Chapter 362: A Dangerous Situation
[White Ghost announced that it would join the Empire's all-out counterattack against the New Federation.]
[White Ghost is in command, the Imperial Army fully supports it, and the war is about to break out. ]
[The Empire's military-industrial system is fully operational, heavy troops are stockpiled at the border, and war is about to begin.]
[The military issued an official interstellar notice: Please evacuate the New Federation citizens in the relevant areas as soon as possible. In this war, the Empire aims to completely destroy the New Federation's high-tech industrial system and downgrade the New Federation's civilization, and completely prevent the New Federation from destroying the Empire again. ]
[From the insect-burying plan to the assassination of entire department officials, the New Federation has completely angered the Empire. White Ghost will represent the great Empire to punish the evil politicians of the New Federation! ]
[Although there is no justice in war, the White Ghost represents the justice of the Empire.]
…
After the military meeting, in the lounge of the heavy battleship, Yang Ming quickly browsed through the screenshots Lu gave him.
The imperial propaganda apparatus finally took action.
These news are the hot searches on all major portals in the empire.
Foreign wars are always the hottest topic in the empire. Coupled with the White Ghost which is currently in the limelight, the traffic is kept at a high level.
Anyone with a little logical thinking ability in the empire knows that after every war, the economy will take off.
Although this rise is mainly concentrated in the Imperial Star Circle and the wealthy star fields surrounding the Imperial Star Circle, it also has a significant driving effect on the border areas of the empire.
Therefore, there is no need for the empire's propaganda departments to take the initiative, as many "enthusiastic netizens" have spontaneously attacked the pacifist views that call for peace.
This made Yang Ming feel a little uncomfortable.
He had also experienced this situation in "The Abyss".
The people of each camp have their own different general tendencies, and the longer the country's history, the greater the difference.
For example, the people of the New Federation firmly believe that they live in the most democratic country in the galaxy, the people of the Guel Alliance are proud of their rich ancient human race, the Free United States will insist on the regional autonomy of administrative stars, and the localities will even fight with their central government to protect their own power, and the people of the Empire are known for their "tolerance of aristocracy" and "belligerence."
But now, Yang Ming lives in this world.
When he felt that the war sentiment in the empire was unprecedentedly high, from the people to the army, everyone seemed to believe that war could solve all conflicts.
Yang Ming really felt a little powerless to complain.
Okay, it’s very Imperial.
"What are you looking at?"
Suddenly, Lieutenant General Thomas's greeting came from behind.
Yang Ming turned his head to look at the lieutenant general who was walking over with a drink, and said with a smile: "Didn't you say that the war will start soon and we can't drink?"
"This is the last chance to drink, and I've already taken some capsules in advance so my body won't absorb this ingredient that can slow down your nerves."
The lieutenant general did not bring a cup to Yang Ming. He walked to the sofa next to Yang Ming and sat down. He tilted his head back and took a big sip of the neuroleptic sustained-release agent. Then he let out a long breath, his eyes full of satisfaction.
Yang Ming looked at him with a smile.
Lieutenant General Thomas smiled and said, "I didn't expect that you would agree to them and step forward to serve as the honorary commander of this expedition."
Yang Ming curled his lips slightly: "If I still want to stay in the empire, it's best not to offend them to death. This is not a burden for me. We are bound to win, right?"
"Of course," Thomas said with a smile, " Even if we use the power that the military can directly mobilize, we can almost win 100%. What's more, we have obtained powerful helpers this time. There is another command system outside of us, which is responsible for commanding the core fleet of the Empire in the Imperial Star Circle. We have gathered three battle groups here, and there will be five battle groups over there in the early stage."
"Ten thousand ships?"
"Yes," Thomas nodded, "In the early stages, we should control the scale of the war so that we can expand it into a full-scale war at any time."
Yang Ming thought carefully for a while.
He was puzzled. "Could what I heard be true? The Empire is going to a full-scale war."
"Yes, the cycle is controlled within three to five years, and the New Federation is completely defeated," Thomas said with a smile, "The announcement we issued to the outside world is not an exaggeration or a deliberate attempt to create a war atmosphere. The goal of our war is to degrade the civilization and industrial system of the New Federation. This is our strategic goal for this war."
Yang Ming: …
Thomas sighed softly:
"Last time, we were actually ready to split and dismember the New Federation at a lower cost.
"But the sudden attack of the Zerg made us cautious and we had no choice but to retreat to avoid being attacked from both sides by the Zerg and the New Federation.
"This time, we cannot underestimate the threat of the Zerg. We have reserved enough support fleets and second-tier forces. We suspect that the New Federation has some close connection with the Queen outside the domain."
Yang Ming smiled and said, "That's unlikely. Human beings are a high-dimensional civilization that is watching the Milky Way. How could there really be a human rapist?"
"But how do you explain that the New Federation can cultivate queens?"
Yang Ming groaned for a few seconds.
What Lieutenant General Thomas said makes some sense.
But if the New Federation really cooperates with the Zerg, why would the Faya people tolerate the New Federation's chaos?
"Personally, I am inclined to believe that the New Federation cannot communicate directly with the Queen," Yang Ming said solemnly, "but we must be wary of the Zerg interfering. The Queen is very intelligent."
Lieutenant General Thomas nodded .
Then he laughed and said, "Let's talk about something light. Your speech at the meeting just now was well received by everyone."
"Is it because I put myself in the right position?"
Yang Ming responded with a helpless smile:
"I just told the truth. I am like the spokesperson for this war, responsible for promoting the Empire's achievements to the people within the Empire.
"If you ask me to command a few dozen warships, I can do it, but I'm really not capable of commanding thousands of ships."
"I'm still curious," Thomas said with a smile, "Aren't you afraid of being labeled a warmongerer?"
Yang Ming smiled and said, "Which of the empire's famous generals is not a warmongerer? This is how the empire exists."
"Yes, that's how the Empire exists."
Lieutenant General Thomas' eyes were a little dazed, and he whispered:
"Hanton, I've been issued a plunder warrant... Do you know what that means?"
"Official robbery?"
"It's not that simple," Thomas sighed. "First of all, directly plundering the population will become the target of criticism in the interstellar space, which will give other countries a perfect reason to unite and deal with us. It will easily create panic in various countries."
Yang Ming nodded: "Then?"
“Generally speaking, we will use a combination of methods.”
Thomas took a sip of his drink and continued slowly:
"Right now, the front line is in a standoff and the war has not started yet. Once the war starts and we gain the upper hand, we will actually occupy a planet and transform their local government into a military government.
“This is just the first step.
“In the second step, we will first confiscate the property of the local wealthy class, throw them into jail, and move away all the useful resources here.
"In the third step, we will use a few months to create a material circulation trap to reduce the local living standards. We will then use methods such as 'working in the empire in exchange for basic survival materials' and 'actively joining the empire to obtain materials' to make some New Federation people actively enter the empire.
“In order to cooperate with the third step, we will also support some pirate groups and bandit groups to create panic among local residents and make them voluntarily abandon their homes.
“That’s usually a good idea.”
Yang Ming frowned tightly.
Thomas looked at Yang Ming and smiled, "Now, do you still think this is a good job?"
"Daphne told me this," Yang Ming said calmly, "I have my own reasons for coming here. I have already left the Imperial Star and cannot be expelled by the Sherman family, otherwise I will not be able to complete my mission."
Thomas stared at Yang Ming: "Can you accept this?"
"As long as I am not asked to carry it out."
"Well," Thomas said, "We are the commanders on the front line. We don't need to worry about these things in the rear. They will send people to operate and continue to plunder the population in the New Federation."
Yang Ming asked: "Is the New Federation going to give up its outer defense this time?"
"From the current perspective, this is a good idea," Lieutenant General Thomas said slowly, "They can't help but resist, but they will most likely give up the twelve administrative stars on the border."
"Why?"
"You know the answer," Lieutenant General Thomas held his cheek, "What the New Federation wants is to stir up the emotions of the people at home. By the way, they want to make the empire's crimes come to light and occupy the moral high ground of justice."
The lieutenant general sneered:
"Hanton, do you think the Empire is more evil, or that the New Federation that arbitrarily abandons its own people is more hypocritical?"
“They’re all about the same.”
"Hahaha, yes, they are almost the same."
Lieutenant General Thomas smiled:
“Be prepared for a long and difficult battle. According to the news just received by the Military Intelligence Bureau, if the Empire really launches a surface attack on the New Federation, the Free United States, the Guel Alliance, and the fifth to fifteenth ranked countries in the Milky Way will basically join the war.
“Of course, they dare not stand directly beside the New Federation, but they will stand behind the New Federation and provide the New Federation with ships and semi-automated ship operating robots.
"Right now, the New Federation's diplomatic and intelligence departments are jumping around in the stars. They have sent twelve waves of diplomats to try to go to the Imperial Star to ask for an audience with His Majesty."
"Did they see it?"
“They were all stopped.”
"Stopped?"
"Yes, if these diplomats were to meet our distinguished Majesty, His Majesty might change his mind," Lieutenant General Thomas said with a smile, "In fact, this war was not initiated by His Majesty."
"The Sherman family."
Lieutenant General Thomas nodded. "It was only after listening to the advice of an old man in the military that I understood the true intention of this war. Do you know, Hamton? The prince and duke who died were both members of the Sherman family's ruling elite."
"I have heard something."
"The military is also controlled by these people."
Thomas said:
“They believe that some of the liquid robots of the New Federation have surpassed the Empire in technology, which the Empire cannot tolerate.
“We have no actual evidence that the New Federation attacked our top officials, but that doesn’t matter.
"We cannot lose our technological advantage. This is the most important thing."
Yang Ming: …
"I'm so annoyed to hear you talk so much all of a sudden," Thomas drank the nerve-releasing agent in the cup, "I don't want to think about these irrelevant things. The duty of a soldier is to obey his duty. Don't worry, our part is to defeat the regular army of the New Federation. Others will take care of the other dirty work."
Yang Ming smiled and asked, "General, is this also your first time participating in this kind of plundering war?"
"That's right," Thomas said, "but I didn't expect that you could be so calm when I need comfort more than you do."
"It's actually not that bad," Yang Ming said with a smile, "I don't have any feelings for this place."
Thomas was stunned.
The soldier who was about to be promoted to the rank of imperial general stared into Yang Ming's eyes, as if he wanted to see through something.
"General, can you teach me how to command a battleship?"
"Come with me," Vice Admiral Thomas smiled confidently. "Although I can't teach you how to board a ship, commanding a fleet of warships is my area of expertise. You will stand beside me in the first battle."
"Thank you, General."
"It's my pleasure."
Six hours later.
The first battle between the Imperial Expeditionary Fleet and the New Federation Border Defense Corps broke out on the New Federation's outer administrative planet.
Commander Lieutenant General Thomas led the First Combat Group and achieved an overwhelming victory. The New Federation lost 26 ships, abandoned the outer administrative star, and retreated to the rear jump point.
In addition, White Ghost liked the hot search terms released by the military spokesperson.
…
"The war has begun?"
Director Ino turned his head and asked.
"Yes, great uncle," Daphne, holding the communicator, raised her head and reported, "The first battle has already begun. As we expected, the New Federation has retreated."
Director Ino nodded: "The other party really wants to form a coalition."
"Do we need to alert the front line?"
"No, Daphne," Director Ino took off his goggles and smiled, "You have to trust the soldiers of the Empire and don't interfere with them from behind. Especially, we are not in charge of the Imperial Army, so don't cross their command rudely."
Daphne nodded immediately: "Well, I was a little rash."
Director Ino asked: "Have you ever been on Hanton's ancient technology ship?"
"I logged into its virtual composition," Daphne replied softly.
"How do you feel?"
"It's a little more mysterious than before," Daphne frowned. "The engines and particle transporters on it are technologies that we haven't mastered yet. But in other areas, this battleship doesn't have many eye-catching features. This ship has excellent maneuverability, excellent energy reserves, and an exaggerated firepower-to-volume ratio. It doesn't seem like a product of our time."
Director Ino picked up the teacup beside him and took a sip.
He said: "Where do you think this battleship came from?"
"Ancient ruins?"
"Where are the ancient ruins?"
"This is a secret that only Hamton knows," Daphne said with a smile, "so I think this guy is even more mysterious."
Director Ino sighed comfortably: "Daphne, you must remember that the best way to control Hanton is to make him develop feelings for you."
"That may be difficult to do," Daphne said helplessly, "He seems to hate me."
"He doesn't hate you, but he doesn't want to face your identity and the powerful family you represent," Director Ino said gently, "Don't be anxious, take it step by step, and you have to believe in your own charm."
"Well, I'll try my best, great uncle."
Director Ino said, "You will go to the No. 3 experimental cabin later to get the group of ancient god cells. When they send three more reports of success, you will personally deliver the group of cells to Hanton."
Daphne was a little confused: "Should we give it to him now?"
"Well," Director Ino said with a smile, "Remember to observe his reaction and describe his every move to me truthfully. Don't use any recording equipment, otherwise you will easily increase his negative impression."
Daphne asked, "Is it to see how much he desires the cell mass?"
"This is only one aspect," Director Ino said. "More importantly, we need to see if he has the ability to use this group of cells to determine whether he has mastered technical means that we don't have."
Daphne was stunned.
Director Ino said slowly: "The biggest suspect in this assassination case is the New Federation, but there is another suspect, that is Hanton."
"His ancient technology warship?"
"Yes, we have already collected his ship data. We have long discovered his particle transmission and sub-light speed flight engine. These are all technologies from a quasi-level 4 civilization.
“So after the assassination broke out, I quickly suspected him.
"If he resists handing over his battleship data, I will strangle him at all costs, but he handed over the data, and he even struggled with the guilt of the war... He is really interesting."
Director Ino clicked his tongue, leaned back in his chair with a smile, a gleam in his eyes.
He said slowly: "However, after he showed the ship data, he was cleared of suspicion. The material science used in his ship is inferior to those liquid robots. This is normal. It is impossible for a civilization to have fully developed technology. Every civilization has its own outstanding characteristics."
Daphne asked, "If he really did it, what was his purpose?"
"Let the Empire and the New Federation go to war. This is the only purpose. I just said that he is a suspect. The power hidden behind him is the focus of our next investigation."
Director Ino exhaled softly:
"Don't worry, if I dare to train him, I will naturally be able to control him.
“He is a pioneer. When his home planet’s civilization reaches the empire, he will lose all room for bargaining with us.
"No matter how strong an individual is, he is ultimately just a super soldier."
