Chapter Twenty-Four: Mountbatten Star (Part One)

Zhao Li’s words caused the soldier with his arm around Zhao Li’s shoulder to pause for a moment; even Zhao Li could sense the heavy breathing from his side. But then, the grip around his arm tightened: “Ha ha ha, you’re really something, little brother!” The address shifted, from “kid” to “little brother.”

Meanwhile, Lieutenant had already helped Simpson out, and everyone left the shuttle together. Only then did Zhao Li see that the entire small shuttle was inside a gigantic battleship, secured to a massive framework. All around the framework were various hydraulic devices and shock-absorbing springs.

At last, Zhao Li understood where all that chaotic shaking had come from—it wasn’t the shuttle’s normal turbulence during flight, but entirely artificial.

He guessed such pranks must be the work of these idlers, who were bored enough to concoct such schemes: a way to give the newcomers a taste of humility, or, if unsuccessful, at least to add some excitement to their gambling. It cost them nothing, but for Simpson and Zhao Li, who were made the objects of their bets, it was far less amusing.

It was obvious without asking: everyone had placed bets on both sides, wagering on who would cave first during the flight. Judging by the scattered enthusiastic voices outside, mingled with mostly disappointed tones, few had faith in the newcomers. Simpson, it seemed, was a seasoned hand at this game, hence his reaction.

Still, it was remarkable that a recruit fresh out of training could withstand such unpredictable jolts better than the veteran pilot Simpson. It was a novelty for the whole garrison—especially with the old soldier’s enthusiastic endorsement, Zhao Li was quickly seen as having potential, and everyone took a liking to him, even though most had lost money because of him.

This had become a tradition among the administrative center garrison on Mountbatten Planet. Every time a new recruit arrived, they were greeted this way. The process was simple: first, the shuttle pilot would employ the most challenging techniques, letting the recruit experience the intensity of aerial combat units.

If Zhao Li had faltered during this stage, vomiting and miserable, there would have been no need for the even more severe jolts to follow. But he had held his own, and what awaited him next was a daunting ordeal, even for new air force recruits.

The small shuttle would fly directly into the interior of the larger battleship. In fact, the shuttle was merely an assault ship belonging to the greater vessel, and the moving framework was its docking station. The framework had a certain range of motion but, for this occasion, was repurposed to test the endurance of the two men.

Inside the cockpit, a surveillance screen allowed them to monitor everything Zhao Li did in his seat. When Zhao Li swiftly secured his package, Simpson even suspected Zhao Li was aware of their tradition. Yet Instructor Xiao Qiang, who had also bet on Simpson, would never have let slip any information.

During the earlier flight, Zhao Li had forced himself to endure, but hadn’t used basic fitness techniques to resist, so he looked quite unwell. Simpson believed that a little more effort would be enough to overcome Zhao Li.

Unexpectedly, Zhao Li persevered. Simpson, out of options, resorted to the framework. The framework was equipped with remote control, in Simpson’s hands. The moment Zhao Li vomited, Simpson would halt the violent shaking, and the intensity could be adjusted as needed.

Yet, even as Simpson himself reached his limit, Zhao Li remained composed. In the end, it was Simpson who was left vomiting, nearly unable to stand.

At this point, Simpson ought to have conceded. But his pride wouldn’t allow it; instead, he increased the shaking’s intensity. If Zhao Li vomited too, they could call it a draw, and Simpson, as a seasoned pilot, wouldn’t look so disgraceful.

Unfortunately, things didn’t go as he hoped. Zhao Li’s endurance exceeded everyone’s expectations. He stood upright, carrying his package as if nothing had happened, while Simpson, weakened by repeated vomiting, could barely stand.

Every bet placed, there were always a few who gambled a small sum on the newcomer, hoping for a miracle. This time, luck was on their side, and they made a handsome profit—one such winner was the soldier with his arm around Zhao Li’s shoulder.

Apparently, a newcomer’s arrival was quite an event here, and they even held a small welcoming party for Zhao Li, leaving him both flattered and surprised. Perhaps noticing his surprise, the soldier cheerfully explained that the welcoming party, like the “roller coaster” on the way, was a standard ritual for all new arrivals.

When Zhao Li pressed for other rituals, the soldier only laughed, offering no answer. Whether more “surprises” awaited him, Zhao Li could only be vigilant.

The soldier didn’t reveal his real name, but went by the nickname “Wolf King.” It sounded impressive, but insiders claimed its origin came from certain Taiwanese Hokkien songs—for example, in “Wolf King’s (Someone Else’s) Name Is Lined with Gold and Silver,” which he constantly hummed. Over time, everyone simply called him Wolf King. Eventually, he accepted the name, and those unaware of its origin thought it sounded fierce.

The welcoming party was set for evening, giving Zhao Li time to familiarize himself with the garrison. Yet, he was puzzled: despite its name, the garrison was not large, with barely one hundred, perhaps two hundred people—a simple military base at best, hardly worthy of the title “garrison.”

Moreover, Zhao Li knew this wasn’t his true destination. Mountbatten Special Prison—this was a garrison, and there was no sign of a prison; life was relaxed, with none of the tense atmosphere one would expect from a penitentiary.

He posed a question to Wolf King, who explained that while this was indeed a garrison, it functioned more like a logistics center. The garrison housed a vast supply warehouse, chiefly supporting the administrative center and other units with logistical needs.

“By the way, Zhao Li, I know you’ve come to Mountbatten Planet, but I don’t know which department you’ve been assigned to. Mind sharing?” Wolf King asked, as they finished their brief tour.

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First chapter, fighting for the charts—thanks for everyone’s support and recommendations!