Zhao Chen found a casual reason, simply saying he'd heard of this matter through a certain channel.
"So be it; for, after all, this news couldn't possibly be kept hidden forever — there's no wall in this world that keeps out every draft. At the most three months' time, and by all estimates it'll have spread." The North Wind Governor's face bore a look of care and worry.
"This matter — does it greatly affect the situation of the Starlight Empire?" Zhao Chen inquired probingly.
"There's certainly an effect; but as for just how great the fallout will be in the end, that's still uncertain. Because, up to now, the identity of the culprit who caused the First Prince's death is still not clear. But on account of the First Prince's death, the whole series of interest-strifes it drags in its train have already begun. Take, for instance, the Prince Faction. This force you should be aware of, I take it; they're at the very height of their momentum right now — on the surface, of course, they don't dare flaunt their martial vigor too openly at a time like this. But in the dark, they've already begun to draw over the former neutral faction, along with the forces that supported the First Prince."
The North Wind Governor looked at Zhao Chen and said, "At present, this matter hasn't yet fully erupted. And what's more, we're all of the neutral faction; whatever that pack in the Starlight Empire's Central Star Region may do, it won't affect us."
"Mm." Zhao Chen nodded. By the look of it, the North Wind Governor had no wish to take part in this disturbance of the Starlight Empire's.
"Still, I've heard that this time the Starlight Emperor has recalled a great many nobles, ministers, and commanders from abroad. By the look of it, whatever the outcome of this First Prince affair — first, there's the need to quiet the Starlight Empire's situation. For, after all, with an external trouble having arisen, were an internal affliction to appear on top of it, then those two neighboring interstellar empires would by no means simply stand and watch," the North Wind Governor said.
Zhao Chen and the North Wind Governor chatted a bit more about the situation of the North Wind Star Region, and then brought this video meeting to a close.
"The Starlight Emperor bestowing a commendation and a title in person…" Zhao Chen narrowed his eyes. Had it not been for the requirement of the System's annual mission, Zhao Chen would not have wished to go to that place of endless troubles; the nearer to that Emperor, the more it meant so many more vexing matters. But this time, Zhao Chen had to go. Chiefly for two reasons. The first was the annual mission — to obtain the bestowal of the marquisate. The second was his unreachable eldest sister; since she was unreachable, then he'd have to go in person to bring her back. But before going, he had to first get the Reef Star Region matter settled — otherwise Zhao Chen couldn't set his heart at ease to travel far to the Central Star Region.
"The campaign of the Reef Star Region…" Zhao Chen rubbed at his chin, pondering how to bring the Reef Star Region campaign to a swift and effective end. Though there was no problem to speak of in Charlotte and the others' tactical guidelines, Zhao Chen always felt it still lacked a little something.
To strike a snake, one must strike its seven inches.[1]
Then, of the Warhammer-faction interstellar fleet remaining in the Reef Star Region — where, indeed, lay their seven inches?
As Zhao Chen pondered, he couldn't help but think of those pro-Starlight interstellar forces that had withdrawn from the Reef Star Region. The reason they'd withdrawn from the Reef Star Region was because…
A notion at once welled up in Zhao Chen's mind.
He opened the System store interface, and began flipping through it, searching for the goods he wanted. And effort rewards the one who sets his heart to it — he found the goods he wanted. It belonged to the T3-grade of System goods; the points and task points required were not many either, and Zhao Chen there and then redeemed it. Thereupon, he got in contact with Chief Engineer Annie, and sent over this technical blueprint.
"Annie, this thing here. Within three days, how many of them can you manufacture for me!" Zhao Chen inquired in earnest.
Chief Engineer Annie was rubbing at her eyes, a sleeping-cap still perched atop her head. She'd been called awake straight out of her dreams by Zhao Chen, and even now still had a bit of drowsiness on her.
"Lord Commander, this grilled beef leg… put a bit of cumin on it… ahem, ahem… if this thing is very important, I can find a way to have the production capacity I can currently muster and dispatch take charge of building it. Roughly, within three days, I can build to this number." Chief Engineer Annie, muddle-headed at the start, nearly spoke out her own sleep-talk.
"Good! Within three days, the more of this thing, the better!" Zhao Chen said in earnest. "This is exceedingly important; if you can complete this task without a hitch — your board and meals for next month, I'll cover the lot! And there'll be a year-end bonus this year besides!"
Annie: (´⊙ω⊙`)!!!
"Commander, rest assured — Annie will absolutely complete the task!" Chief Engineer Annie straightened her body, her two eyes gleaming bright and full of spirit!
The comm ended, and Zhao Chen stared at this technological creation before him. Whether the Reef Star Region's fighting could be swiftly resolved — that hung upon this very thing!
…………
Three days later.
The Reef Star Region · the Snake-folk system.
"Lord Zhao Chen. Over this stretch of time, of those star-system fiefs the Starlight faction left vacant on withdrawing, we've taken control of 40%, and at the same time the Warhammer faction has taken control of 40% as well. And they, moreover, are attempting to lay their hands on the remaining 20% of the star-system fiefs! And at the belt bordering our systems, they've provoked us many times. I think it should be because the Warhammer Interstellar Commonwealth's interstellar fleet is about to arrive — the Warhammer-faction pack's confidence has come back!" Medusa reported on the Reef Star Region's current situation. By now she'd gradually settled into this identity of a subordinate of Zhao Chen's.
"It's no matter. Since they want those star systems now, then just let them take them. In any case, they'll very soon obediently cough them back up!" Zhao Chen said blandly. "Medusa, your interstellar fleet is to continue in accordance with my order — stand by where you are, and be responsible for keeping watch over the Warhammer faction's every move, that's all."
"Yes…" Medusa didn't understand why Zhao Chen had, up to now, made no move whatsoever; but just now the power of command was in Zhao Chen's hands, and so she could only wait obediently.
Ending the comm with Medusa, Zhao Chen closed the video window.
He looked at the assembled Owl Dragon women-generals in the meeting room before him.
"Regarding the new battle plan I put forth earlier — have you finalized your detailed combat plan!" Zhao Chen inquired.
Charlotte said, "Your battle plan is very bold; but if that arrangement of yours is without problem — I hold that this battle plan can be carried out! And our T3 Silver-Rat-class Light Interstellar Stealth Reconnaissance Ship fleet has already grasped the battle intelligence we require!"
"Lilith." Zhao Chen looked toward his own secretary.
Lilith said, "That batch of things all arrived at the Lion King System five hours ago. The quantity exceeds even the number we anticipated needing by 30%. It's been heard that Chief Engineer Annie went in person to the manufacturing workshop — indeed, personally took charge of it, working overtime to complete this batch's construction task."
"This girl is quite reliable after all." Zhao Chen nodded with satisfaction; after he got back, he'd have to give this girl a fine reward.
"Since everything's already prepared, then let's nail down this combat time of ours." Zhao Chen slapped a hand upon the tabletop.
"Half a day from now!" Charlotte spoke a time everyone had discussed and agreed upon.
"Good! Then get yourselves ready, and we set off!" Zhao Chen showed a sliver of a sly, cunning smile.
Half a day later.
Within a silent stretch of star region of the Lion King System.
300-odd interstellar warships were hovering here, all of them interstellar warships of the Owl Dragon Fleet. Accompanying them, besides, were several T3 Great White Whale-class Heavy Interstellar Transport Ships. And the most eye-catching of all was, of course, that T4 interstellar warship making its first appearance.
The Lucent-class Interstellar Jump Ship!
The Lucent-class Interstellar Jump Ship · bridge.
A human female captain was checking over the various data.
"Spatial data normal!"
"Coordinate data normal!"
"Starship energy core normal!"
……
The female captain drew a deep breath, and looked toward the man in the video window at her side.
"Reporting, Lord Commander — the Lucent-class Interstellar Jump Ship is fully prepared, and can set out at any moment. Please hand down the order!"
Zhao Chen raised a hand. "Make ready to carry out a whole-fleet interstellar jump!"