Alexei Stukov, give me a straight answer: surrender or not?

The fierce battle at the edge of the Tarsonis system lasted only a short time, about an hour. The UED Fleets suffered heavy losses, with as many as twenty-seven battlecruisers destroyed or damaged, and countless other ships destroyed. Millions of wreckage drifted in the cold, desolate darkness of the star system's edge, like rootless duckweed.

This place is too far from the star Tarsonis; it's cold and dark. Unless someone comes here to salvage the wrecked ships and collect the gruesome corpses, they will remain here for countless centuries.

In this vast wreckage, the mangled Zerg of Zerg were piled upon each other, and the frozen blood shone like red crystals, illuminated by the bright red warning lights of the Revolutionary Army Fleets's bridge.

On the port side of the Hyperion, several Hercules-class transport planes were opening their hatches, and Mutalisk with tags on their wings were landing in an orderly fashion on the open hatches, climbing forward on the alloy steel decks on the ground with their two huge membranous wings.

These Mutalisk differed significantly from their ordinary counterparts. One of their wings and feet was painted with a bright purple color, a mark left by the Revolutionary Army's alien laboratory. Some of their heads were also adorned with crudely welded standard helmets, making these monsters appear as colossal beasts where machinery and flesh were fused together.

Although the Zerg are extremely aggressive under normal circumstances, these Zerg are now as docile as schoolchildren wearing yellow hats lining up to cross the street. Under the control of the Cerebrate, these once terrifying monsters are showing a strong ability to manage themselves.

It must be said that the Revolutionary Army soldiers standing at the door counting the number of Zerg were undoubtedly the true warriors among them; not everyone had the courage to not tremble in the face of the ferocious behemoths that landed one after another.

"As expected of the most powerful Cerebrate in the Revolutionary Army, Alpha, you did a great job," Augustus.

"Of course." The light on the Cerebrate flickered twice, revealing a certain smugness.

"I've brought you some human prisoners—that's harder than destroying a planet."

Outside the bridge porthole of the Hyperion, several Cerberus Mutalisk were flying past, carrying a rectangular UED transport ship. The ship was full of terrified UED officers, technicians, and ship's doctors; anyone who could end their lives as quickly as possible committed suicide before being captured by the Zerg.

"Hand them over to the Ghost operative and interrogation experts of the Nova Squadron," Augustus ordered. "Get them to tell the truth as quickly as possible; we can't linger in Tarsonis."

"We must find the deployment location of the electromagnetic field generator. Considering the information we obtained from Char's UED Fleets, it shouldn't be too far from the battlefield."

The Revolutionary Army has obtained information about the UED electromagnetic field generator, but currently lacks effective countermeasures. The only solution is to destroy the electromagnetic field generator and the electromagnetic bomb launcher.

UED brought electromagnetic pulse weapons far superior to the technological level of the Terrans. These weapons could generate high-power electromagnetic pulse waves as electromagnetic bombs, creating an electromagnetic field powerful enough to paralyze a Fleets.

This is equivalent to an enhanced version of the special locking bullets and EMP electromagnetic pulses used by the Terran Confederacy's Ghost operative. It's not some insurmountable technology, but the effect is surprisingly good.

This was also the result of improvements made by United Earth Directorate Expeditionary Fleet Lieutenant General Alexei Stukov and his technical officers based on Terrans and Earth technology, which was not originally among the technologies permitted by the United Earth Directorate.

"After this defeat, Alexei Stukov will find it difficult to assemble a formidable Fleets. It is foreseeable that he will not launch another offensive in the near future." Arcturus stroked his short, dark brown beard.

"Unless he can bring the dead back to life." Although he was confident, he didn't believe his side could easily capture Tarsonis.

"Tarsonis has now become one of the most impregnable fortress planets in the Koprulu Sector. Alexei Stukov has also erected at least 100,000 anti-aircraft missile turrets and orbital Ion Cannon on the planet's surface. Including the defensive equipment left behind by the Terran Confederacy, the battle to break into Tarsonis will be extremely difficult."

"Even using high-altitude orbital penetration to launch Tarsonis orbital strike would be a risky move, as it would mean our warships would be within range of the orbital defense network."

During the Guild Wars, the human Fleets's orbital strike capabilities were quite limited, and nuclear bombs remained the most effective weapon of mass destruction. Now, the upgraded Yamato Cannon of battlecruisers can also destroy cities directly from high orbit, with compressed plasma beams capable of causing catastrophic destruction.

"Alexei Stukov will certainly deploy a large number of electromagnetic field generators in Tarsonis, and with poor communication, a landing would be a terrible disaster," Kerrigan said.

"I will never agree to launch another suicidal landing." Augustus waved his hand.

Tarsonis has now become a steel hedgehog covered in spikes, and the sacrifices required to land amidst the firepower of countless anti-aircraft missiles and laser pulse cannons are an astronomical figure that Augustus could not accept.

"Look at that planet— Tarsonis, the place that once nurtured the first Terrans and civilization." His voice carried an obvious weariness:

"For three hundred years, Tarsonis has amassed unimaginable fame, power, and wealth. Destroying this planet at the cost of countless warriors' blood is never what I want."

"Revenge is not what I want."

A flashing light suddenly appeared on the newly restored star chart platform; it was a beautiful blue-green planet, the source of life.

This is the most prosperous world in the history of Terrans. In terms of population size and development index, only the capitals of the Kel-Morian Combine and the Umojan Republic in the Koprulu Sector can barely compare. Numerous metropolises are enough to alter the planet's landscape, and the city lights are clearly visible from satellites.

Tarsonis has the wealthiest population in the Koprulu Sector, but it also has the greatest wealth inequality in the world.

Once upon a time, Korhal IV was just as beautiful. Now, most of Korhal has become a desert, its thin atmosphere tinged with a pale, deep blue from hydrogen and helium—a sickly, deathly color.

Augustus would not derive any satisfaction from destroying Tarsonis in the same way; in any case, destroying Tarsonis would not bring him much benefit.

Tarsonis's population and advanced industry were an unimaginable fortune, which Augustus could have used to rebuild Korhal IV. Admittedly, destroying Tarsonis could have eliminated the Old Families, the deeply corrupt government, and the stubborn elite class once and for all, but at the cost of evaporating billions of people and their wealth.

"Alexei Stukov refuses to surrender to us. This stubborn Earthling also possesses a certain Spartan spirit, but he is desperately seeking a glimmer of hope." Arcturus may want revenge, but he will not destroy Tarsonis if he can take it.

"Legendary generals always take risky moves; their tactics often put themselves and their soldiers in a life-or-death situation," he said.

"We can't let Alexei Stukov drag this out. Even if he's the kind of person who would die for his principles, there must be a reason why he's staying in Tarsonis instead of fleeing back to Earth."

Even if the Revolutionary Army completely blockaded Tarsonis, the planet could sustain itself in a self-sufficient state for many years.

Of course, the economic recession and the sharp decline in the quality of life would make it difficult for Alexei Stukov to control the rioting Tarsonis, but the Revolutionary Army could hold out for another month. When the UED remnants realized what was happening and began to attack the planets to which the Revolutionary Army belonged, Augustus would have no choice but to withdraw troops to defend them.

That might be the opportunity Alexei Stukov has been waiting for.

"You're talking nonsense. If we could just blast Alexei Stukov's turtle shell apart right now, would we be wasting our time here?" Tychus snorted.

"Of course, if my battle plan ultimately succeeds, Tarsonis will already be ours." Arcturus glanced at Tychus.

"Use landing craft to scatter Drone and their eggs onto the surface of Tarsonis. These monsters will quickly transform into hatcheries, turning into bloodthirsty monsters," he said.

"With the Cerebrate controlling them, these Zerg will never cause any harm to civilians."

"The Zerg are not weapons that can be easily controlled, and the claim that civilians could never be accidentally harmed is wishful thinking. In this battle alone, the Cerebrate Alpha has already displayed many uncontrollable characteristics. Having controlled so many Zerg, it will want even more next time," Kerrigan said.

"General Arcturus, it's no fun to be killed by the monster you created."

"You have no right to say that to me." Arcturus and Kerrigan have never gotten along.

"Ahem, this is, uh, Rory Swann, Augustus Mengsk's hardworking chief engineer." Swann's image appeared on the flashing holographic screen, holding a giant wrench and laser pliers.

"The communication system is back online, and the tactical command console is back online. Now you can redeploy your awesome fighter jets and capable lads."

"Well done, Swann," Augustus. "You and the engineers have never let me down."

"Ah yes, the mules have never let the millstone down either. My old buddies and I have done a pretty good job; they're as resilient to wind, rain, and hardship as the Confederacy's No. 10 rations." Swann shook his head.

"Now I have to get back to work. In five months, the Hyperion has undergone two major overhauls and countless minor repairs. It's a miracle that you haven't worn it out."

"I am Lieutenant Serl Gentry, intelligence officer of the Nova Squadron." A young officer wearing Revolutionary Army wide-brimmed cap appeared in the center of the screen.

"Augustus, the interrogation based on telepathy has yielded initial results. We have located the United Earth Directorate Expeditionary Fleet's space-based weapon station on the asteroid belt of the eighth planet in the Tarsonis system. In addition, there are also a large number of electromagnetic pulse weapon stations on several moons of Tarsonis VI."

"These coordinates are being uploaded to the flagship Hyperion's database."

"Thank you for your hard work, Lieutenant Ser." An officer who can be remembered by Augustus will surely be rewarded after the war.

"Mark these coordinates so that Duke's Alpha Squadron can warp into the enemy weapons station's blind spot to launch an attack," Augustus.

By this time, most of the Revolutionary Army's warships had repaired their damaged systems. Before the next wave of electromagnetic pulse attacks arrived, the Revolutionary Army Fleets had largely regained its combat capability.

Shortly after the words were spoken, the magnificent battlecruiser Norad III responded, and as many as 18 Revolutionary Army battlecruisers disappeared in a flash of blue light.

Attacks on UED outposts, weapons stations, and research stations followed immediately, and the enraged General Duke had boundless fury to vent on these Earthlings.

General Edmond Duke had good reason to hate Earthlings, not only because many members of the Duke Old Families had met with misfortune, but also because it was an opportunity for him to make a name for himself.

Duke was once considered the highest-ranking officer to surrender to the rebels, a disgrace the Confederacy would never want to mention. But now, he will return to Tarsonis as a hero and savior.

Although Duke had little attachment to his birthplace and family, let alone love for them.

"A communication request has been received from Tarsonis, signed by Alexei Stukov." The report from a bridge communications officer drew the attention of Augustus, Arcturus, and the others.

"Bring him in."

Alexei Stukov's gloomy face immediately appeared before Augustus, and his clearly discomfitured expression made Tychus unable to help but laugh.

"Marshal Augustus, I once thought you were a noble and trustworthy man—I must admit I misjudged you," Alexei Stukov said.

"Nobility is insignificant in the face of national and personal vendettas." Augustus took in Alexei Stukov's ugly expression. The other man was not one to wear his heart on his sleeve. If he really thought Alexei Stukov was at his wit's end, then he had undoubtedly fallen into the other man's trap.

"General Alexei Stukov, you may not care about the lives of four billion people in Tarsonis, but your soldiers deserve to be treated like heroes, not to perish in this incredibly distant foreign land."

"I'm tired of dealing with your cheap tricks of stalling for time," he said coldly.

"Alexei Stukov, I just want you to give me a straight answer, you son of a bitch, are you going to surrender or not!"

"Surrender or not!" Tychus was being quite sarcastic, but he clearly didn't realize it himself.

Alexei Stukov fell silent; perhaps he was truly pondering Augustus's words:

"I can't believe you, Augustus. Are you really going to let these people escape back to Earth? You're the ruthless leader of Koprulu; you wouldn't do something like releasing a tiger back into the mountains."

"I promise they will be treated fairly and justly—they will become citizens of the Terran Empire," Augustus.

"No—" Alexei Stukov shook his head heavily and cut off the communication connection.

The next moment, another elderly man with a white beard appeared on the screen, his trembling, dry lips revealing his unease.

Dr. Emil Narud, a leading figure in the field of alien biology.

"Marshal Augustus Mengsk, I have endured Lieutenant General Alexei Stukov's atrocities for far too long. I want to expose his plot to you in order to beg for your forgiveness—I was forced to join the Earth Expeditionary Force."

Today, while rereading the official novel, I discovered a setting I had completely forgotten.

Regarding the question of when the Yamato shield appeared, the official StarCraft novel, Uprising (2491), clearly mentions that both Duke's Norad II and Mengsk's Hyperion possessed shields. Therefore, I believe the timeline of the shield's appearance in this article is correct.

At the time, I was completely convinced by the readers and thought I had made a mistake.

Shields to full! Shields to full!

--

Sir, the shields are spent

Sir, the shields are all gone!

Also, I'd like to recommend a friend's book, a monumental work by MC.

MC: Start saving the world from a sky island.