From Cannon Fodder to Star Conqueror

Chapter 7: Major, No More (Please follow and save!)

Perhaps because the situation was urgent, Major Mars didn't immediately notice that Commander Adam's wording was somewhat strange. He didn't pause and quickly responded:

"It's from one of my informants, who got it from an imperial spy infiltrating the base."

"An imperial spy?"

"Yes, it's Captain Valera Margaret from the base hospital. We've had this person marked for a long time."

Upon hearing Major Mars's answer, Commander Adam didn't immediately respond. His body, which had been leaning back in his chair, straightened up, leaning forward against the desk, his hands folded beneath his nose. At just the right angle, the light in the room reflected off his glasses, casting a shine across his face.

With the advanced human augmentation technologies of the time, no one experienced issues like nearsightedness or farsightedness anymore. Thus, the gold-rimmed glasses that Commander Adam wore were purely a decorative accessory to display his wealth.

Now, the reflection from those glasses perfectly concealed his eyes, making it hard for Major Mars, standing across the desk, to gauge his expression.

"If the intel is correct, such a unilateral breach of the peace treaty by the Empire will not be a small matter."

"We will face a large-scale raid, and the planetary defense fleet alone will not be able to withstand the Empire's assault."

"According to the standard plan, we should issue a warning to nearby planets or even neighboring star systems, and immediately recall the mobile fleet for near-Earth orbit defense operations."

Commander Adam spoke with calm precision, laying out his analysis and strategy.

Major Mars nodded slightly after hearing this. At least this 'pig-like commander' wasn't entirely useless.

"Since the intel you provided comes only from an informant and a spy of the Empire..."

"Normally, we should verify the authenticity of this information."

Commander Adam paused for a moment. Taking advantage of this brief pause, Major Mars continued:

"That's the second matter I wanted to report. I'm preparing to..."

But before he could finish, he was interrupted.

"But we don't need to verify it, Major Mars."

"Commander Adam, what do you mean by that?"

Major Mars asked, confused.

"Because the intel is true. The Empire's 8th Expeditionary Strike Group will launch a raid in three days at 11 PM local time."

Upon hearing this, Major Mars immediately realized something. His eyes widened in disbelief, and just as he was about to speak, he felt a finger pressing against his right temple.

Behind him, another figure appeared out of nowhere.

"Wait... When?!"

"Is it a high-level psychic?!"

That was Major Mars's last thought.

The next moment, an invisible wave of energy ravaged his brain. In a fraction of a millisecond, it overloaded his central nervous system.

His once-clear eyes grew vacant as he stood frozen like a wooden puppet.

Behind him, the air twisted unnaturally for a brief moment, and with a flash of weak blue light, a figure clad in full combat gear appeared out of thin air.

"The plan is deviating from its original trajectory, Adam."

A synthesized voice echoed from beneath the high-level psychic's visor.

He withdrew the finger from Major Mars's temple, leaving the major still motionless like a puppet.

"This mind control was originally meant for Dallas, but now I have to use it early."

"I can't use your psychic recovery rooms. I won't be able to activate mind control again within three days."

Though the voice was synthesized, Commander Adam could still sense the dissatisfaction from the high-level psychic.

"Don't worry, everything is still under our control."

He raised his pudgy hands and made a 'relax' gesture.

"Mind control over Dallas was just a backup plan. Since that's no longer an option, we'll skip it."

"Tomorrow, I will still sign the order for the 'Meteor' exercise. The main mobile forces on this planet will gather in the designated exercise areas."

As if the issue had been perfectly resolved, Commander Adam reclined comfortably in his chair, his previously furrowed brows now relaxed.

"I've already provided these locations to you. Just have the fleet 'clean up' the area."

"Even if Dallas survives and manages to organize a defense in three days, it won't change the outcome. The power disparity is just too great."

He picked up his still-steaming tea, blowing gently on it.

"At most, we'll lose a few foot soldiers."

Though dissatisfied with Commander Adam's attitude, 'Tail Needle', the senior operative from the Empire's 'Star Dragon Fang' psychic action group, specializing in behind-enemy-line operations, suppressed his frustration.

After all, Adam was an Imperial asset who had been successfully turned and was now one of the most influential figures at the base. The Empire's carefully planned raid operation still needed Adam's cooperation.

Moreover, his orders were clear: assist Adam in any way possible during this period of infiltration.

"Then... How do you want me to handle the traitorous 'Chick'?"

'Tail Needle' cracked his neck, mentally running through several assassination plans.

"Ignore him. He won't stir up any trouble."

Commander Adam's tone was casual, as if he didn't care at all about Amber's defection.

"Besides, the communications center is under Dallas's control. It will be hard for me to move his people, so when Margaret launches the final assault on the communications center, this 'Chick' will still be useful."

"You've got to be kidding me."

Commander Adam's words made 'Tail Needle' laugh in disbelief.

"How can you rely on a traitorous imperial spy to help us storm the communications center?"

"Oh, don't get upset, Mr. 'Tail Needle'. I know you're very professional in special operations, but it's clear you don't understand human nature."

Commander Adam chuckled, seemingly unconcerned by the suppressed anger in his tone.

"There's still some time. I can explain my reasoning, and maybe you'll agree with me after hearing it."

(End of Chapter)