Chapter 136

  The 17th Fleet of the Galactic Empire, also known as the Fahrenheit Fleet or more commonly as the "Drachen" Fleet. As Rudolf von Fahrenheit's actions during the suppression of Duke Valenstein's rebellion became gradually known to people, his fleet also earned the ominous name "Drachen", meaning Dragon.

  Fafnir spent a month putting down the rebellions that flared up in five star systems. The cost was over 2,500,000 dead, including civilians and nobles, and Fafnir's reputation for indiscriminate bombardment and unchecked looting by his troops became notorious. However, there was one silver lining - the birthrate in the five star systems reached a new high ten months later...

  Later historians discussing the rebellions of the late Empire inevitably mention this one: it was the largest in scope and number of noble participants of any rebellion of the late Empire, and Rudolf "Drake" von Fafnir, General-in-Chief, put it down with swift action and ruthless means after only a month, killing 2.5 million civilians in the process. It must be said that although the General was a ruthless butcher, both the Imperial high command at the time and later commentators have had to admit that he handled the situation decisively and correctly; otherwise, who knows how many more people would have died if the rebellion had dragged on...

  Odin.

  "This butcher actually killed 25 million civilians!" Reinhardt exclaimed, upon learning the truth. "His report didn't even mention a word about civilian casualties!" The blond lion's anger was more directed at the fact that the Field Marshal hadn't thoroughly and seriously reported all the situations of suppressing the rebellion to the military department...

  However, the high nobles and Imperial Triumvirs of Odin had a considerable change in their views on Count Fafnir: "Not everyone can give an order to kill 25 million people without hesitation..."

  "This rogue's strength is no trivial matter!"

  "Earl is indeed a descendant of the 'Dragon' family, which suits his family name. Now he's also known as 'Draken', how fitting. A fierce and brutal dragon..."

  Many noble families saw the future prospects of Count Fafnir - Imperial First General, hereditary count. In the past, people basically looked down on this "degenerate son of a viscount family". Now they found that they had misjudged him, and many people tried to push their daughters or sisters into the arms of this unmarried count.

  It wasn't until many years later, after a thorough investigation, that it was discovered that the late Lord Favoniel had arranged for his newborn son to be betrothed. Margarethe von Westphalen, Baroness of Westphalen, was two years younger than the current 29-year-old Count Rudolf von Favoniel. She had been promised to the then two-year-old son of the late Lord Favoniel by her father, the late Baron of Westphalen, shortly after her birth. However, Lord Favoniel passed away soon after, and the Baron also died a few years later, with both young people inheriting their titles.

  However, these two people seem to have no sense of being unmarried couples. Baroness Margarethe von Westphalen was infatuated with colorful emotional life, sponsored one artist after another, and was also friends with Countess Gr?fin in the palace, so her relationship with Reinhardt was also good.

  And as for Count Fafnir, there's no need to say more... He completely threw Margaretha von Westphalen Baroness out of his mind and totally forgot about the engagement (he never took it seriously), let alone the baroness' beauty, Count Ryong was completely indifferent, and bluntly fell into the bosom of a pile of prostitutes...

  "Are we to say that this couple are both libertines? They truly match each other." This view gradually became the mainstream opinion among the nobles after they learned of the situation. However, the two parties involved continued to do their own thing, neither getting married nor clarifying the situation.

  "Am I supposed to go and pry into the private affairs of a general who is also an artist?" This was what Count Favrile said privately when his old friends asked him.

  The current "Draken" fleet has the largest number of ships in the Imperial Fleet after the rebellion was put down: The entire fleet, which had absorbed some noble private armies with discipline and combat effectiveness and local fleets that were scattered, while also returning many ships and troops to the Imperial Ministry of Military Affairs, still had a large fleet of 17,000 ships after streamlining; The entire fleet is composed of various warships that have been finalized for 480 years, including 4,000 standard warships, 1,200 "Wang Er Gulei" mother ships, 2,800 torpedo boat motherships, 4,000 cruisers and 5,000 destroyers. There are also 2,000 supply ships and 2,000 work vessels that are not counted in the combat fleet, as well as more than 1,000 other vessels. This can be said to be the largest digital fleet in the Galactic Empire in terms of numbers. However, the number of ships under the command of Marshal Luo Yanke is over 110,000, with nine fleets...

  Fahvern and General Shuttkal, Major General Dick von Karl are in the shipyard watching the conversion, proposed by General Shuttkal and approved by Field Marshal Fahvern, to convert three supply ships into livestock carriers. Now these high-ranking officers are inspecting the results: "The supply ships have been divided into multiple compartments, equipped with temperature and humidity control devices, air pressure equipment for raising various domestic animals and poultry, planting all kinds of fresh vegetables, as well as having processing workshops. Providing delicious and fresh food for the high-ranking officers..."

  While Favonius was busy training his troops, worrying about finding and buying all sorts of delicious livestock and poultry, finding and buying seeds for superior vegetables and planting techniques, hiring suitable farm workers and specially appointing some officers. Intelligence from Feisha and the Imperial Scout Corps on the front lines reported: "The Alliance has a large gathering and replenishment activity near the Iselren Fortress."

  The intelligence transmitted by Feisha finally confirmed that the alliance would launch a large-scale offensive within the year, "A campaign launched with 30 million troops!" This intelligence stunned the Imperial General Staff to silence.

  August 12, 796 UC (Universal Century), a strategy meeting to attack the Galactic Empire was held in Heinessen, the capital of the Free Planets Alliance.

  Gathered in the underground conference room of the Unified Headquarters were Commander-in-Chief Seiter, and thirty-six generals under him, including Yang Weili, who had just been promoted to Vice Admiral and was commander of the 13th Fleet.

  A military victory is like a narcotic. This sweet poison of "occupation of Iserlohn" seems to have triggered the warlike nature that had been lurking in people's blood, and even the institutions that should remain calm are shouting in unison, "Advance into the Imperial territory!", while the government's propaganda and intelligence agencies are skillfully fanning the flames...

  The lineup of the expeditionary force has been tentatively decided although it has not been officially announced yet.

  The position of Supreme Commander was held by Marshal Rasalhague "Rasal" Rojpo, the commander-in-chief of the Star League Defense Forces. He was the second most powerful man in the military, next to First Lord of the SLDF, and had a rivalry with him that spanned nearly half a century.

  The position of deputy commander was not established, and the Chief of Staff was General Dwight Greenhilt, who was the father of Philetrea. Under him were configured the Director of Operations, Major General Gonyev, the Director of Intelligence, Major General Birolyane, and the Director of the Rear, Major General Kairilen. For Alex Kairilen, whose skills in handling affairs had been highly evaluated for some time, this was a front-line duty that he had not had in a long time.

  Under the Chief of Operations, there are five operations staff officers. Among them is Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Hock, who graduated first in his class from the military academy six years ago and was the young officer who initially proposed this expedition plan.

  There are three intelligence staff officers and three logistics staff officers under the G-2 and G-4 respectively.

  The above-mentioned 16 generals plus senior deputy officers and other personnel such as communications and guards formed the General Command.

  In terms of actual combat troops, eight space fleets were mobilized.

  Third Fleet, Commander-in-Chief Rougai Zhongjiang.

  Fifth Fleet, Commander-in-Chief Admiral Bicknell.

  Seventh Fleet, Commander-in-Chief Admiral Halsey

  Eighth Fleet, Commander Admiral Upton.

  Ninth Fleet, Commander-in-Chief Shaleem

  Tenth Fleet, Commander-in-Chief Wu Lanfu General.

  The Twelfth Fleet, Commander-in-Chief Borodin Admiral.

  Thirteenth Fleet, Commander-in-Chief Yang.

  The Fourth and Sixth Fleets, which were severely damaged in the Battle of Astarte, have been incorporated into Yang's Thirteenth Fleet, along with the remaining combat strength of the Second Fleet. In other words, among the ten fleets that make up the Allied Forces' space fleet, only the First and Eleventh Fleets remain at home.

  In addition, the armored mobile infantry, atmospheric airborne troops, amphibious troops, naval forces, cavalry and other independent units are also included in the organization, including heavily armed personnel within domestic security forces.

  In terms of non-combat personnel, the largest number of people in each field were mobilized for technology, engineering, logistics, communications, control, maintenance, electronic intelligence, medical care, and living.

  The total number of mobilized personnel is 302,207,400. This is equivalent to mobilizing 60% of the Free Planets Alliance's military strength. This number accounts for 0.23% of the total population of 13 billion in the alliance.

  After a fierce debate, due to political reasons, the expedition case was determined.

  "Generaloberst Ritter von Fasolt has received his latest appointment: 'Rudolf von Fasolt, Generaloberst. Your Seventeenth Fleet will be temporarily assigned to the command of Generalfeldmarschall Rheinhardt von Lohengramm. Generaloberst Rudolf von Fasolt will serve as deputy commander for this operation.'"

  "Huh?! I'm actually going to be the deputy commander of the Golden Fur?! This time... it seems like there's another chance to make some money!?" Fafnir said to his subordinate and old friend, General Shuttkar.

  "Major Dallin Midae has something to report."

  "Darles? Wasn't he the spoils of war we got after sending him to Fesha to deal with that rebellion? What happened?" Favner asked.

  "Let him speak for himself. Dallas! Come in!" Schuttker shouted into the comms device.

  "General Fawneville! General Shuttkal!" A fat man came in and saluted.

  "Alright, let's cut the nonsense, what happened?"

  "Your Excellency, this time when I went to Feisha to handle the matter, some rebel officers found us..." said Fatso Dalles with a sly and cunning expression.

  “……….”

  “……..”

  "Holy crap! Has the alliance also rotted through?! They're even starting to sell military equipment illicitly?! Fine! We'll sell too! Dalles, keep this line open! Even intelligence will be sold to them!"

  In front of Reinhard, the young admirals belonging to his marshal's office were lined up. And by his side stood a senior military officer who looked extremely bored - Vice Admiral Fafnir First Class.

  Girreufaiusu, Midamaya, Roentaru, Bichutenfeiruto, Rutsu, Varei, Kanpu, and Oberestan. Reinhard was convinced that this was the cream of the Imperial Army's manpower, but he still had to improve it in both quality and quantity. It must be recognized by all that being employed by the Marshal Office is a statement that one has been evaluated as having ability. Although it is already so now, Reinhard wants to take the current situation further forward.

  "The Imperial Army Intelligence Department made the following report."

  Reinhardt surveyed his admirals for a week, and they all stood up straight.

  "Some time ago, the border rebels who call themselves the Free Planets Alliance successfully seized the Empire's vanguard base, Iserlohn Fortress. This is something that everyone knows, and since then, the rebels have been gathering a massive force at Iserlohn. According to conservative estimates, they have amassed around 2 million ships and 30 million troops."

  The admirals let out a chorus of "hmm..." The eyes of everyone present lit up, for the ability to command and lead a great army was the aspiration of every warrior. Although they were enemies, the grand scale of their military prowess was also something that could not help but be admired.

  "The meaning there is already very clear. In other words, the traitors are about to launch a full-scale attack on the borders of my empire."

  Reinhard's eyes seemed to be burning with flames.

  "To counter the most severe military threat in the history of the Galactic Empire, the Secretary of State has sent a verbal message entrusting me with full authority to defend and counterattack. A formal order will probably be issued within two days. This is the highest honor for a warrior. I look forward to seeing your performance at that time."

  He finished speaking in a serious tone, and suddenly a smile appeared on his face. It was a smile full of vitality and majesty, with an inexplicable charm that was hard to describe. Absolutely not the kind of innocent and transparent smile that only bloomed in front of Annie Roger and Jill Faye.

  "In short, other troops are merely ornaments of the imperial palace and cannot be relied upon. This is a good opportunity to gain promotion and rewards."

  The admirals also smiled. They had the same aversion to the door nobles who were greedy for status and privilege. Reinhardt hired them not just because of their talent.

  "Next, I would like to discuss with all of you. Where should we go to meet the enemy?..."

  Middelmaier and Bitthner proposed the same opinion. The rebel army will definitely invade through the Ischerlen Corridor, so when they exit the corridor and enter the imperial domain, how about a head-on attack? It is possible to estimate the specific point where the enemy appears, attack its vanguard troops, and also explore semi-encirclement tactics, making the battle easier and more advantageous...

  "No..."

  Reinhardt shook his head. The enemy would have anticipated an attack at the cosmic point where the corridor enters Imperial territory, too. The vanguard fleet is made up of elite forces and it's not advisable to clash with them head-on. Moreover, when we're attacked, most of the enemy's remaining forces will be left behind in the corridor, and we won't be able to attack them again.

  "We should lure the enemy into the depths."

  "Indeed, a strategy... Well, whatever you say, Your Excellency Rozenkranz. Whatever you say." General Fafnir said with an extremely airy tone, while meeting the angry gazes of the admirals below...

  Reinhardt stated his views and after a brief discussion the admirals agreed.

  "Hold on! I reserve my opinion." said Earl Long.

  "Get out!" Reinhardt finally lost his temper.

  "Ah! Sorry, Commander. I am the deputy commander, according to the rules, you have no right to drive me out......" Reinhardt barely held back his urge to order his subordinates to beat up this rascal and ignored him, continuing to speak.

  Lure the enemy into the depths of the empire, and when their lines and supply lines reach the limit of extension, launch a full-scale counterattack. For the party that meets it, it can be said to be an unbeatable tactic.

  "This is taking forever!"

  Mita Maya expressed this feeling. Anyone who sees him can be considered a short and sturdy handsome young officer. With honey-colored hair that is sparse in combing and gray eyes.

  The Allied forces, who touted this military operation as unprecedented, must have been fully prepared in terms of formation, equipment, and supplies. Mida's idea that "it would take time" was indeed natural, but Reinhardt looked around at the admirals under his command with a confident gaze.

  "Not long, no more than fifty days will be enough! Oberstein, you explain the basic battle strategy."

  The grey-haired staff officer who had been named stepped forward and began to give a simple explanation of the battle, as he went deeper into the explanation and expanded on it, the admirals exchanged glances, their astonished gasps spreading silently among them.

  The only discordant note was the cold smile and muttering of Fafnir, First Lieutenant: "Was your math taught by a gym teacher?" But he had no intention of reminding this bunch of self-satisfied "idiots", "It seems that the protagonist's brain-damaged halo is blind to friend or foe...... These guys' math and strategic level immediately regressed to kindergarten level. However... none of my business! This kind of legitimate robbery, and having a fool like Jin Mao take the blame for me, I hope it happens a few more times!"

  August 22, 796 GD, the Imperial Expeditionary Force of the Free Planets Alliance set up its headquarters within the Iserlohn Fortress. In front and behind it, a massive fleet consisting of three billion soldiers formed an orderly array of ships, departing from the capital Heinessen and its surrounding star systems, embarking on their expedition.