The bridge of the Punishment Fleet's flagship—the Brass Sword.
Commodore Xia Atat stood beside the railing of the command platform.
She looked down at the bustling bridge.
After hearing the notification that they had successfully exited the Warp,
she raised her head and looked toward the viewport above the bridge.
The plasteel panels over the reinforced glass slowly rose,
revealing a breathtaking scene of the Void.
The Void Shield activated, briefly distorting the brilliant stars and cursed rifts.
"Activate wide-area augury scans. Cover the entire planetary surface, with an initial diameter of sixteen thousand meters, then increase it to one hundred and sixty thousand kilometers."
"All ships, form up and match the Brass Sword's speed. Destination: Automata."
Xia issued her orders in an orderly manner.
"Communications officer, send a message to Automata. Demand that they explain their refusal to pay the Imperial Tithe before we arrive."
"Madam, there is absolutely no need for that." Anjedo voiced his opinion.
"We came here to punish those sinners. There is no need to waste words on them."
"Staff Officer Anjedo has a point."
"No matter how much they explain, refusing to pay the Imperial Tithe is still betrayal of the Imperium."
"..."
The group led by the Colin Family also wielded tremendous influence within the naval system.
The moment Anjedo spoke, those around him voiced their support, intending to curry favor with him.
Xia looked around at her subordinates, her tone calm.
"I am the fleet commander."
"Even if you are the supreme commander, you must still follow protocol. If they offer an explanation, are we supposed to abandon the punishment?"
Anjedo's words were sharp as he refuted her without mercy.
"So you intend to disobey orders?" Xia looked at Anjedo.
Anjedo froze. "I do not."
"Then carry out the order. I am