Counterfeit Hero

Once the Saleria Fleet gains enough energy, then the situation will no longer be under their control.

Sure enough, two pieces of news quickly followed, confirming Fang Xiang’s judgment.

The first piece of news came from the main fleet located in the adjacent DE-4543 star system. The message stated that an unidentified fleet appeared around them. The other party did not show any hostile actions, nor responded to the signals sent by the fleet. They simply stayed quietly in place, monitoring the movements of the aircraft carrier and several other ships.

The second piece of news came from the Valor Battleship. They were still unable to enter the pirate base because, as they were preparing to pass through the Meteorite Group, they were blocked by an armed merchant ship that looked exactly like the ships of the Ragged Fleet—this battleship had come out from the pirate base.

No one could understand Fang Xiang’s feelings at this moment.

It was a sense of frustration, deeply trapped in an intellectual snare, yet powerless to struggle.

Although Fang Xiang could use the Saleria Fleet’s dire straits as an excuse for not having extra cards to play, she also understood that if she were in their position, she would never be able to win this battle with zero casualties and capture the pirate cruisers.

Who on earth is the opponent?

”Major General...” Cecilia stood at attention and saluted, ”The reconnaissance ship has sent a communication code.”

”Connect the communication channel.” Fang Xiang sat upright, tidied her uniform, and brushed a few strands of hair that had fallen over her forehead behind her ear.

The mystery was finally about to be revealed.

The rotating light on the virtual screen disappeared, and a middle-aged man in a blue uniform appeared smiling before Fang Xiang.

”It’s a pleasure to meet you, Major General.” The middle-aged man said, ”Chekov, captain of the Leray Federation Space Fleet’s Blue Rose Destroyer, salutes you!”

”Leray?!”

On the battleship, everyone was stunned.

This elite and fierce fleet came from Leray, that country, which was in the throes of war?

”Hello, Captain Chekov.” Fang Xiang quickly recovered from her shock and asked, ”How did you get here? This fleet... I mean, are these Leray warships?”

”Haha, that’s a long story.” Chekov smiled faintly and briefly recounted the experience of the Blue Rose Destroyer drifting into the Free World, then continued, ”...so, these ships were all refitted and built by us, though they are not part of the Leray Military’s official establishment, they still belong to Leray.”

In the bridge control room, everyone was so astonished they couldn’t believe their ears. The near-legendary experience of the Blue Rose made them incredulous.

”Tian Xingjian?” Fang Xiang silently mouthed the name Chekov repeatedly mentioned and asked, ”Then how did you know we were here, our main force’s location, and even our current predicament?”

”You’d have to ask Colonel Tian about that.” Chekov laughed, ”I am just carrying out orders. I hope our appearance is timely for our closest allies. Before arriving, Colonel Tian repeatedly instructed us that even if we fight to the last man, we must save you!”

”Nice words! These cunning guys only come to curry favor after controlling everything.” Fang Xiang disdained in her heart but had to say, ”The Saleria Longbow Fleet and all officers and soldiers are deeply grateful. In the future, we will repay this kindness a hundredfold.”

”It was our duty.” Chekov seemed to not catch Fang Xiang’s underlying meaning, waving his hands repeatedly, ”We have always admired General Old Tolstoy’s patriotism and the bravery and tenacity of the Longbow Fleet. Since we met, there is no reason to stand by. Besides, given our similar situations, we should unite, as strength comes in numbers!”

Fang Xiang was stifled. Chekov’s final words revealed his true intentions. However, not only had they just been saved, but given the present circumstances, Fang Xiang had no other choices. Moreover, if Old Tolstoy were still here, with his feelings for Leray, he would surely have cooperated with the Leray Fleet. After all, the Leray Fleet had already established ground here.

Before she could speak, Chekov continued, ”Our main base isn’t far from here. We’ve recently seized a lot of supplies, so you don’t need to worry about replenishments. Also, we have dockyards that can repair and refit ships.” Chekov’s face showed confident pride, ”In the Free World, such massive warships can’t move freely.”

Fang Xiang remained silent. Chekov’s final words struck her Achilles’ heel. In the densely intertwined Freedom Channels, the size of the Napoleon Battleship made most areas inaccessible, let alone the carrier.

Had she not seen that separable cruiser, Fang Xiang wouldn’t have understood, but the benefits of such modifications were now plainly in front of her, impossible to ignore!

Now, all that remained was to discuss how to cooperate.

Fang Xiang gazed intently into Chekov’s eyes and said earnestly, ”I think I need to have a good talk with your Colonel Tian.”

**********************************************

The once desolate streets had regained some vitality.

People hurried by, each busy with their own affairs. They either queued at the food stores, exchanged greetings with acquaintances they met on the street, sighed over recent experiences, nervously waited for a job interview in company reception halls, brought flowers to spend an hour or two at the cemetery, or sold some up-for-grabs household items on the streets.