nebula story

In the conference hall of the Imperial Military Aircraft Department, the heavy doors are tightly closed, and beside the large circular conference table, several figures in straight imperial military uniforms are sitting together, watching the electronic version of the nebula projected by the large laser projector opposite. Looking at the map, his brows frown slightly.

Against the backdrop of the gorgeous blue nebula, the entire distribution of the non-celestial galaxy not far from the planet Lencel, where the subjects of the empire have lived for thousands of years, is being presented on the high-definition sound-transparent curtain with a black velvet border, mysterious and intoxicating.

More than 1000 years ago, the planet Rencel under the rule of the imperial power finally developed the space transition technology for interstellar travel. When everyone was delighted by this technology, the traveling Imperial Air Fleet was in just a few days. In a strange nebula corridor a hundred light years away, I was surprised to encounter another civilization from the vast universe—the level of scientific and technological development on the planet Gotha should not be much different from that of Rensselaer, but obviously in the social system There has been a big difference.

The democratic system governed by divisions under the federal system exudes a charming light on this obviously much smaller planet, and this light undoubtedly flashes into the proud eyes of the royal family on the planet Rensselaer.

The surprise of meeting the same kind of civilization in the vast universe obviously cannot resist the aversion to the conflict of each other's governing ideas.Soon, the ignorance of each other during the interstellar journey gradually developed into small-scale conflicts after several small misunderstandings, so that after only a few hundred years, a huge interstellar war had already occurred, and The root cause is nothing more than the desire for energy crystals in the exploration and development of interstellar resources.

Whether it is energy-intensive interstellar travel and fleet transition, or ordinary civilian daily consumption, non-renewable energy resources on various planets are becoming increasingly scarce, and most of the close-range unmanned stars that can be developed in this galaxy are precisely in the Among the non-celestial galaxies between the Lensell Star and Gotha Star at the two ends of the galaxy.

In the vast and boundless universe, what else could become the direct trigger of interstellar conflicts and wars, except for those energy deposits on unmanned planets that can be mined by people but have no real owners?

Fights stop and stop, endless wars come and go, there have been medium-sized wars in which hundreds of thousands of people were sacrificed, there were also small-scale encounters in which fleets accidentally encountered in the Nebula Corridor and bombed each other angrily, the diplomatic and diplomatic relations between the two planets Friendliness, it seems that there is a clear record, only the incident of diplomats dispatched by the Federation officials to the planet Renssel eight or nine years ago remains. ——The current emperor, Kent Cromwell, has always been lazy and lacks any ambition. Ten years ago, on the planet Gotha, the military power and parliament were not controlled by the hawks like today. opportunity.

But even so, that star-level diplomacy was not constructive. In the past ten years, the hostility between the two planets has not improved because of this, but it has gradually deteriorated in an inexplicable atmosphere.

Just like today, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Fern, who took over the military affairs of the empire from his father at a young age, had a solemn expression on his face.

Looking at the densely packed crystal mining sites on the ultra-fine micro-satellite sensor image with a high resolution of 2160P, he was expressionless: "You said that a group of federal soldiers were just released yesterday in the mining area in the western part of Fisher's planet?"

On the opposite side, the Imperial Marshal Alten Eck, who was about fifty years old, was not tall but lean and straight. He had a face that was too cold and hard, and his slightly gray hair gave people a sense of melancholy.

The laser pointer in his hand pointed to some red dense areas on the star map, and he nodded: "Yes, Your Highness. It is said that such places where both parties have the right to reclaim land do not send troops to each other, but only send miners to mine independently. It is an interstellar practice. " He sneered: "But it is obvious that the Federation Gotha Star does not intend to abide by this practice."

"What is the number of soldiers sent by the Federal Gotha Star?" His Highness Fern asked.

"According to satellite monitoring and thermal energy detection estimates, there are about 1 people."

The deputy marshal of the empire, Fan Zhong’s father, Xilin Geer frowned, worried: “Although it is not enough to cause a storm, the efficiency in mining is definitely much higher than that of the untouchable miners we sent. In this way, the few remaining crystal mines on Planet Fisher will not have our empire's share."

General Marshal Au Teng nodded indifferently: "Yes, once a conflict occurs, the empire's military strength in this regard is simply zero."

"Conflict?" Looking at him lightly, the young imperial prince Fern's icy blue eyes were very focused, "Although the federal soldiers on Gotha Star are tough, they also have strict military discipline—a group of federal soldiers and a group of imperial pariahs Miners, each exploiting their own mines, what conflicts will there be?"

Looking directly at him, General Marshal Ao Teng's eyes were a little weird: "His Royal Highness, don't you plan to send troops to Goda Star as well?"

As soon as the words were spoken, the meeting hall became extremely quiet. Deputy Marshal Xilin frowned slightly, and looked at Marshal Auteng together with several senior chiefs of staff.

After a moment of silence, Her Highness Fern's eyes couldn't tell whether it was approval or disapproval: "Marshal, don't you think that once we also send troops there, we will really face some unknown conflicts?"

"So let the power of the Federation grow up on every planet with crystal mineral resources, and watch the Federation army fill every possible strategic stronghold on these small planets?"

Straightening out his chest, the commander-in-chief of the empire in his 50s looked aggressive, showing a toughness that was not commensurate with his age: "His Royal Highness, I strongly suggest that the same troops be stationed on Fisher Star."

"Marshal, have you forgotten that His Majesty the Emperor has already set the tone for such matters?" Deputy Marshal Xilin looked at his old boss Ao Teng with a strange look in his eyes.

Fern looked directly at Marshal Au Teng, and although his tone was not decisive, he was firm: "Marshal, we should respect the consistent intentions of the emperor and regard peace as the most important thing—the same matter of sending troops to station, there is no need to mention it again. Just wait and see."

After closing his mouth, Marshal Otten did not speak again.

"Is there anything else?" Fern looked at several senior chiefs of staff in the army.

"Your Highness, here is the detailed expenditure audit form of the Empire's military expenditures sent by His Highness Lance just now. The Ministry of Finance has already reviewed it. According to the instructions given by His Majesty the Emperor to the Ministry of Finance, it seems that there will be no military expenditures this year. Increase." A chief of staff handed over a thick list.

Taking it casually, His Royal Highness Fern nodded: "I'll take a closer look. If you have nothing else to do, just step back."

Watching everyone salute and retreat, Marshal Otten of the Empire remained motionless.Watching him reach out to close the door, Fern didn't seem surprised by his actions.

Taking a deep look at him, the young prince said, "Marshal, do you have anything to say to me in private?"

"Yes." Looking at him sharply, the rank badge representing the highest authority of the army on the shoulder of Marshal Ao Teng was shining brightly, "What is your Royal Highness's real opinion on today's affairs? Discuss one or two."

"Real opinion?" Looking at him lightly, Fern raised his eyebrows, "My true opinion is what I just said."

"Your Highness, then I will be frank and honest." Marshal Ao Teng's eyes were hale and hearty, staring closely at the young and promising prince, "The federal government of Gotha Star has firmly grasped military power over the years, and its diplomacy towards our empire has become increasingly tough. The mining operations on uninhabited asteroids in non-sky galaxies are also increasing. We all know that the original balanced military and aerospace power of the two planets has long been broken. Unfortunately, our empire He is actually at a growing disadvantage. Your Royal Highness, even if our Emperor always prefers to let things go, but do you think this situation can be allowed to continue?!"

Fern looked at the Imperial Marshal in front of him without anger and authority: "Marshal, you are too worried."

"Worried? In fact, Your Highness, you are more worried than I am."

Facing Fern, Marshal Au Teng casually clicked the volume of military expenditures on the table: "You are in charge of the Imperial Military Department and the Ministry of Industry, don't you know that the energy crystal mines have been stretched these years? It has been proven Among the asteroids with coordinates and transition points, there are no more than a dozen energy mines. Looking at the energy sources of our planet Rensselaer, which has long been exhausted, for a full 120 years, we have relied on interstellar mining to maintain the necessary energy supply."

Looking at His Royal Highness Fern, he sneered and said, "In case the mining right of the newly discovered Fisher Star is taken away by the Federation, Your Royal Highness, what do you think the empire should rely on to maintain this huge planet-wide energy consumption? "

"Gotha's federal government has always claimed to be just. Even if the hawks are in power, they will not easily resort to military action." His Highness Fern said indifferently.

"In the face of life and death, there has never been justice." Marshal Auteng sneered, "No one knows how many years the real energy crystal mines in the non-sky galaxy can be mined. It can be used for a hundred years. His Majesty the Emperor holds a picture of everything. He will never think that when the energy is exhausted, even those who claim to be democratic and righteous will show a vicious face. ——Look, the Federation has dared to Openly dispatching troops to the Ken mining area was nothing more than sending civilian soldiers disguised as miners to seize strategic points!"

After a moment of silence, His Royal Highness Fern stared at the dangerous red dots on the map of the electron nebula: "I understand, the Marshal doesn't need to say anything more."

"His Royal Highness, I think I understand your great talent and strategy." Marshal Auteng's eyes were desperate, looking at the young prince who had just taken over the military affairs of the empire for only two years, "Of course, you must respect His Majesty's philosophy of peace. Unfortunately, I am worried that the empire will not wait for the day when you take charge of the overall situation, the interstellar crystal mine mining rights are completely out of control, and there will be no place for the imperial army to stand on the unmanned planet!"

"Presumptuous!" With a cold snort, Fern's eyes were sharp, "Marshal, you are too overreaching, so don't be afraid that I will punish you!"

"What I Ao Teng said and thought is all for the sake of the empire. What am I afraid of being punished?" Proudly puffing up his chest, the commander-in-chief of the empire in his fifties said in a deep voice, "I am only afraid that the future chapter of the empire's history Here, when the war is finally inevitable, someone will bear the unforgivable crime for the decline and collapse of the empire!"

Decline and fall!His Highness Fern's pupils shrank suddenly when he heard these two serious words.

Even so, he looked at Marshal Oteng with calm and restrained eyes. "Marshal, you can step back." After a while, he politely and distantly turned his gaze to the star map in front of him.

A look of disappointment finally emerged from Marshal Ao Teng's eyes. He sneered, turned around and left, saying, "Your Highness, I still overestimated your foresight and courage."

Looking at his back quietly, Fern stood alone in the meeting hall, his expression unchanged.

After a long while, he finally turned around and went out, and walked quickly towards the gate of the military aircraft office.

Behind him, the chief of the royal guard, Wood, followed him closely: "Your Highness, should we still go to the Department of Defense? Have lunch on the way, or should we use it after arriving at the Department of Defense?"

Sitting in the special royal bulletproof car, the young prince nodded: "Let's have a light meal when we arrive at the Defense Department." Looking at the slowly rising car window, he fell into silence.

The vehicle quickly drove out of the military plane, and accelerated steadily towards the direction of the Defense Office.

"Call Manager Viser and ask how he is doing." Fern said softly, his tone unexpectedly soft.

Wood was slightly taken aback, but soon understood, and quickly dialed the phone.

Fern leaned back in the chair quietly, his ice blue eyes focused on Wood's mouth.

"Director Viser, His Highness the Crown Prince would like to ask, how is the patient last night doing today?... Um, ok.... Um."

After closing the phone, Wood looked at Fern cautiously: "The chief housekeeper said that Chesu woke up once in the morning and had a simple breakfast. The doctor rushed to him and started a follow-up visit. It is still the result of the judgment of acute pneumonia. Now Already in the infusion, the fever improved slightly in the morning, but now it is a bit recurrent, and the temperature has risen slightly."

His Royal Highness Fern got up from his seat, frowning his handsome eyebrows: "It has risen again? How many degrees? Why did you get an injection, hang water, use medicine and physical cooling, and it will still be like this?"

His face darkened, and he said in a cold voice: "The medical officers in the clinic don't think he is a pariah, so they act carelessly?"

Listening to His Highness Fern's series of questions in a daze, Wood was tongue-tied and answered incoherently: "Well, Director Visser didn't say why the fever recurred, how much did it rise? He didn't say either.... The doctor will not be unsatisfied, I I have already told Chief Visser according to your instructions before leaving the house in the morning—there should be several groups of people serving Young Master Chesu, don’t worry so much, Your Highness!”

"Worried?" Looking straight at him, Fern gave him a sideways look with a strange expression.

That gaze made Wood's heart skip a beat, and he didn't know what he was doing wrong.

Reaching out his hand to take the direct dial phone from him, His Royal Highness Fern pressed the redial button with a cold face.

"Boss Viser, it's me. How high is Chesu's fever now?" Hearing the calm answer from the boss on the phone, his brows did not loosen.

"Okay, I got it. Please be sure to send more maids to take care of you, and don't leave people. ——Also, pass on my oral order to ask the chief medical officer of the Imperial Palace Medical Center to come in person again in the afternoon."