If we used the Empire's own tactics to give them a big slap in the face, never mind how much damage it would do—wouldn't the humiliation be enough?
Given the Empire's size, defeating them through sheer firepower was practically impossible. Why not just resort to psychological warfare?
That was the combat proposal Brigadier General Bazan had put forward.
"That was Zhengqing Deng's idea, wasn't it?" Yu Lian said with a smile, a hint of mockery at the corner of his mouth.
He certainly wasn't going to admit that the suggestion had actually given him some inspiration.
"No. This time, it was actually my own idea, sir," Brigadier General Bazan replied solemnly, his face brimming with pride.
"..." Well, even veterans from the War of Independence couldn't be steady and reliable all the time. Sometimes they had their eccentric moments.
Bazan continued, "Of course, if we run into a problem we can't overcome, we'll withdraw at once. Don't worry, sir. My dream is to retire, go home, and eat myself to death at my favorite century-old barbecue joint. I've never planned to become a firework in the Empire's starry skies."
"I'm sure that century-old barbecue joint in your hometown would hate you for that."
Yu Lian thought it over. "Have Major Zhengqing Deng draw up a detailed operational plan, including the route through the Far Shore Nebula, the original attack targets, and the timing of the withdrawal. Have Major General M'Kawa's staff review the whole thing. I'll sit in. But from now on, he has only seventy-two hours."
"Understood!" Brigadier General Bazan snapped to attention and saluted, answering with great vigor. "I'll also coordinate with the captains as soon as possible to settle the departure schedule."
It was obvious this fellow had never intended to leave the day after tomorrow. That