Super Mothership
“But is it really okay to let the All Things Return to One Society act so arrogantly? Now that the wormhole is in their hands, our legion could be under threat of attack at any time.” Nie Yun spoke with a look of unwillingness.
Isabela shook her head and sighed.
“Do you think I don’t know that? If it had been before this battle, I would have definitely urged the council to retake the wormhole at all costs. But now, our fleet has suffered heavy losses, and the Sea Tribe’s internal affairs are also in turmoil…
Sigh! With only the remnants of our current forces, it’s nearly impossible for us to pose any threat to the enemy.
What’s worse is that, after a series of leaks and the Gustav defection, the council and the military have completely lost trust in our legion.
At this point, there’s no harm in telling you. The higher-ups have already decided to send the backup Pioneer Legion from the Caldari Star Sector fleet to replace us. But since the distance is quite far, redeployment will take some time. Soon, we’ll all be pulled back to the rear for recuperation.
At the same time, the military will mobilize the 3rd, 7th, and 12th Defense Legions from the Caldari Star Sector to guard the wormhole in the Proxima System and construct semi-permanent fortifications. You should know what that means…”
Nie Yun lowered his head in thought.
Changing legions was nothing unusual. After all, no one would be comfortable leaving a legion once led by a traitor stationed at the front. With someone of Gustav’s rank, it was likely that much of the Pioneer Legion’s internal intelligence had already been compromised.
Under such circumstances, any military action by the legion would probably unfold right under the enemy’s eyes. A full-scale rotation of legions was indeed the most secure measure.
In fact, the moment Gustav’s betrayal was exposed, Nie Yun had already considered the ripple effects.
Currently, his infiltration of the Pioneer Legion was growing deeper, especially with the Third Fleet already under his effective control. Once the legion rotation was complete, his influence would penetrate directly into the heart of Gemini territory—an immense strategic gain.
At the same time, Nie Yun had leveraged the “Tower Defense Mission” to achieve full infiltration of Gemini’s core base—the spaceport!
No matter which legion came to replace them, they would soon realize… spies were everywhere!
The spread of the Trojan Horse virus required mobility. The more frequent Gemini’s troop movements became, the more opportunities Nie Yun had to extend his reach into their heartland. In reality, these redeployments played right into his hands.
But the fact that the enemy was actually dispatching three entire Defense Legions to guard the Proxima wormhole was something he hadn’t expected.
Defense Legions, in Gemini civilization, belonged to the third combat tier, ranked below the Sector Fleets and Central Direct Fleets. Though they were considered third-line units with only average combat power, their weapons and equipment were not much weaker than those of the Pioneer Legion.
The Pioneer Legions specialized in offense—sieges and conquests. Defense Legions, by contrast, focused on planetary defense and internal security, occasionally swatting at small pirate bands. They were naturally better at holding the line.
The Proxima wormhole wasn’t as small as the Solar System wormhole, but its traffic capacity was still limited.
If the Solar wormhole was like the narrow Huarong Path, then the Proxima wormhole was the heavily fortified Hulao Pass. Three Defense Legions, combined with semi-permanent fortifications—even Nie Yun had little confidence in breaking through head-on.
Originally, his worst-case plan was to fight a limited, high-intensity war of attrition against Gemini at Proxima. Once Gemini bled enough, they would naturally back down.
But the enemy had now chosen to adopt a defensive posture, something Nie Yun hadn’t anticipated at all.
“Could it be… we’ve already resigned ourselves to completely losing the Proxima System?” Nie Yun asked in surprise.
“Yes. That’s only the worst-case scenario. The All Things Return to One Society is too mysterious, and the Ant Empire’s strength is unfathomable. The council doesn’t want to clash with such powerful foes out here on the frontier. After all, our supply lines are far too long.” Isabela nodded.
The formidable combat strength of the Mithril Fleet ultimately caused Gemini to misjudge Nie Yun’s side. Through a straightforward clash of war, Nie Yun once again pulled off a decisive strategic deception!
“Perhaps only after we resolve the troubles with the Wulf Civilization, and stabilize the rear in the Baselro System, will we be able to free our hands to deal with the problems here.
At least until then, the council hopes the Proxima System can temporarily maintain its current balance.”
The Baselro System lay adjacent to the Proxima System, right on Gemini’s frontier.
Since it had only been recently developed, its logistical supply capacity was still limited. However, with growing population and the gradual improvement of industrial facilities, its value to the front line would only increase, and in the future it would be able to support more expeditionary fleets in long-term campaigns.
Nie Yun nodded knowingly, then asked: “Lady Isabela, has something happened with the Wulf Civilization?”
According to his earlier predictions, Gemini’s reaction should have been much fiercer—at the very least, strong protests and dissatisfaction, along with the deployment of some heavy deterrence weapons.
For such a powerful civilization to choose such a restrained course of action—while his own deceptive show of force had played a role—it also suggested that the troubles they faced elsewhere must be significant!
“Mm.” Isabela cast Nie Yun a satisfied glance, clearly appreciative of his sharp political instincts.
“According to the latest reports, a legion-level fleet of the Wulf Civilization suddenly crossed a wormhole and attempted to seize a landing point. Although, after fierce fighting, our fleet successfully repelled their attack, our losses were said to be considerable.
First, wormhole expansion… and now such open aggression. The enemy’s intention to invade our territory and ignite a full-scale war between civilizations is already obvious.” Isabela’s tone was grave.
So that was it.
The fire in Gemini’s backyard had finally caught.
And this battle signaled that… their confrontation had officially escalated!
A god-sent “teammate” from across billions of light-years!
Inwardly, Nie Yun gave an approving nod to his unseen ally.
“There’s another piece of news I can share. Before long, I will be selecting part of my elite forces to head for the Wulf front, and you will be among them.
However, since your seniority is still shallow, and those going to the Wulf front are all seasoned veterans, your task will be diplomatic. It’s an opportunity for you to gain both merit and standing. Make sure you grasp it well!” Isabela reminded him.
Nie Yun instantly understood.
There had already been tacit agreements between the two sides. The Assad and Cruze families had carried out mutually beneficial political bargaining. Isabela was now arranging an opportunity for Nie Yun to earn merit.
Long-distance redeployment across star sectors was never simple. Generally, it wasn’t feasible to move entire legions—it would drain too many resources. Thus, Isabela was only planning to bring a corps of elite officers.
As a newcomer who had only been a commander for less than a year, Nie Yun’s credentials indeed paled in comparison to the other veterans.
“I understand. I will not fail your trust, Lady Isabela!”
It seemed he couldn’t afford to push things too far this time.
The role of Arthas was strategic: give him one point of credit, and Nie Yun could magnify it tenfold.
As for humiliating, nation-weakening treaties… those would have to be postponed for now.
“Mm. I know you’re not reckless, but when you encounter members of the All Things Return to One Society, remember—don’t let your emotions get the better of you.” After a moment’s thought, Isabela gave one final warning.
She was worried that Arthas, still young and hot-blooded, might let the previous Solar System attack incident affect the talks.
Hearing this, Nie Yun couldn’t help but smile and nod.
Worried I’ll let emotions interfere?
But who says emotions necessarily prevent a deal?
It was time to let them see the work of a true “soul-type” negotiator!
TL Note- Diplomatic mission...
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