Looking at her son's sleeping face, Song Xia realized that they hadn't recognized each other for so many years. Counting the time, it was almost time for her to see Ye'er in her previous life. In her previous life, the first person to recognize Ye'er was Wen Ying. It was only a brief encounter, but it made her spend several years investigating the Fog Sea Pirates.

It was several years later when they finally recognized each other. By then, the internal chaos within the Federation had spiraled out of control, which is why they were able to find each other together.

Knowing what would happen a few years from now, she was eager to gain control of the Fog Sea Pirates. Her plans had begun to take shape over the years. At first, she faced many difficulties, fearing that her actions would be too obvious and that people would notice something. But in recent years, everyone has completely dispelled their doubts about her.

Because her students have repeatedly distinguished themselves in battles against the Federation and the Zerg, and the weapons she developed have reduced casualties, the Fog Sea Pirates have become the strongest pirate group in the interstellar space several years ago, expanding their influence to several star regions. They no longer need to sneak around and hide as before, nor do they need to rely on robbery for survival.

However, this development is not something all pirates want to see. A considerable number of them still enjoy the feeling of killing and robbing at will and do not like to be bound by the many rules nowadays. Therefore, the group is now divided into two factions.

One group, led by her, suggested establishing a new regime in the current star field, shedding the title of pirate, and forming a new government. The other group scoffed at her suggestion, arguing that what difference was there between her and the Federation? In the end, they would still decay, so she might as well live as she pleased. Why should they work for the benefit of ordinary people?

For many years, Commander Rogge's attitude has been very ambiguous, which has led to a situation where the two factions are at odds and neither side is willing to concede to the other.

However, Song Xia could guess that Roger was no longer satisfied with his current position as the pirate captain. Otherwise, he would have taken action against her when she first had this idea. It was precisely because some people in the crew guessed Roger's actions, such as Nikas's father, Asel, that her status in the crew rose higher and higher.

The Fog Sea Pirates have a rule that if the vice-captain is too old and no longer has the ability to lead the pirates, or if the vice-captain is killed in battle and causes significant losses to the pirate crew, he will automatically lose his position as vice-captain and a new election will be held.

The appointment process for pirate crews differs from that of the Federation. The Federation involves a lengthy election process with a lot of room for manipulation, while the election for the Fog Sea Pirate Crew is very simple, based not only on votes but also on fighting prowess.

Song Xia was naturally not afraid of fighting. Currently, the only one who could stand on the same level as her was Roger. What she was worried about was the disapproval of her faction by many pirates.

Nowadays, the majority of people are unwilling to establish a new regime and just want to be carefree pirates. They have been fed up with the Federation for years and do not want to become a controlled member. They also dislike those cumbersome procedures. What does the future have to do with them? They do not marry or have children.

That's right, that's why most pirates still only want to be pirates. As pirates, they can do whatever they want without so many rules to bind them. Even if they're living on the edge, they can enjoy life to the fullest and not feel like they've lost out.

Pirates like Axel and Nikas had families and loved ones, and they preferred to provide each other with a stable life. They didn't want their families to lose their protection and become exploited after their own sacrifice.

There were also some pirates with relatively low strength. Since it was always the weaker ones who charged to the front lines, some of them were afraid of dying. Most of these pirates supported Song Xia, but unfortunately, they had no real power and no right to vote.

No matter how difficult it is, she cannot give up. The Fog Sea Pirates have finally managed to free up a vice-captain position, and she must fight for it. The vice-captain's power is only slightly less than that of Rogue, and her strength is comparable to Rogue's. Once she becomes the vice-captain, there will be many more things she can do in the future.

The next day, Song Xia first learned that Nikas had been injured while standing up for her. She went to check on him and found that his injuries were no longer serious, so she returned to the training ground. Unexpectedly, Roger was waiting for her there.

"Commander, what brings you here?"

"Just came to see you."

Song Xia remained silent, unsure of what to say. Although Roger hadn't explicitly stated it over the years, she knew he was pursuing her. However, since he hadn't said it outright, she couldn't openly reject him.

"Don't be nervous," Roger chuckled. "I just wanted to ask if you have time for dinner tonight."

"Commander..."

"Never mind." Seeing her embarrassed expression, Roger waved his hand and sighed. "Xia Song, do you know you're the first woman I've ever pursued?"

Song Xia was somewhat taken aback, not expecting that the person who had endured so much for so many years would speak out today.

Roger continued, "I haven't made things clear all these years because I didn't want to hear your rejection. But I've thought it through now. It hasn't worked out after all these years, and I guess it won't work out in the future either."

"Commander, I'm sorry." He said this, and Song Xia felt a sense of relief.

"Why are you apologizing to me? I should be apologizing to you. All these years, your son still hasn't been found, and there's still no news about the scumbag and bitch you mentioned. Logically speaking, with our Fog Sea Pirate Group developing so quickly and having people all over the Federation, this shouldn't be the case."

Song Xia said calmly, "The Federation is so big, and so much time has passed. Perhaps something has happened to them long ago."

Rogge also looked at the training ground ahead: "What you said makes sense. The interstellar space is indeed too vast, and it's quite possible that some members of the pirate crew aren't putting in their best effort."

Song Xia remained silent. She knew that after so many years, the fact that there had been no news of the three people she had fabricated might arouse suspicion again, but she was no longer afraid.

“Song Ye is here.” Roger chuckled as he looked at the somewhat nervous boy. “The feelings Song Ye and the other children from the first batch have for you are very different. Now they all hold important positions. Just treat them as your children.”

Song Xia's breath hitched for a moment. Not being worried was one thing, but having Rogge find out was another. At least her current goal was no longer simply to leave Mist Star with her son. Could it be that Rogge really knew?

After thinking for a long time, she couldn't come to a conclusion, and only smiled and said, "From the moment I became their disciple, I have regarded them as my children."

“That’s good.” Roger turned around in another direction to leave. “Xia Song, no matter what, I hope that you will become the deputy commander. Of course, I am also the commander. I will not show any favoritism to you because of my feelings for you.”

Song Xia's eyes were resolute: "I'm determined to take the position of deputy regimental commander."