647 Admirals Promise (1/2)
”Captain Xiao Se, this is a classified mission with a special purpose.”
”What are you talking about? What special mission? Why haven't I heard about it?”
”Hehe…General Xiao Se, do I have to report to you on everything?”
”Is it about Wang Tong? Admiral, you need to keep a level head. Don't put all of our eggs in one basket.”
”Nonsense! This is not a gamble. I have the right to approve every mission. And, I don't need to justify myself to you. I have only used a hundred X-6 jets, so none of your jets will be used.” Samantha said thinly.
”One hundred? Those X-6 pilots are our best men. We can't risk their lives and let an amateur lead them. I have to express my objection to your plan officially.”
”We agree to disagree. I have already made up my mind. I will be fully responsible should the plan fail.” Samantha said with resolution. She knew that she had to be assertive right then; otherwise, this plan would never carry through.
Lacking unchallenged authority within the fleet, Samantha needed to fight for every step she took. Xiao Se was surprised by how much she had changed. He could no longer push her around ever since Wang Tong arrived her ship.
The promise of the mission's failure amused Xiao Se. He cracked a smile and then said, ”Would you please write what you just said down, so we have the record?”
”Are you trying to threaten me? Fine, I will draw it down for you and make it official. However, during the operation, I will need your full cooperation.”
”No problem!” Xiao Se answered readily. If Samantha failed, it would cost him nothing, but the failure would smear her reputation, giving him the opportunity to replace her
It wasn't before long that Li Hong also called Samantha, huffing, and puffing. However, as soon as he got the official document indicating that she would be solely responsible for the defeat, he turned down a few notches immediately.
Till this day, Li Hong regretted the infighting between him and Xiao Se which gave Samantha an opportunity to rise above them. Samantha was well known for her prudent and careful style, and therefore, she rarely gave the two competitors any chance to smear her reputation. However, Wang Tong's arrival had emboldened her, making her more willing to take risks.
The day of final liberation on Mars was near as humans prepared for their final attack. At this crucial moment, the Admiral of the Confederation would play a critical role. Whoever could sit on that spot would be remembered in history as the hero.
Even if the Martians could have to build a large number of ships, they would still need pilots. The Martian united front would have to beg the confederation fleet for help since even during the peacetime, Martians were not well known for their pilots. Using these pilots as a bargaining chip, the admiral of the fleet could garner significant political clout on Mars.
Having survived many political turmoils, Li Hong and Xiao Se were well aware of their situation and the opportunities.
Meanwhile, Li Hong and Xiao Se were sitting on a sofa across from each other and sipping on their hot coffees.
”What do you think of it? Do you think Wang Tong has some trick up his sleeve?”
”I doubt it! We are in the space, so his power is practically useless. ” Xiao Se said disinterestedly.
”She has acted so recklessly lately. How disappointing! I can't believe she would be influenced by one of her subordinates.”
”Li Hong, why are you still on her side? She is a woman, so it was in her nature to be carefully but easily influenced by...”
”By what?”
”By love.”
”So, the rumors are true?”
”You tell me. Have you ever seen her smile so many times during a meeting? And that new makeup on her face... She is head over heels for that dipsh*t, and she is in no condition to be the admiral!” Xiao Se said hotly.