Chapter 1093: We Cannot Lose Them

Tailakesi pondered.

"Intelligence indicates that the Star Alliance's intelligence network is quite advanced. They likely know our basic situation, including our defensive strengths and weaknesses. The key lies in how they interpret this information, and... which type of intelligence they trust more."

"What do you mean?"

Woluoke asked.

Tailakesi explained.

"My Intelligence Officer reports that the Star Alliance has recently stepped up their intelligence gathering on us.

They may have intercepted some incomplete communication fragments, or they might be intentionally leaking false intelligence to test our reactions. In information warfare, it is difficult to distinguish the true from the false."

Nasaer was lost in thought.

"So, we cannot assume what they know or do not know. We must base our plans on the worst-case scenario: that they know the defensive differences between the three planets, know our reinforcement schedule, and perhaps even know about our internal... divisions."

Nasaer said the last two words very softly, but clearly enough.

Tailakesi belongs to the Traditionalist Faction, advocating for solid defense and preserving strength.

Woluoke is a centrist, focusing on pragmatism.

And Nasaer... he is a rising star of the Expansionist Faction, young, aggressive, and eager to prove himself.

"Politics is politics, war is war."

Woluoke said sternly.

"Regardless of our internal divisions, we must unite when facing an external enemy.

Otherwise, all three planets will fall, and by then it won't matter who belongs to which faction; we will all become losers, or the dead."

Tailakesi nodded in agreement.

"Then, let us formulate a joint defense plan. Based on the worst-case assumption: the Star Alliance will attack all three planets simultaneously, and the main thrust might be K-79, because the orbital defense here is relatively weak, and your tendency for counterattacks, Nasaer, might be exploited by them."

Nasaer's Third Eye contracted slightly.

"You think they will set a trap targeting me?"

"If you were a Commander of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance, facing three targets, one of whose commanders is known for being 'aggressive' and 'eager for military merit,' what would you do?"

Tailakesi asked in return.

"You would give him a seemingly tempting opportunity, lure him into attacking, and then surround and annihilate his fleet. In this way, the one of the three planets whose defense relies most on its fleet would lose its orbital protection."

Nasaer fell silent.

If he were in the opponent's position, he would adopt the same strategy.

"So what is your suggestion?"

Nasaer finally asked.

"Hold firm. Utilize the upgraded Huzhun Xitong to defend the orbit. Do not launch an active attack, and do not give the Star Alliance an opportunity to surround and annihilate us. Our goal is to stall for time and wait for the Seventh Main Fleet to arrive. By then, the battlefield situation will change completely, from us being besieged to us launching a pincer attack from inside and out."

Woluoke added.

"Furthermore, if we hold firm in orbit, the Star Alliance will be forced to conduct landing operations.

Once their ground forces enter the atmosphere, we can utilize the home-field advantage to wear them down on familiar terrain.

Every city, every fortress, every underground fortification can become their grave."

Nasaer pondered this strategy.

It was reasonable, and very sound.

But just defense? Just waiting? This was not his style, nor was it how he had risen to his current position.

"I understand the advantages of this strategy."

Nasaer said cautiously.

"But pure defense also has risks. If we completely abandon orbital initiative, the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance can deploy at their leisure, choose the best landing sites, and concentrate superior forces to break our ground targets one by one. Moreover, no matter how strong the Huzhun Xitong is, it has its limits; it will eventually collapse under continuous bombardment."

"Then what is your suggestion?"

Tailakesi asked.

"Limited counterattacks."

Nasaer pulled up a set of data.

"Not large-scale fleet decisive battles, but precision strikes. Targeting the Star Alliance's weak links: supply lines, reconnaissance ships, and isolated small fleets.

Use guerrilla tactics to wear them down, disrupt the rhythm of their deployment, and force them to divert their attention.

At the same time, we can intentionally reveal some 'flaws' to lure a portion of their forces deep, and then ambush them."

Woluoke stroked his chin in thought.

"This line of thinking makes sense, but the risk is high. Once our fleet leaves the protection of the Huzhun Xitong, it could be caught and annihilated by the Star Alliance's superior forces.

And, if we reveal 'flaws,' how can we ensure the Star Alliance will react in the way we expect?"

Nasaer explained.

"That requires careful design and precise execution. I suggest we form a joint tactical team specifically to design these 'baits' and 'traps.'

Each of the three Commanders will send their best tactical officers to participate and jointly formulate the plan. This will not only integrate different ways of thinking but also ensure the coordination of the three planets."

Tailakesi and Woluoke exchanged a glance.

Although Nasaer's proposal was risky, it was not unfeasible. Moreover, it did indeed address some of the weaknesses of the pure defense strategy.

Woluoke was the first to state his position.

"I agree to the formation of a joint tactical team. But the plans must be approved by all three Commanders before they can be executed.

Any action, no matter how small in scale, must ensure it does not jeopardize the overall defense."

"I agree as well."

Tailakesi nodded slowly.

"But I must emphasize: our primary goal is to stall for time and wait for reinforcements. Any action that might accelerate attrition or lead to significant losses must be handled with extreme caution."

Nasaer spoke up.

"Then, let us each designate three tactical officers to begin work within two hours. At the same time, we need to immediately strengthen the communication and coordination mechanisms between the three planets.

If the Star Alliance truly attacks simultaneously, we must be able to share intelligence in real-time and support one another."

Tailakesi raised a question.

"Regarding mutual support, if one planet faces immense pressure, can the other two dispatch fleets to assist? This requires precise calculation of time windows and risks."

Woluoke pulled up the warp time data.

"From K-77 to K-78, a standard warp takes four hours. From K-78 to K-79, three hours. From K-77 to K-79, five hours. This means that if one planet is attacked, the nearest support will take at least three hours to arrive."

Nasaer pointed out the issue.

"Three hours is enough for the Star Alliance to complete an initial landing. Therefore, mutual support must be anticipated in advance, rather than reacting only after an attack begins.

We need to establish an early warning system; when one planet's sensors detect abnormal assembly, the other two planets will enter a state of readiness."

Tailakesi agreed.

"Agreed. I will have my technical team develop a shared warning protocol. The sensor data of the three planets will be synchronized in real-time, and any anomaly will automatically trigger an alarm."

The meeting continued for another hour, discussing more details: logistics supply sharing, medical support coordination, civilian evacuation plans, the succession order of command...

Finally, Tailakesi summarized: "Then, the plan is as follows: First, strengthen defenses, upgrade shields, and prepare to hold our ground. Second, establish a joint tactical group to design limited counterattacks and baiting plans. Third, establish a real-time communication and warning system to ensure the three planets are coordinated. Fourth, hold out for at least one hundred and forty standard hours, waiting for the Seventh Main Fleet to arrive."

Tailakesi looked at his two colleagues, his Third Eye fully opened.

"The Fengqi Star Alliance has operated in this region for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. These three planets are not only military outposts but also the home of three billion Fengqi citizens, and they are the symbol of our culture in this star sector. We cannot lose them."

Woluoke nodded.

"Not just for strategic value, but also for the people who trust us and rely on us for protection."

Nasaer nodded as well.

"I understand. I will fulfill my duty, defend K-79, and fight alongside you."

"May Three Eyes watch over us."