After eliminating the broodship fleet of over three thousand ships in a grueling four-hour, thirty-two-minute battle, the Firestorm Fleet spent an additional three hours sweeping the battlefield.
As the battle concluded, Feng Mo promptly sent a detailed report to Xuanwu Star Fortress and the Northern Sky Gate Station. Almost immediately after sending it, a video call came through. Feng Mo accepted, and the screen displayed a female officer in uniform. Her military attire obscured her figure, but her short hair and resolute features conveyed a sense of authority.
"Lord Feng Mo, the youngest starship design master in the Federation," she began with a hint of admiration, though her flattery felt slightly forced. "Your Firestorm Fleet was the first among all thirteen T4 fleets on the second line of defense to completely annihilate a broodship swarm. Might I ask about your fleet's casualties?"
Feng Mo picked up on her veiled motive—there was a clear implication that some sectors were under severe strain and could use his support. This wasn't an issue for him, but he wasn't about to offer aid without extracting some benefits first.
"The Firestorm Fleet took no casualties, but we've depleted a considerable amount of ammunition. Our resupply stores are nearly exhausted, so we'll need to return to the Northern Sky Gate Station to replenish before we can engage in another battle."
The Northern War Zone's protocol specified that fleets stationed on the defensive line would be reimbursed for expended ammunition, provided they submitted detailed reports of enemy encounters, resources used, and destroyed enemy units. Like any experienced officer, Feng Mo inflated his fleet's reported expenditure—he still had ample supplies, but it was standard practice to ask for a little extra.
The female officer seemed to realize what he was after. Trying to gauge his expectations, she said, "With my current clearance, I can authorize a compensation of one million points. Would that be acceptable?"
Feng Mo's expression barely changed, though he found the offer amusing. One million points—equivalent to ten million star coins—seemed rather stingy for calling in a Duke of the Empire and his mixed quasi-T5 and T4 fleet. However, he refrained from showing irritation. Leaning back in his captain's chair, he calmly met her gaze, awaiting a more reasonable offer.
Noticing his unyielding demeanor, a look of resignation flashed in her eyes. Most of the fleets stationed at the Northern Sky Gate were already dispatched for other reinforcements, leaving her little choice. After a brief pause, she tried again.
"How about three million points, my Lord?"
Feng Mo considered this before nodding slightly. "Three million points, plus the rights to recover the insectoid carcasses post-battle. If those terms are agreeable, the Firestorm Fleet will provide assistance."
"The terms are acceptable. The military command authorizes your immediate deployment to Planet Z012."
After ending the call, Feng Mo reviewed the mission file. The broodship fleet near Z012 numbered slightly over two thousand vessels—a smaller force than what he had just engaged, but higher in quality. It was a mixed swarm of T4 and T3 ships, with over four hundred T4 broodships and fifteen hundred T3 ships.
No wonder the defenders at Z012 had called for reinforcements.
Turning to Ai Er and Han Peipei, Feng Mo issued his orders: "Ai Er, you'll assume command of the Firestorm Fleet. I'll take the Hurricane, four T4 Scorpions, and two T4 interceptor bioships to reinforce Z012."
Feng Mo saw that Z012's defensive fleet and the broodships were evenly matched in strength, but the broodships' suicidal tactics wore down the defenders. If he brought his elite ships and struck decisively, he could turn the tide without committing his entire fleet.
The Hurricane's quasi-T5 star destroyer cannon would be crucial in targeting the enemy flagship, while the four T4 Scorpions could conduct precision strikes. The two interceptor bioships, adept at neutralizing bio-plasma attacks, would be instrumental in shielding his ships.
The situation at Z012 was dire. Having received word that reinforcements were on the way, the defending fleet's morale surged. With renewed energy, they pressed the attack, attempting to rout the broodships entirely.
Upon reaching Z012, Feng Mo saw that the defenders had managed to push the broodships back, but their losses were mounting. He decided to step in without delay.
"Mello, deploy the four Scorpions to infiltrate the rear of the broodship fleet and execute a saturation strike. Hurricane's radar will locate the enemy flagship, and the quasi-T5 star destroyer cannon will charge for a precision strike!"
While the preparations were underway, Feng Mo opened a communication line with the Z012 defense fleet. When the image of Feng Mo appeared on their screens, the opposing commander immediately recognized him, excitement apparent in his voice.
"Duke Feng Mo! Commander Wang Xuefeng of the Insect Howl Fleet, at your service. We're honored to receive your aid, my Lord. Admiral Gu often shares your accomplishments with us, and it leaves us humbled."
Feng Mo could tell that this commander was aligned with Gu Jun's faction—essentially an ally. He replied warmly, "Commander Wang, please keep the broodships occupied. Leave their flagship to the Hurricane. When the rear of their formation erupts in chaos, take advantage of it to rout them entirely."
Commander Wang straightened and saluted. "Understood, my Lord!"
Feng Mo felt a sense of camaraderie toward this fellow officer from Gu's faction, and the man's enthusiastic response left him satisfied.
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