Chapter 41: Pre-battle Preparations

To be fair, Yu Lian did not feel much resonance with his identity as a soldier of the Commonwealth, nor did he hold any genuine allegiance to the Commonwealth regime itself. If one cannot even convince oneself of the so-called honor of a soldier or the sense of national duty, how could one possibly convince anyone else?

However, Yu Lian at least fully embraced his identity as a Terran, even if it was a version of Earth from a parallel universe.

Likewise, he could accept that the Terrans of this universe were his own kin. He felt a profound sense of empathy for the eventual fate of the polities established by humanity and the hardships the Terran race was destined to endure.

He did not know why he had returned to this era. Could it be that his sincerity had moved the spirits of the universe, granting him a chance to reshape history?

Regardless, since he was here, and the "Tulon Incident"—which would trigger a chain of subsequent events—was right before him, how could he not intervene? How could he not steer it toward a more perfect conclusion?

Furthermore, the memories and emotions belonging to this version of Yu Lian were not fake. Since Senior Sister Eleanor had taken such good care of him back at the academy—and had even treated him to roasted marmot when they arrived at Tulon—how could he let such a beautiful older sister spend half a year lying in a hospital bed?

As for the "racial missions" and "altering history" that were supposedly mandatory for every transmigrator and reborn person... well, those were merely secondary reasons.

"We certainly don't need to be in a rush to destroy the heavy artillery! Once we capture their position, we can adjust the muzzle and shell the Sand People's encampment below the mountain. That would be the best way to sow maximum chaos," Yu Lian suggested.

It was, indeed, a brilliant idea. The only issue was an insurmountable technical problem: these were heavy ion cannons, not the legendary "three treasures of guerrilla warfare," and operating them required a degree of professional expertise.

In truth, not to mention the "small fry" of the garrison, even the elite mobile infantry of the 101st Company lacked professional gunners. That was the reason Captain Winter had spoken of "destroying" rather than "capturing" them.

"Do you know how to operate a cannon?" Eleanor asked, eyeing him sideways.

"I do!" Yu Lian felt there was something slightly off about the senior's question, but he nodded anyway.

"Where did you learn?" she asked skeptically.

"In the academy's simulators. Whether it's the Commonwealth's Type 09, the Alliance's Defender V, or even the Empire's Punisher Star, I've played them all. I’ve fired those cannons at least several hundred times."

Eleanor felt something was still not quite right, but upon closer reflection, couldn't pinpoint the error. She straightened her face and said, "You are in the Strategic Studies department, not Artillery. It’s because you spend your time on such distractions that your grades always hover right at the passing line. Be careful, or you won't graduate at all."

True, an elite student of Strategic Studies didn't need to pass artillery exams, but they didn't have to pass hand-to-hand combat or powered armor operations either! Senior, you are the one who gets A+ in both those subjects every semester—how are you in any position to criticize me?

"Of course, simulators and actual operations are two different things. That is why I hope to act alongside you. If we arrive and find it's impossible to operate them, it won't be too late to destroy them then. Is that acceptable, Captain?"

Under normal circumstances, Captain Winter would have thought that a "Lunar" should stay in the back and issue orders, as their physical fitness, raw strength, and individual combat tactics could never keep up with battle-hardened marines. However, since this "Lunar" was also a psionic, it was no longer an issue.

"Permission granted," the Captain nodded.

"Additionally, here..." Yu Lian marked another position on the map. It was a small, hidden highland, but geographically crucial; it could cut off the path from the plains to Highland 6 from another direction. Moreover, if the Sand People's army collapsed and fled eastward, this was their inevitable route.

"The garrison at Outpost 12 has thirty men. We have one captured tank and two plasma autocannons salvaged from the 'Awakener' ruins. We can absolutely construct a comprehensive interception position."

"Your recent experiences have certainly been rich..." Senior Sister Eleanor couldn't help but remark.

"Uh, in any case, the garrison will occupy this highland to form a crossfire against any Sand People attempting to retake the heavy artillery positions. It can also block the enemy's retreat. I suggest placing Sergeant Major Ina in command."

Captain Winter nodded. He was content to leave the command of the garrison to their own non-commissioned officer; he didn't feel that a company officer taking over would necessarily produce better results. Besides, since the young sergeant major was a psionic, it was even less of a problem.

"Our reconnaissance confirms the Sand People have set up a sentry camp on this highland, along with two anti-aircraft guns..." At this point, the senior sister winced slightly. These makeshift anti-aircraft guns, pulled from some unknown workshop, had become the weapons causing the most damage to the garrison—so far, they had shot down two airships and fourteen drones. The Governor's Office, stung by these losses, had abandoned all plans for low-altitude bombing and aerial breakthroughs.

"If you launch an attack on this rashly, you might alert the enemy at the artillery position on Highland 6."

"Yes, there are about ten of them. They have built watchtowers and signal beacons, and installed two anti-aircraft guns. But it's better that they have them. My team has excellent technicians; with a temporary modification, we might even be able to boost our own firepower. Sergeant Major Sirica's abilities can provide limited concealment for the tank and troop movements. Furthermore, there is an Alliance mercenary among the civilian team here. He is a Traveler who specializes in stealth raids; he can finish the battle before the Sand People even react."

When did psionics become like potatoes, where if you pull one, a whole string comes up? Everyone felt their brains were struggling to keep up.

"A mercenary? From the Alliance? Can he be trusted?" Eleanor frowned.

"Don't worry, Commander. I have convinced (forced) him to swear by his Star Ring oath and the spirits of the universe that he will cooperate fully with our mission!"

Eleanor wore an expression that suggested she didn't quite understand the values of "psionic mystery-mongers" like them, but ultimately, she chose to trust her junior. Just as she was about to issue the order, she couldn't help but add: "You don't have any other psionics hiding there, do you?"

"No, really, none at all!" Yu Lian quickly shook his head.

"Good, then it's decided! Everyone, rest for half a day. At 21:00 today, November 19th, 829 Common Era, we launch the final assault!"

Orbital satellites had already mapped the Sand People's artillery position with perfect clarity; Eleanor was more familiar with their construction progress than High Elder Herson himself. The assembly of those heavy cannons would be completed by nightfall, with a margin of error of no more than an hour. Eleanor didn't believe this ragtag group had the capability for night combat, so the best time for the final assault was naturally in the early hours.

However, considering the Sand People looked like they had evolved from reptiles and might be nocturnal, it was safer not to delay.

Yu Lian did not object. The textbooks recorded it clearly: the assault by the 101st Company and the main army within the city went very smoothly, with almost no organized resistance from the enemy. Later, according to various testimonies, it was understood that High Elder Herson did indeed intend to launch an attack in the early hours, relying on the Sand People's natural night vision. He had ordered his soldiers to eat and rest early. By the time the senior sister and Captain Winter launched their attack, most of the soldiers had just fallen asleep, and the goblin engineers hired for the artillery positions were busy feasting and celebrating the completion of their contract.

By the way, the Carda Goblins were actually a minority race within the Alliance. They were just short, agile, and very skilled at engineering, and they were also quite fond of money—much like the creatures in myths and legends—hence the nickname. But one should never call them that to their faces.

With the main business decided, Yu Lian felt he should offer some advice in a private capacity, so he changed his tone. "By the way, Senior, since you are the commander, you shouldn't..."

"Oh, junior, look at your sister's two-meter long blade. See you on the battlefield tomorrow. Ohohoho!" The senior sister brandished her chain-greatsword in the holographic image, leaving behind a series of bell-like laughs before cutting the communication.

"..." Yu Lian remained stunned. Although he had known this was his senior's personality, seeing her go truly "crazy" still caught him off guard!

"I like this Lieutenant Colonel," Lieutenant Parkin remarked with genuine admiration, his face filled with awe.

Captain Winter rubbed his face, feeling he had gained a new perspective on both the so-called "elite bureaucratic group" and the "Lunars." He then asked, "Matthew, are there any spare exoskeletons left?"

"There are thirty sets remaining, of various models," replied Lieutenant Matthew Cerot, the 101st Company's logistics and equipment officer, as if he had anticipated the Captain's question.

In reality, as elite orbital paratroopers, the 101st Company had over two hundred spare exoskeletons, but they were carried by dedicated transport vehicles and were not currently with them. However, according to their operational regulations, they were required to carry spare armor totaling at least one-fifth of their total force strength even when marching on foot.

"Allocate a 'Lynx' model to this young lady," Winter pointed at Ina. "And give my spare mech to Warrant Officer Yu Lian."

Ina's large eyes began to sparkle again, her brown irises seemingly flickering with flames. She stood at attention and saluted the Captain.

"This officer will certainly occupy the position at the designated time and cooperate with your final assault to the fullest extent!"

It was the first time Yu Lian had seen her look so moved. He could understand it, for he was quite moved himself. He knew that the unit the Captain was giving him was an AS56R, the "Dragoon" commander's modified model. Compared to the standard model, it featured enhanced communication and anti-jamming capabilities, and was equipped with a Vulcan cannon for fire suppression.

These commander-type units were not mass-produced, and even fewer survived intact. In later ages, they were highly prized collectibles in military circles. Yu Lian had long wanted to get his hands on one, but he never got the chance—not even when he was sprayed in the face by the Star Dragon King.

To think that in this new life, not only could he "play" with one, but he could even wear it into battle. How unpredictable life truly is...