Chapter 525 - 47: First Encounter
In early June 1665, the iron-framed ship in the shipyard was still under construction, while the third "population increase" operation on Big Island had already begun.
It was still the same sturdy, durable steel-framed sailing ship, still led by Sunday.
However, this time, the armed forces on the ship had been significantly strengthened.
...
Fu, Lu, and Shou were overwhelmed with affairs, needing to stay on the island to help Chen Zhou manage various projects.
This time, the newly trained members of the security guards were the ones embarking on the island with Sunday.
Since the melee incident occurred, a security force was formed on the island, and after the second expedition to the archipelago to capture natives, the security force size was expanded, from initially 8 members to 20.
All members of the security force were personally trained by Chen Zhou and Sunday.
The island’s new knowledge was too extensive for security force members to fully grasp in a short time, so during training, they focused on learning Chinese and the script, memorizing and understanding legal codes, and weapon use and maintenance regulations.
Besides, their sense of discipline was something Chen Zhou particularly valued.
The experiences of marching in step during college military training, folding bean curd pieces, and even the training methods seen in military drama films were judiciously incorporated into the security force’s training program by Chen Zhou.
After a series of enclosed training sessions, the security force might be nowhere near the quality of a modern army, but Chen Zhou thought they should be more than enough to deal with sailors from the same era, pirates, or even uncivilized natives.
...
This time, the target set by Chen Zhou for capturing natives was 80 people.
If Sunday could complete the task smoothly, the island’s population would experience a significant increase.
Actually, given Sunday and this batch of security guard’s capability and the logistical personnel’s support, not to mention capturing 80 people, even managing one or two hundred wouldn’t be a problem.
Unfortunately, the ship’s carrying capacity was limited. If they couldn’t make a round trip on the same day, it was nearly impossible for captured natives not to perish during transport, so the number target set by Chen Zhou was somewhat conservative.
During the black slave trade period, more black slaves died on ships than those who successfully landed.
These matters were clearly written in textbooks, each description carrying a bloody historical significance.
Although Chen Zhou was practically the "tyrant" of the island, the purpose of capturing natives wasn’t purely just to add more labor force to the island.
Yet, he still retained some conscience, not having degraded to the point of treating human lives as mere numbers in a game.
...
The sea breeze lightly brushed over the water surface, with the harbor abuzz with voices.
All ten security members carrying long guns wore uniform blue work clothes, stepping onto the ship in orderly steps.
The sails were about to be raised, and the islanders in the distance were shading their eyes from the sun, squinting at the large ship.
Someone reminisced about that archipelago seemingly buried deep in memory, recalling the hardships of life once endured.
Some were looking forward to the addition of new members; some were yearning for the day they themselves would board the ship and set sail; while others enviously eyed the security guards’ uniforms and the long guns on their shoulders, wishing they could take their place...
...
Ruth stood under the mast, looking up at the gradually rising sail, eyes shifting to the sea surface.
Although the island had already seen two population increases, none of the newly added islanders knew the whereabouts of his son.
Ruth thought, if his child hadn’t successfully swum to another small island, then it must have sunk into the sea bay between the two islands.
He then thought of the name he changed to, remembered what Sunday once said to him, and his entire being felt a bit dazed again.
...
Those supposed to board had all boarded, it was the first time for the security guards to board the ship as sailors. Restricted by discipline, they couldn’t move around, but their eyes nonetheless wandered all over, scrutinizing everything onboard.
Sunday stood upright, a Long Saber strapped on his waist, stood at the prow and, seeing everyone had tidied up, issued the order to set sail.
The ship body slightly swayed, cutting through the waves, commanded by Kosu, renamed Li Si, it headed towards the archipelago’s location.
The sun was blazing, and after boarding, Sunday was about to head to the shaded cabin to rest when he passed by the mast and saw Ruth in a daze.
Pressing his lips together, Sunday understood well the musings of this old fellow.
Stopping, Sunday patted Ruth on the shoulder, pulling him away from the mast.
"I know what you’re thinking."
As soon as he spoke, Sunday saw Ruth’s expression dim slightly, as if sinking into deeper sorrow.
After pausing for a moment, Sunday internally made a significant decision before continuing.
"You’ve been following me since the first time we sailed out, now it’s almost two years since we met. However you say it, we’re old friends now.
The Leader trusts me, giving me full authority to handle this operation. Within my capabilities, I can help you with something."
Sunday pointed at the sea surface towards the prow.
"This time, we’re heading to the island your son swam to, to capture natives, to gather information.
No matter if your son is dead or alive, I’ll do my best to give you an answer.
But don’t hold too much hope, we both know the roots there well, to be honest, the chance your son is still alive isn’t high."
"But you and I both know who the real culprit is.
No matter if we find your son or not, you have to promise me, even if only you remain in the future, you’ll live earnestly, seriously.
Also, after this mission ends, I’ll request the Leader to keep you on the island next time, you’re not a qualified sailor, nor an outstanding warrior."