When He Chou returned with a Logistics Machine carrying drinks, he pushed the door open again.
He was about to shout, as usual, that anyone who wanted a drink could come get one, then tell his coworker to keep the remaining credits as a delivery fee.
But this time, something unexpected made He Chou swallow the words that had reached his throat.
"We must immediately depart for a star system that will soon be incorporated into the new Tyran Gate defense zone. That system is called Allendor."
"You've definitely never heard of it, but that's fine. You only need to know what's there."
He Chou did not hear a single word after that, because he realized the person speaking was actually a Custodian.
Custodians did not appear often, but whenever they did, it meant an important order had bypassed normal procedures and been delivered directly to the departments within the sector best equipped to handle it.
The Navy Department had received Custodians twice before, but how could a department like the Diplomatic Group, one that clung parasitically to the Navy Department, possibly have a Custodian come to it?
He Chou pondered this in confusion.
It was not until the Custodian turned into a streak of light and vanished that He Chou realized it had been a holographic projection.
"Is everyone clear on that?" the superior who was obviously the group leader yet insisted that his subordinates call him Group Leader shouted.
"What?" He Chou looked utterly lost.
"Crystal clear!" his coworkers replied loudly.
The group leader waved a hand. "Respond to the order immediately. We'll board a ship for Allendor III shortly. Don't bring personal belongings. Once aboard, take all food, drink, and supplies from the Navy!"
"Yes!"
He Chou heard his coworkers respond again, then everyone happily began packing