Time quickly brought them to October 30, 834 of the Common Era—the fifth day after the battle later known as the "Ghost War" had ended.
The Empire's reinforcements from Chenxiao Fortress finally arrived in the Xiaguan system, in the Shimo'e Sector.
Before that, all the Imperial fleets had withdrawn from the nebula, moving beyond the range of the communications debuff's delays. Generals and squadron admirals alike remarked that while the physical distance had grown, the distance between their hearts had shrunk. It was truly a blessing from the Spirit of the Universe.
Of course, the new commander had barely arrived before he had to convene a military meeting. That was the biggest problem that came with the blessing.
On the bridge of the Imperial Titan-class warship Glorious Conqueror, Duke Bayrien sat at the head of a black conference table, gazing at the data report projected above its center.
The screen's light fell across the old duke's face, leaving his features and every expression indistinct.
The assembled generals sat frozen in their chairs, like the dead, icebound planets in the outer reaches of the system.
After a long while, the duke finally let out a measured sigh and lightly tapped the table with one finger. It was only a fingertip touching wood, yet the sharp sound rang out like metal striking marble.
Every attendee's spine straightened at once, almost reflexively.
Most of them were remote projections, light-years away, yet they still felt the immense pressure.
This was especially true of Lieutenant General Jaeger Sobeck, seated to the duke's right. The duke's features were blurred, but Sobeck had the persistent feeling that his gaze kept sweeping over him. Sweat prickled across the back of his neck.
He quietly lowered the resolution of his projection a little, then tactically leaned back against his