The Pirate Crew that suddenly appeared startled both sides, and they immediately took defensive positions.
Although both fleets slammed on the brakes, the momentum of their high-speed flight still carried them straight into the ambush Nie Yun had carefully laid.
The Fifth Fleet bringing up the rear was relatively lucky, but Beckman's remaining fleet up ahead was almost entirely surrounded. It was already too late to retreat.
Beckman and his men were dumbfounded. With wolves ahead and tigers behind, they were practically trapped on all sides. Their dozen or so warships could not withstand even a single charge from either enemy.
"Are these the coordinates Alsace gave us?" Beckman asked, sweat beading on his forehead.
"Y-yes... this is the place!" His adjutant swallowed.
"Damn it! It really was a trap! That bastard Alsace actually dared to openly set up his allies!" Beckman's first thought was that he had been betrayed.
Yet he simply could not understand what Alsace stood to gain from this, aside from leaving evidence that could be used against him.
While Beckman was seething with shock and anger, the Fifth Fleet sent a reply over the comms.
"The Locke Conglomerate is conducting business. All uninvolved parties are to withdraw immediately!"
Their tone was arrogant. They clearly seemed to think nothing of the Pirate Crew facing them.
It was perfectly natural for them to feel so confident. Kinlock was one of the most powerful lords in the neighboring Star Sectors, as well as the financial backer of the Black Sail Pirate Group. In this little corner of the Shattered Star Region, few pirate gangs outside the Seven Great Pirate Gangs actually had the nerve to cross them.
That was also why they had dared to pursue their quarry straight into the Shattered Star Region with just over a