Chapter 51: The Salmon-Class Assault

The Flying Shadow 3, a humble E-class vessel, found itself paralyzed for three hours during this mission after a single devastating blast from a high-grade D-class pulse particle cannon. It was a close call—nearly falling into the hands of the infamous Star River Gale Fleet.

Captain Zhang Lian woke up with a jolt.

How could he not wish for a sturdier, more formidable ship?

Upgrading the Flying Shadow 3's chips or enhancing its defensive systems, however, would require extensive overhauls and a vast expenditure of resources and money—resources the Flying Shadow Corporation simply could not spare. Faced with such limitations, Zhang Lian had no choice but to rely on himself and find other solutions.

An F-class vessel like the Flying Shadow 3 might not seem like much.

For perspective, the baseline grade for aircraft is the H-series, while for spacecraft, it's the G-series. An F-class vessel, though only a single grade above the lowest threshold, still boasts essential systems: weapons arrays, life support and transport systems, metallic hull integrity, and an integrated chip network.

A G-class spacecraft, stretching tens of meters long, starts at 60-70 million credits. Even a damaged F-class vessel with a functioning propulsion system fetches upwards of 100 million credits.

This lucrative market explains why Zhang Lian personally assembled a team for this risky endeavor.

In a concise briefing, Zhang Lian explained:

"Joining me on this mission are loyal comrades from the Flying Shadow 3. Their capabilities range from H to G class, but three of them have been my trusted brothers since our service in Earth's Sky Army. Their skills are F-class, and they will be our backbone should strong adversaries appear."

Tian Xiao cast a glance at the trio's sleek vessels nearby—three F-class Silver Arrows. Renowned for their speed and agility in space combat, Silver Arrows had even challenged D-class ships in the past. Within the F-class category, they were among the elite.

Having veterans like these provided a layer of protection in dire situations.

After a brief pause, Tian Xiao asked, "What exactly does the Captain require from our security team for this mission?"

Zhang Lian's tone shifted as he explained:

"The planet we're investigating is small and mostly depleted of resources. It's a desolate, abandoned world. Your team's task is ground reconnaissance—to locate the Star River Gale Fleet's hideout. These cunning rogues are notorious for having multiple bases and deeply concealing their treasures. Your drone scouting expertise will be invaluable. Use it well."

"Understood," Tian Xiao replied firmly.

From their intelligence, they knew the Star River Gale Fleet had limited personnel left. The reconnaissance phase posed potential danger, but Zhang Lian's strategy to involve the security team as a risk buffer was clear.

Tian Xiao, as a soldier, understood this logic.

Commanders often aim to minimize sacrifices while maximizing success. Though the approach could evoke discomfort or resentment, it was practical and efficient.

No objections.

Tian Xiao quickly briefed his squad, clarifying their objectives.

The Salmon-class vessel streaked toward its destination.

A Dying World

The Salmon's main screen soon displayed their target: a planet riddled with scars—its surface marred by countless craters, cracks, and brutal marks of industrial exploitation. The barren, lifeless appearance of the celestial body painted a grim picture.

"My god," someone whispered.

"Who could have done this?"

"This is barbaric."

On the Bluebird Squad's monitors, grim faces reflected the haunting desolation of their target.

Tian Xiao, however, was unfazed.

Planets like this were all too common in the Pegasus System. Major corporations, though ruthless, typically preserved essential planetary resources such as water sources or geothermal vents, preventing total collapse. But smaller enterprises, driven by greed, left nothing untouched.

"This planet's fate is tragic," he remarked. "But in time, our own worlds may not fare much better."

Speculation about the perpetrators, he knew, was futile.

He addressed the team:

"This planet is designated A8021 in the Pegasus System. Detailed maps and geological data have been transmitted to your consoles. Study them and prepare."

"We're handling the preliminary reconnaissance. Stay vigilant, and we should manage without issues."

Chen Wuling, unable to hold back, interjected:

"But there are armed Star River Gale operatives here! They've likely set up fortified defenses. We have no idea what surveillance systems or firepower they possess."

Tian Xiao's response was swift:

"The fleet has constructed three small, fortified bunkers on this planet. These bunkers are minor installations and cannot house starships. Other teams will handle those. Our task is to explore the labyrinthine caves and mountain interiors to locate their hidden vessels and looted resources."

Relief washed over the squad.

The prospect of directly confronting fortified bunkers—an almost suicidal endeavor for their fragile Bluebird-class crafts—had been their greatest concern.

As discussions wrapped up, the Salmon entered low orbit over the planet.

Directly beneath them lay one of the bunkers. The Salmon's scans revealed no signals—just an eerie silence.

Then it happened.

The Salmon's bow registered a surge of energy.

Moments later, tremors rippled through the ship as six energy beams pierced the atmosphere, targeting the bunkers below.

Through the monitor, Tian Xiao watched as three targeted locations lit up. The surrounding mountains were obliterated, exposing the dark, metallic walls of the bunkers beneath.

Zhang Lian wasted no time.

The main cannon fired again, a direct and deliberate show of force to disorient any enemy hiding below. The first salvo was only the beginning. A second and third wave of firepower followed, battering the bunkers until their surfaces glowed molten red.

When the bunkers' walls finally yielded, their side doors burst open. Panicked enemy craft surged out, desperate to escape the deadly barrage.

"Hmph," Zhang Lian scoffed.

With precision, the Salmon's smaller cannons unleashed a relentless hail of fire. Metallic shrapnel and debris filled the void as fleeing enemy vessels were shredded mid-flight, erupting into spectacular explosions.

Boom.

Boom!

The once-imposing bunkers now smoldered, their shattered remains a testament to the Salmon's overwhelming firepower.

"Bluebird Squad, deploy and commence ground reconnaissance," Zhang Lian commanded.

The hangar doors opened. One by one, ten Bluebird-class craft streamed out, descending toward the scarred planet