Zhao Chen and the others arrived at the Quicksand City Star Fortress. Their Starship had only been docked at the military Starport for a few hours.

When someone came to relay a message, stating that the senior officials in charge of Quicksand City wished to meet with them.

As representatives of the three fleets, Zhao Chen, Shen Bing, and Uncle Zheng Xiong took a military shuttle within the 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," said Uncle Zheng Xiong, sitting in his chair with his legs crossed.

Shen Bing sat in a corner ✧ NоvеIight ✧ (Original source) seat, visibly restrained and nervous.

Zhao Chen, however, was very 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? It'd be the most convenient method."

Uncle Zheng Xiong rolled his eyes. "Kid, I've been roaming the stars for so many years. Do you think I haven't considered that?

Actually, demanding an explanation this time is precisely for that reason."

As he spoke, Uncle Zheng Xiong rubbed his fingers together.

"Although it might seem a bit disrespectful to our fallen brothers. But what could be better than providing their families with sufficient compensation?

In the Imperial Army, anything that can be settled with money isn't considered a problem.

In comparison, silencing us could lead to the scandal of this mission leaking out. That would be the least efficient way to handle things.

The Imperial Army Officers aren't foolish enough for that."

Zhao Chen and Uncle Zheng Xiong exchanged a knowing smile.

"But kid, those Starships of yours are no ordinary vessels. I suspect the Imperial Army side will be very interested in you," Uncle Zheng Xiong suddenly said seriously, lowering his voice as he looked at Zhao Chen.

Zhao Chen nodded. "I know."

Zhao Chen was well aware of this point. The Star Shield technology of the t2 bee queen-class heavy carrier starship being exposed would inevitably attract outside attention.

"I can guarantee my fleet brothers won't leak the information for a short while, but the Imperial Interstellar Transport Ship fleet's Starships were also present at the scene.

If they leak it from their side, quite a few people will be paying attention to you.

The scent of blood will attract some ruthless predators," Uncle Zheng Xiong said gravely.

"I'll handle this matter. Thanks for your concern, Uncle," Zhao Chen expressed his gratitude.

Spending more time with this uncle, one would realize that while he might seem rough around the edges in his actions, he was also warm-hearted and very loyal.

Just then, the vehicle stopped.

The doors opened, revealing the elegant facade of a high-end restaurant.

Surprisingly, those greeting them at the entrance weren't soldiers or an Officer.

Instead, it was an Officer wearing 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 one with actual 'beans'," exclaimed Uncle Zheng Xiong in surprise.

As they got out of the vehicle, Uncle Zheng Xiong even straightened his uniform, feigning solemnity.

"Kid, this is a One-Star Brigadier General. When we speak later, be careful..."

Before Uncle Zheng Xiong could finish his reminder, Zhao Chen had already stepped forward.

Holy crap, this kid was even bolder than him!

"Captain, it's been a while," the Brigadier General Officer greeted Zhao Chen with a smile.

"You are that... Xiao..." Zhao Chen looked at the familiar face before him.

"You can call me Xiao Song," said the Brigadier General Officer.

Xiao Song?

If Uncle Zheng Xiong had a cigarette in his mouth at that moment, it would probably have fallen to the ground.

A One-Star Brigadier General introducing himself, saying you could 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, what are you doing here? Weren't you with that Miss Chu Xuan?" Zhao Chen inquired curiously.

That's right, the Brigadier General calling himself Xiao Song before them.

was the One-Star Brigadier General who had followed that Miss Chu Xuan during the previous Cosmic Insectoid Hive incident.

"Miss was summoned back to the family by the Master due to the previous events. She probably won't be able to come out for a while.

With the Miss returning to the family, there was no longer a need for me to follow.

The Master arranged for me to serve here at the Quicksand City Star Fortress," explained Brigadier General Song.

Master?

Don't underestimate this form of address.

The figure behind this 'Master' was the Governor of the Chu River Star Region! That Five-Star Marshal, the old master.

"I also happened to learn that the captain in charge of this escort mission was you, sir. So I took the initiative to handle the reception task.

Please, follow me inside," Brigadier General Song invited Zhao Chen and the others into the high-end restaurant behind him.

Although this was a military Starport, the senior Officers also needed places for some enjoyment, so such establishments were naturally present.

Zhao Chen walked beside Brigadier General Song, while Shen Bing and Uncle Zheng Xiong followed somewhat stiffly 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 known how to bury 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 retirement, would undoubtedly be a titled noble!

Coupled with the connections established within the Imperial Army, his influence was absolutely incomparable to that of Zhao Chen, a down-and-out baron.

Yet here were these two individuals with vastly different statuses, chatting and laughing together.

"You two, from here, go straight ahead to a private room I've reserved. Please go rest and have a meal first.

Mr. Zhao Chen and I have some matters to discuss," Brigadier General Song stopped and said with a smile, looking at Shen Bing and Uncle Zheng Xiong behind him.

Although both were smiles, one could clearly feel the difference.

The Brigadier General's smile when facing them was professional, very cold!

"Alright, alright. You two chat, don't mind us," said Uncle Zheng Xiong, who would rather be farther away from this Brigadier General. If it weren't for needing to settle the matter of 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 looked at Zhao Chen, her eyes asking for his opinion.

Unconsciously, Zhao Chen had become her main source of support.

"You two go ahead. We'll join you shortly," Zhao Chen said.

"Mm," 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.

Some tea and snacks were already prepared inside.

Although not as luxurious as those on Zhao Chen's Starship, for ordinary people, it was still an unattainable level.

"Please," Brigadier General Song invited Zhao Chen to take a seat. 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

Zhao Chen sat down, looking at Brigadier General Song opposite him. "Brigadier General Song, you specifically sent them away. There must be something important you want to discuss with me?"

"There are two minor matters to discuss," Brigadier General Song said, his smile unchanged.

As he poured tea for Zhao Chen, he continued, "Let's talk about the first one first, which is the purpose of your and your companions' visit.

Regarding this escort mission you were responsible for."

Zhao Chen looked at Brigadier General Song, waiting for him to continue.

"Actually, this escort mission wasn't just for your interstellar transport fleet.

There were a total of thirty Interstellar Transport Ship fleets.

So far, only your Interstellar Transport Ship fleet has safely arrived at the Quicksand City Star Fortress," Brigadier General Song said with a smile as he recounted this.

But Zhao Chen sensed something amiss in his words.

"What about the other fleets?"

"Gone."