Our old friend Ningdi Lingling-the Navy Minister, the niece of First Fleet Commander Ning Zhiyuan, the former colonial governor of Amat Eiro II, and the commander of the Second Fleet-served as operation commander for this order-restoration campaign.
She had previously overseen the invasion and colonization of Amat Eiro II, making her the perfect choice for the job.
Xi Yan promoted several young, hardworking employees of the Empire's institutions to serve as her aides, instructing them to accompany her and learn how to command the suppression of alien colonies and restore order.
This time, Ningdi Lingling's mission was to completely rebuild the colony of Sedal IV, with authorization to use any violent means necessary.
Commander Ning gladly accepted the assignment. She already had a plan in mind, thanks in no small part to Xi Yan's devious ideas.
Xi Yan had once spent several months thinking about how to make life miserable for aliens. He had plenty of good ideas.
As the Second Fleet sealed off the entire Sedal system, the construction overseer deployed an energy field in orbit. Like its predecessors, Sedal IV was finally locked down tight.
Even a passing Zirick Cooperative trade convoy intending to continue its normal business was stopped.
However, once the Zirick learned that humanity was preparing a large-scale campaign to suppress crime and restore order, they expressed their understanding and withdrew for the time being.
The Sedal system was the one Xi Yan had mentioned at the meeting to divide the spoils: a system on the borders of three nations, with Hyperlanes leading in every direction and extraordinarily prosperous trade.
As a comprehensive trading port, Sedal IV also had a diverse population, internal disorder, and a high crime rate.
From its inception, M'tok had gone all out developing trade and trade services, leaving the planet