Just like that, before late November arrived, Sobek's fleet departed the Diamond Nebula in grand formation. Their journey was accompanied by beating drums, fluttering dragon banners, and crowds of spectators.
After all, this was a massive strategic fleet. There was no way it could manage a secret march.
At that moment, news that "General Sobek has taken the field" spread throughout the entire Outer Ring. Before long, the commotion was plain for all to see.
Before long, they would likely spread out into separate squadrons, forming a broad fan across seven or eight star systems. They would expand their search as much as possible while ensuring the fleet could support itself—that was the standard formation for a pursuit.
Whether they were rioters, rebels, loyal subjects, or lackeys, most people had no idea what this enormous fleet was up to. All they could do was tremble with fear, tread carefully, and follow the pecking order, not daring to make a move.
As a result, the rebel activities that had already fallen into a lull grew even quieter.
But with this much pomp and circumstance, there was no way the people aboard the Silentium could remain unaware, even if the ship hadn't managed to infiltrate the Imperial military's internal network.
In fact, the crew of the Silentium figured out the fleet's composition even before the Imperial fleet's mid- and lower-ranking officers did.
"Its main combat strength consists of nine battlecruisers, including the Jade Hare, and five carriers, all transferred from the Rowenthor and Nyari fleets. In addition to the local garrison fleet, reinforcements have also arrived from the Imperial core worlds, forming a powerful force of support and escort ships."
Yes, judging purely by the ships' readiness, the crew's quality, and sheer numbers, the fleet certainly deserved to be called "powerful."
"So