"'Cupid' No. 818 has returned, and it has conveyed your secret order to Jiang Ziyue and brought a response." Otto Bateman made a presentation.

"What did he say?" Wang Zeren asked eagerly.

"Obey your orders, but he still demands full campaign and tactical autonomy as the 'Emperor Wu of Han' fights."

Hearing Bateman's answer, Wang Zeren's expression immediately relaxed, and he said, "I didn't plan to give him any restrictions. ”

But Bateman was puzzled and asked: "Your Excellency, please forgive me for being suspicious, is Jiang Ziyue reliable?" ”

Wang Zeren hesitated for a moment before replying: "If you want to run around for me like you, stand up for me, and be my right-hand man, he absolutely refuses and can't do it." But if he is asked to be loyal to the country and sacrifice for the people, I think he will never say anything. In the present situation, my goals are in line with the interests of the Senate and the Roman people, and I can fully entrust him with such an important task. ”

"But what would the other officers think of him? You may be forced to obey him on the orders of you and General Karios, but there is no guarantee that they will not disobey him. Bateman was still uneasy.

"I have enough confidence in him." Wang Zeren smiled and explained to his subordinates, "Jiang Ziyue's fame and prestige accumulated in the past few years are enough for him to overwhelm anyone in the border fleet, even if it is the Central Fleet, there are a large number of people who are willing to follow. And his abilities are far more than what this task can match. I believe in my vision, Otto. Although Jiang Ziyue is not 100% of our people, he is definitely someone who only we can afford. ”

"I see, Your Excellency." Bateman responded humbly.

And Jiang Ziyue, whom Wang Zeren and Bateman were talking about, was flying to the distant border planet "Iserlon" on the cruiser "Siegfried" at this time.

Originally, Jiang Ziyue was also quite disappointed with the imperial consul Wang Zeren. However, when the unmanned notification ship "Cupid" No. 818 caught up with the "Siegfried" and conveyed the secret instructions of the consul, Jiang Ziyue understood Wang Zeren's intentions.

The content of the instructions is to ask Jiang Ziyue to take over the command of the Imperial Frontier Fleet from Admiral Blake Karios after arriving on the planet "Iserlon", and to formulate and implement an operational plan to contain the Immortal Star Bundeswehr.

The reason for not making public appointments on the planet "Neo-Byzantium" is not to want to get bogged down in inefficient arguments because of factional struggles in the Senate, since such promotions are not in accordance with the rules of the army. Another reason is that the Frontier Fleet and its leaders, Karios and de Zubaran, are loyal to Wang Zeren and can directly exert influence.

On November 7, 2920, Siegfried finally arrived on the planet Iserlon.

When Jiang Ziyue stepped into the hall of the Border Fleet Headquarters again, Admiral Blake Karios, who had prepared the handover ceremony, happily gave a warm hug.

Before Jiang Ziyue could recover from this sudden special welcome, Karios asked, "Ziyue, I finally waited for you, do you have any big plans?" ”

"I'm going to fight with another 'Emperor Wu of Han'. I'll submit a concrete proposal later. ”

"No need, Ziyue. From now on, the Frontier Fleet will be under your command. Karios smiled and said, "You have full control over this fleet." ”

"Yes, Ziyue." Vice Admiral Fernández de Zubaran, Chief of Staff of the Frontier Fleet, followed suit, "As soon as you come, we will be able to set off for the planet 'New Byzantium', where the Central Fleet will be waiting for their commander and chief of staff." ”

De Zurbaran's words indicate that he and Karios were the luckiest and most exotic commanders of all time, as the commander of the Central Fleet, Field Marshal Frederiga Lenny von Badenbrock, was killed in the Battle of Aegis and Carrios was able to serve as commander of the Central Fleet again.

The former chief of staff of the Central Fleet, Admiral Hervir Irina, was also removed and arrested by von Badenbrock for the battle, and although he escaped death, he also lost his military post to face investigation, so de Zubaran also served as the chief of staff of the Central Fleet again.

"But I still don't have enough qualifications, I'm afraid it's hard to be competent." Jiang Ziyue said modestly.

"If you don't have enough qualifications, then no one in the entire Senate and the people of Rome will have enough qualifications." Carrios said heartily, "Rest assured, Fernandez and I are ready for you. ”

"Yes." De Zubarán followed up on Karios's words, and then explained to Jiang Ziyue in a few words: "The Frontier Fleet has now been reorganized. Twelve thousand cruisers and six thousand destroyers have been reorganized into ten detachments, each under the command of a colonel. Of the 10,000 logistical supply and auxiliary ships, 6,000 are deployed outside the detachments, and the remaining 4,000 are formed into 10 independent logistics fleets as logistical mobile forces. All the generals and colonels of the Frontier Fleet will join us on the planet 'Neo-Byzantium' and join the Central Fleet. ”

"Yes, you can rest assured, Ziyue." Karios patted Jiang Ziyue on the shoulder and said, "Now in the border fleet, you are the highest in terms of military merits, prestige, and military rank. Be the commander-in-chief of your Frontier Fleet! ”

"These are all instructions from His Excellency Archon Wang Zeren." "He was worried that you wouldn't be able to command the generals, and that the new detachment of the Central Fleet was in dire need of personnel, so he simply transferred us old fellows so that you young talents could flourish." ”

In fact, there were not many generals in the Frontier Fleet, except for Karios and de Zubaran, there were only two lieutenant generals, three major generals and one colonel (the colonel of the New Roman Empire was actually the rank of general during the probationary period, and ordinary people were awarded the rank of major general after only six months to one year).

And these generals, like the two chief officers, basically rely on old seniority to become colonels and generals, and they do not have many outstanding actual combat achievements. Therefore, for the remaining officers, Jiang Ziyue is fully capable of controlling them in terms of rank and fame.

"Thank you to the consul and the two chiefs for their trust. Please rest assured, I will live up to the trust. Jiang Ziyue saluted the two as he spoke.

"We have complete confidence in your abilities, Ziyue. The fleet will be handed over to you. Karios said as he clasped Jiang Ziyue's hand.

"Ziyue, come, let me introduce you to your new team." After speaking, Lieutenant General Fernández de Zubarán took Jiang Ziyue and walked to the waiting officer queue next to him.

Lieutenant General de Zubaran introduced the commanders of each detachment to Jiang Ziyue.

The commander of the 10 cruiser detachments and the 10 independent logistics support fleets, a total of 20 colonels, plus the personnel of the newly formed headquarters, were all reviewed by the new commander.

Although the vast majority of them are like Jiang Ziyue, they are young and promising, and many of them have fought side by side with Jiang Ziyue, but it is difficult to look down on Jiang Ziyue in terms of military exploits and fame.

Admiral Karios then read out the Senate order signed by Consul Wang Zeren, appointing Jiang Ziyue as the commander of the newly formed Frontier Fleet, and handing over the Twin Eagle Fleet Flag to Jiang Ziyue.

Jiang Ziyue gave a short speech as usual:

"The duty of the Frontier Fleet was to protect the peace and tranquility of the Senate and of the Roman people throughout the territory. The defeat of the Central Fleet in the 'Aegis' field has made the situation facing us more and more serious, and the responsibility of the Frontier Fleet will be even greater. We, the Frontier Fleet, will assume the responsibility of the Central Fleet. Although our cruisers and destroyers are not powerful enough, in the past two years or so, the Frontier Fleet has not won a single battle. SO, I TELL YOU, AND I ASK YOU, TO TELL THE BRETHREN THAT OUR ONLY MISSION IS: VENI VIDI VICI! ”

“VENI VIDI VICI！” The commanders shouted in unison, with enthusiasm.

Seeing that Jiang Ziyue's subordinates were full of confidence, Admiral Blake Karios said to de Zubaran with satisfaction: "We can rest assured that we can go to the planet 'Andromeda' to take up the post. ”

"Blake, haven't we always been at ease?" Lieutenant General de Zubaran asked rhetorically with a smile.

"That's right." Karios responded with a smile as well.

In fact, they are not easy inside. It is not easier for them to take over than Jiang Ziyue. Although there is not much left of the Central Fleet, if these two "theorist" generals who have been on the planet "Iserlon" for a long time are to be put in command, the commanders of the Central Fleet detachments who have their own troops may not obey.

Similarly, Jiang Ziyue is full of confidence on the outside, but he is also quite heavy on the inside. Now, the Imperial Consuls Wang Zeren and General Karios have unreservedly put the entire Frontier Fleet in his hands, and have given him a great deal of freedom and space to calmly implement his idea of "turning passive into active".

However, there were great risks associated with taking the initiative to attack, especially in the unfavorable situation where the new Roman Empire had lost its strategic advantage.

After seeing off Karios and De Zubaran, Jiang Ziyue immediately ordered all the commanders to return to their respective detachments. At the same time, he broke with the long-standing tradition of the headquarters on the ground and transferred all the backbone of the headquarters to the cruiser "Siegfried".

The relatively small interior space of the "Siegfried" makes it even more cramped. Fortunately, its original design had a flagship command function, and not long ago when the "Neo-Byzantine" star field was overhauled, it also split an independent fleet tactical command center. So in this light cruiser, which is more than three hundred meters long, the simplified command of the Imperial Border Fleet is still able to fully perform its work.

The change in the commissioning of commanders and headquarters has created a different atmosphere for many officers and men.

"I thought that the commander was the commander-in-chief, and we could have more time to go to the ground to pick up girls, but I didn't expect him to move the headquarters up. Now it's going to be even harder in the future. Lieutenant Benjamin Alfreck, the Grand Copy, complained without hesitation.

"Isn't that a better indication of the Chief's trust in us?" The captain, Captain Rudiger Natzmer, looked quite pleased, "Come to think of it, it's a great honor for us to be promoted to the general flagship of the Frontier Fleet." ”

"The captain is right." Early warning sergeant Tang Xingyun followed, "But the responsibility on our shoulders is even greater. ”

"I still don't understand, is it appropriate for the commander to set up the headquarters on our small cruiser if he doesn't want to leave a good large ship?" Sergeant Abighij Kumanfre spoke out about his inner confusion.

"The starting point of the chief's thinking is not something that we can easily understand." Jerry Mosley followed.

"I think it's better to think about two things." "This battleship, which has been invincible under the command of the Commander, has become a symbol of victory for the Commander, our Frontier Fleet, and even the entire Senate and the Roman people, and I am convinced that we will prevail when I see the Commander on this cruiser." In addition to the spiritual, in essence, the command of the entire fleet is hidden on a type of ordinary and common cruisers, which facilitates both concealment and maneuverability. ”

Sergeant Ralph Turk, who usually doesn't like to talk much, really surprised and surprised his comrades by saying this.

"Ralph, I think you should apply for the officer academy and become a great commander like a sir." Lieutenant Benjamin Alfreck made a serious suggestion.

"You can also ask the chief to write a letter of recommendation for you, so that you can avoid some difficulties for the old pedants." Captain Digger Natzmer followed.

Ralph Turk smiled at their suggestion.

"Commander-in-Chief enters the bridge!"

Jiang Ziyue flew in through the armored door and returned to the position where he had previously served as fleet commander.

Jiang Ziyue looked around at the brothers who had been living and dying with him and crisscrossing the stars, and said loudly: "I announce two news, one good and one bad, which one do you want to listen to first?" ”

"I like to hear the good news first." Alfryke preemptively said, "And then you have to be in a good mood to be optimistic about the bad news." ”

"The good news is that the unmanned notification ship 'Red Star' 81 has arrived at 'Iserlon' with a notice from the Imperial Military Academy, and our Sergeant Ralph Turk has passed the exam and has been officially admitted. I will go to school in April next year to report on the planet of 'New Byzantium'. Congratulations, Ralph. ”

Immediately there was a burst of cheers and applause from the bridge.

"Great! Congratulations, Ralph! Captain Rudiger Natzmer immediately congratulated Turk loudly.

"Welcome to the Officers' Club!" Alfreck exclaimed happily.

"Ralph, what a hand!"

"Remember to treat!"

"There is another great commander among us!"

But Jiang Ziyue, who announced the good news, did not show too much joy and excitement, because he knew very well in his heart that the "new Byzantine" planet would probably not survive this year, let alone next April.

At that time, the Imperial Senate and various institutions, including, naturally, the military academy, would probably be forced to disperse to the various planets. Even the existence of the Senate and the Roman people may be considered a problem. After all, he is also soberly aware that with his current strength, he cannot be optimistic about the situation.

After the joy of the crowd had calmed down, Lieutenant Alflake asked, "Sir, everyone is happy and can look at the bad news with optimism." Please announce the bad news. ”

Alfreyke's peculiar mentality made Jiang Ziyue have a new understanding of him.

But instead of immediately announcing the so-called "bad news", he instead ordered the commander-in-chief: "Abhiji, open the all-public broadcast, I want to announce the battle order." ”

"Yes, sir."

Soon, Jiang Ziyue's image was clearly presented on the three-dimensional imaging of the planes of the border fleet on the planet "Iserlon" and the bridges of all the ships around it.

As he always appears in public announcements, he is not dressed in a state of war space civilian clothes, but in a magnificent and imposing black dress of the Imperial Army, wearing a white soft-brimmed hat that is standard for lieutenants and soldiers. On his left chest he wears a dazzling diamond sword oak leaf gold Caesar Medal, a double eagle-shaped platinum Imperial Medal of Courage, and a sapphire Senate medal.

Jiang Ziyue announced loudly, but quite heavily, to all the officers and men of the fleet:

"The Senate and the warriors of the Roman people, I am the new commander-in-chief of the Frontier Fleet under the Senate and the Roman people, Colonel von Jiang Ziyue. We, the Senate and the people of Rome, are facing an unprecedented crisis, and our families, relatives and friends are about to be lost in internal and external difficulties. This is not sensational, our enemies, the armies of the Perseus Federation, have gathered the remnants of their fleets and are preparing to invade the planet 'New Byzantium'. ”

His voice became full of confidence and fighting spirit, and he showed that he was determined to win, and exclaimed passionately:

"In order to smash the enemy's conspiracy, protect our Senate and the Roman people, protect our homeland, our relatives and friends, I, Jiang Ziyue, who has been invincible since joining the army, will lead you, the Senate and the warriors of the Roman people, to start the 'Mahabharata' operation and launch a counterattack on the enemy's hinterland! Twenty-four hours later, we'll all be on the move! Our target - the planet 'Andromeda'! Our Mission – VENI VIDI VICI! ”

“VENI VIDI VICI ！”

Jiang Ziyue's announcement provoked an excited and impassioned response from his subordinates.

The Frontier Fleet is in high spirits, and the entire planet "Iserlon" is full of confidence in victory. No one, whether it is Jiang Ziyue's old army or the new army, will not doubt Jiang Ziyue's bold words.

This man who was born in the interstellar arms of the Immortals, as the Imperial Announcer Diego Gatto praised: "A genius and a god of war, he is the ultimate creature of the evolution of the universe - childless, no victory!" ”

Blatantly announcing sorties and targets, Jiang Ziyue not only gave his subordinates strong confidence, but also put heavy pressure on their opponents.

On November 16, 2920, just four days after Jiang Ziyue led hundreds of thousands of generals of the border fleet of the New Roman Empire to go on a large-scale expedition, the entire territory of the Perseus Star Federation was already openly discussing the enemy's attack.

Jiang Ziyue's old opponents, the Immortal Interstellar Bundeswehr and Colonel Robb, thousands of light-years away. It seems to be much easier than Jiang Ziyue.

Although he already knew that he would serve as a vanguard officer in the crazy battle plan drawn up by Luo Xiaochen, and took the great risk of launching an expedition while others were in danger, and also knew that Jiang Ziyue and the border fleet were about to invade on a large scale, he still held a bouquet of gorgeous roses and went to the appointment with his "fiancée" with a smile on his face.