"No one managed to escape thirty years ago? Why did the military block the Star System without considering the mining rights purchased by Sinda Corporation?"

"And, what exactly is the purpose of the military outpost within the Star System?"

"These are indeed significant questions."

Old Wu scratched his head and said, "Oh, then what is that outpost used for?"

"To mine Sky Steel."

"Huh?"

"Huh?"

The factory director's reaction was even more intense than Old Wu's. Although he knew the military outpost there had been attacked before, that was the extent of his knowledge.

So after hearing Chen Ming's words, he stood up abruptly, supporting himself on the desk in disbelief, and asked, "Xiao Mu, are you sure?"

Chen Ming replied with utmost seriousness, "I'm sure."

"In the orbital path of the gas giant planet, there are Altrulan space fish. I personally witnessed Dusk's fleet raiding their outpost, stealing their stored Sky Steel, and capturing several space fish."

"I believe the authorities did not investigate the presence of space fish when selling the mining rights. Later, when the Space Station opened up for operation, the military discovered the space fish's existence earlier, and they chose underhanded means to seize them."

"I'm not sure if the facts align with my theory, but I can't think of any other reason to explain this situation."

"The company wouldn't just leave Sky Steel unattended, right?"

The factory director sat back down and said, "Definitely not."

Chen Ming was not surprised by this result, after all, he used to work at Sinda Corporation.

"But after all, it's been thirty years, so now I just want to know the company's current stance on the matter. Director, you should know why I'm doing this."

The factory director nodded and said, "I understand. If the company wants to reclaim the Space Station, then you're the best bargaining chip and asset. But if the company wants to reconcile with the military or has already done so, then you are a major thorn in their side."

"That's truly…"

The director let out a long sigh and said, "I don't know the company's overall stance, but at least there's some good news. Most of us at the Space Station are quite dissatisfied with the military, especially considering how they broke their promises before."

"As for the company's stance… this is a significant issue, and I must consult with my superiors."

"Not the director, no, I need to find someone who can fundamentally influence the policies of both our Space Station and the company."

"Yes, that should work, but it might take some time."

Old Wu suddenly chimed in, asking, "Old Lu, can you still get in touch with such a person?"

"How do you think I got this position as director?"

Chen Ming pushed Old Wu aside and asked, "How long will this probably take?"

"Three or four days at least, and even then, I can't guarantee the outcome."

"But you don't need to worry too much. As long as no one specifically checks up on you, you can continue to stay on the Space Station under that false identity of Mu Shuikong."

"I won't make any mistakes on my end, but it's best for you to keep wearing the Protective Suit until the result comes out, just like before."

Receiving this delay wasn't out of Chen Ming's expectations.

He had already started planning alternative routes in case his efforts within Sinda Corporation didn't pan out.

Even if things didn't work out, it wouldn't mean he had to put all his eggs in one basket.

Chen Ming nodded gratefully to the director and said, "I understand, then I'll trouble you with it. I'd like to take a couple of days off to go out."

The director didn't expect Chen Ming to suddenly shift the topic from the conspiracy between the military and Sinda Corporation to requesting leave, and after a brief pause, asked, "Where are you going?"

"To the Star Realm Government, to collect bounties on a few pirates."

"Pirate bounties, oh, you're looking to get a license on your own, aren't you? Then regarding this leave…"

The director slightly bowed his head in thought.

He actually didn't want to approve Chen Ming's leave.

Because he could tell that everything Chen Ming had said was true.

If the company genuinely lost out on the Space Station matter and couldn't reclaim it, that would mean Chen Ming is very valuable to the company.

If something unexpected happens to him while out, the loss to Sinda Corporation would be irretrievable.

But the director couldn't ascertain the company's stance.

Because within Sinda Corporation, there had been two factions for many years.

One faction advocated for self-development without any interference from external forces.

The other advocated for proactively maintaining good relations with the military or government to secure better treatment and preferential policies.

The former was known as the Company Faction, while the latter, due to the company's main product being ships and the ease of forming connections with the military, was known as the Military Faction.

The two factions would undoubtedly have drastically different attitudes towards Chen Ming, making it hard to say whether the company would protect him.

Moreover, not just the company, there might be some issues at the Space Station too,

though the Space Station has always paid a protection fee to the military, in exchange for protection against external forces like the Dusk Mechanical Race when attacked.

However, the people at the Space Station are mostly part of the Company Faction, generally holding a lukewarm attitude towards the military, especially given their previous breach of promises.

But the director couldn't guarantee that there weren't any members of the Military Faction within the Space Station.

Keeping Chen Ming at the Space Station does carry a certain amount of risk.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.