Chapter 39: Planetary Development

"So, I plan to establish twelve mega-cities, each capable of holding over one billion people."

"Then, thirty-six large cities that can accommodate over fifty million residents each."

"Finally, I'll develop three hundred and sixty-five medium-sized cities, each holding around ten million people."

"With this plan, we should be able to house nearly seven billion people, and we can always expand if necessary."

"Additionally, I recommend ordering a synthetic intelligent atmosphere from the Cloudy Chamber of Commerce instead of building a conventional sky dome. This artificial global atmospheric system would better facilitate planetary development and improve the existing environment."

"Once we finish wiping out the Flame Raiders, we'll also need to install a full T3 planetary defense system, including anti-air missile arrays, laser cannons, fortresses, and radar systems."

After laying out his ideas, Feng Mo gazed at Ai Er with an appreciative smile. Her striking beauty and the exotic allure of her horns and tail always captured his attention, but she shifted uncomfortably under his gaze and changed the subject.

"Commander, your plan is excellent," Ai Er said, "but we don't have the money for it. Upgrading Storm Star as you described would cost at least four million star coins—or four billion Cloudy Mountain coins. That's enough to buy four T4-class starships!"

Feng Mo waved off her concern. "Money isn't an issue. I'm planning to partner with the Cloudy Chamber, the Yue Family, and Yue Lai Starship Trade to establish a starship manufacturing company. We'll mass-produce and sell the T2 starships I designed."

"With that venture, we'll be financially stable within a year or two. That'll give us the foundation to grow rapidly. In the meantime, pay close attention to recruiting talent—our five billion residents here on Storm Star are our talent pool."

Ai Er seemed relieved. The scale of the project was daunting, especially considering the costs of expanding the fleet. Beyond combat ships, they would need industrial and transport ships, which added further expenses.

If Feng Mo successfully established the company with allied forces, even a ten percent profit share would generate immense wealth for their fledgling base.

The two of them spent the next hour hashing out details of city planning and the company's establishment. Soon, fleet captains began arriving, and Feng Mo summoned them to a meeting.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Feng Mo addressed them, "today's victory in taking Storm Star is a major achievement, and you all deserve credit. Remember: as long as you fight well, you can ask me for anything—except my women and the rank of Commander. Outstanding performers can even earn their freedom from slavery."

This declaration was a strategic motivator. No one wanted to remain a slave forever, but the criteria for earning freedom would be at Feng Mo's discretion, giving them hope and incentive.

"Our next step is to stabilize the situation. I'm assigning each captain to oversee a major city and help restore order. Assess the city officials; report to me if they're unfit, and execute any who resist."

Ordinary citizens typically didn't care who ruled them, as long as they had food and a decent life. Feng Mo knew that his governance would be far better than the Flame Raiders'.

Sending the captains to the cities was also a chance to expose them to the complexities of human society and broaden their perspectives.

Before the meeting, Feng Mo had already dispatched the mecha squad to all populated areas to announce the planet's change of leadership and to maintain order. Since the technology level on Storm Star was low, the people lacked communication devices like smart terminals, so the mechas had to deliver the news in person.

This was just the beginning. Feng Mo's second phase of stabilization was about to start.

The meeting continued, and Feng Mo stressed the importance of military discipline, emphasizing that acts of violence, especially against civilians, would not be tolerated.

After an hour, the meeting concluded, and Feng Mo's second phase began.

In the skies above Storm Star, ten massive floating projection machines powered on. To ensure every citizen could see, Feng Mo had Alisa design and build these machines quickly.

A giant holographic image of Feng Mo appeared over the cities, showing him seated in an office, smiling warmly.

People across the planet looked up in awe, some even pulling neighbors outside to witness the event. Rumors had spread about the new leadership, and the sight of starships and mechas had everyone on edge.

"Hello, everyone," Feng Mo began. "I am Feng Mo, the new leader of Storm Star, Commander of the Storm Fleet, and a Viscount of the Cloudy Mountain Empire. I'll keep this brief. Here are some temporary regulations you must follow, as your lives depend on it."

"First: No looting, no arson, no violence. All gatherings, protests, and demonstrations are prohibited. The planetary network is under strict control, and travel in and out of cities is restricted. Violators will be executed."

"Second: All firearms, ammunition, weapons, radioactive materials, and poisons must be handed over at city administration centers within three days. Failure to comply will result in death."

"Third: A planet-wide curfew will be in effect for three days. Schools, businesses, and all activities will be suspended. Stay at home, or face death."

"Fourth: After three days, come to the city administration centers to collect smart terminals and participate in a voting process."

"Fifth: I hope to see all of you in three days. Those mechas patrolling the skies? In two hours, anyone still on the streets will be executed."

"With the curfew explained, let's discuss your future benefits. We're planning an intelligent city transformation that will provide jobs and a steady income for everyone, ensuring you'll have food and warmth."

"That's all for now. Enjoy the next three days."

The holograms disappeared, and the entire planet erupted into a frenzy. People raced home, others flooded markets for supplies, and some criminals saw this as an opportunity to loot.

Mecha squads led by Feng Tianyi began patrolling, while Ai Er and other fleet members used captured T1 civilian starships to enforce order. Looters were shot on sight, reducing food consumption and restoring stability.

Alone in his office, Feng Mo watched a blue screen appear before him.

[Mission: Conquer a planet in the Chaos Star Sea to establish a base (Completed). Reward: 1,000 points and T3 Sea Lion-class Star Carrier Blueprint.]

He claimed the rewards.

[Rewards received: 1,000 points, T3 Sea Lion-class Star Carrier Blueprint ×1.]

Excited, Feng Mo opened the points store

, browsing through the T3 starship blueprints until he found the one he needed.