Presidential Envoy, and on top of that a Secret Envoy—now that’s an identity that’s really not easy to expose.
"Only one question, buddy, just one: will they buy it?"
Glewatov’s expression was as calm as ever. In a low voice he said, "They’ll buy it, because they won’t get the chance to expose you. If they can’t prove you’re fake, they can only treat you as real. What matters is, you’re coming with aid."
Gao Yang imdiately nodded and said, "That’s true, I really am coming with aid."
Glewatov said quietly, "The trouble is, Russia really will send people to make contact with the Houthis Ard Forces. Not ’might’—they definitely will, because Russia has always maintained contacts with the Houthis Ard Forces. Up to now Russia hasn’t sent any clear instructions, but I’m sure soone will show up soon."
Gao Yang was a little nervous and said under his breath, "This feels a bit risky, but whatever, I’m not afraid of taking risks. What about the Iranians? Will the Iranians co?"
Glewatov said blandly, "Iranians? The Iranians are already here. You’ll be seeing them in a bit."
Gao Yang exhaled and gave a wry smile. "I figured as much. It’s just that when I think about having to deal with Iranian intelligence agencies, I can’t help getting a little nervous. You have to understand, we’re impostors, and they’re actually here representing a state."
Glewatov said in a low voice, "Nothing to worry about. About the MOIS people, all I can say is their capability is sowhat lacking. As for the Military Intelligence Bureau and the Iranian National Intelligence Service, they’re only here to collect intelligence; they have no plans to get directly involved in the Houthis Ard Forces’ concrete affairs. The Revolutionary Guards Intelligence Service is still hesitating—I haven’t seen any concrete moves from them. But I don’t think any of them will pose a threat to you."
Gao Yang scratched his head and sighed. "I didn’t mishear you, did I? MOIS is Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and National Security, right? Then what the hell are all those others supposed to be?"
Glewatov chuckled, then said quietly, "Basically, aside from the police intelligence service, every other Iranian outfit has sent their own people. Iran has over a dozen intelligence agencies of various sizes. They’re not subordinate to each other and each has its own remit. Of course, to a large extent their responsibilities overlap. Only four agencies have sent people this ti. That’s not many."
Gao Yang spread his hands. "Okay, so I’m going to be competing with one country—no, with two countries—for influence over an Ard Organization. The pressure on is tiny, really, not big at all. Ha ha."
Glewatov smiled. "You’ll soon find that dealing with a country really isn’t that hard. It’s no different than dealing with a gang. And never forget that you’re representing Russia. The outco we want doesn’t differ much from what Russia or Iran wants, so you won’t face especially strong resistance. Work up a little courage. There’s nothing to be afraid of."
Gao Yang took a deep breath and said, "Believe it or not, I have to tell you I’m not afraid. I really wonder, if our little conspiracy blows up, will they hunt us to the ends of the earth?"
Glewatov said flatly, "I don’t like the word ’conspiracy.’ I prefer ’plan.’"
Gao Yang snapped his fingers and laughed. "Sa difference. So, any other specifics I need to know?"
"Yes, but not now. The relationships and situation here are all just as tangled. I’ll give you a detailed briefing later. But right now, we’d better not keep Salim waiting too long."
Gao Yang nodded and said, "Then let’s go."
At this point Glewatov said mildly, "If you run into the Iranians, do you know what stance you should take?"
"The stance of representing Russian interests?"
"Exactly. Just like two gangs in an alliance, but each looking out for its own interests, that’s all. I trust you’re very familiar with gangs."
Gao Yang said quietly, "Actually I’m not that familiar with gangs, because I operate at a level way above gangs. The people I deal with are all ga transnational cri syndicates. But I get what you an, so don’t worry—I can handle it."
He waved a hand behind him, signaling the others to follow, then Gao Yang and Glewatov walked up to Salim. Salim glanced at his watch and then said, "Mr. Petram, I’d like to invite you to ride with ."
Gao Yang answered at once, "Thank you for the invitation, I’m honored."
Salim’s car wasn’t anything fancy, in fact it was a pretty beat-up Toyota. But Salim’s invitation was clearly a gesture of goodwill, so Gao Yang was more than happy to get in his car.
"Where are we going?"
"Halin."
After quickly answering Gao Yang’s question, Salim said with great enthusiasm, "Sana’a still isn’t safe enough for us. But as you’ve seen, we co when we want and leave when we want. No one can stop us, and no one dares to."
Gao Yang looked out through the car window and saw that the people Salim had brought weren’t just all carrying guns; they’d also driven over two pickups mounted with machine guns, and they weren’t making the slightest effort to hide their intentions.
Unlike anti–official governnt ard groups in other countries, the Houthis Ard Forces were having a much easier ti of it. And it really was just like Salim said: even in the official governnt’s stronghold, the capital Sana’a, nobody dared provoke the Houthis Ard Forces.
"Way too high-profile, way too flashy. My arrival is supposed to be completely under the radar. Doing it like this is really bad for keeping my identity hidden."
Gao Yang was genuinely a bit worried. Salim just waved his hand grandly and laughed. "It’s fine, don’t worry, Mr. Envoy. We’re very mindful of secrecy. No one will see you. And even if soone does, it doesn’t matter. Just ordinary people—they wouldn’t know anything."
Gao Yang was speechless—utterly, completely speechless. Talking to these people about operational security and tradecraft was like playing the lute to a cow.
He had to clear his throat twice, then said quietly, "Mr. Hasan, please don’t use the word ’Envoy’ again. I have to remind you once more, I’m a tourist, just a tourist. We have our own way of doing things and our own rules. Until we reach a secure, formal setting, in any circumstances, please don’t ntion the term ’Envoy’ again, all right?"
Salim looked a bit indifferent, but he still nodded and said, "All right, Mr. Envoy—uh, just call Salim. That’s what my friends call ."
Gao Yang exhaled helplessly. "Okay, Salim."
Then Salim said again, full of interest, "Envoy... no, Mr. Petram, we’re all very glad that your country is engaging with us, and even happier that your president sent you as Envoy. So, can you tell what the main purpose of your visit is?"
Gao Yang really was out of patience. He pressed a hand to his forehead and muttered, "I told you, I’m here to travel. Uh, Salim, what’s that place? Could you give an introduction to this beautiful city of Sana’a?"
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