The gray-green waves of the West Blue parted steadily before the Dark Bird Battleship's steel bow, leaving a long white wake. The sea breeze carried a salty tang into the bridge. After securing the allegiance of several smaller Marine Branches, Liu Bei headed toward the large X113 branch. He stood at the bow, the broad sleeves of his Dark Xuanduan Robe fluttering in the wind, calmly watching the outline of X113 emerge through the thin mist.
The Marine fortress, once a symbol of the World Government's authority here, now resembled a wounded, rust-covered steel beast, radiating wariness and unease beneath the gloomy sky. Several aging Marine warships lay moored in defensive formation inside the harbor, their gun muzzles still menacing. The checkpoints ashore had visibly tightened security. The Marines stationed there wore complicated expressions, their eyes holding a mixture of vigilance, bewilderment, and a barely perceptible weariness.
"Pacification Commissioner," the adjutant reported quietly, hurrying forward, "the X113 branch is on alert. Acting commander Commodore Bastille has signaled that our warship must anchor in the outer security zone. Only the Pacification Commissioner and a small escort will be permitted ashore after inspection."
Liu Bei nodded slightly, unsurprised by these precautions. "Do as they request. Inform all troops that no one is to act rashly without my orders." He knew well that the key to this mission was winning their allegiance, not conquering them. Any excessive action could drive them into a desperate fight to the death.
According to the intelligence Guo Jia had provided, Commodore Bastille of this branch was a man with a sense of justice, and the Marines he led were likewise a righteous force. He had long harbored some dissatisfaction with the World Government's actions, so this mission was to win over these righteous, passionate men.
The warship