Counterfeit Hero

Before becoming the Commander of the Nineteen Group Fleet, Douglas was already well-known. Many people knew this young leader, who might not be a genius, but was more outstanding than many geniuses. However, that was only hearsay. It was not until the several dozen days of lurking in the Hermit Crab Star System that Douglas earned everyone’s trust with his unique way of listening.

And in this classic surprise attack, he earned everyone’s respect.

This was a remarkably satisfying victory. The outcome of victory had already been destined in simulations and battle plans. Such a victory is the true form of victory. Strategizing within command tents, winning battles from a thousand miles away, is nothing short of this.

”What’s the problem?” Douglas crouched beside the Power Storage Device at the bottom level of the battleship’s massive Power Cabin and asked a mechanic soldier who was conducting maintenance.

”Sir, this thing’s on strike!” The mechanic soldier patted the metal shell of the Power Storage Device, which was bigger than a flying car, producing a loud sound, and said angrily, ”During the attack on that Jiepeng Battleship, the Main Gun Room was pushed too hard. The energy quota submitted to our power department was thirty percent higher than normal operations. These guys are really a bunch of jerks. If it weren’t for the distance, the people in the propulsion cabin might rush to the bow to give everyone in the Main Gun Room, including the Level 1 Commander, a beating. Then maybe ask if they want to just stop the battleship and use it as a cannon stand for a target practice?!

Douglas laughed: ”Looks like this issue still has to be solved in the Power Cabin. This Power Storage Device got damaged back then, right?”

”Yes, sir.” The mechanic soldier crawled out from beneath the cylindrical storage unit, grabbed a greasy towel hanging nearby, and wiped his oil-stained hands. He then pulled a data cable from a mobile monitor and inserted it into the slot of the storage unit’s electronic control system, murmuring, ”No Power Storage Device could handle being charged and discharged six times in ten minutes. This frequency of accelerated charge and discharge, the internal reserve units just can’t take it.”

”Hurry up and get it back to health. Perhaps, in the near future, you’ll want another round of fisticuffs with the guys in the Main Gun Room.” Douglas stood up smiling: ”Remember, once those bastards get their commendations, make sure to extort a good meal from them. This time, they destroyed five Jiepeng warships.”

”Those Jiepeng people are really just pushovers!” The mechanic soldier pouted happily, saying: ”Even with their outdated warships, it’s no surprise they had no defense. If they come across our four fleets attacking simultaneously, even in direct confrontation, a single B-level fleet of ours could beat them to tears! I checked, some of those warships are at least twenty years old, aren’t they?”

”Don’t underestimate the Jiepeng people.” Douglas shook his head: ”Although their conventional forces have a lot of old equipment, their numbers give them an absolute advantage. Moreover, their Royal Fleet is elite among the elite, equipped with the most advanced warships and weapons. You and your companions must not be overconfident.”

”Yes, General.” The mechanic soldier earnestly replied: ”I understand. I will communicate your advice to every person on this ship. However, please also believe in our courage and combat power!”

The soldier then carefully asked, ”When will those damned Jiepeng people launch their counterattack?!”

Douglas replied, ”Soon. After all, this is the strategic node of the Western Alliance. Losing it is like having their necks grasped by us.”

”Hmm!” The mechanic soldier removed the data cable from the diagnostic computer and opened the maintenance cover of the storage unit once more, saying as he unscrewed with the automatic repair arm: ”We’re now like a nail driven into their heart. If they don’t drive us away, they can’t do anything. If the Chuckna people’s actions are any quicker, the war fire might burn into their borders.”

Douglas listened with interest, finding nothing inappropriate about discussing strategy with a mechanic soldier. Even if it seemed somewhat amusing.

”General, has our Nineteen Group Fleet made a name for itself this time?” The mechanic soldier’s expression appeared excited and gossipy: ”Such a perfect surprise attack, right at the critical point of the Western Alliance. I think eyes across the universe must be focused on us.”

”I think so.” Douglas laughed heartily. The mechanic soldier’s straightforward vanity was somewhat endearing. The news of the surprise attack on the Longbow Star System has spread throughout the entire universe. As long as the Western Alliance has not retaken this area, they cannot exert their strategic advantage. Saying it’s the focal point, the core of the Southeast Star Domain’s war situation, is no exaggeration.

”My girlfriend will surely be proud of me for participating in this battle.” The mechanic soldier said with a grin.

At that moment, Douglas’s communicator suddenly went off. He gestured for the mechanic soldier to keep quiet as he answered the call. Within seconds, his eyebrows furrowed tightly.

”Alright, I must go. It was nice meeting you, soldier.” After ending the call, Douglas saluted the mechanic soldier: ”I’m Admiral Douglas.”

”Private First Class, John Owen.” The mechanic soldier hastily returned the salute, his grease-stained face revealing two rows of white teeth: ”Talking to you is my honor. I’ll tell my grandchildren about this conversation.”