Chapter 1836 - 1388: Simon's Warning

"So." National Security Advisor Walter slowly began: "'Podcaster' must not fall into the hands of the 'Contractor', nor into anyone's hands. I suspect his unusual behavior this time is under the influence of Russia or the Persians! They want to influence our nation's elections."

"Agreed," the former Deputy Chief of Staff said dryly.

The blurred figure also moved slightly, indicating approval.

"Harris's abilities are limited, Major Duke's military identity is too restrictive, and conventional CIA resources are inefficient in Illiguo, especially against the 'Contractor,' who possesses extremely strong counter-surveillance capabilities," Walter continued. "I propose reactivating 'Witness.'

The term made the people in front of and behind the screen all shudder.

"The 'Cleaner' team of the 'Witness' department was a special force dealing with the aftermath of the 'Seeder' program. They are most familiar with the targets, the background, and... the necessary handling methods."

Walter explained: "They are now nominally disbanded or have transferred to other cover identities, but we can urgently regroup a small elite unit and deploy them to Illiguo."

"Who will command? How will it be coordinated?" Hillary asked, having calmed down and entered decision-making mode.

"I will take direct command, through the safest independent channel. Lemont will provide intelligence support and necessary logistical coordination for them locally. They will operate independently outside the joint task force framework, with one mission only: locate and eliminate the 'Podcaster.' If the 'Contractor' attempts to interfere or is already aware..."

Walter paused, his gaze turning fierce: "Authorize them to apply equivalent handling when deemed necessary."

"Seconded," said the former Deputy Chief of Staff.

"Agreed," came a hoarse electronic voice from the blurred figure.

Hillary took a deep breath: "The operation must be absolutely confidential, leaving no traces that connect to us, the White House, or the campaign activities. Funds, equipment, and entry routes must all go through black channels."

"Understood," Walter nodded. "I will coordinate immediately, mobilizing at least two satellites to increase reconnaissance frequency over Northwest Illiguo, particularly around the Crescent Oil Field and adjacent areas. At the same time, activate all dormant and active CIA informants in that area to track the 'Contractor.' The 'Cleaner' team will be in position within 48 hours."

"72 hours," Hillary held up three fingers, her eyes sharp: "I only give you 72 hours. I want to hear the news that the 'Podcaster' is silenced forever. As for that meddlesome 'Contractor'... if he becomes a hindrance, let him disappear into the deserts of Illiguo."

The video conference ended.

Hillary leaned back in her chair, rubbing her temples.

Outside the window, the night in Pennsylvania grew darker, while a secret hunt, thousands of miles away, had quietly begun.

In the western desert of Illiguo, about 40 kilometers southeast of the Crescent Oil Field.

Time: The night after Lemont discovered Song Heping's disappearance.

Here was a stretch of sand dunes, scorching in the daytime sun, with temperatures dropping sharply at night, and the cold wind howling.

On the leeward side of a massive sand dune, several inconspicuous sand-colored camouflage nets rose slightly, nearly blending with the surrounding environment.

Under the camouflage nets was a temporarily dug hidden observation point.

Song Heping crouched in the trench, the night-vision goggles casting a faint green glow on his sharply contoured face.

He chewed on a piece of high-energy compressed rations, his eyes never leaving the distant horizon where the faint lights of the Crescent Oil Field facilities flickered.

Around him lay eight fully armed soldiers.

They all came from the second mercenary camp of the "Musician" company, elite troops personally selected and absolutely trusted by Song Heping.

The leader was named Joseph, with a rugged face, taciturn yet decisive in action.

Their equipment was luxurious, fully reaching the level of US Army frontline Special Forces, and in some aspects even surpassing it.

This was thanks to the convenience "provided" by Major Duke.

Each wore modified Crye Precision desert combat uniforms, equipped with FAST helmets, integrating four-eyed panoramic night-vision goggles (ENVG-B), communication headphones, and tactical lights.

The primary weapon was the HK416 A5 rifle, uniformly equipped with silencers, holographic diffraction sights, infrared laser designators, and tactical flashlights.

The secondary weapon was the Glock19 pistol.

The bulletproof vests were JPC 2.0 with lightweight bullet-proof plates, with pouches filled with magazines, hand grenades (including fragment and flash shock bombs), medical kits, explosives, and hydration packs.

The communication equipment was the encrypted AN/PRC-163 multichannel radio, capable of direct satellite linkage.

In addition, the team carried a small drone, a thermal imaging viewer, and breaching and demolition tools possibly needed for the oil field facilities.

"Boss, the last scan from the drone confirmed unusual thermal activity in the old storage area at the southeast corner of Zone C of the oil field, which doesn't align with the typical patrol pattern."

Joseph reported in a low voice, his electronic tactical board displaying a blurry thermal image sent back by the drone.

"The guard forces are mainly concentrated on the perimeter and the core oil extraction area, while the storage area is relatively weaker, but there are a few suspected hidden sentries."

Song Heping nodded, swallowed the rations, and took a sip of water from his hydration pack before speaking: "Misu knows it's unsafe to be exposed in the open or mixed among the workers. That kind of semi-abandoned, structurally complex area, easy to hide and evade from, fits his style best. After failing in Badi Town, he will either try to contact some of his 'old friends' here for evacuation or hide and wait for things to calm down. Regardless of which, he needs a temporary nest."