The newly minted Lieutenant Nasir seemed to be much more relaxed now that it was just Veronica and I in the office, but still appropriately tense given the seriousness of the matter at hand. "Putting it bluntly sir, our supply situation is fucked," they delivered while I read their report on the tablet. "We have enough to feed both army and navy for perhaps a few weeks, assuming that we maintain our present rate of consumption."
"We're currently already at the barest of ration cycles." I grimaced, remembering that my last meal had just been a very basic rice packet with some packaged seasoning. All officers had been voluntold that they'd be on the same meals as the common soldiery for the moment which garnered some grumbles. But the fact I also shared in their misery helped mitigate the impact of that somewhat. "Is this accounting for the supplementary hydroponics onboard our fleet?"
"Yes, as they only meant to supplement meals with fresh fruit and vegetables. Not ever make up for an actual lack of supplies."
"Could it if we were to expand them?"
"According to projected charts based on previous harvests, not entirely without extensive remodeling of the troop ships that would also involve removing crew quarters," Veronica calculated for the benefit of the two humans. "Unless said crew would not mind sleeping among cornfields."
"Let's reserve that as an emergency option if we're unable to remedy our current woes," I muttered before returning to the report. "Very well. How about our ammunition and parts supplies? If things go bad, I want to know how long we can fight for."
"It's thankfully in a much better state, with how our only expenditure was quite brief and very controlled." Nasir glanced up to me and I gave an understanding nod. We hadn't needed to use much to suppress the paltry planetary garrison. "However, I would still advise against any sort of prolonged engagement. We do have printers onboard our flagships to manufacture more, but we haven't enough raw materials to sustain production.
"Were we to lose something like a tank or a mech, we would be especially hard-pressed to replace it. So I strongly recommend us to mind their deployment."
I grunted in assent. I'd need to check in with Major Rowles later about our state of ground forces later. "Very well. Anything else that you wish to bring to my attention?"
They frowned, thinking. "...Perhaps the fact that I would also encourage personnel losses kept to a minimum? In stark contrast of existing battle doctrine," Nasir hesitantly suggested. "As we of logistics corps haven't the, erm, means to replace human resources. Quite literally."
Right. That was a bit of a darker aspect of Half Committee that probably needed to be addressed. I suppose that it made sense that the logistics corps would've have handled that matter, but I'd get to that later. For the moment, her ongoing report was sufficient enough to stress to me the fact that our previous government's collapse was definitely left us up shit creek without a paddle.
The fact that taking Cavia had been a side objective in the overall offensive along an interstellar front, combined with surprisingly accurate intelligence of only projected feeble resistance, meant that we hadn't been granted a stockpile or additional supplies for the operation. And our previous quartermaster clearly just didn't care for more, caring probably only for if the check cleared. The moment it clearly wouldn't, he bailed hard.
Ah. Speaking of finances, I probably ought to also inquire about that difficult omission. "Lieutenant Nasir, I've realized you haven't brought up the issue of finances."
"Oh." They winced, maybe hoping that I wouldn't have to ask about what was probably the worst aspect of this all. "Well, um...I'm sorry sir, but we just can't pay anybody. We haven't be carrying around hard cash, after all."
"Half Committee itself was eyes-deep in loans from megacorps and baronies sympathetic or using the front as a means for war profiteering," helpfully mentioned my AI aide. "Manna issued was always via digital transaction from such accounts via the state bank. The collapse of Half Committee leaves outstanding debts and transactions that will likely still need to be collected upon yet without a guarantor-"
"Thank you, Veronica," I sullenly cut-off, reminded that I was pretty much working for free now. And so was most of Seventh Expedition, which was probably not something I wanted to emphasize. "For the moment, is base scrip still good enough to distribute within our own forces?"
"Barely. You understand though that I cannot utilize it as an alternative currency for local procurement."
"Of course. But let me handle worrying about making agreements with the planetary populace." Nasir had enough on their plate and they were only just promoted. It was the least I could to to help ease the burden somewhat.
But before I could get into striking bargains with the people though, I had to understand the history and geography of the world itself. The briefing delivered prior to arrival was definitely nowhere near sufficient enough, not to mention the possibility of it containing false information or elements of propaganda to 'justify' it to the common soldiery. So I had my NHP plugged in and scouring the databases to acquire as much accurate data as she could for a more detailed presentation.
She'd completed processing minutes before Nasir's report was delivered, so now felt like a good time as any to learn what the locals were capable of. I bade the lieutenant of the logistics corps to stay and listen in as well, because there was a very good chance that this information would be vital to their operations moving forwards. Once they'd taken a seat, I nodded at Veronica.
The NHP returned the human gesture minutely, then her projection vanished, replaced by a hologram of the world instead. "The Cavia system was discovered and settled by Union during the era of SecComm as part of the recognized Anthrochauvinism movement. The two planets of Cavia I and Cavia II at the time were deemed to be very resource rich, but only the former was considered for colonization as the latter possesses no significant landmass.
"Cavia I was thus settled and developed following procedures for cold-weather tundra ecosystems, establishing the claim of humanity upon the world. Meanwhile, automated extraction, refining, and production systems were produced to convert the worlds of Cavia I and II into dockyard facilities, manufacturing ships to continue SecComm's aggressive military expansion."
"That explains what we found in orbit, but they looked derelict," I recalled. "They couldn't have been used for a long time."
"Correct. Prior to the ousting of SecComm, resources extraction unexpectedly dried up and production ceased, leading to local economic downturn. In light of this development, a new colonial director was drafted up and sent to take direct management of the world. While in transit, SecComm collapsed and Director Hessin decided to enforce their authority with accompanying military guards.
"Over time, House Hessin was formed as a noble family who ruled over the Cavia system, utilizing unfinished ship hulls to conduct raids on neighboring systems and passing convoys to secure loot they would sell to passing traders. Based on my analysis of their intake, they appeared to have essentially created a pirate economy revolving around this."
"But one that drew the ire of the Half Committee when they started attacking things under their banner."
"Correct." The hologram shifted to a projected frigate. "According to captured intelligence, once House Hessin realized that we were coming, they poured all efforts into finishing a capital ship hull by hand, as the printers were rendered non-functional over generations of disrepair. Then they embarked majority of their family alongside personal troops, and fled once confirmation of our incoming fleet was delivered."
"They took the money and ran, leaving their people to pick up the pieces of what was left behind," softly said Nasir. "Likely also telling those who stayed behind perhaps that they'd be back with help, which would never arrive. I feel sorry for the locals."
"I do as well," I agreed, turning to Veronica. "Very well, thank you for the history lesson. Now, tell me about the people itself."
"The population of Cavia I are baseline humans with very little genetic changes, aside from slightly improved resilience to colder temperatures. Biomodifications and cybernetic enhancements are considered rare in the general population, with the state of bionics prosthetics being quite basic compared to the established Union standard.
"Majority of these individuals are employed in industries that ordinarily would be automated, but have since reverted back to manual labor. Farming, extraction, manufacturing, all is done mostly by hand."
"Extraction?" I echoed, brow furrowing. "Wait, mining? I thought it was said that all ore extractors had dried up?"
"Additional footnote: only all major deposits worthy of prolonged investment by the standards of SecComm had been exhausted. Under the prior administration of House Hessin, additional smaller deposits of valuable ores have been discovered and exploited." Veronica helpfully displayed a list of these various metals for Nasir to quickly scan through. "It can be inferred that as these do not meet the prerequisite efficiency thresholds for automated exploitation by the standards of Union, they were not considered to be part of the exhausted supply."
"So something that slipped through the cracks thanks to bureaucratic oversight. How fortunate for us."
"Yes, because if we were to gain access to this list, we could very well supply our current task force and then some," the logistics officer eagerly commented. "Are these excavation rates to date? This is how much we're already digging with human hands?"
"Affirmative. It is calculated that providing semi or fully automated machinery will greatly multiplicative. However, it should be noted that no such working heavy equipment is currently listed in inventory across the planet."
"But they still have it. It just needs to be repaired." Nasir thought about it for a few moments. "If we could gain access to them, we could see what needs to be fixed and then use our printers to make the replacement parts. Or failing that, we could maybe even make some new equipment entirely!"
"Warning: a thorough comb of the printer databases yield no results regarding manufacturing mining equipment. Custom parameters would have to be inputted."
"But that's something that the engineers could at least work on," I decided and glanced at my subordinate. "Find out who's good with fixing things up and let them know that there might be a special assignment coming down soon. It'll all depend on if I can negotiate with the locals about gaining access to this stored broken equipment."
"Yes sir."
"Veronica, please focus next on agriculture. Can the planet grow enough food to feed us all?"
"Given Cavia's relatively cold ecosystem with lacking sunlight, majority of produce comes from hydroponics facilities around the world. Such facilities are dated and aged, considered to be below standards set by Union. Restoration to full capacity and further expansion of such buildings is projected to be capable of feeding both the civilian population and the entirety of the Seventh Expeditionary, alongside creating a stockpile of surplus."
"Another thing for us to fix up then. Alongside manufacturing as well, if we can. We ourselves already have printers, but making more so that people can make what they need for everyday needs is good as well."
"Warning: majority of these industries and locations is owned by private enterprises who were once licensed to operate under House Hessin. The downfall of that government presents an uncertain question and future regarding these businesses." Veronica appeared back into view, manifesting as a small soldier at attention from the hologram. "Recommendation actions include either seizure or nationalization of such facilities for direct ownership and access."
Now that was something that made me hesitate, because it would unfortunately really be quite a bad look for a temporary military governor to do. Even if it was in the name of the greater good, it still had a chance of causing a major local upset. Those businesses had likely quietly operated in the shadow of House Hessin, maybe having bought or inherited them over the years. People had likely gone through them to purchase their daily necessities or maintain the markets, making me leery of directly upsetting things.
But at the same time as well, I also had to consider the well-being of all those lives I'd taken in. So this couldn't be put off. It also did give me an idea for how to perhaps raise immediate manna for local supply procurement. "See if you can pull up the contact details for whoever is supposed to own these facilities on paper, and send them a message inquiring if they are willing to meet with me to discuss a potential early transition to a new administration. If they don't respond before a set deadline, assume such properties are considered abandon and foreclose them in the name of state interests."
"Understood. When should this initial deadline be set?"
"Preferably as soon as possible."
"Affirmative."
"Also, this is just the report on Cavia I, right? There's still another planet in the system, Cavia II."
"Correct. However, existing data regarding Cavia II is considered to be dated and unreliable; Operations involving mining and extraction of rare resources from the ocean world have since ceased and given the lack of settlement, no further efforts have been made to determine its viability."
Sounds like then that perhaps there was some hopefully untapped more natural resources over there. Plus, maybe we could invest in aquaculture or something, but we needed more information to feed into the NHP to determine the possibility. A survey had to be carried out of it, alongside whatever stellar bodies there were.
Captain Feng could handle that. But I'd check in on him later; for now, I wanted to finish the report. That sounded like that was all there was regarding the local resources to use, save one. "Alright then. Now, how about the local culture? What's it like?"
"Error. 404."
I blinked, a flash of knowledge from my old life washing over me. 404...that meant it was not found. Which meant…"The people don't have a local culture?"
"What?" Nasir muttered, equally befuddled. "But...that doesn't just make any sense. They've been here since SecComm, which was a while back. Sure they've developed something?"
No, wait. I was remembering something from the operation briefing that I'd once dismissed as being simply hyperbolic exaggeration for propaganda. But it looked like it was one of the rare few times that the Half Committee was telling the truth as Veronica elaborated."Under the prior rule, all forms of self-expression and artistry were hereby forbidden.
"All cultural efforts were ordered by House Hessin to exclusively only glorify their family. According to scraped records, there have been many instances of them commissioning works of themselves. This is seen in the prevalence of statues and other sorts of monuments to their family throughout the cities."
"B-but what about those who just wanted to make their own thing?" Nasir trembled, despite surely already knowing the answer. "What happened to them?"
"According to records, they and their families were most oft arrested for violation of this decree and deported to prisons to carry out a sentences of hard labor." Veronica paused, then added, "This was also the case for any who criticized the existing regime."
"That's horrible! How could they do that!"
"It is," I solemnly agreed, reminded that Lancer didn't shy away from humanity sometimes being monsters themselves. But it was also proof that our species could rise above such darkness. "Don't worry, Major Rowles herself broke the camps open when we found them. There isn't a single prisoner left in those horrible facilities anymore."
Wow. They really wanted to sell that if you're evil in the setting, you're pretty much the worst of the worst, huh? The previous regime was absolutely going to have been liberated by Mirrorsmoke or some other Lancer company in a future. Guess I accidentally stole their thunder, while also unfortunately being the lightning rod for the next strike instead.
The logistics officer calmed down at the reassurance, looking greatly relieved that we weren't going to carry on with such injustices. However, Veronica added in a slight observation to sour the joy slightly. "Due to the indiscriminate nature of these camps, we haven't a way to discriminate between convicted criminals or political prisoner among them. The bookkeeping is quite lacking as well, being done entirely on paper ledgers instead of digital storage."
"We can always catch the criminals later. It's not like they'll be getting off-world anytime soon." If they were smart, they'd shut up and keep their head down. If they were dumb, we literally had martial law.
"Noted. However, something I should also mention is that what few records have been inputted into me has seen a few local businesses sometimes contracting workers from these camps in employ of their enterprises. Oft for subpar or no pay."
Oh? I suppose it shouldn't have been that surprising given that it was clearly a lucrative way to get unpaid labor. But the fact that there was enough for the NHP to directly confirm it was different. Which meant for a certain few businesses, that friendly discussion wasn't even going to be on my books. "Veronica, please mark down those owners who you have sure confirmation about engaging in this practice. Then remove them from the mailing list."
"Understood. Am I to understand that you will be forgoing negotiations with them?"
Was it a bit petty?
Maybe, but since these folks probably wouldn't be liked by my new people for certain, it was a pretty safe. And it might even appease their grudges somewhat. "Yes. We'll be directly nationalizing them, no bargains or refunds."
Oh dear, I hope this wasn't my slide into something like a five year plan or anything. Let's just stick with trying to survive five days.
"Very well. Shall I pass orders to the army to handle the seizure?"
"No, I'll give the orders directly to Major Rowles myself. I need a report on our ground forces next anyway."