“I want to change the rules for this election.” At the meeting, Rogge looked at everyone. “Relying solely on votes and fighting is meaningless. How about something new this year?”
"Since the commander says so, he must have some good suggestions."
“I do have an idea.” He rested his chin on his fists. “Since the conflict between us and the Federation has reached a fever pitch, why don’t we decide the winner this time by seeing who gains the most from the Federation? What do you think?”
The group exchanged glances and immediately agreed that the suggestion was good. This competition would determine a winner and loser, while also causing the Federation to suffer a loss. Furthermore, since the suggestion was made by Rogge, it wouldn't damage his reputation.
"Xia Song, what do you think?"
"Okay." Song Xia nodded expressionlessly. "Does the commander have a specific direction in mind?"
Rogge continued, "According to the information I've gathered, the Federation's Tenth Legion has recently targeted the Sirius Pirates. The Sirius Pirates are hoping for our assistance. Also, the First Legion seems to have recently found a Zerg lair. That planet contains important Zerg treasures. If we can seize this planet from the First Legion, the future development of our Fog Sea Pirates will be self-evident."
"The two legions are not equal in strength. If they are fought separately, it seems difficult to determine a winner in the end?"
Rogge nodded: "With that in mind, I've gathered two more pieces of information. It seems that the Second Legion of the Federation has been secretly researching something in recent years, and the Third Legion's arsenal is the richest among the ten legions. You can decide which legion to target. As for the outcome, we'll decide based on who brings back the most beneficial items for the development of our Fog Sea Pirates. You can also bring up any other ideas you have for us to discuss."
"But how do we determine which item brought back the most beneficial one?"
"Based on the group's settlement standards for the past year, if it's a new material, the points will be multiplied by 1.5. After all, the purpose of electing a vice leader is to lead our Fog Sea Pirate Group to become stronger. Whoever brings back more benefits for us is naturally more qualified to sit in that position."
"Then it's settled. Does Teacher Xia have any objections?" Pav, Song Xia's strongest competitor this time, looked at her provocatively.
“Okay.” Song Xia was not afraid at all. He guessed that Pav felt that he had not gone on as many missions as him, so he felt that he was bound to lose.
After leaving the meeting room, the news quickly spread throughout the entire pirate crew. Song Ye and Nikas both came to express their loyalty: "Master, we'll go with you this time. The others said they'll arrive tonight, and we'll act together then."
"Okay, I'll have to work hard from now on."
"Master, you taught us with such care back then, that was truly hard work. Master, which pirate crew have you decided to target this time?"
"I haven't decided yet. Let me find out more first."
Rogge's sudden idea disrupted her plans, but it was for the best. It would prevent her from being accused of relying on Rogge to get to power after she won the election. After all, quite a few people knew Rogge's intentions over the years. This way, she could let her strength speak for itself, and her orders would be more effective in the future.
Almost instantly, news spread throughout the interstellar space that the Fog Sea Pirates were going to hold their vice-captain election in this manner. After all, Rogge was able to plant spies in the Federation, and the Federation also had traitors within the pirate groups. The major legions were all on edge.
"Too arrogant!" Ling Wenbang slammed his fist on the table, his eyes sharp as Ling Chengrong's, though slightly less intimidating. "This time, we'll make sure those pirates never return."
The members of the group were also worried: "The Fog Sea Pirates have developed extremely rapidly in recent years, and their power is much stronger than it used to be. Marshal, we should make preparations as soon as possible."
"Since the Zerg queen on that planet hasn't been eliminated yet, we might as well just give it to them to avoid wasting military resources."
"Absurd." Ling Chengrong coldly looked at his subordinates who were already showing fear before the battle even started. "We, the soldiers of the Federation, are actually going to bow down and admit defeat to a pirate group. If word gets out, will our First Legion still have any prestige in the hearts of the people of the Federation?"
These words caused a stir of shame among the crowd. They had once been so resolute, but now…
"Marshal, it's not that we're afraid of war, it's just that this time the situation is different. The Fog Sea Pirates are choosing a vice commander, and it's bound to be a fight to the death. Our First Legion simply can't afford any more turmoil. You know how much military funding the council has blocked us from receiving over the years..."
"If there's a first time, there will be a second. Are we going to retreat every time we encounter danger, citing losses as an excuse? Where is our military prestige then? We might as well stop calling it the First Army Corps and start calling it the Deserters."
Everyone lowered their heads after hearing him, feeling genuinely ashamed. Remembering the oath they took when they joined the legion, they could no longer utter their pent-up feelings.
"Marshal, I will follow your command."
"We will never back down, and we will never tarnish the reputation of the First Legion."
"The Fog Sea Pirates want to seize our interests. Why don't we fight back and take over their mining planet?"
Ling Chengrong nodded with slight satisfaction, but he was still aware that the difficulties imposed by the parliament and the church in recent years had caused his subordinates to lose some of their former pride and perseverance. When would this situation finally change?
"Father, should we inform my sister?" Ling Wenbang asked Ling Chengrong after the meeting.
Ling Chengrong paused for a moment: "No need, she should have received the news as well."
Ling Wenbang sighed, "So many years have passed, and my sister has persisted like this, but there's still no news. Maybe my brother and Aunt Song have already..."
He couldn't bring himself to say what he was about to say, and could only sigh helplessly, "Father, if only you had saved my brother first back then."
Ling Chengrong didn't respond, but those words pierced his heart like a needle. He knew that everyone was blaming him, even the Song family, who initially thought Song Xia was immature, were now complaining that he was too biased after Song Xia had been out of contact for a long time.
But he didn't want to. He thought Wenye had been rescued, but little did he know that his subordinate was actually a traitor bribed by the pirates.
Over the years, he has never given up the search, but the mother and son seem to have truly passed away, and no trace of them can be found.
The eldest son is alright, he only mentions Song Xia and Wen Ye occasionally. The second daughter is now almost convinced that she is cold-blooded, and she rarely comes back even when the Tenth Army is on leave.
"Father, what's wrong?"
"It's alright." Ling Chengrong took a deep breath. Since they couldn't find it, they wouldn't bother looking anymore, to avoid wasting military resources. The Federation was in chaos, and he needed to rally the morale of the First Legion. He absolutely could not lose this time in the face of the provocation from the Fog Sea Pirates.
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