ragginovel Chapter 333 The General's Conditions
Chapter 333 The General's Conditions
"What are your conditions?"
Zone Zero, deep within the giant crater.
Marcus held the cold communicator, and upon hearing Li Zhenguo's words, he felt no surprise whatsoever.
He was well aware that although he now held the "key" and had a certain degree of initiative, he was essentially seeking the protection and support of China.
He was risking his own life and the value of that key for an uncertain future for hundreds of millions of Americans.
In such negotiations, it's impossible for the other party not to raise conditions.
"Please speak, Commander-in-Chief." Marcus's voice was still hoarse, but his attitude was extremely respectful.
Olaf, standing next to him, didn't dare to breathe.
Although he couldn't understand Chinese, from Marcus's solemn expression and the calm yet authoritative voice coming from the communicator, he could sense that these two men were deciding the fate of the world.
He was merely a tiny witness, not even qualified to be an observer.
My conditions are very simple.
In the No. 1 command center in Beijing, Li Zhenguo looked at the huge red area on the sand table and spoke slowly.
"First, from this moment forward, all U.S. forces in the North American theater must unconditionally accept the unified command of the Earth Alliance Command. This includes, but is not limited to, troop movements, military deployments, and logistical support."
"I need absolute command."
This condition was within Marcus's expectations.
Since the White House's command authority is to be suspended, a new supreme command center is necessary.
Looking at the global picture, the only person with the ability and qualifications to take on this responsibility is Li Zhenguo.
"I agree," Marcus answered without hesitation. "I will issue this order to all units in the North American theater in my capacity as commander of Task Force 'Death.' However, I cannot guarantee that everyone will obey."
"I understand," Li Zhenguo said. "This is my second condition."
"For those troops who refuse to accept unified command, or even attempt to create chaos and division, I authorize you to handle them at will."
"You may use any means you deem appropriate to maintain unity and stability in the North American theater."
"I will provide you with all the necessary support, including intelligence, weapons, and..."
Li Zhenguo paused, then spoke slowly and deliberately.
"...Mr. 'Proctor's', limited, force support."
Marcus's heart skipped a beat!
The "proctor's" armed support!
In an instant, the image of Jian Wuchen's divine might, the sword that cleaved down the starship, flashed into his mind!
With this promise, it's like having an unstoppable trump card!
Any force that dares to disobey orders will be utterly helpless in the face of such godlike power!
"I... understand." Marcus's voice trembled slightly.
He knew that Li Zhenguo was giving him a powerful weapon.
A sword that can cut down all villains and reshape the North American military order!
"Third, and final, condition." Li Zhenguo's voice became serious.
"The key must be kept by you personally."
"Before the beacon is activated, no one may touch it, much less attempt to ignite it, without my command."
This condition stunned Marcus.
He originally thought that Li Zhenguo would immediately demand that he hand over the keys.
He was even prepared to use the key to exchange for more bargaining chips.
But to his surprise, Li Zhenguo actually asked him to continue keeping the key.
"Why?" Marcus couldn't help but ask.
"Because this 'key' is now a hot potato," Li Zhenguo said without any hesitation.
"The whole world is watching it. Whoever gets it will become the target of everyone's hatred."
"You, General Marcus, are a hero of America. You gave your life to achieve victory in destroying the Mother Nest. This key, as a trophy, rightfully belongs to you, this hero."
"And if I were to take it from you now, then China would become a robber taking advantage of your misfortune."
"This is not conducive to our efforts to stabilize the situation in North America."
"It is even less conducive to appeasing the American people who are already wary and hostile towards us."
Marcus remained silent.
He had to admire Li Zhenguo's foresight.
This Eastern man was considering more than just immediate gains and losses.
He was considering the overall situation.
What he wanted was more than just that "key".
What he wants is the hearts and minds of the entire North America!
"I understand." Marcus took a deep breath. "I accept all your conditions."
"Very good." Li Zhenguo nodded. "Now, let's talk about your promise."
"What kind of livelihood do you want me to provide for your people?"
Marcus clenched his fist.
He looked at the cold, blue crystal in his hand, and his mind flashed back to the faces of his brothers who had fought alongside him, only to die tragically in this cold pit.
He remembered Chicago, the city struggling amidst the monster wave.
I remembered those civilians who cried out helplessly in the ruins.
His voice became incredibly heavy.
"I don't want unpaid aid."
"I don't want cheap pity."
"We, the people of America, are not beggars."
"I hope that the Commander-in-Chief will open the 'Merit Point Trading System' to the North American theater."
"I hope that our people, like the people of China, can use their own labor and struggle to obtain the resources necessary for their survival and the techniques to become stronger!"
"I hope you can send instructors and technicians to teach us how to fight, how to produce, and how to rebuild our homeland on this land that has become hell!"
"I hope you can give us a chance."
"An opportunity that we can achieve on our own!"
"This is the promise I wanted!"
Li Zhenguo listened quietly.
What he heard from Marcus's words was not the plea of a traitor.
He was a true patriot, fighting for the final dignity of his country and people.
"I promise you."
Li Zheng-guo gave his answer.
"Starting tomorrow, the first batch of supplies and three hundred instructors will arrive in North America."
"The Merit Point Trading System of 'Earth Online' will be open to all North American citizens within 72 hours."
"Welcome to us, General Marcus."
……
The White House, an underground fortress.
After experiencing initial anger and despair, the President, as if drained of all his energy, collapsed in his chair.
His eyes were filled with a deathly gray.
"It's all over...it's all over..."
He muttered to himself.
He lost Marcus, his only S-class combatant.
He lost the "Sky Dome Martial Alliance," his strongest external ally.
He may even have lost control of the military.
He lost.
They lost badly, utterly and completely.
"Mr. President! Mr. President!"
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the gray-haired veteran, strode in, his face etched with anxiety.
"Just now, the Pentagon received a top-level order from Task Force 'Reaper' in Zone Zero!"
"What?" The president raised his head listlessly.
"General Marcus...General Marcus, in his capacity as the interim Supreme Commander of the North American Theater, hereby announces..."
The old general's voice was trembling.
"Announcing that all forces in the North American Theater are now under a state of wartime emergency! The White House command system is temporarily suspended. All military operations will be uniformly coordinated and commanded by the 'Earth Alliance Command'!"
"puff--!"
Mr. President, upon hearing these words, he felt a sweet taste in his throat, and a mouthful of blood suddenly spurted out.
He pointed at the harshly worded instruction on the screen, his whole body convulsing with anger.
"He...he dares! How could he dare?!"
"Not just that, sir." A hint of despair appeared on the old general's face. "Just five minutes ago, the Russian president gave a public televised address."
"He announced that the Russian 14th Arctic Garrison Army, as part of the Earth Alliance, will enter Alaska to assist us in maintaining stability in the theater of operations..."
"Now, our 'Pioneer' 5th and 7th Armored Brigades are blocked by them at the Alaskan border!"
"Our army is currently in a standoff with the Russian army!"
"Mr. President, we must make a decision immediately!"
"Otherwise, civil war will break out!"