Long-term salvation

Famine, war, death, and the coming plague, the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are tormenting the indigenous people of this land, forcing them into the arms of ill-intentioned people out of hardship, just to survive one more day.

The morning mist had not yet dissipated, but the sky had turned from iron gray to turbid porcelain white. Dewdrops condensed on the surface of the branches and leaves of the acacia trees, emitting faint reflections in the slanting morning light, but these would soon disappear in the fierce sunlight.

Sitting in the helicopter, Rhode crossed his arms, frowning as he thought. Marian, sitting next to him, looked at the data terminal in her hand and said to him:

"Hina and the others just sent a message saying they have arrived at their destination safely, but we still need some time."

"Okay, I got it. Tell Nikki, who's piloting the helicopter, to fly faster and at a lower altitude to avoid detection by that air defense radar."

Rhode nodded slightly. He saw the injured Atlas elite soldiers across from him resting with their eyes closed, their brows furrowed in pain. The fuselage trembled slightly, causing the horizon outside the window to tremble slightly.

"As long as we fly over the no-fly zone," Marian said softly. She leaned on Rhodes' shoulder, lowered her eyes, and suppressed the uneasiness that had never disappeared since she arrived in Africa. "We will arrive soon."

Two helicopters flew one after the other, quickly passing over the earth cracked by drought. The vibration sound of the rotors stirring the air swept through the bushes, startling thousands of locusts like black smoke.

There is no human habitation here, only endless barrenness and desolation.

But when the journey goes a little further, the land becomes different - effectively maintained roads extend to the south, connecting every city and settlement, and slender and dense artificial waterways extend outward from the Juba River, irrigating the surrounding farmland, forests and grasslands - the world here is full of vibrant greenery, changed by the power of human wisdom.

Centered on the cities in the southern part of the Somali region, factories and research facilities have been built one after another, like gluttonous beasts, continuously absorbing migrant workers from all over the world, absorbing the mineral resources in the heart of Africa, and forging and processing them into everything needed for human civilization.

Now, Kismayo, Atlas' temporary African headquarters, is at the center of it all.

+ + + + + + + +

The corpse lying beside a pile of car wreckage looked at the sky silently, but what it saw and thought had already been transmitted to Mogadishu dozens of kilometers away.

“…He has truly come, the savior of mankind from the old era.”

"Then let's try again... Not just him, but also those Crusaders who built the New Antioch. Even if it's just to severely damage them, it's a good thing."

"The Holy War of the Old Age has begun."

"Whoever it is needs time...let Aidid come in."

Chapter 496: Atlas Corporation's Temporary Base (3K)

noon.

Flying over the city and camp below, the helicopter slowly landed on the tarmac. A team of medical staff rushed over and stuffed the injured people inside onto racks and carried them away.

After taking care of the wounded, Rhodes, Marian and Bai Zi slowly came down and met Irons who was standing next to the Hummer convoy, while Gideon beside him whispered the details of the previous battle.

After signaling Gideon to rest, Irons, wearing a bulletproof vest, said with a hint of complaint, his hands in his pockets:

"My secretary's office, which is responsible for receiving feedback from Atlas Corporation and the Army Without Borders, is almost overflowing with letters. Can you guess what the contents of these letters are?"

“…I originally thought that in the eyes of the grassroots soldiers in Africa, I was always a mysterious man who seemed to have done some work.”

"Heh, You-Know-Who," Irons shook his head sarcastically. He opened the car door and continued unhappily, "Let's not even mention those Warsaw Pact soldiers you rescued from Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union. Every soldier who knows the existence and dangers of the other world knows this—this world has brushed shoulders with the abyss several times, and the savior who will pull it back from the brink of destruction is about to arrive. Don't forget your speech when you became chairman. You're more popular than you think."

Hearing these straightforward words, Rhode smiled, reached out and put the chest mount back into the storage space, and after getting into Ains's car, he asked in a teasing tone:

"Should I thank you for your great publicity?"

"Obviously, Luo De, the director."

Irons didn't look very happy, and he had obvious dark circles under his eyes. This was not only due to the pressure before the large-scale military operation, but also the political pressure from governments and influential organizations around the world... But it was just pressure. No one was willing to sacrifice tens of thousands of lives to fight a war with Atlas Corporation that would be enough to give other competitors a celebration party.

We may not win yet.

But now is definitely not the time to persecute Ains. Rhode coughed lightly, restrained his unruly attitude, and said:

"Evacuate everyone in Mogadishu. The enemy will probably launch a large-scale search. And since there are high-ranking members of the Ibris Organization here, the risk of our intelligence personnel being exposed is enormous... Tsk, what a hassle."

Feedback from various sources indicates that Mogadishu's intelligence sources related to the otherworld have been largely cut off, and the Somali capital is now crammed with over two million people! With such a dense population and the layers of slums stacked on top of each other, playing hide-and-seek is a perfect option, but it's impossible to completely raze the city with artillery and bombs.

For a moment, Rhodes felt a bit of a headache. The entire Mogadishu was filled with a chaotic atmosphere of death. Even Bai Zi could not accurately identify the members of the Ibris organization among them, making it impossible for Rhodes to directly lead people to carry out the decapitation operation.

If an artificially created otherworldly event occurred, or the system gave a prompt, or Abigail and the other girls sensed it, that would be another matter. Rhodes would go there to deal with it, and the enemy would obviously choose to ambush there. At that time, both sides would have to rely on their own methods to fight to the death.

"The military operation will be launched in a week at the latest," Irons sighed. "It can't be delayed, but there aren't many intelligence officers in the city, less than five."

"I'll have D take some people to personally handle this and rescue them," Rhode rubbed his temple. "The situation in the Middle East is even more difficult to handle, especially Iraq and Afghanistan... Forget it, we'll deal with it after the situation in Africa is resolved."

"Ah."

Irons nodded slightly and leaned back in his chair. Rod was the only one sitting next to him, while others like Marian were riding in the Hummer in the back.

The convoy moved forward along the straight asphalt road, passing by a small modern city, heading towards a series of large military bases located in the suburbs.

Atlas Corporation/Army Without Borders bases were arranged in layers along the city's industrial and logistics zones, airports, ports, and riverbanks. These areas, encased in Esk blast walls, anti-tank trenches, barbed wire, and concrete ridges, had long been a haven for soldiers from around the world.

Soldiers from NATO, the Warsaw Pact, China and other third world countries gathered here, were summoned, selected and shaped, and only after going through cycles of qualifications and political reviews would they become part of the reef that resisted the dark waves.

Rhodes had handled a lot of information on soldiers and officers without borders, and had led many troops to launch attacks and operations in the other world, but this was indeed the first time he walked among so many soldiers.

It’s better this way, the savior will eventually come to the mortal world and bring salvation.

"These are all semi-permanent military bases. I estimate that only one or two will remain in the future. But if the military operations don't achieve the expected results... that's a matter for the future. I don't think I'll have any problems with the military."

Irons propped his face with his hand, his gaze fixed on the dust rising from the wind outside. Two soldiers on either side of the sentry post raised their hands in salute. They lowered their hands only after the convoy passed.

Retracting his gaze, the head of Atlas Company slowly said:

"However, I'm under immense political pressure. My 'allies' within the United States are dwindling, and hostile organizations are vying for political resources both openly and covertly... Regardless, they're all appearing docile on the surface, and those foolish politicians clearly don't realize this. Even worse, these same foolish politicians wield the greatest military power in the real world."

“It’s expected, but it’s not like we don’t have the opportunity to get more time to develop.”

Rhodes recalled the surrounding situation map, the United Nations Task Force (UNITAF, originally deployed in December 1992) that had been deployed in Somalia in advance, and of course, the classic "Black Hawk Down" incident. However, after infiltrating Umbrella and Iblis this time, he didn't know how the situation would develop.

"Because of Atlas' actions, the United States would have the moral high ground, so it's only natural for them to send troops to contain it... Isn't there a United States Air Force in Ethiopia in the form of a mercenary fleet?"

"They're already on their intended target. They're mercenaries, after all," Irons sneered. "Mercenaries obviously don't have human rights. If they dare come, Pixy and Michael will take care of it."

After a few seconds of silence, before Rhodes could comment on this, Ains whispered again:

"The Joint Task Force also has troops stationed inside Mogadishu, as well as intelligence personnel."

"Yes, if the Ibris organization wants to target us, they won't let these people go," Rhodes said meaningfully, leaning back in his chair as if to say that the weather was beautiful today. "So, this is an opportunity, and Nayako and the others are ready."

"...You will undergo adaptive training with the new experimental AS over the next few days, which will also serve as a way to collect experimental data. Then, I will select some elite troops from the Army Without Borders. I will arrange transport helicopters for you. After the main force completes the siege of Mogadishu, we will launch a surprise attack on the target, and if possible, broadcast it live to the world."

Irons quickly understood what Rhodes meant. He glanced at his watch and began to calculate more variables in his mind, but Rhodes reached out his hand and said calmly:

"Can we complete the military preparations for the attack in two days? The Ibris organization has most likely already discovered my arrival, and they will only become even more frantic. However, these scum also need time to prepare, and they can't perform large-scale sacrificial rituals... That would only attract the attention of the United States troops who are closely monitoring the city."

"Whatever the reason, they won't sit idly by and will even preemptively suppress and arrest people, because there's an Atlas company waiting in the wings, desperately needing a reason to intervene and rebuild its image."

"The situation is chaotic, but we must seize the most precious treasure in this storm—time. We need this thing, whether it's time to continue development or time to contain possible disasters in the other world. We need it."

Rhodes said so, but he immediately met Ains's eyes, and the latter replied calmly:

"If that's what you expect, then we will respond."

The Humvee convoy stopped at the designated location. Rhodes opened the door and saw a world of iron and fire unfolding before him.

Swarms of transport helicopters landed and took off, and the cloud streams left by fighter jets and transport planes when they took off were weaving into a net in the blue sky.

Dozens of main battle tanks and infantry fighting vehicles were lined up in neat rows within hardened bunkers covered in camouflage netting, their armored surfaces dusted with the faintest wisps of African dust. The tank commanders crouched in their turret hatches, repeatedly calibrating their guns with their gunners, the green glow of their LCD screens reflected on their sweat-drenched faces.

The guides are leading the heavy tractor transport vehicles here. Tonight they will transport the remaining armored vehicles and set off for the designated assembly area to meet up with the front-line troops there. More armored vehicles have already been transported to the front-line assembly area by rail and transport plane. These are the last group of people waiting to depart, and after arriving at the destination, they only need two hours to complete combat preparations.

Several M6S AS mechas were standing next to the base's sentry post, scanning for any unknown vehicles that might approach.

The dust clouds kicked up by the distant wheeled vehicles carried upwards on the breeze, causing the assembled soldiers to frown. They remained silent, heading towards the vehicles and large transport helicopters amid the officers' shouts. The humming of thousands of mechanical exoskeletons merged, like rolling thunder on a summer night.

Only a few people noticed the arrival of Irons and... Rhodes.

The soldiers were about to shout, but they subconsciously kept their mouths shut due to the constraints of discipline. They turned their heads to look at Rhodes, then turned back and moved forward in the direction of the team.

"The military operation will be launched ahead of schedule. After final revisions are completed tonight," Irons said calmly, "the combat plan and intelligence will be distributed to the grassroots units tomorrow, and the battle will begin at dawn the day after tomorrow."

"I look forward to it, Director Irons."

Chapter 497 People in the Base

The low engine sounds and shouts enveloped Rhodes, giving him a strange feeling of heat. Perhaps this was not an illusion - southwestern Somalia, which is passed by the equator, is still hot, especially when groups of humans and machines are crowded here.

"The weather will be fine over the next few days and it won't rain."

Irons said as he led Rhodes to the headquarters located underground in the large base. Rhodes put on his all-seeing eye mask and scanned the vehicles and soldiers - he really needed to get a closer look at the current situation of the base, especially to see it "with his own eyes".

As Rhode passed through two checkpoints, he listened to Irons talk about some interesting things happening at the base recently, as well as the Atlas Company's large-scale expansion of its troops in Africa and the careful selection of personnel from them to join the Army Without Borders...

After walking like this for nearly fifteen minutes, Rhodes heard several familiar shouts:

"Sensei/Commander/Rod!" xN

Hearing these voices, Rhode turned his head and saw Hina, Abigail and the others leading a group of mass-produced Nikkis. The Nikkis were fully armed, holding large-caliber guns, and their cute faces were trying hard to keep tense behind their upturned masks. Although they often cooperated with other troops, this was their first time to come to a base with so many humans.

"I thought I'd see you guys later in the living quarters," Rhode said, reaching out to touch Hina's head. Looking up, he spotted Miya and Rapunzel in the crowd, their faces covered in sweat and a hint of shyness. "Looks like there's no need for that... Let's go. We're too conspicuous here."

This somewhat chaotic scene obviously attracted the attention of many people, causing the surrounding soldiers and other technicians to turn their attention over:

Irons, the founder of Atlas Corporation, a beautiful woman in full armor, cute girls of various styles, and the silver-haired girl surrounded by them...

"BOSS? BOSS!"

“BOSS?! It’s the BOSS!!!”

"He's really coming? I only heard that he was going to inspect the Antarctic base... Wow, the legend of Hill Manor is true!"

"Shut up! The boss is looking over here!"

Many idle warriors gathered around, looking at the rather helpless Rhode with curious eyes. After signaling the girls to leave first, Rhode raised his hand and said to the onlookers:

"Alright everyone, enough of the meeting, please return to your respective posts."

Fortunately, the soldiers still knew their duties. They waved to Rhodes and dispersed. However, a soldier with an East Asian face squeezed through the crowd, holding a notebook and pen tightly in his hands.

The young man's face flushed crimson. He seemed to muster up great courage before stepping forward and speaking cautiously:

"Boss, could you please sign for me? I'm a soldier from the Atlas Corporation. I just passed the joining assessment two months ago... Ah! I remember the confidentiality regulations, so just sign 'Boss'."

Looking at the young man in front of him, Rhode's mouth curled up slightly. He took the notebook and said softly:

"Of course I can. I'm Second Lieutenant Zhao Zian from the Second Department of the General Staff of the Aurora Republic... Oh, of course, you're not called that now, but can you do me a favor?"

Rhodes extended his hand to the shoulder of the soldier whose body instantly stiffened, and pointed at a soldier working in the distance. The soldier was as strong as a bear and was now lifting a whole box of ammunition and handing it to another soldier above him.

"see it?"

After Second Lieutenant Zhao Zian shrank his neck, Rhodes chuckled and continued:

"For the reward you've given me... that's Lieutenant Arseniy Pavlov from the Russian General Staff Intelligence Directorate (GRU). Go tell him that you two must capture another NATO person for me tonight—don't give me that look, I know you have your own little channels!"

"Find the person before nine o'clock tonight and bring him to the Intelligence Department to report. Otherwise, I will strip you two and throw you back in front of the embassy, ​​or you will go to the harbor naked and find a boat to return. You are lucky. If it were the CIA, you would be lying in the sewer now."

"...Can I ask one last question?" The lieutenant from the Aurora Intelligence Department suppressed his expression and put away his notebook. "How did you discover us?"

"I know everything—just kidding. I just happen to 'know' something. Don't give me any trouble, Lieutenant." Rhodes patted the young soldier's shoulder. "Everyone knows that the war is imminent, and everyone is anxious... You know what I mean. I'll keep an eye on you."

"Okay, Boss, no problem, Boss."

After watching the soldier from the Aurora Military Intelligence Department stroll away, Rhode scratched his head helplessly, turned to look at Ains who was folding his arms, and said unhappily:

"Is this young man on the list of spies you have?"

"Obviously not, but the Aurora side has always been very restrained. They prefer to develop their downline among the workers and businessmen who come to Africa from China. We have a labor agreement with them, allowing a large number of Aurora workers and retired soldiers to come to Africa to carry out urban construction and other work. In return, we provide technology transfer, investment agreements, and the opening of high-tech imports. This is something that Director Peng Jiamu helped to arrange. I won't say much about the NATO people... Those Russians are also not very quiet. What does East Africa have to do with them? Fine, fine, fine, just treat it as a remnant of the Soviet era."

Irons shrugged with a nonchalant expression on his face, but he was wearing the top-grade bulletproof vest inside his own base and it was obvious that he was not idle!

"Next time, should I also send you a list of Atlas Company personnel?"

"Forget about that. With tens of thousands of soldiers and hundreds of thousands of migrant workers, I don't have the time or energy to look after them all. I'll just let the internal security agencies do their job... However, I can handle important departments related to the other world."

Rhodes said as he followed Ains' steps towards the headquarters.

Inside the headquarters, the officers had been waiting for a long time—

In the past they were called "Colonels", but now they have become generals in the true sense of the word, using their professional skills and experience to open up new territories for the savior of mankind.

"General Allen Faulkner (Chapter 178, from The Wild Geese), General Vladimir Vasilyevich Orlovsky (Chapter 259, from World in Conflict: The Soviet Offensive), I am pleased to address you by that rank."

"At least that fellow, General Hammer, can't act so arrogantly in front of us," General Allen Faulkner smiled and puffed on his cigar. "Also, the Cuban cigar ration is really good. I'm beginning to like this rank."

"With the increasing number of troops, we do need higher ranks. The rank system also needs to be reorganized. It's a good opportunity to distribute them based on the merits of this battle, so that all honors can be determined by strength."