Skyfire Avenue - Chapter 672

Chapter 672

Chapter 672: Communication

Kang Hui lapsed into a contemplative silence . He had tested Lan Jue’s Discipline for himself . As the Jewelry Master had deduced, Kang Hui’s Discipline was his eyes – through them he had precise analytical powers . Although he didn’t have much in the way of attack, his eyes were able to pick out the specifics of whatever he gazed on . Even ninth level Adepts couldn’t hide from him .

But when he looked at Lan Jue, he felt an incisiveness that went beyond the norm . So sharp he almost felt cut just by recognizing it, forcing him to retract his Discipline . It also made him look at Lan Jue in a new light . If he said he killed those aliens, he believed him .

“Would like you to describe what you saw when you witnessed the alien planets for the first them . As well as the situation when you encountered them next . ”

Lan Jue obliged with a nod . He went over what they’d discovered, telling him about Star Division and their encounters with the West and Gabriel . The West and North already had some news of Star Division’s existence, but it remained a mysterious arm of Skyfire Avenue’s might .

“… We could hardly believe it when we saw what happened to Moonfiend . This Violet Princess and aliens like her are strong – similar to a Nirvana-level Paragon . If not for the concerted efforts of our Paragons and their teleportation specialty, we likely wouldn’t have gotten away as clean as we did . ”

Kang Hui listened attentively the whole time, absorbing every detail . From time to time he would ask a question which Lan Jue dutifully answered . Just as Kang Hui had said, this was a problem facing all of mankind, a battle of survival against two opposing species . No matter the disagreements between East and North, they would need to band together to face it .

Lan Jue had some information of his own about Admiral Kand Hui . He had originally been an Eastern man, but walked a neutral path once joining the Northern Army . However, because of his lauded military exploits his position was never in danger . He enjoyed widespread support . So whether it was hawks or doves calling for his removal, none of them had any power to get it done .

He had a stellar record . Lan Jue thought if it had been the Arachnid’s commander, Admiral Holmen, their participation would have been more deeply debated .

After Lan Jue’s report was finished, Kang Hui fell silent once more . Then, “How confident are you the mission will be a success if you head out to scout again?”

“If we keep our distance and we’re there just to determine whether the planet has moved, about eighty percent . If we want to get closer it’s hard to say . Our earlier discoveries showed that the planet is a frightening living entity, stronger than any Paragon humanity has produced . There’s no way to hide from its psionic pulse . Because of this we have no way to guarantee success of a close pass . ”

Kang Hui responded . “We don’t need you to get close, just make sure they’re there . The bulk of the action will be our responsibility this time, but I need to know where they are as soon as possible . Find out and bring back the information as quick as you can . ”

“Absolutely . ” Lan Jue replied without hesitation .

After a moment of consideration the admiral continued . “I have a somewhat unreasonable request . Because of the importance of this mission, I would like my people to accompany you . One as a trainee and one to help you complete your mission without incident . ”

Kang Hui framed it as a request, but his mannerism made it clear he expected Lan Jue to acquiesce .

Much to the Admiral’s surprise, Lan Jue smiled and nodded his head . “An extra set of capable hands is always welcome . ” This ‘help’ he was sending was certainly there to supervise and report back . Lan Jue was expecting it .

The Tyrannosaurus’ commander was well aware of how important scouting was . Even for Lan Qing and Lan Jue, they knew the value of confirming intelligence independently . If Kang Hui hadn’t insisted on sending someone with him, Lan Jue would have been suspicious .

“So long as you understand,” Kang Hui replied . “You’ve come a long way, we invite you to rest onboard . It will take us about a day to reach the border of the Starfields, then I will leave this important mission in your hands . ”

Lan Jue recognized their meeting was over . He stood . “So long as you keep faith, we’ll make sure your army gets the information as soon as possible . ”

Kang Hui didn’t rise as Wu Qiu led Lan Jue from the office . When they were gone he leaned back in his chair and lapsed into thought . His eyes flit back and forth, though what was going on in his mind remained a mystery .

After a little while Wu Qiu returned . “Admiral!” He called, announcing his arrival .

Kang Hui looked up at him . “What do you think of him?”

The secretary was thoughtful for a moment . “Inscrutable . ”

“Oh? Explain . ” Kang Hui urged . He had a lot that concerned him, but Lan Jue seemed of particular importance .

Wu Qiu obliged . “At first he seemed gentle, dignified . However quickly he proved to be quite intelligent . From what we could gather he’s in his thirties . Not a Paragon, but there’s certainly something unique about him . Little Ya wasn’t able to goad him into a fight, which was my hope, but after meeting with him it dispelled any thoughts of weakness . ”

“Young men who are strong and in positions of power are often arrogant . However he didn’t appear prideful – maybe world-wise, someone who knows the pain of reality . Economical and careful with his words, but I found myself convinced with his pledge of support . ”

Kang Hui nodded . “I also thought he was a different sort . Level-headed . I wasn’t able to get a strong read of him, but I could tell he was a righteous man . I think he’s trustworthy . Ask Ling Ya to go with them, watch how they do things and confirm the information . She’ll keep an eye on them . ”

“Yes, sir . ” Wu Qiu gave a salute .

ζ

Lan Jue and the others were given a lavish area to lay their heads . If this were in a hotel it would be a presidential suit, with all the fixtures of opulence . It was also, without question, riddled with recording equipment, but the Paragons’ Domain made sure to render them ineffectual . When they got there Lan Jue let Lin Guoguo know everything was fine .

Luo Xianni munched happily on some fruit . “Son,” she said, “What do you think? What are your thoughts on the admiral?”

Lan Jue looked her way . “He’s even-tempered, but beyond that I’m not sure . I didn’t sense a lot of strength from him – his Discipline is Sight, but what exactly I don’t know . He tried to scan me but I think Occisus bit back . In a day the Bastion will reach the Starfields and our mission will begin . They’ll be sending… representatives to come with us . ”

The Gourmet nodded . “That’s expected . So what’s the plan? Are you going to let them see our strength?”

Lan Jue turned his attention to him . “There’s nothing for it, they’ll find out eventually . If we do encounter aliens we should fight as hard as if they weren’t there . If we get exposed then it was meant to be, let nature take its course . ”

The Clockmaker cast him a glance . “The North fears Skyfire Avenue . If they know we Paragons are here it’s how to know how they’ll react . ”

Five Paragons, Lan Jue, the Pharmacist, Driver, Su Xiaosu, Lin Guoguo and of course Zhou Qianlin were all here representing the Avenue . Altogether about half of Skyfire Avenue’s strength was in the belly of one of the North’s greatest assets . If the North threw caution to the wind and turned their guns on them, they wouldn’t be able to run .

Lan Jue nodded, aware of her meaning . “Be cautious . Right now they still aren’t sure of who we are . If they do make a move it’ll be when our mission is over . For the moment we’re safe . I’ve already talked it over with the Wine Master and we have a plan to ensure everyone’s safety . ”

The Wine Master nodded . His right hand motioned in the air and his scepter appeared in a flash of silver light .

“Tyrannosaurus is the North’s second largest Bastion . Since we’re here, I figured a souvenir was appropriate . We’re protected against the small-minded . ”

The members of the scout team gave each other looks . They understood his meaning, and couldn’t help the smiles that crept into their faces .

Typically Bastions were stationary; not because they were slow or ineffectual, but because moving them cost a great deal of energy . As it slowly lumbered through space it looks like a slowly moving planet, surrounded by ships that – from a distance – looks like a cloud of twinkling asteroids .