Him and their stars.

Chapter 1689: Operation Advance

Jessica Yang faced the one-sided accusations and ridicule at the scene, and for a moment she didn't know how to react.

The young minister actually found it hard to believe the "General Staff's" speculation, but looking at the one-sided scene, she always felt that things might not be that simple.

She felt the need to say something, but couldn't find a way to get it in. At this time, the two marshals were already surrounded by siege from all sides.

The plump Marshal Ferragu gradually showed an irresistible look, and the awkward but polite smile on his face became more and more stiff. However, Marshal Paris, who had crawled out of the sea of ​​blood and corpses, felt that these were all minor scenes. He kept a straight face and insisted on his opinion.

"This is the only way to strengthen the defense of the New Atlantis star zone." He took out the star map and began to explain his intentions to everyone from a tactical perspective. But it was obvious that although this was a top-level military meeting, most people were not listening.

"You think too simply. Well, what I mean is that it is easy to blind yourself from a military perspective." The Foreign Minister corrected him very seriously: "Your Excellency Marshal, we are now the standard-bearers of the resistance against the tyranny of the Galactic Empire. We are righteous freedom fighters. How can we attack our allies who have always been friendly neighbors? How will the international community see us? Without the sympathy and support of the entire universe, we will lose."

Marshal Ferragu said: "As long as we are well prepared, the defenders of Fort Chero will not resist. Well, Major General Raff, the garrison commander of Chero, is my good friend."

Considering that the fat marshal, who was a chef, had done a lot of foreign affairs work before, and considering his ability to build relationships, this statement was actually very convincing.

"Of course, we also need to coordinate with other parties. Please ask the intelligence department to be prepared. Once it is confirmed that the Imperial Fleet enters the territory of Cherke without resistance, it means that they have joined the Imperial camp, which can be automatically regarded as a declaration of war. We will set out immediately from Lonely Night City, so we can take advantage of the time difference and occupy the Cherro Fortress first." Marshal Ferragu calculated: "Most of the fortress facilities there are produced by the Alliance. After we make adjustments, we can start testing immediately, and it won't take much time to put it into actual combat."

Chairman Edward Shawna was shocked to find that if it really worked, it could actually be a surprise attack that could almost be included in textbooks, and he found himself almost convinced.

However, as a conscientious politician, he still found it hard to accept: "You have already determined that the Circe Kingdom will surrender to the Empire! You don't consider the reaction of the Alliance at all?"

"The Alliance has indeed invested a considerable amount of capital in the Blue Star Community, but the trade between them and the Empire is much greater than the investment. As for the Kingdom of Circe, the Circe Sorrow was sold once, not to mention now? After the Seventh Galactic War, the Alliance's power has retreated to behind the Femo Nebula. If I were the Kingdom of Circe, I would also make a pragmatic choice now."

  "It's hard to imagine that a veteran of the War of Independence like you would say such a thing!" a minister sneered.

"It is precisely because we have fought in wars that we know that all resistance has its limits," said Marshal Paris.

Marshal Ferragu felt that the atmosphere was a bit awkward, so he sighed again and explained in a calm tone: "What the Circe people really hate is actually the Haiar people, not the Imperial Dragon King behind the Haiar people. The Circe royal family still regards the fork that Emperor Ivenya gave them as a royal treasure."

"Anti-imperialism is a personal ethos, or in other words, it is a performance for the alliance's financial backers, but realistic diplomacy will still make pragmatic choices," Labor Minister White said thoughtfully.

"Senior Bai, don't be persuaded so easily!" a minister of the Gongrong Party shouted.

"I'm not convinced, I'm just discussing the facts." Bai Yantang said.

Regardless of whether the old man was speaking on the point or not, Minister Bai's words did cause everyone to fall into a brief silence.

Marshal Paris continued without any relaxation: "As for the Alliance, it has stopped military aid. All our military supplies must be purchased. Can't you feel it? The attitude of the Alliance is very ambiguous at this point in the war."

"This is because there is a civil strife in the alliance," said the vice president. When he said this, his tone was a little excited, as if the civil strife in the alliance was very exciting news to him.

"There have been greater civil strife and civil wars in the history of the Alliance. At the most dangerous time, the separatist terrorists caused a disaster in the hinterland that affected tens of billions of people, and the Titan was sunk. But at that time, the Alliance was still participating in the Third Galactic War and also strangled the Eero Empire." Bai Yantang added, with his hands behind his back, "Of course, this is still a matter of fact."

"Mr. Bai, do you agree with the two marshals' plan?" asked the shipping committee chairman opposite him. His wrinkled face showed an expression of "I'm very curious".

"I don't agree. I just want to tell everyone that the Alliance is a profiteer, but they are also profiteers who know how to spend huge sums of money. They will not let themselves suffer losses." said Mr. Bai.

"Indeed, the Alliance can just recognize the Empire's occupation of us as long as the Empire promises to guarantee the Alliance's investment. The same approach can certainly be taken against the Kingdom of Cherke. The trade interests between the Empire and the Alliance are so great that even in times of war, both sides have protected each other's legitimate investments. What about third parties?" Minister Jessica Yang seemed to understand everything.

"In fact, the Empire also protects the legitimate property of Earth's expatriates." A voice muttered. Of course, this statement was very provocative and was indeed ignored by everyone.

"Anyway, what they invested in were only mines, land, enterprises and even the people themselves, not the Circassian royal family. As for our community..."

This sounded a bit hurtful. President Nishita quickly interrupted: "Mrs. Yang, please don't belittle yourself. The Blue Star Community is also a model of republican democracy in the galactic civilization. As an ideological beacon of democracy and freedom, the Alliance cannot pay the price of bankrupting its own prestige. Great... Yeah, it must be so!"

He swallowed the “probably” and said to Paris, “Marshal, please be careful when you speak. If you keep talking like this, the Alliance will become an accomplice in the division of the Community.”

"Yes, this is actually unreasonable, very unreasonable." Vice President Hierro also added: "In addition, the alliance has not invested in the community government. Since this is in the cabinet meeting, everyone, please don't repeat such unfounded rumors."

Who the hell said that? Wasn't it just you who said that?

President Nishita looked at the Vice President with weak eyes again, sighed heavily, and then said to everyone: "However, the Marshals' words are not groundless. The danger of the New Atlantis defense line does exist. First of all, we must inform the Kingdom of Circe and let them know the possibility of the Empire invading from them. If they really have other ideas, this is also an effective deterrent. Everyone in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must do this job well. Let them recognize the current situation. The Circe royal family is also a noble royal bloodline with a long history. There is no need for them to be pets of the Tirero dragon kings."

The Foreign Minister asked: "What if Circe wants to join the war and join our front?"

"Please try to persuade them not to have such radical ideas. Overall, it is best for the Circassian Kingdom to maintain the status quo. If they really join the war, the Alliance will have no reason to protect them. We may even have to send troops to help the Circassians maintain their defense."

Everyone said that the President was right!

"At the same time, we must also remind Nephi... Yes, yes, I know Nephi has already held a general election, but there must be someone who has the final say, right? Could it be that the Azure Palace has stopped operating?"

Everyone continued to say that what the President said was truly mature and prudent advice for state affairs.

"So, everyone, take action. Please notify Nephi immediately and pay attention to the movements of the Imperial Army in the direction of Femo. Inform the Kingdom of Circe and tell them that the war has expanded and no one can stay out of it. Also, the New Asia Star Region must be well prepared!"

Of course, even at the end, although the speeches of the two marshals and the "General Staff" were not accused of nonsense, at the end of the meeting, only the opinion of strengthening the vigilance of New Atlantis was passed.

"In short, Marshal Ferragu, if the Home Fleet wants to go out, I personally have no objection. This can actually be considered a training exercise. Chairman Maxell, the National Defense Committee must prepare the logistics."

The Chairman of the National Defense Committee still did not show any direct bias, but just acted as if he was following the President's lead in everything.

As for President Nishita's exact attitude... He still had no interest in the two marshals' operational proposals. Of course, he didn't object either.

"As for the fleets of New Atlantis and Cantilever, hahahaha, as you know, most of the main ships and elite crews have been transferred to the Sevastopol. I hope you can appreciate the remaining trifles, Marshal." President Nishita told a joke that no one could laugh at. "Sir, we..." Vice President Yero was about to say something, but the president held out his hand to stop him.

"Also, the chief of the General Staff can't delay any longer, and the National Defense Council should show decisiveness in personnel matters. Of course, the decision must be made after detailed reference to the opinions of the military commanders. Of course, the personnel appointments and dismissals of the military do not need to be discussed here." As the president spoke, he smiled at the marshal, as if to say, "You don't need to thank me."

Chairman Maxell still nodded to show that he understood.

President Nishita felt that handing over the chief of staff's personnel decision-making power to the military should be enough to appease the two marshals. This is a standard political rule that he has always done, and he has never failed.

In this way, this high-level military meeting ended in a very successful atmosphere.

Yes, most people present felt satisfied. Even if they were not satisfied, at least they were not disappointed. According to the standard political rules, it was of course a complete success.

After the meeting, Minister Bai found the worried marshals in an inconspicuous lounge. He asked directly, "Is this not the General Staff, but the analysis from the front line? Lieutenant General Yu Lian from Sai De, or Lieutenant General Yang Xiyi from the New World?"

Marshal Ferragu sighed and drank the brandy in the glass in one gulp: "Of course it's surplus... Oh, okay, okay, I knew it would be rejected. Okay, okay, from today on, Uncle Paul who follows the rules and the harmless and honest Fatty Fei are also crazy troublemakers."

"You already have a marshal's scepter." Marshal Paris put his hands behind his back and looked at the other party with squinted eyes.

"Yes! That's why I came here with you and went crazy." He picked up the bottle, sighed and filled it up for Marshal Ferragu, then slapped himself hard on the face: "I'm really crazy. I should start preparing a manor for my retirement now. It would be best if there is a pasture, a vegetable garden, and fish to fish."

Marshal Paris ignored him and just said to Minister Bai: "If Marshal Erwin was still here, he could at least convince Chairman Maxell, which should be able to influence the attitude of the Communist Party. As for Mr. President..."

Speaking of which, during the meeting just now, Defense Committee Chairman Mr. Maxell seemed a little quiet, as if he was drifting with the tide without knowing what was going on. This was indeed quite different from his usual diligence and seriousness.

Of course, if we really want to talk about it in detail, since Marshal Erwin was assassinated, the cooperation between Chairman Maxell and Marshal Paris has not seemed so close. On the one hand, it is because the relationship between the two was not very good before, and they relied on Marshal Erwin to make up for it. On the other hand, it is probably because the victory on the Far Shore Front has relieved everyone's pressure.

Without pressure, there will definitely be internal strife. This has almost become a consensus in human nature.

Mr. Bai couldn't help but sneer, "You really overestimate them. To launch a surprise attack on a quasi-ally that didn't participate in the war? I'm afraid it would be impossible even if they overdrawn their courage for fifty years."

He felt that the tone seemed too impolite, so he forced a smile and added, "Of course, this is not in line with the diplomatic ethics we have always upheld since the founding of the country."

"Diplomacy has ethics? Even an outsider like me finds this untenable." Marshal Paris looked awkward.

Mr. Bai said helplessly: "In diplomacy, of course, morality is needed, and the smaller the country, the more it needs to abide by it!"

He paused and looked annoyed again: "Besides, old squad leader, you know that President Nishita's real confidant is actually Chairman Xiaona. You should have discussed this matter with him in advance. What's more, what you said just now actually violated his taboo."

"taboo?"

"…your source of information. He is the Chairman of the Internal Affairs Committee. Does the Community have other sources of information that he doesn't know about?"

"There are many sources of intelligence that he doesn't know about. Apart from other things...well, the Spiritual Research Association must have its own intelligence channels, and he didn't seem to be angry." said the Marshal.

"You're really argumentative, but it makes sense." Minister Bai said.

"There is no time for repeated communication. I am just an old soldier and can only consider the most realistic national defense issues." The old marshal said frankly, still looking proud rather than ashamed.

"Occupy the Cherro system, activate those sealed fortress facilities, and use these equipment to deploy the local fleet to defend. This is the most feasible plan if we want to strengthen the New Atlantis defense line," said Marshal Paris.

Ferragu added quietly: "Perhaps the only one that is enforceable."

"So, the Empire will really come from there? Straight through the Kingdom of Circe? I really can't imagine such a march." Mr. Bai is also a veteran of the War of Independence. He thinks he is well-informed, but this kind of operation of attacking another country through a country is a bit beyond his imagination. This is no longer a leapfrog tactic, it can be called a warp, even in the explosive world of the military field, it can be said to be quite explosive.

"I find it hard to imagine. But I am willing to believe his warning," said Marshal Paris.

Minister Bai immediately knew who "he" was without even having to guess.

"I knew that if this was really a plan proposed by the General Staff, your reaction would probably not be any better than that of the ministers and committee chairmen just now."

Marshal Paris nodded as a matter of course: "...Yes, I dare not deny it."

Marshal Ferragu couldn't help but mutter, "In fact, the General Staff is not really that bad. They don't have much ability to plan campaigns, but they do some auxiliary work such as coordination and communication, and they do a good job."

"From a positive perspective, the home fleet can at least be mobilized. Then, please ask Marshal Ferragu to lead the troops as soon as possible, and at least deploy troops in Lonely Night City. They can observe the development of the situation nearby. I will also try my best to continue to mediate on Earth."

Although Mr. Bai felt that this didn't really mean much, he could only say that he would do his best.

"...Okay, that's all we can do. But, sir, you have to assign me a reliable chief of staff." Although Marshal Ferragu looked reluctant, he did not back down after all.

As they were about to discuss various matters concerning the dispatch of troops, the old marshal's terminal rang again. It was naturally the latest emergency war situation report. Otherwise, his adjutant would never dare to disturb the marshal who was in a meeting at the presidential palace.

"Sir, the Imperial Fleet on the Said side has begun to attack."

The battle was brought forward? But this doesn't make sense! Marshal Paris thought.

"No, didn't they say they would repair the fortress before attacking?" Marshal Ferragu shouted loudly.