Chapter 495: Changes III (1/2)

Chapter 495: Changes III

Translator: EndlessFantasy TranslationEditor: EndlessFantasy Translation

”Instructor, we have five starships requesting to join our fleet,” Xi Qing reported to Ye Chong. Standing beside him was Shu, donned in a neat uniform. Ever since their victory last time, many starships approached them to join their fleet. So far, the fleet had expanded to include 800 ships, and total number of crew members added up to 250 thousand. Even the number of warships had gone up to 10.

Before these five starships, the fleet had accepted requests from 33 other starships on that same day.

”Alright,” Ye Chong did no mince his words, ”Just proceed according to protocol in future.” Since many starships continued to join their fleet, the whole process of filtering and accepting requests and assigning them to groups had been streamlined. Shang played an important part in this, having set up most of the rules himself.

All accepted ships must obey orders from Haskel. They must also report their inventory, subject their crew members for inspection, and take part in battles of the fleet. This meant that all ships in the fleet would be at Ye Chong's disposal.

Under usual circumstances, these conditions would be unthinkable. No one would willingly offer their freedom up. However, the desperate need to survive overrode all other priorities right now, so no one gave up a fight.

Ye Chong did not know that the one responsible for spreading the news of their victory over the red-tailed beasts was actually Shang. Ye Chong's fake name, Jay, was now a symbol, a symbol of fighting against the red-tailed beasts. In areas where the red-tailed beasts were not an immediate threat, people took notice of this mysterious and peculiar fleet. Their leader, Ye Chong was at the heart of their discussions.

The victory had also raised Ye Chong's reputation in the fleet. His orders were obeyed to a tee by loyal subordinates. The crew members worked diligently, taking pride in their leader. The mysterious partner of his slowly faded into the background. Later members of the fleet did not even know that he existed.

Another result of the victory was Ye Chong becoming almost a worshipped hero to all his crew members.

Hence, despite the strict rules of acceptance, many still wished to join the mysterious fleet. Ye Chong never rejected any of them. Ever since their victory, they had suffered a huge loss in number of combatants that would benefit from replenishment.

Ye Chong looked at the two young men before him and said, ”Keep up with the training, we don't have much time left.”

Xi Qing and Shu felt the gravity of the order, and saluted in reply, ”Yes sir!” They did not exactly how much time they needed for what, but they also knew that some questions were better left unasked.

Ye Chong was satisfied with the performances of both Xi Qing and Shu. It was because of them that he had more time to think about other things.

”How many energy cells do we have left?” Ye Chong asked abruptly.

Xi Qing and Shu exchanged a look. Shu stepped forward and said solemnly, ”Instructor, we're here because of this matter. Our last battle used up many of our energy cells. High intensity combat trainings are also exhausting our reserves quickly. Currently, we have only 3,600 energy cells. We are in need of an emergency resupply.”

”That's right. Our fleet is too massive right now. We're using up our energy cells at an astonishing rate. If we don't resupply soon, we'll probably …” Xi Qing made his point clearly.

Ye Chong paused in thought. He had neglected this important matter. He called up Gray Valley's star chart as he asked, ”Where's the closest resupply point?”

”The S.S. Iron Scorpion,” Shu replied with barely suppressed excitement beneath his calm exterior, ”It's a space station built by the Research Consortium, and one of their base of operations. There should be a huge stock of energy cells there in storage,” He added mischievously, ”And maybe even a good load of mechs and starships.”

Xi Qing said nothing. He was with Shu on this. The Research Consortium was a heavyweight in Gray Valley. Everyone here held the Consortium with regard. Gray Valley's existence was closely related to the Research Consortium. All these years, the Consortium had used their skills in technological advancements to improve Gray Valley as a whole. However, in this red-tailed beast disaster, the Consortium had done nothing effective apart from bringing together organizations from all parts of Gray Valley to form an alliance.

On the contrary, they had later chosen to do something that could almost be described as stupid - they left everyone behind and escaped. This was a huge disappointment for all the people who put their hopes in them. Xi Qing and Shu had experienced this firsthand. Ever since the frontline collapsed, the Research Consortium had done nothing meaningful to the people. It was as if they had simply vanished.

Ye Chong did not hesitate. ”Have all combat personnel be prepared.” Ye Chong did not share the sentiment that normal Gray Valley inhabitants had. From their early escape on Planet Henna, Ye Chong could tell that the Research Consortium was not actually not very powerful. Besides, their situation was urgent, and he could not afford to be picky.

”Yes Sir!” The two young men saluted.