"A significant move." Song Heping put away the docunt, "It seems the old n in Tehran are really investing heavily this ti."
"Just an investnt." Avanti waved his hand, "We need a stable ally to control Northern Illiguo, which aligns with Persia's national interests. A strong 'Liberation Forces' militia group can not only maintain stability here but also beco a leverage in the direction of Siria when necessary."
Though not spoken explicitly, both understood.
If the situation in Siria changes in the future, this well-trained, well-equipped force in Northern Illiguo could beco a formidable army among the many ard groups in the Shiite Arc.
"What about the supply corridor?" Song Heping asked.
"It's already being planned." Avanti smiled, "From the Persian Border to Mosul, roughly three hundred kiloters. We'll establish a 'civilian supply corridor,' which can actually transport anything needed. The first convoy will depart next month, including urgently needed equipnt and spare parts for the refinery."
He stood up and extended his hand again—this ti for a formal handshake: "Song, you are the most strategic visionary I've ever known. I've said it before, but today I must say it again."
Song Heping also stood up, shook his hand: "You are the most un-Persian General I've t."
The two shared a smile.
By now, it was already eleven o'clock at night.
On the battlefield, cleanup operations were still continuing.
The beam of the searchlight pierced through the darkness, illuminating busy figures.
In the distance, a low murmur of prayers emanated from the prisoner camp—so captives were performing the night prayer.
"They are still praying to Allah."
Avanti looked in that direction, his tone complex, "Even after committing so many cris, they still believe they are carrying out Allah's will."
"Everyone needs faith to sustain themselves." Song Heping said, "Whatever that faith may be."
Avanti turned to him: "And you, Song? After all these years, what do you believe in?"
Song Heping gazed at the stars in the night sky.
"I believe in order." He said, after a long silence, "After experiencing enough chaos, you discover that establishing order is much harder than creating chaos, but also much more precious."
A pickup truck arrived, Samir jumped off and hurriedly saluted Song Heping: "Boss, the garrison in Kiri Town has retreated, heading towards Bayji. Casualty report… so far, we've lost one thousand four hundred and twenty-three, with over seven hundred wounded."
His voice was hoarse, eyes bloodshot, face stained with traces of wiped blood.
Song Heping patted his shoulder: "They won't die in vain. Now, gather the troops, settle the wounded. Tomorrow, we start rebuilding Bayji."
"Yes!"
Samir saluted again, glanced at Avanti, hesitated.
"General Avanti, Persian Revolutionary Guard friend you've t." Song Heping introduced, "From now on, we'll directly cooperate with their people here. Go get busy, I'll find you to discuss the details later."
Samir nodded, turned and left.
Avanti watched Samir's departing figure: "The boy's nice."
"He's alright, just a bit slow." Song Heping said: "But loyal enough. That's very important."
The two stood for a while longer, then parted ways to deal with their respective troops' affairs.
Song Heping returned to his command vehicle, opened the satellite encrypted computer.
The screen lit up, he quickly entered a series of commands.
A brief progress bar popped up on the screen, eventually displaying "Phase One Complete."
He shut down the computer, leaned back in his chair, and closed his eyes.
In his mind appeared the faces of those who died in Kiri Town, at the ambush point, in today's battle—
Those rcenaries who followed him from Mosul to Bayji, those Illiguo youths who joined the 'Liberation Forces'...
The long night was about to pass, and a new day was about to begin.
US Army, Persians, Turkish people, Russians, 1515, Kurd people, governnt army...
All players were already in position.
Next, it would be a more complex ga; apart from Northwest Illigo, future involvent in matters in that side of Siria should be considered.
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