Chapter 191: Southward Sound, Northward Strike

Hilmik turned to Morhan and said, “Our response must take into account the attitude of our friends in the Tanga Federation.

The incident was initially caused by our warship firing missiles first. Morally, we stand on shaky ground and we definitely won’t win international support.

If we directly launch punitive actions against the Tanga Federation, their good friends will likely not sit idly by, which will complicate the situation.”

Abusheik immediately retorted, “So we’re to lose a shield ship and do nothing in response?”

He knew all too well that the construction speed of the Galgo-class was frustratingly slow. Since the first ship began construction in 2003, only four had been built, and the progress was infuriatingly sluggish.

Now, with one struck down so suddenly, feeling aggrieved was inevitable.

At that moment, a man looking like a secretary knocked and entered the conference room, handing a document to another bearded man who had been silent the whole time.

The bearded man took the document, opened it to look, and said, “Your Excellency, the Americans have sent information through special channels, indicating they can provide ample intelligence support.”

Abusheik immediately said, “If even the Americans are supporting us, what have we to fear? Our carrier strike group can set sail within a day!”

Morhan looked at Narayan and asked, “What do you think about the Americans’ stance?”

Narayan said gravely, “They’re just looking to watch a fight from the sidelines. The bigger a fuss we make, the happier they are.”

“If we have American support, can we not avenge our previous disgrace?” Morhan pressed on with the question.

Abusheik immediately answered, “Please trust our navy’s officers and soldiers—they will surely defeat any fleet that comes from afar.”

Hilmik shook his head and said with scorn, “Matters of the military state are not solely the concern of your navy!”

Narayan waved his hand and said, “I don’t recommend that we pull chestnuts out of the fire for the Americans. I think we should learn from early-century America and only side with the victor.”

Morhan looked deeply at Narayan without saying a word, but then the secretary entered the room again, handing the bearded man another document.

Upon opening it, the bearded man was visibly taken aback.

“What’s happened, Sunil?”

The bearded man, Sunil, said, “The Tanga Federation issued a statement expressing deep mourning for all crew members lost aboard the Kozhin.

They’re willing to engage in talks with our nation to resolve this accidental missile strike.

They also pointed out that this unfortunate event was caused because the Kozhin fired missiles first.”

“Sunil, that statement is of no consequence. Is there something else?” Morhan asked.

Sunil nodded and said, “Yes, we’ve received fresh intelligence. The Tanga Federation will invite that carrier strike group for a visit and they’re preparing a joint anti-piracy exercise with them.

Additionally, an American Burke-class destroyer is on its way to the incident site, and a salvage vessel has departed from the base in the United Arab Confederation.”

Hilmik immediately said, “Dammit, the Americans want to salvage the wreckage of our battleship! They must be wanting to understand the capabilities of the missile that sank our ship!”

Narayan interjected, “We must send out a task force first, led by the Vishaka, with three destroyers and three frigates, plus a salvage ship.

It would be more appropriate for us to salvage the Kozhin’s wreckage ourselves. Otherwise, we’ll lose even more face, not to mention that we also need to understand that missile technology.”

Morhan looked at Abusheik and said, “Arrange for the fleet to depart as soon as possible. Remember, do not engage any nation’s warships. The unauthorized firing of anti-ship missiles by the Kozhin must not be repeated!”

Abusheik hesitated before finally saying, “Yes, Your Excellency.”

Morhan surveyed the people present and calmly said, “We’ll resolve this incident through negotiations, but…”

He paused, then added, “But we must show our strength! Narayan, the army, navy, and air force must immediately enter first-level combat readiness! We need to take full advantage of the negotiations with the Tanga Federation and take this place down in one fell swoop!”

As Morhan spoke, he slammed his fist down on one corner of the conference table.

On the table was a map of their country, with his fist striking a region on the northwest border.

A light shone in Narayan’s eyes—Morhan was indeed crafty. This tactic of making a noise in the south but striking in the north was something no one could have anticipated.

Who would have thought that while it seemed they were preparing for extensive retaliation against the Tanga Federation across the ocean, their actual target was right on their own border?

Hilmik voiced his concern, “If we use military force here, that means the other side’s…”

Morhan, looking at Narayan, said, “I’ve created the opportunity, now you draft a blitz plan. Neutralize our old enemy’s umbrella of protection as soon as possible.

Without that protection, given their narrow strategic depth, I believe you can defeat them in the shortest possible time and catch the whole world off guard.

Whether we can relive the glory days depends on the quality of your planning and its execution.”

Narayan looked silently at Morhan and nodded with conviction, “I will draft the optimum plan to fulfill your expectations.”

Morhan continued, “Sunil, your intelligence department needs to operate at full capacity starting now. Ensure all intelligence reaches Narayan’s hands—especially the location of their protective umbrella. No detail can be overlooked. Also, try to create chaos within their ranks with the people embedded inside.”

“Abusheik, keep the carrier group in peak combat condition, ready to annihilate their puny navy at any moment.”

“Gentlemen, prepare well. This will be the battle where our country asserts its dignity!”

“Yes.”

After everyone had left the meeting room and only Hilmik remained, Morhan said to him, “Inform Lalgan to summon the Tanga Federation’s ambassador and express our strongest outrage and protest!

Then, convey our willingness to negotiate and resolve the incident with the Tanga Federation to the great eastern nation!”

“Yes, Your Excellency.”

++++++++

“The basic situation is as follows, and Mu Weini has specifically pointed out that Dr. Du Qiu is currently with his son,” said a middle-aged man after finishing his report.

An elder tapped on the table and said, “Who knew that Dr. Du Qiu would be in hiding in the Tanga Federation.

Old Song, didn’t your people investigate Mu Weini’s son, Hao Ren? How did they miss Dr. Du Qiu?”

Old Song, who was smoking, took a quick drag and replied, “We did investigate and have always suspected that Li Shennan, who is in contact with Hao Ren, is actually Du Qiu in disguise.

However, this person rarely makes public appearances due to his preference for a reclusive lifestyle, making it difficult for us to confirm it.

Regarding Hao Ren, it is true that he started a defense company over a year ago. We recently found out that Star Ocean Heavy Industries of Germany got connected to the Tanga Federation’s military through his company, thus securing the army weapon improvement project.

A few months ago, when the medical team in South Sudan had issues, his Iron Guard Security stepped in to help. Since then, Li Shennan has been investing in an industrial park in South Sudan and has recently taken up residence there.

Now that Mu Weini has indicated that Du Qiu has always been in the Tanga Federation, it means our previous judgment was wrong.”

“Oh, Old Song, so can you now confirm that Li Shennan isn’t Du Qiu in disguise?” Fang Tianji couldn’t help but ask.

“Will you ever doubt my judgment, Fang Tianji?”

Old Song glared at Fang Tianji and continued, “Our people have reported that Li Shennan is still in the industrial park in South Sudan.

If he were Du Qiu, Mu Weini wouldn’t have said that Du Qiu is in the Tanga Federation. Mu Weini wouldn’t lie when seeking our help.”

The middle-aged man known as Old Qian spoke up, “Old Song is right. Mu Weini revealing Du Qiu’s whereabouts now, I feel like he is trying to show us some sincerity.”

The elder pondered before asking, “What do you guys think?”

Fang Tianji immediately said, “The anti-ship missile technology of the Duodoma seems to be the most advanced in the world. We must acquire it.”

Old Song stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray and shook his head, saying, “Fang Tianji, every time you see top military technology, your eyes light up.

Have you forgotten? That technology must have been developed by Du Qiu. As long as we bring Du Qiu back, won’t the technology come with him?”

“Old Qian, are the Americans still refusing to cancel the manhunt for Du Qiu?” Fang Tianji turned to Old Qian, ignoring Old Song.

Old Qian spread his hands with a wry smile and said, “They’ve never relented and insist that the satellite malfunction two years ago was Du Qiu’s doing.

They’re convinced that since Du Qiu developed the Sky Screen system, he’s a top-tier programmer capable of infiltrating the networks of those three companies.

Unless Du Qiu can produce evidence that he never accessed the satellite company’s networks, the Americans may consider dropping the charges against him.”

“Isn’t that asking for the impossible? What kind of evidence can one produce in such cases?” Fang Tianji exclaimed, frustrated.

Old Song spoke up, “This means the Americans view Dr. Du Qiu as a significant threat to them, which is why they won’t revoke the charges and manhunt.”

The elder suddenly asked, “Old Song, has the Ning family’s girl said anything about when Dr. Du Qiu plans to return to the country?”