"Good morning, Colonel Kote."
On the other end of the phone ca Kote's voice, with a hint of feigned friendliness:
"Song, I think Commander Samir has already briefed you on the current situation in the Hulmatu Region. Thunder Defense personnel are entering the area for necessary security deploynt as per our earlier agreent—the US military has the right to dispatch military contractors they deem appropriate to key areas to assist in maintaining stability and order. They are taking over those checkpoints and strongholds to construct a more comprehensive and effective security barrier, preventing infiltration by the 1515 Ard and other unstable factors. I hope you fully understand and provide positive cooperation."
He paused, with a barely perceptible threat in his tone:
"Don't forget, Song, your core target is Tikrit in the south. Balance the relationships with all parties and properly pacify your... local ard personnel to avoid unnecessary friction and conflict. This is the most advantageous choice for both of us, especially for your future developnt."
Although Samir couldn't clearly hear what Kote was saying, from Song Heping's dreadfully calm expression and the snippets of "understand," "cooperate," "Tikrit," "avoid conflict," he could piece together the gist of the situation.
His forehead veins bulged in anger, fists clenched, and teeth gritted to the point of almost uttering the vilest curse from his throat.
Song Heping sternly, with eyes as sharp as a blade, once again stopped the nearly erupting Samir.
His face still showed no emotion as he spoke into the phone in a deep voice:
"Of course, Colonel Kote. I completely understand and entirely agree with your view. The stability and security of the Hulmatu Region is indeed in all our interests."
His next words were still calm and steady, but dropped a ntal bombshell beside Kote's ear:
"Please inform the onsite commander of Thunder Defense that our 'Musician' Defense will fully cooperate with their takeover operations. We promise to complete all transfer procedures at all our controlled strongholds around Hulmatu orderly and smoothly within three days. Thereafter, my main forces and I will focus all efforts on the southern front, adhering strictly to our previous agreent to march south and strive to conquer Tikrit as soon as possible. Please let Thunder Defense rest assured, I will personally ensure to restrain all my subordinates to guarantee a smooth handover process without any unnecessary conflicts."
This statent completely surprised Kote!
He had anticipated various reactions from Song Heping—
angry protests, vehent argunts, bargaining, or even street curses...
He had prepared a set of argunts to deal with any potential deadlock.
He never expected the other party to be so "reasonable" and "willing" to agree, not only proactively proposing a clear handover titable but also once again unequivocally affirming the stance on advancing south to attack Tikrit!
This unexpected reaction left Kote montarily at a loss for words, all his prepared follow-up pressure and persuasion stuck in his throat, unable to utter a single word.
"Uh... very good, Song, very... very good."
Kote found himself montarily at a loss for words, trying to regain control of the conversation, with a hint of confusion in his tone.
"Your ... broad perspective and cooperative spirit, I personally admire it very much, and I believe Washington will also notice your ..."
"Then, for the specific details of the handover and coordination work, I will authorize Commander Samir to take full responsibility and directly connect with our counterparts at Thunder Defense."
Song Heping, however, gave him no more ti to think and organize his words, politely and decisively cutting off the conversation.
"If there is nothing more important, Mr. Kote, I must imdiately arrange the military deploynt south. Ti is critical for both of us."
"Hello? Song? You..."
Kote still wanted to say sothing, but the dial tone "du-du" had already co from the receiver.
He stood there with the phone, locked in place, brows furrowed.
Things went more smoothly than imagined, which instead aroused a strong sense of unease and doubt within him.
Song Heping, the figure known for his fierce tactics and precision strike capability in Northwest Illinois, would he really abandon such a strategic stronghold so easily?
What is hidden behind this?
An inexplicable sense of unease quietly enveloped Kote's heart.
In the command room, Samir could no longer suppress the anger and humiliation in his chest when he saw Song Heping put down the phone, and he roared:
"Boss! Are we just giving up the territory like this?! Those strongholds, each one was taken with blood and lives from the 1515 Ard and other militias! Why should we, just because the Aricans say so and those bastards from Thunder Defense co in, have to flee like beaten dogs?! How am I supposed to explain to the brothers risking their lives with us?! Was their blood shed for nothing?!"
Song Heping slowly stood, walked up to the trembling Samir, and without reprimanding or explaining, he simply extended his hand, heavily patting his solid shoulder, not showing depression or anger, but rather a deep, inscrutable smile.
"Samir, my brother, calm down."
His voice wasn't loud, but carried a strange power:
"Rember what I say today—sotis, stepping back isn't a cowardly surrender, but a way to gather strength, see a better opportunity, and then... leap further and hit harder!"
He turned around, walked to the window, opened it, and the brisk morning air rushed in.
He gazed into the distance, as if piercing through dozens of kiloters of space, clearly seeing everything happening there, seeing those strongholds about to change hands, and seeing farther south, the land shrouded in flas and opportunity.
"Territory is dead, people are alive. As long as we have our n and guns, what we lose can always be taken back. Hulmatu..."
He softly uttered the na, as if savoring sothing, with a slight smile at the corner of his mouth: "Let's just temporarily deposit it with them. Let them shield us from the northern winds for now."
His voice was gentle, but carried an undeniable resolution.
"Now, put away your anger, Samir. Let's turn our focus to the south. Imdiately start preparing for the southern advance! Tikrit, that's where we truly need sothing and our next, must-capture target!"
User Comments
0 comments from readers