Argument

The Telo's statement was correct. Just a few years ago, the Zerg suddenly produced a large number of combat units in several star systems nearby. After nearly twenty years of lying dormant in near-star orbit, they have now fully matured.

According to the latest statistics provided by the Epoch Clan, the Zerg do not have many 3,000-meter-class combat units comparable in size to their conventional warships, and most of them are concentrated in the Origin Star System. However, the number of combat units larger than 500 meters has exceeded ten million. Coupled with the Zerg's "bad habit" of hiding things inside planets, their concealed combat power is unpredictable.

If the Duoqi Race had received this more reliable and accurate information in the first place, they probably wouldn't have dared to display the "Flaming Red Lips" invitation item.

"We have a speed advantage, so we can use guerrilla tactics to wear them down one by one. Even if we can't defeat them outright, we can force them together and slow down their development." Another lieutenant general spoke up. This one seemed to have studied the Swarm carefully. This plan was undeniably cunning. If it could be implemented, it could indeed cause some minor trouble for the Swarm.

Wheeler considered the matter carefully, but ultimately rejected the tempting plan. The environment within the star system was too complex, and he didn't know the limits of the Zerg's power. The Riken Race, and even the Duoqi Race, had such low limits that they couldn't possibly force the Zerg full strength. What else might they be hiding, like the Energy Cannon they suddenly unleashed that could instantly turn the tide of battle? He was of noble status and didn't want to gamble. If he lost, ruining his reputation would be a minor matter; he might even lose his life.

Moreover, the Epoch Clan is behind this operation, and they are no good; who knows what evil intentions they are harboring. However, their intentions this time are very clear: since the Riken Race and the Duoqi Race couldn't reach the Zerg's limit, they'll find a stronger opponent to test it.

But the Telo Empire didn't actually want to be this opponent, and what it couldn't understand was, since the Epoch Clan was so interested in this Zerg, why didn't they intervene themselves?

Despite numerous internal conflicts within the Star Sea Alliance, the key to wielding the greatest influence still lies in its hard power.

The Epoch Clan is incredibly powerful. Even if the Zerg were to multiply their current strength by ten or a hundred times, they still wouldn't be a match for the Epoch Clan. Although the Epoch Clan claims that the Alliance has protective measures for emerging civilizations, General Wheeler scoffs at this explanation. In interactions between civilizations, strength is the only true measure. If the Epoch Clan wanted to, they could easily fabricate a reason to circumvent these measures; they've done this before.

Once the deed is done and the fact is established, what civilization would be so foolish as to stand up for a native civilization and confront the strongest power in this star system? It may be cruel, but that is the reality. Weakness is the original sin, and every civilization should be aware of this.

Moreover, this Zerg is not clean to begin with; they seem to have appeared out of nowhere, and their technological path is very different, making them incompatible with everyone else. If the Epoch Clan makes a move, everyone will just follow behind, hoping to gain some benefits, and will not say a word.

But the current situation, with the Epoch Clan always hiding behind the scenes, seems rather strange. They must have some hidden information, and the most crucial part of it has not been made public.

This made him extremely wary of the Zerg.

The people arguing in the meeting room right now are at least brigadier generals; most of them earned their positions through real combat. Anyone without brains would be long gone. I'm sure they've read the documents and can figure that out.

The guy who started it was indeed one of those few arrogant and brainless idiots, which is why he instructed his subordinates to talk back to him, hoping to shut him up.

But he underestimated the man's arrogance. As the argument escalated, the guys who joined later were all quite shrewd. Since none of them wanted to delve into the Zerg's true nature, they spontaneously split into two factions and escalated the argument, not just to kill time.

Even within General Wheeler's own faction, there are those who are closer to him and those who are less so, not to mention the fleet of 200,000 men from more than a dozen star systems. Everyone is happy to maintain the current situation, but plans can't keep up with changes. What if the situation changes in the future and we really end up fighting the Zerg?

So, with this massive fleet, who would lead the charge? Who would undertake those extremely dangerous missions? General Wheeler, as the legion's supreme commander, was naturally delighted with his own faction and those of friendly allegiance, but what about those he didn't know well or were even hostile to? They couldn't help but have some doubts.

Since there are risks in the future, it's better to take the initiative now. Everyone is well aware of the complex relationships within the fleet. Constantly creating friction and conflict will make it difficult for Wheeler to manage, weaken his prestige, and create the image that he is unworthy of his position, thus preparing for possible future disobedience.

This is an open strategy, and Wheeler isn't afraid to see through it.

Wheeler shook his head and chuckled. This was indeed a difficult matter to handle. Even if this matter was resolved, if the fundamental conflict remained, these guys would continue to cause all sorts of trouble.

But he could understand; it was all about survival and power. If their positions were reversed, he might be jumping for joy more than anyone else. To be where he is now, he was one of the best in his class when he was young.

Now he can only hope that nothing unexpected happens in the future, that everyone can complete their mission smoothly, and that no one has to worry.

"Although we have a speed advantage, we don't have a range advantage. Moreover, apart from their Stellar Near-Orbit Base, most of their other bases are hidden underground on planets. Unless we destroy the planet, it will be difficult to annihilate their forces. Meanwhile, their Stellar Near-Orbit Base are heavily stockpiled with troops. They don't need to compete with us in speed; they can just focus on defense."

"But we can still separate them, trapping them like islands."

"Are you stupid? Do you think you can wipe them all out by trapping them? Besides, do you think the Zerg are like us? Do you think they need supplies? They can keep splitting and getting stronger just by lying in near-star orbit. What's the point of trapping them? They don't even want to come out!"

"Indeed, according to intelligence, the Zerg are very reclusive. Without military operations, they can stay in their respective bases for decades or even centuries without needing to communicate with each other at all."

"Exchange my ass! These are all Biological Weapon outside. Weapons don't need to communicate. The real Zerg are hiding somewhere. Even with the Epoch Clan's resources, we haven't found them yet. Destroying more of these weapons is useless if we can't find those hidden creatures!"

Looking at the arguments, Wheeler calmed down. Let them argue, he thought, "I'm just killing time anyway."