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Chapter 1229 Emergency Situation
Don't underestimate these two small flags, they play a vital role for military commanders at all levels. Sometimes knowing the specific enemy situation ten minutes in advance can determine the outcome of a battle.

This is a bit like the communication technology of later generations. If one army can only rely on radio stations from World War II to communicate, and another army can communicate directly using satellite phones, the effect will be completely different.

The former needs to translate the short sentence into Morse code, press the key to send it out, and the other party needs to translate the Morse code into text after receiving it to get the complete message. The latter only needs to hold the phone and dial the number, speaking and listening at the same time, which must be superior in speed and content.

"Colonel, a strange fleet has been spotted behind us." Colonel Mendoza could only wait foolishly at this point, and only received bad news after about half an hour.

"Fleet? Where does the fleet come from!" The worse news was that no further data could be provided. Neither the number and distance of the fleet were known, nor was it clear whether obvious flags were hoisted, nor the direction. Colonel Mendoza could only look at Nicholas with his full questions.

"No matter who this fleet is, I think we should prepare for the worst. Turning back now is not a good idea. We should speed up and pass through the islands and reunite with the fleet in the south."

Now it was time for the captain to play his role. Nicholas did not disappoint Colonel Mendoza. He made a judgment after only thinking for a dozen seconds and gave a specific solution.

"That's it. You command the fleet, and I'll prepare for battle!"

Colonel Mendoza agreed quickly and handed over the command temporarily. The next naval battle required the cooperation of the navy and the army to complete, and the Spanish army in the cabin was the one he should command.

"Wait, Colonel, don't you think there is something wrong? Based on my experience, this is most likely a trap, deliberately set up by someone with the purpose of luring us here. But I can't think of who would do this, certainly not pirates, if that were the case, they would be too arrogant."

But Nicholas did not leave immediately. Instead, he called the colonel and took two steps to the side of the ship, avoiding other people near the helm, and then lowered his voice to express his judgment. On the one hand, it was a reminder, and on the other hand, he hoped that the colonel could give some supplementary information.

"…Nicholas, I want to apologize for my negligence four days ago. The story you told is probably correct. Governor Gonzales returned to his homeland not to treat his illness, but to escape.

If the fleet behind us is really the Ming Navy, then whether these warships and soldiers can return safely depends on you. My requirements are not high. No matter what method you use or what price you pay, as long as you can get the fleet out of the trap, you will be a hero. Leave the other problems to me, don't worry about it!"

This question made Colonel Mendoza stunned on the spot, and a series of events emerged in his mind, more than half a year apart. But as long as these events were connected together, they seemed to be carefully planned.

If there is a regret pill at this time, Mendoza will definitely be the first to take it. No matter who the fleet that appears later is, it is five or six days' sailing distance from here to the New World. Apart from the Spanish fleet, there will be no other fleet, including pirates.

Then the answer was obvious. Ninety-nine percent of the troops were from the Ming Dynasty. Now there was no time to worry about the enemy's combat effectiveness. Even if they were comparable to the British Navy, it would be difficult for them to gain an advantage after being trapped. The best solution was to quickly leave and return to the port, and then think about countermeasures.

"Don't worry, I will do my best. Raise the full sail, follow the pirate ship at full speed, and shorten the distance between the ships to 500 yards!" Nicholas listened to the colonel's instructions, without hesitation, and seemed not too scared. Instead, he was a little excited. He turned his head and shouted orders to the first mate at the helm. As a navy, he is still the most powerful Spanish navy. He is very proud. Even though Spain has been declining in recent years, the navy is still strong and is not afraid of anyone, including the Ming navy that is said to have defeated Duke Gutierrez. If you are lucky enough to meet them, you will have to try to know who is stronger.

Mendoza's hearing was not good, or he had auditory hallucinations, but he did feel the sound of artillery coming from the right direction, which was not something that science could explain.

At this time, more than 70 kilometers away from the northern exit of the archipelago, dozens of sailing warships were clearly separated and spewing flames at each other. The larger side had more than 20 ships, most of which were flying the Burgundy Cross flag of the Spanish Navy.

The other side had only 7 ships, 2 large and 5 small. The main mast of the large ship in the front was hoisting a gold-rimmed sun, moon and sea flag. In addition to representing the navy of the Ming Empire, it also meant the flagship of the Grand Marshal!

"Hold steady... hold steady... don't panic... notify the gunner, turn around before firing, and aim at the waterline!"

At this time, the Grand Marshal was squatting behind the stern wall of the flagship's rear deck, gesticulating and giving orders, with a slowly burning cigar in his mouth. If he wasn't wearing a military uniform, he would look more like a pirate, without any of the demeanor of a Grand Marshal.

There was a debate in the Navy Staff on this issue, the topic was how officers should command in combat. Because since the day the Ming Empire Navy was established, there were no fixed rules on board.

Some people like to lead the way, and in order to more easily see the changes on the battlefield, they personally climb up to the mast lookout to command the battle under fire. Others prefer to hide behind the stern wall, avoiding stray arrows while receiving instructions on the battle situation through officers at all levels.

The former issued a proclamation to the pirates. In order to boost morale, the pirate leaders had to lead the way in battle. If he gave up first, the mob below would give up even faster.

The latter comes from the words and deeds of Emperor Jingyang of the Ming Dynasty. When he led the fleet in person for the first time, he demonstrated in front of everyone what it means to cherish life as if it were gold.

Not only did they have to hide their bodies behind the thick stern wall, but they also had to wear an army helmet on their heads, for fear of falling into the water and drowning. Otherwise, they had to wear a full set of armor.

The emperor explained the image of such a not-so-tall and imposing figure as professionalism. He said that senior officers were there to command the battle, and if the officers were killed or injured at the beginning of the battle because they did not pay attention to protection, the officers and soldiers below would be leaderless and very passive.

The best solution is for everyone to do their job. Soldiers need to be strong, brave, and willing to sacrifice. This is the meaning and value of being a soldier. Officers need to be wise, resourceful, and good at thinking. This is also the basis for promotion. These two qualities cannot be confused, otherwise it would be unprofessional.

However, after coming into contact with more and more foreign navies and seeing their senior officers all standing on their horses with swords in hand and looking mighty and majestic, some officers began to envy them and hoped to change the status quo to make the Ming Navy look more majestic.

(End of this chapter)