"The situation is urgent, so I'll be direct. We are the Sophia Merchant Guild, not a legitimate trading group. We deal in interstellar smuggling. A few hours ago, our ship was hit by the interstellar police and crashed twenty kilometers away," Sophia said.
"And then you encountered a sandstorm and got trapped here?" Jiang Ye asked.
"That's right. We've been stuck for four hours. We tried walking in every direction but couldn't get out. The network module on our ship was destroyed, so all communications are down. We can't hack into satellites to find out about our surroundings," Sophia said earnestly. "Therefore, as the leader of the merchant guild, I am now requesting your help."
"What kind of help do you need?" Jiang Ye asked. "I have a satellite that can help you get online."
"No, we don't need network access for now," Sophia shook her head. "My team members need rest, and some of our injured are lying in life support pods. They need to be connected to a power grid for healing. Please take us to the nearest city and provide us with some shelter, food, water, and electricity. We will pay you handsomely."
Jiang Ye frowned and remained silent.
"Are you worried that taking us in will cause you trouble?" Sophia saw through his thoughts at a glance.
"Since the interstellar police shot down your ship, they'll be looking for you too, won't they?" Jiang Ye admitted. "How would I explain this to the police?"
"Don't worry, the police won't find us. Our ship was hit outside the M78 nebula. After being hit, we immediately jumped here, over twenty light-years away. Those darn police ships are still the old models; they won't find us in five hundred years," Sophia said with sincere eyes. "Please keep this a secret. We'll leave after a period of rest and won't cause you any trouble."
"You can trust us. The Sophia Merchant Guild has been operating for over twenty years, and we've never been caught. The police don't even have our records," Sophia's tone was steady. "Of course, we won't let you help for free. I'll give you a two billion credit thank-you fee, alright?"
"I have an armored unit outside that can take you to the city," Jiang Ye nodded. "How many people do you have?"
"2600 people, with 60 in life support pods. Each pod is four meters long and weighs two tons."
Jiang Ye was stunned. A small smuggling guild had so many people!
More than his own troops!
"That might require several trips; we can't transport everyone at once," Jiang Ye said. "Our planet is quite primitive, and there are very few houses in the city. Where will you stay?"
"It's fine. My people can give the locals some money to rent their houses," Sophia sighed. "Thank you very much. Please send your troops to transport us quickly, and bring some food. We had to discard all our supplies and provisions during the jump. My people are already exhausted from not eating or drinking for hours."
Jiang Ye left the cave and walked back, staring at the sandstorm.
He had to help them, whether he wanted to or not. These people had weapons that were too advanced; they had the capability to wipe out the colony.
Just one micro-nuclear weapon could level his entire armored unit! Two more could flatten the entire Binhai City!
It was like encountering a large group of bandits in the wilderness. The bandits were armed with pistols, rifles, heavy machine guns, and even quad rocket launchers, and they asked you, "Brother, can you help us find a hotel? We're lost." Would you dare to refuse? Would you dare to say, "You're not good people, I won't help you"?
This merchant guild was definitely not to be trifled with, but there was a chance for peaceful coexistence without conflict.
As for whether to report this to Li Nannan and let the military suppress them, Jiang Ye would have to wait and see the subsequent actions of the Sophia Merchant Guild.
His luck today was absolutely abysmal. To run into such a group was like going out of his way to pick up trouble.
After trudging through the sandstorm for a long time, he finally returned to the spider armored vehicle. Jiang Ye got in, brushed the sand off his head, and let out a long sigh.
He opened the communication channel and broadcasted to the soldiers.
"Brothers, we've got work to do! The people in the valley are from a significant interstellar merchant guild whose ship has crashed, and they are stranded here."
"We need to transport them to Binhai City immediately to stay temporarily. However, do not ask about their origins, try not to ask anything, and do not spread the word. This matter is strictly confidential."
"This is for everyone's benefit. Those who understand, understand. You'll receive a bonus afterward."
"Alright, now listen to my command. Squad by squad, enter the valley and prepare to pick up the people!"