Chapter 1480 - 1221: Thunderstruck in the DC Special District (Part 3)

His voice carried a hint of final realism, a plea mixed with sincerity.

"As for the future... once the '1515' armed forces are dealt with, whether Song Heping lives or dies, is an enemy or a friend, those are matters for later. We can think of ways to resolve them slowly through other means. At the very least, by adopting this method, we can preserve our basic territory and influence in Illiguo for now, without... losing everything. This is the only realistic choice. Advisor, in your rage, you must still confront reality."

On the other end of the line, Brenan fell into a silence as grave as death.

Simon could even "hear" through the radio waves the heavy breathing of the other person. He could imagine Brenan's face at that moment, twisted as if forced to swallow a living fly.

As one of the president's confidants, the national security advisor of the United States, he understood the political impossibility and immense risk of the military options Simon described better than anyone.

Time slowly passed, suffocatingly silent.

After what seemed like an eternity, Brenan's extremely reluctant voice finally came through:

"...Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!... This damned reality... Let me... I'll immediately report to the president... In two hours... I'll give you the final word."

The call ended with a sudden click, leaving nothing but a busy signal humming in the air.

Simon placed down the satellite phone, walked to the window, and gazed at the pitch-black night outside the Baghdad Green Zone, letting out a long sigh.

He knew which path Brenan and the president would ultimately choose.

In the face of absolute strength and established facts, even a superpower must bow its proud head.

And as for himself, he would likely soon embark once more on a journey to Daguge.

In this game with Song Heping, they lost the first round completely.

Two hours later, Simon's satellite phone rang on the dot.

The caller was Brenan's encrypted line, but this time, there was no roar, only a heavy exhaustion.

"Simon."

Brenan's voice sounded hollow: "The president... and the national security team... after 'heated' discussion."

He deliberately emphasized the word "heated," as if trying to retain the last shred of dignity.

"The conclusion is..."

Brenan paused as if summoning tremendous courage to say the next words.

"Military options... under current conditions, are deemed... unfeasible and uncontrollable in terms of risk."

Simon listened quietly, unsurprised.

This was within his expectations.

"Therefore,"

Brenan continued, "the president authorizes the implementation of your proposed... second option. Engage in 'pragmatic' contact with Song Heping. We will provide the first batch of goods and funds he requested through military channels stationed in Baghdad. In return, we need his explicit commitment to cease all hostile actions and immediately withdraw from Kirkuk!"

Brenan's voice was filled with unwillingness.

"Furthermore, the most important thing, he must immediately turn his military forces to participate in 'Furnace Operation,' launching an offensive in Hulmatu right away! Cooperate with our military and allies to quickly solve the Agra siege and eliminate the '1515' main force in Tikrit."

He almost squeezed the final words through gritted teeth:

"You... You are currently the only person to have directly interacted with him and have knowledge of the situation. The president hopes... no, orders you, to immediately head to Daguge again and meet with Song Heping, convey our... decision, and finalize the initial details of collaboration."

Simon's mouth curled into a cold smile.

The bureaucrats in the White House can't stand even a bureaucrat like himself...

"I understand, I will prepare a bit and set off as soon as possible."

"Simon,"

Brenan's voice suddenly took on a rare tone of pleading.

"This time... there cannot be any mistakes. We must stabilize him, at least until we eliminate '1515.' This is vital to our fundamental interests in the region... and relates to the futures of both you and me."

"I know what to do."

Simon replied calmly, then hung up the phone.

He knew that this return to Daguge was worlds apart from the last.

He was no longer the envoy bearing the arrogance of Washington but a negotiator forced to acknowledge defeat and seek peace.

The positions between him and Song Heping had undergone a fundamental reversal.

Based on his understanding of Song Heping, this guy was likely going to demand even more!

Damn it!

This is all Brenan's fault!

If he had listened to me earlier, none of this mess would have happened!