The heavy helicopter door slowly pulled up and locked.
The rotor speed reached its peak, and the massive body, amid the roaring engines and billowing sand, struggled slightly to lift off from the ground. After a brief hover to adjust its direction, it accelerated towards the southeast, towards Baghdad, growing smaller and smaller until it rged into the azure horizon, leaving only the gradually receding buzzing sound.
It wasn't long after the Ferrari had been sent off that the sound of rotors echoed in the air as the withdrawal of the main forces of the "Liberation Forces" entered its final stage.
A U.S. Army painted UH-60 "Black Hawk" helicopter, under the close protection of two attack helicopters equipped with rocket pods, landed steadily in a near-show-off manner at the spot where the old Mi-8 had just been parked.
The door of the "Black Hawk" slid open, and the first to agilely jump down were four fully ard soldiers from the U.S. Army's 75th Rangers. They quickly dispersed in a standard tactical formation, occupying several key vantage and cover positions around the helipad, with their gun muzzles slightly lowered but in a state of readiness to shoot at any mont.
Then Colonel Kote erged from the cabin unhurriedly.
With the air of an inspector and victor, he glanced over the ssy, gradually evacuating camp of personnel and vehicles, finally fixing his gaze precisely on the expressionless Song Heping.
Colonel Kote's face imdiately broke into a formulaic smile as he strode forward, extending his hand proactively to Song Heping:
"Song! So glad to see you keep your word. On behalf of the Alliance Headquarters, I thank you and your brave n under your command for your outstanding contributions to the international anti-terrorism cause, as well as this...tily and constructive cooperation."
His phrasing was official and grandiose.
Song Heping extended his hand for a brief touch and release of a handshake.
"Just mutual benefit, Colonel. No need for courtesy."
Colonel Kote seed to greatly enjoy this sense of absolute dominance, surveying the last scenes of evacuation around him and raising his voice deliberately to ensure his n and possibly the still nearby "Liberation Forces" personnel could hear:
"Hulmatu is undoubtedly a location of imnse strategic value. Handing it over to a more professional, capable, and reputable defense contractor will undoubtedly ensure long-term security and stability in this area more effectively."
His words seed directed at Song Heping but more like a pre-battle mobilization and affirmation for himself and his n.
Song Heping nodded, his tone carrying a subtly indistinguishable nuance:
"Of course, Thunder Defense is powerful; holding Hulmatu should be...no problem. Good luck to you."
He deliberately emphasized the words "holding" and "good luck" with extrely slight stress as if emphasizing a certain uncertainty and potential cost.
However, Colonel Kote was evidently thoroughly absorbed in his pride and joy, either completely oblivious to or utterly dismissive of the subtle caution in Song Heping's words.
To him, this was nothing more than the powerless rhetoric of a loser.
"So, according to the agreent, all the handover work should now be basically complete?"
Colonel Kote inquired, scanning Song Heping's face like a spotlight, seemingly trying to capture the slightest hint of helplessness or regret from any subtle change in his expression.
"Basically complete."
Song Heping's response was crisp and direct. He raised his hand, casually pointing to the far edge of the camp, where the last few trucks loaded with supplies and personnel were belching black smoke, slowly starting up to depart the base.
"My n will soon be fully withdrawn. The plans of the town's defense structures and the general areas where the residual enemy forces might operate have been left for those who ca to do the handover previously."
"Great! Very efficient!"
Colonel Kote nodded with satisfaction, his smile widening. He suddenly shifted his tone, probing slightly, "So, if I may ask, are you heading to Titrick next? Do you need any form of...assistance from the Alliance Headquarters?"
He was attempting to probe Song Heping's next move.
"No need to trouble yourself, Colonel."
Song Heping deftly sidestepped the question, instead responding with a slightly sarcastic retort, "Did you take the risk of coming here by helicopter personally to monitor this little handover operation for fear that I, Song Heping, might have a last-minute change of heart, going back on my word?"
Colonel Kote, upon hearing this, imdiately chuckled, concealing a trace of embarrassnt from having his intentions exposed:
"Not at all! You are overthinking. I ca in person rely to ensure the handover process went smoothly and efficiently, avoiding any possible...unnecessary misunderstandings. After all, at this stage, we are still...important partners."
He deliberately emphasized the words "important partners," though his tone remained laced with superiority.
He soon shifted his tone again, with an admiring condescension:
Song Heping internally sneered, though outwardly unchanged in expression, as if completely ignoring the undertone in his counterpart's words:
"It's getting late; we shall not remain here to disturb the Colonel's comprehensive reception and deploynt of defense. Farewell."
Finished speaking, he turned decisively without sparing another glance at the smug Colonel Kote, heading towards the command vehicle not far off.
Colonel Kote stood in place, watching Song Heping's departing figure. The smile on his face rapidly faded away, replaced by a touch of unconcealed disdain and contempt.
To him, this oriental rcenary leader, who always preferred to blaze his path regardless of how arrogant and troubleso he had been before, ultimately had to bow and admit defeat in the face of absolute power.
He turned around, instructing an adjutant nearby:
"Notify the on-site commander of Thunder Defense to imdiately and comprehensively take over all critical tactical positions in Hulmatu! Especially the entry and exit points on the main street towards Titrick in the north and all paths leading to the desert area in the west! Vigilance must be heightened, and sentries and sensors deployed! I wish to see every inch of Hulmatu's land under our and Thunder Defense's total control before sunset! This will be our new starting point on the northern front!"
anwhile, Song Heping opened the car door and sat in the passenger seat, saying simply to Jiang Feng, whose face was similarly not looking good:
"Everyone's here; let's go."
The driver skillfully shifted gears and gently pressed the accelerator.
The command vehicle jolted slightly, then smoothly started, heading away from the Hulmatu camp.
In the rearview mirror, Colonel Kote's upright and arrogant figure, along with the U.S. Army-marked helicopters, grew smaller and blurrier, eventually completely obscured by the yellow dust engulfed by the vehicle, as if they had never existed.
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