Chapter 1648 - 1318: The Patience Battle Behind the War (Part 2)

He stood up, walked to the large screen, and tapped the map with his fingertip.

"First, the Kurd people will be forced to redeploy at least two brigades to defend the Hulmatu direction. Second, the Persians will fill the power vacuum through militia organizations, expanding their influence to an unprecedented degree. Third, 1515 will gain breathing space, transforming Hulmatu into a base for recruitment, training, and launching attacks. Fourth—"

He turned to Williams, "Regional allies will fundamentally question our commitments and capabilities. And this 'East University Mercenary,' if they choose to stand by and wait until we clean up the mess, then join at a higher price, the situation will only worsen."

The meeting room was silent.

The air conditioner outlet hissed, as if accompanying this silence.

Cortes broke the silence: "Miller, from a purely military standpoint, what is the cost of accepting Song Heping's conditions?"

"The short-term cost is reputation, some political capital, and convincing the Baghdad Government to accept Samir's appointment." Duke carried on, "But in the long run, this might actually be the optimal solution. Giving Samir an official status means his forces must be under Ministry of Defense command, regularly submitting report movements. We are now facing a 'gray zone' armed force, and recognizing it allows us at least to incorporate it into a regulatory framework. Moreover—"

He pulled up the battle record of Song Heping's forces, "In the past eighteen months, they have clashed with 1515 multiple times, with an unbeaten record. This kind of combat strength is precisely what the Northwest needs most."

"But Song's asking price is too high!" Cortes appeared somewhat unwilling.

"Song Heping is a savvy businessman." Miller sat back down, "He wants a long-term meal ticket, not a one-time deal. If he just wanted money, he could entirely wait until Hulmatu falls, let 1515 and the Kurd people exhaust each other, and then intervene at a higher price. But he chose to set up early in Region 4, strategically positioning himself at a critical moment, which indicates he is also rational, recognizing Hulmatu's importance, merely seeking legitimate status and sustainable partnerships."

Williams wanted to argue further but was stopped by a raised hand from Cortes: "We need a risk assessment. What is the worst-case scenario?"

The intelligence representative answered: "The worst-case scenario is once Song Heping gains legal status, he exploits this platform to expand military cooperation with East University, potentially becoming East University's 'strategic pivot' in the region. But current intelligence shows Song Heping's relationship with East University's military is complex, without evidence of any close cooperation, our assessment indicates he is an individual player, not a state proxy."

"The core members of 'Musician' defense hail from multiple countries, and the mercenary troops their company controls are a hodgepodge of equipment—Russian-made rifles, American communication devices, East University-produced drones. He appears to be a pragmatist."

"And the reality is," Miller glanced at his watch, "Ross and his mercenaries can only hold up for about—"

He paused, "Twenty hours. We need to make a decision by noon, so Song Heping's forces can complete maneuver and attack preparations before nightfall."

The meeting lasted three hours.

Arguments, compromises, and more arguments.

Finally, a compromise plan emerged—principally agreeing to all Song Heping's conditions, but with strict additional clauses—the scale of the Tenth Border Defense Division is capped at thirteen thousand five hundred people; all battalion-level and higher officers require Ministry of Defense approval for government control over their scale and personnel.

Most importantly, Song Heping must launch sustained strikes on 1515's supply lines in the Northwest within forty-eight hours after relieving Hulmatu, severing Ahmed's supply lifeline.

The plan was preliminarily finalized, reported to the highest decision-making level for the final decision.

"Will he accept these additional terms?" Cortes asked.

Miller saved the document: "He will definitely negotiate, but we have met the core conditions. For a civilian leader, a Lieutenant General Rank and regular army inclusion are priceless for legitimizing his status. He understands the importance of knowing when to quit while ahead."

At five o'clock in the afternoon, the decision level rose to the highest.

Beside the oak long table in the White House situation room sat the seven most powerful people in the country—the Defense Minister, Secretary of State, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, National Security Advisor to the President, as well as Miller and Duke himself, connected via encrypted video to the meeting system.

The room lights dimmed, the main screen divided to display real-time drone footage of Hulmatu, troop disposition maps, and satellite images of Region 4.

Smoke rose from the eastern district of the city, armored vehicle wreckage visible on the streets.

"Ladies and gentlemen, time is running out."

National Security Advisor Howard Clement spoke: "Colonel Ross sent the final communication, their ammunition stock is only seventeen percent remaining, and injured personnel surpass two hundred. If no decision is made soon, we will soon pay contractual compensation for the Hulmatu garrison."

Defense Minister Robert Gates turned to Miller: "Are you one hundred percent sure Song Heping has the ability to turn the tide? I need to remind you, if he deploys his troops only to be defeated, not only will Hulmatu be lost, but we will also become a global laughingstock."

Miller nodded, his tone beyond doubt: "I'm certain. Three reasons: First, Song Heping's forces, while lurking in Region 4, have already gained a unidirectional transparency advantage over the battlefield. Second, the attack timing he chose—1515's main forces fully engaged in siege warfare, rear vulnerable, supply lines stretched to the limit. Third, according to drone reconnaissance, Song Heping has deployed at least eight 120mm mortars and four pickup trucks outfitted with rocket launchers at the lurking points, firepower sufficient to deliver devastating blows to 1515's assembly area, and don't forget he can also mobilize over ten thousand troops from Abu You Brigade and 'Liberation Forces' into battle."