Chapter 1914 - 1413: Morality and Money_3

"So we just accept it? Swallow the dumb loss?"

"No." Song Heping's eyes chilled: "But we can't play by their rules. They play bureaucracy, which we can't. They play by legal procedures, which we can't. The only thing we can play..."

He paused, then slowly said: "is the law of the jungle."

Jiang Feng was stunned: "What do you mean?"

"I mean we also need a Plan B." Song Heping stood up and walked to the window: "How much available troops does General Samir have in Mosul?"

"Aside from border defense and some units that can't be moved, the Tenth Division has six thousand troops as a mobile force."

"That's enough." Song Heping said: "Inform Samir, we need a rapid reaction force, about two thousand men, with the best equipment, ready to move at any time. Also, contact our Kurd allies to prepare an alternate transport route."

"You're going to snatch it?"

"No, it's a 'protective takeover'." Song Heping corrected: "If Walker and the others create a 'security incident,' we'll take over all the equipment on the grounds of security. If they want to play dirty, we'll play even dirtier."

Jiang Feng said worriedly: "This is direct confrontation with the US Army. Even if it's just corrupt officers, the consequences could be very serious."

"That's why we need evidence." Song Heping pointed to the envelope: "Make three copies of these documents, one for Samir, and send one through encrypted channels to Angel in the United States. If anything happens to us, let the whole world see what the US military did in Iraq."

"That's a nuclear option. It's equivalent to flipping the table."

"So it's just insurance." Song Heping said: "For now, we need to keep playing our roles: obedient buyers, willing to pay big money. Starting tomorrow, speed up inventory checks, accept all their explanations for any issues. Meanwhile, have your two smartest men find out what's happening in Zone C-7. No need to enter, just confirm the equipment is still there, how many guards, and what security measures are in place."

Jiang Feng replied: "Understood."

"Additionally," Song Heping added: "Prepare an extra cash sum, two hundred thousand US Dollars. Give it personally to Lieutenant Colonel Swift tomorrow, saying it's a special thank you for his 'efficient coordination.' Observe his reaction."

Jiang Feng asked: "Why give it to him alone? This guy's been colluding with Walker to set us up, and you still give him money?"

"Because he's the weakest link in this chain." Song Heping analyzed: "Walker has backing, he's ruthless. The civilian officials are bureaucrats, skilled at shirking responsibility. The contractors are businessmen, driven by money. But Swift... he's a coordinator, a middleman. People like him usually crave recognition the most and are the easiest to buy off. If I can turn him into a double agent, we'll have an insider."

Jiang Feng looked at his old squad leader and suddenly realized that Song Heping was born for war.

In any war-torn region, his old squad leader could operate with ease and skill.

Every step he took was calculated, everyone had a purpose, and every risk had a contingency plan.

"Old squad leader." He hesitated for a moment, "Are you sure about this? Even if we earn thirty percent less, our profits will still be considerable. Once we do this, intercepting and seizing Walker's arms convoy, the consequences might worsen."

Song Heping turned and looked into the distance.

Moonlight cast a deep shadow on the side of his face.

"I need to set an example for everyone of what happens if they dare to mess with me, whether it's the US military or the CIA, otherwise we'll be forever known as pushovers in this business."