The next day, at the National Blade Headquarters Conference Room.
The spacious conference room was filled with high-ranking officials in their immaculate military uniforms exuding a solemn and fierce aura. Yet, a suffocating atmosphere dominated the air. The disappearance of the entire First and Third Squadrons was unprecedented in the history of National Blade. This enormous loss brought the entire top brass together, each wearing a grave expression as they waited. Before long, Mr. Li, in his lieutenant general uniform, walked in with a calm expression and restrained brilliance in his eyes. He slowly moved to the main seat and sat down.
Mr. Li's slightly furrowed gaze swept across the room, lingering on Luo Zheng for two seconds more, then finally settled on Wu Jin. In a deep voice, he said, "Let's skip the unnecessary words, military affairs are urgent, let's begin."
"Yes." Wu Jin quickly responded, "Colleagues, you all already know the situation. Today's eting has two points: first, to hear the Fourth Squadron's opinion on this matter. Second, to decide the next step of action. Now, let's hear from the representative of the Fourth Squadron."
Everyone turned to look at Luo Zheng, with a newfound solemnity in their eyes. Luo Zheng held the lowest rank in the conference room but was renowned. All attendees were from National Blade's top echelon and naturally aware of Luo Zheng's capabilities and illustrious achievents. No one underestimated his opinion. Luo Zheng glanced at Wu Jin, then at Mr. Li, and stood up abruptly, ready to speak. But Mr. Li gestured and spoke first, "We're all on the sa side, just speak while seated."
"Thank you, Chief." Luo Zheng said gratefully. Taking a deep breath, he quickly organized his thoughts and spoke, "I will not elaborate on the specifics. First point, after a thorough analysis of satellite video last night, we found a commonality among those who ambushed Shadow and Snow Fox: although they wore hoods and carried standard Arctic Bear Country Army weapons, they were not all from the Arctic Bear Country. Judging by their physical characteristics, they included the Yellow Race, Black people, and White people - in other words, they were part of a coalition."
"Wait, did you say a coalition, and not entirely Arctic Bear Country people?" Mr. Li's eyes widened in sudden realization and delight as he looked at Luo Zheng and asked. After Luo Zheng nodded without hesitation, Mr. Li smiled with relief and continued, "You've noticed sothing others haven't, indicating our departnts haven't done a thorough job. Please continue."
"Yes," Luo Zheng promptly picked up the thread, "After noticing this detail, I had the analysts conduct cranial comparisons with past adversaries and unexpectedly found several old foes. While their exact identities remain unclear, it's certain they've clashed with us before. They belonged to different countries, plus rcenaries, aning these are the old adversaries of the Eight-Nation Alliance ambush."
"Hold on, what do you an by the Eight-Nation Alliance?" an elderly man with a major general's rank pondered aloud.
Surprised, Luo Zheng looked at the questioner. Usually, he interacted with Wu Jin and at most with Mr. Li. He didn't recognize most of National Blade's top echelons. Noticing Luo Zheng's confusion, Mr. Li explained, "This gentleman is an intelligence analysis expert group advisor. We're all on the sa side, so feel free to speak openly."
"Understood," replied Luo Zheng, realizing he mustn't take chances. The people present weren't ordinary; they all contributed to the country and were deserving of respect. He ticulously explained, "The Eight-Nation Alliance is just a nickna from our Fourth Squadron for the enemy. It comprises Sam Country, Arctic Bear, Japan, Yue Country, Malaysia, Yin Country, Korea, and the Philippines. They have banded together to confront our Fourth Squadron and have been defeated by us. Bearing grudges, whenever one side experiences trouble, if our Fourth Squadron is involved, others promptly dispatch forces to unite against us."
"So that's it. Your nickna is quite vivid. The Eight-Nation Alliance has tornted us no less in the past and now they're joining forces again—with ambitious aims. But from what you're saying, they're quite wary of you. That's a good thing. Please continue," the other party remarked with a smile.
"I just capitalized on their internal discord to achieve a lucky victory." Luo Zheng spoke modestly without arrogance, "According to our analysis, we suspect it's still the sa group joining forces. Their conspiracy might be significant, but specifics are unclear. That's all I have to say."
Whether to fight or not was for the higher-ups to decide. Luo Zheng dared not overstep and concluded. Lan Xue had patiently reminded him of political subtleties last night. Luo Zheng lacked political acun but trusted Lan Xue.
Everyone in the conference room fell into contemplation. Initially unaware of the enemy's identity and what decisions to make, they still felt ambiguous despite gaining clarity. All turned to Mr. Li, who pondered briefly before asking Luo Zheng, "Your discovery is significant. What's your opinion? If it were up to you, what would you decide?"
"Wait." Luo Zheng solemnly uttered his decision after a night's ponderance.
The simplicity of the word puzzled everyone, and they curiously looked at Luo Zheng. Mr. Li was also taken aback and probed, "Be specific."
"Understood," Luo Zheng quickly responded, "I have a premonition that this conspiracy targets National Blade, intending to devour us squad by squad. Deploying our squadrons one after another would play into their hands—an oil-dripping strategy against a concentrated coalition force. Large-scale troop movents are unrealistic. Hence, I suggest waiting. The aim is to retaliate effectively when the opportunity presents itself, and strike promptly when a chance or vulnerability is detected."
"Why wait?" Mr. Li mused, following up with a query.
"Because they're a coalition with internal discord and prominent conflicts. Notice an issue: politicians can unite for interests, forming coalitions, but the coalition consists of elite soldiers from various countries and rcenaries. Conflicts and even hatred exist between individuals. They tolerate each other for national interest, but given ti, issues arise. I'd suggest waiting to observe," Luo Zheng explained.
"You make a good point. The First and Third Squadrons' incidents aren't recent. Rescue would be too late by now. Waiting for enemy internal issues before acting could be a strategic move. But how long do we wait, and when is the optimal ti to strike?" Mr. Li queried with a grave expression.
"A month at most. I'm sure the troops sent by various countries are elite and unlikely to remain in one place for a month. They have other missions awaiting them—a month is the basic limit. As for the best timing, it's not difficult: we can subtly test, such as attacking a strategic point in the Arctic Bear Country, observing their response, and then deciding. Attacking Korea could force their withdrawal. Specifics need further considerations and intelligence support," Luo Zheng quickly added.
"Hmm, what does everyone think?" Mr. Li asked the group.
Everyone fell into contemplation. Luo Zheng didn't rush. What needed to be said had been, leaving decisions to the higher-ups, with full obedience on his part.
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