Chapter 1816 - 1380: Questionable Background

"Did you find the files?" Song Heping inquired.

"I just received them, Boss." Henry's voice was tense, lowered: "I got some rather different files from an old friend in the intelligence department. The story of Misu might not be as you previously stated."

"Explain in detail." Song Heping showed interest.

"During his time in the United States, Misu was very pro-American, but the critical turning point was in 2014."

Henry continued in a low voice: "During the height of the Silia civil war, the United States aimed to overthrow the Hafez Regime. Declassified documents indicate that the CIA recruited Misu in March 2014, giving him a new identity and mission."

Song Heping's breathing slightly paused. "What mission?"

"First, he was to return to Illiguo's university to teach, then infiltrate Organization 1515 as a religious convert, using his chemical expertise to create chemical weapons for 1515. But this wasn't to aid 1515; the original plan was to use these chemical weapons on the battlefield, film through groups like 'White Helmets,' and frame the Silia Government Army to justify military intervention."

Song Heping felt a chill down his spine.

This explains why Lemont skipped the 2013-2014 time frame.

"Did Misu agree?"

"He initially agreed. At that time, he was discontent with the Hafez Regime, viewing the United States as a democratic savior."

Henry continued: "But things went awry. Reliable intelligence indicates that after over a year with 1515, Misu truly converted. He… disappeared, severing all ties with the CIA."

"You mean... he betrayed them?"

"It's basically confirmed." Henry said: "In early 2016, after cutting ties with the CIA, he truly became a confidant of Baghdadi. Worse, he knows all the details of the framing plan—how the CIA orchestrated it, how the White Helmets cooperated, how Western media sensationalized it. These are bargaining chips for blackmail."

Song Heping gazed out the window.

A Hummer drove out of the base, the roof's machine gunner vigilantly scanning the surroundings.

Now he understood.

This wasn't a mission to capture the messenger; this was a mission to silence him.

They aren't looking for Buckdadi at all.

The goal is to ensure Misu can never speak again.

"The Americans have been accusing the Hafez Regime of using chemical weapons in international forums. If Misu is captured alive and reveals these secrets..."

Song Heping pondered the weight of the intelligence.

"It would be a diplomatic disaster. Not just for the CIA, but the entire U.S. Middle East policy would be questioned." Henry took over, "Therefore, Duke's words 'kill if necessary' aren't an alternative; it's likely the main plan."

Paused and asked again: "Is there other evidence?"

"There are photos. Pictures of Misu meeting CIA contacts, in April 2014 in Turkey. Also, records of fund transfers from Swiss accounts to Misu's family accounts, which only stopped at the end of 2015."

Henry paused for a moment: "Boss, this situation is too deep. The secrets Misu knows could topple many."

Song Heping fell silent.

Now he understood the flickering gaze of Lemont in the briefing, understood why the transition process of Misu was glossed over.

This wasn't a lack of intelligence, but deliberate concealment.

"Keep looking." He finally said: "Especially the current situation of Misu's family, and possible hiding places. Use all resources."

"Understood. Boss, you also must be extra cautious. If the Americans find out you're investigating this..."

"I know."

After hanging up, Song Heping stood by the window for a long time.

Night had fully descended, the base's searchlights turning on, beams piercing the darkness, sweeping through the ruins.

The rooftop sniper was changing shifts; he heard the soft sound of footsteps and the metallic clatter of weapons.

The door was knocked, three times, paused, and then twice more.

Milosh's code.

"Come in."

Milosh walked in with a cup of coffee, closing the door as he came in.

He didn't speak, only communicated through his eyes.

Song Heping nodded, then gestured "safe."

Milosh nodded, placing the coffee on the table: "Deployment plan is ready. The entire battalion splits into twenty teams, each team has 20 members, covering all designated routes. We set out before dawn."

"Good." Song Heping said: "You're in charge of the operation, contact me anytime."

"No problem." Milosh said, "But there's a question that needs confirmation. If we find the target, as the Americans suggest, can we execute them?"

Song Heping shook his head: "No. If we find Misu, try to capture him alive. If the situation becomes dire, at least spare his life."

"Why? Duke's orders are clear."

"Because something isn't right." Song Heping lowered his voice: "Misu has secrets, and we need him alive to uncover them. Remember when executing orders: capture him alive first."

Milosh's expression turned serious, "Understood. I'll convey this."

After he left, Song Heping's phone rang again.

This time it was Jiang Feng.

"Boss, things are complicated over here in Titrick." Jiang Feng's voice sounded fatigued, background noises indicating mechanical activity: "While clearing that building, we found a hidden room in the basement. The door was blasted, but we dug it open."

"What did you find?"

"Documents, mostly burnt, but a few pages remain." Jiang Feng paused, the sound of papers flipping: "Chemical formulas, experimental records, and some incomprehensible symbols. The chemistry expert in our squad reviewed them; he said it looks like the development of a new type of neurotoxin, but the formula is incomplete, missing a key catalyst."