Him and their stars.

Chapter 1771 I am more valuable than the fleet
It can be seen that when Chief of Staff Mkawa said this, he must have made a great decision.

Of course, he knew that although the Far Shore Star Region was on the border, it was not a "remote and poor place" like New Shenzhou. New Shuntian was a military stronghold with a population of one billion, New Tennessee's high-quality beef and various agricultural products were exported to the other side of the nebula, and New Seville was also a famous marine tourist destination and marine industry base.

Not to mention, there's Lumina.

The planet that Commander Yu had led personally. If it were in ancient times, it could almost be called the place where dragons rose, right?
All of the above can actually be abandoned. This is war.

But even if this is true, who can really remain calm?

Yu Lian's expression was calm and he signaled Chief of Staff Mkawa to continue.

"After sailing out of the Far Shore Nebula, General Bai can lead the Athena to New Seville for replenishment and rest, and look for opportunities to continue fighting the enemy."

This is of course a euphemism. To put it bluntly, the Athena and its fleet were used as pawns to attract the enemy's attention.

However, the cruel fact remains that, given the current war situation, this kind of sacrifice is actually justified.

"As for us, we don't need to stay in Xinshuntian, but take the shortest route to Nantianmen directly. Considering that the imperial army will definitely allocate troops to capture the major strongholds in the star region, we will have a chance to escape. As long as our fleet reaches Nantianmen in advance, everything will be fine."

Yu Lian shook his head and said, "But this is just your speculation. Will the Imperial Army give up the pursuit and annihilation of us in order to capture the planet? Chief of Staff, you still think too much of the Imperials. Besides, who said that things will get better after reconciliation with Marshal Bonaparte of Nantianmen? Chief of Staff, sticking together for warmth will only make you die later, not save you."

During Chief of Staff Mkawa's silence, Yu Lian suddenly seemed to have thought of something. He stretched out his fist and knocked his palm, as if he had just thought of an important question: "Yes. If we really give up all the bases in the Far Shore Star Region, what do you think the Earth will say?"

Major General Mkawa couldn't help but let out a bitter smile: "...Sir, there is no need to play dumb with old Mkawa. The orders from Earth are not important to you."

Yu Lian felt a little wronged: "I have never disobeyed Earth's orders, I just respected reality in execution."

The Chief of Staff smiled mischievously: "So, this is why so many people have high hopes for you. Only when you have a legitimate name can you speak with authority. This has always been the case since ancient times."

Is it true that once people get older, they tend to only speak half of their sentences?
Yu Lian looked at the old man meaningfully and calmly changed the subject: "Chief of Staff, Marshal Bonaparte and I have reached a consensus and determined the combat guidelines for the remaining fleet on the far shore."

Chief of Staff Mkawa turned on the terminal and began recording.

"Notify the Athena and have them speed up immediately and try their best to get rid of the enemy fleet behind them. Turn at the Corridor 7A system and take the Nebula Fork Channel 1 to enter the I Earl Star Gorge. They will meet us in the system."

Major General Mkawa had a brief moment of doubt, but still started recording.

"After our fleet reaches the I Earl-4 system, we can stop for a while and wait for the Athena to meet up at Fork Route 1."

"Understood. Then, shall we begin fleet operations based on the standards of a large-scale fleet battle involving about a thousand ships?"

"No need. You can relax a little more. I've said before, the pursuers behind me are a group of pragmatic guys." Yu Lian smiled and said, "Speaking of which, Chief of Staff, do we have any stage ships? The kind that can project live singing and dancing in space."

"No. Your Excellency, after you invited all your friends in the arts and literature who were visiting the troops in February, there were no more ships of this kind left."

"What a pity." Yu Lian's face was full of regret.

Fortunately, none of these ships were left, and the Chief of Staff felt particularly fortunate.

"Although we can gain a certain tactical initiative by reuniting in advance, the Athena will be in danger of being caught up by the enemy fleet in the Nebula Trail. In addition, if we release the Lucknar Corridor, the enemy will speed up through the nebula and may cut off our retreat to Xinshuntian in advance."

"Hey, Chief of Staff, isn't this exactly why you advised me?" Yu Lian joked.

Major General Mkawa couldn't laugh, and his expression even looked quite embarrassed and stiff.

"Okay, let's think about the escape route. Chief of Staff, after leaving the nebula, we should move to the Shanhai Channel without stopping. New Shenzhou is actually a good place, with simple folk customs and pleasant scenery, and it has everything you need. The Shanhai Channel is narrow and rugged, and it is even easier to defend than Sai De."

"..."

After being stunned for a few seconds, the chief of staff actually showed a hint of joy on his face.

Of course, he soon realized that he had lost his composure and coughed awkwardly: "But if this is the case..."

"Even so, the Imperials still have time to react in advance and intercept and encircle us." Yu Lian smiled: "But, Chief of Staff, do you know what target is more valuable to the Empire than this fleet?"

Chief of Staff Mkawa was slightly confused for a few seconds, and then a trace of realization appeared on his face. However, before that, Yu Lian had already pointed his thumb at his chest with a proud look.

"Of course it's me."

As the chief of staff was speechless with shock, Yu Lian smiled and said, "If I were to add the dragon boat, it would be even better."

Major General Mkawa was stunned for at least half a minute, and finally couldn't help but said, "Sir, this wasn't all part of your plan from the beginning, was it?"

Yu Lian spread his hands and said, "Tell me, Chief of Staff, notify the Revelation to fetch my spear! And where are my lovely 'arch-enemy' Yeager Sobek and his comrades now?"

……

The Imperial fleet, led by Vice Admiral Midbech and Major General Sobek, maintained a rigorous and solemn march in the dark void, just like a large group of beasts migrating in the grassland of stars.

Their state is indeed too neat. It certainly doesn't look like they are chasing the enemy, but more like they are marching. They certainly can't move fast, but they have done their best to be foolproof.

Judging from their appearance, even if the Earth fleet suddenly turned around and pressed back, even if the "devil dragon" who cannot even be named suddenly started to break through the formation alone, they will definitely be able to hold out until the reinforcements arrived.

However, on May 5, Vice Admiral Midberch, who was on the dreadnought HMS Skullblade, ordered the entire fleet to bypass and stop.

The entire fleet accepted this unusual order very naturally. After arriving at the I Earl Star Gorge-5B system, they immediately stopped advancing and stopped at the edge of the system. Soon, the captains received the latest order from the headquarters, requiring all of them to start the fleet formation operation and let the entire fleet change from the marching state to the defensive counterattack state.

At this time, they were only 114 light-years away from the exit of the Far Shore Nebula, and only five jumps would be needed.

However, the Midbeshi fleet, with a total of 247 ships, one Flame Dragon-class dreadnought and four battlecruisers, still stopped tremblingly, like a brown bear stopping at the edge of a bush, carefully stretching out its nose to sniff the "prey" or "hunter" behind the jungle.

He had to be careful.

This world made up of deep space and stars is an endless wilderness and a dark forest without sunlight. In this world, the positions of prey and hunter are always reversed.

One of the instigators of all this, Rear Admiral Yeager Sobek of the Galactic Empire, was standing at the top railing of the bridge of the Rabbit, staring at the starry sky outside the huge porthole in front of him, as if he wanted to throw himself into the deep and majestic sky.

In his senses, natural and artificial light spots mixed together to form a silent melody that resounded to the other side of the distant universe, and seemed to be able to awaken the demon behind that universe.

Yes, the "old enemy", his "inner demon", his "nightmare", and his old friend, who was considered by everyone, was leading the main force of the Earth fleet and stopped at the I Earl-4 system, which was one jump away from them. According to the reconnaissance ship, they even turned around and set up a battle formation, as if they were ready to strike back at any time.

Following the principle of "safety first" and also following the request of His Majesty the Sand King not to engage in a battle in the Far Shore Nebula, the entire fleet should of course stop the pursuit and even prepare to counter the enemy's counterattack.

Everyone was very determined to implement this. But even so, Jaeger Sobek was still worried. He always felt that this was not safe. The enemy's large fleet would pounce on them like a giant beast, and the stars in the sky were the claws of the beast. In front of the star-like beast, the artificial light of his own fleet was too small.

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He shuddered calmly, quickly retracted his gaze, and asked his subordinates: "According to the battle plan drawn up in advance, our ship should..."

"We should be on the left wing of the entire army, responsible for commanding the 3rd and 4th heavy cruiser divisions. If the enemy fleet launches a surprise attack, we must serve as the first line of defense." Captain Peggese replied while directing the movement of the entire ship: "Also, sir, our main guns will conduct interception operations."

"Main gun interception?"

"Yes. According to his usual style, if he charges personally, there is a 60% chance that he will attack the main camp from the left wing. We are likely to be the first group of the army to face him. The main guns must be preheated in advance." Miss Cellul also said. A trace of doubt inevitably flashed across her face, but she still mustered up the courage to say: "Once the war begins, we will face the most dangerous challenge. But it doesn't matter, we will face it together! Die together!"

This should be a time to be moved. However, Sobek always felt that he had shot himself in the foot, and for a moment he didn't know what expression he should make.

"This is also the battle plan you proposed, to intercept a saint with dense main guns." Captain Pegsay was eager to fight: "To be honest, sir, I am a (mortal) sailor who loves cannons after all, and I have wanted to try this (using cannons to bombard psychics) for a long time. Thank you very much!"

The guy only said half of his words, but Sobaik and Serlu could both hear his subtext and couldn't help but quickly roll their eyes at each other.

This guy's symptoms were indeed getting worse, but he was indeed the most capable captain Sobek had ever seen, even more capable than his old partner from Kiyan who had taken over.

Sobek said helplessly: "Please bear with it, Captain. I really don't want to go to the Inquisition's prison to collect your body next time."

"Uh, I'm sorry, but, sir, we need to prepare in advance. All the main guns of the battleships should be started and charged one hour in advance."

"I know. Cellu... notify the entire fleet and have the pilots immediately take up combat positions and take off at any time. They are actually the first line of interception and reconnaissance." Jaeger Sobek said in a calm tone.

Even the latest titanium blade fighters would be slaughtered by the dragon's maneuverability, not to mention the possibility of encountering the enemy's latest red ghost. However, their sacrifice could provide a warning to the entire fleet.

The captain looked at his superior with a little surprise. He had always thought that his superior was actually a harmless and kind person, but now he seemed to be a bit like a "soldier".

So, is this the alienation of human nature from power? Or is it the alienation of human nature from war?

Captain Pegset felt that he still needed to observe carefully.

Unfortunately, the person involved was completely unaware of this. He looked at the porthole in front of him again, and made sure that most of the surrounding warships were in place. Then he tiptoed back to his chair and threw his body back.

The young general sighed deeply, half talking to himself and half complaining, "If only I had the command of the entire fleet!"

"The entire fleet?" Viscount Cellu asked doubtfully, "Do you mean to take over the command of the entire army from Vice Admiral Midberch?"

"Don't talk nonsense. The commander is a good man and I have a good relationship with him. What I mean is..."

"The entire Far Shore Front, right?" Captain Pegset said with a smile.

"What an admirable ambition! Your Excellency, have you finally decided to aim for the Imperial Marshal and started working hard?" Miss Cellu was moved.

Sobek said unhappily, "... What I mean is, if I were the commander of the Far Shore, I would not launch a general offensive. As long as His Royal Highness Prince Su in the Cherk direction takes over Xinya, they will run away by themselves. We can even watch the defenders retreat. Isn't it a great achievement to take over the Saide Fortress without bloodshed? The millions of soldiers who died on the Saide front can also return home. Isn't it wonderful if the country is safe and the people are happy?"

The Viscountess and the Captain looked at each other. They were not sure whether the commander was joking or not, but they felt that what he said made sense.

"Commander, you are indeed a good man," said Captain Pegase.

"But... I have to remind you, sir, you must not let others find out that you are a good person." Viscount Serlu said.

At this time, Lieutenant General Midbehi's call came in.

Sobek quickly ordered the call to be connected. Then, the voice of his current boss appeared, with a face as sharp as a knife, a beard like a lion's mane, a tall and huge body, and a dignified and majestic temperament.

In short, no matter who he looks at, he is a majestic and powerful general, and even more like a serious imperial marshal than the thin old man on the Four Seasons God.

Of course, he only looks like a fierce general, which is a good thing that is enough to make everyone breathe a sigh of relief.

"The Karaman fleet had a battle with the Earthling's Athena fleet in the Lucknar Corridor A11 star system. They suffered a bit of a loss." He began with this sentence, with a hint of smile in his voice.

Didn’t you say you were good friends?
Is it really okay to be so obviously gloating? Sobek thought, but he also wanted to laugh.