Chapter 14 - Chief of Staff Kataliya

Chapter 14: Chief of Staff Kataliya“Beep beep~”

The holographic wristband rang once again. Lin Zhichen looked down; it was another call from the Earth Federation Government.

“Connect,” Lin Zhichen said, his eyes flickering. His sharp psionic intuition gave him a sense of anticipation, like the moment before a prize is announced.

The holographic communicator activated, and a life-sized man in military uniform appeared in the cabin. After scanning the room, his gaze settled on Lin Zhichen. He saluted solemnly and said:

“Commander, Chief of Staff of the Fifth Fleet, Kataliya, reporting to you!”

Kataliya’s appearance was similar to that of a Caucasian on Earth, with a high nose bridge, blue eyes, and a head full of brown hair.

“Welcome!” Lin Zhichen said in surprise. “The Fifth Fleet has just been established, and we don’t even have a single starship yet. I didn’t expect the Chief of Staff to arrive so quickly.”

“Wherever Earth is, that’s where my duty lies!” Kataliya said solemnly. “Commander, please allow me to report on the preliminary preparations…”

Lin Zhichen waved his hand, interrupting him. “When it comes to the formation and command of the fleet, you are the expert. I’m just a figurehead. The related work will be led by you.”

At this critical moment when the new administrative star was integrating into the Federation family, the entire Federation government was watching closely. Since he did not intend to enter the system, he naturally would not interfere, to avoid displeasing both sides. He believed that no one would covet the benefits he deserved at this time.

Sure enough, upon hearing this, a look of appreciation flashed in Kataliya’s eyes. A smart person is smart because they know what they want and therefore do not do unnecessary things. Although it was their first meeting, he felt a bit of goodwill towards his future partner.

“Commander, the Federation military recently sent over a routine survey. I am now representing the Federation Military Department to make some necessary inquiries. Please rest assured, the Federation will not infringe upon anyone’s private property. This is a sacred right granted by the Federation Constitution!” Kataliya said solemnly.

Lin Zhichen raised an eyebrow, already knowing what the other party wanted to ask. “Go ahead and ask.”

Kataliya: “Commander, may I ask if the Seagull-class Frigate I you are currently piloting completed its psionic transformation approximately two hours ago?”

“Yes, I was fortunate enough to receive a treasure bestowed by the universe. The ‘Qinyuan’ is the best partner,” Lin Zhichen replied.

“Commander, does the ‘Qinyuan’ psionic warship possess the psionic skill Spatial Jump? Could you specify its attributes?”

“Yes,” Lin Zhichen answered. “It consumes 20 psionic points per jump, allowing for a spatial jump within a 10-light-year range, with a cooldown time of one hour.”

“Understood, the inquiry is concluded,” Kataliya relaxed. “Congratulations, Commander, you have gained an excellent combat partner! Relax, Commander, this is just a routine inquiry, although such opportunities are rare.”

“So quickly?” Lin Zhichen was taken aback.

“Of course, the ‘Qinyuan’ is just a frigate. It may be very important for the solar system, but it doesn’t affect the current situation of the Federation,” Kataliya shrugged.

“Of course, there will be some impact. You will soon receive some conveniences from the military. Don’t hesitate to use them; this is standard practice to ensure that the potential of every psionic warship is not wasted.”

“I understand,” Lin Zhichen nodded.

“Commander, as a member of the Federation military, you should enjoy the privileges you are entitled to. These special privileges include two aspects.” While speaking, Kataliya operated on his holographic wristband, sending a wave of information directly to Lin Zhichen’s inbox:

“One aspect is the Earth military’s mission release system. Some tasks aimed at the general public will be published there. Before these tasks are released, as one of the only five fleet commanders of the Defense Directorate, you have the right to review them in advance!

The other aspect is the military’s internal exchange system, where you can exchange for various blueprints and construction materials, including those for Titans, but it requires military merit.” Sᴇaʀch* Thᴇ ɴøvᴇl_Firᴇ.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

Lin Zhichen felt a stir in his heart. Indeed, only smart people had more opportunities. While it was said that these were the rights of a fleet commander, if Kataliya had delayed for a while or used other excuses, it could have hindered his development.

Being assigned to a brand-new administrative star to form a new fleet and getting such a lucrative opportunity, it was clear that the Chief of Staff in front of him held a significant position within the Federation.

“Very well, my Chief of Staff, I believe we will have a mutually satisfactory working relationship ahead!”

After a brief conversation, Kataliya tactfully ended the communication.

At this moment, the people in the room exchanged glances, smiles spreading across their faces.

“I just noticed that according to my privileges, I can place orders at the Federation military’s shipyard with priority, allowing us to skip the queue,” Lin Zhichen said with a smile.

“And, the ship prices come with a 20% discount!”

“Hooray!” Wei Peng cheered. “Big brother, we’re going to be rich!”

Not to mention, at this price, buying ships and selling them at a 10% markup could make a fortune!

Of course, such actions would be unethical and could attract the scrutiny of the inspection department. There were many ways to make money, and it wasn’t worth doing something like that.

Opening the Federation military’s directly managed shipyard, Lin Zhichen took out the blueprints and directly ordered two frigates. The small laser cannons originally intended to be installed on the ships were not used, making the factory price even cheaper than the market price.

“Excluding the blueprints, the military’s frigates cost 360 energy credits each after the discount. Two of them would be 720. If we sell this large electromagnetic railgun, we can pay for them in full right now!” Lin Zhichen said with a smile as he proceeded to sell the spoils of war.

Including one large electromagnetic railgun, two small red laser cannons, and one small electromagnetic railgun, Lin Zhichen casually sold them to the market.

These basic weapons had the greatest advantage of being cheap, and the number dropped by wild monsters every day was not insignificant.

Soon, a cargo vehicle sent a communication, docked at the port, and took away the cannons.

Meanwhile, a sum of 283.5 energy credits was credited to the account.

Adding the friendly sponsorship from Kadier Rockefeller, after deducting the shipbuilding costs, there were still 63.5 energy credits left, enough for a comprehensive resupply.

“According to the information from the shipyard, our warships will arrive at the port in about two days. The position of Earth Defense Fleet Commander greatly enhances the priority for shipbuilding!” Lin Zhichen said.

“So fast?” The others were stunned. What kind of priority was this that could compress a one-month shipbuilding period into two days?

The Federation Government’s shipyards had strict regulations on the construction sequence, with certain tasks having priority. Even orders placed later could be moved to the front of the line. His frigates fell into this category.