Mercenary I am the king

Chapter 1200 Return to Bakda

The four-party meeting has temporarily concluded with the dust settling on the abandoned Erbil factory.

Without any farewell ceremony or unnecessary pleasantries, all parties, carrying a fragile consensus and tense nerves, quickly withdrew along the predetermined route.

Although the air was thick with unspoken words and mutual suspicion, a temporary united force was indeed forged against their common enemy, "1515".

After returning to the temporary command post in Sulaymaniyah, Song Heping immediately threw himself into intensive preparations for war.

Deploying troops, procuring supplies, and refining battle plans—every minute was precious.

This temporary alliance based on the exchange of interests is extremely fragile. It is necessary to quickly open up the situation before all parties, especially internal opposition forces, react and set up obstacles, and consolidate this hard-won foundation of cooperation with tangible results.

To put it bluntly, the Quad alliance is currently very fragile. Perhaps one day the Americans will be unhappy, or a member of Congress will hear the news and launch an inquiry in Congress, or create public opinion through the media. Before military action even begins, the alliance may fall apart.

Of the four parties—the United States, Russia, Persia, and themselves—the most unstable is the scumbag American.

But if the operation has already begun and achieved its strategic objectives—driving the 1515 militants out of northwestern Iriego and placing them under the control of the Liberation Forces and the Abuyu Brigade—then who cares if the Americans turn against them? They've got the territory, so they can do whatever they want.

If you want to turn against me, then let's fight.

Things are different now. Song Heping now has more than 10,000 militiamen who have received formal military training, and his strength is not what it used to be.

Moreover, these militia groups are armed forces composed of local Iligo residents, who see them as heroes fighting against the 1515 militants and as representatives of justice.

If the Americans dare to retaliate and send their air force to bomb them, they will face moral condemnation.

Simon's actions were indeed swift and efficient, just as he had promised.

Just three days after the meeting, as Song Heping was working out an attack route with "Hunter" and others in front of a map, his encrypted satellite phone rang.

The caller was Simon.

"Song".

Simon's voice sounded slightly excited.

"The list issue has been resolved. The relevant procedures were completed within an hour, and your name has been removed from all relevant restricted lists. Of course, there will be no official statement; it will be as if this never happened. What do you think of this efficiency?"

Song Heping's emotions remained completely unchanged.

Because it's not worth any fluctuation.

Simon's concern was not due to their close friendship.

The relationship between the two was purely one of mutual exploitation.

It could even be said that Song Heping only did this because he had a small handle on Simon, which is why Simon behaved like a dog.

Otherwise, Simon would be the first one to want to skin Song Heping alive.

Clearing Song Heping of the charge of being a terrorist would be most advantageous for Simon.

From then on, their collaboration could be brought into the open, instead of being done secretly or like an affair.

He turned and walked to the window, looking at the somewhat dilapidated but vibrant street scene of Sulaymaniyah outside, and said calmly, "Very good. This means our cooperation can officially begin."

"That's exactly why I made the call."

Simon continued, “To ensure smooth communication and coordinated operations, we have decided to establish a multinational joint operations coordination center in the Green Zone of Bakta. I formally invite you to Bakta to participate in the first formal meeting of the command headquarters to finalize the timetable and coordination details. In addition, the matter you mentioned earlier regarding the reinstatement of your company's status as a potential contractor for the U.S. military logistics system also needs to be discussed in person. There are some documents that require your personal signature.”

Bakda...

This is a place name I haven't heard of in a long time.

That city holds too many complex memories for me, from my initial days as a grocer to my later struggles for survival, and finally to my break with the city and my escape.

After eight years, I am finally going to return there with a completely new and legal identity.

"can."

Song Heping did not hesitate, "Time and place."

"I will send a helicopter to Sulaymaniyah to pick you up at 10 a.m. tomorrow. Considering the impact, the scale should be small; you can bring a maximum of one attendant."

Simon explained.

"What?" Song Heping couldn't help but tease, "Even though you Americans have withdrawn your troops, isn't that still your territory? Are you afraid that if I bring too many men, I'll wipe out your base?"

This was obviously just a joke.

But the words were full of sarcasm.

After all these years, Americans are still as wary of themselves as ever.

But that's good.

Making your opponents wary is a sign that you've done a good job.

"Ahem—that's fine then..."

Simon coughed twice to cover his embarrassment, then quickly hung up the phone.

After putting down his phone, Song Heping turned to the "hunter" beside him and said, "Get ready, you're coming to Bakhta with me tomorrow."

A hint of surprise flashed in the hunter's eyes, but he didn't ask any further questions, simply nodding crisply: "Yes!"

The following day, a Black Hawk helicopter, clearly made by the US military, landed on time in the open space in front of the Sulaymaniyah command post. It was completely different from the rugged style of the two Mi-17s before, exuding a sense of sophisticated technology.

Song Heping still only carried self-defense weapons when he boarded the plane.

The "Hunter" followed closely behind, keeping a watchful eye on every American soldier in the cabin.

The journey from Sulaymaniyah to Bakhda is not far.

Two hours later, as the Black Hawk helicopter flew over Bakhta, Song Heping’s gaze was as sharp as an eagle’s as he looked down through the porthole.

Eight years have passed, and this war-torn city seems both familiar and strange.

Some of the once-familiar neighborhoods have become ruins, while others have been replaced by new buildings. The iconic "Green Zone" walls still stand tall, but the atmosphere seems more somber and divided than I remember. The helicopter landed on a heavily guarded landing pad within the Green Zone.

The hatch opened, and a familiar yet unfamiliar hot air rushed in.

The atmosphere here is completely different from that of the dilapidated Sulaymaniyah. The interim government has become the officially in power government, and many new buildings and structures have been built in the Green Zone in recent years. However, there are fewer American soldiers, and the local police force is now more responsible for security.

The liaison officer sent by Simon was already waiting there. After a rigorous identity check and security screening, Song Heping and the "hunter" were taken to a temporary residence.

As night falls, the lights are on.

Song Heping changed into ordinary casual clothes and instructed the "hunter": "I'm going out for a bit, you stay here."

"Boss, do you need...?"

"Need not."

Song Heping interrupted him, "It's a private visit, the fewer people the better."

Instead of using a vehicle provided by the U.S. military, he contacted a local, unremarkable old car through his own channels, and quietly drove out of the Green Zone, blending into the still somewhat noisy and chaotic streets of Bakta at night.

The car navigated through a maze of alleyways before finally stopping in what appeared to be an ordinary residential area.

Song Heping got out of the car and walked familiarly to a two-story building with a courtyard wall, then rang the doorbell.

A moment later, the door was opened a crack, and a wary eye peered at him from behind it.

When he saw Song Heping's face clearly, his eyes widened instantly, filled with disbelief and shock.

The door was quickly pulled open, and a middle-aged man with a stout build, dressed in a traditional robe, appeared in the doorway—it was Yusuf.

He yanked Song Heping into the courtyard, quickly closed the door, and lowered his voice, his tone filled with horror: "By Allah! Song... how dare you come here?! Do you know how many eyes are watching everything related to you?!"

Yusuf was noticeably heavier than he had been eight years ago, and there were signs of a life of luxury in his eyes, but the shrewdness and caution of an Iligog official remained unchanged.

He now holds a senior position in the Ministry of Supplies of the Iligo government and wields considerable power.

Looking at his former "old friend" and important partner, Song Heping smiled faintly: "Yusuf, long time no see. Don't worry, I'm 'legal' now."

"legitimate?!"

Yusuf paused for a moment, then pulled Song Heping inside and quickly closed the door.

"You're on the KB leader list, and you're still acting legally?! My God! How did you even get into Bakta? Didn't they check you?"

“I told you I’m acting legally,” Song Heping said with a smile, looking at his arms “supplier.” “Trust me, I wouldn’t cheat my own friend.”

The two entered the courtyard. The house was newly built and decorated with great care, much more luxurious than when Song Heping first came here, showing the owner's current status and position everywhere.

After leading Song Heping around the hall and into a secluded room through a side path, Yusuf still couldn't hide his nervousness. He poured Song Heping a cup of black tea, his hands trembling slightly: "What exactly happened? I heard that you... weren't you... wanted by the police?"

Song Heping picked up his teacup, gently blew on it, took a sip of tea, and then slowly explained the whole story.

From the attack on Sulaymaniyah to the Quartet meeting in Erbil, and then to his name being removed from the list, the message to Yusuf was succinct.

Of course, he omitted many core secrets and specific plans.

Yusuf listened, his mouth slightly agape, his expression shifting from shock to disbelief, finally settling into a complex sigh: "Unbelievable... You actually managed to get this far, sitting at the same table with Americans, Russians, and Persians... Song, you always manage to do the unexpected."

Song Heping put down his teacup and got to the point: "Yousuf, our previous cooperation has always been very pleasant."

Upon hearing the word "cooperation," Yusuf's expression changed slightly, revealing a hint of embarrassment and helplessness: "Song, my old friend, it's not that I don't want to help you. You should know that about two years ago, the CIA began to monitor the flow of military supplies with unusually strict controls, especially regarding... well, non-government-controlled areas. Although I'm still in this position, many of my shady dealings are no longer feasible. The risks are too great!"

Song Heping nodded understandingly: "I understand that the past two years were special circumstances. But now, the situation is different."

He leaned forward slightly, looking directly at Yusuf. "My identity has been 'laundered,' at least for now. My 'Musician' defense company will soon be back on the shortlist of U.S. military logistics contractors. This means we can conduct 'legal,' or at least ostensibly compliant, procurement."

A glint flashed in Yusuf's eyes, his businessman's instincts immediately activated: "You mean..."

"While this 'legal' veneer is still in place, I need to stockpile a large amount."

Song Heping's voice was low, but it carried an undeniable determination.

"Small arms, ammunition, communication equipment, individual protective gear, even portable missiles and drones... anything that can enhance combat effectiveness, I want it all. I know that the Americans have provided your Iligo government with a lot of weapons in the past two years to combat the 1515 militants, and you have also used the money from oil trading to buy a lot of weapons. These things are all in your and your friends' hands, and I am interested in them all. Don't worry, the price will be based on market conditions, the commission will remain the same, and it can even be increased a bit, but the channels must be reliable and the delivery must be fast."

He paused, then continued, "As you know, nobody knows how long my cooperation with the Americans will last. I have to prepare for anything that might happen in the future. This shipment won't be sent directly to the front lines in Ilig; I'll arrange for most of it to be transshipped directly to my base warehouse in Africa."

Yusuf fell into deep thought, his fingers tapping unconsciously on the table.

This is undoubtedly a huge business opportunity with considerable profits.

The days when he worked with Song Heping were the most comfortable days of Yusuf's life. It would be self-deception to say that he didn't miss the time when he was making a fortune.

The reason for the previous forced reduction in shipments was that Song Heping's identity was extremely sensitive.

Now it seems that no problem is a problem anymore.

Song Heping has regained some of his "legal" status, which has indeed reduced the risks involved in his operations.

More importantly, he had witnessed Song Heping's abilities and methods, and cooperating with him would bring returns far exceeding the value of this business deal.

"List and quantities?"

Faced with enormous profits, Yusuf quickly surrendered.

Song Heping took out a pre-prepared encrypted USB drive from his pocket and pushed it in front of Youssef: "The specific requirements are all inside. The deposit for the first batch of orders can be transferred to your overseas account tomorrow."

Yusuf picked up the USB drive, gripped it tightly in his hand, and a long-lost, heartfelt smile appeared on his face: "Song, welcome back. It's been a pleasure working with you! To be honest, I've really missed you these past few years."

Song Heping smiled at him, but didn't say anything. He just nodded to show that he felt the same way.

Actually, I chuckled to myself, thinking, "You're just thinking about money."

　Asking for a monthly ticket! Asking for a monthly ticket!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)