Jay's "special treatment" made the other recruits green with envy.
But when it came to imitating him by challenging authority, none of them had the guts to do so.
However, what surprised them even more was yet to come.
A few days later, Jay once again met with Colonel Hammond.
And the first thing he received was a warning.
"Recruit, I must say, you have quite the nerve to try and scheme against me."
"I've already sent people to investigate. The plantation listed on this deed now belongs to the Soli family. What exactly are you up to?"
Colonel Hammond snorted coldly.
Behind him, two gun barrels immediately aimed at Jay, ready to fire at a moment's notice.
But instead of panicking, Jay carefully observed Hammond's expression before speaking candidly.
"Sir, from the very beginning, I have been completely honest, without any concealment. If I hadn't been robbed of my land and lacked the power to protect it, I would never have handed over this deed so easily."
"Only someone of your rank and influence, sir, would have the capability to snatch this plantation from the jaws of the Soli family."
"If you do not wish to risk offending the Soli family over a mere plantation, you could simply present this deed to them. I believe they wouldn't let you walk away empty-handed and would surely offer you something in return."
"So, no matter what you choose, sir, your interests remain intact. The only question is how much you gain."
"For you to question me like this now is... rather disheartening."
Jay's subtle expression of grievance was the perfect finishing touch.
"Hah! So, it seems I misunderstood you," Colonel Hammond suddenly laughed, signaling his men to lower their guns and stand guard outside the door.
Jay remained silent, his expression slightly relaxed, though still somewhat stiff.
Acting Must Be Done to the End.
"Alright, don't keep that stiff face. Since I misunderstood you, let me make it up to you with a gift."
Colonel Hammond clapped his hands, and soon, a man wrapped in bandages was dragged in, bound tightly. With a heavy thud, he was thrown to his knees.
It was Johnson, partially treated but still alive!
"Recruit Jay, the evidence you submitted regarding Private First Class Johnson's crimes has been verified as true."
"This man was originally scheduled for public execution in three days. However, considering the potential consequences, I am assigning you the task of executing him in secret, immediately."
Colonel Hammond tossed a gun onto the table, signaling Jay to proceed.
"Mmmph… mmmph…!"
Johnson, now tongueless, had his mouth stuffed, tears and snot streaming down his face as he desperately pleaded for mercy from both Hammond and Jay.
But the tables had turned. The money he once refused to spend was now of no use to him.
Jay didn't hesitate. He picked up the gun and pressed it against Johnson's head.
Bang!
Blood splattered.
Johnson fell into a pool of crimson, his eyes wide with unwillingness.
"A life for a life. Now we're even." Jay murmured in his heart.
Clap! Clap! Clap!
Colonel Hammond applauded, looking at Jay with appreciation. He liked men who acted decisively without hesitation.
More importantly, he now held leverage over Jay.
A "secret execution"? That was just an excuse.
If he wished, he could easily charge Jay with "murdering a fellow soldier" and have him executed publicly.
"Want a smoke?"
Colonel Hammond offered a cigar. Jay, placing the gun back on the table, did not refuse.
It was his first time taking a life, but he felt little about it.
No matter the world, you either learn to devour others or get devoured. That was simply how it worked.
He also knew that Hammond had his reasons for making him pull the trigger, but refusing wasn't an option.
"How's the taste?"
"Excellent, rich… and I'd guess, quite expensive."
"Hahaha! That's right! Nothing in this world is more intoxicating than the taste of money!"
Colonel Hammond seemed very pleased with Jay's response.
"Everyone who knows me understands, I do exactly what I'm paid to do, nothing more, nothing less."
"Now that I have this evidence, all previous infractions of yours are erased. Consider them settled."
"Additionally, your probation period is over. Once you walk out that door, you are officially a Third-Class Marine Seaman."
"On top of that, I'll make you an offer, if I successfully acquire the 'goods,' you will be promoted to Second-Class Seaman."
Within the naval ranking system, the hierarchy below officer level followed: probationary recruit → Third-Class Seaman → Second-Class Seaman → First-Class Seaman.
Advancing from First-Class Seaman meant stepping into the ranks of non-commissioned officers, no longer just another grunt. It was an important turning point.
Technically, the value of the plantation should have warranted more than a mere Second-Class promotion.
However, since Jay only possessed the land deed and not actual control over the plantation, Hammond would have to "negotiate" for it himself, greatly diminishing its immediate worth.
Besides, Hammond wiping his record clean was already a significant favor.
And with Johnson out of the picture, Jay had removed a major obstacle.
Turning a mere "scrap of paper" into such a beneficial exchange, Jay was more than satisfied.
He immediately stood at attention, saluted, and expressed his gratitude before wisely taking his leave.
Of course, he didn't forget to take the lit cigar with him.
He needed to send a message, that he had earned Colonel Hammond's recognition.
This would make his future plans much easier to execute and would help eliminate unnecessary troubles.
As expected, the moment someone spotted him leaving Hammond's office with a cigar in his mouth, the news spread like wildfire.
Many were utterly shocked!
This had never happened before!
Jay's treatment was unprecedented!
Before they could even make sense of it, another announcement followed
"Nova Jay, due to outstanding performance, has completed his probation period early and is promoted to Third-Class Seaman!"
The barracks erupted.
What did this mean?
It was confirmed, Jay had caught Colonel Hammond's attention!
Jealousy and speculation ran rampant. Some grumbled, others gossiped.
The most ridiculous rumor?
That Jay was actually Colonel Hammond's long-lost illegitimate son.
Never mind whether they even looked alike, if that were true, would an illegitimate son be worth just a cigar and an early promotion?
If that were the case, might as well quit eating beef entirely!
But all the chatter didn't bother Jay in the slightest.
He was too busy training every day to waste time on nonsense.
The best part about being a Third-Class Seaman? No more menial chores, he now had much more free time.
And, he could finally participate in official naval training alongside the other soldiers.