Chapter 33: Development of the Situation [Seeking recommendations, monthly tickets, and follow-up reads]

32. Development of the Situation

Although based on his observations throughout this journey, Tang Xiao believed that Quinto was likely not a problem, he still needed to do his due diligence.

"All personnel involved in this battle must receive psychological counseling. We cannot allow this failure to affect our morale. That includes those smugglers—have they been living a bit too comfortably lately? Ensure they don't harbor any resentment because of this battle," Tang Xiao said.

"Those smugglers should be harmless; those cowardly fellows won't amount to anything, and they usually do their jobs honestly. They should have been able to see the battle from their compartment. I'll arrange for someone to sound them out," Qi Jian said.

Tang Xiao leaned back against the sofa, crossing his legs with a solemn expression.

"What, are you still worrying about Black戈 even now? You said yourself you won't be going out on adventures anymore. That way, you won't even be able to run into him if you wanted to," Vunt smiled. He was a man who had seen much; even if he could no longer remember his past experiences, his mindset wouldn't be shaken just because a few pirates showed up and shot down a few fighters. "Besides, with that mysterious power of yours, unless dozens of times as many people come after you, I think you'll still be able to escape."

"Black戈 is my problem now; it has nothing to do with you. What I'm worried about is that we've only been in this world for a few days, and so much has already happened... I'm afraid we won't be able to remain bystanders in this place," Tang Xiao said, shaking his head.

"That is why we need to explore more of this universe. Tatooine is only a tiny fraction of it, and the information leaking out is already terrifying enough," Vunt said. "So, I think we can put more effort into people like Quinto."

"Although they have worked with us on the mothership for a while, they are, after all, just smugglers and are not irreplaceable. If we are to use them, we must ensure they are truly useful to us. If necessary..." Tang Xiao made a throat-cutting gesture.

"I suggest we look further ahead. We urgently need to build relationships with the local powers of this universe. Most importantly, even if we are going to pay respects to the big players, we need to know which direction to head in. That is why a man like Quinto—cowardly, yet long-term in smuggling and familiar with all walks of life—is exactly what we need. So, rather than killing at the slightest provocation, it's better to give them a chance and observe their behavior first," Vunt said, shaking his head.

"Fine, I'll leave Quinto's matter to you," Tang Xiao accepted his suggestion, then continued, "Don't wander too far during this period to prevent a repeat of what happened last time. I have already awakened an elite pilot named Judith; she will immediately begin training and familiarizing herself with the controls of that Oro-class freighter. For the time being, the defense around the mothership will be her responsibility. But you must remain on standby at all times."

"Understood," Vunt nodded in agreement.

"Also, take all 100,000 credits and... well, go to Tatooine and see if you can find anything useful on the black market—blaster pistols, hyperdrives, things like that," Tang Xiao said.

"Leave it to me. By the way, Administrator, you don't actually need to worry about everything. Otherwise, how are we supposed to get paid?" Vunt gave Tang Xiao a thumbs-up and a toothy grin, then waved his hand and walked out of the command center.

Tang Xiao rubbed his temples and gave a self-deprecating laugh.

It was true: if you trust someone, don't question them; if you question them, don't use them. Now that he was in this position, he should let his subordinates act freely. If he tried to manage everything from scientific research and personnel to combat, diplomacy, and smuggling, how could he possibly keep up?

Wasn't this the most common mistake made by those new to management? Always assuming that only they could do things right.

But in reality, there were plenty of people who could do it better; it just depended on whether you gave them the chance.

...

A Z-10 Explorer-class starship entered the Galactic Republic's capital planet, Coruscant. After passing through the defense fleet's screening, it flew toward the Jedi Temple.

"What's wrong, Obi-Wan?" Qui-Gon Jinn turned around to find his apprentice staring blankly out the window.

"I... I am thinking about that group in the Endor system, Master. The ones calling themselves the Fourth Group Corporation," Obi-Wan Kenobi said with a nod.

"Oh? What about them?"

"Although they claim to be a corporation, their way of operating is not what they say it is," Obi-Wan said. "Their fighters may be low-performance, but those pilots are clearly well-trained. Think about it—even mega-corporations like the Trade Federation or the InterGalactic Banking Clan do not systematically train their own pilots like this. Except..."

"A regular military," Qui-Gon Jinn interjected, nodding. "You observed closely, Obi-Wan. That is exactly what concerns me. Let's report back first. More and more things are happening in the galaxy, and I have a bad feeling about this."

The starship docked at the Jedi Temple landing pad. The master and apprentice went to one of the high towers of the Temple and reported their findings to the twelve-member Jedi High Council.

"A regular interstellar colonial group, hmm." Hearing Qui-Gon's report, Master Yoda nodded. "Any other findings?"

"None. We did not find the source of the Force disturbance," Qui-Gon Jinn replied.

"Fading, it is. This feeling. Maturing, it is," Master Yoda turned to look at a tall, bald Black man. "What are your thoughts, Master Windu?"

Master Windu had a serious expression and an aura of natural authority. He was one of the twelve members of the Jedi High Council, with a status second only to Master Yoda.

He nodded to Qui-Gon and continued the questioning in a low, powerful voice, "So, did you see anything unusual about that colonial group?"

"They call themselves the Fourth Group Corporation and possess a very massive starship. According to radar, this ship is over 41,300 meters in height, exceeding any ship we currently know of. However, this ship is entirely a civilian product; it lacks its own weaponry, and the Fourth Group's defensive capabilities are very weak," Qui-Gon answered.

"No self-defense capabilities, yet they go to colonize a remote planet like Endor. Hmm..." Master Yoda pondered for a moment, shaking his head without further comment.

"I fear we do not currently have the strength to continue investing in a system in a remote Outer Rim region like the Endor system, Master Yoda. The galaxy is not peaceful right now; the fires of war have just died down on Nele, and the dispute between Marastal and the Corporate Alliance is intensifying, potentially leading to armed conflict at any time. Since the Fourth Group only carries civilian ships and equipment, there is no need for us to pay excessive attention," Master Windu spoke up.

He then looked at Qui-Gon and said, "My suggestion is to conduct an investigation through the Republic's Department of Commercial Management—if they are indeed a formally registered corporation. You have done enough on this matter; leave the rest to the Senate. You have worked hard, Master Qui-Gon. May the Force be with you."

"May the Force be with you," Qui-Gon Jinn bowed and exited the meeting room.

[Easter Egg Image 1: Master Windu]

(End of Chapter)