Chapter 670: Glad You Liked It

Fortunately, Igor's voice was just as calm as usual. Hearing it, I tightened my fist.

"Yuri, pass me the receiver."

Yuri handed me the receiver.

"Igor."

― "Yes, Boss."

"What about our losses?"

― "We had a few injuries, but no one is in life-threatening danger."

For such a massive operation to have zero casualties… I was right to trust Igor and his team.

"That's a relief. It seems the operation went smoothly."

― "Yes, especially thanks to the drone we acquired from the U.S. military. It proved to be very useful. We should be able to use it effectively in various operations."

"Is that so? I'm glad to hear that. Wrap up the cleanup quickly and return."

I felt at ease knowing the job was done successfully. My tensed body finally relaxed a little.

After finishing my call with Igor, I turned to Jessica, who was standing beside me.

"Jessica, it seems like the MQ-1 from the U.S. military was a huge help this time."

The aerial weapons mercenaries could acquire only went as far as helicopters.

Fighter jets were strategic assets and were never sold to private military firms.

But for this extermination operation, Black Bear managed to procure drones from the U.S. military.

The MQ-1 had shone brightly not just during the hostage rescue operation, but also in the Iraq War, marking a turning point for countries around the world to dive into the drone market.

The era of drones was approaching swiftly.

It was only a matter of time before private military companies utilized drones in their operations, and various criminal organizations and drug cartels would also use them to commit crimes.

"I'm glad it was helpful. Although we pushed a bit to get it, that's what you know, right?"

Jessica's words were indeed true.

No drones with performance comparable to those of the U.S. had existed until now; considering we got one through this opportunity, it felt lucky.

"Still, it's great news. They say we eliminated them all. All the hostages were rescued safely, and the terrorists are all dead, so there shouldn't be any complaints from Washington."

If someone complained after doing nothing but merely observing, that would be outrageous.

Despite my inner thoughts, I managed to smile on the outside as I replied.

"This was possible because the U.S. allowed it to happen."

"I never expected it would go off so perfectly. We expected some level of casualties. It really is impressive, Igor's team."

The truth was that Hussein had played a significant role in all of this.

Thanks to him introducing me to an intermediary named Kamis, negotiations proceeded smoother by routing the ransom through him.

We placed a tracker on the bag of money given for the ransom, which ultimately allowed us to pinpoint the enemy's hideout.

Without this series of steps, we wouldn't have concluded everything as perfectly as we did.

"Are you heading back to the U.S. now?"

"Yes, I plan to go to the U.S. military base and return to America tomorrow with the hostages."

"I see. You should head back then. Thank you for your hard work."

Even after I said my goodbyes, Jessica stayed seated.

"Do you have more to say?"

"Charlie, when are you planning to enter Korea?"

Instead of answering, she was asking about my schedule.

"Why are you so curious about my schedule?"

"If there's nothing urgent, could you swing by Washington? Someone really wanted to meet you."

Someone wanted to meet me… I had a hunch about who it might be.

"Is it that person who got assigned to the National Intelligence Service?"

"How did you know? Yes, that person wants to see you."

"Why me?"

"I really don't know."

"Is there any reason I should meet that person? We both wanted the same outcome this time, which is why we collaborated, but who knows what might happen next."

Then, an awkward smile appeared on Jessica's face.

What was going on? It seemed like there was something else at play.

"Is there a benefit for you if I meet him?"

"That's right. Once the National Intelligence Service is established, I plan to join as one of the executives, probably as a Director."

"Oh! Really? Congratulations."

Jessica's promotion was a sign of her ambition; it seemed she used this incident as a stepping stone to advance her career.

"I believe this personnel transfer significantly influenced the partnership between us."

"Even so, Jessica's abilities made it possible. At your age, holding a significant position in an intelligence agency is beyond anyone's connections."

"That's true. But I don't want to settle for just this level."

In her bold statements, desire shone in Jessica's eyes.

Her words implied she wanted to solidify our connection further by meeting the National Intelligence Service head.

The newly formed National Intelligence Service wouldn't be an active field intelligence agency.

Unlike the Department of Homeland Security, established to prevent incidents similar to past ones, its role would be more supervisory over intelligence agencies.

The influence of having real power in an intelligence organization is immensely important. An organization without genuine authority, what can they do?

Nobody knows whether the National Intelligence Service can control all the numerous intelligence agencies in the U.S., not even me.

"So you want me to strengthen the National Intelligence Service's position?"

"Yes, that's right."

"And what do I get in return?"

"That's…"

Jessica hesitated, trailing off. Apparently, she didn't have an offer for me yet.

"Let's think it over. We still have time, right? The organization will come after the presidential election, after President Bush's re-election is successful."

"Still…"

Jessica lowered her gaze, biting her lip. Not like her to be so persistent.

Well, since her gaining strong influence in a U.S. intelligence agency would benefit me too, I decided to help her out.

"Alright. I'll be scheduling something in the U.S. around the time of the presidential election. We can talk then."

Upon my answer, Jessica's face lit up noticeably.

"Thank you."

"You should head out now. I trust you to handle what needs to be done, balancing what should be omitted and what should be added."

"Of course. I'll make sure nothing happens to Charlie. See you in Washington then."

Jessica waved cheerfully as she exited the operations room, and I couldn't help but chuckle.

"Quite the actress. How could she switch from being all sympathetic to her original self the moment she leaves?"

I gazed at the firmly shut door, deep in thought.

Despite maintaining a benevolent attitude, I was just as curious about who this National Intelligence Service head was that agreed to this operation.

I guess I'd have to meet them directly to find out.

"For now, let's all take a short break until Igor returns. Things will get busy again when he's back."

After giving Yuri the instruction, I left the operations room.

* * *

― Kim Mugil, who was kidnapped in Iraq, has been safely rescued by the relentless efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

News of Kim Mugil's rescue spread like wildfire across South Korea.

Upon arriving at Incheon International Airport, Kim Mugil promptly held a press conference.

Not just the Korean media, but foreign press outlets began a heated competition for coverage.

The press conference, conducted under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' supervision, began with Kim Mugil sharing his story.

"Good afternoon. I am Kim Mugil, who was working at Cheongseong Trade…"

After briefly introducing himself, Kim Mugil explained how the rescue operation had unfolded.

"I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to President Yoon Chang-ho and everyone involved in my rescue. I believe it was a challenging decision to make."

After reading from the prepared statement, the Q&A session began in earnest.

"This is Lee Seong-guk from Goryeo Daily. Could you describe the situation during the abduction in a bit more detail?"

"I am Kim Ji-young from Daehan Daily! It's reported the Minister of Foreign Affairs traveled all the way to Iraq…"

Whenever questions came in, Kim Mugil responded with the help of the ministry's staff.

At that moment, a foreign reporter raised their hand.

"Hello. This is from The Washington Post. A video released by the kidnappers through Al Jazeera stated that the Iraq War was a mistake made by the U.S., calling it an invading nation and a war criminal. Do you intend to apologize for that?"

The reporter working in the Korean branch of The Washington Post adhered closely to the guidelines sent from the headquarters.

― Without a doubt, demand an explanation. The interview regarding U.S. needs an explanation. For sure!

At the reporter's question, Kim Mugil showed a troubled expression and glanced at the officials from the Ministry.

"Surely, you expected that question, right? Just answer as you were told."

After getting permission from the staff, Kim Mugil brought the microphone to his face.

"I have plenty to say regarding that matter. I conducted the interview in response to the demands of the kidnappers. I just read what the terrorists provided; it wasn't my opinion. I have never had any critical perspective on the Iraq War. If I thought it was an invasion war, I would not have been involved in supplying military goods to Iraq."

While Kim Mugil answered questions briefly, he spoke at length on this issue.

"I've heard there was much controversy due to the interview I gave. But I just wanted to live. Wanting to live is not a crime, right? The fear of possibly being killed if I rejected their demands is something that only those who have never experienced it can understand. If anyone was hurt by my interview, I sincerely apologize. What I did was due to circumstances beyond my control."

Kim Mugil stood up and bowed his head.

Once he raised his head again, he began saying words that hadn't been discussed with the Ministry.

"…While I was flying back, I watched the Korean news. I heard many people criticizing me, asking why I needed to be rescued, especially since I knew Iraq was a war zone, saying it was my responsibility. I heard there were a lot of accusations like that against me."

"Kim Mugil."

An official from the Ministry tried to intervene, but he pressed on.

"I'm just a powerless person. I went there to make money for my family, to earn a living. Please, can you all stop the condemnation? I'm begging you."

With Kim Mugil's tear-filled last words, the press conference ended abruptly.

* * *

While Kim Mugil was holding the press conference in Korea, a similar chaos was unfolding in the United States.

However, the U.S. media focused on whether the government paid a ransom.

In response, the American government remained silent.

The Democratic Party seized this opportunity and began a fierce attack.

"We do not negotiate with terrorist organizations; that is the foundational principle of the U.S. The government must clarify whether any secret deals occurred in this hostage rescue operation. If ransom was exchanged, President Bush must take responsibility. Regardless of party lines, breaking a principle that the United States has upheld is absolutely intolerable!"

President Bush immediately gathered everyone involved in the incident.

"What on earth is going on? Who among you knew about this?"

Normally not known for his temper, Bush unleashed his irritation on the group.

"An operation to rescue hostages without my approval? Who authorized this madness?"

"Mr. President, I authorized the operation."

Just as the criticism was pouring in, National Security Advisor Rice spoke up in a quiet tone.

Bush shot a glare at Rice.

"You, Rice? What in the world were you thinking?"

"I'll explain from here."

With that, Rice began explaining the operation in detail.

"So… you were planning to shift all the blame onto Korea in case of failure?"

"Yes. Hence, the operation carried little risk for us. We were successful, saving citizens from the terrorists. This could be beneficial for the upcoming presidential election; it certainly won't hurt us."

After hearing Rice's explanation, Bush sunk deep into his chair.

As the tension in the room eased, everyone shared a sigh of relief.

"…So, this too involves Charlie, right?"

"Right. He led all negotiations. While the U.S. did provide assistance, he is the one who achieved everything."

Saying that, Rice took a USB from her pocket.

"Mr. President, this is footage given to us by Black Bear."

She plugged the USB into the laptop and pushed it toward Bush.

"Once this video is made public, the public opinion will turn around completely."

On the laptop, the detailed footage of the extermination operation was still playing.

"After rescuing the hostages, we eliminated the terrorists. This is the truth behind the operation. Announce that both the Korean and American governments planned this together."

Rice continued her explanation, but Bush's eyes remained glued to the monitor.

* * *

Setting aside the chaos unfolding in Korea and the U.S., I decided to stay a few more days in Iraq to acquire the Hussein collection.

After giving Igor and his team ample time to rest, I moved to the location indicated by Hussein.