Long-term salvation

"Is it……"

Rhode sighed, stood up with difficulty, and walked to the window with Marian's support, looking at the secret prison outside -

The dawn in the Ural Mountains was dyeing the upright walls a dazzling golden color. The air was still filled with the pungent smell of gun smoke and burning. The soldiers and prisoners who had already rested were busy sweeping away the bloodstains and bullet casings on the walls and filling the craters outside the walls.

The soldiers, after a busy night, curled up on the hard prison bunks, using their gas mask bags as pillows and slumbering with their rifles beside them. The prisoners weren't re-imprisoned. Most of them would have their memories wiped clean and, under the guidance of Sablin or Perseus, leave the prison and become ordinary people in society. These were political prisoners; those who had committed serious crimes had no chance of coming here.

Those who were more seriously injured were lying in the prison guards' dormitories with better conditions, which were filled with murmurs of pain and the smell of blood. The prison doctors and VDV medical soldiers were constantly shuttling back and forth to prevent the wounded from getting worse.

The helicopter flew over the forest, searching for any remaining zombies. The strong wind stirred up by the rotors made the trees rustle, and they swayed their bodies in surrender at the anger of mankind.

The battle is over, reinforcements are arriving, and the prison will be abandoned.

After returning the salute to the VDVs who stood at attention and saluted him, Rhodes sighed, turned around and leaned against the window, looking at the girl sitting on a small chair reading a photocopied document. The latter glanced at him cautiously from above the thick document from time to time, and then quickly lowered her eyes after meeting Rhodes's.

"You, what do you think of the information I gave you?" Rhodes asked with a smile. "I remember you like studying these things. Can you help me take a look at these little gadgets on the ground?"

Gu Guanyou is the chairperson of the Library Committee at Trinity Comprehensive Academy in Kivotos. This girl's divine name is inspired by the "Guardian of All Magic," Raziel. While introverted and dislikes outdoor activities, she possesses a deep passion for investigating and researching ancient books, relics, and artifacts, making her a true master of occult studies.

"Huh?! As for the information, I haven't finished reading it yet. As for those things on the ground..."

The thin girl with long black hair let out a cute weird cry. She looked around and said softly:

"Sensei, you can ask Himari first."

"I'm not a big fan of occult texts," the frail girl in the wheelchair replied with a smile. She sipped the coffee from her stainless steel cup. It was bitter and astringent, but perfect for refreshing herself. "But regarding those mechanical parts... Miss Mana and I agree. They're no longer possible or worthwhile to restore."

Star Himari, former head of the hacker group "Beritas" affiliated with Millennium Science Academy, is currently the head of the Paranormal Investigation Department. She likes to call herself "the strongest super genius, clear-type, sickly beautiful hacker of the millennium." While possessing exceptional hacking skills, she suffers from a frail and cold-sensitive body, requiring a wheelchair for mobility. Her model is Thales of Miletus, one of the Seven Sages of Ancient Greece.

However, although this girl is extremely intelligent, she has a strange fondness for divination-related content.

Facing Himari's gentle smile, Rod reached into his jacket pocket, but Marian, who was sitting on the sofa, shook the cigarette box in her hand at him... This was really not good news, whether it was the cigarettes being searched or the news.

Seeing this, Rhodes had no choice but to raise his hands in surrender. He leaned against the window and said slowly in the gentle warm breeze:

"We can't just throw these things away. We still have to go back first and wait... for You."

Rhode called out the girl's name, causing her eyes to flash brightly. She exhaled slowly, appeared, and asked:

"Sensei, what's up?"

"Yu, if I have time, I will take you to the Vatican. As for Mana and Himari, you should go and see Atlas and Aperture Technology. They are more suitable for you. Yuka and Hina will explain it to you in detail when the time comes."

"Understood." / "No problem... Ah, that's a familiar name."

"...Ahem, then please come in now!"

A knock on the door suddenly interrupted Rhode's thoughts. He saw Perseus, his hand bandaged, walk in, followed by Sablin, whose arm was in a sling. The latter's injury was not serious, with only a fractured left forearm, while the former only had a light cut.

These two were lucky, but the most unlucky prisoner of the entire battle had a flying rock hit his face, nearly completely embedding it—said goodbye to his straight nose on the spot. He had now been rushed to the nearest hospital by helicopter for emergency treatment, accompanied by two prison guards.

"I've contacted more forces within the Perseus Organization," Perseus said. He glanced around the room, his eyes sweeping over the three unfamiliar women. Then he sighed and said, "To be honest, I really don't want to respond to others with Comrade Stalin's words... I'll visibly repeat them many times in the future."

"I won't comment," Sablin shrugged with a teasing smile on his face, "but I won't let my son deal with so many girls. I'm considering his safety."

"If you two just want to tease me because you have nothing better to do, you can wait until tomorrow or the day after tomorrow."

Rod opened his dead eyes and faced the silent gazes of the three girls. He gently kissed the corner of Marian's mouth and stole the cigarette box from the shy girl.

"Okay, let's get down to business. What are you doing here? Are you leaving now?"

"Yes, don't stay here for long. Someone will handle the follow-up. One more thing. Marshal Akhromeyev has learned about what happened here. He hopes to talk to you again, but there are other guests."

Perseus said with a smile, but when he saw Rhodes shaking the cigarette box, he immediately stepped forward and pulled the cigarette out from between his fingers, saying unhappily:

"This has been confiscated and will be given to Miss Marian later. Don't look at me like that. I'm not as soft-hearted as those little girls—take care of your body! Your body is the capital of revolution!"

"Oh no, you Russians aren't any better when you drink vodka in the morning, are you?!"

Rod shook his head helplessly. He took the coat from Marian and said to her:

"Go call Little Red Riding Hood, and have Balalaika organize the VDV to leave. Leave the rest to the prison guards... Let's go to Sverdlovsk, meet the old marshal, and then go home!"

Chapter 258: Marshal's Private Banquet

In the suburbs of Sverdlovsk, the birch forest rustled in the twilight, and the farm stood at the edge of the forest, remaining silent.

The farm was just an external pretext. In fact, it was a private villa of a Soviet official in the city. It was given that name in exchange for subsidies - in exchange for rubles eaten up by termites - now, this place was borrowed by one of Marshal Akhromeyev's subordinates to allow his old boss to hold a small-scale banquet.

As dusk fell, bright lights shone on the columns wrapped with garlands and then fell on a long table covered with blue and white embroidered linen in front of the door. Apart from the nanny and cook who helped, there were not many outsiders here, and it was more like a private family banquet.

The fragrance of freshly cut grass in the garden and the aroma of fried onions wafting from the kitchen intertwined to form a unique Russian summer atmosphere - Rod could fully imagine how wonderful the unique Slavic meal would taste when it was placed on the table.

But compared to the food, Rhodes was more surprised by the guests who came here:

"Dr. Peng Jiamu?!"

"We meet again, Rod. Looks like you saved the world again."

Dr. Peng smiled and raised his glass, while Marshal Akhromeyev, who was standing next to him, raised his eyebrows and jokingly said:

"And I've captured the hearts of several more girls... If you weren't surrounded by so many lovely girls, I really want my wife to introduce you to some good Russian girls—oh, don't worry, it definitely has nothing to do with the KGB."

As he spoke, the marshal reached out and tapped his eyes, saying softly:

"After all, that eye, the 'Eye of Odin', will reveal to you everyone's past and present, won't it?"

"I didn't drink from the Fountain of Wisdom, Herr Marshal, and this isn't the Eye of Odin."

"It's the same with vodka!" The old marshal seemed very happy. He gulped down a glass of clear liquor, making it look like he was drinking water. "Thank you for your help, Rhodes. Otherwise, I can't imagine how many young lives would have been sacrificed to destroy that... oh yes, the inner world rift! Cheers to your victory!"

"Please drink less and don't forget the stupid things that happened to the coup d'état."

Rhodes sighed. He saw the girls standing scattered around the dining table, looking at the Russian food on it and commenting in low voices from time to time. The cold dishes were served first - beetroot soup with sour cream, sliced ​​amber pickles, and perfectly pickled herring fillets and fat were neatly arranged, complementing the vodka in glass bottles next to them.

Taking advantage of Marshal Akhromeyev's deliberate absence to chat with Perseus, Rhodes approached the cheerful Dr. Peng and asked in a low voice:

"Are you here as a special envoy from Zhendan?"

"Almost. Both sides are repairing their relationship now. I came here with the group, and I received a call from Perseus." Dr. Peng took a sip of his wine, but only touched it lightly with his lips, with no intention of drinking. "The central government is beginning to pay attention to the inner world, but the economic situation is not good right now, and the military is also... The domestic fighter jet project is going smoothly, and we have learned that the United States is developing and manufacturing stealth fighters... The engine is a problem..."

Dr. Peng Jiamu talked about this in bits and pieces, but the core idea was:

It is possible to trade, and it would be better if you could invest some more.

Rhodes would provide weapons, equipment, and technical information, while Aurora would provide personnel, supplies, and political support, including to Atlas Corporation—the latter was now being closely watched by the CIA. Its expansion in Africa could be explained by investment and the undermining of French influence, but if it came to... that was another matter.

The Cold War isn't over yet! The false veil of warmth on both sides of the Pacific was completely ripped apart last year. Unless the timeline shifts significantly, friction and clashes will be frequent over the next decade or so.

Because of this, it would be more convenient and secretive for Rhodes to act alone in a private capacity, and it would also be easier to "transport" these vehicles.

Rhode nodded slightly, understanding what was going on. He placed his wine glass on the table, picked up a piece of cherry pie with a fork, put it in his mouth, and said incoherently:

"I have no objection. We can discuss the location and content in detail."

"Okay... Mr. Marshal and Mr. Andre are coming over. I'll step aside."

Dr. Peng patted Rhodes' shoulder, exchanged a few words with Perseus who was walking over, and after taking the video tape he handed to him, he went straight into the villa next door. The doctor was very interested in the recent events in the other world, and he came here with the mission of looking up the books collected in the great library... Now he can take back more valuable information.

"You all come over here one by one, making me look like some socialite."

Rhode sighed and stuffed another piece of perfectly baked bread into his mouth. These foods were common here and readily available, but difficult to buy in the city. After swallowing the bread, Rhode felt the lingering fragrance between his lips and teeth with satisfaction, but said unhappily:

"And why are they all old men?"

"Maybe it's because you are so popular among the girls?" The old marshal laughed a few times, his face still flushed with drunkenness, but the wine in the glass had been replaced with water.

Now is the time to talk about serious business, and we can't let drinking ruin things.

"I've already met Sablin in the hospital," Marshal Akhromeyev said with emotion, his face filled with fond memories of the past. "There are not many people like him who have such firm beliefs, perseverance, and enthusiasm. I am very satisfied... Please let me once again sincerely thank you, Rod, for giving us hope."

The wine glasses clinked against each other, making a crisp sound.

"Besides the inevitable assistance of personnel and supplies," the marshal said, his eyes serious, "I hope that after the disintegration—I really don't want to say this word, which should be trampled on a thousand times—you can gather those scientists, scholars, and soldiers. Just don't let them go to NATO countries... Aren't you going to Africa? Then let them come with you! Having them serve you is better than serving a corrupt country that sells out its people."

"And after they learn the knowledge of Atlas/Aperture technology and how to fight against the other world, they will return to the newly born Soviet Russia, right?"

Rhode raised an eyebrow. The Marshal's intentions were not difficult to guess. In fact, Rhode was also planning to intercept Soviet scientists after the collapse of the Soviet Union. However, he still said with a smile on his face:

"I told you in advance that they might not be willing to go back."

"It doesn't matter. As long as one in ten people are willing to come back, that will be our victory."

The old marshal responded with a smile, but that smile was filled with bitterness and helplessness. When the smile faded, he rubbed his fingers and said carefully:

"Regarding the Aurora deal, I gave Dr. Peng two pieces of information: one about the Sukhoi aircraft manufacturing plant in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, and the other about the Black Sea Shipyard in Ukraine... As for you, I want to sell you something and use it as funds for my own operations in Sablin. This may sound like selling state assets and accepting bribes, but the difference is not significant. I hope you understand my concerns."

"I'd like to hear more about it," Rhode nodded slightly, his curiosity indeed piqued. "If it's a good thing, I don't mind paying a little more."

"In the Arctic Ocean, there is a large transport submarine, Project 985, abandoned due to budgetary constraints. I hope to sell it to the Army Without Borders." Note ①

“…I bought it!”

"Hey, hey, so refreshing?!"

The old marshal was startled, and a look of embarrassment appeared on his face. He awkwardly picked up the wine glass and drank the water in it. After smacking his lips, he thought for a moment and said:

"You're making me feel a little embarrassed... How about I equip you with some more tanks and infantry fighting vehicles?"

...Why does it feel like this old marshal has opened a great door?

Thinking of this, Rhodes asked:

"Are you selling nuclear bombs?"

"How is this possible?!"

Note 1: Fictional, from "Full Metal Panic", the predecessor of the Mithril organization TDD-1 Sons of Danu.

Chapter 259: Combined Battalion? (3K)

Marshal Akhromeyev did not sell the nuclear bomb to Rod after all, but he decided to ask again in 1991.

I hope the old marshal won't shoot at him with the pistol he's preparing to commit suicide with... But with Sablin around, I'm sure the old man won't have those thoughts anymore.

Most importantly, after careful discussion, the two decided to first undermine Tutou's influence and then Yeltsin's influence, so that they could give the bastard a hard time in a few years. By then, Rhodes would also have the covert operations unit of the Army Without Borders intervene to specifically cut off NATO's paws.

After conversing with the Marshal and Sablin, Rod took a train from Sverdlovsk, heading south with the girls. He planned to take a ship from Odessa to Antioch (Antakya) in Turkey to see the urban development being undertaken by the Atlas Company, and then transfer to another flight back to the United States.

Of course, before leaving the Soviet Union, Rhodes still needed to gather and count the recruits first, at least to avoid making stupid mistakes like filling half of the army with spies and agents.

In fact, there were also many VDVs who had participated in the prison battle who went south with them, but they would set off early or late to avoid being targeted by interested parties such as the KGB.

Black Sea coast, Odessa.

The war between the Federation and Zeon had not yet begun here, nor had the blood of the Slavic Civil War been shed. At this moment, it was just like other cities in the Soviet Union, mired in the economic quagmire, awaiting its fate in anxiety and uneasiness.

The same was true of Colonel Vladimir Vasilyevich Orlovsky.

The colonel originally came from the Soviet Navy Infantry and still likes to wear a sailor shirt underneath. After being transferred to the 1st Guards Tank Army stationed in Dresden, he has been faithfully performing his duties there and was promoted to the rank of colonel...Then he was dragged down by his nephew Captain Malashenko, and during the review period he contacted Perseus again, and finally chose to leave the army with his trusted subordinates.

Now, the colonel was shaking hands with Rhodes in a small building in the port of Odessa. This place was close to the sea and had a tidal smell. The recruits were smoking cigarettes, and the cigarette papers were slightly wrinkled in the humid air. The smell of nicotine mixed with the smell of sweat was a little unbearable for Balalaika, who could mix with male soldiers.

The airborne captain opened the window and waved to Little Red Riding Hood, who was about to buy a ticket. Then he turned around and looked at the two men in the center of the room.

"I've heard of you, Mr. Rod," Colonel Orlovsky said with a smile. He was a balding, middle-aged man, his eyes gleaming with a calmness and enthusiasm rarely seen in Soviet soldiers today. "Perseus and I have known each other for several years... I just didn't expect you to find Sablin! I knew he wasn't a traitor!"

"Times are changing, Colonel. The future, though unpredictable, is not necessarily all dark."

Rhode also responded with a smile. His regretful gaze swept across the colonel's face, causing the latter to feel a little doubtful.

Colonel Orlovsky was kindhearted, loved his country, and had excellent tactical command skills, but the war changed him and everyone else, especially after the Soviet army set foot on North American soil in the game's plot. Ultimately, he was shot dead in his tent by his nephew, Captain Malashenko, for wanting to retreat.

"Let's talk about something useful," Rhodes shook his head and didn't insist on the topic. "Colonel, how many people are willing to follow you to Africa?"

"Not counting Captain Balalaika and the Malashenko kid's VDV, I have nearly a thousand young men willing to go to Africa. Of course, I've explained the benefits and difficulties to them... Even if it's to deal with those monsters, I think you can choose the right ones from among these young men."

"Believe me, Boss, you will never regret this decision," Captain Malashenko came over, with an unprecedented glimmer of hope on his face. The VDV captain raised his chin slightly and said seriously:

"We'll teach those NATO dogs how to fight!"

"...No infighting allowed. I'm telling you in advance, don't try to get me to take sides. Besides, I hate cleaning up other people's messes—if you guys don't want to hold hands with NATO soldiers and walk around the camp all day, then behave yourself."

Rod drove Captain Malashenko away with a dead look in his eyes, causing the VDVs who followed him to burst into some good-natured laughter.

"Besides selecting elite troops for direct combat in the other world, what else do you plan to do?" Colonel Orlovsky inquired. As a professional and experienced commander, he was more concerned with tactical and strategic issues. "Organize the soldiers into company-level tactical units and overwhelm those monsters with firepower?"

"A company? To be more precise, it's the 'combined battalion' that the Army Without Borders needs, encompassing tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, self-propelled artillery, self-propelled anti-aircraft guns, air power, information-based support, and medical logistics. We're not going head-to-head with the regular armies of major powers on the battlefield. Instead, we're relying on advanced technology, high firepower projection in a short period of time, and highly trained soldiers to ensure we can suppress global disasters immediately, annihilate or defeat brigade-level forces from medium-sized countries on local battlefields, and possess the ability to rapidly deploy globally..."