391: Return to the Local Group

“You see, with the sheer size of our new fleet, our current troop strength is completely mismatched. We might face personnel shortages when executing missions in the future.”

After all, just that majestic Imperial Executor-class starship alone has an extremely vast internal space, capable of easily accommodating up to 250,000 personnel.

This is merely the carrying capacity of one galaxy-class main battleship, not to mention the total number of personnel that the other eight super star class starships combined could hold.

Furthermore, since these starships were issued as compensation and not allocated from a fully established fleet, they won't come with a full complement of personnel. In fact, a single starship might even have a large number of personnel vacancies.

This mismatch between personnel and hull size will undoubtedly hinder the future normal operation and mission execution of the fleet.

“Indeed…”

Li Yang listened to Pal's analysis and nodded slightly in agreement.

“It seems necessary to submit an application report to the higher-ups to expand the fleet's personnel establishment.”

As he spoke, Li Yang's gaze fell on Pal, carefully examining his military rank, which was the insignia of a fifth-rank lieutenant.

He secretly mused that Pal had followed him for quite some time and had accumulated many military merits. Although he had already been promoted two ranks compared to before the mission was completed, given the current size and importance of the new fleet, this rank was still a bit insufficient for a vice fleet commander.

“Moreover, as my vice-captain, you have always been diligent and dedicated, putting in great effort for the fleet's development. It's time for you to be promoted.”

Li Yang's eyes were filled with affirmation and expectation.

“Yes, I will follow Captain Li Yang's arrangements.”

Upon hearing this, a flicker of surprise and excitement instantly flashed in Pal's eyes. He immediately straightened his body and, with a firm and respectful tone, quickly expressed his loyalty to Li Yang.

He understood the weight of Li Yang's words. When Li Yang said a promotion, it was a real promotion; he never gave empty promises.

Li Yang looked at Pal's excited expression and nodded with satisfaction.

Given his current status and influence in the Imperial Military Department, along with the significant military merits he had accumulated from this mission and his network of connections, helping Pal get a two or three-rank promotion was still more than enough.

“Oh, Comrade Li Yang's words make my heart itch. It makes me want to join your fleet…”

Lan An, who was standing nearby, sighed softly, a smile in her eyes, and said half-jokingly.

Her voice was clear and pleasant, echoing in the slightly empty corridor, adding a touch of ease and humor to the atmosphere among them.

“comrade Lan An, you are from the Imperial Military Department, Cadre Management Department…”

Li Yang responded with a smile, his eyes full of sincerity.

“You shoulder important responsibilities and play a crucial role in the Cadre Management Department. If you really came here, it would truly be a waste of your talent.”

At this point, Li Yang seemed to suddenly remember something and continued.

“Speaking of which, I need to submit comrade Pal's promotion report to you as soon as I find the time. You are professional in this area, so handling it will surely be efficient and accurate.”

Li Yang deeply understood the importance of Lan An's department and knew that Pal's promotion report would be properly handled if it reached her.

Li Yang naturally didn't take Lan An's words seriously.

After all, he knew that the Cadre Management Department was one of the most powerful departments in the Imperial Military Department, with an extremely wide scope of work.

From the review of military officers' promotions and demotions, to the fair awarding of military merit medals, and the rational arrangement of various personnel, a series of important matters concerning the operation of the Imperial Military Department were all within their scope of responsibility.

Lan An's ability to hold a position in such a department showed her extraordinary capabilities and heavy responsibilities, so how could she easily join someone else's fleet?

“Alright, no problem.”

Lan An responded with a confident smile on her face.

“I will submit it to the higher-ups for approval. Rest assured, for excellent officers like comrade Pal who dedicate themselves to the Empire, as long as the conditions are met, the higher-ups will certainly give fair consideration.”

Lan An's words were full of professionalism and responsibility, instilling confidence in the approval process of Pal's promotion report.

Amidst their relaxed and pleasant conversation, everyone walked briskly, and before they knew it, the group finally arrived at Port 633.

Inside the port, lights shone brightly, and brand new starships were neatly arranged.

When Li Yang's gaze landed on the Imperial Executor-class main battleship at the forefront, he felt his breathing quicken instantly, and his heart involuntarily pounded faster.

This main battleship was like a colossal steel behemoth floating in the universe. Its massive 17,000-meter body exuded a suffocating sense of oppression. The breathtaking visual impact was simply unparalleled.

To be honest, even the 24 galaxy-class starships led by Lin Bi appearing together before him earlier were far less imposing than the oppressive feeling brought by this single starship at this moment.

It stood there like a solitary and majestic king, quietly, yet already displaying its unshakeable dominant position.

“Chief, all starships are ready, all systems are checked and normal, and they can be launched at any time.”

A Staff member at the port, dressed in a neat uniform, saw Li Yang and his group approaching steadily and immediately stepped forward with a serious expression, saluting in a standard posture, and reporting in a loud and clear voice.

“comrade Lan An, my troops can be transported over now.”

Li Yang couldn't suppress his inner excitement, his eyes sparkling with anticipation, and he quickly turned to Lan An and said.

Lan An nodded slightly, her eyes showing efficiency and decisiveness. She quickly raised her hand to operate the communication device she held, contacting the transport ship and arranging for the troops to be urgently transported here.

Before long, Li Yang's original troops all arrived here, neatly and orderly.

As soon as the Soldiers disembarked from the transport ship, their eyes were drawn to the brand new and powerful fleet before them. Excited smiles instantly bloomed on their faces, followed by a burst of enthusiastic cheers.

After all, in their hearts, a more powerful starship meant greater assurance for their lives in future battles, and it also meant they could execute more arduous and glorious missions, contributing more to the glory of the Empire.

“Pal, immediately notify the troops to quickly and orderly enter the fleet and make all preparations before departure.”

Li Yang looked at Pal with a determined gaze, his tone carrying undeniable authority.

“Yes, sir!”

Pal responded without hesitation, his voice loud and crisp.

He immediately turned and began to command the troops with swift movements.

Under his orderly dispatch, the Soldiers, like well-trained ants, quickly and orderly swarmed towards the new starships.

Upon entering the starships, everyone took their positions and immediately plunged into the intense preparatory work.

“Captain Li Yang, after a comprehensive and detailed inspection, all starships' energy is at full capacity, and weapons and ammunition are fully equipped. Everything is ready and can be put into battle at any time.”

An officer responsible for the inspection quickly came before Li Yang, saluted, and earnestly reported the inspection results.

Hearing this, a satisfied expression appeared on Li Yang's face. He nodded slightly, his eyes showing approval for the preparatory work.

These starships would be their sharp tools for traversing the universe, and ample energy and ammunition were key to ensuring the smooth execution of missions.

“comrade Lan An, if there are no other matters, I am ready to lead the fleet to set sail. We shall meet again.”

Li Yang looked at Lan An, a hint of gratitude and farewell in his eyes.

Lan An had provided considerable assistance in successfully forming such a powerful fleet this time.

“Then I wish you a smooth journey back! May every one of your expeditions be safe and successful, and may you return victorious.”

Lan An nodded gently with a smile, her eyes full of sincere blessings.

Her smile was like the warm sun in spring, warm and kind.

Li Yang turned and boarded the magnificent Executor starship.

The moment he stepped onto the starship, he felt a new kind of power and responsibility.

He quickly walked towards the Command Room. Upon entering the Command Room, he was struck by its spaciousness.

The size of this place was several times larger than the Command Room he had used before.

“Captain Li Yang, what is our planned destination now?”

The navigator sat in front of the console, turned his head, and waited for Li Yang's instructions with a focused expression.

“Hmm… let's go back to This Galaxy Cluster first. Unknowingly, it's been over three years since I last returned. I wonder how Ou Ben and the others are doing now?”

Li Yang tilted his head slightly, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes.

“Yes, sir!”

The navigator responded quickly, his hands skillfully dancing on the console, beginning to plan the route back to This Galaxy Cluster.

As the order was given, the entire fleet started their engines one after another, slowly sailing out of the port. After reaching open space, they immediately activated the space tunnel.

The fleet entered the space tunnel in sequence, disappearing from this area... In The Administrative Center Department of This Galaxy Cluster, news of Li Yang's imminent return, like a spring breeze across a lake, instantly caused a stir.

Everyone who received the news, filled with anticipation and excitement, had arrived at the bridge early to wait.

Their eyes revealed a deep longing and sincere respect for the leader who was about to return.

“Three years have passed, and he has finally woken up.”

Ou Ben stood on the bridge, his gaze deep as he looked out at the vast starry sky, as if confiding his inner feelings to the endless universe.

“Who wouldn't agree? Finally, we can get some rest.”

An Cheng echoed from the side, his words full of a sense of relief.

He sighed slightly, a relaxed expression appearing on his face after the fatigue.

After all, during Li Yang's absence, the two of them resolutely took on the heavy burden, sharing the responsibilities on Li Yang's shoulders.

To maintain the stability and development of This Galaxy Cluster, they worked tirelessly day and night, not daring to slack off in the slightest.

Although both of them had acquired the additional positions of Secretary of the Disciplinary Committee and supervision director, the workload involved was not ordinary.

It should be known that during these three years, the entire Empire was in a critical period of severe crackdown operations, with various complex affairs and thorny problems surging in like a tide.

They not only had to deal with internal management and supervision within This Galaxy Cluster but also had to constantly align with various policies of the Empire, ensuring that every crackdown measure was effectively implemented in This Galaxy Cluster.

These three years were undoubtedly a severe test for them, but they always stuck to their posts, silently contributing, just waiting for the day Li Yang returned.

Just as the two were conversing, in the originally calm starry sky, as if an invisible giant hand had torn open a rift, a mysterious and deep space tunnel slowly emerged.

Lights flickered within the tunnel, and then, a massive fleet slowly emerged from it.

Especially the Imperial Executor-class main battleship at the forefront, its appearance instantly captivated Ou Ben and An Cheng's attention, making them gasp in admiration.

Its massive body, like a steel fortress floating in the universe, stretched 17,000 meters, exuding a cold and majestic metallic luster under the starlight.

On the hull, various dense firepower armaments were scattered in an orderly fashion, like slumbering beasts, ready to deliver a fatal blow at any moment.

With just one glance, the powerful sense of oppression swept over them, leaving both of them stunned.

“This is… Li Yang's fleet?”

Ou Ben's eyes widened, his face full of disbelief, his tone filled with shock and confusion.

He could barely believe everything he saw before his eyes; the scale and power of this fleet far exceeded his imagination.

“It should be…”

An Cheng was equally astonished, his tone carrying a hint of uncertainty.

He slightly parted his lips, his eyes fixed on the huge starship, his thoughts somewhat muddled.

It was no wonder the two were so surprised. After all, in their memories, Li Yang's previous fleet, though quite substantial, was nowhere near as imposing as it was now.

Moreover, these new model starships, with their unique styling and extraordinary presence, were completely unheard of and unseen by officials like them who had long served in local positions.

While the two were still immersed in shock and confusion, the fleet had slowly approached the docking point and finally docked smoothly at the designated position.

The hatch slowly opened, and Li Yang, dressed in a neat and handsome military uniform, stepped out of the starship with steady strides, leading Pal and his group, all looking energetic, and walked towards Ou Ben and An Cheng.

Their figures, set against the starry sky, appeared particularly tall and confident.

“Chairman Ou, Chief Judge An, it's been a long time. I've missed you two greatly during this period!”

Li Yang stepped forward a few paces, a genuine smile on his face, and shook Ou Ben's and An Cheng's hands respectively.

“Hahaha, Secretary Li, you're finally awake!”

Ou Ben's eyes were full of joy, and the smile on his face was as radiant as a blooming flower.

“For the past three years, the affairs of This Galaxy Cluster have been complex, and we've been longing for you to take charge and supervise the work.”

As he spoke, he gently patted Li Yang's hand, his words brimming with anticipation for Li Yang's return.