Chapter 1176: Chapter 8-13: Kerry’s Proposal (Part 4)
The two of them walked and talked as one mighty warship after another stood in formation at the berths, slowly retreating behind them with their steps. A few guards followed alongside in vehicles. Farther out, several Mecha in combat mode were on alert all around.
"Any news from the Chuckna 12th Group Fleet yet?" Russell asked.
Fang Xiang shook her head. "After we finished the defense deployment, we sent out four groups of Reconnaissance Ships toward the Southeast Main Channel. So far, there’s still no news."
"Step up the search and find them as soon as possible," Russell said. "For us right now, every bit of combat power is extremely precious."
"You’re worried that..." Fang Xiang unconsciously slowed her pace.
"I’m not worried about the Western Alliance attacking the Longbow Star System." Russell shook his head. "What I’m worried about is them attacking the Atlantis Star Domain. For Leray, that would be a disaster."
"But..." Fang Xiang said in disbelief, "we’re right behind them. Aren’t they afraid we’ll coordinate a pincer attack with Fiscella from front and back?"
"If the one holding at the Newton Jump Point were some other Feiyang Generals, I might not be worried." Russell’s thick brows furrowed. "But Fiscella will absolutely not waste his forces at the Newton Jump Point."
"Then what should we do?" Fang Xiang asked.
"Seize the initiative," Russell said calmly. "Keep harassing the Bermuda Star System. And put a bit more pressure on the Fei Alliance Command Center. Make them issue a clear order for Fiscella to conduct strategic coordination. Only that way will the initiative be in our hands. Only then can we pin down Fiscella and maneuver the Western Alliance—make them dance to our tune."
"Seize the initiative." Fang Xiang was startled. "You mean we’re going to launch the attack ourselves?"
Russell nodded. "We need time, so the tempo of the war must be controlled by us."
Fang Xiang savored the word "tempo," and suddenly everything became clear. In her heart, her admiration for Russell was boundless.
This was not a decision just anyone could make. To launch an offensive under these circumstances—the wisdom, the vision, the decisiveness required—could only be found in Great Generals like Russell. In this grand era of war, they were the elites stirring up the tides of the world. Every calm, unflustered decision they made would set off a hundred thousand waves, winds howling and clouds surging.
Unknowingly, the two had already walked past the long road of berths and turned into the camp area.
The several huge landing pads not far away had already been converted into training grounds. Hundreds of Mecha were engaged in close-combat drills. Chief Instructor Weii Jianshan stood at the edge of the field, gesturing animatedly as he explained things to seven or eight Mechanical Warriors. Many bandit army Advanced Mecha Warriors were also conducting live-combat coaching. The scene was blazing hot with activity.
Russell stopped and looked at those one after another green "Fattys" on the Mecha field and couldn’t help but give a wry smile as he said to Fang Xiang, "That guy—what kind of taste is this supposed to be, anyway? He copies a whole bunch of himself and feels very proud of it?"
Fang Xiang only smiled. When it came to Fatty’s bizarre tastes, she really had nothing to say.
"All eight Armored Divisions are undergoing control upgrades. That guy just threw it all aside and left, dumping all this on my shoulders. Just the training plan alone has worked three of my staff officers sick," Russell said with a laugh. "I taught him a lot, but I forgot to teach him to be a bit more diligent."
As he spoke, Russell walked forward and asked, "How’s the conscription going?"
Fang Xiang kept pace with him and replied, "Very smoothly. Blue Stone Star and Torreclais are in the best shape. Kouxian Star is a bit worse, but still very enthusiastic. Conscription on Mars will start within three days; that’s the main source of recruits for my Army Armored Division."
Russell nodded and stepped onto the café’s stairs. Fang Xiang’s answer was exactly what he had expected. Beyond Fang Xiang’s appeal and influence, it also had to do with the policies the bandit army was implementing in the Longbow Star System.
The local officials previously thrown into prison by the Western Alliance had all been released. The newly re-established autonomous governments also had equal standing to negotiate with the occupiers. More importantly, ordinary people’s lives had not been affected much. Both social order and economic order had been well maintained.
And for the original Militia, retired soldiers, Military Academy cadets, as well as police officers, firefighters and other high-quality manpower from these planets, joining this army that had followed Tolstoy in resisting Suss to the very end was their best choice.
The people of Saleria were not lacking in courage to resist and to sacrifice; the ones who had lost their courage were those politicians.
"Have you heard about Councilor Kerry’s proposal in the Alliance Council?" Entering the warm café, Russell pulled out a chair for Fang Xiang like a gentleman and took off his coat to hand it to Hamid.
"I have." Fang Xiang nodded, then said in puzzlement, "I just don’t get it. Don’t they know this is when they most need to win us over?"
"Never expect everyone to be rational." Russell sat down and smiled faintly. "Human history has never lacked for struggles. Even in the face of national extinction, there are always people who will raise the butcher’s knife against those beside them for their own gain. At the very least, this Mr. Kerry gave the bandit army a warning and a chance in advance."
"I really don’t understand how the United Parliament can convene a session just to discuss this topic," Fang Xiang said angrily, leaning back against the chair. "I only hope stupidity isn’t contagious."
"That will depend on what the Alliance Command Center and the Alliance Commander decide." Russell said calmly. "Right now, the three major power organs of the Alliance forces check and balance each other. The Alliance Council cannot wield absolute power. Those politicians may be able to handle Alliance affairs in peacetime, but in wartime, if they still cling to their old ways, I’m afraid the Command Department won’t show them a pleasant face."
