Chapter 87

The sudden skirmish came to an end, and all our units temporarily retreated to the colony to rest.

However, this was not a leisurely rest at the colony. Once the resupply was complete, we were to take a break while waiting on our ships. Given the possibility that enemy reinforcements or ambushes might appear at any moment, it was only natural to remain vigilant. The rebels had also retreated to the satellite orbit of the planet Gatohaga and were taking a similar break.

I used this time to look at the star map I bought from Gonzalez while activating the newly installed radar and comparing it with the actual terrain. According to the map I bought from Gonzalez, the space around the planet Gatohaga was dotted with fortresses and colonies due to its proximity to the border. The map even detailed the locations of old colonies awaiting dismantling and large derelict spaceships.

As I marveled at the detail, a reaction appeared on a spot that was supposed to be empty on the map. Upon closer inspection, there was a satellite-type mobile fortress about 1.8 billion kilometers from the planet Gatohaga, which was not marked on the map. Since it wasn't on the map Gonzalez had, it must have been secretly built by the government or the military, or by some unknown party. Considering that the 7th Fleet, which had been patrolling the surrounding space until just before the incident, had left it alone, it was probably a military installation.

General Earlyhenge must have noticed this existence, so there's no need to worry. I'll set it up so that an alarm sounds if anything happens in that direction, just in case.

Six hours after the rest began, an order to advance and resume combat was issued.

The rebels had left the satellite orbit of the planet Gatohaga and were preparing to intercept us. The two armies faced each other as they had before, slowly closing the distance. At that moment, a communication from the Emperor's flagship was sent to all our ships.

"Soldiers, the sudden battle was tough, but we were fortunate to have few casualties. However, the real battle is just beginning. I wish you all the best. Fortunately, General Breskin, the supreme commander, has given me, a novice in combat, permission to give the first command. By giving this command, I am providing concrete evidence that I am taking action against my own people. However, I cannot allow the ruthless to go unpunished for massacring innocent civilians and subjects!"

The Emperor's expression was stern and beautiful as he spoke.

As the distance to the enemy and the rebels closed, and the combat range was reached, the Emperor gave the command:

"All units, prepare to fire. Target: the enemy formation ahead. ... Fire!"

Simultaneously with the Emperor's command, a rain of beams rained down on the rebels. Of course, the rebels were prepared for this, deploying barriers, evading, and counterattacking while advancing. From here on out, it was bound to become a familiar battlefield.

I advanced near the rear with my wingmen, gradually lowering the nose of my ship to descend below the enemy formation. Once I was out of sight of my allies, I increased my speed and left the combat zone. Even with radar, my position would be revealed quickly. However, when focused on combat, one's field of vision narrows. Especially the lower part of one's ship is often overlooked. I intended to exploit this weakness with a tactic I had adapted from aerial combat on planets for space combat.

The tactic involved approaching from below the enemy formation, taking a certain distance, and then attacking from below. During the attack, I would spiral upwards, aiming to hit as wide an area as possible.

This tactic, which targets the underside of the enemy above, is called "Anti-Aircraft Ambush" because it mimics anti-aircraft artillery on planets. After a successful ambush, I would immediately leave the combat zone and, after creating some distance, turn back to engage the enemy. This tactic is particularly effective in group battles, as it can cause the enemy to expose themselves to my allies, increasing the chances of their being shot down.

However, this "Anti-Aircraft Ambush" can sometimes be mistaken for fleeing, leading to accusations like "Don't run, coward!" and even being shot by my own allies. Therefore, the key is to execute it just before or during a chaotic battle to avoid being noticed.

Fortunately, I was not reprimanded by my allies this time. I managed to reach below the enemy formation, spiraling upwards and shooting down three ships. The enraged enemy was then shot down by my allies.

The initial results were promising, but the battle had just begun. To survive, I must use every available means, even if it means being called cowardly or despicable. After all, if I die, it's all over.

☆ ☆ ☆

【Side: Rebel Fleet, Third-Person Perspective】

The rebel fleet, or as they called themselves, the Revolutionary Army, was in high spirits as they faced the capital planet Hein. A speech was being given by their representative, Lord Rebuilt Barlenton.

"Gentlemen! As the legitimate and historically honored nobility of the Great Galactic Empire, we must bring divine punishment to the current Emperor, who has neglected the nobility and favored resources, and reclaim the throne for the legitimate nobility!"

Lord Rebuilt Barlenton was quite elated. The prospect of being ennobled and receiving central territories if the revolution succeeded was not without reason. Moreover, he was confident that the revolution would succeed.

"And above all, we have a strong ally!"

As he spoke, a hologram was projected. The figure was Duke Altezurt Bingil Ovols, the younger brother of the great-grandfather of the current Emperor, the uncle of the previous Emperor, and the great-uncle of the current Emperor.

"Gentlemen, I welcome you for gathering here. I understand that you are dissatisfied with the current Emperor, Armelia Frannodor Ovols, my niece, and are concerned about the state of the Empire. The people and colonists of the Empire should work diligently, respect those of higher status, and joyfully offer their wealth. However, this is not happening. I believe this is due to the numerous mistakes of the Emperor. I have no hesitation in eliminating the cause and its consequences."

As the Duke raised his hand, six of the twelve central fleet task forces that had remained on the capital planet—Task Forces 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, and 10—appeared behind the fleet. The nobles cheered at the sight. With such a number of central fleet units supporting their ally, the Duke, the revolution was bound to succeed.

However, the next words from the Duke froze their elation.

"Therefore, I will annihilate you, the cause of this."

Instantly, danger alarms sounded on all the rebel ships.

Thank you for reading. I appreciate any feedback, comments, or corrections.