Chapter 54: | 054 | Highway 01
Highway 01 was the first highway on the island of Crescere. It connected three specific locations to one another. The first was the Port of Dawn. The second was the eastern grassland. And the third was the northern plateau.
These were the locations of interest in the United Navy's archive. One of which contained their home, and the other two were their hope.
At the moment, Highway 01 wasn't a concrete or asphalt road. It was too costly and time-consuming to use such materials, and wouldn't do good for the United Navy.
Instead, they were prompted to utilize a dirt road leading to the locations of interest. These roads would be clearly defined and would be used for the heavy logistics of the future construction project.
The completion of Highway 01 didn't take long. It only took a week to be constructed by the construction personnel in the port.
In his office, Abraham calmly observed Charlotte placing the reports about Highway 01 on his luxurious wooden desk. After she placed them on the table, Charlotte silently backed away and the Fleet Admiral began reading the files.
Reading through the efficient and straightforward report about the completion of the construction project, he discovered that its status was far from simple.
After going through the report, Abraham rubbed his forehead and glanced at Charlotte with his jet-black irises. He then questioned the Vice Admiral.
"Is the report verified?"
Charlotte calmly nodded to the Fleet Admiral's question and responded.
"All of the words written in the report are verified, Fleet Admiral. The status of the project is troublesome. The continuation of any construction effort will be difficult."
Abraham sighed in disappointment after hearing the confirmation of Charlotte. Thoughts flooded his head as to how to curb the issue presented in the report.
According to the status report of Highway 01, it has been completed and could be utilized for further logistics to the eastern grassland and northern plateau.
However, due to the resistance of natural wildlife, any massive convoy passing through the highway has the probability of getting attacked.
The solution to the problem was an escort. But for every delivery and the transportation logistics of the construction effort in the locations of interest. The cost increases with each escort.
If the problem couldn't be solved, further construction efforts into the eastern grassland and northern plateau would be temporarily halted.
It was saddening news, and it needed to be solved. The construction effort was a solution to their dwindling supplies. An oil field and quarry must be made for resource production.
After a few thoughts went through his mind, Abraham's jet-black eyes laid upon the standing Vice Admiral before him. He asked for her suggestions regarding the matter.
"Do you have any ideas for a solution, Vice Admiral?"
Charlotte stepped forward and asked with an aloof tone. Her empty and grayish eyes peered with calm.
"If I may ask a question, Fleet Admiral. How much of a priority is the construction effort into the eastern grassland and northern plateau."
Abraham raised an eyebrow when he heard of the Vice Admiral's question. He thought about it for a short while before concluding an answer.
"It is the hope of the United Navy for self-sustenance. Our supplies aren't infinite and we will run out sooner or later in the future. The resource production facilities must be constructed no matter what."
The Fleet Admiral's determined words brought sternness to Charlotte. She knew that she was about to suggest something horrifying to the highest of command of the United Navy.
"With the great importance of the construction effort, I suggest an operation for the United Navy. The requirements and mission of the operation are simple. The termination of giant harmful local wildlife."
"The giant beasts will have to be exterminated from the face of Crescere."
Charlotte's suggestion was beyond terrifying. To advocate the extermination of an entire species on an island was something that possibly disturbs the ethos of the United Navy.
Naturally, Abraham wouldn't desire to even commence such an operation. But it was this operation or an expensive and resource-consuming escort effort.
Logically, he would have to pick the former.
"This kind of operation will be extremely expensive, Charlotte. We had just recently returned from the maritime security mission. It has been a few days since then."
Abraham expressed his doubts about the operation. While it would tackle their problem directly, that doesn't mean that it would immediately solve it.
"Regardless of whether we do it now or later, the results will be the same, Fleet Admiral. As long as we desire to continue our construction effort, they will pounce at us."
Charlotte was clear about where she stood in her decision. She understood that it wouldn't do good for the United Navy's reputation. But she already questioned the importance of the construction effort to the United Navy's continued survival.
If it can prolong the existence of the naval force, it must be done.
"I see your point. Instead of prolonging our debate, why don't we call a local to discuss with us." Abraham sighed and looked at the front door of his office.
"Laplace, you can stop eavesdropping and enter the office." He continued while shaking his head. It was impossible to hide anything when the dragoness was around.
Her hearing was too good and could easily cover the entirety of the branch building.
Charlotte followed Abraham's gaze and the front door soon opened.
From it was a gorgeous white-haired lady, she was none other than the dragoness of the United Navy, Laplace.
She entered the Fleet Admiral's office with a teasing smile on her face. It was a vast contrast to the seriousness portrayed by both Charlotte and Abraham.
"The two of you sure don't look good. You look like you're about to murder babies." Laplace smirked revealing her fangs to the highest officers of the United Navy.
She softly threw a luxurious gem to the Vice Admiral, which the latter caught with ease. It would be boring if the stone girl couldn't understand her conversation with Abraham.
"Laplace, you were listening?" Charlotte calmly asked and the dragoness only maintained her smugness. Abraham looked at the two and sighed once again.
Ever since he tossed the problem dragon to the Vice Admiral, the two ladies had gone closer to one another despite their contrasting personalities.
The aloof Charlotte and the smug Laplace were an intriguing sight.
Charlotte has followed her orders faithfully and taught the dragoness as patiently as possible. Of course, it wasn't without any problems.
The Vice Admiral asked for a transfer of responsibility twenty times before giving up. Naturally, Abraham rejected her without any hesitation.
"Her sense of hearing, sight, and smell are far greater than that of a human. She can pretty much hear everything around us without much of a problem."
"Don't think much about it. Let us continue with our conversation." Abraham remarked and Charlotte nodded in agreement.
Laplace stepped closer and sat on Abraham's luxurious desk, earning a frown from the Vice Admiral. Abraham coughed and began their discussion so as to not let the two clash with one another.
"Laplace, the giant creatures lurking on the island. What would be the effects on wildlife if we ever exterminated them." Abraham calmly inquired.
The edges of Laplace's lips rose as answered with unrivaled arrogance.
"Nothing. Exterminate them if you want to. You'll be giving nature a favor."