“ah… that… … .”
The Secretary of State’s words faded.
“… Since it is not under the jurisdiction of the State Department, I will find out and pass it on.”
There was regret at the end of his words.
It was because right after the last infiltration into Russia, under the leadership of the Ministry of National Defense, we cooperated to improve and develop Kangtae’s firearms.
To put it simply, it is one of the projects being supervised by the Ministry of National Defense.
It was not the work of the State Department.
‘Was the gun the answer in the end… … .’
It was a moment when the analyzed data became regrettable.
It wasn’t even in moderation.
If you add up all the money that has been used so far and will go into the future, it has reached hundreds of millions of dollars.
It was because he hired some of the best scholars in the United States to do the work, so he was charged an exorbitant amount for research services for record interpretation and statistics and for designing a mansion by a famous architect.
More money was planned to be added in the future as they cared about quality more than anything else.
However, even after using it, he heard the word new weapon.
The Secretary of State couldn’t help but regret it.
More than anything, I was more concerned because it was a Department of Defense project, not a State Department project.
Because they were also looking for Kangtae.
I was approaching it with the idea of somehow taking him and writing a new contract.
All of the cooperating organizations in the US that were already aware of Kang-tae’s existence were doing the same thing.
It was fortunate that other agencies did not have as much contact with Kangtae as the State Department or the Ministry of Defense, otherwise the competition would have been overheated.
beyond now.
In the meantime, Kang-tae, who was still handing over thick documents, opened his mouth.
“Oh, but… What is it? A spare room for the child?”
“… … ?!”
The Secretary of State, who had soothed his regrets in his heart, opened his eyes.
Kang-tae pointed to a part of the floor plan.
“Oh, if Mr. Lee starts a family, it is a space prepared to create something like a playground for children.”
“ah… I like this. It is also connected to an outdoor garden and… … .”
After hearing the answer, the Secretary of State looked at Kang-Tae.
A soft smile hung over it.
Soon, a smile bloomed on the lips of the Secretary of State.
There is also an additional explanation.
“And this way… Upstairs, there are both indoor and outdoor spaces for hobbies for the wife or couple.”
“oh… That’s cool.”
Kang-tae was amazed at the 3D bird’s-eye view that was created without realizing it.
At the same time, the Secretary of State nodded.
‘okay… The record can’t be wrong. Lee is not a gun-crazy person… … .’
Even so, I couldn’t shake off a handful of anxiety.
It was because Kang-tae mentioned the ongoing project at the Ministry of National Defense even after receiving this gift.
‘Still, I’m not going to go over to the US Army right away… … .’
He looked at Kang-tae, who was examining the documents.
It was because he was the most important person in his life.
Even more so than the president who appointed him to this position.
It was because he had the ability to shake up the history of America and, by extension, the history of the world.
Not because of the position, but only through ability.
It was clear that the direction of the world would change significantly if only the major terrorists or hostile opponents of the world that the Secretary of State were aware of were eliminated.
The U.S. hegemony could not have been consolidated until it became perfect.
Just look at China and Russia right now.
Both countries were taking Kangtae’s existence seriously and reacting to it.
Among them, China was working behind the scenes to negotiate and pass over the death of the standing committee member and commander, and Russia was paying attention while delaying the invasion of Ukraine that it was trying to cause.
This was by no means excessive.
It is said that even a sniping distance of 2 km is difficult without luck, but Kang-tae can successfully snip at distances over twice that distance and can travel hundreds of kilometers on foot.
Of course, that was an ability that was close to the limit, but it didn’t matter anyway.
No matter how far China and Russia misunderstand, they will be even more afraid.
In that respect, he had no choice but to be nervous as he had Kang-tae as a member of the State Department.
If Kang-tae said he would move to the Ministry of National Defense, it would change the career of the secretary of state.
‘Thomas Grandon, I thought I would only appease him directly… Are you using this indirect method? He said he was a soldier, so he must have learned more about politics.’
As the Minister of State was thinking about that, Kang-Tae asked.
“however… When will this be?”
“We are going to take over the existing building and site and do some construction. I think it will take at least two months, or more than three months at the latest.”
“Then do I have to go there in three months? Aren’t you wanted yet?”
“So I’ll lift the wanted order and help you move when you want. A move-in date has not been set.”
“ah… So, this is a house to live in after the mission is over, right?”
“If that’s what you want, yes.”
“Oh, that would be better.”
While Kang-tae is satisfied.
The Secretary of State moved his gaze to the team leader, Jake, who was sitting next to him without saying a word.
“Russell, how are you? Do you like it?”
The Secretary of State turned to Jake and asked.
It was because his intention to play a role more than a family member was also important to Kang-tae.
Of course, as quiet as he was, Jake’s words were short.
“All good.”
“If you don’t want something or want something more, feel free to tell me. If it can reflect, it will reflect anything.”
I gave him something different from Kangtae.
Not a house, but a foundation.
It was also to establish a support foundation for veterans and to appoint Jake as the chairman of the foundation.
That was the best reward for Jake.
According to various counseling records, he was a patriot who even cared about retired American soldiers.
In particular, I felt sorry for the poor veterans support system in the United States.
Of course, Jake put Kangtae first, but he had nothing to build upon.
Because the State Department has already had trouble with that.
That’s why I prepared and documented a compensation plan to give to Jake, but Jake, who looked down at the contents expressionlessly, opened his mouth.
“… I would like to increase the total amount of donations to the foundation. Is that even possible?”
At that, the Secretary of State smiled.
“hahahaha… You are truly a soldier worthy of imitation.”
Fortunately, it was one of the answers I expected.
Thinking that it was fortunate that it was not the new weapon that Kang-tae mentioned, the Secretary of State answered calmly.
“Probably the amount listed there is the maximum budget, but let’s see how much more we can go up.”
And mainly talking to Kang-tae and chatting with each other.
We arrived at Camp Lee before we knew it.
The vehicle stopped, and the Secretary of State sent Jake and Tae Kang away.
“I hope you pass it on to the rest of your colleagues as well. I’d love to chat while touring Camp Lee, but you’re tired and I’m busy too… Inevitably, I will go first. please understand.”
Kang-tae quickly shook his head at the words he said while shaking hands.
“Oh no, no. Come on in.”
Then, after briefly replying that Jake was okay too.
The Secretary of State who had sent the two of them let out a shallow sigh as he climbed back into the car.
“Whoa… … .”
Then he asked Robert, who had been watching from the seat next to him.
“Anderson, what do you think? Did Alpha seem a little satisfied?”
Robert nodded as if he had been waiting.
“Yes, I am satisfied. Jake was delighted too.”
“You mean Team Leader Russell was delighted?”
“If it weren’t for you, you’re a friend I would have rejected as unnecessary.”
“hahahaha, that’s right. I looked carefully and he seemed interested, but… In any case, I will speak well of the rest of the team.”
“Yeah, you know I cared.”
“great.”
By the time the Secretary of State answered and instructed the driver to depart.
He said it as if he had almost missed it.
“Yes, and… Find out about the Department of Defense’s business. Exactly what kind of new weapon are you making… … .”
“All right.”
“In that case, if Alpha goes over to the Ministry of Defense, we will have to cooperate on the contrary. Keep that in mind, Anderson.”
“I will keep that in mind, Minister.”
The Secretary of State spoke forcefully, and Robert responded as if he was determined.
It was because he, as a superior, wanted to watch Kang Tae’s performance from the closest.
It had been a long time since I completely erased the thoughts of retirement I had had before.
Just as Kang-tae was the most important to the Secretary of State, Robert was also the first person.
* * *
Russia, somewhere in Moscow.
“If you spread your wings, it is only natural that you will be blown by the wind… … .”
Pikal muttered and looked at the map.
A tactical map with coordinates and a wide map of the world.
In it, Russian forces marked near the border with Ukraine were marked, but none had advanced.
Rather, the few divisions that were too protruding fell back.
In simple words, the situation in which the start of the war is delayed.
Pikal, who had supported Russia with enormous funds, was in a state of displeasure.
It’s because even if you advance, you retreat because it’s not enough.
Even because of the words they spat, they could not withdraw their troops at all, and were consuming money by maintaining military force near the border.
The reason was obvious.
Kang Tae.
Only because of his sniping did even Russia speak out of the war.
Because I’m afraid to die.
It’s a little better than China, where I called and quietly asked about canceling the wanted order, but there was no difference between the two countries.
In the end, it was like being scared and avoiding it.
Soon after, Pikal shook his head.
‘Can’t overcome that danger, how can you try to claim yourself as a hegemon… … .’
I had just received a phone call before.
We can treat him as a guest, but it is difficult to provide military support any more.
So I laid out the map and was envisioning the future.
Where to go after leaving Russia.
China, which is a priority, could not go as much as it had already made a call.
They were more frightened than the Russians.
It was because Kang-tae had already come in and stirred it up.
At the end, Pikal picked out a few countries.
It was the result of considering various conditions, such as whether or not it possesses nuclear weapons and whether it can receive aid.
Pakistan and North Korea.
‘… Are these two alone?’
A sigh came out at the same time as the thought.
It was because they were countries that were difficult to deal with and could not be considered as great powers.
It was not worth visiting in person.
There was no reason to go.
So, there was an attempt to bring a North Korean researcher, but unfortunately it failed because he died at sea.
In the end, Pikal himself had to go.
Pakistan, North Korea, wherever.
But there was a problem.
It was the fact that if I left Russia now, the chances of being discovered or exposed by the United States were very high.
Moving quietly was a thing of the past.
It was because all of the subordinates who would take care of things now were either dead or captured, and Kang-tae was even given a wanted order.
The US will pursue it even more tenaciously.
In other words, there was a high possibility that this would be the last time.
Perhaps they were tracked down and killed along the way, or captured alive on arrival.
However, I couldn’t back down just because it was scary.
Then there will be no revolution.
After a while, Pikal, who was struggling, moved his finger and pointed to one place.
just west of Pakistan.
It was a very dangerous area close to the border between Iran and Afghanistan.
Before long, Pikal’s lips opened.
“… It wouldn’t be bad to lure them here.”