Although the room resembled a hotel, He Kui dared not treat it as one. While Boaz wasn't embroiled in major battles, a shadow loomed overhead.
"Not resting?" Shi He softly asked, watching He Kui busy with his Screaming Eagle gadget.
"No need yet. We'll arrive in two hours."
"We can rest once we reach Boaz."
Boaz was positioned close to PLANT.
If space had national borders, Boaz would be their border wall.
Thanks to Boaz's advanced radar, any detour would be detected.
To attack PLANT unnoticed by Boaz, one would need to take a half-day detour.
Coupled with the small radar stations around PLANT, a sneak attack would be harder than a direct assault on Boaz.
This was assuming the current Boaz garrison strength.
Two hours passed quickly, and they reached Boaz's perimeter, appearing as a majestic fortress in the dark expanse of space.
Its massive size and thick rocky walls made it a natural defensive stronghold.
Compared to the New Star, Boaz now had many turrets and missile launchers on its surface, menacingly aimed forward.
"There's a light skirmish ahead."
Ironwall pointed to a small bright spot on the screen, still distant.
While unclear, flashes of light danced ahead like erratic meteors.
"According to intel, it's a probing attack by the Earth Alliance. Not too strong, just three Nelson-class and six Drake-class ships. Let's head in."
The captain spoke, and neither Ironwall nor He Kui objected.
After sending the passcode, the Naska-class ship was guided to a hidden hangar at Boaz's back.
"Director He, welcome. I'm Mite Pat, head of logistics at Boaz Fortress. Pleased to meet you."
The minister greeted He Kui formally, not overly warmly.
"Nice to meet you, Minister Pat."
They shook hands firmly, exchanging greetings.
"Apologies, due to current hostilities, the staff officers can't greet you."
"The front line takes precedence."
"I'll show you to your quarters."
As they spoke, He Kui noticed familiar figures approaching from afar.
Their striking blonde and white hair drew everyone's attention.
"Why can't we deploy?" Yzak complained.
"Captain Crueser can't act without orders," Diakka reassured his agitated teammate.
Noticing He Kui's party disembarking from the Naska-class, Diakka saluted spiritedly.
"Director He."
Aware of the significance of Director He's arrival from his mother, Yzak maintained composure.
"Hello there."
Returning their salutes, He Kui didn't linger in conversation.
Though not informed of their assignments, he knew the plot—they must be with Crueser.
Best to avoid them.
Being targeted by a madman was troublesome enough; being noticed by a world-ending boss would be unbearable.
Diakka watched He Kui's swift departure, puzzled.
"Doesn't it seem like He Kui's avoiding us?"
"Really?" Yzak glanced dismissively, focusing on the newly transported dark blue GINN in the hangar.
"This machine is even more impressive than our captain's."
Admiring the four shields and the menacing guns beneath them, Diakka clicked his tongue.
Their captain only had a standard assault GINN, while they had assault GINNs.
"If I'd known, I'd have gone into research."
"I'll ask Captain Crueser about deploying."
Ignoring Diakka, Yzak turned to leave.
"Hey, wait for me!"
Unaware of Diakka's envy, He Kui followed Minister Pat to his designated room.
"The layout here is complex."
Entering the military fortress for the first time, He Kui remarked.
The intricate corridors and chambers formed a maze, impossible to navigate without guidance.
"Indeed, our high-security residential area is strategically complex. Without insider guidance, reaching it is nearly impossible."
As they spoke, the door to the adjacent room slid open,
revealing the person He Kui feared most at the base—Captain Crueser, looking dashing as ever.
"Director He, you've arrived early. Are you prepared?"
It seemed this core member of the Zala faction was privy to the Defense Committee's plans.
While internally cursing the internal traitor, He Kui cautiously stepped back with Shi He.
"More or less ready."
"Wishing you success."
Watching Crueser leave, He Kui turned to Minister Pat.
"What brings Captain Crueser here?"
"A temporary resupply. This is our border, after all. Many teams resupply here before departing."
Hearing about many teams, He Kui frowned.
"Many right now?"
"Not really, just five teams. Besides, only Captain Crueser resides here."
He Kui smirked slightly, addressing Minister Pat.
"Thank you for your efforts."
"We'll start installation tomorrow. We'd appreciate your guidance."
The minister smiled.
"Of course."
After agreeing, they finally entered a room akin to an officer's suite.
Ignoring the layout, He Kui's sense of crisis surged.
First, would Crueser betray him, and were there other teams here?
If there were spies...
Thinking this, He Kui released his owl gadget.
While it couldn't leave the room, it could monitor for disturbances and alert him.
Shi He wasn't surprised by He Kui's actions.
He was known for being cautious.
"The Alliance retreated."
Shi He observed the battle closely.
On the screen, viewed from the front ship's perspective, the Drake-class withdrew after one was destroyed.
"It was just a probe."
Despite the skirmish, the base remained calm, likely a frequent occurrence here.
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