Reborn As A Beastman With A System

Chapter 86: Shadow Organization!

The following dawn heralded another strategic meeting in the grand conference hall of the Silver Mane Tribe. Perched at the head of the table was Logan, the tribal leader, with his council arrayed before him: Begon, Reynolds, Kro, Lott , Covos, and Kodiak.

These gatherings were a daily meeting, mirroring the ancient courts of emperors from bygone eras, a model Logan found particularly effective. It allowed him to stay intimately connected with the tribe's daily affairs, ensuring nothing of note escaped his attention.

He had made it clear to the tribal leaders that these meetings were mandatory during his tenure, a time to convene regardless of the day's agenda.

"The routine is simple," he would often say. "Report if there is news, depart if there is none."

Begon, acting as the tribe's second-in-command, was first to report. He detailed the return of three cavalry squads the previous day, bringing nearly 400 disaster victims to the safety of their numbers. He projected that, within the next few days, thousands more would be rescued by their ongoing efforts.

Logan listened, nodding his approval without much comment. "We will shelter as many as need us," he affirmed succinctly, ever the stoic leader with resources at his command.

Turning to more somber matters, he voiced his concerns about the unusual dry spell affecting their lands. "Typically, the rains would grace us by now, staving off famine. But this year's skies remain clear," he mused, his gaze clouded with worry. "If the rain gods remain indifferent to ou plight, our people will face hardship well into the next year."

This was a critical time for their tribe to fortify and expand.

Kro and Lotts shifted the discussion towards military advancements. Following Logan's directive, the infantry was expanding to a formidable force of 2,500 warriors. Newly recruited foreign beastmen were organized into four battalions, guard troops under the joint command of Kro and Lot.

"These battalions, each roughly four hundred strong, are tasked with securing vital tribal locations, the warehouse, food processing workshops, and the various guard posts circling our settlement," Kro explained.

Lotts added, detailing their patrol duties, which now included more rigorous internal checks due to the increasing incidents of disorder among the new arrivals. "We've had numerous altercations, a byproduct of the chaos outside our borders. The patrol teams have strict orders, warn first, but if met with defiance, they are authorized to enact immediate justice."

Upon hearing this, Logan gave a firm nod of support. The stern measures had quelled much of the unrest, restoring a semblance of order among the tribe.

"Let it be known," Logan declared, his voice resonant with authority, "Our strength lies not just in numbers, but in the resolve to protect our own and foster unity under the Silver Mane banner." The council members murmured their agreement, fortified by their leader's words as they prepared to face the challenges of another day.

Beyond the perimeter of the village, the duty of patrolling the cultivated lands was paramount, primarily to deter any displaced victims from encroaching on the fields.

As the tribal council dispersed, Logan motioned for Kro to remain. Kro, puzzled, lingered in the now-quiet hall, sensing a palpable change in the chief. Previously, Logan possessed an aura of authority that was subtle yet unmistakable. Today, however, it was as if he stood as immovable and imposing as a mountain, his presence intensifying the longer Kro watched him.

The sentiment, Kro believed, was not lost on the others either.

"Commander Kro, I've asked you to stay because there's a significant matter I wish to discuss with you," Logan began, his voice calm yet imbued with an undertone of urgency.

"Of course, Chief. What is it that weighs on your mind?" Kro replied, his tone one of utmost respect.

Logan smiled slightly, yet his eyes remained serious. "As our tribe grows, so too must our understanding of the broader landscape, the southern wasteland, the northern reaches, and indeed, the world beyond. To this end, I intend to establish an intelligence organization."

Kro's eyes widened slightly at the mention of such a concept.

"Yes, I've given this much thought," Logan continued, his gaze piercing. "Our knowledge of these lands is too scant, built on hearsay and scattered reports. Such ignorance is perilous, especially for those with grand aspirations like ours."

Kro nodded, understanding the gravity of the chief's words.

"Without precise knowledge of our surroundings, of potential allies and adversaries, we are as blind men in a labyrinth," Logan added emphatically.

"An intelligence organization?" Kro queried, trying to grasp the full scope of the idea.

"Exactly," Logan explained patiently. "Think of it as a network of scouts, but with capabilities extending beyond mere observation. This organization will not only gather news but will also engage in subversive activities and, if necessary, targeted eliminations."

"Subversion? Assassination?" Kro repeated, his confusion evident.

"Yes," Logan affirmed. "We need eyes and ears in every corner, but also hands that can subtly manipulate outcomes to our advantage. This organization will gather intelligence from nearby tribes and those across the wastelands, and when the time calls for it, it will act to protect our interests or assert our dominance discreetly."

Kro absorbed the weight of Logan's plan, the concept of a scout organization now broadened to include elements of espionage and covert operations.

"So, this isn't just about scouting... it's about control, about shaping our destiny with information and action," Kro concluded, a new understanding dawning upon him.

"Exactly, Kro. We are building a force that sees and steers, not merely survives," Logan declared, his vision for their future clear and sharp as the dawn.

"Indeed, consider the Duskin tribe as an example," Logan began, leaning forward, his voice low and measured. "Our scouts actively gather intelligence on the Duskin, that much is standard. However, we also have deep-cover operatives embedded within their ranks. These agents, with their unique skills, infiltrate the highest echelons of Duskin leadership.

From these vantage points, they feed us critical insights or subtly steer decisions in ways that disadvantage our adversaries."

He paused, letting the gravity of his words sink in before continuing. "Moreover, we employ instigators, specialists who identify and covertly persuade key Duskin officials who might be amenable to defecting. They work to undermine Duskin unity from within. And then, of course, there are the assassins. Their role is clear: they eliminate those Duskin leaders who are implacably opposed to us."

Kro listened intently, his brow furrowed as he processed the stratagems his chief laid out. "Chief, your guidance is crucial here. The formation of a dedicated intelligence division isn't just beneficial for our operations; it's imperative."

The idea of long-term infiltration seemed to unnerve him slightly. "Imagine if our own commanders were such plants," he pondered aloud, a visible shiver running through him. "At a pivotal moment in a clash with Duskin, such a plant could sabotage us, holding back our forces or worse."

He shook his head slightly. "Instigating defection within enemy ranks, or orchestrating targeted eliminations... these tactics, though severe, seem almost less daunting by comparison."

Logan smiled faintly, sensing Kro's dawning realization of the stakes involved. "You see, while the Silver Mane Tribe traditionally utilizes scouts for short-term reconnaissance, we've never fully embraced espionage with long-term placements, that's a tactic more common in the modern world, driven by deep ideological commitments."

He then leaned back, his gaze thoughtful. "I've sketched out an organizational framework for this intelligence division, but leadership is key. Do we have someone who could take the helm effectively?"

Kro's mind raced, but a name quickly surfaced. "Chief, I believe my own captain, Carl, would excel in this role. He's not just a subordinate; he's a strategist who successfully negotiated the surrender of the Liaowa tribe."

"Carl, you say?" Logan's interest was piqued. "Bring him to me. I wish to meet him personally and evaluate his suitability for this crucial position."

"Absolutely, Chief," Kro replied, a mixture of pride and anticipation in his voice. "I'll arrange for him to meet with you at once."

Logan reclined in the chief's seat, his four hands rhythmically tapping the armrests, the quiet thuds echoing in the solemnity of the room.

Kro, recognizing the urgency in Logan's eyes, hastened to fetch Carl.

Kro had always held Carl in high esteem, often comparing him to Teton, a legendary figure within the tribe. Such praise from Kro implied that Carl possessed remarkable talents.

Logan, however, harbored reservations about entrusting the nascent intelligence organization to Carl, a youthful beastmn whose strength had yet to meet the tribe's seasoned standards. Yet, options were limited with him lacking manpower, and Logan was willing to take the risk.

After all, the organization was still in its infancy; any missteps by Carl could be corrected by simply appointing a new leader.

The silence was broken by a swift patter of footsteps. Carl, a nervous yet visibly excited fourth-level beastmen, burst through the hall doors.

"Greetings, respected Chief!" Carl's voice trembled slightly with awe and anticipation.

He eyed Logan warily from below. Despite Logan's youth, his leadership had galvanized transformative changes within the tribe, with tribe facing famine, war and other threats. What was once a lackluster congregation was now pulsating with hope and newfound vigor, all under Logan's command.