TFA1 3.16 - Compromise

  Once Lt. Colonel Slane decided to recruit the mine guards and slave workers, Major Maxwell and a team from IDG immediately held interviews with the recruits. Its main purpose was for digging intelligence and determining their character and potential.

  At the end of the selection process six guards were executed, while the rest were recruited as internal security for Terry Hill, led by former Lieutenant Tome as Chief of Security. As for the slave workers, they would become the miners, led by Emil as Chief of Daily Operation.

  Both the internal security and the miners were satisfied with the salaries and facilities they received. They didn't expect that manual laborers would get such a high salary. Therefore, they did not object to the condition that they could not have contact with outsiders without permission.

  The training then began. The internal security underwent training to immobilize humans with taser, security sticks, and handcuffs, along with driving techniques and how to operate radio communication. At the same time, the miners were being introduced to modern mining techniques.

  For a few days everything went smoothly. However, the miners suddenly requested that more than half of internal security had to be executed. The reason was, the previous inhuman treatment they gave to the miners was crimes not worthy of forgiveness.

  Lt. Colonel Slane then called Emil, Tome, and supervisors who were assisting the two. With a casual tone, he opened the meeting, "Before getting into main agenda, I would like to ask Chief Tome about his trip to Lionel Region yesterday.

  I have read Sergeant Liam’s report, but I want to hear direct report from you.”

  Tome nodded before replying, "The merchants who supplies food staples still assume that Terry Hill is a base for Gray Wolf hunters. The fur, fangs, and claws that Amethyst Merchant cultivates are also having better quality than the previous batch so we receive an increase in demand.

  I don't know if Sergeant Liam wrote it down in the report or not. But I brought him to meet my acquaintances in Lionel Guard to find out if there is mobilization after what have happened in Terry Hill."

  Lt. Colonel Slane smiled before saying, "Chief Tome, in the next visit to Lionel Region, you're the one who will write the report, since that's your job as leader of the convoy. I have ordered Sergeant Liam to teach you."

  "Sir."

  Lt. Colonel Slane then turned his gaze to Emil. "Chief Emil, I have read the request from the miners and decide to refuse it."

  "But Sir..." Emil took a deep breath before explaining, "The former mine guards are beasts by nature. They don't deserve a second chance."

  Lt. Colonel Slane slightly nodded before saying, "I know my decision is unfair for the miners. Personally, I understand what you guys feels, but please understand that Amethyst Merchant is not a law enforcement.

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

  We are trading company with the goal to make a profit. When we meet a group of people who need our help, it's a pleasure to help them if we can.

  When we meet a group of people who can help us achieve our goals, we recruit them. Nothing more nothing less."

  Emil took a deep breath before saying, "Ser Slane, can you reconsider it? There is a chance the internal security betray Amethyst Merchant in the future."

  Tome who so far remained silent decided to say, "The people who we betrayed chose to commit suicide and abandoned us. They didn't stand with us to fight to the last man."

  "Then, all of you should have committed suicide too."

  Emil's sharp words made Tome silent, and could only heaving a deep sigh inwardly.

  At the same time, Lt. Colonel Slane calmly said, "Chief Emil, the possibility of betrayal is always exists from anyone we have recruited.

  But please believe me, at least, Major Maxwell and his team have do their best in selection process. They have also identified six bad apples that must be removed."

  "Yes, but the former mine guards are shrewd hypocrites. What if they managed to deceive Major Maxwell and his team?"

  Doubt was evident in Emil's gaze, but Lt. Colonel Slane only smiled slightly. "Chief Emil, only one in a thousand can lie or hide something from Major Maxwell. He has unique talent for detecting lies and has trained it since he was 10, and then using it since he was 18.

  Eighty percent of TF Amethyst personnel also have to pass Major Maxwell’s examination. So doubting his judgment is the same as doubting the eligibility of more than half TF Amethyst personnel."

  "Sir."

  Disappointment instantly gripped Emil’s hearts, but he did not protest further.

  In a calm tone, Lt. Colonel Slane continued, "The only compromise I can offer is that the internal security will receive a 12% cut for their salary, for the first two years, and it will be put into the miners' welfare fund."

  "We accept."

  Tome realized that Lt. Colonel Slane needed his support. Therefore, he firmly accepted the compromise. In addition, even with 12% salary cut, the internal security’s take-home pay was still high.

  In the end, Emil also accepted the compromise and the meeting ended.

  ---

  After the meeting, Lt. Colonel Slane then rushed to visit Vex. As soon as he entered Vex's office, he found Vex was preparing spiced wine using a portable electric stove and a small pot, on top of his working desk.

  As he sat across from Vex, Lt. Colonel Slane said, "I don’t expect you also enjoyed spiced wine. I thought you only enjoyed whiskey, cognac, or scotch."

  Vex smiled slightly before replying, "I tried it for the first time when I finished 40-miler cross country navigation while carrying a combat load of 30 kg. The instructors at the finishing line gave me spiced wine which helped me to recover my dead-tired body and soul. Since then, I have had a habit of enjoying spiced wine when my mood is down."

  Lt. Colonel Slane nodded while in his mind he remembered the uninvited guest that approaching from the east. "XO, how long will it take for the guest from the east to arrive here?"

  "A few months, but we'll launch silent disturbance to slow them down." Vex then turned his gaze to Lt. Colonel Slane before asking, "But, are we really not going to defend Terry Hill?"

  Lt. Colonel Slane firmly replied, "For local nobles, the products we bring from earth are worth much more than gold. Therefore, with the right method we can dredge their gold without the need for bloodshed."

  "I'm sure that would be the most ideal circumstance. Unfortunately, a massive gold mine popped up in our side yard."

  "Yeah." After a deep sigh Lt. Colonel Slane then handed over a USB to Vex. "I heard you will meet our Lady Boss in two days. Please deliver this data to her."

  "Sure."

  After Vex received the USB, the two then enjoyed the freshly boiled spiced wine.

  *****