Chapter 69: A Tailor-Made Plan?

“Although we have eliminated one of their smuggling teams, we haven’t struck at the root. The ‘Red Scorpion’ will retaliate, and this will be a major headache for us. On the surface, we seem to be powerless against the ‘Red Scorpion,’ which is a disadvantage, but we can turn it into an advantage. Thus, I propose taking the initiative and striking first. This is the plan our Intelligence Group has developed,” Colonel Xie said as he handed a document to Captain Feng.

“Captain, this plan was proposed by our brilliant intelligence officer, Lieutenant Li Muxin. It’s called ‘Driving the Tiger and Swallowing the Wolf,’ designed to leave the ‘Red Scorpion’ no time to bother with us,” Colonel Xie elaborated, clearly putting considerable thought into it.

It was evident that the elite members of the Intelligence Group were eager to rise up and fight back to redeem their previous failures, even ready to take on frontline missions.

A map appeared on the large wall screen, with several colored areas highlighted within it. Colonel Xie used a remote laser pointer to zoom in on a red-covered region. “This is the ‘Red Scorpion’ control area, located at the border of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, within the Kyzylkum Desert. It’s a vast, sparsely populated region that has seen armed uprisings from the East Turkestan militants. Although the military forces of China and Kazakhstan have conducted multiple crackdowns, control remains relatively weak, allowing them to escape to Uzbekistan at any time. The Uzbek government is unstable, having faced large-scale riots last year, and they are not capable of cooperating with us, so we cannot eliminate them at the government level directly.” He then pointed to a slightly smaller light yellow area adjacent to the ‘Red Scorpion’ control zone. “Here is the territory controlled by Ratikah Osman, known as ‘The Sacred Mercury Mirror.’ He’s a typical nationalist with fewer resources than the ‘Red Scorpion’, mainly relying on mineral exploitation and the natural gas industry for income. He has long been eyeing the ‘Red Scorpion’ territory, leading to frequent conflicts along the shared border.”

The red dot of the laser pointer moved continuously, revealing that the areas displayed on the screen were not ordinary administrative regions but territories controlled by various armed groups.

“This green area is controlled by the Merland tribe, maintaining a degree of economic interaction with the ‘Red Scorpion’, making it a neutral zone. The light purple area is ruled by Maexika Kadra’s armed group, primarily focusing on arms production, with agriculture, fishery, and food processing as secondary industries, making them competitors to the ‘Red Scorpion’. And this area here—it is essentially a land ruled by local warlords, a true no-man’s land. Fortunately, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have large-scale cooperative construction projects involving China and Russia, making the local people’s lives far better than those in tribal war-torn Africa.”

Colonel Xie’s plan was not overly complicated or overly simple. Some people loved to cause divisions in China, so why not create divisions among the separatists by courting one faction while striking at another? Stir the pot at the borders to keep them occupied and distract them from meddling in China. This type of strategy, mastering alliances and rivalries, had been used skillfully in China two thousand years ago but had rarely been applied abroad.

“Intelligence has confirmed that the ‘Red Scorpion’ possesses two retired F-14s and modified armed helicopters acquired from foreign forces. This air superiority poses a serious threat to surrounding factions, making them hesitant to act carelessly. Here’s a satellite image.” Colonel Xie pulled up a picture showing a small airport in the desert basin.

Looking at the image, Captain Feng stroked his chin and said, “Assess whether we can apply for the use of space-based laser weapons for a direct strike.”

“I’m afraid that’s not possible; the cost is too high. While a satellite strike would indeed be cost-effective, it would also expose the location of our space-based armed satellites, and the cost of launching each strike far exceeds our returns,” Colonel Xie replied, shaking his head. It was clear that he had already contemplated this efficient idea—China had secretly launched several armed satellites into space primarily for intercepting intercontinental ballistic missiles and nuclear warheads.

While the Americans were still developing intercept missiles, the Chinese had quietly sent their space-based armed satellites into orbit.

Captain Feng noticed a familiar name on the operations plan and his expression changed. “Are you planning to send him…? What? You can’t! This is absurd and dangerous! Even if using space-based weapons is costly, we can’t let him go; that’s also a significant risk.”

As a joke, even if the Intelligence Group’s ideas were fanciful and their plans bold and unexpected, they should not take such reckless risks across specialties.

“He?! Absolutely! I can assure you that many have overlooked this guy. We don’t have a better candidate. He’s not as simple as he appears. I’ll send my twin stars with him to provide strict protection in the shadows. Leadership can rest easy—if he can’t complete the mission, his skills are sufficient for self-protection. The First Squad has already tested his abilities. He can’t be seen as an ordinary person. Just think about it; anyone who comes to ‘Night’ is a king of soldiers. Captain Feng, when did you lose confidence in your judgment?” Colonel Xie buttered up Captain Feng nonchalantly, racking his brain to push through this plan. “The Staff Group’s Captain Ji has also reviewed it and deemed it feasible.”

Many members of the Intelligence Group were familiar faces to external organizations; they were easily recognized and their effectiveness diminished. The short lifespan of intelligence personnel troubled him greatly. He had buried several key assets but was reluctant to use them until it was critical, all of which had already been drawn into this operation.

Thus, Colonel Xie’s gaze turned to other departments, and he happened to spot someone who caught his eye—not only unfamiliar but also capable and decisive. Even if he couldn’t play a chameleon, at least being a mercenary wouldn’t easily expose him. Who would dare be so brutal against their own?

“I still have reservations. You guys in the Intelligence Group should conduct a test on him first. If he fails, he absolutely cannot be sent out. A loss like that is something ‘Night’ cannot withstand. This is simply not doing your job as intended. You in the Intelligence Group are far too bold,” Captain Feng stated firmly, showing he was not easily swayed. Nevertheless, the innovative plan had intrigued him for its unexpected impacts, yet he still drew the line firmly.

Everyone wants talented, loyal individuals who are decisive and can step up at crucial moments, and Captain Feng cherished his most fiercely cultivated talents. Every member of ‘Night’ was close to his heart.

“Don’t worry, I’ll handle it!” The more Colonel Xie thought, the more he believed in the feasibility of the plan provided by the twins. With their cover, they could send him to create disruptions, taking down their strongest foothold. If the ‘Red Scorpion’ can’t muster the energy to strike back, it might not be able to maintain its own safety.

Such a plan needed a versatile person to execute perfectly. However, if too many people were involved, it could draw attention and face significant obstacles.

At this critical time, finding someone who met these conditions was a challenge; it’s not like everyone is James Bond 007!

Luckily, Colonel Xie had just the right person in mind.

…

“What? Xie, what kind of crazy idea are you cooking up? Do you want to harm people? Let me tell you, it’s not happening here. You’re not welcome; get lost!” Captain Pan’s roar echoed within the hangar of the Aircrew Group. Colonel Xie had just left Captain Feng and eagerly found Captain Pan, only to hit a wall after just two sentences, meeting Captain Pan’s strong resentment toward the Intelligence Group.

Captain Pan was very irritated with the Intelligence Group, especially Colonel Xie, whom he always met with a cold face.

“You, you, Pan! Don’t think I fear you just because you look fierce! What’s wrong with borrowing someone? If you don’t want to, say so nicely!” Colonel Xie’s face flushed with anger, ready to confront Captain Pan, whose words felt like barefaced slaps. He could no longer suppress his emotions.

“Is that how it is? Ready to fight? Fine!” Captain Pan flexed his sleeves, his demeanor resembling a rattlesnake. Having been involved in fights since joining the military, he was never afraid of anyone. Even having served penance or written self-criticisms hadn’t doused his fiery temper. If not for that awful attitude, he might have long ascended to the rank of lieutenant colonel.

In a corner of the hangar, Lin Mo, who had been washing his treasured helicopter, was startled by Captain Pan’s intimidating voice. He turned to see the two adversaries confront each other and quickly rushed over to mediate, saying, “Hey, what’s going on this time? Let’s talk things over.”

Lin Mo dropped his bucket and hurried in to separate the two already in a heated disagreement.

“Captain Lin, you’ve come at the right time! I have a plan that needs your involvement. Look here, I’ve already gotten Captain Feng’s approval. We just need to conduct a few tests, and you can decide whether to carry out the tasks in this plan or not. I promise, I won’t force you!” Thankfully, Colonel Xie maintained some composure and quickly pulled Lin Mo aside to discuss the main business, hoping to prevent Captain Pan from messing things up. The Intelligence Group relied on this person to turn things around; Colonel Xie was throwing his weight around here.

“Little Lin, let’s go. Don’t listen to him; that guy has no good intentions!” Captain Pan blocked the document Colonel Xie had passed and shot Colonel Xie a fierce glare, his expression worsening.

“Uh, old Pan, can I take a look first? After all, Colonel Xie said the decision is up to me. If I disagree, it would just waste a bit of time; it’s not a loss.” Lin Mo felt a bit pity for Colonel Xie, who was always berated by Captain Pan.

Captain Pan heard this and scoffed at Lin Mo’s poor judgment. “Do as you please! Just give me a heads-up later. Listen to me, old Pan: be careful. Don’t let anyone use you as a pawn. The Intelligence Group is the best at scheming.” Fed up and not wanting to see Colonel Xie’s unpleasant face any longer, he turned and left.

“Thanks for your understanding, Captain Lin. This will only take a moment; please take a look!” Colonel Xie deliberately lowered his tone, presenting the earlier plan he had shown Captain Feng.

“Alright, I’ll take a look,” Lin Mo replied and began to carefully read through the pages.

After flipping to the first page, Lin Mo glanced meaningfully at Colonel Xie, who was filled with expectation as he watched Lin Mo. Colonel Xie chuckled awkwardly. Lin Mo remained silent, moving to the next page, becoming increasingly shocked and unable to look away.

People in this world were simply unbelievable! As Lin Mo continued to read, he felt deeply amazed. Comparing the war from another world with the contents of this plan felt like children in kindergarten fighting—utterly chaotic. This plan was simply remarkable.

Lin Mo silently mourned for the ‘Red Scorpion.’ This plan was tailor-made to deal with them, yet the executioners would need considerable skills, from traditional weaponry to firearms, and must know how to use various vehicles, mastering all kinds of combat techniques while concealing their identities as soldiers.

The standard soldier’s calloused hands would be a disqualifying first hurdle. A student like himself, fresh out of university, with hands meant only for gaming controls, was practically a natural disguise.

Was it possible this plan was also designed especially for him?! Lin Mo raised his head again to look at Colonel Xie, seeking answers in his expression.