There must be something important you want to discuss with me, right?"
"There are two small matters to discuss." Brigadier General Song's smile remained unchanged.
As he poured tea for Zhao Chen, he continued, "Let's start with the first one, which is the purpose of your and your companions' visit—the escort mission you are responsible for this time."
Zhao Chen watched Brigadier General Song, waiting for him to continue.
"This escort mission actually involves more than just your interstellar transport fleet. There are a total of thirty interstellar transport ship fleets. So far, only your interstellar transport ship fleet has safely arrived at the Quicksand City Starship Fortress." Brigadier General Song recounted this with a smile.
But Zhao Chen sensed something unusual in his words.
"What about the other fleets?"
"They're gone."