White Tiger sat in the marshal's chair, silent all the while. Only after Green Deer declared, "I'll stay!" did White Tiger stand and speak:
"Nothing said in this council chamber is to leave it. First, gather all the wounded. All medical ships, logistics ships, damaged warships... they will be left behind."
White Tiger looked around at the generals' dejected faces before continuing, "All the warriors from my Fierce Tiger Star will stay..."
Gray Elephant roared, "Absolutely not! The Fierce Tiger warriors and Green Orc warriors are the elite of our Beast Race. We cannot sacrifice them!"
Green Deer also spoke up. "Most of our Deer Race serve aboard medical ships and repair ships. Let us stay instead."
The generals all began vying to stay behind. In their hearts, only the Fierce Tiger Race warriors led by White Tiger could avenge them.
After a heated argument, White Tiger let out an angry roar, silencing everyone. He continued, "We don't have much time. If you stay, you'll only be waiting to die. But even without weapons, the Fierce Tiger Race can fight to the death."
The generals immediately erupted again. White Tiger signaled for silence once more. "This defeat happened because I pursued the enemy blindly. I bear the greatest responsibility."
Seeing Green Deer about to speak again, White Tiger immediately stopped him. "This is an order. As Supreme Expedition Commander, I order you to retreat."
White Tiger stepped down from the marshal's chair and patted Green Deer on the shoulder. "Once you've withdrawn safely, you will be the new marshal. Your sole task upon taking command will be to bring everyone home safely. Can you do that?"
Only after White Tiger asked three times did Green Deer nod. "Rest assured, Marshal. I will bring them home."
At that moment, Zhang Fan's