Chapter 904: A Camouflaged Fleet

Orbit of Shadow Star.

On the Bridge of the Raven, Company Commander Sairuoluo of the First Company was supervising the data summary of the final cleanup operation when a ship operator reported.

"Company Commander, the edge Sensor Array has detected multiple warp signals. Not military-grade, but the quantity is significant."

Sairuoluo tilted his head slightly and asked.

"Identification characteristics?"

The operator adjusted the Control Console.

"Characteristic analysis matches... Star Interstellar Merchants fleet. At least fifteen merchant ships of various types, with three Frigate-class armed escorts. Advancing along conventional trade routes."

Sairuoluo frowned in thought.

According to the data previously provided in the Selina database, Star Interstellar Merchants usually follow fixed routes, but Shadow Star is not a node on any major trade route.

The timing of these uninvited guests' appearance, right after the Anya Shouwei finished clearing the planet's main threats, was too coincidental, wasn't it?

"Raise the alert level. Run in Silence, continue observation."

Sairuoluo ordered, while simultaneously connecting to the encrypted channel to the surface.

At the temporary command post on the surface, Corax had just finished supervising the destruction of the last batch of Shu technical equipment.

Sairuoluo's communication request sounded on his private channel.

"Father, a fleet has been detected approaching Shadow Star. Characteristic analysis matches a Star Interstellar Merchants fleet."

"Scale and configuration?"

"Fifteen merchant ships, three armed escorts. They seem to be advancing along some extended trade route, but Shadow Star is not on any known trade route."

After a moment of contemplation, Corax spoke.

"Maintain covert observation. If they are just passing through, let them pass."

"Understood."

Half an hour later, Sairuoluo communicated again.

"The merchant fleet has changed course and is heading directly toward Shadow Star. They are requesting communication with us."

"Respond to the communication request and ask their intentions."

In space, the Raven agreed to the merchant fleet's encrypted communication request according to the Primarch's instructions.

After the communication was connected, a slightly arrogant voice sounded.

"Unknown fleet, this is Gabriel Vanzhuo, leader of the Star Wish caravan. We detected abnormal activity on Shadow Star and have come to conduct trade and exploration. Please state your identity and intentions."

Sairuoluo responded according to Corax's instructions.

"Shadow Star is currently in a restricted state. It is recommended that you change your course and continue your original journey."

The merchant leader's laughter came through the communication.

"'Restricted state'? Restricted by whom? As far as we know, Shadow Star is self-governed by the local race. We are legitimate merchants and have the right to conduct trade activities."

Are these merchants provoking them?

Corax, listening to the conversation on the surface, ordered in a low tone.

"Scan their fleet, paying special attention to the actual mass distribution and energy signatures of those 'merchant ships'. I suspect they are not entirely merchants."

The scan results arrived quickly; multiple so-called "merchant ships" had abnormally reinforced structures and hidden weapon ports, and their energy signatures were closer to light warships.

Sairuoluo's report was sent over shortly after.

"Camouflaged warships are mixed into the caravan, at least five have combat capabilities. Their 'escort' strength is far stronger than it appears."

"Execute Intercept procedures. I want to speak with this 'caravan leader' in person."

"Yes! Father!"

The Raven ended its stealth state, slowly sailing out from the shadow of Shadow Star, while simultaneously issuing an all-channel broadcast.

"Attention Star Interstellar Merchants fleet, this is the Raven of the Anya Shouwei Legion. According to Article 73 of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance Military Law, you have entered a restricted area. Stop advancing immediately, shut down your engines, and prepare to accept boarding inspections. Any resistance will be considered a hostile act."

The merchant fleet did not expect this fleet to choose a hard confrontation.

The fleet began to re-form, with armed ships moving to the front.

The caravan leader's voice came again, with obvious displeasure.

"Anya Shouwei? Never heard of this legion. What authority do you have to intercept legitimate merchants? We possess trade permits issued by the Fengqi Star Alliance!"

"This place is under the jurisdiction of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance, and the laws of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance are supreme. Final warning: stop advancing, shut down your engines, and prepare to accept inspection."

After a brief silence, the merchant fleet suddenly accelerated and turned, beginning to scatter and flee.

At the same time, those warships disguised as merchant ships opened their hidden weapon ports and fired the first wave of attacks at the Raven.

"All ships, engage!"

Sairuoluo ordered directly.

The Raven rushed toward the firepower.

The Void Shield easily absorbed the first wave of attacks from the merchant fleet, while the Macro-cannon fired, neutralizing the combat effectiveness of two armed ships.

At the same time, three other Anya Shouwei warships quietly sailed out from the shadow of Shadow Star, completely surrounding the Star Interstellar Merchants fleet.

"Launch Landing Pods and interceptor craft. Priority target: the flagship, Star Wish."

Sairuoluo ordered.

Dozens of Landing Pods were ejected from the Anya Shouwei warships, flying toward the merchant fleet.

"Boarding parties have departed. Led by Fourth Company Company Commander Kexisi."

Corax watched the progress of the operation on the surface via a holographic projection.

"I want that leader captured alive. The others... depending on the level of resistance."

In space, Kexisi and his Anya Shouwei space warriors had already breached the hull of the Star Wish.

The resistance of the merchant crew was more intense than expected.

Kasiwusi reported via comms.

"Encountering professional resistance; weapons and tactics indicate mercenaries."

"Continue forward. I need that leader and the data on the ship."

"Yes! Father!"

Inside the Star Wish, mercenary Captain Malcolm Gray organized the defensive line.

His team members were all experienced mercenaries who had carried out dangerous Task(s) on various fringe worlds, but today, he constantly had an instinctive feeling of being watched by a Predator.

"Team A, hold the main corridor! Team B, protect the Bridge! Team C, go to the engine room; do not let them control the power!"

Ge Lei shouted, the Plasma Gun in his hand already fully warmed up.

The mercenaries set up barricades and Automatic Cannon turrets.

These were the best equipment, military-grade weapons obtained from the black market at a high price.

They had once relied on this equipment to crush pirate gangs and even rebels in the asteroid belt.

"Boom!"

The first impact came from the airlock; the hatch was torn open, and massive figures stepped out from the darkness.

"Fire!"

Ge Lei ordered.

Crossfire covered the entrance, with energy beams and Armor-Piercing Shell(s) capable of tearing through most armor flying out.

But those figures did not pause; bolter rounds returned fire precisely from the smoke, each one taking the life of a mercenary.

A mercenary was just about to throw a Plasma Grenade, but before he could, he was hit by a bolter round; the grenade exploded in his hand, instantly vaporizing him and three of his companions nearby.

"Fall back! Reorganize the defensive line!"

Ge Lei shouted loudly.

The Anya Shouwei Space Marines walked through the smoke and flames, their Power Armor only showing the raven emblem faintly visible in the firelight.

Ge Lei saw an Anya Shouwei Space Marine hit in the chest by an energy beam, yet suffer no damage, followed by a bolter round killing the shooter.

"This is impossible..."