Chapter 135

  On June 17, the news of the fall of Iselhorn Fortress shook the Empire to its core. From now on, rebels could set foot on Imperial soil. Just thinking about this possibility gave officers in the Imperial Military Department headaches. The names of Fort Defense Commander General Schuttkal and Fleet Commander General J?ger were cursed by countless people. Schuttkal was court-martialed for surrendering, stripped of his noble title, and sentenced to life imprisonment in absentia. General J?ger did not receive further punishment due to his death in battle but still did not receive a posthumous promotion and instead had a forced retirement pinned on him.

  The Imperial High Command was thrown into confusion, all troop deployments had to be completely adjusted, and the fleets that were originally set up for attack waves had to be converted to defensive settings to block the exits of the corridors in a short period of time. The defense facilities of the star systems behind the Iselrun fortress also had to be rebuilt and activated. What was even more headache-inducing for the Imperial High Command was the successive rebellions of some ambitious people within the Empire.

  The previous emperor of the Empire, Otfried V, had three sons. The current Friedrich IV was just a forgotten prince at that time, with an older brother who was the crown prince and a younger brother who was highly regarded. When his brothers fought for the throne and died one after another, this completely unremarkable prince succeeded to the throne purely by luck. His older brother, the legitimate Crown Prince Richard, had a son who went missing after he ascended to the throne. In fact, everyone knew that the child was taken by the Grand Duchess's family to their own territory, the Achenfort star system. Friedrich IV did not ask the Ministry of Internal Affairs to investigate, and they tacitly allowed the child to fend for himself in his maternal grandfather's home.

  This time, with the fall of the fortress, some people thought that the opportunity had come and abandoned their thirty-year endurance. Duke Wallenstein - the uncle of Grand Duke Lixia, pushed his nephew Reinhardt to the forefront "The orthodox heir of the Empire!" Under this name, he launched a rebellion. Duke Wallenstein's influence extended far and wide over the past thirty years, with many local nobles in nearby star systems being his followers. With the rebel flag raised - Eckhart, Huatianpeike, Yamont Huber, Qihuoisha star system all rebelled at the same time, and for a while, five star systems of the Empire started a joint rebellion.

  The disaster did not stop there, as Maximilian, Duke of Castrop in the County of Castrop, also rose up in revolt due to issues of inheritance, seizing Count Fritz of Marienthal who had gone to mediate and defeating two imperial armies sent against him.

  Simultaneously in the Han system near the Alliance, long-dormant "democratic elements" also launched a ground uprising.

  For a time, the storm raged. The five galaxies drawn into the revolt of Wallenstein and Rheinhardt were either infiltrated and subverted or destroyed or defeated by surprise attack; at one point the rebels seemed to be sweeping across half the Empire.

  Rudolf von Favril before this was also troubled by the uselessness of his subordinates, and the fleet he received had many thorns and defeated generals, although almost all imperial soldiers had war experience due to the hundred-year war with the alliance, but this did not bring any improvement in combat effectiveness to Favril's fleet. For a time, General Favril also had no good way to rectify the situation, fortunately, the opportunity came soon.

  The 17th Fleet of Fafnir was stationed in the Schauenstein system, closest to the Valenstein rebellion forces, and when the rebellion began, the Imperial High Command thought of his fleet first. "Order us to commit fully to the battle to suppress the rebellion! But what about reinforcements?" This was the question of Major General Gustav von Shuttekau, Chief of Staff after receiving the order.

  "As for reinforcements, it's unlikely. The Imperial General Staff can't spare many fleets to support us now. The fleet configuration at the Iselrun Fortress exit is under the command of Marshal Rogenkram, who can only spare one fleet to deal with the Kastrov Rebellion, and the rest are needed on the front lines. As for other fleets, more than half must be stationed to defend the Imperial capital, and the rest can only serve as a breakwater to stop Valenstein's rebellion from attacking the heart of the Empire. So basically, we have to rely on ourselves to quell this rebellion. Fortunately, Valenstein's army is also scattered, with at most three times our numbers - about 45,000 ships, distributed across five star systems. We still have a good chance."

  "Alright! Now I command you, General Dick von Karl! Take three thousand cruisers and half of the landing boats to the Han system, and suppress the rioters at the fastest speed possible! I give you three days for suppression within the system! On July 1st, I want to see you and your troops appear in my fleet!"

  "Yes." said General Dick von Karl, old friend of the late Baron Farnoff, and with that he was gone.

  "The rest will be led by me, the entire fleet's target is Aachenfort Star System! The fleets in Eckhart Star System don't need to bother!"

  "Rudolf, are we abandoning our position?" Schutteckh said.

  "Yes! To quell a rebellion, one must either cut off the wings first and then eliminate the ringleader, or directly behead it and let it disperse on its own! The most important thing is time! Now we must take advantage of Wallenstein's army not having gathered yet, and strike down their leader in one blow!"

  June 24th, the sixth day after the rebellion began. The entire fleet of Fafnir launched a full-scale attack. Twelve thousand warships rushed towards the Eckhart star system at high speed.

  The number of rebels in the Eckhart system was not large, after all, it was a system within the empire and did not face the alliance, so the imperial fleet stationed there on weekdays had at most only one thousand ships. Moreover, after the rebellion, most surrendered and a few escaped to the Fahvernir's Xiangen system, and the private soldiers of the nobles in the Eckhart system were also small - how many private soldiers could the poor ghost system have? Therefore, all the rebels in the Eckhart system were only more than 4,000 ships. The nobles in the rebel army had their own plans, and no one would use their own troops to fight hard against the empire. Fahvernir ignored them and drove the fleet to pass through this system at high speed, entering the old nest of the rebels - the Aijianforte system.

  On the other side, Carl's fleet of three thousand cruisers departed a day earlier than Vavavoom and arrived at the Hanne star system on June 25th in a high-speed jump without considering the consequences. He ordered the direct use of ship guns and meteorites to open fire on the location of the rioters, destroying everything indiscriminately. At the same time, the skull-masked landing troops of Vavavoom's fleet also began their airborne assault, "Kill anything that moves!" Under this roar, Carl led the landing troops to suppress the rebellion - more than 4.5 million civilians and rioters died, and it was impossible to distinguish how many were civilians and how many were rioters... However, he successfully completed the suppression task in just one day, leaving behind some ships and landing troops for military control. Carl took the rest of his troops to pursue Vavavoom's main force at high speed.

  On July 1, the entire fleet arrived at the Achenar star system. 14,000 warships faced off against 30,000 warships of the Valenstein rebels. The Valenstein army was a motley crew, with each noble having their own troops, and Duke Valenstein and Reinhard "the Great" owning the most - about 15,000 warships, the rest were private armies of various nobles, and Duke Valenstein had no way to directly command them.

  "What a mess of an array! It's just a motley crew." General Fafnir said, looking at the rebel army's formation on the screen.

  "It's just 30,000 pigs, but there are also 30,000 of them. It's not that easy to defeat." General Schwerdtfeger frowned.

  "But Wallenstein still has some brains, his own troops are independent and hiding in the back, he set up several fleets of other nobles in front, and the remaining guys are all arranged on the periphery to prepare for a sneak attack on our flank. Does he want to take advantage of us?" Fafnir said.

  "It seems right, it should be that when we attacked the fleet in front of him, he ordered his wings to attack us from the side, and then came up himself to take advantage of the situation." Schtukov pointed out.

  "No need to waste any more words, the entire fleet will attack him head-on! Let Colonel Selphie von Dark take his destroyer squadron and deal with those trash on the flanks."

  Fafnir's fleet launched a frontal assault! Fafnir arranged his fleet in an oblique order, with the slant facing the enemy's guerrilla forces, which could change formation to cover the flanks at any time. His own flagship, Loki, was at the top of the oblique line, leading three thousand warships under him to launch the first round of attack on the rebel army in front of them.

  Colonel Dark led a thousand temporarily assigned destroyers to rapidly weave through the enemy's 15,000-strong guerrilla fleet. The enemy was in disarray, "These trash! Mixed into such a ghostly formation, completely immobile!" The rebel warships and cruisers were on the outside, with supply ships and landing craft inside, resulting in reduced mobility but excellent defensive capabilities. "This isn't even a guerrilla formation! They should be at the front..." Colonel Dark laughed maniacally. "Attack! Attack! All destroyer railguns fire at full force! Anyway, there are enemies everywhere, can't miss!"

  The rebel fleet, composed of private ships from various nobles, immediately exposed its biggest problem - lack of unified command, resulting in chaos and being driven far away from the main battlefield by Dark's fleet of only a thousand, but due to numerical issues, Dark also dared not press too hard.

  The vanguard fleet of Fafnir unleashed the power of the oblique formation, and as the distance narrowed and time passed, more and more rebel ships fired cannons, causing several noble fleets in the front to collapse under the intense bombardment, which ironically hindered the firepower of the 15,000-strong Valenstein fleet behind. Just as Fafnir's oblique tip approached one wing of the Valenstein fleet, the 500 torpedo boat motherships hiding behind Fafnir's 3,000 warships began to launch torpedoes, while the 1,000 high-speed destroyers also hiding behind the warships quickly broke through the gaps between the ships and launched a close-range bombardment on the flank of the Valenstein fleet, disrupting its formation. The torpedo boats then burst in and started firing cannons! One wing of the Valenstein fleet began to collapse - a chain reaction had begun.

  Favyn's main fleet began to turn under the lead of his flagship, while Duke Valenstein had been busy engaging Favyn's slanting line with a cannonade; upon learning that the flank was beginning to collapse, he ordered his central fleet to begin turning.

  "What a pity! One step too late!" Fahnlehn said, looking at the central fleet of his opponent as it began to turn around. "Alright! Order Ronger to launch a full-scale assault! Give Wallenstein the final blow!"

  Jung, Heinrich Yang, received the order and ordered the central cruiser squadron of the oblique line to accelerate, starting a full-force charge. The fleet of up to 4,000 cruisers in front did not advance at full speed but instead slowly moved forward, exchanging fire with Wallenstein's fleet. Suddenly accelerating, they soon hit the flank of Wallenstein's central fleet, which had turned around and was engaging Fafnir's warship squadron. The duke began to panic, issuing contradictory orders one after another, while Wallenstein's fleet, composed of noble private soldiers and surrendered Imperial resident fleets, also fell into a chaotic disorder.

  Everything was over once the carrier fleet arrived at the attack position. The Valg and torpedo boats ceaselessly attacked the disordered enemy, beating them into cosmic dust. There were constantly warships that stopped their engines in an attempt to surrender, as well as those who launched a desperate jump, trying their luck...

  At 23:00 on July 1, the battle ended. Of the 15,000-strong Valenstein fleet, only 6,000 escaped back to the planet, with 5,000 destroyed and 4,000 surrendered. The peripheral guerrilla fleet saw the main force collapse and, having lost only 1,000 ships in a battle with Colonel Dark, suddenly dispersed and withdrew from the battlefield, with some returning to the Aichenfort planet and others fleeing back home with their own fleets.

  On July 3, the Aachenfort landing battle began. Fafnir once again destroyed more than three thousand Valenstein defeated soldiers in orbit, and the rest surrendered. He himself led the landing troops to land on the planet and launched a drama called "Aachenfort Massacre" on the planet. Fafnir ordered indiscriminate bombardment of all targets on the planet except for the nobles' manors with ship guns - the reason why he avoided the nobles' manors was simply because there would be nothing to plunder if they were destroyed. However, he also issued an order to avoid harming civilians as much as possible, "Those poor devils don't have many things to plunder! Let's go and plunder the nobles instead! Women must be paid in Imperial Marks! Distribution of spoils of war must follow military rank!"

  On July 4, Duke Wallenstein committed suicide and Reinhardt "the Great" was captured. All the nobles on planet Eichenfort were exterminated, their properties plundered, and many noblewomen distributed according to military rank... The civilian casualties were also extremely heavy. The final casualty figures are uncountable, with estimated deaths of over 15 million civilians and nobles.

  Not only that, but also seven lieutenant generals, sixteen major generals and more than three hundred officers died in the Fawkes fleet. Fawkes took advantage of the battle to purge a group of incompetent and erring officers, ordering them all shot, reporting ridiculous reasons to the Ministry of Military Affairs - death in battle was good, many reported that they had died of illness.

  The Ministry of Military Affairs also reluctantly approved, anyway, it was originally just a bunch of useless and troublesome people who were kicked to that fleet, so even if they died, it didn't matter. Favniel, due to the massacre on the planet, got another nickname "Draken".

  On July 5, the battle of Aiganfort Star System ended and Fafnir continued to suppress the fleeing aristocratic rebels in the surrounding areas. On August 9, all five star systems' rebellions were completely suppressed.

  August 9th, Odin, Royenkram Marshal's Office.

  "That ruffian has also accomplished the suppression of the rebellion... Zieg, his abilities are indeed worthy of his military rank. But, but this butcher! He completely disregarded the civilians and engaged in battle!" Reinhardt said to Gilfeather, who had also returned victorious from suppressing the rebellion.

  "Lord Reinhardt, people like General Fafnir will ultimately reap what they sow!"

  They still don't know how many people Fafnir has killed at this moment...

  Gyllenskj?ld was appointed commander to quell the Castrope uprising, and he succeeded in putting down this half-year-long disturbance within just ten days.

  First, Gilfaethes pretended to go to the rescue of Marinduath's territory, creating this illusion in the enemy and then hastily heading towards Castrorop's territory. Maximilian, fearing that his base would be attacked, immediately lifted the siege of Marinduath's territory and was forced to lead his entire army to rush to Castrorop's territory, thus ending the crisis in Marinduath's territory. However, Gilfaethes' attack on Castrorop's territory was originally just a feint.

  Maximilian, anxious to take advantage of the crisis on Earth, neglected his defenses in the rear. Gilfillan hid his fleet among the asteroids and launched a surprise attack on Maximilian's unguarded rear, striking a devastating blow.

  Maximilian, who had escaped from the battlefield, was killed by his subordinates who hoped to mitigate their own punishment, and the rest surrendered.

  Thus the disturbance in Kastropp was simply settled. Although it took ten days to quell the riot, six days were spent traveling from the Imperial capital, two days were spent processing after doing things in Kastropp, and the actual battle only took two days.

  In this suppression, Gilfieth demonstrated his extraordinary military talent, and Reinhardt was very satisfied. The admirals in the marshal's mansion also nodded in agreement, and the aristocratic families were shocked. Not only Reinhardt, but even his confidants had such brilliant skills, which was not a pleasant thing for them.

  However, Wu Xun was still Wu Xun. Gilfieth was promoted to Lieutenant General and awarded the glittering "Double-Headed Vulture Medal of Honor".

  But soon a message arrived that overshadowed Gyulfi's glory. General Rudolf von Fafnir successfully suppressed the rebellion of Wallenstein, and this victory far exceeded Gyulfi's military exploits. General Fafnir sent Rheinhardt to be executed by Odin, and he himself was promoted to First General.

  Rudolf von Fafnir also received another reward, he can now be called Count Fafnir.

  Gustav von Schr?tterkamp was promoted to lieutenant general and became a viscount; Dick von Karl was appointed major general and became a baron; R?hrig Heinrich Yang was promoted to major general, for which he broke his vow of abstinence that had lasted only 5 minutes, then performed a hot striptease at the fleet's celebratory banquet; Selphi von Dark was promoted to lieutenant colonel, also got drunk at the banquet and lost a large sum of money to Karl, accumulating a pile of debts to his superiors.

  Minister of Military Affairs, Chief of the General Staff, and Commander-in-Chief of the Space Fleet - these three are known as the Imperial Army's Three Chiefs. "You gentlemen do not shirk responsibility nor cling to your positions, this integrity is truly commendable. However, if one of the three chiefs' positions were to become vacant, it's likely that at least one would fall into the hands of Count Roheim Kram! You wouldn't want your actions to contribute to his promotion, would you? Since you are not in financial difficulties, how about surrendering your salaries for the next year to the national treasury as punishment?"

  The Under Secretary of State spoke, and General Stahnke's face showed a bitter expression as he replied: "We have thought of this too, but as military men, if we are said to be reluctant to retire because of our attachment to our positions, it would be most unfortunate... Please accept this matter."

  Marquis Lichtheim had no choice but to go to the Imperial Palace to present the Emperor Friedrich Leopold IV with the resignation of the three high officials.

  The Emperor, still looking frail and weak, ordered a servant to summon Reinhard from the Marshal's residence. This was one of the forms necessary to demonstrate the supreme authority of the Galactic Empire, even though it could have been accomplished with a simple TV phone call.

  After Leingod arrived, the emperor handed over three resignation letters to the young imperial marshal and asked him to take a look first. Then he asked in a tone like asking a child to choose a gift: "Which position do you want?" Looking at the Secretary of State standing beside him with a dazed expression, Leingod replied: "I couldn't bear to snatch someone else's position without making any achievements myself. The fall of Iselrun Fortress was due to the negligence of Admirals Jackte and Shutthausen, and Admiral Jackte has already died in atonement. The other is in enemy prison. I think there are no others who should be held responsible. In any case, please don't punish the three officials, and I hope Your Majesty will reconsider."

  "Oh, you're really selfless!"

  The Emperor said with some surprise, looking at the Secretary of State who was astonished by the unexpected turn of events.

  "What does the Earl think about it? What is the view of the Minister of State?"

  "...The young earl has such insight, I deeply admire him. I also hope that the three officials who have made contributions to the country can be given a generous treatment."

  "Since both of you have said so, I won't give them a severe punishment. But can't completely let it go unpunished either..."

  "Very well, Your Majesty. For the next year, take back their salaries and use them as a relief fund for the families of the deceased generals and soldiers. How about that?"

  "Alright then, let's leave the details to the Secretary of State, is there anything else?"

  "Yes."

  "You two can withdraw now, I have to go to the greenhouse to take care of the roses."

  Two people left the palace.

  Less than five minutes later, someone returned quietly. Because of a slight run, the seventy-five-year-old Marquis Littoria had to adjust his breathing rhythm first, and when he arrived at the Rose Garden where the Emperor was, he had already recovered his physical calmness.

  Among the richly colored and fragrant dancing roses, the emperor stood there like a withered tree. The old noble approached, knelt down very cautiously.

  "Your humble servant is terrified, Your Majesty..."

  "What's wrong?"

  "Before reporting this matter, I was afraid it would bring your Majesty's displeasure..."

  "Is it Lord Ravenswood's affair?"

  There was no sharpness, excitement or fervor in the emperor's voice. It involuntarily made one think of the sound of wind and sand, exactly like the voice of an old man without any vitality.

  "You're going to say that I gave Anne Rogers' brother a position and power beyond his due again?"

  "Has Your Majesty already known?"

  The emperor's words were unexpectedly clear, which shocked the Secretary of State.

  "Do you think he is so presumptuous that he will not only exert his power as a senior minister, but also attempt to usurp the throne?"

  "Your Majesty is wise! To be honest, I also have some reservations..."

  "Isn't this great?"

  "Huh?"

  "It's not as if the Galactic Empire has existed since the dawn of humanity, just like there are no immortals. There is no nation that will never perish. Is it really so bad to let the Galactic Empire perish in my generation?"

  The emperor let out a dry, hoarse laugh that made the Minister of State tremble with fear. It was as if he had fallen into an endless dark abyss, making him feel a chill to his very bones from the depths of his soul.

  "In any case, it's all going to be destroyed..."

  The emperor's voice swept across like a comet's ill-omened tail.

  "Let it perish in a blaze of glory..."

  The next day, orders relieving Oberst von Stein and recalling the 17th Fleet to Odense were issued simultaneously.