After the 2nd interview was concluded early, our team boarded the transport plane under tight security and took off under the escort of fighter jets.
And it was only around the time we crossed over the North Atlantic Ocean that we saw the news of our appearance.
While talking behind the scenes about the operation, Ron played some videos he had saved on his tablet PC.
Russia-related news that was also reported as the main.
– … By releasing satellite images, the United States has invaded Russian airspace and conducted military operations within Russian territory… … .
The anchorman’s voice came through the earphones in one ear, but the video could not be seen properly.
It wasn’t that it wasn’t recorded.
It was because it was a low-definition satellite image that made it difficult to distinguish whether it was a person or not even if it was marked.
At most, the level at which only the degree of change in space can be distinguished.
“however… Will this be a public opinion contest? The video looks worse than China… … .”
When I asked while watching the video Ron showed me, he replied with a grin.
– It’s Russian.
“ah… … .”
– In China, the video would have been announced anyway. Because you have the power to claim.
I nodded my head at the brief words.
A weak country would not listen even if they told the correct answer, but a strong country would draw attention even if they said bullsh*t.
I don’t have a clear understanding of international relations, but it was something I realized while living this life.
I knew roughly what the logic of power was and how it worked.
Russia, which led the Cold War, will try to use that power as it pleases.
It wasn’t very good, but it wasn’t the worst.
Because Russia’s opponent was none other than the United States.
A country that once led the Cold War and kept Russia in check, and now has become the undisputed world’s most powerful country.
There was no way the entrance door was easy.
– … Defense Minister Thomas Grandon said through a statement that Russia is misleading public opinion with low-definition satellite images and is expanding and manipulating simple airspace invasions as military crimes… … .
I laughed at the words and actions that only a hegemon would do.
Any other country would have hesitated or tried to settle the matter somehow, but it was thanks to the United States that it went beyond misunderstanding and accused Russia of cheating.
It’s a manipulation, so it’s a joke situation.
“also… … .”
While I nodded, Ron’s voice came through the headset.
– And to include things that weren’t in the press… … .
“… … ?”
I looked at him wanting to say something, but he continued talking while making eye contact with me.
– Russia is openly digging behind you. From birth to growth, acquisition of US citizenship, and the recent life of G&G. So I made them change both their personal contact information and cell phone number. Some of the people you met could be spies.
“Still, there were quite a few former Delta and active duty soldiers… … .”
As I recalled the people in my personal contacts who I had been with in training or operations, Ron shook his head.
– As I said, my order is to manage you at the level of the President… In fact, it’s a call to make every effort to be safe. It means there should be no 1 percent risk, and the only thing I can be 100 percent sure of is my team.
“ah… understand.”
Ron only faithfully and perfectly carried out the given orders.
“Then, will the lodging change? It’s safe, but there… … .”
I said that it was a building that was somewhat unfortunate to be wary of, but Ron nodded right away.
– Yes, incomplete. will be moved soon Renovation and security building work is underway at the new site.
“oh… … .”
While nodding my head at the ability to act one step ahead of my thoughts, the conversation continued.
– Until then, it’s a pity, but it’s hard to come out of the mission.
“It’s okay, I didn’t even go out anyway. But I understand that the construction of the swimming pool is now being completed. How will that go?”
– There’s one twice as big as that on the new site. There is also a Finnish dry sauna.
“Wow, it looks like some kind of VIP facility.”
– That’s right, you have a good eye.
“hahahaha… I just said… That must have been the correct answer.”
While Ron simply raised his eyebrows, he heard the transport pilot’s voice.
– The mainland is visible in the distance. We will be landing soon, ladies and gentlemen, please fasten your seat belts. and… Congratulations once again on the return of our heroes. And it was an honor to meet you.
I looked at Ron at the unexpected words behind him.
“this… Is it widely known?”
– It may have happened, but it’s not that tidy. That’s all the pilot guessed, no… To be honest, the pilot had no choice but to know.
“You know?”
It was when I asked how he found out.
– At the time of departure, the Minister of Defense requested it, and before take-off, the President contacted and encouraged me.
“ah… … .”
At his words, he nodded his head.
If the Minister of National Defense asks for it and even the President is contacted, even if he is not a hero, he will be called a hero.
Soon Ron’s voice was heard.
– Now, don’t think about anything else, just enjoy the presidential protocol and get ready to move the mission in a few days.
“hmm… All right.”
By the time I answered him, I felt the plane tilting and changing direction.
It landed on the runway with a momentary shock and vibration, and before long it came to a complete stop.
And the transporter’s fuselage behind the transporter began to open.
It was a kind of back door.
A huge door used to board a large number of people or load cargo and vehicles.
It was going down with a mechanical sound.
Weiyiing—!
In the meantime, by the time Harry helped me sit in the wheelchair.
thud!
The heavy doors hit the floor and stopped, allowing the bright American sunlight to enter.
It was the mainland we faced after more than 10 hours of flight time.
Fortunately, it is a sunny winter day with a room temperature of 10℃, with no rain, let alone snow.
“Great, this is it.”
Compared to Estonia, where the average temperature was below zero and the snow and cold that was met in the west of Moscow, it was practically spring.
“I guess I can get some rest now. When your legs get better, we exercise together.”
Harry added, as they dragged the wheelchair down the back door.
Ron, who was walking next to him, opened his mouth.
“Here you are, check out the costumes.”
When I looked up at those words, several vehicles were coming as if they had been waiting.
The car the president would have rode in and the car the bodyguards would have boarded.
There was also a jet-black limousine I had never seen before, and it looked like we would be riding it.
I thought maybe I would ride with the president.
“Hey, Gao Sanae… … .”
When the Korean words came out, Ron glanced at me.
“Is it admiration?”
“Ah, yes. what… That’s right.”
“Do you buy Gao? Korean is generally difficult, but this one is easy to pronounce.”
“uh… however… It’s half Japanese… … .”
“Ah, Konglish or something like that?”
“Roughly… … .”
It was around the time I pretended to fix my clothes while having such useless chatter.
Booung-
A black limousine approached and stopped in front with a heavy engine sound.
Back and forth, sideways as well, the black SUV stopped and the bodyguards got off at once.
Wearing a black suit and black sunglasses.
“This is too easy… … .”
“what?”
“no.”
Around the time I stopped muttering at Ron’s words.
rattle.
The bodyguard opened the door, and the president appeared.
He came directly to the airport, even in front of the plane, and approached me sitting in a wheelchair.
When you reach out your hand and think it’s a handshake and you want to receive it.
“… … !”
I unknowingly flinched.
It was because the president who was approaching put his hand on my knee and got down on one knee.
It’s like treating people of merit in World War II.
Soon the president looked up at me and said.
“You’ve been through a lot, Lee. And thank you for coming back alive. I heard that from the successful operation to the survival, it was achieved only with your own strength. It was a lot of hard work.”
“Aww… thank you.”
“How are you feeling? I received a report, but I’m asking because I’m sure I heard it from you.”
“I am fine. I use a wheelchair for a short time to recover… Well, that’s all.”
“Ah, I’m so glad. Come to think of it, your complexion looks good.”
“Yes, the weather is nice.”
“hahahaha… Now, let’s get on board and talk.”
At that, the bodyguards came and dragged the wheelchair as if they had been waiting, and the president congratulated the next people.
While listening to Jake’s spirited voice through the back of his head.
“I’ll stop by. You don’t have to strain, just stay still.”
The bodyguards heard me with their horses.
It’s as if you’re moving from a sitting position and sitting on a chair.
The interior of the limousine, which was entered like that, looked like a luxurious room in a five-star hotel.
It was also a situation where whiskey, wine, crystal glasses, and fruits were set.
“and… also… … .”
while shaking their heads.
Jake came in as if he had finished greeting the president, and after that, colleagues boarded one after another.
Everyone reacted similarly, and Jose’s voice was the loudest.
“oh my god… I never thought I would ride in the president’s limousine! That’s fantastic. Is this in the car? I’d believe it’s a hotel. A glass of whiskey… oh! In particular, that crystal glass looks like Camilla likes it. I would have rolled my eyes if I rode here. And there I… … .”
It was around the time when Jose’s chatter, which had risen after a while, continued.
“Isn’t the seat uncomfortable?”
The president said as he boarded, and Jose’s mouth closed quickly.
Subsequently, Jake replied that he was fine as a representative, and as the vehicle moved, similar stories to the previous one came and went.
Good job, thank you, etc.
At the end, the president lowered his voice as he slowly looked around us as if changing the atmosphere.
“I wanted to be honest with you and treat you as you deserve. We know that all operations are classified, but what you have been doing is different from normal classified operations. Especially Lee, your achievements are indescribable. I’m no expert on special warfare, but at least I know that’s impossible. Only you can.”
It was time to see what kind of sound came out of the continuous praise.
“That’s why I’m thinking of awarding you the Medal of Honor.”
“… … ?!”
The reaction came first from my side.
All of them, who had been sitting comfortably, took an immobile posture.
In particular, I could hear Jake straightening up and even breathing.
The same goes for Jose, Rachel and Harry.
I knew very well why they did it.
Although he had been awarded the Silver Star Medal the other day, it was because the Medal of Honor was incomparably greater.
I remembered hearing from Jake many times.
It is such an honorable medal that it is obligatory for any U.S. military member, even the president, to salute first, regardless of the rank of the wearer.
I only thought that it would be nice if I could receive it too, but soon after, the president’s words continued.
“… However, the awarding process for the Medal of Honor is complicated and cumbersome. We have no choice but to disclose the contents of your operation to the world… I would like to recommend something that can be disclosed.”
The moment I wanted to give you a new strategy as soon as I returned.
“lee.”
Suddenly, the president called me, and we continued talking while making eye contact.
“I just heard that you want to catch the terrorist Pikal. So hold on tight. This is my request and command to you. As President, I will bestow upon you and your team the nation’s highest honor.”
“ah… … .”
I stopped.
It was because the word to catch Pikal came out of the president’s mouth, and he did not know that it would become official as he promised to award a medal of honor.
I thought it would be a secret for the rest of my life.
The same is true for Lareple, which has been played, and Lareple, which has become a reality.
I was confused, but I had only one answer.
“… Of course I will catch it.”
There was nothing else to say. Catching Pikal was my destiny.
If left alone, the world will perish, or I will die as the world perishes, or whatever happens, it will end.
Then the president added his words.
“great. instead… All of you must return safely. This is not a request, it is an order.”
To that, the team leader, Jake, answered instead of me.
“No matter what happens, I will definitely return safely.”