With a smile, Bill replied, "It's more like we're starting something new. The commission does exist, so the department is entirely legitimate from the Marines' perspective, and therefore..." he finally got to the point, "I was hoping you two would transfer and join me."
As he said this, they narrowed their eyes slightly in mild confusion and began to think more seriously.
Ricky was about to speak, but Sasha placed a hand on his shoulder and said, "Tell us more about your commission and what we're getting into."
Bill wasn't surprised by this question, as he never expected them to sign up without consideration.
"Well, we have a ship!" he said, raising a finger.
Then he lowered his finger and clasped his hands for a moment before continuing, "But we don't have a crew, and there won't be any salaries for now until we earn our money."
"You don't have any money at all?" Ricky asked, eyes wide.
"How do you plan to operate without money?" Sasha asked in a serious tone.
Nodding to show he understood their concerns, Bill continued, "That's just for the moment. Part of my commission allows us the right to carry out all the usual duties of the Marines and even create our own laboratory and base. Furthermore," he said as if it were self-evident, "even though the department has no money right now, I can give direct promotions to those I deem worthy."
He then briefly described how the ranks of the Scientific Division are structured in comparison to the officers of Marineford and the Blue Sea, and concluded, "So these ranks indeed hold legitimacy even beyond the usual understanding of the Scientific Division."
"But they still have less authority than a similar officer from Marineford," noted Ricky.
Nodding again, Bill simply acknowledged, "Well, except for unique situations, Marineford will always hold higher authority. However, the commission of the Scientific Division gives us an edge over the officers of the Blue Sea."
Ricky shrugged at this, while Sasha asked, "And who do you plan to appoint as the commander in your division?"
Bill expected this question and decided to be honest about his intentions.
"If you join me, I plan to appoint you and Rance as lieutenant commanders, Ricky as a lieutenant, and Fia, depending on her preferences, I would also offer the rank of lieutenant. As for the commander's position, I plan to fill it once my laboratory is established and we have enough resources to fund other ships. In my understanding, it will be an administrative role because in the future," he said with a sigh, "lieutenant commanders will command the ships, but that, admittedly, is a far-reaching plan."
During this discussion, Bill carefully chose his words, using "we" instead of "I" because he not only wanted to involve them in his vision but also knew that without capable lieutenants he couldn't be effective.
Sasha nodded, adjusting her long sword, and then Ricky asked the obvious question, "It seems your commission gives you a lot of freedom, and you say you have some grand plan, but what exactly is the real work of this Purchasing department? What exactly are you planning to acquire?"
Smiling again, Bill looked at them and said, "Well, put simply, it's about funding. The Scientific Division needs money, and as the Captain of Purchasing, my main task is to find it."
"At the moment," Bill interrupted Ricky, "there are no set amounts of Beli we need to earn each quarter or anything like that, but this will likely change depending on the situation with Dr. Vegapunk."
"Hmmm..." Ricky pondered for a moment before turning to Sasha and saying, "Well, this seems better than what Rance offered us, but what do you think?"
"Wait, what about Rance?" Bill asked in confusion, not expecting Sasha's response.
"He offered us a place on his ship, and we accepted."