Inside the Commander-in-Chief’s office, Admiral Andrew Johnson, who was in charge of command, was reporting the war situation to the President who had come in person to the command headquarters.

  “So far, the Federation has completely lost control of five immigrant planets. The Eleventh and Twelfth Space Fleets stationed in the Galileo System have been almost entirely wiped out. Only one [Orion]-class battleship, a few light cruisers, and a Titan-class carrier that escaped disaster due to a shift change managed to get away. The Milok Regional Fleet stationed in the Newton System, facing an overwhelming enemy force, has withdrawn from the Atlantis Star Region with the approval of the command headquarters after losing fifty percent of its warships.”

  Admiral Andrew Johnson’s voice was somewhat hoarse. It had been half a year since the Gacharin Empire’s undeclared war began, and due to the Federation’s long-term lack of preparation for war, it was still unable to organize sufficient defensive forces, let alone counterattack. The Leray Federation, which possessed three major star regions and eight star systems, was facing the most severe test in its history.

  Confronted with the well-prepared Gacharin Empire, the Leray Federation’s military strength had always been at a disadvantage. The dovish government and parliament, in particular, were far too complacent toward the Gacharin royal family, which had a history and bloodline of aggression. Several proposals from the military to increase the budget had all been rejected.

  Lack of funds, outdated ships, insufficient training.

  What frustrated Andrew Johnson even more was that the military was filled with academic commanders who had never been tested by the fires of war. The Leray Federation had been at peace for too long. In this heroic nation born three hundred years ago, the illustrious generals who shone in the War of Independence had become nothing more than names in history textbooks and statues on the lawns of military academies.

  What the Leray Federation needed now was time. A general mobilization order had already been issued. Factories and shipyards were running at full capacity to build new mechs and warships. Batch after batch of new recruits were pouring into the barracks for training. But would time bring Leray the dawn of victory?

  “The First Mixed Army Group, composed of the Fourth, Sixth, and Seventh Space Fleets, has already assembled in the central Leray star region. Since the space jump points have been blockaded by the Gacharin Empire’s space fleet, it is no longer possible to force a jump to reinforce the Newton System. Therefore, the command headquarters has ordered the jump points between Leray and the Atlantis Star Region to be sealed off, and the First Mixed Army Group to defend in place.”

  Seeing the President frowning and holding a teacup without any response, Andrew Johnson continued, “The First, Second, and Eighth Space Fleets, drawn from the Baimu Star Region, are assembling in the rear. It will take some time to maintain the ships and replenish ammunition and personnel. The Third and Ninth Space Fleets have already set out, detouring through the public star region to search for new jump points to the Atlantis Star Region. The Fifth and Tenth Space Fleets are still responsible for guarding the security of the capital’s main planet.”

  “All regional fleets have begun comprehensive reorganization. After supplementing ships and personnel, it is expected that five to six mixed fleets can be formed.”

  The President Alexander Hamilton finally put down his teacup, waved his hand, and said, “Tell me about your difficulties. What do you need me to do? Whatever the military needs, I will support unconditionally.”

  After a pause, the President continued, “The domestic situation is very unstable right now. Five immigrant planets, nearly three hundred cities, hundreds of millions of people—lost just like that. The public’s demand for a counterattack is very high. The opposition is fanning the flames as well. If we lose Milok Star too, we’ll be completely on the defensive, and there will be no forward base for a strategic counteroffensive.”

  Seeing Andrew Johnson about to speak, the President waved his hand to stop him, stood up and walked to the window, turning his back to the admiral and saying, “I know what you want to say, but we have no way out. If we can’t hold Milok Star, I will become the first President in the Federation’s history to resign in disgrace, and you will become the first general to be dismissed. Without sacrifice, there is no victory. Even if it’s a gamble, we can only fight to the death and stake everything on this.”

  Turning around, the President signaled the secretary to hand a document to Andrew Johnson, and continued, “This is the sum total of all the strength the Federation can muster in three months of general mobilization. I believe that as long as we hold out for these three months, we can reach a strategic balance. Relying on our resources and production capacity, which are nearly double those of the Gacharin Empire, we can launch a full counteroffensive within a year.”

  “Without sacrifice, there is no victory.” Andrew Johnson repeated the phrase over and over.

  “Even if there is only one city, one armed force left, we must resist to the end. Milok Star must never fall completely into Gacharin hands. The people need victory, so we will give them victory. Public opinion needs heroes, so we will give them heroes.” The President’s gaze was far calmer than his tone: “Seize the jump points, rapidly reinforce Milok, unify ground resistance forces, create Federation heroes, and strive for local victories. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

  Andrew Johnson nodded heavily. He suddenly realized that he was no longer just a pure soldier; he was now thinking more about political needs than military ones.

  “I hope the choices we make are the right ones.”

  Watching the President stride away, the admiral thought silently to himself.

  …