The planet "Midgard" was attacked again, and the battle reports and rumors scattered along with various unmanned notification ships in public and private countries, instantly blasting a huge column of water behind the Perseus Star Federation, which was immersed in the joyful atmosphere of the successful progress of the expedition. In particular, Li Jingxian's declaration with a strong threat made countless people panic.

A former captive brings the fleet back for revenge, and most people dare not imagine what the situation will become. In particular, the top echelons of the federation, who are well aware of the emptiness behind them, are even more worried. After receiving the battle report, Song Tingrong, the president of the Immortal Interstellar Federation, looked very panicked.

"What can I do? Should the expeditionary fleet be ordered to return immediately? Or send the 10th National Guard Fleet to intercept it? Song Tingrong, who lacked military experience, asked his subordinates questions one after another.

"Sir, it's too late to recall the expeditionary fleet." He was responded to by the newly promoted special adjutant to the president, Luo Xiaochen.

In fact, when Luo Xiaochen formulated the "Genghis Khan" battle plan, he considered the possibility that the fleet of the New Roman Empire would take the opportunity to attack the territory of the Perseus Interstellar Federation. However, after much deliberation, he finally put this possibility on a low level, and since the 10th National Guard Fleet was stationed on the planet "Andromeda", he was not too worried about the counterattack of the Imperial Army. After all, the objective fact that the Imperial Army was insufficient could not be reversed in a short period of time.

"Then let the Tenth Fleet hurry up and intercept it!" Song Tingrong looked very anxious.

"Nope." Luo Xiaochen said categorically, "Let the Tenth Fleet of the National Guard be strictly guarded here at 'Andromeda'." Judging from the report of the planet 'Midgard', the enemy's fleet is not large. The Tenth Fleet has superiority in strength and firepower, and with the enemy's long runs, we can inflict a heavy blow on the enemy here. ”

Mr. Luo appeared confident, but the president and other cabinet members were not hopeful.

"What if the enemy doesn't come to attack 'Andromeda'?" Dai Yunong, director of the Security Committee, asked, and then she emphatically emphasized, "In addition to the capital planet 'Andromeda' in the Perseus Interstellar Federation, there are also twenty-seven inhabited planets. ”

"Li Jingxian's declaration sounds very scary." Luo Xiaochen did not directly answer Dai Yunong's question, but analyzed it to the president and everyone, and his tone was very calm, "However, his fleet did not carry out a retaliatory massacre on the planet 'Midgard', but only attacked military targets, and the war posture was only to scare the people." So, I think his mentality is still very normal, and his harsh words are just psychological warfare against our people. As long as we don't provoke him, he won't go mad. ”

"But it is absolutely a great shame to hold the enemy fleet and show off its might in our country!"

It was the hologram from the communications conference system that spoke, Rear Admiral Arthur Turner, commander of the Tenth Fleet of the National Guard.

"General Turner, please calm down and think about it, the enemy is in the shadows, and he has the initiative to attack, if you mobilize your fleet to intercept them, not only will it not be easy to find them, but it may also cause the defense of the planet 'Andromoda' to be empty, and they will be deceived by their plan to divert the tiger from the mountain." Luo Xiaochen analyzed.

"Captain Luo's words make a lot of sense." Qian Xi, the newly appointed national security adviser, also participated in the discussion, "But I don't think we can hope for the kindness of the enemy." If we hold fast to 'Andromeda' and they plunder on other planets, we will undoubtedly be ruthlessly spurned by the elect! ”

Luo Xiaochen was quite disdainful of a veteran professional politician like Qian Xi, and said in a contemptuous tone: "Adviser Qian is really too much to think about military issues purely from a political point of view. Li Jingxian's fleet is limited in strength, and it is a lone force that penetrates deeply, even if it relies on plundering China's rear, it will be difficult to last. Our troops only need to put the 10th National Guard Fleet in the posture of going forward to intercept and actually remain stationed on the planet 'Andromeda', so that the enemy can be caught in a dilemma. ”

"Captain Luo, you can't help but think of the enemy as too retarded." Qian Xi unceremoniously sneered.

The Luo Xiaochen in front of him, who is so young, has never won a battle, and does not seem to have any actual achievements, being able to enter the military defense army and climb to his current position is completely due to his relationship with his half-brother Luo Shilin, who can be his grandfather. Therefore, in the power center of the planet "Andromeda", everyone generally looks down on him. Compared with his other so-called "brother" Luo Bo, who is surprisingly lucky and supported by many generals in the military, politicians don't take him Luo Xiaochen seriously.

"It's Advisor Qian, you're too mentally retarded." In front of the president and cabinet officials, Luo Xiaochen completely ignored the occasion and unrestrained ridicule of Qian Xi.

"You ......" Qian Xi was suddenly so angry by Luo Xiaochen that his face turned red, he was speechless for a while, and his old face was even more distorted.

Luo Xiaochen sneered, and then analyzed to the president and everyone:

"Li Jingxian has already taken the lead, putting us in the dilemma of sticking to 'Andromeda' or trying to stop him with all our might. However, because we have the advantage of strength and are fighting on the inside line, we can completely pretend to be a surprise and let the Tenth Fleet pretend to attack, announce in a high-profile manner that it will go to pursue and suppress, and actually hide and ambush in the 'Machu Picchu' binary star system. In this way, it can not only reassure the people, but also kick the choice problem back to Li Jingxian. Because the Tenth Fleet of the National Guard did not really pursue it, it was difficult for him to detect the Tenth Fleet for a while. Then it was his turn to make a dilemma: attack the planet 'Andromeda', if the Tenth Fleet did not dispatch, it would be attacked by superior forces and hit the stone with eggs, and if the Tenth Fleet did not attack the planet 'Andromeda' and harassed it, if the Tenth Fleet really came to pursue it, his fleet would also face great danger. In short, if Li Jing wants to play psychological warfare with us first, then we will also fight back with psychological warfare. ”

This analysis made Song Tingrong's cabinet members fall into deep thought.

Because Defense Minister Manuel Velascos and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Zhang Bingye, whom Song Tingrong trusted, led the troops to recruit in person, most of the generals who stayed behind were not treated well by the president, and even because the president was "favored" by Luo Xiaochen, who was "not dry," many disgruntled officers remained silent. Therefore, at this time, the Song cabinet could not obtain broader and adequate advice on military deployment. It is almost reduced to Luo Xiaochen's "Yiyantang".

However, the final military decision will be made by President Soong Dinh Rong. But in the military, Song Tingrong is a complete layman. If you act according to Luo Xiaochen's suggestion, there may be no problem militarily, but the political risks, Song Tingrong himself is very clear, and there are huge risks.

Just as National Security Adviser Qian Xifang just said, once the planet "Andromeda" is not held, if the enemy army wantonly loots on other planets, he, the ruling president and the party of the Interstellar United Front, will undoubtedly lose the hearts of the people, and the next election will definitely lose all the votes, and once again become an opposition party with only words.

After hesitating repeatedly, Song Tingrong spoke again and said, "Captain Luo is right, now we are facing a dilemma. There is a risk for the National Guard to attack, and there is a risk for not attacking. Let's adjourn the meeting and let me think about it again. But he paused, then added with a feigned composure, "But rest assured, I'll give you the official instructions in an hour." ”

Song Tingrong didn't intend to give his subordinates a chance to respond, and immediately got up and left his seat after speaking, and walked to the door of the conference room.

All the staff had to stand up. Luo Xiaochen also stood up, but he followed the president like a fart.

Entering the president's office, Song Tingrong immediately turned around and reprimanded Luo Xiaochen: "You kid is too ignorant of the sky, who is Qian Xi?" You were so rude to him! I don't trust you to mock the party bigwigs of the United Front. ”

Luo Xiaochen hurriedly stood upright, raised his chest and raised his head, just like a soldier accepting an officer's lecture, maintaining a serious attitude. Then he replied loudly, "Yes, sir." ”

After Song Tingrong finished venting his emotions, he looked at Luo Xiaochen, lowered his tone, and said: "Now that the situation on the front line of the 'Genghis Khan' operation is still unclear, the enemy has already detoured to our rear to engage in guerrillas, and the reason why you don't let the 10th Fleet of the National Guard go to pursue and suppress it sounds reasonable. But you know, if we don't take some measures about it, we won't be able to give an account to the people, and as you say, psychological warfare is not safe against psychological warfare. ”

"Your Excellency, the lowly post has already thought of a countermeasure, but it is inconvenient to raise it at the cabinet meeting." Luo Xiaochen said confidently.

"What countermeasures?" Song Tingrong asked urgently.

"As Your Excellency said, in the current situation, if we do not take some measures, we will not be able to account for the people, and psychological warfare will not be safe." Luo Xiaochen followed Song Tingrong's words and said, "Then, let's find another person to act as a fuse for us." ”

"Fuse?" Song Tingrong asked puzzled.

"I recommend that Your Excellency reactivate Admiral Eric von Bloomberg and form a new fleet called the Home Defense Fleet, and appoint him as Fleet Commander to defend 'Andromeda' and the surrounding planets. Of course, this fleet is fake, only existing in propaganda, nominally consisting of the 10th National Guard Fleet and the 13th Wehrmacht Fleet, which had previously disappeared in the Second Battle of the Yi Star Field. In this way, our army is very strong in numbers, and with the prestige of General Bloomberg, I believe that it can completely appease people's minds internally, and it is enough to deter Li Jingxian's fleet externally, so that he will not dare to act rashly against the capital star field. ”

Luo Xiaochen paused before continuing: "Taking 10,000 steps back, even if Li Jingxian doesn't know the height of the sky and really fights hard, and our army's Tenth Fleet is defeated by him, and the people suffer losses, Your Excellency's political maneuver space will be very large. The commander of the army who led the defense was the world-famous five-star general Bloomberg, and your Excellency was ...... at best."

Song Tingrong hurriedly waved his hand to signal him to shut down, then turned around and paced, thought for a while, and then turned back to Luo Xiaochen and said: "General Bloomberg resigned, but because the 'Genghis Khan' battle plan disagrees with me, and he is also a die-hard supporter of the opposition Democratic and Liberal Alliance, he is not with me and the Interstellar United Front. ”

"This is something that everyone knows, and it is the condition that Your Excellency can take advantage of. Now that the national crisis is at hand, Your Excellency invites the old general to go out of the mountain, and with his character, he will definitely not dare and will not refuse. It's just ......" Luo Xiaochen didn't continue, but stopped talking.

"Just what?" Song Tingrong asked rhetorically, but soon he continued to ask, "Do you want me to invite him to Bloomberg in person?" ”

"This is necessary, Your Excellency." Luo Xiaochen explained, "General Blompegg is the only five-star general in our army at present, and if you deign, General Bloomberg will naturally not be able to refuse. And public opinion will fully praise your Corporal Lixian. Then, even if the war develops to an end that is not favorable to our country......"

Song Tingrong waved his hand again to interrupt his words, staring at this young officer who was as tall and handsome as his future son-in-law Luo Bo, and his eyes lit up.

Soon, Song Tingrong smiled and said to Luo Xiaochen: "Okay, you get ready, come with me to the general's house." ”

"No, on this occasion, it's better to avoid lowly duties." Luo Xiaochen refused without hesitation.

Song Tingrong looked at him, thought about it again, and deliberately asked, "Why?" ”

"The old general is a traditional professional soldier, and he doesn't like me, a young man who entered the army because of the favor of His Excellency the President and the relationship between his father and brother, and has no real achievements. Moreover, if the lowly office is accompanied by your side even on such occasions, the lowly office always thinks that it is very inappropriate. Luo Xiaochen explained, with a slight wry smile on his face.

"If only you understood." Rong Tingrong nodded and said, "You go down." ”

"Yes, sir! Goodbye, sir! After Luo Xiaochen responded loudly, he immediately snapped and stood upright, then took a step back, turned around and strode away.

Like a professional soldier, the action is in place, although his previous official service in the army is very little, so little that it is almost negligible.

Soon, President Soong met with Five-Star General Eric von Bloomberg.

After returning from the "White Star" vacation, the old general did not stay at home, but hunted ducks in a public hunting ground in the northern suburbs of Pangu City. So when the staff informed him that the president was summoned, he didn't even have time to change his clothes, so he went to the club in shorts and a sunhat to meet the president.

After some courtesy and greetings, Song Tingrong got straight to the point and informed him of the idea of forming a local defense fleet and appointing him as commander. General Bloomberg didn't show much hesitation and just agreed.

But the old general then made a request: "I need Gesler and the men of the 13th Fleet." ”

Song Tingrong was quite surprised, and hurriedly asked: "General, you also know, because in the second 'Yi' Star Domain Battle, they lost all the ships of the entire Thirteenth Fleet, and they are still in the concentration camp of the 'White Star'. ”

Bloomberg analyzed: "Your Excellency, you want me to calm the hearts of the people and deter the enemy. We need to expand our forces to make the home defense fleet look very strong. But the strength of the Tenth Fleet of the National Guard alone is not enough for the outward strength. Moreover, the Thirteenth Fleet is included in the fleet formation plan, so it is necessary for us to highlight the existence of the Thirteenth Fleet. After all, we have never disclosed the situation of the 13th Fleet to the outside world, nor have we abolished its establishment, it is fully staffed, and all that is lacking is warships. So it also has quite a deterrent effect. ”

"As you said, what is lacking is warships, and just relying on these people can make them fly into space to defend against enemy fleets?" Song Tingrong was not at ease, and he was full of doubts.

Bloomberg took the opportunity to ask him for this group of soldiers who were still under close surveillance, which really surprised and confused Song Tingrong.

"Publicize that we still have the Thirteenth Fleet, and let me publicly review the officers and men of the fleet, I believe that both the enemy and the people will believe that the Thirteenth Fleet really exists." "As for the battleship," Bloomberg said calmly, "this one doesn't need to be seen. The positioning of the 13th Fleet is to exist as a fleet and play a deterrent role. ”

Song Tingrong had to hesitate again and again, and finally agreed, but he also put forward additional restrictions, saying: "Most of the officers and men of the Thirteenth Fleet have completed the review, and you can call these people." But the few people who are still under investigation by the Security Council, general, you can only keep your distance from them. ”

"Yes, sir." Bloomberg responded.

"Then look forward to the triumph of the five-star general. The official order will be issued soon, so go home and get ready. Song Tingrong said with a smile and stretched out his right hand to Bloomberg.

"Thank you, sir." Mr. Bloomberg responded to the president with the same deference as a soldier.

Soon, the Thirteenth Fleet of the Immortal Interstellar Bundeswehr, which seems to have disappeared for a long time, reappeared in the public media coverage and made a high-profile appearance. This was accompanied by the Wehrmacht's current five-star Admiral Eric von Bloomberg and the newly formed Home Defense Fleet.

The Home Defense Fleet was commanded by Five-Star Admiral Bloomberg, with Admiral Henning Gessler's Wehrmacht Thirteenth Fleet and Vice Admiral Arthur Turner's National Guard Tenth Fleet. Statistically, the native defense fleet is very strong, with more than 3,000 battleships and more than 4,000 cruisers.

In reality, however, only the Tenth Fleet of the National Guard, with less than 700 old battleships and more than a thousand cruisers, could go into battle.

Despite this, Bloomberg quickly rushed to the "White Star" planet, and publicly inspected some of the officers and men of the 13th Fleet, and made a rare speech in which he directly ridiculed Li Jingxian:

"Citizens of the Federation, don't be intimidated by a former prisoner of ours. The so-called Li Jingxian, who was able to climb to the commander of the fleet, completely relied on the power of his father and the rotten system of the new Roman Empire. In the battles of his life, he never achieved a decent victory, and there was even a despicable crime of leaving his comrades and running away. I don't even bother to be an opponent of this kind of garbage officer second-generation. But now that this garbage has thrown itself into the net, for you, for the sake of the Federation of Democracy and Freedom, I will lead all the generals of the Home Defense Fleet to give a head-on blow and completely crush him and his weak fleet. Eternal allegiance to your Eric von Bloomberg. ”

The content of this speech was made at the direction of President Song Tingrong, but it was actually written by Luo Xiaochen.