Taxes are only within machine gun range!

Chapter 137 The Great Encirclement and Suppression

Panic.

Milton could tell that they were really panicking.

That's interesting. You're not worried when you hear the news that the Civil War is about to start again, but you panic when you hear that Milton is coming, right?
“No need for that,” Milton said. “I just want to get a firsthand look at your situation so I can figure out how to proceed. After all, we’ll be bordering each other eventually.”

"This……"

After saying that, Milton hung up the phone decisively.

This kind of polite conversation can easily get stuck in an endless cycle, so it's best to hang up as soon as possible.

At this moment, several trucks had already driven to the vicinity of the hangar and were unloading supplies and loading them onto the three conspicuous biplanes.

"What an old plane." Flora followed over and watched the ground crew quickly loading and securing different cargo into the aircraft. She remarked, "It's been a long time since I've flown one of these planes."

Milton shrugged. "I can't help it. It's not like I don't want An-225s. You have strong connections, right? Get me some."

"...Do you take me for the President of the United States or the President of Russia?!"

"Besides, these super-large transport planes aren't actually as useful as you think," Flora explained. "As military aircraft, sometimes it's difficult to find suitable landing sites in the battlefield environment. In the end, we have to land them in very far places and then use smaller transport planes to bring them over in batches."

"In many cases, it may actually reduce efficiency. It would be better to use a smaller but more versatile transport aircraft from the beginning."

Yes, in fact, transport aircraft like the C-17 and Y-20 are quite suitable. Anything larger might not be as useful at times.

“We were originally a field airfield, and this country isn’t very big, so the Y-5 is enough.” Milton walked towards the plane, even making a suspicious “creaking” sound when he opened the cabin door. “Come on, you open it.”

Brandon, who was not far away, was very excited and waved to Milton from a distance: "Boss, see you when we land over there!"

What's there to be so excited about...?

When it takes flight, the illusion will be dispelled immediately.

Besides Flora's team of three pilots, Milton, Brandon, and Ismail also went on this trip.

Flora climbed onto the plane with him, and as she entered the cockpit, she glanced to her right and asked, "Is the electric start function working properly? Will we have to start it manually later?"

Milton retorted without mincing words, "If you're really that particular about rituals, I can give you a demonstration of a hand-crank start-up."

After unlocking the airport, the basic functions of the panel will include the basic skill of "fixed-wing aircraft piloting".

But the price is relatively high—because Milton has to start from scratch.

There are currently no military aircraft at the airport, so Milton has only purchased a 60-point pass rating for himself. He plans to purchase more if needed in the future.

After the two finished arguing, Flora glanced at the instruments and started the plane.

"Beep beep..."

The piston engine emitted a loud, tractor-like sound and started successfully.

It really is that aerial tractor.

Flora put on her hearing-protecting headphones and couldn't help but tease, "This plane can take off and land in 200 meters. If the wind speed is good, it won't stall even if it maintains a speed of 40 km/h. You've really overdone building this 800-meter runway."

The airport is indeed shabby now, with only three old planes with piston engines... it's practically an empty shell.

“Then when better planes come, I can’t just expand the airport again or build another one, can I?” Milton said, feeling the extremely uncomfortable turbulence. “To be honest, you’ve given the U.S. military a great idea to make money. Start by introducing aircraft models from small to large, and build a special airport for each model you introduce. The congressmen will be very impressed.”

As he said this, the plane finally began to slowly "float" up.

"This plane is so bumpy, it's killing me." Flora sighed. "That's the price of all the advantages. It's uncomfortable to sit on, and it's so noisy... Just thinking about Brandon's expression when he gets off the plane makes me want to laugh."

“After the last helicopter ride, he became demystified of helicopters and felt that they weren’t as comfortable as his big police car.” Milton glanced at the scenery outside the window that was gradually shrinking. “After this one, it will be a complete demystification. We need to cure his habit of having movie images stuck in his head.”

"By the way, what kind of plane are you planning to buy next?" Flora nodded rhythmically in response to the turbulence. "Building an airport can't just be for transport missions, right?"

“Definitely… I also need to buy trainer aircraft, like the CJ-6. If something happens to one, you can just release the control stick, and the plane will automatically level itself. It’s perfect for training our pilots.” Milton already had a plan in mind. “Then there are combat aircraft…”

"To be honest, there aren't many military aircraft that can take off and land on an 800-meter runway."

“Yes.” Milton glanced at the panel again. “If we’re talking about first choice, it would definitely be an attack aircraft like the A-37, which is relatively cheap, doesn’t require much airfield access, and has strong ground attack capabilities.”

In fact, Milton not only thought that way, he had even already redeemed it.

[Unlocked: A-37 Dragonfly attack aircraft and its accessories. Red points required for redemption: 1000 million (complex procurement process, delivery takes 14 days)]

To be honest, this price is very expensive, because based on the current 2:1 ratio of points to US dollars, it shouldn't be this high.

Including the two previous helicopters, the premiums were also outrageously high.

However... the panel also stated that the price it gave was the local price, not the US military procurement price.

In other words, if Milton wanted to spend money to force himself to get a Dragonfly at this stage, after cutting costs at every level of the smuggling process and eliminating potential political risks, the final cost would be over $500 million.

The cost of the aircraft itself may be less than 5%.

Perhaps only when he completely controls the three provinces, becomes a warlord, and has the ability to declare the government army as rebels and himself the legitimate government, will the price decrease.

But it doesn't matter. After killing Lyman, Milton's points once soared to 6200 million. After buying two helicopters, the corresponding weapons, expanding the army, replenishing the war losses, and leaving at least 1000 million red points for emergencies, he could still afford to buy and maintain a Dragonfly.

At this moment, Flora, who was being jostled around and sighing repeatedly, urged from the side, "Sure enough, I guessed it, it's the dragonfly... This is indeed our best option right now."

"Spending money like water," Milton remarked. "I've made so much money, but it feels like I haven't bought anything, and my funds are already depleted again."

In the end, after careful consideration, we found that we recruited 200 more soldiers, added 6 more helicopters, and 10 more armored vehicles. That's all.

The money I had just earned vanished into thin air.

“Throwing napalm on banknotes won’t burn money as fast as fighting a war,” Flora said, looking at the map and the terrain. “Anyway, these two small towns simply can’t support an army of your size, but without an army of this size, we have no way to contend with Lopez… So, we need to launch an offensive as soon as possible.”

Milton chuckled. "It's alright. Didn't Lopez smuggle a howitzer? I'll just collect the tax on it as well."

"..."

A few hours later, Milton looked at the extremely complex terrain below and nodded slightly, saying, "The rebels' runway should be nearby."

Flora circled briefly, the bulky fuselage of the Y-5 flying close to the dark green mountain ridge; at first glance, it was impossible to see anything at all.

After a while, when a grayish-brown "scar" abruptly cut through the sea of ​​trees, the two finally saw the makeshift running track and the fully armed soldiers standing beside it.

The runway, crudely pieced together from gravel and rammed earth, looks very simple and crude, but the fact that the resistance forces managed to build such a runway in just over ten days shows that they risked their lives.

Milton narrowed his eyes: "No wonder Juan said the route was safe. The east side of the runway is a vertical rock wall, and the west side is covered with camouflage netting made of dead branches. Unless you get very close, it's really hard to spot."

"We're about to land..." Flora found a suitable approach direction and began to descend. "Thank goodness, this plane is slow, otherwise this terrain would be really difficult to land on. We'd be facing a Terrain soon, and we'd have to pull up..."

Milton straightened up slightly and glanced at the runway: "I'm sorry, the Y-5 doesn't have these advanced avionics." As soon as he finished speaking, the landing gear touched down, the tires bouncing and kicking up dust on the gravel—at the end of the runway, there were even many gasoline cans with the word "Welcome" crookedly written on them.

Before the plane had even come to a complete stop, Juan led a small, seemingly elite squad on a jog over and stood at the aircraft door.

Two soldiers stood solemnly with their backs to each other on either side of the hatch, holding their guns, while the other soldiers formed two columns, creating a simple "path".

Juan, clearly having just finished his work and still slightly out of breath, raised his hand in salute: "'Hell Tax Collector' Mr., welcome to the headquarters of the 'National Revolutionary Alliance'! We all extend our sincerest respects to you!"

"General Lark is urgently preparing dinner. I'm sorry... you've come in such a hurry. We haven't prepared anything yet. Please get in the car, and I'll take you to the command post."

Milton jumped out of the cabin, stretched his limbs, and looked around: "No need to be so polite... This airport is in a good location, very secluded."

Milton could tell that the rebels were doing their best to present their most glamorous side—their uniforms were the newest, their weapons were the best, and even the cars that came to pick up Milton were the two off-road vehicles they had taken from the town earlier.

But the more they are like this, the more desperate their situation is.

For example, while the uniforms looked relatively new, the styles weren't entirely uniform; the firearms were of high quality, but the models were a mix of various countries...

"Never mind that, the goods you ordered have arrived. Where are the crew I requested?" Milton waved his hand, glanced around, and seemed very impatient. "Are they here?"

“Everyone’s here.” Juan quickly made way for a dozen or so older-looking people immediately stepped forward. “They’re all here.”

Milton immediately went to greet the person in front, shaking hands firmly and wide: "Hello! Hello! I'm Milton!"

This is a real treasure!

What's the use of having equipment?! Having those planes and armored vehicles without suitable people to operate them is just like having an iron coffin.

With these people around, Milton can toy with Lopez as easily as he toy with a child!

The pilot, who had been a little nervous, was stunned after being jostled around by Milton and could only reply, "Hello, good afternoon, Mr. 'Hell Tax Collector'."

Flora watched as Milton examined these people as if they were treasures, and sighed inwardly—what else could she do but make do?

"Wait here and don't move. I'll be back soon."

After saying that, Milton glanced at Brandon, whose face was covered in constipation and who looked like he had almost vomited from being jostled around, and took two steps forward.

“Let’s go see your high command. It doesn’t have to be so complicated. Just a simple meal will do,” Milton said reassuringly. “I could tell you were really in dire straits when you visited my town last time.”

Juan smiled wryly: "We can't offer anything, but at least we should show some attitude, right?"

Just after leaving the airport, before even getting into the car, Milton saw a soldier covered in mud with a fresh scar on his face waiting anxiously next to the SUV.

It's clear that we've been waiting for quite a long time.

If it weren't for the guards stopping him, he would have rushed into the airport long ago.

"Major Juan! Up ahead... I have something to report to you."

Looking at Milton, the soldier promptly changed his tune.

Juan waved his hand: "Just report it directly. These are our friends. Despite the difficulties and dangers, they sent three planes to deliver supplies to us. They are true friends."

"Yes, sir!" the soldier saluted. "The enemy's offensive on the southern front has intensified considerably. News came from the soldiers at the front before they fell that they've even deployed tanks this time! And a lot of heavy equipment..."

"The losses at the front are heavy. As far as I know, at least five defensive positions have been lost."

“We haven’t seen the government forces conduct military operations of this scale in recent years.”

"Moreover, food supplies at the front are running low again. No matter how strong the will of the soldiers is, they can't fight without food."

Juan paused for a moment, then pointed to the airport behind him: "The airport is unloading cargo. Leave a few cans for the wounded in the rear, and take the rest to the front lines."

The soldier's eyes immediately reddened: "Yes, sir!"

Juan watched the soldier run toward the airport and said to Milton with a wry smile, "'Hell Tax Collector' Mr., this is our current situation... In fact, the front lines started requesting reinforcements from the rear two or three days ago."

“You know what, I don’t even want to face these requests for help.”

"Because we really have nothing left to offer, I had no choice but to harden my heart and let them hold on a little longer."

"Fortunately, the previous excuses were just a tactful way of informing them, and the rear couldn't provide much in terms of supplies. This time, they are genuinely being asked to wait until the airport is repaired."

“The soldiers dream every day, longing to see your plane in the sky... Today, I don’t know how many people have been looking up for hours.”

"Do you know why that soldier was crying just now? It was the first time he had ever heard me say, 'The supplies are at the rear, take them all.'"

"You have saved the lives of countless soldiers, and we don't know how to repay you."

As soon as aid arrived, they were immediately pulled to the front lines; they were truly in a state of having nothing.

Juan kept talking, and the two of them made their way to the command post canteen located underground.

A burly man with a full beard and a square face stepped forward and took over the conversation, saying, "However, air transport can only be used in emergencies. I already feel ashamed that I can't offer any decent return for the aid I'm receiving, and I can't let my allies bear such high transportation costs as well."

“Hello, Mr. ‘Hell Tax Collector’. I am Lak from the National Revolutionary Alliance. The commander is currently directing operations at the front and is unable to greet you. I apologize.”

Commander… Milton frowned slightly. Latin American guerrillas generally used the Spanish title “Comandante” as the title of their highest military leader.

This even included Castro.

"Your highest commander is at the front? The situation is that dire?"

Lak gestured for everyone to take their seats, and nodded to his former comrade-in-arms Ishimaya before saying, "The enemy's offensive on the southern front has been nothing short of frenzied recently, but in terms of the number of casualties, the regular army's losses far exceed ours."

"But the problem is, they can withstand such losses, while we can't quite."

"The commander must go to the front lines to see for himself. Besides, aren't you also leading from the front?"

"It's different. I personally lead the operation because all my men are greenhorns. If I don't organize it myself, disaster could easily occur."

After saying that, Milton glanced at the food on the table—the meal was simple: freshly baked cornbread, stewed meat broth, and some wild vegetables.

But Milton had seen what the guerrillas were eating along the way and knew that this food was already a huge sacrifice for them—even the food that had just been flown in was sent directly to the front lines.

This sincerity is truly touching.

Milton didn't stand on ceremony and ate several bites before saying, "The southern front, your southern front, that's our northern front... Is the regular army trying to prevent us from bordering us? No, an army of this size is launching a massive encirclement and annihilation against us."

Seeing Milton start eating without any hesitation, the last bit of unease in Lark's eyes disappeared. He smiled and took a bite, saying, "Yes, their plan is obvious, but don't worry, the resistance will not let them succeed. We will take back those lost positions immediately."

“‘Hell Tax Collector,’ you better watch out… the regular army might launch a real, fierce attack on your territory!”

"Next, you will likely have to fight a defensive battle."

(End of this chapter)