"Alright, gentlemen, without further ado, I'm going to assign tasks."
Dutch waved, drawing the attention of the various-looking crowd.
They indeed looked varied, because what Dutch said was a bit too terrifying, but it was full of allure for them, these desperadoes.
Especially the idea of becoming a so-called arms dealer, robbing whatever they wanted, which made their hearts race.
One by one, they looked at Dutch with burning eyes, waiting for him to give them their assignments.
As for danger? Wasn't their usual life dangerous? Anyway, they were living on the edge, and the previous gains were far less than Dutch's current grand vision, so no one cared at all.
Dutch was extremely satisfied looking at the invigorated crowd.
He looked at Hosea and said, "Hosea, you will take John to start recruiting workers and building factories. Our clothing factory building needs to be constructed first. As for the subsequent machinery, I believe Ms. Dorothea will help us with that. For all expenses, you can seek Strauss; I have entrusted him with the gang's financial management. Oh, and attention must also be paid to the construction of the female workers' living quarters.
Our accommodation conditions should be as good as possible; at the very least, we must ensure each of them has her own room. This is a prerequisite for future recruitment and a guarantee for building our reputation, and it's the most outstanding achievement in front of the ladies of the women's rights assembly. I hope our factory's living standards will make all the women in Saint Denis scramble to come work here. This is called building brand reputation!"
"Okay, Dutch." Hosea nodded. He wasn't stubborn; his previous lack of understanding of Dutch's actions was only regarding women's rights, but after his last interaction with Ms. Dorothea, he thought more and more about it upon returning and realized Dutch was a genius.
He even felt a long-lost, invigorating excitement from Dutch, to the point where his old bones could be stirred by Dutch's fantasy, and he even started fantasizing about a beautiful future life with these young men and women.
"Trelawny, in addition to the women's rights assembly being helpful to us, vulnerable groups like veterans will also be helpful. So, sir, I hope you use your communication skills to build good relationships with these struggling veterans, and even seek out the whereabouts of some skilled individuals, laying a good foundation for our subsequent recruitment plan.
Additionally, I need you to take Bill to open a Veteran Club in Valentine as veterans, providing free drinks and food for veterans who come, for their rest. It doesn't need to be too good, just edible, and use this to win people's hearts."
"Oh, as you wish, Mr. Dutch." Trelawny bowed like a gentleman, having no objection to Dutch's arrangements.
He naturally enjoyed dealing with these people, and now he was fully utilizing his expertise, so he was very happy.
"David, Mac , Reverend Swanson." Dutch looked at the two men beside him and said, "I need you to purchase some spacious houses in Strawberry, Valentine, and Rhodes as locations for our clothing stores.
My requirement is that these houses are large enough and located in crowded areas. Renovate them into double storefronts, with the street-facing side decorated as a clothing sales area, and the back space converted into a resting area for people, so that the ladies can enjoy a free cup of coffee there, and our allies, the feminist ladies, can also have a place to rest.
You can look for post offices in these towns; there should be letters Ms. Dorothea sent me, and perhaps these letters can help you.
And Reverend, do some work; this should help relieve your emotions."
"Oh, okay, Dutch!" The three, David, nodded.
"Karen, Mary-Beth, Tilly, Jenny, ladies, perhaps you can buy some animals to decorate our ranch. After all, it would be a shame not to use such a large ranch shed."
"Okay, Dutch!" Jenny said first. She was a staunch supporter of Dutch now; she would even be willing to push Dutch's backside if he asked.
"Javier, Lenny, Charles, Sean. You follow Hosea to find some workers and build up our other ranch. I want to turn that into the location for our future security company."
"Alright, gentlemen, ladies. Our lives are now on track. To ensure our lives are not troubled by certain issues, and also to align with our plans, I need to implement some controls for you.
First, do not engage in conflict or even draw your guns unnecessarily. Our current lives require stability; we must try not to be noticed by the Pinkerton Detective.
Second, when out and about, respect ladies, respect veterans, and indeed, respect everyone. Show the outside world your gentlemanly, humble, and enthusiastic demeanor. You need to build a reputation as kind and simple people, so that your good name spreads far and wide. I don't want to hear anyone questioning whether my members are scoundrels when we meet with our feminist allies in the future; this would pose a great threat to our plans!
Alright, that's all I have to tell you for now, gentlemen. Until we have sufficient strength to be reckless, it's best if we remain low-key."
Dutch issued a ban on weapons to the crowd.
If Dutch in the story had been this low-key, the Van der Linde Gang probably wouldn't have been targeted and destroyed for committing a series of major crimes.
However, the gun ban was merely Dutch's choice while he was not yet fully established.
Once he started his arms trade,
Then if Dutch killed someone in the street, the President of the United States and even the public would praise his excellent marksmanship.
The gang members followed Dutch's instructions, riding out of the new camp, especially the female members, who were screaming and shouting as they rode.
They were so happy, happy that their lives had suddenly stabilized, unlike their previous constant wandering.
Hosea and his group rode out of the camp together.
Karen, riding a tall, sturdy horse that was a bit of a contrast to her physique, cheered loudly: "Ooh-hoo! Jenny, I never thought, I really never thought, that we would just settle down like this. It's truly strange to me, you know, this feeling, oh, this feeling is indescribable! Seriously, I won't even be able to steal anymore!"
Jenny, riding a small mare, laughed especially happily. She looked at Karen and laughed: "Hahaha, I knew Dutch could do it! I've believed in him since he saved me, and I still believe in him now!"
Mary-Beth sat behind Karen, smiling as she put her arms around Karen's waist, reaching out to pinch her, and teased: "Alright, Karen, haven't you seen Bill's expression? I think he's the most dazed one right now!"
"Oh, Mary-Beth, don't mock me. I admit, I really am quite dazed. You know, I've been with Dutch for quite some time, and I thought I already knew his general ideas, but now it seems Dutch truly lives up to his name; none of his thoughts are something I can fathom!" Bill rubbed his nose, trying to hide his embarrassed thoughts.