Chapter 39: Naval Discussion 2
TL: Etude
Facing the surprised expression of Captain Austin, the Count continued: Not only am I promoting you, but I also want you to transfer to another branch of the militarythe Navy.
Having just become the commander of the newly formed 6th Company, Austin was still getting acquainted with his troops, and now he was being transferred to another unit. Wait, the Navy? Does the Alda territory even have a Navy? A puzzled look appeared on Austins face.
Paul, seeing Austins internal confusion, explained: Yes, considering the ongoing threat of pirates and the future prospects of oceanic trade, we are planning to establish a new branch of the military, the Navy.
Austin understood then. It seemed the Count had taken a liking to his background of growing up familiar with the sea life. Perhaps someone had recommended him. Oceanic trade? A good idea indeed. It looked like he had a promising future ahead.
Indeed, Paul continued: It was Bryce who recommended you to me. He said you come from a family of ship merchants and have been living at sea with your elders since childhood, making you an ideal naval candidate.
Lord Bryce flatters me, Austin replied, trying to sound modest despite the excitement he felt inside.
Paul then added a caveat: However, your position will initially be on a provisional basis. Whether it becomes permanent depends on your own capabilities.
Austin straightened his chest: Please rest assured, my lord. I will not disappoint your expectations.
Paul waved his hand dismissively: Everyone says that to me, but what I care about are the results!
Yes, my lord! Where are the sailors now? Lets start the sea training immediately. Austin was eager to prove his enthusiasm.
Paul pointed at Austin: Right now, you are the entire Navy.
Austin:
So, he was a commander without any troops, set to single-handedly row out in search of pirates to engage in battle.
Dont worry, Paul reassured. Everyone is unfamiliar with naval matters, so we havent acted hastily. I plan to organize the Navy into fleets, battalions, squadrons, and platoons. You will be the acting commander of the Northwest Bay Fleet, and also the acting leader of the first squadron of the first battalion of the first detachment. This is a position where you can truly shine, just like Bryce.
Given your familiarity with maritime affairs, you can draft your own recruitment standards. Once I review them, the recruitment office will hire soldiers and sailors for you. You will personally oversee their assessment. Additionally, you are free to select any veteran from the two infantry battalions who are skilled in swimming and sailing to join your command. We need to build up the Navy quickly.
Austin finally felt relieved. This was much more manageable. Yes, my lord. We will form a fighting force as quickly as possible.
As for ships, we can only use captured pirate ships or requisition some civilian vessels for your training for now. But I will order the shipyard to expedite the construction of warships. You can provide input on the design and structure of these ships.
Ive known the head of the shipyard, Rubin, since I was a child. Ill consult with him.
Paul nodded in satisfaction. Everything was proceeding smoothly.
First, go back and estimate the necessary expenses. Come to my room tonight, and well discuss the details.
Understood, my lord!
Captain Austin stood up and saluted, turning to leave, but then suddenly he had an idea.
My lord, I just thought of something that could significantly enhance our combat capabilities, if you agree.
Pauls interest was piqued: Whats the idea? Dont beat around the bush, just say it.
Austin carefully worded his proposal: Ive been in charge of interrogating pirate captives. Many of them were coerced into joining and havent really committed serious crimes or their offenses are minor. Could we not have these captives join the Navy to redeem themselves through service?
Hmm, about that request
Paul hesitated slightly, his right hand resting on the table, his index and middle fingers tapping alternately on the surface, pondering the feasibility of this suggestion.
Its not impossible, he finally said. First, bring me their files. Well organize a team to thoroughly screen them. But even if they join the Navy, they shouldnt appear in public.
Wise decision, my lord! A well-placed compliment was necessary.
Yet Austin remained rooted to the spot.
Is there anything else?
With hesitation in his voice, Austin said, Er about that pirate leader, Quik. Maybe he should be considered too. His experience in naval command could be invaluable, and thats precisely what we lack.
The Counts demeanor changed as he recalled something unpleasant, his gaze on the captain turning stern.
That pirate leader? The Great Quik who wrote that letter mocking me? Hey, dont push your luck.
Er forget I said anything, Captain Austin quickly backpedaled, turning to leave.
Paul gestured for him to wait: Never mind, bring his file along too. Well see.
The next morning, Austin brought a stack of thick notebooks detailing the interrogation records of the lighter-offense pirate captives. These records were written on a new type of paper invented by Paul, which had become increasingly popular in the Northwestern region.
Paul gathered Schroeder, Joyce, Bryce, Claude, Cecil, and five other company commanders to join Austin in reviewing these records. They needed to meticulously select those suitable for naval service. The Navy was Pauls pride and joy, and he couldnt allow any troublemakers to infiltrate it.
This Quik gang is quite interesting!
Flipping through the files of the Quik gang members who had been captured earlier, Paul turned to Austin, No wonder you want such a pirate leader.
Yes, I believe Quik and most of his men could be recruited.
Indeed, the Quik gang was an anomaly among pirates. According to the files, they seemed to have never robbed ordinary civilians, targeting only the wealthy and some minor nobles. Strangely, they even aided some poor folksthough this was their own claim. Moreover, they werent solely reliant on plundering; they also engaged in trade and short-haul shipping under disguised identities.
Austin added, Most of the Quik gang members were bankrupt farmers and runaway slaves. Few had a criminal record before turning to piracy. Theyve had conflicts with other pirate groups and clashed with several gangs.
Paul nodded, pondering: They almost sound like robbers with a heart, giving to the poor. No wonder during the Battle of Lakeheart Town, the Mudfish fled silently when things went south, showing no camaraderie with fellow pirates.
Actually, Paul was overthinking it. Pirates, living day-to-day on the edge of a knife, rarely showed any camaraderie, and internal conflicts were common.
After careful review by the team, a total of 300 captives were selected.
Paul decided: We cant recruit them all. At the very least, their age and physical condition must meet our recruitment standards. And those who are troublemakers during their imprisonment are definitely out. Cecil, gather information on the Quik gangs activities to see if they really havent plundered civilians as they claim.
Then, turning to Austin, he instructed: These men should be recruited in batches, dispersed across various units, and closely monitored. We cannot allow them to form cliques.
Austin acknowledged the order: Yes, my lord.
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