Reawakly Base, Artificial Meteorite No. 273.

Federal Special Garrison Base, Conference Room.

A group of high-ranking federal officials were engaged in a heated debate. The most assertive among them was a rather young man with sharp eyes and a strong aura.

He stated forcefully, "Things without hope must be abandoned!"

The others in the room lowered their heads.

"Kimanbu, what do you mean by meaningless? Our comrades are on that fortress, and each one of them is very important to us."

At that moment, a steady voice retorted.

Everyone looked over. It was none other than Augulas who had spoken!

Since the last Stargate opening, and Sperd's return to the Federation, Augulas had been assigned to the front lines.

"Lord Augulas, there's no problem with what you said, and I'm also very heartbroken to make this decision. But you have to understand one thing: the Liberty Fortress has been missing for more than two years. From the very beginning of its disappearance, we have sent out countless ships and manpower to search for it, and the financial and material resources spent could have built another fortress. But what's the result? Still nothing. We've tried everything, and we've even commissioned tasks to the City of Star Rings. Isn't that enough?"

"Hmph, are our comrades to be measured by money?"

Augulas retorted sternly.

"That's right, our comrades cannot be measured by money. But you also have to consider the safety of the search and rescue personnel. How many people have died and been injured since the search began? Their lives are also lives, and I can't let this tragedy continue."

Kimanbu stared directly at Augulas, without backing down.

Many officers and senators present didn't dare to utter a word.

Kimanbu was a representative of the rising new generation of hardliners, known for his decisive and efficient actions.

Only an old guard like Vice-Chairman Augulas would dare to argue with him like this.

"Any act of abandoning comrades in despair is shameful. No matter the cost, we cannot give up. The search and rescue mission must not be terminated!"

Augulas remained unmoved, determined to continue the search and rescue. He knew better than anyone that the people on the fortress were the Federation's elite, not to mention Li Ruiqi was also on board.

Li Ruiqi commanded the Federation's first exploration vessel, the Obsidian. No one knew better than him how talented Li Ruiqi was.

"Augulas, you're right, but we also have to consider the Federation. This search and rescue plan is costing the Federation too much money. The Federation has finally entered a great era and is about to rise, so we can't continue to invest money in this project. Let me tell you the truth: just yesterday, the Federal Government Council passed a resolution to suspend funding for this search and rescue plan, and the task posted on the City of Star Rings will be canceled later."

Kimanbu directly revealed his hand to Augulas.

Augulas slammed his hand on the table and said in a deep voice, "Hmph, even if the council doesn't provide funding, I will continue the search and rescue. I will solve the funding and personnel issues myself."

"Lord Augulas, I'm afraid that's not possible."

Kimanbu denied it without hesitation.

"What I do is none of your concern, right?"

Augulas was also a little angry. Although he knew that Kimanbu's words made some sense, he was going too far.

Kimanbu tapped the electronic bracelet on his wrist a few times, opened an electronic authorization document, and said to Augulas.

"Augulas, a special order from the Federal Council requires you to set sail and leave Reawakly immediately and return to the Federation. The Federal Council has a new appointment for you. I hope you can follow the Federal order and prioritize the overall situation. Don't hold out hope for those hopeless things anymore. You know better than anyone what it's like to be lost in the starry sky. There's basically no hope. And don't count on the City of Star Rings. No one will help us for no reason. This world is just so cruel."

Augulas fell silent after hearing Kimanbu's words.

At this time, Augulas's companions suddenly became anxious and said to Augulas one after another.

"My lord, this..."

"Sigh~"

Augulas finally sighed helplessly, raised his hand to signal everyone to stop talking, and said to Kimanbu, "I will follow the order."

Hearing Augulas's words, many officers present revealed expressions of despair.

But no one complained, because everyone present knew that Kimanbu's words were not without reason.

The Federation had paid an extremely high price to search for Liberty Fortress, and Augulas had already done his best. If he hadn't persisted, the search and rescue plan might have been aborted before today.

The entire conference room fell into a dead silence.

Evening.

Artificial Meteorite No. 273, Starport.

A level 5 flagship, the Wind Barracuda, sat quietly there.

Officers were carrying some of their belongings onto the ship.

At the entrance, Kimanbu personally led many officers to see Augulas off.

Kimanbu extended his hand to Augulas, and the two shook hands.

"Lord Augulas, we have all witnessed the contributions you have made to the Federation. This return will definitely be reused by the council and you will be given a more important position."

"I just did what I was supposed to do."

Augulas replied indifferently.

"Lord Augulas, you are too modest..."

Just as Kimanbu was about to say goodbye to Augulas, a subordinate suddenly ran over in a hurry. He was about to report something, but when he saw Augulas, he suddenly changed his words and said to Kimanbu, "Sir, there is a document that needs your attention."

Kimanbu's expression flickered slightly, and then he said to Augulas.

"I'm sorry, Lord Augulas, I have something to deal with. I'll take care of it first."

"Okay."

Augulas didn't say much.

Then Kimanbu and the subordinate walked away.

Augulas looked at Kimanbu's back, with a hint of doubt in his eyes. Then he glanced at a blonde beauty next to him.

The blonde beauty understood and left.

In the distance, Kimanbu looked at the subordinate in front of him and asked, "What's the matter?"

The subordinate excitedly reported to Kimanbu.

"Lord Kimanbu, we just received news that someone has accepted the task we posted on the City of Star Rings."

Kimanbu frowned and said, "How is that possible? Who would accept our task?"

Under normal circumstances, no one would accept the tasks posted by the Federation, let alone a task that was so dangerous.

"Then sir, does that mean the search and rescue can continue?"

The subordinate asked tentatively.