Chapter 779: The Ripples of Leak Gate

The fallout from Leak Gate had caused President Bush’s approval rating to plummet.

Though the Neocons had spearheaded the affair, public perception held that President Bush and the Neocons were one and the same. This made his plummeting approval ratings inevitable.

But, as the saying goes, sometimes you have to lose a limb to save the body. President Bush was quite pleased with the Neocons’ weakened influence.

President Bush was in the Oval Office dealing with current issues when John Negroponte, the director of the National Intelligence Service, came to see him.

“Mr. President, I request a private audience.”

At those words, President Bush put down the documents he was reviewing and dismissed everyone else from the room.

“Director John, what brings you here? You’ve come without notice.”

“I apologize, sir. The matter was too urgent to delay.”

“Alright, have a seat. Tell me what has you in such a rush. It must be serious.”

John Negroponte, after taking a seat, handed the documents he’d brought to President Bush.

“Unusual military movements have been detected in North Korea.”

“What?”

President Bush, visibly startled, quickly picked up the documents in front of him.

“Movements of an armored brigade within the 5th Corps have been detected, along with troop movements from the Pyongyang Defense Command.”

Even as President Bush scanned the documents, John Negroponte continued his explanation.

“And, the CIA hasn’t shared any information on the matter.”

At that, President Bush frowned and put the documents down.

“What? You’re telling me information sharing with the CIA isn’t working? What on earth are those guys thinking?”

President Bush clicked his tongue and picked up the internal line, immediately ordering the CIA director to come to the Oval Office.

“It seems they have a tendency to ignore the DNI because it lacks real authority. Not just the CIA, but other agencies as well.”

“…I created the DNI to facilitate cooperation. I just didn’t grant it actual authority in the field.”

“That’s the problem. Information is ultimately gathered in the field and then compiled into a coherent narrative. Since we don’t have access to the field, we are only able to use information those agencies choose to give us.”

He was aware that there was a lot of infighting between intelligence agencies, but not to this extent.

Bush shook his head and spoke.

“Well… we can discuss that later. So, what do you make of these unusual movements? Another coup?”

“It’s not certain, but…”

John Negroponte paused, then spoke.

“Director Jessica of the Intelligence Agency believes it is highly likely to be related to Kim Mu-hyeok who is currently visiting North Korea.”

An all-too-familiar name made President Bush raise an eyebrow.

“Kim Mu-hyeok? Oh, I recall he was visiting North Korea. Surely they aren’t planning to arrest him?”

“The 5th Corps is stationed behind the Kaesong Industrial Complex. They wouldn’t be able to instigate a coup d’état in Pyongyang so easily. If they have other motives, it’s likely related to Kim Mu-hyeok.”

“There is no reason for Jang Seong-taek to abandon him… it must be a faction that dislikes the rapid changes in North Korea.”

“Yes. We suspect China is behind it. However, this is just speculation, as the information is still too vague.”

All the circumstances pointed towards one person.

President Bush was lost in thought, tapping his fingers on the sofa armrest.

‘It wouldn’t be good for me to let him die like this…’

The gentle tapping sound in the quiet Oval Office stopped.

President Bush turned to John Negroponte and asked,

“Is there any way we can help Kim Mu-hyeok?”

“Wouldn’t Russia be faster? Kim Mu-hyeok and the Russian president maintain a relationship that goes beyond friendship.”

“Russia, you say…”

Just then, the door to the Oval Office opened, and the CIA director entered.

He paused briefly when he saw John Negroponte.

“Director Goss, welcome.”

President Bush smiled broadly as he greeted him, and Porter Goss smiled back as he replied,

“Mr. President, you called for me?”

“Yes, have a seat.”

Goss sat down, facing John Negroponte.

The two men exchanged glares.

Although he could clearly sense the tension, President Bush feigned ignorance and began to speak.

“Director Goss, the reason I called you was because I heard that information sharing with the DNI wasn’t going well.”

“…”

“I handed over control of the field to the existing intelligence agencies as the CIA desired. So, the DNI is left to simply gather and compile the information coming from each agency. If information isn’t shared, the DNI will become a useless organization.”

At the calm rebuke, Goss coughed lightly.

“It’s because we are still getting used to it. Once things are sorted out…”

“Director Goss, I am not here for excuses. I appointed you, despite numerous objections, to bring the CIA back to normal after the recent information leak. Are you telling me you’re betraying my trust like this?”

Bush faced significant opposition when he appointed Porter Goss, a Republican House Representative, as CIA director.

The only other time a House Representative had been appointed as CIA director was during the term of President Bush’s father, former President George Bush.

“Mr. President, I don’t know what John has told you to cause a rift between us, but I have never done anything to cause you any harm.”

Goss glared at John Negroponte before continuing.

“The DNI is exceeding its authority. They’re demanding that information be handed over before its accuracy has even been verified. Moreover, John Negroponte, as the Director of National Intelligence, is demanding prior reports on even covert operations.”

“Isn’t that what the CIA asked for? To prevent the DNI from having control in the field? That’s why the DNI became a half-baked organization, but instead, you have to report.”

“Covert operations can be reported directly to the President.”

CIA covert operations could be initiated under the sole discretion of the CIA director, without White House approval.

The blatant desire to cling to even a shred of power was obvious.

“Alright, that’s enough. We can discuss that later.”

President Bush sighed deeply.

The conflict between the CIA and the DNI was an issue since the DNI was created.

Pressing them on it now would be pointless. He needed to address the most pressing matters first.

“I’ve received reports of unusual troop movements in North Korea. Share the information that the CIA has acquired.”

“…”

“Goss, this is an order. Infighting is meaningless in the face of American national interests.”

Goss opened his mouth, looking displeased.

“An armored brigade under the 5th Corps has moved.”

“We already know that.”

“The armored brigade commander is a close aide to Choi Ryong-hae, the Director of the General Political Bureau.”

“Choi Ryong-hae? Is he trying to stage a coup?”

Goss shook his head.

“The 5th Corps commander is a close aide to Jang Seong-taek. The armored brigade alone couldn’t accomplish a coup. But if the Pyongyang Defense Command moves, the odds of success…”

Goss then revealed the information gathered by CIA operatives.

“…It has also been confirmed that former Chinese President Jiang Zemin is backing Choi Ryong-hae. Their target is believed to be Kim Mu-hyeok.”

President Bush groaned. Both the heads of the CIA and DNI had determined that Kim Mu-hyeok was the target.

“Kim Mu-hyeok is deeply involved in the North Korean regime. Jang Seong-taek and Kim Mu-hyeok aren’t just helping with economic cooperation, they’re practically political partners. If Kim Mu-hyeok is removed, Jang Seong-taek’s hold on power will weaken.”

“So what’s the point? Has Kim Mu-hyeok been arrested? Or is he dead?”

President Bush, frustrated, pressed him for answers. Goss shook his head.

“There are no signs of that yet, but satellite imagery shows there has been some kind of engagement.”

“He could be dead?”

“If he was dead, there should have been unusual activity in Pyongyang. Since there hasn’t been, we’re using satellites and CIA operatives in South Korea to gather more information.”

President Bush’s sigh deepened.

“…So we know nothing for sure.”

“Mr. President, what about using this opportunity to deploy U.S. forces in South Korea? We can use protecting Kim Mu-hyeok as a pretext.”

“What?”

It was John Negroponte who reacted first to Goss’s words. He was flabbergasted, his voice rising.

“Director Goss! Are you crazy? Even if you are known for your hard-line stance on North Korea, how can you even think about deploying troops stationed in South Korea!”

“We’re not going to start a war. We just need to rescue Kim Mu-hyeok. We can use our CIA operatives…”

“Stop! That’s enough!”

President Bush slammed his hand on the desk, raising his voice.

“Deploying troops stationed in South Korea is out of the question. That would provoke the Chinese military into action. We cannot be the ones to move first.”

“It’s an opportunity to raise your approval rating, sir.”

President Bush shook his head firmly.

“No. We need to warn the Chinese Government from the White House and prevent their military from getting involved.”

“Mr. President.”

“Director Goss, the troops in South Korea are off-limits.”

Director Goss called out to him, sounding regretful, but President Bush was resolute.

“If a coup occurs in Pyongyang, then we will discuss it. For now, find a way to save Kim Mu-hyeok.”

It was an opportunity to put Kim Mu-hyeok in his debt. With his approval rating down, President Bush had no intention of letting this golden opportunity slip by.

“Can you infiltrate CIA operatives and special forces into North Korea?”

President Bush’s question lit up Goss’s face.

“Yes. Immediate deployment is possible. One day is sufficient.”

“Then have them stand by and observe.”

“Yes, Mr. President.”

“Maintain secrecy. If this gets out, not only I but your neck will be on the line, Director Goss.”

After instructing the CIA director, President Bush gave instructions to the DNI director as well.

“Compile all the information from each agency and share it with Russia and the South Korean Government.”

“Yes, sir.”

John Negroponte replied, his face filled with dissatisfaction.

“Now, get out there, devise a plan, and report back. Immediately!”

The two men rose from their seats and left the Oval Office.

President Bush picked up the phone beside him and called for the Secretary of Defense.

Not only in the White House, but also in the Kremlin of Russia, and the Blue House in South Korea, the same things were happening.

* * *

When I last spoke to Medvedev, he’d informed me he’d stationed the Russian military on the border.

At the same time, I’d also received a promise that Igor and the mercenaries would be given full support in crossing the border.

The vehicle I was in had been traveling on unpaved roads for over an hour.

The Guard Headquarters military vehicles that had been following us had vanished at some point.

There were a total of three vehicles that had crossed from South Korea into North Korea with me.

One vehicle I was in and two with the bodyguards.

Even by simple calculations, our forces were no match for the enemy. If you could even call them forces.

“Where are we?”

Manager Kim replied as he checked the map.

“We’re near Wonsan, it seems.”

We’d avoided the heavily monitored highways and first-class roads, traveling only on second-class and lower roads. That’s why it was taking us so long to get anywhere.

“How long until Rajin?”

“We still have a long way to go. The road conditions are so poor. It’ll be dangerous to pick up speed.”

I clicked my tongue without realizing it. If I made it out of here alive, I was going to tear up all the roads in North Korea.

“Make sure we move as discreetly as possible.”

After giving the order, I fiddled with the satellite phone.

‘The U.S. Forces in South Korea or the South Korean military won’t cross the border, right?’

Depending on who crossed the border first, the entire political situation could change drastically.

Just then, the satellite phone rang. I quickly answered it.

“This is Kim Mu-hyeok.”

— Boss.

It was the familiar voice of Manager Ma.

“Manager Ma.”

Hearing his voice brought me a deep sense of relief.

Before I could say anything, Manager Ma asked, his voice unusually urgent.

— Are you alright? What happened?

Just as Manager Ma asked about my well-being, another voice came from his side.

— Manager Ma! Put me on! Put me on!

Myeong-su seemed to have found Manager Ma. Hearing those familiar voices in succession, I felt myself relaxing a bit.

“I’m fine. Put Myeong-su on first.”

— Boss, I should have gone with you.

“I’m fine, so don’t worry too much. Just put him on.”

Manager Ma must have passed the receiver to Myeong-su because his voice came through.

— Hey, hey! You alive? You’re okay, right?

“Yeah, I’m alive. That’s why I’m talking to you. Stop overreacting.”

— What do you mean overreacting? The Blue House is in an uproar. It’s the first time the U.S. has been so forthcoming with their information.

“The U.S. sent information?”

I hadn’t expected the U.S. to move so quickly.

— Yeah. Our government hadn’t even grasped the situation, but the U.S. Forces in South Korea shared the information. They said they were going to arrest you, and that there was an exchange of fire.

The U.S. had a pretty detailed understanding of the situation.

“I’m currently heading towards the Russian border by car. So, tell them not to worry. And make sure the South Korean or U.S. military don’t cross the border.”

— That’s… President Yoon Chang-ho has already issued an emergency standby order to the military. It seems like they are about to cross the border as we speak?

That much? That’s quite touching.

But while it was touching, we absolutely could not be the first to cross the border.

“No, it won’t do. You have to convey this to President Yoon Chang-ho. I will safely cross over to Russia somehow so he shouldn’t act rashly.”

— ……Okay, are you really alright?

“Would I die so easily? Don’t worry too much and don’t tell Grandma, absolutely.”

— I won’t. Would I ever cross that line with Grandma?

Hearing Myeong-su’s voice greatly diminished my anxiety. So much so that I laughed.

“Now, put Manager Ma back on. I’ll contact you when I arrive in Russia.”

— Alright, come back safe. I’ll be waiting for you.

Manager Ma called out in a low voice, after Myeong-su had handed over the receiver.

— Boss.

“Manager Ma, don’t worry too much. Igor and the Russians are moving.”

At this rate, it seemed Igor would arrive first.