Will the kemonomimi encounter Alien Ranch Story?

Okay, that gate can't be blown open anytime soon, but according to previous intelligence, all we need to do is cut off the power inside and block the ventilation openings, and they'll have to come out and surrender within half a day.

This base was built on the Tower of Babel. The Doctor knows all the power hubs and ventilation shafts, whether they are visible or hidden, and even things that Theresis doesn't know. If a ventilation shaft is blocked, or even if poison gas is poured in, it can quickly suffocate all the rats hiding inside.

Chapter Sixty-Seven Mountain Management Plan

Chapter 67

Inside the supply base, "Wow, Theresis really went all out this time. Guess how much he spent to finish this place?"

The spacious mountain cave was divided into four docks: two repair docks and two supply docks. Various heavy lifting and smelting equipment were coiled around the trough-shaped docks like long snakes.

Containers filled with metal materials, prefabricated parts, and supporting modules spread out like mountains, with occasional guardhouses and managers' offices in sight.

The entire base is divided into three levels. The bottom level is the shipyard and port area, the middle level is the barracks, research and production facilities, and the top level is the command and management department. The structure is very similar to that of Rhodes Island.

"We really have to thank our old friend Therese for sponsoring the major shipyard overhaul. Judging from the condition of the things here, it was completed less than two years ago. He must have started building it before the Civil War."

Using the political and economic resources acquired in Victoria, they secretly built their own power and army, which explains why the guards here are far more elite than those in other places.

All the equipment and facilities were state-of-the-art in Victoria, and the captured engineers and workers recruited by Victoria showed that the Regent was not just starting out here, nor was he receiving foreign aid only a short period before or after the outbreak of the civil war. Rather, from the very beginning, he had been using Victoria to build up his own power.

"The light weapons and various equipment were enough to arm three or four more divisions. So why didn't he do that?"

If three units, each fully equipped with an individual electromagnetic piercing gun, were deployed to the front lines, the Doctor would have a headache for at least several days.

However, these light and heavy weapons, and even the new armored vehicles that were being developed, just lay dormant in the warehouse, unused by anyone.

"Probably because... there's no one." Theresis was also hastily prepared for the battle and launched the attack. This equipment was originally intended to equip his loyal and reliable troops that he was slowly building up, but now he obviously didn't have that many troops. For the noble alliance and the troops recruited by the southern city-states, receiving these things was no different than giving the Doctor a gift.

Of course, in terms of actual performance, the troops in the south who were recruited with money were relatively reliable on the battlefield. At least compared to the conscripted troops organized by the nobles, they were a second- or third-rate regular army rather than a rabble.

"In the end, it still belongs to us. From the moment he failed to defend the mountainous mining areas, he was destined to lose."

"He has no choice. Look, here are the noble lords, and there are the wealthy merchants of the south. If he were to use the funds and military power of these two forces to protect these poor people in the central region who have nothing and can't be squeezed out of anything, he wouldn't be able to be the regent for more than two days."

Theresis still possesses a capable army and astute generals. However, these were not prepared for this war, but rather were provisions he had made long ago for the future unification of Kazdel.

It's impossible to say they didn't know the importance of mountainous areas; the only explanation is that their elite forces were limited, so preserving their base was a priority.

"However, once these last remaining core members are crushed, those noble alliances will fall apart, right?"

That's for sure. Right now, it's these elite core troops that Theresis secretly built up that are grinding against the new recruits of New Kazdel. Once they're ground down, the only fate for the able-bodied men and the few knights in the noble alliance will be to be easily crushed.

The city-state lords in the south were able to live a little longer. In any case, conscripted soldiers were much more capable than able-bodied soldiers. At least in the ranged attack phase, they wouldn't be blown to bits by two rounds of artillery fire.

"Pack your things, notify the fleet to come over. It's our turn to defend now. Theresis will definitely gather manpower to take back this place."

However, upon receiving the news at the Regent's palace, the newly appointed commander of the war zone, who had only been in office for a few hours, arrived with a puzzled expression, ready to inquire about the appointment. Instead, he found himself in a state of utter chaos.

Thick smoke billowed from the incinerator, and servants were loading large and small bags of luggage onto the vehicle. Various documents, supplies, and provisions were being packed and moved in an orderly manner, making it seem as if they were about to flee for their lives.

"Wait, where are you going?" He grabbed a passing servant carrying a large trunk. "Sir, His Highness the Regent has ordered us to prepare for the move."

"Move? Where to? Are we going to retreat further?" If we retreat any further, we'll be back in Syracuse and Letania.

"They said they were going south..."

"The South? What do we do then?"

"My lord, this... I don't know..."

"Where is the Regent?" The commander suddenly thought of a possibility, and his eyes bulged.

"No, I don't know, I haven't seen him, sir."

"Damn it!" As a staunch member of the aristocracy, or rather, as one of the smartest members of the aristocracy, how could he not understand what this meant? It meant that this bitch had sold them all out!

No, it shouldn't be said that they were sold; they were simply used as disposable landmines. He came to ask the Regent if he was serious about his order to open the armory, distribute weapons to everyone, and swear to resist to the last moment.

Furthermore, is allowing some minor nobles and landowners to lead their own private armies to prioritize protecting their properties from Yankee attacks a sign that the system is about to fall apart?

As a result, considering the fact that the other side was preparing to slip away to the south, the purpose of doing so was obvious. It was impossible to stop the doctor's rapid advance militarily, so how could they slow down the enemy's speed so that they could safely evacuate to the south?

The answer is simple: muddy the waters of the local area. The doctors consider themselves liberators, not conquerors. They do not compromise with local forces, nor are they prepared to let things drift. Therefore, every time they occupy a place, they need to establish a new system of governance, try criminals, suppress thieves and bandits, and restore production.

When Theresis distributes weapons, it means that the clans, nobles, and landowners in these places all have varying degrees of armed capability. In other words, even for the most basic needs of ensuring supply lines and basic stability, the Doctor would have to station troops in every place, which would greatly weaken his available forces.

At the same time, if too many counterinsurgency operations are fought, the army will really be ruined, and it will need a long period of reorganization and training to adapt to the intensity and methods of combat on the main battlefield. In other words, it can not only weaken the enemy's forces, but also reduce their combat effectiveness.

Of course, if the doctor really manages to suppress the rebellion and successfully completes this series of restorations of public order and production, then the weakened fighting force will become a stronger and more abundant source of manpower and resources in the future.

Faced with the choice between drowning and being submerged, Theresis had no choice but to choose the latter. However, those left behind as expendable pawns quickly began to break down.

Meanwhile, in the central mountain region, the poorest area in all of Kazdel, nothing grows except for minerals. However, foreign investors have destroyed all the mineral resources there through violent mining.

Although the Republic has abundant resources, they can't be treated like pigs. Therefore, in order to solve the local livelihood problems, they had to call upon the most capable agricultural scientist in all of Kazdel.

The mountains are layered and the rugged slopes are almost devoid of vegetation and surface runoff. Aridity, barrenness, and decay are the dominant characteristics of this place, with metal cages crisscrossing the landscape.

The steel pillars penetrate deep into the earth's crust and mountains, their slender frames making hollow, clanging sounds in the wind.

The slums, made of cloth and metal sheets, looked like piles of junk. Unlike the distorted prosperity of the mining area, here was poverty and decadence that could be seen with the naked eye. There was not a trace of hope. Everyone's eyes looked like those of a wild beast. The human element was only faintly echoing in these bodies.

These people only showed some human qualities when the relief convoy arrived and began unloading.

Of course, perhaps their long career as mercenaries has given them a certain degree of order compared to pure mobs, much like the order of a wolf pack.

As the alpha wolf, the clan leader restrained everyone, distributing food and supplies according to age, gender, and seniority. The order was boys, young men, young women, middle-aged men, girls, and the elderly, which was also their order of survival when supplies were scarce.

“We have done what you asked for, and now it is your turn to fulfill your promise.” These mountain Sakaz people value their reputation highly and expect others to keep theirs as well.

“We brought twenty truckloads of food and supplies, but this is not free.”

"How much do you want?" The other party had no intention of getting it for free. As long as these people's asking price wasn't excessive, they would accept it. In fact, at this point, the fact that they were willing to take the initiative to deliver the supplies to their doorstep was enough to show their sincerity.

"No money is needed, but we will be stationing an expedition team and working group here, and you will need to cooperate with their work..."

"You intend to rule us? Mountain people are free and do not accept any rule..."

They were not born anarchists or liberals. It's just that every ruler in the past had only exploited and plundered them, taking away the last bit of value they had left, leaving them with nothing but freedom.

Therefore, they refuse to accept any rule and are unwilling to relinquish their remaining freedom, which is why they remain in this dead land instead of relocating.

"It's not about ruling, it's about leading. I think even as mercenaries, you need to obey the orders of your employers and leaders, right?"

Kal'tsit certainly knew how to deal with these stubborn people, or rather, if you found the right approach, dealing with them was much more comfortable than negotiating with nobles.

"Hmm, you mean you want to become our chieftains?" The other person's expression seemed to soften a bit. For the mountain people, ruling and leading are two different concepts. The former enjoys sustenance, assigns tasks, extorts benefits, and arbitrarily imposes their will on this land.

The latter is a responsibility; as leaders, they have an obligation to provide supplies and money to the mountain people.

In fact, this responsibility goes far beyond the functions of a normal administrative body. For example, if someone is planning to get married, the head of the clan and the clan elder, as leaders, are obligated to cover all wedding expenses and the starting capital for the newlyweds to build their family.

At the same time, when people can't find jobs, they have to support everyone and find new jobs for everyone.

Of course, just like a wolf pack, when the other party fulfills its responsibility, all individuals must unconditionally obey its orders, even at the cost of their lives.

"Yes, we will provide you with jobs, supplies, and necessary provisions. However, you must also obey our orders, just as you would in the military. Is that too much to ask?"

"Not excessive," the mountain people discussed among themselves for a while and nodded. After all, this was similar to the employment model they had used in the past, the only difference being that the work location was in their hometown.

"So, how is the task settlement calculated?"

"According to your custom, we are not here to rule you, at least not now."

Their strong resistance to the government is a burden and debt left to future generations by Sarkaz demon kings and nobles like Theresis.

“That’s fine then. But we need a contract as a guarantee. We don’t trust any verbal promises; only a written contract and collateral are trustworthy.”

"Yes," it's just a contract. As for collateral, it's even simpler: just bring over the unsold sugar from the farm this season, and all the problems will be solved.

After the agreement was reached, the mountain people opened up part of their land to allow a group of work teams to move in. These work teams were repeatedly told before they set off that they were not there to act like big shots or officials.

If you continue to act like a spoiled brat here, you'll be unlucky if the mountain people kill you; Kazdel won't do anything about it or offer any compensation.

Of course, when it's time to use their manpower, you're also required not to be polite, because you've already been paid. If you don't use them at all, these people will think there's some kind of conspiracy.

Therefore, the selected grassroots personnel were all former mercenaries or had dealt with mountain mercenaries before.

“This place…” Xia Lin looked at the mountains in front of her and was silent for a while. “What’s wrong?” As the Minister of Agriculture, Yelena obviously had to come along too. “Is it impossible to start?”

"No, I don't know how to put it, this kind of terrain is exactly within the scope of my equipment and expertise..."

This is a typical desert planet landscape. The interstellar desert here is not like the Kazdel Desert, which still has some water, oases, and vegetation.

This kind of place, which has almost no organic matter and is so barren that you can hardly find any insects, is the true desert planet landform. The Longnan Desert should be called the "tundra planet landform", which is mainly composed of lichens, mosses and a small amount of vegetation, with some surface water and an extremely rudimentary ecosystem.

Desert planets are outright no-life zones, lacking all the resources necessary for life. Compared to true desert planets, at least the air here is breathable, which is already quite good.

"However, my equipment isn't very complete to manage this place, so I can only use the most troublesome method..."

Xia Lin became interested. The previous area was almost completely unchallenging; it was basically just a matter of running the machine, laying soil, and planting seeds.

Field management and fertilization are very simple because water is plentiful and the soil contains a lot of organic matter. The only difficulty is Originium particle contamination.

Here, there is almost no soil; limestone and sandstone are the main landforms. There is almost no water source, and organic matter is almost zero, making it impossible for insect ecosystems to survive.

Moreover, unlike naturally occurring pollutants, this is entirely man-made, meaning it contains a large amount of industrial pollution and heavy metal residues, making it a key remediation project within interstellar agriculture.

In the "Earth Renewal Project," the Covenant has spent nearly a century ecologically restoring such sites on Earth, with countless experts and bigwigs involved, and the patents and new theories piled up higher than this mountain.

"Yelena, notify the agricultural department to bring over my entire set of equipment. Satie City doesn't need such advanced equipment. Also, prepare enough manpower and sorcerers. I need aviation sorcerers and a drone team. It will be a huge project to set it up with manpower and existing equipment."

"What is the first step?" Kal'tsit asked, what was the first step, and where he planned to begin the project.

"Blasting the mountain, ah, don't misunderstand, it's not the kind of blasting the whole mountain, it's blasting the surface limestone and sandstone to carve out some flat areas suitable for agricultural production from the irregular mountain body."

Xia Lin sketched on the PNIS projector, "Then we need to build roads to ensure heavy machinery can get up there. After that, we need to build a railway, two drone take-off and landing sites, and a logistics dispatch center..."

"These are all for industrial use, right?"

"Yes, agriculture and industry, then we start laying foundations and ecological flooring, crushing and recycling porous sandstone into elemental silicon and aluminum, and releasing the oxygen inside to regenerate carbon dioxide and organic matter with the carbon dioxide from the decomposition of limestone..."

Xia Lin began to talk at length about the process of industrially processing rocks into soil, which required the use of all his equipment, and even some equipment that was not available had to be solved using Terra's makeshift methods.

For example, the first requirement was to transfer the entire mudstone corps to this area for production and construction.

"To power the equipment, I need to build at least twenty large Originium power plants. At the same time, I also need a large number of solar power centers, and at least 15 quarries and crushing plants. This requires a lot of heavy industrial equipment and manpower. Since Terra's technology and industrial strength are insufficient, we can only make up for the lack of props."

Crushing mountains, chewing rocks, sucking out metal minerals and impurities, then spreading the digested, simple soil back on, further processing it with plants and modified insects, and finally establishing preliminary breeding and seedling centers through artificial soil covering, gas cultivation, and other methods, step by step transforming this desolate world into a gentle agricultural landscape.

"Furthermore, I need to build a large number of irrigation booster stations and drill deep wells to bring up the organic matter from the lower layers. In addition, various synthesis stations and agricultural processing stations need to be built one by one. I estimate that at least 20 people will be needed, and more than one million jobs will be provided."

Because in many places where interstellar industrial equipment should be used, only manpower can be used, and that's with a conservative estimate.

"We're using too much manpower."