At the edge of the Damocles Gulf, the Tau Empire Fleet... Three hours after the Imperium of Man delivered its declaration of war to the Tau Empire, the Tau Empire Fleet had already appeared in the fringe Star Sector of the Damocles Gulf.
On the Tau Empire's flagship, a group of Tau pilots were checking their gear, with small Tau drone bees assisting them in donning their armor and uniforms.
"These humans are truly audacious, showing no respect for our the greater good!"
"Say less. We're about to step onto the battlefield. Although the greater good teaches us to be peaceful and friendly, our fight against the Imperium of Man is righteous."
As the Tau pilots gradually finished dressing, they stepped out of the ready room. The metal walls of the corridor reflected their blue-purple skin, shimmering faintly.
The ship's internal structure featured sharp, clean lines, symbolizing the order and stark aesthetics championed by the Tau Empire. The Tau Empire flagship, the "Peace Guardian," was a battleship. Its interior not only facilitated strict combat readiness procedures but also embodied the Tau's cultural spirit of upholding "the greater good."
In the main hall of the "Peace Guardian" flagship, the Tau pilots entered the armor adjustment area. Small drone bees flew around each pilot, deftly assisting them in fine-tuning their armor.
These drones were exquisitely designed, with sleek, disc-shaped, streamlined bodies that glided silently. Each small mechanical arm worked busily and precisely, skillfully fastening the armor buckles one by one.
The Tau armor utilized high-strength composite materials, making it both lightweight and highly defensive, covering the pilots' shoulders, chests, and limbs, meticulously protecting their lives.
Once the armor was adjusted, the pilots proceeded to the flagship's Core Combat Command Room. This command room occupied most of the bridge, with walls covered in coolly glowing tactical display screens, presenting real-time battlefield intelligence for the Damocles Gulf Star Sector.
In the center of the floor was a massive holographic projection table, currently displaying the movements of the Imperium of Man's fleet. Tau Commanders and tactical analysts stood around it, their expressions serious, their gazes focused.
The flagship's Captain, Tau'les'er, stood before the command console, clad in dark, high-ranking command armor, his face stern and composed. He quietly instructed his subordinates:
"Confirm the status of all ship cannons, keep engines on standby, and ensure every combatant has completed pre-battle checks." His voice was not loud, yet it carried an authority, as if every word he spoke held weight.
In one corner of the command room, tactical analysts were intently analyzing the Imperium of Man's tactical patterns, with several screens displaying the human fleet's routes and formation layouts.
Tau technicians periodically adjusted the screens, ensuring the accuracy of the intelligence. Nearby drone bees swiftly processed tactical data, transmitting analysis results to the combat system.
Simultaneously, the warship's weapon systems entered a standby state. The flagship's ion cannons, plasma cannons, and a series of high-energy missile systems all underwent comprehensive checks. On the deck, squads of Tau Soldiers began to form ranks, their light combat armor gleaming coldly in the dim light, energy weapons in hand, ready for deployment.
These combat preparations were not mere routine; they conveyed the Tau's understanding of "the greater good": not blind violence, but never weakness; respect for life, but also steadfast defense of their faith.
In the flagship's engine room, dozens of massive engines were running at low power. At the Commander's command, power gradually increased, and the entire ship vibrated, filled with the energy of impending battle.
Under the coordination of the vast and rigorous internal ship systems, all ship systems gradually synchronized. Every Tau Soldier and every piece of equipment within the ship was ready for battle.
When the flagship's broadcast sounded, all Soldiers on board listened quietly to Tau'les'er's voice:
"Compatriots, the greater good we follow never advocates aggression, but at this moment, to protect our faith and glory, we are about to engage in a sacred and righteous battle. We are not afraid of sacrifice, for we know that this sacrifice will ultimately bring peace and dignity to the Tau. May the greater good guide us, and may the Tau warriors return safely, laden with glory!"
The Soldiers did not respond, only the resolute glint in their eyes answered the Captain's address. They dispersed to their respective battle stations, and squads of armored Soldiers queued to enter assault pods, awaiting boarding of their starfighters.
Pilots boarded their respective starfighters via automatic transfer platforms, their seats adjusted to the optimal angle for their physique. As the starfighters started, the ship's lights dimmed, leaving only the blue glow of hundreds of carrier-based aircraft engines, casting a deep, ethereal light over the warship.
The Tau Empire's starfighters were renowned for their cutting-edge technology and precise design. These starfighters possessed streamlined, yet aerodynamically designed exteriors, painted predominantly in deep blue and titanium gold, showcasing the noble and stark aesthetic style of the Tau.
Each starfighter exuded a sense of speed and power, like a beast poised to strike.
The starfighters' wings featured a folding design, allowing for flexible adjustment to adapt to different flight environments. The wing surfaces were covered with subtle energy channels that automatically adjusted during flight to optimize aerodynamic efficiency and stealth capabilities.
The cockpit layout was extremely simple, in line with the Tau's combat style. Translucent holographic displays surrounded the interior, seamlessly presenting battlefield information within the pilot's field of view, including enemy fleet movements, ammunition reserves, and energy consumption.
In terms of weapon configuration, Tau starfighters were equipped with a variety of high-energy weapons. The nose housed a "particle cutting cannon," a weapon designed to tear through enemy ship shields using a high-frequency oscillating particle beam, specifically for penetrating thick armor.
The hardpoints beneath the wings were fitted with multiple "gravitic tether missiles," which, upon contact with a target, could unleash a powerful gravitational field, temporarily binding the target in place, making it a sitting duck for attack.
Tau starfighters also contained a small automated repair system capable of automatically detecting and performing emergency repairs to the airframe during combat, maximizing the starfighter's operational time. Coupled with the Tau starfighters' lightweight yet robust armor, this made them exceptionally durable in intense battlefields.
In the Damocles Gulf battle preparations, these Tau starfighters activated one by one. The energy patterns on their surfaces slowly illuminated, and with the low hum of their engines, they gradually ascended, formed ranks, and flew towards the Imperial Fleet... As the planet Gravelax rotated, the first rays of sunlight touched the horizon, illuminating the Imperium of Man's fleet... And just then... Li Feng, on the bridge of the "emperors lash," opened his microphone and pushed the fader on the mixing console... Suddenly, a burst of static erupted across all Tau Empire communication equipment, causing Tau officers and Soldiers on the warships, as well as pilots in the starfighters, to instinctively cover their ears...
"Go-o-o-o-od Morning! Ta'u!"
"Hey! This is not a test! This is Rock and Roll!"
Then he picked up his phone, which was connected to the mixing console via a cable... and Li Feng opened the player... simultaneously picking up an electric guitar... "Free Bird" --- Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Suddenly, a soft melody began, accompanied by a guitar and piano prelude, interfering with all channels across the star system via large-scale signal platforms... Meanwhile, on the flight decks of the "emperors lash" and several other warships, human pilots, clad in flight suits, were boarding their starfighters. On Li Feng's ship, the flight squadron was composed of elite pilots from several units.
Dozens of starfighters were already parked on the tarmac, Servitors were attaching missiles and weapons, Tech-Priests circled the aircraft with incense, performing blessings, and numerous naval personnel in helmets and yellow vests were busily working.
The starfighters were covered with holy marks and golden decorations. On the upper rear wing of one aircraft, a large image of the Emperor was affixed, pointing forward like "Uncle Sam."
At this moment, two pilots settled into the starfighter, began to start the aircraft, and conducted final pre-flight checks with ground crew...
Ground Crew Priest: "Please close the canopy."
"Canopy closed."
Control Tower: "Excalibur 4-6, you're second in line."
"Excalibur 4-6, understood."
Ground Crew Priest: "Alright, sir, I need you to lightly press the brake pedal and check the front and rear pulse flaps."
The rear-seat WSO (Weapon Systems Officer) turned his head, the front and rear flaps were moving: "Good, left and right pulses are normal."
Pilot: "Weapon systems check, activate HMD visor."
Ground Crew Priest: "Clearance ahead looks safe, please switch weapons to autocannon... Good, autocannon is rotating. Check missiles..."
Rear WSO: "Tracking missile systems, setting and checking flares, shields are charging."
Tech-Priest: "Good, weapons, countermeasures, and defenses are all in order. Mission parameters are good. Terminal velocity normal, altitude normal, chassis normal, no fault indicator lights. Are you ready?"
As the pilot gave a thumbs-up to the ground crew below, the plane's engine began to roar, and the Tech-Priest raised his right hand...
Tech-Priest: "Electromagnetic catapult ready..."
As the Tech-Priest knelt on one knee, arm extended out of the cockpit (aircraft carrier launch posture), the electromagnetic catapult launched the plane rapidly out of the hangar.
Tech-Priest: "Launch successful."
Pilot: "Engines normal, terminal velocity good, wheels up."
Control Tower: "4-6, turn to heading 2-9-0."
As the F-14 "Li Feng Super Cat" began to turn in space, dozens of planes followed it, flying over the dense expeditionary fleet towards the distant Tau fleet...
♪ ~ And this bird you cannot change ~ ♪
♪ ~ The Lord knows I can't. Lord, help me, I can't cha-a-ange ~ ♪
♪ ~ (Music rhythm begins to reach a climax) ~ ♪
Tau Pilot: "The humans' song is quite nice."
Tau Lead Pilot: "Be careful, watch your surroundings. This must be some human trick."
♪ ~ Lord, I can't ~ ♪
J-16 LF Rear WSO: "Pod has acquired Tau fighter squadrons 500,000 kilometers away. Electronic warfare has begun, jamming in progress."
In an instant, the radars of the Tau planes were filled with spots, dense radar signatures as if they were surrounded by countless invisible planes and missiles.
"What's going on?!"
♪ ~ Won't you fly hi-i-i-igh, free bird, yeah ~ ♪
The F-14 cluster, each fighter jet rapidly using its quantum phased array radar, constantly switching between TWS mode and Doppler mode to individually lock onto Tau planes, then the WSO quickly switched missile types on the weapon control panel.
"Fox-3: Thought-90LF Active Radar Missile"
"Fox-3: AIM-54 LF "Super Phoenix" Active Radar Missile"
♪ ~ (Li Feng's powerful electric guitar solo) ~ ♪
Accompanied by the electric guitar solo rhythm, countless missiles attached to the planes detached and began to fly towards the long-range targets. Each plane carried 8 active radar missiles, a total of 50 planes, launching 400 air-to-air radar missiles from 400,000 kilometers away.
These "Thought 54 Phoenix" missiles, modified from naval torpedoes, could achieve ultra-long-range strikes. After launch, the missiles accelerated to maximum speed, then their tail nozzles would temporarily shut down, and the missiles would fly towards the last radar-captured target direction. Upon nearing the target, the nozzles would reactivate.
"Missiles launched, disengaging from flight path."
"Received."
"Received."
...On the "emperors lash" battleship, in the bridge command center, Reinhard, Siegfried, and Yang Wen-li looked at the star map. A large number of Tau fleets had entered striking range.
They waited for Li Feng's command, but Li Feng's fingers didn't stop. Instead, he stomped on the pedal, and First Mate Barbosa immediately picked up the communicator:
"Begin Operation 'V Plan'." (German rocket engineer, Wernher von Braun: It has to be rockets!)
As the operational plan was announced, to the beat of the music, the battleship's countless missile hatches sprang open, revealing "DF-40000" sub-light anti-ship rockets.
These rockets were ejected from the missile bays via "cold launch," then in mid-air, the quantum engines at the missile tails activated, making a sharp right-angle turn towards the Tau fleet. These super-high-speed rockets were designed from the outset to destroy enemy warships, with warheads containing ultra-high yield hydrogen bombs...
The Tau flight formation was still reeling from the electronic warfare interference, now suspecting it was a Warp effect, as the Imperium of Man had never used this type of electronic warfare before.
The next second, a sharp-eyed Tau pilot seemed to discover something. They were fireballs, densely approaching them...
"Missiles! Evasive action!"
The Tau fighter formation immediately scattered, but after the active radar missiles disengaged from the aircraft radar lock, the radar inside the warhead would automatically activate upon nearing the target, beginning to track the pre-locked target.
To the accompaniment of the music, the missile head's radar continuously captured targets, calculating flight trajectories based on its internal computer, and the tail nozzles constantly changed their thrust direction.
The Tau pilot saw a missile chasing him and immediately pulled the joystick, initiating a "three-nine line maneuver," but it was too late...
"Mayday! Mayday! I've been hit! Engine failure! My fighter is on fire!"
"I'm locked on here, there are too many of them! Quickly, think of something... (explosion sound)..."
"What is that! Are we facing humans! Oh no! the greater good... (explosion sound)..."
"Calling mothership! We are under attack by human missiles! SOS SOS! We need... (explosion sound)..."
They were powerless to care about the massive sub-light anti-ship missiles flying past at sub-light speed...
Because on the Tau bridge, at this moment, there was only the frantic solo of electric guitar and drums.
And Li Feng, strumming his guitar, watched on the main screen in the center of the bridge as countless missile trajectories turned the "red dots" of Tau planes into "crosses ×."
But what Li Feng cared about most was... his "Dongfeng Express," the giant anti-ship rockets flying at sub-light speed across the screen.
And the high-speed anti-ship rockets flew directly through the dark cosmos, leaving behind blossoming flowers of fire. They flew straight towards the Tau fleet, and by the time the Tau fleet detected the missiles, it was already too late.
"Captain! Unknown super-high-speed objects approaching on the port side!"
At this moment, the captain of the Tau flagship, the "Guardian of Peace," looked out at the star sea...
And the next second, a huge "DF-40000" directly breached the shield, smashing through the window and into the battleship's interior, hitting the captain squarely...
A flash, a silent explosion, and the "Guardian of Peace" was directly blasted into two halves from the middle of the ship. Countless Tau warships exploded violently after being hit by missiles.
Countless Space Marine, naval officers, army officers, and Tech-Priests looked at the battle results in the sky, outside the portholes, and on the screens, all with dropped jaws and wide eyes...
And Chapter Master Calgar of the Ultramarines, watching all of this from the glory of macragge, fell into a long silence. He looked at Titus behind him,
"I believe it now, what you said about that man being a 'friend of the emperor.'"
At this moment, Li Feng was on the bridge, constantly playing his guitar and headbanging, while the Tech-Priests and Engine Seers, these Oil Men, were kneeling. Was this the most authentic blessing?! (machine spirit: Great joy! Not just great joy! Super joy! This is pure bliss!)
And under the rock music and pure violence, the Tau fleet was completely annihilated. They didn't even know what happened before they died. The Tau fighter jets turned into fragments, becoming space debris, drifting in the cosmos.
As the music gradually faded...
Li Feng put down his electric guitar, took the chilled Coke Zero offered by Siegfried, and took a satisfying gulp.
"(Gulp, gulp) Ah ha! Refreshing! Why are you all looking at me? It's not over yet..."
Hearing Li Feng's words, the stunned crew members once again sprang into action. Li Feng also walked over to the microphone...
"That was a great rock song! Follow 'Imperial FM' for great songs every day. The next song is 'Highway to Hell' by the famous band AC/DC..."
The ruins of the Tau flagship, the "Guardian of Peace,"...
A loudspeaker floated in space, playing Li Feng's voice, but since sound doesn't travel in a vacuum, no one could hear it...
The bodies of several blue-skinned Tau crew members and the wreckage of the spaceship slowly drifted in space... Likewise, no living creature could hear it...
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