Workers

Not only was the old man scared, but the surrounding onlookers were also terrified.

Many of them turned and ran home, having already decided to move their entire families to avoid becoming cannon fodder or sacrifices if war broke out there.

It wasn't just the civilians who were scared; in fact, the Cuban government troops who had already surrounded the area were also quite afraid.

Several Cuban soldiers in faded uniforms stood around with guns, and although they had received orders to allow this army to dock, there was no comparison between them.

Any soldier picked from this group felt like they could easily defeat two or three of them, and their equipment was like that of urban nobles compared to rural old farmers. They were like a few wilting chickens, lacking any spirit or fighting will.

If it weren't for the fact that they were the ones who massacred the Indians, they might have thought they were Indians themselves.

The crowd on the pier grew increasingly panicked, and some had already started fleeing towards their homes like the old man.

However, before more people could take a step, a deafening sound, like thunder, rang out from the warship.

"Ladies and gentlemen, people of Cuba, please do not panic!

We are Mr. Van der Linde's troops from Saint Denis, America, dispatched by Mr. Van der Linde to recruit workers.

The construction of Saint Denis requires more laborers, and Mr. Van der Linde has offered the following conditions.

One: New recruits will receive a monthly salary of fifteen dollars per person. Mr. Van der Linde will provide food and lodging, and workers may bring up to three family members to live with them.

Two: After new workers have completed one year of service, they may apply to the Saint Denis Government for permanent residency in Saint Denis. Upon obtaining the relevant status, their salary and benefits will increase to thirty dollars per month or higher, with the specific amount determined by the relevant job content. For example, miners' monthly salaries will increase to seventy dollars, assembly line workers' monthly salaries will increase to thirty dollars, and street sweepers' monthly salaries will increase to twenty dollars, etc.

Three: After workers obtain permanent residency in Saint Denis, their children will be able to attend any school in New Hanover or Lemoyne for free based on their parents' permanent residency. Furthermore, Mr. Van der Linde will provide food and lodging, and after the children successfully graduate from school, they will have the opportunity to work directly under Mr. Van der Linde, receiving high salaries and benefits."

The amplified voice from the warship was deafening like thunder, startling many of the surrounding civilians.

But very quickly, very quickly, the fear disappeared.

The steps the civilians had just taken fell back down, traces of fear still on their faces, but their eyes were now shining with joy.

"I think... it might be fake, just to trick us into becoming free laborers or slaves..."

"I think... you're right."

"Then why don't you run quickly?"

"Why aren't you running?"

The pier fell silent; it was hard to believe that such a large pier, with so many people, could be so quiet.

If Mr. Butan were to appear at this moment, he would likely fear a popular uprising in this place.

Fortunately, by the time he arrived, the place had already become noisy again.

"Those who want to sign up, come here, sign up quickly, and then go home to pack! The ship will be filled until it's full. You will need to travel by sea for two days and one night, so please bring some blankets or clothes as much as possible so that you have a place to sleep!"

If cargo ships were used to carry people, without requiring accommodation conditions, the number of people that could be loaded would be terrifying.

Passenger ships in this era could still carry a thousand passengers, even with the condition of one room per person. If these large cargo ships only needed to ensure people had standing room, they could easily carry ten thousand people per ship.

And Davey and his group came with two ships, plus squeezing more people onto the five warships, it would be no problem to take away thirty thousand people at once.

After a few more trips, this port would be empty.

In an open space not far from the pier, there was a cacophony of noise. Large numbers of Cuban civilians, like madmen, surrounded the so-called registration point, scrambling to squeeze in and sign up.

Mr. Van der Linde's army acted as a high wall separating this area from the pier, which made Mr. Butan, who had arrived at the pier, somewhat curious.

"What in the world is going on here? Why is it such a mess?"

Mr. Butan looked at the distant sea of people in confusion, seemingly wanting to go and figure out what was wrong with the place.

"It's alright, Mr. Butan. Our army and your security personnel are all here; there won't be any major trouble. I see that those gathered are all poor people in ragged clothes, probably either someone is selling cheap goods, or someone is recruiting workers.

Don't worry, let's go look at the firearms. Mike, you stay here and have our soldiers assist the local police in maintaining order.

Mr. Butan, this way please! I think the firearms we've brought this time will give you a big surprise!"

Davey reached out and pulled Mr. Butan back, who had been about to turn around, then gave Mike a meaningful look and instructed him.

"Alright!" Mike nodded and walked towards the soldiers.

Davey's words also made Mr. Butan lose interest in the matter. What he wanted to see more now were the German firearms, and to ascertain the strength of Davey and his group.

He wanted to see if there was a possibility of him getting a share, or even selling them out to gain some merit.

Their weapon inspection site was certainly not at the port, so Davey pulled Mr. Butan onto a warship and took him to the offshore area.

Time slowly passed. It took almost an entire night to reach the offshore area and assemble the Venice Giant Cannon. It wasn't until the morning of the next day that a series of cannon roars and gunshots echoed across the sea.

"Hahahahaha, good, good, good! I never thought this damned Germany would be so ambitious, secretly manufacturing so many powerful weapons!

Especially this damned Berlin Giant Cannon, if they were really to install them on warships, or produce hundreds of them, our frontal battlefield would probably be completely in danger!

And this damned semi-automatic rifle, it simply overturns the combat power of traditional infantry!

As for this 20mm anti-bunker rifle, although its strength is sufficient, the idea is too naive; it's still a bit strenuous for hitting bunkers, but it's not a bad direction for research.

Damn it, Mr. Carland, I want all of this batch of weapons, and not just this batch, but every batch that Germany transports in the future, we want all of them too!

Hmph, I can already imagine how shocked those damned Germans will be when they see their own weapons on the battlefield!"

Mr. Butan cursed as he looked at the ship's hold full of weapons, yet he also felt very fortunate.

Fortunately, they had intercepted the relevant intelligence on these damned Germans in advance, otherwise, they might have suffered another huge loss!

The animosity between Germany and France runs deep. The Prussian-French War before World War I had already sown the seeds of hatred. Germany constantly wanted to seize Britain's status as the undisputed hegemon, and France constantly wanted to avenge the Prussian-French War.

Therefore, Mr. Butan was very satisfied with his gains. He didn't even mind paying more money, as long as he could bring this batch of weapons back to France for research, and make judgments and strategies against Germany, he would gain greater political benefits.

However, just as he finished laughing, he saw several familiar fleets in the distance on the sea, moving away. Judging by the appearance of these fleets, they were indeed Mr. Van der Linde's fleet and cruise ships.

"Oh, sh*t! Mr. Carland, our business isn't finished yet, why are these cargo ships leaving? Are you not planning to do business with us anymore?"

Mr. Butan was nervous and confused.

Davey comforted him, saying, "Of course not, Mr. Butan. The weapons on these cargo ships have already been unloaded at your port, and they are preparing to return to continue transporting firearms. After all, as you know, a force of two thousand men has very high daily expenses, and we don't plan to spend more money on troop expenses, as this would make us run at a loss."

"I see!" Mr. Butan relaxed.

The distance was too great for him to see the dense crowds on the opposite cruise ships and warships.

Of course, even if he had seen them, he probably wouldn't have cared; they were just a bunch of poor people, not worth his attention.

Perhaps only when the port was emptied would he truly understand the taste of regret.