The companies of the Scarlet Federation all had their shareholders contribute manpower and resources in conflicts with outside forces.
Although companies had their own armed forces, those forces were mainly used for minor disputes and public security.
In large-scale external wars, all forces came from the shareholders' private armed groups.
When these private armed forces gathered together, they were still assigned tasks separately.
Anything could happen during a war—ambushes and the like.
Valerie's father had been caught in an enemy ambush during an external war because he had advanced too rashly.
Li John had been in charge of a mobile force at the time, but rescue operations for mobile forces had priorities.
So Li John had not rescued Valerie's father immediately.
Valerie's father was killed in that war, without even being given a chance to pay ransom.
Thus, the two naturally became enemies. However, the company's subsequent investigation proved that Li John's decision had been correct.
With this kind of company-structured armed force, one had to bear the consequences of one's own mistakes.
Valerie's father had not even received company compensation because he had disobeyed the commander's orders.
If Valerie's father had been killed while following orders, he would have received substantial compensation.
Companies had their rules. If people did not obey orders even on the battlefield, what would the outcome be? Besides, there were deeper considerations. No one could say what certain people were really thinking.
Perhaps they had deliberately intended to disrupt the command rhythm.
As for the "fun" Valerie mentioned, there were many ways to play. But between enemies, force was generally the preferred choice.
It was somewhat like the duels of the Empire, except the Scarlet Federation's version was more brutal and vicious.
"Ha ha, looks like we're in for a show!"
"I've been bored stiff