First Battlefield Commander! - Chapter 210
Chapter 210: Exposure
The garrison soldier leading the way also paused for a moment, then immediately began contacting the base: "Who is responsible for the external screen at the mall? Which channel is currently playing? Why is it still playing this Alliance declaration? Who is managing the signal today? Suggest cutting off the main urban area location first, then go apply to have it corrected immediately!"
Programs on large public external screens like this, due to high viewership, are generally used for broadcasting advertisements or major news. And all programs broadcast must be reviewed by relevant departments. Especially at a tense time like now, such mistakes or omissions are impossible.
Most likely, the network was hacked.
After reporting, he turned and smiled at Lian Sheng and the others. He said: "It's usually not like this; recently, it's been strangely weird for some reason."
Lian Sheng asked: "How weird? Isn't this the first time you've seen this declaration? When did it appear?"
"Not the first time, it's been several months." The soldier recalled. "Our place here originally had quite harmonious relations with Gelen. Although we knew there were some conflicts of interest between the two countries, it was actually fine. Civilians didn't have that much hostility. And most Gelen immigrants were quite easy to talk to, law-abiding, civilized, and polite. Even if ordinary people disliked Gelen, they couldn't vent their anger on those innocent people."
He sighed: "But since Gelen Port prohibited Alliance merchants from docking, the Alliance repeatedly issued warnings and reminders to Gelen, and then this blatant provocative declaration came out, relations suddenly became tense. Tempers flare easily, leading to trouble. Maintaining neighborly relations isn't easy either."
Everyone nodded in understanding.
Provocation actually doesn't require much effort. As long as the mentality changes slightly, the world feels different.
Things that were originally insignificant, now piled up, become irreconcilable hatred between the two sides. And due to political reasons, perspectives become harsher; any single flaw easily affects the perception of the entire group.
Mutual grievances, add a few people fanning the flames, and conflicts easily arise.
However.
Lian Sheng asked again: "Barite's people? Not Maxwell's people?"
The soldier said: "Of course Barite's people. Isn't Maxwell pro-peace? Why provoke the Alliance?"
He then noticed everyone's expressions were somewhat strange, hard to describe, but faintly carrying a murderous aura.
Cheng Ze asked: "Is Maxwell still alive?"
The soldier was puzzled: "Should be alive, right? Living quite well?"
He clapped his hands: "Oh! Right, right! He's been very active in Gelen recently. Speeches, canvassing, various things. Now the stances of the pro-war and pro-peace factions within Gelen are very clear; neither side is yielding. I see Maxwell's popularity is already higher than Barite's, but his military strength might still be inferior."
The image on the large screen flickered, then disappeared. The nearby signal had been cut off, waiting for line adjustments to reconnect.
The soldier let out a soft sigh of relief, tentatively asking: "Shall we... continue walking? The pick-up vehicle is still waiting ahead; should we go to the next street?"
Lian Sheng said: "Go."
The group followed him, continuing their patrol.
Lian Sheng asked: "Can you usually receive Gelen channels here?"
"Of course, there are many Gelen people here, so several extra signal lines were installed. But we can only receive some of their local stations; entertainment programs and such don't work, have to go online," the soldier said, holding his weapon. "But recently, controls have started too. Gelen channels have too strong a political bias, unsuitable for broadcasting in our area. Easily leads to bloodshed."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
Although their hearts were turbulent, they knew this matter wasn't suitable for discussion on the spot. So they suppressed their doubts, deciding to handle today's work first before further analysis.
The Alliance border regions, due to complex populations, were prone to conflicts. But none were serious incidents, the impact wasn't large, and didn't require deploying mechs.
It was just that many Gelen people lived in this place, making the situation relatively complex. The Alliance directly entered combat readiness mode, constantly vigilant about urban security, determined to firmly suppress the situation and eliminate all malignant developments.
Lian Sheng and the others, along with the garrison and drafted guard forces, repeatedly searched the designated areas.
After clocking out time, they rested and rotated shifts normally.
Everyone first took their equipment back to the base for dinner, then went to their rooms to rest.
They tacitly gathered in the Alliance room.
The single dormitory wasn't large; eight people crammed together made it seem very crowded.
They each moved chairs or occupied the edge of Lian Sheng's bed, finding comfortable positions to start discussing.
Lu Mingyuan asked: "Cornell, wasn't he taken away by Maxwell? Why did he become Barite's person again? Maxwell is still alive."
Lian Sheng held a cup of tea: "Should have been cleverly intercepted by General Barite midway while returning to Gelen."
Ye Buqing frowned: "You mean, Maxwell took Cornell away with the purpose of handing him over to Barite?"
Lian Sheng brought the teacup closer to her lips, the rising steam blurring her vision, and responded thoughtfully.
Zhou Shirui thought for a moment: "Because Cornell isn't very useful to Maxwell. Perhaps a spiritual symbol, or perhaps an image ambassador. But everyone understands in their hearts, no matter how much he resembles Edwin, he isn't the person himself. He's someone from the Alliance, even a boy soldier who hasn't studied. So, even his influence is very limited."
"But Cornell is very useful to Barite, so he should be protected well," Fang Jianchen said. "Harming others to benefit oneself, isn't this a necessary realization?"
Lian Sheng sipped her tea leisurely beside them: "Did you hear what that soldier said today? He said Kafa's internal factions now have clear stances. This might not be a bad thing for Maxwell."
Lian Sheng placed the cup on the table.
"The pro-war faction's thinking is actually very simple. Mostly not out of political considerations. Most hot-blooded youths believe that national diplomacy must be tough to ensure avoidance of unfair treatment or further bullying," Lian Sheng said. "That's because they don't know Gelen's position in the war. Just like when people make mistakes, they never think they're wrong, only thinking they can't suffer losses."
Lian Sheng crossed her arms: "Now Cornell is following Barite everywhere, giving speeches, declarations, smearing the Alliance, making them believe Gelen holds the position of justice, unable to tolerate national insults. But, if public opinion reverses later, the easiest to change stance are also these hot-blooded youths. And Barite will suffer considerable backlash; his future words will be hard to trust."
Fang Jianchen: "Public opinion reversal?"
Lian Sheng said: "For example, Cornell states he was forced, held hostage by General Barite, hence saying those things. Then release a few pieces of intelligence, seemingly true yet false, with unclear stances, to confuse the situation, sling some mud, sway public opinion."
Or, for example, his clone identity is exposed, pointing out Barite originally had him created to have a controllable puppet. Due to personal interests, he was placed in such an awkward position.
Believing the resulting uproar would be enough to swallow Barite. As long as Maxwell could seize the opportunity, he could achieve his desired result with minimal cost.
Zhou Shirui said: "Just don't know when Maxwell wants to wait until."
Lian Sheng: "I think soon. When they start becoming evenly matched... no, even at just a three-to-seven level, Maxwell would dare to rise up. Because he can still seek the Alliance's help. What he needs more is public opinion."
However, their current mission was still resolving border disputes.
In the afternoon, after the rest period ended, they had to start another six-hour shift rotation.
Because they were short-staffed, all parties were now working overtime. Excluding meals and rest, they had to patrol at least twelve hours a day. If any emergencies occurred, they had to wait until resolved before leaving.
Continuing this intensity, if the situation didn't ease, manpower might not keep up later, requiring requests for reinforcements.
When the garrison soldier came to pick up people, he was slightly injured, hurt during a conflict. Because it was civilian trouble, a common occurrence now, it was hard to pursue. He just waved his hand, indicating he was fine: "Ah, it's been chaotic recently; the public mood isn't very stable either. Feels too irritable; no one listens."
Fang Jianchen sympathized: "They're no longer those cute little darlings who cared for soldier brothers."
"Yes. They used to be sweet, now they're bitter," the soldier said, then cheered up again. "But we have three mechs here now, afraid of no one, okay! Enough to scare them. Universal peace needs us!"
However, facts proved that the deterrence of three mechs was useless. Fights still happened.
Clearly, this group acted recklessly. With mechs here, they couldn't use thermal weapons for trouble, but couldn't they use sticks? Just street brawls. Would you dare use a mech against your own people? Causing trouble! Nowhere permits such severe punitive measures.
If this continued, it would be endless; social conduct deteriorates this way.
Lian Sheng put an arm around the garrison soldier's shoulder, led him into the room, and sat him down.
Lian Sheng said: "Look. Even if we patrol, see some brawl. What can we do?"
"Coordinate? Break up the fight? Discuss life philosophy?" the garrison soldier said. "Can't just sit down and play cards, right?"
Lian Sheng: "Exactly, look, violent enforcement isn't allowed now; can't beat them into obedience at once."
Garrison soldier: "..."
Garrison soldier: "..."
Lian Sheng cracked her knuckles: "But when kids don't listen, sometimes a good beating really helps."
Cheng Ze said eagerly: "Makes sense. Such a severe situation can't continue. Otherwise, who knows what subsequent disasters it might cause."
"Deidei, verbal attacks aren't that powerful now. They fight, you go mediate, they'll think the military is just talking crap. Second time they fight, you go mediate again, they'll think the military can only talk crap. Then the third time will be extraordinary. Bottom lines are tested out," Fang Jianchen nodded. "We've given them enough leeway now. If they keep rubbing against the bottom line, this city won't make it, brother!"
The garrison soldier looked at them suspiciously, feeling a large wave of self-criticism reports flying towards him: "So you want to..."
Lian Sheng said: "We just want to ask for leave. You go patrol alone, but be careful not to sell us out."
The garrison soldier blinked: "You guys..."
Fang Jianchen interrupted him: "Are you still troubled? Are you still frustrated? Are you still working overtime? Do you still have to endure the pain of being accidentally injured but unable to retaliate? The Alliance Expeditionary Force is willing to serve you!"
"No, I just wanted to ask you guys, need weapon and vehicle assistance?" The garrison soldier said excitedly. "The Expeditionary Force is just bold! We also want to do this but just don't dare!"
What conscientious and promising youths!
Thus, Lian Sheng and the others changed into plain clothes, brought along several wooden sticks, and sat in the car ready to depart at any moment.
The eight of them formed a complete small team. They contacted the street management office, asking them to transfer nearby surveillance footage to Zhou Shirui and Lu Mingyuan's optical computers, began investigating security issues everywhere, searching for locations with violent behavior.
This time, Ye Buqing drove. His driving skills could be slick or stable, the most reliable among them.
The military department dispatched a patrol vehicle to follow them, in case of unforeseen circumstances, ready to provide armed assistance at any time.
The evening period was very harmonious. Lian Sheng sat in the back, closing her eyes to feign sleep.
Ji Ban sat in the row in front of her, constantly fiddling with his optical computer. Fang Jianchen huddled with him, whispering, occasionally letting out soft chuckles.
Lian Sheng leaned forward over the seatback, wanting to see what they were doing. Then discovered they were placing advertisements online.
"We are—the Dispute Resolution Squad, autonomously formed for street harmony!
Our slogan is—Let the world have no violence!
Our team name is—Bling Bling Troupe!
Wherever there's conflict, we go! We ask all citizens to consciously undertake the work of maintaining social harmony. If you see any brawls, please call **** anytime. Consultation is one star coin per minute, reimbursement available for non-anonymous calls. Real reports also receive small gifts.
March 14th, 13:00 to 20:00, X Street No. XX to XX, the Dispute Resolution Squad serves you. Be there or be square."
"..." Lian Sheng said, "Did I authorize you to use my private number for advertisements?"
Fang Jianchen giggled.
Lu Mingyuan up front discovered the situation, handed the optical computer to Ye Buqing. The vehicle accelerated, changed lanes, heading towards the target point.
When they arrived at the destination, a group of people had just finished splashing paint on the wall and were preparing to leave.
Ye Buqing directly drifted, drove onto the sidewalk, blocking their path.
Lian Sheng, near the door, pushed it open first and got out, grabbing a stick along the way.
The place splashed with paint, according to map information, was a branch company opened by Gelen.
A group of security guards splashed with red and green paint followed far behind the culprits. Their colorful faces made any expression unreadable.
But seeing Lian Sheng and the others' reckless parking posture and the weapons in their hands, they thought the opponent's reinforcements had arrived again, quickly turned, and fled.
Pedestrian and vehicle traffic on this section of road was considerable. But no one dared approach them. They forcefully bypassed the crosswalk, causing some traffic congestion nearby.
A crowd of white-collar workers upstairs looked down through the glass windows.
Lian Sheng stepped forward: "Wipe it off. Wipe it clean for me, vigorously."
"Who are you? Yo, helpers called by the Gelen dogs, right?" The leader was a very sturdy man. He sized up Lian Sheng and said: "I won't wipe it, what can you do?"
Lian Sheng clicked her tongue: "Manpower is wasted like this. What the hell are these things?"
Said to be minor matters, but easily cause injustice and resentment. Said to be major matters, damn major matters.
Frontline peacekeeping personnel were insufficient, yet they kept stirring up trouble here.
"Ordinary citizens consciously maintaining street harmony," Fang Jianchen came up from behind. "You can choose not to wipe it voluntarily, but we will press you against the wall and rub."
Lian Sheng charged forward directly.
Her kicking speed was fast enough, the angle tricky. The sturdy man raised his hand to block, but missed.
Lian Sheng's current strength was truly considerable. The sturdy man looked thick-skinned; unsure if he could take a beating, so she held back.
The sturdy man took the hit. Dull pain spread from his chest to his brain. He immediately clutched his chest, unable to stand up for a moment due to the pain.
The surrounding people were collectively dumbfounded.
Lian Sheng swung her wooden stick and went after the other few. Zhao Zhuoluo and the others joined from behind.
Ji Ban held his optical computer, promoting to the onlookers: "Scan it, scan it. Help us spread the word, call the hotline when you have time."
Seeing their nimble movements and merciless attacks, even laymen knew this group were trained fighters. Seeing the situation turn unfavorable, the few turned to run.
"Keep them, keep them!" Lian Sheng shouted. "Don't chase them away, press them back here to wipe it clean!"
By the time Lian Sheng and the others subdued them, the patrolling soldiers arrived belatedly.
Several people loudly accused: "They hit people!"
Fang Jianchen: "To maintain world peace!"
Soldier brother said: "The wish to maintain world peace is very good, but fighting is wrong."
Several people glared fiercely at Lian Sheng.
Soldier brother continued: "But because your intentions were good, and it was self-defense, then let it go."
The sturdy man said angrily: "Where was the self-defense? Did you see it?"
Soldier brother scanned them: "I saw it. We have surveillance; the judgment is like this. Besides, what injuries do you have?"
Several people were gloomy. Indeed, no serious injuries; the other party hadn't used much force. But this feeling was too unpleasant.
The soldier brother said: "Come, everyone apologize, and this matter is settled."
A wise man doesn't fight when the odds are against him. Clearly, this side was biased, and the other party was in the right. Several people apologized with downcast faces.
Soldier brother pointed ahead: "I'm telling you to apologize to the company whose paint you splashed. Then go wipe the wall clean for me."
Several people immediately jumped up: "Won't do it!"
"Won't go!"
"Why? Are you still Alliance soldiers or not? Not helping us, helping outsiders?"
"Not wiping, then I'm leaving." Soldier brother said to Lian Sheng, "You guys eat well, play well, rub well here. We're going to patrol another street."
Everyone: "..."
The problems in the border area weren't major, just couldn't be resolved in the short term.
Mostly due to differences in concepts and stances, or some ordinary citizens venting emotions and causing trouble.
Forceful semi-suppression actions had a relatively low rebound rate, so they continued for a period. Basically, both troublemaking parties received a beating, followed by ideological education.
After more incidents, the military department also got angry. They were tougher and stricter than the police, didn't adhere to 'law doesn't punish the masses.' If they dared commit offenses together, they dared punish them together.
The unstable general environment easily led to emergencies. Several armed assault incidents occurred again in the urban area later. Ji Ban directly used his mech for street patrols.
Here in the border area, although the tasks were annoying, it was relatively safe.
They stayed here for less than half a month before being transferred again. The target point was still the border area.
This time, it was to escort Alliance citizens willing to return to their country, heading towards Gelen's border region.
With relations already soured between the two sides, encountering obstructive elements allowed the appropriate use of high-damage weapons.
The words "allow" and "appropriate" represented trouble.
They needed to guard the border line rain or shine, twenty-four hours a day, guarding against the appearance of any thermal weapons. Guns never left their hands, constantly maintaining vigilance. Every day, they also had to fight armed militants of unknown origin. Their minds were constantly under high pressure.
Given the urban setting, both sides restrained their weapons. Mech functions were limited, mostly helping them block some gunfire damage, drive away or escort civilians. Output still mostly relied on hand-to-hand combat.
Coming here for a week, they had already sent three vehicles for repair.
In comparison, the previous period could only be considered leisure vacation. Their minds constantly switched between these relaxed and tense states.
The mission location this time had frequent rain.
Lian Sheng hated rain very much. Rain obstructed vision, and signals would also be faintly affected. Moreover, humid air easily led to illness.
She sat in the car, checking the latest news updates from Gelen, scanning through them carefully one by one.
Zhou Shirui and Lu Mingyuan were also checking news.
Gelen's current news hotspots were dominated by political affairs. Various political commentators analyzed Barite and Maxwell, predicting Gelen's future direction. Other statistics included public opinion surveys, popular support readings, etc.
Most frequent were reports on what speeches both sides gave today, what meetings they attended, what views they expressed, and how these words should be interpreted.
Zhou Shirui said: "Haven't there been any recent updates? Lots of news, but seems like Barite hasn't shown his face."
Although various negotiations continued, what was revealed wasn't the latest real-time news. Just occasionally releasing some internal meeting videos publicly, letting the public analyze and discuss, maintaining heat.
Lian Sheng touched her ear: "Where is Cornell now?"
Lu Mingyuan said: "Updates stopped. Seems like he's touring Gelen's 6th District."
Zhou Shirui: "Checked, the few posts currently claiming chance encounters with Cornell in the 6th District, the pictures inside are all fake."
Lu Mingyuan: "Then is Cornell actually in the 6th District or not?"
Zhou Shirui: "How would I know."
Lian Sheng said: "It's about to ferment. Looks like progress is good."
As they discussed guesses, a loud bang suddenly came from outside, followed shortly by another.
Lian Sheng jolted, subconsciously reaching for her gun, then pushed open the door and jumped out of the car. The other few resting also sat up instantly, scrambling out the doors.
Rain lashed down outside.
Lu Mingyuan shouted: "No, no, no enemy attack! No information detected!"
It was pitch black outside; the moon was obscured by thick dark clouds. The muddy ground was full of puddles. The rain showed signs of getting heavier.
In the distance, the urban area still had unextinguished red lights, but they quickly dissipated in the rain.
Lian Sheng shouted: "Lights!"
The lights on the car roof turned on. Everyone squinted, raising hands to shield their eyes from the light.
The surroundings were safe; no dangerous elements were seen. However, the light seemed swallowed, unable to illuminate farther.
Zhou Shirui said: "Fighting broke out ahead! It's the urban area! Seems like explosive weapons were used."
Lian Sheng said: "There were no local evacuation or warning announcements! Residents are all still left in the city!"
Fang Jianchen, groggy from sleep, woke up completely after being drenched by the rain, cursing: "Holy crap!"
"Might be internal war!" Ji Ban said from the front. "Upper levels say the situation is unclear, but hasn't expanded for now. Told us to remain neutral! Remain neutral!"
They waited in the rain for fifteen minutes, using night vision binoculars to check the distant urban situation, finding nothing happened afterwards.
Lights were on, but no more explosive attacks occurred.
Several people shivered from cold, feeling this internal war was probably over. Returned to the car. Wiped their faces with towels, then turned on the heater, waiting for notification.
Several people started complaining angrily.
Cheng Ze: "Are they playing house? Can't fire cannons in the city."
"Scared to death. Nerves wrecked," Fang Jianchen wiped his face. "The ringing in my ears won't stop; sleeping is really hard now."
Lian Sheng: "You can continue sleeping."
Fang Jianchen said: "Sleeping is just waiting to be startled awake, better not. Feels even more tiring."
The lights on the car roof remained on. Ji Ban played some music.
Everyone stared ahead with open eyes.
Shortly after, they received feedback from another garrison squad.
"Don't panic. Sleep well, rest well. Stay put, don't move around."
"It's fine now. Damn, those people are crazy. We were still inside the urban area and got scared too. Suddenly started fighting, no warning at all."
"Didn't hurt anyone, just neurotically bombed each other's factories to show deterrence. But after bombing two, probably realized mutual destruction wasn't worth it, then stopped. The troublemakers have been taken away now. Government told the little darlings to continue sleeping peacefully. Who the hell can sleep!"
"They said, seeing the light from your side suddenly felt very reassuring, felt like you never left, so decided to return to the Alliance's embrace after all. Tomorrow, expect a wave of people choosing to return. Remember to wear Alliance shoulder patches, carry a weapon, go in and pick people up. Be safe. I've already contacted the pick-up team, bringing people over for support."
Hearing this, everyone opened Gelen's social media app. Anyway, this was destined to be a sleepless night. Might as well browse comments online, express their friendliness.
Several people joined the masses in the forum to complain, incidentally introducing Alliance customs and culture, live-streaming daily military life, chatting quite happily.
Lian Sheng directly started a highly anticipated food thread, live-streaming various tutorials.
Gelen's cyberspace administration was controlling public opinion while monitoring information security. This situation was sudden; they knew the public would be uneasy. The government issued several announcements consecutively for appeasement.
Then they saw several people with Alliance IDs wandering around various sections late at night.
Border area residents were always more tolerant towards the Alliance. Although some clamored for hostility towards the Alliance and verbally abused them, this group was thick-skinned and completely unfazed. Playing tricks, maliciously acting cute. Openly flirting with Gelen citizens across the border line.
How could such things happen! How could they do this! Where was the organization and seriousness?!
Not sleeping late at night, Gelen's cyberspace administration began banning accounts and deleting posts.
Lian Sheng and the others noticed, had the technical workers open a cheat, quickly register accounts, and rapidly post.
The website's official technical workers were called up overnight to plug loopholes, ban cheats, block IPs.
The Alliance military began rallying buddies to join the troublemaking ranks.
The cyberspace administration worked overtime through the night, adding filter words, strictly investigating all VPN IPs.
But, wildfire cannot be burned out...
Both sides fought tooth and nail; onlookers were dumbfounded.
The next day dawned, the rain lessened. The pick-up team arrived smoothly. Rendezvoused with the other two teams, accompanying them into the urban area to pick up people.
Lian Sheng and the others put away their optical computers. The wet clothes worn all night were almost dry. Rinsed mouths, washed faces, took preventive cold medicine, then entered the city to pick up people.
People in the urban area wouldn't necessarily be friendly towards them. Especially since they wore Alliance shoulder patches and Alliance military uniforms. Walking down the street, they could receive malice from all directions.
Rescue and pick-up work had to continue.
The border area always had many settled residents, or residents who had intermarried. They simply couldn't decide whether to leave here.
Some who grew up here since childhood simply couldn't adapt to Alliance life. But due to appearance and blood ties, they began facing discrimination in Gelen, hence extreme entanglement.
People with companies couldn't easily withdraw; Gelen couldn't let them leave easily either. After all, it involved capital outflow and employee unemployment issues, requiring handover and discussion with the Alliance.
Until these people decided and finished processing, the Alliance garrison couldn't leave.
The Expeditionary Force teams stationed here with them ate lunch and chatted together at noon.
Several people sat on the car roof, biting into the usual dry bread, washing it down with bottled water.
"Executing missions here is very stressful. Must rotate frequently, otherwise poor sleep can easily lead to sudden death. If there are many people, shifts can be rotated every two months. If few people, requires three-month rotations. After leaving here, should go to a more relaxed place to recover," the old soldier asked. "How long have you all been in the team?"
Lian Sheng said: "Semi-new recruits. Less than two years."
"Then you should be able to go back soon," the old soldier said. "Looks like you adapted quite quickly. Unflustered even if Mount Tai collapses before you. Fight quite fiercely too. Wanted to pass on some experience to you, seems unnecessary."
He sighed with emotion: "Ah, thinking back to when I was young, really couldn't endure hardship. Everywhere felt like a hellhole, couldn't be worse. Then the Alliance always managed to give me new surprises. Pain here, pain there, balls became indestructible."
Fang Jianchen said: "Overly praised, overly praised."
Old soldier praised: "Humble, humble."
An old soldier beside said: "Not necessarily. If war really breaks out, it will definitely be worse than now. Still care about human rights giving you rotations? Probably have to be permanently stationed."
Old soldier said: "If fighting really starts, they will definitely strike first. We either wait until they finish fighting before intervening, or send a small portion to fight alongside. Definitely not as miserable as imagined."
Companion said: "We can't sleep well when they fight either. Look at last night, damn it. Wanted to sleep but didn't dare."
Frequently being woken from deep sleep at night easily causes psychological trauma. Personnel transferred back from the front lines couldn't adapt for a long time. Sleep quality extremely poor.
And the torment of insomnia is simply—extremely painful.
Lian Sheng took out her optical computer and started browsing social media again.
The old soldier leaned over to look, chuckled: "Haha, I just like this spirit in you young people! The excellent quality of liking to disgust the enemy can be passed down! Gaining fans for yourself in a war zone during combat preparation, you guys are really something!"
Old soldier discussed: "Add friend. Next time you're transferred somewhere, I can recommend some attractions."
Lian Sheng then shook phones with him, adding each other as friends.
"Lian Sheng, Lian Sheng!" Ji Ban patted the car hood from the front, shouting. "Quickly look at the first news push!"
Lian Sheng exited the app and opened the news page again. Others looked up and also went to check.
Since morning, several bombshell news items had broken consecutively.
First about the late-night explosion incident in Gelen's border area, then the confrontation between Gelen's internal military and political factions, followed by investigations into anti-war sentiment.
The latest and most serious was exposing General Barite. Cornell's name appeared in several of those news items.
Although this day was expected, it was still somewhat surprising.
Spending days and nights deployed with the Expeditionary Force, hadn't realized so much time had passed already.
Lian Sheng focused, reading carefully again.
The report stated that Cornell was recently picked up by Maxwell, allowing him to step forward and sorrowfully state he was held hostage by General Barite, hence making various actions smearing the Alliance.
The Alliance never had similar harsh treatment behaviors. Although conditions weren't good, it was normal treatment. How could a person subjected to harsh treatment possibly have the chance to pilot high-risk mechs? Weren't they afraid of him retaliating?
To atone, he was willing to reveal the intelligence obtained from General Barite's side. Peace is precious; hope the masses can awaken promptly, see Barite's true nature, stop being used by him, and avoid making wrong decisions.
Cornell claimed Barite wanted to wage war against the Alliance to openly seize the Alliance's rich resource zones. Barite often used similar means to profit Gelen, such as Kafa, Fengse City, and other small resource countries.
But only half of these resources were allocated to Gelen; the rest were privately distributed by military management, just a way to seek personal gain. Military casualty compensation was low, soldier safety wasn't guaranteed; such war was fundamentally meaningless, not fighting for Gelen, but purely for Barite.
Barite's usual practice for starting war was to smear the target country, incite emotions in various Gelen departments, then lead troops out. But most places conquered simply lacked the ability to resist. The Gelen military killed mostly civilians, not armed forces.
Barite fundamentally didn't care what Gelen's future would be, because he had already accumulated sufficient capital and connections. Secretly planned escape routes, change identity, immigrate, and start over.
He spoke half-truths, half-lies; people couldn't distinguish clearly for a moment.
The content was bullshit, yet bullshit with a hint of realism.
The internet argued fiercely; neither side could convince the other. Everyone wanted to wait for Barite to come out and explain personally, but there had been no news of him for days.
Barite initially took Cornell around giving speeches, inciting public sentiment, broadcast simultaneously on various TV stations. Even in the Alliance border regions, didn't hesitate to hack the Alliance network to disseminate related content.
This showed his trust in Cornell and the effort invested in this matter. How hard he worked then, how severe the backlash now.
This wave after wave of climax was more intense than imagined; clearly, the person controlling behind the scenes was highly skilled.
General Barite's current location was unknown; Cornell's current location was also unknown.
General Barite probably couldn't figure out even in death. He clearly held Cornell's biggest leverage. Believed the two were undoubtedly in the same boat, yet the other party capsized it.
Clones, clones were unrecognized and not allowed to exist. If his identity were exposed, he would be dealt with, and the Alliance would also be blamed for harboring him. Neither side benefited; why would he do this?
The incident happened yesterday morning, exposed and spread within Gelen's developed areas last night. Today, it completely spiraled out of control, news spreading externally.
The impact in the border area wasn't large yet. Discussion was discussion, just talk, no one took action. The main urban area seemed unfavorable. After all, Maxwell was there.
The old soldier didn't understand, biting his bread: "This Cornell... what's the situation? Why keep defecting? Has it become a habit? Jumped from the Alliance to Barite, then from Barite to Maxwell. I say, he won't jump back to the Alliance again, right?"
Lian Sheng opened her communication list: "May your auspicious words come true."
The old soldier was bewildered: "Ah?"
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