A week had passed, and Bell was back to his office duties, which primarily involved reading reports from various sources. These reports covered everything from developments in The Facility to updates on the integration of the goblins into the Federation.
The elves had initially been hesitant to accept the goblins, but eventually, they managed to find common ground and resolve the misunderstandings between their two tribes. Whether they liked it or not, both races had once been the owners of this forest until the Federation integrated them under one banner.
Shruss, now dressed in her newly issued uniform, sat in front of Bell's desk. She had volunteered to join the underpopulated 1st Armor Division, which was currently in a bit of disarray due to Bell's original plans being disrupted by her proposal. However, her reasoning was sound. She argued that if she and her fellow goblins couldn't protect their own kind, what was the point of their new military training? She also proposed that her officer staff join the division, potentially adding a conventional unit to the mix.
"What exactly are you trying to achieve, Shruss? Be honest with me, because the proposal to form an armor combined arms battalion is not something I had in mind for you," Bell inquired, studying the proposal for the unit formation. While he didn't disagree, he wanted to understand her goals better. From what he could gather, it seemed like she might have ambitions related to reclaiming lost territory from the ogres.
2 Armor Combined Arms Company
24 x M1A5 EAP (Electronic Armaments Package) V4 5 x MTVR 10 x JLTV1 Infantry Combined Army Company
12 x Puma 2A9 2 x MTVR 5 x JLTVThe cost of the battalion alone was estimated at a whopping 100,000,000 EPs. Additionally, the SRDs were requesting new vehicles for their infantry-centric battalion. Bell realized that he hadn't allocated much funding for their ground troops, and now Linda from the SRD was making a similar request, albeit in reverse, which would have cost less if it weren't for their demand to be attached to two C-17 Globemasters. This brought the SRD's expenses to a staggering 150,000,000 EPs. Bell couldn't help but wonder what they were planning, especially since they didn't have a sufficient civilian population to support such endeavors.
While Bell was intrigued by the idea of launching an offensive beyond the no man's land and into the land of the undead to reclaim his territory, he knew he needed more time and more people before he could execute such a plan. The proposals made it seem as though the offensive was about to begin tomorrow morning, not against undead but against peer opponents with similar technological advancements.
He couldn't help but wonder what kind of lobbying Linda had done with Amelia on The Facility to achieve such breakthroughs, including reinforcing an aircraft airframe and creating a spell formation and new parachute to make a 70-100 ton main-battle tank airdrop-capable. It felt as if the reports were designed to convince Bell to invest in new armored vehicles.
Bell leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on the detailed proposals before him. The numbers were staggering, and the logistics of it all left him feeling overwhelmed. The idea of airdropping tanks seemed like something out of a science fiction novel, yet here it was, a serious proposal on his desk.
Shruss, sitting across from him, exuded determination. Her transition from a tribal chief to a military volunteer was impressive, and Bell admired her spirit. However, he needed to ensure that her ambitions aligned with the Federation's broader goals.
"Shruss, your initiative is commendable," Bell began, selecting his words carefully. "But we must consider the bigger picture. Our resources are limited, and our responsibilities extend beyond just the military to all our citizens. Why do you believe this battalion is necessary?"
Shruss met his gaze unwaveringly. "Sir, our people have always been vulnerable to stronger forces—ogres, humans, demons, and even the elves at times. We've never had the means to defend ourselves properly. This battalion isn't just about reclaiming land; it's about demonstrating that goblins are not mere monsters to be trampled upon. My people also want their land back from the ogres."
Bell sighed. It seemed he wasn't the only one with a revanchist ambition, and this goblin chief also wanted to regain lost territory from the ogres. He thought of the upcoming spring when the snow would finally thaw, and the Southern Coalition would cross the no man's land to establish logistic points. Having an armored battalion to push them back would be invaluable. He also needed to secure the rest of Frostwood before spring arrived.
"Very well, Shruss. I'll approve your proposal," Bell nodded.
"Thank you, Bell. I promise you won't regret it," the female goblin replied with a smile.
Bell couldn't help but notice the remarkable changes in the female goblin, Shruss, beyond her improved attitude. Her hair was better kept, and she seemed less smelly. Her teeth were no longer as yellow, and her bruises and wounds were now covered with bandages instead of being left exposed. These changes were consistent among all the adult goblins who had joined the reservist programs. Now, the focus was on educating the younger generations of goblins and improving their quality of life.
In the Federation, even an average goblin lived in relative luxury compared to their previous conditions. They had access to showers, hygiene products, education, clean clothing, and more. Modern technology had truly transformed their lives. The only missing element was the widespread industrialization seen in modern societies, but for now, the military-industrial complex took precedence.
Currently, both reservists and civilians were pursuing education in various universities and polytechnics, funded by the system. However, once they graduated, they would need jobs, and Bell had to create opportunities for them. A highly educated workforce needed to be supported by advanced industries. This was where Hanna's expertise came into play. She was a master of civil administration, and Bell was eager to have her assistance.
The good news was that ROO had located Hanna, who was managing an entire town in the East. She had no intention of leaving until she resolved an undisclosed internal problem, which was unfortunate. Additionally, she seemed to have a personal interest in meeting Bell, for reasons unknown.
After dismissing Shruss from his room, Bell took a pen and a piece of paper. He began listing all the demands and requirements from the army. He then input all the necessary items into his system to calculate the exact cost. As expected, the cost was indeed staggering.
[Items & Logistics Department Interface] [Search:______ ] [Open Sell Menu] [EP: 940,160,000]
36 x [M1A5 EAP V2] = 108,000,000 EP 36 x [PUMA 1A9] = 64,800,000 EP 18 x [MTVR] = 1,440,000 EP 30 x [JLTV] = 3,000,000 EP 2 x [C-17G Globemaster VII] = 60,000,000 EP[Total: 237,240,000 EP] [Purchase?]
He pressed the summon button, and suddenly, a massive commotion erupted from outside. Curious, he looked out of his window and saw people rushing toward the airfield. The previously empty motor pool in front of the command building was now packed with armored vehicles, clearly marked with the ownership of either the SRD or the AD.
However, the most conspicuous element in the room was not the armored vehicles. Even Bell could hear the approaching footsteps from outside of his office. Seizing the moment, he stepped outside, joining many officers who were now gazing out of the northern window of the command center.
Looking through the window, Bell's eyes fell upon the crowd gathered around the two newly summoned C-17s on Runway 2. These aircraft were enormous, nearly the size of two city blocks, with wingspans rivaling those of young dragons. Most of the crowd consisted of SRD personnel, marveling at their prized aircraft.
A week had passed, and Bell was back to his office duties, which primarily involved reading reports from various sources. These reports covered everything from developments in The Facility to updates on the integration of the goblins into the Federation.
The elves had initially been hesitant to accept the goblins, but eventually, they managed to find common ground and resolve the misunderstandings between their two tribes. Whether they liked it or not, both races had once been the owners of this forest until the Federation integrated them under one banner.
Shruss, now dressed in her newly issued uniform, sat in front of Bell's desk. She had volunteered to join the underpopulated 1st Armor Division, which was currently in a bit of disarray due to Bell's original plans being disrupted by her proposal. However, her reasoning was sound. She argued that if she and her fellow goblins couldn't protect their own kind, what was the point of their new military training? She also proposed that her officer staff join the division, potentially adding a conventional unit to the mix.
"What exactly are you trying to achieve, Shruss? Be honest with me, because the proposal to form an armor combined arms battalion is not something I had in mind for you," Bell inquired, studying the proposal for the unit formation. While he didn't disagree, he wanted to understand her goals better. From what he could gather, it seemed like she might have ambitions related to reclaiming lost territory from the ogres.
2 Armor Combined Arms Company
24 x M1A5 EAP (Electronic Armaments Package) V4 5 x MTVR 10 x JLTV1 Infantry Combined Army Company
12 x Puma 2A9 2 x MTVR 5 x JLTVThe cost of the battalion alone was estimated at a whopping 100,000,000 EPs. Additionally, the SRDs were requesting new vehicles for their infantry-centric battalion. Bell realized that he hadn't allocated much funding for their ground troops, and now Linda from the SRD was making a similar request, albeit in reverse, which would have cost less if it weren't for their demand to be attached to two C-17 Globemasters. This brought the SRD's expenses to a staggering 150,000,000 EPs. Bell couldn't help but wonder what they were planning, especially since they didn't have a sufficient civilian population to support such endeavors.
While Bell was intrigued by the idea of launching an offensive beyond the no man's land and into the land of the undead to reclaim his territory, he knew he needed more time and more people before he could execute such a plan. The proposals made it seem as though the offensive was about to begin tomorrow morning, not against undead but against peer opponents with similar technological advancements.
He couldn't help but wonder what kind of lobbying Linda had done with Amelia on The Facility to achieve such breakthroughs, including reinforcing an aircraft airframe and creating a spell formation and new parachute to make a 70-100 ton main-battle tank airdrop-capable. It felt as if the reports were designed to convince Bell to invest in new armored vehicles.
Bell leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on the detailed proposals before him. The numbers were staggering, and the logistics of it all left him feeling overwhelmed. The idea of airdropping tanks seemed like something out of a science fiction novel, yet here it was, a serious proposal on his desk.
Shruss, sitting across from him, exuded determination. Her transition from a tribal chief to a military volunteer was impressive, and Bell admired her spirit. However, he needed to ensure that her ambitions aligned with the Federation's broader goals.
"Shruss, your initiative is commendable," Bell began, selecting his words carefully. "But we must consider the bigger picture. Our resources are limited, and our responsibilities extend beyond just the military to all our citizens. Why do you believe this battalion is necessary?"
Shruss met his gaze unwaveringly. "Sir, our people have always been vulnerable to stronger forces—ogres, humans, demons, and even the elves at times. We've never had the means to defend ourselves properly. This battalion isn't just about reclaiming land; it's about demonstrating that goblins are not mere monsters to be trampled upon. My people also want their land back from the ogres."
Bell sighed. It seemed he wasn't the only one with a revanchist ambition, and this goblin chief also wanted to regain lost territory from the ogres. He thought of the upcoming spring when the snow would finally thaw, and the Southern Coalition would cross the no man's land to establish logistic points. Having an armored battalion to push them back would be invaluable. He also needed to secure the rest of Frostwood before spring arrived.
"Very well, Shruss. I'll approve your proposal," Bell nodded.
"Thank you, Bell. I promise you won't regret it," the female goblin replied with a smile.
Bell couldn't help but notice the remarkable changes in the female goblin, Shruss, beyond her improved attitude. Her hair was better kept, and she seemed less smelly. Her teeth were no longer as yellow, and her bruises and wounds were now covered with bandages instead of being left exposed. These changes were consistent among all the adult goblins who had joined the reservist programs. Now, the focus was on educating the younger generations of goblins and improving their quality of life.
In the Federation, even an average goblin lived in relative luxury compared to their previous conditions. They had access to showers, hygiene products, education, clean clothing, and more. Modern technology had truly transformed their lives. The only missing element was the widespread industrialization seen in modern societies, but for now, the military-industrial complex took precedence.
Currently, both reservists and civilians were pursuing education in various universities and polytechnics, funded by the system. However, once they graduated, they would need jobs, and Bell had to create opportunities for them. A highly educated workforce needed to be supported by advanced industries. This was where Hanna's expertise came into play. She was a master of civil administration, and Bell was eager to have her assistance.
The good news was that ROO had located Hanna, who was managing an entire town in the East. She had no intention of leaving until she resolved an undisclosed internal problem, which was unfortunate. Additionally, she seemed to have a personal interest in meeting Bell, for reasons unknown.
After dismissing Shruss from his room, Bell took a pen and a piece of paper. He began listing all the demands and requirements from the army. He then input all the necessary items into his system to calculate the exact cost. As expected, the cost was indeed staggering.
[Items & Logistics Department Interface] [Search:______ ] [Open Sell Menu] [EP: 940,160,000]
36 x [M1A5 EAP V2] = 108,000,000 EP 36 x [PUMA 1A9] = 64,800,000 EP 18 x [MTVR] = 1,440,000 EP 30 x [JLTV] = 3,000,000 EP 2 x [C-17G Globemaster VII] = 60,000,000 EP[Total: 237,240,000 EP] [Purchase?]
He pressed the summon button, and suddenly, a massive commotion erupted from outside. Curious, he looked out of his window and saw people rushing toward the airfield. The previously empty motor pool in front of the command building was now packed with armored vehicles, clearly marked with the ownership of either the SRD or the AD.
However, the most conspicuous element in the room was not the armored vehicles. Even Bell could hear the approaching footsteps from outside of his office. Seizing the moment, he stepped outside, joining many officers who were now gazing out of the northern window of the command center.
Looking through the window, Bell's eyes fell upon the crowd gathered around the two newly summoned C-17s on Runway 2. These aircraft were enormous, nearly the size of two city blocks, with wingspans rivaling those of young dragons. Most of the crowd consisted of SRD personnel, marveling at their prized aircraft.
