Wow! The item-dropping rate is really high!-Chapter 964 - 675: Army at the Gates (2)
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With the full support of resources controlled by Gong Yan through the Golden Swallow Trading Company, the basic appearance of the Mine Star changes almost three times a day.
The miners' original drafty shacks were reinforced and expanded, new residential areas began planning and construction, with basic partitions and privacy spaces.
The tunnel's lighting system was updated, the air filtration system stabilized, and the pungent dust and sulfur smell greatly reduced.
Centralized dining points and basic medical stations were also established, and miners with long-term cough received medication, while those suffering from occupational injuries and chronic diseases finally saw hope of recovery.
Especially in the initial basic mining area and the newly integrated Black Steel Mining Area, the embryonic forms of urban buildings began to appear.
Using the building materials brought in, miners, under the guidance of experts, began constructing more solid public buildings, such as material distribution centers, simple schools, and training grounds.
Although it cannot yet be called a "city," at least the concept of functional zoning and the embryonic form of a community center have emerged.
As basic survival needs were met, some simple cultural and entertainment activities began to spontaneously emerge.
During break time, miners would gather together to listen to literate elders telling stories they had heard in the past or have craftsmen teach children simple literacy and arithmetic.
Victor organized several collective celebrations, simple though they were, songs and laughter filled the once oppressive mining area for the first time.
The self-defense team's training also became a collective activity, attracting many miners to voluntarily participate in their spare time.
These changes, though just beginning and far from reaching the standards of a "civilized society," were already monumental for miners long struggling in despair.
The thought of "following this leader seems to really have a future" turned from initial skepticism and observation into a firm belief in the hearts of more and more people.
Seeing the status of the Mine Star improve daily, Catherine had a glow on her face all day, and even though she was busy, her feet never touched the ground; she was full of genuine joy.
And just as everything was prospering, a mysterious fleet suddenly appeared in the deep space not far from the planet without any forewarning.
Right from the start, this fleet headed towards the Mine Star, unfolding in a manner filled with hostility and oppression, intending to encircle the entire mine.
As the standing guard of the Mine Star, the Seventh Legion, led by Xu Ruoguang, discovered this mysterious foreign fleet almost immediately.
"What on earth are their intentions?"
Xu Ruoguang immediately sent the former leader of the Blood Claw Pirate Group to negotiate, but Blood Claw returned with a grave shake of his head.
"I don't know; they refuse to communicate. Even my request to board the ship for a meeting was rejected."
Black Beast looked at Xu Ruoguang, "Guang, what should we do? Have you reported to the leader?"
"I'm going to report now," Xu Ruoguang said with furrowed brows.
He initially planned to clarify the other party's intentions before reporting, after all, when reporting, it can't just be simply saying someone showed up.
But now, the other fleet's strength seems to surpass his own, displaying a stance of complete refusal to communicate and hostility.
If he doesn't report to the leader soon, there might be big trouble.
"My lord, the fleet is not small, at least two medium-sized battleships and over six escort ships. They refuse all communication and are unfolding into an encirclement formation."
Xu Ruoguang's voice carried weight in the communication, "Blood Claw went to negotiate and was directly refused boarding."
Bai E was in the new command center, looking through the observation screen at the distant space where those gradually approaching steel giants emerged.
Catherine stood by his side, face serious, "The visitors are not friendly. This formation... is unlike pirates or ordinary forces."
All core members of this newly established force were gathered in the command center, each wearing a grave expression as they watched those steel silhouettes.
Amidst this tense atmosphere, the public communication channel of the Mine Star was forcefully cut into.
A cold, arrogant voice rang out:
"Illegal armed forces on the Mine Star, this is the Huowali United States' Second Border Patrol Fleet. According to a formal report from our citizen, you have illegally occupied the legally operated Gray Ridge Mine, coercing signatures on unequal agreements with violent means, thus severely violating our citizens' property rights and national dignity."
"You are now ordered to: immediately disarm all weapons, release the detained mining staff, surrender the main culprit, Bai E, and related accomplices for our judicial investigation. You have 30 minutes to provide a clear response. If you fail to respond or refuse to comply, we will take all necessary measures, including but not limited to military clearance, to maintain our citizens' legal rights and national authority."
The communication was cut off, leaving only the hiss of static.
The command center fell into silence.
"The Huowali United States..." Catherine gritted her teeth, "That bastard Tu Ge went back to bring reinforcements after all!"
Bai E's eyes remained calm.
He had anticipated that Tu Ge would not let things be, just didn't expect such a quick move, bringing in state-level force.
"They don't actually want a 'judicial investigation,'" Gong Yan coldly analyzed, "If they just wanted to arrest someone, there would be no need to set up such a comprehensive encirclement. What they want is the entire Mine Star, or rather... they want to force us to submit, join them."
Just like Xing Zhuo's previous recruitment... for a "wild" powerhouse like the boss, these major forces always try to assimilate first, rather than cooperate equally.
If assimilation fails, they suppress or even eradicate.
The Huowali United States clearly had the same mindset.
After Tu Ge returned, he must have embellished the report on the situation of the Mine Star and Bai E's strength.
For that country, an uncontrolled powerful figure establishing a force in a nearby Star Domain is both a potential threat and a tempting prize—
If they can recruit him, he would be a formidable force; if not, he must be killed before he grows too powerful.
"What should we do now?" Xu Ruoguang's voice came through the communication, "The Seventh Legion has only three main ships acquired from heritage, plus some small escort ships modified from pirates; direct confrontation... prospects are not good."
Catherine quickly analyzed, "They're stalling for time. The so-called 'thirty minutes' both applies pressure and completes a more thorough encirclement and tactical deployment. Once time is up, whether we respond or not, they will attack. Moreover... they probably have already notified the Peak Alliance about the 'enforcement action,' dressing it in legitimacy."
Bai E moved to the observation window, gazing at the dark silhouettes of battleships in the starry sky.
"Reply to them," he said, "request a direct dialogue with the fleet commander. Just say... there are some matters regarding Tu Ge and certain 'special arrangements' within the Peak Alliance involving the Huowali United States that need face-to-face confirmation. If they don't want this information publicized within the Alliance, they'd better send someone with decision-making authority to talk."
This was both a delay tactic and a probe.
He wanted to see how resolved the other party was and whether there were deeper intentions behind it.
After the message was sent, the other side was silent for nearly ten minutes.
Just as the thirty-minute deadline was about to be reached, the communication connected again.
This time, the voice was different, more stable, carrying the authority of long-standing power:
"I am Admiral Glen, Naval Commander of the Huowali United States' Second Border Patrol Fleet. Mr. Bai E, I have heard of your name and know some of your... deeds. Our country values talent. Tu Ge's issue can be discussed, and even the Gray Ridge Mine can be discussed. But the premise is that you must show a willingness to cooperate."
Admiral Glen paused, his tone carrying a clear hint of recruitment:
"The Huowali United States is an influential country within the Stellar District. We can provide a platform and resources far better than this barren Mine Star. Join us, and you will directly receive the rank of admiral."
