Chapter 55
Chapter 55:
Aidid's unexpected birthday invitation took Tang Dao by surprise. He couldn't help but wonder about Aidid's intentions in extending this invitation. Tang Dao had no doubt that Aidid was aware of his presence in Mogadishu.
Aidid's rise to power in Somalia had been swift and brutal. With the backing of the Somali United Congress Party, he had taken control of the country within a few months, using harsh methods to suppress dissent, including control over food and drugs. He had effectively transformed himself into a "god" in the eyes of his followers, allowing him to replace the existing power structure in Mogadishu with his own loyalists.
It was only natural that Aidid would have eyes and ears at the airport. Tang Dao couldn't underestimate the cunning of African warlords. Many of them had received education abroad, just like Aidid, who had studied at an Italian military academy. This education had undoubtedly shaped his tactics and strategies.
"Boss, I don't trust this guy," Robert remarked, his brows furrowing as he mirrored Tang Dao's concerns.
"Did we come to Somalia to make friends?" Tang Dao responded with a wry smile. He casually folded the invitation card and tossed it onto the table before settling into a worn-out sofa. The screams from the nearby room threatened to collapse the $5-a-night hotel they were in. It was a poor-quality establishment with exorbitant prices, as Aidid's nearly 40,000-strong militia ensured that only a select few received decent salaries, around $2 a day, while the rest were lucky to get a meal.
Such was the modus operandi of most African warlords.
"Pick a gift from our inventory so that we don't appear discourteous," Tang Dao instructed.
"Yes, boss," Robert acknowledged.
Tang Dao leaned back, crossed his legs, and tapped his cigar on the table. "Tell me, how much have you found out about Cyril?"
"Mr. Cyril is indeed from Mogadishu and has lived here for twenty years," Robert began. "But he has an uncle in Europe, and his parents, wife, and daughter were killed in the civil war in Somalia. He also served in Italy, or so I've heard."
"Italy?" Tang Dao mused. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss with Cyril. His principles were lofty to the point of incredulity in a world where self-interest often ruled. Was it the scent of dollars that repelled him, or the fear of Franklin?
No one could resist the allure of greed.
"All humans are inherently selfish," Tang Dao muttered.
"Continue the investigation," he instructed Robert. "I have a feeling that there's more to Cyril than meets the eye."
...
Aidid's birthday had the entire city of Mogadishu in a state of shock. Hadn't he just celebrated his birthday recently? Why the sudden second celebration?
Even the ordinary citizens were required to pay their respects, demonstrating their loyalty to the great Aidid.
"Yes, not bad," Aidid mused as he admired his reflection in the mirror while donning his military uniform. He wore an air of arrogance, though it was only his perception. A Colt revolver from the American Colt Company, made of gold instead of the usual silver, was holstered at his side.
Rumors had it that Aidid possessed a custom-made gold Colt pistol, reserved for important occasions.
Interrupting Aidid's self-appreciation were hurried footsteps. He furrowed his brow and turned to see Omar approaching with a troubled expression, his dark skin appearing even darker when flushed.
"Have all the guests arrived?" Aidid asked.
"They're here, but..." Omar hesitated, drawing out his words, much to Aidid's annoyance. "Are you trying to mimic those arrogant white people? Just spit it out."
Omar forced a smile. "General, you should see for yourself."
Aidid followed Omar to the balcony, peering down to witness a group of guests gathered around something.
He had arrived.
A T-62 main battle tank was stationed in the courtyard, its 115mm smoothbore gun elevated at a 45-degree angle. The dark green tank stood as a symbol of industrial might under the scorching sun. A 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun was mounted on the loader's cabin, and spray-painted Arabic words adorned the side: "Salute to the great His Excellency Mohammad Farah Aidid!"
Aidid found this display rather distasteful.
Robert and Osborne, standing beside the tank, felt out of place. They felt like exhibits for the guests to gawk at, particularly the bold writing on the tank. Who but Tang Dao would have conceived of such an idea?
Aidid, however, wore a broad smile, his vanity thoroughly satisfied. Imagining the awe-struck gazes of the civilians as the tank rolled through Mogadishu, he couldn't help but grin. The quality of the $5-a-night hotel was clearly subpar and overpriced. Of Aidid's nearly 40,000 troops, only a select few received decent pay, around $2 a day, while the majority received nothing more than food rations.
Such was the way of most African warlords.
"Go down and greet this gentleman," Aidid instructed, straightening his attire before heading downstairs, his happiness evident.
Omar couldn't help but glance at Tang Dao on the balcony. Descending from the tank, Tang Dao was surrounded by curious onlookers, appearing as if he were the star of the evening, confidently holding a wine glass.
"What an enviable young man."
...
What was this place?
Somalia!
In order to make things happen, Tang Dao had to be conspicuous. Maintaining a low profile would only invite trouble, and Tang Dao was far from his seventies; he needed to establish his reputation and seize opportunities. His aim was to make a name for himself.
[Sub-quest: Build a reputation. A good reputation is essential for business. You need to become well-known. Reward: Access to arms bidding in a random country (successful completion)]
[Proceed with the extraction?]
Tang Dao, after dealing with the crowd, entered the hall and prepared to claim his rewards.