Fierce Dragon Territory
"The Bloody Mary Mercenary Corps has over three thousand female soldiers, with more than five thousand personnel in logistics and other areas.
First, we will conduct assessments for the female soldiers. Those who pass will be arranged to join our Fierce Dragon Fleet.
The remaining personnel will all be assigned to the planet where the Dwarves are being settled." Secretary Officer Lilith reported to Zhao Chen on how to arrange the personnel from the Bloody Mary Mercenary Corps.
Secretary Officer Lilith looked at Zhao Chen and added, "Commander, are you sure about assigning all the qualified female soldiers from the mercenary corps to a unified starship, rather than dispersing and mixing them into our interstellar fleet?"
Zhao Chen knew what Lilith was thinking.
He shook his head and said, "The Bloody Mary Mercenary Corps is joining us in a cooperative capacity for now.
If we directly disperse and mix their personnel, wouldn't that imply we have reservations about them and suspect them?
If you doubt someone, don't use them; if you use someone, don't doubt them.
Since I intend to use them, I will do so boldly."
Secretary Officer Lilith nodded in understanding.
In truth, Zhao Chen had left himself a backup plan. At worst, he could install some backdoor devices in the starships assigned to the Bloody Mary Mercenary Corps crew.
If the crew of the Bloody Mary Mercenary Corps truly fought bravely for him, those backdoor devices would never be used.
But if something unexpected happened... Zhao Chen would not show mercy.
Moreover, under the Eye of Insight, none of those female mercenaries posed a threat to Zhao Chen.
At that moment, the bridge door automatically opened, and Red Eyes walked in, now dressed in the Fierce Dragon Fleet uniform. The only things unchanged were the sword at her waist and the mask on her face.
Zhao Chen didn't mind that Red Eyes was unwilling to reveal her true face.
Everyone has their own secrets; why force someone to reveal them?
When they want to talk, they will do so naturally.
"Commander, Red Eyes reporting for duty," Red Eyes stood before Zhao Chen, her demeanor very much like that of a professional officer.
"How are the arrangements for your personnel? Are they settling in well?" Zhao Chen inquired with concern.
Red Eyes replied, "Everything is excellent. All living facilities are fully equipped, and you've even provided us with free nutrition meals for the first month.
I truly don't know how to thank you."
"No need for formalities; we're all on the same side now. However, subsequent living expenses will need to be covered by their own efforts.
After all, Dwarves also live on this planet, and I cannot treat them differently," Zhao Chen said seriously.
Red Eyes nodded in understanding. "I understand. I've also visited the living areas of the Dwarf race.
Everyone works in the industrial factories, exchanging labor for food. That's only right.
Although our people may not have the same natural talent as the Dwarves in this regard, they can still handle smaller tasks.
Additionally, I've discussed with our Bloody Mary Mercenary Corps members. We will deduct a portion of our monthly salaries to support the children and those in more difficult situations.
You've already given us enough help; we don't want to trouble you further."
Zhao Chen continued, "Regarding the arrangements for the original crew of the Bloody Mary Mercenary Corps, I have already made plans."
First, we must determine whether your crew members possess sufficient capabilities according to the assessment standards of the Goddess Academy-class Starships. If they do not meet the requirements, they will need to undergo further training until they qualify.
All your original starships must be phased out. Of course, you may keep them for personal use, but they will only be permitted to operate within this star sector.
These are the starships I will prepare for you.
I will share the operational data with you."
Zhao Chen projected the holographic models of the T2 Black Rhino-class Interstellar Heavy Assault Frigate and the T2 Snow Mastiff-class Heavy Interstellar Battleship.
Red Eyes expressed satisfaction and acceptance of Zhao Chen's arrangements.
During this time, she had witnessed the combat capabilities of the starships in Zhao Chen's Fierce Dragon Fleet.
Each one was a pinnacle of its class.
Even the T2 Black Rhino-class Interstellar Heavy Assault Frigate was a formidable vessel capable of taking on a T2 Interstellar Battlecruiser single-handedly.
Compared to the starships their mercenary corps had previously used, the difference was simply staggering.
Zhao Chen's willingness to directly assign these to her already surprised Red Eyes, leaving her with no reason to refuse.
"By the way, according to our previous agreement.
Once the final batch of raw materials is delivered, I will pay you a commission of 1.5 billion Star Coins.
I'll transfer it to your account now," Zhao Chen said, preparing to proceed.
Red Eyes quickly stopped him, saying, "Commander, let's forget about the commission. After all, we are now your subordinates."
"That won't do. This was agreed upon in our signed contract. As for you being my subordinates now, that's a separate matter!" Zhao Chen insisted firmly.
Red Eyes countered, "If you put it that way, then how much do you think the lives of us, the Bloody Mary Mercenary Corps members you saved, are worth?"
Zhao Chen was left speechless.
A faint smile appeared on Red Eyes' face. "Commander, we understand your intentions. If you hadn't rescued us, forget about the 1.5 billion Star Coins in commission—we'd likely be space debris by now."
Well, this worked out perfectly: not only did he gain Red Eyes, but he also saved 1.5 billion Star Coins.
"If you insist... I'll keep these 1.5 billion Star Coins for you. If the agreement expires in the future and you decide to leave, I can gift you those starships as well," Zhao Chen said, smiling at Red Eyes.
Leave?
With three years ahead, Zhao Chen was confident he could "tame" these interstellar mercenaries!
"Also, regarding the matter of revenge against the stellar powers that attacked you.
My intelligence capabilities are limited, so you may need to gather information yourself.
For now, I can assign you a T2 Black Rhino-class Interstellar Heavy Assault Frigate to carry out reconnaissance missions.
Once we obtain concrete intelligence, around... early October, we can launch military operations against them!" Zhao Chen seemed particularly enthusiastic about helping Red Eyes seek revenge, as if he had been keeping it in mind all along.
Red Eyes hadn't expected Commander Zhao Chen to be even more eager about this matter than she was, and she felt touched.
However, she still said, "I will carry out the reconnaissance missions. As for the revenge, there's no need to rush. After all, the other side is backed by the Prince Party—any move could trigger a chain reaction!"
Compared to her previous burning desire for revenge...
At this moment, Red Eyes calmed down. She saw the stable life her companions had finally managed to build.
If their lives were disrupted now because of revenge, she would blame herself and feel guilty.
Although this was unfair to the sacrificed starship crew, Red Eyes had to consider the bigger picture.
"No! You don't need to worry about revenge. I said I would help you get revenge, and I absolutely will! We must avenge this!" Zhao Chen said with unwavering determination.
His attitude made it seem as if it wasn't Red Eyes seeking revenge, but Zhao Chen himself seeking retribution!
In truth, all of this was because of Red Eyes' side mission.
[Side Mission: Red Eyes' Revenge
Mission Content: Investigate and eliminate the leader of the slave trafficking organization under the Prince Party, the fleet commander who attacked the Bloody Mary Mercenary Corps headquarters base, and destroy the organization's headquarters base.
Task Reward: One copy of T4 Stellar Warship Technical Blueprint]