Upon uttering his name, Kreed was not subjected to further inquiries; instead, he was immediately fitted with a peculiar contraption resembling a backpack. Just as he was about to inquire about its purpose, his body became enveloped in a shimmering barrier, and in an instant, he was transported to the depths of the Nest.
Not far away stood a fortress.
With a cursory glance, Kreed observed that at least a thousand guards were stationed here, all clad in powered armor. Gazing at these languid soldiers, he mused that if he could equip his own troops with such armor, they would breach the enemy's defenses within twenty minutes.
"What are you doing?" Kreed approached a group of soldiers engaged in a game of cards, reprimanding them, "Are you mere civilians or warriors? Do you even remember your duties? You bunch of wretched swine!"
Initially startled by Kreed's rebuke, the soldiers soon realized he was not clad in powered armor and did not belong to Qin Mo's entourage.
"Get lost. A cheap piece of cannon fodder in flimsy armor has no right to address us," one soldier retorted dismissively, returning to his game.
Kreed was tempted to strike down the insolent soldier, but considering he was no longer in Cadia to discipline the White Shield recruits, he restrained himself.
"Usaka, E, Kreed."
Upon hearing his name called, Kreed turned to see a young man approaching. As the youth neared, the previously lethargic soldiers stood at attention.
"Qin Mo." Qin Mo halted before Kreed, stating, "No need for introductions; I learned your name from my subordinates."
Out of respect, Kreed immediately performed the Talon Salute, even though he was not obliged to do so, as the Star Realm Army and the Planetary Defense Force were not on equal footing. Yet, he was, after all, seeking assistance.
Qin Mo appraised Kreed, noting that apart from the absence of a cigar in his mouth, he bore an uncanny resemblance to the Kreed of the later days—youthful and formidable.
Qin Mo could hardly fathom that such a person would crash a transport ship into the lower Nest.
"Why haven't you gone to the Spire? Aren't you concerned we might be rebels?" Qin Mo inquired.
At this, Kreed surveyed the powered soldiers around him and shook his head. "You merely exhibit the laziness of the majority of the Planetary Defense Force. Compared to you, the troops at the Spire resemble true insurgents."
"Insight worthy of a strategist," Qin Mo nodded. "Now, tell me, what brings you here?"
Kreed then recounted his experiences and intentions, from the eighth regiment being dispatched to a desolate system to the destruction of their ship, the local governor assigning a single itinerant trader for their return, and their subsequent encounter with a subspace storm that forced them to seek assistance.
"I possess a communicator," Qin Mo stated, handing Kreed a device. "Contact your superiors and inform them that the situation at Talon Three is unclear. Regardless, Talon Two is overrun with rebels."
Kreed remained impassive; he did not fully trust Qin Mo's words and did not believe his comrades were in peril. Even if the planet was rife with enemies, he was confident in their ability to evacuate successfully.
"We currently lack the capacity to repair your ship; it will take at least five or six days," Qin Mo calculated. He anticipated that within a week, the orbital dock would be completed, as nearly all logistical machinery had been redirected there, and the constructed ultra-large material printing facilities would also participate in creating additional facilities.
"Thank you. We shall remember your generosity," Kreed replied.
"I can assist you in ship repairs and provide shelter, but I require you to do something in return," Qin Mo said, glancing at his soldiers.
These troops stood in a disheveled manner, embodying a certain beauty of the Planetary Defense Force.
At that moment, Kreed realized Qin Mo's request was to train his soldiers.
"I need you to help me establish military regulations and training protocols from scratch. I do not expect you to transform them into elite Cadia Assault Forces, but at the very least, they should strive in that direction and undergo a metamorphosis," Qin Mo stated.
The soldiers' lax discipline was not a recent issue; it had persisted for quite some time, even the commander of the 31st regiment, Albert, had been caught sneaking out at night.
Qin Mo had considered reorganizing his troops but ultimately abandoned the idea due to the overwhelming research he needed to undertake. Among his men, only Gray had received advanced military education, while others, due to Qin Mo's "enlightened" approach, were rushing to join his regiment.
Fortunately, these soldiers displayed competence in executing rapid assault tactics, as there had been no instances of desertion—only a lack of discipline.
"I need to report to my superior," Kreed did not immediately acquiesce.
In his heart, he questioned whether the individual before him truly had the capability to repair ships, as shipbuilding was not the same as constructing powered armor. Furthermore, the situation in other worlds might not be as filled with rebels as Qin Mo claimed.
To Kreed, life was akin to warfare; without sufficient intelligence, one could not devise the most suitable tactics.
"Very well," Qin Mo nodded.
Kreed intended to say more, but was promptly transported back from the lower Nest.
Upon returning to the transport ship, he discovered his men in a standoff with Qin Mo's forces.
This reaction was understandable; it was difficult for any soldier to witness their commander suddenly vanish without suspecting misfortune.
"Where did you go?" a soldier asked.
"I just experienced a marvelous adventure," Kreed exclaimed as he approached the transport, his subordinates trailing closely behind.
Once everyone boarded the transport ship, the pilot maneuvered the vessel into the air, departing from the Talon Nest and returning to the merchant vessel.
Kreed reported his experiences on Talon One to his superiors.
He articulated both the advantages he had witnessed and the potential dangers, including but not limited to the sight of all of Qin Mo's subordinates in powered armor and employing peculiar teleportation technology, which was likely unvetted by the Empire.
"Such circumstances are indeed highly suspect," the officer sighed. "However, we must proceed to the lower Nest."
"Why?" Kreed inquired.
"Because our forces have faced attacks on both Talon Two and Three. The situation on Talon Three is graver and more… depraved," the officer replied.
"Very well," Kreed conceded with a resigned nod.