In the pitch-black universe, two human fleets maintained a fixed distance, sailing towards the Carl II.
For three days, Lynn's Second Expeditionary Fleet followed closely behind Dominic's Tithe Fleet, like a group of cautious followers.
The steel torrent ahead, led by the Victory-class Battleship, never slowed down or waited.
The Gemstone's dark gold and burgundy hull reflected a dazzling light under the starlight.
Like a proud nobleman, it disdains to look back at the few meager ships behind it.
Lynn stood on the bridge of the Lightning frigate, his hands behind his back, gazing at the formidable force ahead.
The twelve Sword-class Frigate and one Lunar-class Cruiser appeared as insignificant as flies buzzing around a dragon in front of the Gemstone.
"Sir, Rear Admiral Dominic's fleet has accelerated again. Our engines are running at full power, and we're barely keeping up." The adjutant's voice carried a hint of weariness.
"Understood," Lynn replied casually, showing no surprise.
It's a good thing that Dominic didn't take his Second Expeditionary Fleet seriously.
This shows that the other party is confident in their own abilities.
"Just maintain speed," Lynn said. "No need to push ourselves; we're here to provide support."
"Yes, sir."
Just then, the communications officer suddenly looked up and reported loudly:
"Sir! The Gemstone has sent a communication request. Rear Admiral Dominic invites you to visit his flagship."
Lynn raised an eyebrow slightly.
They've arrived.
He had long anticipated this day would come.
Dominic suddenly led his fleet toward the Carl II; it's impossible for him to leave without asking any questions.
He must have many questions about Ragnar and the Orks Fleet that he wants to ask them in person.
"Reply to Major General Dominic, I'll be there shortly," Lynn said in a deep voice.
"Yes!"
Ten minutes later, Lynn, aboard his Turbulent-class Frigate, quickly approached the Gemstone.
Seeing this powerful Victory-class Battleship up close, the sense of oppression was ten times stronger than when observing it from a distance.
The Gemstone was ten kilometers long and more than three times the size of Lynn's Gothic-class Cruiser.
The Turbulent-class Frigate entered the landing bay of the Gemstone.
The hatch slowly closed, and the pressure balancing system emitted a soft hum.
Lynn stepped off the frigate and was immediately stunned by the sight before him.
The landing module is enormous, large enough to accommodate ten large transport ships at the same time.
Upon entering the main cabin, the floor is paved with polished black marble, so shiny it reflects light like a mirror.
The walls are adorned with large oil paintings depicting the military exploits of the Ventria Family's ancestors throughout history.
Twenty guards clad in dark gold Power Armour, armed with Boltgun, stood in neat rows on either side of the passageway.
Their Power Armour was inlaid with the same gems as the Gemstone, and their shoulder armor was engraved with the Ventria Family crest.
Each guard stood tall and straight, with resolute eyes, exuding the aura of a seasoned warrior.
"Governor Kerry von, please follow me." A servant stepped forward and bowed respectfully to Lynn.
"Thank you for your trouble." Lynn nodded.
The attendant led Lynn toward the bridge.
As Lynn walked through the long corridor, he felt the Gemstone's terror more and more.
Along both sides of the passage, there is a defensive line every ten meters, equipped with Heavy Bolter and laser cannons.
Countless crew members and soldiers were busy in the passageway, their steps hurried yet orderly.
No one made a loud noise, and no one looked around.
Everyone knows what they are supposed to do, and everyone is working efficiently in their respective positions.
Lynn noticed that from the landing module to the bridge, they passed through a total of 120 security gates and dozens of blast doors.
Each checkpoint was guarded by soldiers, and the checks were extremely strict.
"How many crew members does the Gemstone have?" Lynn couldn't help but ask.
"Your Excellency, I don't know the specifics either," the attendant replied respectfully.
"But the main combat personnel total 370,000, along with 100,000 technical and logistical personnel."
Lynn clicked his tongue in amazement.
Four hundred and seventy thousand people operating an eight-kilometer-long battleship, not only without being cumbersome, but also maintaining such high efficiency.
This is simply unimaginable in Brevis.
The Lunar-class Cruiser of the Second Expeditionary Fleet had fewer than 50,000 crew members and frequently experienced command confusion.
The military strength of the Ventria Family is indeed well-deserved.
After walking for about twenty minutes, they finally arrived at the bridge.
The bridge doors opened, and a cold, metallic scent wafted out.
The bridge of the Gemstone was much larger than Lynn had imagined, about the size of a football field.
A massive holographic star map floated in the center of the bridge, clearly marking the routes, planets, and troop deployments throughout the entire Calixis System.
Hundreds of officers sat at different control consoles, each performing their duties.
Various indicator lights flashed with different colors, and reports came from the communicator.
Strangely, despite so many people working, the entire bridge was unusually harmonious.
There were only the sounds of instruments running and the electrical hum of the communicator.
The transmission of commands is frighteningly efficient.
An order issued by Dominic can reach the lowest-level execution unit in less than a day.
Lynn silently did some calculations in her mind.
The command transmission efficiency of the Mstone was as high as fifty percent of that of its own fleet.
This was nothing short of a miracle for the bloated, inefficient, and bureaucratic Imperial Navy.
Lynn's fleet was able to maintain its efficient operation entirely due to Rena's Hive Mind and the absolute obedience of the Genestealer officers.
Without the help of the Tyranids, his fleet probably wouldn't even be able to navigate normally.
Dominic's fleet, however, achieved such astonishing efficiency through rigorous training and a well-established system.
This is the difference between the Imperium regular army and the local ragtag armies.
"Governor Kerry, you've arrived."
A loud voice rang out.
Dominic stood up from his command post and walked towards Lynn.
He wasn't wearing Power Armour today, but rather a crisp pink uniform, the major general's rank insignia on his shoulders gleaming under the lights.
Her red hair was neatly combed, and she wore a faint smile.
"Lord Dominic." Lynn bowed slightly, performing a standard Imperium noble's salute.
"No need for formalities," Dominic waved his hand. "I also have something I'd like to ask you. Come on, let's go to the restaurant to talk."