Counterfeit Hero

Very quickly, the image of Byron Samon, Feiyang Dalarpeya B15 Mixed Fleet Commander and Feiyang Interstellar Navy Vice Admiral, appeared on the communication screen.

He was a young officer, with narrow eyes, a high nose bridge, and a large nose tip. Below his nose was a small mustache. The carefully trimmed mustache effectively diverted attention, concealing his defiantly long and pointed chin.

He wore a black and red Feiyang Space Navy uniform, brand new and crisp, with a striking Major General’s epaulet embroidered with gold thread on the shoulders. The cuffs were embroidered with his name’s initials. The wide-brimmed military hat with the Feiyang Double-headed Griffin Emblem was pressed low to his brow, making his gaze appear as sharp as a hawk’s.

”Major General Samon!” Zhang Pengcheng did not care how well dressed this fellow was or how fierce his gaze, as soon as the communication was connected, he yelled furiously: ”What the hell are you doing? Why did your fleet enter the Jump Channel at this time? Do you not understand what command coordination means with your pathetic, pea-sized brain?”

”General Zhang.” Samon seemed to frown slightly: ”I’m afraid our fleet’s SkyNet System has encountered some issues...”

He glanced at the time, then continued: ”However, now is not the time to talk about these things. I don’t understand why Admiral suddenly changed the battle plan, but the fact that our Feiyang Fleet has entered the Jump Point cannot be altered. I hope the Admiral will continue to execute the original plan.”

”Don’t understand?” Zhang Pengcheng sneered angrily: ”Can’t you read the intelligence?!”

”Is it the one provided by the so-called bandit army?” Samon calmly looked at Zhang Pengcheng: ”Neither I nor Major General Carolina believes this so-called intelligence qualifies us to retreat. Not to mention the accuracy of the intelligence, even if it were true, we are only facing a Suss A-level Fleet. If we move fast, we can completely withdraw calmly after attacking the Transport Ship Fleet. Even if we have to fight, we have an absolute advantage. To be honest, I even prefer seizing the opportunity to annihilate this Suss Fleet!”

”Carolina?” Zhang Pengcheng slowly sat back in his chair: ”You’ve already contacted her?”

”Yes, Admiral.” Samon replied politely: ”Upon receiving the intelligence, I consulted Major General Carolina immediately. Major General Carolina believes changing the combat plan now would be hasty and unwise. The bandit army referred to is essentially an unclear-position civilian armed force from Mars with poor military quality and equipment. The accuracy of their intelligence is obvious.”

”Then...” Zhang Pengcheng leaned back in his seat and asked indifferently: ”What about Major General Tian of Leray’s analysis?”

”I don’t believe someone who frequently disobeys military orders is a qualified soldier!” Samon sneered disdainfully: ”His analysis appears reasonable on the surface but is mostly based on conjecture.”

”Admiral!” Clearly unwilling to discuss Fatty further, Samon changed the subject, staring at Zhang Pengcheng: ”Currently, the situation is already at a point where it must proceed. The Suss Transport Battleship is already in our sight. Defeating this fleet would give us more preparation time for the channel campaign, and maintain a threat to the Southeast Star Domain and main channel! Besides, if intelligence is accurate, this is our opportunity to unexpectedly annihilate them.”

Seeing Zhang Pengcheng clenching his teeth silently, Samon earnestly remarked: ”Due to system malfunction, I will take responsibility for the failure to maintain tactical synchronization with the 1201 Fleet. After this battle, I will explain to you, General. But now, my fleet has entered the jump state. If you change the plan now, we are effectively sent into the hands of the Suss.”

Samon closed his mouth, saying no more.

In fact, there was no need to add much. Benefits, reasoning, earnestness, threats... As long as Zhang Pengcheng is not crazy and does not want to be sent to a military tribunal by the Fei Alliance Joint Command, he has no reason to see them die without rescue!

He is the commander of this campaign; no matter what happens, he must bear the responsibility of the commander!

Besides, the Feiyang Fleet did not act on its own; everything was due to ”coordination system malfunction!”

”Alright!” Zhang Pengcheng raised his eyebrows, picked up an electronic pen, called up a battle plan on the command computer screen, signed at the end, and sent it to the operations department advisors. He said indifferently: ”Since the Allies have already made a mistake, we will do our best to rescue. However, I cannot guarantee if it can be saved. I also hope Major General Samon will embody the Feiyang soldiers’ spirit of bravery and toughness. We will arrive at the space field 312774.17203.185998.2 in forty minutes.”

The communication was cut off.

With force in his hand, Zhang Pengcheng snapped the electronic pen into two halves!

Meanwhile, in the General Commander’s office of the flagship of the Feiyang B15 Fleet—a Unicorn-class Battleship named ”Black Tulip”—Samon wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and violently flung a nearby cup to the ground.

”This old fox!” Samon’s chest heaved dramatically.

Although Zhang Pengcheng ultimately agreed to execute the original plan, during the communication just now, his words indicated that the Chuckna Fleet was only rescued due to the Allies’ sentiments and if the situation turned unfavorable, they would absolutely not jeopardize themselves, opting to retreat instead, leaving the responsibilities completely pushed away.