Chapter 7: Search (3)

Chapter 7: Search (3)

After sending Walker, the remaining task was to feed the two subordinates who had been waiting, skipping meals. When I ordered a new meal, Suyeon glanced at the discarded food with regret in her eyes. However, for my trusted aides, it was essential that no leftover food entered their mouths unless it was an unavoidable situation.

I removed the silicone mask that I had been wearing throughout my interaction with Walker. Silicone, resembling skin, peeled off with a slight sound. While this item was used whenever a disguise was needed, it was difficult to adapt to the stifling feeling. CIA agents were known to endure days wearing it, a feat that I found hard to comprehend.

During the waiting time, Kyung-tae held a warm cup of tea and asked,

“Hyungnim, what was that Pepsi you mentioned earlier? Was it Pepsi the drink?”

“That’s right.”

I summarized the incident, and Kyung-tae looked amazed.

“It was quite an unexpected move for the second in command of the cola industry to do something remarkable in an unrelated field.”

“It happened because there was a shortage of vodka in the Soviet Union at the time. Can you believe there was a shortage back then? But then again, wasn’t there something else that wasn’t in short supply?”

“Oh? Did they originally pay for cola with vodka?”

“Yes, and it was Stolichnaya, just as you like.”

“Ah, Stolichnaya! That’s delicious! Pepsi had a good eye for choosing vodka.”

Kyung-tae praised Stolichnaya for its rich flavor, especially in high-quality vodka, where the alcohol scent resembled coffee beans. Meanwhile, the prepared table had become simpler than before, and the two people began to eat. Watching them enjoy their meals, it was evident that both of them were hungry. I remained silent, sipping my tea, lost in thought.

‘War...’

Walker had asked me if I was prepared for war, but he would never dream that he had struck a nerve in my dream. If he were to learn of my determination, he would probably try to break off our relationship immediately.

In this place, Camp Henry in Daegu, there was no room for the weapons thieves to engage in direct transactions with terrorists. Moreover, my target, the UK, was one of the “Five Eyes,” a core ally of the United States, so getting caught would likely result in being treated as a criminal far worse than a common felon. (+)[1]TLN: The Five Eyes is an intelligence alliance comprising Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States

The weapons secured here were unlikely to be used in the UK.

Getting them out of here posed a problem. As terrorist threats increased day by day, the UK strengthened its borders in the air and at sea. It also possessed the information-gathering capabilities of the first of the “Five Eyes.”

Hence, long-term airdrops were close to impossible, and smuggling via cargo or fishing vessels was relatively safe but still involved considerable risk. Even if we obtained the goods from elsewhere, transporting them would be a major challenge due to the large quantity involved.

However, if I were to engage with mages in London, eventually, I would have to confront London itself. A defensive battle alone would be unwinnable. Although the war that might break out was still uncertain, if I didn’t start looking for a solution soon after it began, it would be too late.

There didn’t seem to be a more certain route.

My train of thought naturally led to the South American cartels.

‘Perhaps using submarines like they do.’

The submarines they used to transport drugs were capable of sailing from the Gulf of Mexico to Europe through the North Atlantic currents. Given their small size, if the engines were turned off and they relied solely on the power of the currents, they could pass through the underwater surveillance network (SOSUS) near the British coast.

It might even be alright to order the construction of submarines for them. While entrusting the transportation itself would be the best option, if they were to modify the submarines to carry weapons instead of drugs, it would cost at least 300 million dollars per operation. That was as much as the expected profit from transporting cocaine. Even a nation couldn’t afford such reckless spending. It would be better to directly acquire submarines.

The problem was that it was not just about having money.

Their older semi-submersibles were estimated to cost around 2 million dollars, and even the latest fully submersible ones would likely not exceed 100 million dollars. However, not even outdated models past their disposal date have ever appeared on the black market, let alone the latest models.

I understand. Recklessly selling the most secretive means of transportation would invite new competitors one after another. Major cartels, who likely hold tens of billions of dollars in cash outside of personal assets, wouldn’t seem likely to sell their business’s foundation for a mere 100 million dollars.

How should I approach those whom I have no acquaintance or dealings with? To whom should I extend a hand? Are there other reliable paths to obtaining the submarines? These were the thoughts that deepened as time passed.

“Hmm?”

The two who were eating stopped and stared at me. Suyeon asked,

“Why are you lost in thought? You even sighed.”

“...I sighed? Did I?”

“Yes.”

It seemed my thoughts leaked unconsciously.

At times like this, adding my thoughts was also the role of an aide. I shared my concerns with them and added,

“It’s not an immediate problem, so finish your meal. The food is getting cold.”

As the head of the organization, my most important responsibility was to feed my subordinates. To feed, clothe, and shelter them. It was the task of taking care of the lives that had become mine. When the organization became one’s life, sustainable loyalty could be achieved.

Knowing me well enough, the two didn’t hesitate and resumed their meal. Their use of chopsticks and spoons showed that they were now eating more leisurely, suggesting their appetites were somewhat satisfied.

“About earlier.”

Suyeon, who had just put down her utensils, took a sip of water and spoke.

“Why, did something come to mind?”

In response to my question, Suyeon gave a slight nod.

“It’s about the rebels in the Philippines.”

“Why them?”

“Besides the Liberation Front we trade with, there are four more Islamic extremist groups. Among them, apart from BIFF and its factions, ‘Abu Torayfiyah’ and ‘Abu Sayyaf’ could potentially serve as a contact point to reach the Middle Eastern Islamic extremist factions if handled properly.”

“Are you suggesting that we extend our hand to Islamic extremists based on the logic of ‘the enemy of my enemy is my friend’?”

“Yes. If London is the target, they won’t necessarily dislike it. What they want is fame to take control after the collapse of IS, and we aren’t interested in that sort of thing.” (+)[2]TLN: “IS” refers to the Islamic State, a terrorist organization also known as ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria).

“Hmm.”

“Hyungnim, I know that you’re hesitant about dealing with extremists...”

“No, that’s not it. I said I wouldn’t discriminate against means and methods. You’ve explained it well. It’s worth considering.”

Abu Torayfiyah and Abu Sayyaf were both fanatical individuals who even shot fellow Muslims. Moreover, both groups have fewer than fifty members, making them irrelevant as trading partners.

However, their small scale could actually be an advantage, as they’d be more inclined to spill secrets if we just dangle a million dollars in front of them.

The problem was that there was no connection between us and them...

We couldn’t request introductions from our client, the Moro Liberation Front, as they have hostile relationships with both sides. Especially with Abu Sayyaf, their elite force called ‘Azang-Azang’ bombed a mosque and crossed a river of no return. (+)[3]TLN: I couldn’t find Azang-Azang/아장-아장. So maybe this one is fictional.

Kyung-tae expressed a skeptical opinion.

“Noonim. I doubt if these lowlifes can introduce us properly.”

Suyeon immediately replied to this.

“Abu Sayyaf also raises doubts for me.”

“Is that so?”

“But with Turaifie’s guys, we might have something to expect.”

“In what way?”

“They have close ties with the Pakistani immigrant community and actively recruit Pakistani collaborators. Unlike Abu Sayyaf, who risks their lives with kidnappings and piracy and has many unclear sources of operational funds... It’s suspicious how their organizational strength remains unshaken despite the leader’s consecutive deaths.”

Suyeon paused for a moment and then continued.

“When you consider various pieces of information, it’s highly likely that these guys are being directed by the Pakistani intelligence agency, just like the early Taliban days. If that’s the case, there’s still a clear channel to the Taliban even if the Daesh (IS) leader is dead.”

“Wow.”

Kyung-tae admired Suyeon’s analysis, speaking in a rapid and flowing manner.

“Even memorizing information about such insignificant guys.”

“It’s my job.”

“Still, that’s impressive.”

Ignoring Kyung-tae, who was giving two thumbs up, Suyeon stared at me with a calm attitude.

“There’s one more thing. How about asking Chief Chu to contact the Latin American cartels?”

“Chief Chu? The one from the Diamond Casino?”

“Yes.”

The “Chief” Suyeon mentioned was the unofficial owner of the casino where I issued the chips to Lieutenant Walker. Of course, he wasn’t a real chief representing the entire tribe. It was just a nickname that carried over into this world. Most of the figures among the Native American tribes had accepted modern political systems a long time ago.

Puzzled, I tilted my head.

“Why Chief Chu of all people? It’s rare to find someone in this world who hates drug dealers to that extent.”

The North American Native American tribes had suffered greatly in the past due to poverty and drug addiction. Therefore, the Chief of their tribe, the “People of the Desert” (Tahoenne Adam), despised drug dealers intensely. Even though their land was close to the Mexican border, he never engaged in any trade with drug cartels for that reason.

1. TLN: The Five Eyes is an intelligence alliance comprising Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States 2. TLN: “IS” refers to the Islamic State, a terrorist organization also known as ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria). 3. TLN: I couldn’t find Azang-Azang/아장-아장. So maybe this one is fictional. Author's Thoughts

Disclaimer:

This novel is a work of fiction! While it may incorporate elements inspired by our "real" historical world, including historical events, settings, and cultures, it is important to note that the story and characters are entirely products of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to real persons, living or deceased, or actual events is purely coincidental. This work should be enjoyed and interpreted as a work of fiction and not as a representation of historical facts or reality.

Also, if you find some error in translation please do let me know by tagging me (@_dawn24) in our Discord server. Since this series is kinda hard to translate. But I'll try my best to make it at least readable :)

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