Chapter 265
Upon hearing this, a muffled sound came from inside the Patriot's Antler Helmet:
"Can't we skip the guerrillas?"
"..."
In an instant, the meeting room fell silent.
This blatant act of dissent was truly a slap in the face to the leader. The cadres dared not easily get involved, and all lowered their heads, remaining silent.
Talulah had anticipated this; the strategic differences between the two sides had been brewing for some time.
"If you value the reputation of the guerrillas, you can choose not to enter Chernobyl. However, you will still need to mobilize all your forces to hold off the Ursus Army Group stationed outside the city. As long as they do not move, the guerrillas can remain still. Afterwards, we will give the guerrillas 20% of the profits as compensation for holding back the army group."
Even though Talulah agreed to the Inner Guards's suggestion, she was still worried about Pincer Attack by the army group after entering the city.
With the Patriot's guerrillas now in charge of blocking them, security has greatly improved. The military police and barracks in the city alone are no match for the Rhodes Island.
Broca paused for a moment, then replied:
"Make a deal."
He was unwilling to enter Chernobyl because he didn't want his subordinates to commit indiscriminate killings. This guerrilla force would one day have to swear allegiance to Zhongli. If they were to be tainted here, it would be a case of penny-wise and pound-foolish.
However, at the same time, Broca was also very interested in the supplies in Chernobyl.
Last time, thanks to Zhongli, they managed to buy enough supplies to last until winter at a reasonable price. However, the guerrillas are now completely broke. If they fail to acquire anything in this operation, they will be in dire straits after the New Year.
It has to be said that searching for supplies in the city before the Catastrophe is a good, harmless method. But Broca felt that things weren't that simple.
Talulah spends all her time in Schuratzburg City, so where did she get the information? Who gave her the information?
Could the whole operation be a trap?
He had too many things to consider, so he wouldn't easily let the guerrillas put themselves in danger.
"Alright, then it's decided. Any other cadres, do you have any questions?"
Seeing that no one asked any questions, Talulah nodded to herself, seeking everyone's opinion:
"I will not force anyone to go to Chernobyl. If anyone does not want to go, they can say so now, and I will leave them here to guard the city."
Staying in the rear meant not receiving many supplies, and without supplies, they were easily swallowed up by other cadres. So this time, no one raised their hand, choosing silence as their answer.
"That's all? Okay, then today's operational meeting is over. Everyone, please disperse."
Upon hearing this, the officials present left in twos and threes. Several officials, after leaving the city hall, did not return to their respective jurisdictions, but instead gathered in a secluded corner to complain about today's action plan.
"Damn it, who the Talulah? Why is she giving the supplies we looted to the guerrillas?"
"That's right. We risked our lives to scavenge for supplies in the city, and we were constantly at risk of being caught in Catastrophe. She's so generous, giving us 20% of the profits right away. Those army lords are very afraid of their lives. Who the hell would come to the city to die with us for no reason? Their guerrillas seem dangerous, but they can actually get the profits for free without doing anything."
"That big bastard Talulah used us as charity just to curry favor. Forget 20%, I'd even think 10% is too much. Damn, I even wanted to volunteer to keep an eye on the army group back then, it's just so damn unfair."
"Ha, fair? Do you think Talulah is a qualified leader? To put it bluntly, she's just an impulsive Eldest Daughter. Can someone like that really lead the Infected to rise up?"
"You mean..."
"If you ask me, it's better to rely on ourselves than on others! Relying on that useless Talulah is pointless! If we can gather enough resources, we can completely set up our own operation."
"This... isn't this a bit inappropriate? After all, Talulah and the Patriot's strength is undeniable."
"What a joke! So what if they have strength? Look at the Patriot, they're always slacking off. Have they ever done anything productive? They don't come to siege cities or loot, they just wait to pick up the spoils. They've made such a big fuss this time, they're bound to become the target of everyone's criticism. Don't worry, that saintly Talulah will never blame us for leaving the Rhodes Island."
The discontent of some Rhodes Island cadres towards Talulah and their pent-up resentment towards the Patriot, like pine cones buried under snow, quietly erupted.
November 10, 1096.
Sargon.
After a 72-hour operation, Doctor Kal'tsit saved Rain from the brink of death.
The Operator participating in the Doctor's rescue operation have basically been assembled.
The This Ship is moving at full speed through the wasteland, aiming to reach Chernobyl by the end of December.
Spot, a heavy armored Operator from Sargon who was assigned to Operation Reserve Group A6, asked Captain Zilan:
"Captain, I have a question after reviewing the rescue plan. What would happen if the Chernobyl plots weren't completely separated?"
"This will likely lengthen the retreat distance for E1 Squad, increasing unpredictability and retreat time. To minimize losses, the mayor of Chernobyl will definitely split the land. The probability of this happening is too low; we won't encounter it."
Whether it's a storm unleashed by Catastrophe or a storm of human conflict, it will eventually ignite on this land.
A new storm is brewing.
— Volume One, Leisurely Wanderings in the Mortal World, The End.
Genshin Impact Limited-Time Artwork. jpg
★ Volume Two: Governing the Mortal World ★
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December 15, 1096.
Tens of thousands of infected people traveled a long distance from Schuratzburg City, bypassing other Mobile Cities within Ursus, and arrived in Chernobyl.
Although Talulah agreed to cooperate with the Inner Guards, she didn't quite trust the group. Therefore, this expedition would focus on a steady, gradual approach.
Before entering the city, she first dispatched the 'Crownslayer,' the most stealthy cadre among the Rhodes Island's officers.
He personally led a special operations team deep Chernobyl the Core City of Chernobog. Taking advantage of the reduced number of military police and civilian guards in the city, they seized the terminal Signal Tower.
Taking this place would prevent the separation of the various plots of land within the city. Furthermore, it would allow them to use the Signal Tower to block all communication equipment within the city limits.
Since the Reunion Rhodes Island doesn't have Walkie-Talkie anyway, let's all just stop using them and start from the same point again.
Admittedly, preventing the land from separating will lengthen the retreat route. However, if an attack occurs suddenly after entering the city, there will be more room to maneuver with the enemy.
On the morning of the 16th, the Crownslayer returned to camp alone to report.
At this time, the tent contained not only Talulah, but also all the officers except Patriot.
"Leader, those military police and armed police stationed there are far too weak. We captured the terminal Signal Tower without lifting a finger, and we are just waiting for you to come and take charge."
Talulah wasn't too concerned about the terminal Signal Tower; she was more interested in whether that batch of supplies even existed.
"What about plot A7? Has anyone been sent to inspect it?"
"We went there, and there was indeed a lot of food. However, the warehouse door was badly damaged and couldn't be opened. We all went in through the window and climbed out over the wall."
"That's not a problem. I can burn open the warehouse door with flames, as long as the supplies inside are there."
As for why Talulah knew about the military supplies in Plot A7, no officer dared to ask. Perhaps a former noble friend of the leader secretly provided assistance?
"Gentlemen."
Talulah cleared her throat, took out a map of Chernobyl, spread it on the ground, and said seriously:
"Our mission today is to occupy the outskirts of Chernobyl and transport military supplies from plot A7 out of the city. I will be stationed at the terminal Signal Tower, and you will be responsible for the surrounding plots in coordination."
The cadres had no objections and responded in unison:
"Yes!"
"Mephisto, you are in charge of the area around Peterheim Middle School. Big Bob's team will take the plot to your right, and W's Sarkaz squad will take the plot to your left. Please make sure you check carefully and don't let the Ursus Army Group operate under your nose. Report to me immediately if you find anything."
A young boy named Liberi Boli, who appeared to be underage with white hair and green eyes, politely praised him upon hearing this:
"Leader, this is truly a wise decision."
Talulah glanced at Mephisto but didn't reply. Her gaze passed right through him, landing on the silent long-range sniper in the corner, clutching his ballista.
"FrostNova, I know you have a good personal relationship with Mephisto. But this is a battlefield, not a game. You need to spend more time on Big Bob's territory to make up for their slow movement."
Talulah wasn't worried about W's Sarkaz squad at all. Although the squad only had about a hundred members, most of them were mercenaries who had lived on the edge of death.
In terms of overall battlefield strength, it was second only to the guerrillas trained by the Patriot in the Rhodes Island.
FrostNova spoke little, holding the crossbow that was almost as tall as him, and said succinctly:
"Good."
Next, Talulah assigned plots of land to the remaining officers who were waiting in line.
Stronger cadres tend to be assigned more lucrative plots of land in the city center, while those with relatively weaker abilities are relegated to peripheral plots with only scraps.
Do you have any other questions?
Seeing the cadres shaking their heads, Talulah was very satisfied:
"The supplies I sent to transport today from plot A7 will be taken with us when we leave. If anyone dares to covet these supplies, don't blame me for being ruthless!"
Furthermore, the Rhodes Island will officially launch its offensive on the city in the early hours of the 23rd. During this period, you are responsible for handling matters within your respective areas; you do not need to consult me.
Spend a few days maximizing the value of the occupied land. If unforeseen circumstances En route, as long as you don't venture too deep into the city center, you'll have a chance to escape unscathed.
"Yes, leader!"
Most officials were waiting for that last sentence.
Everyone who joins the Rhodes Island isn't just fighting for the future of the Infected; they also need to eat meat. Only Talulah generously grants them enough autonomy can they do whatever they want within the occupied territories.
Alina frowned slightly upon hearing this.
Considering that there were many cadres present, raising objections would offend her friend, so she refrained from speaking up.
After the officers had all left, Talulah prepared to head to the terminal command tower to take command. Seeing that Alina hadn't left, she asked curiously:
Is there anything else you want to tell me?
"Talulah, Chernobyl is not the property of Rhodes Island. What if you let them run rampant and they harm innocent civilians?"
Alina had hoped that reasoning with her friend would change her mind. However, Talulah's next words were like a bucket of cold water poured over her:
"Ha, innocent? Don't forget how those villagers framed Grandpa Ivan. And how those black bugs from the Enforcement Team killed him? Alina, are there any innocent non-infected people left in Ursus?"
"..."
Alina could hardly refute this point.
The once kind and simple villagers, the villagers who watched him grow up, all changed their attitudes drastically after discovering that Grandpa Ivan, who was harboring Talulah, was infected.
They loathe, they spit on.
It seems that having Originium-related illness is a serious crime.
Alina felt incredibly heavy-hearted because she couldn't defend the good people who weren't infected.
Those villagers who were initially thought to be good people turned against them at a certain moment. In order to survive, they did not hesitate to betray the kind people they had known for many years.
Seeing Alina lower her head and remain silent, Talulah believed she would understand sooner or later. What kind of cruel fate awaits the infected on this land?
As the logistics minister of the Rhodes Island, one should speak up for compatriots who are still suffering, rather than being overly compassionate and speaking up for those who are not infected.
Alina stared at her toes, her mind in turmoil. Finally, she mustered her courage and suggested again:
"But... I still think it's not a good thing to let those officials act recklessly."
After capturing Schuratzburg City, she participated in the deportation of non-infected individuals. She witnessed some of the officers committing incredibly brutal acts against them.
"Alright, Alina."
Talulah's tone softened, and she was unwilling to dwell on the topic any longer:
"These things alone won't convince me. These Ursus people are rotten to the core."
After saying that, she turned and left.
Seeing that the other person was about to leave the tent, Alina clenched her fists and asked in return:
"Aren't you just going to ignore it completely?"
Talulah stopped and turned back to look at her good friend who had helped her found the Rhodes Island. For a moment, she felt that Alina was stagnant and beginning to fall behind her.
"I'm about to head to the terminal Signal Tower. Please take care of the logistics."
Talulah did not give a direct response, but sometimes not giving a direct answer is an answer in itself.