Creating an Industrial Empire in 19th Century Parallel World Chapter 293 PMC's New Assignment



January 5th, 893, sowhere along the Indian Ocean. Captain Richard, commander of the private military company, the Aegis Tactical Service, stood steadfast on the weathered deck of the majestic steamship. Bound for Saudi Arabia, the vessel sliced through the endless expanse of azure waters, leaving a trail of frothy white foam in its wake.

With a salt-kissed breeze tousling his hair and the rhythmic symphony of crashing waves as his soundtrack, Captain Richard's eyes scanned the horizon, his mind lost in thoughts. Thanks to the new invention of the industrialist duo, the wireless telegraph, he was able to receive news from his country. And that the news he received is that his employer is facing a backslash.

After their operation in Hanseong, the Japanese Empire declared war on them, starting a conflict that he knew would last for years and the annexation of the Joseon Kingdom which he assud based on the imperialistic ambition of the Japanese. Though he couldn't care less about what would happen to the Joseonese, he is most concerned about their boss.

They are blaming their boss for starting this war, even though they were not. The bla should fall on the Joseon officials who hired them and led the country into the ss they are in now. But just as he said before, he couldn't care less about what's going to happen to their country. For him, he had done their job remarkably, killing the Japanese and getting paid handsoly for it.

Now, they are heading to Saudi Arabia, this one is more personal from their boss. Their mission is to protect the mining infrastructure that was being built in the country from the state-sponsored militia. Though this is not yet confird, it is more likely to be the case.

Having enough of the view, he decided to et his crew under the shade of the ship's towering smokestacks. As he descended the weathered stairs leading to the lower decks.

Reaching the bustling crew quarters, he found his loyal comrades gathered around a large, oak table strewn with charts, maps, and half-empty tankards of ale.

"Captain!" one of his n raised a glass of whiskey, a mischievous grin spreading across his scruffy face. "Why are you not joining us? It's going to be your loss as this is the last bottle."

The man speaking was Antonio, just like him, he was a veteran of the United States Civil War hired by the company. Though they had never t in the civil war, a bond had ford between them during their ti together in the Aegis Tactical Service. Antonio was known for his jovial nature, a stark contrast to Captain Richard's more stoic deanor.

"In less than two hours, we'll be reaching Saudi Arabia, you should be sobered before we arrive," Captain Richard replied with a hint of amusent, accepting the glass of whiskey from Antonio's outstretched hand. He took a asured sip, savoring the smoky warmth that spread through his chest.

Antonio raised an eyebrow, his mischievous grin widening. "You worry too much, Captain. A little drink won't dull our senses. If anything, it'll help us unwind and be ready for whatever awaits us in the desert."

Captain Richard nodded, acknowledging Antonio's point. He understood the need for his crew to find solace and camaraderie amidst the arduous nature of their work. And while he valued discipline and clear-mindedness, he also recognized the importance of balance.

Leaning against the table, Captain Richard glanced around at his crew. So chatted, while others tended to their rifles, disassembling them and carefully inspecting each part. The rhythmic clicking of tal against tal filled the air as the crew ensured their weapons were in pri condition for the mission ahead.

"Captain…this rifle the company provided to us, aren't these to advance compared to our country's army?" One of the crew by the na of Edward asked Richards, catching him off guard. Captain Richard turned his attention to Edward.

"That's right, while we pull the trigger and fire thirty rounds in under ten seconds, the army has to cock the bolt after each shot. These rifles we carry are magazine-fed, allowing for rapid and continuous fire without the need for manual reloading after each shot. It gives us a significant advantage in combat situations, which was evident in our fight against the Japanese."

As he said that, Richards' mind replayed back when they raided the Japanese garrison in Hanseong. Bullets whizzed past them as they advanced toward them. The Japanese, cocked their bolt-action rifle as they fired on Richards and his n but they couldn't match the relentless rate of fire unleashed by the Aegis Tactical Service. In re monts, the tide turned, and the enemy was overwheld by the hailstorm of bullets.

Edward nodded, a newfound appreciation gleaming in his eyes. "Truly remarkable," he murmured, his voice filled with admiration. "I believe in the next few years the United States is going to adopt these rifles."

"A lot has changed since those industrialist duo erged. I even speculated that they might be from the future because the technology they bring into this world is revolutionary."

Hearing that, Edward and Antonio burst out laughing.

"Captain…I'm sorry…but…them coming from the future? You should be the one who needs to be sobered before we arrive in Saudi," Antonio said, his voice cracking with laughter. The crew joined in the jovial mont, their laughter echoing through the crew quarters. Captain Richard couldn't help but smile, his stoic deanor montarily softened by the camaraderie and lightheartedness of his comrades.

"Yeah, maybe I'm saying nonsensical things. Yeah…you can shut up now," Richards said, but the laughter continued for a few more monts before shutting themselves.

"Okay, perhaps this is the perfect ti that we discuss our new mission," Richards said, gathering the attention of his crew. "This won't be like Joseon, okay? We are not hired by the host country to attack a foreign army garrisoned in their country. We are protecting the oil mine of our bosses' oil mining enterprises from the militia. They appear to be ard with century-old musket's but don't let your guard down, as it can kill you. Once we arrive at Jeddah, we are to et one of the personnel working on the mines who will be taking us there."

"Uhm Captain!" One of his n raised his hand. "How many days are we going to stay in that desert country?"

Captain Richard paused, his gaze sweeping across the faces of his crew. He knew the question that lingered in their minds. The vastness of the desert and the uncertainty of their mission made it difficult to determine the exact duration of their stay.

"n, we cannot predict the exact number of days we will spend in Saudi Arabia," Captain Richard began. "It may take months."

"Months?!" Edward repeated.

"I told you, this is not like Joseon okay? We are guarding an oil mining infrastructure in a volatile region."

"Okay…" Edward said softly.

"Now, do you have any questions aside from how long we are going to stay in the country?" Richards asked, glancing at his n. No one raised their hands, indicating that the mission is clear.

"Very well, let's prepare boys."