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Ryuuichi considered the implications of Kenji's suggestion. War was a persistent element in the Earth Sphere, giving rise to both heroes and villains. Injury, poverty, and despair were common byproducts, and from the shadows emerged organizations of thieves and terrorists. Piracy, particularly in space, posed a significant threat to commerce and stability. The unfortunate reality of piracy, however, created opportunities for mercenary groups, who were frequently contracted to provide security and escort services.
He recalled the early days of the Antares Mercenary Group. In those days, merchants were wary, and commissions were scarce. Ryuuichi and his team had to actively seek out contracts, often accepting meager profits from small merchants willing to entrust them with their cargo. It was a time of proving themselves, establishing a reputation for reliability and competence.
Over time, through dedication and a string of successful escort missions, the tide began to turn. Word of the Antares Mercenary Group's capabilities spread, and larger merchants started seeking their services. The demand for their protection grew steadily, a testament to their effectiveness.
A pivotal moment arrived when Ryuuichi developed the GM MS as standard equipment for the Antares Mercenary Group. This significantly enhanced their combat capabilities, providing them with a decisive edge against potential threats. For more than a year, their record remained unblemished; no mission had ever failed, and they had successfully repelled or even annihilated any pirate groups that dared to challenge them.
The Antares Mercenary Group's reputation soared. Merchants far and wide recognized their strength and reliability, resulting in a flood of commission requests. However, their limited resources, particularly their three frigates, meant they were struggling to meet the overwhelming demand. This prompted Kenji's request to expand their operations, a necessary step to capitalize on their success.
Ryuuichi turned his attention to Severine. She handed him a tablet containing detailed reports and proposals. As he reviewed the data, Severine elaborated on the various offers they had received.
"President Severine, several nations, including Iron Ridge, have expressed interest in purchasing our GM MS. Each country has presented unique proposals. While Iron Ridge's offer is based on near-cost pricing, the associated conditions are quite attractive."
"Indeed, Boss," Severine confirmed. "In addition to a 50% reduction in our tax obligations to Iron Ridge for the next twenty years, they are also offering us permanent ownership of three abandoned meteorite factories located near our current facility, free of charge. Furthermore, they are providing us with fifty tons of Black Base Energy Stones, along with various construction materials. Their sole condition is that we supply them with eight GM MS per month for a period of two years."
Ryuuichi considered the figures. "In total, that would amount to 192 units."
"Correct, Boss."
He needed to determine if they had the production capacity to meet Iron Ridge's demands without compromising their other obligations. "What is our current monthly production capacity for the GM?"
"With our existing production lines operating continuously, we can manufacture eight GM units per month. If we were to reallocate the tank and fighter production lines exclusively to GM production, we could potentially produce eighteen units per month."
Ryuuichi weighed the options. "How long would it take to fulfill our current orders for tanks and fighters?"
"Assuming we do not accept any new orders, we can complete our existing commitments in approximately one month."
He made a decision. "We will accept Iron Ridge's offer. Effective immediately, cease accepting orders for tanks and fighters. Redirect those production lines to fulfilling GM orders from other countries."
"Understood, Boss. I will proceed with the necessary arrangements." Severine bowed respectfully and prepared to leave.
"One moment," Ryuuichi said. Severine paused, turning back to face him. "Ensure that we maintain a reserve production capacity. We must be prepared for unexpected demands or potential emergencies."
"Of course, Boss. I will factor that into our production schedule." Severine nodded in acknowledgment and exited the office.
Ryuuichi then turned his attention back to Kenji. "You mentioned expanding the scale of the Mercenary Group. What are your specific proposals?"
"Boss, I believe we need to increase our operational capabilities to effectively manage the growing number of escort commissions. Our current fleet of three frigates is simply insufficient to meet the demand."
"What is our factory's current capacity for accommodating additional warships? How many more frigates can we realistically accommodate?"
Kenji paused, considering the available space and resources. "Currently, we can accommodate two additional frigates."
"Very well," Ryuuichi responded. "Utilize the workshop factory allocated to you to manufacture two additional frigates and continue producing GM MS. Simultaneously, initiate a recruitment drive to expand our Mercenary Group personnel. Once I have secured the three abandoned meteorite factories from Iron Ridge, one of them will be allocated to you. You can transform it into a dedicated Mercenary Group base, which will facilitate your expansion efforts."
"Understood, Boss. I will commence the necessary preparations immediately." Kenji nodded firmly and left the office.
With Kenji gone, Ryuuichi was left to tackle the remaining tasks. While the RX-78 Gundam was a significant achievement, further development and refinement were necessary. Its derivative models and other Gundam designs required his attention. He recognized the importance of continuous innovation and improvement to maintain their competitive edge.
He thought of the size of the Skywing Armaments Manufacturing Company. Excluding the members of the Antares Mercenary Group, the company consisted of fewer than forty individuals, encompassing everyone from President Severine to the janitorial and culinary staff.
The factory's relatively small workforce was due to Ryuuichi's implementation of the MD System, an intelligent automation system that managed various aspects of the manufacturing process. Whether it was producing MS, fighters, warships, or individual weapons for the mercenaries, the MD System could execute tasks autonomously once the initial parameters were set.
This automation significantly reduced the need for manual labor. Factory employees primarily handled detailed tasks and provided oversight, allowing for greater efficiency and productivity.
Ryuuichi focused on the conditions offered by Iron Ridge. While the gifted abandoned factories and the tax reduction were appreciated, it was the fifty tons of Black Base Energy Stones that truly captured his attention.
He recalled the challenges he had faced when initially establishing the factory. The electrical energy required to power the facility was primarily derived from solar panels and fuel generators, which proved to be both inefficient and inconvenient. Operating the factory with the MD System, which was essential for maximizing productivity, was extremely power-intensive.
The limited power supply had been a significant constraint on his operations. It was primarily due to a lack of sufficient capital and the exorbitant cost of Black Base Energy Stones.
Now, with his company's financial situation considerably improved, he was able to utilize Black Base Energy Stones to power his factory, ensuring a stable and reliable energy source.
He knew that one ton of Black Base Energy Stones could sustain his factory's full operational capacity for an entire year without interruption. However, the cost was substantial: one hundred million Credits per ton.
Furthermore, Black Base Energy Stones were primarily suited for household and industrial applications and were not typically used for military purposes. As a result, most conventional enterprises did not utilize Black Base Energy Stones unless their operations required sustained and continuous power consumption.
As lunchtime approached, Ryuuichi made his way to the cafeteria for a meal.
Hayato was already seated at a table, waiting for him. Ryuuichi joined him, placing his tray on the table.
"Ryuuichi, will you be piloting the Original Gundam MS that you developed, or will it be assigned to one of our Mercenary Group members?" Hayato asked, his anticipation evident. He secretly hoped that Ryuuichi would entrust him with the Gundam.
Hayato believed that he possessed the most exceptional MS piloting skills within the Mercenary Group. While he might not have achieved the level of an Ace Pilot, he was confident in his abilities as an Elite Pilot.
"I intend to pilot the Gundam myself, at least for the time being," Ryuuichi replied. "I don't plan to assign it to anyone else."
"Understood," Hayato responded, unable to completely conceal his disappointment. However, upon further reflection, he felt a sense of relief. Ryuuichi's MS piloting skills were undeniably superior to his own. In fact, it could be argued that no one within the Mercenary Group possessed the same level of expertise.
It was only logical that the most advanced MS be entrusted to the most skilled pilot.
In the days that followed, Ryuuichi dedicated his time to managing his responsibilities and attending to various matters.
After the third frigate returned from its mission and underwent routine maintenance, the first frigate prepared to depart, having accepted a new commission.
Ryuuichi arranged for himself and the Original Gundam to be transported aboard the first frigate. Hayato was also among the personnel assigned to the mission.
Ryuuichi's decision served a dual purpose: to assess the Gundam's combat capabilities in a real-world scenario and to provide himself with a change of scenery. He had been confined to the factory for several months and welcomed the opportunity to venture out and relax.
Hayato and two other colleagues were in the hangar, making final adjustments to their GM MS.
Ryuuichi was resting in a room that had been specifically prepared for him.
The frigate had a complement of fewer than thirty personnel. In addition to the MD System, which handled automatic piloting, the control room was staffed by only the captain and two crew members responsible for communications and radar monitoring. The captain directly managed the frigate's weapons systems, delegating targeting and fire control to the MD System.
The frigate was also equipped with automated maintenance machines. Logistics were handled by automated engineering vehicles. The repair crew primarily oversaw these machines, making minor adjustments and conducting inspections as needed.
The frigate represented a completely new design by Ryuuichi, incorporating elements from various frigate models found in numerous Mobile Suit series.
This frigate, designated the "Flank," possessed performance characteristics that surpassed those of frigates from other nations.
Each Flank-class frigate could accommodate a maximum of four MS. As the Flank-class frigate exited the mining factory, it set a course for the coordinates provided by the client.
***
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