Starting from the Planetary Governor - Chapter 64: Fighting for a New Life
Faced with the doubts of his battle brothers, Salas Martins sighed deeply.
The face of this Battalion Leader, who was supposed to remain resolute at all times, showed signs of fatigue and confusion.
“We have no other choice.”
This statement brought a sense of despondency to the others as well.
Bald Schneider still spoke up, “We came here, saw the situation, and now we should know that we came to the wrong place. We shouldn’t waste our precious time here; we should return to the stars and seek new hope.”
Another warrior spoke, “How are we supposed to find it? Continue wandering? Until the fuel of the Phoenix burns out? We can’t even find a planet willing to supply us properly! Are we supposed to rob like those pirate traitors?”
Schneider was momentarily stumped, recalling the difficulties of the past few months. But he quickly retorted, “Then what’s the use of staying here? That mortal is willing to supply us, but he doesn’t even have a single bolt shell to his name!”
The Phoenix rarely argued like this, understanding that they were each other’s last brothers and family.
However, the bleak future made it impossible for them to always maintain a good mindset.
Right now was not the time for fighting.
Although the current situation was more life-threatening than a fierce battle, it was at this moment that they needed a correct direction more than ever.
Salas Martins did not stop his brothers from arguing.
He knew that part of the reason for this situation was his own lack of prestige. But even he himself was currently confused, unsure whether to accept Governor Gu Hang’s invitation.
How could he then put an end to the quarrel?
In the end, the one who stood up was the oldest and most special member of the battalion.
Chaplain Rizo.
The priest’s power armor was distinct from that of the other six battle brothers.
It was no longer entirely red but primarily black with a bright red Phoenix flame emblem on the shoulders.
The priest, having removed his helmet, had a slightly aged face, with half of his beard and hair already turned white.
Star Warriors have extremely long lifespans; it is unheard of for any Death Angel to die of old age.
But that does not mean Star Warriors do not age.
Time is the sharpest blade, always able to carve marks on the face and body.
The priest spoke, “Cease the pointless arguing.”
After he spoke, the battle brothers indeed fell silent.
The identity of a priest, and the most senior member of the battalion, gave his words more weight than even those of the Battalion Leader.
But after ending the quarrel, Rizo did not say much more.
He simply turned his gaze to Salas Martins and said, “Battalion Leader, you need to shoulder the responsibilities of the entire battalion. This matter should be decided by you.”
Martins hesitated.
He understood that Rizo’s speech was in support of him.
In the midst of the earlier argument, his inability to make a decision and to stop the continued quarreling was a drain on his authority as Battalion Leader.
But understanding all this did not mean he truly knew what to do next.
He looked back at Chaplain Rizo and asked, “You said you received a revelation that Governor Gu contains the hope for the battalion’s reconstruction. But how exactly can he help us rebuild the battalion?”
Rizo shook his head and said, “This question should not be directed at me. The revelation did not provide an answer. But the one who received the revelation is in this small town, so why don’t you ask him yourself?”
Martins sighed deeply and said, “Alright, I’ll go now.”
As the Battalion Leader walked out of the room, bald Schneider remarked, “Our Battalion Leader is too indecisive.”
“Maybe it’s because the responsibilities on his shoulders are too heavy, making him have to be cautious.”
“That shouldn’t be an excuse,” Schneider still appeared somewhat dissatisfied.
“I don’t necessarily want to leave here, but at least we need a firm goal, and then act decisively. We can’t be so indecisive here. Those months drifting in the stars were terrible. I hate this uncertainty; warriors shouldn’t be like this.”
…
Faced with Battalion Leader Salas Martins’ question upon his return, Gu Hang was momentarily stunned.
How to help you rebuild the battalion?
You ask me, how the hell would I know!
If I say I have no idea, you’re not going to suddenly get angry and shoot me with a bolt shell, are you?
Feeling extremely anxious inside, but outwardly calm and composed, he said, “Battalion Leader Martins, you suddenly ask me this question, and I don’t know where to begin…”
Hearing Gu Hang say this, Martins also felt a bit disappointed.
It’s understandable.
Even he didn’t know how to rebuild the battalion; what answer could he expect from a mortal?
But just then, Gu Hang continued, “However, Battalion Leader Martins, forgive me for speaking bluntly, but your current confusion is somewhat inappropriate. Rebuilding the battalion is a grand and difficult plan. When you think about achieving it all at once, wanting a definite answer, of course, you’ll feel at a loss, with no clue where to start, and hope seems bleak. All these things will turn into countless difficulties blocking your path. Why not break down this grand plan into one achievable goal after another and then take it step by step?”
Martins wouldn’t sigh in front of Gu Hang; he simply said, “I understand these principles, but…”
Gu Hang shook his head and motioned for Martins to stop, attempting to take control of the conversation, “Since you came to ask me, why not listen to my thoughts. Battalion Leader Martins, in your view, what does the battalion need to be rebuilt?”
Martins’ thoughts were redirected, and following Gu Hang’s line of thinking, he said, “I need sufficient manpower and resources to build the battalion’s foundational strength. This includes logistics support and a large number of mortal auxiliary troops.”
“Very good,” Gu Hang replied with a smile. “That seems like a relatively specific question, so I’ll try to answer it. The manpower and resources you need can be provided by Fury Owl Planet in the future. Our Planetary Defense Forces (PDF) can act as auxiliary troops for the battalion, and the entire planet can allocate a large amount of manpower and resources for logistical support for the battalion. From maintaining power armor to replenishing war materials, it can all be done.”
Martins was somewhat skeptical, “Even if I believe you, as far as I know, although you are the planetary governor, you haven’t yet fully controlled this planet. The manpower and resources you can mobilize are limited; the planet’s production capacity is also questionable, and it can’t even produce a single bolt shell…”
“Hahaha!”
Gu Hang laughed heartily despite being doubted, “Yes, Battalion Leader Martins, you are correct. But I have a plan. In the future, I will turn Fury Owl Planet into a Foundry World. Everything the battalion needs, I can provide. I don’t ask whether you believe in my plan; belief is irrelevant. I only ask you…”
“Are you and your battalion willing to fight for the rebirth of the battalion?”