I am a soldier, so let's get straight to the point. I have reviewed the report on your planet and have a general understanding of your situation. The division commander began, his voice deep and resonant, sounding like someone of high authority.
Jiang Ye adopted a posture of respectful listening.
Before we discuss military aid, I need to ask you a few questions, the commander said.
Please proceed. Jiang Ye's hairs stood on end, knowing that the upcoming questions would be crucial.
Have you killed anyone?
A chill ran from Jiang Ye's spine to his brain, and his slightly hunched back instantly straightened.
I have, Jiang Ye replied honestly. It was on the colony.
All?
I killed two in total.
For what reason?
Self-defense. Jiang Ye said, If I hadn't killed him, he would have killed me.
What is your weakness? the commander asked. If the enemy captures something important to you, will you surrender immediately? Or if the enemy offers you something, will you switch your allegiance?
This time, Jiang Ye remained silent for over ten seconds before answering.
He hadn't really considered this question.
Do I have a weakness? What is it?
Think carefully, the commander said solemnly. Everyone has a forbidden zone. It's important to understand what you fear.
If it were when I was younger, my weakness would probably be my family. If someone captured my parents or siblings and made demands, threatening to kill them if I didn't comply, it would be difficult for me to disobey. Jiang Ye said, But as you know, I am an ancient person, and everyone I knew before is long dead.
The commander nodded slightly. This was an unassailable answer. Jiang Ye's implication was: I do have a weakness, but it has vanished, and no one can exploit it.
As for my shortcomings and vices, Jiang Ye thought for a moment and said, I am sickly, I am greedy for wealth, I am lustful, and I am easily provoked.
What do you mean? The commander didn't understand.
It's a passage from ancient times, where King Xuan of Qi spoke to Mencius. It means I am ill, I like money, I like women, and I get angry easily. Jiang Ye explained, These three are my minor weaknesses, but they can all be overcome.
That's normal. It's human nature, the commander nodded slightly, seemingly satisfied with Jiang Ye's answer.
He then changed the subject: What are your strengths? What are your advantages that can kill enemies? What means do you have to instill fear in your enemies?
This time, Jiang Ye froze completely.
What strengths did he have?
Was it wealth?
With only a hundred million in assets, it was hardly enough in a real war. Even the young female owner of a dumpling restaurant had more financial resources than him.
Was it bravery?
Recalling his months on the colony and his life so far, he had indeed been brave on many occasions, but most of the time he had been cautious and timid.
Alright, I understand, the commander suddenly said.
Jiang Ye thought, This is bad. The interview went poorly. When asked about your strengths, you should brag extensively, not remain silent like a clam.
However, what happened next was beyond his expectations.
You've passed, the commander revealed a slight smile. But his appearance was too fierce, and his smile lacked any warmth. I have three options for you. You can choose.
Thank you, thank you! Jiang Ye breathed a sigh of relief.
The first option is the military-business integration system, the commander said.
Jiang Ye narrowed his eyes and continued to listen.
Military-business integration means combining military and commercial activities. The military will provide you with channels, and you will personally fund the construction of various military factories. These factories will produce weapons and equipment, and you will recruit soldiers and train them militarily.
The advantage is greater freedom. As long as there is no war, you can sell the products from your military factories. The disadvantage is a slower development speed. You will need to build low-level military factories first, and then gradually upgrade them to advanced ones. Furthermore, it requires a significant initial investment and a lot of effort and worry. This is the first option.
Jiang Ye nodded, waiting to hear the other two.
The second option is the garrison system, the commander stated.
The garrison system is simple. The military will directly and heavily intervene on your planet. Various military bases will spring up like mushrooms, and tens of thousands of troops will be rapidly deployed. Your planet will be directly armed into an iron fortress. If any enemies appear, the military will be responsible for fighting them, and you won't have to worry about anything.
However, the garrison system also has its drawbacks. Once you adopt the garrison system, you will incur enormous debt. The initial construction of military bases alone will cost twenty-eight billion, and subsequently, there will be substantial monthly expenses for military pay and equipment. You will also have to pay when there is a war.
From what I know, very few people have the financial capacity to support the garrison system. Once chosen, there is no turning back. You will be crushed to death by astronomical debts. Most terrifyingly, according to Galactic Empire law, the debt from the garrison system is inherited. If you die, it passes to your wife and children. Some debts have not been repaid for over ten generations, like the Foolish Old Man moving mountains. It is a choice of last resort.
Jiang Ye shook his head vehemently. This wouldn't do. He couldn't afford it. He still planned to have children, and even if they couldn't be born into wealth, they certainly shouldn't be born into debt.
The third option is military insurance, the commander continued.
Military insurance? Jiang Ye frowned. He could understand the two words separately, but together they made no sense.
Military insurance is insurance that you purchase from the military. The premium is not expensive. Based on your planet's situation, it's two hundred million per year, and it will be adjusted later, the commander explained.
So, if I buy this insurance, and a swarm of water ghosts emerges from the sea to burn and pillage my town, the military will compensate me for my losses afterward? Jiang Ye tried to understand.
No, no, no, that's ordinary insurance, the commander shook his head. The military has a unit called the Rapid Response Force, which is well-equipped and numerous. It serves this military insurance program.
Jiang Ye remembered that Li Nannan was part of the Rapid Response Force.
After you purchase the insurance, if there is no war, the Rapid Response Force will not appear. Once war breaks out, the Rapid Response Force will descend upon your planet and help you defeat the invaders. After the war, you will still need to pay 30% of the combat costs, which include the cost of lost weapons and soldier pensions. The specific amount will depend on the actual war expenses, the commander said.
In other words, it's paying for a temporary army? Jiang Ye summarized.
That's right, the commander nodded. This is the option most people choose. It's not expensive, it's economical, and it generally guarantees safety. So, what do you say? I'll give you a meeting's time to consider.
There's no need to consider. I choose option one! Jiang Ye's gaze was firm. Military-business integration!
Are you sure? Option one is costly and time-consuming. Most importantly, your initial military strength will be weak, making you prone to defeat, the commander squinted at him. Military means are ultimately about ensuring safety. If safety cannot be guaranteed, what is the point?
Sir, I am an ancient person. In my era, in my homeland, everyone believed in self-reliance, Jiang Ye said earnestly. It's better to build our own army than to buy protection from an external force.
Good, you have ambition. Then we shall follow your wishes.
However, sir, I have a very important question.
What is it?
On my planet, the number of colonial officers is less than a hundred thousand, and even fewer can be brought under my command. How am I supposed to hire people from other planets to serve as soldiers and workers in the military factories?
I will address this question at the meeting, the commander said, glancing at his watch. Go outside and call Li Nannan. Bring everyone in. It's time for the meeting.