Chapter 814: Sir, the Times Have Changed

"Commander, you've said something wrong, do you know how many of our peers from the same class are still alive?" Zhang Yingwei asked.

Qin Ge shook his head. "Although I don't know, judging from the current situation of each faction, the Donghuang Faction is relatively better, but it also suffered heavy losses."

"Yes, I specifically inquired about this situation when I returned, and the answer was shocking. After this Siren Tide, out of our graduating class of over a hundred, only about twenty remain."

"This number includes us few; if we weren't counted, the figure would be even more grim, almost single digits." Zhang Yingwei said, and others couldn't help but their faces grew solemn.

"So now we can safely be here, planning the next steps for the port area, entirely thanks to the commander's result. To be honest, I'm grateful for my previous choice, and I also want to do something for this grand fleet." Zhang Yingwei said.

"This construction of the Fleet Girl Academy happens to give me this opportunity, so I hope the commander will by no means stop us. Even just once, let us also do something for this fleet."

"That's right; actually, most of the graduates from your class earlier were stationed in near-shore defense cities. Like the people I had on the front line, their casualties were even heavier—almost nine out of ten commanders died."

"To be honest, when I returned this time, my parents didn't want me to come out again. I understand their feelings, but I still came out resolutely; even if it meant death, I'd rather die on the battlefield than die helplessly at home."

"So, as Yingwei said before, it's the commander's presence that gave us this fortunate outcome; the future construction of the grand fleet also lets us contribute our own strength, and this grand fleet is also our grand fleet." Zhang Yaowu said.

Qin Ge nodded. "Since you all say that, if I objected again it wouldn't make sense. This time the construction of the Fleet Girl Academy will be funded by the grand fleet, and we'll also make use of the grand fleet's shared Man Jiu Logistics Team to participate, striving for early successful construction."

"Hmm."

"Then let's continue with the meeting. Starting this year, the Nine Major Factions will gradually set up outposts here, though not on Guandao Island proper, but on the islands beside Guandao. When I returned from the Atlantic Ocean earlier, I already worked out some details with them."

"So this year, our patrol range will be somewhat larger than before, except we don't need to patrol around the experimental island; the other islands belonging to Guandao are within our patrol area."

"Except in necessary circumstances, the Nine Major Factions must enter and exit the Mariana Islands via the routes we stipulate; if any abnormal situation arises, report it to me promptly. When necessary, we may take firm measures." Qin Ge said.

"Firm measures?" Li Chenming asked doubtfully, "Military force?"

Qin Ge laughed, "I neither admit nor deny."

"Ahem, Commander, isn't that a bit too much? Treating the high-ranking officials of the Nine Major Factions like this—is it really okay?" Yun Zi touched her nose.

Qin Ge smiled. "Sir, the times have changed. Previously we had to rely on the Nine Major Factions, but now we stand on equal footing with them."

"If that's the case, then on our turf we must listen to us; this simple principle, I believe they will surely understand."

"Moreover, I also believe that as long as the high-level officials of the Nine Major Factions aren't so stupid they can't turn a corner, they should know to retain a certain humility on someone else's turf."

"Mmm, I feel the commander's words now carry a sense of oppression." Wang Yueqin said.

"Ha, there's no such thing as oppression; it's just that having become strong ourselves, we've grown confident." Qin Ge laughed. "Anyway, you should also remember that we are no longer a force that others can knead at will; the previous Siren Tide already showed the world our strength, so you too should become confident."

"Although we can't change as quickly as the commander, we'll still give it a try." Zhang Xiao said.

"Hehe, I didn't say you should become arrogant and overbearing; the meaning is that we now fear no one or anything. So, while we observe etiquette and do our duty, if others interfere with our rules, we must then take action."

"Moreover, I have also discussed some matters with the Nine Major Factions; I believe they won't easily commit such basic mistakes."

"Besides, after they arrive, they will set up some research institutes and such here, possibly issuing tasks that need you to complete; you just need to actively cooperate when the time comes."

"Just like the grand fleet tasks we did before in Donghuang, there's nothing mandatory; if you feel you can accomplish something, go ahead and do it, and the rest they will coordinate directly with my fleet." Qin Ge said.

"Now I understand." Li Chenming nodded. "I thought you were going to have us directly confront the Nine Major Factions."

Qin Ge laughed. "The Nine Major Factions are a force we should unite with, so except for some unnecessary situations, we must mostly maintain etiquette."

"Since we are now on par with them, we naturally have our own responsibility and confidence; then everyone can just proceed as usual, and I'll take care of everything else."

"Understood." Everyone replied in unison, and between their brows there was also a feeling of excitement and anticipation. After all, when we first joined the grand fleet, nobody had imagined that one day we would become like this.

"Alright, then let's move on to the next agenda item."

"The meeting lasted half a day, basically arranging the grand fleet's affairs for the coming year in broad outline, also serving as a summary of the previous stage."

"After the meeting ended, everyone dispersed from their seats, leaving only Qin Ge and Li Chenming in the conference room."

"I never expected we'd come this far; what are your plans afterward?" Li Chenming looked at Qin Ge and asked.

"Unite the Nine Major Factions to make this world better, hoping that thereafter there will never again be an event like the last Siren Tide where large numbers of commanders died." Qin Ge said.

"I believe you have that ability; then what about the Sirens—when we reach a certain strength, will we not engage them in a decisive battle?" Li Chenming asked.

Qin Ge smiled. "A decisive battle, why are you thinking of that now?"

"Er, just asking." Li Chenming said helplessly.

"Not necessarily; if the Sirens have that intention, I will naturally see it through to the end, but I fear that even if our troops are strong and our horses sturdy, we might not find their exact position, leaving our strength with nowhere to apply."

"So now talking about the future, everything is too distant; we just need to do well in the present." Qin Ge said.

"Hmm."