Let's reach 100 powerstones for extra chapters
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"The failure of Tarou Sayama was not anticipated."
"What is of considerable concern is the loss of Ghost Night, a Mobile Suit representing a significant investment in our organization's developmental resources," one voice stated.
"The performance of the Gundam Mobile Suit in this engagement further substantiates its advanced capabilities. Securing this technology is now a matter of strategic importance."
"Indeed, Minister. Beyond the Gundam, there exist other assets of potential value," another added.
In a conference room, dimly illuminated to preserve a sense of discretion, a round table served as the focal point. Some participants were physically present, while others joined via holographic projections, their forms shimmering subtly in the low light.
A query came from one of the projected figures. "Minister Gulas, what other resources has this Antares Mercenary Group demonstrated?"
Minister Gulas, a man with a measured tone and an air of professional detachment, responded. "If you would direct your attention to the display."
Several large projected videos appeared above the table, showcasing Antares Mercenaries clad in Martial Combat Armor engaged in various combat scenarios.
One clip drew particular attention. A Pirate, employing a rocket launcher, directly targeted a Mercenary. The armored figure remained standing, apparently unaffected by the blast. A murmur of surprise rippled through the room.
"These visuals were extracted from the Sea Wolf Pirates' database following a successful intelligence operation," Gulas explained. "As demonstrated, the Martial Combat Armor exhibits exceptional protective qualities. Standard small arms fire proves ineffective, and even directed hits from rocket propelled grenades do not seem to compromise its integrity. Further analysis follows."
The video sequence shifted to depict Mercenaries employing stealth tactics. Observers noted the absence of the typical thermal signatures or chemical traces often associated with active camouflage systems. The view then changed to thermal imaging, clearly revealing the previously concealed Mercenaries.
"While various nations have invested in stealth-capable armor systems, the Antares Mercenary Group's Martial Combat Armor appears to mitigate even the subtle environmental disturbances or pheromonal releases typically associated with movement," Gulas stated.
"It would appear this Mercenary Group possesses not only advanced Mobile Suits but also highly sophisticated infantry support systems," a participant observed.
"Can you ascertain the source of this Mercenary Group's resources?" another asked.
"Our current intelligence indicates that the Antares Mercenary Group sources its equipment from Skywing Armaments Manufacturing Company. Mobile Suits, Martial Combat Armor—nearly all of their advanced technology originates from this entity. The company itself is a relatively recent establishment, and attempts to trace its backing have been unsuccessful," Gulas reported, his tone conveying a hint of frustration.
A palpable tension filled the room. Each attendee understood the implications of an untraceable power. The desire to acquire the Gundam technology was tempered by the uncertainty of who, or what, stood behind the Antares Mercenary Group and Skywing Armaments. Conjecture circulated, positing scenarios ranging from a shadow government testing new weapons to a deliberate misdirection by an unknown organization.
The unknown was more dangerous than a known enemy.
"Minister Gulas, I ask that you continue to investigate the background of this Skywing Armaments company. That will be all for today, everyone." The meeting adjourned.
Ryuuichi stood within the abandoned space transfer station, his gaze sweeping over rows of containers filled with varied energy sources and materials. A significant portion of the contents appeared suitable for military applications. Among the energy resources, nearly one hundred tons consisted of Black Base energy stones, alongside several tons of the more refined White Blanched energy stones.
The energy density of White Blanched energy stones exceeded that of Black Base variants by a factor of ten for a given mass. This disparity naturally correlated with a tenfold difference in economic value.
Captain Feikesi approached Ryuuichi, extending a tablet. "Sir, this compilation contains the data we've gathered thus far."
Ryuuichi accepted the tablet, reviewing the information displayed on the screen. "It seems the Captain of this Pirate Group possessed considerable wealth, even by my standards. His network of shell corporations, established for the purpose of laundering funds, processed nearly one hundred billion in various currencies. Beyond universal space credits, he also maintained substantial holdings in the hard currencies of Earth's three major powers, allocating approximately ten billion to accounts within multiple banks. Moreover, he owned several physical businesses, including food manufacturing and agricultural companies, restaurants, entertainment venues, real estate holdings, and even a mining operation—all acquired using laundered funds."
"Sir, what course of action do you propose regarding these assets?" Feikesi inquired.
"We will, of course, assume control of them. Arrange for the transfer of all assets under the legal ownership of Skywing Armaments Manufacturing Company and the Antares Mercenary Group. The food manufacturing and agricultural companies will be assigned specifically to the Antares Mercenary Group. These entities will provide employment opportunities for any of our personnel who may sustain disabilities in the line of duty, ensuring they do not face destitution due to their inability to perform military tasks. Additionally, withdraw one hundred million universal space credits from Wally Bank. These funds will serve as bonuses for the personnel who participated in this operation, distributed commensurate with their contributions. The families of those who perished in battle will receive a significantly larger sum as a gesture of our commitment to their well-being."
"Understood, sir. Should we retain control of the money laundering corporations?"
"Preserve them for the present. They may prove useful for future contingencies."
A notification appeared on the tablet, signaling the arrival of new data. Ryuuichi tapped the icon to access the updated information.
Under rigorous questioning, Tarou Sayama had disclosed the locations of several caches containing hidden valuables. These locations were known only to himself, his second-in-command, and a select few trusted subordinates. He had also revealed the passcodes and locations of identification cards required to access these caches.
With the identification card in hand, the Antares team proceeded to one of the designated hidden treasure locations, situated within the abandoned space transfer station. All members of the party donned spacesuits as a precaution.
After swiping the card through the reader and entering the correct passcode, the access door retracted.
"It's rather surprising that this Pirate Captain concealed one of his secret stashes within this transfer station itself. One would think he would be concerned about his subordinates discovering it," Captain Feikesi remarked as the door slid open.
"As the adage states, the most perilous location is often the safest. Furthermore, while this transfer station is indeed abandoned, one must remember that it was once a fully operational space docking facility. In its heyday, it would have provided maintenance, resupply, and cargo verification services for countless vessels. Had it not been for the conflict that led to its abandonment, the Pirates would never have been able to use it as a base of operations. Moreover, the years of neglect have rendered many areas of the station unusable, discouraging casual exploration. The Captain and his inner circle exploited this situation to secretly repair certain facilities and use them as storage for their ill-gotten gains."
Once the door had fully opened, the internal lighting system automatically activated, illuminating the interior. The chamber was filled with containers of various sizes.
"Open them and inventory the contents," Ryuuichi instructed.
After scanning the containers for any potential hazards, the team employed specialized tools to unlock them.
The contents of the containers left the team in stunned silence.
The first thirteen containers, regardless of size, were filled to capacity with gold. The gold bars ranged in size from 100 grams to one kilogram.
The fourteenth container held an assortment of gems, jade, agate, and other precious stones.
Upon opening the thirty-second container, the team discovered a quantity of shimmering red metal.
"Red gold," one of the team members identified.
Red gold is a metal of superior quality, value, and rarity compared to standard gold. It is also regarded as a reliable international store of value. Red gold is notably scarce on Earth, Mars, and asteroids, rendering it approximately ten times more valuable than conventional gold.
The examination of the final, sixtieth container revealed the following distribution: one container of red gold, five containers of jade, agate, and similar gemstones, eight containers of jewelry (earrings, bracelets, necklaces, etc.), and ten containers filled with currency.
The currency containers held a mix of universal space credits and banknotes from Earth's three major powers, all in the highest denominations.
In this era, electronic payment systems, facial recognition technology, credit cards, and bank cards are the prevalent means of conducting transactions. Few individuals still rely on physical banknotes for purchases. Moreover, with the growing threat of armed conflict, banknotes may soon become practically worthless. I fail to understand why this Pirate Captain maintained such a substantial reserve of physical currency," Captain Feikesi commented, surveying the containers brimming with paper money.
Ryuuichi turned to Captain Feikesi. "Colonel, if this Captain were to suffer a catastrophic defeat and find himself a fugitive from justice, do you believe that electronic payment systems, credit cards, or facial recognition would enable him to procure essential supplies during his escape?"
"Indeed not. Those forms of payment would undoubtedly be frozen. Only physical banknotes would allow him to conduct transactions without leaving a digital trace."
"Colonel, consider this cache of currency before us. Does the virtual balance displayed on your personal communication device feel more tangible, or do these physical banknotes feel more real?"
"Haha, the banknotes, without a doubt, possess a more palpable sense of reality."
"Therefore, I confess a certain degree of unease. Despite the convenience of electronic transactions, physical currency provides a sense of security that digital representations simply cannot replicate. At times, it feels as though only the money I can physically hold is truly mine."
Ryuuichi gestured toward several of the largest containers. "Remove the gold from these containers and distribute it among the personnel who participated in this operation. Colonel, I entrust you with the task of overseeing the distribution, ensuring that the rewards are commensurate with their contributions to our victory."
The assembled Mercenaries erupted in a chorus of cheers: "Long live the Boss!"
Ryuuichi turned and departed the scene, leaving Feikesi to manage the distribution of the Pirate's ill-gotten gains.
***
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