Chapter 1875 - 1401: Two Phone Calls (Part 2)

Without any pause, he picked up the second phone.

This phone directly connected to the headquarters of his defense company in Africa, and the receiver was the company's Intelligence Chief, Henry.

The call was almost answered after just one ring.

It seemed Henry had been waiting.

"Boss."

Henry's voice came through, with a hint of tension.

He was aware of the dire situation Song Heping was in and understood that this call signified that the operation had entered its most critical practical phase.

"In a few minutes, you will receive four video files on the No. 7 secure server, encrypted as usual."

Song Heping's instructions were clear and precise: "Distribute them to the media as per the pre-arranged list, then gradually leak them online. Ensure the IP source of each file uses our pre-set relay servers in different countries to maintain dispersed IP locations."

"Fully understood, Boss." Henry repeated and confirmed the procedure: "Seventeen target media, divided into three batches: the first batch of five, mainstream Western television networks and news agencies; the second batch of seven, influential media in Asia and the Middle East; and the third batch of five, renowned investigative journalist teams and independent news organizations. Send in sequence to create the effect of 'information gradually leaking' and multiple parties obtaining evidence."

"Correct." Song Heping nodded slightly: "Pay attention to technical details as well; make subtle differentiation in the video versions for each media. It can be a slight shift in camera angle, a few seconds difference in editing length, or even minor adjustments to the background noise levels. This way, when these media later cross-check the materials, they will be convinced that it's corroborated from multiple sources and angles, rather than a forgery from a single source. No need for me to instruct you further on these technical treatments, right?"

"Rest assured! The files are already being received! Leave it to me; the company's technical team is on standby, preparing the differentiated versions. Additionally, as per your prior instructions, we have prepared three 'leaked document' previews from different channels, hinting that besides the existing videos, there are more shocking internal documents and command chain communication records yet to be disclosed, but we will hold off for now."

Henry paused, then asked: "Is this... fishing?"

"Yes, fishing." Song Heping confirmed: "I want to see Washington's reaction. See if they choose to continue to speak tough, pressure allies, or start privately finding a way out, cutting responsibilities, after the first wave of public opinion shock. See if Secretary Hillary's team will adjust their strategy, attempt reconciliation, or double down for election and political appearances by adopting more aggressive measures."

"What if..." Henry's voice grew more worried: "What if under immense pressure they choose to deploy air power, directly bomb the base to silence and cover up all traces? That would be their quickest 'solution'."

Song Heping was silent for about two or three seconds.

His gaze seemed to penetrate the armor of the command vehicle, returning to the screen showing small figures busy surviving in the ruins, the orange infrared glow points.

"Then..." he slowly said: "We will have the best evidence— the United States Government ordered the slaughter of their elite frontline soldiers to cover up their own scandal and decision mistakes. That would be more politically destructive and morally impactful than any third-party bombing scene. The whole world will see what the true 'expendables' are."

"But you would then be in extreme danger, Boss. They will certainly use all resources to trace the source of the leak, you..."

Henry did not continue.

"Henry." Song Heping interrupted him: "No victory worth achieving comes without significant risk. Execute the order."

"Yes, Boss, I'll do it right away. Take care of yourself." Henry said no more.

Ending the second call. The time jumped to 00:26.

At the same moment, within the temporary base of the joint action team, Colonel Lemont had just completed the final round of tactical deployment adjustments.

The count of personnel capable of fighting is one hundred and seventeen.

Among them, ten people had minor injuries that didn't hinder their actions, had been treated simply, and were incorporated into the combat sequence.

All personnel, including the mildly injured, had now fully retracted into the only three reinforced shelters remaining within the base.

Mainly the underground command center and the structurally intact lower level of the hangar.

As for those who couldn't get into the shelters in time or had died or were severely injured during the bombardment, he did not want to further count the numbers, which would only weaken the decisiveness required at the moment.

Precious "Javelin" anti-tank missile units were deployed behind two camouflaged and reinforced shooting holes on the second floor of the main building.

Operators were two shooters from the Delta Force.

Lemont's orders to them were simple: if the wall is breached and enemy tanks flood in, ensure to destroy the leading two vehicles first, aiming for a kill with each shot, using their massive wrecks to block the main path, buying time for subsequent defense.

The light and heavy machine gunners in each shelter had already positioned, shooting angles were redesigned to strive for a crossfire net without dead angles, covering possible infiltration routes and open areas within the base.

Riflemen, as the mobile reserve team, were scattered at key points within the shelters, ready to fill fire gaps or conduct short counterattacks at any time.

At the deepest part of the underground command center, the temporary medical station was filled with the smell of blood, disinfectant, and stifling groans.

Severely injured personnel lay on available stretchers or cushions, their faces pale.