Starting from the Planetary Governor - Chapter 676

Chapter 674, Split

on the Cross Black Star.

This is the flagship of the Black Crusade’s Fourth Fleet, and its leader, Marshal Xi Rui, is currently present.

Before him stand several holographic portraits, all sharing a common identity: the remnants of the Northern Front Legion rescued by the Alliance.

Next to him sits Qin Zhiping. This Inquisitor, a member of the Anti-Foreign Order, holds a high position, but having lost his own Inquisition warship, he is confined to the Cross Black Star, alongside Xi Rui.

Xi Rui holds a high position. Even within the intact Northern Front Legion, he shares the same rank as Commander-in-Chief Leroy, both serving as Grand Marshals of the Black Crusade Chapter. However, Leroy’s seniority is greater, and he was the first to arrive in the Northern Front Legion and lead the war effort, so he assumes the position of Commander-in-Chief. However, after Leroy, he is undoubtedly the most qualified person to succeed him as Commander-in-Chief.

He had indeed briefly assumed command of the entire Northern Front Army during the previous war, following Leroy’s disappearance. However, the tide of battle was turning, and they were ultimately defeated, forcing them to break out.

Yet, he was still capable. Despite the Zerg’s intense pursuit, he managed to save the Fourth Fleet’s flagship and escape a considerable distance eastward, holding out until the Alliance rescued him.

His rescue provided a new pillar of support for the remnants of the Northern Front Army.

The over 20 million men rescued by the Alliance inevitably rallied around Xi Rui.

They, of course, uncompromisingly followed all orders from the Alliance, or rather, from the Southern Front Headquarters. While private solidarity was commonplace, since they were not on the same side, it was normal for them to gather privately.

But a gathering like today was unusual.

They had never held one before.

Not far from Xi Rui, Qin Zhiping, who was present, felt a little restless. He glanced repeatedly in Xi Rui’s direction, filled with worry. “

Don’t do anything stupid!”

However, events continued to develop in a direction he hadn’t intended.

Initially, the conversation was normal, discussing everyone’s recent situation and how they had escaped after the failed battle.

But then, the subject began to veer off.

They began discussing their recent activities, the missions assigned by the Alliance, and the casualties their troops had suffered during those missions…

While these topics were considered normal, the mention of “sacrifices” inevitably led to complaints.

First, they complained about their situation, then about the orders that had cost them so much, about the logistics and supplies…

While these complaints weren’t explicitly stated, they were essentially blaming the Alliance.

They felt the Alliance was discriminating, treating them, the remnants of the Northern Front Legion, not as their own troops in certain missions and operations, but as cannon fodder, expendable, tasked with carrying out challenging missions, resulting in such high casualties.

And the Alliance wasn’t replacing these casualties.

These statements only intensified Qin Zhiping’s unease.

He felt he could no longer remain silent.

Glancing at Xi Rui, he said solemnly, “I hope everyone will listen carefully to what I’m saying!”

“If there were no alliance, where would you all be now?”

“I’m afraid you’re either in a bug’s belly or in some cold, dark asteroid belt, living in constant fear.”

Qin Zhiping’s blunt words brought silence to the scene.

After hearing what Qin Zhiping said, those who attended the meeting, whether they were filled with resentment, glaring at him, or looking away, feeling guilty… In short, no one could refute him.

Because what Qin Zhiping said was an irrefutable fact.

But this did not stop them from discussing the matter from other angles.

One person said, “Chief Judge Qin, don’t get so worked up.”

Another spoke up, offering words of advice: “Yes, yes, we didn’t say much. What you said was all true, and we’re all grateful to the Alliance. But we’re all fighting for the Empire, so what difference does it make in the end? We’re all fighting for victory, for the extermination of the aliens. There’s no need to argue.”

After smoothing things over, a third person spoke up: “You’re right. We’re all fighting for the Empire, so everything is up for discussion. It’s just that the way the Alliance is treating us now can hardly be called completely fair…”

At this point, before Qin Zhiping could speak again, someone summarized:

“Regardless of whether it’s fair or not, the Northern Front Legion is different from the Southern Front, and our command systems are different. Initially, our remaining troops on the Northern Front were smaller and more dispersed, but that’s now reversed. We have tens of millions of men, the most powerful warships, and Marshal Xi Rui as our backbone…”

“The Northern Front Legion has always been independent. Our relationship with the Southern Front Legion is a steadfast alliance. We will fully cooperate with Commander-in-Chief Gu’s strategy. However, we must be clear: we in the Northern Front Legion are not part of the Southern Front’s ranks, nor are we subordinates to Commander-in-Chief Gu… The Northern Front Legion’s command system can be completely rebuilt. Marshal Xi Rui, please continue to lead us!”

At this point, the true nature of the situation became clear.

Qin Zhiping raged: “You are sowing division!”

No one responded.

Qin Zhiping continued his scolding: “Don’t think I don’t know what you are thinking! A bunch of selfish, ungrateful villains…”

“Chief Judge Qin, watch your words!”

Someone cursed at the word “villain.

” Qin Zhiping remained unfazed: “You deserve my attention! I will record everything you say and do meticulously as evidence. Just wait for the trial!”

His words were still quite intimidating.

Given Qin Zhiping’s status as Chief Judge, if he were to force a charge of treason on you and then report their actions to Gu Hang… it would be a disaster.

The silent people stared at him.

Qin Zhiping was not afraid of these people. No matter how many dangerous intentions these guys had, they could not threaten him.

But he had to look at Xi Rui next to him.

This Black Crusaders Marshal was different.

He saw that Xi Rui was also looking at him, and there was even a smile on his face.

Qin Zhiping had to restrain himself a little.

He softened his tone and said earnestly: “After the great failure in Rhea Duchess, don’t we understand? Division, doing things on our own… These are all signs of defeat! To have the opportunity to start over is already a blessing from the Emperor. You must not make mistakes!”

“What’s more, here, the power controlled by Commander-in-Chief Gu is the most core and largest. Division is impossible to succeed. If he wants to suppress it, no one can escape!”

(End of this chapter)