First Battlefield Commander! - Chapter 211
Chapter 211: Execution
Lian Sheng held her optical computer and left a message for Hundred Meter Flying Dagger's private account.
He should be busy right now. After all, all current changes in Gelen were related to the Alliance. Especially such major news concerning the diplomatic policies of both countries. Even if they received the news in advance, the entire staff would still be in various meetings, with no time to deal with her.
Lian Sheng wasn't in a hurry either, just waiting slowly.
Lian Sheng sat back down next to the old soldier and started browsing comments again on her optical computer.
Found several of her accounts had been disabled again, and her fixed IP was also blocked. Searched for information using her ID as a keyword; quite a few little darlings were publicly confessing their love for her, and of course, many were cursing her.
Lian Sheng opened the cheat to continue registering, then continued posting topics.
The old soldier watched beside her with interest, discussing: "Let me be young again too! Send me your cheat, let everyone be happy together!"
Lian Sheng very generously brought him along to play.
The cyberspace administration and a group of staff who had just fallen asleep noticed the commotion and were pulled up again to work.
Several people were furious, cursing: "Shameless! These people are truly too shameless! How can they do such things!"
Ji Ban, Zhao Zhuoluo, and the others, after reading the news, all looked towards Lian Sheng from afar. Wanting to see her attitude towards this matter, also wanting to ask for her analysis.
But Lian Sheng calmly sat back down, as if nothing had happened. Nor did she give their gazes any response.
Ji Ban, who originally wanted to blurt out a few words, held them back again, somewhat depressed.
How could Lian Sheng not be excited? How could she not be shocked? Cornell's news was exposed, meaning their previous speculations were correct; Cornell was working for the Alliance!
So what now? Was he in danger? What should he do in the future? Should he come back? How would the people of Gelen deal with him? Where was General Barite now? Where was Cornell now?
Barite definitely wouldn't let go of someone who had backstabbed him so viciously; Cornell's future was uncertain!
This news revealed huge inside information, but too much information and clues were vague, the follow-up unpredictable. They couldn't sort it out now, nor knew where to start. Just waiting for Lian Sheng to help them sort through it.
But... browsing comments now was definitely wrong!
But there were other teams around. Cornell's identity was sensitive after all; discussing this topic was inappropriate.
Lian Sheng had her own plans; they couldn't conveniently interfere. So several people squatted in front of the car, discussing softly among themselves.
The news said Maxwell intercepted Cornell, then Cornell dared to speak the truth, exposing General Barite. So although Cornell's current situation was unclear, overall, he was still safe.
Maybe it wasn't a bad thing.
The lunch break was short. After eating lunch, everyone went back to work.
As long as it didn't rain, the border area was very hot. After the sun came out at noon, the ground temperature instantly rose several notches. To guard against radicals in the urban area, they still had to wear heavy bulletproof gear, constantly running around the blocks for work.
After putting on the gear, they didn't want to make any extra movements. Because wearing helmets, they drank very little water. Basically, after a day, their skin would break out in heat rash. Taking off the gear, their bodies reeked of sweat.
Only at times like this would they feel how delightful rain was.
Given the lack of equipment functionality, the heavy bulletproof gear and helmets had to be hand-washed. Even if not washed, wiping them down was necessary.
Fang Jianchen and the others disliked doing laundry, so they chose to be lazy. Basically, they took the equipment for disinfection and used it again the next day. Of course, the main reason was that daytime training was too exhausting; by night, they just wanted to continuously approach the state of a salted fish.
Thus, this group was chased and beaten by Lian Sheng every night.
And at this time in Gelen, a group of people were also at their wits' end over Cornell.
Maxwell's ability to hide people was still good. Although he lacked sufficient military power to contend, he controlled certain political resources. In several developed districts of Gelen, he still held absolute authority. Barite couldn't yet infiltrate his influence into every corner of Gelen.
"Can't find him? How can you not find him?" Barite slammed the table angrily. "Did such a person just disappear from right under your noses? Tell me you can't find him? Didn't I tell you to keep a close eye on him? Who has contacted him? Who has seen him? Investigate everything thoroughly for me!"
The person in front, wearing a military uniform, looked straight ahead without flinching, responding loudly: "Reporting, General! But... they might have already left the 6th District."
Barite's eyes revealed a ruthless cold light. He tapped the tabletop forcefully with his finger: "When could Maxwell come and go silently in the 6th District? Tell me, whose territory is this!"
The person replied: "Reporting, General. Approximately after Cornell's matter was exposed... found some people temporarily defected, indeed providing them convenience. But how much influence Maxwell has in the military, and, currently still unclear."
His back was straight, body taut like a straight line. His face showed only a serious expression, gaze frankly looking forward. But the cold sweat dripping from his forehead and the constantly bobbing Adam's apple still betrayed his nervousness.
Even if nervous, he had to maintain his soldierly posture.
Hearing him mention this matter, Barite had to consider countermeasures: "We must respond. Can't let those rats opposite get too proud. Only know how to secretly work behind my back, but who do they think they are?"
As he spoke, he became angry again, his expression growing more ferocious, almost gritting his teeth: "The military department is not to be trifled with! Why do they slander us? Are they crazy? Maintaining Gelen's century of safety, no longer suffering foreign invasion, no longer enduring poverty and cold, it was us, us! Look at Gelen then and Gelen now! Do they think just relying on their eloquent mouths, they can navigate smoothly between various countries, enjoy others' respect? Bullshit! Without strength, everything must get lost! Their current glory is mostly our credit! Yet he comes to frame me! This group of short-sighted fools, what do they understand?"
"Even if others can accuse us, curse us, but what right do they have? Just because they hold too much power, so they have more ideas, people are all the same. Is that Maxwell cleaner than me?!" Barite roared angrily. "Sooner or later, they will regret today's events! They are destroying Gelen's future! People who believe him are idiots too!"
The soldier's eyes shifted sideways, looking at the old man throwing a tantrum in front.
Yes, he was no longer young. Different from the commanding Barite of the past. Of course, even more different from the rumored sinister, ruthless, decisive image.
He was just a hot-blooded and impulsive soldier. These two characteristics accompanied him throughout his life, even now.
Reaching the position of General already proved his achievements. Know that the gap between Major General and Colonel ranks is worlds apart. It requires military merit, background, and luck. How many people, even serving for life, reach their limit at Colonel, let alone General?
Barite's career path was entirely carved out through his own battles. Regardless of his identity, his status, in every battle, he dared to charge bravely at the very front line.
That's why he had great prestige in the military department, why the soldiers he led were invincible.
The soldier lowered his gaze. He didn't know if what Barite did was right, but he knew Barite loved Gelen. In the way he was best at.
Perhaps due to education and environmental influence. Barite's concept of national borders was deeply ingrained. Those not of my race can be enemies. He could be cruel to people from other countries, but towards Gelen people, he was always gentle. It was just his position that restricted him from expressing his gentleness.
That's why he held onto Cornell's words so tightly.
What preparation for immigration? What embezzlement of resource planets for personal gain? Pah! What Barite couldn't accept most were these baseless accusations.
Pah pah pah! Countless pahs couldn't describe his current anger!
Villain! Shameless and despicable villain!
Barite had cursed many times already, with no intention of stopping.
"Internal war? Idiots!" Barite continued cursing. "I've never seen anyone invite wolves into their own house. What kind of people are those from the Alliance? A bunch of hypocrites who only speak pretty words! Haven't seen how many dirty, despicable things they've done. Maxwell will definitely be the biggest disgrace in Gelen's history; he will lead Gelen to hell! That idiot! Idiot! And Cornell!"
Speaking of Cornell, Barite's original anger doubled.
Heaven knows how much he favored Cornell. Although Cornell was a clone, although he hadn't received orthodox education, none of that mattered. Look how much he resembled Edwin! Appearance, intelligence, strength... He was the person in this world closest to Edwin, that legendary hero.
Barite originally thought he would understand him, understand Edwin. They would get along well. Although Cornell's lifespan wasn't long, his life could be very exciting!
As for the clone identity, not recognizing his human rights was stipulated by interstellar law, but was he a person? He was! So what did it matter? Recognition or not was just a matter of concept.
Shows how open-minded he was.
...He now deeply regretted comparing Cornell with Edwin; that was simply an insult to Edwin... He had truly never seen such a stupid person!
Barite sighed: "In this barren place of Gelen, we simply have no other choice. Don't you think?"
The soldier didn't know either, but he already detested war. He felt he couldn't be like Barite, struggling in the vortex of war his entire life.
Either let him die early, or let him escape the sea of suffering. Otherwise, he would go mad.
"We need to seize the initiative," Barite picked up the report on the table. Now he was again an impersonal superior: "Those who speak first are always more likely to gain trust. Since Maxwell dares to do such things, then we can't be polite either."
He tossed the report forward: "Go expose Cornell's identity as a clone! The research team back then all died with the explosion; Mr. Edwin's cells are all gone. Just say we knew nothing; anyway, it can't get worse. But Cornell! He must die!"
The soldier accepted the order: "Yes!"
However, just as the soldier walked out of the office, before he could contact the media and subordinates to secretly reveal this matter, someone had already beaten them to it, disclosing it.
A life science researcher who once worked under Barite stated that Cornell looking so much like Edwin strongly suggested he might be Edwin's clone.
Back then, Barite wanted to cultivate an obedient puppet to help him stabilize public opinion. Simultaneously activate Edwin's once-in-a-century genius genes to strengthen the Gelen military's combat power. So he secretly established a research institute dedicated to cloning research.
The research lasted for decades, with successes and failures along the way. Although now halted, it was uncertain if there were successful cases.
This matter immediately caused a huge uproar.
Big news! This was the big news! Cloning research not only involved internal disputes but was also prohibited experimentation!
Look at the price they were willing to pay to defeat the opponent.
...The people of Gelen expressed unhappiness; this news looked too sad.
Following closely, internal personnel working under Barite stated, yes, Cornell was indeed a clone. Barite previously used Cornell's clone identity to constantly threaten him, forcing him to keep secrets and smear the Alliance. That's why Cornell had no choice but to do so.
As for why a clone from Gelen's experiment ended up in the Alliance... who cared at this point!
Who these whistleblowing internal personnel were was no longer important. Whether their words were true or false was also easy to verify; just extract his DNA for comparison.
The military and political factions tore each other apart, exposing scandals; the sight was truly ugly. Yet the most pitiful was still Cornell. He was constantly mentioned by people, yet endured only unpleasant words. Both the military and political factions looked down on him.
Moreover, according to interstellar precedent, clones were not recognized human rights, not allowed to exist. So after his identity was confirmed, he faced—being dealt with.
"I can send you away, anywhere you want to go."
Maxwell said: "I cannot send you back to the Alliance; that's unfeasible. Now that things are exposed, we have no room to turn back, and the Alliance won't accept you either."
Cornell and Harry, sitting opposite him, nodded in understanding.
"From now on, we won't provide you any help. After leaving Gelen, we have no relationship. You must be careful not to expose yourselves; best go to more remote places," Maxwell said. "If I prepare too perfectly for you, Barite will use it to attack me. So, the identity issue, I cannot resolve for you."
How famous was Edwin? Now there was arguably the hottest gossip in the entire interstellar community; everyone was paying attention.
Maxwell didn't solve their identity and escape route. Relying solely on Cornell and Harry, how could they survive in places where all countries now strictly checked identities? Probably only live like vagrants in those poor places.
Maxwell said: "Sorry."
"No, you didn't kill me on the spot, that's already very good. Actually, I was originally prepared," Cornell said calmly. For him, no honor, no reward; he was already used to it.
Used to it. But at least, he felt he wasn't leaving silently. Perhaps one or two people would remember him.
"It will be very dangerous. I cannot guarantee you can safely leave Gelen," Maxwell looked at Harry. "Do you really want to follow him?"
Harry said indifferently: "Anyway... I don't have anywhere else to go either."
Maxwell gave them some cash, plus valuables like diamonds and gold. But they couldn't carry too much.
"Take care," Maxwell said. "I'm leaving this place tomorrow. I hope the final result won't disappoint you."
He extended his hand towards Cornell.
Cornell stared fixedly for a while, then said: "I will watch you. I hope you are not lying." Then placed his hand on top.
Gelen's internal conflicts continued to intensify; various major news items emerged endlessly, providing nearly a year's worth of gossip for interstellar citizens. Everyone focused on this former hegemon, this disguised robber.
Maxwell's move this time was cutting the ground from under the feet, determined to completely change Gelen's way of survival. So even if it meant harming himself by five hundred, he didn't retreat. Barite was the same.
They didn't understand each other, nor could they persuade each other.
Hundred Meter Flying Dagger told Lian Sheng and the others not to rush; the military department was also negotiating and arranging internally, and would inform them of the results. Then this "not rushing" lasted for over a month.
By the time Lian Sheng and the others learned Cornell's DNA was confirmed, they had already returned to the 29th District and were temporarily staying at the base, not assigned to duty.
Lin Lie had been teaching Lian Sheng classes recently.
Lian Sheng was still very smart and willing to learn. So although she disliked it, her efficiency was quite good.
Lin Lie herself had little teaching experience, but she had a more insightful and accurate understanding of various contents and key points. Her lectures were dry but useful, increasing Lian Sheng's pain of listening but at least ensuring teaching quality.
Lin Lie leaned against the lab table: "I'm applying to transport Jiugong back from the Third Army for component modification."
Lian Sheng looked up: "Jiugong?"
Lin Lie nodded: "Lian Heng's mech."
Mechs were, of course, owned by the military department. But if a mech pilot was outstanding enough, with an absolute combat record, they could strive for their own exclusive mech. The Research Institute would perform special modifications based on the pilot's characteristics and requirements. They could even engrave their names on the mech.
Under normal circumstances, mechs would perish with their pilots on the battlefield; that was their final destination. So, once an exclusive mech was confirmed, ownership belonged to the Alliance, but usage rights belonged to the pilot.
When Lian Heng passed away, the mech was still parked at the base, completely undamaged. But considering his sacrifice and merits, the military department kept the mech, not reassigning it.
Now, few people in the Third Army knew Lian Heng. Either retired or became old relics of the military department. Lian Sheng hadn't met those people when she went on missions with the Third Army before.
However, not many people in the entire military department had exclusive mechs; each was a legendary hero worth boasting about.
Lian Heng's mech had always been parked in the Third Army warehouse. On its fiery red body, his name was engraved with sharp strokes, passed down along with his deeds.
Lian Sheng asked: "What kind of person was he?"
Lin Lie recalled for a moment, smiled: "A very smart, yet very foolish person. A very powerful, yet very fragile person."
Someone who knew it was impossible, yet still wanted to try.
Someone occasionally foolish, yet occasionally serious.
Someone always escaping death, yet seemingly never fearing death.
Someone inexplicably stubborn, always fixated on strange things.
Someone who looked very strong, yet would cry out loud.
Someone who could bear everything on his shoulders.
Speaking of knowing him, their time together wasn't long, but Lian Heng was just that kind of person. He would deeply engrave himself in others' hearts, unforgettable even if one wanted to forget.
"Why is life so fragile? Yet humans are very strong," Lin Lie looked up. "Death won't stop, falling won't defeat. Every step taken, wanting to strive to leave one's footprint, that's enough."
Lin Lie said: "He clearly recognized his every identity; his sense of mission was innate. So he would obey the military department's orders, act from the Alliance's interests. But he also remembered all his identities: brother, friend, or captain. So he was never afraid to do foolish things, never afraid of death's intimidation ahead. He wanted to save more innocent people, also save those beside him."
Lin Lie asked: "Cornell, is he your friend?"
Lian Sheng: "Yes. I have many friends now."
"You are willing to save them; I think they would also come to save you," Lin Lie said. "If you continue in the military department, I hope one day when you encounter danger, your friends can also come save you regardless of everything. That's how you become strong."
Lian Sheng looked at her, but Lin Lie avoided her gaze. Lian Sheng lowered her head: "Yes. Thank you."
"If the Third Army agrees, Jiugong will be handed over next month. I also hope to see it move again, rather than continuing to sit in the warehouse," Lin Lie said. "You can also engrave your own name."
Lian Heng's Jiugong, Lin Lie's modification.
That mech, bearing Lian Heng's past, perhaps was the bond connecting them.
Their names and glory would be engraved on the same mech. She could carry that name, reappear in everyone's sight.
Lian Sheng said: "Yes!"
Lin Lie turned her face sideways, nodded at her, then raised her hand and patted the back of her head.
She could often see Lian Heng's image in Lian Sheng. Stubborn personality, never-extinguishing hope, strong and unyielding aura, and that sincerity.
In the afternoon, Hundred Meter Flying Dagger sent a communication, summoning them for a secret meeting to discuss matters concerning Cornell.
The group left their rooms early, brought their optical computers, and went to the designated conference room to wait.
Arriving at the room were still the original group of eight, not one missing.
Hundred Meter Flying Dagger was very busy. He had scheduled for 3 PM but finally arrived at 3:30 PM. As soon as he entered, he sat in the head chair and let out a long sigh.
He rolled up his sleeves, tapped the optical computer in his palm: "I know you are all very curious, also very excited, each of you has asked me no less than a hundred times. So now, I will tell you the matter straightforwardly."
Everyone looked at him in unison.
"Cornell being a clone, I believe you all already know," Hundred Meter Flying Dagger said. "I asked you before. Since you all made the same choice, then I will speak bluntly."
When they learned Cornell was a clone, Zhao Zhuoluo and the others were indeed very shocked. That shock didn't subside for several days. Then, heartbrokenly, they thought perhaps this was the reason for Cornell's premature maturity and taciturn nature.
In principle, complete cloning was not allowed. Previously, this term was just a term to them. But now this term became Cornell, and everything was different.
They didn't feel clones were any different. Able to think, independent individuals. If not scrutinized, they were fundamentally identical to ordinary people. Yet they were forever marked with the label of someone else.
Cornell grew up bearing that label, in this complex environment, keeping his secret while harboring confusion about life and self since his naive childhood.
They couldn't even believe how they would accept that fact if it were them.
They would definitely be bewildered, incomparably bewildered.
This world is unfair; this unfairness is vividly reflected in clones.
But when Hundred Meter Flying Dagger asked if Cornell was their friend.
Without hesitation.
Yes.
He was.
From Kafa to the port, that unsmiling youth always stood silently beside them.
He was very kind, very strong. So strong that one couldn't bear to owe him anymore.
Hundred Meter Flying Dagger: "3rd District. We made brief contact with Maxwell, learned Cornell is currently in the 3rd District. But, essentially, the military department will not support you going to rescue him. Because of Cornell's identity, he is Gelen's clone, unrelated to the Alliance. There were already entangled matters before, but now it's best to distance ourselves as cleanly as possible. Beyond that, Cornell also participated in Gelen's internal strife issues. He repeatedly deceived ordinary citizens, caused social turmoil, with extremely adverse effects. So even analyzing from any angle, Gelen's decision to execute him faces no objection."
Ji Ban protested indignantly: "But the fact is, he's just taking the blame."
Hundred Meter Flying Dagger: "Don't talk about facts. We are talking about reality now."
Everyone's face looked terrible. They even looked at him with more exaggerated expressions, indicating their anger.
Hundred Meter Flying Dagger seemed not to see, continuing calmly: "Moreover, the Alliance has no reason whatsoever to help him. To save him alone, the military force, resources, weapons we need to expend, and the social problems that might arise, these are all very serious. Besides, Cornell is Gelen's clone. Even if the Alliance brings him back, they cannot settle him. According to regulations, clones are not allowed human rights. If the Alliance sets this precedent, it will disrupt society's moral ethics and public order, bringing considerable trouble upon itself."
Hundred Meter Flying Dagger took a deep breath: "In short, this rescue, we can only act secretly. Feasibility is low, risk is high. Sending our elite soldiers, risking sacrifice, to save a foreign individual with a short lifespan. It's a very unworthy matter. The Alliance will not agree to such an approach."
Zhou Shirui spoke gloomily: "Brother, I know the Alliance won't agree, but we..."
Hundred Meter Flying Dagger raised his hand, interrupting him, signaling them all to stand back: "This is the result analyzed from the perspective of the Alliance and the military department. This is the most rational, also most advantageous choice. So, if you want to do it, don't expect any approval or support from the military department."
"However, although Cornell isn't my soldier, he once served in the military department. He made irreplaceable contributions to the Alliance's stability. From my personal perspective, I don't want to give up on him." Hundred Meter Flying Dagger, "Wanting to bring him out of Gelen is an extremely dangerous operation, participation is voluntary. I repeat, manpower is limited, success rate is low. If anyone still wants to go, then raise your hand now."
"Actually, I don't really like raising hands, makes me seem particularly childish," Fang Jianchen said. "I like answering roll call."
Hundred Meter Flying Dagger: "Then answer roll call."
Thus, seven people raised their hands. Fang Jianchen's deafening "Here!" echoed in the conference room.
Everyone looked at him silently.
Fang Jianchen: "..."
Damn awkward.
So he also raised his hand.
"Now, the Sixth Army Corps grants you half a month's leave. Within half a month, the military department lifts all supervision over you. Whatever you do won't be questioned; military privileges and conveniences are also all revoked. After half a month, you must return to the team!" Hundred Meter Flying Dagger slapped a card on the table, sliding it towards Lian Sheng: "The key to the adjacent Research Institute's warehouse management was lost. Moshi is parked inside. If not returned on time for inventory check, it will cause significant property loss to the military department, understand?"
Everyone nodded eagerly: "Understood, understood."
Fang Jianchen winked: "Brother Dao, I knew you were this kind of person! Brother, love you~"
Hundred Meter Flying Dagger tapped his head with the optical computer, though not forcefully.
"I'm getting older too, can't go on vacation with you guys, but I can do some rear planning for your vacation," Hundred Meter Flying Dagger said. "You might not fully understand the current situation yet; I still need to emphasize again."
He displayed several images: "These are the weapons you can take. These are the tools and routes you can use. These are the checkpoints ahead in Gelen that need to be broken through. These are the inspections you need to avoid when returning after the rescue."
Everyone started studying the map.
Zhao Zhuoluo and the others were responsible for fighting; not good with map data and such. So they glanced at it and ignored it.
Leave everything to the commander and vice commander!
Hundred Meter Flying Dagger looked at their faces, feeling they particularly deserved a beating.
Just as he was about to continue explaining, faint footsteps sounded from the hallway.
The other party wore military boots; the sound on the floor was particularly loud.
Lian Sheng's ears were sharp. She immediately put away her optical computer, gave everyone a look, then walked to the door.
"This rhythm..." Hundred Meter Flying Dagger counted the familiar footsteps, eyes widening: "Damn! Liliana!"
Liliana directly pushed the door open forcefully and walked in, asking coldly: "What did you just say?"
Hundred Meter Flying Dagger covered his ears.
She tilted her head, scanned everyone, her gaze carrying pressure. Feeling guilty, everyone subconsciously lowered their heads.
Liliana, the reputation of the Sixth Army's God of War, was definitely not undeserved.
She closed the door with a backhand, but stared at Hundred Meter Flying Dagger, questioning: "Conspiring action, did you consult my opinion? Have you forgotten you are active Expeditionary Force members? Also, seeing a superior officer, why don't you know how to salute?"
Everyone immediately raised their hands, shouting in unison: "Colonel Liliana!"
"I know what you want to do. But in the military department, all matters must obey superiors' orders! Your current behavior has seriously violated military discipline. Zhou Shiren—" Liliana pointed at him, "Stand up for me!"
Hundred Meter Flying Dagger shot up.
Liliana satisfactorily pulled out a chair and sat down herself.
"I just came to announce one thing to you. Cornell stole core secrets regarding mech research and development from the Sixth Army then defected. The Expeditionary Force requests confirmation first whether he leaked intelligence before proceeding with execution," Liliana said. "If Gelen officials do not accept extradition, then we will directly break through with force, forcibly execute Cornell. Depart soon."
Several people paused for a moment.
Lian Sheng looked up and responded first: "Yes!"
She looked at Hundred Meter Flying Dagger, her eyes undisguisedly expressing: Foolish fellow.
Hundred Meter Flying Dagger: "..."
Indeed, people with hard fists are different, much bolder than him.
Comments
Post a Comment