By the time the Sobek Fleet left the battlefield, its numbers had swelled to more than thirty ships. Considering that it included three dreadnoughts and a battlecruiser, its combat strength had grown considerably.
It was now strong enough to take any fortress or stronghold in the star sector.
"Come to think of it, do we have the authority to absorb the local defense fleet?" Captain Pegase was a little uneasy.
Viscountess Serlu replied, "Capital ships are the Empire's most precious assets, but these haven't completed their tests, and we can't guarantee their combat effectiveness. Requesting an escort from the local fleet is perfectly reasonable. The local defense command is, of course, obliged to cooperate."
"So, our next stop is Iron Summit, the capital of the Black Laurs Star Sector?" Miss Serlu asked.
Lieutenant General Sobek didn't know how to answer. He also felt that if they didn't head over there, it would be difficult to bring matters to a proper close.
However, mindful that he had superiors to answer to, he quickly drafted a report on the situation and sent it both to Brunhild, far away on Earth, and to Lieutenant General Rowan Tur, who was in neighboring Simao'e.
He was now anxiously awaiting a reply from his superiors.
Viscountess Serlu said, "The star sector governor is Marquis Daryuan's younger brother. The defense commander is Duke Sgrei's nephew."
Sobek thought that if she kept going, he might have to turn around and run.
But in fact, the viscountess only smiled admiringly. "And yet, you aren't going to let something like that affect you, are you? Come to think of it, I heard the commander of Steelrock Fortress is related to King Beiduo."
"Well, uh... I only found out after I'd taken action," Sobek said with a pained expression. "I knew