Chapter 124: Guaranteed to Complete the Mission!
After thoroughly discussing the production status of various technological industry lines with Wu Jiarong, Gu Hang inspected the situation at the Wasteland Society.
The former leader of the Wasteland Society, now the head of the heavy industry base, Patel, didn’t even have time to see him!
Of course, this was an exaggeration; after all, what task could be more important than meeting the Governor?
It was Gu Hang who chose not to summon Patel but instead took the initiative to accompany him, observing the work situation firsthand.
It was indeed a busy scene.
Pobov, dressed in civilian clothes instead of his military uniform, was also present. The previous day, following orders, he had led his battalion to escort tens of thousands of displaced citizens to the Wasteland Society.
These individuals were those who had been evacuated from Revival City in the wake of the storm disaster, left homeless. Instead of being reassigned by Osena to the city’s reconstruction, they were escorted along with some provisions out of the city, heading toward the Guardian City under military protection.
A small number of them were settled at the former Governor’s camp, the main city of Guardian City, and integrated into the light industry factories there.
The textile mills, construction teams, equipment assembly plants, cement factories, and electronics factories of Guardian City eagerly welcomed this influx of new labor.
With a comprehensive plan in place, there was no shortage of business. These new arrivals required housing, construction materials, clothing, and basic appliances such as water heaters and electric lights, items that Revival City’s outer regions, still under reconstruction, also urgently needed, with orders constantly pouring in.
Increasing productivity required an influx of labor, and the work points they earned, even those advanced through a sort of ‘loan’ system, would ultimately have to be produced to meet the population’s needs.
Yet, not all could be retained in Guardian City.
Within Guardian City’s administrative jurisdiction, the more important heavy industrial base at the Wasteland Society could absorb a larger population.
The core alloy smelting industry had long been a major labor-intensive sector.
The black box for alloy and plastic steel production never ceased operation, but numerous production lines, though set up, remained dormant in warehouses due to a lack of personnel to operate the machinery.
Moreover, the further expansion of the metal processing factories, bulletproof insert production lines, automotive industry, and military industry all required an endless supply of labor.
Most of the people transferred from Revival City were placed in residential areas near the Wasteland Society’s heavy industry center.
Some of the vacant houses constructed previously became temporary shelters, with each house, initially designed for one family, now housing up to twenty people.
Even then, space remained insufficient. The incoming population exceeded the original population of the Wasteland Zone several times over, so temporary tents and shacks had to be set up, while multiple construction teams worked at full speed to build more housing.
Furthermore, not all of these people could be put to immediate use.
While the Wasteland Society’s industrial area did include some low-end industries where short training allowed workers to barely meet the job requirements, sectors like precision processing and vehicle assembly required higher-skilled workers, for which brief training was insufficient.
Fortunately, Gu Hang had already implemented a night school policy at the Wasteland Society, which continued to yield results.
With literacy programs and basic skills training now well established, the large influx of newcomers could simply be added to the program. Herding one sheep was herding sheep; herding a whole flock was also herding sheep…though this flock was a bit overwhelming.
Although Wasteland dwellers often had many issues, they were not to be underestimated in one respect. Illiteracy was common, but many illiterates still possessed skills.
After all, the Wasteland society wasn’t a primitive one. Many had seen, used, and maintained firearms; others could repair and tinker with various gadgets despite recognizing only a few words.
Previously, they simply lacked opportunities. Now that they had these opportunities, the cost of training wasn’t as high as one might think.
“It won’t be long before these people cease to be burdens and become the freshest blood fueling our industrial development!”
Patel proudly declared this to Gu Hang.
…
Regarding the development of the Wasteland Industrial Zone, Gu Hang was fairly satisfied.
Everything was finally on the right track, and as time passed, the overall productivity would grow exponentially.
The seeds planted in the beginning had now reached the stage of sprouting roots.
With satisfaction, Gu Hang spent the night at the Wasteland Society and boarded a helicopter back to Revival City early the following morning.
Accompanying him was Pobov.
He was to participate in the day’s awards ceremony.
While Pobov was not the main focus, his 2nd Battalion had performed outstandingly in various battles around Revival City, making him a deserving recipient of medals to take back for his comrades.
Though familiar with the Governor, Pobov felt somewhat nervous sharing a private space with the figure he respected and admired.
Despite his open personality and usual talkativeness, he found himself uncertain of what to say without an immediate task at hand. Sitting in silence also seemed awkward.
However, these concerns quickly faded as Gu Hang began discussing work matters with him.
The topic was the upcoming arrangement of duties for Pobov.
“The 1st Composite Brigade should be commanded by Yan Fangxu as its Brigadier; the 2nd Infantry Division should have Tadius as its Division Commander, who will also temporarily serve as Commissar for both units. This setup, however, is only a temporary measure.”
“In the future, as the units complete construction and begin regular training and combat, Yan and Tadius will step aside for centralized command, while the specific duties will be assigned to others.”
“My intention is for you to be the Brigadier of the 1st Composite Brigade.”
Pobov’s expression became one of restrained excitement.
He had considered this possibility before.
With the army’s expansion, he believed that besides Yan Fangxu, there was no one else in the entire army more qualified or capable for this position than himself.
In simple terms, his only competition lay among the original five battalion commanders the Governor had brought to Revival City. Among them, he was the most experienced and battle-hardened.
Yet, uncertainties lingered.
After all, everyone’s qualifications differed by only a few months. Besides, who could predict special circumstances?
Tadius was a case in point. Rising from a platoon leader to a hero and then quickly to Division Commander and head of the military’s political office, his promotion was unprecedented.
Many privately envied him.
Some even speculated that if they had been in Tadius’s place or moved faster, they could have achieved the same.
Whenever Pobov heard such remarks within his ranks, he’d curse up a storm.
In critical moments, most would avoid the front lines, afraid of risking their lives.
He knew well how formidable the Star Warriors and Battle Nuns were. Yet Tadius had accomplished something they hadn’t, an extraordinary feat worthy of respect.
The Governor’s word was always trustworthy.
Pobov would become, officially, the third-ranking officer in the army, following Yan Fangxu and Tadius. In terms of command, he would hold the highest authority.
Would he be able to shoulder such responsibility?
If he were to become Brigadier, how would the other four battalion commanders view him as their new superior?
As the helicopter rocked along, Pobov’s mind was filled with countless thoughts, prompted by Governor Gu’s words.
But Gu Hang continued, dispelling these concerns: “Our situation is unique. Experience here is hard to measure, as we all emerged from the same struggles. Skill and contribution are what truly earn respect. So, while I am appointing you, I’m not directly granting the role; it’s meant to ease your future work.”
Pobov listened attentively, sensing the importance.
“After the awards ceremony, return to Guardian City immediately. Tadius will send recruitment personnel to accompany you. I am authorizing you to recruit soldiers in Guardian City and replenish your battalion. You’ll receive substantial weaponry, including prototypes from the research department.”
“Your battalion will be reorganized as the 1st Composite Brigade’s 1st Battalion, the first to complete full rearmament. I want your unit ready within half a month, and from there, I expect you to conduct operations centered around the Wasteland Industrial Zone.”
“Yan Fangxu will provide your mission objectives. Within a 100-kilometer radius of the Wasteland Zone, there are around 7 to 10 survivor settlements. Within two weeks, I want these camps firmly under the New Alliance’s banner, submitted to the new order.”
Though unable to stand, Pobov’s chest swelled with pride, and he saluted in his seat. “Understood! I guarantee the mission’s success!”
He felt deeply honored.
Gu Hang had arranged this opportunity for him to accumulate merits and lay the groundwork for future roles.
With such an opportunity, if he failed to accomplish the Governor’s task, he felt he would indeed deserve severe punishment.