"General, my reconnaissance ship has sent a report that the remaining fleet of the enemy has regrouped ten astronomical units away." In the communication system, Jiang Ziyue nervously reported that the overwhelming enemy was obviously preparing to kill again, and as a commander, he was also under pressure.

Muhammad Ahmat did not respond immediately, and he must now make a decision as soon as possible between fighting and retreating. If you insist on fighting against a superior opponent, the odds of victory are too low, and although it is wise to retreat, the honor of this life and the war planning of the entire country will be affected.

Seeing that his superiors did not react immediately, Jiang Ziyue then suggested: "Sir, in terms of the current balance of forces, we are still in a rather disadvantageous position. And our army is already very tired from continuous battles. He believed that our army could be temporarily transferred, and after merging with the logistics fleet, a new counterattack plan could be made. ”

"As soon as we go, the interstellar planet 'Yi' will fall into the hands of the enemy." Ahmaiti said hurriedly. Although Jiang Ziyue seemed quite confident, he still knew very well that any "temporary transfer" and "counterattack plan" were just tactful words, and this retreat was tantamount to declaring that the Imperial Army had suffered a defeat in the battle for the "Yi" planet.

"But, sir. If we continue to insist on fighting the superior enemy, in case our army encounters an accident, not only will the 'easy' planet not be saved, but all opportunities will be far away from us. Jiang Ziyue insisted on his opinion, "The enemy will soon be able to attack again, sir, please make a decision as soon as possible." ”

Ahmati hesitated for a moment, finally agreed, and said helplessly: "Okay." It seems that this is the only way to go. ”

"And, sir. There's something I have to report to you. Jiang Ziyue looked quite ashamed, "Despicable and incompetent, the scientific expedition team that landed on the planet 'Yi' was raided by the enemy, and it is likely that all of them have been captured by the enemy." ”

Ahmaiti was furious when he heard the news and roared, "All captured?!" What do you do? I told you to keep them safe, but you made them all captives! ”

"In order to support your battle, I am in a hurry to put all my warships into battle, and I don't have time to send troops to escort you." Jiang Ziyue defended himself with difficulty.

Jiang Ziyue's words made General Ahmati even more unhappy, and he was about to further rebuke him for his negligence. But when the general spoke again, his tone changed, and he said with a little helplessness: "Major, in any case, you are directly responsible for the safety of scientists. Now that they have been captured by the enemy, I order you to lead your cruisers in pursuit at once. ”

"Yes, sir!" Jiang Ziyue replied firmly.

After speeding up the communication, Admiral Ahmat commanded the remnants of the "Cyrus" fleet to disperse and sail faster than light, away from the battlefield, leaving only the hospital ship to contain the survivors of the damaged warship.

On the way back, General Muhammad Ahmat sat silently in the seat of the tactical command center of the "Cyrus the Great" and did not say a word. This return could well be the end of his career.

Jiang Ziyue immediately directed his cruiser, which had been completely disabled, to rush to the near-Earth space of the planet "Yi" and rendezvous with the "Nezha".

"How's it going, Lotta?" In the communication system, Jiang Ziyue anxiously asked the captain of the "Nezha" Lota Stoldt.

"No survivors have been found, and all the equipment left on the ground by the expedition team has been lost. It must have been moved by the creatures on the planet. Lota Staudert said regretfully.

"Creatures on planets?"

"Yes, our infrared remote sensing system has detected a large number of organisms covering the landing site and the surrounding ground. But now they're gone, and there's no trace of them. Lota Staudert then added, "Sir, judging from the contents of the telegram left by the federal officer named Robb, all the members of the expedition should have fallen into his hands. I don't think they're scientists, so there's no problem with their safety. ”

Jiang Ziyue could hear the other party's off-string sound. But in the face of the reality that his beloved woman and the entire landing team of the scientific expedition team that should have been protected by him have fallen into the hands of the enemy, he was still full of chagrin and remorse, and asked anxiously: "Captain Stoldt, can't you be sure of the whereabouts of that damn Robb and his 'Zhiyuan'?" ”

"At that time, the distance was too large, and we couldn't accurately locate the 'Zhiyuan'." Lota Stoddt replied in embarrassment.

At this moment, the unmanned reconnaissance ship changed its speed of light at a distance of about 300,000 kilometers behind the flagship "Siegfried" and reported the arrival of the enemy fleet.

The 13th Fleet of the Bundeswehr, which still numbered 1,200 warships, appeared in space about an astronomical unit from the planet Yi under the unified command of Admiral Henning Geisler. The reintegrated fleet formed a dense formation and advanced at high speed towards the "easy" planet.

"Sir, we should leave." Captain Joseph Dietrich, first mate of the "Siegfried", eagerly reminded Jiang Ziyue.

Jiang Ziyue sat on the ship's seat and said nothing. No one could see his face full of frustration and remorse in the protective helmet of the space combat suit. He lost not only the expedition team he protected, but also his sweetheart.

The bitterness and coldness of defeat mixed into a chilling atmosphere that permeated the bridge of the Siegfried. The soldiers fell silent, and they didn't even dare to come out. Only stereoscopic imaging projected in the air and various display systems constantly change the image.

After a while, Dietrich reminded again: "Sir......"

"Order all ships to retreat immediately." Jiang Ziyue immediately responded in a loud voice.

"Yes, sir." The sergeants replied in unison in a slightly frustrated tone.

In this way, under the sad mood of defeat, Jiang Ziyue led the cruiser fleet, which originally belonged to the Ninth Task Force on the Border, to withdraw from the "Yi" star field, and rendezvous with the "Cyrus" fleet, the supply fleet and four scientific research ships under the command of General Ahmat in the space of more than 2,000 astronomical units.

After this battle, the New Roman Imperial Army only took a slight advantage in the loss statistics, destroying nearly 1,200 ships of the Bundeswehr in total, while the "Cyrus" fleet and the Ninth Task Force lost a total of about 1,000 ships. With only one-half the number of opponents, the Imperial army could barely be called a tactical victory. However, the Imperial Army was still unable to hold on to the "easy" planet, the campaign objective was not achieved, and the higher-level goal of "pinning down the Bundeswehr fleet" became an extravagant hope. So there was a complete defeat at the campaign level and even at the strategic level.

On board the flagship Cyrus the Great, Muhammad Ahmat summoned commanders of all ranks to discuss new countermeasures to the deterioration of the situation. But when the officers met, they all had sad faces, like mourning. Jiang Ziyue showed a mood that was far heavier and more painful than the others.

The sorrow of the enemy is often the source of one's own joy.

After commanding the cruiser "Zhiyuan" to successfully attack and capture the new Roman scientific expedition team that landed on the planet "Yi", Major Robb returned to the supply rendezvous point in the other direction, which was also more than 2,000 astronomical units away from the planet "Yi". The "Zhiyuan", which changed to the speed of light, headed at high speed for a huge group of nearly a thousand supply ships and escort cruisers.

Before docking with the supply ship and transferring the prisoners, Robb took advantage of his spare time to go to the cabin where the scientists were held to see his "trophies". Now everyone, the captives, along with the soldiers who held them, no longer wore thick power armor and space combat suits. The scientists of the New Roman Empire all wore the electromagnetic boots temporarily issued to them by the federal army and sat in comfortable seats, greeting their conquerors with blank expressions.

"Hello everyone, I'm Robb, Major of the Immortal Interstellar Bundeswehr, and it's a pleasure to meet you!" Robb arrogantly and proudly introduced himself, "Soon, you will be transferred to the supply ship and escorted directly to the central planet of the free world, Andromeda. You will be greeted with a warm welcome and a VIP reception. ”

Robb's impassioned speech did not arouse the enthusiasm of the scientists. As a captive, how can you take the verbal promises of the victors seriously? Although many previous examples have proved that the Perseus Federation did treat captured scientists as guests, who would be happy to be forced to live in a foreign land, away from their families and loved ones?

Robb paid little attention to the audience's reaction, and continued to smug: "All in all, everyone should be happy. This is a good opportunity for everyone to break free from the shackles of the dictatorship and go to a world of freedom and light. My colleagues and I are deeply honored and proud to be able to help you achieve this glorious and sacred goal. Thank you! ”

He immediately stood up and saluted, but the people of New Rome sat silently in their chairs, refusing to respond.

When the subordinates around him saw that the commander's speech was cold, they applauded and greeted their commander. But Rob didn't show any embarrassment and displeasure, this kind of ending was something he had long expected. For a large group of highly intelligent people, how can a few clichés impress?

After the applause of his subordinates ended, someone among the scientists immediately shouted and mocked: "It's ridiculous, this kind of commander who wants his subordinates to applaud is still ashamed, let alone freedom!" ”

The sarcastic voice is rich in the sharpness and femininity of a young woman. Robb immediately recognized that the voice belonged to the woman who had resisted in front of him earlier. The person who made the voice was sitting in the first row in front of him. She wore a tight-fitting silver-gray space suit, revealing her graceful figure, her hair was coiled on the top of her head, and her delicate eyebrows were generously displayed. But those bright eyes radiated a light full of anger and contempt. This person should be Dr. Chen Weiyin, who was introduced by Academician Bernstein on the planet "Yi" before.

"Are you Dr. Chan Wai Yan? Could you please stand up and say that? Robb politely asked.

Chen Weiyin stood up without fear and said loudly: "After listening to what you just said, I found that you are not only obscene and shameless, but also a hypocritical liar. You want gratitude and applause, don't you? I tell you, if you send us back to any planet in New Rome now, all of us will immediately give you the warmest applause! But you don't have the guts and courage at all, you don't even dare to think of such thoughts, but you dare to shamelessly claim to be honored and proud. I can only regretfully quote an old saying to evaluate you: I've seen shamelessness, but I've never seen you so shameless. ”

Her words were immediately met with warm and loud applause from the colleagues present.

Robb didn't care what the other party said, he didn't even listen to a word at all. All his attention was focused on Chen Weiyin, examining this brave and beautiful young woman. This woman's figure and appearance are no less than the future wife arranged by her mother, Song Xiaoyu, the young lady of the Song family. But she also radiates a steadfast integrity and fearless courage that the pampered Song Xiaoyu does not have.

When the applause of the new Romans ceased, Robb clapped alone, and then showed a smug smile that seemed obscene to others, and said, "Very wonderful, Miss Chen, really very wonderful - although I didn't listen to a word." Then his face changed, and he ordered, "Come, take her to my room." ”

"What do you want to do!?" Chen Weiyin glared at Robb and asked loudly.

"I have to change the image in your mind, so that you can know the real me, a dignified man!" Luo Bo said solemnly, and then waved his hand to signal his subordinates to take Chen Weiyin away.

At this time, the scientists were already furious at this blatant insult and threat, and immediately burst into a strong protest. Someone even jumped out of their seat and flew desperately at Robb in the weightless space. However, the Bundeswehr marines were quicker and captured their commander before they could threaten him. But the field was out of control and sharply toppled over, and someone had already pounced on the nearby Marines, ready to snatch the weapon.

Seeing this, Chen Weiyin hurriedly waved his arms and shouted hoarsely: "Please don't be impulsive, calm down!" ”

Hearing her persuasion, everyone stopped their actions and fell silent.

"Please calm down." Chen Weiyin said gratefully, "Thank you for your concern. But as a citizen of New Rome, I will not succumb to the coercion of my enemies! Then she glared at Robb fiercely, and said in a tone that looked at death, "I want to see what else this despicable and shameless creature can do with me!" ”

After finishing speaking, he took the initiative to walk out of the cabin where the Marine soldiers were being held.

Once again, the citizens of New Rome were outraged with discontent and protests, and were ready to revolt again.

Robb quickly stepped forward and explained loudly: "Give me peace!" Please make no mistake! I had some misunderstandings with Dr. Chan and I had to clarify them with her in person. It's just that there are some words that are not suitable for saying in public. ”

This caused all the angry scientists to pause further revolt.

"I know that the same sentence can be misunderstood in different situations." Luo Bo continued to explain in a solemn tone, "I must explain to you that my biological father is the famous General Su Yu. Therefore, neither the law, nor the military discipline, nor the glory of my father's generation allowed me to do anything despicable to Dr. Chen. ”

With his father's reputation as a guarantee, he strode away.

But the new Romans behind them began to protest fiercely again. His father's virtue and integrity were indeed praised even by the Neo-Romans, but after all, he was only Robo, not his father himself.

Robb did not immediately return to his captain's room, but returned to his command post on the bridge.

"Is there anything new in the fleet?" He asked anxiously. It had now been nearly two hours since he led his ships out of the left flank of the Thirteenth Fleet, and the battle between the entire Thirteenth Fleet and the Imperial Fleet should have come to an end.

"I just received a battle report from the ship." The communications non-commissioned officer hurriedly responded, "The remnants of the enemy have fled, and our thirteenth fleet has taken control of the airspace around the interstellar planet 'Yi'. General Geisler demanded that the logistical supply fleet be immediately transferred to the 'Yi' star field. ”

The news was clearly encouraging, but the tone of the communications non-commissioned officer was somewhat heavy.

"Good news, but you don't seem to be happy." Robb heard the mood of his subordinates and asked puzzled.

"Except for us, not a single one of the entire left-wing ship group survived. According to preliminary statistics, together with the losses of other ship groups, nearly 10,000 officers and men of General Anthony Britta and his followers died heroically. The communications non-commissioned officer added with deep sorrow.

Rob on the captain's seat let out a long sigh, lifted the huge safety buckle on his body, stood up, and ordered loudly: "All stand up!" ”

Everyone in the bridge opened their safety buckles and stood up in unison.

"Take off your hat and mourn."

The officers and men of the Bundeswehr who took off their hats bowed their heads in silence in memory of their dead comrades.

Those souls who sleep beyond the dark and desolate Immortal Spiral Arm will no longer see the two suns above the planet Aegis, nor the magnificent star Machu Picchu in the night sky of the planet Andromeda. Perhaps they will be attracted to the interstellar planet "Yi", which is heading towards the center of the galaxy, and rest in the light and heat generated when they enter the atmosphere, or maybe they will drift forever in the void of the universe and turn into eternity.

Unlike the New Roman Empire, which used hospital ships and other specialized ships to bring back the remains of martyrs as much as possible, the Wehrmacht of the Perseus Federation paid less attention to the disposal of the bodies of the dead. Military cemeteries on various planets within its territory are mainly for those who died a normal death. The Bundeswehr gives the families of the martyrs more material mercy than their opponents, according to their rank and merits, and compensates for the excesses of the dead with practical care for the living.

After a minute of silence, Robb announced the end of the ceremony.

At this time, the "Zhiyuan" had also flown close to the supply fleet. But the huge fleet is spreading out in formation, and the ships are accelerating. More than 200,000 kilometers away, the battleship "Enterprise", the flagship of the supply fleet, launched a communication laser to establish a connection with the cruiser "Zhiyuan".

The commander of the supply flotilla was Brigadier General Elisabeth Adriana de Savoy. The descendant of the former nobles of the Kingdom of Sardinia is still quite young, having already become a brigadier general at the age of thirty-four, and in less than half a year she will officially become a female general of the Bundeswehr. And Gunther Oswald, who graduated at the same time as her, even if he once had the aura of "new generation talent", is only mixed into the position of lieutenant colonel.

For Elizabeth, who is really not very good-looking, being able to become a brigadier general is completely due to her outstanding coordination ability and sophisticated mind. Elizabeth led the logistics with a reputation for efficiency and incorruptibility, of course, in the eyes of some people she was an out-and-out "miser" and gave her the nickname "stingy princess".

When Elizabeth's stereoscopic image appeared on the bridge of the "Zhiyuan", Robb was quite surprised and quickly stood up and saluted.

"Major Luo, I can't take your scientist captives anymore." Elizabeth said bluntly, "General Geisler ordered my fleet to leave for the 'Yi' star field immediately, and my fleet cannot be delayed for a second. ”

"Sir, according to the procedure, you should send a supply ship to bring the prisoners back to their homeland." Robb argued.

"Major, I don't need you to remind me what I should do, at least according to your current rank, you are not qualified enough." Brigadier General Elisabeth de Savoy showed an aristocratic haughty. Even in video communication, she held her head high so that the other party could not meet her eyes, and she herself seemed to look down at the other party with her hooked nose.

She continued: "To transport such an important prisoner by supply ship, I also have to send combat ships to escort them all the way, which will affect the support of the battle fleet. There are only more than fifty captives in all, and I order you to send them back directly by cruiser. This is a time-saving and labor-saving thing, so why do you have to rigidly stick to the dogma of the procedure? ”

"There are sixty-four prisoners in total, and my cruiser is already seriously overloaded." Robb was not willing to return to the Commonwealth mainland so soon. It is likely that the new Roman army will launch a large-scale counterattack and escort the prisoners back by itself, which will undoubtedly miss another opportunity to participate in the decisive battle. He has been greedy for merit and left the ship, and as a result, he is separated from many robes of the same detachment. Now that he had left the entire Thirteenth Fleet and returned alone, he was really reluctant in his heart.

"A cruiser is not a passenger ship." Elizabeth said firmly, "If you are self-denying, do not embezzle or waste, and support the return of more than a hundred of you to Andromeda according to the supplies that have been given to your ship before, it will be more than enough." Even the worst can be maintained to Aegis. Well, I'm in a hurry to join General Geisler, and I wish you all a pleasant journey. ”

With that, Elizabeth ended the correspondence, leaving Robb no room for negotiation. As a commodore general, although she is a logistics fleet system, Rob Bo, who ordered the captain of the major, is also reasonable.

"Sure enough, it's a stingy princess, and today is a sight." Robb had to complain to himself.

"Sir, shall we leave immediately?" However, the sergeant under his command looked a little happy. Returning home is a great expectation for these soldiers who are on an expedition.

"I have to go back anyway, so I don't have to worry too much. Leave the supply fleet first and fly in the direction of Aegis. You inspect the ship carefully, I still have some things to take care of with the captives. I'll wait until I get back and decide to fly faster than light. Robb gave the order and left the bridge and returned to his captain's quarters.

In the captain's room guarded by the marines, the beautiful Chen Weiyin was staring at the closed automatic door with anxiety.