Him and their stars

This remote Privy Council meeting lasted until the source wave relay device was a little overwhelmed, and then it finally came to an end. The youngest member of this Privy Council, King Sulyuka Brynhilt, will serve as the governor of the Dawn Star Territory and the commander of the expedition fleet. The order will also spread throughout the universe within a few days.

However, before that, some positive changes that seemed to be able to alleviate the situation were already underway.

On March 13, 833 Common Calendar, at 18:24 Galactic Standard Time, in the galaxy that has been temporarily named the "Miracle Ring", the commander of the expeditionary force was on board the USS Independence, the flagship of the Blue Star Community Expedition Fleet. Admiral Conneris received the good news while having dinner with his right-hand man in the fleet.

"So, the Imperial Guard's Third Fleet has definitely left the Dawn Star Territory?"

"Yes, the reconnaissance fleet came to report that a total of 897 warships of the Imperial Guard's Third Fleet had all left the Dawn Star Territory at 14:15 on March 2 after completing maintenance at the Unity Fortress. We are heading towards the Empire's Glory Colony along the New World Highway." the intelligence staff member replied.

Admiral Connors subconsciously looked at the time on Zhongke's car next to him and found that nearly two weeks had passed. He suddenly felt uncomfortable being thrown back into primitive society.

But there is no way, this is the New World, there is no coverage of the seismic wave terminal, and the communication basically relies on the roar of the (gravitational wave beacon). It is already very good to be able to send the complete message.

"If nothing unexpected happens, the Imperial Army's Third Guards Fleet should arrive at the Gate of Glory within three days. Our intelligence personnel will naturally detect it." Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Tivington said.

"The imperial prince fleets and sector fleets in various parts of the Dawn Star Territory have been evacuating one after another in the past two months. Counting the withdrawn Guards fleet and the imperial army still in the Ring of Miracles and its vicinity, then besides……"

"Half of the Fifth Guards Fleet, and all of the Ninth Frontier Strike Fleet. Including the Titan ships Dawn Angel and Vulcan Airan, as well as two dreadnoughts." The chief of staff paused, and then said: "If we abandon Not to mention driving these capital ships, the fleet strength we have deployed here has already reached twice that of the empire."

"Even including the capital ships, we should have surpassed the Empire." Lieutenant General Picard, the admiral of the Tenth Fleet and the (nominal) second-in-command of the expeditionary force, also showed a satisfied smile: "We have already used all the equipment available to the whole country. All the dreadnoughts have been mobilized. Ten versus four, the advantage is mine!"

Admiral Conneris always felt that his enemy was blaming him, but he could not find any evidence. However, this is not the time to care about this. The key point now is that the main force of the Imperial Army is moistened. What does this mean?

"Your Excellency, I heard that at the Galactic Civilization Council in Huaxu, the attitude of Prime Minister Valpolis was very friendly. I guess the empire has no intention of going to war with us." The chief of staff paused and smiled again. Said: "Of course, we don't either."

One thing to say is that although the empire and the community have many unresolved historical issues, and some minor discords and frictions inevitably occurred during this operation, overall, the two sides can be regarded as sincere cooperation in the operation.

As for after breaking through the Devil's Eye and capturing the Devil's Throat, everyone's behavior of grabbing territory is understandable. After all, this is a land without one. If we seize more planets and occupy more waterway nodes, we can always gain some advantages in subsequent land negotiations.

However, even during such a crazy race to enclose the land, everyone had quarrels, fights, and even armed fights and people died, but heavy weapons and warships were never used. This can be regarded as harmony and sharing. .

It can be seen that neither party has any intention of fighting.

So, the empire's next step is to withdraw its troops and make a friendly move to reduce the atmosphere on the front line. This is also a very smart and responsible move.

However, Commander Conneris was still a little unbelievable. Even if there is no intention to break up. How could the majestic Holy Galactic Empire know the general situation so well? If the giant dragon doesn't flap its wings and rush at the shiny treasure, is it going to change to a vegetarian diet?

"So, Your Excellency, it is actually your extreme pressure that has the best effect." Chief of Staff Tivington said: "Before both sides make up their minds to go to war, whoever can show the greatest determination will be able to occupy Initiative. Your Excellency, I have the advantage now, and this is all due to you!"

Oh, it turns out I am so powerful! The commander suddenly felt excited, and even the unpalatable fried lunch and compressed biscuits on the plate seemed to taste delicious.

In fact, Admiral Conneris was indeed very proud of his decision at that time. After receiving the report from Lieutenant Colonel Horatio Venn and seeing the data and images of the "Ring", he immediately ordered all fleets in the army to quickly assemble and rush to the scene for support. This move caused the Community Expedition Fleet to lose control of most of the route nodes in the Dawn Star Domain, and even had to abandon some half-built temporary space stations. However, in the days that followed, the people on Earth always maintained a stronger force near the ring than all potential competitors.

The gains and losses in this can only be proven by history. But at least for now, both the Earth's central government and the top brass of the expeditionary force are mostly praising Commander Conneris' decisiveness.

Even Lieutenant General Picard, who had always thought that Connery was a "road specimen general" and "only qualified to be the commander of the honor guard", actually had to look at the former with admiration.

"You have indeed shown extraordinary courage and courage in this matter."

Since even his old enemy said this, it must be true. As a result, Admiral Conneris became even more cautious. He always felt that he might not be good at commanding on the battlefield, but he was indeed a very brave and decisive commander.

"So, what should we do next?" Lieutenant General Picard asked while cutting the lunch meat on the plate.

"What are you referring to?" the commander was in a good mood. He asked with a smile, and poured a glass of wine for the other party - there was no red wine anymore, but it was rum mixed with the boiled water.

Then, he poured another drink for Lieutenant General Tivington on the opposite side. After all, she is a lady, and it is her basic interest not to force her to drink. However, the freshly squeezed juice is of course gone, and the so-called drink is plain water mixed with saccharin.

Lieutenant General Picard was speechless for a moment. He now began to feel that Admiral Conneris was less like a commander and more like an all-around chief of staff. But the problem is, the other party has taken such a low profile, and I can't help but feel sorry for him.

So, he could only squeeze out a stiff business smile, took the cup with both hands, spent a few seconds to sort out his words, and then said:

"The empire is withdrawing its troops and has shown its attitude. So, should we follow up?"

Admiral Conneris was slightly startled, and then showed a thoughtful expression.

Chief of Staff Tivington said: "Sir Picard, the premise of applying maximum pressure is the limit. If we relieve the pressure before the dust settles, we may be injured by the rebound."

"So, Madam Chief of Staff, when will the dust settle?" Lieutenant General Picard asked.

"this……"

Before the other party could speak, Lieutenant General Picard stretched out his fork and poked the lunch meat on the plate: "Your Excellency, we have gathered more than 2,000 battleships in the three surrounding galaxies, with nearly 10 million sailors and stormtroopers. Maintain it. We can refine the energy for basic facilities nearby, but the food, medicine, clothing and daily necessities needed by the army are astronomical every day. The nearest production bases to us are Xin Yumen and New Lushun. Now , all provisions and supplies must take the New World Highway, passing through the Demon's Throat...er, no, transiting in the Dawn Pass galaxy. The supply line is nearly twice as long as when we besieged the Demon's Throat."

Lieutenant General Tivington covered his mouth and smiled: "Lieutenant General Carter who is sitting in Xinyumen behind did not say these words."

What I mean is that the logistics minister who is responsible for the supplies of the entire army did not complain, but you, the deputy commander, insist on saying strange things. Isn't it a bit overstepping?

Ms. Chief of Staff added: "I know that the entire army has been unable to eat fresh meat, fruits and vegetables for two weeks, but at least we have not run out of food, right? We are also sharing the joys and sorrows with the soldiers."

Indeed, due to the limited supplies shipped from the rear, everyone could only live on reduced rations for the time being. This thing is actually the same type as kerosene fruit, and the taste is naturally indescribable.

Therefore, His Excellency the Commander announced that difficulties are temporary, but glory is eternal. For the ultimate victory, the whole family must unite as one and share the joys and sorrows. Then he ordered that the meals of the officers and soldiers must be consistent. As long as a soldier eats compressed biscuits, an officer cannot eat bread and steak.

If this operation continued, not to mention how much resentment the officers had, at least the morale of the soldiers was temporarily maintained.

Chief of Staff Tivington also said, "We have such a high-ranking generals who are eating kerosene-flavored field luncheon meat with you big-headed soldiers. We have made such a big sacrifice. You should be a little moved, right?"

Lieutenant General Picard sighed: "Ms. Chief of Staff, the proud general doesn't care whether you eat more meat than them, he just cares whether you have meat to eat."

"Sounds like a group of mercenaries, not professional soldiers of the community." The chief of staff sneered.

It's as if we professional soldiers are not mercenaries. Lieutenant General Picard sneered in his heart, but said: "Do you think I am just talking about food?"

Just as he was about to say something more, Admiral Connors had already patted the table: "Okay! Okay! You two, you both have three general stars hanging on your shoulders, can you at least perform better than those in the third grade of elementary school?" Are students above the grade level more mature? Chief of Staff, there is a price to pay for exerting extreme pressure. I have already expected it, but this does not mean that we are not wrong at all."

Chief of Staff Tivington quickly bowed his head and apologized.

What a talkative person! Lieutenant General Picard couldn't help but admire him, feeling that if he had this ability, the coalition commander might not be able to turn to this "road specimen general".

Admiral Conneris added: "I understand your worries, Lord Picard. However, thanks to the planning of Brother Yang at the rear, our army has organized farming and production on several planets. Now they have begun to harvest. . Especially in Yaochi, they have sent us 300,000 tons of grains, fruits and vegetables, and frozen fresh food. Once their supplies are delivered, all problems will be solved."

Lieutenant General Tivington: "I didn't expect that the soldiers of the 38th Division were very good during drills and were also good at field production! Brigadier General Schiller is indeed a veteran general who has experienced hundreds of battles. He will never give in at critical moments. People are disappointed. Of course, this is also thanks to the people we liberated from the looters and their representative, General Longba, for their full cooperation. They have proved with their actions who is the real beacon of civilization."

"Chief of Staff, when the support from Yaochi Star arrives, we should apply to the National Defense Committee to award Brigadier General Schiller and General Longba the Crown Medal. Oh, by the way, it is best to give General Longba the honorary rank of guest general. .”

"I will write the application myself." Ms. Chief of Staff said.

What is enough food for three hundred thousand tons? Enough for us to eat several meals! Also, am I just talking about food? General Picard just wanted to slam the table, but he picked up the rum in front of him, mixed it with water, and drank it in a big gulp.

I have to admit, this taste is really hard to describe. It would be great if Yaochi could send some home-brewed wine.

The commander added: "However, we really cannot throw all the burden on the colonies and the newly established camp. This ring can actually be used. The exploration progress of Lieutenant General Seyo and Major General Mallowan, What step have you reached?"

"Still no trace of the Great Khan has been found. In addition, there are currently only ten accessible floating continents on this ring world. Lieutenant General Seyo is personally in charge, and the exploration progress is progressing steadily," the chief of staff said.

There is no way, although more than 100,000 of our own marine troops have fallen on Ring World, but these soldiers and horses, placed on these continents suspended in the universe, are indeed like sprinkling pepper noodles in the sea.

"However, the forward command post has been established, and we can also try to let the engineering troops reclaim fields on it." Admiral Connors pondered for a moment, and then said: "However, everyone must also be sure to explore and reclaim fields. Raise your realm, especially to prevent the empire from coming to our continent to cause friction."

"The empire's local army is generally restrained. The trouble is the troops of some vassal countries. You know, the Ketai people, the Bakvi people, and the Angmang people are all happy to serve as minions of the dragon."

"If it is the army of the empire, report it immediately. If it is a vassal country, resolutely fight back! The land and dignity of the people on earth are not something that some big cats and birdmen can offend!"

You guys have completely considered yourself the Governor of the Dawn Star Territory. Admiral Picard thought to himself.

However, he also had to admit that whether as the commander of the expeditionary force or the (self-proclaimed) interim governor of the Dawn Star Territory, Commander Conneris had really not made any mistakes so far.

Compared with the commander-in-chief of the army, he seems to be suitable for this kind of civilian job.

But the question is, is the situation really stable enough now to consider the problem from a development perspective?

The lieutenant general looked out the distant porthole. The "ring world" left by the Enlightenment was still bathed in starlight just like it had been for thousands of years. The mirror surface of the dome reflects the sun's rays, forming a string of radiant light jade, still like a necklace worn by the gods on the stars.

Now, uninvited guests from the galaxy have landed nearly 200,000 individuals on this necklace. However, they are like ants who have broken into the kingdom of the gods, as if they cannot understand the secrets contained in it for the rest of their lives.