Legacy of the Void Fleet

Chapter 419: Ch

The star system first had to be completely cleansed of all Orc presence.

He could still remember the words of Lady Yanshi, the high-ranking member of the Void Humans.

"We are not here to do your work now, are we? You expect us to buy the rights to the star system at a good price, and then go ahead and clean up the Orcs as well before we even begin our operations? Now where does a deal like this exist in the universe, forget the galaxy?"

Yanshi had bluntly spoken those words without softening a single sentence.

"These things should be clear to you, Emperor Stephen. A relationship exists only between powers based on mutual benefit and trust. Just because of our strength and friendliness, you cannot expect us to do everything for you."

Kronus could still remember his father about to say something. Even though the words were harsh and his father’s face was flushed, Kronus knew it was more from embarrassment than anger.

Seeing that, Yanshi had raised her hand to stop him before continuing with words Kronus remembered word for word.

"No matter how big or small these things are to us doesn’t mean we will do them. We are not some mercenaries you can throw things at and expect to handle your work. Remember that, Emperor. This is the first time, and I expect it to be the last. If not..."

At that moment, her eyes turned cold, and a powerful oppressive force was released around her, terrifying everyone present. "Then I might as well remind you, Emperor..."

"You might think you are important to us, and in fact, you are... to some extent," she stressed the words some extentbefore continuing. "But that does not make you a necessity for us. There are many powers out there we could reach out to for cooperation instead. Remember that."

And saying that, she stood up and walked away.

Afterward, Kronus knew his father had been brutally scolded by his grandfather for being too greedy and expectant of such a thing...

And that was exactly what they intended to accomplish this time.

It was after that incident that his grandfather overruled his father, who had already troubled the relationship between the two powers. Even though everyone knew he had only meant well for the Imperium, it did not change the fact that the way he had handled the matter was inappropriate.

His grandfather, the Seer, after making some calculations of his own, passed the matter to him, saying:

"Kronos, you will go and establish the Dawn Spear Fleet under my command. Pull reserve elite forces and even the Imperial Elite Corps if you must. Take those newly built ships and the three battle fortresses we placed into storage..."

"And when the Void Humans come to deliver their first consignment that we ordered for the fleet, surround them with proper preparation and formally attack the Orc hold within the Silver Mountain Star System, completely routing them out."

"After the cleanup, hand the rights of the Silver Mountain System over to the Void Humans to maintain and use as they wish. Put forward the condition that the safety and defense of the system after the signing will fall under their responsibility. Also mention that we will additionally cut another ten percent yearly from the taxes since they will have to maintain the defenses themselves."

"That should be more than enough for them. It is something they should accept."

"It’s time for you to step up, child, and prove your worth," the Seer had said gently to him.

It was an order he had accepted, and one he intended to fulfill no matter what...

Pulling himself out of his daze, he looked toward the admirals, vice admirals, and the other officers gathered below his command seat, discussing among themselves. Raising his hand, he beckoned them closer before asking,

"Tell me, what plan have you come up with?"

Nodding toward each other, the Admiral took the lead. With a snap of his fingers, a miniature holographic figure of the Silver Mountain System appeared before them.

The Silver Mountain Star System was a super-star system with a diameter of nearly fifteen light-years. At its center was a supergiant star, surrounded by around sixteen planets, each as massive as Saturn or Jupiter, while one or two were even comparable in size to the Sun itself.

Near the habitable zone were two habitable planets, and across the system various groups of red dots could be seen spread from those worlds all the way to the outermost planet. Most of the concentration, however, was around the sixth planet, the superplanet, while the outer zones held only scattered forces with very few deployments.

"We plan to jump directly near the seventh planet, Prince," the Admiral began. "The forces behind us can practically be ignored. They are not much of a threat to us."

Kronos nodded at first, but then shook his head slightly.

"While that may be true, saying they can be ignored is too much. Attention still needs to be paid to them. Who knows what hidden tricks they might have, small as they are."

Hearing that, the Vice Admiral nodded in agreement in place of the Admiral, who also accepted the correction before continuing.

"Our primary focus is the Orc fortresses. According to the intelligence we received, they have deployed five of them within this system. They are quite advanced and each is surrounded by a fleet numbering close to two thousand ships."

"Of those, around two hundred are Tier 3 vessels, while another five hundred are quasi-Tier 3. The rest are Tier 2 ships."

He paused briefly before continuing. "They have also deployed planetary shields around Planet Number Six."

There were mining operations underway there as well, but Kronos ignored that part entirely. The planetary defense systems and mining operations could be dealt with after they had routed the Orc fleet.

What truly drew his attention was the Orc possession of Tier 3 and quasi-Tier 3 ships. He couldn’t help but frown before asking,

"How did the Orcs get their hands on so many Tier 3 and quasi-Tier 3 ships? Almost half their fleet is made up of them."

"Based on the intelligence reports and our covert operations," the Admiral replied, "we can conclude that these ships were directly transferred to them by the Star Empire and other Tier One forces."

Hearing that, Kronos frowned even more deeply. "These Tier One forces are becoming more and more overbearing..."

Then he looked back at the Admiral. "So what exactly are we going to do? You still haven’t told me that yet, Admiral."

"Our plan is to move the fortresses forward and use them as shields against the Orc fleet, while our main fleet bombards them and inflicts as much damage as possible before deploying our mechs and starfighters. We will then continuously pressure the Orcs, not giving them enough time to mount a proper counteroffensive..."

"Hmmm... it’s a good plan, but I don’t agree with it." Hearing this, Kronos first nodded before shaking his head and continuing,

"What we should do instead is move the three Indigo-class dreadnoughts ahead along with all the Tier 3 destroyers. The two battle fortresses should remain on our port and starboard flanks, while the last fortress stays behind us to watch over any ships that might approach from the rear while protecting us at the same time..."

"Using our Tier 3 ships with the Indigo-class dreadnoughts leading the charge, we will mount a surprise assault on the Orc fleet. Leave the five Orc fortresses to the three Indigo-class dreadnoughts and the thirty destroyer-class ships. They should be able to either destroy or severely damage those five battle fortresses."

"After that, they will move in to clean them up completely, while you utilize the remaining Tier 3 ships to directly deal with the Orc Tier 3 and quasi-Tier 3 forces as quickly as possible."

"As for our Tier 2 ships, they will remain on the defensive, staying under the cover of the Tier 3 vessels and battle fortresses while providing support fire."

"Only after our first exchange will we deploy the mech and starfighter corps. They will move in from both flanks and directly rush the vessels already severely damaged by us."

"And if needed, let the mechs or knight mechs stay behind to provide protection for any of our ships that take heavy damage, allowing them to retreat toward the back lines while minimizing our losses as much as possible."

After speaking his thoughts and laying out the battle plan, he looked toward the Admirals and Vice Admirals thoughtfully. At that moment, they were completely astounded by the strategy he had proposed, their mouths practically hanging open.

"What happened?" Kronos frowned upon seeing them suddenly fall silent. "Is there something wrong with the plan?"

Only then did they finally snap out of their dazed states and almost simultaneously reply,

"Unn... no, no, Prince! This battle plan is perfect!"

They all hurriedly shook their heads again.