The room was eerily silent, broken only by the ticking of a grandfather clock.
This was the office of the Commander of the Port Fran Naval Headquarters. Unlike the monotonous office of a certain count, this room was adorned with several well-maintained potted plants, and on the wall hung an oil painting depicting a red sun rising slowly from the vast sea.
The owner of the office, Navy Commander Austin, was sitting behind his desk, eyes closed in contemplation.
His mind was undoubtedly busy, as there were many issues demanding his attention.
The first issue was shipbuilding.
A new batch of Sloop ships was being vigorously constructed at the shipyard docks, and this ti, two ships were being built simultaneously.
The design of these new Sloops was not a re replication of the Hope. On one hand, after personally experiencing a trial voyage, Lord Grayman introduced a novel concept: human-machine engineering.
He demanded that without compromising the ships combat capabilities, the comfort of the sailors aboard should be improved as much as possible. For instance, the arrangent on the deck should be neat and orderly, not chaotically headache-inducing. The operation of the sails should be streamlined, among other enhancents.
In essence, the aim was to make the sailors feel more at ho, though Sloops, being small, had limited room for such improvents. However, Lord Grayman insisted on incorporating this design philosophy into larger ships to be built later.
Everyone understood the logic: a more comfortable environnt typically helps maintain a better mood and physical condition.
Im talking about without compromising combat capability, as combat ability is the foundation of everything, emphasized Count Grayman in the end.
On the other hand, although the trial voyage of Hope was generally successful, flaws were discovered during frequent training sessions led by Quik and others.
These flaws and suggestions for improvents from the naval officers were promptly relayed to the shipyard, allowing Rubin, Benjamin, and others to modify the design and apply these improvents to the new ships.
Both of these aspects posed significant challenges for the shipyard craftsn.
Then there was the pirate issue.
Not only Grayman but also Austin himself suspected the presence of spies from the Mudfish Gang within the navy or nearby. He had assigned Captain Valk of the Naval Patrol and Cecils intelligence officer, Duran, stationed at Port Fran, to investigate. The outco was yet to be determined.
If there truly were spies, the navys impending proactive strike might have already been leaked.
Knock, knock, knock! A series of knocks interrupted Austins thoughts.
He opened his eyes and called, Co in!
Upon opening the door, two people entered: Captain Valk and intelligence officer Duran.
As Austin gestured for them to sit, he said, I hope you bring good news.
The two exchanged glances, and Duran gestured for Valk to speak.
The Patrol Team leader solemnly said to Austin, Commander, I have both good and bad news.
Austin quickly responded, Start with the bad!
At least there would be so good news afterward to offer comfort.
Theres indeed a spy planted by pirates.
Ah, that wasnt too bad; Austin had already surmised as much.
And the good news?
We have identified who the spy is.
Captain Valk handed a stack of docunts to Austin.
Austin quickly skimd through them and said sowhat resignedly, Well, it seems Lord Grayman pays the soldiers a bit too generously. They even have spare money for such activities.
The spy planted by the pirates within Port Fran turned out to be the owner of the towns only brothel, a man nad Clent.
He could easily guess how Clent obtained naval information.
Is the evidence solid?
Very solid. We followed a contact.
How many people from the navy have visited his brothel?
Weve confird 48 people, including 6 officers.
With so many people involved, Austins face grew increasingly rigid. He was infuriated, certain that many fools had been coaxed into spilling secrets in bed.
Expel everyone who visited the brothel from the navy! And prohibit anyone in the military from engaging in such activities in the future.
Austin was about to shout this out loud but then reconsidered. He ordered, Identify those who specifically leaked information, and handle it as per military regulations.
Yes, Commander, replied Captain Valk.
Intelligence officer Duran suggested, Should we get the city hall to shut down the brothel?
Austin waved his hand and said, No, Ive been looking for an opportunity to catch the Mudfish. Perhaps this is a good chance to set a trap using this spy.
Lets have a thorough talk with Mr. Clent, the brothel owner.
Clent was tied up in a hidden room in his brothel.
His mouth, gagged, emitted muffled sounds, but to no avail. No one outside the room could hear him. After all, he had invested a lot in soundproofing the rooms for his clients convenience.
Soone said, Uncover his mouth. But Clent, if you dare to shout, hmm!
The gag was pulled from Clents mouth.
After a few deep breaths, the brothel owner pleaded, I confess, I confess everything, sirs of the navy.
The first man smirked, So quick to confess? What exactly are you confessing to?
II Clent suddenly found himself at a loss for words.
Today was the unluckiest day for Clent. His business was running smoothly, and so naval officers had co in a group, giving him the idea to probe for information.
The officers, who had booked a private room and called girls to drink and have fun, started a ruckus, damaging things. As the owner, Clent naturally went to check.
The officers sent the girls out and asked Clent to judge their dispute.
But as soon as he entered, they closed the door, overpowered him, and now he was in his current predicant.
Clent stuttered, III confess to tax evasion.
Slap! A resounding slap made the brothel owners chubby face quiver.
A military officer in a low voice demanded, We dont care about your tax evasion. Speak! Are you a spy planted by the pirates in Port Fran? Speak softly.
Injustice! How could I possibly deal with those vicious scoundrels?
Clent tried to deny it, but the naval officers quickly presented irrefutable evidence, coupled with a gleaming knife fluttering near his face. Eventually, he admitted his connection with the Mudfish Gang within the pirates.
The officer patted his plump face, as if patting a pig about to be slaughtered.
He said with a sinister smile, According to our Commander Austin, after your confession, we should execute you on the spot.
Clents face showed intense fear. He was about to beg for rcy but was promptly gagged again.
The officer continued, Just listen. Theres a chance for you to save your life right in front of you. I wonder if you can seize it.
Hearing he might live, Clent, still gagged, nodded vigorously.
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