Threat (1)
"What's the problem?" I asked Cheol-min, sensing he might see things differently from the rest of us.
"It's a matter of objectives, I suppose."
"If it's about stopping people, that approach has its merits."
"Even without physical force, it keeps people on edge. Tension leads to mistakes."
"Still, I doubt it'll work for hunting. You know how terrifying instinct can be."
He spoke with the polished air of someone far older than his years. After another five minutes of climbing, Deputy Team Leader and two of his men came down to meet us.
"Everything going well?"
His voice boomed with energy. The man beside him looked slightly flustered, his right hand twitching upward as if he had nearly saluted.
"You've been working hard. Join us for dinner tonight. I've brought a small token of appreciation."
"We're always grateful."
The team members took the beef Cheol-min had carried and continued up the mountain. The training ground felt unsettled.
"Things seem a bit chaotic around here."
"Ah, we just received orders from the Director. We're to prepare for a move."
The formal speech patterns made sense now. No wonder Director Jo had said the man carried the scent of the military.
"Let's head inside."
We entered the container and shared a tea break. It had been a while since I'd tasted the yellow instant coffee mix. Guilt crept in. We weren't short on money, and these weren't North Korean soldiers. They deserved better than this.
"Is there anything you're lacking?"
"No, everything's fine!"
Why were they glancing at me like that?
"Speak freely."
I pressed them. The man behind the deputy nudged him.
"We're truly grateful for how well you've taken care of us. If possible, could we get more weapons? Some have broken down, and ammunition is running low."
This was unexpected. Hadn't we airlifted a hundred thousand rounds last year? Considering their training volume, it made sense they were short. I'd told them not to hold back, after all.
"Understood. I'll arrange it soon. Send me a list. My apologies—I should have handled this earlier."
"Not at all. Thank you for listening!"
His voice nearly deafened me. He handed over an A4 sheet, clearly prepared in advance.
"Cheol-min, go hang out with the others outside. I have work to do."
Their staring contest was distracting.
"Yes, sir!"
> Long time no contact. —GB(38.3)
> How may I assist the Godfather? —dukeVlamir(39.6)
> The previous shipment is working well. I'd like to acquire more. —GB(38.3)
> What do you require? —dukeVlamir(39.6)
I read out the list. He asked me to wait a moment. Waiting was fine. I stepped outside the container and found Cheol-min pinning someone to the ground. The deputy team leader's eyes looked ready to shoot lasers. His competitive streak was no joke.
> The items from your last order are in stock. However, the American stock will take time. Is that acceptable? —dukeVlamir(39.6)
> That's fine. I'll take the first batch now and the rest later. —GB(38.3)
Ammunition requests were doubled from last time. Since they had no stock, we agreed on 150,000 rounds each of rifle and pistol ammo first, with the rest to arrive alongside the American weapons. As reserves, thirty AK-47s and thirty Romanov pistols, ten sniper rifles, plus matching quantities of American gear. Various secondary arms followed—flashbangs, tear gas, night vision, comms equipment. They had requested special forces-level gear.
> Are you suppressing rebels in SK? —dukeVlamir(39.6)
Essentially a company-sized arsenal, though without heavy weapons. I considered ordering a magic wand but removed it from the list. Bulk shopping had its advantages—negotiating power. We secured roughly twenty percent off the previous price. After settling payment and wiring the deposit, Duke Vladimir offered information. Or perhaps he had intended to sell it all along.
> Do you know which organization received the Afghan shipment? —dukeVlamir(39.6)
> I do. We're receiving it through ExpressAli. —GB(38.3)
> Word is they're bringing it in for operations in Northeast Asia. —GB(38.3)
> That purchase from China has hit us hard. —dukeVlamir(39.6)
Russia and China were competitors. The trade route was elegant—China sold weapons to Afghanistan, Afghanistan moved opium through us. A familiar structure. Still, why ask about our domestic organization?
> If I learn anything, I'll let you know. May I ask why you're interested? —GB(38.3)
> Simple. We hoped you'd switch to our line for future purchases. —dukeVlamir(39.6)
> Our government will clean things up soon. —dukeVlamir(39.6)
That had been profitable. I needed to warn Ali. Yet when I contacted him, he seemed unsurprised.
> This has always happened. Britain, America, Russia, China—the strong nations always push us around. —ExpressAli(36.9)
> The product remains the same, and middlemen like me survive because they can't move it themselves. —ExpressAli(36.9)
> Thanks for the information. I'll need to reorganize the China route. —ExpressAli(36.9)
Watching Ali accept the bitter reality so calmly, I had nothing left to add. I could only hope he stayed safe. After ending the call, I instructed the newly promoted Chief Kim to handle the incoming shipment, then collected a reluctant Cheol-min and headed down. On the way, I authorized additional operational funds for the security team. Even if soldiers claimed they didn't care, I wanted to look after them.
I returned to my routine—preparing for the move, attending university. One day I found myself hiking Bukhansan with the sharp law student from the bus. Why we chose to date here, surrounded mostly by middle-aged hikers, I couldn't quite understand. Everyone wore outdoor gear—hiking clothes, boots, poles, caps. We stood out like sore thumbs.
"Oppa, last week I met some seniors at a law department gathering the school hosted."
We chatted about recent events. The topic turned to our side of things.
"The prosecutor's office is completely tied up with drug investigations these days."
"The thing about drugs is—"
Sorry, but I probably knew more than her senior. I simply nodded.
"My senior was bragging about catching the largest domestic organization. I can't wait to graduate and become a prosecutor so I can lock those people away."
So she was our future enemy. An aspiring nemesis. I laughed and changed the subject.
"You've got good stamina. Most people would be exhausted by now."
"You need stamina to take down bad guys!"
The conversation wasn't working. She seemed possessed by something—tunnel vision, perhaps. Fixated on the goal, blind to everything else.
We reached the summit, descended, shared kalguksu and pajeon, then returned to campus.
"Sorry, senior, but next week might be difficult. The law department is having an MT."
Really? Nice! I could rest at home.
"Is that so? That's a shame. Have fun, then. See you in class."
After parting ways, I wondered what to do next week when a message arrived that scattered my plans.
Come to the Philippines.
I'd been invited. How have you been?
Thanks. My wife has adjusted well, and the child's growing nicely. I'll introduce you while you're here.
He seemed more talkative. A good sign.
Back home, I asked Cheol-min, "Cheol-min, do you have a passport? Let's go abroad."
We needed to get passports first. After catching up on online lectures and assignments, and with the new house ready, I called a moving truck. Our belongings were so minimal that a car would have sufficed if not for the furniture. The new place came fully furnished, so we'd need to get rid of some pieces anyway. And someone was already there.
"Who are you?"
"Hello. Nice to meet you. My name is Lee Myeong-suk."
"Director Jo from the welfare center introduced me. He asked me to handle the household chores."
Ah. A housekeeper.
"You didn't receive the message?"
"No, I didn't. Please take good care of things."
A woman in her forties with the air of a Cheongdam-dong daughter-in-law managing our home felt odd.
"This is my daughter. Director Jo saved her life."
A girl around ten years old in a wheelchair bowed politely.
"Hello? I'm Seo Hyun-jin."
"She had surgery last month and still has trouble walking. It was heart surgery."
Director Jo had clearly planned this well. After greeting them, I went upstairs to the third floor and contacted him.
As camouflage, the visual is decent, and having people in the house brings life to it. The background check is complete, so it should be fine to entrust them with it.