Zhao Chen first claimed the task reward, gaining five task points and two thousand system points.
[System Points: 9420]
[Task Points: 65]
Zhao Chen then looked at the newly appeared task options. This time, it was a choice between two tasks.
One had a lower difficulty, a C-level mission. The requirement was simple: protect this planet. Presumably, the Fire Salamander Tribe would not give up easily and would attack again. The goal was simply to ensure the planet's safety.
The other task had a higher difficulty, classified as a B-grade mission.
The requirement was to gain control over the entire FY Star System.
According to Zhao Chen's understanding, the FY Star System had two stars, six planets, two dwarf planets, 180,000 asteroids, 27 moons, and over 100 periodic comets.
The system's range was not as large as the Fierce Dragon Star System, but it had two stars, which meant it possessed a Stargate.
Its population was similar to that of the Fierce Dragon Star System, but living conditions were extremely polarized, and order was chaotic. Those with power could do as they pleased here, while those without became the exploited bottom tier.
However, unlike the Fierce Dragon Star System, which had experienced net population outflow in recent decades, the FY Star System received many refugees from outside every year. This was why the Reef Starfield, despite its poverty, still had so many people.
"Control the FY Star System..." Zhao Chen weighed the pros and cons in his mind.
The drawbacks were obvious: it would mean completely opposing the Fire Salamander Tribe and having to find a way to eliminate them, or else they might cause trouble at any time.
If the Fire Salamander Tribe had allies or something similar, it could trigger a chain reaction—like beating the son only for the father to come seeking revenge.
At the same time, garrisoning this star system would specifically require a fleet.
Moreover, various forces were entangled within the Reef Starfield, and Zhao Chen did not want to attract unnecessary trouble.
The benefits were also very clear: Zhao Chen would have a "hidden base." Although he had the Fierce Dragon Star System as his overt territory, its location in the North Wind Star Domain meant it was under the watchful eyes of the Stellar Glory Empire's Imperial Royal Family above and the loving care of neighboring Governor Chu He next door.
Before he could fully develop, a single misstep could mean losing his home base.
As the saying goes, a cunning rabbit has three burrows.
Wouldn't it be reasonable for him to establish a second base?
Additionally, with two stars here and an old Stargate already in place, transportation was relatively convenient.
The only drawback was the scarcity of resources. If he built a Starship Construction Base here, transporting raw materials would be a significant issue, and construction costs would increase accordingly.
Even with the Stargate, if large quantities of raw materials were continuously brought in, the wolves and tigers of the Reef Starfield were cunning enough to notice.
"Risks and benefits coexist. I think it's worth taking the risk!" Zhao Chen made his decision.
With a thought.
[Accept Task Two]
[Task Two: Control and occupy the entire FY Star System
Mission Difficulty: B-grade
Task Reward: 20 task points and 7000 points
Task Requirement: Within two months, gain control over over 90% of the planets in the FY Star System and establish an unshakable position for the host within the system
Mission Penalty: Deduct 7000 points]
Zhao Chen thought helplessly to himself: Little lizard, oh little lizard; though we have no past grievances nor recent grudges, who told you to bully my little Dwarf technician?
And who told you that your territory just happens to be the FY Star System.
If you want to blame someone, blame your own bad luck.
From this moment on, the great mission of overthrowing the tyrannical rule of the Fire Salamander Tribe and saving the countless lives in the FY Star System rested on Zhao Chen's shoulders.
After a hearty meal, Zhao Chen chatted casually with Clan Chief Bagin.
Zhao Chen openly expressed his desire to recruit the Dwarf Clan.
"You want to recruit us?" Clan Chief Bagin was somewhat surprised.
Zhao Chen pointed at Annie and said, "I see the talent of Stellar Artisans in Annie. I can prepare a planet for you to live on within my territory.
I will protect your safety, and in exchange, you will work for me to earn food and wages.
The work is not dangerous either—it's what you're good at, like manufacturing Starships, Combat Mechs, Strategic Supplies, and other Industrial Technology Manufacturing."
Clan Chief Bagin's expression showed hesitation.
If it were anyone else, he might have refused outright.
The reason he and his people had holed up in this star system wasn't because no one had tried to recruit them before, but because those who did often ended up treating them differently.
After all, they weren't of the same race, and the Dwarves naturally appeared short and easy to bully.
Those interstellar civilizations or stellar powers that recruited them would start with all kinds of sweet talk, only to gradually turn to exploitation or reduce the benefits they had initially promised.
Or, after learning their technology, they would discard them like tools.
"Dad, Commander's place is really amazing.
The food is incredibly delicious, and we can even drink alcohol!" Annie chimed in as Zhao Chen's wingman. Having personally experienced the benefits of the Fierce Dragon Fleet, Annie naturally hoped her people could live together in the Fierce Dragon Fleet or the Fierce Dragon Star System.
"You saved my daughter, and this time you saved our people. I trust you, but... to make such a decision to relocate our entire clan so easily...
I'm sorry, I can't give you the answer you want in a short time." Clan Chief Bagin looked at Commander Zhao Chen with difficulty.
After all, the two had only just met.
Clan Chief Bagin quickly added, "If it were just me, I meant what I said earlier—I'm willing to work for you.
But I... don't represent all my people... If you need... I can resign as clan chief and leave with you..."
"Dad, why are you so stubborn! Here, we don't have enough to eat or wear, and we have to suffer under those stinky lizards." Annie was growing impatient beside him.
Such a great opportunity, and her father didn't know how to seize it.
Zhao Chen nodded. "I can understand your thoughts. Perhaps you can't fully trust me yet.
As you said, you can't represent all your people.
Then, how about this: convey my proposal to everyone. Those Dwarves willing to follow me can board those five T2 Elks and head to my territory."
"I can ensure smooth communication between you and this first batch of Dwarves. Once they are settled in with me and have lived and worked for a while, you can also hear from them whether the promises I made are true."
"Right! What the commander says is correct, Dad. If you don't believe it, go see for yourself!" Annie said firmly.
She believed that once her clansmen experienced life within the Fierce Dragon Fleet, they would never want to leave.
Zhao Chen watched Clan Chief Bagin. Although he could resort to force directly, for these talents, Zhao Chen preferred to be polite first and use force only if necessary. If he could persuade them with reason, that would be best.
He didn't want things to escalate to the worst outcome.
After all, having people work for you wholeheartedly is the key to efficient and sustainable development!
"I can convey your words, Commander, to my clansmen. If they are willing to follow you and leave, I will not stop them." Clan Chief Bagin finally conceded.
Zhao Chen revealed a satisfied smile.
As long as the first batch of Dwarves joined him, there would soon be a second and third batch.
Who could escape the "It Smells Good" law?
"There is one more thing I want to inform you about. Considering the safety of your planet, the Fire Salamander Tribe will likely come to harass you again.
Therefore, I have decided to use military force to take control of the entire FY Star System, seizing control of this region from the Fire Salamander Tribe.
By then, even if you choose to stay here, you will not be in danger." Zhao Chen dropped a bombshell of news for Clan Chief Bagin.
"You... you plan to seize the FY Star System from the Fire Salamander Tribe?" Clan Chief Bagin stared at Zhao Chen, stunned.
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