Chapter 668: Retired

Chapter 668: Retired

The welcome party slowly winded down and after the majority of the guests had departed, a tired Sherene carried Coa up to the bedroom to rest. Blake left the bedroom after ensuring Sherene and Coa had fallen asleep and made his way to his study. The waiting officers stood up when he entered and waited for Blake to sit down behind his desk before they took their seats once more.

"Sir, is it true you intend to retire?" Chief of Air Force, Commander Tommy unable to keep his silence anymore, asked. His once youthful looks had now matured over time under the weight of command, making him look older than his actual age.

"Yes," Blake nodded as he accepted a glass of local spirits from Commander Ford. "I have decided to retire to spend time with my family. Ford will take over as Captain and commander in chief of the UN territories here, effective immediately."

Seeing the disappointment in his officers, Blake sighed and added, "I of course will still be around if you wish to consult me on any matters. As long it is in my capability to do so, I will help as much as I can."

"I have full confidence in Ford's ability to run the UN," Blake continued. "After all he has been the one holding the UN together after... my... illness... I am very sure he will continue to do a good job at leading the UN."

"As before, continue to support Ford to the best of your abilities," Blake added. "We are now no longer just the crew of the UNS Singapore, but a nation. A whole nation of people is counting on us, on you, to lead them into the future."

"I am very proud of you all," Blake stood up and gave a salute to everyone. "You all have gone far and beyond your duty!"

The officers saluted back and settled down after Blake reassured them once more. After a few drinks, the officers bid farewell and departed to return to their residences. Blake gestured to Ford to stay behind and once they were alone, he said, "Ford, think of this promotion as both a punishment and reward."

Ford nodded as he understood the meaning behind Blake's words. Blake continued as if he didn't notice his nod, "Punishment for failing to ensure the Princess's protection... You will have to make sure the UN thrives in this world and prep the military against the Old World forces if there is a day when total war breaks out between the two continents."

"As for the reward," Blake patted Ford's shoulder and from the side drawer of his desk, he took out a pair of ranks tabs and handed it over, "Congratulations, you just made Captain!"

"It is a tradition that a superior hands over his former rank tabs to his XO when he gets promoted," Blake explained as he helped removed Ford's rank from his shoulders and pinned up the new rank tabs. He stepped back and saluted Ford, "Captain Kevin Ford."

"Thank you, sir!" Ford saluted back. He did not expect the promotion as it normally would require a four panel committee of Captains or Admirals to review and promote a naval officer to Captain. Blake had broken the tradition and directly promoted him instead.

"Well, this promotion might not hold with UNM naval standards, if we ever get back to Terran space..." Blake admitted. "But here, you now hold the highest command authority. I expect nothing but the best from you."

"Rise, my loyal minsters," The Eternal Emperor spoke in a sing song voice.

As the ministers and officials rose to their feet, the flames of candles and incense smoke in front of them barely moved and the Eternal Emperor gave a satisfied nod. The lit candles and incenses were a form of detection of murderous intent. It was said that one could sense killing intent with the array of candles and incense and it became one of many methods of the Eternal Emperor to prevent assassinations.

"We gathered you here to discuss the current situation that is happening to the other nations..." The Eternal Emperor said. "This situation worries us greatly!"

"Your Majesty," A valiant looking general stepped fore and clasped his fists together in salute as he spoke. "Our forces have been massed along the borders in preparation for war."

"Give us your command and we will lead our troops to victory against those uncultured barbarians!" Another general stepped forward and said. "

"Your Majesty, we must not act in haste!" A civil minister hurried spoke out. "We should let them fight among themselves and conserve our strength instead."

"We have an agreement with the Dragons!" Another minister said. "They are asking for help, should we bring dishonour to our word?"

"That treaty is only against the barbarians of the Iron Kingdom!" The ministers started arguing. "Fighting against those crazed religious fanatics is not part of the treaty!"

"The Protectorate poises a great threat to the world," Another general pointed out. "They must be destroyed to the last child or they will grow like a blight to threaten the world!"

"The affairs of the barbarians are not our business to interfere," A minister added. "With or without them, our Great Suugon Dynasty still grows strong and prosperous!"

"Enough!" The Eternal Emperor suddenly spoke and immediately, the gathered ministers and officials bowed toward the Emperor. "Double our troops at the borders and have them be ready for war."

"As for the Dragons... Continue to observe them," The Eternal Emperor ordered. "Only offer our aid when they have reached their end! The Dragons must come under our control!"

"With the blood of the Dragons, the Suugon Dynasty will reign eternally!" The ministers and officials chorused.

"With the Eastern barbarians at each other throats, we shall reap the rewards once they are exhausted!"