Counterfeit Hero

Due to the lack of resources and immigrant planets, and being in a remote, scarcely traveled area, no pirate would choose such a desolate place to set up an ambush.

The high cost of energy and the high risk of battle would force pirates to choose public star systems with multiple jump points, where there are more targets and easier escape routes.

But now, the fleet before us, which has two old destroyers and six heavily armed merchant ships, is an indisputable pirate fleet configuration. What do they want? How could such a powerful pirate group appear on this route? Why would they attack a regular military fleet!

Attacking a regular military fleet of a country would only result in relentless pursuit and dire consequences for the pirates, with no other gains.

Clearly, this does not align with the pirates’ interests.

Therefore, there is only one reason that could explain all these questions. Regardless of whose orders they follow, the purpose of this aggressive pirate fleet lying in ambush in this star domain is to ensure that the special fleet, along with all the Leray people onboard, do not leave this place!

”These foolish traitors!” Flavio roared in rage, slamming a hand on the delicately decorated wooden surface of the command table, creating a loud bang.

Few people knew about this secret visit to the Chuckna Republic. The public mission of the special fleet was to escort over a hundred military technology students to Chuckna for exchange studies. Hardly anyone knew that the visiting delegation was also part of this fleet, and the fleet’s route was an absolute secret.

A student exchange would naturally not attract the interest of enemies or pirates. Their presence here indicates that the secret visiting delegation’s whereabouts have been exposed.

The human world is in turmoil. The Fei Alliance and the Western Alliance are at each other’s throats, while the neutral countries are also stirring restlessly. In this era of dramatic events, all kinds of people emerge—pirates, opportunists, smugglers, traitors, all taking the stage. The entire world has turned into a furnace of chaos. For those caught within it, one step forward is heaven, one step back is hell!

The Leray Federation is truly at the most critical juncture. Three hundred years of democratic governance, three hundred years of peace and prosperity, and the national honor stretching from the War of Independence until now, have been torn to shreds by this brutal war.

The Leray people are bravely resisting, fighting bloodily at the front lines, all for the three hundred years of honor that will not be lowered under the disdainful eyes of the rulers. It is to secure another three hundred years of peace and tranquility for this country, to ensure that dreams continue, that life continues, and that the pride of the Leray people continues.

However, there is always a small group of people who trample on all this. To them, the future of Leray, the honor of the nation, are merely sacrifices for immediate benefits. To survive and for personal gain, they do not hesitate to betray their compatriots, betray their country, and even leak information to sabotage this hopeful Leray mission.

”It seems this will be a difficult journey.” Flavio, his eyes piercing, looked at the highest commander of the fleet, Leonid, and said, ”Captain, now, we are all your soldiers. Please give the orders, and we will fully obey! As the Vice President of the Federation, I have only one request...”

Under everyone’s gaze, Flavio spat out the words that had been weighing on his mind, ”No matter what, I must complete this visit! No one can stop me, no matter who they are, no matter how strong the enemies in our way are. Even if I have to die, I will die in the President’s office of the Chuckna Republic. I bear the hopes of a billion Leray people, and I have no reason to stop here!”

Leonid looked respectfully at the short, somewhat portly old man before him. It was not Flavio’s current position as Vice President of the Federation that earned his respect, but Flavio’s other identity—as a former Space Fleet veteran.

In the political arena of the Leray Federation, Flavio and Hamilton were an extremely well-coordinated pair with starkly opposite personalities.

Hamilton was mature, meticulous, and adept at weighing pros and cons, a steady politician who inspired trust. In contrast, Flavio was a battle-tested, tough, and never-surrendering veteran. After retiring, it was with his quintessential Leray spirit that he gradually ascended the political stage.

From a certain perspective, Hamilton’s ability to defeat his opponents and become the President of the Federation was significantly influenced by Flavio’s personal charisma as his running mate. It is no exaggeration to say that if one day the Leray Federation needed veterans over fifty to step onto the front lines, Flavio only needed to shout ”Follow me,” and thousands of veterans would pack their bags without hesitation and follow him into battle.

”As you wish, Mr. Vice President.” Leonid retracted his gaze and calmly said, ”Although these ambushers have chosen a good point for their ambush, making it impossible for us to turn back after breaking through the barrier zone, they have underestimated the strength of the Leray battleships. I will make them understand the significant difference between the ’Blue Rose’ and ’Castle Lily’ and their weakly armed merchant ships and obsolete destroyers. The only thing they will gain from us is regret!”