26. Supplies [Modern Warship in a Cultivation World]

“For the matters of supplies,” Imogen began, her tone shifting immediately from mourning to tactical planning as everyone settled in the meeting room. “Lu Mingfe has stated he has a plan to acquire them for us. Lu Mingfe, please elaborate.”

Lu Mingfe nodded, the twilight outside the window already deepening into night. “The Western Archipelago is the perfect location to conceal this large ship,” he began as Officer Nolan started translating for the crew. “Given that most of the regional forces were moved to defend Jade Gate Port in the last major battle, Haolin Port here will only have minimal security now. My plan is to drop off there from one of your aircrafts.”

“From Haolin Port, I can then proceed to enter the Jade Gate Port by land,” Lu Mingfe showed, tracing a logical route on the projected map.

Officer Lee raised a skeptical question. “Even if you enter Jade Gate Port, how do you intend to procure food, medical, and other vital supplies? We certainly don’t have whatever currency is used in this world.”

Lu Mingfe nodded calmly. “I have this with me.” He produced a small, beautifully crafted plate made of wood with specific characters carved onto it and inlaid with jade. “This is an identification token of a general in the Absolution Alliance,” he explained.

A silence fell over the room. Pax took a quick picture of the token with his camera.

“Why do you have that?” Pax asked the question translated for Lu Mingfe by Jessica. “From what I can tell, you are far too young to hold the rank of General.”

Lu Mingfe’s expression tightened with sorrow. “As I was the sole survivor of my fleet, I was commanded by my superior in his last breaths to deliver three letters. He entrusted me with this token so that I could utilize it for undercover and safe travel across neutral territories.”

Another deep silence fell over the room. No one wanted to press the young man to elaborate further on such a traumatic memory.

Lu Mingfe continued, returning to the logistical plan. “Since this token effectively grants me free rein on how much I can spend, all costs for the supplies will be officially charged back to the sect from where I am operating. Once inside Jade Gate Port, I will identify a reputable merchant and place orders for whatever supplies you require that are easily available and usable by your crew.”

“Wouldn’t that just expose you?” Officer William countered, concerned about the exposure of their only local asset. “From what we understand, the Sovereignties is now heavily patrolled by Murim Alliance forces.”

“My superior gave it to me precisely so I could operate undercover,” Lu Mingfe clarified. “The Sovereignties region is officially a neutral territory. Both Murim Alliance and Absolution Alliance forces regularly come and go there for trade and brief respite. As long as I maintain the disguise of a courier using the General’s token, I should be safe from undue scrutiny.”

“I won’t allow you to proceed ashore alone, regardless,” Imogen countered, establishing the chain of command.

Lu Mingfe bowed respectfully as soon as the Captain’s worry was translated for him. “I fully understand the Captain’s caution. Two or three crew members should accompany me. We need to keep the party small if we are to avoid attracting unnecessary attention while making large purchases.”

“Also, the three letters of poems... they will stay on the Event Horizon,” Imogen continued, her voice firm. She couldn’t trust that Lu Mingfe hadn't attempted to send them already, or that they weren't part of a larger, implicating mission that preceded their safety. Even if the letters were important to his faction in the Great War, she couldn’t allow their delivery to happen, as it would automatically and definitively implicate the Event Horizon on one side of a conflict involving natives of this world.

Lu Mingfe simply gave her a knowing, weary smile. “I wasn’t going to be Captain. I have no intention of dragging your peculiar faction into our war. I understand your fear of implication. I gave my word that I would help you survive, and that means maintaining your strict neutrality for as long as possible. The letters are a private matter, and they will stay secured on the ship”

The immediate tension eased. Lu Mingfe had anticipated her refusal and confirmed his understanding of their primary goal: non-involvement.

_______

With the terms of the delicate mission established, the meeting room began to clear. Imogen waited until only Pax, Officer Nolan, and Officer Lee remained before addressing the final, crucial personnel assignments.

“Regarding the escorts who’ll be traveling with Lu Mingfe,” Imogen began, her voice low and strategic. “Officer Nolan would undoubtedly have to go. His language skills and calm diplomacy are essential. But I ask you, Pax, to go as well. Unlike sending Officer Lee or Officer William, if I send you, Lu Mingfe will not feel as though he is being overtly monitored or controlled. You provide essential reconnaissance without the baggage of a military rank.”

“But Captain, sending a civilian on a mission of this nature is a bit reckless,” Officer Lee interjected, voicing a valid security concern.

Pax replied instantly, cutting through the objection. “I will go, Captain, if you will allow me to take my camera and recorder with me.”

He offered a faint, wry smile, emphasizing the unique nature of their predicament. “It’s not every day I get the chance to travel around in another world, is it? We need to document this, and I can be quite something in a way an enlisted man cannot.”

“Reporter Pax, this will be genuinely dangerous,” Officer Lee warned, still uneasy about risking a non-combatant.

“As if I don’t know that, Officer Lee,” Pax retorted, his tone hardening slightly with professional pride. “Just like the military, I have toyed with danger and survived many times in my career as a crime reporter. I know how to blend, how to observe, and when to keep my mouth shut. My survival instincts are finely tuned.”

Imogen gave a decisive nod, satisfied with his resolve. “Then it’s settled. Officer Nolan and Reporter Pax will accompany Lu Mingfe. Officer Lee, you will be their sole point of contact from the ship. You will coordinate their extraction and provide immediate communication support.”