CHAPTER 126:
Forming a fleet
Interceptor? Boateng shook his head. Never heard of it. Is it a large warship?
Xia Fei was slightly disappointed. No, its about the same size as a frigate, but it has a cruising speed of 14,000m/s. I reckon that this speed isnt its limit; it should be able to break 20,000m/s if it goes all out.
Good heavens! Boateng opened his mouth wide, evidently finding a speed of 20,000m/s to be unbelievable. Before the warp engine was invented, there was once a super powerful proton jet engine. Installing such an engine allows a warship to travel at a very high speed, but the engine itself isnt very stable. It consumes a lot of fuel and is very troublesome to maintain, so no one has been using it for a long time.
Xia Fei thought back carefully before shaking his head. Based on my observations, thats not a proton jet engine. Forget it. Since I cant figure it out, Ill just let it be.
The two left the office and went to the factory compound. There were over twenty warships parked there. Including the factory and the equipment, the total value should be over a billion star coins. The gifts that Old Porters four apprentices had left behind were quite significant.
The Anathema-class frigate was quietly parked in the middle of the compound, not showing off at all. Only in battle would this top-tier hybrid frigate show its edge.
Xia Fei, why did you switch to this ship? Whats that naval-issue Eagle-class frigate? Boateng asked with furrowed eyebrows.
Xia Fei briefly explained his experience in the Wild Star Region to Boateng, to which the latter sighed regretfully. Its indeed a pity. Ever since I became an apprentice in the factory thirteen years ago, that naval-issue Eagle-class frigate has always been parked in a corner. My master will even wipe it himself from time to time.
Theres no choice. Since youre trying to escape with your life, Im sure that my master wont blame you even if he finds out. Boateng expressed his understanding of Xia Fei. After all, it was the best Xia Feis could do under the circumstances back then. Anyone else would not have been able to safely bring Lunar Eclipse out of the Wild Star Region.
Boateng and Xia Fei walked into the interior of Vampire. Boateng looked at the mess that Xia Feis had made and said, Looks like you must have run into some trouble back then, or else you wouldnt have left your warship in such a state before flying it out.
Xia Fei nodded slightly. I didn't have much time at the time, so I could only make do with what I had.
What characteristics does this Anathema-class frigate have? Boateng asked.
Xia Fei explained the ship's characteristics and history, and the more Boateng listened, the more surprised he became. When he heard about the energy-draining system, Boateng's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.
"A frigate that can install an energy-draining system! My goodness, no wonder you chose this ship over Lunar Eclipse. This kind of function is just too unbelievable. I would have done the same if I were you, "Boateng said, swallowing a mouthful of saliva.
"How do you plan to modify the Vampire?"
Just like Lunar Eclipse, reduce the residential area by two-thirds and use it to install combat equipment. I also want to install a second energy-draining system, Xia Fei said.
Long before he arrived at the warship graveyard, Xia Fei had already come up with an idea for Vampire's modifications. The biggest advantage of Vampire was that it could install an energy-draining system, and Xia Fei planned to use this feature to its fullest potential.
Once the second energy-draining system was installed, Vampire would be able to absorb energy twice as fast. In other words, an enemy warship that would normally need five minutes to lose energy would only need half the time with the double energy-draining system. Furthermore, it would be able to deal with two targets at the same time, maximizing its combat power.
A double energy-draining system isnt a bad idea. I think you can also install a double energy-shield recharging system. Once the energy-draining system is activated, Vampire will have enough energy to activate two energy-shield recharging systems at the same time, greatly increasing its defensive capabilities, Boateng said after some thought.
Xia Fei patted Boateng on the shoulder with a smile. Indeed, youre the one who understands me. To hell with those comfort equipment. As long as I have a strong combat power, Ill be willing to sleep in the command deck every day.
Once the modification plan was confirmed, they immediately got to work.
That afternoon, Old Porters factory began to get busy.
Xia Fei had worked in this factory before, so he was very familiar with the workers and had a good relationship with them. These workers volunteered to stay in the factory and work overtime for the time being so that they could finish assembling Vampire as soon as possible.
Xia Fei did not reject their good intentions, secretly contacting Sonny to provide them with the best logistical support. Not only would they have a sumptuous meal every day, they would also never repeat it.
The assembly progressed very quickly, and it only took a night to dismantle all the equipment that Vampire did not need.
The luxurious marble bathtub, the soft mattress, the all-metal kitchen equipment, and so on were all given to the workers by Xia Fei. The workers were, of course, very happy. They were not like Xia Fei, who was willing to sleep on the floor for maximum performance.
The energy system was equipped with a storage battery, which could store as much of the energy stolen from the enemy warship as possible without wasting it.
The warp disruptor and traction control system were rearranged, and the four enhanced laser cannons were replaced with dual cannons. This way, each of the cannons could fire two laser beams, increasing the firepower by sixty percent. Xia Fei was not worried about the extra energy consumption, for the energy-draining device could take the energy from the enemy warship for its own use, which was more than enough for all the equipment to operate at the same time.
There was also the double CL5 energy-shield replenishment system, which could continuously repair the shield, increasing its defense by at least thirty percent.
Since Xia Fei had brought back a portion of the original equipment from Lunar Eclipse, there was no need to purchase most of the spare parts. Besides, Vampire was a brand new warship, so there were not many parts that needed to be replaced, so the modification work progressed very quickly.
There were still some difficulties when it came to installing the second energy-draining device. The original energy-draining device was made by the top parts manufacturer, Sasa, and its performance was very good, but it was very difficult to find such a top-notch part on the market, so Xia Fei had no choice but to choose a normal energy-draining device. This was probably the only flaw of Vampire.
At the same time, the eight Iteron-class industrial ships that Xia Fei had ordered were also being sent over from the warship graveyard. These industrial ships had yet to be repaired, so they appeared to be rather worn out. Once Vampire was completed, these industrial ships would immediately enter the workshops for repairs.
Xia Fei also chose two frigates from Old Porters factory to act as escorts for the transport fleet: a Mittal Rift and a Caldari Kestrel-class.
The Rift was fast and good at tracking, while the Kestrel-class had powerful firepower and could provide sustained high firepower. Both frigates had their own specialties, and when combined, they were very mobile and had sufficient firepower, making them quite a good choice.
The eight Iteron-class industrial ships cost Xia Fei ninety-three million star coins. The Rift cost twenty-eight million star coins, and the Kestrel-class cost thirty-five million star coins each.
Just the ships in this fleet alone cost him a total of one hundred and fifty-six million star coins, and this was not counting the maintenance costs. Xia Fei estimated that he would need at least two hundred million star coins to build this fleet. It must be mentioned that Boateng had sold these ships to Xia Fei at cost price, so he did not even earn a dime from it.
Actually, the safety of navigation within the Alliance was quite high. Incidents like pirate robberies did not happen often, so Xia Fei had other considerations when he insisted on buying two frigates.
Once this fleet was built, it would be the first space fleet of the Earth Federation, and it would greatly increase Quantum Holdings prestige in the Federation. It must be mentioned that the entire Federation did not even have a single warship, yet Quantum Holdings was able to build its own fleet, which would greatly shock the citizens of the Federation.
Doing business was also an art. The more reputable a company was, the more business partners and profits it would attract. It was just like opening a shop needed to be renovated; reputation was something that businessmen could not ignore.
Besides, his own fleet still needed to travel to those high-level planets. What would the aliens think if they found out that Quantum Holdings did not even have a warship to protect them? Who would be willing to do business with a company that did not have the strength to back it up?
Since he was determined to build his own fleet, he needed to make it presentable. Some money could be saved, but others could not be.
The two hundred million for building the fleet, the two hundred million for the company's liquidity, and the cost of modifying Vampire made Xia Fei's account balance drop like a roller coaster. He could not help but sigh at how easy it was to spend money.
Fortunately, Boateng was unwilling to sell all the tools that Porter had left him. After all, he had been using them for many years, so he was reluctant to part with them. That was why he planned to bring all the tools and maintenance equipment from his factory when he went to Earth. This way, he would be able to reduce the cost of buying maintenance equipment.
About ten days later, a brand new Vampire was finally pushed out from the maintenance workshop. All the modifications were finally complete.
Xia Fei, this ship sure looks low-key. It doesn't look like a top-notch special ops frigate at all, Boateng commented.
Indeed, Xia Fei smiled. Xia Fei smiled. "You'll live longer if you keep a low profile. It's not a good thing to stand out too much. I'll leave the remaining industrial ships and frigates to you. Ill be heading back to Heaven Execution Training Camp tonight.
Boateng nodded. Don't worry. Once all the work is done, Ill send this fleet safely to Earth for you. However, I still have to take care of this factory my master left behind, so it might take a little longer.
With that said, Boateng turned around and looked reluctantly at the dilapidated factory, as well as the warships that he and his master had personally repaired in the yard. For a moment, he was in a daze.
Xia Fei lit a Hongtashan. No rush. It wasn't easy for Uncle Porter to build this factory. Even if you're going to sell it, you should take care of it properly and find a trustworthy buyer. Dont let down Uncle Porter's name.
Yes, Ill definitely find a trustworthy buyer for it, Boateng said firmly. By the way, Sonny secretly told me that he wishes to follow you to Earth. Thats a little mischievous, but he isn't a bad person at heart. Besides, hes quite experienced in piloting and repairing warships, so he should be more than enough to be my assistant.
Xia Fei furrowed his brows. I've been seeing him a lot these days. Why didnt he tell me personally?
Boateng chuckled. "Sonny might look all cheeky on the outside, but he's most afraid of his mother. She told him not to bother you, so he had no choice but to take a roundabout route to beg me."
Sonny was quite quick-witted, but he lacked composure. As long as he was not placed in a critical position, he could still be of some help to the company.
Alright, agree to his request. Also, bring Sonny's mother and his brother, Nemo, to Earth. Youre all locals of the warship graveyard, so Sonny and his family will be able to keep sister-in-law and niece company.
Xia Fei was determined to make Boateng his own, so he was very considerate in everything he did. Money was useless for a sentimental man like Boateng, so he needed to move him spiritually. Once Boateng treated Xia Fei as one of his own, he would help Xia Fei at all costs.
"Yes." Boateng looked at Xia Fei, somewhat touched. Thank you for being so considerate for our family. Lets go; our brothers are all waiting. You should hurry back to the training camp after this farewell drink. It wasn't easy getting into Heaven Execution Training Camp, so youll have to cherish this opportunity.
If my master comes looking for you …
Xia Fei patted his shoulder heavily. You can rest assured. If Uncle Porter comes looking for me, Ill be the first to let you know.
.
Vampire slowly landed at the airport on the outskirts of Otter City on Planet Hek.
Xia Fei headed straight for Heaven Execution Training Camp without stopping. The time displayed was around nine in the morning, which was when the day's work would begin. Xia Fei did not return to his dormitory but went straight to the library to report.
It was already winter on Hek, and he could see from afar that the white library was once again surrounded by trash. Leaves, paper, and a thick layer of snow were all over the place. The library had become as dirty and messy as it was before Xia Fei was not around.
The heating in the library was on full blast, and Qin Mang was already dozing off with his big black cat in his arms early in the morning.
Xia Fei took out the tea leaves that Qin Mangs wanted from his spatial ring and gently placed them on the table. Longjing Tea was hard to come by, and Andre had only managed to buy twelve catties after searching for a long time for Xia Fei. Thus, Xia Fei brought along some Dahongpao, Biluochun, and other good teas for Qin Mangs.
After brewing a pot of tea and placing it on the table, Xia Fei quickly began to sweep the dust in the library.
Qin Mang quietly opened his eyes, his right hand stroking the fat and lazy black cat in his arms. He did not say a word as he quietly watched Xia Fei busy himself in the library.
Xia Fei looked up and saw that Qin Mang was already awake. He hurriedly walked over with a smile and poured Qin Mang a cup of tea. Old man, this is a specialty of my hometown, Dahongpao. Though it's not as fragrant as Longjing Tea, it has its own uniqueness. Have a taste.
Qin Mang took the teacup and took a sip, savoring the aftertaste for some time before muttering to himself, The aroma is rich and mellow. It's not a bad tea.
Putting down the teacup, Qin Mangs pulled out two old keys from his pocket. These are the keys to the two basement rooms. Keep them. From now on, when you clean the place, clean the basement as well. Qin Mangs nodded.
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