The shuttle made another lap through space and returned to the jump point without any accidents this time.

However, due to the previous accident, the crew now varied in expertise, such as matters regarding the pressure sensing ion protection system, which even Amelia wasn't familiar with. The captain was not much help either.

Luckily, they had Old Li who was a jack of all trades, and managed to pull this off somehow. The shuttle itself did not experience any malfunction, and all key positions had someone manning them. Crew shifts were reduced from three teams to two teams operating in day and night shifts. The navigation officer was alternately served by the captain and Amelia. Old Li was like a versatile brick, always moved to where problems arose.

Alpha had been closely monitoring the course of the transportation shuttle and had lost contact as soon as it entered the mini jump point, causing great concern for the Military Department.

Earlier, while the shuttle was heading towards the edge of the black hole, a veteran astronomy enthusiast had noticed and took pictures. Initially, the enthusiast assumed it was a meteor due to the blurry image. Yet it was only twenty some days later, during an enthusiasts gathering, that someone declared it was definitely not a meteor and furnished ample reasons to back it up. Only then did they realize the gravity of the situation!

Upon receiving the intel, Alpha's Military Department dispatched the second echelon of supplies immediately.

Currently, only those in the upper echelon were aware of this situation. Common officers and students did not know, and the Dean of Yingland as well as Weirbo regretted this deeply. Both of them even had an argument over it. Now, due to their academy rivalry, they managed to drag their own men into the fray—what a farce!

In the blink of an eye, 36 days had passed. The Military Department was uncertain about the condition of the shuttle. Although it was a sensitive topic, the big shots knew in their hearts that the transportation team may be in grave danger.

On the 36th day since it left Alpha, the shuttle made a successful landing on Big Macs. After multiple attempts to contact the frontline troops were unfulfilled, the shuttle was compelled to land in the Wheat Sea area.

According to the original plan, logistical supplies should have reached Big Macs around day 10 to 13. Now, it was taking twice as long as expected. Nobody anticipated such an accident. Or perhaps the military had already changed the original plan. When Amelia voiced out her suspicion, everyone on the shuttle was stunned...

In a war-torn star domain, broadcast receivers are virtually non-existent. Satellites, which travel freely in space, are invariably destroyed by the opposing force, be it Saudi or the Federation.

Consequently, the shuttle was entirely disconnected from the outside world. The remaining energy supply was not enough to support an interstellar jump for a return journey. Hence, they had no choice but to land in the Wheat Sea area and make decisions based on the current situation.

The sky of Big Macs was a beautiful blue with thick air above, a seamless blend of sea and sky, bearing some resemblance to Earth. Despite this beauty, the soldiers lurking in the deep ocean were in no mood to appreciate the seascape.

Sitting in the captain's cabin, Major Kenneth, who was in charge of the logistic transportation, was at his wit's end. He was just a minor official in charge of transportation in the second-line troops. A flattering title would be 'Captain' or a less flattering one, 'Freelancer Pilot'. Having served for a couple more years, he could just walk away—little did he know that circumstances would turn out this way.

At this moment, the quiet Amelia became the person he relied upon.

Kenneth urgently convened a meeting with everyone aboard to decide on the next move. However, he wasn't sure whether this damned meeting would be of any help; he just wanted to hear Amelia's opinion.

Amelia's suggestion was straightforward: shut down all message sources to avoid revealing their location and monitor external signals. Whether it was civilian or military encrypted signals, they would try their best to decrypt them, and if not, there was nothing much they could do.

Based on their current reserves, they could survive for about eight to ten years. Of course, they couldn't possibly stay here for that long. It is said that, knowing oneself and the enemy enables one to win every battle. Without understanding the surrounding conditions, this becomes a choice without choices.

The shuttle was now located in the third defense line on the western half of Big Macs - the same as their mission's designated target area. The only explanation that Amelia could think of was that the frontline troops had retreated. If they had advanced to the second defense line or even further forward, there would be clues left behind.

Everyone agreed with Amelia's deduction. However, Feng Yi felt that he needed to do something - gathering intelligence or finding even the slightest clues was better than staying put. This was the instinct instilled in him from living on the Colonial Planet. He was usually very quiet, but once his cells started to get antsy, it could create trouble.

"Major, I request permission to leave the ship to gather intelligence."

"Your request is denied," Amelia if answered without a second thought. Her tone brooked no refusal, and the air she exuded was distinctly that of someone in authority making it hard for anyone to even think about arguing.

"Well, that was very direct of you."

"Yes, as an assistant logistic officer, this is an order."

"No, I've made up my mind."

Perhaps Amelia had a well-thought-out plan. However, as a member of the Wind Thunder Organisation, Feng Yi, at least in name, didn't fall under her command. In actual fact, Feng Yi didn't have a designated position. In order to prevent Feng Yi from being snatched away, the Wind Thunder entity just casually placed him in a mysterious combat personnel position—it allowed him to control his own mecha—and his specific identity was unknown.

Both Feng Yi and Amelia were trustworthy. One was a powerful individual soldier with impressive observational skills who made several outstanding contributions to the Wind Thunder. As for Amelia, she didn't need any further introduction. Each excelled in their own field but thought differently. The twenty or so people present suddenly found themselves unable to interject.

Amelia didn't expect Feng Yi to be this determined. She said, "Acting recklessly might expose our location. Are you willing to put all the soldiers at risk just for that reason?" Her expression didn't change, and her tone was neither cold nor warm. But her words made all the soldiers side with her, and suddenly Feng Yi seemed reckless and individualistic.

However, Feng Yi's next statement made everyone do a 180-degree turn. "Because I'm considering this crew, I'm willing to take the risk. Don't worry, my Space Crystal can house a mecha, and the enemy can't possibly consider a swimming enthusiast suspicious, right?"

This young man made a good turnaround. Everyone was applauding Feng Yi's powerful retort. Good lad, so that's what it was all about. You're free to go as long as you don't drag your brothers into this.

"There's danger, and this is an order."

"Hey, just because I call you Major doesn't mean you're actually my superior. If I'm not wrong, entering and exiting the warship with a mecha is my personal right." Feng Yi raised his eyebrow.

Amelia bit her lower lip softly, and her tone suddenly turned softer. "Would you please not go..."

Her alluring eyes were like fragrant flowers, and the sweetness in her voice was bone-deep. It was so charming that it would be hard for any man to refuse.

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