The HD rcenary Company was founded, but it still lacked a leader. Lancer was responsible for the overall security of the company, with a strategic team in the combat command room under him.
Henry managed the intelligence division, and the rcenary company also needed a person in charge.
In the end, Lancer recomnded John Harris.
John Harris was a mber of the combat command room's think tank. He had once been a colonel in the Marine Corps, aged 42 this year. He started as an ordinary Marine soldier and had served as a squad leader, sergeant, operations officer, and support battalion commander.
His performance during World War II was outstanding, and he was later promoted to colonel. He also participated in the war against Japan, commanding a regint-level unit in combat.
However, during the recent large-scale military downsizing, John Harris was not spared. He was discharged. Having spent half his life in the military, he found it difficult to adapt to civilian life. He applied for jobs at companies but found the experience very unpleasant.
At the end of 1946, when HD Security expanded its recruitnt, it advertised in the newspapers, calling for retired military personnel to join the security company. John Harris beca interested and applied. Lancer, who had once served as a Marine Corps staff officer, had heard of John Harris and recruited him into the combat command room. Explore more stories with empire
Hardy was open to Lancer's suggestion. He had interacted with John Harris before and found him to be a decisive and straightforward person.
He was also a ruthless man.
It was said that during the battles against Japan, after seeing many of his comrades die, this guy deliberately ignored the enemy's surrender flag and wiped out everyone in the enemy's position, leaving no survivors.
"Let Harris take the job," Hardy nodded in agreent.
John Harris was called into the office. He was dressed in combat camouflage. He was about 1.9 ters tall but sowhat thin, with sunken cheeks that gave him a perpetually serious appearance.
His upright posture made it clear he was a career military man; the military deanor had seeped into his very blood.
Such people often struggled in civilian life.
He would have preferred to remain on the battlefield, not caring even if he died there.
"Harris, if I appoint you as the head of the 'HD rcenary Company,' what would be the first thing you do?" Hardy asked.
John Harris paused slightly.
"My first task would be to change the company's na."
Hardy was taken aback.
"Change the na? To what?"
"HD Security and Defense Company," Harris said.
"'rcenary company' sounds too harsh. 'Security and defense company' sounds much better and won't imdiately put people on guard."
Hardy nodded in agreent.
"Alright, from now on, you're the head of HD Security and Defense Company. Start assembling your team. You participated in drafting the developnt plan, correct?" Hardy asked.
"Yes, I participated."
"Then follow the steps in the plan: combat command, special operations training, construction of a special operations training base, establishnt of an air force base, overseas military bases, and building naval defense capabilities. These are all your responsibilities. Is that clear?"
John Harris felt a rush of excitent, like a current of heat surging through his body. He was thrilled because what he was about to do was his passion.
"No problem, Mr. Hardy, I will get it done," John Harris replied loudly.
The HD Security and Defense Company was officially established and began receiving equipnt. Hardy, Harris, and Colonel Beech went to the logistics warehouse.
"Guns, cannons, vehicles, tanks, equipnt—whatever you need, just let Beech know, and you can take it. Our defense company has no restrictions on army equipnt."
"I've already ordered the aircraft—ten of each type of warplane. They're currently being serviced." The group arrived at the warehouse, where large wooden crates were stacked.
Hardy patted one of the large crates and said, "These are aircraft engines. Each plane cos with two sets of engine parts."
"Naval power is limited to frigates and smaller vessels, but Beech has already arranged for their maintenance."
"As for manpower, you can draw from the current HD Security personnel, or you can select from the retired soldiers. I've promised Major General Williams that I'll help process 1,000 retired soldiers each year."
Colonel Beech, standing nearby, smiled, "Mr. Hardy, you've taken on a lot of retired soldiers."
Hardy chuckled, "Don't worry, there will be more in the future. Once my logistics company and chain of supermarkets are up and running, I'll be able to absorb tens of thousands of veterans."
Hardy turned to Harris, "We previously recruited mainly Marines. Now that we have air and naval power, you'll need to recruit specialists. Coordinate with Colonel Beech to hire the best."
"I understand, Mr. Hardy," Harris nodded.
Colonel Beech quickly added, "Don't worry, Mr. Hardy, I'll fully cooperate with Colonel Harris."
With everything arranged, the remaining tasks were left to Harris. As the boss, Hardy provided the funding and weapons; the rest was up to the professionals. He trusted that Harris would handle the details better than he could.
Hardy wasn't one for micro managent.
Professional matters should be left to professionals.
That day, Hardy suddenly received a report from Henry.
"Boss, we've located the girl you asked to investigate, Audrey Hepburn."
Hardy's interest was picked.
"Tell what you found."
"The girl nad Audrey Hepburn is 19 years old, born in Brussels, Belgium. Her father was an English banker, and her mother is Dutch, with the title of baroness. Audrey Hepburn attended a prestigious boarding school in Kent, England, during her childhood.
"After her parents divorced, she moved to the Netherlands with her mother. At the age of 10, she enrolled in the Arnhem Music Conservatory to study ballet. Later, when Germany occupied the Netherlands, her life beca very difficult."
"Earlier this year, Audrey Hepburn moved to London, England, to study at the Mary Lambert Ballet School. During that ti, she appeared in a Dutch promotional film and perford in stage plays, though always in minor roles."
"That's everything," Henry concluded, looking at Hardy.
Hardy nodded.
At this point, Hepburn was still just an ordinary girl among millions.
Hardy called for Edward.
"Edward, send soone to England and sign this girl, Audrey Hepburn, to the HD Talent Agency. Henry has her information; his team will assist you with the process," Hardy instructed.
Edward took the docunts Hardy handed him, which included a color photograph of a girl with a sowhat elegant yet innocent look.
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