Counterfeit Hero

Now, the high-ranking generals of the Federation Army, nearly one-third of whom were exceptionally promoted by Tolstoy. None of these individuals were promoted through nepotism or flatteries.

To call Tolstoy the stabilizer of the Saleria Federation Army is not an exaggeration in the least. Although he retired to enjoy his later years at home eight years ago, in the hearts of many Saleria soldiers, this Federation First-class Admiral remains their eternal leader and idol.

Helen once interviewed him when he was invited back to his alma mater, the Leray Steel Military Academy, to give a lecture after his retirement. She had a deep impression of this shrewd, articulate, straightforward, and open-minded old man. Therefore, when she heard about the chaos in the Saleria Federation, she was extremely shocked.

Helen couldn’t imagine General Tolstoy turning a blind eye when the Saleria Federation was in turmoil. Considering that as long as he spoke up, there would never have been incidents of pirates rampantly plundering near the Longbow Star Domain.

The ”Blue Rose” had already navigated around the Meteorite Belt and joined up with the cargo ship ”Audrey.”

”Captain Gro...” Chekov broke the silence.

”Just call me Audrey.” Audrey smiled and said.

”Well... Captain Audrey...” Chekov nodded and said, ”Where are you planning to go?”

”We were initially planning to head to the Tatania Free Commerce Alliance, but...” Audrey said worriedly, ”Given the current condition of the cargo ship, it’s probably not suitable for long-distance travel. I intend to find a Freedom Dock for repairs, but I’m afraid of encountering pirates...”

As she spoke, the ”Audrey” had already slowly glided behind the ”Blue Rose.”

Chekov merely smiled faintly at Audrey’s little scheme. For the ”Blue Rose,” dealing with two civilian escort ships that had just breached the Jump Point, with their engines, radars, and defense systems necessarily in a temporary state of stasis, was not a problem. These civilian ships certainly did not have military drones to conduct preliminary jump monitoring!

”Captain Audrey...” Chekov contemplated for a moment and then said, ”You must have noticed that we just experienced a battle and need ship repairs. We’re not very familiar with the current situation around the Saleria Federation Star Domain, so... I think we need your help and your cargo ship’s assistance.”

For Chekov, the most important thing now was to pass through this Jump Point and shake off the pursuers. They needed to find a way to complete repairs and resupply, and establish contact with Leray back home.

However, without specific directives from home, Chekov didn’t dare to barge into the Saleria Federation with the destroyer.

Although they were still allies with the Saleria Federation, given Saleria’s current state, if someone used this Leray Destroyer to make some noise or wanted to see what secrets were in the new destroyer’s onboard computer, it would be troublesome.

Therefore, the ”Blue Rose” needed to leverage forces outside of the Saleria Federation’s power.

These forces were the free space powers that had persisted since the Space Exploration era. Countless cargo ships, smuggling ships, exploration spacecraft, pirate groups, and various gangs, mechanics, supply merchants, and government officials comprised the core of this free power.

They had Free Ports, Freedom Docks, Free Bases, and Free Space Stations. There, as long as you had money, you could buy anything you needed! Whether it’s energy, weapons, drugs, women, or even if you wanted a slave, a horse running laps in the narrow space station, or a hunting dog, someone would deliver it to your door!

A Leray New Type Destroyer wanted to survive around the Saleria Federation without the help of smugglers or pirates would find many things inconvenient. Outside of the sovereign states’ star domains, only these opportunists, who roamed the universe daily, knew where the Freedom Docks were, where supplies could be located, and where they could hide their tracks.

The need for Audrey’s assistance was merely courtesy due to Fatty’s acquaintance with Audrey. In reality, in this territory of space, strength always spoke louder. Facing a new-type destroyer, whether it was smuggling or piracy, they had no real say.

Audrey didn’t seem to have any objection to Chekov’s request. She merely gave a charming smile, glanced faintly at Fatty, and then readily agreed to Chekov, ”It is my honor to be able to assist you.”

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(To be continued, for more chapters, please visit www.qidian.com. Support the author and read the authorized version!)