Mercenary I am the king

Chapter 1408 Hot Potato
three days later.

The morning mist, like a thick gray silk, flowed slowly across the Tigris River, shrouding the war ruins on the west bank of Mosul in a hazy and eerie tranquility.

Song Heping stood on the platform on the third floor of the abandoned textile factory, holding not a weapon, but a 27-page asset list.

This seemingly light piece of paper is far heavier than any firearm.

"Miloš's two battalions have completed their final assembly and are ready to depart at any time."

Jiang Feng walked onto the platform and handed over another document.

"Regarding transportation, the 10th Division provided some trucks, and I also hired some local transportation companies. It was not easy to gather these vehicles. It seems that at least 300 heavy trucks are needed, transported in 15 batches, with our people providing armed escort throughout the journey. The private companies' transportation quote is four US dollars per vehicle per kilometer, without bearing any combat losses. If anything happens, we will be responsible for compensation."

"That makes perfect sense."

Song Heping took the document but did not look at it immediately.

Money is a small matter.

For $2.5 billion worth of arms, transportation costs are a drop in the ocean.

"Three hundred vehicles..."

He repeated the number, thought for a moment, and then asked, "How many can be transported at once?"

"Based on a standard 40-foot container, the theoretical maximum capacity is approximately 6,000 tons per shipment."

Jiang Feng paused for a moment, then continued, "But the problem isn't transportation capacity, but rather—"

He frowned.

“We simply don’t have enough storage space. Samir sent another message this morning saying he’d found seven possible storage locations around Mosul, the largest of which is an abandoned factory that can only hold less than a tenth of the goods. Moreover, these locations either lack basic security or are right under the noses of militia groups, making their safety a serious concern.”

"Yeah... 2.5 billion in arms... Heh... a huge piece of meat... Everyone's eyeing it."

Song Heping finally turned his gaze from the distance to the list in his hand.

This document, printed in both English and Arabic, details the munitions to be received from six different military bases. The numbers are so vast that they almost lose their practical significance, becoming a series of abstract and cold symbols:
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M4/M4A1卡宾枪：32，847支
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M249 squad automatic weapon: 4,750 units
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M240 general purpose machine guns: 2620 units
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M110 semi-automatic sniper rifle: 1320 pieces
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M2 Browning heavy machine gun: 310 units
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Javelin anti-tank missile system: 148 sets (including 592 missiles)
Stinger anti-aircraft missile system: 52 sets (including 208 missiles)
M1126 Stryker armored vehicles: 84 vehicles
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M-ATV Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles: 127 vehicles
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M1A2 Abrams tank parts (non-assembleable): 42 sets
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Various types of ammunition: approximately 1.2 million rounds (gun shells), 15 rounds (artillery shells), and 3.5 hand grenades.
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AN/PVS series night vision devices: 4,200 sets
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Individual soldier communication equipment: 6,800 sets
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Interceptor body armor and additional armor plates: enough to equip 4.5 people.
Total estimated value: $25.7 billion (based on US military procurement prices)

Agreement price: US$4820 million (based on waste disposal prices).

The last few pages of the list are filled with dense terms and disclaimers, revealing the caution of the U.S. military's legal department.

These texts package a weapons transfer that could alter the regional balance of power as a routine “residual asset disposal procedure.”

"Two billion." Song Heping read the number in a low voice: "The number I casually asked for at the negotiating table has now come true. Jiang Feng, turning strength into cash faster than anything else."

Jiang Feng leaned against the cracked concrete railing at the edge of the platform, took out a crumpled pack of cigarettes from his pocket, lit one, and took a deep drag:
"Yes, all I was thinking about at the time was the money, but once I got it, I realized..."

He exhaled smoke, which quickly dissipated in the morning mist.

"This might be the hottest potato we've ever taken on. No, not a taro, but a red-hot iron. This 2.5 billion munitions looks very profitable, but if we actually take it, selling it will be a real headache. Just look at the transportation and storage alone, it's enough to give us a headache."

The morning light finally pierced through the mist, turning the Tigris River into a flowing gold.

Across the river, the ruins of Mosul's old city revealed all their details in the gradually intensifying light.

The minarets destroyed by precision-guided weapons, the houses crushed to dust in street fighting, and the streets riddled with bullet holes.

“Six bases.” Song Heping folded the list and stuffed it into the inner pocket of his tactical vest: “They are located in the suburbs of Baghdad, near Fallujah, Taji base, Balad airbase, the port area of ​​Basra, and the smallest one is in the southern suburbs of Mosul, less than forty kilometers from here.”

He turned to Jiang Feng and said, “The US military’s withdrawal is not a one-time event, and their equipment is also stored in a dispersed manner. According to the agreement, we must begin receiving the first batch within 72 hours and complete the inventory and transfer of all six locations within 15 days. The US has the right to destroy any supplies that are not received within the deadline.”

"Seventy-two hours." Jiang Feng stubbed out his cigarette. "When do we start counting?"

"The handover process began at 10:00 AM today, after the first batch of documents were signed in Baghdad." Song Heping glanced at his watch: "It's 5:47 AM now, we have four hours and thirteen minutes left."

The roar of an engine could be heard from downstairs.

Milos was standing next to a modified Hummer, looking up at the platform as if waiting for Song Heping's orders. His fingers were still wrapped in bandages, the injuries from the torture had not yet fully healed.

"Inform Milos to have his men prepare, but keep a low profile."

Song Heping said, "We're taking fifty vehicles and heading to Bakhta right now to receive the first batch of munitions. The entire First Battalion will accompany us, while the Second Battalion will disperse to stand by near the base in the southern suburbs of Mosul, ensuring that no one can get close to the storage point before the munitions are returned."

He looked around at the scenery.

Although it is quiet, danger is still lurking everywhere.

No one can guarantee that once a large quantity of weapons arrives, someone won't want to blow them up into the sky.

Who knows...

Even those defeated opponents of Lamont probably wouldn't admit defeat in their hearts.

If given the chance, I'll definitely try to do something funny.

We must be extremely careful, with the utmost caution, and we cannot afford to make any mistakes.

Jiang Feng nodded and took out his walkie-talkie to begin issuing instructions.

Song Heping remained alone on the platform, gazing once more at the distant city.

Mosul is awakening, or rather, the ruins of the city are struggling to survive another day.

At that moment, the satellite phone started vibrating.

Soon after Song Heping connected, he heard Samir's voice coming through the receiver, his tone filled with obvious anxiety:
"Boss, I received three 'greetings' from different directions."

Samir used coded language to mean that three different armed factions had expressed "interest" in the arms shipment.

“Some people proposed ‘cooperative storage,’ some demanded ‘fair distribution,’ and some even threatened that if we didn’t share, the transport fleet would ‘meet with misfortune.’”

“As expected,” Song replied calmly. “Tell them that all equipment will be used, as instructed by the Iligo Ministry of Defense, to prioritize strengthening the 10th Division’s combat capabilities to ensure the security of Nineveh Province. Any unauthorized approach will be considered a hostile act. If they dare to make any trouble, they should first consider their own strength.”

“They won’t accept it, boss,” Samir said in a low voice. “In these places, the word ‘Ministry of Defense’ has lost its meaning. People only recognize those who actually control the weapons.”

“Then let them face reality,” Song Heping said. “Your troops must complete the blockade of a five-kilometer radius around the base in the southern suburbs of Mosul within two hours. Do not fire unless attacked, but show enough presence to tell all the guys with illusions that if they want weapons, they have to have the strength.”

After hanging up the phone, Song Heping closed his eyes and reviewed the entire plan in his mind.

Risks exist at every stage: ambushes may occur during transport, storage points may be attacked, internal personnel may be bribed, and traps may be set during the handover process by the US military...

Oh shit!

This batch of weapons looks tempting, but actually consuming and digesting them will be no easy task.

But he had no other choice.

If these weapons fall into the wrong hands, the security situation in northern Iriego will deteriorate further, and could even trigger a new round of factional warfare.

Moreover, those bastards want to sit back and enjoy the fruits of my labor, which I risked my life to earn.
Then I'll trade my life for it.

Has the plan changed?

Jiang Feng ended the call and walked back to his side.

“It’s just a few variables that have been added.” Song Heping said in a deep voice, “Have our people check the condition of all vehicles to ensure that each vehicle has enough fuel, spare tires, and emergency supplies. Double the amount of weapons and ammunition, especially anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons. Notify the medical team to prepare for treatment en route.”

“It’s already been arranged,” Jiang Feng said. “Miloš also suggested installing improvised explosive device (IED) detectors on the lead and tail vehicles. Although this won’t completely prevent IEDs, it will at least provide some early warning.”

“Agreed.” Song Heping stepped off the platform, his footsteps echoing in the empty iron stairwell. “Also, contact our intelligence network in Baghdad. I need to know all the unusual movements around the Green Zone today, including changes in US patrol routes, the unusual troop buildup at the Iligo checkpoint, and any suspicious vehicle gatherings. Don’t miss any details.”

Milos greeted them: "The first battalion has completed its final checks, and all fifty vehicles are ready to depart at any time. The advance team of the second battalion is already on its way to the southern outskirts of Mosul and is expected to arrive at its designated location in an hour."

Song Heping walked to the map, pointed from Mosul, which represented their current location, south along the road to Baghdad, and then pointed to the locations of the other five bases.

"We are facing not only transportation and security issues."

He told Jiang Feng and Milos, "It's an even more complex political and military puzzle. The quantity of this equipment is enough to change the regional balance of power, and everyone knows that. The US military knows it, the Iligo government knows it, the various armed factions know it, and the intelligence agencies of neighboring countries know it too."

He paused, making sure everyone was listening attentively: "Our advantage is that we are the only officially authorized entity to receive it. Moreover, we are the strongest in the Northwest region, and most people wouldn't dare to mess with us. However, there are always some madmen in this world who, even if they can't get it themselves, won't let us get it either."

Milos asked, "Boss, what are the rules of engagement if we encounter resistance from local armed groups?"

"We'll fire if necessary. We'll do what needs to be done. Ensuring the safety of the weapons is our top priority. There's no room for hesitation. I'll take responsibility if anything goes wrong," Song Heping answered decisively.

He then asked, "The team formation plan?"

"Lead group: two armored Humvees, equipped with heavy machine guns and anti-tank missiles; Main convoy: divided into five squads, ten vehicles per squad, maintaining a distance of 500 meters between squads; Command group: located in the middle of the third squad; Medical and maintenance group: located in the fourth squad; Rear guard group: two armored vehicles, also equipped with heavy firepower."

Milos answered fluently.

"We maintained aerial surveillance throughout the entire process. We borrowed two helicopters from Samir, which could take turns providing aerial reconnaissance and alert."

“Communication discipline must be strictly enforced,” Jiang Feng added. “All units must use encrypted channels, report their status every fifteen minutes, and report any abnormalities immediately. Silence will be seen as a sign of a problem.”

The light outside the window had fully brightened, the morning mist was dissipating, revealing the azure sky.

Such clear weather is conducive to aerial surveillance, but it also means they will be traveling in the open, making them easier to observe and track.

Song Heping glanced at the clock on the wall one last time: 6:20 a.m.

"Have everyone eat and check their personal equipment," he ordered. "I want to see all vehicles in position in the parking lot by 6:50. The convoy will depart on time at 7:00 sharp."

After everyone left, Song Heping remained alone in front of the map.

His finger lightly brushed over Baghdad's location on the map, then moved to the other five bases.

These US military facilities scattered throughout Iligo are like six treasure chests full of weapons, waiting for him to open them.

Each one presents different challenges.

The Taji base is located near areas of active Sunni militias; Fallujah is surrounded by various militia groups; and the Basra port area involves complex maritime and customs procedures…

“Mr. Song.” A gentle voice interrupted his thoughts.

He turned around and saw Abbas.

This is an elderly teacher from Iligo, who now serves as their local cultural advisor and translator.

Hiring locals is always unavoidable here. Even though Song Heping himself has no language barrier, his mercenary camp often needs translators.

Abbas stood at the doorway, dressed in a neat but worn robe, holding a copy of the Quran in his hand.

"May God bless your journey," the old man said, a deep worry in his eyes. "I heard the soldiers talking and know what you are going to do. This city has already borne too much of the weight of weapons."

Song Heping nodded respectfully: "We want to ensure that these weapons do not add to the burden on this city, Mr. Abbas."

"Weapons themselves are neither good nor evil, just as rain has no direction," the old man said slowly. "When they fall on fertile soil, they nourish life; when they fall in the desert, they vanish in an instant, leaving no trace. The key lies in the people who wield these weapons and where they are led."

“Thank you for your warning, Mr. Abbas,” Song Heping said sincerely. “I am not a demon. My name, when translated into Chinese, means ‘peace’.”

The old man nodded and left behind a small amulet.

A silver Fatima's Hand pendant: "This is my daughter's; she was in the great explosion last year... Please wear this, and may it guide you on your path to safety."

Song Heping took the amulet and felt the metal slightly warm in his palm.

I checked it and found nothing wrong.

It really is just a talisman.

In this land where faiths intertwine, such symbols often carry meanings that transcend the material.

He wanted to say thank you, but when he looked up, he found that the old man had already left.

6:50, parking lot.

Fifty vehicles of various models were arranged in a neat formation.

Armored Humvees, modified trucks, armed pickup trucks, command vehicles, ambulances, tanker trucks, maintenance vehicles...

The engine was already running, its deep roar blending into a continuous background sound.

More than 200 soldiers and staff are already in place.

Song Heping boarded the command vehicle. The interior was cramped but orderly, with three rows of screens displaying the real-time status of each unit and drone footage from the front and rear of the convoy.

Jiang Feng sat in the communications officer's seat, already wearing headphones.

Milos served as the lead commander of the convoy in the armored Humvee at the very front.

"All units, conduct final checks."

Song Heping spoke into the microphone.

Responses came through the headsets one after another, with each squad commander reporting their readiness status in turn.

There were no omissions or abnormalities.

Song Heping glanced at the time: 6:58.

"Command vehicle calling all units."

Song Heping took a deep breath: "Start the engine and depart according to the pre-arranged sequence."

The command was transmitted to each vehicle via an encrypted channel.

The lead vehicle began to move slowly, drove out of the factory gate, and turned onto the southbound highway.

Then came the second one, the third one...

The entire convoy resembled a giant metal centipede, winding its way forward in the morning light.

Song Heping leaned back in his seat, feeling the slight vibrations as the vehicle moved.

His hand unconsciously touched the list in the inner pocket of his tactical vest: twenty-seven pages of paper, $2.5 billion worth of weapons and equipment, and six military bases scattered across the still-war-torn lands.

The convoy accelerated, gradually leaving the ruins of Mosul behind.

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(End of this chapter)