Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The defending fleet, led by Daladaga, is fighting against the invading fleet of over 150,000 warships.
• A thousand-ship support fleet, the Pangu Fleet, emerges from the Star Sea Channel, catching both sides off guard.
• The Pangu Fleet, equipped with shields, charges into the invading fleet, causing chaos and confusion.
• The defending fleet, inspired by the Pangu Fleet's shields, joins the attack, turning the tide of the battle.
• The invading fleet retreats and regroups, preparing for a counterattack.

Character Developments

• Daladaga, the defending fleet's commander, initially believes the support fleet is weak and useless, but later realizes their true strength and becomes hopeful.
• Enik, the Pangu Fleet's leader, is confident in their strategy and shows no concern for the defending fleet's feelings.
• Ding Yingzhong, the Pangu's captain, is calm and focused, ready for battle.

Significant Themes

• The introduction and impact of shields on warfare.
• The element of surprise and its strategic value.
• The morale boost that hope and unexpected aid can provide to troops.

Character Interactions

• Daladaga and the defending fleet initially curse the support fleet but later join forces with them, turning the tide of the battle.
• Enik, Duan, and Mumu discuss their strategy and the defending fleet's likely reaction, showing camaraderie and shared understanding.
• Ding Yingzhong maintains command and focus, ensuring the Pangu Fleet is ready for battle.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Orc fleet, led by Daladaga, can't contact the Galactic Civilization's support fleet.
• The support fleet finally responds, ordering the Orc fleet to await further instructions and not move without command.
• The invading fleet, numbering over a hundred thousand warships, advances towards the support fleet.
• The support fleet, consisting of a thousand warships, opens fire, using an overwhelming majority of beam weaponry.

Character Developments

• Daladaga, the Orc commander, is shown to be impatient and worried about the lack of communication with the support fleet.
• Enik, the Star Spirit exchange student, takes charge of the support fleet's tactics and demonstrates confidence in their strategy.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between the Galactic Civilization and the Orc Civilization are highlighted, with the Galactic Civilization showing dominance.
• The support fleet's overwhelming firepower is emphasized, showcasing the Galactic Civilization's technological advancements.

Character Interactions

• Daladaga interacts with the communications officer, expressing his frustration at the lack of response from the support fleet.
• Enik and the other two tactical commanders discuss their strategy with Ding Yingzhong, showing a clear chain of command and mutual respect.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Invading Fleet, initially charging, suddenly retreats upon encountering the Galactic Civilization's Support Fleet.
• The Invading Fleet deploys a new type of special warship with a frill-like membrane and sends out mecha units.
• The Pangu Fleet considers their next move as the Invading Fleet prepares to change formation again.

Character Developments

• Daladaga, a combat personnel, is astonished by the Invading Fleet's retreat, questioning its usual aggressive nature.
• Enik, Mumu, and Duan, Star Spirit exchange students, are proud of their role in driving back the Invading Fleet but become serious when Ding Yingzhong reminds them of the ongoing threat.

Significant Themes

• The unpredictability of the Invading Fleet's tactics and the need for adaptability.
• The importance of understanding the enemy's true intentions and motivations.

Character Interactions

• Enik, Mumu, and Duan discuss their next move, considering the Invading Fleet's new special warships and mecha units.
• Ding Yingzhong guides and challenges Enik and the others to think strategically, helping them realize the Invading Fleet's deeper purpose.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ding Yingzhong explains that every action, including the Invading Fleet's relentless fighting, has a purpose.
• The Invading Fleet is fighting to determine the scale of the Support Fleet's reinforcements and to test the Support Fleet's strength.
• The Support Fleet is deliberately concealing the strength of its reinforcements to maintain its threat level.
• The Invading Fleet prepares its main cannon, and Ding Yingzhong notices it but remains calm.
• The Invading Fleet forms a shield to block the Support Fleet's artillery fire and uses its main cannons to exploit the range difference.

Character Developments

• Ding Yingzhong demonstrates his calm and strategic thinking, even in high-pressure situations.
• The Enik trio shows improvement but still has room to grow in strategic thinking.

Significant Themes

• The importance of understanding an opponent's purpose and strategy.
• The value of testing and learning from an enemy's strengths and weaknesses.

Character Interactions

• Ding Yingzhong and the Enik trio discuss the Invading Fleet's purpose and the Support Fleet's strategy.
• Ding Yingzhong calmly observes the Invading Fleet's preparations while the Enik trio grows anxious.
• Ding Yingzhong suggests increasing the Star Spirit exchange students' homework to accelerate their progress.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The invading fleet reforms its lines, approaching the support fleet.
• Daladaga, the Devouring Star's captain, grows anxious and frustrated with the support fleet's inaction.
• The support fleet's shields are revealed to be functional, forming a green orb around the fleet.
• The support fleet returns fire with its main cannons, targeting the invading fleet.

Character Developments

• Daladaga: Initially confident and dismissive, Daladaga becomes increasingly anxious and frustrated with the support fleet's actions. After the support fleet activates its shields, Daladaga is shocked and relieved.
• Ding Yingzhong: Calm and collected, Ding Yingzhong orders the support fleet to return fire with its main cannons, showing strategic thinking and decisiveness.

Significant Themes

• The theme of underestimation: Daladaga underestimates the support fleet, only to be proven wrong when the fleet activates its shields.
• The theme of resilience: The support fleet, despite being outnumbered and outgunned, demonstrates resilience by activating its shields and returning fire.
• The theme of adaptability: Both fleets show adaptability in their strategies, with the support fleet changing its tactics and the invading fleet adjusting its shield wall.

Character Interactions

• Daladaga and the support fleet: Daladaga grows increasingly frustrated with the support fleet's actions, while the support fleet surprises Daladaga with its resilience.
• Ding Yingzhong and the support fleet: Ding Yingzhong demonstrates confidence and strategic thinking in his orders, while the support fleet follows his commands, showing unity and discipline.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Support Fleet's main cannons fire, revealing their significantly higher energy level compared to the Invading Fleet's.
• The Invading Fleet's special warships easily absorb and nullify the Support Fleet's main cannon attacks.
• The Invading Fleet resumes its charge, confident in its special warships' ability to absorb beam attacks.
• The Pangu Fleet (Support Fleet) remains calm, with Ding Yingzhong revealing that the special warships have a limit to their absorption and will explode if overloaded.

Character Developments

• Daladaga, the Pangu Fleet's commander, becomes increasingly desperate and anxious as the battle progresses.
• Ding Yingzhong, the Pangu Fleet's strategist, remains composed and confident, revealing his understanding of the Invading Fleet's technology.

Significant Themes

• The disparity in technology and weapons between the two fleets.
• The Invading Fleet's overconfidence in its special warships' abilities.
• The Pangu Fleet's strategic patience and understanding of their enemy's weaknesses.

Character Interactions

• Daladaga interacts with his communications officer, trying to get a response from the Support Fleet.
• Ding Yingzhong explains the Invading Fleet's technology to Enik and the other two, revealing his strategic insight.
• The Invading Fleet's commander and soldiers regain their confidence and resume their charge, believing they have found the Support Fleet's weakness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Support Fleet (Galactic Civilization) sends a message to Daladaga (commander of the defending forces), threatening to leave if they continue to bother them with questions.
• Daladaga, realizing the Galactic Civilization's insidious intent, understands that they're being manipulated to provoke a reaction that would lead to their destruction.
• Ding Yingzhong (Galactic Civilization commander) intends to stir up trouble with Daladaga to justify attacking and eliminating him, using the new warships' strength to intimidate the Star Spirit Civilization.

Character Developments

• Daladaga: Realizes the Galactic Civilization's manipulative tactics and fears for his civilization's survival.
• Ding Yingzhong: Shows cunning and manipulative tactics, aiming to eliminate Daladaga and intimidate the Star Spirit Civilization.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation and deception in warfare.
• The power dynamics between civilizations.
• The consequences of provoking a more powerful adversary.

Character Interactions

• Daladaga and the Support Fleet: Daladaga is humiliated and threatened by the Support Fleet's message, leading him to realize the Galactic Civilization's true intentions.
• Ding Yingzhong and Enik (Star Spirit Civilization representative): Ding Yingzhong shares his manipulative plan with Enik, who is bewildered by the Galactic Civilization's cunning tactics.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Invading Fleet encircles the Support Fleet, attacking from all angles while the Support Fleet defends and retaliates.
• Both fleets' combat scores remain zero as they wait for the subsequent support fleet's arrival.
• Daladaga, the defending fleet commander, watches the battle unfold without intervention due to the Support Fleet's orders.
• The Support Fleet taunts Daladaga, ordering it to stay put and watch the show, threatening consequences if it interferes.

Character Developments

• Daladaga becomes increasingly frustrated and infuriated by the Support Fleet's taunts, eventually retiring to the captain's lounge.
• Ding Yingzhong, the Support Fleet commander, remains calm and relaxed, focusing on the long-term strategy of overloading the Invading Fleet's special warship.

Significant Themes

• Protracted war strategy and patience.
• Psychological warfare and taunting.
• The Galactic Civilization's endurance and resilience.

Character Interactions

• The Support Fleet and the Invading Fleet engage in a tense standoff, with the Support Fleet taunting the Invading Fleet and Daladaga.
• Ding Yingzhong interacts with Enik and the other two, explaining the battle situation and the fleet's relaxed attitude towards the ongoing combat.
• Daladaga and its adjutant discuss the battle and Daladaga's decision to retreat to the captain's lounge.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The leaders of three civilizations (Orc, Tertius, and Moster) and Daladaga, the commander of the Devouring Star, watch the battle between the Support Fleet and the Invading Fleet.
• The Support Fleet has been engaged in a continuous battle for 150 hours, demonstrating extraordinary energy reserves and endurance.
• The Galactic Civilization's main support fleet arrives but stops outside the Star Sea Channel, continuing to engage the Invading Fleet without reinforcements.
• The Invading Fleet, after initial engagement, stops sending reinforcements, focusing on gathering information about the Support Fleet.
• Daladaga reports the situation to the three civilizations' leaders, who consider him a potential scapegoat.
• A sudden, intense light explosion occurs on the battlefield, scattering numerous black objects.

Character Developments

• Daladaga: Shows honesty and fear for his life, trying to avoid becoming a scapegoat.
• The three civilizations' leaders: Display regret for their actions and consider Daladaga as a potential scapegoat.

Significant Themes

• Regret and consequences of past actions.
• The power and endurance of the Galactic Civilization's Support Fleet.
• The potential threat of the Support Fleet's energy reserves and capabilities.

Character Interactions

• Daladaga reports to the three civilizations' leaders, who consider him with suspicion and potential hostility.
• The leaders discuss the Support Fleet's capabilities and their own regrets in becoming enemies with the Galactic Civilization.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Galactic Civilization's Support Fleet triggers a chain reaction, causing nearly ten thousand of the Invading Fleet's special warships to explode simultaneously, creating a blinding ball of light.
• The explosion's power is equivalent to a million warships' Main Cannons firing in unison, far surpassing the combined firepower of the Support, Invading, and Defense Fleets.
• The Support Fleet emerges unscathed from the explosion, while the Invading Fleet's encirclement is completely shattered.

Character Developments

• Daladaga, the captain of the Devouring Star Planet Fortress, is removed from his position and sentenced to death by the Chief Emperor Ouke for his failure to handle the situation.
• Daladaga accepts his fate and requests to watch the battle's outcome.

Significant Themes

• The power and unpredictability of advanced technology (the chain reaction caused by the Support Fleet's actions).
• The consequences of underestimating one's opponent (the Invading Fleet's assumption that the Support Fleet posed no threat).
• The importance of strategic planning and adaptability (the Support Fleet's ability to turn the tide of battle despite being outnumbered).

Character Interactions

• Daladaga and his adjutant: Daladaga slaps his adjutant to snap him out of his shock and demand an explanation for the chain reaction.
• The Moster Emissaries (Daladaga, Chief Emperor Ouke, and another unnamed emissary): They discuss and decide Daladaga's fate due to his failure to prevent the chain reaction.
• Ding Yingzhong and Enik (implied): They discuss and plan the Support Fleet's strategy, leading to the chain reaction.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The surviving Invading Fleet ships gather and increase their distance from the Support Fleet, showing determination to continue fighting despite heavy losses.
• The Support Fleet deactivates its shields, allowing the Invading Fleet to approach, demonstrating respect for their opponents.
• The Moster Emissary asks Planet Fortress commanders for strategies to deal with the Support Fleet, but they find no effective solutions.
• Emperor Tertius suggests using a super Planet Fortress to annihilate the Support Fleet, but the captains dismiss this idea as ineffective.

Character Developments

• The Invading Fleet's persistence and determination move the Support Fleet, leading them to deactivate their shields.
• The Moster Emissary and the other civilizations' leaders realize the Galactic Civilization's power and the futility of engaging their fleets directly.
• Emperor Tertius considers replacing a Planet Fortress commander, hinting at internal power struggles.

Significant Themes

• Respect for opponents, even in the face of certain defeat.
• The futility of direct confrontation with overwhelming force.
• The importance of individual sacrifice for the continuation of civilization.

Character Interactions

• The Invading Fleet and the Support Fleet engage in a tense standoff, with the Support Fleet showing respect for their opponents' determination.
• The Moster Emissary, Chief Emperor Ouke, and Emperor Tertius discuss strategies to deal with the Support Fleet, leading to a realization of their own civilizations' weaknesses.
• The three Planet Fortress commanders discuss the Support Fleet's strengths and weaknesses, concluding that direct engagement is impossible with their current forces.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Support Fleet arrives unexpectedly, devastating the Invading Fleet with overwhelming firepower.
• The Invading Fleet adjusts its strategy and engages in a prolonged bombardment, but ultimately fails.
• The Invading Fleet issues a challenge, deploying mechas instead of warships.
• The Support Fleet decides to deploy its Mobile Force in response.

Character Developments

• Ding Yingzhong, the Support Fleet's commander, demonstrates strategic prowess and psychological manipulation.
• Enik and other officers show curiosity and bewilderment at the Invading Fleet's tactics.

Significant Themes

• The disparity in firepower and defense between the two fleets.
• Psychological warfare and manipulation.
• The use of mecha forces in unconventional ways.

Character Interactions

• Ding Yingzhong discusses and strategizes with Enik and other officers.
• The Invading Fleet's actions provoke and challenge the Support Fleet.
• The Mobile Force awaits orders, eager for combat.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Galactic Civilization's new warships carry an astonishing number of mecha, far exceeding their predecessors.
• The invading fleet and the three civilizations are shocked and stunned by the sheer number of Galactic Civilization's mecha.
• Daladaga reveals that the Galactic Civilization's mecha are incredibly powerful, having annihilated four thousand of their mecha with just twenty in a previous encounter.

Character Developments

• Daladaga, despite being stripped of his captaincy, provides crucial information about the Galactic Civilization's mecha, showing a sense of responsibility.
• The Moster Emissary demonstrates expertise in identifying the materials used in the Galactic Civilization's mecha.
• The leaders of the three civilizations show fear and concern as they realize the true power of the Galactic Civilization's mecha.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The chapter emphasizes the quantitative and qualitative differences in military power between the Galactic Civilization and the other civilizations.
• Technology and Innovation: The Galactic Civilization's ability to develop and use advanced materials and weapons highlights their technological prowess.
• Fear and Uncertainty: The reactions of the three civilizations' leaders underscore the fear and uncertainty they feel in the face of the Galactic Civilization's power.

Character Interactions

• The Moster Emissary and the other leaders interact, expressing shock, fear, and concern as they witness the deployment of the Galactic Civilization's mecha.
• Daladaga interacts with the other leaders, providing critical information about the Galactic Civilization's mecha despite his demotion.
• The spectator fleet interacts with the other leaders, asking about the Galactic Civilization's mecha's combat power.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lone Wolf B Team, part of the Pangu Fleet, encounters an invading fleet of mechas.
• They recognize the mechas as identical to the aliens they encountered previously, hinting at the same civilization behind both incidents.
• Ding Yingzhong, upon confirmation, realizes the Invading Fleet is playing a "pig to eat the tiger" strategy, aiming to devour other civilizations.
• The Pangu Fleet's Mobile Force, led by Lao Gao, attacks the Invading Fleet's mechas, using shield-enhanced mechas and powerful beam attacks to decimated them.

Character Developments

• Lao Gao: Shows eagerness for revenge and delight in the upcoming battle.
• Ding Yingzhong: Becomes more aggressive and determined to inflict psychological trauma on the Invading Fleet to ensure the Galactic Civilization's safety.
• Lone Wolf B Team: Proves their experience and intuition by recognizing the Invading Fleet's mechas.

Significant Themes

• Revenge and Retaliation: The Galactic Civilization seeks revenge for the previous encounter and aims to make the Invading Fleet fear them.
• Technological Superiority: The Galactic Civilization's mechas demonstrate superior technology and capabilities compared to the Invading Fleet's mechas.
• Civilizational Differences: The Invading Fleet's strategy highlights the differences in civilizational goals and methods.

Character Interactions

• Ding Yingzhong and Lao Gao: Ding Yingzhong orders Lao Gao to attack with full force, and Lao Gao relays the orders to the pilots, expressing his eagerness for the battle.
• Lone Wolf B Team and Lao Gao: The team shares their discovery with Lao Gao, leading to the realization that the Invading Fleet is the same as the previous alien encounter.
• Galactic Civilization and Invading Fleet: The two civilizations engage in a fierce battle, with the Galactic Civilization's mechas proving to be a formidable force against the Invading Fleet's mechas.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Galactic Mecha suddenly stop bullying the invading mecha swarm and charge towards the Invading Fleet, surprising everyone.
• The Invading Fleet attacks with a dense barrage, but the Galactic Mecha's shields withstand it, pushing them back but not breaking their advance.
• The Invading Mecha swarm, now free from internal attacks, begins to surround and attack the Galactic Mecha.
• The Galactic Mecha are outnumbered and face a stalemate with the Invading Fleet, while the Invading Mecha swarm closes in on them.

Character Developments

• The Galactic Mecha commander's strategy remains unclear and risky.
• Moster Emissary and others are confused and helpless, hoping for a Galactic Mecha victory but expecting defeat.

Significant Themes

• The power of numbers vs. advanced technology (Galactic Mecha's shields vs. Invading Mecha's quantity).
• Impatience and impulsiveness in strategy (Galactic Mecha commander's decision to charge).

Character Interactions

• Moster Emissary and others discuss the Galactic Mecha's situation, expressing their concerns and hopes.
• Daladaga, though pessimistic about the current situation, maintains a confident smile, hinting at a hidden plan.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Galactic Mechas, despite being surrounded, are confident they can defeat the invading Mechas.
• Daladaga reveals that the Galactic Mechas have shield systems and are transformable, shocking the onlookers.
• The invading Mechas attempt to capture the Galactic Mechas alive, swarming them in close combat.
• The Galactic Mechas, led by Lao Gao, demonstrate exceptional close-quarters combat skills, using martial arts techniques to fend off the invading Mechas.

Character Developments

• Daladaga shows confidence in the Galactic Mechas' abilities and reveals their shield and transformable nature.
• Lao Gao, the Galactic Mecha commander, displays strategic thinking and combat prowess, ordering his team to fight freely and showcasing their close-quarters skills.

Significant Themes

• Technological Superiority vs. Numerical Advantage: The Galactic Mechas' advanced technology and skills counter the invading Mechas' overwhelming numbers.
• Traditional Martial Arts in Space Combat: The Galactic Pilots' mastery of Dragon Continent's traditional martial arts gives them an edge in close-quarters combat.

Character Interactions

• Daladaga interacts with the onlookers, providing information about the Galactic Mechas' capabilities and shocking them with the revelation of their shield and transformable nature.
• Lao Gao interacts with his team, ordering them to fight freely and showcasing their close-quarters combat skills against the invading Mechas.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Galactic Civilization's mecha, led by Lao Gao, engage the invading mecha in a battle.
• The Galactic Mecha use beam swords to slash through the enemy mecha, ignoring their numbers and defenses.
• The invading mecha, overwhelmed and unable to resist, stop moving and appear to give up.
• Lao Gao tests if they're truly unresisting by firing at one, confirming they've given up.
• The Galactic Mecha proceed to destroy the motionless invading mecha from a distance.

Character Developments

• Lao Gao demonstrates strategic thinking and ruthlessness in battle, ordering his team to destroy the unresisting enemy.
• The invading mecha pilots lose their will to fight and accept their fate, showing a stark contrast in morale.

Significant Themes

• The overwhelming power and tactics of the Galactic Civilization.
• The despair and helplessness of the invading fleet in the face of such power.
• The importance of morale and will to fight in battles.

Character Interactions

• Lao Gao and his team communicate briefly, showing camaraderie and shared purpose.
• The Galactic Mecha and the invading mecha have no interaction, as the latter has given up resistance.
• Ostrich and the Lone Wolf B Team contact Lao Gao, reminding him of their presence and requesting support.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ostrich's team needs support to intercept the retreating Invading Fleet.
• A team arrives at the designated location, ready to act.
• They launch a surprise attack, destroying three thousand Invading Fleet warships.
• The Invading Fleet is pinned down by Galactic Mechas, unable to advance or retreat.
• Onlookers from three civilizations witness the battle, shocked by the Galactic Civilization's invisible mechas and powerful weapons.

Character Developments

• Ostrich demonstrates strategic thinking and quick decision-making in adapting to the Invading Fleet's retreat.
• Lao Gao shows loyalty and responsibility in communicating with the supporting team.
• The Galactic Mechas display their strength and tactics, turning the tide of the battle.

Significant Themes

• The power of surprise and strategic adaptability in warfare.
• The importance of intelligence and communication in military operations.
• The fear and respect that the Galactic Civilization's technology inspires in their enemies.

Character Interactions

• Ostrich and Lao Gao work together, with Ostrich providing information and Lao Gao facilitating the supporting team's actions.
• The Galactic Mechas coordinate their movements, effectively pinning down and attacking the Invading Fleet.
• The onlookers from the three civilizations interact, sharing their shock and awe at the Galactic Civilization's capabilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Galactic Mechas wreak havoc on the invading fleet, disabling warships with ease.
• The invading fleet's close-quarters defense systems prove ineffective against the Galactic Mechas' shields.
• The invading fleet surrenders, and the Galactic Civilization suffers no casualties.
• The Galactic Fleet prepares to engage the Star Spirit Civilization's support fleet at the Star Sea Channel.

Character Developments

• Dalabunka, Tianhuang, and Daladaga, the leaders of the Orc, Tertius, and White Spirit Civilizations respectively, realize the Galactic Civilization's overwhelming power and the necessity of developing their own shield system.
• Daladaga accepts his fate, understanding that the Galactic Civilization will not spare him.

Significant Themes

• The power imbalance between civilizations and the consequences of underestimating one's opponent.
• The importance of technological advancement for survival and self-preservation.
• The inevitability of conflict and the acceptance of one's fate.

Character Interactions

• Dalabunka, Tianhuang, and Daladaga acknowledge the Galactic Civilization's superiority and agree to cooperate in developing a shield system.
• The Galactic Civilization remains calm and composed in the face of the invading fleet's desperate measures.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Galactic Fleet requests communication with the Moster Emissary and their group after the battle.
• Ding Yingzhong approves the communication, leading to a tense exchange.
• Daladaga, the former commander of the Devouring Star, is revealed to be the one who fought the Galactic Civilization.
• Ding Yingzhong surprisingly greets Daladaga warmly, confusing the Moster Emissary and their group.

Character Developments

• Ding Yingzhong demonstrates his political acumen and willingness to make unexpected alliances for the greater good.
• Daladaga remains calm and collected, accepting responsibility for his actions.
• The Moster Emissary and their group show concern for their own interests and the preservation of their civilizations' strength.

Significant Themes

• The importance of strategic alliances in interstellar politics.
• The ruthlessness and adaptability of the Galactic Civilization.
• The power dynamics between civilizations.

Character Interactions

• Ding Yingzhong's unexpected warmth towards Daladaga confuses and concerns the Moster Emissary and their group.
• Ding Yingzhong uses diplomacy to subtly pressure the Moster Emissary and their group to comply with his wishes.
• Enik and the other two are suspicious of Ding Yingzhong's true intentions but remain silent.