Naval Affairs 2

Translator: Cinder Translations

...

Facing Captain Austin's surprised expression, Earl Grayman continued, "Not only am I promoting you, but I'm also transferring you to another branch—the Navy."

Just appointed as the new commander of the 6th Battalion, his soldiers barely familiar with him, and now he was to move to another unit. Wait, the Navy? Does Alden have a Navy? Austin's face showed a puzzled expression.

Paul understood Austin's inner doubts and explained, "Yes, considering the ongoing threat of pirates and for future long-distance trade considerations, we are establishing the Navy as a new branch."

Austin understood now; it seemed Earl had noticed his familiarity with maritime life from childhood. Someone must have recommended him. Long-distance trade? A good idea; it seemed he had potential.

Sure enough, Paul continued, "It was Bryce who recommended you to me. He said you come from a family of ship merchants, raised at sea from an early age, making you a suitable candidate for the Navy."

"Bryce has exaggerated." Though secretly pleased, he had to remain modest.

Paul changed the subject, "However, for now, your title will be acting. Whether it becomes permanent depends on your performance."

Austin straightened his chest, "Please rest assured Lord Earl, I won't let you down."

Paul waved dismissively, "Everyone says that to me, but I care about results in the end!"

"Yes, sir! Where are the sailors now? We should begin sea training." He needed to show his enthusiasm now.

Paul pointed at Austin, "Right now, you are the entire Navy."

Austin: "..."

So he was the lone commander, expected to row out alone to confront the pirates.

"Don't worry, none of us are familiar with the sea, so no action will be taken hastily. I'm planning to organize the Navy into fleets, battalions, squadrons, and teams. You will be the Acting Commander of the Northwest Bay Fleet, also acting as the Deputy Squadron Leader of the First Battalion of the Northwest Bay Fleet, just as Bryce and them are handling their responsibilities."

"Considering your familiarity with naval affairs, you can establish enlistment criteria. After my review, the recruitment office will find you qualified soldiers and sailors for your personal assessment. Also, for the seasoned sailors skilled in water and boat handling in the two infantry battalions, you are permitted to freely select reinforcements for your command. This should quickly set up the Navy framework."

Austin was now relieved; this would make things easier. "Yes, Earl, we will quickly create a fighting force."

"As for ships, we can currently use confiscated pirate vessels or enlist a few civilian ships for training. But I'll order the shipyard to quickly construct a fleet of warships. Feel free to offer input on the ship's design, structure, and other details."

"I've known Rubin, the shipyard manager, since I was young. I'll discuss it with him."

Paul nodded in satisfaction; everything was proceeding smoothly.

"First, go back and estimate the expenses needed. Come to my room tonight, and we'll discuss it in detail."

"Yes, Earl!"

Captain Austin stood up, saluted, turned around, as if he suddenly remembered something, he face the Earl once more.

"Sir, I just thought of an idea. If you agree, it could greatly enhance our combat capability," Austin suddenly said.

Paul became interested immediately, "What idea? Stop beating around the bush, spit it out."

Austin pondered carefully before speaking, "I've been in charge of interrogating pirate prisoners. Many of them were coerced into joining and haven't committed serious crimes or have minor charges. Could these prisoners be handed over to me to redeem themselves in the Navy?"

"Hmm, this request..." Paul hesitated, resting his right hand on the table, tapping the tabletop with his index and middle fingers alternately, contemplating the feasibility of this proposal.

"It's not impossible. First, bring me their files, and we'll organize a team to carefully screen them. However, even if they join the Navy, they shouldn't appear in public again."

"Wise decision, sir!" It was necessary to flatter appropriately.

But Austin remained rooted in place.

"Is there something else?" Paul asked.

Austin hesitated, "Um... maybe we should consider that pirate leader called Quik. He should have extensive experience in naval warfare, which is exactly what we lack."

Earl Grayman seemed to recall something unpleasant and stared ominously at the captain.

"That pirate leader? The one who wrote that insulting letter about me, 'The Great Quik'?"

"Um... forget I said anything." Captain Austin turned to leave.

Paul waved dismissively, "Forget it, bring me his file too. We'll take a look first."

The next morning, Captain Austin brought a thick stack of notes detailing the interrogations of several pirate prisoners with minor offenses. The paper used was a new type invented by Paul, already popular in the northwest region.

Paul gathered Schroder, Joyce, Bryce, Claude, Cecil, and five other company commanders to review these records with Austin, screening those suitable for Navy service. This scrutiny had to be strict; the Navy was Paul's pride, and he couldn't allow troublemakers to slip through.

"The Quik Gang is quite interesting!"

Flipping through the profiles of the Quik Gang pirates previously captured, Paul turned to Austin and said, "No wonder you wanted this pirate leader."

"Yes, I believe Quik and most of his crew could be recruited."

Indeed, the Quik Gang was peculiar among pirates. From the records, they seemed not to have robbed ordinary civilians, targeting only the wealthy and minor nobles. Oddly enough, they claimed to have aided some poor people—an assertion that needed verification. Moreover, they didn't sustain themselves solely through plunder but also engaged in occasional disguised short-range shipping.

Austin added, "Members of the Quik Gang mostly come from bankrupt farmers and runaway slaves, with few having serious criminal records before joining piracy. They've had conflicts with many other gangs."

Paul nodded thoughtfully, "They have a touch of robbing the rich to help the poor vibe. No wonder 'Eel' slipped away without a word during the Battle of Alden Town; they don't adhere to any comradeship among pirates."

Actually, he was overthinking; pirates lived by the sword, day in and day out. There was little camaraderie among them, and conflicts were common.

After careful examination by everyone, a total of 300 prisoners were selected.

Paul decided, "It's impossible to recruit them all. Even if they haven't committed major crimes, they must meet our enlistment standards in terms of age and physical fitness. Those who were unruly during their sentences are out of the question. Cecil, gather intelligence on the Quik Gang's activities to verify if they truly haven't plundered civilians as they claim."

Then he turned to Austin, "These recruits will be brought into the Navy in batches, dispersed among various units, with strict monitoring. They must not form cliques."

"Yes, Earl Grayman," Austin acknowledged.

(End of the Chapter)