What the hell is a private enterprise?

Chapter 625 South! Down! (3800 monthly votes in July)

If the cutting-edge technology showcased by the Lost Empire were ranked within the Prism Building, the T6 and T4 drones would definitely be in the top five.

The mechanical structures of these two drones are extremely simple and crude: an engine, a gearbox, a drive shaft, side-mounted propellers, an electron tube control box, and that's it.

Its flight principle is also very simple, but to actually make it fly and maneuver flexibly... Several military giants who conducted in-depth research immediately encountered a high wall of computing power. The difficulty of writing flight control for this thing is even greater than that of the F-22, not to mention that a communication module must be integrated in a small space. Its miniaturization capability is quite incredible.

In practical applications, the two types of small drones are playing an increasingly important role for Tangwen.

For example, in Chuawa, thousands of drones are secretly launched from submarines to closely monitor the local situation, allowing for a direct understanding of everything that is happening.

It is also excellent for taking photos and collecting evidence. Drones can appear anywhere and secretly take the most detailed and intuitive photos.

The rubber rings captured by the drone were immediately sent back for washing, and the time from shooting to sending them to various media outlets was no more than 2 hours.

When information technology far ahead of its time was used to reveal the most formal moment in the event, the whole world was shocked.

Due to deliberate information control and environmental chaos, international journalists only dared to take pictures in some corners of the big cities and were unaware of the scale and severity of the chaos. These photos, however, are a bloody reminder that a catastrophe has already occurred.

Various media outlets immediately published articles condemning the incident, and the international human rights protection organization that received the report announced that it would send emergency investigators to verify the facts and urged the authorities to ensure the safety of the detained staff.

That's hundreds of lives at stake. The 90s were all about idealism, love, and peace, and they absolutely couldn't stand by and watch something like that happen.

At the same time, human rights organizations warned Gekin that sending fishing boats to Sulawesi was too risky and still recommended seeking a solution from the authorities.

This is a very serious and well-intentioned reminder. The Goose City Fisheries Association can only send some fishing boats. What if more dangers occur?
But both the IAA and the Java authorities felt a strange sense of familiarity upon hearing the name and wanted to learn more about it.

Although the information of the Goose City Fisheries Association was publicly available at that time, there was no website registration information. You could only find out by going to Goose City, which would take quite a while.

That same evening, the media began referring to this shocking act of violence as the "April 4.4th Incident" and called for intervention from relevant authorities.

……

On the same day, in the capital city
After racking their brains for several days to investigate at Base 640, Tang Wen, to avoid leading them into a dead end, stated that the load structure had been re-simulated by scientists from Southeast Asia and found to have problems. It was possible that the internal structure broke after bearing a huge overload, which caused the center of gravity to shift.

He already knew he couldn't open a space map now, so he asked to use it after the remaining two chances, and planned to actually send two small satellites up.

Even with today's technology, 100 kilograms can accomplish a lot. Setting up a camera or implementing point-to-point communication wouldn't be difficult. Tang Wenlai directly approached the Fifth Academy, hoping they could help him with the design.

However, as soon as he arrived, a group of people approached him.

"Hello Mr. Tang, I am Lin Jiayao. I don't know if you remember me."

"President Lin is..."

"It's my father."

Lin Jiayao was pleased that Tang Wen recognized him, and then presented him with a rather expensive gift:
"This hairpin came from the Ming Dynasty imperial palace and is given to this Ms. Lan."

Zhenhai was very satisfied with the hairpin made of gold and gemstones, so Tang Wen agreed to sit down and chat.

Unexpectedly, Lin Jiayao came to him not on behalf of the Lin family or the Chamber of Commerce, but together with the people from the Chuawa authorities, hoping to push both sides to resolve the trouble—in essence, hoping that Gaijin would compromise.

When we arrived at the agreed place, we were surprised to find that Zhao Hande was there too.
However, the latter gave him a look and shook his head slightly, clearly not intending to get involved but only attending out of courtesy.

"My father once said something before he came: 'Harmony brings wealth, and it's better to resolve conflicts than to let them fester...'"

As we all know, when a middleman tells you to be amicable, he is most likely on the other side and intends to make you suffer a loss.

Before Lin Jiayao could finish his opening remarks and set the mood, Tang Wen interrupted him, pointing to the man next to him and asking:
"Whom do you represent, Lec or Sergio?"

The visitor was somewhat taken aback and immediately replied:
“We are here on behalf of the authorities to mediate this matter, not on behalf of any individual.”

Tang Wen pressed on relentlessly, "Then what are your identities?"

After repeated urging, they stammered out their current positions. Lin Jiayao tried to interject but was stopped by Tang Wen, who said with great dissatisfaction:

"If I'm not mistaken, you have no say in this matter at all; you just want to put pressure on Geigin to back down so you can climb the ranks?"

"Of course not! Mr. Tang, Mr. Anglak's family is..."

Seeing Lin Jiayao's anxious explanation, Tang Wen interrupted him for the third time, then pointed at Zhao Hande:

“Mr. Lin Jiayao, I am very disappointed in you. You refuse to believe us but are willing to offend Gaijin in order to protect your own interests. Or do you think that the locals in Zhuawa are the real compatriots, not us?”

Both Lao Zhao and I hoped you would seek help from your real family members, but you've only blinded yourselves to your own interests, hoping to gain peace in return.

Such sharp and blunt words made Lin Jiayao blush, and he wanted to explain but didn't know how to start.

Zhao Hande sat calmly to one side, simply drinking his tea.

After mocking Lin Jiayao, Tang Wen stood up, took out a stack of photos, and threw them onto the glass turntable on the table:
"These photos were taken an hour ago in Bitung County, where someone was planning to burn our more than 200 unarmed and detained employees alive. They are now likely already engulfed in flames, so Geigin refused to continue such pointless negotiations."

And you, Mr. Lin Jiayao, don't think that your compromise will bring you peace. Go find a safe place for your family to take refuge right now!

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhao Hande couldn't sit still any longer. When he saw thousands of rioters holding torches and surrounding the school, he immediately stood up.

Lin Jiayao's face turned pale, while the man who had come with him quickly denied it:

"This is a fake photo from somewhere. It can't be, it can't be like this!"

"The photos were taken on-site by people of conscience and have been submitted to international organizations. We will request the involvement of international investigators!"

Having confirmed the photo's authenticity, and with the safety of hundreds of people in mind, Zhao Hande disregarded everything else, grabbed Tang Wen, and hurriedly left. Once in the car, he asked:
"There are more than two hundred people in that school?"

Tang Wen nodded: "And they were locked inside with the doors and windows welded shut. It could be for protection, but it's more likely to be murder. They were all unarmed, and even if they sought help immediately, it would be too late."

After realizing this fact, Zhao Hande stared at his expressionless—or rather, extremely angry—face, feeling lost for a long time.

However, he quickly realized that Tang Wen might be the local bigwig in Southeast Asia, and immediately asked in a low voice:

"You contacted a reporter, didn't you...?"

“There were plans, but we didn’t expect the situation to suddenly become so serious, and we’re not sure how many people we can rescue… Geigin will still act in accordance with Article 74.”

"Article 74 is..."

Zhao Hande realized what was happening.

Although he didn't know what the Goose City Fisheries Association was, he was certain it was related to the Dongjiang Maritime Joint Defense Team, which meant... it was all a setup!

He thought of the sinking of the Civilization ship in the Spratly Islands. After that incident, Geingin used the incident to send out various destroyers and aircraft to patrol and clear out outsiders. So far, he has not dared to openly cross the line.

Although all the crew members on the Wenming were killed, their families moved away and lived a prosperous life, and there were no reports of them causing trouble at the Gaijin Company.

Upon further reflection, it becomes clear that Tang Wen has been busy with other things these past few days.

Tang Wen had vaguely hinted long ago that the internal strife within the Dragon Group needed an external force to change things. He even thought that this external force was Dongda University, but now everything is clear. This external force is Gai Jin, and what happened today is the opportunity.

Although this opportunity wasn't perfect, it wasn't unreasonable for us to try, and as long as the goal was achieved, it didn't matter!

When Tang Wen saw that the panic in Zhao Hande's eyes had faded, he knew that the other party had seen through everything, so he nodded almost imperceptibly.

The latter's eyes widened immediately, and after hesitating several times, he finally said:

"You, this is no small matter. The fleet... the convoy has set sail?"

"To be precise, they set off four hours ago and have now entered the Suluhai Sea!"

……

Four hours ago

Gongzhen Port

Due to the continuous southward movement of weak cold air before May, the weather in the South China Sea was quite good in early April, and the weather on April 4th was relatively sunny.

Starting that morning, people at several artificial ports in Nansha began to watch the spectacle.

Most of them were workers continuing the artificial island construction, rushing to meet the deadline while the typhoon season in the first half of the year was over, and there were also some people from the Ministry of Petroleum.

Since ten days ago, the size of the joint maritime defense force stationed in the Spratly Islands has suddenly increased. A few days later, an aircraft carrier and two battleships arrived, leading many to believe that the main force of the South China Sea Fleet had arrived.

Over the next few days, the drills, which the Imperial Navy found riddled with errors, were a feast for the eyes of ordinary people, and many even took photos.

After a week of intense drills, the entire maritime joint defense team took a day off on April 1st, and then quietly prepared supplies, starting to set sail one after another from 5 a.m. on the 4th.

At the same time, senior personnel were gathered on the Yorktown, and Chen Quanrong announced the instructions from Goose City:
"According to the confirmation of the shareholders' meeting of the Echeng Fisheries Association, the Dongjiang Maritime Joint Defense Team is divided into the first and second detachments; "
The first squadron consists of 11 ships, led by Captain Susumu Hayashimura (Susumu Kimura). The roster is as follows:
One aircraft carrier: HMS Yorktown
One battleship: Kongo
In addition, there are 4 cruisers and 5 destroyers.

The second squadron consists of 21 ships, led by Captain Chen Quanrong. The roster is as follows:

Three battleships: USS New York, USS New Mosesco, and USS Fussang
In addition, there are 4 destroyers and 14 frigates.

First squadron, hold your position for now. Second squadron, proceed immediately towards Zeng Musha at a speed of 14 knots!

Everyone immediately realized that the main factor in the formation was speed. The three old-style battleships with a speed of 20 knots carried all the Dongjiang-type fishing boats together, while the Kongo and Yorktown, which could basically reach speeds of over 30 knots, led cruisers and destroyers to form a fast formation.

Upon receiving the order, the first detachment immediately accelerated and formed a formation. Four destroyers advanced, three battleships led the way in a V-formation, followed by 14 Dongjiang-type fishing boats that served as escorts, and they sailed south from the port in a mighty procession.

Their current destination is Zengmusha, which is expected to take 20 hours to reach.

Although the second detachment had not yet received orders, it began to assemble and form a formation on the sea. Nie Qiang knew very well that although the second detachment was smaller in number, it was the real main force formation.

All sailors were ordered to strengthen management and stay at their posts, repeatedly checking the ship's condition, supplies, and materials. Meanwhile, under Allison's strict requirements, the HMS Yorktown strictly followed training regulations to position the aircraft and launched two A4 sorties to confirm that the carrier's aircraft system was functioning well.

The second squad waited from morning until afternoon. Just when Nie Qiang thought the day was over, Chen Quanrong ordered everyone to assemble and begin showing a slideshow, which naturally featured photos just taken and transmitted back by the drone. Unsurprisingly, upon seeing their colleagues/friends/neighbors in such danger, all the crew members clamored for an immediate rescue. On every warship, large groups of people crowded onto the bridge, or shouted to their superiors:
"When to set out? It's time to head south."

"These damn thugs, they must be punished!"

"Gold, make those sons of bitches pay the price!"

"..."

Everyone was quickly influenced by each other's words, and Chen Quanrong then announced that Gaijin Company was fulfilling its obligations under the terms of the agreement, broadcasting it through the radios and loudspeakers of each ship:

"For our comrades, for peace and tranquility, we will not fear danger and will rescue our compatriots!"

The entire first detachment will advance to the third position, cross the Su Lu Hai, and head south!

"South! Down!"

"South! Down!"

Angry roars echoed from every warship. As the Kongo sounded its horn and its boilers billowed thick smoke as it started operating, the other warships followed suit.

11艘战舰中金刚、约克城以及2艘巡洋舰以30节航速保持，其余的2艘阿贺野级巡洋舰和5艘驱逐舰直接以36节和41节的速度高速飙车前探。

The distance from Gongzhen Port to Bitong County is 1300 kilometers. The fastest destroyer can reach it in 17 hours, the cruiser in 20 hours, and the capital ship in 24 hours. This distance is just enough to maintain a safe distance by advancing in layers.

As the captain and deputy captain of the carrier-based aircraft squadron, Nie Qiang and Lei Zhan arrived at the bridge and saw Allison and Chen Quanrong discussing plans while looking at the nautical chart.

Allison nodded upon seeing them:

"You've come at the right time; you need to know the plan."

Nie Qiang glanced at the nautical chart. Although he didn't know anything about navigation, he couldn't help but ask when he saw the straight red line that stretched from Gongzhen Reef to Bitong County:
"captain……"

"During the work period, it is called a formal position."

"Captain, are we just going to go straight there?"

"This is the fastest rescue route."

"What I mean is, we crossed the border into the Su-Lu-Hai River less than 300 kilometers ahead."

Allison: "What does that have to do with anything? Captain Nie, according to the International Convention on the Law of the Sea, this area is high seas and you can sail freely. You only need to apply if you enter the 12-nautical-mile territorial sea near the shore, or if a fishing boat enters the 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone."

Nie Qiang was somewhat stunned:

"Aren't these fishing boats managed by the Fisheries Association?"

Allison patiently explained:
"Of course not. Apart from the Dongjiang-type vessels of the second detachment, which are registered as fishing boats, the rest of the vessels are sightseeing boats and special tourist attractions. The aircraft carrier we are standing on is registered as a sightseeing tourist boat. Since it does not engage in illegal fishing, it is not subject to jurisdiction and can pass directly."

"..."

Nie Qiang and Lei Zhan were speechless upon hearing this explanation. Although it seemed to make sense, something still felt off.

Lei Zhan asked, still looking clueless:

"What about the last 12 nautical miles? How can we pick them up without going in?"

"No need. A helicopter will take people across to the sea. It's just a very easy transport mission."

"What if we get intercepted?"

Allison sighed, then patted him on the shoulder:

"This is the mission for the second squadron. Alright, vice-captain, please get your plane ready. For the next 24 hours, we need to maintain a constant presence of aircraft patrolling overhead."

The two walked out of the bridge in a daze, and entered work mode with great uncertainty.

Soon, the three SBDs were launched and dispersed to fly forward as reconnaissance aircraft.

Meanwhile, several satellite phone signals were also launched into space from the warships of the two squadrons.

……

Jakarta

Bert and Smith had planned to relax and have afternoon tea in the security of an international hotel, but Geigin's sudden release of the photos completely disrupted their plans.

Even later, several media outlets received high-definition video footage!

The IAA Far East Division, which was in charge of the matter, quickly confirmed the authenticity of the photos and videos, but then couldn't help but have doubts:
How did Gekkin obtain these images?

It's incredibly difficult to transmit information these days. Even if it could be done through special channels, why would Gaijin have such a well-organized arrangement?

The IAA's manpower in Wawa is basically limited to a few major cities, and the rest of the country is solved by temporarily using "Hyenas". Gekin's reaction was quite unexpected.

The original script for the "powder keg" was supposed to be like this:
April 1st was the trigger, and the conflict gradually spread and escalated, finally exploding on April 4th. By the time the outside world gradually learned the full story, at least ten days to half a month had passed, during which time they were completely unaware of the situation and unable to do anything about it.

But now, the curtain has only just been raised, and a flood of photos and videos has poured cold water on the scene.

International organizations could not ignore this, and issued multiple condemnations and statements that afternoon and evening.

Although the time difference allows the Empire to remain silent for the time being, it will undoubtedly have to make a positive statement.

Prism is currently distracted, but it is also aware of the potential impact of requesting an IAA investigation into this matter.

Bert and Smith were forced to work overtime, first gathering the people involved in the matter and starting to analyze the photos and Geiger's announcement.

The most noteworthy is undoubtedly Clause 74, which Bert was the first to judge:

The attempt to secure gold will fail.

“Sending a ship is a minor matter; docking requires permission. If Lux doesn’t agree, even if the passenger ship forces its way to port, it can’t do anything and may even be detained.”

But why can't we still get in touch with Lec?

When faced with Bert's question, even Yadaga's men couldn't answer it. After making several phone calls, they finally guessed:
"If those photos are real, there is a possibility that the local area will be without water, electricity, and signal. Given that General Lecce may be on a journey, he should contact them later."

Bert was extremely shocked to hear this:

"Can't you verify the information? Do you really need to analyze Gaijin's photos?"

"Forehead……"

Seeing that they could only stammer, Smith took over the conversation:
“Now, apart from Jakarta, the situation is almost out of control everywhere else.”

Bert: facepalm.

"Okay, so who should we look for now?"

“Segino, even though he’s under house arrest, he must still have sources of information.”

The two quickly found Sergio's villa and entered easily because of their identities, only to find that Sergio was also entertaining others.

"Hello, I am Lin Zhengwan. I run a small business and am also the president of the local chamber of commerce."

Neither Bert nor Smith revealed their identities, but the Lin family head knew they were definitely not simple people, so he tactfully withdrew.

Once the three were alone, Sergio did something unexpected: he suddenly knelt down and begged:
"Your Excellency, you must save them!"

Bert and Smith were startled; they didn't follow this custom there. They quickly asked what was going on and how the topic had come up.

Sergio:
"Didn't you see Gaijin's announcement this afternoon? They requested the Fisheries Association to send a boat over!"

Smith nodded blankly:

"We know this isn't a critical issue."

"No, that's the key issue!"

Sergio opened his eyes wide and shouted:
"The Goose City Fisheries Association has the Dongjiang Maritime Joint Defense Team under its jurisdiction. The maritime joint defense team has destroyers and even battleships!"

Smith, who had lived in China, suddenly felt as if something had exploded in his head, and immediately thought of the news about the Spratly Islands that the Pacific Fleet had detected a few days ago.

But he still couldn't believe it, and Sergio, seeing this, said:
"Wait, I have an old subordinate in Sabah district. Oh, Sabah is the border between the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea. I'll go find a satellite phone."

Sergio frantically pulled out his satellite phone, dialed the number, and immediately asked into the receiver:

"How's it going? Has any ship passed by?"

Almost simultaneously, a sound came from the other side:
"Sir, your prediction was correct. Just ten minutes ago, our fishermen reported that seven or eight particularly fast warships entered the Sulu Sea, and there were even aircraft escorting them! I'm contacting my superior, but he doesn't know what to do either!"
I'm right here at the border pass, oh my god! I can't believe my eyes!

"What do you see?"

"Yes, it's a battleship! Damn, is that an aircraft carrier? I can hear planes!"

Smith and Bert, who were standing to the side, were speechless with shock. Smith was surprised that this civilian navy was severely understaffed and poorly trained, and that going to sea was simply reckless.

But Bert thought even more deeply; after a moment's thought, he suddenly jumped up and shouted:

"No, we have to stop them, damn it! Although this civilian navy is utterly vulnerable, a paper-thin fleet with no combat capability, it's still terrifying for Java!"

We underestimated them; these monkeys are easily frightened!

(End of this chapter)