Spy Shadow: Command & Conquer

Chapter 2018, all the nutrients are in the soup...

Continue to patrol your territory.

I rode the motorcycle around again. Very satisfied.

This is genuine private property.

Although the ownership may only last for a few years.

But enough is enough.

You have a few years; you can do a lot.

Once this nail is driven in, many things will change afterward.

What we need to do now is find a way to bring more Chinese people over from within the country to enrich our territory. Turn waste into treasure.

air transport?

Sea freight?

Suddenly, an idea struck me.

The radar map indicates that an acquaintance has arrived.

Who?
Amanda. Female. French. Captain of the destroyer USS Betastar.

There's another one. Agamemnon. A businessman. Supposedly from Marseille. But he's shrouded in mystery. I guess he does all sorts of shady business.

Now, with war raging and many regions in chaos, there is a lot of shady trade.

Puzzling. Have those two already left Shanghai?
They even went all the way to Kolkata?

U-turn.

Return to the port.

The arrival of these two people is a good thing.

"Suddenly..."

"Suddenly..."

I rode my motorcycle back to the port.

It's quite busy here. A large number of Nationalist soldiers are unloading cargo.

Bags of rice and flour were unloaded from the cargo ship and then transported back to the military camp.

The cargo ship's loading and unloading capacity is truly incredible. A single ship, weighing around 1500 tons, carries a whopping 30,000 bags. It would probably make you dizzy just moving them.

Of course, this is a happy trouble.

For the Nationalist army, having ample supplies and plenty of ammunition was simply paradise.

The Ming army was not fully paid, and they were invincible if they were fully paid.

In fact, the Nationalist Army was somewhat similar.

It seems that the later Chinese Expeditionary Force in India had very strong overall combat capabilities.

Because of the treatment they received in all aspects, as well as their weaponry and equipment, they were on par with the British and American armies, including being equipped with Sherman tanks and the like.

Xie Mantou was beaten black and blue in Europe, with blood flowing like a river, but in Asia, he was even more powerful than Tiger King.

The Japanese tanks, with their thin skins and large fillings, were no match for Xie Mantou's attack power.

The key point is that Stilwell didn't have as many of the bald guy's shady tactics. He wouldn't easily interfere on the front lines. He was willing to delegate authority.

Although Stilwell's own military command abilities were mediocre, his willingness to delegate authority was a strength. This allowed figures like Sun Liren on the front lines to effectively utilize their abilities.

Sun Li-ren could only perform effectively under Stilwell's command. Once he was directly controlled by the bald man, he was essentially useless.

On the Huaihai battlefield, if Bald Head hadn't been remotely directing operations, Du Yuming would at least have managed to escape...

It's absolutely true that the bald guy is trash.

Ignore copying.

He doesn't need to concern himself with these trivial matters.

There are naturally officers below to carry out the orders.

Step forward.

"Mr. Commissioner."

"Hello, Captain Amanda."

"Commissioner, you're really here. That's wonderful."

"I'm also very curious, how did you end up in Kolkata?"

"The Beta Star is no longer able to move, so..."

Have all your crew members returned?

Yes. They're all back.

"Captain Amanda, do you need a new Betastar destroyer?"

"what?"

Amanda was stunned.

Then I subconsciously looked around.

The key point was the location of the port. But nothing was found.

The port only has many cargo ships. There are no warships.

“Commissioner, do you mean you can provide us with warships?” Agamemnon asked.

“Yes.” Zhang Yong nodded, answering affirmatively, “I can get my hands on the Fantasy-class destroyer. It’s basically identical to the one on Beta Star.”

"How could that be?" Agamemnon instinctively expressed his disbelief.

Zhang Yong was too lazy to answer.

I say it exists, so it exists. Believe it or not, it's up to you.

If you believe me, I'll provide it. If you don't, then get lost.

Gold Rush Bay doesn't support idlers.

Get out of my territory!

“Mr. Commissioner…”

Amanda was clearly tempted.

Even if there's only a one percent chance, she'll believe.

Because she really needs a destroyer. A Fantasy-class would be even better. She knows them all too well.

"Amanda, how long will it take you to gather the crew?"

"Four hours."

"Okay, I'm really looking forward to your performance."

Zhang Yong immediately arranged for delivery.

Perfect timing, one ship a day, it comes in handy.

What was promised to the British can be given later. It's not like we're not going to give it to them.

Give it to the French first.

Then the French would be disgusted by the British.

Then the British and French would be on the verge of war. Then the United States would step in to mediate.

Without a doubt, this mediation was biased towards the French.

The British were certainly unhappy. But they had to give in.

Because they need America's aid. They have no right to refuse.

it is good.

Their disputes with each other created an opportunity for me to enter the scene.

“Mr. Commissioner…”

"Wait a moment, the warship will be here soon."

"what?"

"what?"

Amanda and Agamemnon were both taken aback.

Now?

So warships were suddenly available?
We just mentioned it here, and it's already here?

"Look!"

Zhang Yong pointed to the horizon outside.

It was evening. The sunset was magnificent. The sea shimmered with golden light.

A Fantasque-class destroyer, flying the flag of the Republic of China with the French tricolor flag, sailed straight toward the port.

Amanda squinted, trying to see more clearly. She hadn't brought binoculars.

Zhang Yong took out two binoculars and gave one to each person.

This time, both of them saw it clearly.

It is indeed a destroyer. And a genuine French Fantasy-class destroyer.

Amanda was very familiar with this type of destroyer. She recognized it at a glance. Tears welled up in her eyes instantly.

Yes, she cried. She really cried. Tears streamed down her cheeks.

It's probably hard for most people to understand her feelings.

But Zhang Yong could.

Because the other side was French. Frenchmen who were trying to continue the fight.

They were absolutely unwilling to surrender, nor were they willing to submit to the Vichy government. They still pinned their hopes on independence and freedom.

It's acceptable to use breast milk daily. However, the revolutionary spirit of the French people is indelible.

The shockwaves from the French Revolution that swept the world continue to reverberate to this day.

"Sir Commissioner, are you going to donate a warship to us?"

"Of course. Do you even have the ability to buy it?"

"No……"

Agamemnon reluctantly shut his mouth.

Then I felt utterly frustrated.

Paying them money is out of the question. How could they possibly afford it?
It must be understood that this is a Fantasque-class destroyer! It was practically the most advanced destroyer the French had ever built. Its cost was extremely high.

Unless the government intervenes, it's impossible for a private individual to do so.

However, the French are no longer a nation.

Or rather, it is not a complete country.

It has already fallen apart.

The situation inside was chaotic.

The once mighty giants of Europe have fallen, now trampled upon.

"Thank you!"

"Thank you!"

Amanda wiped away her tears and rallied her spirits.

Tears don't only represent sadness.

And excitement.

And joy.

"Captain Amanda."

"Commissioner, you are France's best friend."

"Thank you!"

“If we have any hope of defeating the enemy, I will definitely erect a statue of you in a Paris square.”

"Then I'll be so happy."

"I will immediately gather the crew."

“Captain Amanda, let me remind you of something: this is Calcutta, British territory.”

"them……"

Amanda's joyful face gradually darkened.

Yes, this is British territory. And the British Navy has just attacked the French Navy.

They are not enemies, but their relationship is more like that of enemies.

The remaining French Navy made it clear that it would deem the British Navy undesirable.

There was no public declaration of war. But relations had completely broken down.

If they were to sail out to sea from here in their Fantasy-class destroyers, who knows what might happen?

"Amanda, go find the Americans."

"what?"

“Use all your connections to ask the United States for help. Ask them to support you in establishing a naval squadron in the Indian Ocean.”

"A squadron? We only have one destroyer..." "I have the ability to get more. Ten. Twenty. It's all possible."

"Really?"

Amanda's eyes were shining.

For a moment, I felt like my eyeballs were about to pop out.

Ten ships!

Twenty ships!
How can it be?

How many Fantasy-class destroyers were ever built?

However, at this moment, she only hoped that what Zhang Yong said was true. Ideally, it would be a hundred ships, ten thousand ships…

This time, even Agamemnon did not express any doubt.

He also hoped it was true.

The more warships, the better.

"Okay, I'll go find someone right away."

"The warship will be waiting for you here."

"Thank you!"

Amanda couldn't wait to go.

Her husband was previously a director of the Shanghai French Concession Municipal Council, so he naturally had many connections.

Moreover, Zhang Yong firmly believed that the United States would definitely agree to mediate.

The reason is actually quite simple. The United States also wants access to the Indian Ocean and doesn't want Britain to dominate.

The Indian Ocean is now entirely a British inland sea. It's their backyard. Such a large piece of meat, no one can resist its allure.

Just being envious is enough.

He secretly pushed the Frenchman to step forward.

The Frenchmen eat the meat in the front, while they drink the soup in the back. All the nutrients are in the soup…

Everyone worked secretly together to dismantle British territory...

“Mr. Commissioner…”

He heard Agamemnon's hesitant voice, as if he wanted to say something but stopped himself.

Zhang Yong pulled his wandering thoughts back to reality.

"what's up?"

"Could you sell me a few Fantasy-class destroyers?"

"You want it too?"

"Of course not me. It's my client."

"Who?"

"I can't tell you the specifics. I can only say it's certain countries in South America."

"they?"

Zhang Yong looked at the other person with suspicion.

Ultimately, trust the other party's judgment.

With war raging across the world, other countries and regions will naturally feel uneasy.

What countries are in South America? Brazil, Argentina...

Their own military strength is very weak. Naturally, they hope to strengthen it.

They definitely can't afford battleships or cruisers. They can only afford a few destroyers.

The problem is that destroyers are in high demand right now.

Several belligerent nations are desperately increasing their warship numbers; how could they possibly sell them?

The British even went so far as to trade overseas islands for destroyers. They acquired every destroyer they could get their hands on.

If you were to step in at this point and compete with the British for business...

Without a doubt, they would be marked as enemies by the British and then listed as targets for combat.

They can only act covertly.

In a secluded corner, a secret transaction takes place.

Fortunately, the French are now defeated and in chaos, making it impossible for outsiders to ascertain their internal situation.

It's normal for any warships to be lost.

Moreover, the French weren't afraid of antagonizing the British. After all, they were already at odds.

"Pay with one hand and deliver with the other hand."

"Door delivery is required."

"Add money."

"it is good."

Agamemnon agreed.

Those countries want to buy destroyers but don't want to cause trouble.

Therefore, they won't travel a long way to pick up the goods. Instead, you'll need to deliver them to your door yourself.

"Send the money first."

"no problem."

Agamemnon readily agreed.

He now completely trusts Zhang Yong's abilities.

Because a brand-new Fantasy-class destroyer was docked in the port next to it.

It's very new.

They must have just come out of the shipyard.

If we can build one, we can build two. Then ten, a hundred…

"it is good."

Zhang Yong was overjoyed.

He was just worried that the destroyer hadn't been properly aged!

Unexpectedly, this created a new business opportunity: selling to countries with anxiety disorders.

It seems that even one ship a day might not be enough to meet the demand...

"please."

"please."

I feel great.

So he invited Agamemnon to dinner.

Tonight we're having dumplings. It's the First Army's specialty.

The First Army was stationed in the Northwest for a long time, and its diet consisted mainly of noodles and dumplings. This remains true today.

Indulge.

wolf.

Then, local vendors brought over more fruit.

So we happily ate fruit. Relaxed and carefree. It felt like we were on vacation.

These days are so comfortable...

As they ate, French people began to arrive one after another. They were all crew members summoned by Amanda. They all came on foot or run.

Without any transportation, they ran all the way from the city center.

Everyone was very excited.

Seeing the Fantasy-class destroyer in the night sky made me even more excited.

They had thought that after abandoning the Betastar destroyer, they would never have another chance to board it. Unexpectedly, luck intervened.

They had new warships. They had a stage to perform on again.

They can continue fighting to the very last moment for the glory of France.

“Mr. Commissioner…”

"You guys go ahead and do your own thing! Let me know if you need anything."

"Thank you!"

The French crew members boarded the ship one after another.

The destroyer was inspected methodically. Everything was found to be in good condition.

The fuel tank is full.

The ammunition is full.

All instruments and meters are functioning normally.

The destroyer looked brand new. However, the completion date indicated it was built in 1936…

Amanda returned the next morning.

It's said that they've secured the support of the United States. Someone from there will be arriving in Kolkata soon.

However, for the time being, the Fantasy-class destroyers cannot leave Gold Rush Bay. This is because if a conflict breaks out and results in casualties, it will be difficult to mediate.

"Actually, there are no British warships outside..."

"what?"

“I said there are no British warships within a radius of two thousand kilometers.”

"Really?"

"of course."

Zhang Yong gave a calm and composed reply.

The display radius of the air force command map is approximately 2400 kilometers.

Starting from Kolkata, the route covers the western entrance to the Strait of Malacca. Within the displayed range, there are indeed no warships.

Battleships? No.

Cruisers? No.

Destroyers? No.

Only one unidentified submarine was crawling along.

Compared to the tense and volatile Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the Indian Ocean is remarkably calm.

In their own backyard, the British certainly didn't need to deploy any warships.

As long as the Far East Fleet holds the Strait of Malacca, that's enough.

"Shall we go for a walk?"

"Remember to fly the flag of the Chinese government. It will be helpful to you."

“I understand. I have already spoken to the Americans and told them that the Chinese government supports us.”

"it is good."

Zhang Yong nodded.

This is the effect he wants.

The French charged ahead, while they sat back and drank the soup.

There was no other way; if I were to rush to the front myself, it wouldn't carry much weight. The Chinese government was still too weak.

Only the French have a relatively strong influence.

And the United States also needed to use the name of the French to secretly dismember John Bull.

"Go!"

"it is good!"

Amanda boarded the ship immediately.

The warship's boilers had been started long ago.

The soldiers who boarded the ship early had already started warming up last night.

With a single command, we can set off.

A dozen minutes later, the warship began to move slowly.

It slowly sailed out of Gold Rush Bay harbor and headed towards the vast ocean. Gradually, it disappeared.

Zhang Yong waved goodbye.

It was said to be a farewell, but it was only just beginning.

A brand new stage is setting sail!

future……

Full of hope!

[To be continued]

(End of this chapter)