Chapter 32: "The Homeland Messenger"

"~~~!"

Accompanied by a melodious opening tune, the screen transitioned from dark to light, revealing a live news broadcast studio.

The camera first focused on a dynamic projection of the Kremlin's main gate, then gradually zoomed out and panned to the right, revealing a female host in a white suit sitting at the side of an "L"-shaped desk. She introduced the segment at a brisk pace:

"Hello, everyone. Welcome to this episode of 'New York Watching the World.' I'm Monica Elekratte. Three days ago, on July 18, a small town called Mozhaisk, located on the outskirts of Moscow, experienced a horrific terrorist attack. So, who planned and organized this attack? What impact will this event have on us? And will it affect the relationship between the USA and Russia?"

The host paused deliberately.

The camera zoomed out again, revealing the entire studio. On the other side of the "L"-shaped desk sat a guest in a US military uniform, a senior officer with graying hair at the temples.

"On these topics, we are honored to have Lieutenant Colonel Denzel Wharton of the US Army, a former Soviet expert."

"Hello, Monica." The officer smoothly picked up where the host left off: "Hello to everyone watching 'New York Watching the World.' I'm pleased to be here to help clarify things."

"So, Colonel, I believe you and the viewers at home have seen the video footage and interviews released by the Russian news. Who do you and the military think is most likely behind this terrorist attack?"

"Well..." The US Colonel appeared to ponder, seemingly choosing his words carefully, then responded: "Based on the available information, we can assert that the individuals who attacked Ruv Military Engineering were highly trained, their military skills on par with, if not superior to, some active special forces from various countries.

Given the tumult and chaos that ensued during the Soviet Union's collapse, many former Soviet military personnel defected, fled, or became mercenaries, or even engaged in organized crime. Thus, the characteristics of experienced combat, mutual cooperation, clear objectives, and proper division of labor suggest that the operatives behind the terrorist attack are likely former Soviet military personnel.

As for who planned the attack, neither I nor the military can provide a definitive answer, as there are too many suspect targets, such as competitors of Gogolsky Ruv Military Engineering, extreme organizations wishing to return Russia to the Soviet era, all of which are possible."

"Former special forces involved in a terrorist attack, my God, just hearing you say that makes my scalp tingle. Fortunately, I live in the USA, in New York..."

Bzzz!

Before the host could finish her thoughts, the screen was abruptly turned off, plunging the room back into darkness and restoring the silence of the conference room.

The large screen playing 'New York Watching the World' was installed in a spacious, well-lit meeting room.

Through the fan-shaped floor-to-ceiling windows on the south side, one could admire the midday blue sky and the Empire State Building two blocks away.

This suggested that the high-rise building housing the meeting room was located on Manhattan Island on the East Coast of the USA.

The omnipresent "Vought International" signage revealed the building's true identity as the headquarters of the arms company that developed Compound V—

Vought Tower.

At the moment, three individuals were seated at a "V"-shaped table adorned with the Vought International logo.

With his back to the window, sitting at the tip of the "V" and occupying the highest position was a dark-skinned man in a suit, with a face and demeanor exuding indifference beneath his glasses.

To the left of the "V" table sat a male researcher in a medical white coat, sporting a balding hairstyle. On the right was a female executive dressed in a blouse and skirt.

These three were Vought International's board representative and president, Stan Edgar, the chief security officer and research director, Jonah Vogelbaum, and Vought's vice president, Madelyn Stillwell.

"Ms. Stillwell." At this moment, Edgar broke the silence, first directing his inquiry to Madelyn: "The attack on the Ruv Research Center has caused quite a stir. I assume you've investigated who exactly organized, planned, and executed the attack, haven't you?"

Hearing this, Madelyn glanced at the paper file in front of her, her eyes somewhat evasive as she responded: "Mr. Edgar, we can't definitively identify the mastermind. The only entity aware of Soldier Boy's exact location and capable of organizing such a large-scale raid is the CIA."

"The CIA, of course. I could have guessed that without you telling me. But Ms. Stillwell, can you be 100% sure it was the CIA and not a domestic competitor of Vought International?"

Edgar emphasized "domestic" towards the end of his statement.

Although Edgar maintained a consistently calm demeanor, his expressionless face still made Madelyn very nervous. She raised her hand to wipe away the sweat from her forehead and quickly said:

"I can't be 100% sure. Atlas has been preoccupied with mining operations in Africa recently and has voluntarily withdrawn from all arms tenders this year and next. Additionally, Translucent's intelligence gathering in Seattle confirms that although they still vehemently oppose the 'Superhero Security Act,' they are observing the attitudes of other competitors, waiting for the right moment.

Moreover, Atlas recently signed a cooperation agreement with us to design new uniforms and armor for the upcoming Seven. Their aesthetic standards have always been high, so they can be excluded as suspects.

Next is the Lockheed Aerospace Manufacturer. Their entire focus this year and next is on the acquisition and merger with Martin Marietta. Currently..."

"No need to continue. Anyone could have found that out." Edgar interrupted Madelyn's report and then turned his gaze to Vogelbaum: "Dr. Vogelbaum, how is the Homeland Messenger's condition? Can it, in all metrics, completely surpass the now obsolete Soldier Boy?"

"In theory, there should be no problem at all." Vogelbaum appeared much calmer: "Soldier Boy might have a slight edge in physical defense, but in terms of laser power, strength, speed, and reaction time, he has already broken all records. Even if our competitors have Soldier Boy as a weapon, it would be of no use.

However, as for his condition..." Vogelbaum looked meaningfully at Madelyn, "that's where Vice President Stillwell's help is needed. After all, nothing can truly control him."

"I'll do my best," Madelyn sighed heavily.

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Read Ahead

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___________________

Read Ahead

P@treon.com/Mutter