Empire Conquest
Chapter 322 - 318 The Vision of the Young

Chapter 322: Chapter 318 The Vision of the Young

"Is there a new weather report?"

"Yes."

When Zhou Yongtao went to flip through the meteorological reconnaissance report, Bai Zhizhan noticed that the cup of coffee Li Mingbo had prepared for him had already gone cold.

Although it was still the end of summer, the temperature in the Northwest East Ocean had already dropped.

"I found it; the next few days will be sunny, or cloudy." Zhou Yongtao said as he handed the telegram he had found to Bai Zhizhan.

The weather report was provided by the Navy headquarter.

Because the weather greatly impacts fleet operations, the Navy has specialized meteorological reconnaissance units equipped with "White Swan" patrol aircraft.

Strictly speaking, it actually lets the patrol aircraft incidentally collect weather information.

Usually, the navigation officer of the patrol aircraft would take along tools like barometers, periodically measure during the flight, and after returning, deliver the results to the base headquarters, which then forwards it to the Navy headquarter. After gathering all the information, meteorological experts would issue a professional forecast report.

Generally speaking, they provide weather forecasts for the next ten days.

But those deemed accurate cover at most three days.

In summer and winter, the reliability of the weather forecast spans only three days; in spring and autumn, a reliability of five to seven days is also acceptable.

After a quick glance, Bai Zhizhan couldn’t help but sigh.

Although the Northwest East Ocean and the West East Ocean are only separated by a chain of islands, the climates of the two maritime areas are vastly different; they are incomparable.

Currently, it is typhoon season in the West East Ocean, with a typhoon blowing roughly every ten days to half a month.

As for the weather, it changes nearly every hour, not to mention every day.

Of course, most of the time, it is overcast.

On the other hand, the Northwest East Ocean is the complete opposite; summer isn’t entirely over, and it’s still a long way from winter, so the sea is calm.

The forecast indicates that the next month will continue to have "good weather."

A cloudless sky means that reconnaissance aircraft can spot battleships on the sea surface from tens of kilometers away.

Moreover, when visibility is good enough, reconnaissance aircraft can fly higher, thus spotting approaching fighters in a timely manner.

Conversely, because reconnaissance aircraft fly higher, air defense fighters might not reach them in time.

While fighters are still struggling to climb, reconnaissance aircraft would have already sent out the telegraph.

If the weather turns bad, with dense and low clouds, reconnaissance aircraft would have to fly lower. Under the guidance of air defense radars, fighters could approach from above the clouds and then dive to attack. Typically, it’s difficult for the crew on reconnaissance aircraft to promptly send out telegraphs.

In short, when the weather is good, the fleet is more likely to be exposed.

Of course, the same is true for the Newland Navy’s Special Mixed Fleet.

"What do you think?"

"If you ask me, there’s no problem."

Zhou Yongtao had been waiting for Bai Zhizhan to ask.

Bai Zhizhan smiled and didn’t say much.

"According to the intelligence currently obtained, the 16th Special Mixed Fleet is commanded by Major General Hal, while the 17th Special Mixed Fleet is commanded by Major General Fley. These two individuals have almost entirely opposite personalities, which could be said to complement each other; Major General Hal is more proactive, and Major General Fley tends to be cautious."

"It’s a bit like you two," Li Mingbo added.

He wasn’t talking about Bai Zhizhan and Zhou Yongtao, but Bai Zhizhan and Liu Xiangzhen.

Bai Zhizhan just smiled casually and didn’t respond.

"I think that’s exactly why Nizi had them both serve as Commanders of the Special Mixed Fleet."

"Why?" Li Mingbo asked directly.

"The key actually lies with us," Zhou Yongtao paused briefly before continuing, "Although until now, both the 42nd and the 43rd Special Mixed Fleets have remained in stealth mode and have not been discovered, as soon as the transport fleets and Newland’s First Fleet approach, these two Special Mixed Fleets will rush to meet the battle. Otherwise, by then we can only let the 21st Special Mixed Fleet go up to block the artillery."

"Are you saying that only our whereabouts remain unknown?" Li Mingbo this time made a useful remark.

Zhou Yongtao nodded and said, "I dare say, at this very moment, Hal and Fley are also guessing our location, and they consider us their prime enemy. Not to mention, the 41st Special Mixed Fleet has been out for so long without returning, and even Newland’s intelligence agencies don’t know."

"Get to the point," Bai Zhizhan reminded Zhou Yongtao.

That was his flaw, he often digressed when he got excited.

"They have two Special Mixed Fleets, and we only have one!"

"So what’s the difference?" Li Mingbo chimed in again.

"If Hal is at the forefront, then Fley can sit back and reap the benefits. In fact, this exactly fits their character traits."

"What you’re saying is, they employ a similar tactic, using the 16th Special Mixed Fleet as a bait at the front while the 17th Special Mixed Fleet hides behind and launches a stealth attack after we’re exposed. If the 16th Special Mixed Fleet can wipe out the 21st Special Mixed Fleet, they could annihilate our two Special Mixed Fleets in one fell swoop."

"That’s the most prudent method of attack,"

Li Mingbo’s brow twitched a few times as he looked at Bai Zhizhan.

"That’s true, but what’s the use of winning that way?" Bai Zhizhan laughed, then continued, "Using one Special Mixed Fleet to exchange for our two doesn’t seem worth it. Even if Hal commands the 17th Special Mixed Fleet and saves the three carriers, the Newland Navy won’t be able to conquer the crucial Volcanic Islands in the coming months. If they use Guan Island as a stepping stone to bypass the Volcanic Islands, they still can’t avoid the North and South Sado Islands and will face a tough battle."

"That..."

"By next year, we have four large carriers coming into service, while the Newland Navy’s ’Ethe’ won’t be delivered until the year after next at the earliest. So, by the second half of next year, we’ll be able to contend with Newland’s remaining three Fleet carriers using our four large carriers."

"What about Bulan’s Royal Navy?" Zhou Yongtao obviously wasn’t convinced.

"The Flame Sea is just that big, surrounded by land and islands, do you think Bulan’s Royal Navy would be foolish enough to send carriers over to their doom?"

"That..."

"In the end, and most importantly, Rofuss appointed Nizi as the next Commander-in-chief of the East Ocean Fleet and had him go to Treasure Harbor ahead of schedule because Nizi has a strong overall view and highly outstanding strategic awareness. He would never fight such a meaningless battle. Alternatively, if Nizi really wanted to do so, that would be exactly what we desire. However, if he were foolish to that extent, he wouldn’t have been favored by Rofuss."

Finally, Zhou Yongtao closed his mouth.

"Looking at the current situation, the Newland Federation has held off until now without making a move, actually waiting for a sufficient reason to join the war. Before this reason appears, the Newland Navy will not make any rash moves. From this perspective, launching a surprise attack with carriers is simply an absurd idea."

"But now..."

"Be patient, it’s just one night."

Having said that, Zhou Yongtao calmed down.

In fact, Zhou Yongtao was still too young, lacking experience and insight; he tended to focus on one point, thereby overlooking the bigger picture.

Of course, Bai Zhizhan was the same when he was young.

At this moment, a communications officer delivered a telegram.

As usual, Li Mingbo intercepted the communications officer, snatching the telegram.