Counterfeit Hero

Following the radar operator's report, the ship's long-range optical observer quickly locked onto the cargo ship thousands of kilometers away.

When the picture on the virtual screen of the main console gradually became clear during the lens adjustment, the fat man who had just got off the maintenance mecha and returned to the main control room was stunned.

This old-fashioned light blue [Apollo] cargo spacecraft is all too familiar to Fatty. This was the smuggling boat carrying a destroyer engine that he had taken when he smuggled himself to Gacharin. It was also the first space ship that he used to make modification mistakes.

At first, in order to renovate this old merchant ship, Fatty had put in a lot of effort. The control system, power system, and defense system of the entire ship have been optimized, and the hull has also been reinforced. To enhance attack resistance and adapt to higher speed navigation needs.

More importantly, under the bow side of the entire sky-blue [Apollo] cargo spacecraft, there is a "tian" mark that protrudes from the inside to the outside. This was exactly the mark that Fatty had secretly made on a whim. This was also the main reason why he recognized the ship at a glance.

As for the female captain Audrey on the merchant ship who was both shrewd and nimble, who inherited the smuggling ship but could not control the situation, and finally managed to get rid of the crew with her own help, Fatty still holds a grudge: "If Fatty hadn't been able to hide, Come on, that little bitch who shot with her eyes closed has already opened a few holes in the fat man’s body!”

On the virtual screen, [Apollo]'s situation didn't look good. The energy shield had only a thin layer of red left. The civilian alloy kinetic energy resistant armor on the ship also became dilapidated. There are still burn marks left on it when the energy cannon breaks through the shield.

"Send a directed communications request," Chekov ordered. A merchant ship that had obviously been attacked appeared in this inaccessible star field. He had to be careful. Maybe, behind this merchant ship is a large group of ferocious hounds!

Directed point-to-point communications were quickly established. As the colorful lights on the communication screen dissipated, Audrey's image appeared on the screen.

"I am Audrey Gro, the captain of the merchant ship [Audrey]. I am very happy to speak with you, dear captain. I am relieved to see you here." Virtual Audrey on the screen is beautiful, calm, gentle and elegant. Compare with Fatty’s previous impression. A lot more mature.

"What happened? Did someone attack you?" Chekov became alert.

"Yes, Mr. Captain." Audrey nodded: "Now, the two high-speed plundering ships of the Red Beard Pirates are following our fleet, from the Salega Federation to here. It may take more than ten minutes. , they should pass through the jumping point. Of course, to Mr. Captain, you and your warship, they are just a bunch of paper tigers."

"Red Beard Pirates?" The fat man was stunned. He couldn't help but asked: "They shouldn't be able to escape your smuggling ship!"

Fatty still remembered the last time he went to Gacharin. This pirate group also tried to rob Audrey's smuggling ship, but he found a way to get rid of it.

The so-called [Audrey] is equipped with the engine of the [Admiral Karloff] class light destroyer. Although they are all cliche stuff. But the speed is faster than the [Phoenix] destroyer, let alone the pirates' high-speed ships converted from civilian speedboats.

As soon as Fatty's words came out, Audrey on the virtual screen was obviously stunned for a moment.

[Audrey] No. From the surface. It was just an ordinary merchant ship that was unremarkable and even dilapidated. Few people know that this merchant ship is used for smuggling. Only a few people knew that this ship was extremely fast.

Now. Suddenly, someone aboard a Leray destroyer revealed her identity and the biggest secret of the [Audrey], and Audrey couldn't help but panic.

Carefully look at the fat man standing next to the destroyer captain on the large communication screen, and the image of a person gradually appeared on the ship!

"Zhang Yuan... damn fat guy..." Audrey said in surprise: "Why are you here..."

Ever since Fatty's capture of James was widely publicized by the federation, Audrey had long known the true identity of Fatty who took his smuggling boat to Gacharin. Since then, she has been paying attention to all the news about Fatty in the Leray Federation.

In addition, Milan later used the same clue to carry Audrey's smuggling ship to Gacharin. During an accidental chat, Audrey learned that Milan knew Fatty, and immediately became good friends with Milan. From Milan's mouth, she also Learned a lot about fat people.

Audrey has always been grateful to this fat man who is a bit obsessed and a bit of a bastard. If it weren't for Fatty, I would have become the prey of the cook Eric or the deputy captain Anthony. Not only would the smuggling ship left by his father be destroyed in his own hands, these old guys who had followed his father for decades would also become impoverished and fall apart.

It is precisely because of Fatty's modifications that the old "Apollo" can prosper in the interstellar smuggling business where wars are raging and pirates are everywhere, and the interstellar smuggling business is becoming more and more difficult, and its reputation is getting bigger and bigger.

Audrey dared to accept many goods that others did not dare to accept. Others dare not run the ground route, but Audrey dares to run. Rely on the speed of the [Audrey]. She slipped away from the pirates countless times. The crews of the smuggling ships became more united and more obedient with their better incomes.

All this is thanks to the fat man.

When the communication was connected, Audrey did not recognize Fatty. After all, there was a big difference between the fat man's appearance and his current appearance when he was made up to look like Zhang Yuan. When the fat man asked, Audrey immediately realized that the fat man who had been engraved in her mind for more than a year was right in front of her.

"Damn fat man..." The fat man had a black line on his forehead.

Audrey said excitedly: "Great, I didn't expect you to be there... How have you been lately? Wow, your appearance has changed a lot. It turns out you really look like this. Damn fat man, how did you do your makeup back then?" Of? I heard that you are the hero of the Lere Federation!..."

In the main control room, everyone was dumbfounded.

Why is this female captain who was so mature and elegant just now? In the blink of an eye, she turned into a chirping and excited little girl? Everyone looked at the fat man with twitching muscles on his face. I couldn't help but admire in my heart: "As expected of a federal hero, a legendary miracle worker, who can turn mature women into lolita. This skill is amazing!"

"Stop it!" The fat man rolled his eyes: "Let's talk about the pirates first!".

"Oh..." Audrey, who kept shouting like an oriole, immediately calmed down and said obediently: "That's it, the Red Beard Pirates ambushed us when we passed the ie-1404 public system. They didn't know where they came from. We purchased two high-speed plunderers converted from civilian frigates, which are very fast. Now, there is something wrong with our main thruster. So, we have been unable to get rid of them."

"Only two plunder ships?" Fatty breathed a sigh of relief. at this time. Only the two secondary guns on the flanks and a dozen rotating turrets were left, the [Berland Rose]. But it can't stand any big trouble. Let’s talk about paper tigers. People like you are paper tigers.

"Yes." Audrey nodded: "There are only two plundering ships. The main force of the Red Beard Pirate Group seems to be plundering in a public star system two hops away from the Salga Longbow Starfield."

"The Red Beard Sea Group..." Chekov frowned and interjected: "Aren't they operating in the triangular star field between the Tatanian Free Business Alliance and Desik and Gacharin for a long time? Why are they like this? Did the bastard go to the Salaga Federation again?"

"Recently, the situation in the Salga Federation has shown signs of unrest. Due to depletion of resources, the processing and export trade has been affected by the war. There are also problems in the financial system, the economy is in recession, and people from all walks of life take to the streets every day. The security situation has become It's very bad. In addition, some people are deliberately creating unrest. The Salega government can no longer control the situation..." Audrey said. He said with some embarrassment: "Whether it's a smuggling ship or a pirate group. They have all gathered here recently, trying to make a fortune out of the chaos."

Chekov and Tian Xingjian looked at each other. I feel a little worried in my heart. As soldiers of the Lere Federation, they naturally know the problems that the Salega Federation is facing at the moment. I just didn't expect that the situation had reached this point. Generally speaking. Pirates do not dare to get too close to a sovereign country's area of ​​activity. Usually in public star systems more than five hops away from these countries.

But now, it is conceivable that the Red Beard Pirates dare to openly commit crimes two hops away from the Longbow Star Domain of the Salga Federation. The chaos in the Salga Federation. It must have affected the military. otherwise. Pirates and smuggling ships will never be so rampant.

The Salega Federation is in chaos. The situation in the Lere Federation is even more serious.

Thinking of the series of chain reactions that Russell predicted would come from this. The fat man just wanted to rush to the Salega Federation, arrest all the guys who were pro-Xiyo, beat them up, and then lock them up. If you don’t change your stance, you won’t be allowed to eat!

After hearing the news about Audrey, all the officers and soldiers in the main control room of the [Bolan Rose]. I was frowning for a while. After all, it is another country there. Although it is an alliance, Le Lei has no reason or strength to influence the political situation of the Salga Federation.

I can only watch helplessly! Watching this neighboring country become chaotic, even watching her fall to Xiyo. This deep feeling of powerlessness. It makes everyone feel a little depressed!

"How could this happen?" Helen murmured: "Isn't there General Tolstoy in the Salega Federation? How could he let the Salega Federation become like this?"

She was answered by silence.

The Tolstoy in Helen's mouth is the Salaga man most familiar to the people of Leray.

This old general, who is over seventy years old, is the former chief general of the Salega Federal Army and one of the staunchest allies of the Lelay Federation.

Tolstoy studied at the Federal Iron and Steel Military Academy in Leray when he was young, and later went to the Heidfield Military University in the capital of the Feyant Republic for further studies.

After returning to China, Tolstoy successively served as the military commander of the battalion, regiment, and division of the 8th Armored Division of the Salega Army, and later served as deputy chief of staff of the Operations Department of the Third Army, deputy chief of general staff of the group army, commander of the group army, and deputy commander of the Longbow Military District. officer, commander, thirty years old

, a late bloomer. Twenty years ago, he served as the commander-in-chief of the two armies of the Salega Federation and was promoted to commander-in-chief.

Tolstoy was a man of integrity, perseverance but not pedantic. He may not have any special talents in military command, but he has an extremely unique vision when it comes to recognizing and employing people and building the army. It was during the ten years that he was in charge of the Salga Federal Army that the Salga Federal Army, which was originally a third-rate army, completely changed its appearance. He became the main force in Fei League’s settlement in the southeastern star region.

Nearly one-third of the top generals of the Federal Army who are now in charge of the military were promoted by Tolstoy. None of these people were promoted through nepotism or flattery.

It is not an exaggeration to say that Tolstoy was the talisman of the Salga Federal Army. Although Tolstoy had resigned from office eight years ago and went home to spend his remaining years. However, in the minds of many Salega soldiers, this federal first-level general is their eternal leader and idol.

Helen once interviewed Tolstoy when he was invited to give lectures at his alma mater, the Leray Steel Military Academy, after he left office. She was astute about this man. Talkative. A straightforward and open-minded old man. Very profound impression. Therefore, she was extremely shocked when she heard that the Salega Federation was in such chaos.

Helen couldn't imagine it. When the Salga Federation fell into chaos, General Tolstoy turned a blind eye. You know, as long as he stands up and says a few words, there will never be any pirates plundering rampantly two places away from the Longbow Star Territory.

The [Bolan Rose] has bypassed the meteorite belt. Meet up with the merchant ship [Audrey].

"Captain Gro..." Chekov broke the silence.

"Call me Audrey." Audrey said with a smile.

"Well...Captain Audrey..." Chekov nodded and said, "Where are you planning to go?"

"Originally, I was planning to go to the Tartania Free Trade Alliance. But..." Audrey said with some worry: "Given the current situation of the merchant ships, I'm afraid they are not suitable for long-distance voyages. I plan to find a free shipyard for repairs first, but I'm afraid Meet the pirates…”

While talking. The [Audrey] has slowly slid behind the [Bolan Rose].

Regarding Audrey's little calculation, Chekov just smiled slightly, as for the "Bolan Rose". Resolve the two ships that have just breached the jump point. engine. Civilian frigates whose radar and protection systems are inevitably at a temporary standstill. It's not a problem. These civilian ships. But there is no military unmanned detection aircraft for early jump monitoring!

"Captain Audrey..." Chekov pondered for a moment and said, "You can see it too. We have just experienced a battle. The ship needs repairs. Regarding the current situation around the Salga Federation star field, We don't know much about it, so... I think we need your help and that of your merchant ship."

For Chekov, the most important thing now is to get rid of the pursuers through this jumping point. Find a way to complete repair supplies and get in touch with LeLei.

However, Chekov did not dare to drive the destroyer into the Salga federal land without receiving precise instructions from the country.

Although it is currently an ally with the Salega Federation, given the current situation in Salega, once someone makes a fuss about the Lelei destroyer, or wants to see what secrets are in the on-board computer of this new destroyer, the matter will be very serious. It's troublesome.

Therefore, the [Berlan Rose] needs to rely on forces outside the forces of the Salga Federation.

This power is the power of free space that continues to this day since the era of space exploration. Countless cargo ships, smuggling ships, exploration spacecraft, pirate groups and even various gangs, mechanics, supply merchants, government officials, and formal organizations constitute the main body of this free force.

They have free ports, free docks, free bases, and free space stations. There, as long as you have money, you can buy everything you need! Don't talk about energy, weapons, drugs, women, even if you want a slave, buy a rodeo horse or a hunting dog in a small space station, someone will deliver it to you on the ground!

And if a new LeLei destroyer wants to hang out near the current Salega Federation, many things will be inconvenient without the help of people like smugglers or pirates. Outside the star domain of sovereign countries, only these opportunists who travel around the universe all day long know where there are free docks, where supplies can be supplied, and where their tracks can be hidden.

He needed Audrey's assistance, but it was because of the relationship between Fatty and Audrey that he said it politely. In fact, in the territory of space, the strong have always been respected. Facing a new destroyer, neither smugglers nor pirates have any say.

Audrey didn't seem to reject Chekov's request at all. She just smiled sweetly, glanced at the fat man vaguely, and then readily agreed to Chekov: "I feel very honored to be able to help you. ."