Super Mothership
“So you’re saying that if we destroy these three energy nodes, we can stop the wormhole from expanding?” someone asked excitedly.
A failed campaign didn’t matter—what mattered was that it had to be a meaningful failure!
Beckman smiled and shook his head. “No, to be precise, as long as we destroy any one of the three nodes, we can disrupt the triangular stability of the energy system and stop the wormhole’s expansion!
In fact, according to the Academy’s calculations, once the continuous energy supply is cut off, the wormhole may even begin to shrink and slowly return to its original size.”
“Whoa~” Everyone’s eyes lit up with surprise and joy. If they could really find a way to halt the wormhole’s expansion, the enemy’s strategic advantage would be largely neutralized—the two sides would once again stand on equal footing.
At the very least, it would curb the enemy’s offensive and buy their side more time to rally their forces.
“So… did our strike fleet succeed in the end?” someone quickly asked.
“Unfortunately not. The three energy nodes are hidden deep within enemy lines. Although we managed to locate them, the enemy has stationed heavy defenses around each one.
In fact, most of the enemy’s secretly assembled mecha forces are positioned near those three nodes. Their defenses are extremely tight. Our strike fleet couldn’t even get close before being forced back by a flood of enemy mechs,” Beckman said.
Hearing this, everyone couldn’t help feeling disappointed. But Beckman smiled and continued, “Although we failed to destroy the nodes this time, we’ve gained the most valuable thing—intelligence. Destruction is always easier than defense, and besides, we have three targets to choose from!”
“Exactly! Now that we know their coordinates, next time we can concentrate our forces on one node and break through more easily,” someone agreed.
The mood in the room lightened, and the tense atmosphere gradually eased.
“In that case, why didn’t you tell us the truth beforehand?” At that moment, the Peacock Man sitting across from Nie Yun spoke up unhappily, his tone full of bitter resentment.
If he’d known this operation was a near-suicidal reconnaissance mission, he might never have traded assignments with that guy. If he hadn’t switched tasks, his fleet wouldn’t have suffered such heavy losses, and he himself wouldn’t have come so close to death—all to end up owing that guy a life debt and losing a precious mech in the process.
But the moment he said it, the Peacock Man instantly regretted it. Everyone turned to look at him with expressions that said, You’ve got guts… or a death wish.
Of course, they all knew why the real risks hadn’t been shared beforehand—it was to trick a few newcomers into joining the mission!
But no one would ever say that out loud. Even if they were secretly unhappy, none dared mention it in front of General Gillard.
Yet someone had actually dared to question him publicly… Truly bold!
“Hm?” General Gillard made a low sound when he heard the Peacock Man’s vaguely accusatory tone, his eyes suddenly sharpening.
What’s this? Are you questioning your commander?
A chill ran down the Peacock Man’s spine, and cold sweat poured down his back.
He instantly regretted everything. Impulse is the devil! If he could, he would’ve slapped himself right there and then.
“U-uh… I-I just mean, if we’d known the real objective of this mission earlier, we could’ve coordinated better with the strike fleet to help destroy the nodes!” he stammered, swallowing hard—completely deflated in seconds.
Beckman glanced at him and suddenly smiled. So this is the guy who swapped missions with Arthas, huh?
Keeping himself in the shadows while sending his subordinate out to take the heat and damage their faction’s reputation… how cautious. The man left no openings at all.
Beckman’s eyes flicked briefly toward Nie Yun.
Nie Yun, with his powerful mental senses, immediately noticed that meaningful glance and couldn’t help looking at Beckman curiously. He had a strange feeling—that look seemed to carry a lot of hidden meaning.
“Heh… You must be Legion Commander Reno, right?” Beckman said smoothly, seizing the conversation before that “underling” could stir up any more trouble in front of General Gillard.
“We kept the operation secret because we were afraid that if any of you accidentally revealed the target during the mission, it would alert the enemy. After all, this time our focus was on gathering intelligence. If the enemy became suspicious, it would be much harder for us to carry out a sabotage mission next time.
On the other hand, we weren’t completely certain about the Central Academy’s theoretical model beforehand. If we had told you all in advance, and it turned out to be wrong, it might have distracted you on the battlefield for nothing—wouldn’t that have been quite an embarrassing blunder?
That’s also why we only sent a small task force to conduct this secret operation.”
Beckman’s reasoning was sound and his explanation convincing. Even those who still felt dissatisfied couldn’t find fault with the decision-makers.
“Haha! I see now—His Excellency the General is truly thoughtful. A cautious plan indeed!” Reno quickly forced out a laugh, trying to smooth things over and salvage the situation.
But Beckman only sneered inwardly at Reno’s attempt at self-preservation.
Heh… trying to get away unscathed now? Too late.
If you dared to jump out and challenge me, then I’ll just cut off one of your dog’s paws and see if your master comes to save you.
“Hehe! It’s understandable that Commander Reno feels some resentment. I heard your fleet suffered heavy losses—your legion’s flagship was nearly sunk, making yours the most damaged unit in the entire fleet.
Still, I must ask your forgiveness. This battle plan had to serve the greater interests of the Gemini Alliance, and we couldn’t take care of everyone individually. But as an officer of the General Staff, I can personally offer you my apologies.
Although… I also heard your flagship was the first legion-class ship to retreat? That’s quite something, hehe!”
Every word Beckman said hit like a knife. Reno’s face turned crimson in an instant.
What does he mean, “the most damaged in the entire fleet”? Is he saying I’m the most incompetent commander?
And “serving the greater interests of Gemini, unable to take care of everyone”—doesn’t that imply I only cared about myself?
And what’s that about “the first to retreat”? Is he calling me a coward?!
The others began to look at Reno with open disdain. Even Nie Yun gave him a surprised look.
So this is the real Peacock Man?
I knew you were kind of useless… but I didn’t think you were this useless!
“I… you…” Reno glared at Beckman, eyes practically spitting fire.
He admitted he wasn’t the most talented commander, but he definitely wasn’t as pathetic as Beckman was making him sound! The heavy losses were mostly due to his own reckless ambition—but to twist it into cowardice was a public humiliation.
Who would ever follow a commander branded as both greedy for life and utterly incompetent? If that reputation spread, no one would ever serve under him again!
Beckman, however, completely ignored Reno’s killing glare. He didn’t even bother to look his way. To him, such a small fry wasn’t worth meeting eyes with.
Instead, Beckman turned his gaze toward Arthas, a faint smile forming on his lips.
Now then, how will you respond to this?
If you stay silent, your subordinates’ loyalty might drop, you know.
Hmm? Why are you looking at me?
Nie Yun tilted his head, a few question marks floating through his mind, his expression saying, What are you staring at me for?
You’ve already stared at me several times. And this time, you’re even smiling mysteriously?
What, do you want me to say you look handsome when you smile? Like a spring blossom?
Crazy bastard.
The mechanical bug: “……” ╮(╯▽╰)╭
Nie Yun rolled his eyes inwardly, then responded with a big, cheerful grin.
What was that saying again? When you don’t know what expression to wear, just smile…
Beckman blinked in surprise on the other side.
What… kind of reaction was that?
TL Note- Smile and good things will happen...
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