pappabearbooks Chapter 583 When it's time to perform, you still have to perform.
Chapter 583 When it's time to perform, you still have to perform.
The USS Arizona slowly docked at its designated pier. A red carpet had been laid out on the pier, two rows of Marines stood at attention with rifles, and a military band played a welcoming tune. The Lanfang flag and the Meilika flag flew side by side.
The gangway was lowered. Rodman was the first to descend. He was wearing a white summer general's dress uniform today, with gold stars shining on his epaulets and his chest covered in service medals. His hair was gray, but his back was straight and his steps were steady—the typical demeanor of a professional soldier.
Li Te stepped forward and saluted: "General Rodman, welcome to Dubai. I am Li Te, Commander of the Lanfang Navy."
A handshake. Rodman's hand was strong and dry, and the handshake was timed perfectly—both warm and authoritative.
"General Li, thank you for your hospitality. Dubai is more modern than I imagined," Rodman said, his gaze sweeping across the area behind the dock—where rows of warehouses, repair shops, and oil tanks stretched out, and further on, the city's silhouette could be seen, with high-rise buildings reflecting the sunlight through their glass curtain walls.
"Lanfang has only been established for a short time, and everything is still under construction." Li Te smiled. "Please come with me; we have prepared a simple welcoming ceremony."
The ceremony was brief. The military band played the national anthems of both countries, reviewed the guard of honor, and then the motorcade left the dock and drove into the base.
Rodman sat in Little's car, observing the scenery along the way through the window. The road was wide and smooth, with neat barracks and office buildings on both sides. Soldiers were drilling on the training ground, their movements perfectly synchronized; trucks shuttled along the road, carrying supplies; in the distance, two biplane reconnaissance planes were taking off from the airport runway.
Everything was in good order and full of vitality.
"General Li, the size of your navy is impressive," Rodman said casually. "I saw the Huaihe at Pearl Harbor, but I didn't expect to see two more Bismarck-class ships in Dubai."
"One of them is undergoing major repairs; the 'Pearl River' suffered a bow dent during an exercise last month," Li Te replied casually. "The other, the 'Dingyuan,' has just completed its modernization refit, which added a new fire control system."
How long does the modification process take?
"Usually six months. But in case of emergency, it can be compressed to four months." Little paused. "After all, the current international situation... is unstable."
Rodman understood the underlying meaning. It was an allusion to the Lanfang Navy's rapid response capabilities.
The convoy entered the maintenance area. It was even busier there: three destroyers were undergoing repairs in the dry dock, workers were cutting steel plates with welding torches, sparks flying; cranes were hoisting huge steam turbine components; and technicians were testing newly installed radar equipment.
Rodman asked to get out of the car to take a look. Little agreed.
At the repair site of the battleship "Pearl River," Rodman carefully observed the welding process. The Lanfang workers used arc welding, producing smooth, almost flawless welds. Meanwhile, the Meilika Navy still heavily relied on riveting—while highly reliable, it was heavy and time-consuming.
"Was this welding technology developed in your country?" Rodman asked.
"Some of it came from external sources, and some we improved ourselves," Li Te replied. "The key to welding is materials and processes. We developed a special welding electrode that can maintain stable deposition performance at high temperatures."
"How much stress can it withstand?"
"The weld strength can reach more than 90% of the base material." Li Te beckoned to an engineer, "Show the general the test report."
An engineer handed him a document. Rodman quickly flipped through it, his expression gradually turning serious. The report indicated that Lanfang's hull welding technology had reached world-leading levels. This meant their warships could be lighter, faster, and structurally stronger.
"If the general is interested, we can arrange a technical exchange," Li Te said at the opportune moment. "Lanfang is willing to share its peacefully utilized scientific and technological achievements with all friendly countries."
Friendly country. That's a clever use of the word.
Rodman nodded: "The Maryland Navy has always been open to technological advancements. I believe there is much we can learn from each other."
The tour continued. At each location—the training center, logistics warehouse, communications center—Li Te provided detailed explanations, while also tactfully leaving out some crucial details. Rodman's professional eye revealed that the Lanfang Navy's development philosophy was highly advanced—not simply a matter of piling up weapons, but rather the construction of a complete system.
At 11:00 a.m., the tour ended, and the convoy headed to the officers' club.
The officers' club sits atop a small hill overlooking the entire naval base and parts of Dubai. The buildings are Mediterranean in style, with white facades, arched doors and windows, and are surrounded by meticulously manicured gardens and palm trees. If it weren't for the warship masts in the distant harbor, it would almost resemble a holiday villa.
The meeting room was on the second floor, with south-facing windows offering a wide view. A long conference table was covered with a dark green velvet cloth, and small flags of Lanfang and Meilika were displayed. After the waiter served tea and refreshments, he left, leaving only Litt, Rodman, and a few entourage members from both sides in the room.
"Thank you again for General Li's thoughtful arrangements," Rodman began, his tone more formal than before. "This visit has given me a completely new understanding of the Lanfang Navy. Your country's construction speed and professionalism are truly admirable."
"General, you flatter me." Li Te smiled. "Lanfang is an emerging nation, and in many ways, it still needs to learn from traditional naval powers. In particular, the Meilika Navy—from the Spanish-American War to the Great White Fleet's circumnavigation of the globe—is a role model for us to learn from."
Diplomatic language, but spoken with sincerity.
Rodman took a sip of tea and decided to get to the point: "General Li, besides the courtesy exchanges, I have another important purpose for this visit—to understand Lanfang's views on the security and stability of the Pacific region in the current international situation."
Here's the problem. Li Te was prepared.
"Lanfang's position is very clear: we advocate that all countries, regardless of size or strength, have the right to equal development and the right to protect their legitimate rights and interests." He put down his teacup. "Specifically in the Pacific region, we believe that this vast ocean should become a bridge for exchanges and cooperation among countries, not a battlefield for conflict and confrontation."
"But the reality is that the war in Europe is spreading globally." Rodman looked at Litt. "Germany has colonies in the Pacific, Britain has enormous interests there, Japan is rearming, and Lanfang... is also accelerating its naval construction. Under these circumstances, how can peace be guaranteed in the Pacific?"
Li Te met Rodman's gaze: "General, peace is not won through weakness. On the contrary, only by possessing sufficient strength to protect one's own interests can conflict be avoided. Because any rational nation will calculate the costs before taking any action."
He paused, then continued:
"Lanfang is building its navy not for aggression, but for protection—to protect our oil in the Persian Gulf, our trade routes in Southeast Asia, and our legitimate presence in the Pacific. If anyone respects our interests, we are the best partner; if anyone attempts to infringe upon them, we will resolutely fight back."
The words were firm, but the tone was calm, as if stating an objective fact.