The Imperial Expeditionary Fleet and the fleets of the three major powers in the galaxy launched the second large-scale battle on the twelve stars on the border of the New Federation.
The battle lasted for sixteen standard galactic days. The two sides focused on confrontation and testing, and constantly increased the number of frontline fleets in an attempt to crush the opponent's fighting spirit.
During the confrontation, Hanton, the Imperial hero White Ghost, Honorary Earl, and then Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Expeditionary Force, delivered an internal speech of the Imperial Expeditionary Force. After the speech, the main gun of a heavy battleship of the Fifth Battle Group of the Empire opened fire first, starting the Twelve-Star Battle.
In the Twelve Star Battle, the four major powers in the galaxy invested a total of more than 100,000 medium and large ships.
The Empire lost more than 9,200 ships, the New Federation lost more than 8,960 ships, the Guel Alliance lost more than 3,200 ships, and the United Free States lost more than 1,200 ships.
.
The Empire's Third and Fourth Battle Groups were besieged and nearly wiped out, and the Empire's conventional arms fleet lost more than one-third.
More than half of the New Federation's main fleet was lost and it was the first to withdraw from the battlefield, causing heavy losses to the Guel Alliance fleet. The Guel Alliance angrily accused the New Federation, and the alliance between the three major powers was declared null and void.
During the war, the Empire's semi-permanent fleet "Levi" appeared, establishing the victory of the battle in one fell swoop.
The Guel Alliance fleet withdrew from the territory of the New Federation, and the United States of Freedom added additional main fleets to help defend the capital city of the New Federation, Minter City.
The Sherman Empire fleet took advantage of the situation to expand the scope of its occupation, using the twelve stars on the border of the New Federation as a springboard, and once again invaded the twenty-six administrative stars in the northern star field of the New Federation, executed the "plunder order" issued by the emperor, and frantically moved the assets of the New Federation.
Every day, a large number of people "voluntarily" move into the Sherman Empire and become lower-class citizens of the empire. This matter has attracted the attention of many interstellar human rights organizations and the United Interstellar Organization, but the organization's survey ships have crashed one after another.
The Battle of the Twelve Stars has become a key battle between the two major factions in the galaxy.
However, the New Federation and the United States of Freedom are actively using their influence to form a coalition of the Galactic Free Alliance Government in an attempt to have a showdown with the Imperial Fleet.
The White Ghost, commander of the Imperial Expeditionary Force, has reached a new peak of fame within the Empire. This imperial hero, famous for killing the Zerg and being the first person to participate in political reform, has caused huge controversy in the country.
Three months after the end of the Twelve Star Battle, a new battleship formation departing from the Emperor Star is about to arrive at the front line of the Imperial Expeditionary Force.
The flagship of the formation, in the spacious lounge.
A projection screen played the speech from three months ago.
The impassioned voice of White Ghost Hanton echoed in the lounge:
"Dear soldiers of the Sherman Empire, all fighters who are bravely fighting against the coveted empire of the universe and the stars for the peace of the empire and the safety of their families!
"Now! We have reached an extremely difficult moment!
"The empire has encountered unprecedented challenges. The lives and personal property of hundreds of billions of people are under scrutiny from other countries!
"These hypocritical people, under the guise of freedom, use gas bombs to poison our people, use terrorist attacks to beautify their hegemonic behavior, and use their unconcealed acts of aggression to squeeze this country economically, culturally, and ideologically.
The survival space of the ancient country's political system, and the final result it can lead to, is bound to be this war!
"The empire's expedition is not to expand territory, we have enough planets! The empire's expedition is just to punish these political systems that continue to erode our right to exist!
“In interstellar civilization, the resources that humans rely on for survival, and the resources that affect every aspect of the lives of hundreds of billions of people, are all based on powerful fleets...
"...Today! We are at the pinnacle of power in the galaxy! But this is the most dangerous moment!
"In these political systems, politicians controlled by the big capitalist class will, for the sake of their own political interests and the capital interests of the greedy giants behind them, destroy our already balanced and stable political structure at all costs, and turn us into
Designate it as their market dumping ground, and use various beautified means to drain every drop of blood from the people!
"The internal problem of the empire lies in the endless oppression of the common people by some corrupt nobles. This is a problem that we can fight and solve. We will continue to carry out aristocratic rectification and gradually weaken the privileges of the nobles in the historical trend.
, this is my life goal and political ideal, and I will continue to fight for it!
"The problem outside the empire is that these so-called powerful countries covet the empire's resources and covet the empire's rich population!
“Capital must base its abundant profits on the hard work of the poor class. This is the law of their social operation, and this is the fundamental reason why they continue to expand the number of poor people!
"Yes, this empire has existed for tens of thousands of years, but the empire has not decayed internally! Our army is based on the civilian class, and the real pillar of the empire is the civilian class!
“We keep our morale high!
"Today, we not only declare war on those three so-called powerful countries that sold the lives of their soldiers for the benefit of politicians, but we also declare war on the corrupt and degenerate noble individuals within the empire!
“In the name of White Ghost, I issue a declaration to all dissatisfied people within the country:
"We will definitely eliminate all nobles who oppress the people! We will definitely defend every right of the citizens of the empire that should be respected!
“In the name of the Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Expeditionary Force, I issue a declaration to the officers and soldiers at all levels facing the coalition forces of the three major powers:
"We will definitely eliminate all spies and subversives. We will eventually defeat all enemies who try to challenge the empire, and use our blood to defend our motherland!"
The word "motherland" always sounded ironic to Daphne.
"Your Highness, you are watching this speech again."
A gentle greeting came from the side, and a woman with gray hair and a slightly wrinkled face sat in front of the projection screen.
"Aunt," Daphne nodded slightly and sighed softly.
She whispered:
"I was just wondering why Hanton suddenly stood up and used his appeal to influence the imperial soldiers when he was so resistant to the imperial officials before.
"After this speech, the empire engaged in a half-month-long battle with the three major powers.
"Although the final result was that we won, we also lost nearly one-third of the conventional fleet, and the Levi Fleet also became the focus of attention because it participated in the war again. Now many people are spreading rumors that our victory
Ancestor Wei is not dead and still exists in the form of omnics, which is too bad."
The old princess smiled and said: "Daphne, what are you worried about? Earl Hanton only did what was in the interests of the empire, and his speech was submitted to the superiors for review."
"Alas," Daphne said with a smile, "Maybe I'm overthinking it. Auntie, you don't know that this guy is extremely cunning."
"Daphne, you can't say these things about him now," the old princess said warmly, "You must complete what Uncle Ino told you. I came here this time not just to deliver the commendation to him."
Daphne pursed her lips slightly: "I don't quite understand why we need to call him back from the front line now."
"We previously thought that he would encounter resistance from the military."
The old princess hummed a few times and explained briefly:
"As you know, the military has always been run in a small group manner. Most of the generals have factions and many have mentorship relationships.
“So in our expectation, as an imperial hero, Hanton directly parachuted in to become the commander of the expeditionary force, and he would inevitably encounter resistance from the military.
"But what surprises us is that although there are some voices from the Imperial Military Department, these voices have gradually disappeared over time, and they have turned into praise for Hanton..."
Daphne smiled and said: "He just has this kind of magic power."
"Yes, we underestimated the respect the military system had for this imperial hero."
The old princess smiled and said:
"Most of the army members are honorary nobles. When we promote a general, we will first give him a noble title.
"And Hanton has been targeting the hereditary nobles. Even without Hanton, there would naturally be a confrontation between these two groups. Hanton's counterattack against Prince Kinov and others, as well as the one arranged by your father
The assassination, as well as the one-year noble rectification movement, made the generals in the army have a good impression of Hanton.
"The most important thing is that we have conducted an investigation and found out that this guy Hanton is very scheming... He can actually hold back and not express his opinions in any tactical meetings. Is he still a young man?
"At this stage, it is impossible for him to truly take root in the military. His personal prestige and appeal to soldiers have become a weapon that we must be wary of."
Daphne smiled and said: "To be precise, he is no longer a young man. He is much older than me."
The old princess covered her mouth and chuckled, and said warmly: "Daphne, you must not have any resistance. Next, you need to represent our family, stay with him for a long time, observe his every move, and we will arrange several times for him.
Sensitive position."
"I know aunt, I will do my best to spread my charm," Daphne shrugged, "If in his eyes, I am truly a woman."
"Oh, boy, you are perfect."
"He has always resisted me."
"He is just resisting the power of our family," the old princess said warmly, "and the best destination for him is to become a member of our family. He will accept this reality."
Daphne sighed softly.
A curtain of light appeared outside the window. The temporary rest center of the Imperial Fleet had arrived. Several industrial ships formed a temporary space port to provide repairs and supplies for the ships.
"We've arrived."
Daphne said softly.
"I suggest you take a bath and focus on dressing up," the old princess reminded warmly, "If you are not good at these things, my child, I can perform it myself. I have brought a few male favorites."
"I know this aunt."
"Well, that's good. Don't let Uncle Ino worry about such trivial matters anymore."
…
Giving out rewards in the middle of the war?
In the general lounge at the rear of the industrial ship, Yang Ming grabbed the bat and turned to look at Lieutenant General Thomas beside him.
He wondered: "Only for me?"
"Hmm," Lieutenant General Thomas said with a smile, "This time the two princesses are here to present you with the award, and there will be a live broadcast across the empire later. Your military journey is coming to an end for the time being, Hanton."
"Ah, this," Yang Ming muttered, "this war is not over yet, I have received a commendation... they want to transfer me from the army?"
"Your symbolism has already worked. They should be worried about you establishing influence in the military."
Thomas took the energy drink from the guard, took a few sips, and couldn't help complaining:
"You have such abnormal physical ability that you can play for an hour without breaking a sweat. You are really inhuman... Next, we will continue to consume the New Federation. There should be no major wars in the next year.
"You can go back to the rear with peace of mind. Although we are constantly drawing blood in the New Federation, the more military expenditures, the better. Once the main gun of the dreadnought is fired, the maintenance and upkeep costs will rise crazily.
"Don't worry, Hanton, everyone speaks highly of you.
“You know what’s the funniest thing?”
Dang!
Yang Ming knocked the flying ball away and asked casually: "What is it?"
"They did a few scans on us generals to determine if we have been mentally controlled by you. This is simply, hahahaha!"
Yang Ming clicked his tongue: "Their imagination is really rich."
"I heard that there is a guy named Bligh among the super-changers who likes to use mental manipulation to control others," Lieutenant General Thomas said warmly, "I received some news in advance that one of the positions you may take in the future is management.
These super-changers."
Yang Ming paused for a moment.
He thought of Catherine, whom he had not contacted for a long time.
Although there were relatively few contacts, the Law Society reported her whereabouts and she was meeting with the leaders of various underground revolutionary armies.
Always walking on the edge of danger.
Yang Ming said: "I was once a member of the super reformers, which is somewhat ironic."
"Who knows," Lieutenant General Thomas said with a smile, "Forget about everything else, you and Captain Catherine are still in love, right?"
"Yes, it's just that everyone is busy and a little out of touch."
"Stay away from her," Thomas whispered, "There seems to be something wrong with her, and the Military Intelligence Bureau is conducting a secret investigation. It would be best to show up intimately with other women in public to announce that you have ended the relationship long ago.
"
Yang Ming was startled for a moment and looked up at Thomas.
Lieutenant General Thomas accurately hit the slowly flying ball away and said with a smile: "Go and take a bath and get ready. Your Highnesses, you two have a lot to do."
"Okay general," Yang Ming put down the club and stretched out his right hand.
Thomas smiled and grabbed his right hand, they shook it hard and touched shoulders.
"Thanks."
"Small problem, I know you won't get involved in this kind of thing," Thomas whispered, "I think you have understood that the Imperial Military is only the peripheral force to maintain the empire, and the real core force is indestructible. The three major powers
Even if they are added together, they cannot be shaken.”
Yang Ming nodded vigorously: "I will use my power in more reasonable places."
"Come on, go quickly."
Thomas smiled and raised his eyebrows.
Yang Ming performed a military salute.
Thomas waved his hand and watched Yang Ming walk away.
Thomas looked at the guards on the side and whispered: "Tell the second surveillance team to cheer up and don't miss any form of communication signal."
"yes."
…
Amidst the sound of running water, Yang Ming took a luxurious shower in space.
Catherine was exposed so quickly?
Or does the empire just suspect something is wrong with Catherine?
Yang Ming kept thinking and looked up at his watch, but he resisted asking Lu about it.
Lu had reminded him before that the Military Intelligence Bureau arranged for people to conduct signal detection on him. Although the gravity communication device would most likely not be detected, there would always be some small probability events.
Moreover, Ritsu should have heard their conversation.
——Lü had previously used his boss as a springboard to lightly hack into the internal monitoring system of the Imperial Fleet.
Let Xiaolu remind Catherine.
Catherine actually mentioned the breakup to him before, and explained the reason, which was that she might become the leader of the rebel army at any time and the most wanted criminal in the empire, and Yang Ming's open relationship with her must be severed.
Yang Ming also agreed with this.
He has no qualifications to be willful, and everything must be operated in a way that maximizes interests.
The Empire is now stuck in the quagmire of war, domestic conflicts are still intensifying, the Sherman family is concentrating on conquering the New Federation, and the Empire's Invincible Fleet has lost a large amount of conventional combat power.
This is their best time.
The rise of one force must stand on the ruins of another force.
Even if countless humans would die or be injured as a result, Yang Ming had no reason to retreat.
Daphne, Sherman Family.
Yang Ming clicked his tongue lightly.
Even if this woman is somewhat annoying, he must take advantage of her now.
Buzz, buzz!
There was a vibration next to the plastic bathroom. Yang Ming turned around and looked at it. It was his communication device.
He pressed a few buttons and stopped showering. The warm air quickly took away the moisture from his body. He walked barefoot to the shell-shaped communicator and clicked on the message reminder.
The person who sent the message was a little surprised, it turned out to be Director Reva of the Super Modifier Center.
The information content is also very simple.
[How much do you know about Captain Catherine? This is an inquiry on behalf of the Super Modifier Organization.]