Chapter 457: Missing Personnel (2/2)

”Captain, I think I have the right to know what is going on!”

”What do you want to know?” Kaost said as he lit a cigar in between two fingers.

”Did you know about the Zergs before we arrived at the city?”

”Are you questioning me? Let me ask you a question first: where is Patroclus?” Kaost said slowly. He was prepared for this conversation.

Samantha knew she had to answer this questions first, so she briefed the captain about what had happened on Luolan.

Kaost's face blackened after hearing what had happened. ”How... How could it be?” He knew that the chance of Patroclus returning to the ship was zero, and losing a great house heir was no small matter.

Kaost heaved a sigh of resignation and said, ”I did know everything ahead of time. That is why I sent Patroclus to protect you.”

”WHAT?” Samantha slammed the desk.

”I know what you are going to say, but did you know that—” Kaost stopped talking right away as if he suddenly remembered that what he was going to say could not be shared.

Kaost stood up and locked his eyes with Samantha. ”Remember, it is nothing personal. It is a matter of life and death for the entire human race. We should be ready to sacrifice ourselves for the greater good.”

Samantha knew that Kaost was only exercising the will of the Confederation. She had a feeling that Patroclus knew all of this ahead of time as well.

As if Kaost had seen through Samantha's thoughts, he announced, ”The real objective of this expedition was to reach the Andromeda Galaxy. We have to get there regardless of how difficult it is.”

”Captain, why do I feel like we are just cannon fodder” Samantha half jested.

Kaost didn't comment on that. Instead, he reminded Samantha in a solemn voice, ”Remember your place, girl. No more questions.”

Wang Tong brought the devastating news to Big O and third. They didn't cry, nor did they show any sorrow. Instead, they brought out a dozen twelve packs and started drinking in the name of Jansining. They knew that Jansining didn't go far, and would be waiting for them in the underworld. What was a lifetime to a ghost? In a blink an eye, the four of them would be united again.

The residence of the Ark was shaken after the Zerg attack.

”They told me that the Ark was the most powerful spaceship ever built. Why didn't they kill off all the Zergs?”

”Lies, it's all Lies! They must be responsible for the psychological trauma I had endured.”

”Do they have any idea who I am? Turn back at this instant!”

Kaost let the insults slide off his ego like rainwater from his bald head. After the ranting died down, he stood up and explained their situation.

”I understand your feeling, and I am confident that Ark would be able to provide safety for all of you. They caught us by surprise, but even so, we could have killed all the Zergs if we wanted to. However, your safety with us is of paramount importance. Therefore, we had decided to avoid frontal confrontation for the time being. Again, I want to assure you that you are absolutely safe on my ship. ”

Kaost's words of assurance finally placated the angry mob. However, Li Shiming and Lie Jian sniffed out the subtle uncertainty in between the lines. They knew that they had to prepare: a storm was coming. After a few days, Li Shiming and Lie Jian's spies reported the surprising news: Patroclus had turned himself over to the Zergs, and had willingly transformed into one of those humanoid creatures.