647 Admirals Promise (2/2)

”We need to stop that boy. We can't just sit around and let him destroy our fleet.” Li Hong said.

”Let's play by the ear. He is regarded as a hero on Mars, and it's unwise to butt heads against him when he is strong. Let's wait until they come back from their mission. If he fails, we will then act.”

”Alright! Thank gods that they only used light jets. If they were to use space cruisers, they better cross my dead body first.”

”I have heard some good news coming from the Earth. What a relief!”

”You don't say! I never expected Li Zhedao's death would end up being a blessing in disguise. The soldiers' spirits have risen after his death, and I bet Patroclus is injured too.”

”So I have heard. This is our best opportunity.” Xiao Se nodded. Their alliance was emblematic of the close tie between House Li and the council.

Li Zhedao's sudden death had crippled House Li's influence; therefore, they had to improvise an alliance with the new rising power, the councilors. Xiao Se was one of the high ranking councilors, and he would replace Samantha as the Admiral should she prove to be unworthy. In honoring their alliance, he would appoint Li Hong as his first mate.

Meanwhile, Wang Tong had started to organize the X-6 fleet. The news had elated Karl and Cao Yi as they rolled up their sleeves and were ready to fight. However, their enthusiasm was not shared by everyone, since everything was carried out in secrecy, where doubts started to breed.

The X-6 jets were highly maneuverable small fighter jets. But, due to their size, they had very limited capacity in dealing with larger ships. Therefore, they were mainly used for scouting missions. It was difficult to imagine that Wang Tong would be able to change the course of the war with only a hundred of such weak force.

No one knew what Wang Tong was planning. Although they knew of his incredible prowess, how much of his power could be used during space combat was yet to be seen.

Bisu and Flash also joined Wang Tong's mission. Although they were not directly within Samantha's purview, they were not only sick of the infighting, but also eager to help their old friend.

The two fleet commanders had attempted to work closely with Samantha for a while, and Wang Tong's appearance had provided them such an opportunity.

When the older veterans were blinded by their petty political games, the young soldiers who were not burdened by such selfish thoughts were able to see things much clearer. The Zergs posed a threat to the very existence of human race; it was not the time to dawdle on meaningless politics.

They conceded that they had very limited resources to change the way their captains viewed things, and the best they could do was fight for the cause that they believed in.

”Flash, do you really have to drag me into this?” Bisu smiled wryly. Their actions meant severing their ties with House Li.

Flash was unfazed by the question. ”It's about time to make this decision. Don't you remember why we joined the fleet?”

Bisu smiled wistfully and then said, ”Yes.”

”We can't change other peoples' mind, but we can lead by example. I know Wang Tong…he wouldn't start a mission unprepared. You and I know better than anyone that Wang Tong is a competent space commander. Don't you remember how he defeated us at the tournament?” Flash asked.

”Those old foxes won't count the tournament as a legit experience.”

”Legit experience... hehe...” Flash was amused as he mauled over the words. He shook his head and then grinned wryly as he lamented that experience had become a tool for the captains to secure their positions. General Li Hong was a capable commander; however, he had failed to see the big picture—his experience had failed him after all.

”What do you think Wang Tong is up to? What could he do with only a hundred fighter jets?” Bisu asked. He never doubted Wang Tong's abilities, but one could not make brick without straw.

Samantha had vouched for Wang Tong's plan so unequivocally that she would resign from the position should Wang Tong fail. This seemingly foolhardy move was necessary to convince the other captains and gain their support.

Flash's eyes glinted as his mind raced. ”I bet you that these hundred jets are just a lure. He has something else in store for the Zergs.”

”Same here. We lack reinforcements, so we need to be very careful and not lose any of our ships in vain. The Zergs know our weakness, and they are trying to turn it into their advantage.”

”Our problem right now is that we had focused too much on our enemies' strength, so much so that we have forgotten ours,” Flash said slowly.