Chapter 1709: Chapter 971
The Moon is the Human Ancestral Star, Holy Terraâs only satellite, and naturally, it plays a significant role.
It is a natural transit port, home to some high-tech factories, and the largest natural external fortress, naval port of Holy Terra.
Robert came to the Moon first, with his own intentions.
If possible, he did not want to overly challenge the nerves of the people on Holy Terra, especially given the current chaotic situation on Holy Terra.
His reconnaissance forces were warned with warning shots as they approached.
The reconnaissance ships sensibly did not come too close.
On one hand, it was dangerous; approaching too closely would expose them to the intense orbital defensive firepower from Holy Terra, likely easily shot down. Close-range reconnaissance meant little.
On the other hand, it was Robertâs order â not to provoke Holy Terraâs nerves.
Holy Terra was in turmoil, even from a distant observation by the reconnaissance ships, one could clearly see that all factions were constantly fighting. At this moment, it was impossible to discern how many parties were fighting, their respective attitudes, who were loyal, and who were corrupted traitors. Rashly engaging in the chaos on Holy Terra could lead to mistakes.
Conversely, the Moon was a very good target.
Attacking the Moon would also provoke Holy Terra, yet there was warfare happening on the Moon. Even though the images returned by the reconnaissance fleet were very blurry due to the distance, Robert could sharply detect and speculate that the war on the Moon seemed inconsistent with the war on Terra.
Specifically, Robert believed that the factions involved in the chaotic warfare on the Moon were not entirely affiliated with those on Terra. The chaotic Holy Terra, at present, had insufficient control over the Moonâs warfare.
Moreover, Robertâs targeted message sent was conveyed to the Moon and received a reply.
That reply was from the âMoon Guard Legionâ.
They claimed there was a rebellion on the Moon. A portion of the Imperial Armyâs Sun Legion soldiers attacked them. The Imperial Naval Marine Corps, claiming to assist them in suppressing the rebellion, had some ships bombarding the Sun Legion soldiers, and the Marine Corps had landed, although they were fewer than the Sun Legionâs ârebelâ forces, they overall provided support.
However, the Moon Guards soon felt something was off.
The Marine Corps soldiers, under the guise of assistance, wanted them to hand over some important defense strongholds?
The Moon Guards initially tolerated this somewhat, but after realizing it was inappropriate later, they outright refused.
This resulted in having yet another wave of enemies.
Thankfully, the Navy did not fully engage in combat, a large number of naval ships seemed lost and hesitant, unsure of what to do. They helped none of the three parties â not fighting the Sun Legionâs army, nor their own Marine Corps, nor the Moon Guards, purely remaining neutral.
This gave the Moon Guards some relief â at least they still had their own warships, orbital defense systems, and strong fortresses to station themselves. They could at least confront those ârebelâ navy forces, maintaining a degree of control over the orbit.
Currently, there are four forces on the Moonâs orbit. Besides the neutral Imperial Navy ships which make up half, there are the Moon Guardâs fleet, the fleet transporting army forces, and some of the participating Imperial Navy ships, all in chaotic combat with each other.
But in terms of naval warfare, the orbital conflict has been somewhat restrained.
After all, the Imperial Navyâs main fleet does not seem fully inclined towards one side for now. With them as a stabilizing presence, the struggle for the Moonâs orbital control remains relatively peaceful.
However, on the ground, there is no stabilizing presence.
The three factions are almost fighting fiercely.
Itâs human troops fighting like this, which is really disgraceful.
Yet, this is also Robertâs opportunity.
He decisively affirmed the Moon Guardâs stance.
It wasnât because the Moon Guards replied to his message that he trusted them greatly. Rather, logically, the Moon Guards were most trustworthy.
This specially structured troopâs name alone suggests their duty â they are the Moonâs defense forces.
Moon Guards, guarding the Moon, is that not their rightful duty?
Conversely, the Imperial Army attacking the Moon Guards, or the Marine Corps claiming assistance but not cooperating â both claiming they sought important fortifications from the Moon Guards and then attacked them... no matter how plausible their reasons and grievances, a fact stands:
They are fighting where they ought not to be fighting.
Even after the Moon Guards replied, the Marine Corps also responded, claiming they were there to suppress the rebellion and support the Moon Guards but were unjustly attacked by the Moon Guards, inviting Robertâs troops to enter the Moon and join their positions.
But, Robert did not trust them.
He directly deployed a Vanguard Army.
Without hesitation, he used his most elite force â the Glory Guard of the Infinite Corps, the Ever Victorious Army!
At least three hundred Interstellar Warriors, led by fifty Ever Victorious Army, plus some elite mortal assault troops, swiftly infiltrated the Moon via spacecraft.