Predictably, the moment the system master who wanted to escape made his move, he was immediately contacted by other traitors, demanding to know what he was doing and even threatening him to get back into his territory.
But this alien had more than his fill of listening to the traitors, and nothing they said could force him to abandon the chance to rejoin his people.
Ghost Six used the system master's fleet departure as a cover to also jump away and was on its way to the capital system without anyone noticing its jump.
On the other hand, the empire was ready and waiting for the enemies to launch their attack, which, to everyone's surprise, was delayed, and even after the portals were opened, not a single ship passed through them.
-Runir, any ideas about the enemy's delay?
Andrew asked the admiral, who was just waiting to greet the enemy along with her fleet.
-Sorry, but I have no clue why they stopped, but I'm not complaining.
Their delay allowed Binon to drop mines in front of the portals, so whoever gets here first will have the honor of becoming the test subject for her newest toys.
-That's good, but I'd like to know what the holdup is on their part.
I seriously doubt that they decided to commit so many resources only to call off the attack.
The emperor said, not liking this situation at all.
-I have several possible reasons for their delay, but it's simply my speculations at this point.
Runir said and was about to list the reasons she came up with, but Lan's voice cut in.
-The portals are closing.
The Dranixian reported, and just as she said, the portals vanished one after the other.
-We have portals opening in our system.
Lanarine said a moment later, before anyone could get over the surprise.
-Also, the traitor forces are on the move.
She added, seeing a wave of enemy ships approaching the empire's territories.
-Damn it, they played us.
Runir cursed and immediately ordered Gianna and Arisen fleets to get back to the main system.
Just as she gave the orders, the first enemy ships appeared from over two dozen portals that had just opened in the system.
-Ladies, give our guests a warm welcome.
Andrew said in a calm and cold voice, slipping back into his other personality.
The moment he said it, all hell had broken loose.
Dozens of ships from the defense fleet assigned to the system opened up with everything they had, joining thousands of defense satellites and drone fighters that rushed at the enemies like angry hornets.
Additionally, over four dozen defense substations targeted the incoming vessels and tore into them.
The incoming enemies flew straight into a wall of missiles, bombs, and shells, which literally tore them apart.
What's worse, the main installation held fire for now, and there were still a thousand drone fighters held in reserve along with a hundred drone ships, assigned to protecting the shipyard.
-Andrew, we will arrive within an hour.
Can you hold out for that long?
Arien asked with worry and anger in her voice.
-If the enemy won't do something unexpected again, then we should hold out without a problem.
The emperor answered before focusing on the battle again.
-Lan, are there any Kinokian vessels coming in?
He asked.
There are, but so far, there have been only a few destroyers and frigates from their side.
She answered, showing him the two portals with Kinokian energy signatures, the wrecks floating at the portals' exits.
-Do you want me to send the message now?
Tanera chimed in over the comms.
-No, not yet.
Andrew stopped her.
-Something doesn't add up.
The last time we fought them, they sent a whole armada in hopes of capturing the jumpgate leading to us, yet now they've sent only a few dozen ships, despite having two portals in our main system.
-Do you think that they might be up to something?
The elf asked.
-Yes, but I have no clue what it is, so for now, let's wait and see if this is some trick or if they will truly commit to this attack.
-As you wish, and just so you know, I informed the guild about it, and they are also monitoring the situation through my station.
-I see nothing wrong with it.
Andrew said that, as he had no choice in this matter, the only way to prevent the guild from monitoring was to kick the resident merchant out, which he had no intention of doing.
-Andrew, the traitor forces just attacked seven of our systems, and from what I hear, they are getting a beating, but they don't seem to care about their losses.
-Can the systems hold out until you arrive?
-They should hold out. I'm only about ten minutes out from the nearest one, and I also diverted all available patrol ships to these systems, and three of them should be arriving in their nearest systems shortly.
-Very well, keep me informed.
The emperor said.
-We have more portals opening, and this time they are all in the Sol system.
Lanarine reported just as Andrew finished talking with the admiral.
-The energy signatures indicate that all the portals belong to Kinokians.
She added.
-I wish them good luck with that.
Andrew laughed coldly.
The Sol system was the only one with an independent fleet assigned to its defense, which was not any weaker than any of the main imperial fleets.
Additionally, it was also heavily fortified, since it was the food basket for the Empire.
-Theresa, what's your status?
The emperor opened a channel to the Sol system lord.
-We have incoming enemies from the portals, but they are being destroyed as soon as they arrive, and till now, the heaviest ship they sent was a cruiser.
Additionally, General Taylor thinks that this is not their main objective, and they are simply trying to tie our forces down before they strike at their main target, whatever it is.
-Can you put the general on the line?
Andrew asked.
-I'm here, your majesty.
I accepted the invitation of the empress to become her military advisor.
The general answered.
-That's great, and since that's the case, do you have any idea what their main target might be?
Andrew asked, as he needed all the information and help he could get.
-That remains unclear.
The two main targets that are the most obvious ones as well are already under attack, but it seems that the enemy is not committing their full forces to these attacks, indicating that there is another target, but I can't figure out what they are after.
-Well, whatever it is, they are in no hurry to make their move.
Andrew thought out loud.
-Did you ask Dot about this matter?
The general asked suddenly.
-No, not yet, she just left the tank, and is sleeping right now.
She was in a very bad state when we got her, and Iliana advised me to go slowly with this one.
Despite all that our new tanks can do to heal the body and mind, they can't perform miracles, and the last thing we need is for her to snap.
Andrew answered.
-Your majesty, permission to come aboard your station?
The general asked suddenly.
-Granted, General, but what's the purpose?
-To get the info that we need.
The old man answered and went straight for the stargate.