Him and their stars.

Chapter 2113 The Beginning of the Great War?
That seems to make a lot of sense! Sobek thought. Shengyuan was one of the most prosperous inner star sectors of the Empire, densely populated, with developed industries, including agriculture, industry, commerce, military industry, and various research departments. Just one star sector was definitely the size of a second-tier power.

However, during the dragon's passage a month prior, due to King Werent's strategy of retreating to Chenxiao Fortress to avoid battle, important shipyards, arsenals, research institutes, and various heavy industrial facilities were completely destroyed. Furthermore, the Earth fleet also destroyed several sector garrison camps, leaving behind numerous security vacuums.

It is conceivable that the entire star sector will experience considerable turmoil.

As soldiers, we have an obligation to quickly restore order to this sector, which is the foundation of the Empire, and we should even help rebuild the damaged factories in the sector.

It should be understood that the army possesses some of the most outstanding engineers and technicians in the entire empire, and therefore has an obligation to carry out the reconstruction work.

Speaking of which, Lieutenant General Gong Xiao used to be a great pirate king, and he built up a fortune in the Spiral Cross, so he has a lot of experience in construction. To be fair, Sobek has a lot of respect for this kind of person who is not handsome but is both literate and martial, and even wants to chat with him and ask him for advice on handling government affairs.

He genuinely hopes to find a job with a safer future.

Since he's General Gong, he's certainly very suited for this kind of thing... just kidding!

So, the safety of the more than 200 billion people in the Shengyuan Star Region is more important than the loyalty of the Heavenly Domain, or the safety of His Majesty the Emperor and the esteemed members of the Privy Council, right?

Of course. Isn't the primary task of a soldier to protect the safety of the people? Deep down, Sobek really wanted to give a definite answer, but even someone as well-versed in the original texts as him couldn't bring himself to say it.

"So, this is indeed His Highness King Suliuka's order?" Duke Gerebean looked shocked, seemingly unable to maintain even basic composure.

Gong Xiao nodded with a troubled expression, but still explained quite carefully: "This is indeed His Highness's order, and of course it is also the opinion of the Grand Marshal's Office Staff Operations Department."

The implication is that the Queen's order was made after consulting with professionals and is reasonable, legal, and compliant.

However, Marshal Betaway, the Chief of Staff of the Grand Marshal's Office, had already left the Celestial Realm and was personally leading the fleet in the operation to intercept the Demon Dragon. He was currently leading one Titan, four Dreadnoughts, and over four hundred warships of various sizes through the Ten Thousand Sails Sector, still two weeks' journey away.

This Imperial Marshal had wandered aimlessly through the heart of the Empire and the central star system, achieving nothing but wasting resources and manpower. When he finally made his way back to the Celestial Realm where he had worked and fought for twenty years, he was already at the back of the pack. It was hard to imagine whether the old marshal could bear such humiliation.

The current (acting) Director of Operations, equivalent to the Chief of the General Staff of other countries, is Lieutenant General Sobek and Duke Geribian's old comrade-in-arms, Admiral Renia Tanlian.

That being said, under the imperial system, those "insiders" with powerful connections, proven backgrounds, and who have paid blood taxes get promoted very quickly!

However, that wasn't the point. Sobek was simply puzzled; he had never heard of any personal relationship between that Tanlian leader and his benefactor.

Perhaps I'm overthinking it.

"Most of the ships under my command were requisitioned from the border fleets of the Far Frontier Star Region; they are old and clumsy. If they could fill the gaps in the Whirlwind Star System, that would be fine; as long as they could delay the Earth fleet's advance, they would have died a worthwhile death. But now, to reach the star region to defend the king, a high-speed fleet is needed, and we need to trouble a capable and experienced general like General Sobek. If we continue to maintain the formation, the old, weak, and disabled ships under my command will only be a burden. Let's do what we can."

That makes a lot of sense. Sobek nodded slightly. So, I guess I was overthinking it after all.

On another note, with Prince Wei himself currently at Shengyuan, won't the security situation become more sensitive? However, perhaps I'm just overthinking it?
Sobek had just comforted himself with this thought when he saw the Duchess covering her mouth and turning her head away, looking like she was having a very hard time suppressing her laughter. Judging from her expression, she clearly enjoyed watching the drama unfold.

But what could he do? He was now the commander of the Imperial Fleet, the closest to the Heavenly Realm and his "arch-enemy." The lives and safety of His Majesty the Emperor and a host of high-ranking officials and nobles in the capital were all on Sobek's shoulders.

Whether or not I am aware of this, I must get my mind in order and set sail immediately.

Whether or not I can defeat the dragon is no longer important.

The three discussed the matter briefly and completed the reorganization in just over an hour, even distributing supplies and resources. Before parting, Gong Xiao left a message for Sobek: "To be honest, with the war reaching this point, those who should take responsibility are all in Tianyu. Brother Sobek, we have done our best and have lived up to the expectations of the Privy Council and the Grand Marshal's Mansion!"

That sounds familiar, and it's actually quite pleasing to the ear.

But what could the cautious Sobek do? He could only respond with an awkward but polite smile.

"I am still an Imperial soldier, and I must fulfill my duties."

"No one can deny that. Hahaha, Brother So, I'm an Imperial soldier now too. But at this point, we need to decide whether we should protect those high-ranking figures or the people. That's something we need to weigh in our hearts."

That sounds even more familiar now.

"General Gong, is this something His Highness asked you to convey to me?"

"Hahaha, Brother Suo, you're truly witty. You must know, Your Excellency is the pillar of the future His Highness favors, while I am merely a former pirate who has been granted amnesty. I've simply spent too long in this corrupt world and have gained some insights into life, and I always want to exchange ideas with those I find agreeable." Gong Xiao clapped his hands and laughed. Although he had a villainous face that screamed ruthlessness, his gaze at this moment appeared particularly sincere: "Furthermore, I've recently gained some insights from my reading, and these insights into life will now be transformed into my understanding of history."

"I truly believe that no matter what era or system you are in, as long as you stand with the vast majority of ordinary people, you won't go too wrong, and you'll at least have a good reputation after death."

Sobek blinked, feeling that the "reading notes" the other person was talking about vaguely resembled the book he knew.

“You’re right, it’s that book.” Gong Xiao answered frankly, “After all, it’s my uncle’s book. Brother Suo, I’m sure you can understand my thoughts.”

That's a banned book, no matter what! Is it really okay to talk about it on an unencrypted communication channel? And what am I supposed to understand? How am I supposed to understand it?
Normally, Jaeger Sobek would probably be laughing it off by now. But it seems my enthusiasm infected him. He...
“Our current lord is fortunate, and indeed is a man of above-average moral character. Yes, very fortunate.” The former pirate king stared at Sobek, his eyes, which had once witnessed countless storms and waves, surging with emotion.

Sobek also stared at the other man, and after a brief silence, he nodded solemnly: "I understand. After all, I am also a farmer's son!"

The Sobek family owned tens of thousands of acres of farms and ranches in the colony sector. Although his father and grandfather still held titles of low-ranking nobles, they still frequently had to work the land themselves, so they could be considered "sons of farmers" in a way. In any case, he himself was currently living a very difficult life. Their conversation was interrupted by a new report. It wasn't a subordinate informing them that they should depart, but rather the latest major military intelligence.

"Something terrible has happened." Miss Serlu's avatar abruptly entered their conversation. After quickly saluting Lieutenant General Gong Xiao, she hurriedly said.

What major event could possibly have happened? It can't be that the dragon's fleet teleported to the Heavenly Realm, can it?
“It’s over there in Femor,” the Viscountess said. “The Alliance’s second reinforcement fleet has also crossed Canchuan. This time it includes three Titans and ten Dreadnoughts.”

She didn't disclose the number of the remaining warships, but everyone knew that, in terms of the scale of the mobilized capital ships alone, it was already comparable to Marshal Esther's fleet in Femor.

Just as all the observers predicted, this was heading straight for a major conflict! Even though he had anticipated it, Sobek still felt dizzy when he heard the news.

"They've started fighting?" Gong Xiao's expression became even more complicated.

Just two years ago, this man was the number one pirate king of the Spiral Nebula. To put it mildly, Femor could be considered his "hometown." Therefore, his concerns are understandable.

Miss Selru replied, "Not for now. However, the Alliance has issued an ultimatum to the Empire, demanding that we all evacuate from Femo. Their representative at the Galactic Civilization Council has just finished speaking, stating that Femo belongs to the Femo people and should be left to their own devices."

"..." The Empire has already designated two border lords in Femo, and it is said that the best piece of land is reserved for that dragon. To ask them to withdraw from Femo now would be like asking the old SP to take off his pants and then forcing him to shrink back.

"Furthermore, the issue of Cherk must also be addressed. The Alliance believes that the Empire's special military operations against the Kingdom of Cherk were illegal, and its treatment of the Katun royal family was cruel and brutal, and an explanation is required. The future of the Cherk people should also be decided by the Cherk people themselves."

That's still a very much in line with the league's style of speaking!
Am I standing at the starting point of the Eighth Galactic War? No, now that there's a new continent, it's no longer a galactic war, but a full-blown cosmic war! Sobek remained expressionless, but his heart was in turmoil.

Even if he lacked common sense, he would know that if a so-called all-out war really broke out, his dream of retiring to the second line to manage logistics and tertiary industries and living a peaceful life until retirement would be impossible to realize.

Even a tiny speck of dust from history can cause an avalanche for ordinary people! That's why such momentous events should be shouldered by truly great figures!

At the same moment, the "Dawn Angel," where King Brunhilde of Suliuka was located, unfolded its elegant and holy form under the eternal black curtain and surrounded by countless dazzling stars, like a white swan soaring in the sea of ​​stars.

Inside the bridge, surrounded by a massive dome, as Vice Admiral Ostana Bal received the latest news from the Femo star system, the chief strategist of King Suliu was also gazing at the boundless galaxy through the enormous dome's viewing window.

She remained silent for a full half minute, lost in thought, before finally saying, "I understand. Femor may not have started the great war yet, but we are currently more than 10000 light-years away from there."

She offered a very objective assessment of the news, and that was about it.

The female chief of staff looked at the officer giving the report: "How much longer until we reach the border?"

“30 hours. In as little as 30 hours, we can cross the Nokai route and enter the Noga sector.” The other side replied, “Admiral Lamut’s fleet is waiting for us in the Nogakatai system.”

Giafil Lamut, who was still the de facto ruler of Katun, set sail almost at the same time as her garrison and best friend, but at a greater distance. However, she had already returned to the Empire before her lord, and had even reorganized the local Noga garrison fleet and border lords.

Ostana Bal's gaze swept across the porthole, looking at several warships floating not far from her own ship—they were also very standard Imperial warships, just a little older, as if they came from a completely different era from the Dawn Angel that they surrounded.

They are the fleet of the newly formed Republic of Terrabi. During this time, they have already had the honor of serving as escorts for the Dawn Angel.

This intelligence officer was clearly an old subordinate, well aware of Ostana's thoughts, and quickly reported: "The fleets of Lieutenant General Wolfna Memidal and Major General Nairhana Mela will also arrive in Nogakatai within 5 days. As for the Sacred Tree Territory, the mobilization of Palace Minister Huley has been completed. The defense of the Royal Territory and the Sacred Tree Palace can be guaranteed."

“Ferna, these were all completed ahead of schedule, and without His Highness’s authorization,” Ostana said quietly.

"That's true, but these are all necessary measures."

“Yes, one of the two most important factors in a leader’s potential is how many proactive subordinates he has who take the necessary measures. Philner, you must remember that the necessity of proactive measures and the loss of control and each going their own way are two different things.”

The intelligence officer saluted solemnly, then asked, "And the other one?"

"It's all about whether you can clean up the mess for these proactive subordinates. Philner, you'll be leading the Black Tree Organization sooner or later, so you need to understand that."

Philner stood at attention and saluted again. He was certainly pleased with the promise of his promotion, but the thought of his superior's next move after leaving the Black Tree Organization left much to the imagination.

I always felt that the chief of staff's unspoken message was, "I'm going to the Privy Council next."

At this moment, Ostana withdrew her gaze and instructed her confidante, "There's no need to inform Her Highness specifically. She has her own plans, so don't disturb her unnecessarily."

All the imperial officers and soldiers present were Brunhilde's close associates, and they certainly had no doubt that the Chief of Staff was isolating the inside from the outside; even if she had the intention, she wouldn't have the ability to do so.

In fact, Brunhilde is currently in her office, and through a spiritual link between her mind and the warship's communication circuit, she received this major news from ten thousand light-years away even faster than her subordinates.

As a woman with astonishingly fast-moving energy, like a photon storm, she didn't even hesitate. After pondering for less than a minute, she immediately dialed a hidden communication channel.

It took a full half minute for the other side to respond, and then Amida Berencaster's face appeared in the bridge's view.

“I’m so glad you thought of calling me first, Brin.”

“I’m so glad you didn’t block me right away, Yani.”