Counterfeit Hero

Chapter 1175 - 8-13: Kerry’s Proposal (Part 3)

After enduring the occupation by the Suss, the takeover by the Jiepeng, and the attacks by the Feiyang, the Blue Stone Star, which had changed hands several times, seemed to have renewed vitality.The setting sun was like blood.

Russell walked behind Fang Xiang, and followed Fang Xiang’s gaze to look down the mountain. The city of Florock amidst the mountains was lively and bustling.

"Major General Fang Xiang, what are you thinking?"

Standing alone on the vessel berth platform, lost in thought as he looked at the city below, Fang Xiang suddenly snapped back to reality, turned around, and saluted: "General Russell."

Russell returned the salute, stepped forward, and stood with his hands behind his back. His always pristine and tidy uniform, slightly graying temples, and thoughtful, starry and deep slender eyes made this renowned General of Gazalin graceful and calm.

"A beautiful planet," Russell said, looking at the city below the mountain and the green mountains stretching into the distance, "Here, you are the master; I’ve always wanted to find a chance to thank you."

Fang Xiang’s heart surged, finally letting out a long sigh, and turned his head to look at the city below: "You’re too kind, General."

The mountain breeze blew by, and for a moment, there was silence.

After a while, Russell said, "Believe me, all the sacrifices of Blue Stone Star will have returns."

Fang Xiang subconsciously brushed aside his bangs, turned to face Russell.

"I know what you are worried about," Russell smiled slightly, "The reason this planet is so vibrant, and the people here do not watch us with eyes of hatred, is because they know of your existence."

"General...." Fang Xiang whispered.

A gust of wind blew, rustling Russell’s coat. His voice was deep and clear in the wind.

"I know that when the Saleria Congress signed the leasing treaty, when one Suss Fleet after another left the Longbow Star System, their hearts had cooled. But now, knowing that General Tolstoy’s student, the Commander of the self-sacrificing Longbow Local Fleet, is back among them, their hearts have warmed again."

Fang Xiang’s eyes turned red, lips trembling, but finally just pressed them tightly together.

"I believe, at this moment, the hearts of the Blue Stone Star people are warmer than ever," Russell looked into Fang Xiang’s eyes, "And you are their hope."

"But..." Fang Xiang couldn’t find the words.

"You fear their hope will be shattered!" Russell gently waved his hand, taking over Fang Xiang’s words: "You fear that they will be even more lost when their hope is shattered. At the same time, you fear that after we get the resources we need, we will leave a ravaged Blue Stone Star to be ravaged by our enemies. Is that right?"

Russell’s words hit Fang Xiang’s heart like a heavy hammer. The beautiful and charming Major General took a deep breath, lifted his head, and met Russell’s eyes: "Yes, I am afraid!"

"He won’t do that!" Russell said calmly, "Nor will I!"

Hearing "he," Fang Xiang’s heart settled down. Her gaze, however, drifted. Her thoughts had already wandered to a distant star system.

"Before this, we wandered everywhere," Russell said, "But now, we have a home of our own. Whether it’s the Longbow Star System or the Mars Star System, they are the source of our strength, our base. Since he entrusted this place to me, I have to give him an explanation. I have no reason to give up....."

As he spoke, Russell smiled slyly: "The Fei Alliance doesn’t either."

Fang Xiang’s heavy concerns drifted away with the mountain wind in Russell’s smile. At this moment, she felt incredibly relaxed.

She knew that this was Russell’s promise. Here, would be the future base of the bandit army. And from this moment, Saleria would reignite the spark of hope.

"Interested in joining me for a cup of coffee?" Russell invited.

"My pleasure," Fang Xiang said with a smile.

The two walked off the platform, heading toward the end of the berth pier. Russell asked, "Has the First Fleet arrived at Mars?"

Fang Xiang nodded and said, "General Chekov arrived at our secret base yesterday. The transformation work on the vessels has already begun. Mars Free Port hasn’t been affected by the Suss Fleet; currently, Major Barbarossa has issued an order to open the Freedom Channel. Also, military procurement with the northern neutral countries is under negotiation."

"A wonderful beginning," Russell smiled.

"Yes!" Fang Xiang smiled, "Mars doesn’t lack manpower. Combined with the productivity and resources of the Longbow Star System, it only takes half a year for us to complete the modular transformation of vessels above the level of cruisers. And we will equip all ships with cloaking devices. Research work in the institutes is still ongoing; as far as I know, a power array study provided by General Tian has reached a critical stage. Once successful, the combat effectiveness of our vessels will increase by at least fifty percent."

"Those stranded in the Free World are the elites of research institutions from various countries," Russell sighed, "Only because their research is not recognized by law or ethics were they forced to drift to the Free World. These people are our treasures, and they must be protected most securely."

"Yes, General," Fang Xiang nodded.

Russell said, "I looked at their list, and many of them are national treasure-level scientists holding many military secrets of various countries. Their identities must not be disclosed. Also, accelerate the research on the Binart Twelfth Generation Mecha. Our mecha manufacturing work must be completed quickly; modern warfare still ultimately needs the Army to complete the final occupation."