The Creatures That We Are

Chapter 915: Pull Your Weight

Chapter 915: Pull Your Weight

They settled into their seats.

"Before we begin," Nine Frost spoke evenly, "I'll give an overall assessment of the operation."

He continued, "The Qingyang Bridge battle proved more dangerous than anticipated. Qilin exceeded our expectations in both power and cunning. Without the Spectres' intervention, we'd have faced catastrophic losses. Even so, we lost three companions."

He paused before adding, "Looking at results alone, we dealt the Ocean River Union a significant blow and forced Qilin to reveal his hidden cards. Mission accomplished, by that measure."

Everyone sat in silent agreement.

"Meanwhile, Captain survived an ambush by Clear Mirror and Nico, rescued Dr. Jia and his parrot, and recruited a new ally."

At Nine Frost's mention, the parrot froze mid-movement.

Liao Liao shifted uncomfortably, managing a weak smile. "Hello, we've all met before, so I'll skip introductions."

The others responded with looks ranging from friendly to indifferent.

“Moreover, Captain killed Sir Jiang and Qin You, avenging our companions and going above and beyond the mission.”

Liao Liao wasn’t sure how to feel when she had been one of the people Gao Yang killed.

War Tiger stared at the ceiling, unlit cigarette in hand. "How embarrassing. Little Yang Yang accomplished all that alone, while we ate dirt despite our numbers."

"More people often means a more complicated battlefield," Gao Yang said.

“You’re right, Captain.” Nine Frost’s heart was heavy when he thought back to what the Nine Scions had been through.

Chen Ying offered, “While I may not be in the place to say this, you’ve all done your best. And we were prepared to sacrifice ourselves before setting out.”

“Done your best! Done your best! Done your best!” The parrot, perching on the sofa, flapped its wings.

Dr. Jia swatted at it. “Just shut up, you damn bird!”

The parrot quickly flew away, croaking while flying, “Stupid doctor! Stupid doctor! Stupid doctor!”

War Tiger straightened his back and twirled the cigarette between his fingers. “Nine Frost’s made a good closing comment. I’ll go over the aftermath. The bodies left in Dr. Jia’s laboratory were burned, so Sir Jiang and the others wouldn’t be turned into puppets. But those who died at the Qingyang Bridge, friends and foes alike, were mostly intact enough to be reused...”

“There’s good news, though. The life monster puppet’s gone. As for Azure Dragon...”

Dr. Jia fidgeted uncomfortably. "I can't guarantee anything. We'll only know the problems once we're there. I'll try my best to—"

"Complete it in ten days, and I'll provide vital energy from both the Divine Scion and a Spectre as goodwill."

"No problem!" Dr. Jia's eyes gleamed. "Deal!"

“Deal.” Gao Yang turned to Nine Frost. “Escort Dr. Jia to the S Base after finishing work and tell Nainai to get him to the Ni Nation for the rebuilding. The sooner the better.”

“Okay.” Nine Frost nodded.

“No, I’ll do it,” Qing Ling said. “I’ll go to the Ni Nation with Dr. Jia, too.”

Gao Yang knew why Qing Ling must go, and he was probably the only one who knew.

“Alright. You’ll be the leader of the operation.”

Qing Ling shot him a withering glare. Of course I’ll be, or are you gonna put Nainai in charge?

"Second." Gao Yang addressed Liao Liao. "Form an investigation team to monitor the Ocean River Union. Track them as best you can, but prioritize safety."

Liao Liao smiled wryly. Don't worry. I'm a master lurker.

After a moment, she nodded. "I want three people: Heavenly Dog, Little Hong, and Sister Ying."

Gao Yang turned to Heavenly Dog and Chen Ying, who were present in the meeting.

"Kay." Heavenly Dog shrugged indifferently.

"Fine by me." Chen Ying nodded.

Nine Frost spoke for the absent Hong Xiaoxiao. "She can handle it."

"Chen Ying," Gao Yang continued, "Take Liao Liao and Heavenly Dog to S Base for tonight. Begin operations tomorrow."

"Understood." Chen Ying nodded.

"Dismissed," Gao Yang concluded.

Over the next twenty minutes, they filtered out, leaving only Gao Yang, War Tiger, Nine Frost, and Fresh Snow upstairs in her room.

Qing Ling departed last, but not before Gao Yang walked with her to the mansion's rooftop. They stood together in the falling snow.