Shadow Empire

Chapter 639: Stationing and Marriage

Admiral Miles stood on the side of the ship, feeling the wind and looking at the bustling city of Golden Port. This was the busiest port he had ever been stationed in since he joined the navy.

The children will surely be very happy!
A large speaker on the dock not far away was playing cheerful songs and someone was talking.

He was a little far away, and the sea breeze blew away the sounds, so he couldn't hear them completely, but they must have been good words.

The surging crowd also made him very happy, which would be a good start.

He was looking forward to the activities Lance had arranged for him.

Thinking of this, a smile appeared on the corner of his mouth, even though he was a general and admiral.

He also has his own joys and sorrows.

Unlike those political families, life for military families is not so easy and is somewhat tight.

Many people believe that this is an important opportunity, an opportunity for the military to rise. They can use this war to gain more power, a higher status, and their future lives will be better.

His liaison officer came over from a distance, saluted first, and then talked about the next itinerary arrangements.

In fact, according to the Ministry of National Defense, they docked the warship at the Xingang Pier, and then the naval soldiers went to the barracks, and that was the end of it.

At that time, let Admiral Miles find two colonels to attend some public social activities to appease the emotions of the people and capitalists of Jingang City, and they can act freely.

But Lance made a small suggestion. He suggested that he should organize a welcoming ceremony.

The purpose of the welcoming ceremony was, on the one hand, to let the soldiers know that the people of Jingang City loved them and would not be disgusted by their arrival.

On the other hand, it was also done for the people of Jingang City to see, so that they would understand that the army is not as bad as some people imagine.

Admiral Miles agreed to the proposal after thinking about it.

The other warships and soldiers will all come according to the previous plan, but the warship he is on will be at berth number one.

That place is relatively close to the shore, so even if some people cannot appear on the dock, they can still see what is happening from the outside.

Listening to the liaison officer's arrangements, he nodded continuously, then stood up and straightened his clothes.

We are almost reaching the shore.

The moment the huge warship docked, it was like a small mountain crashing into it.

Many people from all walks of life who were invited felt oppressed when facing the giant ship. They held their breath, watched the shadow gradually cover them, and dared not make a sound.

As the warship slowly came to a stop, people finally breathed a sigh of relief.

"I almost thought it would drive onto the dock!" someone exaggeratedly expressed his emotions just now.

Others echoed.

For people living in peacetime, who can see a warship so close?
Or such a big warship?

At this time, the host on the loudspeaker on the dock began to introduce the battleship, the soldiers on it and the most important person, Admiral Miles.

The host seemed to know a lot about these things. His boasting made the soldiers on the deck blush. They didn't know what to say and were at a loss with their faces flushed.

The exaggerations were too outrageous, like "a target the size of a washbasin can be concentrated 20 kilometers away" and so on. The naval soldiers were all very curious about how this person had the nerve to say such things?
But it is undeniable that all this boasting makes them feel light and airy, as if they are walking on clouds.

Moreover, the people watching below really didn't understand anything. They kept exclaiming along with the exaggerated introduction on the loudspeaker, which also satisfied the vanity of many soldiers.

After all, we are all young people, who doesn't have a little vanity?

When the introduction was almost over and the loudspeaker said "Let us welcome our warriors...", the officer asked them to start moving towards the gangway.

As the gangway was lowered, some sailors in neat uniforms came down from the ship. They actually didn't know what was going to happen, they were just asked to make this trip.

There were many reporters and people from all walks of life at the scene. The moment the first pair of soldiers stepped on the ground, the flash lights lit up instantly.

Accompanied by majestic and stirring music, this scene at this moment has important historical value.

At the same time, two young girls in long skirts, holding bouquets in their hands, held the arms of the first two soldiers who came down and led them forward.

The soldiers' faces were full of surprise. They were absolutely delighted to be able to get so close to these girls who might not be very beautiful but definitely smelled very good!

Then came the second team of soldiers and their girls. People took the initiative to make room for them. The soldiers, smiling, stood on the space with the girls beside them, lined up, and waited for the next step to come.

After the soldiers and officers came underground, Admiral Miles appeared on the gangway.

As Lance nodded slightly, the host began to brag about Admiral Miles' past achievements, such as his arduous struggle, his determination to reform the navy, and his conspiracy to severely damage pirates...

Even though Admiral Miles felt that his old face was thick enough, it still felt a little hot at this moment.

"This bastard!", he cursed with a smile, then raised his head and asked the liaison officer to straighten his collar.

When the broadcasting loudspeaker announced, "Let's welcome our hero Admiral Miles with warm applause...", he walked from the deck to the side of the ship, stood there for a while, and then walked down the gangway amid warm applause.

This was a markedly different arrangement, for those soldiers were merely warriors, but he was a hero.

He liked the wording and had a reserved smile on his face. He was very satisfied with this arrangement.

The music, the radio, the surrounding crowd, people's respectful looks, everything made him feel that he was respected.

When he walked to the gangway and was mentally prepared for a girl to come over, suddenly a cute little girl holding a beautiful wreath ran over from a distance.

"Grandpa Miles, Golden Harbor welcomes you!"

The little girl held the wreath high, but it could only touch his waist. After a brief moment of surprise, Admiral Miles bent down, reached out and picked up the little girl, and let the little girl put the wreath on him.

The little girl even kissed him on the face, and he couldn't help but smile very obviously. He had been planning to put the little girl down, but because of the kiss, he held her for a little longer.

This heartwarming scene was faithfully recorded by many cameras and will appear on the front page of tomorrow's news.

They would probably give it a title like "A Tough Guy with a Tender Heart" to make the arrival of the navy seem less scary.

It was not until a woman stood not far away that the little girl hugged Admiral Miles again, "Mom is there..."

Admiral Miles immediately put the little girl down, and then the reporters gathered around.

Everyone knew that they did not want to offend Admiral Miles or ask him any random questions that might embarrass him.

Once the war really breaks out, it is hard to say who has the final say in this city.

They don't want to offend a possible future real ruler just because they want to get some unique news material.

Those local celebrities who were invited to attend also gathered together.

What followed was a "political show". He stood in the crowd with a microphone, talking about his and the soldiers' determination to do everything to protect the federal homeland security, people's safety, and property safety!

A grand, lively and successful welcome party!
It takes less than twenty minutes to drive from Newport Pier to the naval base. The road is smooth and Mayor Williams has made temporary adjustments. Ordinary vehicles are not allowed to enter this road, which is specially prepared for the military.

Sitting in the car, Admiral Miles took off the wreath, but instead of throwing it away, he handed it to his adjutant and asked him to keep it safe.

He planned to hang the wreath in his office, and asked Lance for a photo of a little girl presenting him with the wreath.

"Your style of doing things is very unique, but it is undeniable that you are likable, Lance." Admiral Miles praised Lance sincerely. This was the most interesting welcome event he had ever seen.

But he had to say that he thought the effect was very good, especially when the beautiful little girl presented him with a wreath, he felt sublime!
The soldiers were also very happy. Although they stood in the open space for a while, the charming fragrance emanating from the girls beside them made them willing to stand there a little longer.

The warships and neatly-organized soldiers promoted the strength of the navy, and his contact with the little girl told people that the navy's fist was only for the outside world. This was not just a simple welcoming ceremony, but also a kind of propaganda.

Lance smiled and said modestly, "We hope that Jingang City will be good, and we hope that the Federation will be good. This is our common wish and goal, so we can get along well."

Miles affirmed his statement, "Yes, our ultimate goals are the same."

Soon military vehicles drove into the base and the soldiers were given a brief opportunity to move freely. They were full of curiosity about this new base.

Before, they were stationed in a small port in the north. There were only a few people in the supporting city, and it was difficult for them to find fun in the city whether it was summer or winter.

Some people say that being a soldier is like being in prison. Not only do you lose your freedom, but you also have to participate in various military trainings frequently.

Every soldier seemed very excited to be able to come to Jingang City this time.

On the way here, they have already seen the differences of this big city, but they need to explore the specific differences on their own.

In any case, they are satisfied with the current changes, or at least they don't hate them.

The welcoming ceremony was held near noon in the morning, which was exactly lunch time. When Admiral Miles arrived, lunch officially began.

The soldiers' food is very good, and the officers have their own separate dining area.

Of course they can also eat in the soldiers' restaurant, it doesn't make any difference.

Admiral Miles ordered a lunch for an ordinary soldier and tasted it. The ingredients were very fresh. They did not use vegetables that could not be sold in the market in order to leave enough profit margin.

Including beef sausage, they all taste very delicious, and the sausages they are made into add some special flavor that is not disgusting.

After he inspected the base, he returned to his own headquarters office and everything became quiet.

Neither of them spoke, both were thinking about what happened in the morning and processing it in their brains.

After a while, Lance spoke up, "We haven't known each other for long, so you may not really know me yet."

"I am a person who likes to make friends and I am not that stingy. I believe you will discover this as we spend more time together."

Lance took out a check from his pocket, put it on the table, and pushed it over. "As a new friend, I know you may need money a lot recently, so I will settle the first month's fee with you."

He gestured to Admiral Miles, who hesitated for a few seconds and then took the check.

His pupils dilated slightly, then he nodded, and the smile on his face became natural and genuine, "I can see that!"

One million, transfer check, he can exchange the check directly into a promissory note at a designated bank, and then cash it at a bank in another city, or of course he can keep it in one of his own accounts.

When the rank of an official or officer rises to a certain level, whether this person has committed a crime and how serious the crime is does not depend on what he actually did.

What actually determines all this is whether he wins or loses in the internal struggle.

A failed official may even lose his job for taking a pair of high-end scissors worth one dollar from the office, but a victorious official will still be an excellent official with no problems even if his account is filled with huge amounts of cash that he himself cannot even explain the origin of!

So Lance generously gave the one million to Admiral Miles by means of a transfer check.

Admiral Miles was also very satisfied with this number, as it was indeed time for him to spend money.

"I can already feel through these few things that you are reassuring in what you do."

"If you have any problems in the future, you can contact my adjutant directly. If he can't solve it, come to me."

"Likewise, if I need anything, I'll come to you."

This was an affirmation of Lance. Lance nodded and raised the coffee cup in his hand. "Long live everlasting friendship."

The sentence sounded a bit strange to read, but Admiral Mars didn't do anything. He just smiled and raised his coffee cup and clinked it with Lance.

Things became much simpler after that. The area around the naval base was cleared and designated as a military base. Places further away started to become lively.

In fact, many people are well aware that it is impossible for 100,000 high-income people not to consume in such a glamorous city, so some small vendors have begun to sell the goods they brought on the roadside.

Of course, there were also some girls who were dressed up and standing on the roadside waiting for customers.

The arrival of the navy at the port was a big event, and the news was reported in the next day's "Golden Port Today", which naturally also published a photo of Admiral Mars holding a little girl and being kissed on the cheek by the little girl.

Perhaps because some propaganda work was done well, or perhaps because of people's anxiety and fear about the war, the arrival of the troops did not trigger some marches, demonstrations and protests as some people imagined.

Everything transitioned smoothly, from the power in City Hall to the soldiers on the military base.

As the temperature in Jingang City began to drop, Lance and Patricia's wedding was put on the agenda, and the Holy Farmer's Day was also approaching.

The people of the Federation still have deep feelings for the Holy Farmer's Day. Although there are still a few days to go, many celebratory items with the theme of the Holy Farmer's Day have already appeared on the streets.

After the Feast of the Holy Farmer, Lance and Patricia's wedding will be held. If the time is moved back, the weather will get completely cold and it will not be so convenient to get married.

So the third day after the Holy Farmer's Day, which is December 28th, is their wedding.

They will have a family wedding at Lawrence Farm first, and then a wedding in the city with other guests.

One wedding, twice.

On the one hand, the elderly people in Lawrence's family are already old, and traveling long distances is not an easy thing for them.

On the other hand, if we count Patricia’s relatives, there would be too many people, and some of them might not be able to come to Jingang City.

It would be better to get the matter done while they are gathering on the Holy Farmer's Day.

This was Lance's second time at Lawrence Farm, and the three old men liked him quite a bit.

It wasn't because they thought Lance was so handsome, or because of Patricia.

Although Patricia grew up on a farm, the landowners had so many children that they often transferred things that happened to one person to another.

The reason they liked Lance was that he made a lot of money for the farm.

Money is the core reason why Lance is so popular.

Of course, even if he had no money, he would still be popular, but he certainly wouldn't be this popular.

"We have already contacted the surrounding farms and they will deliver the materials directly to us."

"Then we turn it into liquid gold and ship it to you."

"Lance, your presence has changed a lot!"

The three old men took him to visit the huge winery inside the farm, which was several huge factory buildings connected together.

It was not underground or in the valley, but right in the center of the farm.

But it's safe.

It is at least ten kilometers from the outside to here. Cowboys carrying shotguns can be seen everywhere on this road. They are all members of the family, or cowboys who live nearby and have worked for the Lawrence family for generations.

Whenever necessary, they can pull the trigger without hesitation.

It doesn't matter if they're pointing their guns at robbers or prohibition agents from the Hazmat Bureau.

This is also one of the reasons why the federal government has weak control over local areas. There are such influential family forces everywhere, and the fact that they allow each state to be autonomous does not show how enlightened the masters in Congress are.

Just because they really can't control the situation below!
(End of this chapter)