Outside the porthole, the starry sky remained pitch-black.
"Ah...…"
Sitting by the window and staring at the stars outside, a Stellar Federation soldier let out a sigh. His reaction immediately drew the attention of his companions.
"Hey, what's wrong with you?"
"Nothing. It's just that when I think about how we're heading to the Terminus Systems next, I get a bit nervous."
As he said this, the Stellar Federation soldier lost his appetite, placing the energy ration in his hand down on the table.
"I really don't get what the higher-ups are thinking. Why the hell did they suddenly decide to go after the Terminus Systems? We don't even know what kind of place it really is. Charging in recklessly—isn't that just asking to die? I'm not scared, I just think it's not worth it."
"Hey, that's not really something for you to worry about."
Hearing his companion complain, another soldier patted him on the shoulder.
"If you ask me, this is actually a good thing. I used to serve in a patrol unit on the edge of the Terminus Systems. Those damn alien bastards are unbelievably annoying—ugly and brutal. I nearly died in their hands more than once!"
"Then why are you still coming?"
Hearing this, the first Stellar Federation soldier looked at his comrade with even greater surprise.
"That's exactly why I'm coming. If those alien bastards on the Citadel Council can't handle them, but we in the Stellar Federation can, doesn't that prove we're more badass than those alien freaks? Not to mention, this time we're acting together with the Inquisition's fleet!"
As he spoke, the soldier grew increasingly excited. He had previously served in the First Fleet and had participated in the battle against the Batarian fleet, personally witnessing the might of the Inquisition's warships.
"I saw it with my own eyes—an Inquisition warship used just a single torpedo to completely destroy an entire planet, turning it into a dead world. It was unbelievably satisfying! I bet that's exactly why the brass decided to have us work with the Inquisition. Even if the Terminus Systems really are the home base of those crazy bastards, once the Inquisition burns their nest to the ground, I refuse to believe they'll still be able to pull any tricks!"
"The Inquisition, huh…"
Hearing that name, the earlier Stellar Federation soldier frowned slightly.
"Come to think of it, I don't even know how this organization appeared in the first place… Are they aliens too?"
"They're human, but apparently not from the same place as us… The specifics are hard to explain…"
Before he could finish speaking, the soldier suddenly widened his eyes, then lunged toward the porthole.
"Hey, look! We've arrived!"
"What?"
The soldier turned to look out the window—and his eyes widened in shock as well. In the pitch-black void of space outside, a gigantic warship stood there, its entire hull radiating golden light. Layer upon layer of Gothic cathedrals rose from its surface, towering majestically. From a distance, it felt less like a warship and more like a colossal religious metropolis…
At this very moment, Duanmu Huai was also discussing the next stage of manufacturing procedures with Maria.
"Mm...… As for heavy weapons, you should continue producing the Night Raven Blackstar."
"But my lord, the Night Raven Blackstar is better suited for infiltration and personnel transport. Don't we need to manufacture Valkyries or Emperor Titans…?"
"Put that on hold for now. There's no urgent need for them at the moment, and besides… I'm looking for a better substitute."
"Understood, my lord."
"Huu...…"
Ending the communication with Maria, Duanmu Huai let out a sigh and leaned back in his chair. He understood Maria's thinking—she wanted to rapidly construct a mechanized legion, including an air force, within a short time. However, Duanmu Huai didn't think there was a need to rush. For one thing, he didn't currently have enough manpower to pilot all that machinery.
On the other hand…
How should I put it… those Imperial-era weapons are just… too ugly.
It wasn't that the Human Empire lacked aircraft, but most of them were blocky and square, looking like World War II fighter planes without propellers. Some people liked that rustic, clunky charm, but others preferred sleek, high-tech modern fighters. Duanmu Huai was firmly in the latter camp. After all, once a production line was finalized, it couldn't be changed—so as for what kind of aircraft to build…
For a player, if you've got SSRs, why would you settle for Rs?
Thinking of this, Duanmu Huai opened the Dream Crystal and took a look. Right— the second collaboration event hadn't started yet. Right now, he was just waiting for that event. He knew it was even more popular than the previous one, and one of the event rewards was space-based fighter craft.
Another reason that event had been so explosive was that it had set players against each other, with endless flame wars over their preferred factions. The resulting chaos hadn't died down for months—forums were filled with battle posts day and night, and some players even ended up dueling each other over it…
Mm, but this wasn't a game anymore. That kind of thing probably wouldn't happen again.
"Master."
At this moment, the maid entered the room.
"Major Shepard of the Stellar Federation has arrived."
"Let them in."
Duanmu Huai nodded, then casually asked out of curiosity.
"Oh right, why haven't I seen the others? What are they up to?"
It wasn't strange for Duanmu Huai to be puzzled. Normally at this time, Aegis would be by his side, and Tutu, Kula, and Bambi would also be hanging around in this room. Only a few hardcore shut-ins like Rani and Feilin refused to leave their rooms. But today the place was unusually quiet—aside from Aegis reading here as usual, everyone else seemed to have vanished.
"Ah, Miss Zhen Jiling is livestreaming tonight. They all went to watch."
"Oh...…"
Hearing the maid's answer, Duanmu Huai tapped his head.
Right, that was a thing. He wondered how Zhen Jiling's stream was going.
He'd ask her about it later.
For now, Duanmu Huai set the matter aside and looked forward. Soon, the door opened, and then—
Two people wearing Stellar Federation military uniforms walked in.
Good grief.
At that moment, Duanmu Huai finally understood why the earlier files hadn't specified gender.
Because both of them were named Shepard!
One male and one female!
That's allowed too…?
Seeing this, Duanmu Huai was completely at a loss.
The two Major Shepards entered the room and saluted Duanmu Huai simultaneously. Although both of them showed a trace of surprise in their eyes upon seeing him, as soldiers, they suppressed their emotions well.
"Commander of the Stellar Federation Special Operations Unit, Major Shepard, reporting in!"
"Mm, welcome."
Duanmu Huai nodded at the two of them.
"I am Duanmu Huai, Grand Inquisitor of the Inquisition. As for why you're here, I believe you already know, so there's no need for unnecessary talk. Let's get straight to the point."
Hearing Duanmu Huai's words, both of them were slightly surprised, but not displeased. As soldiers, they valued decisiveness, and they were quite happy with someone who jumped directly into business like this.
Just as they were thinking that, Duanmu Huai directly opened a map of the Terminus Systems and spread it out in front of them.
"All right, take a look. Which planet you want to keep—just say the word."
"...…"
Hearing this, the two Major Shepards froze for a moment before finally processing what he meant. They then looked at Duanmu Huai with expressions full of bewilderment.
This is what you call getting straight to the point?!
(End of Chapter)