Taxes are only within machine gun range!

Chapter 103 Traitor's Firepower Net

Maynard hasn't been in a good mood lately.

It wasn't just because his and Van Con's business was taken away by Station Master Varta, nor because Milton's growth rate exceeded his expectations.

On the contrary, Varta leading all his forces to fight Milton was exactly what he wanted to see.

Many of his men are deserting, and if Varta and Milton can fight to a draw, Maynard believes he might be able to buy himself a chance to catch his breath.

Until... the man and woman in front of us arrived at the checkpoint.

That's someone even Varta has to fawn over.

Maynard knew he had no hope of resisting and finally made the decision to surrender.

Of course, it was the surrendered stationmaster Varta—how could Milton possibly defeat Varta's forces?

"The forces that Varta took out this time are enough to fight a small-scale war," the officer said calmly. "I really didn't expect that the nobody who came to me to buy a military rank could grow so fast and almost ruin my plans."

If Milton continues to mess things up, none of them will make any money, and they'll make a bunch of enemies.

Rosa flipped through the documents in her hand: "What Milton did is very problematic. He could be easily charged with something... I think if we investigate further, he could very well be sent to a military court."

Upon arriving in the town, a simple investigation will reveal that the truth is completely different from what is reported in the newspapers.

But what Rosa found strange was that not many people in Malacan actually had a problem with Milton; on the contrary, many people actually loved and respected him!
The officer sighed and said, "No need for that. Once Varta leaves, Milton has no chance of surviving."

Rosa frowned slightly: "You're that confident?"

The officer glanced at the sexy woman with a hint of lust, then quickly looked away, muttering "bitch" under his breath before saying, "You have no idea what equipment I got for him."

That's an infantry fighting vehicle equipped with reactive armor!

Specifically designed to counter Milton's rocket launchers and recoilless rifles.

Milton had no way to defend against that machine gun.

Just like the dragon rider in the novel, Varta had no reason or possibility of failure.

No sooner had he finished speaking than the deafening roar of the convoy's engines filled the air outside.

The officer smiled and said, "See? I told you, Varta can take down Milton easily, even faster than I thought."

As he spoke, he turned to look at the entrance of the checkpoint.

Hmm... armored vehicles, various off-road vehicles, and most importantly, the armored vehicle equipped with reactive armor is also there... wait!
Why does this infantry fighting vehicle feel a little different from my own?

My own tank's turret is clearly lower and more rounded, so why is the turret of this one I drove back so pointed?
Moreover, he clearly remembered that his infantry fighting vehicle only had three pairs of road wheels, so why did the one he brought back have four pairs?!
"This car isn't mine!"

"Who is this? Where did Varta go?"

Rosa's expression changed slightly. Just as she was about to say something, she saw the heavy armored door of the infantry fighting vehicle be pushed open, and several people covered in mud and blood jumped down from it.

They didn't raise their guns; they just looked at the others from an almost condescending position.

But at this moment, everyone believed that anyone who dared to disobey these people would be shot!
"..."

Rosa closed the documents in her hand, her expression changing slightly: "Milton..."

The officer was getting impatient. He stared intently at the familiar epaulette on Milton's shoulder and asked, "Milton, where is Varta?! What did you do to him?"

Milton gave him a cold look and retorted, "A stranger appearing on my turf, shouldn't he first identify himself and ask for permission? Do you know who the stationmaster is? Did I give you permission to speak?"

stranger?!

The officer was furious. "You just bought your rank from me less than a month ago, and now you're calling me a stranger?"
"Milton! Don't play dumb here. How do you think you got your rank?"

Milton's face immediately showed a hint of surprise: "Of course I got it from fighting bravely on the battlefield for my country. How could I have bought it?"

"What the hell..."

Before he could even utter a curse, Brandon took two steps forward, punched him twice, knocked him to the ground, and kicked him mercilessly.

"Our boss is a hero, how dare you insult a hero? Do you think you have too many family members, or do you think your family is too resilient to be killed?"

"Stop! That's enough!" Rosa finally couldn't stand it anymore. Suppressing her shock, she said, "He's an officer in the 42nd Infantry Battalion of the Maringa. How can you treat a major so roughly?!"

But no one listened to her. After another ten seconds or so of beating, Milton waved his hand, walked over amicably, helped the officer up, and even patted the dust off his clothes.

"Oh, so you're a comrade-in-arms. It's all a misunderstanding, a misunderstanding."

"Milton, you..."

Milton raised his hand and punched him, then said with a smile, "When we're working, we should use titles. You should call me Mr. Station Master."

"Stationmaster, sir!"

After this show of force, everyone knew what Milton was doing—he was showing everyone who really meant what they said.

Those guarding the checkpoint, including Maynard, didn't utter a single word; they all seemed to be pretending not to see anything.

"Very well, my comrade-in-arms. May I ask what brings you to my territory without my permission?"

Brandon added menacingly, "For the sake of being a fellow 'Hell Tax Collector', I sincerely remind you that if you can't come up with a satisfactory answer, you might encounter some things that nobody wants to see."

The officer stared coldly at Brandon, then at Milton, wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, and asked, "Where is Varta?"

“He died a heroic death in the battle against Van Cam's gang,” Milton replied with a smile. “Too much for him, along with all his equipment. A truly tragic story, isn't it?”

Upon hearing that "all equipment" was gone, the officer nearly fainted.

"very good!"

“It’s alright.” Milton really comforted him. “When I become the stationmaster, I promise this will never happen again. I will eradicate the Van Kang Gang and all similar scoundrels.”

Rosa frowned and interrupted, "The position of checkpoint chief is not inherited; it requires a letter of appointment from a high-ranking official."

Milton didn't care: "Then I'll wait for my letter of appointment to be issued. I hope you won't keep me waiting too long."

"Alright, enough with the nonsense."

The officer suddenly shouted something.

“I admit your little tricks worked, they were very useful, and you used your power to snatch this piece of meat. But all you have is this small town.”

"You want to take over the checkpoint? Okay, sure."

“As long as you are as obedient as Varta and keep the checkpoint in its current state, we don’t mind changing the checkpoint’s stationmaster.”

“You must hand over $20 annually, and the rest is yours. In return, you must guarantee the safety of my goods.”

He really didn't want to get entangled with Milton anymore. The trouble caused by the fact that he had secretly mobilized an infantry fighting vehicle and ended up losing it outside was enough to give him a hard time.

Rosa, however, was more composed. She quickly added, "Milton, this place, including the entire San Marcos and Quetzaltenango provinces, is all Representative López's territory. It's all his business. You're taking money out of his pocket, understand?"

Milton looked at the two of them with interest and nodded, saying, "Go on."

Rosa found a chair, sat down, and boldly crossed her legs, saying:

"From the initial issue of medicine, to your disturbance at the hospital, to your two repeated disruptions of the Sinaloa Group and his business, your actions have already aroused the dissatisfaction of the congressman."

"Pharmaceuticals, drugs, people, organs, gambling, weapons... Do you think a small Varta could run so many businesses?"

“You ruined his business and even affected his votes, but I can decide to let bygones be bygones—as long as you can replace Raul and work for Mr. Congressman in the future.”

"Of course, you have to hand over all the goods you took, including that truckload of medical supplies, the medicines confiscated from the Qing Teng Foundation, and the goods you just got from Fan Kang's gang."

"If I'm not mistaken, the Fan Kang gang has already been wiped out by you, right?"

Milton glanced at Rosa and said, "It's quite audacious of you to say such things to me."

“My amazing qualities aren’t just my courage.” Rosa generously switched legs and crossed them. “If you agree to my terms, I don’t mind showing you my other amazing qualities.”

The expressions on the other people's faces were somewhat subtle.

Goodness, they're not even acting anymore? Is it that "direct"?

But thinking about it, it makes sense. How could a beautiful woman like her, who could rise to such a high position under a congressman with a military background and get involved in so many shady businesses, possibly remain morally upright?
Rosa was definitely not a kind person; in some ways, she was even more formidable than the major beside her who commanded a portion of the army.

In the hands of such people, the body is nothing more than another form of weapon.

Even within the entire interest group surrounding Congressman Lopez, Rosa was one of the most cunning and manipulative.

Most people would be unable to look away from her long, shapely legs.

Milton looked at her coldly: "As far as I know, even the most expensive prostitutes in the old streets only charge $20 a night. What makes you special? Why do you think you can take my things worth over a million dollars just by spreading your legs?"

Rosa's expression immediately turned sour—this blatant contempt and belittling was extremely unpleasant to hear.

Those people in the black market are not worthy to be compared to her.

“More rational than most men I’ve ever met, a ruthless and cold-blooded political machine. Very well, then let’s talk about tangible benefits.” Rosa opened the documents in her hand and took out a check. “Originally, this was a reward for Varta, but now that he’s dead, it’s yours.”

"US$20, HSBC, bearer check, money in Asia, absolutely safe, no one in the world can trace the source of this money."

Milton took the check, looked it over, and then asked, "So, you're planning to use $20 to exchange for the $100 million worth of goods I have?" Rosa looked at him and said, "And there's the protection of the local military district, the patronage of Mr. Lopez's civilian group, the management of all businesses including pharmaceuticals, drugs, human organs, gambling, and arms... and the profit-sharing rights. Don't think management is troublesome; in fact, you only have one thing to do: close your eyes, lie in bed, and wait to count the money the next day."

"Neglecting is the best management. How about that? Easy, isn't it?"

“Malakhan is our territory, but if you are willing to cooperate, it can be handed over to you to manage, and you can be the nominal ruler of the town.”

Milton glanced at his men and suddenly burst out laughing.

Rosa, suppressing her anger, asked, "Do you think what I said is funny?"

Milton turned and pointed at Matteo: "The protection of the civil service? What a joke, the protection of a bunch of compradors? Putting the robbed in jail while letting the murderers I caught get out in less than a year, is this the kind of protection?"

“The protection of the army? Varta also had the protection of the army, but where is he now? With God! The protection of the army, my fellow officer, this poor major, he can’t even protect himself.”

"Guzman, a drug dealer still eating prison food, thinks he can scare me?"

"A bunch of compradors, used to selling out national interests, and now they're trying to divide up territory with me? A congressman, a bunch of soldiers, and a Mexican criminal organization—you think you have the right to talk about territory?"

"As for the business... Ms. Rosa, don't you know that these businesses are all illegal?"

“If you want to make a wish, go to the church in the center of town, not the checkpoint. If you’re out of your mind, go to the hospital in town, not the checkpoint.”

Rosa finally couldn't maintain her composure.

It's illegal?! You actually told me it's illegal?!

You, Milton, are the biggest crime boss in town!

Rosa stood up from her chair, her tone now carrying a hint of warning: "Milton, think this through... The military is not Varta, the senator is not Pedro, and the Sinaloa Group is certainly not the Van Conn gang."

“In my opinion, there’s no real difference.” Milton looked at her. “And what did you mean by that last sentence?”

From the moment he arrived in this place and decided not to associate with them, Milton knew what kind of enemies he would face.

The civil service was plagued by rampant corruption, the military government ruled with violence, and drug-traitor warlords were capable of confronting the regular army.

But are they really completely invincible?

Milton didn't believe it; the inability to defeat them only meant their firepower wasn't strong enough.

Armor-piercing bullets don't trust carbon-based organisms.

"Just a friendly reminder." Rosa took a deep breath. "I'm reminding you one last time: if you want to continue making money, if you want peace and prosperity, cooperation is the only option. That's all I have to say. I think I should leave now... If you change your mind, you can contact me anytime. I'm sure you can find a way to reach me."

In fact, Rosa had stopped thinking about "cooperation".

She's only saying these soft words now to ensure her own safe escape. Otherwise, if things fall apart on the spot, Milton's fate is uncertain, but her own won't fare much better.

"Wait a minute." As soon as Milton said this, several people rushed up and surrounded the two of them. "I don't think I said you could leave."

Rosa concealed the murderous intent in her eyes, revealing a seductive smile as she glanced at the people around her: "What, still reluctant to part with me before leaving? Want a few people to come along?"

Milton opened the panel, glanced at the two men, and calmly said, "I'm a tax officer, not a rapist. You're in possession of smuggled goods, and I'm going to tax you... Take them down."

The men rushed forward and subdued the two men.

"Colt's 1911? Show me your registration form. Don't you have one? Then it's smuggled. Confiscated. Ticket."

"These high heels, if I'm not mistaken, are French-made, smuggled, right? Confiscated. And this bra too, take it away and issue a ticket."

"Don't resist. At my checkpoint, even God has to pay taxes."

After stripping the two of all their smuggled goods off, Milton waved his hand dismissively.

"...Alright, get out of here."

The two were shocked and furious, especially Rosa, who had thought she was definitely going to be assaulted, but Milton had only confiscated the "smuggled goods" from her?!

This madman!

This is a completely irrational madman!
We must eliminate him!

Rosa didn't say anything more, clenched her fists, and limped barefoot as she prepared to leave the checkpoint.

However, Milton stopped them once again.

"Excuse me, as the stationmaster, I hereby declare that the checkpoint is now under temporary control. You are not allowed to enter the country for the time being. Go to the Mexican side instead."

The officer couldn't help but point out a problem: "Temporary control shouldn't mean we can't go from here to there, right? We originally entered the checkpoint from the Guatemalan direction, so the control should only mean we can't go to Mexico!"

"This is my territory, I call the shots, and you go whichever way I tell you to go."

Rosa shook her head and changed direction: "A very childish trick, Mr. Stationmaster."

Milton remained silent, watching as the two men walked out of the checkpoint and into Mexican territory.

Milton then gestured for Olya to take a picture, then feigned a look of terror and shouted, "Traitor found!"

"Military officers and high-ranking officials are attempting to defect to a neighboring country! There is treason!"

"Level One Alert!"

"Activate the traitor fire network! Activate the traitor fire network!"

Although it was the first time anyone had heard of something like "traitor's firepower network," they didn't dare to be careless—the gunners of the infantry fighting vehicles immediately rotated their turrets and aimed them at the two men.

Since it's about executing a traitor, then it must mean going all out, right?

bang bang bang! ! !
In an instant, heavy machine guns, recoilless rifles, and infantry fighting vehicles opened fire.

The two people in front didn't even have time to react before they were engulfed by countless bullets, their bodies exploding into a bloody mist.

The others at the checkpoint were even more terrified, their faces turning ashen.

Is the new stationmaster celebrating his appointment by executing the enemy with artillery?

The attack lasted for several tens of seconds, until that small area was blasted into scorched earth. Milton then turned to Lutz and said, "Lutz, you are the inspector and you are familiar with the checkpoint. You will be in charge of taking over the work. I hope that when I come back, I will see a checkpoint that is absolutely loyal to me."

"Yes!"

Milton didn't look at Maynard once, and turned to get into the car.

Maynard was terrified by the so-called "traitor's firepower network." He didn't want to be a traitor, so he immediately shouted, "Wait a minute, Mr. Mi... Station Master, I... I can work for you too. We don't have any conflict, right? I was so stupid before, I didn't have eyes. I promise..."

Milton turned around and glanced at the man.

Maynard was so frightened by that extremely calm and indifferent gaze that he dared not speak.

"I remember, Lia, the little girl at the fruit stand, was her mother also an inspector? She investigated a batch of Fan Kang's goods and was then hanged at a traffic light, right?"

"Back then, you were the one cooperating with Fan Kang's gang, weren't you? And only you would have the motive to betray your own colleague, right?"

After saying that, Milton turned and got into the car without looking at Maynard again.

Luz knew what to do with him.

"Wait! Stationmaster, wait..."

"I have money, I have money!"

"No, let me go, let me go...no!"

"Brandon, Brandon, we've worked together before, we're friends! Please, please put in a good word for me with the stationmaster... no, don't come any closer!!"

"They won't let you go. You're finished. You're going to die!"

"what--"

……

The checkpoint has finally become Milton's territory, but we can't relax yet, since military control is not entirely the same as administrative control.

Leaving aside the remaining forces hidden in the shadows that haven't been completely eradicated, even on the surface, there's still a police chief, Pedro, who needs to be eliminated.

Quickly take complete control of the town, upgrade the system, unlock more exchangeable items, recruit soldiers and horses, only then will you have a chance to fight against the powerful enemies to come.

Control more checkpoints, even the tax office, control the port cities, and levy hefty taxes on this Congressman Lopez.

Milton and his group soon returned to town from the checkpoint and headed towards the old street.

"Wait, what's going on up ahead? Why are there so many police cars?"

Milton looked up and his gaze immediately darkened—ahead, in the direction of his headquarters, there were many police cars and a number of police officers with guns confronting the guards of the old street, trying to break through the defenses.

There has been no hot war between the two sides yet, but it looks like it will happen soon.

"The police actually dared to surround my headquarters?!"

"Is Pedro fucking tired of living?"

(End of this chapter)