Chapter 163: Encounter II (1/2)
Chapter 163: Encounter II
Translator: EndlessFantasy TranslationEditor: EndlessFantasy Translation
”Send out the exchange transmission!” The captain sounded more relieved.
Exchange transmissions were signals sent between starships upon encounter to exchange information and as an act of friendliness. Ships would send out information on their identities in plain code. In the vast universe, the probability of encountering another starship was very low, even in densely traveled flight paths. However, when two starships encountered each other, experienced captains would send out an exchange transmission!
After the exchange transmission was sent out, the captain was obviously relieved, apparently believing that nothing could go wrong from now on. He had sent out the exchange transmission to prevent any unwanted conflict with Black Cove, since they had a guest on the ship that absolutely cannot be harmed. The captain recalled the situation clearly when he received his orders from the Elder, who spoke with severity and placed great importance on his current mission. He was surprised, but quickly realized the importance of the guest.
On the other hand, an open war with Black Cove was undesirable in all respects. As for the relationship and situation between the Sanctuary, Black Cove and the MPA, none of the Sanctuary’s members were oblivious to them. If he caused an open war between the Sanctuary and Black Cove, the captain could never bear the consequences! Fortunately, there was Sir Mu on the ship, a great relief for the captain!
Mu Fei’s expression was less tense now. Usually, both parties would pass by each other with great restraint. However, even if they were to engage in battle, Mu Fei was not worried, since the ship had four standard combat squads onboard, a powerful combat force. Besides, he was there himself. There should be no problems.
Nonetheless, this was not a good time for war. He did not wish for the young talent that the Sanctuary highly desired to be involved in any accident. During his time as his guide, he understood better than anyone the extent of the young man’s abilities! Furthermore, the young man must be hiding his true strength! Mu Fei’s instinct told him that Ye Chong’s full-skeleton Raven was not his best work yet. He fully supported the Sanctuary’s decision to keep Ye Chong with them at all costs. To prevent any accidents, Mu Fei had even volunteered for this mission.
Everyone on the ship relaxed. They believed that it was ultimately nothing to worry about, and some even teased the officer who reported the other starship earlier, saying that he was only trying to get on their nerves.
A dark sense of humor seemed to flash past in Ye Chong’s half lidded eyes, and his eyes smiled momentarily like the thin leaf emblem on the front of the Black Cove ship.
”Ah!” The officer who reported the starship just now suddenly gasped!
”Hah, Ah Da, are you still trying to scare us?”
”Yeah, Ah Da, you’re too bold! Look at my weak heart, it’s still thumping non-stop from your trick earlier …”
The round of laughter drowned away any sound from the office.
Mu Fei closed his eyes, thinking it comedic.
”Look, guys! I’m not lying! Look!” That officer tried hard to explain, his face red. When the crowd recognized the fear in his words, they immediately realized that something was not right. All the officers on the ship had good discipline, and would not joke on such matters.
Mu Fei felt the change, and opened his eyes wide.
Tens of black mechs in standard battle formation were closing in on them. The captain’s expression twisted as the photon processor returned a mech count of 50. They were all Cosmic Flares, Black Cove’s war mechs. Mu Fei was very familiar with them. Johansson, who died in Ye Chong’s hands, also used a Cosmic Flare.
50 Cosmic Flares! Why would Black Cove send out such a strong force? Mu Fei was baffled.
”We received the other party’s reply!” One of the ship officers reported.
”Forward it here!” The captain spoke chillingly. Since the other party had showed hostility, he had no need to hold back. While he was cautious against Black Cove, he was not afraid of them. The other members of the Sanctuary shared the same attitude as their captain!
”We suspect your ship has one of our members, please open your hatch for our inspection!” The words were direct, and typical of Black Cove.
For a moment, with the exception of Ye Chong, everyone in the captain’s quarters were enraged! The other party’s high and mighty tone was a blow to the pride of the Sanctuary’s members! Even the usually calm and collected Mu Fei felt his facial muscles twitch!
What an insult! Since when would the Sanctuary allow such humiliation?
The other party had approached fully armed, and a few laser beams were already shooting their starship. If they do not retaliate soon, the situation would turn dangerous for them!
While they knew that this was the time for retaliation, it was potentially a move that would lead to an open war with Black Cove. This long term consequence was what made the captain hesitate!
”Attack!” Mu Fei shouted. He understood better than the captain that if the enemy kept closing in, they would be severely disadvantaged! While he did now know why the other party would choose such an irrational action, the situation did not allow for further contemplation!
The Sanctuary’s honour must not be trampled upon!
Mu Fei’s orders had the same effect as the captain’s. None of the mech pilots objected to his words, not even hesitating at them! The four standard combat squads moved out swiftly to meet the enemy!