Him and their stars.

Chapter 2201 Let's Charge Together, My Nemesis
Jaeger Sobek felt as if he had entered a surreal and bizarre situation from the moment he stepped into the Sacred Tree Palace. He seemed to have a conversation with his lord about the future, and received a luxurious ocean-view villa on a resort planet. He even vaguely remembered finally gritting his teeth and making up his mind to try and start a family.

Yes, isn't it the ultimate surrealism that someone like him is actually going to propose to the eldest daughter of the Seradin family?

Yes, this is an utterly absurd dream. Since it's a dream, isn't it perfectly normal for Yu Lian to suddenly appear at the end?

As the saying goes, what you think about during the day, you dream about at night.

He really wanted to understand everything he was seeing. If he hadn't been able to so clearly feel the damp cold of sweat soaking through his uniform, and the dull pain of his heart pounding in his chest, he might have actually believed it.

However, when Sobek cautiously opened his eyes again, he could still only see the person sitting in the driver's seat of the Red Snow.

The Earthling's fingers glided lightly across the control panel, the movement as casual as changing TV channels in his own living room. Outside the panoramic porthole of the bridge, starlight and artificial light from the heavens flowed slowly.

Civilian ships sailing along fixed routes are patrolling space in an orderly manner, as if forming a well-organized interstellar highway.

Under her control, the Red Snow train naturally glided into the flow of vehicles.

In the far reaches of space, two patrol ships within the star system flashed their navigation lights as they passed by, seemingly oblivious to the situation on the other side.

Everything in reality was so calm it was unsettling.

"So, what exactly do you want?" Sobek finally found his voice, though it was dry and rough, like sandpaper scraping: "First, I need to tell you that my identification code, my navigation rights, and my pass are all tied to this ship. Theoretically, I can pass through most checkpoints in the capital, but what's the point? I just came from the Sacred Tree Palace; I should be returning to the Grand Marshal's Mansion to report for duty. I also have to meet with Ser tonight..."

“Oh, Viscountess Serlu? The daughter of Marquis Seradin? You’re the one who was planning to propose to her?” Yu Lian showed an approving and gratified expression: “That’s a good girl, you two really should settle down.”

In her previous life, Miss Serru Seradin rose to the rank of General, serving as the Chief of Logistics at the Grand Marshal's Office and elevating her life title to Earl. After retiring from the military, she became a high-ranking cabinet official and the Speaker of the Senate. She was a significant representative of the aristocratic faction in Parliament after Brunhilde's reforms, a model of so-called enlightened nobility.

In short, he was a typical elite example of the Tirrero nobles, possessing both literary and martial talents.

In addition, as a representative of enlightened nobility, given this political portrait, he still possessed at least a sliver of conscience.

Of course, everyone is thinking about the future. But for all of us, for our current battle, it's all meaningless.

Thinking of this, Yu Lian's smile immediately became warm and encouraging, but she still patiently inquired, "It's okay, she's a good girl, she won't blacklist you even if you're late. However, the Seratine family has always had some social security benefits, they are very traditional Tireiro nobles. Are you mentally prepared to deal with her family?"

Sobek immediately showed obvious helplessness and sighed, "Yes, this is a big problem. I really don't know how to get along with those young ladies from prestigious families!"

"Besides, you have a childhood sweetheart named Xiaofang back in your hometown. She's waiting for you, and you can't let her go."

"I do have a childhood sweetheart, but her name isn't Xiao Fang, it's Mila. However, in my third month of military service, she became the governor's mistress. Well, one of his eight mistresses. If I had to say I can't let go, yes, I still feel a bit resentful... Wait, why am I telling you all this?"

"Don't mind it, life isn't always perfect, there are always some sad things in the past that you can't let go of. Anyway, Jaeger, if I were you, I would definitely propose to Miss Sellu. She has different political views from her father and brothers, she is an enlightened and good girl, she would be a good candidate as a wife or a political ally."

"Political allies..."

"At your level, you don't really think the role of a wife is that simple, do you? Just managing the household, supporting your husband, and raising children is no longer enough. Brother Jaeger, you need to mature a bit."

"Well, you're right..."

"If that doesn't work, you can also listen to the opinion of Miss Hermisa Therider. She was your occult advisor, and according to the rules of the Empire's political arena, she is your natural ally. Not to mention, she is also your fiancée's distant cousin."

"Yes, I understand. But Miss Hermisa and Selru always seem to be at odds."

"A tit-for-tat confrontation? Could it be that she's also interested in you? I'm not being sexist, but this often turns out to be the truth. Jaeger, you're truly an enviable yet infuriating man, aren't you?"

"What right do you have to talk to me like that... Ah, wait, wait, that's not the point. Let's go back to where we started!" Sobek realized he had been led astray and shouted, "Even if you got my pass, it wouldn't make any difference. I just left the Sacred Tree Palace and was chatting and laughing with Prince Brunhilde. It won't be long before the whole Sky Domain notices something's wrong. We'll be intercepted soon. All the fleets are rushing to the Sky Domain to defend the capital. The Void Empire from two weeks ago no longer exists. In this system alone, there's a Titan, eight Dreadnoughts, and nearly twenty battlecruisers."

"I have to say, the sheer size of the Imperial Japanese Army is truly enviable!" Yu Lian sighed heavily, looking somewhat exhausted. "Even I, who can navigate left and right to maintain independence, steadily improve national strength, and slowly recover lost territory, have reached my limit."

Sobek said instinctively, "You actually have another trump card."

"You mean 'original'? Hahaha, it depends on how you use it. Jaeger, I'm not a pure person either. Maybe in the future, there will be people reading my books who are ready to overthrow me," Yu Lian laughed.

This is beyond Sobek's knowledge, and I really don't know how to answer it.

"Of course, before they overthrow me, the affairs of the capital and the alliance will be more important. Brunhilde's reforms and pilot programs following my ideas will only highlight the resistance of the people in the occupied territories."

“Of course, it’s a calculated move,” Jaeger Sobek couldn’t help but argue. “But this trend has already emerged, and the Empire must follow it. The Galactic Empire can’t just shut itself out and wait to die! Only a wise leader like His Highness Brunhilde, with great benevolence, righteousness, wisdom, and courage, should rise to the challenge. Perhaps that’s how we can find a day when the glorious traditions of the Galactic Empire can be revived and prosper together with our ancestors.”

Yu Lian looked at the other person and chuckled: "There's no eavesdropping here, Brunhilde can't hear your unwavering loyalty."

"Well, at least the ship is still moving, and the onboard AI is still recording the navigation log, so these words should be recorded too. Maybe they can even be automatically transmitted to the ship dispatch center in the Sky Domain, and my loyalty will be proven by the sun and moon from now on," Sobek said embarrassedly.

Yu Lian glanced at the other person and had to admit that the ability to create a persona at any time, even to the point of being natural and instinctive, was definitely a talent.

“Ha… Jaeger, I see now. Brunhilde is a feudal ruler with a conscience, and so are you.”

Is this a compliment or an insult?
"The war isn't over yet, but Brunhilde is already discussing the post-war period. Is she planning to completely nationalize the occupied territories through those half-baked reforms?"

Sobek seemed to hear the determination in Yu Lian's words, and explained even more sincerely: "This is actually a war to win the hearts and minds of the people. You are an Earthling, the Father of the Origin, and have the advantage of the first move, but the Empire has the advantage of size. This is a war of equal strength! We... wait, that's not the point!"

He suddenly realized he'd been led astray again, slammed his hand on the table, and stood up abruptly: "Where are we now?"

"The flight is stable, the environment is safe, and there are so many dense artificial lights around us, full of civilization and the warmth of human life. There aren't even the basic conditions for a space ghost story. Why are you making such a fuss?" Yu Lian said irritably from the pilot's seat.

Sobek had no time to pay attention to that. He glanced at the navigation map again and was shocked to find that, without his knowledge, the other party had already driven his Red Snow out of the inner ring area and blended into a convoy of cargo ships.

Moreover, at its current cruising speed, it would enter the inspection area of ​​the outer ring patrol post in less than ten minutes. A high-ranking general's official vessel (with a general's star, hull number, and family crest on its hull) left the inner ring city where the military and government departments were mainly concentrated and headed towards the outer ring along the freight route. This was like a boxy Audi A6 driving on a rural dirt road, parallel to a large convoy of tractors.

It really does look suspicious no matter how you look at it.

"My Red Snow is just an ordinary government vessel, converted from a Sky Shuttle-class cruise ship! Although it's a new ship, it's still just an ordinary Sky Shuttle! Although it's equipped with a warp drive, I've never even used it. Who can this ship outrun? Why are you using my ship? Why are you targeting me? Why? Why is this happening?"

Yu Lian replied earnestly, "It's not that I'm targeting you, it's just that your ship is more suitable. Does saying this make you feel better?"

On the contrary, I feel that I have been betrayed by the spirit of the universe.

"More importantly, Jaeger, you are a good person."

So, good people are just going to be bullied by you?

"When have I ever bullied you? It's just that seeing it was you actually made me feel relieved. Jaeger, this must be fate, it's inexplicable. Does saying this make you feel a little better?"

Jaeger Sobyk, however, felt that he had been maliciously targeted by the Spirit of the Universe. If it weren't for a communication request suddenly popping up on the side screen, he might have already passed out.

However, when he saw that the sender's identifier was "Tianyu Space Security Department", he immediately trembled.

"Should we answer?" Yu Lian asked.

You, you're starting to agree with my opinion now?

Sobek stared at the flashing symbol, his throat tightening. He knew perfectly well what to do—a loyal imperial general should immediately lunge at the alarm button, or at least try to send a distress signal. But he also knew that before he could do anything, Yu Lian had at least seventeen ways to silence him forever.

However, Sobek was horrified to discover that he was not at all worried that the other party would take the next step.

This is more disheartening than having to weigh the pros and cons for the sake of one's own safety.

"Then answer it." Yu Lian remained in the driver's seat, only moving aside slightly. "Answer however you want."

Sobek glanced at the other party and answered the call. He even moved closer, filling most of the screen with his head and face, trying to block most of the view inside the ship: "I am Lieutenant General Jaeger Sobek, Deputy Director of the Joint Star Forging Hall of the Grand Marshal's Office, navigation code S-BK7741, on official business."

He sensed Yu Lian laughing beside him, laughing quite unrestrainedly.

As for the Imperial Navy captain from the Letarin appearing on the screen, he immediately saluted, his eyes and movements filled with respect: "Received, General Sobek. Sorry to bother you! The security level in the capital will remain at Level 2 for the time being, and inspections will be even more stringent. I hope you don't mind."

The moment the communication was cut off, Sobek heard Yu Lian mutter to himself, "Level 2? Who are they looking down on?"

He pretended not to hear and muttered to himself, "Ah, I actually did it! Why would I do such a thing?"

"You see, you simply chose your conscience. That's one of the reasons I've always considered you an old friend!" Yu Lian regained control of the ship, maneuvering the small Red Snow past a patrol ship in the Imperial system that was more than three times his size.

In that short period of time, the secondary guns of that Imperial warship could have destroyed the Red Snow seven or eight times, but the enemy maintained a normal sailing rhythm and did not even open the gun ports.

"Old, old friend?" Aren't they sworn enemies?

"Otherwise what? Do you think I think highly of you because of your talent?" Yu Lian smiled.

While what he said made a lot of sense, Sobek was a little hurt.

"Hahaha, you should know that I already completed a glorious duel of honor with your lord. I am now a free man, and I can go wherever I want. If I am trapped in the capital, it would mean that someone is disrespecting tradition and honor, and is insulting the very foundation of the empire. And you, Jaeger, are protecting this tradition."

Sobek gave a dry laugh, thinking to himself, "If I believed your nonsense, I might have been given to that giant turtle as bait during the War God Festival."

The Red Snow continued its smooth voyage, skillfully avoiding several checkpoints. Sobek felt that this guy was as familiar with the place as a long-time citizen of the Zhenglong Banner who had lived in the Heavenly Domain for thirty years; in any case, he was definitely much more familiar with it than he was.

Even so, the Red Snow will certainly encounter other inspections before leaving.

“We can’t keep things going this smoothly. There will be fortresses ahead, scanning arrays on orbital defense platforms, and life-sensing arrays. Before leaving the capital, our ship will also be remotely controlled for a period of time. The situation is very delicate right now.”

“I know. So in the end, it still comes down to hard power. Jaeger, don’t worry, we will succeed.”

"Hard, hard power? Success, success?" Looking at the other party's confident smile, Sobek was infected, and then wished he could slap himself in the face again to correct his mistake.

At that very moment, he also received the latest communication, this time from the Imperial Capital Garrison Command of the Fist of Glory.

This time, Sobek didn't even show the slightest anger; he merely snorted and pressed the call button. Before the other party could even speak, he preemptively shouted, "Recognize me! I am Lieutenant General Jaeger Sobek! The navigation code has been submitted. Why are you all making such a fuss?"

The other party was a stern-faced colonel from the Chielin family, whose dark green scales gleamed with a metallic sheen under the bridge lights.

He probably genuinely hadn't expected to be bombarded with such a barrage of criticism. Staring blankly at the screen for a full half minute, he finally spoke in a slightly broken tone: "Red Snow, this is a direct order from the Garrison Command. Immediately shut down the main engines, initiate the mooring lock procedure, and wait for the tow ship. Repeat, stop immediately."

Sobek was also taken aback, but three seconds later, his voice suddenly rose: "What the hell did you say?! Who gave you the authority? Even the garrison commander hasn't returned to his post, what kind of command headquarters do you have? Do you think I don't know that half the compartments in the Fist of Honor's fortress are covered in fungal carpet? What can you do? What do you want to do?"

Colonel Chilling's voice trembled on the screen: "General, this is an order from higher command. Please..."

"You high-ranking official, you teapot-like bastard! The Senate? The Regency Council? Or King Werrent himself? Produce a written order! Produce an authorization document with a legal seal and psionic imprint! What, I'm telling you, the Empire's distinguished guest is on my ship, and I'm here to escort him away from the capital. This is my own independent judgment. If you have the guts, shoot me down! Come on! Attack me! I'm telling you, as long as I'm alive, this isn't over! You and your enemies aren't over either!"

The colonel's panic was palpable, and his voice even cracked with tears: "I, I, my subordinate, I'm just a lowly servant, an innocent tool!"

At the same moment, Yu Lian began his report in a calm voice: "High-energy reaction. Aha, the Empire has really opened fire on you. Charge together, my nemesis! This is the hard power I'm talking about."