Interstellar: Return of the Villain
Chapter 306: The Long Night

Chapter 306: The Long Night

The voices of Alliance citizens were like a soft drizzle—quiet and ineffective against the military’s lofty indifference.

Those in power paid little attention to public opinion, focusing only on achieving their desired outcomes.

The handover of responsibilities was a tedious process, a task both intricate and exhausting.

After assigning the detailed work to Mandy and her team, Lyra departed for Planet Nagano, where Shane and his group of 500 had just returned to the LE Energy branch.

Near the spaceship bound for Voidstar No. 2, the five hundred stood in flawless formation.

"They’re all here," Shane reported to Lyra.

Knowing they would soon leave, Shane’s gaze reflected a complex mix of emotions as he looked at her. The others shared his sentiment.

These former space pirates, once reliant on robbery and violence, had become skilled technicians after years of manning excavation machinery.

They now had the ability to secure high-paying jobs without reverting to their old ways.

"Get on the ship," Lyra ordered curtly.

Lyra wasted no words. She had trained these pirates well, and now it was time to return them to Liliana.

One by one, they bid her farewell and boarded the ship.

Shane was the last to leave. Just as he reached the gangway, he suddenly clenched his fists, turned back, and strode up to her.

"I want to keep working for you," he declared, his voice firm and his eyes blazing.

Lyra’s lips curled into a faint smile of approval. "Fine."

Shane’s face lit up with joy.

On the ship, his former subordinates saw this and immediately clamored, "We want to stay too!" They tried to rush back down but were stopped by a shimmering green energy shield.

"Liliana isn’t going to let me keep all of you," Lyra said, raising an eyebrow.

The ship’s door closed, leaving the group wailing and accusing her of being heartless.

Back at base, Lyra contacted Liliana via a specialized opticomputer.

"I’ve returned your people, but I’m keeping Shane. He’s useful," Lyra said.

Liliana appeared on screen in a leather jacket, her plunging neckline accentuating her bold presence.

Twirling her luscious curls, she pouted playfully.

"If you say so, of course I’ll let you keep him!" she replied with a sly wink. "But I still need to explain this to my boss. Don’t worry—if I have to offer myself up to get his approval, I’ll do it. All for you."

Behind Lyra, Shane peeked out, stunned. He had never imagined Liliana answered to someone even more formidable.

A quick glance at Lyra’s furrowed brows confirmed she hadn’t expected it either.

"You..." Lyra began but ultimately held back her questions. "I owe you one."

Liliana chuckled, clearly enjoying Lyra’s reaction. "I heard your Voidstar No. 1 was stolen. Furious, aren’t you? How about joining me instead? Trust me, one appearance from you here, and the whole galaxy would be stunned!"

"Not planning on it," Lyra replied flatly.

"Someday, though. I’ll be waiting!" Liliana teased, flashing a knowing smile. Then, with a flirtatious air, she added, "I’ll go inform HIM now," and ended the call with a playful kiss blown through the screen.

Shane, realizing he was officially staying, clenched his fists in triumph.

"From now on, you’ll head to Wyrmtrace to assist Morrison," Lyra ordered, dismissing him efficiently.

As he left, Debbie entered the room, her expression tinged with an unusual trace of resentment.

Over the years, she had grown bolder in Lyra’s presence. While still not fully assertive, her expressions now betrayed her feelings—like the exaggerated pout she wore at this moment.

"Boss, am I still your adorable little assistant?" she asked, her tone tinged with grievance.

"Hmm?" Lyra responded, genuinely puzzled.

Debbie darted forward, crouched at Lyra’s feet, and launched into an overly dramatic tirade. "I’ve been working tirelessly to manage Wyrmtrace, and now you let Morrison steal my cake? Boss, how could you be so unfair? Boohoo!"

She wasn’t done yet and even jabbed at Lyra. "Just because someone stole your achievements doesn’t mean I have to suffer the same fate!"

Lyra observed her theatrics with serene detachment. In moments like these, she often wondered why so many eccentric people ended up working under her.

"Are you done crying?" Lyra asked.

Debbie blinked her large eyes, failing to produce even a single tear. "Depends on how you plan to deal with this."

Her message was clear: unless she got her way, the dramatics would continue—though she’d still handle the work regardless.

"All right. From now on, you’ll oversee Elden Prime entirely. Like Morrison, you’ll get a 5% equity stake."

"Oh!" Debbie sprang to her feet, her tear-streaked face instantly replaced with calm professionalism.

She placed a stack of documents on Lyra’s desk as if nothing had happened.

In a composed, formal tone, she reported, "Boss, here’s a report from Morrison. He asked me to deliver it to you."

After receiving Lyra’s signature, Debbie strutted out of the room in her high heels.

The moment she was out of sight, she pulled out her opticomputer and made a call.

"Hello, is this the moving company? I need to relocate to Elden Prime immediately. Send people over to pack up my things—right now!"

She paused, then added, "Make it quick. No matter how much it costs, you name it."

Hanging up, Debbie brushed a hand over her hairline and smiled with relief. At last, she thought, ’I’m finally one of the rich ones.’

...

Massive starships floated silently around a colossal structure in deep space, resembling bees circling a hive.

Liliana, recalling Lyra’s subtle expressions, couldn’t help smiling. With a spring in her step, she entered the ship’s command center.

The room’s usual casual atmosphere shifted dramatically when the Leader was present.

A towering figure, clad entirely in heavy armor, stood at the center. His imposing presence exuded a chilling vibe, more machine than human.

The crew around them worked in tense silence, their gazes a mixture of fear and reverence.

Though Liliana often teased Lyra, she became formal and serious in the Leader’s presence. "Sir, the group has been returned as requested."

The armored figure turned slightly, nodding. A mechanical voice, distorted by the suit, responded, "Good."

Liliana hesitated before adding, "One of them, Shane, was taken by her."

The Leader didn’t react visibly, only murmuring, "Understood. Accelerate the construction of the base. Time is running out."

"Yes, sir."

His gaze swept across the room, freezing every subordinate in place. Without another word, they turned and left for their private quarters.

As the door closed, the command center collectively exhaled in relief.

One of Liliana’s former subordinates, now a pilot, whispered, "Why does his presence feel more terrifying every day?"

Years ago, after escaping Demetra, Liliana and her crew had stumbled upon this mysterious figure drifting in space. They had taken her group in and guided them in building this space station.

Over time, their initial wariness had shifted to respect—and fear.

Liliana didn’t answer the pilot’s question. Instead, she posed one of her own. "Do you think he is stronger than Lyra?"

The pilot caught her meaning immediately. "You think when he said ’time is running out,’ it’s because Sis Marv has become a threat to him?"

The unspoken question lingered heavily in the air: Who, or what, exactly is him?

At the same time, the Empire had begun monitoring Liliana and her associates.

"Sir, we’ve detected the Long Night pirates operating in the border region between the Alliance and the Empire. Over the years, they’ve expanded their operations and influence significantly—"

The officer stopped mid-report, silenced by the icy glare of Westros.

"Sir?" the officer asked cautiously.

"There’s no need to pursue this matter," Westros said coldly, his tone leaving no room for debate.