Hyperspace fluctuations?
Upon hearing this, Leon immediately understood without the need for further explanation from the female officer that the Rebel special forces on Yavin IV were "delayed."
Additionally, it was possible that the Galactic Empire had noticed the invasion of Idu's research facility and had sent corresponding reinforcements.
As expected, the next words from the female officer confirmed his suspicions:
"Director Kennedy, our ship has confirmed through signal recognition that we've detected three U-Wing fighters from the Rebel Alliance near Idu, as well as a Lambda-class shuttle from the Galactic Empire."
She paused briefly before continuing:
"Furthermore, according to precise information from the Intelligence Department, we've learned that the Lambda-class shuttle is carrying a high-ranking Imperial officer—Orson Krennic.
He is the Director of Advanced Weapons Research for the Empire, but the latest orders from high command are to avoid direct contact with Krennic and prioritize other objectives."
Upon hearing this, Leon's brow furrowed slightly, his eyes focused on the distant mist and clouds as if looking through the heavy rain at the Lambda-class shuttle still in the atmosphere above Idu.
He knew that Krennic's presence was truly "coincidental."
His decision to come at this specific time, without an escort craft or escorting ships, indicated that he had never expected the Idu research facility to be attacked by the Rebel Alliance, or by armed personnel from other universes like them.
The most likely reason Krennic was heading to Idu alone was to interrogate Galen Erso about Bodhi Rook's defection.
And the Intelligence Department had "timely" dispatched the Diana V-class ship to Idu.
"It seems the higher-ups want to solidify Scarif as the site for the decisive battle in the early stages of consolidation," Leon mused aloud, standing on the shuttle platform.
He then quickly responded to the female officer via communication:
"Attempt to make contact with the Rebel special forces and have them board our stealth-class ship for cover.
Also, urge the transport fleet, time is tight, and we must leave this area as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary conflict."
"Understood, Director Kennedy."
As always, the female officer's reply was swift and clear.
After the communication ended, Rebecca suddenly spoke from behind, her voice laced with a hint of teasing, asking:
"Director, any more satisfying battles? Slaughtering helpless foes really isn't our style."
Her eagerness for battle was almost palpable in every word.
However, before Leon could respond, the special ops team leader who oversaw Rebecca's squad issued a stern warning:
"Sergeant, this mission is not for entertainment. One more outburst and I'll demote you and impose a fine."
"Understood, sir."
Rebecca had initially thought that Leon, appearing "gentle," would let it slide, trying to gauge whether they would have more chances to engage in combat.
But it seems she was quickly shut down by her superior before she could get anything out of him.
Leon didn't participate in the conversation. He simply turned his head slightly, glancing at Rebecca and her leader's interaction.
Truth be told, while the special ops team leader had given Rebecca a harsh warning on the surface, it was a covert "rescue."
As a special ops member, Rebecca's behavior wasn't out of ignorance but rather a result of the intense and prolonged combat she had been through, showing some signs of relaxation.
The seemingly strict warning was actually a way to give Rebecca some leeway.
After all, if Leon had been the one to handle it personally, Rebecca would have likely received a formal reprimand.
Though Leon had a relatively forgiving character and could easily bond with his subordinates, when it came to task execution, he had always maintained strict discipline.
Rebecca's "lack of seriousness" was indeed a sign of disrespect for superiors.
On a larger scale, it hinted at a disregard for discipline, which, if allowed to persist, could affect the cohesion of the entire team.
Moreover, even if there was a need for action from the special ops team, Leon wouldn't reveal the plan yet.
Soon after, the sound of engines roaring from the sky snapped Leon and the others' attention to the distance.
Two Luna transport ships, four Silver Gull-class transports, and two Ghost VII fighter escorts broke through the thick clouds, coming into view.
Immediately, one Silver Gull-class ship and one Ghost VII fighter separated from the main fleet, heading directly for the U-Wing crash site.
There, the wreckage was scattered, and they needed to clean up and ensure there were no remaining traces, lest any evidence be left behind, all while recovering Cassian, Chirrut, and the others.
The remaining transport units continued toward the platform, preparing to pick up Leon and the special ops team.
One Ghost VII fighter circled above them, maintaining a state of alert to ensure no enemy forces would disrupt the evacuation.
In just over three minutes, the entire transport fleet had completed its mission, loading all personnel and key "evidence" safely before quickly taking off, heading back toward the Diana V-class stealth ship in low Earth orbit.
As the transport fleet disappeared into the thick clouds,
Boom—Boom—!!!
The main structure of the research facility erupted in a violent explosion after a series of intense tremors.
It was the result of the special ops team's meticulously placed remote-controlled plasma bombs, which were detonated simultaneously at several key points.
The explosion's light almost instantly ripped apart the gray sky, its flames like lightning streaking across the heavens, lighting up the horizon and consuming all vision in the process.
The high temperature and destructive force of the plasma explosion caused the surrounding air to stall, as if the entire world was accompanying this "destruction."
In that instant, the research facility's existence was completely erased from the planet, leaving behind only the battered cliffs.
At the same time, detonating the plasma bombs also created the "destruction of evidence" illusion.
There was no evidence to suggest that Galen Erso and the researchers related to the Death Star had been rescued.
In Orson Krennic's eyes, the destruction of the research facility and the death of Galen Erso were likely signs of the Rebel Alliance being cornered and desperate, trying to stop the completion of the Death Star.
To preserve his power and position in the cutthroat upper echelons of the Galactic Empire, Krennic would have to go to Scarif and ensure that the Death Star project was free from any threats.
After all, there had been too many "blunders" recently.
Of course, the surrendered assault squad members and Imperial personnel were already forcibly moved onto one of the Luna transport ships.
While the special ops team was always ruthless in their execution, when it came to captives who willingly surrendered, they didn't resort to needless cruelty but ensured their lives were spared whenever possible.
After all, soon enough, the majority of their prisoners would be from the Main Universe Empire's civilian population.
When the Lambda-class shuttle carrying Krennic entered Idu's atmosphere and was about to arrive at the now-destroyed research facility, the transport fleet had already completed its mission and quietly returned to the hangar of the Diana V-class.
In the same hangar as the transport fleet, three U-Wing fighters, their wings folded and side doors opened, stood ready.
The Rebel special ops team, despite their somewhat disheveled and mismatched gear, was on high alert.
The thirty-some-man team clearly lacked the seamless coordination and equipment of the Galactic Empire, but they were still highly vigilant.
Some wanted to raise their energy blasters, but seeing the two Tyrants, over four meters tall, wielding rotating cannons, they hesitated.
They knew that any careless action could cause a misunderstanding, especially in such a complex situation.
Some of the Rebels simply observed the hangar's every movement, prepared for the worst.
It wasn't until they saw Cassian, being assisted off the Luna transport ship by K-2SO, that the hostility in the hangar eased.
An older Rebel soldier, clearly surprised by Cassian's arrival, hurried toward him.
Seeing that Cassian was unharmed, the soldier sighed with relief, his tone now filled with urgency and concern as he asked:
"Cassian, what did you encounter? What's going on?"
Cassian lifted his head, fatigued but composed, and then answered:
"I'm fine, Mersh, as for the situation..."
Cassian looked at Leon, who had just stepped out of the Luna transport ship, then back at his comrade, his voice softening:
"It's a long story. The guys have had a hard time. Let's let them relax first, there's no danger here."
Hearing Cassian's answer, the older soldier furrowed his brow, clearly still confused about the current situation.
Although he was full of questions, his trust in Cassian was absolute, so he followed Cassian's suggestion, turning to wave to the other Rebels in the hangar, signaling them to lower their guard.
Meanwhile, on Leon's side—
"Hello, I'm Leon S. Kennedy. I'm glad to invite you, Mr. Erso."
Leon stepped out of the Luna transport ship and extended his hand to a slightly stunned Galen Erso.
Galen's slightly dazed expression eased slightly, and seeing Leon's calm and friendly smile, he realized the man wasn't hostile.
He quickly extended his hand to shake Leon's, but his tone was still cautious:
"Hello, which Rebel group do you belong to?"
"Heh, Mr. Erso, we don't belong directly to any Rebel faction, we are a large, independent organization."
Leon let go of the handshake, paused, and then continued meaningfully:
"Our purpose is to fight for the freedom of oppressed lives on a broader battlefield."
"Dad!"
At that moment, Jyn Erso's voice broke the silence in the hangar.
Jyn, though her wounds had been treated and consciousness restored, still walked with a slightly unsteady pace.
Her gaze fixed on Galen, who was standing among the crowd, as if the world around her was fading.
In the next second, Jyn staggered toward him, unhesitatingly leaping into her father's embrace.
"Galen, my star, is it really you?"
Galen could hardly believe it, his voice trembling as he tightly wrapped his arms around his daughter, as though afraid she might disappear.
"It's me... Dad, it's me."
Jyn's tears flowed uncontrollably, but at that moment, she had finally found the long-lost support she so desperately needed.
Seeing this touching reunion, Leon knew it wasn't his place to interfere with their familial bond, so he subtly stepped back and issued a new order via the comms:
"Submit a request to higher command. We'll head straight to Yavin IV and begin negotiations with the Rebel Alliance."
Leon's orders were clear and concise, and the negotiations ahead would determine the future strategic direction.
Or rather, they would determine whether the unified war would result in too many human casualties.
"Uh, Director." The female officer's voice on the comms held a hint of hesitation before she reported:
"Director, I've just received the latest directive from high command. They've ordered our fleet to head to Scarif and rendezvous with the First Division of the Scourged Children."
?
Hearing this, Leon was momentarily stunned.
However, he quickly realized that the latest arrangement from the Intelligence Department, or rather Ada's strategy, was indeed more efficient and practical.
Instead of negotiating directly with the Rebel Alliance, it was better to first cooperate with the First Division of the Scourged Children to "take Scarif."
This way, the Rebel Alliance would get a more "direct" sense of the power of the Main Universe Empire.
After all, boasting can be done by anyone, but true power cannot be "blown" into existence.
Only by showing real strength can one intimidate the enemies and force the "watching" forces to see the truth.
Otherwise, one would always believe they were the "player" and not the "pawn."
Moreover, since Cassian and the others from the Rebel Alliance were already aboard their stealth-class ship, they could serve as "witnesses."
Having understood Ada's intentions in an instant, Leon didn't argue. Instead, he responded over the comms:
"Understood. We will proceed as ordered and head directly to Scarif."
"Yes, Director."
Once the conversation ended, the Diana V-class stealth ship activated its jump drive and tore through the fabric of space, disappearing into hyperspace, leaving Idu behind.
------------------
Enjoying the story? Support the author and get early access to chapters by joining my Patre@n!
Find me at: patre@n*com/Mutter
You can read each novel for $5 or get them all for just $15.
Fairy Tail: Igneel's Eldest Son (Chapter 256)
I Am Thalos, Odin's Older Brother (Chapter 336)
Reborn in America's Anti-Terror Unit (Chapter 542)
Solomon in Marvel (Chapter 924)
Becoming the Wealthiest Tycoon on the Planet (Chapter 1284)
Surgical Fruit in the American Comics Universe (Chapter 1289)
American Detective: From TV Rookie to Seasoned Cop (Chapter 1316)
American TV Writer (Chapter 1402)
I Am Hades, The Supreme GOD of the Underworld! (Chapter 570)
Reborn as Humanity's Emperor Across the Multiverse (Chapter 660)
[+50 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter]
[+5 Reviews = +1 Extra Chapter]