"A Wind and Cloud-class Battleship? Was it ambushed, or defeated in a head-on engagement?"
"The report doesn't say. The target is in orbit around the third Earth-like planet in the next system along the patrol route."
"We'll prepare... ask where the information came from."
Evan was irritated. Would adding a few words kill them? Normally, with only one star system between them, the transmission should at least mention wreckage blasted apart or cut into pieces. How could it say nothing?
Xiao Lan frowned too. The warriors he had trained should not make such mistakes.
"The information came from the long-range supply fleet. They were responsible for rendezvousing with this Patrol Squadron..."
"Activate the stealth veil," Evan said. "Contact that fleet using code phrases. See whether they still respond."
As the Light of the People approached its destination, a response arrived. Everything checked out. Their explanation for the delay was that the supply fleet's main force had suspected enemies were hiding in the interstellar dust and entered it to investigate, impairing signal reception.
The half-visible Light of the People plunged into the dreamlike interstellar dust. The supply fleet had already emerged from the cloud and now hovered above the Wind and Cloud-class Battleship. Transport ships shuttled back and forth overhead, deploying investigation teams onto the wreck.
The battleship's wreckage revolved around the third Earth-like planet, like an enormous piece of space junk.
"Annos, any returns on the covert radar?"
"This is a death world." The conclusion generated by the "auxiliary analysis program" appeared on the screen.
The entire star system was lifeless, with no traces of colonies or mining stations.
"The fleet was simply passing through."
For the first time, Evan was utterly bewildered. Had they run into ghosts?
The Wind and Cloud-class Battleship had been cleanly severed. The entire vessel