From cannon fodder to sweeping across thousands of stars.

Chapter 776 This is a small step for me, but a giant leap for the empire
On the flagship of the Renaissance Alliance, the fleet commander stared at the tactical star map expressionlessly.

The final counterattack of the Federal Garrison Fleet had been completely crushed, and the debris scattered on the track was like broken tombstones, silently telling of the brutality of the battle.

"Begin the landing operation and all units must proceed according to the established plan." His voice was somewhat cold and emotionless. It was obvious that the desperate counterattack from the garrison fleet just now had exhausted his limited patience.

The order from the flagship was like a stone thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples that spread throughout the fleet.

Nearly 500 heavy orbital attack ships under the command of the five combat fleets began to adjust their positions, lower their orbital altitudes, and prepare to carry out fire preparations before landing.

More large aerospace transport aircraft have also begun queuing in the preparation airspace, waiting for the order to enter the atmosphere of the capital star.

After completing the ground fire suppression on the orbital attack ship and deploying the first batch of orbital paratroopers to control the ground, they will send various heavy units carried in the cabin, such as heavy multi-legged vehicles, main battle tanks, long-range artillery, etc. to the ground.

On the bridge of the Dawn not far from the capital planet, Amber, Norton II and others were watching all this simultaneously.

On the main screen of the bridge, the fleet of the Renaissance Alliance was like alien predators in old-school science fiction movies, surrounding the blue and white planet. Hundreds of orbital attack ships had already completed their altitude descent during this period.

"It seems that the Renaissance Alliance doesn't want to waste time," Amber said softly, her eyes scanning the constantly changing data on the screen, "They plan to end the battle quickly."

Norton II stood beside him. As an imperial man, he could hardly hide his excitement. "Perhaps they want to end the battle before the Federation organizes an effective resistance?"

Amber shook her head. "No, I believe the Federation's ground forces are already prepared. Although the number of Federation troops on the capital planet is small, it is definitely not small. If they decide to hold on, conventional ground advances will not be so easy to carry out."

Even as they were talking, an orange-red light flickered at the edge of the arc of the distant planet, and the orbital attack ships of the Renaissance Alliance began the first round of bombing, targeting the Federation's ground air defense positions.

"Boss, it's started. They are clearing obstacles in the landing area."

Guterres' figure lit up in the communication window, and his voice was a little low. Obviously, as a former federal navy, his mood at the moment was naturally completely different from that of Norton II.

The tactical star map was also updated based on the information observed by the reconnaissance ship. Dozens of marked orbital strikes fell on the surface of the capital star like raindrops. Each strike was accompanied by a series of intense flames on the ground. These strikes were concentrated in the suburbs of the city and strategic locations, accurately destroying the federal air defense system.

At the same time, the surface of the capital planet was also hit by a "meteor shower". After the orbital defense platform was destroyed, a large amount of debris was falling into the atmosphere at various angles and speeds. These high-speed objects turned into fireballs after friction with the atmosphere, illuminating the night sky of the entire planet.

"Those fragments." Norton II frowned and looked at the screen. "It's not easy to deal with them on the ground. Some of them look quite large."

Amber nodded. "Big enough to cause panic, heavy enough to cause a localized disaster, but not enough to destroy the entire planet."

“This provides perfect cover for the resurgent alliance,” Guterres said, adding that the federal air defense system must now deal with two threats at once: debris from the sky and the incoming invasion force.

Sure enough, at the same time as Guterres made his judgment, the tactical star map soon showed that the federal ground-based air defense system began to become active.

In the optical images transmitted from the reconnaissance ship ahead, beams of light, rays and missiles with trails were shot into the sky, trying to shoot down the larger debris, but this also exposed the position of the ground air defense positions.

"They took the bait," Amber said. "No matter how stupid the Renaissance Alliance's battle fleet is, they can't miss this opportunity."

Just as he said, the orbital attack ships of the Resurrection Alliance quickly added the air defense positions that had just been exposed to the target list. A few minutes later, several rounds of more violent orbital strikes fell, and those air defense positions that had just opened fire were wiped out in the explosion of heavy ground-attack warheads that rained down like rain.

With the collapse of the basic air defense network, the landing operation of the Renaissance Alliance officially began.

The first shots were fired by countless scattered airborne capsules, which accelerated rapidly with the help of booster rockets, then passed through the thin upper atmosphere and fell to the designated landing area.

The landing areas for these orbital paratroopers were carefully chosen in open areas far away from major cities, which would ensure a safe landing and facilitate troop assembly.

After seeing this information, Norton II finally commented: "At least their tactical planning is wise. They avoid the city, establish a bridgehead in a safe area first, and then advance to important targets, instead of stupidly airdropping directly into the city."

Amber did not answer immediately because he felt that the landing of the Renaissance Alliance had been too smooth so far. The tactical screen showed that the first wave of airborne troops of the Renaissance Alliance had landed successfully, while the response of the defense forces was surprisingly slow.

Compared with the previous Jedi counterattack of the garrison fleet, this was obviously a little abnormal.

"Something is wrong." He finally said, "The Federation's ground forces reacted too slowly. With their defense system and early warning capabilities, this shouldn't happen. And I believe they are absolutely capable of taking the initiative to attack and eat up a lot of the lightly armed units of the Renaissance Alliance that landed."

Guterres also noted this: "Maybe they are implementing some kind of plan? Or."

"Or maybe they are waiting," Amber took over the conversation, a gleam in her eyes, "waiting for the troops of the Renaissance Alliance to enter the city."

And as time goes by, the advantages of the Revival Alliance look more and more obvious.

A steady stream of troops and equipment descended from orbit, forming a solid foothold at several major landing areas.

Heavy armored forces, mobile artillery and other heavy troops were quickly assembled, and then quickly formed several powerful assault groups, advancing towards major cities including the capital.

The initial advance went exceptionally smoothly, encountering almost no organized resistance.

Not surprisingly, the Restoration Alliance's headquarters was immersed in the joy of victory, believing that the federal army had lost the will to fight.

However, this optimism did not last long and was quickly shattered by reality.

When the assault troops from various areas entered the outskirts of the city area that was their respective target, a series of carefully planned ambushes were launched almost simultaneously.

Federal soldiers ambushed in the building suddenly opened fire, and individual directed energy weapons and anti-tank missiles were fired from windows and roofs, accurately hitting the armored vehicles of the Resurrection Alliance.

The sudden crossfire from both sides of the street also blocked the retreat route, trapping the vanguard troops in a huge fire kill zone.

After receiving the synchronized battle situation, Amber's face suddenly showed a look of understanding: "City street fighting, the Federation's last stand."

"If we fight like this, the losses on the Renaissance Alliance will not be small." Norton II said.

"So they won't continue to fight like this, but will choose a safer method."

"Boss, do you mean to increase the intensity of orbital bombardment?"

"To be precise, we should launch an unlimited and indiscriminate attack." Amber sighed. Through this period of 'enhanced awareness' of the current Renaissance Alliance, Amber has gradually understood this team that has begun to deteriorate.

In order to achieve the final victory, they would do anything, let alone against their enemies.

Just as Amber had expected, the Renaissance Alliance's command soon realized the seriousness of the problem.

Not only the capital, but almost all the major cities that were targeted for attack put up fierce resistance after the Renaissance Alliance troops entered.

The federal army seemed to be fully prepared, using the city's complex terrain and buildings to set up countless ambush points and fire blockade areas.

It can be said that Stalingrad is everywhere on the planet
After several tactical teams of the Renaissance Alliance were killed by explosives from the wounded inside while trying to capture positions, or had their subcritical reactors detonated by the broken HCPs that rushed out of the streets, the Renaissance Alliance's ground combat forces finally couldn't hold on.

"They're crazy! The enemy is using suicide attacks! The streets are full of explosives!"

On the tactical screen of the Alliance, the flagship of the Resurrection Alliance, cities on the ground have been turned into meat grinders.

The ground troops had difficulty moving through the streets and buildings, and every meter of progress was costly. The federal soldiers used their familiarity with the city to shuttle between buildings, constantly changing positions to launch attacks, and then quickly disappear in the complex underground passages and building complexes.

"Order the orbital attack ships to increase the intensity of the attack!" The order from the commander-in-chief of the Renaissance Alliance was transmitted through the tactical network. "I want to destroy every resistance stronghold!"

Upon hearing his decision, a young combat staff officer raised an objection cautiously: "Sir, such an intense orbital strike will cause irreversible damage to the city and affect post-war reconstruction. Moreover, an overly violent strike may inspire the defenders and the people to fight to the death."

"You think we have time to take our time?"

The commander-in-chief roared, loud enough to be heard by everyone on the bridge.

"Every hour of delay means more of us will die in these streets! I want this battle to end as quickly as possible. Mr. Franklin wants to see the flag of the Revived Confederacy planted on the roof of the Federal Presidential Palace!"

He turned to the communications officer: "Order all orbital attack ships to launch maximum fire strikes on the areas with the strongest resistance, regardless of the consequences!"

With the issuance of this order, the situation began to change again.

As the former "oppressed", the Renaissance Alliance has finally waited for the moment to take revenge on these "superiors".

The ground forces of the Renaissance Alliance stopped their advance and even withdrew from the city directly, while the orbital attack ships in low orbit also began to open fire continuously. Rounds of orbital strikes far beyond the conventional limits fell on the city like a punishment from heaven.

This is no longer a precise military strike, but complete destruction, or venting of anger.

"This is no longer an act of war." Norton II looked at the razed areas on the screen, with a complex emotion in his voice, "This is pure massacre."

Amber stared at the screen silently without saying a word. He looked at the cities that were completely destroyed, and no one knew what he was thinking.

On the outskirts of the city, the Renaissance Alliance soldiers waiting to enter the city witnessed the areas ahead that were razed to the ground by orbital strikes, and different emotions arose in everyone's hearts.

Some people cheered, believing that this was a just punishment for the high-ranking federal rulers.
Some people were silent and began to question whether this devastating blow was still in line with their original ideals for joining the Renaissance Alliance.
A soldier of the Restoration Alliance looked at the burning city in the distance and whispered to his comrades beside him: "Do you remember why we are fighting?"

His comrades nodded: "To end the oppression of the Federation and for a more just society."

"What about now?" The soldier pointed at the sea of ​​fire. "There are ordinary people and children in there. How is this different from the tyranny we oppose?"

The comrade did not answer, but silently adjusted his weapons, ready to respond to the order to enter the city at any time.

Near them, several people wearing the uniforms of the Audit Committee under combat exoskeletons also came over and approached the soldier after hearing these words.

"Private, could you please repeat what you just said?"
-
Under the orbital bombardment of the Renaissance Alliance regardless of cost and consequences, the subsequent advancement operations within the city became much smoother.

Most of the defenders in the city were killed in orbital strikes, and the remaining defenders who survived were no longer able to fight against the attackers.

Not to mention that their morale had been basically destroyed by such orbital strikes, the city that was almost razed to the ground could no longer provide them with cover.

Therefore, it did not take long for the Renaissance Alliance's ground headquarters to receive battle reports from various fronts, and this time it was truly a "frequent flow of good news."

On the other side, Amber on the Dawn also made a decision.

"I'm going to go to the ground first." He said to Guterres, "You continue to keep an eye on the fleet of the Renaissance Alliance."

"Yes, Boss!"

More than an hour later, dozens of heavy-duty aerospace transport aircraft painted with the Atlas Group's paint job separated from the fleet and entered the low orbit of the Federal Capital Star. After obtaining landing permission from the Renaissance Alliance, these heavy-duty aerospace transport aircraft began to land at the designated field airport.

When the heavy-duty space transport plane came to a steady stop on the ground and its door slowly opened, Norton II, with Amber's consent, stood at the front of the team, almost unable to contain his excitement.

As an Imperial, it meant a lot to him to be able to set foot on Federation territory, especially at this historic moment when the Federation was about to perish.

"Please be patient, Mr. Consultant," Amber said from behind him, making a rare joke in such a serious atmosphere, "History will not be rewritten because of your lateness."

Norton II nodded, took a deep breath, and stepped out of the gangway.

When his feet touched the soil of the Federation Capital Planet, he said solemnly: "This is a small step for me, but a giant leap for the empire."

Amber couldn't help laughing. "Mr. Consultant, why do your words sound so familiar?"

"Great sentences are always similar," Norton II replied without embarrassment, looking around and greedily absorbing the air of the federal capital. "Besides, isn't it appropriate for this historic moment?"

Amber shook her head and urged the Imperial to catch up with the team: "Remember our agreement and do not reveal your identity. You are just an ordinary consultant of the Atlas Group now."

Norton II nodded solemnly, but the excitement in his eyes did not diminish at all.

Amber also contacted the fleet through the communication channel: "I have landed here. We can start to deploy follow-up troops and humanitarian supplies. We will proceed at our own pace. Remember, in this critical moment, try not to conflict with the people of the Renaissance Alliance."

"Got it, Boss"

On the screen, Guterres and another Roma in charge of ground command nodded. The latter hesitated for a moment and then asked:

"Boss, what if conflict is unavoidable?"

"You're asking me this?" Amber couldn't help but raise her eyebrows. "Fight back! Remember, we at Atlas Group can never suffer a loss. If you encounter such a thing and lose the fight, do you have the nerve to come to see me?"

"Got it! Boss!"

The Roma ground commander saluted with a snap, his eyes filled with unconcealable joy.

After the aerospace transport plane quickly completed unloading, Amber and the accompanying troops boarded the armored convoy and drove towards the federal capital.

Along the way, they kept seeing the troops and equipment of the Renaissance Alliance advancing to the front line, but they also saw the destruction brought by the war - burning buildings, bombed roads, and corpses everywhere.

There are soldiers and civilians.

As the convoy moved deeper, they began to see more signs of fighting.

Some areas were almost razed to the ground, leaving only the wreckage of buildings and smoking craters. Occasionally, soldiers of the Renaissance Alliance could be seen searching among the ruins, their expressions alert and nervous.

As they approached the center of the capital, Amber's previous guess was confirmed - the battle was not so easy to end.

Despite such a fierce orbital attack, as the federal capital with the most defenses, there is still considerable resistance here. The gunshots and explosions coming from afar prove that the battle is still going on, but the intensity has been greatly weakened compared to before.

"It seems that the Federation's spirit of resistance has not been completely destroyed," said Norton II while observing the external situation through the sensor, "even in the face of such an overwhelming firepower gap..."

"It is not hard to understand that when a person has nothing to lose, he will become fearless, and this is even more true for a country."

(End of this chapter)