Galaxy Domination Guide

Above the vast azure waves of the South China Sea, a majestic warship, with its distinctive silver-white paint gleaming, sliced through the waves. On one side of the bow, painted in white, was the hull number 17—this was Country C's first domestically built surface aircraft carrier, the Shandong.

Inside the combat operations center, a mesmerizing holographic battle situation sandbox was displayed before the fleet's commanding officers. Captain Lv Zhinian stood silently, watching an island rise from the sandbox hologram.

He spoke, "Azhi, transmit the real-time satellite imagery."

"Yes, Captain Comrade." Azhi was the onboard core artificial intelligence of the Shandong, utilizing Grade B AI technology, which Country C was as yet unable to produce independently.

Although the technological level of the Shandong as a naval warship was not particularly high, its electronic and avionics systems were capable of matching those of some starships. Especially notable was its robust data-processing capability paired with Azhi, the warship AI, which could significantly enhance its combat effectiveness.

A two-dimensional high-definition 3D image appeared in front of Lv Zhinian. The operations center's projection technology ensured that Azhi could display any two-dimensional and holographic images in any corner.

Lv Zhinian saw swathes of coconut trees and various tropical vegetation, alongside a city brimming with a sci-fi aura. The architecture, with its industrial design aesthetics, appeared glass-like yet metallic, utilizing both curves and sharp lines, and even the street signs on the roads were clearly visible.

He nodded his head but did not continue the conversation. Meanwhile, the staff officers and other officers watching the same scene were utterly amazed.

"It's really an entire island with its own city, and it looks quite developed too."

"It's hard to believe that just half an hour ago that was all sea. We were sailing over it this morning."

After their initial surprise, the officersfelt an uncontainable excitement brewing. The Spratly Islands had become a single Spratly Island with a highly developed city capable of accommodating 50 million people, directly offering a plush Star Alliance standard of living.

While everyone was still pondering the changes this island could bring to Country C and the Star Alliance, Lv Zhinian's brow furrowed first. He gestured expansively with his hand, zooming in on a corner of the holographic sandbox, and at that moment, Azhi's voice also sounded: "The John C.

Stennis carrier strike group is sailing towards Spratly Island, estimated to enter our declared territorial waters of Spratly Island in four hours."

The political commissar of the Shandong, Rocky Peak, expressed surprise, "Do the Americans really have the guts to do this?"

Still maintaining his cool demeanor, Lv Zhinian commanded, "Communications officer, send a message to the John C. Stennis over open channels, requesting they stay clear of our temporarily declared no-fly zone to avoid unnecessary misinterpretations and conflicts."

The communications officer yelled a confirmation and grabbed the transmitter, shouting the message in both English and Mandarin. The Shandong's allied communications utilized quantum communications, while the preserved radio communication was for contacting other nations' militaries.

Shortly after, the response came back, "Our vessel refuses to acknowledge the illegal no-fly zone. Our vessel will navigate through the area freely and harmlessly in accordance with principles of international law and freedom of navigation."

Listening to this, Rocky snickered, "Not to mention whether we'll intercept them. If they really want to pass through, their ships must either fly or be able to run on land."

Lv Zhinian remained composed, "Send a message every ten minutes."

The communications officer nodded in acknowledgment.

On board the John C. Stennis, Fleet Commander Curtis Majinto was not nearly as composed as Lv Zhinian.

He had no idea what was currently unfolding in the South China Sea; he had received orders from the Pacific Command to carry out a "freedom of navigation" operation, demonstrating Lighthouse Country's presence in East Asia, restoring confidence among allies, and reversing Lighthouse Country's rapidly declining global position.

The captain of the Stennis, Kirkland, looked worried and said to Majinto, "Commander, although our task involves innocent passage, and to show our peaceful intent, our formation has not launched any Super Hornets for escort. This leaves our air defense under serious pressure. If the enemy launches an attack, we might be caught off guard."

Majinto glanced at Kirkland and responded, "Would launching the Super Hornets reassure our air defenses?"

Kirkland was at a loss for words, as the reality was obvious. Lighthouse Country's navy, including its aircraft carriers, was no longer the unrivaled force it once was across the oceans.

Although the exact extent of Country C's military strength, now enhanced through its membership in the Star Alliance, was not clear to them, the snippets of military news about Country C circulating online were enough to send chills down their spines.

Merely deploying one aerodynamic fighter from Iridium Star would be beyond any challenge that a Super Hornet could handle. So, does deploying aircraft make much of a difference?

Majinto spoke pragmatically, "Our navy's enemy is not Country C's navy anymore. Choosing a battle we can't possibly win would be as foolish as the scenario during World War II with the Imperial Japanese Navy. Our adversaries are all countries outside of Country C that seek to question and overturn our maritime sovereignty.

The issues with Country C are not for us to get involved; if other countries think this signals the decline of America, they are sorely mistaken."

As Country C's navy continued its warnings, Majinto and Kirkland heard every word clearly, and they kept responding in kind to the Country C personnel, engaging in a nutrient-free and uncreative exchange of words.

At that moment, Majinto received a message from the Pacific Fleet Command, "Commander, our nearby monitoring facilities have detected unusual geological activities and signals coming from within the no-fly zone established by Country C. Our spy satellites suddenly malfunctioned and are not operational. We need you to dispatch reconnaissance aircraft to scout the no-fly zone area."

Majinto harbored some concerns but, after contemplating the situation, thought that merely sending aircraft might not lead to direct conflict with Country C, given their typical stance.

There might be some chasing and counter-chasing by aircraft from both sides, but as long as Lighthouse Country's aircraft entered the no-fly zone and gathered some intelligence, there was no need for entanglement with Country C's military aircraft.

Having made his decision, Majinto ordered the Air Fleet to dispatch two waves of four Super Hornet fighters each for mutual support and cover.

Aboard the aircraft carrier, the Super Hornets took off one after another, heading towards the north, an area from which they had yet to receive any intelligence.