Although they look like two space cockroaches, the holographic image also provides relevant data, including the predicted length...

At least 1.4 kilometers.

Guarded by two "cockroaches" in the center, the beetle-like flagship has a top-heavy appearance, a seemingly detachable structure, and an overall length of about 3.5 kilometers.

These data made the atmosphere at the scene a little more solemn.

Because just looking at the appearance, it is very different from human warships and ships. It is obviously a fleet of alien races, or... a fleet.

If it is a fleet, then the specifications of the opponent's warships are comparable to those of cruisers and aircraft carriers.

As for the Punishment, it is only a light frigate less than 600 meters long.

Comparing the specifications and numbers of both sides' battleships, the Punishment is at an absolute disadvantage.

The UNSC captain, whose face was extremely serious, asked: "Can the other party negotiate?"

Miranda shook her head slightly.

He also said: "We detected that the other party was driving out of the fault space, and we contacted the other party, but the other party still went its own way and did not give any reply.

Of course, we also uploaded relevant information as soon as the opponent appeared, and also applied for fleet support.

The Umbrella Second Legion and the 045th Fleet, which are closest to the Harvest Star, responded to our request for support and are expected to arrive in four hours."

"Four hours?"

Hearing this, the paratrooper second lieutenant, who looked normal, looked at the three yellow dots on the star map and couldn't help but smile:

"We can afford to wait four hours, but I wonder if those space cockroaches can afford to wait..."

"captain!"

Before he finished speaking, a crew member sitting on the left side of the bridge, responsible for communications, turned towards the center console and shouted:

"The other party released some kind of pulse attack! As a result, our ship-based relays and the relay stations on the surface of Harvest Star failed, making it impossible to contact the outside world! And the other party also sent a video message!"

"Put the video on the center console." Miranda said.

"yes!"

As the conversation progresses, the three yellow dots turn to red above the star chart, showing the video information from the other party.

The holographic screen shows the communication room of the opponent's flagship, or the bridge.

This allows Miranda, Gabriel and others to directly observe the internal structure of the opponent's ship.

The bulkheads and decks are full of purple tones, with curved surfaces and a curving style. They are not square and flat like human battleships.

The most important thing is that I also saw a "person" who was suspected to be the opponent's commander...

I saw that the "person" also had a humanoid torso with hands and legs, wearing very gorgeous brown-gold armor, and a helmet with a huge crown, and the details and gaps were emitting a faint purple light.

The face and neck that are not covered by the armor have a skin color that is dark blue and light gray. The most distinctive thing is probably "his" mouth with four lips.

Although his figure is somewhat slender and he has a severe hunchback, his height is still much higher than that of an ordinary person, about two meters three to four meters tall.

The appearance of the opponent's commander completely confirmed that the three "cockroaches" and "beetles" were alien forces belonging to a non-human race.

"Ouch--~!"

The commander in golden armor let out a roar, and the expression on his facial muscles and eyes showed that "he" was in an extremely angry state.

Then "he" opened his mouth wide, waved his hands, emphasized in a low voice, and said some kind of warning or declaration of war:

"Chaku! The oil is stuck, Osangheli..."

However, everyone on the bridge had no idea what the golden-armored commander was saying.

Language barrier.

The entire video is less than half a minute long, and there are still less than fourteen minutes before the Punishment comes into contact with the opposing fleet.

The holographic screen disappears.

Miranda then ordered: "Use the shipboard computer (low-intelligence artificial intelligence) to try to translate the intention that the other party wants to convey."

"Yes." A crew member responded.

"Good guy." The second lieutenant spread his hands and laughed at himself:

"I really have a crow's mouth. Just after I finished speaking, I didn't expect that the cockroaches... no, I should say the praying mantises really couldn't wait."

"This is obviously a declaration of war, and they can block communication methods that use fault space, which shows that the other party's technological level is not low..." the captain said worriedly.

"What's wrong with the low technology? We're still doing it. The exercise just happened to be interrupted. Wouldn't it be good to use them as targets?" the second lieutenant said still indifferently.

"..." The captain was speechless.

After all, from the perspective of a Marine, the captain simply cannot understand the hell paratroopers who are known as "combat madmen".

"The second lieutenant is right." Miranda agreed: "No matter what the opponent's technology is, we must take the initiative to let them know that humans are not easy to bully.

Besides, we are not at an absolute disadvantage."

Having said this, Miranda moved her gaze upwards, looked at Gabriel who had unfolded his helmet and remained silent, and suggested:

"Platoon Commander Angelos, the Punishment will rely on its maneuverability to deal with the enemy fleet, creating an opportunity for Thutmose to jump to the enemy's flagship and carry out the beheading operation. How about it?"

"That's what I meant." Gabriel responded briefly without showing any emotion.

And as soon as he finished speaking, Gabriel closed his helmet, turned around and took steps that made a heavy "dong, dong" sound, and left the bridge first.

After looking at Gabriel's back, Miranda continued to the two lieutenants: "Captain, second lieutenant, please prepare your troops as well."

Hear the words.

"I can't wait for a long time!" The second lieutenant grinned, his mood slightly crazy.

"Just die, the Marine Corps is always ready." The captain nodded in response.

Then the two men also left the bridge one after another.

See this.

Miranda quickly returned to the captain's seat, looked out the porthole into the dark sky, and loudly ordered with a raised voice:

"Sound the alarm and put the entire ship into combat readiness. Check the main guns, secondary guns and all weapon systems!"

"Yes, Captain!"

"The electromagnetic main gun and two plasma secondary guns are operating normally!"

"Ground crews are loading and making final checks on all carrier-based aircraft, which is expected to be completed in four minutes."

Next on the bridge, mobilize all the crew of the Punishment to prepare for battle.

———————

…

In the hangar.

Ground crew members wearing dark yellow exoskeletons stood at the edge of the hangar, ready for attack. Next to them were equipment boxes or weapon racks containing various types of aerial bombs.

On the lowest floor and on the protruding decks on both sides of the hangar, there are various carrier-based aircraft parked with their engines started, just waiting for the order to attack.

15 Saker fighter jets that have been updated over decades, and 3 Viking fighters with deformed structures.

In the engine rooms of 4 Pelicans and 1 large transport boat were two companies personally led by the UNSC captain, and there was also a marine company left in the Punishment.

The hell paratrooper company led by the second lieutenant is located in the airborne preparation cabins on both sides of the Punishment's hull, waiting for the best opportunity.

The last one is the most important one, the Thunder III carrying a total of thirty Thutmose including Gabriel.

at this time.

The piercing alarm "Beep——!" and the flashing red light above the hangar broke the pre-war tranquility.

Immediately afterwards, Miranda's voice came from the broadcasts of various parts of the ship and the communication channels of all personnel:

"All combat squadrons are ready to attack and cooperate with the ship to conduct a quick assault to provide Platoon Leader Angelos and others with an opportunity to jump into the gang. The Marines and Hell Paratroopers are temporarily on standby.

And more!" Miranda's originally cold tone changed and she said passionately and forcefully:

"Let those space mantises see what a hymn to humanity is!"

"Whoa!" the Marines and Helltroopers yelled in unison over the comms.

"For humanity!" A group of Thutmose were among them.

"Then..." Miranda paused, and then said in a low voice: "Attack!"

The voice fell.

The Saker and Viking, which had been prepared for a long time, slowly left the deck and sailed to the outside of the ship through the air valves installed on both sides of the bulkhead, which were like luminous films.

Thunder III carrying Gabriel and other Thutmose followed closely behind.

Outside the ship.

A total of eighteen Falcons and Vikings were divided into three squadrons, sailing to the left, right and above of the Punishment.

The Thunder III, which had just left the hangar, was flying close to the belly of the Retribution.
To be continued...