In the outer orbit of Planet Golden Gate, a satellite resembling a steel fortress is orbiting.
This is now the headquarters of the Black Star Army, relocated from the surface of Planet Golden Gate and transformed into a mobile satellite fortress, its area many times larger and its various functional facilities more abundant.
The satellite's interior is the main body of the base, similar to a space station like the Juberly Hub, while the surface is covered with defense facilities and port access.
It took Han Xiao three years to transform most of the base into a satellite fortress. Although the cost was high, he was now rich and didn't care about the expense.
At this moment, inside the base's large port terminal, a tall, purple-haired beauty was pacing back and forth, frequently glancing towards the port, as if waiting for someone. Her hands were clasped together in front of her, her fingers twisted tightly, her beautiful face filled with nervousness and trepidation.
It was Verna.
A dozen days ago, she followed Iso's orders and came to the Black Star Army headquarters to wait to meet Han Xiao.
Today is the day Han Xiao returns. Verna arrived at the dock early to wait. The thought of meeting the great man known as "the closest to Beyond Grade A in the Shattered Star Ring" filled her with nervousness.
Before this, Verna had never met Han Xiao in person, nor had she spoken to him personally. She couldn't help but imagine all sorts of scenarios about this mysterious senior.
The Black Star Army's rise has been so rapid; perhaps Black Star is an ambitious schemer? It's said that many of the forces he defeated fell into his traps; perhaps he's a cunning and ruthless strategist? And with his terrifying record of victories that shocked the entire star system, maybe he's a domineering warrior?
Various thoughts flashed through her mind like fireworks. Verna felt uneasy, rehearsing in her mind again and again what attitude she should have when meeting Black Star.
Just then, streaks of light appeared from afar, nearing the skylight of the port dock. A massive Black Star fleet appeared, slowly slowing down as it entered the satellite base's dock entrance.
Warships, their bottoms embedded in tracks, sailed into the base through the passageways and docked at various piers.
The flagship docked at the large pier where Verna was located. The hatch opened with a hiss, the air pump made a deflation sound, and the folding gangway automatically unfolded and rested on the edge of the pier.
Wearing a black trench coat, Han Xiao strode out with a powerful and imposing presence. He casually glanced around before stepping onto the alloy floor of the dock, followed by the crowd that filed out behind him.
Verna composed herself, quickly ran over, and stood in front of Han Xiao.
"Lord Black Star, my name is Verna. I'm a new officer in Dragon Calm. Iso sent me to find you..."
Han Xiao paused, looked down at Verna, his eyes deep and scrutinizing.
Verna's heart leaped into her throat. She swallowed hard. Han Xiao remained silent, and for a moment, her mind went blank. She didn't know how to respond and fell silent, the two staring at each other.
After observing for a while, Han Xiao finally spoke, smiling faintly, "Iso has already told me to help you set up a second Field Operations Department. Don't worry, I will provide you with assistance."
As he spoke, Han Xiao reached out and squeezed Verna's slender shoulder, saying earnestly, "Since you've joined Dragon Calm, then do a good job. I have faith in you."
Verna blushed slightly, and her tense body relaxed a little. Han Xiao's friendly attitude made her less nervous.
Black Star seems like an easy person to get along with. I really don't understand why Jenny keeps emphasizing that Black Star is a rude, withdrawn, and utterly wicked bastard.
Come with me.
Han Xiao snapped his fingers, then turned and strode away. Verna snapped out of her daze and hurriedly followed, step by step.
After turning down one corridor after another, everyone else said their goodbyes and left, leaving only Han Xiao and Verna. The two walked in silence, one in front of the other.
Han Xiao, without turning his head, suddenly asked, "Have you met Ames? What do you think of her?"
Verna paused, thought for a moment, stared at Han Xiao's back, and whispered, "She's very gentle. I've always admired her, and it's an honor to work for her."
"Hmm... does she know your job is to establish a second Field Operations Department?"
"She should know..." Verna recalled for a moment, realizing that Ames hadn't asked about her position, and added, "Iso must have told her."
"So what was her attitude?"
"It seems..." Verna pondered for a moment, then said cautiously, "There's no particular reaction."
Han Xiao stroked his chin and remained silent.
He knew that finding a successor was most likely Iso's idea, and Ames wouldn't get involved in such matters, but he wasn't opposed to it. Dragon Calm had helped him a lot all along, and he wanted to give back to Dragon Calm and leave something behind.
He chose to part ways amicably in order to pursue better development, so there was no question of him quitting without a backup plan. He did intend to mentor Verna, pave the way for her, and complete the handover of his work over the next seven years.
Moreover, Verna was also an acquaintance from his previous life. Without his existence, Verna would have been the true field officer for Dragon Calm in the future.
Ultimately, it perished along with Dragon Calm.
A flood of memories flashed through his mind. The office was already in sight. Han Xiao collected his thoughts, led Verna into the room, and summoned Reynold, Melos, and Sylvia.
"Let me introduce you. This is Verna. She's a new officer in Dragon Calm and is preparing to establish a second Field Operations Department. That's why she's come to me for help. You can help her recruit manpower; don't worry about the expenses. Also, select ten companies from our cooperative consortium and persuade them to invest in the new Dragon Calm Field Operations Force in my name. You must take this work seriously, help her build the Field Operations Department according to her plan, and provide as much support as possible."
Han Xiao spoke rapidly, preparing to use the Black Star Army's current resources and influence to train new troops for Dragon Calm without expecting anything in return or considering the cost.
"Understood." Reynold nodded solemnly, then shook hands with Verna and said in a deep voice, "Tell me your request later, and I will try my best to fulfill it."
"Oh, oh... okay." Verna hadn't recovered from her shock yet.
Han Xiao's assistance exceeded her expectations. He provided money and manpower whenever she needed them. She only needed to ask, and the Black Star Army took care of everything else.
That's so extravagant!!
Verna was stunned, a faint blush rising to her cheeks. She overturned the negative image Jenny had instilled in her and established a new, incredibly noble image of Han Xiao in her mind.
Friendly, steady, reliable, wealthy, highly capable, and handsome... What an amazing senior!
Why does Jenny always lie?
Verna was secretly annoyed.
No wonder he was able to build such a large empire in just about ten years. Although Verna was reluctant to admit it, after spending so much time together, Han Xiao seemed much more reliable to her Ames.
"Then you guys go ahead and get busy..." Han Xiao waved his hand.
Reynold nodded, then turned to the others, "Okay, you all go outside and wait for me. I have something I'd like to discuss with Lord Black Star alone."
Han Xiao was a little surprised. He turned his gaze to Reynold's face and saw that Leonard looked preoccupied. Han Xiao thought for a moment, then nodded to the others, signaling them to go out first.
Seeing this, everyone took Verna out, leaving only Han Xiao and Reynold in the room.
Is there anything you want to tell me?
Han Xiao squinted at Reynold, his mind racing.
"Actually... I didn't want to bring this up because no one can help, but now you can help me. I have something I'd like to ask for your help with." Reynold said seriously and sincerely.
Han Xiao's eyes lit up; he sensed a mission was in the air.
For the past few years, he had been trying various indirect methods to trigger a mission from Reynold, but he had never succeeded. He even thought that Leonard didn't have a mission, but now Reynold had actually brought it up himself, which was beyond his expectations.
I didn't expect to receive such good news so soon after the holiday started.