13: Strategic Planning Meeting

Seven Blue Star hours later, in the Pierpoint P48 conference room.

Chen Hao, Ms. Emerald, Aventurine, and Topaz, along with a projection of Bronya, began the Interstellar Peace Corporation's first high-level strategic discussion.

"I think we're all, in a sense, old colleagues, so how about we skip the pleasantries?" Chen Hao said, getting straight to the point.

"Haha, truly worthy of being the boss," Topaz rubbed Numby's head, and Numby hummed contentedly. "I have no objections; the sooner I can start working and enjoying myself, the better."

Topaz indicated she had no problems at all.

"What about Ms. Emerald and Aventurine?"

Ms. Emerald looked at Numby and Topaz, her lips unconsciously curving into a slight smile. "Hmm, if Numby agrees, then let's just begin."

Aventurine was still toying with a chip in his hand, his gaze behind his golden glasses carrying a hint of playfulness: "I have no objections either."

"Alright, then let's get straight to it." Chen Hao brought up a holographic map of Blue Star, its surface marked with dense red dots: warlord strongholds, rare earth mineral veins, and the gray industrial chains of multinational corporations.

"First, the Corporation needs to establish an outpost on Blue Star, which will also serve as the Corporation's regional branch. What are your suggestions? Please share."

The three had already familiarized themselves with Blue Star's situation through Bronya's briefing and had a general idea in their minds regarding Chen Hao's question. After a moment of thought, they exchanged glances. Aventurine stopped the chip from dancing between his fingertips and spoke.

"Boss, how much support can the Corporation's fleet provide?"

Chen Hao checked the weapons and energy status, estimating the acceptable expenditure.

"Twelve conventional single-soldier deployment ships, five escort-class warships, and 100 Warrior tactical mechs."

"Then Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East are all suitable," Aventurine spread his hands. "It just depends on how the boss wants to play it."

This was consistent with Chen Hao's initial goal; the important thing was how to achieve it more conveniently and smoothly.

Chen Hao nodded, his gaze turning to Ms. Emerald: "So, how do we plan this? Ms. Emerald, any thoughts?"

Ms. Emerald rotated the bracelet on her right wrist, sweeping her pink hair behind her, her pink-blue eyes fixed on Chen Hao.

"It's simple: 'Lending,' 'Debt Collection,' 'Liquidation'—the Corporation's most skilled methods."

Chen Hao raised an eyebrow: "So, Ms. Emerald, you prioritize the Emerald Ocean region? Then how do you plan to resolve the geopolitical issues between the Corporation and the Eastern Union?"

Ms. Emerald still stared directly into Chen Hao's eyes, her lips slightly upturned: "I believe you already have a solution, don't you, Boss?"

Being stared at by Ms. Emerald, Chen Hao didn't feel uncomfortable. Seriously, being watched by a pink-haired elder sister was nothing to complain about.

"Haha, Ms. Emerald, you are indeed skilled at discerning people's hearts." He paused, "So, will you be in overall charge of this plan? Any issues?"

Ms. Emerald gently adjusted the black fedora with blue lining on her head and leaned back in her chair.

"Of course, no problem."

"Then Topaz, you'll be responsible for assisting Ms. Emerald. What do you need?"

Topaz thought for a moment, propping her chin, then nodded.

"Boss, besides the Executive Department members who can participate in this operation, I need fleet authorization."

"Granted." Chen Hao nodded. "Small transport and fire support ships are already under construction, but Pierpoint's energy output is currently limited; they will be completed in a week."

He then looked at Aventurine: "As for Aventurine, I'll give you a short vacation. It's unlikely you'll be needed for this operation."

Aventurine put on his gold-rimmed glasses, his tone very cheerful.

"I bet I won't be needed, Boss. So, I'll go to O City for a vacation."

Chen Hao sighed helplessly: "Mind your limits. I don't want to have to send someone to bail you out."

"Don't worry, Boss, my luck is always good," Aventurine confidently twirled the chip in his hand.

Chen Hao secretly chuckled, only Aventurine would dare to say that. If he really cleaned out all the major casinos in O City, the Corporation might have to enter the market prematurely.

Finally, Chen Hao briefly introduced the Corporation's main tasks at this stage. After all three indicated they had no issues, the meeting concluded pleasantly. Chen Hao returned to his loyal laboratory, and Aventurine found a single-person spaceship to head to Blue Star. Topaz and Ms. Emerald each went to their offices to arrange specific plans with their subordinates.

A week later, on a Blue Star night, fifteen sleek, pitch-black spaceships were neatly arranged in Pierpoint's dock, their streamlined armor gleaming with metallic luster under the cold lights. Ten of them, renamed as Corporal-class Corvettes, bore little resemblance to the original Imperial-class, with primary laser arrays added to their bows and two missile bays on their sides storing 120 miniature missiles.

Yes, miniature. They were about the size of a mineral water bottle, but capable of leveling a 50-meter reinforced concrete building within a 20-kilometer range.

As for the remaining five, named "Crossbow-class Corvettes," they were generally similar to the Corporal-class but with heavier firepower and equipped with small railguns. They sacrificed half of their cargo space for stronger defensive capabilities, although currently, there were no means on Blue Star that could force these ships to 'physically withstand damage.'

"Master, all ten Corporal-class and five Crossbow-class are completed. Each is equipped with nine Warriors and two sets of Xingtian Armor," Bronya's voice echoed in Chen Hao's bedroom. "All units have completed their Titan Corporation paint scheme."

Someone might ask, why use the Titan Corporation's emblem? That, of course, was for concealment. At Ms. Emerald's suggestion, Chen Hao decided to first use the Titan Corporation's name to establish a foothold as a PMC complex in the northern region of the Emerald Principality and begin subsequent plans. When the time was ripe, the Interstellar Peace Corporation would then appear in the public eye.

Chen Hao nodded, his gaze sweeping over the silent war machines in the projection. The Warriors had completed their final system debugging, their black and white armor etched with intricate honeycomb patterns, and the Titan Corporation emblem on their shoulder plates gleamed coldly under the lights.

Looking at the machines filled with violence and industrial aesthetics, a primal urge began to swell within him. Chen Hao lay down in the neural link pod. Cold sensor patches adhered to his temples, and his vision instantly switched to the perspective of the "Mu Yan" puppet.

The "Mu Yan" bionic puppet, technically similar to the 'Capsuleer' technology in EVE, allowed him to perceive Mu Yan's perspective in a synesthetic mode and control it at will. However, compared to 'Capsuleers,' the connection was more stable and safer.

When he opened his "eyes," he was standing in the hangar. Looking down, Mu Yan's mechanical fingers had distinct knuckles, and nano-muscle fibers were subtly visible beneath the bionic skin. This puppet adopted a standard male physique, with a stern facial contour and pale blue pupils, identical to those of the tactical goggles.

"Neural synchronization rate 98.7%, pain feedback adjusted to 15%," Ya Ya's voice directly entered his consciousness. "Master, would you like to test the combat module?"

Chen Hao (Mu Yan) raised his arm and threw a straight punch; the air was compressed, producing a slight pop.

"The power and control are both good," he evaluated, his voice emanating through the puppet's vocal cords, carrying a deep, resonant quality unique to machines.

"After all, it's configured to flip an armored vehicle with one hand ~" Bronya said with a giggle, "The Executive Department has been notified; they are waiting for Master to depart together."

"Let's go."

Ten minutes later, the Titan Corporation's five-person team was checking their equipment. Gideon was toying with a modified electromagnetic pistol. Seeing Chen Hao (Mu Yan) approach, he raised an eyebrow: "Boss, your new skin is pretty cool."

Ilona wiped her sniper rifle without looking up: "Much more reliable than a certain Commander who smiles all the time."

"Hey!" Gideon pointed indignantly at his smiling face. "That's called charisma!"

Chen Hao ignored their bickering: "Is everyone else ready?"

Ains re-checked the information on his tactical terminal. "The Executive Department is ready. Market Development Department agents were all in position five days ago. Ms. Emerald and Miss Topaz departed ten minutes ago with three Warrior squads."

Chen Hao nodded, truly worthy of Ten Stonehearts; their efficiency was high.

"Then, let us depart as well."

"Yes!"

As for why Chen Hao wanted to leave the space station and participate in the plan on the front lines, there was no other reason than to satisfy his hobby.

After all, what good man among boys could resist a scene of 'cannons firing and tanks charging'? Although a gentleman does not stand under a precarious wall, he had 'Mu Yan,' so there was no danger at all.