48 Hours
"I'm sorry. I wasn't by your side when you needed me the most," Xia Fei said apologetically.
Avril hurriedly shook her head, flinging her golden hair behind her, trying to make herself look more radiant. "I saw what you did in the insectoid territory in the Alliance, and I'm very proud of you. Don't get distracted because of me. There are many others who need you."
Xia Fei was silent for a while. He could not remember when Avrils had become so understanding and obedient.
The more Avril behaved this way, the more Xia Fei did not know what to say, so he asked a few questions about her and her family. Starlink Corporation was facing bankruptcy due to the insectoid invasion, and most of the interplanetary internet that connected the Alliance territory had been paralyzed. Communication now mainly relied on the Black Bat radar produced by Quantum Holdings, but the production of this new radar system was limited and could not be equipped on all ships at once.
Xia Fei had more or less played a part in the decline of Avril's family business. It was his ultra-long-distance communication tool that changed the Alliance's reliance on the internet, and Xia Fei felt somewhat guilty about it.
What infuriated Xia Fei the most was that the Na 'vi were taking advantage of the situation. If Avril wanted to take refuge with the Na' vi, she would have to pay an exorbitant head fee. In addition, she would have to hand over the core interplanetary internet technology and the entire research and development team.
It was said that Quantum Holdings was also required to hand over the blueprints of the Black Bat radar and the energy-shield booster, or else they would be kicked out.
Xia Fei had yet to get in touch with Charlie, Uncle Porter, and the others. Avril had only learned a little about the situation from her call with Andre. Every citizen of the Alliance knew of Avril and Xia Fei's relationship, so it was normal for Andre to ask about Xia Fei's girlfriend from time to time.
Xia Fei believed that Andre would not use Quantum Holdings' core technology in exchange for temporary safety, and even if he did, Xia Fei would not be able to say anything. People would always do something crazy when they were in a desperate situation. Be merciless to your enemies and tolerant to your friends had always been Xia Fei's creed.
However, gaining Xia Fei's trust was no easy task. Andre, Porter, and Qin Mang were all people who had gone through thick and thin with Xia Fei. As for friends with flowery words, Xia Fei had no need for them. He had always judged people by their actions.
The Na 'vi's greed made Xia Fei very unhappy, but he did his best to restrain himself in front of Avrils. A sharp look flashed across his eyes.
How are you guys doing? Xia Fei asked.
Avril sighed. "There's nothing unacceptable about the Na 'vi's request. Handing over the core data of the interplanetary internet in exchange for the safety of the civilians is something I can accept. However, those hateful bastards won't take in refugees who can't afford the headcount fee."
"That's why we have no choice but to continue escorting the civilian fleets forward. Once we leave the Na 'vi territory, we'll be in the vast, unknown territory. There are tens of millions of civilian ships, but we're the only fleet escorting them, which makes me very worried. Moreover, in order to carry more civilians, Starlink Corporation's First Fleet has a portion of their firepower systems dismantled, so their combat power is only half of what it used to be. Their ammunition and food reserves are also insufficient. Since the Horizon is the flagship of the fleet, we have far more resources than the civilian ships, so we don't have any clues yet. However, I've heard that some of the civilians in that temporary civilian fleet are already starting to starve."
Avril was very dispirited. She had a kind heart and could not bear to see such a cruel reality happen. Her personality was not suited to be a warrior, but as a girl, Avril's kindness and pureness moved Xia Fei.
Xia Fei lit a cigarette and silently took a few puffs.
"Avril, though I can't tell you why, it's best if you stop moving right now."
Avril blinked. "I don't want to go into the unknown, either, but the Na 'vi fleets are right behind us, watching us. The moment we stop, they'll open fire!"
Xia Fei clenched his teeth and mentally said, 'Pointing their guns at innocent civilians … Na' vi, you're not bad! '
"The fleet should be able to gather some valuable items, right?"
Avril thought about it. "We can gather some, but it won't be too much. After all, those rich people are already in the Na 'vi territory, and those who are being forced to leave are the poor."
Xia Fei nodded. "Negotiate with the Na 'vi and gather some valuable items to exchange for food and medicine. Money isn't something you can bring with you in life or death. Nothing is more important than one's life.
"I believe that since the Na 'vi are so greedy, they won't give up on this opportunity to make a fortune. In any case, do your best to stay in the Na' vi territory and don't venture into the unknown and dangerous regions. We can decide after forty-eight hours."
"Why forty-eight hours?" Avril curiously asked.
Xia Fei answered, "The insectoids might be changing. The Emperor of the Golden Tent is dead, and his successor might not be interested in this war. In the end, they should be out in forty-eight hours."
Avril's eyes sparkled as she excitedly asked, "The Emperor of the Golden Tent is dead? You killed him? "
Xia Fei lightly nodded, a carefree expression on his face.
Avril suddenly realized that the ordinary-looking Xia Fei in front of her had become incredibly tall. The insectoids had thrown the entire Panhuman Alliance into chaos, forcing trillions of civilians to leave their homes, but Xia Fei had single-handedly infiltrated the insectoid territory and killed their emperor!
What fascinated Avril even more was Xia Fei's calmness. Killing a king of the universe sounded so calm coming from his mouth, as if he had just done something he was supposed to do.
Avril looked at Xia Fei with adoration in her eyes, which made Xia Fei a little embarrassed.
"I …" Xia Fei hesitantly said.
Avril firmly nodded. "You still have important things to do. I understand."
Xia Fei was speechless at Avril's thoughtfulness, so he could only casually thank her.
"Hurry up and do what you need to do. A man has to do big things. Don't worry about me; I'm fine."
Avril smiled sweetly, her voice even sweeter.
Turning off the screen, Xia Fei let out a long sigh.
Furball had been lying on the sofa, watching the conversation between Xia Fei and Avril. Seeing that the screen was off, Furball found it very boring, so he pursed his lips and went back to sleep.
Lil Pea spun around, his two arms raised high, his face excited. "Master is so great! Master's girlfriend is so cute!"
Xia Fei lightly knocked on Lil Pea's alloy head. "What are you so excited about? Go and make me a cup of tea. I want Biluochun. "
"Yes, master!" Lil Pea saluted Xia Fei and quickly ran off.
"I didn't think that the Alliance would be in such a terrible situation. The Na 'vi are simply too despicable!"
Phantom furrowed his brows and angrily said, "I'll remember this debt for now. I'll get it back from them when I get back!"
…
Westwind Defense Line.
Tai's judgment was not wrong. The three hundred insectoid fleets charging at the left flank was merely a feint. They were using long-range artillery fire to exchange fire with the Intclair fleet defending the left flank. The insectoids had the advantage in numbers, and they had the capital ships as their main point of attack. Meanwhile, the Alliance had the fortress bases to support them. The firepower of the fortress bases was weaker than the capital ships, but they had the advantage in terms of defense.
The insectoid fleets had been instructed to hold back, not to attack, so they did not use their full strength.
* Kaboom! *
One of the Caldari Company's Raven-class Battleships was focused fire by the insectoids, instantly turning into a ball of fire. Following that, there was another loud explosion, and the opposing Elephant Tusk-Class Battleship was also blasted to smithereens.
The two sides exchanged blows. The insectoids had capital ships, while the humans had fortress bases. If you sank one of the enemy's ships, the other side would immediately retaliate. On average, a ship was lost every minute.
The Alliance had fewer warships, and if this continued, they would be wiped out first. Once the fleet with mobility was completely wiped out, the remaining fortress bases would become the enemy's target, easily destroyed one by one!
The two sides appeared to be evenly matched, but the situation was not looking good!
Admiral Intclair had already called for backup from the headquarters several times, but the reply he received was to defend their position to the death. Left with no other choice, the left flank could only brace themselves and continue firing at the enemy.
Flagship, USS Liberty, Alliance combat command center.
"Marshal, it's an urgent communication request from Xia Fei!" The communications soldier anxiously reported. Because Lil Pea had secretly sent videos of Xia Fei's battles with the insectoids and some of his daily life back to the Alliance, Xia Fei's name was already known by everyone, and his experiences were being spread around by the common folk.
"At a time like this?" Tai tossed the electronic pen in his hand and sternly said, "Connect it."
* Pa! *
The screen turned on, and Xia Fei and Tai looked at each other. Behind Tai, Williams was watching the situation on the virtual battlefield with his staff. He raised his head and lightly nodded at Xia Fei as a greeting before getting back to work.
"Congratulations on still being alive, but my time is limited," Tai said.
Xia Fei said, "General, I just want to know one thing: Can the Westwind Defense Line hold on for forty-eight hours?"
Xia Fei's voice was not loud, but there was a hint of irresistible authority in it. Tai clearly remembered that the last time he saw Xia Fei, the latter had not been able to resist his aura. Now, however, Xia Fei's aura was already on par with his, and his tone was stern.
Tai replied, "So what if we can hold on? So what if we can't? "
Xia Fei replied, "Some things will be decided in the next forty-eight hours, so it's best if you and your military can hold off the insectoids this time around."
"Are you ordering me around?"
"I wouldn't dare. I'm just giving you a friendly reminder."
"What's going to happen in forty-eight hours?"
"It might be a good thing, or it might be even worse."
Tai laughed heartily. "The situation is already bad enough, so it doesn't matter even if it gets a little worse. Don't worry; the Alliance isn't made of paper. They won't collapse that easily."
Xia Fei nodded. "I believe you."
Turning off the screen, Tai was stunned for a few seconds before he furrowed his brows and continued setting up the battlefield as if nothing had happened.
"Why didn't you just tell General Tai about Uti's death?" Phantom asked.
Xia Fei shook his head. "Tai and his army are currently engaged in a fierce battle. Giving him too much hope will easily make him lose his cool and make him act rashly."
"That's why you gave him just a tiny bit of hope."
"Precisely," Xia Fei said.
This was when Pod came over with a teapot and teacups. "Master, your Biluochun is ready."
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