Qin Beiwang stared at the star chart, where two joint fleets stood like iron walls guarding the stargate.
Nearly forty thousand starships. Even if his Meteor Hammer Plan could tear open a breach, facing such immense defensive depth and the subsequent frenzied counterattack, the probability of the Pluto Fleet successfully breaking through and destroying the stargate would still be suppressed to a dangerously low level.
He had to create a crack in this iron wall—preferably make them split up on their own.
"System, retrieve all regular shipping routes, energy flows, and escort force assessments for the Bushman Star System."
Qin Beiwang silently commanded.
Before his eyes, the system interface visible only to him responded instantly.
Countless streams of light representing navigation routes, transport fleets, and energy pipelines lit up and flowed within the holographic model of the Bushman Star System.
Combining real-time data transmitted by deployed passive detection buoys, the system began conducting high-speed tactical simulations.
A few seconds later, a highlighted plan emerged:
[Tactical Recommendation: Raid the Energy Supply Line.]
[Target: The directional high-purity energy transport fleet heading to the Abuja Stellar Ring.]
[Basis:]
High Strategic Value: The Abuja Stellar Ring is highly likely to be the fleet and energy relay station for the stargate, with extremely high energy supply priority.
Relatively Weak Defenses: Located deep within the imperial hinterland, this route is theoretically secure, with limited regular escort forces.
High Attack Gain:
Direct Strike: Disrupting energy supply will shake the imperial defense system, forcing defending forces to divide their troops to protect or reclaim the route.
Seizure of Supplies: Starship fuel, zero-point energy dedicated to the stargate, and starship propulsion engines can be directly used for the Meteor Modification Plan, alleviating some resource shortages.
(Simulation Success Probability: 71.3%).
Operational Feasibility: Utilize the asteroid belt for cover to approach the route, executed by high-speed assault vessels from the fleet for swift attack and swift withdrawal.
The operation scale is small, easy to launch covertly, and provides coordinated support to the main attack direction (the stargate).
Qin Beiwang's gaze locked onto the highlighted energy transport route converging toward the Abuja Stellar Ring.
This tactic was undoubtedly the most suitable for the current situation.
Not only would it provide urgently needed supplies, but more importantly—it was the bait most likely to provoke the imperial defenders and force them into making mistakes.
An enemy force attacking a vital energy line deep within their own territory, right under their noses, would bring enough humiliation and threat to rear stability to unsettle any commander.
Especially near a critical facility like the stargate, any unstable spark could be infinitely amplified, prompting the defending commander to decide on dividing forces for mop-up operations.
And once any part of the two joint fleets, or even just a portion of their forces, was diverted from the core defense zone, the density and response speed of the stargate defense perimeter would decline.
That would be the window of opportunity the Meteor Hammer and the Pluto main force were waiting for.
"Zhuang Zhixuan."
Qin Beiwang opened the communication channel, his tone decisive.
"Plan adjustment. While the meteoroid modification is underway, we need to launch several auxiliary assaults."
He quickly conveyed the core conclusions of the system deduction and the attack targets.
"Withdraw high-speed cruisers and destroyers from the Tiankui Star and Tiangang Star sub-fleets to form sixteen high-speed assault fleets.
Mission: Ambush the transport ships heading to the Abuja Stellar Ring and seize the energy supplies and fusion engines on board!"
"Requirements: The operation must be swift and fierce! The primary objectives are to paralyze and capture the transport ships, seizing the energy and shipborne engines as intact as possible.
Anything that cannot be brought back must be destroyed!
After defeating the escort fleet, do not engage in prolonged combat. Once sufficient commotion has been created, immediately disperse and retreat along the pre-set retreat route into the depths of the asteroid belt, ultimately returning to the fleet assembly point."
"Remember, you are not only going to seize supplies but also to knock on the door—knock hard—so the Empire's defending forces hear it and... can't help but come out to see."
Zhuang Zhixuan quickly digested the orders, a glimmer of understanding flashing in her eyes.
"Understood, Commander. Harassment, seizure, luring the enemy.
We'll make sure the Empire's energy bill includes an extra loss and give them a good scare."
The orders were issued.
The Pluto Fleet began preparing for a two-front war like a precision timepiece.
One part of the engineering force continued the perilous modification surgery around the massive GC-7712 meteoroid.
The other part, an elite assault force, sharpened its blades like unsheathed daggers, ready to strike at the Empire's seemingly secure logistical artery.
Seven hours later, on the outskirts of the Bushman Star System.
Six bloated Imperial Standard Transport Ships were cruising steadily at economical speed.
Their massive cargo holds were filled with refined high-purity fusion fuel rods, totaling hundreds of thousands of tons in weight.
This fuel was intended to supply the frontline combat fleets.
Escorting this transport convoy were three outdated Sentinel-class (Tier 2) light frigates.
They were arranged in a triangular formation around the transport fleet, their hulls even showing signs of repairs, clearly not frontline elite forces.
On the bridge of the lead frigate, Commander Lieutenant Parker Holton frowned slightly, his eyes repeatedly scanning the sensor screen.
Although the navigation route was calm and the background radiation readings were normal, he felt uneasy.
He opened the fleet-wide communication channel, his voice carrying its usual seriousness.
"All ships, maintain alert formation. Set sensors to maximum power and do not overlook any anomalous fluctuations.
The cargo we are transporting is of utmost importance. We cannot afford any mistakes.
Stay sharp!"
A few half-hearted acknowledgments came through the communication channel.
Clearly, the long, uneventful voyage had left the crew somewhat lax.
Transport Fleet Commander Lieutenant Ian Lowell's voice cut in, carrying obvious ease, dismissiveness, and even a hint of mockery.
"Relax, my dear Lieutenant Holton.
Look around us, look at the star chart!
Where are we?
The Bushman Star System!
The heart of the Empire!
The nearest Federal controlled zone is separated by the entire Savannah and the frontline battlefield!"
His voice, transmitted through the channel, carried a noble-like laziness and arrogance.
"Are you worried that a Federation Fleet could appear here as if by magic?"
First, break through the Savannah fleet where we're stationed, then slip silently through the Bushman outer patrol network, all just to attack our small, insignificant transport convoy?
The very idea is worthy of being included in the Imperial Military Joke Collection!"
He seemed to find it quite amusing and continued to mock.
"Even our illustrious Lieutenant Colonel Qin Beiwang, whom the Federation praises to the skies.
Oh, I heard he was recently promoted to Senior Colonel?
Even his so-called Pluto Fleet is probably cowering like frightened mice in some corner of Elvira right now.
Waiting to be crushed by our Gorgon, Capricorn, and other grand fleets?
If he had the ability to appear here, I'd eat this cup of coffee along with the mug on the spot!"