Starting from the Planetary Governor - Chapter 65: For the Emperor

Would the battalion be willing to fight for the rebirth of the battalion?

Salas Martins didn’t even need to think about this question.

It was only natural.

But he wouldn’t be so easily swayed by a few words from Gu Hang, “Of course we will fight for the revival of the battalion, even if it costs us our lives. However, I must be sure that our fight is indeed for the rebirth of the battalion and not for someone’s power.”

“They are one and the same,” Gu Hang replied. “On this issue, I will be frank with you. My actions are not solely for the Phoenix Battalion. I was given this mission and sent to this wasteland planet to develop and strengthen it. Our goals, after all, are not different, are they?”

“I believe there are three major elements needed to rebuild the Phoenix Battalion. First, manpower and resources, including a large number of auxiliary troops and sufficient logistical support. Second, you need a battalion fleet. Third, seven angels are far from a full battalion; you need to restore your strength and recruit enough battle brothers.”

“The third point, I can’t help you with. But for the first and second points, if Fury Owl Planet grows according to my plan, it will become your strong backing, solving the issues of auxiliary troops, fleets, and logistical support.”

“I need to develop and strengthen my world, and you need a developed and strengthened world to rebuild your battalion. The Phoenix Battalion fights for the future of Fury Owl Planet, and Fury Owl Planet fights for the revival of the Phoenix Battalion. We are naturally meant to work together.”

The Battalion Leader was not adept at politics, but Star Warriors often didn’t need to think that much.

Many of them spoke their minds directly: “Then why don’t I choose a world that is already developed?”

Gu Hang smiled, “If you had a choice, you wouldn’t have come to Fury Owl Planet.”

Martins had to admit that this mortal governor was right.

The Phoenix Battalion had wandered for months, experiencing many worlds.

If they had a choice, they would have settled down long ago.

Their goal had always been to rebuild the battalion, but no one really wanted to help them rebuild.

Recruiting a few Star Warriors as ‘allies’ or enforcers was great;

Rebuilding the battalion?

Forget it.

Maintaining a proper battalion almost required the full efforts of an entire planet.

A large army, substantial logistical manpower, and the starships were ridiculously expensive.

Not to mention, the unique nature of Star Warriors meant they were highly independent super-soldiers with a special status within the Empire.

The Emperor’s Death Angels were not just a description but a title signifying their special status.

If someone put in a lot of effort to rebuild the battalion, they might think they were gaining a force to serve them, but in reality, who would be in charge—the battalion or the governor?

In most Star Warriors’ eyes, a planetary governor was just a mortal providing supplies and managing the planet, essentially a high-ranking steward.

Thinking they could command Star Warriors to go east or west was a dream!

Most governors, and even the Forge World’s Forge Generals, didn’t want to spend all that effort only to end up with someone more powerful than them.

Martins had encountered many people like this on his journey.

He might not have many schemes himself, but he could see through others’ intentions.

Those fake smiles, those chest-pounding promises, all seemed hollow to him.

Using the promise of rebuilding as a carrot to make them work, only to kick them aside when they were no longer useful… a weakened battalion would struggle to resist a powerful governor.

When arriving at Fury Owl Planet, although disappointed by the backwardness of the entire world, in some ways, it wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.

His battalion was already in shambles, with only seven warriors left. But Fury Owl Planet was also a broken world.

This Governor Gu Hang truly needed them.

With their help, the governor would be able to control the entire planet better.

As the governor’s power grew, they would also benefit and grow stronger alongside him.

He didn’t have to worry about Gu Hang deceiving them or turning against them.

Given the current state of the governor, even with just seven members, the Phoenix Battalion could easily turn the tables and withdraw safely if needed.

They also didn’t need to worry about the governor reneging on his promises because, by consistently supporting the battalion, the battalion would grow stronger.

As long as the battalion could strengthen along with the governor’s power, even if they fell out in the future, the battalion would likely be strong enough.

At that point, parting ways wouldn’t be a big deal, and they could return to the stars as a fleet-based battalion.

Even in the worst-case scenario, they could ensure they…

Oh no, we are a loyal battalion; we wouldn’t do such a thing.

Seeing the serious face of Martins, which revealed no thoughts, Gu Hang smiled kindly and sincerely, as if he didn’t care what Martins was thinking.

Martins spoke, “Perhaps we should indeed grow together. You revive your world, and I revive my battalion. But how can you ensure that you can achieve your plan and truly develop your world?”

“You see, my situation might be similar to yours. You’re on the verge of extinction, and if I don’t achieve something in two years, I will also die. But the difference is, I am confident in my future, while you are confused; you don’t know how to succeed, but I do.”

“Given this, why not bind your uncertain fate to my confident one?”

“It won’t take long; just two years, and you’ll see the results.”

Martins was persuaded by Gu Hang’s words.

The Phoenix Battalion, unsure of their path, why not hitch a ride on a train that knows where it’s going?

Two years is a short time for the long-lived Star Warriors.

They have endured century-long Penitential Expeditions; staying on Fury Owl Planet for two years and watching time pass by is no big deal.

If this governor failed and the Imperial Administration decided to execute him in two years, Martins could personally send him off.

Martins was inclined to agree to cooperate with the governor.

He initially planned to discuss with his battle brothers and then give a final answer. But then he remembered Chaplain Rizo’s words.

You are the Battalion Leader; you need to shoulder the responsibilities of the battalion.

So, Martins changed his mind.

He stood up, towering over the much smaller governor.

He noticed that despite his imposing figure, which made the governor have to look up to see his face, there was no change in the governor’s expression.

Finally, Martins extended his massive hand to Gu Hang:

“May our cooperation be blessed by the God Emperor.”

The smile on Gu Hang’s face became even brighter.

He extended his hand and shook the disproportionately large hand of Martins:

“For the Emperor!”