Although they had the planned Gravitational Disturbance - Active Clutter Nanocomposite Cloud and Titan's Grip to rely on, the risks were still terrifyingly high.
Once the Imperial Fleet reacted and entangled them in close-quarters combat, a breakout would become extremely difficult, potentially leading to total annihilation.
Moreover... everyone's gaze involuntarily drifted toward the light point representing the meteorite.
That thing was immensely powerful, but its timing had to be precise to the second.
Too early, and it would miss the gathered enemy forces.
Too late, or if the transition fleet's assault position was even slightly off...
That devastating impact would not distinguish between friend and foe.
They might not die at the hands of the Empire, but instead be accidentally struck by their own superweapon.
Lu Chengjun's request to lead the charge was an act of responsibility and, to some extent, also meant taking on the most dangerous vanguard role.
This allowed the Directly Subordinate Fleet to remain in a relatively safer ambush position where it could play a more decisive role.
Ultimately, all eyes focused on Qin Bei Wang, awaiting his decision.
Qin Bei Wang looked at the resolute Lu Chengjun, then at the other commanders also awaiting orders.
His face showed no expression, only his fingers lightly tapping the edge of the Star Chart.
Suddenly, Qin Bei Wang stopped tapping.
He looked at the ramrod-straight Lu Chengjun, his gaze calm yet carrying an unquestionable resolve.
"Colonel Lu's courage and sense of duty are very clear to me."
Qin Bei Wang spoke slowly, his voice clear in the silent conference room.
"But the transition assault operation must be executed by the Directly Subordinate Fleet."
Seeing Qin Bei Wang's unwavering gaze, Lu Chengjun swallowed the words that had reached his lips.
Qin Bei Wang gave a slight nod.
"Since there are no other objections, the task assignments are hereby confirmed."
"The Directly Subordinate Fleet and the Tiankui Star Fleet are responsible for the surprise attack on the Abuja Ring, followed by the transition strong attack and the assault toward the Stargate direction."
"The Tiangangxing and the two Carrier Battle Groups will proceed as planned, covertly maneuvering to the ambush position at Danube Star."
"All units, conduct final equipment checks and synchronize time.
In 13 hours, execute synchronized actions according to the planned nodes."
"Dismissed!"
The officers rose solemnly and quickly left the conference room, heading to their respective warships.
Lu Chengjun took one last look at the arrow on the Star Chart pointing straight toward the Stargate and clenched his fist tightly.
While it was somewhat regrettable not to be assigned the most dangerous vanguard role, he knew the mission he now shouldered was equally crucial.
Opal Starfield Theater Command.
General Strauss's desk held the newly delivered encrypted Battle Report.
Within the Bushman Star System, multiple Transport Fleets had encountered harassment from unidentified vessels, with losses still being tallied.
Strauss pressed his fingers firmly against his temples.
His posture was upright, but his brow was clouded with an unshakeable gloom and fatigue.
"Attacking transport ships... appearing and vanishing unpredictably..."
He muttered quietly, as if questioning himself or ruling out a certain possibility.
"The scale is small, but the targeting is precise... It probably isn't that guy, right?"
Standing beside him, Chief of Staff Admiral Bradley glanced sideways slightly upon hearing this.
Even without asking, he knew exactly who his general was referring to.
The Federation's most prominent rising star in recent days, the young future military commander who had repeatedly given Strauss the short end of the stick in previous encounters.
Qin Bei Wang, and the Pluto Fleet under his command.
A familiar, steady smile appeared on Bradley's face.
He swiped through the data pad in his hand, analyzing calmly.
"General, the Bushman Star System is not the front line.
It lies deep within our actual control zone, with ample strategic depth.
The system is routinely patrolled by fleets, and the border is densely dotted with early warning monitoring stations.
The current garrison consists of no less than two joint fleets."
He slightly emphasized his tone, carrying a rational reassurance.
"With such defensive density, even if a Federation Duke-class fleet were to somehow infiltrate,
once exposed, it would be encircled and annihilated by overwhelmingly superior forces in a short time.
Harassing supply lines seems more like the actions of small guerrilla units, or... some kind of probe."
Strauss lowered his hand and turned around, his expression blank, but a faint sharpness flashed deep in his eyes.
He saw things clearly.
Although Bradley never once mentioned Qin Bei Wang's name,
every emphasis on the defensive strength of the Bushman Star System was a tactful response to his unspoken doubts.
Are you worried that Qin Bei Wang has come?
But that fortress is theoretically enough to ensure he never returns.
Facing this old partner he had worked with for years, who understood him so well, Strauss decided to drop the pretense.
The corner of his mouth lifted into a smile devoid of warmth, but his eyes gradually ignited with a flame mixed with old grudges and intense anticipation.
"Bradley, your analysis is correct."
Strauss walked to the main screen, looking at the flashing red dot representing the attacked area.
"By all logic, that place is indeed a trap, a death zone."
He paused, his voice lowering slightly but growing clearer.
"But in my heart, I truly hope... that it is the Pluto Fleet this time.
Better yet, that Qin Bei Wang himself is on the flagship."
Bradley's gaze sharpened slightly as he listened quietly.
Strauss turned his face, his smile now tinged with icy mockery and ruthlessness.
"Old and new grudges must be settled.
If he were to charge headlong into the Bushman Star System and we caught him there...
Hah."
He imagined the scene, his tone turning somewhat playful yet carrying a bone-chilling coldness.
"A rising star of the Federation, the son of a marshal.
Unfortunate enough to be surrounded by our Empire's heavy forces while executing a risky deep strike.
In the end...
Like a moth to the flame, dying a heroic death."
He lightly clapped his hands.
"Guess what? When such news gets back,
wouldn't the Federation's news agencies treat it like a treasure, reporting on him extensively for days?
Giving him a glorious funeral and an eternal hero's title?"
His eyes suddenly turned icy.
"And for us, it would mean plucking out the most dangerous thorn in advance.
This deal is profitable no matter how you calculate it."
However, Bradley did not believe that Qin Bei Wang would personally lead a fleet into the Bushman Star System.
The other was the son of a marshal, destined to be the marshal's successor.
At the very least, he would become a general!
Why would he abandon such a bright future to risk almost certain death in the Bushman Star System?
Only a fool would do such a thing!
He didn't believe these Federation officials' children possessed such courage.
Strauss looked at Bradley.
Then he said.
"Although they are just a few small rats, the Stargate is of utmost importance!
Order Armstrong and Admiral Scott to quickly eliminate those Federation Fleets attacking the transport ships!
The safety of the Stargate must be ensured!
Also, have them strengthen border defenses. I do not wish to receive any more reports of Federation Fleets appearing in the Bushman Star System!"
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